Page 32 of Dreaming Without Heartache

I look at my watch, about to decline, when Sam speaks up for both of us.

“We have kiddos at home tonight. But let’s plan again and we’ll get a sitter. It was so much fun.” Sam steps up to Luke and pulls him into a hug. I see her speak something into his ear.

“Party pooper,” Steven says, hugging me. “But we’ll be fine.” He kisses my cheek. I know exactly what’s on his mind.

“Luke,” I say, walking up to him. “Thank you for the drinks. Next time is on me.”

“I’m just happy to have someone who drinks like me.” He surprises me by pulling me into a quick half hug. “This was fun. I needed it.”

“You two be safe,” Sam says, pulling away from her hug with Steven. “Call us if you need a ride home.”

“Uber, baby.” Steven winks, brushing Luke’s arm. “Ready?” They wave as they cross the street.

“Want me to drive?” Sam asks as we wait for the valet to bring the car around.

“I’m okay to drive. But if you feel more comfortable, then you can.”

Sam shakes her head. “I trust you.”

I like those words. Trust means a lot to me. “Thank you.”

The drive back is silent, but not uncomfortable. “How do you think the girls did?” I ask.

“Hmm?” Sam glances over, as if she hadn’t been paying attention. “Oh, I’m sure they did just fine. Olivia’s a good host. She loves your girls.”

My girls. That resonates with me. They will always be my girls from now on.

I pull into the driveway. We walk up to the porch together. The outside light comes on. Sam slides to the side of the door, away from the camera.

“I had a good time,” she says, leaning back against the house. “I wasn’t sure you’d be open to dinner with me, even though Luke suggested it.”

I move to lean against the house, next to Sam. “Why wouldn’t I be open to it?” I ask, genuinely confused. “I think we’ve had a good time hanging out lately.”

She studies me for a moment. “It’s been nice.”

“Thanks for asking me out through Luke,” I add. “You turned out to be a decent date.”

Sam chuckles. “You’re welcome.”

I roll my eyes and give a small shrug. Sam smiles, nudging my shoulder. I catch her hand and hold it, brushing my thumb over her skin. Her gaze drops to where we’re touching.

“I want to kiss you,” she says.

I place my hand on her hip and pull her closer. Sam doesn’t hesitate, her hand cups my cheek as she presses her mouth to mine. Her lips move against mine with an intensity that steals my breath. She slips her fingers into my hair, gripping the back of my neck as her tongue meets mine in a slow, heated glide.

“Mom.” Olivia’s voice surprises us. Sam jerks away. “I thought I heard you. Why haven’t you come in yet?”

“Allie and I were just talking about the security system. Go inside,” Sam says, waving her in and following quickly behind. She glances at me before disappearing.

I take a moment to steady my breathing. My heart’s beating triple time. Damn she can kiss. I’ve never meshed that well with someone before. I step into the living room. Kara’s sitting on the couch eating popcorn while the movie Clueless is playing on the TV. Maisie’s sound asleep in the recliner, curled up under a blanket.

“Can Kara stay the night, Mom? Please.” Olivia puts her hands together, begging for the right answer.

“You’re asking the wrong person, kiddo,” Sam says. “I’m good with it.”

Olivia looks at me shyly, while Kara pretends she doesn’t know what’s going on. I want to say no because Kara isn’t out of the woods yet.

“Sure.” I shrug, giving in. Thanks to Sam I’m feeling a little lighter about life.