Page 28 of Surprised By Love

“Thank you,” they say, and Emily gives Amelia a hug.

“Maybe we can see you tomorrow,” Amelia says.

“Maybe sweetie,” Sam replies. “We have to see what our plans are.”

Do I want to see Sam tomorrow? Hell Yes! At least that’s what my body is telling me. My head, on the other hand, is trying its best to fight that battle.

Chapter Eleven

Sam

Ican’tbelievewe’vebeen here for two weeks already and we haven’t made it to the shopping mall in Pineridge yet.

So since it’s my first Saturday off, I decided Amelia and I would take a drive and go shopping for some Christmas decorations. We looked at the stores, grabbed some lunch, and ended up with way too many bags of decorations.

I pull into the driveway and turn to Amelia. “Stay where you are, pumpkin.” I slowly make my way to Amelia’s side of the car and open the door for her, being careful not to slip on any ice. “Okay baby girl, come on.”

Amelia unhooks herself from her seatbelt and slowly steps out of the car. We head to the back and I pop the trunk, pulling out a couple of small bags and passing them to Amelia. “Be careful walking into the house. We don’t want you to slip. There are some icy spots on the sidewalk.”

“Okay mommy,” she says, carefully walking to the side door.

I bend over, reaching into the back of the trunk to get some items that have spilled out of the bag. Placing them back into the bag, I grab another bag and slide it onto my arm. I stand up and my foot slips, my feet sliding out from under me. I feel myself falling backwards when strong arms wrap around my waist, stopping my fall.

“Are you okay?” A masculine voice I recognize whispers in my ear from behind me. Even though I’m wearing my parka, I can feel the heat radiating through me. I’m not sure if it’s the man whose body I can feel pressed up against mine or if it’s heat coming through me from knowing he’s so close.

I slowly turn around to face him and my foot slips out from under me again. This time I’m falling right into him.

He grabs hold of my upper arms, trying to steady me.

I look up into his mesmerizing blue eyes and get lost in them. Then my gaze lowers to his perfectly shaped mouth. No guy should have a mouth this perfect. I want to lean in and see if his lips are as soft as they look.

I tear my gaze away and look up into his eyes again. The eyes that are looking down at me and my breath catches in my throat. Oh God, is he going to kiss me? The tension between us can be cut with a knife. Holy Shit! I’m a cliche Hallmark movie moment.

I shake my head at the thought. “I’m so sorry. I need to get some new winter boots. The traction on these must have worn off.”

I take a step back and he lets go of my arms and I can feel the loss. What the hell? I barely know him. I’m not supposed to feel things like this. Not for someone like him.

Amelia runs out of the house. “Hi Josh,” she says as she heads for us.

“Stop running, you’re going to fall.” I scold.

Amelia slows down and walks towards us.

“We bought a bunch of Christmas decorations. We’re going to put up the tree tonight and decorate it. You should come and bring Emily and Jake.” Amelia’s eyes grow as big as her smile. “It’s going to be so much fun. We’re going to have hot chocolate and my mom’s making treats. Her treats are the best! Oh, and we sing Christmas carols too. Please say you’ll come.”

Amelia’s so excited to be decorating the tree. It used to be just the two of us. Derek was usually busy with work, so we made our own traditions. This year it’s different. Derek won’t come home to complain about the mess of the living room, or how the Christmas carols are too loud.

This year it will be so much better. Vicki, Becca, and Jenna will be with us. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was as excited as Amelia. This is the first year that we will be together for Christmas in over seven years. I missed my family so much and I’m so happy to be home.

I look up at Josh. “You don’t have to. It’s—”

“We’d love to join you,” Josh says, cutting me off.

“Oh. Okay then. How does six sound?”

“Sounds perfect.” Josh smiles, sending a shiver down my spine. What the hell is wrong with me? All the guy has to do is smile and I feel like I’m melting like chocolate chips in a double boiler.

“Great, see you then.” I turn to pass Amelia two more light bags when Josh’s arm reaches in front of me and grabs one of the larger ones. Damn this man and his hard body. He has it pressed up behind me and the damn shivers ignite again.

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