Page 25 of And Then Came You

“I’m not very good with the spotlight. Unlike you. You’re a natural.”

“I hate the spotlight.”

“Ah, but the world will never know your secret.”

“I’m glad the whole world doesn’t know about you. I feel lucky that I do. I have something they won’t ever have.”

With a final squeeze, Sam directs his attention back to the preacher, but his hand remains linked with mine, resting in my lap. Meanwhile, I’m trying to ignore the fluttering in the pit of my stomach from this intimate gesture that is in no way meant to be intimate on his part.

But it feels so very intimate, and whenever his thumb skates along mine, I steel myself, forcing my mind to remain focused on innocuous things—rainbows and kittens.

Likely just my nerves and the fray from today. Just breathe, Lexi. Nothing to see here.

* * *

Afew hours later, the crowd has all but dispersed, as Sam leads me upstairs to the room he called home as a child.

I smile upon entering, gazing around at the trophies and photos littering the dresser. His mother never changed a thing. It’s a sanctuary to a little boy who grew up to be a king.

Sam sprawls across the bed, patting the mattress, a goofy grin on his face.

“What are we doing? Napping?” I sit on the edge of the bed, not entirely sure my sex-starved body can handle lying next to Sam.

“At some point, I’m sure. I got us a treat. Found it downstairs amongst the movies.” He grasps my wrist, giving it a tug. “You have to lie with me, though, or I won’t show you.”

With a sigh, I prop my feet up on the bed, as Sam presses play on the remote. Within moments, I’m squealing with delight. “E.T.”

“I haven’t seen this in decades, so if it’s cheesy, I’m holding you responsible.”

“Itischeesy, but that’s what makes it so good.” I must look ridiculous with this huge grin plastered across my face, but this movie is my happy place.

Sam chuckles, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as I rest my head on his chest. “Okay, E.T., settle down.”

“Never. I reserve the right to be excited over this surprise.”

“You are so easy to please.” He strokes the length of my hair, his fingers gliding along the soft waves. “Are you comfortable?” Sam questions, his voice reverberating through his chest.

“I am. For a man with so many muscles, you’re surprisingly comfortable.” Truth? Heiscomfortable, even if my heart is galloping from his proximity. Placing my hand on his chest, I hear Sam’s breath hitch, before settling out again.

Likely nothing.

“You’re comfy, too,” he murmurs, his hand stroking along my spine.

“Sure I’m not crushing you?”

“You’re tiny, Lexi. Besides, I much prefer a woman with curves to a bony mess.”

“Right, which explains why all your girlfriends are models, aka bony messes.” I prop my chin on his chest, smirking at him. “I call bullshit.”

Those talented fingers glide along my face, pushing an errant strand behind my ear, his eyes glowing with intensity. “I prefer women with curves, Lexi.”

I’m not sure why this conversation is making me nervous. I doubt he’s referring to me in particular, even though I’m currently the one taking up residence on his chest. But what if he does mean me? What then?

Stop it, Lexi. His Granddad just died. He does not want to fuck you. Snap out of it.

With a sigh, I settle against his chest, turning my focus to the television. Time for a great movie with an even better friend.

“What the fuck is going on here?”

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