Forever Yours

YÉÜxäxÜ lÉâÜá Copyright © December 2011, Dahlia Rose Cover art by Mina Carter © December 2011 Amira Press Charlotte, NC 28227 www.amirapress.com ISBN: 978-1-937394-27-1 No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Amira Press.

Forever Yours

Dahlia Rose

Chapter One The sun was setting across the mountains and cast a glow across the snow. Shadows had already crept across the valleys, where the tips of the pine trees could be seen and the thick curls of smoke from chimneys curled upward. It was a picturesque scene, one that Sam missed each time he left. He was a soldier first and a rancher second, but regardless of whether it was summer, when the breeze helped cool the air and swimming in the lake was part of his day, or the winter, when it was so cold outside that your breath could freeze in front of your face, he loved Turner, Montana. After three tours in Iraq and almost two and a half years overseas in intervals, he hoped he could keep his boots in the closet for a while. He’d driven to Helena to do some business and to visit his parents. He was heading back home along the winding road in the mountains, hoping to get home before the blizzard they were forecasting hit. All in all, he was looking forward to it, since it was two days before Christmas. He didn’t mind being snowed in with a tree, Christmas dinner, a roaring fire, and good TV. It was the simple things that he’d missed the most. The elegant little blue sign welcoming him to Turner came into view, and he smiled. The town had asked its population of only three thousand to help pay for it since the budget didn’t allow for frivolities. He’d, of course, put in a few hundred toward it and helped plant it in the ground before his first tour sent him away. It beckoned him home each time he came back. The lights of his truck picked up a lone figure on the side of the road, dragging two huge suitcases and stumbling along the rocky surface. One suitcase caught on a rock and flipped over, and as he drove up, he saw her kick it and sit on it in defeat. Who the fuck is out here . . . The words ceased in his mind as he stopped the truck and saw the forlorn face. It was Kasha Matthews. He’d loved her since high school. He got out of the car and walked around the truck to where she was sitting. “This is a strange place to try to camp,” he teased and crouched low. She looked over at him and sniffed while trying to laugh. “You know me, I love being out of the box.” 1

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He noticed something in the dimming light, and his anger simmered. Sam used his finger on her chin to tilt her head to the light. He saw the bruise that was blooming around her eye and marring her ebony cheek. His rage went from simmer to full-blown as he helped her up from sitting on the bag. For two years now, he’d been hearing about Joe hitting her. She’d even made excuses to him when he offered her help. Now she was dragging her stuff on the side of the road with a black eye, and he wasn’t having that . . . not for her. He’d loved Kasha from the time he knew what love was. He was a senior when she started as a freshman, but he joined the military before he could ever make his move. From elementary school, they’d been friends. Hell, in high school, he was friends with the guy who later beat her up. He was a dick as a teenager, and one of the main people who teased him unmercifully about wanting to date Kasha. Plus, timing always seemed wrong, and as fate would have it now, she was with Joe Mallard, and he used her as a punching bag. He helped her into the passenger side of his truck without a word. He was biting the inside of his jaw to stop from hitting the metal door and denting the sleek frame. Her eyes were on him as he threw her bag in the back. “Sam,” she began hesitantly, “I’ve left him for good this time. You don’t have to be upset.” “You said that last time,” Sam replied and slammed the passenger door before walking around. He got into the driver’s seat and started the truck. Instead of heading home, he turned the wheel and made a U-turn. “Sam, please just drop me off at the motel in town. I need to get back to work first thing in the morning . . .” Kasha said. “You’re staying with me as long as you need, and you won’t have to walk to the diner to get Internet service,” Sam said stubbornly. “I don’t want to put you out,” Kasha said. “I live alone in a five-bedroom ranch house. How exactly are you putting me out?” Sam asked. “Okay, so if I’m staying with you, why are we going in the direction of Joe’s house?” Kasha asked. “Because we’re going to have a conversation,” Sam said quietly. 2

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“Please, Sam, don’t do this,” Kasha begged. “I just want this to be over, and I don’t want the town talking.” He gave a cynical laugh. “I’m sorry to tell you, but the town’s been talking since you showed up with the first bruise. It’s kept talking about why you don’t leave that drunk fucker. If you think I’m going to let this slide, you don’t know me very well.” “I know you too well. That’s what scares me,” she murmured. Sam braked hard in the driveway of an older house. It was the house Joe had grown up in, and it was in desperate need of a coat of paint. The Mallards had died five years back, and he’d let the property go into disrepair. Sam remembered what pride his mother and father took in the place. They would turn in their graves if they saw it now. He climbed from the truck just as Joe came out. The screen door looked like it was ready to fall off as he slammed it. Joe looked past Sam at Kasha in the passenger seat. “You bring her back, huh, or did she beg you to come home?” They were the only words he got out of his mouth before Sam’s fist connected to his face. He had the immense satisfaction of seeing the blood flow from Joe’s nose like a fountain. He swung back weakly, and Sam dodged it easily and connected his knee to Joe’s gut. Then he wailed on him with pleasure. It was a small payback for all the times he’d hurt Kasha. “Sam, stop before you kill him!” Kasha cried out and brought him back to reality. His fist froze in midair, and he got up off the almost unconscious Joe Mallard. “You aren’t worth my going to jail, but you will never put your hands on her again.” “You can’t tell me what to do in my own fucking house,” Joe snarled. He held out his hands to Kasha. “Come ’ere, baby. Help me inside and get me cleaned up.” “I’m not your mother, Joe,” Kasha said. “You do what I tell you to do.” Joe stumbled to his feet and pointed at her. “He ain’t going to be around all the time.” Sam knocked him back flat on the ground. “Mind your mouth.” 3

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Kasha shook her head. “I’m never coming back here, Joe. This is done, and it has been for a long time.” “You’ll be back. You always come back,” Joe snarled. “Back to what, the beer smell or the way you pass out on the couch?” Kasha cried out. “I came to stay with you when my place burned down and we were dating. Who knew the monster that was hiding beneath when I came through that door?” “You didn’t seem to mind when you were calling my name in bed.” Joe snickered. He scrambled back when Sam stepped forward. He had every intention of beating Joe a little more for that remark. He didn’t even want to think of any man’s hand on Kasha, especially Joe’s. Kasha made a sound in the back of her throat, and Sam looked over to see her pretending to gag. It made him grin just watching her. “Don’t pretend, Joe. We’ve haven’t slept in the same bed in over nine months, and I haven’t let you touch me in longer than that,” Kasha snapped. “If you want to go there, you should also say you can hardly get it up anymore. A man who is in his thirties and needs the little blue pill to combat beer—oh yeah, I’m going to be devastated leaving you and the abuse behind. I am not missing anything by leaving you. I have nowhere else to go, but I figured out it’s way better to be homeless than to be with you. I would stay on the streets before I come back to you. Sam, I’ll be in the car.” Sam watched her stalk away with a sense of pride. Finally, he could see the spark of the woman he had known growing up. He looked down at Joe, who was shooting daggers at Kasha’s back as she walked away. Sam knelt next to him and pulled him up by his collar so they were eye to eye. “If what she said didn’t sink in, here it is in my terms. You look at her funny, and I’ll be hunting you down.” Sam’s voice was deadly. “Trust me when I say you don’t want to see me any angrier than I am now.” “This ain’t over. You think because you wear a uniform you can treat her however you want,” Joe snarled. “I’ll ruin you and her. You watch.” “Like anyone gives a damn about what you say in this town.” Sam dropped him as though he were something dirty touching his hands. “The 4

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days of you being the golden boy with a football career are over. Turner sees you as a washed-up asshole. Get a life, or another one, since you ruined the one you had.” He walked back to the truck and climbed in before asking Kasha, “You ready to go?” “I’ve been ready for a long time,” she said softly and squeezed his hand on the steering wheel. “Thanks, Lieutenant.” It took all his willpower not to reach over and kiss her senseless. He started the car and drove away and could still feel her touch on his skin. He gave a sidelong glance as they drove to his house. She was an amazing beauty even with the bruise. Her skin was like soft bronze in the moonlight, and he loved her full lips that practically screamed, “Kiss me!” Her eyes were always the thing that made his breath catch in his throat. They were light brown and so expressive, they twinkled when she laughed, were full of fire when she was angry, and could make you find a jewelry store to stop her from crying. Sam shifted in his seat. He’d spent so much time thinking about her that he knew her favorite song and the movie that she always wanted to curl up and watch. You’re a sucker in love, he thought. But his heart gave an excited jump knowing they would be under the same roof and that Joe hadn’t touched her in a long while—her choice, and it elated him. It was only a short while later that he pulled into the driveway of his own home and stopped the truck. The snow was falling at a steady rate, heralding the beginning of the snowstorm. “You haven’t decorated,” she said simply. “I haven’t had time since I’ve been back,” Sam replied. “We’ll take care of that,” Kasha announced with a smile. “It’s not Christmas unless you decorate.” “Why didn’t you leave him sooner?” Sam blurted out the question before he could stop it. “Long story, broke being the most part,” Kasha admitted. “Not because I wasn’t making money, but because I was spending it trying to keep Joe afloat. He made me feel guilty, and I ended up paying most of the bills. The days we had it out about money, he solved the argument with his hands. In 5

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the end, I was so scared to try to hide money to move away. He’d find it, spend it on beer and whoring, and then I’d get walloped for hiding it away.” Kasha shook her head. “I’m such an idiot. I thought he loved me. I thought when my place burned I was making the right choice. We’d been dating. After a while, I couldn’t stand him, and now look at me.” “You didn’t do anything wrong, Kasha.” Sam took her hand and squeezed. “Let’s go inside and find some dinner.” Kasha smiled and laid her head on his shoulder for a moment. “You were always my hero, Sam.” “Even when I made you eat a worm in kindergarten?” he teased. “You helped me wash my mouth out and wiped my tears,” she replied. “So that’s a yes.” And you’ve always been the girl I love, he thought as she climbed from the passenger seat. Maybe this Christmas thing would be different, and he could finally tell her how he felt. This might be the start of their time. Sam had every intention of making her his own. **** Kasha dropped the bags on the floor of the big bedroom and sighed as she sat on the bed. She didn’t know if she was making a bigger mistake by staying with Sam. That was how it had started with Joe. Then the first time she said something that seemed to bother him, he smacked her in the face. How could I have been so stupid? She asked herself the question miserably. Every damn thing she knew about abuse, and yet she stuck around and let the fear of Joe seep in until she abhorred herself and taking it was not an option anymore. Kasha knew she should have been gone from the first instance he raised his hands to her. But she had naively thought she could fix him and help him change. That had been a farce, and she was back where she had started, with nothing to show for her life but the clothes in her bags. She shook her head and got up to unpack her bags. Sam was nothing like Joe. She’d known him all her life and dreamed about being his girlfriend when they were in high school. He’d gone off to the military, and she’d fallen 6

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for the charm of Joe Mallard, what little there was of it when they started out. But even at that time, she could still feel that flutter in her stomach when Sam was around. That’s how the argument that finally pushed her to the edge had started. He’d come home drunk and accused her of having the hots for Sam since he’d been back in town. Hell, she couldn’t deny it. She hadn’t felt anything for Joe in a long time and was only trying to save enough to leave. When she called him a drunk and said she was going to bed, he grabbed her and let his fist do the talking. She caught him good in the balls and left him whimpering on the ground while she threw her stuff in her cases. But she knew how he’d spin it, and that was fine with her. She didn’t care if his drunken-ass friends thought he kicked her out, as long as she was gone. She finished what she was doing when Sam called from downstairs to let her know dinner was ready. She pulled out a new pair of jeans and a sweater and made herself look decent. God knows she didn’t want Sam to look at her like someone he should pity. Maybe this was the kind of thing that would bring them closer, but she didn’t want to force it. Then there were the questions: did he see her as Joe Mallard’s castoff, and would that sour anything they could build? Kasha decided to let fate play the hand and not try to over think it. Her focus would be to get on her feet and not be dependent on anyone. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she went downstairs to find Sam. His house was massive and expertly decorated, and it had a homey feel. In the kitchen he had the wide wooden table set for dinner—chicken, green beans, rolls, and mashed potatoes in matching bowls—and she felt her stomach rumble in response. “Have a seat, and let’s dig in.” Sam smiled and pulled the chair out for her. It scraped against the rough textured tiles on the ground. “You didn’t have to go through so much trouble,” Kasha said. She managed to muffle the squeak as he lifted the chair, with her in it, just little and moved it toward the table. She’d forgotten how strong he was. He sat across from her and began to dish out her dinner and his. “No trouble. Mom came when I got in from Afghanistan and stocked the house 7

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with food. She brought the chicken on Monday, and there’s even a triplelayered chocolate cake in the fridge.” Kasha laughed. “I haven’t had your mom’s cake in forever. Oh, her cake could put you in a chocolate coma.” “I’ll make sure you have an extra big slice later,” he said. She studied him as they ate. The boyish good looks were still there, but they now held the ruggedness of a man. Soft lines around his blue-green eyes, from where he smiled, and his military-style-cut dark hair enhanced his features. His mouth was just a little too wide for his lean face, but it didn’t distract in the least. Along with his build, and just the way he carried himself, he made her drool. He was a hometown boy with a hero attitude and a badboy streak that could be seen, on occasion, when someone got on his wrong side. “You aren’t saying much,” he commented. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable here or feel like . . . Well, I just want you to make yourself at home.” Kasha smiled and took a bite of her dinner. “It’s okay, Sam, I’m not skittish around you. I just don’t want to fall into another scenario where I’m living off someone’s charity. I’m going to be saving for a new place, and I’ll help pay for utilities, food, and whatever else.” “I doubt you were living off of Joe’s charity. The man hardly works,” Sam said. “You’re not paying one cent for anything. Save your money.” “I can’t just live here without helping. That’s not the kind of person I am,” Kasha said. “I know you, Kasha, and for once, let me help you without you feeling obligated, okay?” Sam winked. “Plus, I get to spend the holidays with you, so I feel like a winner here.” “Doesn’t look cheery around here,” Kasha teased. “I have a plan to fix that, first, a tree from out back, cut by my very own big hands.” He held up his hands, and she couldn’t help but grin. “While I’m doing that, you can schlep the boxes out of the storage room off the kitchen and start getting the decorations up.”

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She tapped her finger against her chin and narrowed her eyes at him. “‘Schlep,’ that word does not sound like a fun time.” “Hey, we share the work, and then we reap the rewards of a roaring fire, chocolate cake, and I might be coerced into making hot chocolate.” Sam pointed his fork at her. “Did I mention that I use real marshmallows?” “Okay, you’ve won my alliance in this venture.” Kasha feigned resignation. “I have no other choice since the chocolate is involved.” “I thought my charm won you over.” He grinned. “That too,” Kasha admitted. “Actually, it feels good to be doing this. I haven’t been able to celebrate the holidays for a long time.” “Well then we’ll make this perfect.” Sam met her gaze and then concentrated on his dinner. He wanted more from her, and the attraction was there. Sam would never make moves on her if he thought it would be taking advantage. He was a man with such honor that he would put her above himself. She didn’t want to even mention Joe’s house at the holidays. It wasn’t fun, needless to say, and there weren’t any fond memories for her to hold on to. Maybe, just maybe, this could be special. They finished their dinner in companionable silence, and Kasha felt her entire body relax. Gone was the feeling of constant fear of the next blow to come her way for no reason other than it was Tuesday. That was how volatile her life had been for the past few months as she’d tried to save money to escape. She pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the here and now. She was with Sam for the first time, a fantasy from her childhood. Their paths had always seemed to take them in different directions, but now they were on the same road. Dinner was over, and she helped him clean up the dishes and place them in the dishwasher. He sat on the wooden bench next to the back door and pulled on his boots and coat. “It’s coming down harder out there.” She looked through the back window to the yard. There had to be more than an inch on the ground, and the snowflakes were like thick soap bubbles falling from the sky.

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Sam grinned. “I won’t be too far into the tree line. Say you’ll come and save me if a bear comes at me.” Kasha laughed. “You’re big and strong. I think you can take on the wildlife. But I’ll come with my shooting iron and help.” Deep laughter erupted from his lips. “Shooting iron? What have you been watching?” The cold wind blew into the kitchen, bringing in flakes of snow while he stepped out, still laughing. Kasha couldn’t help but grin like a kid. Sam always seemed to bring out her happiness when he was around.

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Chapter Two Kasha looked up at the massive tree that now stood by the floor-length windows. She couldn’t believe he’d gotten it into the house by himself, but it had been amazing to watch his muscles strain beneath the long-sleeved shirt as he hauled it up and got it stable. Now there was the monumental task of getting it decorated after they’d hung lights and ribbons and decorations throughout the living room and hallway. “You think you found a big enough tree? There are the ones from the petrified forest that might be bigger,” she teased. “Hey, I’m a man. I want my Christmas tree like me . . . big,” he replied. “Is that some kind of innuendo about the size of your manhood?” Kasha put her hands on her hips. “Because if so, we might need a game of showand-tell.” “There’s no game about it. You ask me to see the goods, and I’ll drop trousers right here.” His words were teasing, but his voice certainly wasn’t. The temperature in the room seemed to increase a few notches, and her body tingled at his suggestion. It had been so long since she’d been touched in any way that was even remotely pleasurable. The things his hands could probably do to her body made her involuntarily shiver. Kasha changed the subject before she ended up making a fool of herself by throwing herself at him. “So let’s get started. You promised me cake and hot chocolate if I was a good girl.” She picked up a box filled with lights. “Oh Lord, girl, I want you to be very bad.” He said it low, and Kasha thought he might not have meant for her to hear it. But she did, and she decided right then and there that for once she was going to be brave and go after what she’d dreamt about since she was a teen. If Sam didn’t turn her away, he would be her Christmas gift, and a sexy one at that. She stood on one of the folding stepladders he’d brought from the storage closet and began to attach the temporary hooks to hang the lighted garlands on the wall. Christmas music filled the air as if it was coming from every corner of the room, sweet, mellow, and relaxing. 11

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It gave her goose bumps. She felt the sensation of holiday magic wash over her. It was the kind of spell that filled your heart and made you smile. The cold weather, the decorating, the preparation for a feast with her family were the parts of the season she had treasured growing up. It took the right ambience to bring it out, and she’d found it again with simple tasks and music. She felt her eyes mist up, thinking about the past and how horrible the last few years had been. A sense of relief filled her. She was free, finally free to be who she really was. The woman who loved music and dancing, books and art had been stifled by emotional and physical abuse. Not anymore, she thought triumphantly. She hummed the Christmas tunes while she worked. Sometimes she could feel Sam staring at her, and when she looked around, he went back to what he was doing. After they worked on the interior of the house, it was well after eleven at night when they actually sat down to enjoy the treat that was a reward for all their hard work. Everything looked amazing, and the house had the wonderful smell of pine, along with the logs that gently popped in the fireplace and set a wonderful mood. She took a bite of the cake and moaned in delight. “Your mother should be made a saint for her baking.” “Your mom did the exact same thing. Remember how she used to make those mini cakes for when anyone came by?” Sam said. Kasha laughed. “I haven’t thought about that in years! You and the jock crew used to pass by to mow the lawn in winter just to get one.” He chuckled. “That was the plan at first. Then I used to do it to see you.” “Really? I thought you thought I was some kind of teenage nuisance.” Kasha blushed. “I would have swooned if you had asked me out.” “I wanted to, but the other guys used to rib me for it, especially Joe. Then, after I came back from my MOS in Japan and heard you two hooked up, I figured out that all those years he was chasing me off so he could make his move.” Sam took his mug off the table and took a sip. “I really want to get this out in the open, especially with you,” Kasha said. “I never even thought about dating Joe seriously until the house burned down. I mean, we had a few dates and all, but it was friendly. Mom and Dad 12

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passed away so quickly, in a matter of months. Between each of them going, then finding out the house was buried in debt, with no insurance, everything piled on me all at once. I know Daddy was trying to save face and not let Mom worry or tell me, but when it burned down, the gossip was I did it for the insurance. There was none.” She met his gaze as he quietly listened. “Joe started coming around after the funeral for my dad, and then when the house burned, he was the first person I thought I could talk to. He offered me a place to stay, and I took it, and things went from there. The abuse started, and by that time, I was so messed up I thought I deserved it, and then I just gave up, I think. I was a thing to him, a possession, and he let me know it almost every day. If he found me saving money to leave, he would kick the crap out of me for hiding money and trying to leave.” “I should go kick his ass some more for what he did,” Sam said angrily. “I wanted to hold you and kiss you each time I came back, but he was with you, and I thought I’d lost my chance.” She laid her hand on his arm. “You always had a chance, Sam, especially now I’m here and you’re here.” “What are you saying, Kasha?” Sam asked softly. “Kiss me, Sam,” Kasha said and gave a husky laugh. “I remember the first time I actually felt you kiss me. It was when they ran the kissing booth for spirit week in high school, and the girls lined the halls for a chance to kiss you. I was number fifteen in line, and I swear I felt your kiss for days after. Here we are again, and we can finally see if there is something between us, right? And I want you to—” She didn’t get the rest of her words out because Sam moved fast and took her into his arms. His lips descended on hers, and he took his fill like a man dying of thirst. He tasted so damn good, she moaned gently and opened her mouth wider for his tongue to invade. Kasha wrapped herself around his broad shoulders and held on as he practically dragged her across his lap. She was lost in the power of his kiss. Nothing had ever rocked her like the way his mouth felt. Her tongue tangled with his as she sank it into his mouth, and a low groan rumbled through him. He pulled away suddenly, breathing hard,

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and sat her on the couch away from him. Kasha was panting herself after what had just happened. “Why did you stop?” she asked breathlessly. “Because if I didn’t, you’d be naked on the floor.” His voice was like gravel. “I doubt I would make you stop,” she said. “Yeah, but then I would be the one feeling guilty in the morning,” Sam explained. “You’ve been through too much, Kasha, and to take you to bed right now wouldn’t be the right thing to do.” “Is it because of me being with Joe?” She felt her heart sink when she asked the question, and dreaded the answer. “That’s part of it . . .” She stood as hurt coursed through her. “So you think because he beat me and because I slept with him that I’m used goods. Is that what you’re saying?” Sam got to his feet and faced her. “That’s not what I meant in the least. Don’t misunderstand me.” “Then why don’t you want me?” Kasha felt panic rise for no reason. Would this be her life, with men avoiding her because of Joe? “You could make it all go away and erase tonight and every other night I had to spend with him.” Sam grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “Do you think that’s what I want to be? When I take you, Kasha, it won’t be to wipe your mental slate clean of bad memories. It will be for one thing—us. You and me in the room, the ghost of Joe hurting you be damned. That’s why it’s not right to make love with you right now. There will be three of us in the bed, and by God, I won’t have that bastard in your head as a comparison when I do.” Sam turned and strode away while Kasha sank back into the chair and touched her fingers to her lips. “Oh shoot, I’ve gone and mucked it up,” she said to herself miserably. She took the half-empty mug and plate into the kitchen and washed them before setting them to dry on a towel next to the sink. Sam was nowhere

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around, and she was half tempted to knock on his bedroom door and apologize. Knowing me, I’ll put my foot in my mouth and make it worse. Kasha headed toward the room that she would be staying in and got ready for bed. She had pushed too fast, and now it seemed she had taken a step back with Sam. Tiredness overcame her suddenly as she climbed into bed and pulled the thick covers up. The wind had picked up, and she heard it rattle the bedroom windows. Somehow the raging weather outside made her feel better, as if it matched the swirling emotions inside her, as she fell asleep. **** A soft knock woke her, and she rolled over drowsily. For a moment, she forgot where she was, until another knock came, and this time Sam stuck his head inside the door. “Are you awake?” he asked softly. Kasha chuckled and sat up in bed. “I am now. What’s up?” “They’re predicting the storm will be getting worse this evening, and we have a break,” Sam explained. “We should run into town and get some supplies in case we’re stuck here for a few days. I mean, we’re set food wise. But I didn’t expect to have guests, and you might need some . . . um . . . feminine items and stuff.” Kasha could’ve grinned at his uncomfortable look. “Yeah, I think I should make a trip.” “I’ll be waiting downstairs. There’s coffee and muffins we can grab on our way out. They said the snow will start back up around one. We can be back by then with no problems,” he said and made the move to close the door. “Hey,” she called out. Sam stuck his head back inside the room. “Yeah?” “Are we good? I mean, after last night, if you need me to go, I can,” Kasha said. A grin flashed on his face. “Takes a whole lot more than something like that to make me want you to leave. And I learned something new.” 15

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“What?” “You want me bad, Kasha.” Sam winked and closed the door. She flopped back on the pillows and laughed softly. The day felt lighter already. She bounded out of bed and got cleaned up before skipping downstairs in a fresh pair of jeans, a black-and-white sweater, and her tall, fuzzy boots. Downstairs, Sam had a cup of coffee in a travel cup waiting for her, and a muffin in a napkin. She took both with a grateful smile and followed him outside. She shivered in the passenger seat as he turned the key to start the engine of the car and cranked the heat up to high. He pressed two buttons on the dashboard, and soon she felt her seat getting warm beneath her. “Heated seats, how I love thee,” Kasha sighed and snuggled into the warming leather. “It takes so little to make you happy,” Sam teased as he pulled out of the icy driveway. “The simple things are far better,” she replied. “I’ve learned to appreciate them more.” The snow was already a foot off the ground. In Montana, that was spring weather sometimes, so it was no surprise that Turner was bustling as its residents prepared for more snow. The Christmas decorations were all over, and the town bell rang its merry tune. At the one stoplight in the main street, the crossing guard moved children across the street in a straight line. Their colorful jackets, scarves, and mittens kept them warm against the winter wind, and one child wore a pair of stuffed reindeer horns. The sight made her grin. Sam dropped her off at the store and promised to be back after he visited the bank and picked up extra feed for his horses just in case the weather became more than what was forecast. It was a known fact when the weatherman said to expect two feet of snow in Turner, you could have double. So the impending weather system could cut them off for weeks. She felt eyes on her as she shopped. The sunglasses she wore did little to hide the bruise on her face. “I heard that Sam beat the shit out of him . . .” 16

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“They were sleeping together right under Joe’s nose. He came back and just went and got her.” Kasha gritted her teeth and kept moving. She heard the whispers and a few passing comments. It seemed what had happened at Joe’s house had made it to town in record time. At the cash register, she browsed the magazines while waiting for Sam to come back. “It’s a damn shame.” The voice behind her held disapproval, and she turned to face the person talking. “And a happy holidays to you too, Mrs. Dean,” Kasha said. The older woman was known for being the town gossip and general pain in the ass. “That boy is a war hero, and here you are taking advantage of him,” Mrs. Dean said. “You run Joe Mallard into the ground and then on to the next one, huh?” People were stopping to listen to the conversation and not being discreet in their snooping. Kasha took her sunglasses off and gave the woman a direct stare. “Is that what I’m doing? I guess Joe told you he paid all the bills while I sat on my ass and did nothing. Maybe that’s why he was hitting me, to get me to move my butt in gear. Even though I work from home doing Web designs and I make far more than he ever could at the mill.” “A girl like you gets what she puts out is all I’m saying. That boy loved you hard, and when you cheated on him more than once, you can’t expect not to get knocked around. In my day, women like you wore a red letter on their sweater.” Mrs. Dean shook her head. “In your day, the world was Jurassic. My mother taught me to be respectful of the elderly, and I won’t say half the things I have on the tip of my tongue. But you’re a gossip, and you don’t know the truth, nor do I care if you do,” Kasha said coldly. “Trust me, when I sleep at night, I don’t go to bed worrying about what anyone in Turner thinks of me.” “It’s a damn shame Sam got messed up with you. If his poor mother knew . . .” Mrs. Dean began. “She would cut you down with a few words, Mrs. Dean, and you know it,” Sam said as he walked up. “You don’t speak for me or my family.” 17

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Kasha looked around at the people who were openly watching the exchange. They probably came in to buy Christmas dinner and some extra provisions before the storm, and here they were getting a show. “How dare you talk to me like that, Sam? I knew you when you were no taller than your mother’s knee,” Mrs. Dean said, outraged. Sam nodded. “Yeah, you did, and you knew Kasha just as long, and Joe, and all of the other people we grew up with. Imagine how Kasha’s parents would feel hearing you talk about her like that after you smiled and ate at their table every Sunday after church.” Sam gave the old woman a cold look. “You think people forget that kindness, huh, when you were down on your luck and her mother took you and yours into their home. Now you stand here calling her nothing to her face. You choose to believe a drunk over her. Everyone knows how Joe turned out, but you would pick the worst from the mouth of an abuser. Karma is a bitch, lady, and you’re a gossip, so please don’t speak for my family. We do just fine for ourselves.” With that, he took her elbow and steered her toward the cash register. The girl gave them a look and a wink before she started ringing up their purchases. Mrs. Dean walked away with a red face, shamed by Sam’s conversation with her. Kasha felt humbled that Sam would stand up for her like that, but then she shouldn’t be surprised. He was not the kind to see an injustice and let it slide by. He made an excellent soldier, and an honorable one, who fought for his country in one of the harshest places in the world. She hated that now he was home, he was fighting on her behalf. He needed some peace, and her life was causing him strife. They placed all their bags into the shopping cart and walked out to where he had parked his truck. “I’m so sorry that happened. Damn it, I bring nothing but trouble to you,” Kasha said. Sam snorted, “Please, like Mrs. Dean is trouble. She is just a busybody.” “What if . . .” He took her by the shoulders and kissed her hard, right on the snowy sidewalk, in front of everyone who was passing. It was the kind of kiss that made her bones melt under her skin, and her brain fog like a cold London

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night. He could kiss like a dream—or like sin. Either way, she didn’t care who was looking. He lifted his head and stared into her eyes. Sam cupped her cheek. His voice was husky when he spoke. “I’m a big boy and have been making my own decision since I was seventeen. Don’t worry about me, baby. I have a strong back for many a burden.” She nodded as he helped her into the passenger seat. The snow had begun to drift down lazily as they pulled out of Main Street, heading back to his house. The Christmas lights glittered merrily and painted a picturesque scene of the holidays. Sam reached over and grabbed her hand as they drove home, and nothing had ever felt so right.

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Chapter Three Sam stood in front of the floor-length windows and looked outside to the snow piling up. Beside him, the Christmas tree he and Kasha had decorated twinkled, and he felt a surge of happiness that was all because of her. Having her in his house made him grin like a fool. Two nights had passed since they hit a small bump in the road, but since then, there hadn’t been any uncomfortable silences or avoidance. After the confrontation with Mrs. Dean in the store, and kissing her on the sidewalk, he wanted to be inside her all the more. He could’ve taken her easily and with abandon, until they were on the carpet panting and unable to move. But it was too soon. He honestly didn’t know when the right time would be. But after picking her up from the side of the road and the confrontation with Joe, common sense told him he shouldn’t rush into it—even though she was saying yes and his body was yelling the same thing. Right now the house smelled delicious since she was in the kitchen making cakes and baking a ham in the oven for Christmas Eve dinner. He had even stopped and picked her up a little gift after his trip to the feed store. It was a stroke of luck in his favor that he was going to spend Christmas with the girl he loved. When the moment was right, he would know, they both would, and this would be the holiday to remember, the one that started everything. Impulsively, he picked up the remote for his sound system and pressed the power button. The house was filled with soft music, and the song “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” filled the air. She stuck her head out of the kitchen door with a smile that took his breath away. “Ready for a taste test?” she asked. Of you, hell yes. He smiled as he walked toward the door. “What am I tasting?” “My patented spice cake with sweet cream frosting,” she replied proudly and stepped back, waving her hand. “Voilà!”

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On the counter sat three cakes dripping with icing, and while his every thought was about fucking her until she begged for mercy, his mouth watered at the smell of her cake. Sam put his hand over his heart. “They said the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. You officially have mine.” She leaned her hip on the side of the wooden counter. “Then let’s see how else I can tempt you. We have ham that is moist and delicious, creamy mashed potatoes with a garlic butter sauce, fresh steamed asparagus. Did you know you had a steamer under the sink, still in the box?” “I did not know that,” he murmured. She was tempting with more than the food. The way she blew her bangs off her face with a little puff of breath was definitely appealing. “Well you do, and if you’re a good boy, you get that yummy cake for dessert,” Kasha said. “Sounds delicious.” His eyes never left hers. “Why are you staring at me?” she asked. “You’re more decadent than food.” “So you want to taste me, huh?” “Yes.” “Now?” Right time. Sam nodded. “Definitely now.” He was sitting on the stool at the other end of the counter. While Kasha moved, she slowly unbuttoned her plaid blouse. His temperature went up until his skin felt flush watching her expose her delectable chocolate skin. He took off his shirt and waited for her flesh to meet his. Her bra came next, and her full, voluptuous breasts fell free. God, she is beautiful. The thought flashed through his mind just before she stepped into his arms. Skin met skin, and she gasped as he cupped her cheeks. He felt her nipples bead and harden against his chest and almost took her right there. Sam stood and lifted her into his arms easily. He took her lips in a kiss that drove all reason from his mind. He had to have her, to fill and immerse himself in her. Kasha was his, and he was about to show her how much so.

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**** “I need you,” Kasha whimpered feverishly as he put her down in his bedroom. They had kissed as if they were possessed coming up the stairs, and each breath he expelled seemed to become hers. “Jesus, I want you so damn bad, I feel like I’m aching,” he practically growled. More kisses. He sucked on her neck, she bit his shoulder, and he groaned in response. He pushed her away and stepped back as if trying to regain some control. He looked at her from a short distance away. “Okay, this is going too fast. I want to savor every inch of you, and right now I want to rip your jeans off.” She was panting and called him back with a crook of her finger. “Forget that. Fuck me now. We’ll take it slow later.” Sam moved like a man with fire at his heels and swooped her up in his arms, claiming her lips in a feverish kiss. Kasha moaned as pleasure infused her body all at once. “We have forever, Sam. I’ll only be yours.” “Damn straight,” Sam replied. She could feel the beginning of stubble on his chin. The kiss was one that sent heat down her body and caused molten wetness between her legs. “Take it all off,” he ordered softly as he sat on the bed. Without hesitation, she pushed the jeans down her hips and took the panties with them. His eyes never wavered as she stood before him, completely nude, and when his eyes moved down her body, she felt as if he was fucking her with his gaze. Sam took her hand and pulled her between his legs. He laid his head against her breast and sighed. Kasha stroked the short hair at his nape. “What’s wrong, baby?” “Nothing. I’m taking the time to savor this,” he said huskily. “I’ve wanted you for so long, it almost seems surreal. The heat from the fireplace is nothing compared to holding you. The fire is casting shadows across your skin and leaving you bathed in gold. I have to taste you.” 22

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He trailed kisses across the smooth surface of her breast before taking the nipple in his mouth. Kasha cried out at the feel of his mouth sucking at her breast. The sensation was hot, and she felt her pussy clench in response. It made her body shudder while his hands roamed over her body. He shifted his attention to her other breast, and his hand went between her legs and caressed her slick pussy. A low moan escaped her lips when his thumb rubbed against her clit. He slid one long finger inside her, and her head fell back in pleasure as she moaned his name. “You are so fucking tight, you’re clenching around my finger,” Sam said. “Yes, that’s it. Spread your legs and take more. I want to make you come.” “Oh yes! Oh yes!” His words enflamed her and made every nerve ending in her body tingle. She spread her legs farther apart, even though she felt as if they were jelly. She was so wet she could feel it run down the inside of her thighs. No one had ever made her burn like this. He slipped another finger inside her and moved them deeper. She felt her orgasm take hold like the jaws of a beast. “I’m going to come. Oh damn, more!” She dug her nails into his shoulders as sensations rocked her. “Ah fuck, I can feel you coming. You’re trembling. Let go, darling.” He took her nipple between his lips once more and sucked it deep into his mouth. All the while he used his fingers to manipulate and fuck her until she was immersed in the swirling passion he created. Kasha came apart in his arms as her orgasm sent her reeling over the edge. Her snatch flowed around his fingers, and she was left gasping for breath. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her ravenously. He placed her on the bed and took a moment to lie between her legs with his jeans still on. She could feel his hardness pressing against her though the barrier, and she raised her hips, trying to relieve the ache. He moaned against her mouth and moved to finish undressing. “Hurry. I want to feel you inside me.” She spread her legs for him to see the wetness of her pussy by the dim light. “Fuck, you are driving me crazy,” he said. He stood, and she could see the defined muscles of his body. He was 23

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mouthwateringly built, and the rigid length of his cock, thick and hard, jutted out from between his legs. He growled low in his throat as he slid his body over hers. With one hard thrust, his cock sank into her waiting pussy. Kasha cried out at the feeling of fullness with him inside her. His words were harsh against her ear. “Do you like how I feel inside you?” Sam pulled back and thrust deeper. “Tell me you like it. Tell me you want more.” “Yes, oh God, yes, more!” she cried out. He lifted her legs high around his waist, and Kasha moved them higher still before she locked them around his muscled framed. They moved together in unison. When one gave, the other took, taking them both to heights of passion. Their bodies moved so hard she could feel the bed shake, and held on to him as he rocked them both. Sam flipped her over suddenly so she was riding his cock. She moved and undulated slowly against him, taking his cock and releasing it in a torturous rhythm, until he couldn’t hold back his moan. Kasha asserted herself and pinned his hands above his head and rode him with wild abandon, then alternated to slow, easy movements of her hips. She watched as he gritted his teeth while she teased him. Each time he reared up to bury himself inside her, Kasha retreated with a husky laugh. He made a growl of frustration, pulled his hands from over his head, and grabbed her hips. He pulled her down hard onto his rod repeatedly. He took control of the rhythm, building it to a frenzy, until she arched her back and cried out. Her orgasm took hold and sent her spiraling over the edge with his name on her lips. Sam followed her into the abyss of pleasure and buried himself to the hilt in her pussy while his body went rigid with his own release and a harsh cry left his lips. She collapsed against him, her breath coming out in short pants and her body slick with sweat. She rose up on her elbows and kissed him long and deep, savoring his taste. “We should really check on the dinner.” “I’ll go put the oven to warm and bring the cake back up, and two forks,” he said. “Dessert before dinner, oh, the shame of it. We’re being bad,” Kasha 24

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teased. He kissed her hard and flipped her onto the bed. “Honey, I just had dinner, and I’m not even done. Let’s fuel up on sugar and go for a round two.” “Well since you put it that way, go get the cake,” Kasha replied. Sam grinned. “I’m glad you see it my way.” He sauntered out of the room butt naked and not the least bit ashamed. She lay back with a sigh and waited for him to come back. Her body felt sated and completely relaxed, but the promise of more of Sam’s loving was something to look forward to. His love was a gift she hoped to earn by loving him just as much in return.

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Chapter Four Christmas morning, she woke up with a stretch, and she felt his warmth close to hers and turned. She felt his gaze on her, and a slight weight on her chest. The night was still fresh in her memories, and she smiled at him. Her body still hummed from the pleasure they’d shared, the last one being a shower with him that soon turned into lovemaking under the hot spray. They fell into bed clean and satisfied, and she had fallen asleep almost instantly. “Merry Christmas, and I have to say how sexy it is to see you waking up in my bed,” Sam murmured. “It feels wonderful to be with you. Last night was everything I hoped it would be,” Kasha replied. “Do you know how long I’ve dreamed of making love with you?” he asked. “Probably not as long as I have,” Kasha laughed huskily. “I’ve had a thing for you since I was a freshman.” Sam laughed. “I remember when I saw you the first day at school. I wanted to drag you to a closet and make out. I left for the military right after graduation, and my chance was gone. I was bouncing from base to base, one MOS to the next, for three years. Then when I came back from Cali after my six-month airborne training, and you were home from college, you knocked the wind from my gut you were so gorgeous.” Sam trailed a finger down her stomach. “You were wearing a pink tank top and shorts that showed a hint of your butt. And you jumped into the lake, clothes and all, and came out laughing, and your shirt was soaking wet. I had a hard-on for a month when I went back to base.” Kasha looked at him in amazement. “You remember that?” “I remember everything,” he murmured. “Every smile you sent my way, each and every moment captured in my memory. I gave you a present.” He tapped the place on her chest where she felt the weight, and she looked down and lifted it off her chest. There was a sliver necklace with a green four-leaf clover pendant. “This is gorgeous. I-I can’t accept it,” Kasha stammered. 26

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“It’s your Christmas present, and it has a meaning behind it,” Sam said. “You were sixteen, and it was summer. I was nineteen by then and home on leave, and you’d just broken up with Danny Brooks. You were up under the tree, writing in your diary. It was all around the town about how you let him get into your pants and then he dumped you for Lisa Conroy.” She slapped her hand over her eyes and moaned. “Oh, don’t remind me of that. I was mortified by that lie, and my mom was pissed. I was writing poems about thunderclouds and doom.” “Well first, after I punched him in the face . . .” Sam began. She sat up astonished. “You punched him out?” He nodded. “Yup, for hurting you and for getting to touch what I felt was mine, even then. I didn’t know it was a lie at that point, and I was on a tear. Anyway, I saw you up on the hill, searching around on the ground.” She smiled. “I was looking for a four-leaf clover to press in my diary for a wish, and you came up to help me. We were on our hands and knees for over an hour searching.” “We never found one.” Sam smiled and pushed her hair out of her face tenderly. “So for Christmas, you get to make as many wishes as you want. I promise to try and make them all come true.” She was utterly moved by the gift and how much he cared for her. Kasha pulled his head down for a sweet kiss. “I have the best wish right here in my arms.” “I am glad you think that way because I don’t plan on letting you go,” Sam said. “I’ve waited too long for you to give you up now. I’ve got something else for ya.” He rolled over and opened the drawer in the bedside table. “What could it possibly be? And I didn’t get you anything,” she replied. He held up his senior football ring, and she laughed out loud. “We’ll relive the past we never got. Will you do me the honor of wearing my ring? I think I still have the jacket somewhere, and I can put that on and ask you again.” “You are a nut!” She giggled and slipped into role. “Oh my God, Samuel Ward gave me his ring. I am so totally going to tell all my friends.” She got 27

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out of bed and danced around, holding up the ring, and squealed, “He loves me. He loves me.” Sam sat up and snagged her around the waist and pulled her back on the bed. His eyes and tone were serious. “Yes, I do.” “You do what?” she asked between giggles. “I do love you, always have,” he said simply. They certainly weren’t playing anymore, and she felt her heart skip a beat. In all her years of wishing, wanting, and hoping, even in the midst of Joe’s abuse, she never thought she would hear these words from the man she truly wanted. She could see it deep in his blue eyes that he meant every word, and Sam was not one for playing games. If he said it, he sure as hell wouldn’t lie about it. “I love you too,” she whispered. “Maybe it’s too soon after Joe, but I can make you happy, Kasha,” Sam said as if he hadn’t heard her. “When I deployed and I called my mom, I hoped she would tell me you wanted my e-mail address or APO. I didn’t know how much shit you were dealing with here or how much worse it got. I dreamt of you, sweetheart, and even if I get deployed again, I’ll move heaven and earth to come back home to you.” As she lay on the bed with him towering over her, she cupped his face and brought it close. “I said I love you too, Sam. I know what love is. I felt it each day for the longest time, and Joe wasn’t it. In my heart it’s been you always. From the time I wished for you to kiss me in high school and each day ever since. Our paths went in different ways, but we found each other again. You’re the guy who punched Danny for breaking my heart and helped me look for a dream. Sam, I’ve been forever yours.” “This is the best present you could’ve given me.” He held her close and kissed her neck. “God, I love you so damn much.” He found her lips with his own, and they drowned in a kiss that spoke volumes. Kasha let in the flood of emotion and embraced it in its entirety. Desire assaulted her body. His hands roamed over her bare shoulders and down the rest of her curvaceous frame, feasting on her nakedness. He tore his mouth away from hers to trail kisses down her neck. 28

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“Let me love you. I want to make you come with my mouth,” he said gruffly. “Yes, please, right now,” Kasha gasped. He chuckled and began his torturous descent down her body with his lips and tongue. She shivered in anticipation as he cupped her mound before spreading her legs apart. She whimpered as he nibbled on the lips of her pussy, and she lifted her hips, seeking more. He slid one lone finger down her slit and penetrated her slowly, and she forgot to breathe. She finally felt his mouth on the thick lips of her snatch, and with a low groan, he licked and tasted her like a man possessed. His tongue fucked her, and he sucked the bud of her clit, grazing it lightly with his teeth. “Oh God, I can’t stand it,” she cried out and tried to fist her hands in his hair. “You’re going to come in my mouth. I won’t take anything less,” he muttered and went back to pleasing her. She couldn’t stop her body from trembling. She heard herself scream as the sensations became too intense, and she felt her orgasm building, pushing her toward that pleasurable end. He filled her with his finger, fucking her and drawing her essence out of her body to his greedy mouth. Fuck yes, yes! She opened her mouth to yell the word in delight, but nothing came out but a loud, drawn-out moan. She pushed against him, meeting his fevered movements until she crested, gasping his name. She heard his moan of satisfaction as she flowed against his mouth. He kissed his way back up her body and cupped her breasts. Kasha wanted to feel the weight of him on her body and pulled at him urgently to cover her. Their lips feasted on each other, and the flames of passion licked at her skin as his hands molded her to him. Kasha reached between their bodies and rubbed his engorged cock. He thrust between her grasp, imitating loving her. She wrapped her legs around his body and flipped on top of him easily. She licked and nipped her way down his body until she came to his hard rod. She teased the tip before sucking it into her mouth gently. A groan of agonized pleasure escaped his lips, and his fingers tangled in her hair as she knelt between her legs. She took his length deep, sucking and stroking his 29

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cock with her tongue and lips. Kasha looked up to him and saw his eyes closed and his neck arched and taut. Sam lifted his head and met her gaze. The heat of his stare made her weak. He practically dragged her up his body, and their lips met and tongues mated. Her legs were spread on each side of his muscled thighs. He slipped a hand between her legs to caress the soft mound that was already slick with desire. When he lightly stroked her clit, she made a tiny sound in her throat. Sam buried his fingers inside her, and Kasha spread her legs wider, riding his digits as she would his cock. With each stroke of his fingers, he drove her higher, until she could think of nothing else but him. She came again, hard, and it left her shaking. Sam moved her under him, and she wrapped her arms around his thick neck, holding on to the only man who could ever hold a place in her heart. Slowly he filled her with his cock, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, and her body moved with him as he surged inside her. With his head pressed against the smooth curve of her neck, she felt his teeth nip and scrape her skin. She wondered vaguely if it was weird that she wished he would bite her. She wanted to feel every part of him on her body. As if he’d heard her thoughts, he give her a soft bite and sucked the soft flesh of her neck, matching the thrust of his hips. She almost died from the pleasure of it all. “I love you, baby. I love you,” she whispered, and kissed his shoulder. “I’m yours always—forever—Kasha,” Sam said, and they kissed each other, and the fever built. Their pace increased. Her body became ever slicker as he slid his hands under the curve of her ass to pull her to him hard and she arched into his hard thrusts. “I’m going to come, Sam! Oh God, yes!” she cried out. “Yes, baby, come, and fall with me!” He kissed her, and his tongue penetrated her mouth as his cock was doing to her body. She arched and shuddered. His lips on hers muffled her cries of release. Kasha felt his body become taut as his orgasm followed hers. He collapsed against her, and she welcomed his weight pressing her into the bed. This was bliss, she thought, pure and simple nirvana. They lay in bed for 30

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a long time after. Christmas morning came and went before they even ventured downstairs to finally eat. Even then it was close and intimate, neither wanting to break the bubble of happiness they had created. **** I think I can make it. Later that evening, Kasha was taking slow steps toward the back door while Sam stalked her with a very large snowball. They’d gotten an idea into their heads to build a snowman outside in the snow, and when they were done, she made the mistake of throwing a snowball at him, and it caught him on the head and dribbled down his collar. From there it was a chase, and while she was faster, he was precise. He hit her with every snowball he threw, while she hadn’t gotten to throw another. Now he had a huge, rounded ball of packed snow in his hand, and the gleam in his eyes was devilish. “What if we call truce?” Kasha called. “Ahhhh, trying a military tactic on me by waving the proverbial white flag,” he said and came closer while she stepped back. The door was only a few feet away. “But when the opponent has the upper hand, he doesn’t give it up.” She put her hands on her hips and gave him a fake glare. “Lieutenant, how can you hit the woman you love with a giant piece of hard ice?” He laughed out loud. “The same way she hit me with one, and it’s packed snow, not an ice block. Take your medicine like a woman.” Kasha tried another tactic and gave Sam a slow, sultry smile. “How about if we trade? You put that down, and we can find other things to do with your hands.” “Really? Tell me more,” he said simply. She could hear his phone ringing and, with a yell, turned and made a break for it. “The phone is ringing! I’ll get it!” She felt the snowball hit her back and then heard his laughter getting closer in the snow. Kasha squealed, hit the back door running, and ran straight to the counter and grabbed the phone. He was right behind her, and 31

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she held up the phone to ward him off and pressed the button. “Hello?” Her voice was breathless. “Hello, dear, is it possible to speak to my son?” The smile left her face. “Yes, Mrs. Ward, please hold on.” She held the phone out, and Sam took it. Instead of putting it to his ear, he pressed the speaker button and put the phone back on the base. “Hey Mom, Merry Christmas,” Sam said. He sat on the stool close to the phone and held out his hand to her. She took it, and he pulled her to stand close to him. “Merry Christmas, Sam, and you too, Kasha.” His mother’s voice sounded friendly, but that didn’t stop the nervousness from clutching at her. “How did you know it was her?” Sam asked. “Janice Dunbar from the salon was in the supermarket when the little scene with Loretta happened,” Mrs. Ward explained. “She called and filled me in.” “And?” Sam prompted. Kasha didn’t know if she wanted to hear. Would it be disapproval? From the look on Sam’s face, she could see the stubborn streak setting in. She didn’t want to cause problems between him and his parents. They always had been so close. “And what, dear?” she replied. “You are a grown man, and so far, your decisions have always been good ones. You can make your own choices, and I happen to like Kasha. Loretta Dean is a busybody. She is lucky she never called me. I would have given her a good dose of her own medicine.” Sam grinned. “I told her that.” Mrs. Ward turned the conversation to her. “Kasha, I’ve heard of your troubles, dear. I just wish I had offered for you to come stay with us after your parents passed, and then to lose your house so soon after that. We had already moved and didn’t find out until a week later. But please know Sam’s father and me do not care about any of the gossip, just as long as you make Sam happy. Joe Mallard was always a nasty boy, even when he came to our house for dinners after a game. He didn’t sit right with me.” “Thank you, Mrs. Ward,” Kasha sighed gratefully. “I really do love Sam, 32

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and I won’t hurt him.” His mother laughed. “Good to know, sweetie, but both you have been sniffing around each other from the time you were teens. This was going to happen eventually, and we’re not surprised. Just be careful, both of you. Joe is like his daddy was—not likely to give up without some kind of revenge.” “He can try, and he will fail miserably,” Sam said firmly. “But we’ll watch our backs, Mom.” “Good. You two enjoy the holiday, and come up and visit when the roads aren’t a mess,” Mrs. Ward said. “We will, Mom. Tell Dad we said Merry Christmas,” Sam said and disconnected the phone. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Kasha gave a small laugh. “I expected her to tear me a new one for messing with her son.” “My mom is not that kind of woman,” Sam said. “I know.” Kasha wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m glad I finally have you.” He held her tight. “Me too.” “I need to get out of these wet clothes, since you hit me with a ginormous snowball.” She stepped away, and he got up. “You started it, and I won, but now that you mention it, you owe me a reward.” He smiled wickedly and stripped the coat from her shoulders. Kasha shook her finger at him. “Uh, no, honey that was if you didn’t hit me with the snow, remember?” She backed up until she was against the kitchen wall, and Sam blocked her path. She ducked under his arm and, with a laugh, ran into the living room. He caught her arms and pressed her against the wall again. “Nope, I still want my prize,” he murmured. “This is first base.” His lips were on hers, and his hands worked the buttons of the shirt she wore, and she stripped it off. He lifted her breasts to his lips and sucked the nipples into his mouth, and she gasped. “That was second base,” he said huskily, and he unbuttoned the jeans she wore and delved into her panties. “And this is rounding out third.” Kasha cried out as he rubbed her clit, and she could feel her juices flow. 33

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His fingers sank inside her, and he used his own legs to spread hers wider while he fingered her, pressed against the wall. She clung to him as he sent her flying. Her body arched and shuddered as he moved his fingers inside deeper and harder each time. “Come all over my hand, baby,” Sam whispered. “God, you are so wet, I’m going to take you right here and now.” His words were like fuel on the fire, and she burst apart as the climax hit her suddenly and she screamed. “Shit, I have to be inside you,” he said urgently and began to take off his clothes. “Hurry, hurry,” Kasha panted and kicked her boots off. She stripped her jeans and panties down and kicked those aside as well. Sam was naked when he hauled her against him savagely and kissed her hard. She felt the bra snap under his hand, and she shrugged it free of her breasts. He pushed her back against the wall and lifted one of her legs around his waist. Sam positioned his cock at her entrance, and with one smooth thrust, he was inside her deep. “Look at me,” he ordered. “I want to see your eyes while I fuck you.” His voice was like gravel and almost savage. It excited her more than she thought possible as she met his gaze, and his was the deepest blue she had ever seen. Kasha lifted her breasts, and he buried his face between them before taking a nipple in his mouth. Pleasure shot through her core, and she felt her pussy gush its fluid in response. Sam groaned his approval and thrust into her deeper, and he met her eyes again. She didn’t know pleasure could be so primal and fierce that it made her breathless. She could feel herself reaching for the goal, her release. His cock seemed to throb inside her and grow harder. “Come with me,” she panted. “Ah fuck, yes!” He threw his head back with a harsh shout and emptied himself inside her as she cried out in response. She almost melted onto the floor, but he held her up and repeatedly kissed her gently. “Think we can keep this up for the next forty years?” He pressed his 34

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forehead against hers. “You plan to keep me around for that long, huh?” She smiled. “I thought we assessed that this is forever, darling,” Sam replied and lifted her in his arms. “The next sixty years of your life, and beyond, are going to be spent with me.” She rested her head against his shoulder as he carried her upstairs. “I can go for that.”

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Chapter Five Christmas passed, and New Year’s was well on its way. Sam could only say that since Kasha had come home with him, it had been bliss. He was planning a trip for them for New Year’s Eve. He was thinking Vegas, with a little chapel and the two of them saying “I do.” No one could say it was fast. They had known each other since they were kids. Nor could they say they were making an impulse decision. He’d loved her all his life. California, Oklahoma, Georgia, wherever he had been stationed, no matter whom he had dated, it was always her when the day ended, and he was planning to make it permanent. The blizzard had passed, and the roads were clear, even though the snow was still piled high. He could hear her in the kitchen, humming on her laptop while she worked on a new Web design and baked a cake, while he was on the desktop planning his surprise trip. It already felt like they had their routine that was meant to be. Finally the stars had aligned and brought them together, and there was nothing that could keep them apart now. He heard the sound of a siren, then one short beep. He knew it was the Sheriff’s Department of Turner County announcing themselves coming up his long driveway. Many times before they had come to ask his help to look for some stranded hunter or group in the dense forest in their area, so it was no surprise to hear them coming up to his house now. He saved his work on the computer and stood up, logging off so she couldn’t get wind of what he had planned. She must have heard the siren too, because she stepped out of the kitchen and looked at him curiously. “Why are they here?” she asked. “Probably someone lost in the woods and they need my help,” Sam said casually. He bent in and kissed her. “I’m a hot commodity, sweetheart.” She slapped his chest as he opened the door. “What you have is a big ego, Sam Ward.” The look on the men’s faces took him aback for a moment. Something was up, and he waited until the sheriff and deputy were on his porch. “Morning, Sheriff, I hope you’re having a good Christmas holiday?” Sam 36

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said and leaned against the rail of his patio. “I was until this call came in,” the sheriff replied. “Morning, Kasha.” She nodded her head and addressed them both. “Sheriff Grayson, Chris.” “I gather this is not a social call.” Sam interpreted their body language. “No, we’ve come to ask you to go in with us,” Sheriff Grayson said. “Joe Mallard pressed assault charges against you, and since you are a trained soldier, we have to take you in.” “You cannot be serious!” Kasha exploded. “Did that bastard tell you that Sam was protecting me and Joe gave me a damn black eye that same day?” “The thing is, Kasha, you never filed charges, and even though he might have assaulted you, Sam went onto this property and beat him up,” the sheriff explained gently. “Well I want to press charges against him now,” Kasha snapped. “He is not getting away with this!” “You can, and it’s your right, but we still have to take Sam in,” Sheriff Grayson said. “Don’t worry, we’re just going to process you and bring you right back. The judge already said you don’t need to be held in jail because of your military career and how you help us when we ask.” Sam nodded. “I’ll get my coat.” Kasha grabbed his arm. “No, this isn’t fair. If you get charged, you can have this on your military record, or worse.” He cupped her cheek and kissed her gently. “It will be fine. Finish your cake and work. I’ll be back soon.” Kasha grabbed her coat and took his truck keys off the table. “Wrong. I’m going in too, and I’m filing charges against Joe. He wants a war, and he will get one for messing with you.” Sam grinned. The fire in her eyes made him happy it was in defense of him, and it just proved that they would have each other’s back no matter what. The sheriff let him drive with Kasha to the station in Turner, and there they processed him, with apologies each time they had to do anything. Kasha was sitting at the deputy’s desk, relating her abuse charges against Joe. Sam 37

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only half listened as the sheriff talked to him. Instead he was listening to Kasha relate her abuse. If he had known all she had been through, he would have kicked Joe’s ass a year before and taken her away. But he also learned she was smart and had taken pictures of all her bruises each time and hidden them away. She promised to bring them in the next day for their records. By three in the afternoon, it was all over at the police station, and they were getting ready to walk out. “Sam, I know this isn’t the right time, and I apologize, but we have a hiker missing up Carver Trail,” Sheriff Grayson said hesitantly. “Do you think you can help us out and head the search? You know the trails up there best.” “You didn’t do anything but your job, Jack. It doesn’t change the promise that I made to the police and search and rescue,” Sam replied. “Do you have gear here I can use? Driving home and back will take up too much time.” The sheriff nodded. “We can drop you off if we find the guy tonight. These damn hikers are dumb. We said do not go out there until the markers can be seen. Do they listen? No, and then they get turned around.” “With the temperature dropping, we should get on out before nightfall. If we have to set up camp for the night, it’s better to do it while we have some light.” Sam turned to Kasha. “You go home, sweetheart, and make sure to lock up.” She hugged him tight. “You be careful, and hurry home.” “You bet I will. I’ve got you there to come home to,” Sam replied. He watched her walk out of the station and get into the truck and drive away. That was his girl, and he loved her beyond reason. What Joe was trying would fail, and they would overcome this too. He turned to the sheriff. “Let’s get to those maps.” Right now, there was someone stranded in a place that could be harsh to animals, let alone humans. He would find the hiker and then get back to his Kasha. **** 38

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Kasha drove home fuming. Of all the nerve, that rat bastard! She had to control her anger because of the icy streets. Joe was the slimiest of men, and this just proved it. He wanted revenge, to break up their happiness, because he saw her as a piece of property. He had a jealousy of Sam that went back to their childhood. It was behind every punch each time she read something about Sam in the papers or heard people talking about him in town. Now he knew she was gone for good, and he was trying to destroy Sam. She wasn’t going to let that happen. She knew things about Joe, things he thought she never knew, all the underhanded dealing with his slimy friends. If he wanted to fuck with Sam, he had a problem. He would have to deal with her first. She pulled into the driveway of their home and parked the truck. She laid her head against the steering wheel for a minute and tried to calm her breathing. Sam didn’t seem worried. He said it would all be okay. He constantly amazed her. One minute he was getting arrested for beating up Joe, and the next he was out searching for a hiker. She smiled a little knowing she would have to get accustomed to his life. He was a solider, and there would come a time where he might get deployed again. He would need her to be brave for him, to be his rock at home, to keep him centered. If they had kids . . . Holy crap, I’m thinking about kids? She grinned and got out of the truck and headed to the house. It would all be okay. There was no reason to think otherwise. As soon as Sam came home, everything would be okay. She didn’t know it would take so long to find a hiker. By ten p.m. and no sign of Sam, she figured he wouldn’t be coming home that night. She did as he’d asked and locked up the house, threw the dead bolt at the top and bottom of each door, and pulled the blinds on the floor-length windows. She went upstairs and took a shower before climbing into bed. She missed his big, warm body next to hers, and just as she lay down against the pillows, the phone rang. She picked up from the base and answered with a soft hello. “Hey sexy lady, what’re you wearing?” His voice was like liquid heat and made her warm all over. “What I wear to bed each night I’m with you, nothing,” she replied and snuggled under the blankets. 39

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“But I’m not there,” he replied. “Unfortunately, I’m cold and alone, on a sat phone, calling my baby.” “Well that will give you incentive to hurry home, wont it?” Kasha said. “Hmm, definitely.” “So if or when you get deployed, is this how our conversations are going to go?” she asked. “Oh, they will be much dirtier than this. I’ll ask you to touch yourself and listen to you come on the telephone,” Sam said. Kasha laughed. “Really? Then maybe I should touch myself right now.” “Don’t you dare. I’m already cold and miserable. Don’t make me leave the sheriff and these guys out here and come home,” he warned. “When will you be home, baby?” Kasha asked. “Tomorrow afternoon at the latest,” he answered and laughed. “Damn, it’s not been a full day gone, and I miss you.” “I miss you too. Come home soon, baby. I’m all hot and warm and naked, so wet, and I need you,” she said huskily. “Ah shit, you’re killing me here,” he groaned. “Good, I love you,” she said. “I love you too, darling, see you tomorrow,” Sam said. “Night.” Kasha went to bed with a smile on her face and feeling better. The conversation felt like his arms around her, and she fell asleep with him in her dreams. **** The morning came quickly, and even though she slept well, Kasha had woken up more than once expecting to see him beside her. You’re drunk on love, she said to herself in the kitchen. She hummed while she slathered cream cheese on a bagel and the coffee dripped in the pot. She made a mental note to make a hot pot as soon as he walked through the door. She already had a plan to share a hot shower with him and pamper him just a little bit. Kasha bit into her bagel while she filled her cup with cream, sugar, and coffee. 40

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She heard a car coming up the driveway and thought with excitement that Sam might be home. She dropped the bagel on the plate and ran outside to the front patio. Her stomach churned when she recognized the old, beatup white truck as Joe’s. Anger infused her body, and she was down the steps as he stopped the pickup and got out. “Get off this property right this instant,” she yelled and pointed to the road. “Well if you ain’t got all fancy all of a sudden.” Joe’s grin was nasty. “You sharing the soldier boy’s bed, and you think you are something now. You were under me before that.” Kasha wanted to kick him in the face. “Please don’t remind me. Even when you were kind of decent, you weren’t that good in the first place. Please don’t make me gag at the thought. I repress bad memories.” “You got a lot of fancy words in your mouth, huh?” Joe stepped forward, and this time she didn’t shrink away or back down. “I bet I can slap them out of it.” “No, Joe, I always had big words in my mouth. I just had to dumb them down for you,” Kasha said coldly. “Get off this property.” “I came to make you an offer. You want those charges dropped on Sam? You come home with me and tell him you will never see him again.” Joe smiled. “That’s the only way he gets out of trouble.” “Joe, I pressed charges on you last night. I’ve been documenting your hobby of hitting me, and I gave it all to the police. I have a counteroffer for you.” Kasha returned his smile. “You drop the charges, or the police will find out all about the little transactions you and your friends have been doing. You know, the green stuff that’s not oregano that I saw a huge amount of in the back of your truck one time.” She put her hands on her hips. “Oh, did I mention I took a picture of that stash while you were drinking and left it outside like a buffoon? And I made a copy of that little notebook you left lying around when you were drunk? So you are going to drop the charges, and maybe I’ll forget my little evidence packet.” “Give it to me now,” Joe said softly. Kasha laughed. “You think that’s going to happen, you’ve been smoking 41

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your own stuff, Joe.” He grabbed her and shook her hard before raising his hand in the fist she remembered all too well could inflict pain. “Give it to me, bitch!” Kasha lifted her head, her eyes defiant. “Or what, you’ll hit me? Or, one of your favorite sayings, beat me till it feels good? Go ahead. Try it. You still won’t get the papers, and you’ll have to deal with Sam when he comes back, and the sheriff, because I will press charges for battery again.” She laughed cynically. “To think I was afraid of you. Joe, you’re pathetic, so hit me. Do your worst. It won’t make you any better of a man or Sam any less. He is everything you’re not. That’s why you hate him so much. You could never be him, and for that I pity you.” “You fucking bitch.” He slapped her hard, and she refused to cry out. Instead she lifted her head. “Do your worst or your best. You won’t get another tear to fall from my eyes. You’re not worth it.” He raised his hand once more, and Kasha didn’t even cringe. She felt fear, but not of being hit, but of what Sam would do when he found Joe. He would kill him for touching her, and she didn’t want to lose the man she loved. The sound of wheels coming up the driveway made Joe turn, and he pushed her aside. She fell to the driveway and scraped her hands. The sheriff came running up with his gun drawn, but that was nothing compared to the rage on Sam’s face. Before the sheriff could say a word, Sam had Joe by the collar and shook the man like a rag doll. “Did he hit you?” Sam didn’t take his eyes off Joe’s terrified face. “Answer me, Kasha. Did he hit you?” “He slapped me, but I’m okay. Sam, baby, you can let him go.” Kasha stood and brushed the gravel from her hands on her jeans and noted that it stung. Sam didn’t answer. He just reared his hand back and punched Joe so hard she heard bone crunch. He would have hit him again, but the sheriff held Sam back. She could see the rage had his body shaking. “That’s enough, Sam, no more,” the sheriff ordered sharply. “You saw it, Sheriff! You saw him hit me!” Joe cried out. His mouth was bleeding, and he tried to staunch the blood with a bandanna from his pocket. 42

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“As I see it, you’re on his property, and you assaulted his woman,” Sheriff Grayson said. “I think that nullifies your charges. Now you hitting Kasha is another thing. Do you want to file on Joe here?” “Yes, I do, and you might want to check out the shed he keeps on Martin Deets’s property. Who knows what you might find out there?” Kasha said. Sheriff Grayson touched the brim of his hat. “Thank you kindly, and Sam, thanks for the help with tracking that guy.” He grabbed Joe and handcuffed him. “Joe Mallard, you are under arrest for assault. You have the right to remain silent.” She vaguely listened to the conversation as Sam lifted her chin and inspected her cheek where she had been slapped. The squad car pulled away, and Sam didn’t even look back. His blue eyes were fixed on her. He pulled her into his arms suddenly and held her tight. “Let me hold you and just get a minute to breathe through the thoughts of killing him. If I had been gone for any longer, he could have hurt you even worse,” he said gruffly. “I should’ve hit him some more.” “I doubt that would’ve sat well with the sheriff,” she said huskily. “It’s all over, and you’re home. I missed you.” “Then you better show me how much with a kiss,” he said, and a slow smile spread across his face. “Do you know how much I love you?” “I do, but I won’t ever get tired of hearing it, so you can say it all the time.” Kasha laughed. “I think we were childhood sweethearts even though we didn’t actually date.” “We were and still are. Let’s get out of the cold and go pack,” Sam said. “Pack? Where are we going?” Kasha asked. “Vegas, baby.” He lifted her high and swung her around before setting her on her feet. “Wanna marry me, sweetheart?” “Are you serious?” she asked, and when he nodded, Kasha laughed in joy. “Hell yeah, I want to marry you. As it was pointed out to me, you are my soldier boy and, I have to add my, true love.” “Well then, we have to rock and roll. My mom and dad are going to be meeting us at the airport in Helena, and we are heading out tomorrow,” he said. 43

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Kasha stared at him openmouthed. “How did you do all that from a tent in the woods?” “I had a satellite phone and a cool mother with a laptop,” Sam explained. “I hope you don’t mind I asked them to witness for us.” “They are perfect. I’ll like spending time with your mom. She reminds me of my mother.” Kasha smiled. “So we’re getting married.” Sam grinned. “We’re going to be hitched, baby.” He kissed her hard, and passion burst free from them as easily as breath. She knew without a doubt this would be the forever they had been searching for, where he was hers and she was his. He lifted his head, and she said huskily, “I think there’s a hot shower with our name on it, and a bed that we can share. Do you think we can put off packing until later?” Sam lifted her into his arms and moved toward the house. “I like your idea and say we run with it.” True to his word, he began to jog toward the house, holding her tight against him, and she laughed as they went. Holidays were magical, especially when a love like what they had bloomed. In the bathroom, they undressed each other and stepped under the hot spray while their lips clung and mated. Pleasure consumed her from his hand doing delicious things to her body, and his lips on her skin. A thought flashed through her mind, and it was a sweet, aching thing that struck a chord in her heart. Forever yours.

The End

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TuÉâà à{x Tâà{ÉÜ Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children of the Corn,” and her biggest supporter and longtime love. She has a love of erotica, dark fantasy, sci-fi, and the things that go bump in the night. Books and writing are her biggest passions, and she hopes to open your imagination to the unknown between the pages of her books.