Page 86 of Theirs to Treasure

“No, we’re both meat eaters,” Sarah said.

“I can help with the grill,” Becca volunteered. “I want to get to know Sam better.” Sam gave a quiet groan, and Josie laughed.

* * *

That night, grilling steaks with Becca went a lot better than Sam had anticipated. He’d expected things to be awkward with Becca, but she was a lot of fun, and they really bonded when he explained he was coaching a basketball team. She even volunteered to come to the next afternoon’s practice and run drills with the boys. Sam didn’t know how much the boys would actually learn from Becca, knowing the hormone levels of fourteen-year-old boys around such a beautiful young woman.

When he said as much, he was surprised at how unaware she was of her own appeal. He wondered if it was just a family trait. There might only be a vague family resemblance, but all three were stunning women, with ample power to turn heads.

Sam paid her this compliment aloud, and Becca flashed him a blinding grin. “Josie needs a man in her life to appreciate her. She’s never recognized her own beauty.”

“Well, now she has two men who think she’s stunning. I’ve got to tell you, Josie is the best thing that has ever happened to me, Becca,” Sam finished.

“Well, at least we can agree on that. Aside from Sarah, Josie is the most important thing in my world, and I want what’s best for her. I just don’t want her hurt. This whole relationship just seems like something that is going to leave her open to ridicule. What’s more, I just don’t want either of you to end up hurting her.”

Sam set his spatula down and took the young girl into his arms.

“You’re right, Becca. There are people who are going to be against us. I don’t think it’ll be ridicule, but some will openly disapprove. As for this relationship being just a passing whim for Chance and me? You’re just going to have to get to know us. There’s no other way for you to make that decision. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make this easier for you, but I can’t.”

He looked the girl in the eye. “But there is one more bit of advice I can give you, and I really want you to think about it. Okay?” Becca took in a deep breath and looked up at him and nodded. “Your sister is one of the most levelheaded people I have ever met. I think you should trust her instincts.”

“Yeah, but she was wrong about Russell,” Becca whispered softly.

“But she dumped that asshole, and she’s grown a lot since then, hasn’t she?”

“I thought he dumped her,” Becca said.

“Honey, your sister kicked him to the curb.” Sam chuckled. “It took her a lot of courage, because in the past she hasn’t been that good at standing up for herself, but she’s getting better. And she’s grown quite a bit since then. So, you need to trust that she knows what she’s doing. Just think about that, will you? If you do, I bet you’ll find all the answers you’re looking for.”

They had a good time over a nice dinner. Chance had the girls take the Audi back to the apartment, just to ensure their safety.

* * *

“Oh, my God, they’re gorgeous, they’re smart as hell, and so much fun!” Chance enthused later that night. “Josie, how on earth did you manage to raise such great kids, when you were just a kid yourself?” He hugged her, lifting her into the air.

“They came out of the womb that way.”

Sam pulled her out of Chance’s arms and hugged her tight. “That’s just not true, Baby. I’ll agree that they came out gorgeous, but at their age, to be so well adjusted, so nice and polite. That’s all you.” Josie blushed and pushed him away. She walked into the kitchen and picked up her juice glass.

“I’m just so glad you guys got along.” Josie leaned against the kitchen island.

“How could we not?” Chance asked.

“And what about you, Sam? You and Becca seemed to be having quite the intense conversation out on the deck. What was that all about?”

“I don’t think she’s as opposed to the whole threesome thing as she was before. I think she’s just worried about you getting hurt. God, those girls love you so much, and since I’m in that same camp, how can I be upset with her?”

“So, what did you talk about?”

“She’s worried about what others will say about us. And, she doesn’t trust the intentions of two men she really doesn’t know toward a big sister who has always been there for her. She’s as protective of you as you are of her, Josie. Bit of a chip off your block, I’d say. I just told her she’ll have to get to know us and trust your instincts.”

Josie put her glass down to stand on her toes and gave him a long kiss. “You’re a very smart man, Sam Booth.”

Sam stroked his hands down her body and gripped her ass. “So, what kind of reward did I earn?” Chance moved up behind Josie, rested his hands on her shoulders, his lips nuzzling at her neck.

“Don’t forget, I charmed the girls, and loaned them my car,” he reminded her.

“I haven’t forgotten anything that either of you have done or can do. I also noticed my little sisters admiring you a little too much.”