Free Love in the Falls by Rachel Hanna Page B

the last name Steele perfect for him.
     
    Camden had never watched Preston like this. When he slept, he didn’t look handsome or rugged or masculine. Just watching the rising and falling of Sam’s chest sent chills up and down her spine. It was then that Camden realized that she had always known that something, or someone perhaps, was missing from her life. That was one of the reasons why she could not move forward with Preston. She knew he wasn’t right for her. She knew that she was just a suitable stand-in for a wife in Preston’s eyes. Two families with money marrying and taking over the city - that was the plan.
     
    “Hi there,” Sam said in a whisper as his eyes fluttered open.
     
    “Hi, Sam. Have a good nap?” she asked smiling down at him.
     
    “Yes, ma’m. And good dreams too,” he said with a wink.
     
    “Oh really?”
     
    “Yep. One day I might even tell you about it,” he said as he pushed to sit up with his right arm.
     
    “I see. So you are keeping it a secret for now?”
     
    “I think I better keep this one a secret for now, yes…” Sam had a wicked sense of humor that Camden loved.
     
    “Listen, I have some news for you. Rebecca’s husband has been transferred…”
     
    “I know. She was by here earlier when you went to lunch. She told me your plans, Camden. You don’t have to do this…”
     
    “What other option do you have, Sam?”
     
    “Well, I can hire a caretaker,” he said.
     
    “So you would rather a stranger take care of you than me?” Camden was shocked and a little hurt.
     
    “No, I would rather you be there with me. But, Camden, let’s face it. I don’t have much to offer you. It’s a working farm, and a store. Back home, you have a rich family and a rich fiance and probably a very nice life. I can’t take that from you,” he said with a solemn look.
     
    “I am a grown woman, Sam. I make my own decisions…”
     
    “I know about your trust fund, Camden.”
     
    The words cut through her like a knife. Drake had told him, and she was angry about that.
     
    “What about it?” she asked.
     
    “I know your family is not happy. And don’t you get mad at Drake for telling me. He did the right thing.”
     
    “I am mad because you don’t need the stress of feeling guilty over something you had nothing to do with, Sam,” she said.
     
    “I have everything to do with this, Camden. You have given up so much for me - a perfect stranger just a couple of weeks ago. You don’t have to feel sorry for me. You’ve done enough…”
     
    “I don’t feel sorry for you!” Camden said angrily.
     
    “I think you do. But, I am going to be fine. I am a strong man, and I will get through this. I just don’t want to feel like you gave up your great future for me. I’m not worth all that,” he said looking away.
     
    Camden shot up out of her chair and closed the door to Sam’s room. When she came back to the bed, she sat on it straddling across Sam’s lap while holding both of his hands by his sides. Stunned, he sat up and looked at her square in the eyes.
     
    “What on Earth are you doing, Camden?” he asked laughing. “Someone could come in here, you crazy woman!”
     
    “I want your full attention,” she said gritting her teeth and looking down at him.
     
    “Well, darlin’, you’ve got my attention…” he said grinning.
     
    “I want you to look me in the eye, Sam Steele. Do you see me? Do you see how serious I am?” she asked putting her nose on his.
     
    “Yes, ma’m, I do…”
     
    “Now, listen up. I have made my decision, and it’s final. I am only going home for two reasons. One, I need to pack my things up. And two, I need to tell my fiance that we are no longer engaged. Then I am coming back, got it?”
     
    “Got it. But why are you breaking your engagement?” he asked as his warm breath moved past her lips. A lightning bolt zapped through her body, lingering a little longer in places down below.
     
    “Because I am