“I know what that feels like. I ran to the island, remember? I’m sorry about your childhood, Sadie. It must’ve been hard growing up that way.”
“I never knew what to expect. The foundation of our family was unstable, and it terrifies me to think of ever living that way again.”
He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “And yet you came to see me anyway. Came to tell me you love me. You’re very brave, Sadie.”
A wry laugh escaped. “I was scared to death.”
“That’s what makes you so brave.”
Her soul stirred at the truth in his words. But honesty compelled her to add, “I’m still afraid.”
“So am I, honey. Trusting again is hard for me.” He cuppedher chin, his gaze skating over her features. “But you are so worth it, sweetheart.”
Her heart turned over in her chest. “I missed you so much, Sam.” She never wanted to be without him again. But she would have to leave tomorrow. “What are we going to do?”
“We’ll figure it out, one step at a time. For now, how about I show you my apartment? Then I can take you out and we can celebrate.” He glanced toward the circle drive, then gave her a sheepish look. “I wasn’t thinking before. We should’ve had the cabdriver take us back.”
She chuckled. “I wasn’t thinking either.”
“How long can you stay?”
“My return flight is tomorrow. I have school on Monday.” A smile played on her lips. “Besides, I was afraid you might send me straight back home.”
He clutched her tighter. “Not a chance. I’m not letting you get away that easily.” Just to make his point, he brushed his lips across hers. Once. Twice. Then Sadie lost all track of time and place once again as he swept her up in his embrace.
Epilogue
A romance reader waits the length of a novel for that happily ever after. An epilogue allows her to bask in the couple’s bliss for just a moment longer.
—Romance Writing 101
The briny air filled Sadie’s lungs as she stepped out of Sam’s truck and into the night. They’d just had the most wonderful dinner out, and it was a perfect summer evening for sitting under the night sky. As if by silent agreement they walked around the beach house to the deck. The stars twinkled from a black canvas, and a half-moon’s reflection glimmered on the ocean’s surface.
She glanced at him, taking in his carefully cropped beard and crisp white shirt that glowed in the moonlight. “Dinner was delicious. And you look so handsome in your suit.”
His gaze swept over her from head to toe and back. “I can’t keep my eyes off you tonight. That dress...”
“I’m glad you like it.” She didn’t mention that Hayley had been the first to spot the red dress. Its halter-style top drew attention to Sadie’s newly bronzed shoulders, and the wispy fabric of the short skirt flirted with her legs as she moved.
He took her hand. “Careful in those heels.”
“You know me too well.”
“I was just telling someone about the first time we met.”
“You mean my klutzy trip down your stoop?”
“It was adorable. I think I fell in love with you that instant—I just didn’t know it yet.”
She laughed. “Well, you sure didn’t show it. I thought you took me for a clumsy chatterbox.”
“You talk a lot when you’re nervous.” His mouth eased into a sly grin. “And you must’ve been very nervous.”
“You were so handsome and rugged and broody.” She shivered in remembrance.
“Broody?”
“Well, you were.”
