He stood there for a moment, absorbing her words. “I know, but what I don’t understand is why you did it. Was it for us? For the restaurant? Or was it merely to salvage your reputation?”
Sarah looked down away. “At first I only wanted to gain back my credibility, but that changed.”
“When did it change?”
“When I fell in love with you,” she softly admitted. “I don’t care about my position at the paper. I only care about you.”
A tear trickled down Sarah’s cheek, and Brodix knew she was telling the truth. His heart swelled at the confession, and emotion slammed through him. “The restaurant hasn’t seen so many customers the whole of last year,” he replied. “I think folks around had forgotten about the diner, but because of what you put in the article, it reminded everyone what our family went through. Living in Blackwater is part of what healed us. We’re a hit. If Dad were alive today he’d be damn proud.”
Sarah blinked several times as if unable to believe her own ears. “Does this mean you don’t hate me?”
“I’m not as naïve as you might think, sweetheart. I had a feeling you might use a little of what I shared with you in the article.” Now, Brodix decided, would be the perfect time to show her the gift he’d bought her. He reached into his jacket pocket and brought out the small black velvet jewelry box he’d tucked in there earlier. “And I was late because I stopped off to buy this,” he murmured as he opened the lid.
Sarah gasped. “Oh, Brodix, it’s exquisite!”
The gold necklace with the single pearl drop in the center lay in a bed of white satin. “I wanted to get you something special.” He shrugged. “Something to show you I care.”
She quirked a brow as she touched the pearl with a single finger. “And maybe that you love me?”
He chuckled. “Determined to hear me say it, huh?”
She shrugged. “If you don’t mind, I really need to hear it. Please?”
“I love you,” he whispered. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been in love, so I might screw up a time or two.” One corner of his lips kicked upward. “Fair warning.”
“Screwing up I can handle,” she said, her voice quivering as she closed the gap between them and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tight. “But letting you go would kill me.”
“I told you before, sweetheart, I’d fight like hell to keep you.” He slid his hand in her hair and tugged, forcing her to look at him. When he was staring into her pretty blue gaze, Brodix growled, “I meant it.” He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her with all the passion and love coursing through him. His mouth was rough and demanding as he ravaged her mouth. “Open,” he softly ordered against her lips. When she gave him access to the sweet warmth of her mouth, Brodix swooped in, drinking in her moans of pleasure. When he lifted his head, they were both panting and turned on, but there was one other little matter to settle.
“Now, about that dance,” he muttered.
She shook her head vehemently. “I told you, it was nothing.”
“Hmm, remember that little swat I gave you before?” Her cheeks turned a delicate shade of red as she nodded. “Well, you can look forward to several more of those later tonight.”
Her eyes darkened with arousal. “How much later?” she asked.
He cursed and took hold of her hand. “Come on. We’re out of here.”
She didn’t budge. “But don’t you need to stay? It’s the grand opening.”
“The others can handle it, believe me.”
“You’re sure you don’t hate me because of the article?” she asked in a small voice, betraying a touch of vulnerability. “I didn’t want to disappoint you.”
He stroked her bottom lip with his thumb, loving the soft feel of her. “I’ll only be disappointed if you don’t move those sexy heels you’re wearing and come home with me,” he replied, his voice rough with need. “I’m dying to hold you in my arms, sweetheart. I’ve missed you like hell.”
“God, I’ve missed you too,” she moaned. She took hold of his wrist and kissed the pad of his thumb. “So much it hurts.”
“I’m sorry I’ve been so busy, sweetheart,” he murmured. “Although, I’m betting you’re going to love what I have to tell you next.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ve quit the day job. I’m devoting all my time to running the restaurant.”
Her gaze widened. “Wow, seriously?”
Brodix grinned, feeling better than he had in months. “Yep. With everyone working two jobs, we decided that the restaurant needed at least one of us here full-time.” He shrugged. “I’m done with working around the clock. From now on, I aim to have plenty of spare time to do this…”
Then, in a wild show of possession, Brodix took her mouth. Sarah’s arms wound around his neck, and she sank into his kiss. She could scarcely hold back a shudder of need as he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, and she obliged him by parting them. Her heart began a rapid staccato at the now familiar taste of him. Brodix hummed his approval and teased her tongue with his. When he finally pulled away, she was panting, and her lips were wet and kiss-swollen.
“Let’s go home,” he whispered.
“Yes,” she breathed out, a smile curving her lips. “Let’s go home.”
About the Author
Anne grew up in a small town in central Ohio the only girl with three rowdy, older brothers. When she wasn’t playing tackle football with them she could be found tucked away in her mother’s book room getting lost in mysterious worlds created by authors such as Martha Grimes and Andrew M. Greeley. She’s had a variety of odd jobs including Chiropractic Assistant, Frame Stylist, Restaurant Hostess, and Nail Technician.
Anne now lives with her fabulous husband, two gorgeous teenage daughters, two ornery dogs, three snooty cats and a snake named Salizar. When Anne’s not dressing, feeding, cleaning or spending time with them, she can be found at the computer writing stories hot enough to make your toes curl!
Anne loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on Facebook at
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or email her directly at
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Look for these titles by Anne Rainey
Now Available:
Haley’s Cabin
Seduce Me
Burn
Turbulent Passions
Dare Me
A Little Bit Naughty
Vaughn
Touching Lace
Tasting Candy
Taking Chloe
Tempting Grace
Cape May
What She Wants
What She Craves
What She Needs
Blackwater
Sam’s Promise
Vance’s Rules
This Thanksgiving comes with all the fixings…and something extra hot…
Sam’s Promise
© 2011 Anne Rainey
Blackwater, Book 1
Sam Jennings promised his father he’d always take care of the woman who yanked him and his four brothers out of foster car. When his adoptive mom has a near-fatal heart attack, Sam knows it’s past time to live up to his word.
As he sets out to put the Blackwater Diner back on its feet, he runs into his first snag. Waitress Julie Rose’s sweet curves and long legs are driving Sam to distraction. Even his brothers aren’t immune to her kind heart. But Sam is determined to be the only man in her bed.
Julie doesn’t regret the years she lost caring for her Grandmom, but now, between business classes and her job, she’s left with very little time and energy for dating. Then there’s her policy about never getting mixed up with the boss’s son. But Sam’s hard body and wicked ideas have Julie forgetting all about annoying things like rules, and she accepts his invitation to show her all she’s been missing.
Sam is more than willing to take things slow as he teaches her all about the pleasures of the flesh. Luckily for him, Julie is a darned good student…
Warning: Contains explicit language, a sexy carpenter, and extra helpings of naughty fun under the stars. Heat and increased heart rate may help burn off extra holiday calories.
Enjoy the following excerpt for
Sam’s Promise:
“I think she needs to hire a full time manager at the diner, though. Of course, I’m not sure she can afford it right now.” Julie’s gaze landed on his, and he could see her worry. “Sam, I’m afraid if something isn’t done, she’ll lose the restaurant.”
He took one last swig of his coffee, then sat his cup next to hers before saying, “I won’t let that happen.”
“Short of declaring bankruptcy, I don’t see how you have a choice,” she muttered.
“I spent a good part of the morning looking everything over, and at first I had the same depressing thought. But I have an idea. I just need to talk to my brothers first.”
Her eyes widened. “What sort of plan?”
“A remodel. I want to turn the restaurant into a bar and grill.”
“It sounds great, but how will you get the funding? I’m not sure the bank will find that the restaurant is a sound investment.”
“We might not need a lot. I’ve got a little money saved back. Besides, with Vance and me doing the work and the five of us pooling our resources, I think it might be the best way to turn the diner around.”
“Our very own version of Applebees right here in Blackwater?”
“Something like that.” Sam reached out and cupped Julie’s chin, urging her to look at him. “How about we worry about the diner tomorrow?”
“Okay.” She crossed her legs and glanced over at the fire. “I love this time of year.”
Sam couldn’t pass up the chanced to learn a little more about her. “Is it the chillier weather or the holiday season you like?”
“Both.” She plucked at her sweatshirt and admitted, “I do get cold easily, but I love sitting by a warm fire. It reminds me of going to church camp when I was little.”
Sam imagined her as a young girl in pigtails and smiled. “I can see you roasting marshmallows and eating s’mores.”
She rubbed her belly. “Mm, there’s nothing better than s’mores.”
Sam tipped her chin up until he could see her eyes. “Nothing?” he murmured. “Not even gooey chocolate chip cookies with me?”
Julie clenched her eyes tight and let out a heavy breath. “I have a confession to make, Sam.”
“Yeah?”
She opened her eyes and said, “Uh, I’m nervous. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date, but you could probably tell that already.”
“It’s okay. No pressures or expectations tonight, Julie.” He leaned back into the swing and put his arm around her shoulders. “All you have to do is enjoy the night.”
She leaned her head on his shoulder and looked up at him. “Are you enjoying the evening?”
“I have a pretty woman snuggled up close under the stars. It doesn’t get much better in my book.”
“Maybe we should make a wish. You never know, it might come true.”
He smiled down at her. “I haven’t done that since I was a kid.”
Her eyes twinkled in the firelight as she whispered, “I will if you will.”
“Deal.”
“Close your eyes. It won’t work unless you close your eyes, Sam.”
Sam did as she asked. After he made his wish, he opened them again to see Julie watching him. “Did you make a wish?”
She nodded. “Did you?” she asked in a faraway voice.
“Hmm, yeah. We’ll just have to wait and see if it comes true or not, won’t we?” he said cryptically.
She offered him a sexy grin, one clearly designed to fell a lesser man. “I don’t suppose I can convince you to tell me what you wished for, huh?”
“Nice try, sweetheart.” Julie pouted, and Sam knew he was putty in her hands. God, she was captivating. Sam was desperate to lean down and kiss her. He wanted to undress her and touch every inch of her body with his lips and tongue. “You know that if I told you, then it wouldn’t come true anyway, remember?”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right. Will you let me know if you get your wish at least?”
“I will if you will,” he murmured.
Satisfied, Julie nodded. “Deal.”
Sam stroked the silky length of her dark brown hair. “We could shake on it,” he suggested.
Her eyes lit with mischief. “We could. Sounds a little boring, if you ask me.”
“Or…” He dipped his head and pressed his lips to her soft, warm mouth.
Julie sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. She moved closer, as if she wanted to spend a good long time sampling him. Damn good plan, Sam thought. He nudged the seam of her lips with his tongue, and her lips parted beneath his. Tongues met in a wild mating dance. She tasted of sweet, warm chocolate, and Sam knew he could easily become a glutton.