See Bride Run! (18 page)

She met his gaze. “You’re always welcome here, Sam. You’ve been very kind the past couple of days. If it weren’t for you rescuing me after my bicycle accident—”

“I would’ve stopped and helped anyone in that predicament, Annie. But I would not be looking for excuses to show up on their doorsteps. And while I’m spilling my guts, let me say that my customers aren’t the only ones staring at you in that uniform. I thought my head would blow off the first day you showed up in it. I tried not to stare, but I couldn’t help myself.”

“I know, Sam,” she said. “Why do you think I broke so many dishes?”

“Because you’re clumsy?” he asked, amused.

“No. Because I knew you were staring, and I was self-conscious.”

“You would have been even more so had you been able to read my thoughts,” he said. He leaned forward and took her hand, and he was struck by the way that it fit so nicely in his palm. “I don’t know any other way to say it other than to just blurt it out and hope I don’t scare you off, but, I’m crazy about you, Annie Hartford, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.”

Chapter Nine

A
nnie sat very still, her gaze fixed on Sam. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You’re probably thinking it’s too soon, but—”

“It’s not that, Sam.” She was quiet for a moment. “It’s just—” She paused. “My life has been on hold for so many years. I’m finally doing things for myself now. I’m following
my
dreams.”

“I have no problem with that, Annie,” Sam said, “because I
want
you to realize all your dreams.”

“It’s not that simple,” she said. “I’m trying to make up for lost time. I want to take as many classes as I can. Between work and school I’m going to be strapped for time. I’m afraid you’ll end up feeling resentful.”

“Then you don’t know me very well.”

Annie did not reply.

“Your lunch is getting cold,” Sam said.

Annie looked down at all the food and thought she might be ill. “I think I’ll eat this later,” she said.

“I’ve upset you.”

“I just need time to think, that’s all. And I still have more studying since I’m trying to get through several chapters in both classes. I’ll feel better once I get caught up.” She couldn’t tell him all she needed to do to get ready for Darla’s party since Lillian had practically sworn her to silence.

“You know, come to think of it, I’m not very hungry either,” he said.

“Please don’t let me stop you from eating,” she said.

He smiled. “To be honest, I had something to eat at the restaurant right before I bought all this food.”

“So, why—”

“I wanted to see you.”

“So you pretended you hadn’t eaten, huh? How did you expect to hold all this food down?”

“I hadn’t thought that far in advance. I was just trying to get through your front door.”

“Pretty sneaky of you, Sam,” she said, figuring one day she would tell him about the finger sandwiches.

Sam nodded. “Oh, before I forget—” He reached into his back pocket and brought out a small sack. “I stopped by the drugstore and got you this. It’s an ankle sock. See, it’s made out of an Ace bandage, only it fits over your heel and ankle. It gives you the same amount of support; it’s just less bulky.”

Annie was touched. “Thank you, Sam. How kind of you to think of that,” she said.

“I figured it would better my chances of being invited in. If that didn’t work I was going to give you a used car.”

Annie laughed. “You certainly are determined.”

He leaned close and kissed her lightly on the lips. “So what do you think?”

“About the car?”

“About us, pretty lady. Do I stand a chance?”

Annie could see that he was sincere. She was tempted to confess she felt the same, but she didn’t want to rush into anything. “Yes,” she said softly. “You definitely stand a chance.”

“Then, how about a picnic tomorrow at my place?” he suggested. “We can even go fishing if you like.”

“Picnic?” The thought of sharing an afternoon with Sam almost made her giddy. Then she remembered the party. “What time were you thinking of having it?”

“I have clients. The last one doesn’t leave until two o’clock. I’ll get Martha to pack a basket for us if that’s not too late for you.”

“I’d love to,” Annie said. “I just can’t stay long because I’ve made plans for later.” She was thinking of all she had to do for Darla’s party.

Sam wanted to know what plans she’d made, but he knew it was none of his business. “Hey, if you have to study I could help you,” he said, giving her a suggestive wink.

She laughed. “Forget it. Besides, if you knew that much about accounting, you wouldn’t be complaining all the time about having to do it.”

“I shouldn’t have to do it,” he said. “But the CPA I was using is so old that—”

“I’ve already heard,” Annie said, laughing at the thought. “Perhaps it’s time Pinckney had a young, attractive female CPA.”

“Yeah, but where are we ever going to find someone like that?”

Annie smacked his arm playfully. “Watch it, Ballard. There may come a time when you need me to do your books. I’d hate to have to charge you more than my other friends.”

“Perhaps by then we’ll be more than friends.” It sounded good, he told himself, but he knew he’d already crossed the friendship line and wanted more. He was falling for Annie Hartford fast and hard.

“You’re being presumptuous, Mr. Ballard,” Annie said. “I have not checked out all the other handsome eligible bachelors in town.”

“They’re all spoken for,” he said quickly. “All of them are happily married. I’m all that’s left.”

“Oh?” she said. “How sad that nobody wanted you.” She clucked her tongue.

There was a wicked gleam in his blue eyes. “Oh, they wanted me,” he said. “But I run pretty fast.”

“So do I,” Annie said and they both laughed.

He picked up her hand and kissed her open palm. He checked his wrist-watch. “I have to go. I’m meeting with a client to discuss a real estate deal; then, some guy is bringing his daughter by to test drive that little Nissan Cube on the lot. And the ice machine is down at the restaurant. I’ve been meaning to replace it for a couple of years.” He sighed heavily. “I’m hoping I can get a new one before the festival.”

“Sam, you’re too busy to have a girlfriend,” Annie said laughingly.

“I’m never too busy for you.” He kissed her, started for the door, then backtracked and kissed her again.

This time the kiss was slow and thorough, his tongue tracing her full bottom lip and sending Annie’s stomach into a wild swirl. She kissed him back, sliding her fingers through that sexy head of hair that had beckoned her touch from the beginning.

When Sam raised his head, he was smiling. “I could get used to kissing you,” he said before heading out.

Annie spent the remainder of the day studying and washing the clothes Lillian had purchased for her. Although she was determined to get through chapter three of the accounting textbook, her concentration was shot; she could not get her mind off of Sam’s kisses. She thought about closing her books and cleaning, then, decided it was in her best interest to stay off her ankle for at least one more day. She planned to be ready and able when the tourists hit town. She could clean the next day after the picnic; in the meantime she would pull herself together and concentrate on schoolwork.

#

Darla called as Annie was getting ready for bed. “Just checking to see how you’re doing, kiddo,” her friend said.

Annie was about to tell her how much better her ankle was, then remembered she was supposed to call Darla the next day and pretend she was having problems. “I think I may have overdone it today,” she said.

“I thought you were trying to stay off of it.”

“I had to do some things around here.”

“Annie, why didn’t you call me? I would have come over and helped you before work this morning.”

“I’m going to take it easy tomorrow,” she promised.

“Well, let’s hope so. The carnival people arrived this afternoon; I’m not sure how long it will take them to set up, but every kid in town will be there when the tickets go on sale. Also, there is a lot of construction work going on around the courthouse to accommodate the crafters. They rent a cubicle to show off their wares. Every motel and bed and breakfast within a twenty-five mile radius will be packed. Same goes for all the camp grounds.”

“How are wedding plans coming along?”

“There’s not much to do. Sam called me last night and offered to give a small reception at his place; he even found a last minute caterer. I thought that was very nice of him. And the gown is being altered a bit. And guess what?” Darla said, changing the subject. “Bo has already found a job working for a builder.”

“That’s good news,” Annie said.

“He’s always been ambitious, and you can’t find a harder worker.”

“It looks like everything is falling into place,” Annie said.

“So you’re going to stay off that ankle?” Darla asked. “Don’t make me come over there and smack you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Annie said. She paused. “Darla?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re going to make a beautiful bride.”

#

Sam picked up Annie shortly after two p.m. and drove her out to his place. “So what did you do all day yesterday?” he asked, helping her out of his Jeep.

“Studied. Did laundry.”

“Well, now that you kept your nose to the grindstone yesterday, you can play today.”

“I intend to.” Annie’s ankle was no longer sore, and she drew great pleasure walking about without crutches or a cumbersome Ace bandage, although she wore the sock Sam had purchased for her. The night had brought with it an early cold snap, and Annie was glad she’d worn a sweater. She thought Sam looked sexy in an off-white sweater and jeans.

She stood on a bolder and watched the sunlight shimmer on the narrow river that ran behind Sam’s house. He slid his arms around her waist and nipped the back of her neck playfully. Annie shivered.

“Watch it, Ballard,” she said. “That kind of stuff drives me wild.”

“Really?” he said. “What else drives you wild?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I would. What does it take to find out?”

She faced him. “No way,” she said. “A girl has to have a few secrets.”

“I like mysterious women.”

Annie gazed into his eyes. They seemed even more brilliant in the afternoon sunshine. He smelled of soap and aftershave. He smiled. “What’s the smile for?” she asked.

“You want me to kiss you, don’t you?”

“What makes you say that?”

“You have that look,” he said. “You want me.”

She laughed. “Is that so?”

“It’s written all over your pretty face,” he said. “Admit it, Hartford. You want my body. You’ve wanted it since you first laid eyes on me. Well, guess what?”

Annie arched one brow in question.

He grinned. “I’m yours, baby.”

Her stomach fluttered with a typical case of butterflies. She smiled to hide her uneasiness. “I don’t want to rush you, Sam.”

Amusement lurked in his eyes. “Rush me, Annie. Please.”

“I’ll only end up hurting you. I’m far too sophisticated for you. Remember, I’m a big city girl, and you’re just a country bumpkin.”

“Oh, Annie, you are really asking for it. I will show you no mercy when the time comes.”

“When the time comes? You’re mighty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

“Oh, it’s going to happen,” he said, his gaze caressing her face before traveling the length of her body. “The only question in my mind is when.”

Annie’s body responded. There was no way to ignore the spark of excitement she felt at the prospect of making love with Sam. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, parting her lips with his tongue, hungry to taste all of her. He pulled her closer so that her body was pressed against his. Annie wrapped her arms around his neck and gave in to the pleasure of his mouth on hers.

When Sam raised his head, they were both breathless. He led her to a group of Adirondack chairs. “Give your ankle a rest, Babe. I’m going inside to grab our picnic lunch. I’ll be right back.”

Annie watched him walk away, his stance tall and straight. He was certain they were going to be lovers, and Annie had to admit the thought was more than appealing. What woman wouldn’t welcome him to her bed?

But then what? Where would they go from there?

Annie was still thinking about it when Sam returned with a large picnic basket and blanket. “Let’s walk closer to the river,” he said. “There’s sort of a beach down there.”

Some minutes later they were sitting on the blanket. Sam had brought an extra in case Annie got cold. He pulled numerous plastic containers from the picnic basket—first a plate of various cheeses, added to it large ripe strawberries, and crusty French bread. It was followed by fried chicken, potato salad, and baked beans. Sam pulled out two bottles of root beer and opened them.

“Goodness,” Annie said. “I was expecting a ham and cheese sandwich. I’ll have to thank Martha for going to so much trouble.”

“I helped,” Sam said. “I sliced all the cheese.”

“Oh, my,” she said. “A man who cooks.”

“Hey, I almost cut my finger on the cheese slicer,” he said.

“You are a very brave man, Sam. Very brave indeed,” she added.

“I’m glad you noticed,” he said, piling food on a plate and passing it to her, “because there is nothing I wouldn’t do to protect you.” He sighed. “Damn, I’m getting so goofy over you, there’s not much I wouldn’t do to impress you.”

Annie looked at the amount of food he had put on her plate. There was no way she could eat it all. She decided to play a game. “Would you take your clothes off and dive in that cold river?”

He arched one brow. “You can’t stop thinking about getting me out of my clothes, can you?” He saw the pink on her cheeks and laughed. “Yes, I would swim that raging river in my birthday suit, just for you, Annie Hartford. And when they pull my frozen body from it, everyone will say I died for a good cause. Anything else?” he asked.

She laughed. “Would you purposely hit your thumb with a hammer as hard as you could?”