“Like say a girl, a cute girl much like myself, was a little overwhelmed, by a lot of things, and she thought it would be better to spend time with a cute boy as friends, but then they spent time together as friends and she realized how badly she wanted him to kiss her goodnight. Second chances like that. Hypothetically.”

“Hmm, that’s tough. If it was a devastatingly handsome man like myself and a woman, one like you, for example.”

“Yeah?”

“I’d remind her that I’m a man with feelings too, so while I’d be down for second chances, I don’t think I could swing third or fourth.”

“Oh no yeah. No, that’s totally fair. Hypothetically.”

“Come on, Cha-Cha. What’s on your mind?”

Amanda felt her cheeks warm at the sound of the silly nickname. “I do like you. I just—just I need to go slow. And yes, I know how that sounds considering we fucked before you knew my name.”

“I’m telling you, it’s a great story for the grandkids.”

“Anyway.”

“Listen—”

“Who was your last relationship with?” She instantly regretted it. “Sorry. That was—I don’t know what the hell that was.”

“It’s okay. I was with Natalie Burke and we ended it because things were moving a little too fast for me.”

“I’ve been single for a while and I wasn’t expecting to meet anyone, but here we are. And I do like you—”

“We can take it slow.”

“Good.”

“Do you have any Valentine’s Day plans?”

“I really want to meet your horse.” She laughed. “I never thought I’d say that.”

“I’m going for a ride at seven a.m. if you want to join me.”

“I do not,” Amanda laughed again.

“How about I text you when we get back and we can meet up for breakfast?”

“That sounds perfect,” Amanda said as a yawn broke up the mood. “Sorry.”

“Go to sleep.” Sam stepped closer, pulling her in tighter with an arm around her waist. There was no elaborate updo and no sparkly jumpsuit, no tux. But there was another quiet hotel hallway and the shadow of a sexy-as-fuck cowboy hat that covered both their faces as he leaned down to kiss her. In the back of her mind, Amanda knew all she had to do was keep Sam Pleasant close to her chest and away from Dru’s life-ruining clutches. As he groaned into her mouth she had a feeling that wouldn’t be a problem.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12