Page 40 of Securing Samantha

Serenity Tea’s, Whiskey and Sunshine flavor.

“Did you set this up?” she asked.

He leaned back against the couch and watched as she prepared the tea. “Actually no. I stuck a couple of packets from my last trip in my briefcase. I’ve tried to talk to my friend, who owns the bar, to expand. I didn’t feel like drinking and ordered hot water. The smell of the tea caught his attention. He asked for a tea bag, and before I knew it, the owner of the hotel called me and asked how to obtain a sample. Surely you saw the bulk order come through?”

“Actually no. Apartment hunting in Seattle kept me busy this week. Becky’s packing up my shipments.” Samantha waited a bit before pouring two cups of tea. Bryan preferred milk in his while she took it plain.

“You’re now the exclusive tea provider for this hotel. I didn’t hold out much hope for the tea end of the business. Everyone’s wild about the Whiskey and Sunshine blend. What’s it got in it?”

“Oh, it’s made from—” she caught herself. She used to tell everyone how she made it from love and sunshine. She placed her cup on the table.

“Uh oh. I put my foot in it. This concerns Whiskey doesn’t it?” Bryan set his cup down. His hand held hers.

“It’s fantastic news and I’m thrilled.” She smiled at him, attempting to show her excitement, but miserably failed.

Bryan pulled her closer to her side. “Samantha, do you trust me?”

“I do,” she responded.

“It doesn’t take a scientist to see how badly you hurt when discussing your husband,” his voice grew quiet.

She flinched. “I’m sorry.” She focused her attention on the teapot in front of her.

He squeezed her hand. “Listen, Samantha, I really enjoy spending time with you. If we’re moving too fast, say the word.”

She shook her head. “I feel like such an ass. It’s not a typical situation. I enjoy spending time with you too.”

He quietly studied her for a moment before speaking. “I believe you. I hope what we feel for each other goes somewhere. In the meantime, I imagine you’re sorting through some of your feelings for Whiskey. I don’t want to become the rebound man.”

When she started to protest, he gently pressed his fingers to her lips. “Why don’t we take this one day at a time? No commitments for either of us. When you’re here with me, we’ll enjoy our time together. When you leave you know we aren’t bound to one another. We’ll agree to discuss any commitment arrangements when both of us feel ready,” he offered.

“We date other people?” She asked to clarify. “I’ve not participated in the dating market in a long time. Is this how it works?”

He chuckled. “Probably not. We make our own rules. I want you, make no bones about it. But I don’t want Whiskey hanging over our head. I recently broke up with a woman I dated for two years. She expected an engagement announcement, and I made a choice to let her go. Something told me she wasn’t the one meant for me. If we plan to make this work, I suggest we take it slow.”

“I want honesty. I enjoy the time we spend together and talking to you. I haven’t felt this way in a long time about a man. After Whiskey’s death, I committed myself to raising our son. I don’t want to lie to you. Part of me will never stop loving him. I’m hurt and angry by everything happening, but I know I need to figure out how to lead my life,” she told him.

“I appreciate the honesty. We’ll take it slowly. If you feel you’re ready to make a commitment to us, as in no dating anyone else, you’ll let me know. When I feel ready, you’ll know. We’ll enjoy each other, no strings attached, and see where it goes. We’ll agree to stay honest and communicate,” he suggested as he pushed the hair back from her face.

“I like it and agree,” she announced. “Now, do we celebrate the launch of my tea or what?” She grinned from ear to ear.

“Let’s go, beautiful. We’ll make the most of the time I’ve got with you here.” He helped her with her coat, and they strolled down the sidewalk to the Italian restaurant.

After placing their order, he reached across the table and held her hands. “I know we discussed taking this slow, but something keeps mulling over in my head and I want to see if it might interest you.” His cryptic exchange made her pause.

“What?”

“Why do you want to move back to Seattle?” he asked as he placed his napkin on his lap.

“We lived there before,” she said.

“Do you have family to help with LJ there?” He poured her a glass of water and offered her the basket of breadsticks.

“No, not really. I guess it’s more about I know the area and I won’t be on Serenity Mountain.”

“I thought you loved it there?” He pulled a breadstick from the basket and dipped it into the oil.

“I love living there. Right now, Whiskey needs support. My friends list has shortened, and there’s nothing really keeping me there.” The waiter placed her food in front of her.

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