Page 41 of Surprised By Love

“Sounds good to me,” he says with a wink.

Where did that come from? Josh has never winked at me before. He smiles sure but winked? Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, but before I can say anything Josh is taking the items I grabbed and adding them to his cart.

“Let’s get the rest of the stuff, and what did you come here for? You barely have anything in your cart.”

I can’t believe I’m going to be alone with Josh in his house. Feeling a little lightheaded, I grab the handle of my cart to help me keep my balance. “I need to restock the baking cupboard. I used a lot of my stuff the other day.”

“Okay, let’s get everything you need and we can head out.”

Chapter Sixteen

Josh

Thirtyminuteslater,I’mpulling into the driveway. Looking back, I see Sam’s car pulling in behind me. I smile to myself. I wasn’t planning on asking her to come help me make cookies, but when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t help it. The words were out of my mouth before I could change my mind.

I decided this is a good thing. I have some time alone with Sam. We can get to know each other and I can find out if she is interested in Miles or if I might still have a shot.

I close the door behind me and walk to the back of the SUV. I’m loading the bags into my arms when Sam comes up behind me.

“I can carry some of those,” she says.

“It’s okay, I got it.” I reach into my pocket and pull out my keys. “Here.” I toss my keys to her. “Go unlock the door and get inside. It’s too cold for you to stand out here.” I grab the remaining bags and head to the front door.

Sam opens the door and lets me pass. She steps in behind me and gasps. “Wow, this is gorgeous.”

“Let me put these in the kitchen and I will give you a tour before we get to baking.”

Sam takes off her jacket and hangs it on the coat rack. “Sounds good,”

I turn back to see her bent over, untying her boots, and I stop in my tracks.Damn. The girl has a fine ass. My jeans are feeling a little snugger the longer I stand here staring at her perfectly round butt. I need to get these bags into the kitchen. Maybe stand in front of the open fridge door before my jeans burst at the seams.

I laugh to myself. What am I? A teenage boy with a boner for a girl who has no idea I like her? Because I do, I like Sam, and it’s about time I man up and let her know.

Placing the bags on the kitchen island, I head back into the foyer. Sam is standing there looking at the family photos I have hanging in the hallway. She is gorgeous, her long raven hair falling down over her shoulders, her cheeks a little red from the cold and those lips. I need to kiss those lips.

As much as I want to walk over there, turn her into me and kiss her senseless, I need it to be the right time. I don’t want to catch her off guard. It’s one sure way for her to go running in the opposite direction.

I know when I first met her I thought she was pretty in a girl next door kinda way, but the more I see her and get to know her, the more gorgeous she is. For the first time in four years, I want a woman to be mine. Not for one night, not for a casual hook up, but for keeps. It still shocks me to hell, but it’s the truth. Now I need to find out if this attraction I have for her goes both ways.

“You ready?” I ask, and she jumps, raising a hand to her chest. I can’t help but look at the royal blue v-neck sweater she’s wearing. It dips low enough that I can see a generous amount of cleavage. So much for keeping my erection at ease. She might be a tiny thing, but she has curves in all the right places. The jeans she’s wearing hugs her hips perfectly and her sweater is like a second skin.

“You scared the daylights out of me,” she laughs.God, I love that laugh.

“Sorry,” I chuckle. “Ready for the tour?” I hold out the crook of my arm, hoping she takes it so I can be closer to her and she doesn’t disappoint. She loops her arm through mine and I start the tour.

I point to the natural wood open staircase with black trim and railing. “Up there are three bedrooms, a bathroom and the master suite with its own ensuite. I would show you those, but I’m sure the kids haven’t cleaned their rooms yet today,” he smirks.

“If they are anything like Amelia, it looks like a hurricane hit it,” she laughs again and I realize I’m becoming addicted to the sound.

“Yes, Pretty much.” I grin down at her.

I lead her into the house, loving the feel of her arm in mine. The warmth of her radiates through me, and I want more.

“Here we have the family area.” I point to the right of the house. Mounted on the wall above a beautiful natural stone fireplace is a big-screen television. Facing the fireplace is a dark brown leather sofa with a love seat to the left and a recliner chair to the right.

“This room feels so inviting,” Sam says, letting go of my arm to run her fingers across the leather sofa. How crazy is it that I miss the warmth of her touch already?

I guide her with my hand on her lower back to the dining area on the left.

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