River of Love Read online

  “Sam!” she cried again—and he fucking loved hearing his name sail uncontrollably from her lungs as she shattered against his mouth, drenching him with her arousal and giving herself completely over to him.

  Waves of aftershocks jerked her hips off the couch. Sam laved her swollen sex with his tongue, kissing her most sensitive lips, before sliding his fingers back inside to bring her up to the verge of another intense release. Just as he felt her body shatter, he lowered his mouth to her again.

  “Sam, Sam, Sam. God, Sam.” She grabbed his head, thrashing hers from left to right as her climax crested. He stayed right there with her, savoring every pulse, every sexy noise, her sweet taste, until she fell limply back and her fingers unfurled.

  He gathered her in his arms and kissed her neck, her chest, her cheek, and finally her mouth. She returned the kiss with the energy of a sated lover, languid and tender.

  “I want to thank every woman you’ve practiced on before this day.”

  He smiled because he understood she meant it as a compliment, but his heart hurt knowing the thought of him and anyone else was on her mind. But why wouldn’t it be? Wasn’t that exactly why she’d wanted to take things slow?

  Her eyes came open, full of regret. “I can’t believe I said that. I’m sorry. I hate thinking about you with other women.” Her lips curved up in a sleepy smile despite the hurtful thoughts she must have had, and it made him fall even harder for her.

  He kissed her softly. “I know you do. I hate thinking about you with any other man. But we’ll have no more of that. I’m yours and only yours.”

  **

  A RELIEVED SIGH escaped Faith, but Sam’s eyes shuttered, making her nervous again.

  “I’m sorry my past is hurtful.”

  “You told me you don’t apologize for your past,” she reminded him, confused by his change of heart.

  “No. I said I’m not ashamed of my past, and I’m not. Beauty in imperfection and evolution, remember? I’m evolving. We’re evolving. But I am sorry if it makes you feel bad, or sad, or angry.” He kissed her softly.

  She wanted to start calling him Honest Sam, because he didn’t even try to soften the blow of not feeling any shame about his past. Not that she thought he should be ashamed. As he said, and she had at first disbelieved, he wasn’t a cheater because he hadn’t ever committed. There could be no shame in exercising his freedom.

  “It doesn’t make me any of those things,” she assured him. “Just a little jealous and maybe intimidated.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, I’m jealous of every man who’s touched you before me. And I’d like to throttle whoever hurt you. But you shouldn’t ever feel intimidated. No one could hold a candle to you.”

  She traced the line of his jaw with her finger, feeling safe enough in his arms to be just as honest as he was.

  “I’m not as experienced as they are. I don’t want to disappoint you.” She gasped. “And ohmygod, Sam. You just did all those incredible things to me, and here I am, lying naked in post-orgasm bliss, and I didn’t reciprocate. See? I’m not very good at this.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest as embarrassment claimed her. He lowered her arms and ran his hand from the center of her breasts down to her belly button.

  “You’re beautiful.” He kissed her again. “And perfectly experienced. Just do what you feel, and if either one of us wants something more or different, we’ll get there together.” He kissed her again, searching her eyes with a tender smile on his lips. “Besides, tonight we’re behaving a little.”

  He reached over her, grabbed his shirt, and helped her put it on. “There. Do you feel more comfortable now?”

  She silently reached down and put on her panties. “Now I am.”

  He chuckled. “I love seeing you in my shirt, but I loved seeing you naked beneath me even more.”

  When their lips touched, she felt lighter, more at ease. Everything he said came straight from his heart. She wasn’t used to hearing a man talk about needing to hear her sexy sounds, or lying naked beneath him, but she loved hearing those things coming from Sam.

  They lay together for a long time, making plans for tomorrow evening and procrastinating the end to their date. When they reluctantly moved from the couch toward the door, Faith reached for her shirt and Sam caught her wrist.

  “I want to think about you sleeping in my shirt tonight.” He gathered her in his arms. “Besides, I need the cold air to cool me down on the way home.” He pressed his hips forward, his arousal still rock-hard. “I hate leaving you.”

  “I hate it, too. I feel like we’ve been together for months. How can so much happen in so little time?”

  “My mother once said that when soul mates find each other, from their very first kiss they feel like they’ve been together forever.”

  Her heart leaped at soul mates. Did he really believe that, or was he just throwing out his mother’s wisdom? The way he was looking at her made her feel like he was wondering the same thing.

  “Until tomorrow, sweet one.” They kissed again, and Sam held her hand until he was out the door and their fingertips could no longer touch.

  Faith watched him disappear down the steps before going inside. She stood at the window watching as he climbed onto his bike, shirtless, and drove away. Too amped up to sleep, she washed up, then grabbed her laptop and settled onto the couch to check in with the girls on WAC. She felt a little guilty for dating a guy who had the type of reputation that she warned the members to stay away from.

  She typed in her password, thinking about Sam. He’d spent no time denying that reputation. Instead, he seemed to put all his energy into showing Faith who he really was. Or at least who he was now.

  Several of the threads included comments about how hot and nice Sam was. One member said she’d gladly give up a night to be his plaything. Faith swallowed down the jealousy and discomfort that chased the comment. At least that alleviated her guilt.

  She looked for Lira’s posts and read one from this morning. The post began with her feelings of abandonment by her sister and how sad she was for Emmie to have lost her father and her aunt. Faith’s heart ached for her. She was obviously struggling with wanting a clean break and wanting to do the right thing by her daughter.

  She continued reading and was surprised to see that Lira was already working for Sam. He’s the most incredible boss, totally businesslike but friendly, too. After he gave me my assignments, which I’m super excited about, he asked how Emmie was taking the split. Faith, if you’re reading this, if all goes well, I’ll be at the Rough Riders barbecue to help out! I hope this works out, and I hope we can see each other if I am!

  Faith sat back in shock. Not only had Sam helped her with WAC, but he’d followed through with Lira. That made her feel even better than when he’d helped her connect with Brent. Sam Braden, you really do surprise me.

  They were meeting with Brent Thursday evening. Once she had that straightened out, she’d contact the women’s organizations and resources she’d been tracking down and start building a network for the group. She typed a private message to Lira to let her know she was working on finding someone to talk with her and was surprised to see a message from her. Apparently Sam had emailed her a name and number he’d gotten from his sister Tempest, and she’d already made an appointment for a free consultation.

  Faith sat back, jaw agape. A week ago she never would have imagined Sam would go this far for a woman he wasn’t trying to hook up with. Now, knowing Sam better than she thought possible in such a short time, as shocked as she was, she had no trouble believing it.

  A short while later her cell phone vibrated and she dug it out of her purse, smiling at Sam’s name as she read the message. My cold shower would have been more fun with you in it.

  She hugged herself, feeling his soft shirt against her skin. Thoughts of what they’d done came rushing back, making her hot all over. The poor guy. She really had left him blue balled. But he hadn’t pushed or made her feel
guilty. She wondered how many guys would have handled it that well, and then her mind reached further. Sam was used to sleeping with women the first time they went out—and more likely for many of them, the only time they went out.

  That made her feel even more secure and special. With that in mind, she couldn’t help teasing him. She texted, If I’d known a shower was on the table I might have gone home with you.

  His response was immediate. I can take another one. Come over.

  She laughed as she texted, Can’t. My boyfriend wore me out.

  She didn’t bother to look away from the screen, knowing it would vibrate seconds later, as it did. Better start working out to prepare yourself for next time. Your bf has a rep to maintain.

  She wondered about that reputation, and if people—women—in town would revolt when they found out Sam was off the market. She texted, I won’t ruin your rep and let people know you were a perfect gentleman if you don’t ruin mine by saying I wasn’t a lady. Before sending it, she added, It’s your fault. That monster vibrator that you call a motorcycle is supreme foreplay!

  Her phone rang and Sam’s name flashed on the screen. Her heart skidded to a halt.

  “Hey,” she said nervously.

  “How’s my girl?” His voice was low and husky, and her mouth watered like one of Pavlov’s dogs.

  Wishing you were here. She swallowed those words, because she knew he’d drive right over and she’d be worthless at work tomorrow if he did. Besides, she should wait to sleep with him, shouldn’t she?

  “Missing you,” she offered.

  “Me too. So you like my bike?”

  She heard the sexy tease in his voice. “It gives an enticing ride. But I liked who I held on to better.”

  “I do like your answers. I had a really nice time tonight. I wasn’t sure if you’d enjoy Whiskey’s, but I wanted to share something special with you and I’m glad you went along with it.”

  She leaned back, fidgeting with the edge of his shirt and smiling at his thoughtfulness. “I loved being there with you.”

  He was quiet for a few seconds before saying, “Faith, that’s not the only reason I called. I’ve been thinking about this since I was at your place, and after your text, I wanted to talk to you about my reputation. I wish it would just go away. I hate knowing that what I did in my past has such a big impact on you. I really respect you for giving me a shot.”

  “Sam.” Her heart swelled to constriction. She didn’t know how to respond. He was the most sought-after guy in town, and he was nothing like any of those other women thought he was. They may have gotten great sex—she swallowed the bile rising in her throat—but she had the best parts of him. His honesty and emotions.

  “You don’t have to say anything,” he assured her. “I just wanted you to know. I never thought past what I was doing, and I never imagined I’d care so much about what anyone thought of my past. But I do. I care about the impact it has on you. I care about you, Faith.”

  Ohmygod. There was that blatant honesty again.

  “Don’t go reticent on me. Don’t get scared off. I know I’m coming on strong—”

  “I’m not scared off. I just”—she closed her eyes tightly—“never thought I’d like you so much, so fast, either.” Ohgodohgodohgod. Honesty is scary. How the heck did he do it all the time?

  “Faith?”

  She heard relief in that one simple word. “Yeah?”

  “Wish I could see the blush on your cheeks right now. Sleep well, sweet one.”

  Faith lay in bed that night thinking about Sam’s reputation and wondering how she would feel when they eventually went out together to a restaurant or a bar in town. Wondering how Sam would feel. He said he didn’t want to go out in town together until he was sure she wouldn’t judge him based on the actions of others. That meant he expected it to be pretty uncomfortable. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine walking into Whispers on Sam’s arm. Her heart immediately went into panic mode, and her eyes flew open. She didn’t even want to try to picture it. Would she ever be ready for that?

  Curling up on her side, she grabbed her phone and considered texting Vivian. She owed her a phone call, and she wanted to tell her she was seeing Sam, but Vivian would lecture her or remind her of all the things she’d said the night they were out.

  She set the phone on the nightstand, putting off the call until she could give it her full attention. Closing her eyes again brought images of the night they’d taken a walk on the beach and the longing look in Sam’s eyes when her friends had dragged her away. Chasing the memory were images of Sam, shirtless and perched above her, looking at her like she’d hung the moon. He made her feel cherished and safe despite his reputation. He made her feel important.

  She clung to those feelings, counting down the hours until she’d see him again.

  Chapter Fifteen

  SAM STEPPED OFF the porch of his lakeside cabin Thursday morning and waved to Nate as he climbed from his truck.

  “Look what the cat dragged in at two o’clock this morning.” Nate hiked his thumb over his shoulder at Ty, getting out of the passenger side at a slug’s pace.

  “Jewel must have loved that.” Sam shook his head. “Why didn’t you crash here?”

  Ty stretched his arms out to his sides and yawned. “Thought you might have company. I’ve been staying at Shannon’s while she’s out of town, but Nate’s was closer.”

  Sam would have loved to have had company last night. He and Faith had planned on meeting around nine, but she had gotten called into the hospital to assist with an emergency surgery. Having to make it through Wednesday with nothing more than phone calls and texts had been far rougher than he’d expected. He’d woken up with a severe case of Faith Withdrawal, and couldn’t wait to see her tonight.

  “Where’d you go? The trails?” Sam asked. He and Nate both lived on the lake. Each had a couple acres of wooded property, and they kept it that way for privacy. Shannon lived in town, and Sam couldn’t imagine where Ty had gone that he thought Nate’s place was closer.

  “Bonfire out on the ridge.” Ty pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his head and sank down to the porch step. The ridge was closer to Nate’s than to Shannon’s. It was a rocky landing at the edge of the mountain overlooking the river.

  Nate and Sam exchanged a knowing glance. It wasn’t unusual for Sam and Ty to stay out all night, catch a few winks in the morning, then work a full day at Rough Riders.

  “I texted you about it.” Ty squinted up at him.

  “Yeah, I saw a text asking if I wanted to go out.” Sam had shot back a quick no, thanks. “Are you running with us?”

  “Yes, he’s running with us.” Nate’s military side was coming out in more than just his tightly shorn sandy blond hair. “Come on, get your ass up. You can’t wake my fiancée at two and expect me to let your lazy ass off that easy.”

  Ty shook off his hood and raked a hand through his long dark hair. He reached a hand toward Nate for help getting up. Nate shook his head.

  Sam grabbed his hand and yanked him to his feet. “I’d let you crash while we run, but my little brother might go all army on my ass. Then I’d have to kill him, and none of us would get our run in.”

  They’d been running the trails together for years, that is, whenever they were all in town. Nate had spent several years in the military, and Ty’s schedule was always erratic. Sam treasured whatever time he got with his brothers.

  Ty shed his sweatshirt, and they took off down the road at a slow pace, giving Ty time to wake up. Within a few minutes they found their groove and fell into step along one of the four-mile trails.

  “How long do I have to wait to get the scoop on Faith?” Nate asked. “Or are we pretending it’s not happening?”

  All it took was the mention of her name and Sam felt a goofy grin forming on his face. “Oh, it’s happening all right.”

  “I knew you had big ones, Sam, but seriously?” The surprise in Nate’s voice was palpable. “Cole warns you aw
ay from her, and the minute he’s out of town you home in? What’s up with that?”

  “I think we know what’s up with him,” Ty teased.

  “It’s not like that.” Sam ducked beneath the branch of a tree. “I didn’t ask her out because Cole told me not to.”

  Nate scoffed. “No shit. We know that. You’ve had your eye on her for a long time. Hell, I remember a few months ago when you were at Tap It and she walked in with some dude. I thought you were going to strangle the guy if he made a move on her.”

  Sam clenched his jaw, remembering that night. Faith had looked hot in a little black dress with her hair clipped at the nape of her neck like a sexy schoolteacher. The guy she’d been with looked like a pocket-protector-wearing dork. The antithesis of me. He kicked up his pace to get that night out of his mind.

  “But Cole’s been warning him off for just as long,” Ty added.

  They ran in silence for a few minutes, winding up the trail, around a patch of overgrown bushes, and toward a clearing overlooking the river. One of Sam’s favorite spots. He’d have to remember to take Faith up there sometime. Maybe to watch a sunrise or sunset.

  “Dude, watch it!” Ty yanked Sam off the trail, and out of his reverie, as a snake slithered across the path.

  “Thanks.” Sam shook his head to clear thoughts of Faith, but she’d already seeped into the crevices and found a home.

  Nate sidled up to Sam, running beside him as they wound around the clearing toward another trail. “You’re really doing this, aren’t you?”

  “Yup.”

  “For how long?” Nate’s tone wasn’t accusatory; it was concerned.

  He clenched his jaw, wondering if the concern was for him or for Faith. “For as long as she’ll have me. Or as long as it takes to show her how right we are together.”

  “You son of a bitch.” Nate laughed. “I never thought I’d see the day that Sammy Braden got bit. Happens fast, doesn’t it?”

  “I keep telling myself I’m not going over the falls. Self-preservation, I guess. But every time I think of her, which is all the damn time…” He paused, trying to collect his thoughts. “What was it like with you and Jewel? I know you loved her forever, but at some point you put aside thoughts of any other woman. Was it overnight? Because, man, looking back over the last year or two, it was like Faith was there all along. Lingering in the back of my mind like an itch I couldn’t scratch. I was looking for her without realizing I was doing it; when we were out, every weekend at Rough Riders, I was just hoping to catch a glimpse of her.”