The memory of her parents’ bitter arguments, stony silences, and long separations plagued her. As a child she’d never known what was going to happen next. During the times they got along, she waited anxiously for the other shoe to drop. There was no stability in that. No assurance that all was well or ever would be. Just a constant uneasiness about what would happen next. And what would happen to her if their family eventually splintered apart for good.
Sam squeezed her hand. “You’re quiet this morning.”
“Sorry. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“I didn’t either. A certain someone was on my mind.”
She pushed her troubled thoughts aside and returned his flirty glance. “Anyone I know?”
“Are you trying to cause an accident with that sultry look of yours?”
“Maybe you’d better keep both those hands on that steering wheel, mister.”
He shot her a sly grin. “At least you got plenty of romantic inspiration for your book this weekend.”
“Was that the intention of all those stolen kisses? To inspire me?”
“Let’s call it a happy by-product. But maybe your writing will come more easily when we get home.”
“It had better. I don’t have time for writer’s block.” Shehadgotten inspiration—and in ways she’d never planned or expected. The deadline loomed, the pressure returning with each mile of their trip.
“You’ll find the words—I know it.” They shared a smile. “But now that we’re alone, maybe we should talk about us. About how we’re feeling. I’ve been sensing some reservation from you this morning.”
She gazed out the passenger window. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to put words to her thoughts and feelings.
“Am I wrong?”
The fluttery feelings and new sensations were overwhelming. The thought of being with Sam was exhilarating and...
Terrifying.
“I—I guess I’m just concerned about what’s next. I’m uncertain about your expectations.”
“Fair enough. Let me be clear then—I’d like to be with you, Sadie. I enjoy spending time with you. I’d like to see where this could go.”
Her heart gave a tight squeeze. She met his gaze. “I’d like that, too, but...” She wasn’t sure how to complete the thought.
“Are you worried I still have feelings for Amanda? Because I don’t. This weekend put that question to rest for me.”
“I believe you. I’m worried about something else—we live so far from each other. I’ve never dated anyone outside the city.”
“I understand your reservations. But feelings like this don’t come around every day. At least, not for me they don’t.”
“Believe me, I know that.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t jump ahead of ourselves. All relationships have obstacles. But when it matters enough, people work through them.”
She didn’t see how this particular obstacle could be overcome. She wouldn’t leave the city and he’d made it clear his future was in South Carolina.
She caught his glance and found his gaze warm and full of affection. She drank it in. With a mere look he gave her heart wings. How could she not allow these feelings to develop when they were so very enticing? The magnitude of their pull was impossible to resist.
And if you let these feelings play out, a seductive voice whispered,wouldn’t that be good for your story?
She already knew what the first flush of love felt like. But what came next? It could be the most important research she would ever do for her novel.
She shook away the self-serving thoughts. Sam was a wonderful man and she really did enjoy spending time with him. She loved having his arms around her. Even if their relationship couldn’t last, maybe she could just enjoy this romantic encounter for what it was—a lovely summer romance.
She smiled at him. “You’re right.”
