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And he’d come back.
“You’re awake,” he said.
She nodded, uncertain of what to say that wouldn’t sound too stupid or melodramatic. And despite the darkness of the room, with the dim lights on the machines around her, she felt a bit on display.
How long had he been sitting there? Watching her?
“Allie…” He leaned toward her, and she could see his face now in the faint light from the window. He looked really tired.
“Sam?”
He let out a long sigh. “I can’t believe what an asshole I’ve been. I should have believed you. There’s no excuse for my stubbornness, my stupidity. Believe me when I say…I’ll never doubt you again. I should never have thought you’d betray my trust like that. I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to forgive, Sam,” she whispered. Her heart was full to bursting as she gazed at the man who, in the short time he’d been back in town, had always been there for her when she needed him. “I understand. Oh, Sam, you’ve done so much for me—” her voice broke, and she swallowed down the flood of emotions. “You saved my life. Literally.”
“You’d lost so damn much blood. They weren’t sure—” He took a deep breath. “They had to give you a couple of transfusions. I told the doctor about you fainting the other day. Just in case there’s something—”
She suddenly remembered. “My God. Sam, she was trying to poison me. Señora Sanchez told me she’d wanted to make me sick so I couldn’t finish the video. She put something in my coffee creamer at school.”
He straightened with a scowl. “I’ll tell the police so they can test it. I’ll also tell your doctor so she can check you over. But Allie, you don’t have to worry anymore. Javier confessed to the police earlier today and turned on his mother for a better deal. But they’ll both be behind bars for a long, long time.”
Relief filled every inch of her. The people responsible for hurting her and murdering Mr. Williams were going to pay.
Tears stung her eyes.
Sam stood and came to sit in the chair next to her. “You okay? All things considered,” he added, a smile curving his lips.
She sniffled, and nodded. “I am. And oddly enough…I’m famished. Do you think they have anything to eat this late? I could eat three cheeseburgers.”
“I’ll go see in a second. But first…” His hand settled on hers. Warm. Comforting. Sending the familiar and welcoming thrill coursing through her. “I want to be sure things between us are okay. Because when you get out of this place, I want nothing more than to take you out for a decent first date. Something that’s been way too long in coming.”
She smiled, her heart dancing pirouettes in her chest. “Fourteen years long.”
He laughed. “Well, Allie McBride, you were definitely worth the wait. Now, don’t go anywhere. I’ll go see what I can scrounge up to eat. Then I’m going to tell you all the ways I’ve been an idiot and how I’m going to make it up to you.”
Chapter Nineteen
Allie stood in the opening of her patio door on Sunday and watched the afternoon’s entertainment with a smile. Molly had really outdone herself. Not only had she arranged a snazzy number in honor of Vi’s birthday, she’d managed to make it a duet with the birthday girl. Allie laughed as the two swished their hips in time to Sugarland’s Stuck Like you. Even after nearly a week convalescing in the hospital and at home, she was surprised they’d managed to keep the performance a secret.
Thank God the rain had cleared, and the sky decided to be cooperative.
She looked at the crowd scattered around her back yard, all smiling and nodding to the performers. Everyone had shown up for the big event.
Except one.
But it wasn’t as if she’d given Sam a formal invitation or anything. After their little heart-to-heart the other night—which she always remembered with a smack to the head since she’d dozed off by the time Sam had returned with food—they hadn’t spoken about anything of real significance. Every day he visited her at the hospital there had been a constant stream of visitors who made it impossible for any private discussions. Allie had learned, however, that Sam’s son, Josh, had arrived on Thursday and was contemplating staying for the summer.
So, Sam was probably busy spending time with his son. And rightfully so.
But she missed him.
“And to think I almost missed this charming entertainment.”
Allie’s stomach fluttered at the sound of the deep, familiar voice behind her. The back of Sam’s hand grazed hers as he came to stand next to her.
“I’m sure Molly would have done an encore performance if you’d missed it.” She turned and met hi
s gaze, grayish-green today, thanks to his matching shirt. Her body instantly responded, her heart suddenly beating at a crescendo pace, her palms sweating. Could he hear her heart beating frantically from there?
