Page 119 of And Then Came You

“Then, why?”

“E.T. Everything. My Everything.”

I bury my head against his chest with a sob, wrapping my arms around him and praying I never need to let go. It’s all suddenly clear. The nickname that I thought was nothing more than a jovial joke, was Sam’s way of telling me, for so many months, just how much I meant to him.

In my quest to avoid falling in love with my best friend, I missed all the signs that he was in love with me.

Sam strokes my hair, pressing kisses to the top of my head and giving me the comfort I’ve only ever found in his arms. “I know Lexi has a panel discussion, but I’d like permission to steal her for the day.”

Margaret chuckles, a knowing smile on her lips. “Well, the topic is life imitating art, and we all just watched a great romance play out. I’m not sure how anyone could top that, or if anyone should try. She’s free to go. Although I must say, Sam, you broke a lot of hearts today with that proclamation.”

Lifting my head from his chest, I meet his gaze, my mouth seizing his. “He did, but he also saved one. Mine.”

* * *

Sam releases a sated groan, rolling onto his back and pulling me on top of him. His hand strokes my spine as a low chuckle rises from his chest.

“What’s so funny?”

“I can’t believe I’m here with you. Finally.”

Straddling him, I lower my mouth to his, gifting him with a slow and sensuous kiss. “I dreamt about this for months, but I never imagined—”

“When did you realize?”

Should I tell the truth or play it coy? Chances are I fell much faster than he did, but what does it matter now? It’s a level playing field. “At your Granddad’s funeral. Something changed that day.”

He nods, stroking his chin. “When I held you. Looking back, that was the turning point for me, too. I should have known because I was always overprotective of you, even in the very beginning. Hell, I threatened to break any man who came near you. Highly unfriendly tendencies.”

“For a while, I thought you hated me. You always seemed so angry with me.”

“Iwasangry at you, but not because you did anything wrong. I wanted you so much and you seemed immune. Uninterested. But after I kissed you, I realized how hard I was falling. I fought it, but I didn’t stand a chance.”

“You were with so many women. How was I to ever figure out that you had any interest in me? Just so we’re clear, from this point forward, I’ll break any woman who comes near you. You’re not the only one with highly unfriendly tendencies.”

“I like you jealous, Lexi. The possessive vixen is a good look. Sexy as fuck, too.” He smacks my ass, earning a delighted squeal.

“Be careful or I will show you who’s in charge,” I tease, tonguing lazy circles on his neck as his hands grasp my ass, pulling me tight against him.

“Whatever you say, boss.” Sam winds his hand in my hair, forcing me to meet his kiss and possessing me utterly.

At this rate, we’ll never leave the bed. It’s only been a few hours since we admitted our true feelings, and we’ve been naked for almost as long. Hell, we barely made it to his suite without ripping off every shred of clothing.

But despite our frenzied need, he still loved me slowly. Carefully. Sam knows my history, and he’s determined to show me that a man can be gentle and still rock your world.

I’ll admit I’m a slow learner. He’ll need to show me many,manymore times.

Propping my chin on his chest, I trace my nail along one of his many tattoos. “Here’s to never reading each other incorrectly again.”

“Deal.”

“I have to ask, why is Almira here? Was she trying to reconcile with you?”

Sam guffaws at my inquiry. “God, no. Almira knows I’m in love with you. She’s known a long time. She was already going to be in Manhattan, so I asked her to meet with me about the farm. I want to start a vineyard and a small winery. It was Granddad’s dream, and I want to bring it to fruition.”

“How does Almira play into that? Funds?”

“Her father owns some vineyards in Turkey and Italy. I was bending her ear about the process, and she was kind enough to share what she knew.”

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