Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Sam finished with his appraisal and grinned before squeezing her forearm. “You look great.”
With the compliment, Nicole no longer had any trouble naming the emotion eating away at her. Jealousy, green and unwelcome, filled her at the sight of Sam and this woman.
Unaware of Nicole’s thoughts, Sara shifted her gaze away from Sam. “You must be Nicole,” she said warmly. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Nicole’s face felt frozen as she replied, “I wish I could say the same.”
Sara shot Sam a chiding look. “When we were in high school, we used to call him Silent Sam. I see that much hasn’t changed.”
He merely arched an eyebrow her way. But he didn’t meet Nicole’s gaze, so he obviously knew he’d made a mistake in how he’d handled things.
“You had a long drive, so come on in,” Sara said, gesturing with her hands.
Nicole stepped into the entryway, and Sam followed. Although the house appeared huge from the outside, and square footage-wise, it probably was immense, the interior offered a more intimate and welcoming appearance. Hardwood floors and a country-styled area rug immediately bespoke a cozy home.
“Your home is beautiful.” Nicole forced a smile despite being blindsided by this woman and her obviously close relationship with Sam. “I appreciate you letting us stay here. Especially on such short notice.”
“Uncle Sam!”
Nicole turned toward the unexpected loud, female shriek that was quickly followed by the sound of feet pounding down the center staircase. A nightgown-clad child, more whirling dervish than little human, flung herself toward Sam.
He caught her easily and swung her around before setting her on her feet. “Hey, short stuff!”
Sara looked down at her daughter in Sam’s arms with such love in her eyes, Nicole couldn’t help but be affected, softening toward the woman who’d been nothing but pleasant to her. As Nicole had never been on the receiving end of that kind of look from either parent, Sara immediately won points with her.
“How old is she?” Nicole asked.
The child turned to Nicole and held up one full hand and one finger on her other hand. Her long brown curls hung in disarray around her flushed face as she smiled and said, “I six!”
“You’re a big girl.” Kneeling to her eye level, Nicole met her brown-eyed gaze. “I’m Nicole. What’s your name?”
The child smiled wider, revealing two dimples. “I Sammy.”
Startled, Nicole swung her gaze toward Sam.
“I’m her godfather,” he quickly explained. But from the glances between Sara and Sam, there was more to the story, and Nicole’s stomach cramped uncomfortably as she rose to her feet.
Sara placed a hand on her daughter’s back. “Sammy, I let you stay up for your uncle. Now it’s back to bed, like we agreed. Say good night to our guests.”
“Good night,” she chirped cheerfully, practically vibrating with excitement that her uncle was here, making Nicole doubt the child would be falling asleep any time soon.
She was the cutest little girl and those big eyes probably let her get away with a lot more than just staying up late, Nicole thought, amused, despite the questions this visit had caused.
“I’ll show you to your rooms,” Sara said to Nicole and Sam, and Nicole’s stomach pitched in disappointment.
Sam had alluded to picking up where they left off earlier today, but Sara made it clear they wouldn’t be sharing one bed in her house. Nicole didn’t get the sense that Sara was mean, manipulative, or deliberately keeping Nicole and Sam apart. They were obviously old friends. Good enough friends that Sam was her daughter’s godfather. But where was her husband, Nicole wondered, disliking the jealousy pounding away at her.
Once Sammy ran up the stairs, Sara turned back to face them. “You guys can share the guest room downstairs,” she said, keeping her voice low. “I just didn’t want to mention it in front of Sammy.”
Relief swept through Nicole.
Sam nodded. “I know the way, so you can go on upstairs. We’ll catch up tomorrow.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks again for taking us in at the last minute.”
She studied Sam intently. “Hey. I owe you, and you know it.”
He shook his head. “You know it’s the other way around.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away. “Mark should be back from his business trip on Sunday.” An obvious subject change. “He’ll be glad you’re here. You don’t visit often enough,” she chided, before turning to Nicole. “Make yourself at home. I’m taking Sammy to gymnastics in the morning, and we’ll be back around eleven.”
“Thank you,” Nicole murmured.
“My pleasure. Night.” With a wave, Sara turned and headed for the stairs.
“Ready?” Sam lifted the bags, and Nicole nodded.
All the tight knots inside her had eased at the mention of one room, combined with her husband’s imminent return. But that didn’t mean Nicole wouldn’t have some choice words for Sam, for bringing her here without explanation or warning about this other important female in his life. Once alone with Sam in the large bedroom, a pretty room set up for guests, Nicole unpacked her suitcase, using the empty dresser drawers for her clothes, and placed her toiletries on the counter in the bathroom. Sam, in typical guy fashion, said he’d deal with his things as he needed them.