Page 90 of And Then Came You

My breathing falls into an even rhythm as I coax my mind to do the same.

Concentrating on nothing is harder than it sounds, believe me.

But Sam’s gentle caresses along my spine help ease my body into a state of relaxation. He’s right. With him, I’m safe.

My body and soul, at least. I lost my heart to him long ago.

Samuel Bernard is my best friend, and he’s proven that tonight. When I needed him, he jumped into action. No questions asked. Any and all plans were laid aside to deal with my situation.

I’m blessed to have someone like Sam in my life.

“E.T.?”

“Hmm?” I mumble, rousing from my near sleep.

“You think that’s something you might consider one day?”

My eyes open as I try to figure out what part of the conversation I missed. “Sorry, what do you mean?”

He tips my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Marriage and a family? Is that something you want?”

Oh, my darling Sam, you don’t even know how I’ve dreamt of it. For years. But it’s a dream I no longer hold out hope for. Not anymore.

“Look at my face, Sam. I don’t think any of that is meant for me. Love and marriage are for other people. I’m the human punching bag.”

“You promise me something. Don’t you give up on love, Lex Lex. You are too special. Just believe in it one more time.”

There’s such a ferocity to his words, each one reverberating in my brain.

“Believe in it for you?”

“Yes.”

“Only for you, Sam.”

I hear his voice, one last time before sleep takes hold, although I can’t be sure if it’s dream or reality. “That’s right. Only for me, Lexi.”

* * *

Ididn’t think I could look worse than last night.

I was wrong.

This morning, I’m snotty and sneezing and feeling like I’ve been backed over repeatedly by a slow-moving locomotive.

Sam, for his part, is rushing around the suite, trying to get doctor visits lined up before his flight at noon.

He’s headed to Switzerland. This time, he’s shooting an activewear spread in the Alps with a bevy of beautiful bikini models. What a life.

“I don’t want to leave you. I wish you could come with me.”

“Pass,” I snuffle, wiping my nose. “You’re going to have to endure the lascivious fawning of all those bikini models on your own.”

He sits next to me, pushing my dark hair from my face. “I’m not interested in any of those women.”

“Doesn’t mean they’re not interested in you.”

Usually, Sam would respond with a knowing wink, but this time, he barely cracks a smile. “I’m not interested. That’s all you need to know.”

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