“Did you have a good time?” Sam slid into the back seat next to her.
“I can’t believe there was a golf cart drive-in movie outside along with the hot air balloon rides. And this swag bag is over the top. Prada sunglasses. A Tiffany bracelet. But more importantly, do you feel properly honored?”
He pulled her close. “Not quite yet. But I have an idea how you can help.”
Once they arrived back at his condo, she changed out of her princess dress into lounge pants and a long-sleeved tee, then joined him in the living room with her bag. The lights of Nashville twinkled below them.
“How about something to drink before I drive you home?” Sam handed her a glass of white wine and patted the overstuffed couch.
She settled into a corner, drew her feet up, and sipped. “From Pat Jasak as emcee to entertainment by Buck, this was an amazing night. Thank you.”
“In spite of an appearance by Curvy Carla?”
“You know, I feel for her. She must think being a groupie fulfills her in some way. I think that she’s just wounded and lonely.” Chloe’s cheeks turned red as she sipped her wine.
Sam took the glass and set it on the coffee table, then pulled her close. “I think I just fell in love with you all over again. Chloe, you’re right. I need to start having that same attitude.” His thumb traced a path along her jaw before he cupped her chin. His lips followed the line of her jaw, kissing her sweetly. Their slow smolder sparked into a flame, and he knew he’d go too far if he didn’t pull away.
But Chloe moved first, dashing tears from her eyes.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t—” He felt stricken and worried. He was moving too quickly. He should have known better.
She shook her head, put a palm on his chest. “No. Never be sorry. I—I liked it. I like you. In that way. I’m still shocked that I can feel these things again. For so long, I believed that the kissing, the passion, the feeling of being wanted part of my life was over, that it died with Jean-Marc.”
“And you make me think about the future in a way I never have. A house. Kids.”
“Me too. Jean-Marc and I never got around to kids because we were both so busy working but I want that, Sam. I do.” She leaned against him and tucked her head into the crook of his neck. “I love your place. I could stay here all night.”
“Well, that would be dangerous.”
She sat up. “I meant—well, it is rather late.”
“I’ll take you home.” Because if they stayed much longer—well, yeah, they should get going.
She scrambled to her feet and reached for her jacket.
Sam grabbed keys from a hook on the wall. “I do love you, Chloe. I’m all in. I’ll wait until you’re ready, but can you hurry it up?”
“Keep talking to me about houses and children and giving me passionate kisses and I’ll be completely yours before you know it.”
Once they were on the highway to Hearts Bend, the dark night and stars outside the car gave Chloe the feeling they were the only two people in the world. They were silent as the sportscar ate up the miles.
Chloe cleared her throat. “You’ve gotten quiet.”
He smiled and glanced at her. “Yeah, sorry. I had a call from my agent this afternoon. Just thinking about our conversation. What I should do next.”
“Have you prayed about it?”
“Where did that come from? Are we praying now? Going to Bible study?”
She sat silent. They’d rarely talked about faith. Maybe this wasn’t the time.
“I’m sorry, that sounded rude and flip,” he said.
“Mom and I—she told me the only way she got through the months after Daddy died was holding on to God’s hand. I was being rude and glib and reached out a hand to Him…”
“And?”
“Sam, I felt something—someonetook my hand and held it.” She shivered at the memory. “I felt it as sure as I can feel this leather seat under my palm.”
