Page 30 of Samuel

“The word ‘fool’ was used, Sam.”

“Yeah, well… let’s get back on topic here. I might actually like the sound of you being in mystrong and capablearms.”

All of a sudden, it felt like the sun was right next to her face.

“I think if you just help me up, I’ll be okay.”

“Alright, let’s test it out.”

Scooping her up in his arms, Sam navigated away from the lake and set Evie down on the ground.

As soon as her foot hit the grass, she grimaced and let out a tiny yelp.

“Nope. That settles it, I’m carrying you back.”

“Sam. It’s too far, and I’m too heavy.”

“You arenottoo heavy. Please. What is having ranch muscles good for if not carrying a damsel in distress?”

Now it was Evie’s turn to laugh. “I see we’ve gone from romantic movies to fairy tales. But I promise, I’m not a damsel in distress. I can take care of myself.”

“Well, seeing as how I yelled your name and startled you, causing you to fall in the first place, please let me do this for you so we can get you back home and get that ankle under some ice before too much swelling settles in.”

“I guess I can’t argue with that. Giddyup, Cowboy.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Her citrus perfume wrapped itself around him and didn’t let go. God, she felt so right in his arms. Not right in the sense that she’d gotten hurt. Of course not. Right in the sense that she just fit. It was almost as if her body, and the pressure of her against his chest, was calming the storm within him.

He walked to her apartment door, pressing her tighter to his chest when she began to wiggle.

“You can let me down now.”

“Nope. I’m depositing you onto your couch, getting you some ice and making sure you elevate it.”

“Sam, it doesn’t even hurt anymore.”

“Key, Evie.”

“No need, I didn’t lock it.”

His whole body went still.

“What do you mean, you didn’t lock it?” His hand reached out and sure enough, the door knob turned freely. Sam stomped over to the small sofa and set Evie down.

“It’s not like this is a big crime area. I feel safe here. Besides, don’t think I haven’t seen all of you wearing your guns on your hips this whole time. I’m sure if there was any danger, you, or Derrick, or Zeke would stop someone from hurting me.”

He slammed the freezer door closed, the bag of frozen peas cooling his temper down as he searched for a hand towel to wrap it in.

“Towel?” he asked.

“There are a few in the drawer next to the sink.”

Sam wrapped the peas up and set them on Evie’s ankle, which was already resting on a pillow. Good.

“I think I might need to get a shoe that better supports my ankles. I’m used to rolling them, but I think the baby is making all my ligaments looser.”

“I never thought about that, but it makes sense. You could try a cowboy boot.”

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