The Cowgirl's Secret

Anne Marie Novark

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Anne Marie's Website

Anne Marie's Facebook Page

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Book Five: The Diamondback Ranch Series

Tori and Sam

An Independent Young Woman

Tori McCade is bound and determined to earn her degree and return home to practice veterinary

medicine in Salt Fork, Texas. Nothing and no one can stop her, not even the hottest man she's ever

met in her life.

A man who knows what he wants

Sam Garza meets the much younger Tori McCade in a dance club in Dallas, Texas, and all bets

are off. He wants her, and he's going to have her . . . even if it means following her to Salt Fork.

Both agree they need to keep things simple and uncomplicated. And he's okay with that . . . for

now.

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The Cowgirl's Secret

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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product

of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons

living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of

brief quotations in critical articles or reviews. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Dedication

To Gene.

Thanks for your help with the story, and thanks for showing Dad and me a good time in New York.

This one's for you.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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THE COWGIRL'S SECRET

by Anne Marie Novark

PROLOGUE

The woman was driving him crazy.

Sam Garza watched Tori McCade greet her guests as she walked the circuit around the big yard at the

back of her mother's sprawling old house on the Diamondback Ranch. She'd thrown a huge retirement
party for Doc Pritchard, whose veterinary practice Tori had taken over. Seemed like every living soul
and his dog, located in and around the small town of Salt Fork, Texas, had come to bid farewell to
their beloved veterinarian of forty-some-odd years.

For one split second, Tori glanced over her shoulder and caught Sam's gaze from across the yard. She

quickly looked away, but not before he saw a telltale blush stain her smooth satin cheeks. Sam knew
first-hand how smooth those cheeks felt beneath his fingers and lips; knew how smooth and silky the
rest of Tori's body felt and tasted.

He blew out a pent-up breath and chugged back the last dregs from the longneck beer he'd been

nursing for the past hour. How in the world had he fallen in love with a woman ten years his junior?
And why in God's name had he waited for her while she'd gone to school to get her degree in
veterinary medicine?

Never in his life had he waited for a woman. Then again, he'd never fallen in love before either. But

four years?

He must have been out of his mind. Certifiably insane. Loco. Nuts. There was no other plausible

explanation.

"Hey, Garza. Need another beer?" Dallas McCade walked up and thrust an ice-cold longneck at him.

"Thanks." Sam tossed his empty bottle in the trash barrel, then accepted the beer from Tori's oldest

brother. Twisting the cap off, he took a long pull of the biting brew, keeping his eye on the man who
stood beside him.

No one in town was aware that Sam and Tori shared a past. Hell, everyone in Salt Fork thought he

was just an auto mechanic working at Kincaid's Garage. Sometimes, he felt like he was in the witness
protection program, keeping secrets and living beneath a cloud of lies.

No one suspected he was anything other than a mechanic, but some folks certainly speculated about

him and Tori. Four years was a long time to keep a secret. And no way in hell could he always hide
his feelings for her completely.

Tori had wanted to keep their relationship under wraps while she was away at Texas A&M. She'd

said it would be simpler that way. She had to focus on her studies and couldn't let anything distract
her from getting her degree.

And Sam had been a definite distraction.

He'd moved to Salt Fork, while she'd headed to A&M. He hadn't liked the arrangement, not by a long

shot. But living in Tori's hometown had allowed him to be near when she'd visited her family during
the holidays. Besides, he'd had his own agenda for uprooting his life and relocating to the sleepy little
West Texas town.

Dallas motioned toward his sister who stood across the yard talking to Doc Pritchard. "I bet you're

glad Tori has finally finished school and come home where she belongs."

Sam nearly choked on his beer.

"Hey, you okay?" Dallas thumped him on the back a little too enthusiastically.

"I'm all right. Just went down wrong." Sam stepped away from Dallas. So much for keeping his

relationship with Tori under wraps. How many more people had guessed the truth? "Of course, I'm
glad Tori's back. Everyone's glad."

"But some more than others," Dallas said softly, staring intently at Sam.

Sam deliberately held the man's gaze for a long moment. He had nothing to hide, nothing at all. His

intentions had always been honorable. It was Tori who'd put the brakes on their relationship. He took
a sip of beer before replying. "I'd say her family would be the happiest because she's back. Besides
Doc. That old man is chomping at the bit to retire. He can't wait to take to the road in that new RV of
his."

Dallas cracked a smile. "I have a feeling Mrs. Pritchard will be the one chomping at the bit after

spending a few weeks trapped in that bus with a husband, three cats and that big dog of theirs."

Sam lifted his longneck in a toast of agreement. "Don't you know it."

Dallas clinked his bottle against Sam's. "Here's to the lovely ladies in our lives." He took a long pull

from his longneck. "I'd watch your back, if I were you, Garza."

Sam's grip on his beer bottle tightened. He didn't like where this conversation was heading, didn't like

it one damn bit. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Dallas narrowed his eyes. "It means . . . I know what you're up to. Watch your step is all I'm saying."

Gillian McCade walked up and linked her arm in the crook of her husband's elbow. "Sorry if I'm

intruding, but Mama Ruth is looking all over for you, Cowboy. Something about the barbeque pits. I'm
sure Sam won't mind if I drag you away."

Dallas draped his arm around his wife and bent to kiss her on the mouth. "Babe, you can drag me

anywhere you damn well please. Enjoy the party, Garza."

Sam shook his head as he gazed after the departing couple. Dallas McCade was one lucky son-of-a-

bitch. A few years ago, he'd found the perfect woman to settle down with. They already had one little
son, and if Sam wasn't mistaken, baby number two would be making an appearance later in the year.

All four of the McCade brothers had found good women to spend their lives with. All four men

seemed happy and content. And Gillian McCade wasn't the only one pregnant. Austin's wife was due
in the not-so-distant future, considering the large baby bump she sported.

Sam inhaled deeply. He wouldn't mind snagging a little of that happiness and contentment for his own.

He glanced over the crowd and lasered in on Tori again.

The lovely lady in his life.

For four long years, he'd kept his end of their bargain. He'd kept his word and his distance. At least,

he'd kept his distance for the most part. A man was only human after all. He'd managed to steal
moments alone with Tori on a semi-regular basis, either by making a fast trip down to College Station
or when she'd whisk into town to visit her family. Always on the sly. Always their time together
passing too quickly.

Enough was enough. Tori had finally earned her degree. She was back in Salt Fork, and she was

taking over Doc Pritchard's practice, just as she'd always dreamed of doing. Just as she'd always
planned.

Well, Sam had a few plans of his own. He had patiently bided his time, hadn't he? Now it was his

turn to make some dreams come true.

***

All afternoon, Tori felt Sam's smoldering gaze following her as she mingled with the guests who had

come to say good-bye to Doc. Every time she looked Sam's way, his dark brown eyes burned with
latent passion that sent tingles of awareness skittering along every nerve ending in her body.

If only she could manage to stay out of his way for a few minutes more. She knew time was running

out, and not only here at the party. Time was running out on the bargain she'd made with him on that
fateful night so long ago. She'd been fortunate that he'd been patient and had respected her wishes. So
far.

Those scorching looks he'd thrown her all afternoon had prickled the fine hairs on the nape of her

neck. She'd felt edgy, like she was walking on eggshells. One wrong move and her secret would be
blown right here, right now. Then all hell would break loose.

Tori fervently hoped none of the guests had noticed Sam's obvious attention directed her way. She

certainly hoped none of her brothers had caught on.

That was one of the main reasons she'd made the bargain with Sam to keep their relationship secret in

the first place. Her brothers tended to be overly protective where she was concerned. If they'd known
Sam had moved to Salt Fork because of her, she'd never have heard the end of it. And Sam wouldn't
have, either.

Tori shook away the disturbing thoughts and looked around the yard with satisfaction. Another

successful barbeque at the Diamondback Ranch was well underway. The food had been cooked to
perfection; the pies and cakes provided by Sara Sue's cafe sinfully decadent. The low buzz of
conversation and the laughter of the guests wafted on the warm June breeze whispering through the
mesquite trees.

"Hey, Aunt Tori! Come over here, will you?"

Tori's attention flew to the vintage jukebox that provided the music for all of the Diamondback

Ranch's famous get-togethers. Her niece Kelsey stood by the brightly lit jukebox, waving her arm,
motioning for Tori to join her.

"What now?" Tori muttered under her breath as she strode purposefully across the dance platform

toward her niece, acutely aware of Sam's eyes following her. "Something wrong, Kels?"

"You said you wanted the dancing to start at seven, and it's ten after. I wasn't sure what songs you

wanted to begin with. You choose a couple while I get Doc and his wife to dance the first one."

"Okay. Thanks." Tori smiled and shook her head as her energetic niece whisked away to organize the

opening dance. Turning back to the jukebox, she skimmed the lists of songs. Kelsey sure loved to take
charge and get things done. The teenager was a natural born leader.

The firm grip of a hand on her shoulder made Tori almost jump out of her skin. She looked up and her

smile wobbled when she encountered the brutally handsome face of Sam Garza. He stood so close,
she could feel the heat radiating off his hard-muscled body. As always, her knees threatened to buckle
whenever he touched her.

She cleared her throat and licked her suddenly dry lips. Sam's brown eyes dilated and his grip

tightened on her shoulder. "You're killing me, you know that?" he said.

His deep rough voice washed over her, making her stomach clench with a need so intense, it still

caught her by surprise even after all these years. Taking a deep breath, Tori turned completely around
to face the man who had stolen her heart. And her virginity.

"It won't be much longer, I promise." Tori bit her lip, hating how her voice sounded so breathless.

She tried to move away, but Sam's hand held her in place.

"Damned straight, it won't be much longer," he said. "No more running, babe. No more hiding from

me like you did at Austin's wedding and when Tyler got married. This charade has to stop. It's past
time."

"Would you let me go?" she said in a fierce whisper. "You're attracting all kinds of attention. This

isn't the time or place to discuss our . . . relationship. And yes, I may have avoided you at my brothers'
weddings--you know perfectly well what my reasons were--but not before you claimed, no demanded
your dances."

"Well, I'm here to claim my dance now, by Kelsey's command. She said both you and Doc should

lead out the first dance." Sam leaned so close his breath scorched her ear. "Punch the numbers to our
song, Tori. You know the one."

Oh, she knew all right. Tori swallowed hard. Sam's musky aftershave triggered memories. So many

memories. Good and bad . . . and sad.

"Dance with me, babe. You know you want to."

Tori inhaled a deep shuddering breath. Yes, she wanted. Oh God, how she wanted. Punching the

numbers on the jukebox, it wasn't long before the sweet strains of one of Faith Hill's love songs filled
the air.

Doc led his wife out onto the dance floor, bowed with a flourish, then took her in his arms and held

her close as they danced. Tori smiled. The Pritchards had been married almost fifty years. They were
still very much in love, living proof of happily-ever-after.

Would she ever get hers? Tori wondered. It was all so complicated, so difficult.

She looked back at Sam, his big body towering over her, and her breath caught in her throat. His eyes

glowed with a barely-suppressed sensual heat. He touched her cheek with one gentle finger. "You've
held me off for four years. Four very long years that need to end right now. A man only has so much
patience. You belong with me, babe. We belong together."

"Sam, I--"

"Shhh." He placed two fingers over her lips. "No, you're right. This isn't the time or place. Just dance

with me, babe. That's all I'm asking for right now. Let's enjoy the music, the dance and each other."

Before she could reply, Sam gathered her close and twirled her onto the dancing platform, sliding into

the Texas Two-Step with finesse and grace. With one hand on Tori's waist and the other clamped on
the back of her neck, they circled the dance floor, his dark eyes holding hers in a mesmerizing spell.

Tori lost herself in the intensity of Sam's gaze, and the crowd slowly faded into the background. They

became totally absorbed in one another as they danced to the music of their own special song.

***

PART ONE

CHAPTER ONE

Dallas, Texas. Five years earlier.

Sam Garza sat at the bar in a crowded dance club in north Dallas drinking his second bourbon and

Coke, watching the group of young women in the corner laughing and giggling and having a grand old
time. Seemed to be some kind of birthday celebration going on. And judging by the giddiness of the
curvy blonde who had caught his attention the moment he'd walked into the place, it looked as if she

was the birthday girl.

The young woman was a knockout, that was for sure. He'd gotten a close look at her when she'd

passed by on her way to the restrooms. She was pretty and appealing. A freshness glowed in those
rosy cheeks. A youthful innocence shimmered in those sapphire blue eyes. The pert little nose and
firm chin suggested a stubborn disposition. And the wild tangle of golden curls hinted at a streak of
untamed passion.

Sam shook his head and drained his glass. All that supposition and he hadn't even talked to the girl.

And girl was the key word here. He never dated young innocent women. And that girl was definitely
a lot younger than he was. A mere babe in the woods.

He looked around the club, eying all the other females, but his attention always riveted back to the

blonde. He really needed to find a woman to relieve some of his sexual tension before he went
completely loco. A woman closer to his own age. A woman who knew the rules of the game.

"Why don't you just ask her to dance, instead of staring a hole straight through her?" Joe Salinas said,

slapping Sam on the back.

Sam shook his head. "She's too young."

"Not so, dude. It's her birthday. She's twenty-one and fair game. Ask her to dance. If you don't, I will."

"Like hell you will." Sam gripped his highball glass tightly, surprised at the flash of jealousy

clenching his stomach. What the hell was wrong with him?

Joe grinned. "Oh ho! Looks like someone's been bitten by the love bug. Ask her to dance, dude. Or

have those New York chicks spoiled you, so you can't enjoy an old-fashioned Texas girl?"

"Just because we're in a bar in Dallas doesn't necessarily mean she's a Texas girl." Sam watched as

the blonde walked onto the dance floor, holding hands with a tall lanky cowboy.

His stomach clenched again. Which was ridiculous. He ordered another drink.

Joe nudged Sam in the ribs with his elbow. "Hey, buddy. I know for sure she's a Texas girl. I danced

with one of her friends. One of her chatty friends. They're all from Texas, and they all go to UTD.
Our alma mater. Our old stomping ground. You have to ask her to dance. It's destiny, man."

"You're drunk, Salinas. Quit talking out your ass."

Joe stood up to his full six feet, straightened the cuffs on his shirt with careful deliberation and

sniffed. "That hurts, Garza. I'm just trying to help you out here."

Sam shoved Joe back down onto his barstool. "Cut the crap, Salinas."

"I've got your back, pal." Joe picked up his glass and pointed it at Sam in emphasis. "Just want you to

know; I've got your back."

"Yeah, well. Thanks." Sam swirled the ice cubes around in his drink.

He and Joe had been best friends since high school. They'd both attended the University of Texas at

Dallas on scholarship, then parted ways when Sam had gone off to grad school. After graduation, Sam
had moved to the Big Apple to work in the financial district, settling in to enjoy the whole living-in-
New York experience. And even though many miles and many years had separated them, their

friendship had endured.

Joe lowered his glass and his expression sobered. "Look, man. It's been six months since you came

back home to look after your mom. And she's finally in remission, thank God. Last night, you took her
out to celebrate with an expensive dinner at a fancy restaurant, which must have set you back a pretty
penny. But no worries. You can certainly afford it."

"You got a point somewhere in there, Salinas?" Sam ignored the dig about the money. Yes, he was

well off, set for life actually. He'd been extremely fortunate to make the big bucks while working in
New York, and he'd saved quite a bit.

But money wasn't everything.

"What I'm trying to get at is this," Joe continued. "Tonight, when I picked you up, I distinctly heard

your mom tell you to go have a nice time. You deserve a nice time, dude."

Sam shrugged. "Maybe."

"There's no maybe about it." Joe punched his shoulder. "Your mom's lucky to have a son like you.

You quit your high-profile job in New York to come back to Dallas to be with her. But now my
friend, it's time for you to have a little fun. Go ask that blonde chick to dance."

Sam stared at the young woman on the dance floor. She moved to the music with a grace that had his

body standing at alert. It had been a long time since he'd held a woman in his arms. In bed or on the
dance floor. That had to be the reason he was having such a strong reaction to her. He picked up his
drink and narrowed his eyes at his friend. "I don't see you asking anyone to dance."

"I'm waiting for you to find a partner, pal. Then I'm going back after your lady's chatty friend."

"She's not my lady."

"Yeah, yeah. Sell it some place else. I've seen you. She's the only one who's caught your attention.

She's the only one you want." Joe jerked Sam to his feet and shoved him in the direction of the dance
floor. "Go!"

"I'm going. Don't rush me." Sam stretched and rotated his neck, then resolutely marched over to the

blonde and the cowboy, tapped the man on the shoulder and neatly cut in.

***

Tori McCade couldn't believe it when the hot guy who had been eyeing her all evening came striding

across the room and cut in to dance with her as though it was his God-given right.

He hadn't given her a chance to say yes or no. He just cut in, cool as you please, whisked her away

from her partner and twirled her around the crowded dance floor, guiding her right and left, deftly
maneuvering them through the other dancers.

He held her in a steely grip, and she could feel the iron-hard muscles through the crisp blue material

of his button-down shirt. The pocket sported an embroidered SG monogram, and his jeans displayed
his powerful thighs to advantage. The man smelled heavenly. She couldn't help taking another deep
breath to inhale more of his intoxicating scent.

When Tori exhaled, she looked up and encountered the darkest brown eyes she'd ever seen in her life.

And they were lasered in on her with such intensity, she felt her cheeks heat up. She couldn't look
away, but just gazed helplessly up at the handsome face.

They stared at each other in silence as they danced, Sam's eyes delving down to her very soul. A

strong sensual hunger coiled low in her stomach. Her mouth felt dry and her hands damp. This was
ridiculous. She had to do something, say something.

"So . . . what's the SG stand for?" she blurted out before she could help it. Oh crap! Why in the world

had she said something so stupid?

The man smiled, and his white teeth gleamed in his dark sculpted face. Tori's breath shuddered in her

lungs. Oh my God. The man was lethal for sure.

He dipped his head slightly, as if tipping a Stetson. "Sam Garza, at your service."

"Don't I wish?" Tori's eyes widened when the question popped out of her mouth. "Oh damn. Did I

actually say that? Forget it. All the margaritas tonight must be making me loopy." Or maybe it was the
man who had her blubbering like an idiot.

But damn, it was her birthday. Her twenty-first birthday. Hadn't she just blown out the candles on her

cake a little while ago? Hadn't she made the wildest spur-of-the-moment wish of her life? And what
do you know? Part of it had come true. Would the other part come true as well? She could only wait
and see.

The man's low chuckle rumbled deep in his powerfully broad chest. He pulled her closer until her

body was plastered against his. "Oh, babe," he said in a low gravelly voice. "You have no idea how
much I wish."

Dear God in heaven. If he was feeling anything close to what she was feeling, then she had a very

good idea. Her stomach somersaulted, and her lower body hummed.

From the moment she'd spotted him across the room, she'd been hyper-aware of the man. Tori had

tried not to gawk, and she'd valiantly attempted to ignore his blatant stares. But she'd felt like the
proverbial moth drawn to a flame. Time and again, her attention had returned to the man sitting at the
bar.

On her way to the restrooms, she hadn't been able to resist walking past him for a closer look. When

he'd lifted his glass to her on the way back to her table, she'd nearly melted in a puddle. He was sexy
as sin in a dark exotic way. And he was older, more mature than the guys she usually hung around
with.

The song ended and the band took a break, but instead of leading Tori off the dance floor, he just

stood there, still holding her in his arms, staring down at her with a bemused expression on his face.

"And your name is?" he asked, studying her features closely.

Tori swallowed a lump in her throat and quickly licked her dry lips. She wiggled out of his

exhilarating embrace and stuck out her hand, trying to diffuse the hormone-laden situation, trying for a
lighter touch. "Victoria McCade. Tori for short. Nice to meet you, Sam Garza."

"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you." He took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips, placing a kiss

on the underside of her delicate wrist. His lips were warm and damp on her sensitive flesh as he

dragged them slowly across her skin.

Tori's breath hissed in a quick inhale, and she jerked her hand away. The intimate gesture caught her

by surprise. "Thank you for the dance," she said, rubbing her wrist with her thumb. "I really need to
get back to my table." She turned on her heel to make her getaway.

"Wait!" He clamped his hand around her arm, halting her abrupt departure. "What's the rush? Let me

buy you a drink. It's your birthday, right?"

"Well . . ." Tori looked toward the table in the corner where her friends waited. They were all staring

and grinning and giving her the thumbs up.

She groaned and Sam laughed. The sound reverberated inside and all around her. "See? Even your

friends approve." He moved his large hand to the small of her back. "One drink, Miss Victoria. After
that, I'll let you get back to your party."

"Sure. Okay." She narrowed her eyes at her friends, then allowed him to guide her toward the bar.

The touch of his fingers burned through the filmy material of her dress. "But please call me Tori. No
one calls me Victoria." Well, her mother did on occasion when she said or did something stupid or
out of line.

And Tori had the feeling she was doing something stupid right now by letting this particular man buy

her a birthday drink. He had to be close to thirty years old. She'd never been involved with an older
man. Never been this instantly attracted to a man before. The feelings swirling around inside her were
exhilarating, almost frightening in their intensity.

"Okay, Tori," Sam said, gently urging her forward through the crowd. "So, what'll it be? Let's make it

something special for the birthday girl."

Tori stopped dead in her tracks, and Sam bumped into her. His hand slid down the curve of her butt

and stayed there. Hot. Intimate. Oh my God. They were making their way through a sea of humanity,
yet her whole being focused on the man standing directly behind her, wreaking havoc on her
hormones. Her nipples tightened against the soft fabric of her dress.

She swallowed hard and glanced over her shoulder. "Listen, Sam. I've already had too much to drink

tonight; I don't need another one. I really should think about going home. It's getting late, and I have
class tomorrow."

"One drink, babe. I don't think I can let you go just yet. One drink, okay?" Sam spun her round, put

both hands on her hips and literally picked her up. She automatically grabbed his shoulders to steady
herself.

"Hey, what are you doing?" She stared down at him, relishing the feel of his strong hands on her body

and the sensation of her feet dangling in the air. Oh yeah. She'd definitely had too much to drink.

"I'm going to get us through this crowd so we can sit at a table and talk." Sam turned and set her down

behind him; the jostle of the crowd pushed them closer, and Tori blinked at the intimate contact.

Sam held her against him for a moment before grabbing her hand and turning abruptly away. He

pushed through the mob, and Tori had all she could do to keep up. He didn't stop until he found a table
near the bar.

"Here we go," he said, holding a chair out for her.

"Thanks." Tori sat down. The man had a way about him that was impressing the hell out of her.

Gentlemanly with the chair bit; dangerously hot and sexy with the whole picking her up on the dance
floor routine. She still felt the imprint of his big hands on her hips and butt. The imprint of his very
aroused body when she'd been shoved against him would be forever etched in her memory.

"How about a coffee?" he asked, taking the seat opposite.

"Coffee sounds good." Maybe the caffeine would sober her up a little. Obviously, she'd indulged in a

little too much birthday celebration.

"Coffee it is." He signaled a waiter and gave the order.

Now that they were seated and away from the crowd, Tori decided to relax and enjoy this little

birthday-wish interlude. It seemed surreal somehow, like a fantasy. Like Sam was a dark knight or
something. She shook her head. She'd had too many margaritas all right. Where was that coffee? It
couldn't get here soon enough, as far as she was concerned.

Sam leaned forward. "Do you come here often?"

Tori settled into her chair. "Yes. The Silver Spur is a regular UTD haunt. That's where I go to school.

But I haven't seen you here before."

Sam's brown eyes crinkled in amusement. "Is that a polite way of saying I'm older than the usual

crowd?"

"No, of course not." Feeling flustered, Tori resisted the urge to press her fingers to her warm cheeks.

"I didn't mean that at all."

"Good, I'm glad." Sam reached over and gently flicked her nose with a finger. Tori felt something

perilously close to an electric shock from the brief contact. Damn! She had thought that only happened
in the romance novels she loved to read. Had Sam felt the jolt, too?

He pulled his hand slowly away and cleared his throat. "I used to come here all the time. I went to

UTD myself. Of course, that was way back in the day." He grinned and Tori's stomach actually
dipped.

She took a deep breath to steady herself and leaned her elbows on the table, resting her chin on her

folded hands. She wanted to enjoy the intoxicating rush this man's mere presence engendered inside of
her. "Really? That long ago, huh?"

"Ouch." He made a face. "So, what's your major?"

"Veterinary Medicine. Or it will be. I'm taking the prerequisite courses right now, and then I'll apply

to A&M next year. I've wanted to be a vet since I was a little girl. I have one more year at UTD, then
four years of vet school."

Sam whistled under his breath. "Sounds like you have your work cut out for you."

"I do, but it'll be worth it. I can't imagine being anything other than a vet. I enjoy working with

animals. I volunteer at one of the animal shelters here in Dallas on weekends." She leaned back in her
chair while the waiter set down two steaming mugs of coffee on the table. She added cream, four

packets of sugar and stirred.

Sam smiled. "Hey, you want a little coffee with your sugar?"

Tori scrunched her nose at him. "It's what makes me so sweet. Shhh . . . it's a secret."

"Your secret's safe with me." He picked up his mug and took a drink, watching her over the rim.

"You're adorable, you know that?"

Tori managed a shrug. Those brown eyes were doing a number on her, and she was trying like hell

not to let it show. "Just what every woman wants to hear--that she's adorable."

"You're cute, too."

"Oh gee, thanks. That's so much better." She finished stirring her coffee, trying to still the flutters in

her stomach.

"And sexy as hell." His voice was low, intimate; his gaze hot, searing.

Tori's spoon clattered to the table; she snatched it up and carefully laid it aside. Dear God. The man

was moving fast.

She knew she was blushing, and she felt all trembly inside. "That's more like it," she said, forcing

herself to give as good as she got.

He raised his mug in a silent toast and smiled. "I call 'em as I see 'em, babe."

Tori sipped her coffee. It was good and hot, except it wasn't the coffee making her feel warm. It was

the way Sam Garza looked at her and called her babe and sexy. His deep voice slid over her, making
her want things she'd denied herself for so long. Well, not exactly denied; she just hadn't made time
for much of a social life since she'd started college. Keeping a high enough GPA for vet school kept
her super busy.

Her friend Raenell walked up to the table. "Hey Tori. Just so you'll know, we'll be leaving in ten

minutes. I'll gather your gifts and put them in the car." Her friend made no move to leave, but lingered,
looking from Tori to Sam, then back again.

Tori made the introductions, then scooted back her chair and stood. "I'll help you with the gifts."

"Wait." Sam rose to his feet and towered above them. The man was tall, dark and dangerous. "You

can't leave yet."

Raenell looked like she was going to burst from excitement. "All righty then," she said. "I'll go wait

for you by the table. Take your time; no hurry." She quickly turned away and headed across the room.

"I really do need to get going." Tori took a deep breath and stuck out her hand. "Well, Sam Garza. It's

been fun, but I'm going to call it a night. Thanks for the dance and the coffee."

Sam took Tori's hand and held it in his strong clasp. "Why don't you let me take you home? You're in

no condition to drive."

Tori shook her head. "I'm not driving this time. Raenell's the designated driver." She tried to pull her

hand from his, but he didn't let go.

"I'd like to see you again." His deep voice oozed over her, spreading heat through her veins, making

her insides go all bubbly.

"I don't know about that." Should she go out with him or not? She felt like she was standing on the

brink of a momentous decision that would affect her life forever. Don't be such a drama queen, Tori.
Sheesh, she really needed to go home and sleep off those margaritas. "I don't have much free time. I'm
pretty busy with my class load and the animal shelter and . . . stuff."

"You have to eat, don't you? Let me buy you dinner one evening." He smiled and squeezed her hand

tighter. "We'll go some place not quite so loud and crowded. We'll have a nice quiet dinner. I'd like to
get to know you better." His brown eyes darkened as they raked over her from top to bottom before
landing on her face again. His voice dropped an octave. "Say yes, babe. Just say yes."

The butterflies in her stomach twirled in loop de loops. Her heart beat a rapid staccato in her chest.

How could she resist that sexy smile? It was only dinner, for crying out loud. What could it hurt?

She squeezed his hand back and smiled. "Dinner sounds great. How about Saturday? Seven-thirty? I'll

give you my number."

"Excellent." Sam fished his cell phone from his pocket and keyed in the number Tori recited. "Okay,

got it." He pressed a few more buttons.

Immediately, her phone jingled in her own pocket. She grabbed it and read the text message: Happy

Birthday, babe. Her eyes shot to Sam, who stood staring at her with a heat so latent, so feral, her
stomach dropped to her toes.

He stepped closer, into her personal space. "I want to see the message."

Tori's breath rasped in her lungs. Dear God, the man was potent. "Why?"

"To verify that you gave me the correct number."

Tori swallowed the big lump in her dry throat. "Of course, I gave you the right number. Why wouldn't

I?"

He leaned in and the heat of his body nearly singed her. "Show me."

"Okay. Okay. See?" With a slightly trembling hand, she held her phone up so he could read the text

he'd sent her. "There, are you satisfied?"

"Far from it." He captured her wrist and tugged her even closer, effectively trapping her where she

stood, plastered to him like when they'd danced. He glanced at the phone's screen, then at her. "Just
had to make sure, babe. I wouldn't want you walking out that door and out of my life with no way to
contact you. I want to see you again . . . soon."

Tori inhaled a shaky breath, then let it out. "I want to see you again, too." The man was more than

potent; he was dangerously intense and attractive. She tried to pull her hand free, but Sam kept hold
for a moment longer before finally releasing her.

She stepped back, needing to put some distance between them. She was having a hard time thinking

straight when everything about Sam beckoned to her deep down inside. "'Bye, Sam. Call me to
finalize the time and place. You have my number. My correct number."

"Tori . . ."

"I really have to go." She walked away, wondering why it was such a difficult thing to do, knowing

without looking back that Sam's chocolate brown eyes were watching her every step of the way
across the dance club. Knowing she was in deep trouble. Very deep trouble.

***

"That man is dangerously hot," Raenell said to Tori, as she drove everyone back to their apartments

in Richardson. "You have to see him again. If you don't, you're insane. Those were some serious
sparks flashing between you two back there."

All the girls in the back seat agreed.

"He wants me to have dinner with him," Tori said, still feeling the aftershock from her encounter with

the man. "I gave him my number."

The inside of the car erupted with shrieks and squeals.

"All right, Tori!"

"Way to go!"

"He asked you out for dinner? WooHoo!"

"Yeah. Thanks for the support, y'all." The man hadn't asked; more like demanded. That was okay.

Tori had four older brothers who were used to getting their way. She could handle Sam . . . she
hoped.

"Oh my God, Tori! He wants to see you again," Raenell said. "That's awesome! An older man. I

saw him kiss your hand. How romantic." She let out a long sigh. Then all the girls sighed.

"Hey, it's only dinner." Tori shook her head at her friends' excitement. "The sparks might fizzle out

and end right then and there. You never know."

"Oh right, Tori. Give us a break." Raenell eased the car onto the freeway. "It would take a flash flood

to put out the fire in that man's eyes."

Tori hugged herself and smiled. Raenell was right. The man was dangerously hot. And he'd made no

secret of his desire. Just thinking about him shot a rush of heat through her veins. She was definitely
attracted to him. Leaning her head back against the seat, she willed her heart rate to slow down. It had
been pumping like crazy ever since he'd cut in on that dance and held her in his arms. She'd felt so
safe in his embrace, yet she'd also felt nervous, aroused, alive. More alive than she'd ever felt in her
life.

They dropped off the girls at their respective apartments, then Raenell drove them home. Her friend

glanced at her with a frown. "What's wrong? You don't seem very enthusiastic about seeing Sam
again."

It was Tori's turn to sigh. "I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. I'm not used to going out with

men I meet in bars. I'm not used to going out, period. You know I haven't really dated since high
school." And those dates had only been for school functions like prom and homecoming with boys
she'd known all her life.

"You know what your problem is? You study way too much," Raenell said. "You need to get out there

and have some fun. You'll just have to take it slow with Sam. It's like meeting people on the Internet.
First, you meet him in a public place. Get to know him better before--you know--telling him where
you live and being alone with him in private."

Tori smiled. "You sound like my mother."

"Well, excuse me. We have to look out for one another, don't we? There are some real wackos out

there."

"Don't worry, Mama. I'll be careful," Tori said with a laugh.

Her friend made a face at her. "Oh, cut it out. It's a jungle out there. You don't know what it's like."

Tori turned her head to look at her friend. "Unlike you?"

"Well, duh. I've got enough experience for both of us. And FYI, I scored a date with your dude's

friend."

Tori sat up straight. "Really? That's cool. We'll both have to be careful then, won't we?"

"Right." Raenell drummed her fingers on the steering wheel while she waited for the light to turn

green. "Did Sam happen to tell you he's rolling in dough? You hit the jackpot, girl! Tall, dark,
handsome and rich."

"Hey, it was only one dance--"

"And coffee. Don't forget the coffee."

"One dance and one coffee. That's all." Tori couldn't keep her heart from fluttering in her chest when

she thought of that dance they'd shared.

"So far! He asked you out, didn't he? He wants to see you again. Sam could be the one, Tori. He

could be . . . the one."

"Oh, my God, Raenell. You are such a romantic. Give me a break. I just met the man."

"But you clicked. I could feel the sensual vibes all the way across the room."

"Oh, get real. Did his friend . . . what's his name?"

"Joe Salinas. He's hot, too." Raenell sighed even deeper.

Not quite as hot as Sam though, Tori couldn't help thinking. "Did Joe tell you what Sam does for a

living? I didn't get a chance to ask. Someone interrupted us. Ahem."

"Hey, don't blame me. You're the one who insisted we leave at eleven-thirty. It's a school night, you

said. We can't stay out too late, you said. I have to get up for class, you said." Her friend snorted.
"Not that it would hurt you to miss a class or two. Not with your grades. You're so lucky."

Tori frowned. "I work damn hard for those grades, and you know it. Maybe if you studied a little

more, your grades would improve."

Raenell grinned. "Now, who's sounding like a mother?"

"Oh, shut up," Tori said with an answering smile. "Did you or did you not find out what kind of work

Sam does? And what do you mean he's rich? How rich exactly?"

Raenell shrugged. "He does something with computers. He lived in New York for a while; that's

where he made his money. He worked for one of those huge financial companies. I don't know how
much money he made, but Joe said he's rolling in it."

"I wonder why he left New York if he was making the big bucks?" Tori said, speculating on various

scenarios that could have caused Sam to move to Texas.

"I don't know," Raenell said. "Joe and I didn't spend all of our time talking about you and Sam."

"You like Joe, don't you? Are you going to see him again?"

"Maybe. I gave him my number. Whether he'll call is a different story. We weren't ready to tear our

clothes off like you and Sam were. But something definitely clicked." Raenell's eyes sparkled in the
dim interior of her old Honda, and then she paused a moment. "I wonder how long it'll take for Sam to
call you?"

Tori leaned back on the seat again. "I don't know. Maybe he won't call at all." And that would totally

suck, wouldn't it?

Raenell rolled her eyes. "Of course he'll call. That man has the hots for you, big time. He looked like

he wanted to gobble you up. Like he wanted to kiss you in places where the sun don't shine."

"I know, right?" Tori put her hand on her stomach to still the bouncing butterflies. "No one has ever

looked at me like that before." Just thinking of Sam Garza's dark brown eyes and the heat burning in
their depths made her begin to hyperventilate.

She knew she was completely out of her depth when it came to a man like Sam. He was older, more

experienced and mature; he'd been out in the real world for years. New York City. Holy crap.

There was also an air of mystery surrounding him. What exactly did he do for a living? Why had he

left New York? And why had he come back to Dallas?

Tori had always liked to solve puzzles. And Sam Garza was a seriously intriguing human puzzle. And

then there was the sexual chemistry arcing between them; it was both intoxicating and frightening.
She'd never felt anything like it before, and she'd be lying if she said she wasn't curious. She would
definitely like to explore it.

She was woefully inexperienced when it came to men, but she was twenty-one now, damn it. Time to

gain a little carnal knowledge. And Sam might be the man who could show her what it was all about.

If she were brave enough to try.

CHAPTER TWO

When Sam got home, he walked through the dark house to check on his mother. Even though it was

late, he needed to reassure himself she was all right. His father's sudden death two years ago had
taught him that life could throw you a hell of a curve ball. His mom's cancer had him rethinking his
whole existence.

Hell, he was only thirty-one years old. Way too young to be going through a midlife crisis.

"Baby, is that you?" His mother's voice sounded feeble in the darkness of night. She might be in

remission, but she was far from well. Pancreatic cancer was a real bitch.

"Go back to sleep, Mom. I was just checking on you."

"I'm fine, Sammy. Did you have a nice time? Did you meet any girls?"

Sam shook his head and grinned. Mothers. "We'll talk tomorrow. Get some rest. Goodnight."

He gently closed the door and made his way to his bedroom. The room he'd grown up in. The room

his mom had always kept ready for him even after he'd moved to the East Coast. His heart hung heavy
in his chest. Yeah, life had thrown him a couple of curve balls, all right. He missed his old man so
much, he ached with it. His dad had been the best.

Sam unbuttoned his shirt and caught a whiff of an enticing scent as he shrugged it off his shoulders. He

closed his eyes and held the shirt to his nose, inhaling deeply. Immediately, his body hardened as the
memory of dancing with Tori McCade invaded his brain. Damn, she'd felt good against him and
smelled even better.

Glancing at the clock, he let out the deep breath. It was after midnight; much too late to call a woman

you were barely acquainted with. He'd call her tomorrow and set up that dinner date.

He hoped she wouldn't change her mind once the alcohol had worn off. He wanted to see her again.

He needed to see her again, even if she was too young. He'd never been one to rob the cradle, except
he couldn't seem to help himself. Something about Miss Victoria McCade appealed to him on a deep
level.

He wanted to get to know her better. A lot better. He wanted to get her in his bed. While they'd been

dancing, that curvy little body had fit him perfectly. Teasing. Tormenting. Taunting.

Sam tossed his shirt on a chair and finished undressing. He made down the bed and climbed in. Oh

yeah. He wanted Tori McCade. He wanted her in the most basic primitive way.

Suddenly, he had the feeling life had thrown him another curve ball. Whether it would prove good or

bad, he didn't know. But he was more than willing to find out.

***

Tori stood at the bathroom sink, applying mascara, which proved to be a daunting task since her hand

was shaking like crazy. She'd thought Saturday night would never get here and all week long, she'd
been anticipating seeing Sam Garza again. He'd called the next morning after they'd met at the bar. His
voice sounded even deeper and sexier over the phone than in person. Her hormones had been running
rampant ever since.

She couldn't remember ever feeling this way before.

"Hey, Tori! You better get a move on." Raenell peeked into the bathroom. "You're running late."

"I know. I know." Tori slicked on some lip-gloss. "Did you find out where that sushi bar is? And can

you believe I'm going to a sushi bar?"

"It is funny." Raenell grinned. "You're such a picky eater."

Tori moaned. "What was I thinking when I said yes to a sushi bar . . . damn!"

"Well, I think it's great. You're spreading your wings. Trying new things. Sushi and Sam. What could

be better?" Raenell stepped into the bathroom, took the brush from the counter and pulled it through
Tori's long hair. "Think of tonight as an adventure."

"Yeah. It's an adventure all right." Tori inhaled deeply. "This whole thing with Sam has adventure

written all over it. Do I look okay?" She'd bought a new dress for the occasion. She'd never worn
anything so blatantly sexy before. It was backless and the red satin fabric outlined her breasts, the
short skirt hugged her thighs, tapering just above her knees.

Raenell set down the brush and smoothed the sleek fabric over one of Tori's hips, straightening the

skirt. "You look fantastic! Sam won't know what hit him. Now get moving. You don't want to be too
late."

"Right." Tori grabbed her bag and dug a hand around inside. She shook the bag, then dug some more.

"Oh my God! Where are my car keys?"

Raenell fished them from the bowl sitting on the end table near the couch. "They're right here. Calm

down. It's going to be fine. Try to enjoy yourself."

Tori took the keys and forced a smile. "Right. Wish me luck!"

***

When Tori walked into the lounge of the sushi bar, Sam rose to his feet and whistled under his breath.

He'd thought she'd been a knockout the other night at the dance club. Now she was absolutely stunning
in a close-fitting dress that showed her curvy figure to mouth-watering advantage.

Sam walked forward and took Tori's hand. "Hey, babe. I have to say you look absolutely gorgeous

tonight."

When she smiled, Sam's body flexed in response. Damn, he had it bad for this woman, and he hadn't

even kissed her yet.

"Thank you," she said. "You don't look half bad yourself."

"Thanks . . . I think." Just as he'd done when he'd first met her, he brought her hand to his lips. And

like before, the hitch in her breath did a number on his groin. What he desperately wanted to do was
gather her close and ravage her mouth, plunge his tongue inside her wet warmth and taste her. Sensual
images bombarded his brain when he thought about how he'd like to taste her all over.

Down Garza. First, they needed to get through dinner. And second, he needed to take this slow. Even

though Tori McCade might look sexy as hell, he sensed an elusive quality about her, almost a sexual
innocence.

"I have a table reserved for us." Sam splayed his hand on the small of Tori's back, right beneath an

expanse of bare-naked skin. His fingers sizzled from the contact.

The maitre d' led the way to a quiet little corner table and held the chair for Tori. Sam slowly moved

his hand upward and caressed her bare back, before forcing himself to relinquish her completely as
he took the seat opposite. A waiter stepped up to the table, handed them menus and took their drink
orders.

Tori looked around. "This is nice. But why aren't we sitting over there at the actual sushi bar?"

Sam spread his napkin over his lap. "The object of tonight's date is to get to know one another better.

Sitting at the bar would be like the other night. I don't want to compete with the crowd. A quiet table
is better for conversation."

"Yes, you're right. Good idea." She looked at him a moment, her blue eyes flashed, and Sam felt the

impact straight to his groin.

After the waiter brought their drinks, Tori took a sip of hers and looked over the menu. "I've never

been to a sushi bar. I'm afraid I'm not very adventurous when it comes to food." She bit her bottom lip,
as if she were confessing a great sin.

Sam smiled to put her at her ease. "You don't have to eat sushi. Order whatever you like."

"I should at least try it," she said, worrying that lip again. As he watched her teeth drag across her

bottom lip, anticipation coiled in his gut in a hot ball of need. How in the hell was he going to make
it through dinner without touching her?

He attempted to stay focused. Get your damn mind on the menu, Garza. "You can taste a bite of mine.

No problem," he said. "If you like it, we can share."

Tori smiled. "Sounds like a plan."

The waiter returned with a bowl of steamed edamame and took their orders. Tori delicately forked a

green pod and bit into it. She made a face and bravely swallowed it, then reached for her drink. "Ugh!
What is that?"

Sam chuckled. "It's edamame. Soybeans. You're not supposed to eat the pod. Here, watch me." He

took a pea pod and squeezed the bottom, popping a bean into his mouth. "See? Now, you try. I'll start
one for you. You have to pinch just right or it doesn't work." He handed her another green pod and
squeezed one end before relinquishing it.

Tori looked at it skeptically before popping the bean into her mouth. She chewed slowly, thoughtfully,

then nodded. "Not bad." She grabbed another pod. "I can't believe I bit into it like that. You see what I
mean when I say I'm not an adventurous eater?"

"Don't feel bad. Lots of people make that mistake. The important thing is: Do you like it?" Sam

couldn't resist and leaned toward her to gently touch the tip of her nose just as he'd done the night he'd
met her. When her eyes flared, he brushed his finger down her cheek to the corner of her mouth. Her
lips trembled, and she blushed. After a moment, he finally released her from his hold.

"Do you like it, Tori?"

Was he asking about the beans or his touch? Tori definitely liked his touch. Their gazes locked, and

she lost herself in his dark brown eyes. Damn, he had gorgeous eyes. Her heart beat out of sync when
she registered the level of heat in them.

She knew her face must be flushed, and she tried desperately to suck air into her lungs. After a

moment, she broke eye contact and reached for another bean pod. "Let me try it again," she said, "and
I'll give you my verdict."

Pinching the bottom like Sam had shown her, she successfully popped three beans into her mouth, all

the while extremely conscious of the man's full attention on her. He was more handsome than she'd

remembered. So big. So sexy. So male.

"Well?" he asked, searching her face as if he were delving into her soul.

Tori swallowed the beans, hoping they wouldn't stick in her throat. She didn't know why, but Sam

Garza had a devastating effect on her system. She'd never been reduced to a quivering mass of nerves
like this. "They're delicious."

"See? That wasn't so bad now, was it?" Sam sat back as the waiter set their plates on the table. "Bon

appétit!" He unwrapped his chopsticks and dug in.

Could she feel any more awkward or out of place? She'd never gotten the hang of chopsticks. She

didn't want to appear clumsy or gauche in front of Sam. She'd already embarrassed herself once this
evening. She didn't need to do it again.

Thankfully, the waiter had left a fork and knife beside her plate. Tori picked up the fork and speared a

nice plump shrimp fried to perfection. She closed her eyes and almost moaned with delight. Oh yeah.
That was more like it.

"Good, huh?" Sam said, a hint of amusement evident in his voice.

Tori's eyes popped open, and she felt her cheeks go red again. Damn it. She really needed to get her

act together here. She speared another shrimp. "Very good. I love shrimp."

"Great. And in keeping with your adventurous spirit tonight, why don't you try the sushi?" Sam offered

her a piece of raw fish with his chopsticks. "Come on. You might like it."

Tori eyed the sample with trepidation. "I don't know, Sam."

"One bite, babe. Just one bite." He waved the chopstick closer to her mouth and lowered his voice.

"Come on, sweetheart. Give it a chance. You won't know if you don't try."

Tori looked at the sushi, then at Sam. His gaze was intense and his words seemed to hold a deeper

hidden message. Or was she just imagining that? The heat radiating in his eyes ignited a fire in her
blood. The way he called her sweetheart and babe made her heart pound painfully in her chest. One
thing she knew for sure, she was fast succumbing to his formidable charm.

"Okay. Let me have it." Tori leaned forward and opened her mouth.

Sam hesitated a fraction of a second, holding the chopsticks halfway between them. "I'll let you have

it, all right. And I won't make you beg . . . this time," he said softly, intimately.

Tori groaned inwardly. When would she ever learn to think before she spoke? And how was she

supposed to eat with her stomach fluttering like crazy?

Sam fed her the sushi and held her gaze as she slowly, determinedly chewed. She'd eat the damned

stuff if it killed her.

"What do you think?" he asked.

Tori swallowed and grabbed her drink to wash the fishy taste out of her mouth. "I think I'll stick with

the shrimp."

Sam nodded and returned his attention to his own plate. "Fair enough. At least you tried."

"I'm on an adventure, remember?" She picked up her fork and speared another delectable shrimp.

Sam smiled that lethal smile of his. "I'm glad you're sharing it with me."

"I'm glad too," she managed to say. Sam's smile shot a burst of adrenalin through Tori's system. She

felt as if she were indeed on an adventure, exploring new territory, going to a place she'd never gone
before.

***

Sam took a sip of his favorite after-dinner drink. The orange-flavored liqueur slid smooth and warm

down his throat. He looked across the table at Tori McCade who was staring at him all wide-eyed,
focusing all of her attention on him. The neckline of the red dress was cut low and every now and
then, a glimpse of satiny cleavage played havoc with his libido.

He adjusted his butt on the hard restaurant chair, wishing he could adjust another part of his anatomy

that had been in a painful state of arousal ever since she'd walked into the restaurant.

"So tell me more." Tori dipped her spoon into the chocolate brownie concoction she'd ordered for

dessert and lifted it to her lips. Lips that Sam was dying to taste.

He set his brandy snifter down, keeping a tight grip on it. "There's not that much to tell really. After

grad school, I packed up my stuff and headed to New York."

Tori sighed. "I've never been to the East Coast. The biggest cities I've seen are Dallas obviously, and

Houston where I used to enter calves in the Junior Live Stock Show when I was a kid. That's how I
decided on veterinary medicine. The vets at the show were amazing. The clinic back home is owned
by Doc Pritchard, and he's actually become my mentor. He's my greatest supporter and wants me to
take over his practice after I get my degree."

Tori held his eyes as she smiled at him. Sam loved the way she talked. The energy radiating from her

was intoxicating, addictive. Her voice came alive when she spoke about the things she loved . . . and
he decided he wanted to be one of the things she was so impassioned about.

"Tell me about New York," she said, taking a bite of her dessert. "How did you like it?"

"It was great at first." Sam tapped his glass with an index finger. "You know, the hustle and bustle of

the Big Apple and all that. So many people jam-packed in such a small area. You can almost feel all
the hearts beating and the churning mass of humanity. I can't describe it. It's very different from the
wide-open spaces of Texas. I was in culture shock for the first two or three months I was there."

Tori smiled. "I'll bet. I can't even imagine. The hustle and bustle of Dallas sometimes weighs me

down. I get so homesick for the Double Mountains and the Diamondback Ranch. That's my family's
land where I grew up. It's midway between Abilene and Lubbock. When I'm here in Dallas, I miss
being able to see for miles and miles all the way to the horizon with nothing but cotton fields and
pastures as far as the eye can see." She ate another spoonful of her chocolate brownie, leaving a few
small crumbs at the corner of her mouth. Her tongue shot out to lick it away, but she didn't get it all.

Sam watched her mouth and couldn't resist. "Here, let me help." He reached over and took her chin in

his hand and wiped the smudge clean with his napkin. Tori stared at him out of those big baby-blues,
and he felt it like a sucker-punch to the groin. He rubbed his thumb on the smooth skin of that firm
little chin, not wanting to let go.

"Sam?" Her voice sounded breathless. He could certainly understand; he felt like he couldn't breathe

at all.

"Yes?" he asked slowly, intent on the feel of her soft skin beneath his fingers. Wondering if the rest of

her body would feel as smooth and creamy.

"Did you get it all?"

"All of what?"

"The crumbs." Tori pulled back and patted her lips with her own napkin to finish Sam's handiwork.

"Thanks."

"No problem." Only it was. He was too attracted to her. He couldn't start something with a girl as

young as Tori McCade . . . She was too innocent when it came to men. There were too many blushes
and no feminine wiles. Maybe Joe was right. Maybe he was too used to the more sophisticated
women in New York.

Except how the hell was he supposed to resist?

"So you miss the ranch and the wide-open spaces." Sam sat back quickly and took hold of the brandy

snifter again, anchoring himself on his side of the table. "You're a real cowgirl at heart, aren't you?"

Tori nodded and picked up her spoon again. "Pretty much. I can't see myself living anywhere but Salt

Fork. It's home, you know? There's just something about Texas."

"I sure missed it while I was living up north. You can take the man out of Texas, but you can't take

Texas out of the man."

"That's what they say." Tori smiled and pointed her spoon at Sam. "Anyway, I have another year at

UTD, then four more at Texas A&M. If I get accepted into their vet school."

"Why wouldn't you?"

"It's pretty competitive. Tell me more about New York. You said you suffered culture shock?"

"Yeah, but it didn't take long to acclimate myself. There's a magnetism, a charm to New York that

draws you in. I was lucky enough to land a challenging job that kept me on my toes. I found a nice
little apartment at a reasonable price, although it was still expensive by Texas standards."

"What exactly did you do?"

"I worked on the computer end for one of the big financial companies. I wrote code and helped

revamp some of their systems."

"And the money?" Tori slapped her hand across her mouth and groaned. "I can't believe I said that.

I'm sorry. It's none of my business."

Sam chuckled. "No problem. The money was great. It was even better when I moved to a trading

desk. I made good money and managed to save quite a bit, despite the high cost of living."

"Didn't you miss your folks?"

"Yes, but I've always been independent. I flew home for the holidays just like I did during grad

school. That didn't change when I moved to the East Coast. A couple of times, I flew my parents to

New York for a visit. They really enjoyed the trips. For five years, life was good. Life was very
good."

Sam swirled the liqueur in the brandy snifter, watching the light play on the orange liquid. He didn't

like to think about the clunker life had thrown him back then. He really didn't like to think about the
latest clunker, either. It was better not to think at all. Safer. Easier. That's why he kept so busy. So he
wouldn't have to think.

Tori reached out and touched his hand. Her dainty white fingers looked incongruous against his

darker skin. "What happened?" she asked softly.

Sam kept his gaze on her fingers. "Two years ago, my dad died of a sudden heart-attack. I was

twenty-nine years old."

Tori's fingers closed over his, and she gave him a comforting squeeze. "I'm sorry, Sam. That must

have been very tough. I never knew my dad. He died when I was a baby. My mom says all of my
brothers are the spitting image of him, so she has a constant reminder of the love she shared with
him." She laughed a little self-consciously. "I'm sorry. We were talking about you, and I hijacked the
conversation. Please, go on."

"That's okay. You're allowed. I want to know more about you, too."

"Yes, well . . . " She tried to pull her hand away, but Sam grabbed hold, not wanting to break contact.

Something about Tori was stirring strange feelings in him. Desire of course, that was a given. But he
felt a connection with her that he'd never felt for another woman.

Which was ridiculous. They were barely acquainted. This was their first date. He couldn't feel

anything for her this fast. Could he?

"Is that why you moved back to Texas? To be near your mom?" Her voice held sincere interest and

concern; her eyes glimmered with sympathy and understanding.

"Yes and no." He finally let go of her hand and took a sip of his drink. "After Dad's funeral, I thought

about moving back to Dallas. But Mom insisted she would be okay, that I had my own life to live.
That my father would have wanted me to continue as before."

Even now, it hurt too much to think about.

"I felt guilty returning to New York. I felt like I was abandoning my mom. I threw myself into my

work. That's when I moved to the trading desk. Working a trading desk on Wall Street is extremely
profitable, like I said. But the stress level is exceptionally high. Burnout is definitely a job hazard.
And I was burning the candle at both ends. Working twelve-hour days. Work, work, work."

Tori pushed her empty dessert dish away. "So, you decided to call it quits and move back home?"

"Yeah. My mom called me one night, crying. She'd been feeling tired and run down for weeks. She'd

thought it was because she was still grieving for my dad. They loved one another deeply. Then she
told me she had gone to the doctor for a check up. She'd undergone a battery of tests. The news was
the worst. She had . . . has pancreatic cancer."

"Oh, Sam. I'm so sorry. How's she doing? Is she better now?"

"She's recovering from surgery and seems to be in remission, but there's no telling how long it will

last or if the cancer will come back. She's still weak and fragile. But every cloud has a silver lining
as my mom always says. Everything usually works out for the best. She's really glad I was able to
come home to be with her."

Tori smiled. "Your mom sounds like an amazing woman."

Sam nodded. "Yeah. I really lucked out in the parent department. Anyway, I had been thinking about a

career change even before my dad passed away. I'd become a stressed-out workaholic. Work was my
whole life. When my dad died, it made me rethink everything. I wanted to go home to Texas. I wanted
to find a less stressful job, something that didn't require a lot of brain-drain. A job that would allow
me more time for living a life outside the office."

"Wow, Sam. Is that what happens when people approach thirty? They re-evaluate their life choices?"

"I don't know," he said. "It certainly happened to me. Anyway, my mom's illness was the wake-up call

I needed. Lucky for me, I wasn't hurting for money, so I quit my job, packed up everything and
returned to Texas, where I knew I really belonged."

He shook his head. "Don't get me wrong. I loved New York, but it wasn't home. And here I am. Six

months later, eating dinner with you. Life doesn't get much better than this."

Tori lowered her eyes and blushed. Sam loved it when her cheeks grew pink. She fiddled with the

dessert spoon. "You've been through a lot," she said, raising her eyes again. "Are you working now?
Did you find that ideal job?"

Sam took another sip of his drink. "I took a couple of months off to help my mom get through chemo.

Truth is . . . I can't stay away from programming for very long. I get antsy and go stir-crazy.
Fortunately, a couple of friends asked me to help out with their start-up. They create and develop
digital games, and I do the programming. It's the perfect set-up. I can work from anywhere."

"That sounds like another silver lining to me." Tori placed her napkin on the table beside her empty

dessert bowl. "You get to do something you enjoy, and you can work from home and be close to your
mother."

"Yeah, it's worked out well." He became silent for a moment as he studied her across the table. "Let's

get out of here," he said, tossing down his own napkin. "We can go for a walk. There's a park a
couple of blocks away. Are you finished? Do you want anything more?"

"No, I'm good. Thanks for dinner. I really enjoyed it."

"The pleasure was all mine."

Tori smiled a secret sort of smile. "No, not all of it."

"No?" He signaled the waiter for the check.

She shook her head and her blue eyes sparkled like sapphires. Sam felt the familiar tug of desire once

again. The woman had his libido stirred up to a frenzied heat. If he didn't kiss her soon, he was going
to go crazy for sure.

***

Tori walked beside Sam in the late August evening, the slight breeze warm on her face. Eight-thirty

and the sun had almost finished its descent below the western horizon. The temperature had fallen to a
pleasant eighty degrees. Still warm, yet perfect for an after-dinner stroll. The park was nearly
deserted, and the trees and bushes and flowers were awash with the golden glow from the setting sun.

Tori followed Sam's lead to the gravel pathway that passed through sculpted hedges and formal

flowerbeds toward a children's playground, his hand on the small of her back. His touch sent sparks
of awareness sizzling through her system.

The feelings churning inside her were strange and wonderful and frightening. She'd never felt this way

about a man before. She wondered what it would be like when he kissed her. She knew without a
doubt he wanted to kiss her. And she wanted to kiss him, too, but she was afraid.

As they neared the empty playground with night falling around them, Tori felt compelled to put some

distance between them. She broke free and moved toward the swings, where she sat on one, careful to
keep her knees together. Her dress wasn't meant for swinging.

Sam leaned against one of the thick wooden posts supporting the swing set and fort and watched her.

Like he'd been watching her all through dinner. As if he wanted to consume her very soul.

"You going to swing in that dress?" he asked, his voice low and hushed in the summer twilight.

Tori swallowed and lifted her chin. "I was thinking about it."

He raised one dark eyebrow. "You might want to reconsider."

"Should I?" For some reason, Tori felt the prickles of defiance rise up against that lightly veiled

challenge. She gripped the chains and backed herself up, standing with the swing in position ready to
launch.

"Yes, you should." Sam's mocha-colored eyes moved from her face down the path of the low-cut

neckline of the silky red dress, over her breasts, where his gaze lingered a moment, making Tori's
nipples bead in response to the thoroughly masculine appraisal. Sam's eyes shot to her face again,
holding her captive, before continuing his thorough perusal of her body, all the way down to her
strappy sandals, then slowly back up again.

Good lord, the man was lethal. Tori struggled to draw in a breath. She had more than a sneaking

suspicion she was playing with fire when it came to Sam Garza.

He flashed that special smile, the one that played havoc with her nerve endings. "On second thought,"

he said, "how about a push?"

"Sure. I'd like that." Why had he suddenly changed his mind? She searched his rugged face, looking

for what . . . she didn't quite know.

Anticipation made her throat go dry. Would he take hold of the chains of the swing or put his hands on

her body to give her a push? She really needed to get a grip on her hormones. They'd never run this
rampant before. Somewhere deep inside, Tori felt a wild, untamed passion clawing its way toward
the surface to break free.

Keeping his eyes locked on hers, Sam leisurely pushed off the post of the swing set with one booted

foot and walked until he stood directly behind her. Her heart revved up a notch when his big strong
hands settled on her hips. His fingers burned through the thin silky fabric of her dress. For a minute,

he just stood there with his hands on her, his thumbs smoothing over her hips in slow, unhurried
circles. He kissed the top of her head and slivers of desire flooded her body, making her want
something more.

"Ready?" Sam's hot breath scorched her ear. Everything about Sam Garza made her hyper-aware of

his powerful masculinity and accentuated her own femininity.

Not trusting her voice, Tori nodded and felt herself being lifted upwards and back. The pull of gravity

vied with the strength of Sam's muscles. He'd wedged his hands between her bottom and the plastic
seat in order to get a good hold of the swing.

Tori held onto the chains with tight fists trying to grapple with the overwhelming sensations generated

by the feel of his hands so close to her core. Time stood still for a moment, as Sam held her
suspended above the ground as if demonstrating that he was the one in control. She'd never thought
something as simple and ordinary as swinging could turn into such a sensual experience.

When he finally let go, she was propelled forward--not too high, not too fast--in a gentle swoosh of a

wide sweeping arc. On the return trip, Sam pushed both the swing and her butt, propelling her
forward again.

She crossed her legs at the ankles to maintain her modesty, especially since every touch of Sam's

hands on her butt generated far-from-modest feelings inside her body. Pretty soon, Tori gave herself
up to the pleasure of swinging. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been on a swing. Holding on
to the chains, she leaned back, pointing her toes toward the darkening sky. This time on the return
swoop, Sam pushed her on the shoulders, and Tori laughed as she swung higher still.

She leaned way back and right before she began the downward descent, she could see Sam waiting

for her, his smile flashing again in the twilight. Before she knew what he was about, he rushed in and
grabbed hold of the chains directly above her fists to slow her down, cushioning the abrupt halt of the
swing's arc with his hard body aligning itself with her backside.

Tori's breath stalled in her lungs as her bare back lay nestled against Sam's solid-muscled chest. She

felt his lips on her hair, his kiss burning her scalp. Hot prickles of desire infused her blood, and she
couldn't help tilting her head forward, wanting to feel his lips on her skin. He was quick to oblige,
trailing kisses across the nape of her neck and collarbone. She held the chains in a death-grip, and
Sam slid his hands over hers, covering them in a none-too-gentle grasp.

Suddenly, he twirled her around to face him, the chains crossing above her head. She felt like a

captive animal, tangled in a trap. Tori looked up at him. He really was a brutally handsome man, his
features hard as granite. She fleetingly wondered how a man who looked so fierce, so feral, could
scatter such gentle kisses across her sensitive skin. How a man who had uprooted his whole life so he
could help his sick mother--how could such a man look at her with such intense yearning? Such hot
passion?

Sam's eyes dilated beneath heavy lids. He bent toward her, stopping only millimeters from her mouth.

His breath was hot on her lips. Tori's stomach dipped in an alarming manner.

"I'm going to kiss you." His voice was rough with desire. "I've been wanting to kiss you from the first

moment I saw you at the bar."

He grabbed her wrists and pulled her from the swing. Tori's knees threatened to buckle, but Sam

steadied her while dragging her beneath the wooden play-fort and slide. They were shielded from
view, standing together in the small enclosed area where escaping him would be impossible. Not that
she wanted to be anywhere but here.

He yanked her into his strong arms and gathered her close. He was warm and hard and very aroused.

Before Tori could say or do anything, his mouth crushed down on hers in a hungry savage kiss.

CHAPTER THREE

Sam swiped his tongue against Tori's cherry-ripe lips demanding entrance and immediately, she

opened to him. He plunged into her hot wet sweetness.

Tasting, testing, devouring.

He dove his fingers into the glorious mass of golden curls, holding her head still as he plundered her

mouth. He felt her arms move to wrap around his waist, her small hands grabbing his shirt at the small
of his back. He willed her to move her hands lower, or better yet, move them round to grab hold of
his hard aching shaft. His body flexed against the zipper of his slacks, yearning for a woman's touch.
This woman's touch.

He trailed kisses along Tori's jawline, bit her earlobe, nipped then sucked the sensitive skin of her

collarbone. He felt a moment of satisfaction when she tightened her arms around him and wiggled
closer. Oh yeah. He kissed his way back to her lips and thrust his tongue inside her heat again.

Immediately, Tori latched onto his tongue and sucked hard. Sam thought he would explode right then

and there. It had been too long since he'd been with a woman. Yet it could have been yesterday and it
wouldn't have mattered; he wanted Tori, and no one else would do. His body was like a stick of
dynamite just waiting for a spark to ignite the fuse.

And Tori was the one to provide the spark; she was generating enough heat to send them both up in

flames. And this was only their first kiss.

Damn!

Sam gripped the back of Tori's neck at the nape, holding her in place. With a hand not quite steady, he

traced a finger down that enticingly low neckline, over the rise of one rounded breast, touching the
pebbled nipple, cursing the layer of clothing keeping him from naked woman flesh.

Tori's quick inhale of breath inflamed Sam's body to an almost unbearable pitch. He was burning up.

He pushed the red silk downward and bared one pretty breast. Sam kneaded the firm round flesh,
weighing it in the palm of his hand, circling the taut nipple, rubbing the turgid peak between his index
finger and thumb.

Tori broke the kiss, and sagged against him, gasping for breath. "Oh God, that feels good. Don't stop.

Don't ever stop."

Sam's hand continued the sensual torture. "Don't worry, babe. I'm not about to stop."

Tori's head fell back and she opened her eyes wide. "Oh God. I said that out loud, didn't I?" She tried

to pull out of his embrace, but Sam tightened his grip and smiled.

He kissed the tip of her nose, the corners of her bewitching mouth. "I thought you didn't want me to

stop." He searched the ocean depths of her eyes, watching for her reaction as he continued caressing
her breast.

Ever so slowly, he slid his hand down the length of Tori's lithe supple body, relishing the curves of

her slender waist, the fullness of her hips. He eased his way to her back and clamped his hand on her
tight little butt, pulling her flush up against him. He deliberately nudged his erection against her
stomach, and he swelled even harder when she closed her eyes on a moan.

Sam bent his head and kissed her again, this time seeking a deeper connection, a more intimate

penetration. His tongue thrust in a primal rhythm, mimicking the sensual act of making love.

Tori wound her arms around Sam's powerful neck and gave herself up to the sensations flooding her

system. All rational thought left her brain as she focused on the pleasure of this man's kiss. This man's
touch.

Sam Garza made her want things she'd only dreamed about.

A siren blared in the distance, breaking the sensual spell Sam had woven around them. He'd encased

them in an invisible cocoon, cutting them off from the everyday surroundings of the very public, albeit
deserted, park.

Sam ended the kiss and gently tugged Tori's dress back in place, his fingers fumbling a little over the

task. "Oh babe, I want you so bad you have me shaking. We've got to stop, or we're going to end up
naked." His hand lingered on her breast, his touch tender and warm, his dark eyes languid with pent-
up passion.

He exhaled a deep breath and kissed her forehead one last time. "Okay. Enough. If we don't stop now,

I won't be held accountable for my actions." Resolutely, he set her away from him, but kept his hands
on her shoulders.

"And that would be a bad thing?" Tori focused her attention on standing on her own two legs, hoping

they would hold her upright. Sam's strong arms had supported her during their earth-shattering kiss.
She was glad he'd kept his big hands on her shoulders, helping her to find her bearings, because the
world was floating around her in an ethereal cloud; the only reality was Sam right here, right now.
She'd never felt anything remotely like this before. Then again, she'd never been kissed like that,
either

His hands tightened their grip on her. "It wouldn't be a bad thing," he said. "Just a little premature.

Yes, I want you. And now I know you want me. But neither of us wants to rush into something . . .
complicated."

"Right. We don't want complicated." She couldn't afford complicated, but Tori still felt dazed and a

little hurt that he could dismiss the kiss so easily.

Sam put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. "You okay?" His dark brown eyes held

concern and worry.

No, she was not okay. It was her turn to take a deep breath. She blew it out slowly. "Yes, of course.

I'm fine." She adjusted the crumpled red silk over her breast, then smoothed her hand down her
stomach and hips trying to straighten her skirt. How could she have let him practically undress her out

here in the park? Thank God, he'd pulled them beneath the wooden play-fort, away from prying eyes.
Although, the park seemed deserted. Thank God for that, too.

Tori summoned a smile even though she was having such a hard time figuring out how the kiss had

escalated so quickly. She licked her lips and tried not to let Sam realize how affected she was by his
touch. He didn't want complicated, so she would try like hell to keep it simple. "I'm fine, but . . .
wow." When his eyes continued to hold hers, she felt a ribbon of need cascade through her
bloodstream.

"Yeah. Wow." Sam placed another quick kiss on her forehead, then stepped away from her, stuffing

his hands in the pockets of his slacks. As if he didn't trust himself not to reach out and take her in his
arms again.

Would she have had enough strength to resist? Resisting had never been a problem before.

Tori had to admit, she wouldn't mind continuing where they'd left off. She wouldn't mind taking that

kiss to the next level. She'd never gone beyond second or third base with a man. The fact that she was
twenty-one and still a virgin . . . it was almost laughable.

Except she wasn't laughing. All the boys she'd dated--which, by the way, she could count on two

hands with several fingers left over--those boys had either been life-long chums, or they'd turned out
to be first-class jerks.

No one had ever affected her like Sam Garza did. She'd never met anyone quite like him.

It wasn't much of a stretch to imagine making love with Sam. She didn't know why exactly, but she felt

safe with him. Vulnerable, yet protected. It was hard to explain. She hadn't been the slightest bit
embarrassed when he'd partially undressed her. Even now, thinking how quickly things had escalated,
she wasn't embarrassed by the intimacy, only by the fact that he'd been the one to call a halt.

Under Sam's gentle guidance, Tori was certain she could explore uncharted territory and discover

what being a woman was all about. She knew instinctively that she could trust him with her body.

Now whether she could trust him with her heart was an entirely different matter. He was right when

he'd said neither of them wanted to start a relationship that might become complicated. Tori had to
focus on getting into vet school. She couldn't get sidetracked. But Sam Garza sure tempted her to take
a walk on the wild side.

He quirked a grin. "Yeah, that kiss spiraled into the stratosphere really fast. The chemistry between us

is very strong . . . and that's a very special thing. Believe me, very rare and very special."

Sam watched Tori finish the task of straightening her dress and finger-combing her hair. She looked at

him with eyes still heavy with desire. "It was special, wasn't it?"

He very nearly grabbed her again, but stood his ground. The chemistry between them was more than

special, more than awesome. "Yeah, babe. It was."

Hell, they'd only shared the one kiss, and he was still trembling with a need so strong he ached with

it. Even now, hot blood raged through his veins, protesting the suppressed passion throbbing in his
groin, begging for release. Inside his pockets, his hands curled into fists.

Tori pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and inhaled deeply. Sam couldn't keep from gazing at the

rise and fall of her chest. Her lips trembled in a smile. "I . . . I think it's time to call it a night. I need to
get home. I have a mountain of notes to study for a test on Monday, and I'd like to get an early start
tomorrow."

"You really are a serious student, aren't you?"

"Yes. Everything rides on good grades, if I'm going to get into A&M. It's one of the best vet schools in

the country. And only the best will do for me."

"Only the best, huh?" He flicked her nose with a careless finger.

Her blue eyes glittered in the fast-gathering darkness of night, and she raised her chin a notch. "You

bet."

Sam extended a hand toward the young woman looking at him so intently. "I'll walk you to your car,

and on the way, we'll discuss when I can see you again."

She raised her eyebrows. "I thought we weren't going to start anything that could get sticky and

complicated."

"We're not, but I do want to see you again." Sam laced their fingers together as they walked back to

the restaurant where they'd parked their cars. "So we'll just have to keep it simple, now won't we?"

***

Two weeks passed before Tori and Sam found time to go out on another actual date. They talked on

the phone and texted every day and snuck in a few lunches together.

Sam's mother had started another round of chemo, and that kept him busy chauffeuring her to and from

the hospital. The rest of the time he was taking care of her. Tori really admired how he never
complained, how he joked about things, how he managed to wring a little joy from the whole sad
experience. His mother had taught him well about finding that silver lining.

For Tori, the semester was turning out to be a bitch. She really had to hit the books hard. There was a

lot at stake, a lot riding on this semester. She had to get accepted to A&M. Impossible to think
otherwise.

It was Raenell who arranged the next date between Tori and Sam. After that initial meeting at the

dance club, Raenell and Joe Salinas had really hit it off. They were going after it hot and heavy and
often.

Raenell was much more experienced than Tori when it came to men. She flitted between them like a

butterfly searching for nectar. She didn't sleep around exactly. She optimistically embarked on
monogamous relationships with guys, yet they never lasted more than several weeks or a few months.
Once she'd dated a guy for a whole year, but that had been in high school.

Tori and Raenell had been best friends since they'd shared a dorm room their first year at UTD. Tori

didn't know why they'd hit it off, since they were poles apart in personalities, but Raenell was
proving to be a true and loyal friend. Their differences were what made their friendship interesting
and special.

Tori sat on her bed with her laptop, reading over an assignment for her biology class.

"Knock, knock!" Raenell gave a perfunctory knock on Tori's door before coming in and flopping

down on the end of the bed. "Guess what?" She had a big smile on her face, and her green eyes
twinkled merrily.

"I don't know. What?" Tori saved the file and closed the laptop. Conversations with Raenell were

never short; the girl did love to talk.

Raenell twirled a long tendril of auburn hair around her finger. "Joe and I are going to White Rock

Lake on Saturday. And you and Sam are going, too."

Tori blinked. "We are?"

"Well, Joe and I hope y'all are. Joe's going to call Sam, and I'm inviting you. We'll take a picnic lunch

and watch the boats, play a little Frisbee, walk around the arboretum. Come on, it'll be fun. You've
been studying way too much. You need to get out in the fresh air. Soak up a little sunshine. You told
me you liked Sam, but you've only gone out that one time."

Tori set the laptop on the bedside table. "I do like Sam. I like him a lot. We've both been busy, that's

all. And I told you, we don't want to rush things."

"What the hell, Tori! It's been two weeks, more than two weeks, since you went to dinner with the

guy. I'd say your relationship is moving along slower than a snail's pace. It won't hurt to have another
real date. Let's see . . . a real date twice a month. Surely, that's not rushing things even for you."

Tori's cell phone buzzed. She picked it up and glanced at the name. Her stomach dipped in that now

familiar way whenever she talked or texted with Sam. "It's him."

Raenell hopped up from the bed. "Hot damn! He must be free on Saturday. Now don't you dare put

him off, Tori. You and I've never double dated before. Just wait and see. It'll be fun."

***

White Rock Lake was situated in the very heart of Dallas, Texas. Tori had never been there. She'd

been meaning to go, but had never made the time. Now she was looking forward to not only seeing the
lake and the park surrounding it, but her heart thumped wildly with the prospect of spending the day
with the handsome, sexy guy she hoped to God she wasn't falling in love with.

She didn't have time to fall in love or to be in a serious relationship. She had her future all mapped

out, planned to the nth degree. Sure, she wanted to get married some day and have a couple of kids.
But that would happen sometime in the far distant future, after she'd finished school and established
herself as the resident veterinarian in Salt Fork.

Sam and Joe picked up the girls in Joe's truck. When they pulled to a stop outside the apartment

building, they got out and Joe texted they'd arrived.

"Hey, good-looking!" he called to Raenell, as she and Tori ran down the steps to meet them. "How's

about a little kiss?"

Never one to bother with hiding her feelings, Raenell launched herself at Joe, who caught her to him

and swung her off her feet, kissing her soundly.

Tori stared at her friend who stood lip-locked with Joe Salinas near the pickup, then shot a peek at

Sam to gauge his reaction to such a public display of affection.

He walked over, stopped in front of her and smiled. Her stomach clenched with yearning. The

sensation was getting stronger every time she saw him.

"If only I had Joe's way with women," he said, shaking his head. He bent down to give her a quick

kiss, and Tori's heart flip-flopped. Sam looked deeply into her eyes. "Oh, what the hell?"

He pulled her close and kissed her like a starving man. Tori could totally relate to the feeling. She

wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back, suddenly glad she'd agreed to Raenell's plans.
She resolutely pushed away her worries about school to the back of her mind. She would try to relax
and enjoy an afternoon spent with the utterly delectable Sam Garza.

And delectable he certainly looked. She'd thought him ruggedly handsome in jeans and cowboy shirt

at the dance club. He'd been even more attractive in slacks and a button-down when they'd dined at
the sushi bar.

Today, he was dressed in cargo shorts that hinted at his powerful thighs. His muscular calves were

shown to their naked perfection, and his black t-shirt strained taut against his broad chest and biceps.
He was an absolutely gorgeous specimen of a sexy male in his prime.

Her insides went all mushy.

Sam hugged Tori, burying his nose in her hair, inhaling her delicious scent. The past couple of weeks

had been hectic. He'd been in constant attendance on his mom driving her to all of her appointments.

When his mother found out about the proposed outing to White Rock Lake, she insisted he go and

spend time with Joe and that new girl he'd had told her about when he'd tried to keep her mind off the
chemo treatments. That had pretty much backfired on him, because now his mother wanted to meet the
girl one of these days.

Sam had never been the martyr type, and he would have stayed with his mother if she'd really needed

him; that was the main reason he'd returned to Texas. Before he left, he'd made certain she had
everything she needed for the day. He kissed her pale cheek, preparing to leave. "You sure you're
okay with this? You're still pretty weak from the chemo yesterday. Maybe I should stay home."

Mary Garza squeezed her son's hand and smiled up at him. She was lying on the couch, covered with

a colorful afghan, a glass of juice on the table, her e-reader at the ready. "I'll be fine, Sammy. Go and
have fun. It's a beautiful autumn day. Enjoy."

With his mother's reassurance, Sam had to be satisfied. He fully intended to enjoy the afternoon with

Tori. He'd been dying to see her again, aching to hold her in his arms. He'd replayed that kiss they'd
shared at the playground over and over again in his mind. And he'd been dreaming erotic dreams at
night.

And now here he was, holding Tori close, kissing her, relishing the taste of her, her beautiful scent,

her enthusiastic response to his embrace.

She was wearing short shorts, a yellow halter-top and flat strappy sandals. Her toes were painted

pink and her wild golden hair was gathered in a ponytail high on her head. She looked mouth-
wateringly fresh and she was his for the day.

He couldn't resist another kiss, and she was more than willing. He pulled her flush up against him and

savored the feel of her breasts against his chest with only two thin layers of cloth separating them. His

body went on high alert.

"Okay, folks! Break it up! Break it up!" Joe said, clapping his hands together.

"Oh, Joe," Raenell said with a laugh. "They're getting reacquainted. Give them a moment, will you?"

"Hey, we're burning daylight here, sweetheart. I don't want to get caught in the traffic. Come on,

Garza. There'll be time for smooches later. We need to get going."

Sam broke the kiss, but kept his arm around Tori's shoulders. "Who made you camp director,

Salinas?"

"I did. Now shut up and get in the truck." Joe closed the passenger door on Raenell, who was riding

shotgun. "Let's get a move on."

Sam opened the door for Tori, and she climbed in, settling herself across the bench seat next to the

other door. Sam climbed in after her and patted the space next to him. "Come on, babe. Sit next to
me."

Raenell looked toward the backseat and sighed. "For crying out loud, Tori. Don't be so dense. You're

in the backseat. You get to sit close. Honestly! Sometimes, I think you're a hopeless case." She rolled
her eyes and faced forward again.

Tori's blue eyes shot daggers at her friend. "I'm not dense. I was letting Sam get in and situated.

Sam grinned. "I'm all situated. Come on over." He patted the seat beside him again.

Tori returned his smile and scooted to the middle. She grabbed the seat belt and fumbled with it,

trying to fasten it with little success.

"Want some help?" he said, his fingers itching to touch her. He could feel the heat from her body, but

it wasn't enough. Their kiss had whetted his appetite for her. He had to have more.

Tori glanced up. "No, thanks. I'll get it."

Well, hell. He couldn't stand it. "Here, I'll do it." He reached over and buckled her in, his fingers

making contact with hers, sending a jolt of electricity surging between them.

Tori gasped as she stared at him, and he couldn't resist. He kissed her hard on the mouth before

straightening to an upright position.

He threw his arm across the back of the seat and let it slide to rest against Tori's shoulders. Her bare

shoulders. The yellow halter-top she was wearing teased him, made him edgy. Her short shorts
showed off her long tanned legs to advantage. A mental image of those gorgeous legs wrapped around
him ignited a flame in his already heavy groin.

He pulled Tori closer until their bodies were plastered together from shoulder to thigh. He leaned

close and whispered in her ear. "I've missed you, babe. You would not believe how much I've missed
you."

Her smile was tremulous, her body tense. "I've missed you, too."

Sam's heart constricted in his chest. Her innocence was compelling, completely addictive and it went

to his head faster than a straight shot of tequila. Was she a virgin? The thought should have made him

want to run for the hills. Instead, a fierce urge to possess and brand her as his rose up from deep
inside.

He took her small hand and threaded their fingers together, bringing them to his lips. Her breath

hitched in her throat just as he remembered from before.

Oh yes. Miss Victoria McCade was definitely irresistible. And he was a dead man.

***

Tori sat on the old quilt that Raenell had spread on the ground for their picnic. They had all enjoyed a

lunch of cold fried chicken, bread and pickles. The meal had naturally been informal, filled with
light-hearted raillery and friendly insults zinging between Joe and Sam.

The men were obviously close even though they seemed to be polar opposites. Joe was the

quintessential extrovert, making jokes, ribbing his buddy, being the life of the party. Sam was quieter,
more private, more intense. Tori had to give him credit though; he gave as good as he got.

After they'd finished their picnic lunch, Joe and Raenell volunteered to take the cooler of leftovers

back to the truck so the food wouldn't spoil in the hot September afternoon. Joe had issued a challenge
of a Frisbee match between Raenell and himself against Tori and Sam. Tori hoped she wouldn't
embarrass herself; she wasn't very athletic.

Hugging her knees to her chest, she wiggled her bare toes against the soft worn material of the quilt.

She looked out across White Rock Lake at all the motorboats and sailboats floating on the crystalline
water. "I can't believe I've never been here before. It's really gorgeous."

She glanced over at Sam. He was lying flat on his back, his hands clasped behind his head, gazing at

the big blue Texas sky. He was so good-looking, he made her heart squeeze in her chest.

As if suddenly aware of her eyes on him, he turned his head in her direction. He smiled that sexy

smile of his; the one that was beginning to imprint itself on her brain. The one that made her want to
toss away her books and focus on the man, start a relationship with him and experience life to its
fullest. To find out what it meant to be a woman in the most basic sense.

"I used to come here with my folks when I was a kid," Sam said, his voice deep and low. "Mom

would pack a picnic basket, and my old man would bring his rod and reel. God, he loved to fish. In
the spring, we'd fly kites. We'd add rolls and rolls of string, tying notes on the line, seeing how high
we could make our kites go in the sky. It became a yearly ritual."

Sam's smile faded and the light in his brown eyes dimmed. It was if the memories hurt even as they

recalled happier times. Tori's heart ached for the man. She had a strong urge to touch his jaw to offer
comfort. But she didn't have that right, didn't know him well enough. Yet.

She settled by leaning over and placing her hand on top of his. "You still miss your dad, don't you?"

Sam's gaze locked on hers. "Very much. He was the best."

"Tell me about him. What did he do for a living?" Tori asked. "And did your mother stay at home or

did she work, too?"

Sam reached up and touched Tori's cheek with a gentle finger. "Dad was a mail carrier, and Mom

worked in the cafeteria at my elementary school." He traced her jaw and her collarbone and her bare

shoulder. She trembled beneath the caress. He talked while continuing the exploration over her
sensitized skin. "We never lacked for the basics in life, but money was always tight. They encouraged
me to do my best in school, so I could apply for scholarships."

"And did you?" Tori's voice was barely a whisper as the impact of Sam's touch robbed her of breath.

"Yeah. I went to UTD on a full scholarship, then I received a good offer to do my grad work at UT

Austin." His finger smoothed down her arm and when he came to her hand, he held it in his again.

"And then you moved to New York?" She liked how her hand felt in Sam's strong clasp. She was

afraid she liked it too much.

"Yep. And now I'm back in Texas. And with my mom so sick, I'm glad to be in a position where I can

take some time off."

"Hey, Garza!" Joe called out. "Get up off your lazy ass. Let's play some Frisbee."

Sam smiled a crooked smile, squeezed Tori's hand, then let go. He jumped to his feet to face his

friend. "I'm ready when you are, Salinas!"

With Raenell in tow, Joe stood at the quilt's edge. "Prepare to meet your doom, buddy."

"In your dreams!" Sam jerked his black t-shirt up over his shoulders and head, baring his expansive

chest to Tori's very interested perusal. Even Raenell's eyes widened in appreciation as she looked
from Sam to Tori. Her friend gave her an almost imperceptible nod of approval.

Right. Tori scrambled to put her sandals back on while the two men talked trash. She exchanged an

amused look with Raenell and shook her head.

"I hear you," Joe said with a smirk. "I know from past experience that you're all talk, Garza. Want to

put your money where your mouth is?"

Sam stood nose to nose with Joe, punching his friend's chest with his index finger. "Right here, right

now, buddy. Loser buys dinner; winner chooses where."

"Deal." They shook on it. "Let's go." Joe stalked away, Frisbee in one hand, Raenell's hand in the

other. Tori grinned at the funny face Raenell shot her as she hurried along by Joe's side.

"Ready to play a little Frisbee?" Sam offered Tori a hand, pulling her to her feet and into his arms. He

stole a quick hard kiss, before releasing her. "That's for good luck." He grabbed her hand and jogged
after Joe and Raenell who were heading toward a large expanse of grass closer to the water's edge.

"We're going to need it," Tori muttered softly, trying desperately to regain her breath. Kissing Sam

without his shirt on, being held against his bare chest like that, had nearly made her swoon.

Swoon? Nobody swooned nowadays. She'd definitely been reading too many romance novels lately.

Except there was no doubt that she had felt faint.

Tori did her best to keep up with Sam's long-legged strides. She couldn't stop her gaze from

wandering over his tanned arms and shoulders, or the muscles rippling across his strong bare back.

Damn! She was going to need a lot more than mere luck it if she was going to survive this

relationship. Because whether Tori wanted to admit it or not, she was already involved in some kind
of relationship with Sam Garza. Something about him definitely got to her. Not only on a sensual

level, but on an emotional level, as well.

How could such a strong man look so lost and vulnerable when he talked about his mother's illness or

the dad he still missed? And how could she resist such a man?

CHAPTER FOUR

The Frisbee challenge turned into the Frisbee fiasco, as far as Tori was concerned. Joe and Raenell

won hands down.

"You owe me dinner, Garza," Joe said. "Next Saturday night. You, me and our two gorgeous ladies

here. We'll make a night of it."

Sam slapped his friend on the back. "Sounds like a win-win proposition to me, buddy."

"I'm the winner, Garza. And don't you forget it."

"Go to hell, Salinas."

"I'll be right behind you, dude. Giving you a friendly push."

"Hey y'all, why don't we walk around the lake, then go see the arboretum," Raenell suggested. "Tori

and I've never been. I hear it's pretty awesome."

"Lead the way, my lady." Joe made an exaggerated bow, as if he were a knight addressing a fair

maiden.

Raenell grinned, shot Tori a mischievous look, then started off toward the walking trail.

"Hey, wait for me!" Joe called, running to catch up.

Sam shook his head. "I think Joe's finally met his match."

"I could say the same for Raenell." Tori gazed after the departing couple. "They definitely make an

interesting pair."

"Not as interesting as us." Sam took hold of Tori's hand, brought it to his mouth and kissed her

knuckles, making her breath hitch.

They walked at a slow steady pace, keeping Joe and Raenell in their sights, yet maintaining a good

distance behind them. For several minutes, they walked in companionable silence, hand in hand,
soaking up the sunshine and the scenery.

Sam had stuffed a napkin-wrapped piece of bread in his pocket, and he and Tori fed the ducks. They

talked about everything and nothing. The afternoon passed quickly, and Tori couldn't remember when
or if she'd ever enjoyed herself on a date as much as she had that day with Sam.

***

The next Saturday evening, Sam picked Tori up at her apartment and headed toward downtown

Dallas, where they were meeting Joe and Raenell at the exclusive five-star restaurant Joe had chosen
for his winner's prize.

"I'm so sorry I made you lose," Tori said, for like the umpteenth time.

"It won't be a problem. Believe me, I can afford it."

"But Joe shouldn't have picked one of the most expensive restaurants in Dallas. I thought he was your

friend?"

Sam hunched a shoulder. "That's Joe for you. He never likes to let me forget that--quote, I made it big,

unquote--in New York. It's not like he's hurting for money. He owns his own construction company."

Sam exited the freeway and continued, "It's not the money that bothers me. What bothers me--and

bothers is really too strong a word for it--what irritates me is that I'll never hear the end of it. Joe
does like to rub his victories in my face."

Tori crossed her arms over her chest. "Still, it doesn't seem fair. You were handicapped with me as

your partner."

Sam laughed. "No one would think they were handicapped with you for a partner, sweetheart.

Whether they were playing Frisbee or anything else, for that matter."

"That's very nice of you to say. But there's no getting around the fact that I dragged you down." Tori

cut those baby blues at Sam and offered him a smile.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He certainly wouldn't complain if she dragged him down .

. . like to bed. If he didn't do something about all of this sexual tension soon, he just might explode.

"It's all in fun, sweetheart. Let it go and enjoy."

***

Tori leaned her head on Sam's chest, her ear nestled right above his heart, enjoying a slow sultry

dance with the man who was turning her world upside down. Of course, she'd heard and read about
love at first sight, but she'd never really given it a thought one way or another in regards to her own
life.

Until now.

From the first moment she'd set her eyes on the tall, dark and handsome man at the dance club, Tori

had a feeling something momentous had occurred. And after the kisses they'd shared, she was certain
of it.

The music spun a sensual web around them; the low, dimmed lights helped add to the romantic

ambiance. Tori closed her eyes and focused on the pressure points where Sam's big hands touched her
body. Focused on the friction of their bodies rubbing against one another in time to the music. It felt so
good, so right, she wanted to purr with pleasure.

Sam Garza was a serious, responsible man. She admired how he'd moved back to Texas to be with

his mother in her time of crisis, practically giving up the life he'd made for himself in New York.
Although he denied it, she knew it had been a big sacrifice for him.

Tori couldn't help but be thankful that he had left New York. Otherwise, she'd never have had the

opportunity to meet him and experience the earth-shattering chemistry they shared.

It wouldn't be long before they would take their relationship to the next level. Tori blew hot and cold

when she thought about making love with Sam.

After they'd enjoyed a lovely celebratory dinner, and yes, Joe had rubbed Sam's nose in it, Raenell

suggested they go dancing. Of course, Joe knew just the place. Different from the dance club where
they'd all met each other for the first time almost a month ago. Classier. More romantic, Joe said with
a waggle of an eyebrow.

So here they were, swaying to the jazzy blues melody, making their own kind of music, fanning the

flames of the smoldering passion burning between them.

With each move of the dance, Tori felt Sam's hard body press against her. She hadn't had time to buy

another dress, so she'd worn the red backless satin she'd bought for their first date, hoping Sam
wouldn't mind seeing it again so soon. The light in his eyes and the appreciative smile on his lips
when he'd picked her up assured her he didn't mind in the least.

"Hey, beautiful." The deep baritone washed through Tori's system, making her almost lose her step in

the dance.

She lifted her chin, determined to at least try to appear in control of herself, instead of slowly going

out of her mind with the fierce yearning need swirling low in her body. "Hey, yourself."

He kissed her forehead. "You know what this dress reminds me of?"

"A playground fantasy?" Tori could feel the heat stain her cheeks. Damn her unruly tongue.

Sam's rich laugh rumbled in his chest. "Well, I wasn't going to put it quite like that, but yeah. It

reminds me of our first date and that kiss under the wooden fort. I want to kiss you again. Just like
that." He bent closer to whisper in her ear. "I want to do a whole lot more than just kiss. I'm burning
up for you, babe. I want you . . . I need you."

Tori swallowed hard. "I want you, too."

Sam's arms tightened their hold around her, pressing her even closer to his aroused body. "Let's get

out of here. I want to be alone with you."

Tori glanced over her shoulder at Raenell and Joe; they were plastered against each other, dreamily

dancing, oblivious to everyone and everything around them.

Sam touched her cheek and forced her to look at him again. "I can't take you to my house. Not with my

mom there. I could get a hotel room . . ."

"No!" Tori shook her head. She didn't want her first time to be in a strange impersonal hotel room.

She took a deep breath for courage. "Raenell's spending the night with Joe. We can go to my place."

In fact, Tori had cleaned the apartment from top to bottom in preparation. She'd put fresh sheets on her

bed. She'd bought candles to help set the mood, and to be on the safe side, she'd actually bought some
protection, too.

She and Sam had been on several dates--well, if you didn't count this one, they'd only had two actual

dates; the dance club didn't really count, neither did the several lunches they'd shared during the past
month or so.

No matter, the latent passion smoldering between them had burst into a conflagration of burning

desire. Tori had known Sam wouldn't be content with sharing only kisses for much longer. Hell, she
wasn't content with them any more, even though the kisses were toe-curling, stomach-twisting, heart-

pounding and hot.

Sam stopped dancing and stared down at her. Tori returned the stare, determined to be mature about

the whole thing. Had he guessed she was still a virgin? And more importantly, would he see it as a
good thing, as if she were giving him a special gift?

His eyes held hers in a look as old as time itself. Tori's stomach turned somersaults. Another couple

bumped into them as they stood together in the middle of the dance floor. Sam grabbed her hand and
pulled her back to their table. "I'll tell Joe we're leaving. Wait right here."

Tori watched him make his way to where Joe and Raenell were still dancing in their own little

world. Sam tapped Joe's shoulder and his friend stopped dancing. He continued holding Raenell in
his arms, while he listened to what Sam was telling him.

It wasn't long before Sam came striding back toward her. Tori picked up her small purse, gripping it

in her suddenly sweaty hands. This was a big step for her, inviting Sam to her apartment.

"Let's go." He took her elbow in a warm clasp and guided her out of the club and into the night.

Tori felt like he was leading her into a future that would never be the same.

***

Sam pulled into a parking spot beside Tori's car outside her apartment building. The drive from

downtown Dallas to Richardson had only taken twenty minutes or so. Tori had kept pretty quiet
during the trip. Every time he glanced her way, her head was averted and she was twisting her hands
nervously in her lap.

"Here we are." He got out of the car and came around and opened the passenger side door.

Tori jerked back to consciousness from a dreamlike state. She blinked up at him and worried her

bottom lip with those perfect white teeth. She looked so young, so innocent. So sexy. He wanted her
with an almost frightening intensity. The need to possess her was driving all rational thought from his
overheated brain. He needed her to relax and trust him so he could sink inside her. Because he
couldn't wait any longer.

Whoa, Garza. Don't get ahead of yourself.

He looked down at Tori, who made no move to climb out of the car. She looked very unsure of

herself. He couldn't deny it any longer. He'd bet good money she was still a virgin.

She had to know what it meant to invite him to her apartment; she wasn't that young. For some reason,

she was willing to let him be her first. The knowledge that she was giving up her virginity to him was
humbling and only made the desire to possess her that much stronger. It also spurred a desire to
protect her and keep her safe.

His gut clenched with violent need. She was twenty-one years old, damn it. She was old enough, and

she was willing. Or she would be willing once he set her at ease. Besides, her virginity was mere
speculation on his part. And he wasn't going to do anything without her full consent and cooperation.
No matter how much he wanted her.

First, he needed to get her out of the car and inside her apartment where he could try to calm her

nerves. Maybe he should take a cold shower first, because one smile on those sweet lips and he might

jump her bones before he could think better of it.

That's how much he wanted her. He couldn't remember ever wanting a woman this bad.

Sam leaned his arm on the top of the car and bent down to look at Tori. "Aren't you going to invite me

inside?"

She turned wide blue eyes on him. Trepidation and anxiety shone in their depths.

"Look, babe," he said softly. "Why don't you make us some coffee? We can talk. See where this leads.

I promise not to do anything you don't want. Yes, I want you so much I ache with it. But we don't have
to rush things."

He offered his hand, and after a slight hesitation, Tori took hold and he helped her out of the car.

She gave him a tentative smile. "I don't know why I'm acting so wimpy. I'm usually not like this at all.

It's just when I'm around you, I start acting all . . . weird." She dug in her purse for her keys. "I don't
know why you've bothered to stay around this long."

Sam had to grin. "You're not weird, and you're not a wimp. I've stayed around because I like you, I'm

attracted to you, and I want you in bed."

Looking like a deer in the headlights, Tori's hand froze above her opened purse, the keys dangling

from her fingertips. "Right. You want me in bed." Her voice was low and breathless.

Sam didn't know what he'd do if Tori put him off tonight and refused to make love. He was already

about to explode. Taking the keys from her limp fingers, he jabbed one in the lock and walked inside,
giving the apartment a quick scan for intruders. Oh yeah. He had it bad for this woman. Acting all
protective and everything. He held the door open for Tori to follow.

She flicked on the lights, set her small purse on a table and stood in the middle of the living room,

looking nervous and almost frightened. "Do you really want coffee? Or were you just being nice?"

Sam placed the keys next to her purse and walked across the room to where she stood, her blue eyes

wide, her chest rising and falling as she tried to steady her breathing. He felt like a large panther
stalking his prey. He needed to get her to relax; he needed to cool his jets. He didn't want to make her
more nervous than she already was.

"Babe, I don't want coffee. All I want is you. We need to talk first, though."

She frowned. "You want to talk? Now? What about?"

He took her hand and led her over to the sofa near the windows. He sank onto the cushioned seat and

pulled her down beside him. He kept hold of her hand and looked deeply into her eyes. "I'm just going
to come right out and ask: You're a virgin, aren't you?"

Tori stiffened and tried to pull her hands from his clasp, but he wouldn't let her. "Well?" he

demanded.

She looked down at their entwined hands. "Is it so obvious?" Her voice was soft and hushed.

Sam's heart constricted painfully in his chest. The overwhelming sense of protectiveness washed over

him again, adding a wallop of heat to the coiled desire riding low in his groin. "Oh, babe. It's not like
it's a bad thing or a disease. I'm glad you want me to be your first. Honored, in fact. Although, it does

put a certain amount of responsibility on my shoulders."

Tori's head snapped up. "What do you mean? What kind of responsibility?"

Sam pulled her closer and held her in his arms. He smoothed some wispy tendrils of golden hair from

her forehead. "It's up to me to make sure it's good for you. I wouldn't want you to be scarred forever,
now would I?"

Tori smiled a genuine smile and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I don't think there's much chance

of that. I've never felt this strong an attraction before. I want you to make love to me. I do want you to
be my first."

She leaned close and kissed him. Her lips were soft and smooth, the pressure gentle, seeking. He

allowed her to kiss him at will, enjoying her cautious exploration.

When she tightened her arms around him and slipped her tongue inside his mouth, Sam couldn't stand

it any longer and took control, sweeping his tongue against hers, sucking, tasting, savoring.

Burying his fingers in her hair, holding her in place with one hand, he angled his mouth and took the

kiss deeper, doing a little exploring of his own. Her honey sweetness exploded on his taste buds and
his body flexed in response. Tori moaned and tangled her tongue with his, wiggling closer. Driving
him insane.

Sam pushed her back against the sofa cushions and lay on top of her, leaning most of his weight on his

elbows, nestling his arousal between the apex of her thighs. He wanted to nurture Tori's desire, and
make her ache with need, just as he ached. He kissed her cheeks, her nose, her jawline. He tugged on
her earlobe and nibbled. Her breath hitched, her arms tightened around him.

He raised his head and traced the low neckline of the dress with one finger, caressing the soft skin

beneath the silky red fabric. "Do you know how much I love this dress? Remember the park?"

Tori opened her passion-glazed eyes and blinked at him. "The park?"

"When I pulled the dress down, like this?" He matched his action to his words and softly kneaded the

round firm flesh of one exposed breast. "This is what I was dying to do that night." He bent down and
took her into his mouth and swirled his tongue around and around the base of the taut nipple. He
licked and blew, watching Tori to gauge her reaction.

She closed her eyes on a groan and arched her back into his caress. With both hands, she thrust her

fingers into his hair and clutched his head to her chest. "Oh God, Sam. Oh, my God."

He gently squeezed her breast, causing the nipple to surge upward. He hovered his mouth over the

tight bead and the aureole, his lips barely touching skin, his hot breath teasing, taunting.

Tori's head fell back as she arched even more. "Sam . . . please!"

"What do you want, babe?" He touched the nipple with the tip of his tongue, a light flicker, a quick

retreat.

She clutched his head tighter, wiggling to get closer, straining upward. He moved his arm to the curve

of her back, urging her to arch higher toward his lips, keeping his tongue hovering above the nipple.
Another light flick and her body quivered in response. "Is that what you want?"

She bucked her lower body against his, bumping his groin. "Yes . . . God yes!"

Sam huffed out a hot breath over the sensitized flesh, waiting half a second before pulling the nipple

fully into his mouth. He laved the bead gently at first, licking and blowing, but when Tori increased
the pressure of her fingers on his scalp, he sucked hard and fast.

He crushed her body into the soft cushions of the sofa, seeking to ease the throbbing in his groin. He

jerked the neckline of the red dress out of the way, exposing Tori's other breast and applied the same
exquisite torture.

Tori trembled beneath Sam's hot mouth, raking her fingers through his dark hair, relishing the feel of

his mouth on her breasts, his weight bearing down on her. Never in her wildest dreams had she
imagined she could feel so much pleasure, so much passion. And they weren't even naked yet.

Sam raised his head and his chocolate brown eyes were heavy-lidded with smoldering desire. He

scooped her in his arms and started for the hallway, only to stop short. "Which room is yours?" His
voice was hoarse, the muscles in his chest and arms sharp against her body.

Tori clasped her arms around the powerful neck and swallowed hard. "Second door on the left." Her

own voice sounded winded, like she'd just run around the block. Her heart thumped madly, her body
yearning for Sam's kisses and touches and more.

Sam walked into her darkened bedroom and set her gently on the bed. The feel of the made-down

covers beneath her butt, the intimacy of being alone with a man in her bedroom quickly brought the
reality of the moment front and center.

She was taking a gigantic step in her life, letting Sam take her virginity. Most of her friends had done

the wild thing years ago, but Tori had never met anyone she liked well enough to go all the way.

She'd waited a long time, and she wanted the momentous occasion to be special. Wonderful. Perfect.

She scrambled up off the bed and snatched the lighter from the bedside table. She faced Sam who

stared down at her with a question in his eyes. He really did have the dreamiest eyes. She could lose
herself in them, in him, if she weren't careful.

She cleared her throat. "I bought candles. I . . . uh . . . had a feeling we'd end up back here tonight. I

thought candles would help set the mood." She glanced at the big man standing in her small bedroom.
Now his gorgeous eyes crinkled at the corners in amusement. Could she sound any lamer? Her cheeks
must be turning as red as her dress. She really needed to get a handle on the situation before she acted
like a complete fool.

Sam stepped closer and took the lighter from her trembling hand. "I'll do the honors." He gave her a

quick kiss on the lips, then lit the candles on the nightstand. The small flames leapt to life, casting
shadows on the walls, the curtains, and the bed.

He tossed the lighter on the nightstand and took Tori in his arms. "Better?"

She nodded and tried to smile, but she'd crashed down from the sensual cloud Sam's hot kisses had

spun around them back in the living room.

Maybe this was all a huge mistake.

She almost jumped out of her skin when Sam put his finger beneath her chin. He tilted her head to

look at him. "Relax, babe. I promise not to go further than you're comfortable with. I know this is a
big step for you. I'll keep you safe. We'll take it slow."

He pulled her flush against him, wrapping her in his warm embrace, nudging her with his lower body,

succinctly proving his point. He kissed the top of her head and held her a moment, rubbing one big
hand up and down her spine in a soothing motion, holding her head against his chest. His heart beat
strongly beneath her ear, just as it had when they'd danced at the club earlier in the evening.

Tori pushed her worries to the back of her mind and focused on the man standing in her bedroom with

his arms around her, making her feel cherished, helping to make her first time special, patiently
soothing her fears.

She inhaled Sam's woodsy aftershave, allowing the musky scent to envelop her senses. For reasons

she couldn't fathom, it just felt right to be with Sam. True, she didn't know him all that well, yet what
she did know had earned her admiration and trust. He was a good man, trying to make the best of the
situation with his mother's illness. Trying to grab a little happiness with Tori, of all people. She'd
tried to warn him about her inexperience, but he'd brushed it aside, taking no heed.

Thank goodness.

Inhaling another deep breath, Tori lifted her head and looked up at Sam's rugged face. She searched

his eyes, satisfied with what she saw, then stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on those sensually
sculpted lips. His arms tightened around her and he deepened the kiss, plunging his tongue inside her
mouth, absorbing her essence, seemingly starving for the taste of her. As she was starved for him.

Her stomach dipped in a shocking manner; her body trembled with desire.

Oh yes. Being with Sam felt absolutely right. He'd told her he'd keep her safe, and she believed him

with all her heart.

He abruptly broke off the kiss and cupped Tori's cheek with a gentle hand. "All better now?"

Tori nodded. She tried not to think about the fact that she was losing her heart as well as her virginity.

She clasped her hands behind his neck, pulling him down for another searing kiss. Just for tonight, she
would give herself over to this man. She wouldn't worry about tomorrow or next week or next year.
She'd focus on right here and right now, in her bedroom with Sam Garza.

CHAPTER FIVE

Sam eased Tori backwards until she was standing against the side of the bed. Her kisses were sweet

and hot, and it was all he could do not to throw her down on the mattress and have his way with her.
Only he couldn't. Not yet.

He had to get them both naked. He had to gently seduce her, make her wild for him, make her wet and

slick and pliable so he could ease himself into her without hurting her any more than necessary.

He didn't want to hurt her, either physically or emotionally. He'd never taken a virgin before, and the

thought of being Tori's first lover filled him with a savage sense of possession. Male pride.
Neanderthal satisfaction.

Sam unzipped the red silky dress, soothing Tori's muffled demurral with more kisses. "Easy, babe,"

he said, keeping his voice soft, rubbing the bare skin of her back with fingers not quite steady.

Damn. It had been too long since he'd had sex. It was going to take all of his willpower and control

not to jump the gun.

He could do this. He would do this. He'd make it good for Tori. He had no doubt it would be good for

him.

With both hands on her shoulders, Sam eased the dress downward, letting it fall to the floor in a

puddle of fabric. "Step out of your shoes."

Tori pulled back, instinctively covering her bare breasts, trying to focus her desire-laden eyes on him.

"My shoes?"

"Don't hide yourself from me. And don't be embarrassed. You're beautiful. So damned beautiful." He

took her hands and placed them on his shoulders, then bent down and kissed each breast.

Tori's grip on his shoulders tightened. "Oh God, Sam. I don't think I can stand up when you do that to

me."

He chuckled and straightened. "Well, we need to get rid of your shoes . . . Never mind. I'll do it." He

knelt down, removed her shoes and pushed the dress away from her feet and out of the way.

Leaning back on his heels, he encountered the sexiest little lace panties he'd ever been privileged to

see. The filmy material revealed tantalizing glimpses of woman flesh. The hot sweet scent of female
seduced his nostrils and his groin.

Sam glanced up at Tori, who was watching him with wide dilated eyes. Grasping the backs of her

thighs, he bent forward and kissed the intimate folds of skin beneath the lace. Tori gasped and
stiffened. In shock? In pleasure?

"Sam?" Her voice held surprise and a little curiosity.

"It's all right, babe. Concentrate on the feelings. I've got you."

"Right. Concentrate." She threaded her fingers in his hair, and he could tell she was consciously

trying to relax.

Going too fast, too soon, Garza. Tori was a virgin, damn it. He needed to slow down.

Continuing his northward journey over her exquisite body with his lips, Sam kissed her navel,

dipping his tongue inside the small indentation, enjoying the mewling sounds deep in Tori's throat, her
fingers gripping his scalp more tightly.

He nuzzled the valley between her breasts, kissing the firm flesh. Immediately, she arched her back.

He licked and suckled, squeezed and kneaded.

Reaching down with one hand, Sam cupped her mound and rubbed the sensitive flesh. The delicate

lace panties were hot and wet. Tori strained against his mouth on her breast and his hand between her
thighs. He almost lost it then and there. She was so responsive to his touch. He wanted her so badly
he was dying a thousand deaths.

Sam slowly stood and took hold of Tori's slim bare shoulders, bending to snag her mouth in another

savage kiss. He lowered her to the mattress, following her down, never breaking contact with her

lips.

After a few minutes of scorching kisses, she pulled back and smiled, her blue eyes glittering like

sapphires in the candlelight. Little Miss Innocence mixed with sultry temptress; the combination
sucker-punched him in the gut.

Tori touched a finger to his cheek, slowly trailing it down his jaw and his neck to the collar of his

shirt, and lower over the placket and buttons. "One of us is overdressed." Her low breathy voice
licked him in the groin.

Sam grabbed her hand and kissed the palm. "I didn't want to startle you. You're positive you want to

do this, right? I have to warn you; there'll come a point where it'll be almost impossible for me to
stop. I'm not saying I can't; but it would be very hard. I don't want to hurt you."

Tori smiled, and she bumped her lower body against his suggestively. Oh yeah. She was a temptress

all right. "It certainly is very hard and very . . . big," she said. "I'm not going to change my mind. I
trust you, Sam. You're doing everything right. And you're making my first time very special. Thank
you." She kissed his chin and wiggled against him again.

Sam gripped her hips to still the movements. "You're killing me here, babe."

Her beautiful smile widened. "Then that makes two of us. Take off your clothes, mister."

He kissed her hard on the mouth and moved off the bed. "Yes, ma'am."

Tori felt vulnerable sitting on the bed with only her panties on. She grabbed the sheet to hold against

her breasts and ignored Sam's raised eyebrow at the movement. Well, damn. She was a virgin, after
all. This was all new territory for her. She still couldn't believe she was as good as naked and about
to watch Sam undress before her very eyes.

She gulped down a lump in her throat. Maybe she wasn't as ready as she'd thought. Slanting a glance

at Sam's face, she almost melted under the tender concern softening his hard features mixed with a hot
dose of desire glittering in his eyes. "Don't look if you're too embarrassed," he said softly.

She raised her chin. "I'm not embarrassed." Liar. Thank goodness her voice didn't give her away.

Sam stared at her a moment, disbelief evident on his face. Without another word, he began

unbuttoning his shirt, tossing it aside before stepping out of his shoes and socks, his gaze locked on
hers all the while. When his hands closed over the waistband of his slacks, Tori gripped the sheet
tighter against her breasts. Suddenly, she didn't feel as brave as she'd led Sam to believe.

He hesitated with his fingers hovering over his zipper. "You're sure?"

Tori inhaled and raised her chin further. "I'm sure."

With the candlelight flickering across his muscular chest, Sam's expression grew feral, his mouth

straightened into a line that Tori realized was supposed to be a smile, supposed to put her at ease. He
pulled down the zipper, the grating noise slicing the silence of the darkened room. He shucked his
slacks out of the way and strode to the bed in his boxers.

Tori scooted to the middle to make room, keeping a death grip on the sheet to maintain her modesty.

The mattress dipped when Sam sat down close to her. With infinite tenderness, he took her face in his
hands and kissed the corners of her mouth, swiping his tongue across her bottom lip, nipping it softly

before plunging in. Tori moaned with pleasure. He tasted like heaven. She was fast becoming
addicted to Sam's kisses, his touch . . . and him.

She felt the sheet being gently tugged out of the way and let go of it. Wrapping her arms around Sam's

neck, she kissed him back for all she was worth. He cupped her breasts in his big hands, weighing
them in his palms, swiping his thumbs over the pert nipples.

Tori let out a swift breath when they puckered in response. Her panties dampened even more. How

could she react so strongly to Sam's touch? Unable to help herself, she thrust out her chest and silently
begged him to kiss her breasts again.

The man didn't disappoint her. He gathered her closer and with one hand on the small of her back, he

encouraged her to arch even more, pushing her breasts toward his waiting mouth. He bent his head
and suckled her, teasing her aching nipples, laving his hot wet tongue over the peaks, blowing and
gently nipping, then sucking hard and long.

Tori moaned again and grabbed Sam's shoulders, solid and bare beneath her fingers. She threw back

her head and closed her eyes. Her body throbbed in yearning. Yearning for something she'd only read
about in books. Only imagined in her dreams.

Sam pulled her onto his lap so she was straddling his groin. His body flexed against the confines of

his underwear and hers; taunting her, pleading, promising. He was hard as steel and without
conscious thought, her body bucked against his engorged shaft again and again; the friction rubbed
deliciously against her woman's core. The feelings were overwhelmingly pleasurable. All sensation
seemed to gather in that one tiny spot.

Oh my.

Before she knew what was what, she was lifted off Sam's lap and laid flat on her back. Her body

protested the abrupt halt of sensual titillation. Sam stripped off her panties and gripped her legs,
pulling her butt to the edge of the bed.

Was he going to do what she thought he was going to do? Dear God in heaven.

She stared down the length of her torso as he knelt by the side of the bed, his strong hands on her

thighs, his head between her legs.

"Sam?" Her voice squeaked breathlessly. Too much was happening too fast. Her body was

screaming, throbbing, begging for something just beyond reach.

He smiled a wicked smile. "Trust me, babe. You'll like it. I promise."

Right. Tori fell back on the bed and stared at the ceiling, focusing all of her attention on the sensitized

bud that had suddenly become the center of her existence. Exhilaration buzzed alongside anticipation.
She was hanging on by a thread, on the precipice of something wonderful. Something mind-blowing.

She waited with bated breath, wondering what Sam was doing down there. Why was he stalling?

Didn't he know she was dying here? Her body pulsed with need. Her heart pounded in her ears.

Then she felt it. A gentle swipe of Sam's tongue on her most intimate flesh. Another one, whisper soft,

butterfly quick.

Dear God, she'd never felt anything like it in her entire life.

She fisted her hands in the sheets, her body quivering expectantly, her legs spreading wider, begging

for more of that exquisite sensual assault.

Sam moved his hands down her thighs, closer to her center core. He kissed the feminine folds and

with gentle fingers, splayed them across the short damp curls, exposing the nub, pushing against the
flesh on either side, waiting a moment to assess Tori's level of hunger and need.

He pressed the flat of his tongue against her, moving upward in a slow lazy stroke, hovering his mouth

above the mound, again waiting, watching. Tori groaned in pleasure and bucked her lower body
against his mouth, lifting her butt completely off the mattress, seeking more of Sam's touch, only to fall
back again onto the sheets.

"Easy, babe. We're almost there."

Sam blew on the dampened flesh, caressing the intimate folds. Her slim body trembled with

suppressed passion, her legs bent at the knees, sagging against the mattress, exposing her beauty to his
appreciative gaze.

A fierce pride rose up inside him with the knowledge that he was the first to explore uncharted

territory with her. He was pretty sure she'd never climaxed, or if she had, he knew he was nurturing
her desire to an almost painful intensity, so agonizing that when she finally came, she would explode
in ecstasy.

And he would be the lucky man to pick up the pieces. She'd be so hot and wild for him, that maybe

when he thrust inside her, she wouldn't mind the discomfort so much. He'd promised to make it good
for her, and Sam prided himself on being a man of his word.

Sensing Tori's imminent release, he pressed his fingers together, squeezing the hot woman flesh

upward. With the bare tip of his tongue, Sam softly touched the nub.

Tori nearly came unglued and started rocking and trembling so hard, the bed shook beneath her. The

fleeting caress of Sam's tongue stretched her body taut, stringing her nerve endings tighter than a
barbed-wire fence.

"Sam . . . please . . . I need . . . "

"I know, babe. I know what you need."

"I need it now . . . Please!"

Tori thought she'd die if Sam didn't touch her again. She lifted her butt and felt his hands clamp

around her hips, and then that wonderful magic feeling of his tongue on her flesh sent her soaring into
a maelstrom of sensations too powerful to resist.

Sam held on to Tori as he laved her with his tongue, milking her orgasm for several moments before

finally moving away to grab a plastic packet from his pants pocket. Quickly applying the protection,
he positioned himself above Tori, levering his hands on either side of her neck, spreading her legs
with one knee.

"Look at me, babe."

Tori shook her head from side to side, a faint blush spreading over her body. Slowly, she opened her

eyes, a look of wonder shining in the blue depths. She grabbed Sam's forearms, holding on for dear

life. "I need something . . . more. I need you!"

"You got it. This might hurt--"

Tori pulled frantically at his arms, twining her long legs around his middle, bumping her lower body

against him. "Just do it. I need it. I want it. Now!"

Sam's body throbbed with need and want and desire. He gritted his teeth as he slowly slid into the

sleek wet channel, only to be suddenly caught up short. He cradled Tori's cheeks with not quite steady
hands as he thrust past the virginal barrier and buried himself to the hilt inside her. Beads of sweat
dampened his forehead as he struggled desperately for control.

Tori bit her lip and a single tear slid from the corner of one eye and down her flushed cheek.

Well, damn. He'd hoped he wouldn't hurt her, but it couldn't be helped.

"The worst is over, sweetheart. From here on in, you'll only feel pleasure. That's another promise.

Are we good?"

Tori nodded and smiled. "We're good. It feels . . . wonderful."

Thank you, God. Sam let out a pent up breath and started pumping in and out of her, testing the

waters. Making sure he didn't hurt her further. It didn't take long for them to find their own unique
rhythm. Brown eyes locked with blue. Sam lost himself in Tori's tender gaze.

Damn, she was killing him. He didn't know how long he was going to last. He was so close to losing

it, and the intensity of his desire fueled the heaviness building in his groin. The pressure was
gathering, expanding. He was about to burst at the seams.

Control, Garza. Where's your fucking control?

Too late. The faster he pumped, the closer he teetered on the brink. He wanted to prolong the sweet

agony, but didn't believe that was possible. It had been too long; he wanted Tori too much. He was
glad he'd taken the time and made her climax, because this was going to be quick. His body was more
than ready.

Tori reached up and cupped Sam's jaw, smoothing her fingers down his neck and gripped his

shoulders as she moved in tandem with his thrusts. She pushed upwards on his downward plunges and
pulled back when he withdrew, only to push and pull again and again. Harder and harder.

The woman was a fast learner. Little Miss Innocence was innocent no longer.

Sam thrust in and out, in and out, pumping hard and fast, until with one final thrust, he exploded into a

shattering orgasm. His body shuddered in ecstasy as he spilled himself into Tori's warm, willing body
lying beneath him.

Holy crap. He'd never come so hard.

He leaned his forehead against Tori's, supporting his weight on his elbows and knees, fighting to pull

air into his oxygen-deprived lungs. Tori's sweet breath whispered against his cheek, her arms twining
around his neck.

The silence of the night echoed around them, as they lay joined together in bed. It had been a long time

since Sam had felt so free, so relaxed . . . so happy. He would climb off Tori as soon as he had a

chance to catch his breath. Closing his eyes for a just a moment, he fell fast asleep.

***

Tori lay still beneath Sam as his breathing slowed down and regulated. Had he fallen asleep? His

head lay on the pillow next to hers, his breath hot near her ear. She rubbed the nape of his neck,
loving the feel of his warm bare skin beneath her fingers.

Tenderness crept into her heart for the big man who lay on top of her, pushing her into the soft

mattress. He'd taken her virginity with such gentleness and care. Even in sleep, he was careful not to
crush her with his weight.

She closed her eyes and thought about the life-changing events of the night. First of all, she couldn't

believe the orgasm she'd experienced under Sam's hands and lips. Staring at the candlelight dancing
on the ceiling, she blushed in the darkness of her room.

Nothing had prepared her for such a spectacular orgasm. And certainly, nothing had prepared her for

the heady sensation of being joined with a man. Lucky for her, the initial pain had quickly
disappeared, replaced with the feeling of completeness, fulfillment, and oneness.

Tori smiled into the night. There was something very exciting and satisfying about lying beneath a

strong virile man who was making love to you. Not any man, she reminded herself. Only Sam.

Except it wasn't really making love. They were having sex. Scratching an inch. Hadn't they both

decided neither of them wanted a complicated relationship at this time?

She brushed her fingers through Sam's dark hair. Unfortunately, she had miscalculated the strength of

the bond they'd forged when they made love. The bond she'd forged. Sex was different for men, or so
she'd been told. Different for women.

She was still lying beneath Sam with their bodies joined. He'd made her a woman tonight. He'd also

stolen her heart.

She bit her lip. This was the reason she'd avoided socializing these past three years. She could not

afford to fall in love with Sam Garza at this point in her career. Although he seemed to be her perfect
match, a relationship would threaten all of her plans. She had to go to vet school. She had to be a
veterinarian.

But perhaps she was jumping the gun here. Maybe she hadn't really fallen in love. Maybe she was just

basking in the afterglow of sex. Incredible, mind-blowing sex. With Sam Garza.

And what about his feelings? He'd told her he didn't want a complicated relationship. He wanted to

keep it simple.

Well, it was too late for that. She was already halfway in love with him. And that made everything far

from simple.

Tori sighed. Could Sam ever love her back? My God. The way he'd touched her. Not only on the

surface, but way down deep. Had he only been gentle and kind because she'd been a virgin? Or did it
have anything to do with her? Tori McCade?

Sam lifted up on an elbow and looked at her out of sleepy, heavy-lidded eyes. "Hey, babe. You

okay?" He carefully withdrew from her body, grabbing a couple of tissues from the nightstand and

handing them to her. "You'll probably be tender and sore. I'm really sorry about that. I hope there's not
too much blood."

Tori blinked and took the tissues, suddenly feeling empty inside where before she'd felt full and

complete. "I don't think there's much. It didn't hurt that badly."

"I'm glad." He kissed her forehead. "I'll be right back."

Tori looked after his retreating body--his naked body--and decided he looked just as sexy from the

back as from the front. He had a tight butt and his back rippled with muscles. She tossed the tissues in
the trash and dove back under the covers. Were there clear-cut rules of etiquette pertaining to after-
sex protocol?

She'd just wait for Sam to return. He'd been an awesome instructor in bed. Her body tingled as she

recalled all the glorious things he'd done to her. She didn't think he'd steer her wrong on what to do
afterwards.

Who knew? Maybe he'd want an encore performance. Tori took a mental inventory of the condition of

her newly deflowered body parts.

Leaning back on the pillows, she smiled. Oh yeah. She wouldn't mind a repeat performance either.

Maybe not right this minute, but certainly in the not-so-distant future.

***

The next several weeks flew by for Tori in a whirlwind of going to classes, working at the animal

shelter and most importantly, seeing Sam whenever time allowed. Raenell spent most nights out with
Joe, thus cooperating and encouraging Tori to see Sam as often as possible.

They went out to dinner at least once a week, but most evenings when Tori didn't have too much

homework and Sam could leave his mother on her own, they ordered take out and ate at Tori's
apartment, spending the rest of their precious time together in bed.

One cool evening in late October, Tori was on her way home from the animal shelter. She was

running low on cash and stopped at the ATM. When she got back in the car, it wouldn't start. She tried
the key again. Nothing happened. No sound, no click, no nothing. Well, damn.

She was supposed to meet up with Sam for a late dinner. Right. That wasn't going to happen. She

pulled out her cell phone and called him. "Hey, listen . . . something's wrong with my car. I'm going to
have to cancel tonight."

"What's the matter with it?" His deep voice on the other end made her heart squeeze tight as always.

"I don't know; I'm not a mechanic. It won't start. I'm going to call a tow-truck--"

"You don't have to do that. Where are you? I'll take a look at it."

"You mean, you'll come and rescue me? Like a knight in shining armor?" she teased.

"I don't know about knights in armor," he said with a low chuckle that made her stomach flutter. "But I

do know a thing or two about cars."

"Really? A computer guy like you knows about cars? You have some hidden talents you haven't

shared with me yet, mister."

"Oh babe, we've barely scratched the surface. I have a whole lot more I'd like to share with you. A

whole lot more." The suggestive timbre of his voice tugged low in her gut. The nuance of his words
shimmied up her spine, reminding her of all they'd already shared, tantalizing her imagination at the
implied intimacies they still needed to explore.

"Tori? Are you going to tell me where you are? I can't rescue you if you don't tell me what part of

town you're in."

She shook away the erotic images crowding her brain, cleared her throat and gave Sam the address of

the bank.

Twenty minutes later, he pulled in beside her in the parking lot. Tori stood leaning against her car and

watched him unfold his long-limbed body from his small red convertible. She couldn't believe how
just the sight of the man could send her heart racing into hyperdrive.

Sam walked up to her and smiled. "Sam's Roadside Assistance, at your service. Ready, willing and

able to help you out."

"I know you're ready and willing--oomph!"

He jerked her against him to steal a kiss. Tori found herself plastered along the length of Sam's very

ready and willing body. "The car, Sam, the car. Can you fix it? Do you know how?"

"Ouch." Sam put his hands on her shoulders and set her away from him. "You really know how to

stomp on a guy's ego, don't you?"

"Oh, Sam. I'm sorry."

"Well, you don't have to act so surprised that I know about cars."

Tori shrugged. "I can't help it. It's one thing for you to fix my laptop. Quite another for you to repair

my car."

"You do speak your mind, don't you? It's one of the things I like best about you. My dad had a couple

of vintage cars he was always tinkering with. He taught me a lot about carburetors and engines."

"Really? So that explains it. You're a man of many talents, Sam Garza."

He smiled that lethal smile she loved so well. "You ain't seen nothing yet, babe." He swooped in for

another kiss, then opened the hood of her car. "Get in and turn the key. I'll have a look."

Tori climbed back in and turned the key in the ignition only to be met with silence. She got out and

watched Sam as he bent over the engine. He looked awfully good with those worn denim jeans
outlining his tight butt. The image set her mouth to watering. She swallowed hard.

Damn, she had it bad for this man.

Sam stood up straight and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his hands. "The battery's

dead. I'll try to give it a jump. Get in again. You'll have to try to start it."

"Aye, aye, captain."

"Don't be cute."

She scrunched her nose at him. "I can't help myself."

"Just get in the damn car."

Tori sat behind the steering wheel as Sam maneuvered his convertible near the front of the car. He

grabbed a set of jumper cables and hooked them to both batteries.

"Okay. Try to start it," he said, wiping his hands on the handkerchief again.

When she turned the key, nothing happened. She got out and waited. "Well?"

"We're going to have to go buy a new battery." He unclamped the cables and tossed them in his trunk.

"Then I'll replace it."

She looked around the empty parking lot and frowned. "You'll replace it right here?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Oh, I don't know," she said with a shrug. "I thought we'd have to haul it to a garage or your house or

something."

"You're forgetting about Sam's Roadside Assistance. Lock up your car and ride with me."

Tori frowned. "Why don't I just wait for you here?"

It was Sam's turn to look around the parking lot. "I'd rather you not wait alone in this neighborhood at

this time of night. Humor me, babe."

"Oh, all right." Tori sighed. "If it makes you feel all macho and manly and protective, who am I to

complain?"

"There you go again, stomping on my ego. You'd think with four brothers, you'd give a guy a little

slack."

"Are you kidding? All my life, I've constantly battled huge doses of testosterone that threatened to

smother me in brotherly love. I couldn't afford being mealy mouthed growing up."

"Okay, okay. I stand corrected. Grab your bag, and let's get this show on the road."

After they bought the battery and Sam put it in place, he followed her home, where they ate peanut

butter and crackers and made love well into the early hours of the next morning.

CHAPTER SIX

The autumn days flew by. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, until the holidays

loomed on the near horizon. Tori had never been happier in her entire life. She'd never really had a
steady boyfriend before, so the experience of sharing her life with someone was unique and exciting.
And she certainly had never been involved in a torrid love affair with an older man. That was more
than exciting; that was awesome.

Sam was everything she'd ever dreamed a man could or should be.

The only shadow on her otherwise sunny existence was the fact that for some reason, she hadn't told

her family about him. She didn't know why exactly. She told herself it was because she wanted to
hold the secret close to her heart. She didn't want to share any part of her relationship with Sam with

anyone.

Or maybe it was because she wasn't ready to totally commit. She had four, maybe five, more years of

school left, and that wasn't counting finishing up here at UTD. She really couldn't afford to be
distracted. Or to fall in love.

Except it was too late for that. She had definitely fallen in love with Sam.

Of course, she hadn't confessed her feelings to him yet. Then again, he hadn't spoken of love or

commitment either. He was busy with his mother, driving her to chemotherapy and tests and check-
ups.

Whenever possible, they'd steal away to spend an afternoon or evening together. The look in Sam's

eyes and the eagerness of his lovemaking spoke louder than words. His actions had to count for
something, right?

There was another secret she kept close to her heart. Another shadow hanging over her. Tori's grades

had slipped this past semester and if she weren't careful, she might lose her chance for a fellowship at
Texas A&M. Instead of making the Dean's List as usual, Tori barely squeaked by in two of her
classes with a low C average. She really needed to crack down on the books next semester and not let
herself get distracted.

She shook her head. There was no getting around it though; Sam was a definite distraction. Yet

whenever she thought about breaking it off with him, she could never find the strength to do it. He'd
said he didn't want a complicated relationship. He'd said they'd keep it simple.

Uncomplicated and simple meant short-term fun, no falling in love, no long-term commitment.

Boy, she'd really screwed it up this time. After she graduated, if Sam still wanted simple and

uncomplicated, that would mean they'd have to part ways. Only, how was she supposed to survive
without Sam in her life? It was too horrible to contemplate.

Even if he did change his mind, Tori didn't see how they could make a relationship work with him in

Dallas and her in College Station. Long-distance relationships took a lot of energy, effort and time.
And all of her energy, effort and time would need to be focused on getting her degree.

Tori sighed. It was a complex conundrum with no simple solution. Thankfully, there was still a little

time to sort it out. One way or another.

***

A week before Tori was scheduled to leave for the Diamondback Ranch to spend Christmas with her

family, Sam invited her to meet his mother and eat a holiday meal with them.

"Mom's been after me to have you over, and I'd really like for you to meet her."

Neither had to say that his mother didn't have much time left. The shadows in his brown eyes told

their own story. Tori felt so helpless. She didn't know what to do or say or how to comfort him. For
the most part, they skirted the issue of his mom and her illness.

Tori pasted a bright smile on her face. "I'd love to meet her. But is your mother up to cooking a

holiday meal?"

Sam's dark brows slanted in a frown. "No, and she's pretty upset that she's unable to make the

Christmas tamales this year. Luckily, there's a little shop not far from the house that makes pretty good
ones. I'll be doing the rest of the cooking. I make a pretty mean enchilada, let me tell you. You'll think
you've died and gone to heaven."

Sometimes, Tori thought she was already experiencing a little bit of heaven every time she and Sam

made love. Nothing had ever felt so perfect. So good. So right.

"I've never had homemade enchiladas," she said. "Another hidden talent you've kept from me?"

He threw his arm over her shoulder and hugged her close. "Are you impressed?"

She tried to ignore the sensual tingles ignited by Sam's touch. "I'll reserve judgement until after I taste

them. Can I bring anything?"

"Just your appetite. Well, maybe a dessert."

"I can do that." She thought for a minute, leaning her head against his shoulder. She felt him kiss the

top of her head and her heart squeezed tight. "Does your mother like chocolate?"

"What woman doesn't?" Sam said with a snort.

"Hey now." Tori's head snapped up. She pursed her lips and gave him her best blasting stare. "That's

a sexist remark if ever I heard one."

"What can I say? I'm a sexy kind of man." Sam's gaze held hers and she felt the impact even when he

was teasing her.

"Sexist, mister. I said sexist." She punched his chest with a finger, then changed course and draped

her arms around his neck. "Although . . . you're pretty darn sexy, too."

Sam pulled her close, flush with his hard body. His voice was low, intimate. "You're pretty damn

sexy yourself, sweetheart." He bent to take her mouth in a hungry kiss. Tori melted in his embrace. It
was always like this when she and Sam were together.

After a delicious moment, she pulled back, but kept her arms on his shoulders. "Seriously, does your

mother like chocolate or not?"

"She loves it," he said, trying to capture her lips again. "She's pretty much a chocoholic."

Tori smiled. "Then I know the perfect dessert to bring."

"Great. Enough with the talking, babe." He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to bed.

She laughed and gave herself up to the pleasures of Sam.

***

Sam had never had Tori over to his mom's house for reasons that even now eluded him. Since he'd

come home, he'd protected and guarded his mother from everything and everyone outside their small
circle. He'd kept his relationship with Tori quite separate from his life with his mother.

When he was with Tori, he didn't have to think about how sick his mom actually was, how imminent

her death. How alone he would be without both his parents. He'd be an orphan, damn it. A thirty-one-
year-old goddamned orphan.

Life really sucked sometimes.

As the holiday season descended upon them, Mary Garza had insisted on meeting Sammy's girl.

Sammy's Tori.

And so the dinner invitation had been issued, and Sam found himself looking forward to the two most

important women in his life finally meeting each other. He loved his mother dearly. And he couldn't
deny it any longer . . . he loved Tori McCade to distraction.

They'd agreed that she'd drive over to the house since Sam would be busy cooking. After dinner and

after his mother went to bed, he had something special planned. He glanced at the clock on the kitchen
wall. Where the hell was she?

He was rolling the corn tortillas, stuffing them with shredded cheese. The homemade enchilada sauce

simmered on the stove, and the tamales were warming in the slow cooker. He had a pot of pinto beans
on the back burner keeping warm, and he'd make the Spanish rice after he stuck the pan of enchiladas
in the oven. Everything was moving right along.

All except for Tori. It wasn't like her to be late. She was usually very punctual. He hoped she was

okay. Of course, she was okay. Any number of things could have occurred to hold her up. None of
them necessarily bad.

She was baking some kind of fabulous chocolate dessert for his mother; she hadn't elaborated, she'd

only shaken her head when he'd asked her about it, her sapphire eyes twinkling with mischief. Maybe
she'd run into a snag with the dessert. He'd never known Tori to be much of a cook, but hell, it wasn't
her cooking abilities that interested him, not by a long shot.

"So when will Tori be here? I'm dying to meet her." His mother sat down at the table across from

him. She'd made an extra effort to dress up, choosing a soft gray sweater and black slacks. She looked
nice. Only Sam didn't like the dark circles below her tired brown eyes, or the turban she wore to
cover her head--both courtesy of all those chemo treatments.

"Soon, Mom. She'll be here soon. If she's not here in five minutes, I'll call her."

His cell phone buzzed and he grabbed it from the counter behind him. "See? That's her now. Hey

babe, where are you?"

"I'm sorry. I'm running late. I . . . uh . . . I found this poor little dog sitting on the side of the road, and I

can't take him to the shelter because it's on the other side of town and I couldn't leave him there, it was
a busy street, he might have gotten run over. And he's all wet and cold from the snow." She paused for
breath. "You know how I'm a sucker for strays. Do you mind if I bring him to your house? I'll take him
to the shelter after we eat dinner."

"No problem. We can put him in the back yard."

"Thanks, Sam. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

Sam ended the call, tossed the phone back on the counter, and resumed rolling the cheese and tortillas

for the enchiladas.

"Well?" His mother gazed at him with a smile on her lips and curiosity rampant in her eyes. "Who or

what are you going to put in the back yard?"

Sam grinned. "You know Tori is studying to be a vet. Or she will be studying to be a vet next year.

She rescued a dog on the way over here. What could I say? I hope you don't mind if she brings it
over."

Mary Garza nodded. "Of course, I don't mind. When I was growing up, we used to have dogs. But

with your dad being a mailman, he wasn't too crazy about them . . . that's the reason we never had
one."

Sam went to the stove to stir the sauce. "No, we only had cats, gerbils and hamsters."

His mom smiled. "And don't forget Peter."

"Oh yeah, the rabbit." He adjusted the heat beneath the enchilada sauce.

"You loved that rabbit. You were such an adorable little boy." Her smile wobbled. Sam hoped she

wouldn't start to cry. She'd become very melancholy and nostalgic over the last couple of weeks,
recalling past events, reliving old memories. "Have I told you lately how proud I am of you, mijo?
How much I love you?"

Sam sat back down at the table and bent his head over the enchilada pan. "I love you, too, Mom."

Before they could get all maudlin over each other, a car door slammed out front.

Thank you, God.

Mary sniffed into a tissue. "Sounds like your girl is here."

"Sounds like it. I'll go help her with that dog." Shoving back his chair, Sam stood again and made for

the door, glad of the respite. Too many messy emotions hovering around the kitchen and his mom.

He stopped at the door, before throwing it open. Tori was the first white girl he'd brought home to

meet his mother. If he were honest with himself, he was feeling a little nervous about the
introductions, hoping his mother and Tori would hit it off.

Oh, yeah. Too many emotions. Way too many.

***

Tori couldn't believe she was bringing a rescue dog on the first visit to Sam's house to meet his

mother. Was she crazy? What kind of impression would that make?

Oh well. It was too late now. She opened the back door of the car and grabbed the leash she'd

fastened around the dog's neck. There was no collar naturally. Good thing she always carried one of
those slip leashes in the car. Just in case.

She was the hopeless case. She seemed to be a magnet for dumped dogs. This had to be the sixth or

seventh one she'd rescued in that many months or less. And the thing of it was, no pets were allowed
in her apartment building. Rescuing dogs added a lot of stress to her already hectic life.

The front door opened and out walked Sam, looking handsome in jeans and a long-sleeved thermal

shirt hanging loose over his straight hips, the sleeves pushed up over his elbows. He had a long easy
stride, and his smile made her heart thump madly in her chest.

"Hey babe." He stopped on the other side of the opened car door and looked inside. "So this is the

lucky little mutt you rescued, huh?"

"Yes, except he doesn't want to get out of the car." Tori leaned into the backseat to pet the trembling

dog. "It's okay, boy. You're safe now." She tugged gently on the leash. "Come on, buddy."

"Why don't you let me try?" Sam stepped around the car door and took the leash from Tori's hand. He

gave her a quick hard kiss that sent lightning bolts down to her toes.

She stepped back and watched him coax the dog from the car. After several minutes of gentle

persuasion, the small dog jumped to the ground and immediately tried to make off down the sidewalk,
tugging at the leash, almost choking himself in the process.

"Whoa there, buddy!" Sam pulled the leash, reining in the dog's attempted escape.

"Here, I've got it now. Thanks." Tori took the leash and stooped to rub the dog's back, trying to soothe

his fears. The frightened animal seemed to relax a bit, going so far as to lick Tori's hand.

"Aww, he's giving me puppy kisses. What a sweet little dog you are." Tori straightened from her

crouch and led the dog up the walk to the front door and waited for Sam to open it for her.

"We'll take him to the backyard through the kitchen," he said, closing the door behind them. "He

should be safe enough there. The kitchen's right through that hall."

Tori stepped into the large cozy room and stopped short when she saw Sam's mother sitting at the

table. She walked toward the woman, dragging the dog with her and held out one hand. "Hello, I'm
Tori. It's good to finally meet you. I'm so sorry to foist this poor little dog on you. But what could I
do? He would have gotten run over if I'd left him on the side of the road."

"Not a problem, dear. I love dogs. Hola, precioso perrito!" She bent down and rubbed the dog's neck

and scratched behind his floppy ears. The little dog plumped down on his rump and wagged his
bedraggled tail. Mary Garza laughed and continued petting the dog. "You're a handsome puppy, aren't
you?"

Tori turned wide astonished eyes at Sam. He shrugged.

His mother looked up at them both. "What kind of dog do you think he is?"

Tori shook her head. "I'm not sure. Maybe one part terrier, three parts mutt?"

"He's such a sweet little thing. Yes, you are," Mary crooned to the dog. "Why don't we give him some

water? And Sammy, do we have anything he could eat? The poor little thing looks starved to death."

Sam went to the refrigerator and opened it. "I'll give him some of the fajitas we had last night. Tori,

why don't you go ahead and take him outside. I'll bring the food and water, and we'll get him settled."

Mary sat up straight and shook her head. "No, no, no. It's too cold outside. He can stay in the house

where it's nice and warm. Hand me a towel, and I'll dry him off."

"Mom, you don't really want that dog in the house, do you?" Sam frowned at the small mongrel sitting

near his mother's feet.

"He's right, Mrs. Garza," Tori said. "I wouldn't want to impose like that. He'll be fine outdoors."

"Nonsense; I insist. And call me Mary, dear. I believe you and I are destined to be good friends. You

know what they say? God works in mysterious ways. And I think He has been very, very busy today."

***

"Tori, the chocolate cake is wonderful." Mary Garza patted her mouth with her napkin. "If you don't

mind, I'll have another slice, por favor." She held out her plate and smiled.

"I'm so glad you like it." Tori cut a nice big piece and eased it onto Mary's dessert plate. "It's a

chocolate lover's dream come true, isn't it?"

Mary took a bite and pointed her fork at Tori. "Yes. Delicioso!"

"While you ladies enjoy your chocolate fix, I'll start the dishes." Sam shoved back his chair and began

stacking plates.

"Oh, no you don't, mister." Tori jumped up from the table. "I'll wash the dishes. You cooked dinner,

so it's only fair that I clean up."

Mary laughed. "This girl's a keeper, Sammy. You must do whatever it takes so she won't get away."

She ate another bite of the cake and closed her eyes on a sigh.

Sam snagged Tori's gaze and smiled that lethal smile she was coming to know so well. "You might be

on to something there, Mama. She just might be a keeper."

Tori quickly turned toward the counter and opened the dishwasher, trying to catch the breath lodged

in her throat. Watching Sam's interaction with his mother who was so very ill made her heart squeeze
painfully in her chest. He was all tenderness and consideration. The more she saw of him, the deeper
she fell in love.

She grabbed the stack of dinner plates and rinsed them off before loading them into the dishwasher.

Sam stepped up beside her and set the rest of the dirty dishes in the sink. He placed his hand on her
hip and gave her a hug. "You've certainly made a hit with my mom." He kissed her hair. "You've made
a hit with me, too. But you already know that."

Before Tori could answer, Mary scraped back her chair. "I'm sorry, but I must say goodnight and go

to bed. I tire so easily these days. Tori, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. If I don't see you again
before you leave town for the holidays, my warm wishes and prayers go with you."

Tori quickly dried her hands and walked over to where Sam's mother stood by the table. She hugged

the frail woman, careful not to squeeze too hard. "I'm so glad to have met you, Mary. And thank you
for being so understanding about the dog. When I leave here, I'll take him to the shelter. He'll make
someone a very nice Christmas present."

They both glanced at the small dog sleeping on a blanket in the corner of the kitchen. Mary frowned

and shook her head. "I've been thinking about that, and I have a better idea."

Sam came over and draped his arm over his mother's shoulder. "What idea is that, Mama?"

Mary looked up at her tall son and smiled. "I've decided to keep him."

"Keep the dog?" Tori said, her eyes flying to Sam's.

"Yes? Why not?" Mary asked. "He needs a home and I have one to share. We will be good for one

another. You'll see. Come, perrito." She snapped her fingers and the dog hopped up, wagging his tail,
his ears alert and tongue hanging out. "You see how intelligent he is? This will be good. I bid you

both adieu. Adieu, adieu, adieu. I've been watching The Sound of Music, can you tell?"

"I love that movie," Tori said. "My mother and I watch it every year during the holidays." She kissed

Mary and hugged her again. "Good night. I hope you won't regret keeping the dog."

Mary smiled at the little mutt. "I won't. Good night, Tori. Good night, mijo. Come, perrito."

Turning back to the dishes, Tori shook her head. "Your mother is such a dear. Do you think keeping

the dog is really a good idea?"

Sam shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. But if she wants the damn dog, who am I to deny her? I'll just go

see that she gets settled in, then I'll be back to help with the clean-up. When we finish, I have a
surprise for you." He bent to kiss her, before heading down the hall to his mom's bedroom.

Tori didn't know how he could act so cheerful with his mother so sick. Although, he couldn't show his

worry and angst all the time when he was around her; that wouldn't be good for Mary. Tori scrubbed
the enchilada pan and sighed. Oh yes . . . the more she saw of Sam, the deeper in love she fell. She
stared out the window over the sink and wondered what kind of surprise he had planned for her.

Sam returned to help with the dishes. "She's getting ready for bed. She's exhausted, but very happy.

Your visit has cheered her up, plus the dog seems to have lifted her spirits, too. When we're done
here, we'll have our own private Christmas celebration. Well, as private as we can be with my mom
sleeping down the hall."

"Here? Now? But I didn't bring your gift--" She broke off abruptly when Mary padded back into the

kitchen. She was wearing a fuzzy bathrobe and slippers and carrying a colorful afghan in her arms.
The dog trotted in front of her as if leading a parade. Tori had to admit; he was pretty adorable, even
if he was scruffy around the edges.

"I have something I want to give to you, Tori." Mary plopped down onto one of the dining chairs,

fatigue etched in her pale face. She set the afghan on the table and rubbed her hand lovingly over the
crocheted coverlet. "You brought me perrito here, and so I have a gift for you. I made this a long time
ago and would like for you to have it."

"Oh, Mary. It's beautiful." Tori picked it up and unfolded the afghan, holding it close to her chest and

burying her nose in it. "It's so soft, so lovely. How can you bear to give it away?"

"Very easily, dear." Mary stooped to pick up the dog to hold on her lap. She stroked the brown fur

slowly, thoughtfully. "I don't have much time left here on this good earth. It will make me happy to
know I've given this to someone who will appreciate it and maybe think of me with kindness after I'm
gone."

Tori's throat closed painfully and her chest hurt. Tears burned in her eyes. "I'll treasure it always."

She bent to hug Mary again, then swallowing a small sob, she knelt down beside her chair, tears
starting to fall. "I . . . I don't know what to say."

Sam's mother tenderly cupped Tori's jaw and smoothed her hair back from her wet cheeks. "It is

God's will, child. Be kind to my Sammy. Even if things don't work out between you, you've given him
much happiness and joy during this time of trouble and sorrow. You've lightened his burden of taking
care of me. And for that, I thank you."

Sam stepped forward. "Mama, you are not a burden."

"Oh, Sammy. You're a good son. But me, I know. And now, it is truly time for me to go to bed. Give

me a kiss and help me back to my room, mijo. Then you and Tori can have your little Christmas
celebration in front of the fireplace and tree. It'll be romantic, no?"

***

Sam hoped Tori would think it was romantic. For him, it was bittersweet. His emotions had flip-

flopped so much this past year with his mom, he didn't know how he'd have survived without Tori in
his life. As he led her by the hand to the living room, he was glad he and his mother had bought and
decorated a tree this year. They were trying like hell to keep their life as normal as possible, but it
was damned difficult. Especially since he was fairly certain this would be their last Christmas
together.

But it was also his and Tori's first Christmas. So that was the sweet with the bitter.

He'd tried to set the scene for romance, not seduction, not with his mom so near. Romance was good.

Women liked a little romance, right?

The bright colored Christmas lights and the fire flickering in the hearth bathed the darkened room with

a golden glow. He'd placed a bottle of Merlot and two wineglasses on the coffee table earlier in the
day. A quilt was spread on the floor with large fluffy pillows to lounge against. And he'd kept the
door closed, so Tori wouldn't see it before he was ready to show her.

She walked into the room and stopped short, then turned. "Oh, Sam. Who would have guessed that

beneath all that macho-ness beat the heart of a romantic?"

He took her in his arms and held her close. "You like it?"

She draped her arms over his shoulders and flashed him a megawatt smile. "I love it! Thank you."

Standing on tiptoe, Tori pulled him down for a kiss. When they came up for air, he guided her toward

the fireplace, where he sank to the carpet and gently pulled Tori down to sit beside him. Her blue
eyes glimmered with the reflection of the flames, a question hovering in their sapphire depths.

"Before we get good and comfortable," Tori said, "are we exchanging gifts tonight? You didn't

mention it. Yours is in the car. It isn't wrapped, but that's okay. I'll run out and get it. Don't move." She
didn't wait for his reply, but made a dash for the front door.

Sam shook his head and put another log on the fire, then went to wait for her in the foyer. Tori seemed

to always be making mad dashes everywhere. She was a bundle of barely-suppressed energy,
constantly on the go. When she came back, he locked the door behind them, and they returned to the
living room where they settled down on the quilt again. Tori set a small plastic bag on the coffee table
along with her keys.

Sam opened the bottle of Merlot and poured the burgundy liquid into the glasses and handed one to

Tori. After they sipped their wine, he took her glass and set it next to his on the table behind them. He
stacked a couple of the pillows, leaned against them and held out his arms. "Come here, babe."

Tori smiled and snuggled into his embrace. "This is romantic. I can't believe you went to all this

trouble just for me."

"No trouble. I'm glad you like it. I thought it would be nice to sit in front of the fire and drink a glass

of wine, look at the lights on the tree, hold you in my arms." He hugged her close and kissed the top of
her head, then settled her in the crook of his arm where they sat and stared at the flames and the
twinkling lights on the tree, enjoying each other, enjoying the moment.

Tori broke the comfortable silence. "I just want to say that I didn't mean to cry all over your mother

after dinner. I'm so sorry. I don't know how I lost control like that."

"It's okay. I've cried all over her, too. Mom and I try to be open and honest about our feelings, which

is hard for me since I'm not good at expressing mine. But we've agreed that since she has so little time
left, we'll speak whatever is in our hearts. Sometimes, it gets . . . messy."

Tori took his hand in hers and held it in her warm clasp. "I can only imagine. I don't know how you

handle it so well. I would be a basket case if I was having to deal with my mom being so sick."

He squeezed her hand then let it go and reached for his wine. "Mom had it right when she said you've

made it easier for me. I don't really know how I would have survived if I hadn't met you. I mean, I
would have survived, but it would have been much more difficult."

"I'm glad, Sam. I'm glad I met you, too."

"Enough of this already." He set his glass back on the table and stood up. "Wait right here." He

walked over to the tree and searched through the wrapped packages until he found the one he wanted.
He sank back down beside Tori and handed her the small square gift wrapped in red tinfoil. "Here
you go. I saw this and couldn't resist."

"What in the world?" Tori took the gift and shook it near her ear. "Hmmm, sounds interesting."

"Just open it already."

"Hey, I'm savoring the moment. You know, stopping to smell the roses."

"You're a smart-ass, you know that?"

"But I'm an irresistible smart-ass, right?"

"Yes, you are." Sam pulled her onto his lap and kissed her hard on the mouth. "Now are you going to

open the damn present or not?"

"Not until you open mine first." She reached over his shoulder and retrieved the small plastic bag.

"Sorry it's not wrapped. It's not much, but it's the thought that counts, right?"

"Absolutely." Sam opened the bag and looked inside. He tilted the contents into his open palm. He

held up a golden keychain with a little Frisbee on the end. He laughed. "I love it. Thank you."

Tori scrunched her nose. "It's kind of like a consolation prize to remind you never to play Frisbee

with me as your partner."

"Au contraire." He leaned forward and kissed her. "I'll teach you to play Frisbee yet, sweetheart.

This will be my badge of honor. Now, it's your turn. Open your gift."

"Okay, okay." She slid back to the quilt and began unwrapping it. Tossing the paper aside, Tori

looked at the jeweler's box, then up at Sam.

"Open it, babe."

Lifting the hinged lid, her eyes widened and she gasped. "Oh, Sam! It's gorgeous! Oh my God, I've

never seen anything so beautiful."

Sam took the box from her hands and removed the diamond and sapphire pendant. "When I saw it, it

reminded me of your blue eyes. I knew I had to buy it for you." He undid the silver clasp and hung it
around her neck where it hung suspended between her breasts.

Tori lifted the pendant with not-quite-steady fingers. "It's too much, Sam. I only gave you a keychain,

and it's not even real gold. And you gave me this? I . . . don't know what to say."

Sam gathered her in his arms again. "Just say 'thank you, Sam' and give me a kiss."

***

The day before she left for the Diamondback Ranch to spend Christmas with her family, Tori lay in

bed with Sam after spending a glorious afternoon making love. With her head on his chest and his
arms around her, she sighed in contentment.

"Oh, by the way," he said, his deep voice rumbling beneath her ear. "Mom said to tell you thanks for

the Christmas present. Again."

Tori smiled. "I still can't believe she wanted to keep Poncho. I love that name, by the way. I really

didn't intend to saddle y'all with one of my rescues. I'm so sorry."

Sam tightened his hold on her. "I'm not. Mom's perked up quite a bit since she adopted Poncho.

There's a twinkle in her eye and a lilt to her voice when she talks to him. He gives her something to
think about other than the cancer. Gives her something to take care of, to focus her energy on. I'm glad

you brought him to the house." He kissed the top of her head.

Tori brushed her hand back and forth across Sam's chest. "Your mom is so nice. I enjoyed our dinner

together. I think the dog helped break the ice. I was nervous about meeting her. Not only because she's
your mother, but also, I've never been around a person as sick as she is. I was afraid I wouldn't know
what to do or what to say. Then, oh my God, I blubbered all over her. I still can't believe I broke
down like that."

"I told you not to worry about it. Your visit was an unqualified success. If the dog hadn't done the

trick, there was that chocolate cake you baked. Mom hasn't had an appetite for the past several
months. I can't believe she ate two big pieces of the cake."

"I can." Tori smiled. "That was no ordinary chocolate cake. That's my mother's special Texas Hot

Cocoa Cake. It's truly an orgasmic experience for chocolate lovers."

"Orgasmic, huh? I'll show you orgasmic."

Before Tori could reply, Sam had turned over and rolled on top of her, pushing her into the mattress,

kissing her into delirious acquiescence. It didn't take many of Sam's kisses to make Tori writhing,
needy, and yearning for more.

When they came up for air, Sam looked deeply into her eyes. "I'll miss you on Christmas Day. I wish .

. . no, I promised myself I wouldn't say anything. Except I--"

"Shhh." Tori put her finger over his lips. "I know. I'll miss you, too. But I have to go home for

Christmas. You know I do. And you need to spend Christmas with your mom. You need to be here for
her."

Sam grabbed one of Tori's hands and kissed the palm. "Try to get back as fast as you can. I can't do

without my Tori fix for too many days in a row."

She lifted her head and kissed his chin. "I'll be back for New Year's. We'll ring out the old and ring in

the new . . . together."

Sam nodded. "I like the sound of that. Together. You and me. Here's to the future, sweetheart."

Tori forced a smile. The future. She didn't know what the future would bring. Her life had become

very complicated since she'd met Sam Garza; her goals somewhat blurred.

She pushed away those thoughts and snuggled deeper under the covers closer to Sam. It wouldn't do

much good to worry about it. Somehow, the future would take care of itself. It always had. It always
would.

***

The second semester started off with a bang. A big bang.

"What do you mean you're engaged?" Tori stared in stupefaction at her roommate. She was sitting at

the dining room table in their apartment three weeks after winter break, trying to make sense of that
day's chemistry notes, trying not to think about Sam.

Raenell held up her left hand where a large diamond ring glittered on her third finger. "I'm getting

married, that's what it means."

Tori blinked at her friend over her laptop screen. "Married? You?"

"Yes, me. Yes, married. To Joe! Aren't you going to wish me luck?"

"Oh my God! Of course, I am!" Tori shoved back her chair and ran to hug Raenell. "Congratulations! I

can't believe it. Wow! Married."

Raenell hugged her back. "Gee, Tori. You don't have to make it sound like it's the most surprising

thing in the world."

"Well, it is surprising." Tori sat back down at the table and closed her laptop. "You're such a free

spirit. You've dated so many guys, always kept your options open. You getting married? It's going to
take some getting used to."

Raenell planted her hands on her hips, a look of indignation stamped on her classically beautiful face.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, girlfriend. I thought you'd be thrilled for me."

"I am thrilled. If that's what you really want to do."

"It is. I'm not like you. I haven't had my whole life and career mapped out since I was a kid. Yes, I

plan on finishing up this semester and graduating. You know the only reason I went to college in the
first place was to one, get my parents off my back; and two, meet guys and get an MRS. I'd say
mission accomplished, right?" She smiled a smile as big as Texas.

Tori couldn't help smiling back. "Yes, if only you're sure." How could Raenell be so confident about

taking such a big step? Tori's own feelings about Sam were so conflicted, she was losing sleep at
night. The nights she didn't spend with Sam, that is.

Raenell sat down at the table. "Nothing's a sure thing in this life, you know that."

"But how can you know Joe's the one? The right one?"

"Now who's acting like the romantic? Believe me. I've gone through enough guys to know that Joe's

special. What we have is very special."

"Maybe. Except you've always thought the new flavor-of-the-month guy was the one. What makes Joe

different? You didn't even like him much when you first met. You said the sparks weren't really
there."

Raenell raised an eyebrow. "Unlike you and Sam?"

"We're not talking about me and Sam." There really was nothing to talk about. Not at the moment,

anyway.

"Maybe we should talk about you and Sam."

Tori shrugged. "Maybe. One of these days. Are you going to tell me what's different about Joe?"

Raenell sat back and folded her arms across her chest. "Well, one thing different is the fact that the

sparks had to build slowly. We got to know one another first. We didn't just jump into bed."

Tori nodded. "That definitely was different."

"Hey now! Don't be mean."

"I was joking, Raenell. Just joking. So the sparks built slowly. Go on."

"Do you really want to know or are you just humoring me?" Raenell narrowed her eyes at Tori, as if

gauging her sincerity.

"I really want to know," Tori said. "Maybe hearing about you and Joe will help me sort out my

feelings for Sam." Confused feelings. Conflicting feelings. The heart-battling-the-brain feelings. Such
as her heart belonging to Sam here in Dallas; her brain needing to focus on getting her degree at Texas
A&M in College Station. She couldn't be in two places at the same time.

He'd wanted uncomplicated and simple; so had she . . . in the beginning. Tori sighed. Their

relationship was turning out to be anything but simple.

"I don't know what there is to sigh about. And what in the world do you need to sort out?" Raenell

asked. "Sam Garza is one hot sizzling man. And he's crazy about you."

"I know." And Tori was crazy about him. Crazy in love. But she didn't know if Sam actually loved her

back. Not that it mattered. Whichever future scenario she envisioned, she saw no happy ending to her
romance with Sam. She had four more years of school and being with Sam was too distracting. If she
didn't watch out, all her careful plans for her future as a vet would be shot to hell. "Hey, we're talking
about you and Joe. Remember?"

"Right. Me and Joe." Raenell closed her eyes and sighed. "Joe's funny and quirky, responsible and

hard-working. No matter how often I see him, it's never enough." She opened her eyes and touched her
hand to her heart. "He gets to me here. You know? What can I say? I love the guy. I can't imagine
living the rest of my life without him. Believe it or not, I've never felt this way before."

"Well then," Tori said with a smile. "I'm truly happy for you. Let me see that ring."

Raenell leaned over the table and stuck out her hand. "Isn't it gorgeous? Joe was so romantic. We

went out to eat, and when they brought us dessert, the ring was in my piece of carrot cake. You know
how much I love carrot cake. I took a huge bite and chomped down and nearly broke a tooth. You
should have seen the look on his face. It was priceless."

Tori chuckled and took hold of Raenell's hand to get a better look at the engagement ring. It was a

large marquise-cut diamond on a shiny platinum band. "I think I'd rather have seen the look on your
face when you spit out the ring. Oh, Raenell. It's gorgeous, just like the bride. So, when's the
wedding?"

Raenell pulled her hand back and adjusted the ring on her finger, admiring the large solitaire. "We're

thinking late May or early June. Right after graduation."

"Four months. It's going to be one busy semester, isn't it? I'll throw you a bridal shower, of course. Do

you want all girls or couples?"

"I'm not sure. I'll ask Joe." Raenell reached across the table and caught Tori's hand and squeezed it.

"There's something more important than the bridal shower that I want you to do for me."

"Anything. You know that."

Raenell took a deep breath. "I want you to be my maid of honor. Joe's going to ask Sam to be his best

man. You will stand up with me, won't you?"

Tori returned the pressure of her friend's fingers with a squeeze of her own. "Of course I will. Oh, my

God, Raenell! You're getting married. Tell you what; let's go celebrate. My treat!"

Raenell withdrew her hand and shook her head. "Mind if I take a rain check? I promised Joe I'd eat

dinner with his folks tonight. His mom is super excited. He's the first son to get married."

"How many brothers and sisters does he have again?"

"Seven. Four sisters and three brothers. He's the oldest."

"That's a lot of kids. Does Joe want a large family?"

Her friend stared at her diamond ring, a dreamy look in her green eyes. "We haven't really talked

about it. But yeah, I wouldn't mind having a bunch of little Salinas kids running all around. Not if
they're like their daddy."

"Wow!" Tori said. "Raenell Butler. Married with kids. I wonder how many hearts will break in the

Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex when word gets out?"

"Hey now!" Raenell shook her finger at Tori and tried to look indignant. "Don't be mean."

Tori sat back in her chair and grinned. "Just saying, girlfriend. Just saying."

CHAPTER SEVEN

"Go, Sammy. Go with your lady for Spring Break," Sam's Aunt Carina said. "Forget your worries and

leave your madre to me. You both could use a little vacation from each other. And me, I will enjoy a
nice visit with my sister. Isn't that the reason I travelled all the way from San Antonio? To be with
Mary while you go with your lady?"

Sam stared first at his Tia Carina and then at his mother. He'd made plans to go away with Tori and

Raenell and Joe. Only now he felt guilty and was having second thoughts about leaving. "Mama, are
you certain you'll be okay?"

Putting on the brave face he recognized so well, Mary Garza sat on the sofa with the small dog Tori

had rescued. "Carina is right. Go and have fun. Your aunt will take good care of me. You deserve a
little fun, Sammy. Give Tori my love and tell her Poncho is happy and healthy. Now, I don't expect
you back until the end of next week. Carina will be more than ready to return home by then, and you
and I will get back to our regularly scheduled program of chemo and radiation treatments."

"Only if you're certain." Sam leaned over and rubbed Poncho's floppy brown ears. The little dog had

truly been a godsend for his mother, adding a joyful element to her otherwise pain-wracked existence.

"Sammy, I'm sure. Now go. Carina and I have much to discuss."

Sam hesitated only a second before bending to kiss his mother's cheek. "I love you, Mama."

Mary cupped her son's jaw with gentle fingers, her brown eyes glimmering with tenderness. "I love

you, too. Have a good time, mijo. Call or text to let me know when you get there."

"I will." He moved away to give his aunt a hug before heading to his room to call Tori and begin

packing for Cancun. Five days and nights on the beach and in bed with Tori had his heart pounding a

mile a minute with anticipation.

Ignoring the stab of guilt for abandoning his mother, Sam told himself he was leaving her in capable

loving hands. Tia Carina hadn't been to Dallas in a while. It had taken some doing, but his aunt had
arranged for the care of her two children still living at home in San Antonio. They were in high school
and could pretty much fend for themselves.

He inhaled a deep breath. A visit with her sister would do his mother a world of good. And getting

away from it all with the woman he loved would do Sam a world of good, too. He would push all his
worries away for a brief time and lose himself in Tori's eager embrace.

Pulling open the top drawer of his bureau, Sam took out a small velvet box. He flipped it open and

gazed at the two-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring he'd bought last week. A special ring for
the special woman in his life.

He'd never asked a woman to marry him before. Then again, he'd never fallen in love. From the first

moment he'd laid eyes on Tori, Sam had been struck with lust. It hadn't taken long to tumble headlong
into love.

Neither of them had spoken of love or commitment, yet Sam was fairly certain Tori loved him back.

He saw it every time he looked into her laughing blue eyes. Every time they made love.

He snapped the lid of the box shut and stuffed it in his carry-on. He didn't know exactly how or when

he'd ask Tori to be his wife--maybe on this trip, maybe not. All he knew was that without a doubt, he
couldn't live the rest of his life without her.

***

Tori leaned back on the chaise lounge dressed in a neon green bikini, floppy hat and sunglasses. She

gazed out at the clear blue waters off Cancun. She had a margarita in one hand and the other was
clasped in the strong grip of the handsome man lounging beside her on his own chaise lounge.

Life was good. They'd spent the last four days snorkeling and fishing and exploring ancient ruins,

while the nights were filled with dining, dancing and making love.

Oh yeah. Life didn't get much better than this.

After taking a long cool sip of her drink, she set the glass down on a nearby table and tilted her head

to the sun. Tonight would be their last night in Cancun. Joe and Raenell had gone shopping and
sightseeing, while Tori and Sam opted to laze around and soak up some sun. She looked up and down
the white-sandy beach. It wasn't as crowded today, which was nice for a change.

"Need more sun block?" Sam sat up and grabbed the tube from the side table. "I'll rub some on you."

Tori chuckled. "You slathered me with it half an hour ago. I think I'm still good. Thanks."

"You're good all right." He swooped in to kiss her hard on the mouth. Immediately, butterflies dive-

bombed in Tori's stomach. She didn't think she'd ever get tired of Sam's kisses.

"Let's go for a swim then. I want to hold you in my arms. I need to touch you, babe. Now." He stood

and held out a hand, his brown eyes heavy with passion. "Come on. Swim with me."

She couldn't resist the husky persuasion in his deep voice or the heat in his eyes. "All right. You

talked me into it." She tossed off her hat and sunglasses and placed her hand in his, reveling in the
warmth and feel of his big hands. Heat skittered along her nerve endings when she thought about those
clever hands touching her body, playing her like an instrument of sensual sensations.

They ran to the water's edge and Tori took a deep breath, spreading her arms wide, twirling with joy.

"It's so beautiful here, isn't it? And it smells so good."

"You're the one who smells good." He stood watching her, the intensity of his gaze almost searing her

to her core.

"That's the sun block," she said with a smile. "Tropical fruit."

"You smell good enough to eat. Into the water we go, babe." Sam scooped her up in his arms and

jogged into the light surf.

"Hey! Put me down!" Tori laughed with a half-hearted protest, then gave herself up to the wonder of

being held in Sam's embrace. She draped her arms around his powerful neck; his hard muscles
rippled beneath her fingers.

"I have a better idea," he said in her ear. "Hold on tight. Don't let go."

"What are you going to do?"

"You'll like it, I promise." He smiled that lethal smile that made Tori turn all mushy inside.

"You better not throw me in like you did yesterday, mister."

"Hey, that was an accident. I tripped, okay?"

Tori snorted. "Right. Like I believe that."

He laughed and kissed her, and she tightened her hold, relishing the feel of his arms carrying her so

effortlessly. Sam waded out into the turquoise blue water until they were immersed chest deep. The
water sloshed on Tori's bare skin, the sun burned high in the cloudless sky.

"Ready?" That smooth low voice washed over her, encasing her in Sam's warm desire. With their

heads almost level, Tori stared into his dark brown eyes, feeling his gaze touch her deep down inside.

She licked her lips and nodded. She was ready all right. For anything Sam threw her way. Well,

almost anything.

"Hold on, babe." He adjusted her position, hooking his hands on her thighs as he slid her down his

torso, her legs spread wide, the friction utterly delicious, utterly sensual. He cupped her butt and held
her against him until she came to rest on his very hard, very aroused shaft.

Tori locked her legs around his waist, bringing them closer together. He rocked his lower body

against her, only two thin layers of wet swimsuit fabric keeping them apart.

The breath caught in Tori's throat and she swallowed hard. Even though they'd made love that

morning, the desire and passion exploded between them like a match to tinder.

Secure in Sam's strong embrace, Tori put both hands on his smoothly shaven jaw and pulled his head

down for a kiss, moving her lower body in sync with the rolling surf. Sam's hands tightened on her
butt, squeezing and kneading her firm flesh. He held her closer, angling his head, diving his tongue

into her mouth, devouring her in a savage kiss.

The froth of the surf gently crashed against them, bumping them closer together, creating a rhythm not

unlike the rhythm of making love. Each soft thump produced exquisite pleasure as their bodies
jammed into each other again and again, with Tori's legs stretched wide, nestling her intimately
against Sam's hard shaft.

Pure sensation teased and tortured her, making her almost frantic with yearning. She buried her

fingers in Sam's damp black hair, holding his head for better access and deeper penetration of tongue
in mouth.

After a moment of pure bliss, he pulled back. "Watch my hand, babe. And keep holding on tight."

Tori blinked and looked down between their two bodies. She felt one of Sam's hands leave her butt,

trailing a heated path with his blunt fingertips up her ribcage until he reached her chest. He eased the
swimsuit top out of the way, exposing the sensitive aching flesh of one breast.

She stole a glance at his chiseled face. The pupils in his eyes dilated as he gazed down at her chest.

Tori watched as he palmed her breast, caressing her almost reverently. Her nipple puckered and she
arched her back, begging for more of his touch. Softly, she cried out in pleasure when he rubbed the
taut bead between his finger and thumb. He swallowed her moan with another searing kiss.

Sam braced his legs as he held Tori in his arms, the apex of her thighs lodged against his throbbing

groin. He really hadn't thought this interlude through, because no way could he take her out here in
public. Even though the usual crowd seemed to have dispersed, he didn't have any protection with him
and he couldn't risk it. Wouldn't risk it.

Surrounded by the clear blue water, he continued kneading the soft flesh of one rounded breast,

brushing the nipple back and forth with his thumb, and trying like hell not to lose his balance in the
increasing strength of the surf.

He would have to call a halt in a minute. But Tori felt so good in his arms, beneath his hands. Her hot

woman's flesh pressed so tightly against him he thought he might explode any minute.

"Sam . . . please . . . I need . . ."

Damn. Tori's body was undulating against him, her head thrown back, her hands on his shoulders, her

breath panting in and out. She had to be on the verge of climax.

"Sam!"

"I've got you, babe." It still amazed him how responsive she was to his caresses. He grabbed her butt

with both hands, easing one hand beneath the elastic of her bikini bottoms. With infinite precision, he
found her most intimate flesh and touched it gently with his thumb.

"Oh, God . . . Oh, God yes!" Tori closed her eyes and bit her lip, riding against his thumb, moving up

and down, up and down. Her breasts jiggled as she strained against him, stretching, seeking, searching
for that ultimate release. She groaned low in her throat, her fingers digging into his shoulder blades.

Sam groaned, too, as he watched the woman in his arms ignite into a frenzied orgasm. He slipped his

finger inside her slick channel and pushed against her mound, swallowing her cry of pleasure in a
deep hard kiss.

Removing his hand, he clasped her butt again, nudging his body against hers, milking the final tremors

of her climax. Tori's head fell against his shoulder, her breathing ragged in his ear, her body still
riding low against his.

When she bit and sucked the sensitive skin of his collarbone, all thought flew out of Sam's mind along

with his control. He pulled her closer, squeezing her butt, grinding himself against her heat.

"Your turn," she whispered in his ear. She moved her hand beneath the waistband of his swim trunks

and wrapped her fingers around him.

One, two, three strokes and he exploded in his own orgasmic release, spilling his seed into the frothy

surf surrounding them. When the last quivers finally died away, Sam lifted Tori in his arms and turned
to walk back to shore.

No words were spoken; no words were needed.

***

Two weeks later, Tori looked in horror at the low grade on the essay she'd written the week before.

A big red D in the top right-hand corner of the computer-generated page glared brightly back at her,
highlighting the other red marks bleeding all over the paper.

What in the world was wrong with her? She was a good student and made good grades. She'd been on

the honor roll in elementary school, NJHS in middle school and the president of the NHS in high
school. She'd been a National Merit Semifinalist. She'd won scholarships to UTD and made the
Dean's List every semester three years running.

What the hell had happened?

Tori folded the essay and stuffed it in her bag. She knew what had happened. She knew damn well

what had happened. Sam Garza. That's what had happened.

She couldn't ignore the situation any longer. Sam was derailing all of her ambitions and goals. Not

him, exactly; but the distraction he was to her. He was distracting her from everything that should be
top priority in her life right now. He was a distraction she couldn't afford.

If she didn't do something quick, she might lose her chance to get into Texas A&M. Lose her chance to

study to be a vet. She couldn't afford to let her grades slide. Couldn't afford to let her dreams slide
away, either.

Tori walked across campus to the parking lot where she'd left her car. She was so close to realizing

her life-long ambitions. Or more to the point, she was ready to begin the last phase to make her dream
into reality.

She could not fail, damn it. She would not fail.

For three years, she'd stayed focused with her eye always on the goal. She'd worked hard to get

where she was, and if she weren't careful, she was going to lose it all.

Tori jerked open her car door and threw her bag inside before climbing in. She stabbed the key into

the ignition and started the car, flipping on the air conditioner. It was already feeling like summer and
it was only the first week of April.

With the motor running, Tori sat in the car and let the cool air flow over her. There wasn't much time

left to switch gears and get back on track.

Her chest ached and her stomach clenched painfully when she thought about what she needed to do.

Gripping the steering wheel tightly, Tori leaned her head back against the headrest. Her vision
quickly blurred as she blinked back tears.

She was going to have to break up with Sam.

Pain sliced through her like a knife to the heart. She'd let Sam sweep her off her feet and into his bed.

He'd taken her virginity and stolen her heart. She didn't know how she'd get along without him, but she
could not let him or anyone keep her from reaching her ultimate goal.

She rocked back and forth in the driver's seat as she cried in anguish. Tears ran down her cheeks, and

she hiccupped with the sobs wracking her body and wrenching her soul. If she broke up with Sam,
part of her would shrivel up and die. Yet if she gave up her dreams . . .

She desperately tried, but couldn't imagine a workable future with Sam in the picture. To achieve the

life and future she was working so hard toward--did not, could not, include Sam Garza. Not for a
while anyway.

She squeezed the steering wheel so hard her knuckles hurt. Would he wait for her? He'd never said he

loved her. She hadn't told him how she felt, either. They'd wanted to keep it simple and
uncomplicated.

Right.

Why couldn't she have met Sam after vet school? The timing for this relationship sucked. Really,

really sucked.

Tori grabbed a tissue from the console and blew her nose. She had to get her act together. She had to

get her life together.

Backing the car out of the parking space, she headed for the apartment. Sam was coming over tonight.

She bit her lip as tears blurred her vision again; she dashed them away with the tissue.

She'd have to cool things with him and not look back. And somehow, some way, she'd ignore the

empty hole in her chest where her heart had once beat.

***

Tonight was the night. Tonight he was going to ask Tori to marry him.

Sam knocked on Tori's front door and waited, rolling back and forth on the balls of his feet. A

ridiculous nervous tension stretched his body taut, spiking his adrenaline, making him edgy as hell. A
fine film of sweat beaded on his forehead. He impatiently swiped it away.

Goddamnit, Garza! Get it together, man.

The door swung open and Tori stood on the threshold. "Oh, you're early. I'm almost ready. Come on

in."

Sam walked into the apartment, kicked the door closed and pulled Tori into his arms, kissing her

soundly. She tasted sweet and hot. He was addicted to her kisses. He was addicted to the woman.

Tori's head fell back, and she had that dazed look in her eyes that Sam loved so well. Her tongue

darted out and she licked her lips, as if savoring the flavor of his kiss. And just like that he was hard
and ready.

"Hey, babe." He tightened his hold and kissed her again. How had he ever survived before Tori had

come into his life?

After a moment, she pushed away and smoothed her hands down her black sheath dress, then

automatically finger-combed her hair. "Let me finish my make-up, then I'll be ready to go." She turned
toward the hall leading to her bedroom.

"Wait!" It was now or never, Sam thought. The suspense was killing him. He had to ask her now to

put himself out of his misery. He wanted a yes; she had to say yes.

Tori turned back toward him, a question in her eyes. "What is it? What's the matter? Oh, God. It's your

mother, isn't it?"

"No, Mom's fine. Well, as fine as can be expected." He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips.

Her pulse fluttered beneath his mouth, and her eyes searched his.

"Then what is it?" Her hand played nervously with the sapphire pendant he'd given her last Christmas.

Straightening to his full height, Sam squeezed her fingers before letting go of her hand. Digging in his

coat pocket for the black velvet box, he pulled it out and snapped it open.

Tori gasped and her eyes widened as she looked from the large emerald-cut solitaire to Sam and back

to the ring again.

He cleared his throat. "I've never said the words, but you have to know I love you with all my heart."

Her eyes snapped to his, and she exhaled on a sob. One hand covered her mouth, while the other

pressed against her stomach. "Oh, Sam." A single teardrop ran down one smooth cheek. "Oh, Sam,"
she whispered.

With hands not quite steady, he took the ring from the box and offered it to the woman he loved so

desperately. "Will you marry me, Miss Victoria McCade?"

"Oh, God . . . Oh, Sam . . ." Tears were falling in earnest now. That was a good sign, right?

He tried to take her hand again, but she snatched it away and hid it behind her back. A rock lodged in

his chest as agitation coursed uneasily through his bloodstream. Oh, hell. Pulling her hand from his
wasn't a good sign. Confusion mingled with panic. Sam clenched his jaw, trying not to betray his
anxiety. "Tori? I asked you to be my wife. Aren't you going to give me an answer?"

Tears glistened in her eyes and spiked her long lashes. She bit her lip so hard Sam thought she might

taste blood. His ribcage tightened painfully over his pounding heart.

Goddamnit! She was going to refuse.

"Oh, Sam. You don't know how sorry I am, but I can't marry you." She covered her face with both

hands and wept. "Oh, God. I'm so sorry. So sorry."

Shock held him silent a moment; he couldn't believe what he was hearing. The rock in his chest turned

into a boulder pressing against his heart so hard he couldn't breathe. Never in a million years had he

thought Tori would refuse him. "You can't marry me? Or you won't?" Anger was fast replacing shock.
What the hell did she mean she couldn't marry him? "Are you saying you don't love me?"

She shook her head, swiping the tears from her eyes. "No, I--"

"You don't love me." His voice sounded flat and dead in his ears. His whole world came crashing

down around him. How could he have miscalculated so badly?

Tori reached out a hand and clasped his wrist. "Yes, I do love you. But . . . I can't marry you. At

least, not right now."

He jerked his hand away. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

Tori crossed her arms against her chest and hugged herself. Her lips trembled when she tried to smile

at him. He certainly didn't feel like smiling right now. He didn't know if he'd ever smile again.

"Can we sit down and discuss this like two civilized adults?" she asked, her voice soft and hesitant.

"I don't feel very civilized at the moment." Sam jabbed the ring back into the velvet box and stuffed it

in his coat pocket. He followed Tori to the sofa, sat down stiff and straight, and waited. He clamped
his jaw so tight, his teeth hurt.

The ball was in her court now. After all these months, he should be used to losing control around her.

Control of his emotions. Control of his body. Control of the situation he now found himself in.

"So, what do you mean 'not right now'?" He forced himself to speak in a low calm voice, instead of

shouting in anger and frustration. He felt the cords in his neck stretch taut.

Tori twisted her hands in her lap, her head bent, her eyes lowered. Her chest heaved and her breath

quivered as she searched to find the words to explain. Sam didn't know if any words could explain.
"I've been having trouble keeping up with my classes since we've been dating," she said.

"What kind of trouble?" Sometimes, he forgot she was still going to school. With the attention he had

to give his mother, his time with Tori was so limited they didn't waste any of it on small talk. With a
feeling not unlike guilt, he realized every time he saw Tori, he usually rushed her into bed as quickly
as possible.

She plucked at the skirt of her dress and hesitated so long, he thought she wasn't going to answer.

Suddenly, the hairs on the back of his neck prickled. She raised tear-drenched eyes to his and the
anguish in their blue depths nearly sucker-punched him. He wasn't the only one suffering here.
Something deeper was going on. But what?

"My GPA is the lowest it's ever been," she said. Her lips trembled. "I . . . I can't afford to neglect my

studies any longer or I won't graduate."

Sam's breath stalled in his lungs as the meaning of her words hit him. "So, you're saying instead of

getting married, we need to cool it, is that it? Were you planning to break up? To stop seeing me, stop
being with me? For God's sake, you just told me you loved me."

"I do love you, Sam. You don't understand!"

Tension hummed down his spine as he waited for her next words. He wasn't stupid. He could see

where she was going with this. But damn it! He didn't want to see. He tried to breathe evenly and

maintain control, but found his eyes narrowing on her anyway. "Explain it to me then."

"I'll try." She stiffened her spine and sat up straight. "You see, studying to be a veterinarian isn't just

something I want to do. It's something I have to do, need to do. If I marry you now, deep down I know
I'll get sidetracked and won't finish my degree. I can't lose my focus; I can't lose my dream."

Sam blew out a pent up breath, praying for patience. "Tori, a lot of people get married and still go to

school and earn degrees. I don't see any reason why you couldn't do it, too."

"Don't you? If I'm having trouble keeping up with my classes while dating you, I'm fairly certain being

married would make it that much harder. For the next four years, I need to concentrate on getting my
degree. Most people don't realize how grueling vet school can be. I can't afford distractions of any
kind."

Sam stared at her, the impact of her words jarring him. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"And I'm a distraction?"

She bit her lip again. "I'd be lying if I said you weren't. I do love you, Sam. Truly, I do."

He gritted his teeth and attempted to keep the bitterness from his tone. "Obviously, not enough."

She watched him steadily. "I love you with all my heart. But say I agreed to marry you? Look at the

logistics. I can't stay here in Dallas, and I certainly don't want to move to New York."

A cold fury flared inside of him. "Goddamn it, I'm not asking you to move to New York. Although, I

don't see why you can't be a veterinarian anywhere."

"Well, I can't." She shook her head and her golden curls shimmered around her face. "For more years

than I can count, it's been a given I would take over Doc's practice. The people in and around Salt
Fork are counting on me. I can't let them down. I can't let Doc down, and I can't let myself down."

"So, you're letting me down instead."

She raised tear-stricken eyes at him. "Oh, Sam . . . I never meant to let you down."

No way could he let her know how much she was killing him. How those tears affected him. He

crossed his arms over his chest. "Just calling it as I see it, babe."

More tears threatened to spill. She grabbed a tissue from the box on the side-table and dabbed her

eyes. "Sam, I do want to marry you. I'm just asking for a little time."

Sam lunged up from the sofa and paced around the living room. He needed an outlet for the hot anger

boiling in his gut. "Four years is not a little time, Tori."

"In the big scheme of things, it is."

"Damn it! Anything can happen in four years' time. Life can throw some hellacious curve balls. Look

how my father died so suddenly. Look at my mom. I don't want to lose you, too. I can't lose you."

Tori's stomach sank and her heart beat painfully in her chest. "You're not playing fair."

"Fuck playing fair!"

Tori flinched at the anger in Sam's voice, the rage emanating from him. She grabbed a stuffed pillow

from the sofa and hugged it to her, keeping her head tilted down with her long hair shielding her face.

How had her life become so complicated? How could it have blown out of control like this? She'd
always been so focused on her plans, her goals . . . until she'd met Sam. She tried to keep the tears
from falling again. She'd have plenty of time to cry after this. "I know how much you've been hurt;
how much you're hurting with your mom."

"Do you, Tori? Do you really? Look at me, damn it!" Sam stopped pacing and stood directly in front

of her. When she lifted her gaze, he stared at her out of those mocha-colored eyes.

Tori gripped the pillow tighter to her chest. "I never meant to add to your hurt. When we first started

dating, both of us wanted to keep it simple, uncomplicated. Remember?"

"All I remember is that I wanted you from the first moment I saw you." His smooth deep voice

washed over her, tempting her to toss her goals and dreams aside, anything to keep Sam in her life.

She had to be strong, had to keep the ultimate prize in sight. She inhaled a deep shaky breath. She

could do this; she had to pursue her degree. Without distraction. Without Sam. "That was lust, not
love," she said dismissively.

He nodded and one corner of his lips tilted in a half-smile. "Pure and simple."

That almost-smiled tugged at her heartstrings. She gritted her teeth. She had to be brave and keep to

her resolve. "Right. Lust, pure and simple. Not complicated in the least. Except I didn't count on
falling in love with you."

He reached down and touched her hair, moving his hand lower and cupping her jaw. His voice was

soft, almost a whisper. "But you did fall in love with me. And now you're ready to throw it all away. I
don't understand, babe."

Tori cringed inside, because the reality of throwing it all away made her heart ache unmercifully. "I

don't want to throw it completely away. I want you in my life. I do love you. But I know how I am,
how it's been with me since I started dating you. I don't have what it takes to get married and finish
school at the same time. I can't risk it. I have to finish school. I have to be a vet."

He stepped back, and she immediately felt the loss of his touch, the loss of the familiar heat of his

body. How would she survive without Sam? Cooling things off with him--breaking up--was the most
difficult thing she'd ever had to do.

He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I don't want to lose you. I love you too much."

Every time he said he loved her, a little of Tori's resolve chipped away. "You won't lose me. You

just have to let me go for a little while."

Sam's brows slanted in a frown again. "Your concept of time is intriguing. Again, four years is not a

little while."

She lifted her chin. "If our love can't survive for four years, then it's not very strong, and we're not

meant to be together. You have to trust in the strength of our feelings for one another."

"Life's a crap shoot, and I don't think I can do that." Sam reached out a hand and pulled her to her feet.

"So I guess this is goodbye, babe."

Tori searched the rugged features she'd come to love so well. His face looked carved from stone, he

held his sculpted lips firmly together, his mouth in a flat line. She could see the blood visibly beating

in the taut cords in his neck. She swallowed a sob. "Not goodbye forever. Not forever, Sam."

"I think it's probably for the best." His voice was low and raspy.

"But . . ."

"You can't have it both ways, babe." He kissed her one last time, and Tori felt all the pent up passion,

anger and fury. Sam ravaged her mouth--devouring, branding, marking her. It was like he was making
sure she'd never forget what she'd thrown away.

He jerked his mouth from hers and set her away from him. "Good bye, Tori."

She stayed where she was, touching trembling fingers to her lips. The front door slammed behind him,

and she crumpled to the sofa, tears and sobs consuming her.

My God! What had she done?

CHAPTER EIGHT

Tori had less than a month to get her academic record straightened out. She talked to her advisors and

professors, focused all her energy on her classes, then studied for finals like she'd never studied
before. She passed with respectable grades and finalized the paperwork for vet school, but every
moment of every day, she felt as if something vital had been yanked from her soul; something essential
lost forever.

Finally, everything was set in motion to begin the next phase of the rest of her life. She should be

ecstatic, right? Instead, it all seemed anticlimactic. She missed Sam. She ached for Sam.

During those last hectic weeks before graduation, she'd tried her best not to think about him. Tried not

to second-guess about whether she'd done the right thing. Whether she'd ruined her one chance for true
love.

When he'd said they'd make a clean break, he hadn't been kidding. No phone calls, no emails, no texts.

No nothing. That's what she'd wanted, wasn't it? Then why was she hurting so badly? Why did her
heart feel so battered, so empty?

How many times had she picked up her phone, ready to call him, ready to tell him she'd made a

mistake? Tell him all that mattered was their love for one another? That everything else wasn't
important? How many times had she put it down again, because she knew she'd only feel half-alive if
she didn't become a vet? But without Sam in her life, she felt empty and dead, so what did it matter?

Her brain was like one of those hamster wheels, always turning, never getting anywhere. She went

round and round in her mind about Sam and school, fluctuating back and forth but never finding a
workable solution.

Graduation came and went. Tori greeted her family who had driven in from the ranch to see her walk

and receive her diploma. She'd pasted on a smile and hoped they wouldn't think anything amiss. She'd
never told them about Sam, and she wanted to keep it that way. She didn't need her brothers going all
macho and protective about their baby sister. She didn't want their pity, didn't want her mother's well-
meaning sympathy, either. She was hanging on to her sanity and nerves by a mere thread as it was.
One word or look of commiseration, and she'd be a blubbering basket case.

So when they finally left to go back to the Diamondback Ranch, Tori felt a little guilty waving

goodbye. Guilty and glad she didn't have to pretend to be cheerful all the time.

She would see her family soon enough when she returned to Salt Fork to work with Doc Pritchard at

his clinic during the summer months. Then she'd be headed to College Station and A&M and her
future.

But first, she had to help Raenell get married. Tori had promised to throw a bridal shower for her

friend, and that kept her busy during those first days after graduation. After that, there were dress
fittings for the bridesmaids, and all manner of details Tori volunteered to do in preparation for the
wedding. It kept her hands busy and her mind occupied during the days.

Nights were another matter. Sam invaded her dreams now more than ever. From the moment her head

hit the pillow to the blast of the morning alarm on her cell phone, images of Sam bombarded her
sleepy thoughts making her restless and edgy and wanting. She would remember his smile that never
failed to warm her heart, the heat in his brown eyes that never failed to ignite a hunger in her blood.
His consideration and gentleness when they'd first made love, then later the wild unleashed passion
when he lost control and touched her very soul. His continued tenderness taking care in his mother,
the strength and bravery he showed in the face of her impending death.

Was it any wonder she threw herself whole-heartedly into the preparations for Raenell's wedding?

She pushed herself and worked like a Trojan, always with the hope that maybe she'd be so tired she'd
fall into bed too exhausted to dream. It sounded good in theory, yet sucked in reality. But she kept
busy and worked hard, just the same.

Tori managed to avoid bumping into Sam for almost a month, all the while steeling herself for the

inevitable confrontation, what with both of them being in the wedding party and all. She would have
to see and interact with him during the wedding rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner, the actual ceremony
and reception. She hoped to God she could stand by her decision, because not seeing Sam was killing
her.

She tried not to think how stressed out she felt during what should have been such a joyful occasion.

She vowed she would not ruin Raenell's wedding no matter what. Her friend was already upset about
the break up. Like most brides, she wanted everyone around her to be in love and find true happiness
with their very own soul mates. Unfortunately, real life didn't always work out that way.

Tori's cheeks hurt from smiling whenever Raenell looked her way; her brain hurt with always trying

to act cheerful.

The wedding was scheduled to take place in an older church with a beautiful interior, with the

reception hall situated next door. At the wedding rehearsal, Tori braced herself for her first glimpse
of Sam since the night he'd kissed her goodbye forever. Entering the church, she quickly scanned the
group of people gathered around the minister, noting with relief that Sam hadn't arrived yet. The short
respite gave her time to dredge up a little courage for the moment she would see him again.

She set her bag on the back pew and made her way down the aisle toward the minister. Raenell

smiled and motioned her over. The side door of the vestibule opened and Joe walked in with Sam by
his side. Tori's breath stalled in her lungs and she almost stumbled, but caught herself before falling
flat on her face in the middle of the aisle.

Sam's head shot her way and his eyes lasered in on her. For a frozen moment in time, it seemed all the

others receded to the background, leaving only Tori and Sam alone, standing across from each other
in the wide-open space inside the church.

She grabbed hold of the back of one of the pews to steady herself. Her heartbeat echoed in her head;

her surroundings blurred around the edge of her peripheral vision. Was she going to faint? She'd
never fainted before in her life. But then again, she'd never loved . . . or lost anyone, either.

Bravely, she continued down the aisle to stand near Raenell. Sam stood with Joe on the bride's other

side. Tori angled herself beside her friend so she could steal a glance at Sam. Searing pain sliced
through her midsection when she saw the grim look in those dark brown eyes. She quickly stepped
back and when Raenell looked at her, Tori shook her head and forced a smile.

How foolish to think she'd adequately prepared herself to see Sam again. Gone were the heat and

desire she was accustomed to seeing directed her way; instead, his eyes were cold and withdrawn,
flat and impersonal. What had she expected? She'd thrown his love and proposal in his face. She'd
broken it off with him; terminated the relationship.

Her choice. Her decision. Had she been insane?

Tori drew in a tremulous breath. The minister's calm voice contrasted with the turbulent thoughts and

emotions spinning round and round in her head. Now more than ever, here in this church, she
wondered if she'd made the right choice, done the right thing. Would she ever feel normal again?

"Tori? Are you okay?" Raenell took her elbow and walked to the back of the church so they could

rehearse the wedding march and ceremony.

"I'm fine," she lied, trying desperately to get hold of her riotous emotions. "Don't worry about me. I'll

be all right."

"Okay. If you're sure . . ." Raenell broke away to stand with her father near the back of the church.

No, she wasn't sure at all, Tori thought. How in the world would she manage to get through the whole

wedding day tomorrow without succumbing to the surge of emotions roiling inside? Just thinking
about it made her heart pound and her stomach tumble.

Thank God, the bachelorette party had been last weekend. No way could Tori have faced the stress

and strain of the big day had she been recovering from a hangover and trying to function on only a few
hours of sleep.

It would all be stressful enough as it was. Tori prayed she'd have the strength to endure.

***

Saturday dawned sunny and hot. June in Dallas was always a scorcher. Tori showered, dressed and

carefully applied makeup. She grabbed her bridesmaid's dress and was out the door in record time.
She'd arranged to meet Raenell at the church and help her dress and get ready.

Pure chaos reigned in the bride's dressing room with all of the bridesmaids, Raenell and her mother,

her sister and Tori, too. The laughter and excitement of the women proved contagious and went a long
way in soothing Tori's nervous jitters about having to be in close proximity to Sam all day.

Finally, the big moment came when they all entered the church and took their assigned places. When it

came Tori's turn to walk down the aisle, she gave Raenell one last hug then slowly made her way to
the front of the church in time to the organ music. She avoided looking directly at Sam. She couldn't
face the cold distance in his eyes again. Not yet.

When she reached the altar, she turned to face the congregation and watched Raenell float up the aisle

toward her husband-to-be and a bright happy future. Her friend's beautiful face held such a glow of
love and happiness that Tori felt a little stab of jealousy and envy. Once again, the thought that she'd
made the wrong decision about Sam surged through her mind.

She couldn't stand it any longer and slanted a glance over at him where he stood next to Joe straight

and tall in his black tuxedo. He was so handsome, her heart hurt with her loss. He caught her gaze for
a fleeting moment with narrowed eyes and clamped his jaw tight, but he quickly regained his poise
and smiled at the bride as she came to stand beside the groom.

The ceremony wasn't long, yet it was moving and powerful. Tori cried a little in happiness for her

best friend and a little bit in sorrow for herself and what might have been with Sam.

She braced herself for the walk down the aisle, placing trembling fingers on Sam's arm. When they

reached the doors of the church, he couldn't let go of her quickly enough. His rejection almost made
her sick to her stomach. Silently, she stood beside him outside the church with the rest of the wedding
party, waiting for the bride and groom to emerge.

The doors flew open and the newly married couple burst outside to be greeted with cheers and hugs

from the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Sam left Tori's side to offer his congratulations to Joe and
Raenell. Tori held back and watched as he slapped his friend on the back and kissed the bride's
cheek. He grinned at something Joe said, and she caught a glimpse of the Sam she knew and loved so
well. The contrast of moods chilled her to the bone.

She slipped away from the crowd, intent on finding the restroom where she could get hold of her

emotions and give herself a pep talk. She'd known the day was going to be tough. She'd thought she'd
prepared herself. But her mental preparations were laughable compared to the harsh reality of facing
Sam's cold impersonal presence.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and Tori let them fall unheeded. Luckily, the restroom was empty when

she pushed through the door. Maybe if she had a good cry, it would relieve some of the stress and
pain engulfing her. Her thoughts were so jumbled and confused. All her life she'd known exactly what
she wanted. She'd carefully planned how she'd go about making it happen. She'd been focused and on
track.

All that had changed when Sam Garza had turned her world upside down.

Had she made the right choice when she'd broken up with him? Was she a fool to choose school and

career over the man she loved? And did she really have to choose? If she changed her mind and Sam
still wanted her, could she succeed in pursuing her degree while married? Her brain said one thing,
her heart another.

Once again, Tori thought how the timing of it all sucked.

She sniffed back the tears and looked in the mirror above the sink. Oh God. She really needed to get

her act together. She couldn't have puffy red eyes for Raenell's wedding pictures.

She washed her hands, letting the cool water run through her fingers while she tried to compose

herself. No matter what, she had to get through this day. No way could she let Raenell down.

Drying her hands, Tori took a deep breath for courage. She could do this. She only had to be strong

for six or seven more hours. When she got home, she could fall to pieces, but for now, she would act
her part with a smile for Raenell's sake.

Tossing the paper towel in the garbage, she exited the lavatory only to run smack dab into Sam. She

swallowed hard and made as if to walk around him with no more acknowledgement other than a small
smile.

"Oh, no you don't. We need to talk." Sam grabbed her elbow and propelled her down the hallway,

pushing her into an empty room and closing the door behind them.

Tori jerked her elbow free, trying desperately to still the trembling in her body and the palpitations

hammering in her heart. Her courage was hanging by a thread, unraveling at an alarming rate. She
would not cry. Not in front of him. Not again.

"I really don't think this is the time or place for us to talk. Now, if you'll excuse me, we have pictures

to take." She made for the door.

Sam blocked the way. "At least have the decency to hear me out." He stood like an angry

conquistador, tall and dark and deadly. He clasped his arms across his chest, silent for a moment, his
teeth clenched, his eyes now burning with fury . . . and desire.

How could she ever have thought them cold?

Tori's traitorous body readily responded to the sexual tension emanating from him. She felt helpless

in the face of his potent masculinity.

Oh God. Why did she have to love him so much? Why couldn't she have met him after she'd

graduated from A&M? After she'd become a veterinarian?

She couldn't afford to get swept away in the tsunami of emotions she felt for Sam. She was afraid if

she gave into temptation, her whole soul and being would be swallowed up and consumed.

Resolutely, she stuffed her feelings and hormones away and lifted her chin. "I don't think there's any

more to say." She watched in fascination as his jaw worked and a muscle ticked in his cheek.
Adrenalin pumped in her bloodstream like she was facing a dangerous predator. She'd felt this way
when she'd first started dating Sam. He was older, more confident, intimidating and big.

Tori licked her dry lips and stood her ground.

Sam closed his eyes on a groan. "Goddamn it, Tori. Don't do that." He pulled her into a rough

embrace and kissed her ruthlessly, almost brutally.

Dear God, how she'd missed him. A thrill shot down her spine as he gripped her nape with one hand

and splayed the other on her bottom, pushing her body against the rigid length of his. He plunged his
tongue into her mouth and ground his arousal against her stomach. Tori's body instinctively readied
itself, dampening her panties, begging for fulfillment. She clung to Sam's shoulders, tiptoeing and
wiggling, seeking his heat, his touch, his everything.

A rapid knock on the door and a discreet cough drifted through the sensual haze clouding Tori's mind.

Her eyes popped open and she peeked around Sam. One of Joe's brothers stood on the threshold.

"Sorry to intrude," he said, "but they're waiting to take pictures. Everyone's looking for you two."

Sam gripped Tori's shoulders and held her gaze. "Thanks, Dominic," he said over his shoulder.

"We'll be there in a minute."

"Everything's cool, dude. I wouldn't take much longer than necessary though. Joe's chomping at the bit.

He's not real crazy about photo shoots. See you in a few." He withdrew and closed the door softly
behind him.

Tori pushed away from Sam, her cheeks burning, her hand automatically smoothing her hair, tamping

down any wayward curls. She sucked air into her seriously depleted lungs.

Sam caught hold of her wrist and dragged her close again. He searched her eyes. "We still need to

talk and settle a few things."

Tori put her hands on his chest as if to ward him off. "Let's focus on getting through the rest of this day

first. We don't want to spoil it for Joe and Raenell."

Sam's expression grew more serious, more intense. "Then let's set aside our differences and spend the

time together like we used to . . . as a couple."

Tori shook her head. ""Oh, Sam. I don't know about that."

"For Joe and Raenell. It'll be our special gift to them."

She hesitated. Would it be so terrible to pretend they were still together just for tonight? She searched

Sam's face, looking for what, she didn't know. "Okay, we'll do it for Joe and Raenell."

And please God, help her . . . because she was desperately going to need it.

***

Sam hadn't counted on his duties as best man keeping him away from Tori during the first half of the

reception. He had to help set up the bar, make sure the band had what they needed, make toasts and
mingle with the guests.

It wasn't until they sat down to eat that he could finally be close to her. He couldn't get the kiss they'd

shared earlier out of his mind. Although it was a relief to find her as responsive as always, it
confused the hell out of him. How could she so lightly dismiss what they had together? How they felt
about each other?

A molten anger warred with the heat of desire inside of him. Tori knew he was going through hell

with his mom. She'd said she loved him, so why had she abandoned him in his time of need? With
Tori by his side, he'd been better able to cope with his mom's illness. With Tori gone, he felt he had
no one in the world to help him get through this difficult time.

He still loved her, damnit. He still hungered for her. And that only added fuel to his anger.

He wanted her so badly he ached with it. Crazy thoughts jostled each other in his brain. Maybe if he

wooed her back into bed, he could convince her to rethink her decision. Make her admit they
belonged together. Make her realize she was his and his alone.

The band began tuning up and one of Raenell's aunts came by the table to remind the bridal party they

were expected to dance the opening number. Sam turned to Tori. She sat there looking at him out of
those baby blues with a mixture of longing and apprehension.

"It's only a dance, babe. What can it hurt?" It could hurt a lot, Sam thought. Yet he couldn't resist the

opportunity to hold the woman he loved in his arms again.

Tori blinked. What could it hurt indeed? She let Sam escort her to the dance floor, where they waited

while the bride danced with her father, and the groom danced with his mother.

Why couldn't her relationship with Sam be as simple and straightforward as Raenell and Joe's? The

two of them had met, dated, fallen in love and now they were married and beginning their new life
together.

When the couples on the floor changed partners, the entire bridal party joined in the dance. Tori

couldn't help letting out a sigh of contentment. It was so good to feel Sam's arms around her once
more. She loved him so much. She was being torn in two with doubt and the fear that she wouldn't be
able to keep to her decision.

Did she have enough willpower to withstand being apart from Sam forever? Did she have the grit, the

endurance, to stay the course? And would it really be worth it? She was so miserable. She felt only
half-alive without Sam in her life. She knew she'd feel the same if she failed to go to vet school and
get her degree. She was being torn in two with her heart and brain clashing in such tormented conflict.

Glancing up, Tori caught Sam's eyes in an all-consuming gaze. He tightened his hold on her as he led

them gracefully over the dance floor. "Hey, babe."

His deep warm voice washed over her, making her heart flutter with a longing so intense she

trembled in his arms. How she wished they could go back to the way things used to be.

Be strong, Tori. "Hey, yourself," she said softly.

The pupils in his chocolate brown eyes dilated, and he clamped his big hand on the back of her neck,

pulling her head close to his chest. His familiar touch shot tingles of awareness through her system.
His heart beat strong and steady in her ear. Exhaling a deep breath, Tori gave herself up to the
pleasure of dancing with Sam.

Joe and Raenell danced nearby, and Raenell caught Tori's eye, giving her a thumbs up. Tori smiled

for her friend. Just for tonight, she would pretend she and Sam were still a happy couple and
everything would work out between them. She swallowed painfully and tried not to cry.

Tomorrow would be soon enough to face reality. The reality of leaving Sam behind while she pushed

on with her plans and her life.

***

Sam stood next to Tori as the crowd of wedding guests waved goodbye to Joe and Raenell. The

happy couple was on their way to catch a plane to Hawaii where they would spend their honeymoon.
The jangle of beer cans tied to the back bumper echoed against the pavement. The fading taillights of
Joe's truck disappeared into the dark night.

The last of the guests filed back into the church hall to gather their belongings and head for home. The

band had already packed up and left. The overhead lights had been switched on and clean-up duty had
begun.

Sam caught Tori's elbow before she reached the door. "We still need to talk, babe. Let's stay out here

where we can have a little privacy."

Tori crossed her arms over her chest and hugged herself tight. The temperature was in the high

eighties, yet she felt chilled and apprehensive of being alone with Sam in the quiet night; afraid she'd
lose her resolve and give into the temptation of getting back together with him. She'd tried to enjoy the
reception and the pretense of being a loving couple again, but deep in the pit of her stomach,
trepidation coiled like a rattlesnake. She didn't know what they'd accomplished with the charade. It
had only made everything more difficult, more painful.

And was she a horrible human being, or what? All day long, she'd been almost sick with envy for

what Raenell had found with Joe. Her best friend deserved her happiness, but it only emphasized
what Tori had lost.

Sam grabbed one of her hands and pulled her to the side of the building. The area was shrouded in

darkness; the full moon cast its shimmering light from above.

"I don't think this is a good idea," Tori said. In fact, it had catastrophe written all over it.

"Don't think. Just feel." He pushed her against the wall and covered her mouth with his, plastering

his big hard body against her. He ravaged her lips, her cheeks, the hollow of her neck, the sensitive
skin behind her ear. Tori felt her nipples bead against the silky fabric of her bridesmaid's dress, as he
kissed his way back to her mouth.

For one suspended moment, she gave in to the formidable man bent on wrenching a response from

her, branding her, possessing her. She thrilled to the barely restrained passion of the man she loved.
When Sam held her in his arms like this and kissed her like he was devouring her, she could easily
forget the reasons why she'd ended their relationship. How simple it would be to toss all her plans to
the wayside. He made her believe the only thing of importance was how he felt about her, and how
she felt about him.

Luxuriating in the force of their mutual desire, Tori nearly surrendered to the overwhelming emotions.

Only by sheer willpower, did she tear her mouth away from that soul-scorching kiss.

"Stop! We have to stop." With shaking hands, she tried to push out of the embrace but failed. Sucking

oxygen into her lungs, she locked her knees into place so she wouldn't sink to the ground. She needed
to keep a clear head. Nothing had changed.

With both of his strong arms braced on either side of her, Sam had her effectively imprisoned

between him and the wall. He looked down at her. His eyes were heavy with passion . . . and anger.

"Damn it! Do you really want me to stop?" he asked. "You were kissing me back. Don't try to deny

it."

Tori swiped back tendrils of hair that had come undone sometime during the long interminable day.

"Please let me go." She needed to get away from him, before she did something stupid . . . like sleep
with him again. It would be so easy to do and damn the consequences. "Please, Sam," she whispered.

"Son of a bitch!" He flung himself away and turned his back on her. Rubbing the back of his neck

with his hand, he stared up at the moon. "You are one stubborn woman, you know that?"

The soft controlled timbre of his deep voice touched a chord low in Tori's stomach, more powerful

and disturbing than if he'd shouted and yelled. "I'm sorry," she said. "I told you my reasons for
breaking up, and nothing has changed."

He twirled around and stared at her. "Nothing's changed? You're saying that falling in love changes

nothing? Everything's changed, damnit. Can't you see? We love one another. We belong together.
Everything else will work itself out."

"How can you know that?" Tori clasped her arms across her chest again and tried to swallow the

lump in her throat. "All I know is the timing for us is all off. I know my limitations, Sam. If we stayed
together, I wouldn't be able to keep up with my classes. If I didn't finish my degree, I might come to
resent you. I don't know if our love would survive."

"You mean you don't know if your love would survive. Well, you know what? That's fine. Just

fucking fine. Go to A&M. Get your goddamned degree. Good luck with your life, Tori. Good-bye and
good riddance." He stomped off, jerked open the door to the reception hall and disappeared out of
sight.

Tori leaned against the side of the building, tears blinding her vision. She'd cried more than she'd

ever cried in her life since she'd met Sam.

God, she wished their relationship wasn't so complicated. She loved him with her whole heart and

soul. But she had to get her degree and be a vet. She knew she wouldn't be happy if she didn't. She
knew she wouldn't be happy without Sam, either.

It seemed like either choice she made would be a lose-lose situation. Her brain told her one thing, her

heart another. And her gut? Her gut wanted it all.

She was so torn. So confused. Had she chosen the right path? Or had she made the worst mistake of

her life?

Looking up at the bright silver moon, Tori dashed ineffectively at the tears streaming down her

cheeks. She hugged her arms across her chest and rocked as she wept. Only time would tell whether
she'd made the right choice.

***

Ten days later, Tori finished packing up her things and getting ready to move out of the apartment

she'd shared with Raenell for the past two years. She worked with a miserable and heavy heart. Not
only was she packing up her material goods, she was trying desperately to seek some sort of closure
for her disastrous relationship with Sam. Even better would be to create a workable plan for a future
together. But it all seemed hopeless somehow.

Sleep still eluded her, and she had no appetite. She was a total mess both physically and emotionally.

If she didn't get a grip on her life soon, Tori didn't know what would happen. She kept trying to figure
out ways she could have it all. She wanted to go to A&M, make good grades and keep Sam in her
life. How hard could that be?

Years ago, she'd made her plans and followed the chosen path. She'd vowed she wouldn't let anyone

or anything throw her off course. She had to stay focused, but how would she be able to concentrate

on her studies when her heart was broken in two?

Placing the last of her dishes into a cardboard box, Tori taped it closed. She grabbed a soft drink

from the fridge and sat in the middle of the living room where boxes and moving crates littered the
floor.

Her cell phone buzzed and for a minute, she couldn't remember where she'd left it. She ran to the

bedroom and found it on top of a pile of clothes on the bed. When she saw Sam's name and number,
her chest tightened painfully.

Tori hadn't seen hide or hair of him since the night of the wedding. They'd parted on the worst of

terms. She couldn't think why he'd be calling her now. Taking the coward's way out, she let the call go
to voice mail. She carried the phone back to the living room and tossed it on top of one of the moving
boxes. Then she sat on the sofa, sipped her soft drink and stared at the phone, her stomach a jumble of
nerves, and her heart thudding loudly in her ears.

Why had he called? What did he want? What more could they say to one another?

After a few minutes of indecision, Tori snatched up the phone and listened to the message.

"Hey babe. I . . . uh, I just wanted to let you know . . . my mom passed away early this morning. I

thought . . . I thought you might like to know. Call me, if you want."

Tori sat very still on the sofa and looked around the living room. The silence was deafening.

Mocking. Scornful.

The back of her neck tensed, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Her throat closed around a burning

lump, and an anguished sob fought to escape from deep within.

What the hell had she done? Was she insane?

Sam thought she might like to know his mother had died? Inhaling a deep shaky breath, she opened

her eyes and stared at the opposite wall, now bare of all adornment. Bare and empty like her heart
and soul were without Sam in her life.

She took another deep breath and another. Sure she'd made her plans, but plans could be changed.

They could be tweaked, couldn't they? Dear God, how could she have been so stupid? Sam was an
important and integral part of her life.

He was her soulmate. He was the one.

Was she so stubborn and set on her original course of action that she was willing to throw away the

best thing that had ever happened to her?

Sam had it right: They loved one another. They belonged together. They needed to be there for each

other . . . in good times and bad.

That's what was most important. Everything else would work itself out, just like he'd said. Or they'd

make it work somehow. Relationships were all about give and take, encouragement, support and
cooperation.

What in the world had she been thinking? Sam had called her stubborn, and now it seemed to Tori that

standing by her original plans while tossing away the love she shared with Sam only proved the point

a thousand times over.

Of course, she didn't have to go to A&M to get her degree. If she wanted Sam badly enough, and she

did, she could go to school almost anywhere and study to be a vet. He knew how much she wanted it,
needed it. He wouldn't hold her back; he'd been supportive this whole year. She'd been the one who'd
neglected her studies. And it wasn't written in stone that she had to practice in Salt Fork, was it?

Damn, she'd screwed up big time.

She hoped and prayed it wasn't too late. Could Sam ever forgive her? He had to. He just had to.

Tori jumped in the shower, dressed in record time, and packed an overnight bag. She wouldn't bother

calling Sam. She'd do one better and just show up at his house.

He needed her. And she needed him. They'd work it all out somehow. Love would find a way. At

least, she hoped it would.

***

Sam sat in the empty living room of his mom's house, trying to come to grips with her death. She was

in a better place now; her pain and suffering at an end. He knew it was for the best, but the loss was
overwhelming. He'd known the end was near, but losing his mom left his heart bruised and battered.

He'd called and left a message for Tori. He didn't know why. He knew she was no longer a part of his

life and that loss was almost unbearable. Overpowering. Devastating. He felt as if an intrinsic part of
him had died when she'd called it quits. He couldn't help feeling she'd betrayed him in the most basic
sense.

He'd called Joe and Raenell, too. Even though he'd told them there was no need, they insisted on

cutting their honeymoon in Hawaii short. They would be catching an early flight back to Dallas. Sam
was glad; Joe was a good friend.

The doorbell buzzed and an impatient knock followed. He pushed off the sofa and went to answer it.

God, don't let it be any visitors right now. He couldn't handle being on the receiving end of heartfelt
condolences at the moment. He just wanted to forget about everything for a little while. Maybe get
blissfully drunk and escape the pain threatening to pull him under.

The doorbell buzzed again. Poncho came running and barked, then whimpered like he knew who was

on the other side of the door. Sam's heart revved up a beat. He didn't let himself hope, because the
disappointment would kill him.

He opened the door, and his lungs stalled out. Tori stood on the porch with a bag in each hand. The

relief at seeing her flooded his system and nearly knocked him to his knees.

"Sam, I--"

He jerked her into his arms and crushed her body to his. He inhaled deeply and her unique fragrance

filled his lungs and his heart. He pulled her into the house, pushed the door shut with his foot and
kissed her like she was his lifeline to sanity.

She dropped the bags in the foyer and wrapped her arms around him. He slanted his mouth to get a

better angle, wanting to consume her and lose himself in her. He'd ached with longing for this woman.
He'd needed her in this time of great loss. He'd yearned for her soothing, healing touch. The

understanding and sympathy in her big blue eyes.

Poncho jumped at them, twirling and barking with joy, his tail wagging a mile a minute. If Sam had a

tail, it would be wagging, too.

He scooped Tori up in his arms, and she hugged his neck, clinging tightly to him, crying into his

shoulder. "Oh God, I'm so sorry about your mom. I had to see you. I love you so much. Can you ever
forgive me? I've been so foolish."

"Shhh . . . you're here now. That's all that matters." He kissed her again and carried her to the

bedroom. By some miracle, Tori had come back to him. He swore to God, he would never let her
leave him again.

***

The last of the mourners--guests, family and friends--said goodbye and left the house. Sam closed the

door and walked down the hall. The house was empty. His mother was gone forever.

He felt numb all over, like he was in a bad dream and couldn't wake up. He knew the feeling would

recede. He knew the pain would lessen with time. He'd been through this when his father had died.
He'd survived then; he'd survive now.

Poncho met him halfway to the kitchen and trailed after him, his tail down, his brown eyes sad. Sam

picked up the little dog and ruffled his fur. "You miss her, don't you? I know, buddy. I miss her, too."

Entering the kitchen, he set the dog on the floor. "Well, that's everyone. They're all gone. Thank God,

that's over with."

"Yes. Thank God, it's over." Tori stood behind the center island scraping the remains of potato salad

from a huge bowl into a smaller container. "I've almost got this cleaned up. Raenell helped, as well as
some of your cousins. Too bad they all live so far away. They seem nice."

Sam sank into one of the chairs at the table. "We were all pretty close when we were kids. There was

a lot of visiting back and forth, especially during the holidays." He stretched out his legs and let out a
heavy sigh. "Hey babe. Why don't you leave the rest of that till morning and come over here?"

"Sam . . ."

He patted his lap. "Come on. I need to hold you." He needed to feel the warmth and vitality that was

Tori. Maybe some of it would rub off on him. Warm the coldness in his heart. Make him forget his
grief for a little while. She'd held him in her arms while he cried for his loss. She'd cried along with
him, sharing his sorrow. He'd let down his defenses and allowed her to see how vulnerable he was.
He'd trusted in her strength.

They'd shared a bed these past few nights, and Tori had generously shared her body, helping Sam lose

himself in sensual sensation, helping to push away the terrible emptiness threatening to consume him
in the first few days after his mother had died.

He loved Tori McCade more than ever. He wanted her more than ever. He needed her more than

ever.

"Come on, babe. That'll still be there tomorrow."

"All right." She tossed the dishtowel on the counter, walked around the island and sat down on his

lap, curling her arms around his neck, hugging him and leaning her head on his shoulder. After a
moment, she lifted her head and searched his face. With a gentle hand, she caressed his jaw, smoothed
his hair over his forehead, and looked deeply into his eyes. "Hey you. How are you doing?" Her
voice was soft and husky with concern.

"Better now that I have you in my arms." He kissed her on her lips, then nuzzled her neck, and inhaled

her sweet fragrance. Serenity and a peaceful warmth flowed through his veins, banishing the cold
sorrow to the nether regions of his soul. He hugged her close, resting his forehead to hers. "I love you,
Tori McCade."

"I love you, too, Sam Garza."

He grabbed her hand and kissed it. "I don't know what I would have done, how I'd have survived, if

you hadn't been here to help me through all of this."

Tori shook her head. "I couldn't stay away. I've been so stupid. Acted so stupid. I'm so sorry."

"We'll work it out," he said. "I'm not letting you go again; I need you too much. We'll work it out

somehow."

"Yes, but not right now. Later. We'll talk later." Tori put her hands on his cheeks and kissed him with

a tenderness that almost unmanned him. Her kiss was soothing, life-giving, life-affirming; it touched
him to the core, helping to heal the empty ache in his heart, making it all better.

Sam hugged her closer, taking the kiss deeper. Tori melted in his arms and delved her tongue inside

his mouth. She seemed to know instinctively what he needed and wanted. How best to comfort him,
what to do to take his mind off his sorrow. It wasn't long before she was driving him mad with
longing and desire, making him want to lose himself inside her again.

Dear God in heaven. He had to have her now. Right now.

"Hold on," he said, his voice gruff with passion.

Tori sighed as she nestled her head against his shoulder and tightened her hold around his neck. Sam

gathered her in his arms and stood up. He kissed the top of her head, her soft curls, and started
walking to his bedroom.

***

Several hours later, Sam groaned in deep contentment, as he lay spent on top of Tori, their naked

bodies tangled and gleaming with a fine sheen of sweat. His brain felt drained as did his body.

That was a good thing. He didn't want to think about anything other than the woman in his arms and the

pleasure they gave one another. How good it was between them.

They hadn't had time to talk about their future these past few days. When he'd called her about his

mom, he'd hoped and prayed Tori would put aside their differences and come be with him.

She hadn't failed him. She'd been his mainstay all through the funeral arrangements, the visitations and

the funeral itself. And afterwards, when everyone had come over to the house, she'd acted the perfect
hostess. Her love for him shone in her eyes, and he basked in the glory of it.

No, they hadn't talked about the future yet, but she'd obviously had a change of heart as well as mind.

He hoped like hell they could come up with a workable solution to their problem. He'd meant it when
he'd said he wouldn't let her go again.

Tori moved beneath him. "I don't mean to complain, but I can't breathe."

"Sorry." Sam kissed her forehead and rolled off. He dragged her close to snuggle against him. She

threw a leg over him and leaned her head against the hollow of his shoulder. He took her hand in his
and held it near his heart. "I want to thank you for coming to be with me and staying these past few
days. It meant a lot."

Tori sighed and her breath was warm on his bare chest. "This is where I belong, Sam. I know that

now." Tori lifted her head and traced his strong jaw with a lazy finger. "I belong with you. Here.
Now. Forever."

He grabbed her hand again. "Damned straight this is where you belong. But what finally made you

change your mind? What about your plans?"

Tori shrugged. "You said it yourself: I can be with you and study to be a vet at the same time. I'll need

you to encourage and support me. And if push comes to shove, I can practice anywhere. Right here in
Dallas, if that's where you want to live."

Sam struggled to a sitting position, dragging Tori upright, too. "Now hold on a damn minute. Where's

the headstrong stubborn Tori I know and love? The Tori McCade who was so hell-bent on pursuing
her goals with no distractions or impediments?"

Tori placed her hand on over her heart. "She's right here. Right where she wants to be. Right where

she belongs. With the man she loves more than life itself."

A peaceful feeling settled in Tori's gut after stating aloud what should have been obvious to her from

the start. Sam stared at her like she'd lost her marbles. Well, maybe she had. No, what she'd lost was
her head and her heart . . . to him. Right from the beginning. Only she'd been too dead set on following
her carefully mapped-out plan, unable to see or admit that her life had drastically changed when she'd
met Sam Garza.

"I was so miserable when we broke up," she said. "I felt numb inside. Your mom's death made me see

things more clearly. Made me realize what's truly important. I love you, Sam. I want to be with you. I
want to marry you. The sooner, the better."

He narrowed his eyes. "Before you change your mind?"

Tori lowered her gaze and shrugged a bare shoulder. "I'll admit it's going to take a little time for me

to get used to the whole thing. It'll be strange at first, not going to A&M like I'd originally planned.
Not to practice in Salt Fork--" Her voice caught on a sob, and she couldn't finish the sentence as the
reality of taking such a step, a different path in her life, hit her full force.

Sam grabbed hold of her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. "Babe, there's no way in hell I

can let you make such a sacrifice. My mom's death has made me see a few things differently, too.
Made me think of all you said, and what a bastard I would be to make you change your lifelong goals
and dreams for me."

Tori's bottom lip trembled. Her heart clenched at the thought of losing him again. She didn't know

how she would bear it. Did he really not want to get back together? "But I love you. I want to be with
you."

"I love you, too. Except you were right. You need to get your degree. You've worked hard to make it

happen. And you need to take over that practice in Salt Fork. You were right when you said we
should trust in the strength of our feelings. I want you to go to A&M. In fact, I insist."

Tori couldn't believe what she was hearing. "But four years is a long time like you said. What will

you do while I'm at school?"

Sam placed his thumb beneath her chin and tilted her head. "Well, let's think about it a little bit. With

my mom gone, there's nothing holding me here in Dallas. I could go down to College Station so I'd be
near you. But that would distract you too much. What about if I go--"

"Not New York, Sam. That's too far away."

"No, I'm back in Texas for good."

Tori could hardly believe Sam was actually contemplating scenarios so they could be together. She

was almost afraid to breathe; afraid she'd break the spell he'd woven around them. "So if you're not
going to live in Dallas or New York, and you're not going to come with me to College Station . . .
where will you go?"

He smiled that lethal smile of his and the impact hit her square on. "What would you say about Salt

Fork?"

Tori's heart almost flat-lined, and she eyed him in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding. What in the

world would you do in Salt Fork?"

"I don't know yet," he said, lifting a shoulder in a shrug. "The idea just now popped into my head.

There has to be something I can do in Salt Fork."

"Sam, I don't think you realize how small my hometown really is. There's basically one main street

running through town with one stoplight. If you blink, you miss it."

"Now wait a minute," Sam said. "Small towns have a charm of their own. Before I left New York, I

was pretty burned out. I was ready for a change, a slower pace of life."

Tori rolled her eyes and snorted. "Oh, you'll get a slower pace of life in Salt Fork. Believe me, I

know."

He smiled again. "And yet, you want to go back there to live. It obviously holds an allure for you and

a special place in your heart."

She nodded. "It's home. My family's there and so is the Diamondback Ranch. Three generations of

McCades have lived there, four if you count my niece Kelsey. There's nothing there for you. Nothing
to do; no one you know."

"That's not all-together true." Sam grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. Her heart skipped a

beat. "You'll be there, babe."

Tingles of awareness skittered up her arm. "No, I won't. I'll be going to school in College Station."

"Yes, but think about it. You want to go back to Salt Fork after you finish school. In the mean time, I'll

be there when you come home for holidays and when you move back for good. Then we'll get
married, settle down and have a kid or two. We'll begin our life together. Until death do us part."

She laced her fingers with his, holding his hand; dark skin contrasted against light. They

complemented each other, belonged together. "You make it all sound perfectly logical," she said. "But
I don't know. Are you really willing to wait for me to finish vet school? That's four years, maybe even
five. And I can only imagine how difficult a long distance relationship will be."

"Yes, it will be difficult," he said, lifting her hand to his lips again. "There's no question about that.

But with me in Salt Fork, you'll be able to focus on your studies. I want you to be happy, babe. I want
to spend the rest of our lives together. If that means putting our relationship on hold, then that's what
I'm willing to do. Although, I do think we'll have to meet up once in a while for pre-conjugal visits, if
you know what I mean. I have to have my Tori fix, every now and again."

She knew what he meant. She was addicted to him, too. "But what will you do, Sam? What kind of

job could you possibly find in Salt Fork?"

"If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm not hurting for money, sweetheart. I'll still be able to work

remotely and write code for my friend's game development company. Believe it or not, writing code
is relaxing in its own way."

"Relaxing? Right, mister. That's a good one." Tori shook her head. "I can't believe you actually want

to go live in Salt Fork, Texas, of all places."

Sam wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. "I don't want to lose you. If that means letting

you go for a while and do what you have to do, then so be it. You have roots in Salt Fork. You have
family there. I don't have roots in Dallas anymore. I have no family. There's nothing to keep me here."

Tori pulled back a little and searched the rugged features of his face. "What about your cousins in San

Antonio?"

He rubbed the back of his knuckles against her soft cheek. "What about them?"

"They're family. You could move to San Antonio."

"Why would I want to do that? I love you, Tori. I want to spend my life with you. Salt Fork's the

obvious place for me."

She frowned, and Sam traced the deep furrows on her brow. "What's wrong now, babe? You're the

one who wanted to put our relationship on hold and take it up again at a later date. You should be
overjoyed."

"I am, I am." She worried her bottom lip and peeked at him through golden lashes. "You're going to

think I'm nuts."

"Nuts about me, I hope."

"Besides that," she said. "I was thinking if you do go to Salt Fork . . . I'd rather we not tell anyone,

and I mean not one single person, that there's anything going on between us."

It was Sam's turn to frown. "You ashamed of me, Tori?"

She cupped his jaw. "Oh, God. Of course not. It's just that my brothers would be all over the both of

us. They're very protective of me. They would make your life a living hell. And besides that, you have
no idea about small-town gossip. Trust me on this. It will go much smoother if we keep our
relationship secret until after I graduate."

"But won't your brothers be angry when they find out we've kept such a secret from them? And what

about your mother? I know what my mom would have felt like if I'd kept that huge a secret from her."

"We'll have to take it one step at a time, okay?" Tori hurled herself against the man she loved and

wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him soundly on his mouth. "Oh my God, Sam. I can't
believe you're willing to do this for me. You're making all my wishes come true. I want to build a
house on my portion of the Diamondback Ranch. I want it to be two stories, made out of native stone
with a tin roof and a view of the Double Mountains from a big front porch. I've had the site picked out
since I was a little girl. You wouldn't mind living on the Diamondback Ranch, would you?"

Sam hugged her close. "Not as long as it's with you, babe. Not as long as it's with you."

***

PART TWO

CHAPTER NINE

A man only has so much patience.

Sam's voice echoed in Tori's brain as she sat at the cluttered oak desk that had seen over forty years

of service under Doc Pritchard. She'd been back in Salt Fork for just a little over a month, and she'd
been swamped with taking over Doc's practice. She'd tried to set up some sort of schedule, but that
was pretty much impossible, especially since the animal hospital over in Stone Creek had closed its
doors last week. Now Tori was the only vet in a fifty-mile radius and her workload had doubled
overnight. She felt like she was swimming upstream with cement boots on her feet, barely keeping her
head above water, with no rescue in sight.

She was so busy she had no time to visit her family or Sam. No wonder he was running out of

patience. She was working twelve to fourteen hour days and seeing him only at night, usually at his
place and only for a few hours. She always dragged herself from his bed to return to her own. She
could just imagine the talk in town if she actually spent the night with Sam. As it was, the grapevine
was already buzzing with conjecture.

At least she didn't have to make the twelve-mile drive to and from the Diamondback Ranch each day.

She'd never manage any sleep if she was living back home.

To preserve her sanity, she'd set up camp in the back room of the clinic. Staying in town was more

convenient, especially when she had to take emergency calls and appointments. Plus, she was closer
to Sam, able to spend a little of each day with him, most days. All in all, staying at the clinic saved a
lot of time and aggravation.

She'd borrowed a folding bed from her mom and brought in food, supplies and clothing. There were

no bathing facilities, so she showered at Sam's place. Usually with him. Together. That always
proved to be the highlight of her day.

Tori sighed. Sam wasn't the only one frustrated with the whole relationship situation.

The bell on the front door jingled. There were no appointments scheduled until later in the afternoon,

but Tori never turned away patients if she could help it. Jumping up from the desk, she walked to the
front of the office to see who needed her help.

Caitlyn McCade stood in the middle of the waiting room with her big yellow lab by her side. Reba

wagged her tail when she saw Tori and tugged on her leash, trying desperately to get free so she could
greet her with big sloppy kisses.

"Hey, Tori," Caitlyn said. "I was in town and thought I'd drop by. Reba has a sticker in her paw, yet

obviously it isn't hurting her as badly as I thought, since she's wiggling with joy to see you."

Tori bent down on one knee to pet the dog. "Let me look at your paw, girlie. Which one is it?" she

asked Caitlyn.

"The front left. She stepped in a patch of goat-heads when she was chasing a raccoon a couple of days

ago. I got most of them out, but can't seem to get that deep one still lodged in the pad."

Tori rubbed Reba's ears, and the dog panted in ecstasy. "Let's take her to one of the exam rooms, and

I'll see what I can do."

Ten minutes later, Tori had removed the thorn and applied an iodine solution to Reba's paw. "All

done and good as new."

"Thanks, Doc." Caitlyn took Reba's leash and looked around the examination room. "Looks like

you're settling in nicely."

"Oh, God. Don't I wish?" Tori said over her shoulder, as she washed her hands in the sink. "I'm so

swamped, I don't know if I'm coming or going. Doc's antiquated filing system is a disaster. And trying
to get his receptionist to use the computer is like pulling teeth. Mary Ann thinks if the system was
good enough for Doc Pritchard, it should be good enough for me."

Caitlyn smiled. "It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Where is Mary Ann, by the way?"

"It's her afternoon off. I wish I could take an afternoon off. But hey, I shouldn't complain. I'm finally

living my dream." Tori smiled and finished drying her hands and tossed the paper towel in the trash.

"And doing a fine job," Caitlyn said with a smile. "Hang in there, Tori. It'll take a little time to get

organized. Now, how much do I owe you?"

Tori shook her head. "No charge. You're family."

"That's no way to conduct business." Caitlyn frowned. "I insist on paying my fair share."

"No, really. It's okay."

"No, it's not." Caitlyn narrowed her eyes and waited, crossing her arms over her chest and tapping her

foot.

Tori's newest sister-in-law was a force to be reckoned with. Tyler had met his match when he'd

fallen in love with her. "Okay, okay. I'll print you out an invoice." She led the way to the front office
where she'd set up a brand-new computer and printer and installed a wall of neatly organized files.
"As you can see, I'm using the newest technology for my accounts. Now if only I can manage to bring

Mary Ann and Doc's outdated system into the twenty-first century, I'll be in good shape."

"You can do it, Tori. I have faith in you."

As soon as the door closed behind Caitlyn and Reba, Tori headed to the back office again determined

to clean off Doc's desk. Her desk now. It was still hard to realize she was finally finished with school
and actually a practicing veterinarian.

She was living her dream; she'd achieved her lifelong goal. Then why didn't she feel like she was on

top of the world? Why wasn't she any happier? Maybe it was because she was running around like a
chicken with its head cut off. When she got settled in and learned the ropes, she'd feel much better. It
would just take a little time and patience.

A man only has so much patience.

Tori's heart fluttered when she recalled Sam's dangerously soft and seductive voice, his intense gaze

and his possessive hold on her when they'd danced at Doc's retirement party last Saturday. The man
had every right to be running out of patience. He'd been remarkably supportive and understanding
during the years she'd been going to A&M.

Conducting a long-distance relationship had been extremely hard for them both. There had been rocky

times, harsh words, hurt feelings. Times when Sam's patience had worn thin; times when Tori had felt
like quitting school. Except how could she have given up her dream? How long would it have taken
before she'd become bitter and resentful?

She hurried down the hall. No, quitting school had never really been an option. Sooner or later, she

and Sam had always made up and soldiered on.

So why was she still holding him at arms' length? She knew they couldn't put their relationship on

hold forever. But taking over Doc's practice as well Stone Creek's was proving to be almost more
than she could handle. If only there were more hours in the day.

Before she reached her office, the bell on the door jingled again. With a silent groan, she made an

about-face and headed back to the waiting room.

***

Tori didn't know whom she'd expected, but it sure hadn't been her mother. She smoothed back her

tousled curls and walked into the reception area. "Hey, Mom. How's it going?"

Ruth McCade smiled at her only daughter. "Hey, baby. Oh, I brought you a little afternoon snack. I

thought we could talk a minute. I have a bit of a problem and I need your advice." She set a small
wicker basket on the counter. "I made homemade donuts, and I brought some iced tea. We'll have
ourselves a little indoor picnic. If you're not too busy, that is."

Tori smiled. "You know I can always make time for donuts. And you, of course. Here, I'll pull up a

couple of chairs. I only have about forty-five minutes though. I'm due out at the Rocking C Ranch.
Leo's having a problem with one of the new calves." She scooted two of the hard plastic chairs closer
to the coffee table and plopped down.

Ruth transferred the basket from the counter to the low table and began unpacking the goodies.

"Goodness gracious, all the ranchers around here sure keep you busy, don't they?" She handed Tori a

donut and a glass of tea.

"Busy doesn't even begin to describe it. Business is booming, and that's a good thing, right?" Tori bit

into the soft moist pastry, the sugar-glazed sweetness bursting on her taste buds. "Oh God, Mom.
These are delicious. I haven't had one of your donuts since I don't know when."

Ruth reached over and patted Tori's knee. "Well, now that you're home to stay--or at least in Salt Fork

to stay--you'll get to enjoy all of your old favorites. In a week or so, I'll bake a pecan pie. I know
you've always liked them. Why don't you make me a list of your favorites, and I'll make them for
you?"

"I'll do that and hope to goodness I don't gain ten pounds." Tori licked the gooey sugar from her thumb

and took a sip of tea. "So, what's this problem you're having?" For the life of her, she couldn't guess
what it could be.

Ruth sat back in her chair. "Well now. It's about the twins."

"Molly and Maddie?" Tori frowned as she took another bite of donut. "Damn, I knew those girls were

going to be a handful for you. I still can't figure out why Aunt Georgie named you guardian of her two
teenaged daughters."

Ruth's bottom lip quivered, and Tori shoved a napkin into her mom's hand. She'd almost forgotten

how quickly her mother could get all teary-eyed. Not that she didn't have just cause in this instance.
Losing a younger sister had to be devastating. Tori remembered when Tyler had been critically
injured in a plane crash. If he'd died . . . Her chest ached just thinking about it.

Ruth sniffled into the napkin. "The twins weren't teenagers when Georgie and Frank drew up their

will. And of course, she never thought I'd be called upon to actually take the girls. No one ever truly
thinks they're going to die and leave their children alone in this world."

"I'm so sorry, Mom. I know you miss her. But why didn't she name Aunt Florie guardian? They were

closer in age. I mean you were fifteen years older than Aunt Georgie."

"I'm not sure why she named me instead of Florie. But what's done is done. I can't worry about that

now. What I do have to worry about is helping those two precious girls get along without their
parents." Ruth dabbed the tears from her eyes.

"I sure feel bad for them." Tori chewed the last bite of donut thoughtfully. "Maybe it would help to let

them live with Austin and Theresa. The girls are only a couple of years older than Kelsey, and they
all seem to get along."

"Oh no, no, no." Ruth blew her nose on the crinkled napkin and shook her head. "Those two girls have

been a godsend, truly. And to be honest, it was getting mighty lonesome in that big old house all by
myself. Now, I have Molly and Maddie to keep me company; not to mention, they're a living,
breathing reminder of my dear sister. We're getting along fine and dandy. Don't you believe
otherwise."

"Okay, then." Tori grabbed another donut. "What seems to be the problem?"

"It's perfectly plain, dear. Their birthday is in a couple of weeks. It's their sixteenth, you know."

Doing some quick math in her head, Tori nodded. "Yeah, I was nearly ten when they were born and

so glad to get girl cousins." She smiled at the memory.

"Maybe that's why Georgie named me guardian. Florie only had boys, while I had the boys and you.

But that's neither here nor there," Ruth said, twisting the napkin into a tight coil. "When Dallas and I
were settling the estate, he suggested we keep Georgie and Frank's car and truck for the girls. The
vehicles were practically brand new, and it would give the girls something to drive as well as a
keepsake that had belonged to their parents."

Tori's jaw dropped. "Dallas thought of that all by himself? My big bad brother? Come on, Mom.

That's pretty hard to believe."

Ruth frowned. "Now don't be tacky. Dallas might appear brusque and rigid on the surface, but beneath

all that bluster beats a warm heart."

"Yeah, right," Tori said with a snort. "I think Gillian deserves a lot of credit for warming up ol'

Dallas. And little Zachary, too. Dallas is turning out to be a great dad."

"Cameron's also a good father. He adores little Daniel. Well, how could he not? Daniel is adorable,

after all." Ruth beamed with grandmotherly pride.

"Yes, my nephews are adorable and my brothers are great. Let's get back to the twins and their

birthday. What's your problem?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Ruth took a sip of her tea. "We have to decide which twin gets the car, and which

one gets the truck."

"Hmm." Tori stared at her mother. "Well, since Molly is more of a girlie girl, she'd probably want the

car. And since Maddie is more of a tomboy like Kelsey, the truck should go to her."

Ruth looked thoughtful. "It would seem that way, but that's why it's a dilemma. Molly was closer to

her father, so she might want the truck, while Maddie might prefer her mother's car. See? It's not as
cut and dried as it first appears."

"You're over-thinking this, Mom. Why not come right out and ask the girls? It doesn't have to be a

surprise. In fact, I believe it would be better for the twins to make the decision, not us."

Ruth grinned. "Look at you. How did my baby girl get to be so smart?"

"What can I say? I grew up? Oh my God! Look at the time! I have to get to the Rocking C." She began

helping her mother clean up the remnants of the picnic. "I'll help with the birthday any way I can. Just
tell me what you want me to do."

"Thanks, baby. I will need your help with the delivery of the car and truck. I'll need Sam Garza's help,

too."

Tori's hand tightened on the handle of the wicker basket she'd picked up. "Sam's help? What for?"

"Well, now. He's tuning up the car and truck, cleaning them inside and out, and detailing them so

they'll be good as new. Didn't he tell you?"

"No . . . why would you think he had?" Tori asked cautiously. She knew her relationship with Sam

would be revealed soon, but keeping it secret had become an ingrained habit. She wasn't ready to
officially announce it just yet.

"Oh, baby. I know something is going on between you two. Everyone knows. You danced a lot of

dances together at Doc's retirement party. And the way Sam's eyes light up anytime you're in his
vicinity . . . Something's going on for sure."

"Nothing's going on, Mom."

Ruth narrowed her blue eyes. "Victoria McCade! Don't you lie to your mama!"

"Okay. All right." Tori finished stuffing everything back in the basket, keeping her eyes lowered, not

wanting to see the rampant curiosity and concern in her mother's gaze. "Something is going on, but it's
complicated. Very complicated."

"Baby, haven't you learned by now that nothing in this life is easy? And loving a good man is

definitely not easy, but it's worth it if you love a man as good as Sam Garza. You do love him, don't
you?"

Tori stared at her mother in amazement. How had she guessed? "Yes, I love him," she said softly. Her

heart shifted in her chest when she thought about how much she loved him. Why was she so scared to
make that final commitment?

"Well, there you go then," Ruth said in triumph. "You love him. And he loves you. It shouldn't be all

that complicated. Maybe you're over-thinking it like I was with the twins' birthday gifts. It's time to
get on with your life, baby."

"I'm trying, Mom. I'm going through a period of adjustment right now. Taking over the two

veterinarian practices has been more challenging than I'd ever imagined."

Ruth looked around the reception area. "Maybe you need an assistant. I don't know why Doc never

hired anyone, and he only had this practice to deal with. Think about getting someone to help you.
Besides Mary Ann, I mean. You don't have to do this all alone."

Yes, she did. At least, she felt like she did. Tori wanted to carve out a place in the community that

was hers and hers alone. Prove to everyone and herself that she had what it took to succeed in Doc
Pritchard's practice. All of her careful plans had led up to this final step in her lifelong goal and
dream of being a vet.

Tori forced a smile for her mother's benefit. "I'll think about it, Mom. Thanks for your words of

wisdom."

"Anytime, baby. Anytime." Ruth hugged her, then stepped back. She lifted the bag of leftover donuts.

"I'll leave these here for you to eat later." She set the bag on the counter. "Now, let's scoot. You don't
want to be late for your appointment."

***

Sam waited in the office of Kincaid's Garage, glancing up at the ancient clock hanging on the wall for

the umpteenth time. Tori was due any minute to help him deliver the car and truck to the Diamondback
Ranch for the twins' birthday party.

His body hummed in anticipation of Tori's arrival. He only saw her for a couple of hours at most

every night, but it wasn't enough. She was so busy, she had no real time off. He was fast losing
patience with Tori's stubborn refusal to publicly acknowledge their relationship.

While she'd been attending A&M, he'd played least in sight when she'd breeze into Salt Fork to visit

her family. Oh, he'd seen her every time, but it was always on the sly, always in secret. Why had he
put up with it? Damned if he knew.

He'd kept his end of the bargain they'd made. He hadn't told a living soul about their past relationship,

their shared history. He was ready to take up where they'd left off--when he'd asked her to marry him-
-before Tori had headed to A&M. He was more than ready. Much more than ready.

Except now she was so damned busy, she didn't have a moment to call her own.

She had no time for him, no time for herself. It was worse than when she'd been away at school. At

least then, he'd had a deadline in mind that helped keep everything in perspective. He'd tried to the
best of his ability to facilitate Tori's need to become a veterinarian and realize her dream.

Well, he had dreams, too. He wanted Tori for his wife. He wanted to settle down and begin their life

together. But first of all, he wanted everyone in Salt Fork to know they loved one another. He didn't
want to hide their relationship anymore. It was time to come clean. Time to move forward.

Moving to Salt Fork had been one of the best decisions Sam had ever made. He'd still been grieving

for his mom, and dealing with going through her stuff and selling the house. He'd been emotionally
drained, and Salt Fork had offered a new beginning for him, a chance to start over with a clean slate.
The perfect place to wait for Tori during the years she'd attended vet school.

He'd lucked out when he'd first driven into town and stopped at Kincaid's garage to buy some gas.

Jessie Devine, now Jessie McCade, had been newly widowed. She'd been advertising for a mechanic
to work in her garage, and since Sam had a knack for repairing engines, the job opportunity had been
a stroke of good luck. He'd also been able to rent the apartment behind the garage, since Jessie lived
outside of town on the small farm she'd inherited from her husband.

Sam had set up shop in the apartment, where he could write code for his buddy's game company. Hell,

he'd invested money in the start-up and so had a personal interest in the company himself. Between
working on cars, tractors and trucks during the day and writing code at night, he'd been pretty busy
during the years he'd waited for Tori to finish school. The people of Salt Fork had taken him into their
hearts, and he'd set down roots and found a place to call home. A place to settle down and marry the
girl of his dreams.

Sam rolled his shoulders trying to ease the tension in his neck. Enough was enough, damn it. It was

time to end the charade.

He glanced out the glass windows of the office and watched Tori's little compact turn into the service

station. As if on cue, his body went on high alert, hardening at the sight of the young woman who'd
stolen his heart. Sam rose from the desk and strode out to meet her.

Tori smiled as she met up with him by the gas pumps. "Sorry, I'm late. I had an emergency at the C&L

Ranch. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready, all right." Sam couldn't stand it a moment longer. He pulled Tori into his arms and crushed

her mouth in a hungry kiss. She held herself stiffly for all of three seconds, then melted under his
onslaught.

She tasted so sweet, so hot, so alive. He dragged his mouth away from her lips and smiled down into

her passion-glazed eyes. "I'm more than ready, as you can see."

Tori pushed out of Sam's embrace and swiped back her wild tangle of hair. "You really shouldn't kiss

me like that out here in front of God and everybody." Her eyes were wide and she licked her lips,
watching him warily.

"Goddamnit, what's the matter with you?" He took hold of her shoulders and narrowed his eyes. "We

had an agreement, babe. I'd wait here in Salt Fork while you finished school. Well, you have your
diploma, you're back home and you're a licensed vet in a bustling practice. It's time for us to come out
of hiding. We need to begin acting like a couple involved in a relationship."

"I know, Sam. I know. I just need a little more time."

"I've given you five fucking years. How much longer do you need?"

CHAPTER TEN

Tori looked into Sam's angry brown eyes and tried unsuccessfully to still the fluttering in her chest.

"I'm well aware that I've trespassed on your goodwill and patience. I don't blame you for being angry
and frustrated. Believe me, I know how you feel."

"I don't think so, sweetheart. Or else, you wouldn't be asking for more time."

"You need to listen to me, Sam."

"I'll listen to you after we make love. We need to make love. I know it was only last night, but I need

to make love with you now."

"Oh, Sam." Tori looped her arms around his neck and gave into the moment. They hadn't made love

during daylight hours in months, and their time together at night was always rushed and cut short
because she returned to the clinic to sleep in order to keep the gossip down. Yes, they needed to talk--
and they would real soon--but first they needed to reaffirm their love for each other.

Sam scooped her up in his arms and carried her to his apartment. He walked straight down the hall to

his bedroom where he dumped her on the bed and followed her down onto the mattress.

Supporting his weight on his elbows, his big body aligning on top of hers, Sam smoothed the hair out

of Tori's face. The gentleness of the gesture and the fine tremors of his fingers as he unbuttoned her
blouse melted the last of her resistance.

She could feel Sam holding on to his control by only a thread. A familiar thrill shot through her

system with the knowledge that he wanted her with such a fierce hunger. Well, she wanted him, too.
They were going to be late for the party, but she couldn't worry about that now. It seemed unimportant
compared to immediately joining with Sam in the most basic and primal way. To feel all that passion
unleashed and directed toward her.

Sam's eyes dilated and his finely chiseled nostrils flared. He dipped his head and sucked one of her

sensitive nipples, and Tori dug her fingers into his crisp black hair.

"Oh, God, Sam." Her voice was a whisper of a groan as she held him close. She wiggled her body

against his hard length, bucking against him, needing to become one with him.

He raised his head, a savage heat burning in the depths of his eyes. "Tori, I don't think I can take this

slow. I need you too much, want you too much."

Tori smoothed back the lock of hair that had fallen across his brow. "It's okay. Just hurry!"

Sam unzipped the fly of his jeans and shucked them aside, along with his boxers. Tori scrambled out

of her slacks and panties, moaning with pleasure when he shoved into her hard and deep. She
wrapped her legs around his waist and met each powerful thrust with an upward thrust of her own,
pulling back only to meet him again and again.

Sam rose up on his knees, taking her body with him. Never missing a beat in the rhythm of their

lovemaking, he licked the pad of his thumb and gently pressed it against Tori's most sensitive flesh.
The combination of the hard thrusts and the feather-soft touch of his thumb nearly drove Tori out of
her mind.

"Sam, please!" She grabbed his shoulders to try to pull him closer, slamming her body upward against

his shaft, opening her legs wide, seeking more exposure, more friction engendered by the rasp of his
thumb on her sweet spot.

Tori exploded into climax, all of her energy and concentration focused on that sensitive pressure

point at the juncture between her thighs.

"I can't hold out any longer, babe. I'm coming." Sam fell on top of her, clasping her wrists in one

hand, dragging her arms above her head, holding her hostage, pounding his body into hers again and
again until he found his own release, straining to get as close as possible, his breath ragged in Tori's
ear.

They lay together on the twisted bedcovers, each trying to hold on to the bliss for as long as possible.

Each knowing there were still issues to resolve and reality to deal with. But they could wait for a
little while longer. First, they had to catch their breaths while their passion-sated bodies slowly
floated down from the ephemeral heights in the aftermath of their lovemaking.

***

Sam found himself once again standing on the sidelines of a big party at the Diamondback Ranch,

sipping beer and watching Tori. Always watching. Always wanting. Always waiting.

"Oh, Sam dear! Don't just stand there. Come on over and sing Happy Birthday to the twins." Ruth

McCade motioned for him to join the crowd gathered around the birthday girls.

To his surprise, Tori met him halfway across the yard and took hold of his arm, a mischievous light

dancing in her sapphire blue eyes. "Yes, Sam dear. Do join us by all means," she said in a soft voice.

He was tempted to swat her shapely butt, except he didn't feel like the McCade brothers were ready

to find out just yet how involved he was with their baby sister. All four men had glared at him when
he and Tori had driven up in the truck and car--the two vehicles Ruth was presenting to the twins for
their birthday.

Sam wasn't in the habit of backing down from any of the McCade brothers, but this was neither the

time nor the place to duke it out with them. Sam had no wish to spoil the twins' birthday party. The
girls had been through enough sorrow losing both their parents at such a young age.

Tori clasped his hand in hers as they stood near the twins and sang the birthday song. He wanted to

laugh at the smoldering looks the McCade men were shooting at their sister and the go-to-hell stares
thrown his way.

"I don't think your brothers like the fact that we're together," Sam whispered in Tori's ear. He couldn't

help inhaling deeply; her familiar scent was both comforting and arousing.

"You leave my brothers to me. I didn't keep our relationship secret because I was afraid of them. I

wanted to keep it secret, because they would have hassled us to death. I had to concentrate on my
studies. I couldn't afford any distractions, remember?"

He caught Austin's eye and dipped his head at him. "Maybe we should confront them together and

make a united stand."

Tori pulled back and looked at him with a funny expression on her face. "Protecting your lady fair

from the fiery dragons?"

Sam shrugged and squeezed her hand. "Something like that."

She tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek. "That's very sweet, but I can handle my brothers myself."

"I sure hope so, because now they look like they're ready to murder both of us."

"Don't worry, big guy. I'll protect you."

Sam raised his longneck in a mock toast toward the McCades. The time of reckoning was fast coming,

and he was more than ready to meet the challenge.

***

"Goddamnit, Tori! The man is a good ten years older than you. What the hell are you thinking?"

Dallas McCade paced back and forth in the kitchen of his mother's house. The birthday party for the
twins was over, the guests had departed, and Molly and Maddie were test-driving their new car and
truck. Everyone else was on clean-up duty.

"Yeah. We don't know much of anything about Sam Garza," Tyler said. "He showed up in town one

day and decided to stay and work at the garage. We don't know where he's from, we don't know
anything about his family, and we don't know his background."

"There's always been a mystery surrounding him," Cameron said thoughtfully. "Even Jessie doesn't

know that much about him. Of course, she never pried into his business. Garza's always been reserved
and guarded his privacy. As long as he did his job at the garage, Jessie was content to let matters
stand as they were."

Dallas stopped pacing and stood in front of Tori, scowling down at her. "I have a good mind to go

talk to the man and get to the bottom of this."

"Don't you dare!" Tori jumped up from the table and planted her hands on her hips. "I know all about

Sam. We dated while I was still going to UTD. I know his background and his family. And he's not a
mechanic. I mean he is and he isn't. He majored in computer science and writes programs and code."

"Computer science?" Dallas looked taken aback. "Then what the hell's he doing working with Jessie

at the garage?"

"Yeah," said Cameron. "And what do you mean you dated when you were going to UTD? All this

time you've never once mentioned that you knew him before."

"Did he follow you to A&M?" Austin asked. "Did he follow you to Salt Fork? Has the bastard been

stalking you? I'll kill the sorry son of a bitch."

"Now, Austin. No need to get violent," Ruth said soothingly. "I'm sure Sam is a very nice young man."

"He's not a young man, Mom. And we don't know if he's nice or not." Dallas stood in the middle of

the kitchen with arms crossed and a frown marring his face. "We know nothing about him. Nothing."

"Have you actually been seeing Garza behind our backs all these years?" Tyler asked. "Why did you

keep it secret?"

"I'll tell you why." Tori pointed a finger at each of her brothers in turn. "This is exactly why I didn't

want you to know about me and Sam. I knew you'd all go macho and protective. None of y'all can get
it through your thick skulls that I'm not a baby anymore. I don't need your protection. I'm a grown
woman. I can take care of myself."

Austin narrowed his eyes at his sister. "That's all well and good, but I still want to know Garza's

background. And what are his intentions toward you?"

"Excuse me?" Tori felt like stamping her foot. "Oh my God, Austin. What century are you living in?

Sam's intentions toward me? Seriously? Let's see . . . I didn't ask Theresa what her intentions were
when you started sniffing around her."

Ruth clucked her tongue. "Tori, dear. Please don't talk so ugly and vulgar."

"Sorry, Mom." Tori walked up to Tyler and jabbed him in the chest. "And I sure as hell didn't ask

Caitlyn about her intentions when you two became an item." She swirled around and pointed at Dallas
and Cameron. "I didn't ask Gillian or Jessie, for that matter. It wasn't my business. So what makes you
think you have any right to ask Sam about his intentions toward me? Ding, ding, ding. You don't. This
conversation is over and the topic is closed. I love Sam Garza and he loves me. That's all that
matters, and it's no concern of yours."

"Don't think this is over, because it isn't," Dallas said in his serious older-brother voice.

"Oh, yes it is! I don't want any of you to confront Sam with this--" Tori broke off when the back door

banged opened and a commotion came from the mudroom.

"Just carry her inside." Everyone in the kitchen stared at each other when they heard Gillian's voice

issuing the order.

"What the hell?" Austin started forward only to fall back as Theresa brushed past him.

"It's Kelsey," she said. "She's hurt. I have to get the icepack."

"Hurt?" Austin rushed to the doorway. "Kelsey?"

"Move out of the way, Austin. She's not badly hurt." Jessie made a shooing motion. "Right in here,

Pete. I'm sure Cameron will want to take a look."

Pete Lafferty walked into the kitchen carrying Kelsey in his arms. He stopped in the middle of the

room holding her close, almost protectively. Kelsey had one arm draped around his neck and the other

held close to her chest. Her head rested on Pete's shoulder, her eyes were closed, her forehead
scrunched in pain.

Austin stepped close and smoothed some of the blond tendrils over his daughter's forehead. "Kels,

are you okay? What happened? Here, I'll take her," he said to Pete and reached for his daughter.

"Ouch!" Kelsey bit her lip and turned her head toward Pete's chest.

The young man stepped back from Austin. "It might be better if she's not moved more than necessary.

I'll carry her to the sofa or maybe to one of the beds. Where do you want her, Dr. McCade?"

Cameron strode across the kitchen and quickly examined his niece. "Looks like the wrist is broken;

I'll have to set it. Take her to the back bedroom down the hall. I'll get my medical bag from the truck."

"I'll get it," Tyler said, already heading toward the door. "You go on with Kels and Pete. I'll bring it

to you."

"Merciful heavens," Ruth said, her eyes wide and worried. "What in the world happened, child?"

"It was a stupid accident, Grams. I fell down. Oh, God! My wrist hurts!"

Pete led the way out of the kitchen with Austin dogging his steps. "She tripped on the extension cord

to the jukebox as I was rolling it up. She twisted her ankle, then hurt her wrist when she broke her
fall."

Kelsey lifted her head and looked at her dad. "I can't believe I did that. I fall down all the time

playing soccer, and I've never hurt myself before. At least, not this bad." She groaned and leaned her
head against Pete's shoulder again.

"It'll be okay, Kels," Austin said. "Uncle Cam will take care of you."

Tori followed everyone down the hall toward the back bedroom. Pete set Kelsey gently on the bed,

his hand lingering over her blond head. "You'll be okay now, kiddo."

Kelsey smiled, stars shining in her blue eyes. "Thanks, Pete."

Pete smiled back and touched a finger to her nose and cheek. "No problem. I hope you get better

soon." He looked around the bedroom, and Tori thought his cheeks reddened, though she couldn't tell
for sure.

"I'll go finish stacking the folding chairs and putting away the jukebox." Pete quickly ducked out of the

room.

Tori hung back out of the way as everyone gathered around the bed to offer love and support to the

wounded Kelsey. Austin plumped the pillows for his daughter. Theresa came running with the
icepack. Tori was glad her brother had finally found a new wife for himself and a mother for Kelsey.
And with a baby on the way, Austin's life seemed to be on track once again.

Tori smiled and shook her head. But not for long. If she weren't mistaken, her brother would soon

have his hands full. Kelsey was growing up and no one seemed to be noticing.

***

On Monday evening, two days after the twins' birthday party, Sam sat on the sofa in the living room of

his apartment behind Kincaid's Garage. He was immersed in code, oblivious to everything but the
units and functions on the backlit screen. Poncho slept on a rug near the coffee table.

"Garza, open up!"

The pounding of a fist on the front door filtered through Sam's deep concentration. He frowned at the

interruption and glanced at the time. Damn, he'd missed dinner. Again. He could work for hours on
end and lose himself in the code, the logic, the algorithms.

Rotating his shoulders to relieve some of the kinks he'd acquired from sitting in one position for too

long, he closed the laptop and rose from the couch. Poncho lifted his head and growled low in his
throat. Sam bent to pet the dog's head. "Some watch dog you've turned out to be."

The knock sounded again. "Garza, I know you're in there!"

Oh, hell. It was one of Tori's brothers. "I'm coming already. Don't get your shorts in a twist." Sam

shook his head as he made his way to the door.

His time of reckoning had come at last. In hindsight, he should have expected this visit, but Tori had

assured him she'd taken care of her brothers and not to worry about them. She'd also promised that as
soon as she could get organized, they would continue their relationship where they'd left off four years
ago.

As soon as she got organized. Right, babe.

Tori's schedule was more hectic now than it had been in the first few weeks after she took over Doc's

practice. The woman needed help and soon, so she could have a life. So they could have a life.
Together. He'd waited long enough.

Unlatching the bolt, Sam opened the door and staggered back as not one McCade brother, but all four,

pushed their way into the living room.

Well, hell.

"Thought it was time to get to know you better, Garza." Dallas McCade tossed his Stetson on a side

table and made himself comfortable in one of the overstuffed club chairs flanking the sofa.

The other three McCades followed suit. On his way past Sam, Cameron shoved a case of cold beer

into his arms. "Thought we could share a drink or two. Talk. You know, lay everything on the line."

Lay down the law.

Cameron hadn't actually said the words, but Sam heard the message loud and clear.

He couldn't say he blamed the men. They were only looking out for their sister. And Sam hadn't really

been upfront about himself since he'd moved to Salt Fork. He'd deliberately maintained a low profile
during the years he and Tori had lived apart, keeping his end of their bargain. Not letting on that they
were a couple.

The time of reckoning had indeed arrived. It was more than past time to come clean. "So, who wants

a beer?" Sam tore open the carton and handed beers all around, before setting the rest of the case in
the fridge.

He walked back to the living room, took a seat and waited. He'd be damned if he opened up the

conversation. Looking around the room at the men, Sam figured their conversation would be more like
an interrogation.

Bring it on. He didn't have anything to hide. Not anymore. It would be a relief to get it all out in the

open. His intentions had always been honorable.

"So, Garza. Tell us a little bit about yourself." Dallas pointed his can of beer Sam's way. "Tori told

us you're not really a mechanic. What line of business are you in?"

Sam took a swig of beer. "Computer programming. I worked for five years in New York. I came back

to Texas for personal reasons."

"And that's when you met Tori?" Austin asked, serious intent evident in his hazel eyes.

"Yes."

"Want to elaborate on that a little?" Tyler prompted.

Sam turned his head and narrowed his gaze on Tyler. He took a slow drink from the can, taking his

time before answering. "I met Tori at a club in Dallas where she was celebrating her twenty-first
birthday with a group of friends. We dated during her last year at UTD."

Dallas stared at Sam over the rim of his beer can. "The whole year?"

"That's correct." He didn't elaborate. They didn't need to know all the details.

"Okay, I'll just come right out with it," Dallas said. "What are your intentions toward our sister,

Garza?"

Sam stared at each of the men sitting in his living room. If looks could kill, he would be a dead man,

four times over. Tori's brothers were extremely intense. No wonder she'd wanted to keep their
relationship secret. She never would have heard the end of it while she was going to A&M. Hell, her
brothers might have nipped the relationship in the bud and run Sam out of town.

"Does Tori know you're here?" Sam countered the question, not caring for the direction the

conversation was taking.

"Hell, no. What Tori doesn't know, won't hurt her. Do you love her or don't you?" Tyler shot him a

fierce look.

Sam let out a caustic laugh. "Hell yeah, I love her. I wouldn't be in Salt Fork if I didn't love her. I

asked her to marry me right before she graduated UTD. She refused, or I should say, she accepted
with conditions. It all depends on how you look at it."

"What the hell do you mean 'it depends'?" Austin said. "She either refused or accepted. Which was

it?"

"Neither. Both." Sam took another sip of beer, deliberately taking his time. "Your sister is a very

ambitious young woman, and she's willing to work her ass off to get what she wants. While we dated,
she flung herself whole-heartedly into our relationship and her grades suffered. I was too much of a
distraction, she said. And she was right. I had to risk letting her go to pursue her dream. Or I risked
losing her all together."

Dallas whistled under his breath. "So that's how it was, huh?"

"Yeah, that's how it was." Sam stared at the beer can he held in his hand. "I lost my mother shortly

after Tori graduated UTD. Tori loved me so much, she was willing to give up her dream. I couldn't let
her sacrifice herself like that, so we made a deal. She went to A&M and I moved to Salt Fork. That
way, I'd be here when she returned to take over Doc's practice. I had nothing left to keep me in
Dallas. No family. No job."

"Goddamn, Garza. You've waited all these years for Tori to finish her degree?" Dallas lifted his beer

can in a salute. "You're a better man than I am."

"Or stupider," Austin said.

Tyler put his hand to his mouth and faked a loud cough. "Or pussy-whipped," he said beneath his

breath.

Austin frowned. "Cut it out, Ty. That's our sister you're talking about."

"Yeah, shut up," Cameron said with a frown.

Sam grinned at the brothers. "Sadly, the man happens to be right."

Dallas waved both hands in front of him as if warding off an attack. "Don't go there, Garza. Do not

even go there. That's too much information. I know in my mind Tori's a grown woman, but my heart
still thinks of her as my baby sister."

"Right." Cameron crossed one booted foot over his knee. "Change of subject. I want to know more

about this not having a job? What kind of computer work do you do exactly? Will you be able to
support a wife? You are going to marry her, aren't you?"

The question hung in the air as all four McCades glared at Sam. If only it were that simple. "Of

course, I want to marry her. I intend to marry her; the sooner, the better."

"What about your job? Or lack thereof?" Austin asked.

Tori's brothers were persistent, Sam had to give them that. "In New York, I worked for a hedge fund

and made extremely good money, but I got burnt out after my dad passed away. I moved to Texas to
help my mom fight her cancer. Even though I didn't need the money, I couldn't give up the coding for
good. I write programs for a friend's game development company in which I invested a good chunk of
money several years ago." Sam pointed to his laptop. "I was working on a project when you knocked
on the door."

Tyler motioned with his beer can in Sam's direction. "What I don't understand is if you're not a

mechanic, why in the world did you take the job at Jessie's garage?"

Sam shrugged. "My dad had a couple of vintage cars. He taught me about internal combustion engines,

and I enjoy getting my hands dirty. There's just something about working on an engine. Anyway, when
I came to Salt Fork, Jessie was looking for a mechanic. I applied for the job, and here I am."

"And here you are," Cameron said. "How about another round of beers? Don't get up, Garza; I know

my way around." He returned with the beers and resumed his seat. "Tori's been back in town for
almost two months. Why are you still hiding the fact that you two are involved?"

Sam flipped open the beer can and took a long drink. "It's not by my choice. I would have been more

than happy not keeping it secret all these years. But Tori was determined to keep it under wraps. She

said that y'all would--"

Austin snorted. "We know what she said: So we wouldn't go all macho and protective. It was

probably for the best. We would have, you know."

"Hell, she was right," Cameron said. "We're here, aren't we?"

"Yeah, yeah. But why haven't you told us before now?" Tyler wanted to know.

"Tori's been so busy, she doesn't know whether she's coming or going," Sam said. "I think I'm going to

be forced to hold an intervention. Believe me, I'm only half joking. She can't keep up this crazy non-
stop pace much longer."

"The girl definitely needs help," Tyler said. "Whatcha going to do about it, Garza?"

Cameron looked thoughtfully at Sam. "You once told me that Jessie needed a keeper."

"I remember," Sam said. "Jessie was knee deep in debt with hospital bills, and she had to lease those

oil rights to keep the business afloat."

Dallas groaned. "That's a chapter in my book I would much rather forget."

"Not your finest hour," Cameron said to his brother. "But that's all beside the point. Jessie did need a

keeper . . . don't anyone dare tell her I said that; I'll deny it to my dying breath. Tori needs one, too.
Ditto on not telling her either."

Sam frowned. "I know what you mean, and I'm more than willing to take on the job. I just haven't

found the right moment to force the issue again. She's busy morning, noon and night. We barely have
time to see each other." No need to elaborate on the little amount of time they did manage to spend
and how.

"You might have to kidnap her, Garza," Dallas said with a grin. "You can't afford to wait around for

things to settle down. If you haven't figured it out already, things never settle down with Tori. Never
have; never will. Am I right?"

The other three McCade brothers nodded in agreement.

"I love my sister, don't get me wrong," Dallas continued. "But she can be one stubborn and mule-

headed young lady."

Sam lifted his beer can to his mouth and took a drink. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"

Dallas grinned again. "Just what are you implying, Garza?"

"Nothing. Nada." Sam shook his head. "Forget I said anything."

"You know," Cameron said in a serious tone of voice, "Tyler and I are no strangers to dealing with

stubborn women. Jessie kept refusing to marry me until I was forced to do something--hold on to your
seat--romantic."

"God yes. Me, too." Tyler smiled at the memory.

Austin set his empty beer can on the coffee table. "Dallas and I were the stubborn ones when it came

to our prospective wives. We both nearly lost the women we loved because we were too thick-
headed to realize what we were letting slip through our fingers."

Dallas shook his head. "Don't remind me. I still get nightmares when I think about what would have

happened if Gillian hadn't forgiven me for being such a jerk."

The room was quiet as each man thought about the woman in his life.

Cameron broke the silence. "Tell you what, Garza. We'll talk to Tori for you. Tell her how it is. Give

her a heads up."

"Good idea," Tyler said. "Tori's always been a strong-minded little thing. Sometimes, she just needs

a little push to get back on track."

"Yeah, we'll show her the error of her ways." Austin lifted his beer can in salute.

"Thanks for the offer," Sam said, nightmarish scenarios bombarding his brain at the thought of Tori's

brothers interfering like that. "But that might make matters worse."

The five men stared at each other for a long drawn-out moment until Tyler finally grinned. "I think

Garza may be on to something there."

Sam laughed and shook his head. "Tori sure has y'all pegged. She didn't want you to know about us,

because she didn't want you to play your big brother trump cards."

Dallas shrugged. "We are her big brothers; we will always be her big brothers. It's our responsibility

to protect her."

"I understand, but Tori's my responsibility now. I'll take it from here," Sam said. "I do appreciate the

offer though. And I appreciate you stopping by. Except if I were you, I wouldn't mention this little
visit to your sister. She'd be spitting mad for sure."

The McCades agreed as they rose to their feet and shook hands with Sam, punching him good-

naturedly on the shoulder and pounding him on the back. Dallas grabbed his Stetson and headed for
the door. "It'll be our secret, Garza. Oh, and by the way. Welcome to the family."

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Two nights later, Tori stood on the front porch of the apartment at the back of Kincaid's Garage. The

yellow bulb in the overhead light cast a golden glow into the warm summer night. She knocked on the
door, just as she had many times before.

On every visit back home during the years she was at A&M, she'd always found the time to steal

away and be with Sam. To feel his arms around her, feel his hard body straining to be one with her.
His feverish kisses, his slow sexy smile, his hands touching, caressing, giving her so much pleasure,
sharing with her so much joy.

The door opened and Sam stood on the other side of the screen door. He stared at her for one heart-

stopping moment, just as he did every time she showed up on his doorstep late in the evening.

"Hey, Sam. I got off a little early--"

He pushed open the screen door and dragged her inside and into his strong arms kissing her

ruthlessly, savagely, possessively. It had always been this way between them. From the first moment
she'd met him, she'd been his and his alone. She loved Sam and thrived on being loved by him.

She melted into his embrace and kissed him back for all she was worth. After a few glorious minutes,

he lifted his head and stared down at her, all his love and passion shining in the depths of his dark
brown eyes.

"Babe, we have to do something about our situation and fast. Every minute we're apart, every hour is

sheer torture." He swung her in his arms and carried her to his bedroom.

Tori tenderly cupped his jaw; the shadow of his beard lightly grazed her skin. "I know, Sam. We're

together now. Just make love to me. We'll work it all out somehow."

He laid her on the bed and followed her down, taking her mouth in another brutal kiss, taking her

body in passionate yearning heat.

As they lay in the aftermath of their lovemaking, Tori snuggled against Sam's sweaty body, her head

on his chest, his heartbeat familiar and comforting beneath her ear.

He took her hand and brought it to his lips. "We need to talk. Something's got to give. I want you for

my wife. I want you in my bed every night all night long. I want to wake up with you each and every
morning. I love you so much, babe. It's time to--"

Tori's cell phone buzzed loudly and interrupted him. "Goddamnit! Just let it ring."

"I can't." She jumped out of bed and dug the phone from the pocket of her discarded jeans lying on the

floor. She looked at the caller ID and shot Sam an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. I really need to take
this." She turned away and walked toward his dresser where she found a pen and paper and jotted
something down. She ended the call and came back to the bed, but didn't climb in.

"I have to go. It's Ben Erwin's mare. She's having trouble foaling." Tori dragged on her jeans and

searched frantically for her shirt and bra. "Oh, here they are." She tossed them on and slid her feet
into her sandals. "Please don't be angry. I promise we'll get it all worked out. I just need to get a
better handle on things." She bent to kiss him, then disappeared through the door.

Sam fell back against the sheets, his fists twisted in the covers. Although his body felt replete and

satisfied from their lovemaking, his heart and soul battled miserably inside. As crazy as it sounded,
Tori's brothers might have had the right idea. He might have to actually kidnap Tori to steal away any
time together. Or maybe he should try to think of something romantic and sweep her off her feet.

Whatever happened, it was becoming quite clear that he was going to have to take matters into his

own hands. Otherwise, he and Tori would never get married and start their life together. And that was
not an option.

***

Three afternoons later, Sam sat in the waiting room of the animal clinic, the scents of disinfectant, dry

pet food and other nondescript odors wafting in the air. Poncho wiggled impatiently in his arms
wanting to get down. Sam put the little dog on the floor, but kept a firm hold on the leash. "There you
go, boy. Don't get into any trouble."

The reception area was full to bursting. Most every chair was occupied. It seemed Tori dedicated

Wednesday afternoons to attending small animals and household pets. Maybe he should request a
certain day for Tori to dedicate toward them as a couple. Surely, she could set aside one little slot of
time for him and only him.

Isn't that why he'd brought Poncho to the clinic? At least, he'd have twenty precious minutes to have

Tori all to himself and sort out a few things?

Don't be such a whiny son of a bitch, Garza.

Sarah Sue from the cafe entered the waiting room with a white Persian cat in her arms. She sat next to

Sam. Everyone in town liked Sarah Sue even if she did poke her nose in everybody's business. People
far and wide enjoyed eating at her cafe. Her pies and cakes and cinnamon rolls melted in your mouth.
Sam's own mouth watered just thinking about them.

"What's wrong with Poncho?" Sarah Sue motioned to the little dog; he was sniffing at a large bag of

dried dog food sitting on the bottom rack of a tall shelf.

"Nothing's wrong with him." Sam tugged on Poncho's leash. "Come on, boy. Leave that alone."

"Nothing's wrong with him?" Sarah Sue shot him a look filled with curiosity and speculation. "Then

why have you brought him to the clinic? What's that shiny thing hanging on his collar?"

Sam glanced around the waiting room. Everyone's eyes lasered in on him waiting to hear his answer.

Sam liked Sarah Sue. Sure, she was a busybody, but she'd done her fair share of good deeds matching
up folks in and around Salt Fork. Maybe she could lend a hand and help him with Tori.

Sam took the plunge. He'd be damned if he hem-hawed around any longer about him and Tori being a

couple. "It's an engagement ring. I've come to ask Tori to marry me."

A collective gasp whished around the room. Six pairs of eyes widened in surprise.

"An engagement ring? Why so it is!" Sarah Sue clasped her hand over her heart and smiled in delight.

"Hot damn, darlin'. I knew it! I had one of my premonitions. Got it the first time I saw y'all together.
Knew it for certain after Doc's retirement party and watched you two dance all those dances together.
Do you mean to tell me that you've been carrying a torch for that girl all these years?"

Sam nodded. "We started dating when she was going to school in Dallas." He filled her in with the

details about the long-term, long-distant relationship. Everyone in the waiting room grew quiet and
listened with unabashed curiosity.

"And now she's back in Salt Fork, but doesn't have a minute to call her own," Sam said. "She has no

time to socialize, no time to see me, no time for a life outside this clinic. I'm getting pretty desperate,
so I brought Poncho in for an appointment. Tori can't refuse to see a patient, now can she?"

Sarah Sue's eyes gleamed with merriment. "No, indeed she can't. And you say you asked her to marry

you before, but she put you on hold, so to speak?"

"Yes, and I know she wants to marry me, but taking over this practice and absorbing the fallout from

Stone Creek is taking up every waking moment and then some. I don't know when she'll find time for
the actual marriage ceremony. She can't abandon the clinic; I understand that. Except I feel like time is
running out."

Sarah Sue absently rubbed her cat's white fur as she stared out in space for a moment. "Let me think a

spell, darlin.' Where there's a will, there's a way. First, let's get that ring on her finger, okay? Then
we'll worry about the wedding." She looked at all the other folks sitting around the reception area.
"What do y'all say we help Sam out a little here? Let's let him go next to see Dr. Tori, all right?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, smiling and murmuring good luck.

Sarah Sue reached over and patted Sam's arm. "Now, if she gives you any trouble about setting a

wedding date, you come by the cafe and I'll see what I can do. I've helped most of those McCade boys
get their wives; it's only fitting I should help Tori, too. Now hush! I think she's coming down the hall.
Everybody look real natural-like."

Footsteps clicked on the old linoleum floor and Tori stood in the doorway with her head bent over a

clipboard. "Next!"

A quiet hush descended upon the room as everyone waited to see her reaction when she discovered

Sam sitting in the reception area.

Tori looked up and the clipboard clattered to the floor. "Sam! What are you doing here?"

He jumped up and pulled Poncho along with him across the room. He stooped to retrieve the

clipboard and handed it to a very startled Dr. Tori McCade. She blinked and took the board. "Thanks.
Is something wrong with Poncho?"

"I'm not sure. I'd like for you to check him out--"

Tori glanced down at the clipboard, then back up at Sam. "I'm sorry, you'll have to wait. Mrs. Perkins

and her pug are next on the list."

Mrs. Perkins waved an airy hand. "You go ahead and tend to Sam, darlin'. Prissy and I will be here

when you're done."

Tori tapped her pen on the clipboard. "Okay. Thank you. This shouldn't take long."

"Take all the time you need, dearie," Mrs. Perkins said with a twinkle in her eye. "You mustn't rush

these things, you know."

Tori turned around, her forehead scrunched in confusion. "Follow me," she said to Sam and led the

way down the hall to an examination room.

Sam followed and admired the soft sway of Tori's hips, encased in a set of light blue scrubs. It didn't

matter what she wore, she never failed to make him dizzy with desire.

She stopped on the threshold, her hand going to the sapphire necklace she always wore, even in bed.

The one he'd given her all those years ago. "After you." She held the door open and waited for him to
pass through, then closed it and stayed where she was, eying him warily. After a long moment, she
pushed off the door and walked toward him. "So, what's wrong with Poncho?"

"I'm not sure. There's something in the collar area I think you'd better check out." Sam unclipped the

leash from the collar and set the dog free in the small confines of the room.

"The collar? You mean something's on his neck?" She looked at Sam, concern etched in her lovely

face. She was a natural when it came to caring for animals. It was one of the things he loved about her
most.

Squatting down on her haunches, Tori snapped her fingers at the little dog. He trotted over and licked

her face. She scooped him up and stood with him cradled in her arms, kissing him and rubbing his
belly. "What's wrong with the handsome boy? Let Dr. Tori see," she crooned in his floppy ear. When

she took hold of the metal dog tags, she gasped and whirled around. "My ring! You've brought my
ring?"

"I've brought your ring." Sam stepped close until he stood directly in front of her, her subtle fragrance

teasing his senses. He reached out and rubbed Poncho's fur, brushing his fingers against Tori's
breasts. Her blue eyes snapped to his and her breath hitched in her lungs.

"Oh, Sam . . ." Her voice was a feathery whisper. Beckoning, inviting, tempting.

"Oh, Tori." He tenderly cupped her jaw in his hands and kissed her, savoring the taste of her sweet

lips, plunging his tongue inside her mouth, curling it against hers. She sighed and leaned closer.
Poncho yelped in protest and wiggled to get free.

Tori jerked back and set the dog on the floor. Her breath came out in ragged gasps. She smoothed

wisps of golden hair from her cheeks, sweeping the heavy mass behind her ears. Sam loved her long
blond hair, especially the cluster of curls that formed a curtain when they made love in bed with Tori
on top, straddling him. His body hardened at the visual in his overheated imagination.

He stooped to unhook the ring from the dog's collar. Then he took Tori's left hand and slipped the

emerald-cut diamond onto the third finger. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the sensitive skin
below the knuckles. "For the second and I hope the last time, I'm asking you to marry me. Will you be
my wife?"

Tori looked at the ring on her finger, then at the man she loved with all her heart. Why had she

continued putting him off for so long? What had she been so afraid of?

She blinked back the tears threatening to spill. The reasons seemed foolish now. She'd been worried

he would make her lose sight of her goals and dreams, sidetrack her from focusing on becoming a vet.

That might have been true her senior year at UTD, he'd certainly distracted her then, but it had been

far from the truth during her years in vet school. Instead of derailing all her carefully laid plans, Sam
had encouraged her to go after them full speed ahead. He'd also convinced her to give their
relationship a fighting chance.

Hadn't he been behind her every step of the way for five long years? Hadn't he waited for her while

she finished her degree? He'd been true to her in every sense of the word.

Yes, her life was chaotic right now. It might always be chaotic, but she knew Sam would always be

there for her, loving her like no man had loved her before. And she loved him. She wanted to marry
him and live the rest of her life by his side.

With a huge smile, Tori flung herself into Sam's embrace, draping her arms around his neck and

kissing him with all the fervor of the pent-up emotions bursting inside. "Yes, Sam. Yes, I'll marry
you!"

"Thank God!" His hot mouth crushed down on hers in another searing kiss. He held her body close,

cupping her butt and pushing his erection against her stomach, demonstrating just how much he wanted
and needed her.

After a deliciously wicked moment of unbridled passion, Tori broke the kiss and gazed up into his

face. "So why didn't you just wait until after work to ask me? Why go to all the trouble and bother of
bringing Poncho to the clinic?"

Sam groaned and tightened his arms around her. "Are you kidding me? I've been trying to sneak a

moment alone with you ever since Sunday night when you left me high and dry to go tend to Ben
Erwin's pregnant mare. I haven't seen you the past two nights, because you've been so busy with work.
It's damn near impossible for me to see you in private during the day. Then it hit me. The only sure
way to get an uninterrupted moment alone with you was to bring Poncho to the clinic, take a number,
and sit in the waiting room."

Tori bit her lip. "I am so sorry, Sam. I know you're frustrated beyond belief. I am, too. But don't

worry. I've contacted a friend of mine, and she's eager to reopen the clinic over in Stone Creek. In a
couple of months, my schedule should become much less hectic. Then we're sure to be able to plan a
wedding and start our life together."

"That's good news, sweetheart. Only I don't know how much longer I can wait. I'm dying here, Tori."

"Please, Sam--"

The door to the examination room burst opened and six very excited and happy people stood outside,

applauding loud enough to raise the roof.

Sarah Sue stepped into the room, and the others crowded in close behind her. "Congratulations, folks!

Looks like we're going to have ourselves another McCade wedding. And it's about time, too!" She
hugged Tori and Sam, then Tori again, talking all the while. "Darlin', I am so happy for you. Now you
listen here. From what I've heard, you've kept this man on hold for long enough. I'm glad you've
finally decided to put him out of his misery. Take my advice and don't go putting off the wedding.
Marry Sam as soon as possible. Now, show us all that gorgeous ring on your finger, then we'll let you
get back to the doctorin' business."

***

One evening, a few weeks later, Sam sat at the almost deserted lunch counter in Sarah Sue's Cafe,

drinking a cup of coffee and eating a piece of coconut cream pie. The only other customer finished his
dinner and paid his tab. Sarah Sue escorted him out the door and locked it for the night.

Sam finished the pie and pushed the plate away. Sarah Sue picked it up and wiped the counter with a

damp dishtowel. "Now that we have the place to ourselves, tell me what's troubling you, darlin'. I
thought by now the wedding invitations would surely be sent and big plans would be underway. After
all, it's been six weeks since you and Tori got engaged. I declare. Is that girl acting ornery again? You
know she can't rightly help it; she's a McCade after all. That bunch is mighty headstrong and as
stubborn as they come."

"Don't I know it." Sam raked his fingers through his hair. "I guess I'm going to be forced to take

matters into my own hands if I ever want her to be my wife. Tori's busier than ever with her own
practice, plus she's helping Dr. Shelly reopen the Stone Creek Animal Clinic."

"So whatcha going to do?" Sarah Sue asked. "Short of kidnapping her, I don't see what there is you

can do?"

Sam gazed at his coffee cup, tracing the rim with his finger. "Dallas said I might have to resort to that.

He was joking, of course."

"Of course, he was joking." Sarah Sue picked up a ketchup bottle and wiped it clean. "You can't go

kidnapping her. You'll have to think of something else."

Sam plunked down his coffee cup, his mind buzzing with a wild idea. "Wait a minute. Why can't I

kidnap her?"

"Kidnap Tori?" Sarah Sue flung the dishtowel over her shoulder and stared at him like he'd gone

batshit crazy. Maybe he had. Crazy in love and desperate for Tori to be his. "I've never heard tell of
anyone kidnapping a bride in real life. Sure, it's done all the time in those romance novels I read
every so often. But you can't actually kidnap her, Sam. It just isn't done."

"Why not? Her schedule is obviously never going to slow down. If I keep on waiting, we'll both be

old and gray before we ever find the time to get married." Sam stared off into space envisioning and
discarding several schemes in which he could lure Tori away from Salt Fork. He'd need help, of
course. As one idea took firm hold in his brain, he smiled. He knew just who to call to help
implement it.

Sarah Sue leaned an elbow down on the counter and rested her chin on her palm. "You do have a

point there. Let me think a minute, darlin'."

Sam stood up, dug in his pocket and slapped a few bills down on the old Formica countertop to pay

for his pie. "No need for you to think about it at all. I know exactly how I'll go about it. Wish me luck,
Sarah Sue. And don't breathe a word about this to anyone, okay?"

"Sure thing, hon. My lips are sealed." The waitress smiled. "And good luck to you, Sam Garza. I'm

pretty sure you're going to need it."

***

That weekend, early on Saturday morning, Sam and Tori sat in the back passenger seats of one of

Tyler McCade's airplanes, headphones in place, seatbelts buckled. Caitlyn McCade rode shotgun
while her husband sat behind the controls.

The West Texas sky was bluer than blue with white fluffy clouds floating like cotton candy on the

breeze.

Tori sat back ready to enjoy the flight. Flying with Tyler had been one of her favorite activities when

she'd been younger. "Hey, Ty. Thanks for taking us to Dallas to see Raenell and Joe. When they
invited Sam and me for the weekend, I wasn't looking forward to the long drive. I can't be gone too
long from the clinic, although it's nice to have Shelly settled over in Stone Creek. She can take up the
slack, but even still, I shouldn't be gone more than a couple of days."

"Glad to do it, sis. Just sit back and relax. Caitlyn and I are going to enjoy a little R&R over the

weekend, too. It's worked out great for all of us."

Sam took hold of Tori's hand and squeezed. "I'll be glad to have you all to myself for part of the

weekend, at least."

Tyler laughed. "I bet you will, Garza. I just bet you will." Tori noticed a look pass between her

brother and his wife, but shrugged it off. Tyler was always up to something. She'd given up trying to
figure him out a long time ago.

"Anyway, it'll be good to see Raenell and Joe again," she said. "Raenell told me they had something

to celebrate and insisted that Sam and I come for the weekend. I think she might finally be pregnant
and wants to share the news with us in person. Ever since she married Joe, her dearest wish has been
to have a little Salinas bambino."

"I wouldn't mind having a little Garza bambino myself." Sam leaned over and kissed Tori so hard, her

toes curled inside her shoes.

"Me, too," she said, when Sam pulled back from the kiss. "And I promise to get with the program and

plan our wedding as soon as we get back to Salt Fork."

Tyler snickered up front, turning it into a cough when Caitlyn shot him a fierce look. He was

definitely up to something all right. A glance at Sam confirmed it. His dark brown eyes glimmered
with secrets. A frisson of excitement shimmied down Tori's spine.

"Okay, what are y'all up to?" she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.

Caitlyn smiled over her shoulder. "Don't mind them. They have some sort of conspiracy going on. I

couldn't get anything out of Tyler, so I think we should sit back and take a wait-and-see attitude."

"Wait-and-see, huh?" Tori narrowed her eyes at Sam.

He reached out a hand and flicked her gently on the nose. "Don't worry, babe. You're going to like it.

Someday, you'll even thank me for it."

"I will, will I?" Sam's touch made her stomach dip in that familiar yet still exciting way.

He put his arm around her shoulder and held her close. "I promise."

***

"This is your captain speaking." Tyler deliberately lowered his voice for the announcement, and it

resounded over the headsets. "We're approaching the Dallas-Metro area and will start making our
descent shortly. Estimated time of arrival, approximately seven minutes. Please bring your seats and
trays to an upright position."

"Cut it out, Ty!" Tori said on a groan. "That joke is getting old fast."

"Ouch! Cut to the quick by my baby sister. I'm hurt, Tori. Hurt, I say."

"Yeah, yeah. Like I believe that. Give it a rest."

Caitlyn laughed. "How about both of y'all giving it a rest."

"Okay. All right," Tyler said. "No one appreciates me or my humor."

"I do, big guy." Caitlyn leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I appreciate every aspect of your delightful

personality."

Before she could move away, Tyler hooked his hand behind Caitlyn's neck and pulled her close for a

quick kiss. "Thanks, honey. I love you, too."

Tori smiled at the intimate banter going on between her brother and his new wife. She glanced at Sam

and he winked. She'd be glad when they could finally get married and enjoy similar banter. For so
long, their relationship had been kept under wraps. They'd both had to guard how they spoke to one
another, how they looked at each other. Coming clean with family and friends had made things better,

yet it still wasn't enough.

Tori gazed out the window at the landscape moving beneath them down below. She couldn't believe

she was actually going to be spending the whole lazy weekend with Sam with no possibility of
interruptions from anyone who needed her medical services. They wouldn't be alone during the
daylight hours, but they'd have the entire nights together. No dragging herself from Sam's bed to return
to sleep at the clinic. It sounded like heaven. Her body hummed with anticipation.

Once they landed at the small airport just outside Dallas, they disembarked and headed toward the

terminal. Tyler held the door open for Caitlyn, Tori and Sam to pass through.

"Surprise!" Raenell and Joe stood in the center of the small terminal with balloons and tootie horns.

Tori stopped short and stared. "What are y'all doing here? I thought Sam and I were supposed to be

going to your house."

Raenell hurried over to hug her. "You don't know?" She looked at Sam and Tyler and Caitlyn. "You

managed to keep it secret all this time? You are one sneaky hombre, Sam Garza."

"I couldn't have done it without Tyler and Caitlyn. And you and Joe. How're you doing, buddy?" Sam

shook Joe's hand and made the introductions.

Tori stood with arms folded across her chest, feeling bewildered and undecided about this obvious

surprise rendezvous. "Would someone care to explain what's going on?"

Sam glanced at the time. "Say goodbye to your brother and Caitlyn. We have another plane to catch."

"Another plane to catch? Look, mister! I'm not moving another inch until someone explains to me

what's happening here."

Sam looked around the circle of friends and family. "Give us a minute, will you?"

Raenell stepped forward. "No, we will not." She took Tori's hands in hers. "Sam's kidnapping you.

Isn't that romantic? And we're all helping you to elope. So just say thank you, and let's get moving
before we miss our flight."

Joe laughed as he took his wife by the elbow to lead her away. "Sam chartered a private jet,

sweetheart. It won't leave without him."

Raenell swatted his arm. "Oh, you know what I mean."

As the two couples moved away to give them a bit of privacy, Sam saw amazement then consternation

pass across Tori's delicate features.

"You're kidnapping me?" she said, narrowing those blue eyes at him. "That's kind of Neanderthalic,

don't you think?"

Ignoring the crowd of people hustling back and forth across the terminal, Sam took Tori in his arms.

"I'd say it's more like an act of desperation. I want you so much, and I've waited for so long. Your
schedule might never let up, and I'm okay with that. I'm not okay about keeping our relationship on
hold for an indeterminate time."

He lifted one of her hands and held it close to his heart. "Marry me, Tori. Marry me today. I've

booked rooms at a little bed and breakfast overlooking Lake Tahoe. The ceremony will be conducted

in their chapel. Joe and Raenell have agreed to stand up with us, like we did for them when they got
married. I know it's not a fancy church wedding, but your mom has promised to throw the biggest
reception anyone in Salt Fork has ever seen."

Tori glanced across the terminal at her brother who smiled and gave her a thumbs up. "It seems

you've gone to a lot of trouble on my behalf."

"No trouble, babe. I just want to officially begin our life together sooner rather than later. I love you

so much, Tori. I want you to be my wife."

Sam Garza's wife. She'd been hesitant for so long; the reasons seemed foolish and didn't really matter

anymore. What was past was past. She was ready now.

Tori's smile nearly blindsided Sam with its intensity. "Oh, Sam. I love you, too. And I would be

honored to be your wife. Thank you for planning this. Raenell's right. It is romantic." She kissed him,
then grabbed his hand and pulled him toward their group of friends who were waiting near the check-
in counter.

When she reached her brother, she punched him good-naturedly. "So why aren't you and Caitlyn

coming with us to Lake Tahoe?"

Tyler rubbed his shoulder and gave a theatrical shudder. "Are you joking me? Caitlyn and I are going

to be in enough hot water aiding and abetting your runaway marriage. Can you imagine Dallas,
Cameron and Austin ever letting us live it down if we attended the wedding, and they didn't?" He
gave Tori a big bear hug. "Congratulations, sis. I hope you're as happy with Sam as I am with
Caitlyn."

"Aw, how sweet." Caitlyn clasped the crook of her husband's elbow and leaned against him. "Have

fun, Tori. You too, Sam. I wish you both much happiness and joy."

Tyler shook Sam's hand. "You better treat her like a princess, Garza. If you don't, you'll have me to

answer to."

Sam smiled and put his arm around Tori's shoulders. "Don't worry; I'll treat her right. Thanks for

giving us a lift, man. We'll be back before you know it."

Raenell stepped forward and waved her arms in the air. "For God's sakes, people! Let's get a move

on. Sam wants to marry Tori today, not tomorrow, not next week. Move it! Move it!"

Caitlyn smiled and kissed Tori's cheek. "Your friend sounds a lot like Kelsey."

Tyler made a face, his eyes bugging out, his jaw dropping open. "Oh dear God! Talk about someone

who's going to be angry when she finds out she wasn't in on the secret."

"That's why they call it a secret," Caitlyn said. "Not everyone gets to know the details. Anyway,

Kelsey can help your mom plan the reception. That's right up her alley. And now she has her twin
cousins to help her. She'll be in organizational mode for weeks."

Raenell harrumphed. "If nobody organized things, nothing would get done. Now, are we going to Lake

Tahoe today or aren't we?"

Sam took Tori's hand in his and kissed her fingers. "Come on, babe. What do you say? Are you ready

to get married and start our new life together?"

Tori stood on tiptoe and kissed him hard on the mouth. How had she gotten so lucky to love and be

loved by such a man? "I'm ready, Sam. I'm more than ready to start our life together."

He held her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes, searching her core, her soul. He smiled that

smile Tori loved so well. "Lead the way, babe. Lead the way."

EPILOGUE

"Daddy! Daddy! Kelsey wants you to come cut the ribbon with Mommy." Four-year old Mary Garza

took her father's hand and tugged him toward the front door of the new annex of the Salt Fork Animal
Clinic located on the Diamondback Ranch.

All eyes turned Sam's way as he scooped his daughter in his arms and carried her to where her

mother and the crowd of people were gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kelsey's idea, of course. After the construction had been completed on the clinic, Kelsey had insisted

they christen it as befitted any new structure built on the sixty-four hundred acre Diamondback Ranch.
It had become a family tradition to officially christen all new houses and barns and now the animal
clinic built on McCade land.

A couple of years ago, Sam had built Tori's dream house right in the spot on her portion of the ranch

that she'd planned since she'd been a kid. The two-story house, sided in native stone and trimmed in
cedar, stood in a small valley with a majestic view of the Double Mountains.

The Veterinary Annex had been built a quarter of a mile down the dirt road from their house, situated

closer to the pavement, convenient to patients and clientele. And Tori, of course.

"Hurry up, Sam! We can't start without you." Kelsey motioned for him to join the gathering.

"I'm coming, Kels." Sam smiled and shook his head. His niece by marriage had always been a bossy

little thing. Now in her first year of college, Kelsey was growing into a beautiful young woman. He
was sure the boys at Texas Tech were standing up and taking notice. Sam didn't envy Austin McCade
one bit in regards to Kelsey and dating. He knew he'd be in the same boat with his own sweet Mary
sooner than he cared to think about.

When he finally reached the front porch, Sam held Mary in his arms and stood beside Tori, glad to

share this auspicious occasion with his lovely wife. Every single day, he thanked his lucky stars she
was part of his life.

Mary patted her daddy's cheek and smiled a radiant smile. Sam hugged his little girl, his chest

tightening with a joy so fierce he ached with it.

Standing in front of the crowd, Sam looked out at all the friends and family. He felt a strong sense of

contentment and belonging. He'd moved to Salt Fork not only to be near Tori during those years she'd
been in school; he'd come seeking peace with the world and himself. He'd felt lost, but not for long.
The people of Salt Fork had taken him to their hearts and he'd found his footing, his place in the
community.

Damn! If he didn't watch out, he'd be sniveling and embarrassing himself in front of all these good

people. And they were good people. Especially the McCade family. He'd always had a soft spot for

Ruth. Look how she'd taken in her sister's girls and given them such a good home.

Molly and Maddie stood in the front row, each with a boyfriend in tow. The twins had gone through

all the boys in Salt Fork and the surrounding towns during their junior and senior years of high school.
Now, they were both on full scholarships at Texas Tech proving there were brains behind their
beauty. Sam would bet the twins were probably giving all those young men in Lubbock a run for their
money. They were also probably teaching Kelsey a thing or two. The three cousins were extremely
close.

"Everyone ready?" Kelsey called out to the crowd. She took an oversized pair of scissors that she'd

ordered online for all the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The kid did know how to do it up right.

She was just about to hand the scissors to Tori when she dropped them. "Oh, crap!"

Pete Lafferty stepped forward, picked them up and handed them to Kelsey. She blushed as she took

the scissors from the young man. "Thanks, Pete."

"No problem, kiddo." He winked at her before resuming his place near Tyler and Caitlyn.

Sam lifted a brow. Interesting. He glanced Austin's way and the man was positively scowling. Nope,

he sure didn't envy Austin McCade right now.

Kelsey cleared her throat. "It's with great honor and privilege that I hand these scissors to you, Dr.

Tori McCade-Garza, so you can cut the ribbons and officially open the Diamondback Ranch Annex of
the Salt Fork Animal Clinic."

Tori took the scissors amid a round of applause. "Thank you, Kelsey. Before I cut the ribbon, I'd like

to take this opportunity to say a few words. As most of you know, I took over Doc Pritchard's
veterinary practice right out of vet school. And I'll confess, I could barely keep my head afloat. The
clinic over in Stone Creek had closed and with the influx of new people in the area, I had all I could
do to keep up.

"At first, I didn't want to ask for help. But it wasn't long before I discovered that I couldn't handle the

double workload. No one could have handled it alone. With Sam's encouragement, plus a few others
telling me the same thing, I called in reinforcements.

"I want to thank Dr. Shelly Martin and Dr. Steve Malek for taking over the clinic in Stone Creek. And

I want to thank Dr. Annie Struthers for agreeing to be my partner here in Salt Fork. With four vets in
residence, the workload will be shared and we can all have a life outside the clinic."

Tori turned to Sam and little Mary. "I especially want to thank my husband for all his patience,

support and encouragement. He's stood by me through thick and thin. He's my best friend and the love
of my life."

"What about me, Mommy?" Mary asked, indignation evident in her little voice. "I thought I was your

bestest friend."

Tori leaned over and kissed her daughter's cheek, then Sam's. "You and your daddy are both my

besties."

Mary nodded. "Okay, then."

Sam caught the amusement in Tori's blue eyes . . . and something else. That mischievous sparkle that

usually preceded one of her zingeroos. Huh-oh.

Tori turned back to the audience. "And since all of you are gathered here today, I'd like y'all to be the

first to know. Sam and I are going to have another baby."

Sam nearly dropped little Mary. "What?"

"Merciful heavens," Ruth McCade said, dabbing her eyes with the ever-present tissue. "Another

grandbaby. We have so much to be thankful for."

The crowd erupted in applause, along with loud whistles and whoops and hollers.

Sam leaned over and kissed Tori. "A baby? You're sure?"

She nodded. "I only found out this morning. I hope you don't mind the public announcement."

He kissed her again. "No, it seems fitting somehow."

Mary clapped her pudgy little hands. "Hurray! We're going to have a baby!"

Kelsey stepped between them all. "Congratulations to you both. Now cut the ribbon, will you?"

Tori wiped the tears of joy from her eyes, trying to get hold of her emotions. She held the scissors

poised above the ribbon and looked out at the crowd. "Without further ado, I hereby dedicate this
veterinary clinic to the people and animals of Salt Fork, Texas!"

Sam's chest tightened and his heart hammered loudly when Tori cut the ribbon. After all these years,

the woman was still driving him crazy. But he had to admit; he wouldn't have it any other way.

THE END

###

For more eBooks by Anne Marie Novark

Go to

Amazon.com

***

For announcements about upcoming releases:

Join AnneMarie's Mailing List

Visit her at

www.annemarienovark.com

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***

THE MEN OF THE DIAMONDBACK RANCH

(Tori's four older brothers)

by Anne Marie Novark

The McCades. Four brothers whose love for the land is engrained in their souls. Four rugged
Texans who live and breathe for the women in their lives. Four heroes who will steal your heart.

Cameron McCade

Book One: The Doctor Wears A Stetson

Jessie Kincaid was fifteen and innocent when Cameron asked her to the prom. She lost her heart that
night, but his plans didn't change. He left their small town to pursue his dreams.

Seventeen years later, a trip home leads Cameron McCade back to Salt Fork, Texas, and the newly
widowed Jessie Devine. Since his return, the fire between them burns as hot as ever. Can they take up
where they left off? Can Jessie risk her heart again?

Dallas McCade

Book Two: The Cowboy's Surrender

Copper River Oil Company is drilling for oil on the Diamondback Ranch. Dallas McCade can't do a
thing to stop them, because he doesn't own the mineral rights. To add insult to injury, they've sent a
woman to oversee the operation. Dallas has good reason to distrust women. As soon as he sets eyes
on Gillian Bankston, he loses his temper . . . and his control. That makes him spitting mad and
frustrated as hell.

Gillian has never met a man quite like Dallas. He's rough around the edges, but his kisses are hot
enough to ignite a West Texas wildfire. Gillian's been burned before and wants nothing to do with
love . . . or lust. Battle lines are drawn and it's war between the sexes. Will they surrender to the
powerful attraction neither can deny? Who will be the first to wave the white flag?

Austin McCade

Book Three: A Match Made In Texas

When Austin McCade’s wife dies, a vital part of him dies, too. The sexy single dad devotes himself
to his motherless daughter and his work on the Diamondback Ranch. For twelve years, he ignores life
and women . . . until a new pretty schoolteacher moves to town.

From the moment Theresa Rogers arrives in Salt Fork, Texas, people warn her about the lonely
widower. He’s a hopeless case, a lost cause. But Theresa sees beneath the crusty exterior of the man
to the deep emotions and his enduring loyalty. Can she pierce the impenetrable wall surrounding his
broken heart? Will she be able to vanquish the ghost who keeps him from loving again?

Tyler McCade

Book Four: Lone Star Heartbreaker

Tyler McCade is the youngest McCade brother in Salt Fork, Texas, and the biggest heartbreaker of
them all. Or he was--until a plane crash wrecks his body and sends his crop-dusting company into a
tailspin. Needing time to heal and form a new business plan, he retreats to the Diamondback Ranch,
where he spends too much time alone and tormented over the possibility that the accident might have
been his fault.

Caitlyn Ross lives to fly planes. Accepting the job as pilot for Lone Star Wings seems like a dream

come true. But when she packs up everything she owns and finds herself working for the brooding
Tyler McCade, her defenses go on high alert. The sexual tension sizzles, but does she have what it
takes to help him heal? And is she even brave enough to try?

***

In the mood for an uber alpha male in the making?

Try

Lynda Chance's

REDWOOD FALLS #1

JOSH AND HANNAH

Josh Turner wants Hannah more than life itself. She's perfect and new . . . but she's a McIntyre.

She's from the richest family in the county, and he's a Turner, from the wrong side of the

proverbial tracks. And to make matters worse, there's no love lost between their families.

***

You might also like:

Return to Stone Creek Series

Book One: Her Reluctant Rancher

Anne Marie Novark

Living with his stern grandfather taught Trevor Callahan one important lesson: Caring makes a
man weak. Now the old man is dead and Trev returns to Stone Creek for one reason and one
reason only--to sell the Rocking C Ranch. Maybe then he can put his past behind him and move on.

Beth Evans once confused lust for love and vows never to let it happen again. The bookmobile
driver is trying to raise funds to build a new library. The late Hank Callahan bequeathed a million
dollars for the project, but he attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the ranch.

***

Return to Stone Creek Series

Book Two: Tall Dark and Texan

Anne Marie Novark

Former bad boy Mitch Defalco roars into Stone Creek, Texas, on the back of a Harley with his
newly discovered daughter riding behind him. Single mom Sarah Cooper cannot believe he's
moved in next door. She had a secret crush on him years ago when he dated her older sister back
in high school.

As Mitch tackles the responsibilities of fatherhood, Sarah admires the way he's turned his life
around. She asks him to help her with a personal problem: Her fear of men. Mitch knows he's bad
news for sexy Sarah, but how can he refuse her dangerous request, when she's determined to move
forward with or without his help?

***

Midnight My Love

A Regency Romance Novel

Anne Marie Novark

For years, Damien Avenall loved Alexandra Turlington like a little sister; or so he thought until
she grew into a lovely and desirable young lady. In a moment of madness, he kisses her and
everything changes between them.

Alex often wonders why the dangerous viscount betrayed their special friendship. His kiss
awakened her to passion, but she knows better than to give her heart to a libertine. Or does she?

***

HAPPY READING!!!

Document Outline

Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Epilogue

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