Page 19 of Theirs to Treasure

Sam looked down at the woman who took his breath away.

“I think you need someone to watch out for you, someone who cares about you,” he whispered softly, hoping he was getting through.

“It doesn’t matter. I can take care of myself.”

Sam admired her fight, but he had another question.

“How many people have you taken care of over the years? When is it going to be okay for you to lean on someone else? Someone who really cares about you?” he asked quietly.

Josie bit her lip, and he just couldn’t help himself, he brushed his fingers over her mouth, rescuing that soft bit of flesh. “I would love it if you would let me take care of you. Just a little bit…is that so wrong?” He cupped her face and bent for a slow taste of her luscious lips.

* * *

Josie couldn’t stop her response. His words had unlocked something deep within her. She couldn’t remember a time when she could literally lean into someone, and she reveled in it. Her arms lifted to encompass his broad shoulders. God, he felt so hard, so good and strong. Trying to get even closer, she lifted on her toes, and gasped in pain.

He must have felt it in their kiss, and correctly interpreted it. Sam broke away and looked down at her. In one quick moment, he lifted her in his arms and then she found herself settled in his lap on her sofa.

She looked up at him in wonder. “You’ll hurt yourself doing that,” she admonished.

“Baby, you’re just a little thing,” Sam said.

Josie snorted in disbelief.

“Okay, you’re lush and curvy, just the way I love a woman. I can’t stand women who are going to blow away at the first strong wind.”

She snorted. He was so full of it.

“I’m serious. Compared to me you are a little thing and you’re the perfect size, with the absolute perfect body. Do you understand me?”

It was difficult not to buy into what he was saying when the evidence of his arousal pressed against her butt. She made a tiny move against him and he groaned.

“You’re so hot and sexy, and you’re going to end up killing me.” His hands brushed up the sides of her arms, her neck, then ended up cupping her flushed cheeks. “Are you finally hearing me?” He gave her a wicked smile. “Are you at least feeling me?”

She laughed.

“Exactly,” he groaned. “Your body turns me on, Baby.”

Josie looked up at him and saw the absolute truth on his face. She turned away and nuzzled his neck, not wanting him to see the sheen of tears in her eyes. This man who made her blood sizzle was turning her self-image upside down. A huge weight lifted from her heart. He held her for long moments, then finally started to whisper.

“I know we’re going to talk about our injuries, but can you please tell me how such a beautiful woman could think she needed to hide in clothes four times her size? How she could think that she wouldn’t have men falling at her feet?” Josie couldn’t help giggling at the outrageous statement.

“I’m serious, Baby. At least a quarter of your male customers are coming into Sweet Dreams Desserts not just for the pastries but to see the sights.”

Oh Lord, I could fall in love with this man.

Sam tilted her head so she was forced to look at him. “Let me guess, it was some guy who convinced you that you, you were less than perfect.”

She shook her head, then hid her face in his neck. “Not just a guy.”

“Look at me, Honey. Tell me,” he urged.

She looked up. “Actually, it started way earlier than that. My mom was one of those women who would blow away in the wind, and she was constantly harping on my weight. So, it’s pretty much ingrained that I’m fat.”

“It sounds like she had some issues.”

Josie’s laugh sounded sad even to her ears. “Issues. Yeah. You could call them that.”

“And the guy?” Sam prompted.