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I want to believe her, but I would be naïve if I didn’t at least acknowledge the truth. “Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but Sam doesn’t remember me, therefore he doesn’t remember that he loves me. I like to think that a small part of him does, but lately, I’m not so sure.” I’m proud I’m able to hold it together without bursting into tears.
I’m thankful when she doesn’t give me false promises, or tell me that everything will be all right.
We walk into the kitchen, interrupting Piper fawning over Saxon and his tattoos. The moment we enter, Saxon looks incredibly guilty, while Piper looks like all of her dreams have come true. He subtly removes his arm from her hold.
“Hey, Doc.” When he addresses Sophia, I notice she tugs at her pearl earring.
“Hello, Saxon. It’s lovely to see you again.” Her customary confident voice wavers slightly, giving away her nerves.
I noticed their exchange at the hospital was also a little awkward, but didn’t think much of it as I had other pressing matters to deal with, like trying to understand why my fiancé didn’t remember me. But now that I’m not swimming in tears, I recognize this display as Sophia being into Saxon. Not that I can blame her—he’s gorgeous.
I admire his ripped, muscled body, appreciating the way his tanned skin draws out the blond in his unkempt hair. His eyes are exceptional, the green swirling amongst different shades of blue and gray. But brilliant color aside, his eyes display a man with convictions.
His tattoos, which I’ve yet to fully make sense of, are vibrant and colorful, giving him that harder edge that Samuel lacks. Saxon is the quintessence of what a bad boy entails, and Samuel is, or used to be the total flip side of that coin.
I don’t realize I’m staring until Saxon’s lips twitch. The movement highlights the scar—another angle which screams revolt. I suddenly have an urge to run my finger over the smooth edges.
“Hey, Doc.” Samuel’s exact greeting for Sophia has me snapping out of my completely inappropriate and improper thoughts. I have no ideawherethey came from, but they need to go back there and never resurface ever,everagain.
I guiltily look over at Sam, who looks a little more like himself now that he’s shaved and thrown on an old basketball t-shirt. For once, I’m pleased he doesn’t acknowledge me, as he’s oblivious to my raging internal war.
“Hello, Samuel. How are you feeling?” Sophia asks, while I sneak over to Piper, who looks at me inquisitively.
“I’m fine,” he replies with a carefree shrug.
Sophia nods, her smile pleasant. “Lucy, may I use your study to conduct our session today?”
“Of course. Would you like me to show you where it is?”
Sophia’s smile never falters. “No, it’s okay. Samuel, I’m sure you can lead the way?”
I’m about to point out that Sam hasn’t ventured into that part of the house yet, but keep quiet as I know what she’s doing. It’s ingenious really.
The hesitation is reflected on Sam’s face for a split second before he pulls back his shoulders proudly and nods. No man, especially someone as proud as Sam, wants to admit defeat. She’s forcing him to revert back to those memories that are locked behind closed doors. They may stumble along the way, but that’s what she’s here for—to pick him up when he falls.
Sam looks in the direction of the hallway and then briefly at me. He’s asking for guidance and the gesture warms my heart. I nod with a small smile. He leads the way with Sophia following, but not before she sends a flirty smile Saxon’s way. It’s not in any way sleazy. It’s a subtle suggestion to show him that she’s interested. And by the way he smiles back, I dare say he’s interested too. I can’t help but think their kids would be freaking supermodels.
“The back pasture is looking a little overgrazed. Do you want me to move the cattle?”
Saxon’s kind offer reminds me that there are chores to do around here. My life has been put on pause, but it’s time to press the play button. “That would be great. Thank you. Take your pick of where you want to put them. Just mind the field with the red fencing. There’s a hole in the fence line.”
“No worries. If I’m staying a while, I better earn my keep.” His innocent comment has me beaming.
How long he’ll be here hasn’t really been discussed, and I didn’t want to presume. But now that he’s addressed the big fat elephant in the room, I couldn’t be happier. “Well, in that case, you can make dinner,” I tease, although I’m not kidding, as I hate cooking.
“Seems fair,” he replies with a grin. “I make a mean enchilada.”
I cock an eyebrow playfully. “Awesome, ’cause I have a mean appetite for Mexican. And it’s even meaner when I’m not cooking it.”
Saxon chuckles, shaking his head at my cheek. “I’ll be outside if you need me.”
The moment the backdoor closes, Piper curses. “Thatbitch.”
Of course I know who she’s talking about. I’m unable to wipe the smile from my face. “You have competition, my friend. And hot competition at that.”
“She’s not that hot,” she interjects, but scowls a moment later. “Okay, fine, she’s a freaking goddess, but she’s too stuck up for Saxon. I mean, look at him and look at her.”
That clears my smile as Iwaslooking, perhaps too intently only minutes ago. “Looks like you’re just going to have to stay for dinner and show Saxon why you’re the better match.”
