Page 22 of Justice for Samara

That had been part of his motivation for becoming a deputy. He wanted a way to eventually get to Stadler and stop the asshole in his tracks, and the only way he could do that was to become a cop himself. What he’d found amazing was how quickly he made it through the academy. He was afraid he’d never pass, but he had come out at the top of his class instead. Something about police work came easy to him. He had zero trouble remembering statutes and ordinances, and learning the codes they used was simple. It all made sense to him, and he loved it, not to mention the fact that he got to help people. There was no way he’d try to get a position with KSP. Stadler would figure out pretty quickly who he was. But being hired at TriggCounty and working for Carter had been the best thing that had ever happened to him. He was back in his hometown, back with his family, in a place where he felt welcome and safe, working for a guy who always had his back, and finding a house to turn into a home. There was only one thing lacking.

Now he had a chance to drop that missing piece into the puzzle. Samara was strong and capable, but there was something about her that told him she had a vulnerable spot, something that needed to heal. What was it? Maybe she’d eventually tell him. He certainly hoped so. In order to do that, she’d have to trust him, and he could be that person. If anyone could take her pain, keep it to himself, and help her be rid of it, it was him. He could do it and be quiet and calm about it. Whatever was bothering her, he wanted to know. He wanted to fix it if he could. But most of all, he just wanted to be there for her.

It looked like he might get a chance to do exactly that, and he had to be careful. Blowing it was not an option. If he played his cards right, the next evening would tell him if it was a waste of time or if he stood a good chance of finally having what he longed for. To most people, that seemed simple, but to Michael, it had seemed impossible.

All he really wanted was someone he could love. And someone who’d love him back. Maybe it wasn’t so impossible after all.

By the time he got home, he was exhausted, and he thought he’d go straight to bed. But just like the evening of the first time he’d seen her and every evening since, his body wouldn’t let that happen. Never had a need so consumed him, and he wanted her. The connection he’d had with Glenna had been nothing like what he felt when he looked at Samara, and he hadn’t even known her that long. Hand wrapped firmly around his hardness, he stroked himself slowly, thinking about her eyes, her dark hair, and that skin as soft as flower petals and the color of burnished saddle leather, a warm, rich hue with lovely reddish undertones. What he wanted more than anything was to hold her, to touch that lovely face and feel her warmth against him. His body gave in, turned loose, and he whispered her name. “Samara. Oh, god, Samara.”

The next thing he knew, the room was aglow with early morning light and he could hear his mother puttering around in the kitchen. After he managed to stumble to the bathroom and clean up, he looked at himself in the mirror and smiled. He wasn’t sure what she wanted, but if it was security and love, he had it to give.

His thoughts were pierced by that tinny voice. “Mikey! Breakfast!”

“Coming.” Brush in hand, he tamed his unruly head of hair and followed the sounds of her early morning rattling.

“Mikey! You’re not even dressed! Aren’t you going to church this morning?”

“No, Mom. I’m not.”

She stared at him, her head cocked to one side. “Of course you are.”

“No, Mom, I’m not. I’ve got somewhere else to be.”

“What could be more important than going to worship our Lord and Savior?”

The sigh he let loose sounded appropriately irritating. “I dunno, Mom. Maybe my life?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He rolled his eyes and dropped his head. “I really have no idea. It’s seven o’clock in the morning on one of the only days I have off, and I don’t think I can answer questions right now.”

“Well, eat your breakfast, clean yourself up, and get dressed. Mabel’s daughter is here visiting from SouthCarolina, and I’d really like for you to meet her. I hear she’s a lovely woman, and you could maybe?”

“No, Mom. I’m not letting you fix me up with somebody. Besides, I already have somebody I’d like to start dating.”

“Who on earth could that be?”

“Somebody you don’t know. Somebody who’s new to town.”

“What’s her name?”

“No, Mom. I’m not going down that road with you. I’m just not?”

“Are you lying to me, Michael Wilson Edwards?”

“No. I am not lying to you.” That was it. He’d had all he could take, so he stood and pushed his chair back from the table. “I’ve got somewhere to be.”

“But you haven’t even eaten your breakfast!”

“That’s fine. I’ll get some somewhere. Go on to church. Don’t wait for me, because I’m not going.”

“Mikey! Mikey, you come back here and…”

He let her ramble and grabbed a towel and washcloth, then walked straight into his bathroom and closed the door. All he really wanted was some hot water and a semi-trailer load of peace and quiet to go with it. It only took him a couple of minutes to shave, and he climbed in, sighing with relief as he stood under the hot spray. God, it felt good to stand there and not have to hear her droning on and on. And right there, that minute, he made his decision.

The water was on in his house. So was the electricity. The HVAC unit worked fine. He’d have to move stuff again to put the flooring in, but until then, he could sleep on a mattress on the floor. The closet didn’t have doors, but it had a rod and a shelf, so he had somewhere to put his clothes. All he really needed were some towels, sheets, pillows, a blanket, a mattress, and a few dishes, and he could move right in.

As soon as he was dressed, he’d get in the truck and drive into Hopkinsville. He could get everything he needed there, including a mattress, and take it all back to the house. By evening, he could be moved into at least the bedroom and en suite bath, and he’d never have to listen to that poking and prying again. If he came to visit and she started, he could just walk out. That would suit him fine.

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