He had, after all, done it for me.
I squeezed him tight and breathed in a lungful of the smoky sweetness that was Sam’s scent. “I’ll go back.”
His body sagged in relief.
“But not to Maine. They were idiots.”
“Okay. Somewhere new. I’m good with that. Maybe somewhere closer this time.” He kissed the top of my head while gliding his hands up and down my back.
“But, if I do this, I expect something in return.”
He chuckled. “Whatever you want, baby. Just name it.”
I laughed, because with that one phrase, I knew I had him cornered. “Quit smoking while I’m gone.”
“You’re such a funny girl,” he said patronizingly.
“I’m not joking. You’re not the only one who’s scared. Struggling through lung cancer with you isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. You quit smoking and we both get healthy.”
“Fuck. It was sexy when you showed this evil side to Lexi. Me…not so much.”
“Sam—”
He groaned loudly. “Fiiiine. I promised my mom I’d quit anyway. I guess this is two birds, one stone and all.”
I cuddled even closer into his chest. “I love it when you call me a bird and threaten to throw stones at me.”
He smoothed a hand down my back. “I figured. You always have been kinkier than I am.”
“So we’re really going to do this?” I asked, peeking up at him.
“I’m in if you are, Levee. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for the peace of mind that your getting some help will give me.”
I bit my lip and glanced away. I hated knowing that he worried about me like that, almost as much I loved knowing he cared enough to worry like that. He was such a good guy.
My guy. A smile grew on my lips.
“Does that include finally dicing up twenty-four thousand dollars in guitars?” I asked as my eyes landed on my four Gibsons leaning, untouched, against the far wall.
“Whoa! Now, you’re just getting crazy.” A devilish smile formed on his plump lips, and all of his earlier anger and anxiety disappeared completely.
My breath caught in my chest. God, he was gorgeous.
I cupped his strong jaw. “There must be a million women throwing themselves at you. How are you not married with a boatload of kids by now?”
His smile spread impossibly wide. “I hadn’t met you yet.” He shrugged before taking my mouth in a reverent kiss.
Well, for Sam, it might have been just a kiss. But, for me, it was definitely reverent, because the whole time his lips were on mine, I thanked whatever God that ruled our crazy universe for guiding him to me on that bridge all of those nights before.
“AND YOU’RE SURE? You’re going to need to install a security gate and everything. It’s going to totally fuck up the homey feel when you pull into your driveway!” Levee yelled over the wind as we drove in my Jeep up to her house.
“I swear to God, if you ask me that again, I’m going to change my mind!” I shouted back. “Yes, Levee. Move in with me. Bring all seven billion pairs of your shoes and clutter up my spare bedroom until I’m forced to convert it into a new closet for you.” I tossed her a smile without taking my eyes off the road—or my hand off her thigh.
“I feel bad though.” She tucked a leg underneath her as she turned to face me. “At least let me pay for all the security stuff.”
I slowed at a stoplight and squeezed her thigh. “If it will make you stop freaking out about living with me, I’ll put the entire fucking mortgage in your name. Now, chill!”
She narrowed her eyes at my outburst. “I’m not buying you a house, Sam.”
“Then remind me what the point in dating you is again?” I flinched as her hand shot out and twisted my nipple.
Immediately crossing her arms over her chest, she attempted to protect herself from my retaliation, but I just pinched the side of her ass instead.
“Ouch!” she screamed before bursting into a fit of laughter.