Free We'll Never Tell (Secrets of Ravenswood) by Jannine Gallant Page B

could stay, but the dogs need to
be fed.” Pulling away after a second kiss, he hunted for his clothes on the
floor and dressed.
    Sam scooted up in bed
and pulled the sheet across her breasts. She glanced at the bedside clock and
blinked. When was the last time she’d slept past seven? When had she ever
awoken feeling this happy?
    He tied his sneakers
before glancing over his shoulder. “Do you feel comfortable being here alone?”
A frown creased his brow. “Maybe you should hang out with Juliette today, or
better yet, come with me and the dogs on a hike. I’ll be working with them, but
I’d love to have you with us.”
    Some of her pleasure
faded. Last night, she’d let herself forget everything but Ethan. Reality
washed over her in a chilling wave, leaving goose bumps as it receded.
    “Of course I don’t mind
being alone. I won’t let him chase me out of my own home, but a hike
sounds wonderful. I could use the exercise. ”
    “I’ll go feed the dogs
while you shower and dress and be back in an hour or so.” He stopped and
turned, his eyes clouded. “Maybe I’d better wait. I don’t like the idea of you
alone—”
    She held up her hand.
“Stop. I said I won’t let him intimidate me in my own home. I’ll be fine for an
hour.”
    The frown lines
deepened. “You’re sure?”
    She nodded. “Positive.”
    With a final kiss, he
left. The cottage echoed hollowly after the door closed behind him. He’d been
gone two minutes, and she already missed him.
    “Pull it together, Sam.”
Leaping out of bed, she headed for the shower. Standing beneath the spray, she
savored memories of a night spent in Ethan’s arms and compared it to the first
time they were together. Definitely better. Though he’d rocked her world on
both occasions, this time her emotions were involved.
    She closed her eyes and
let the hot water soak away a chill of doubt. She cared about Ethan. Probably
more than was safe, but opening her heart was a risk she was willing to take.
She twisted the handles to turn off the water and stepped out of the shower.
Not that it mattered if she was willing or not because she was past the point
of having a choice. Her heart was fully engaged, and she prayed he wouldn’t break
it.
    When Ethan arrived an
hour later, she was ready and waiting with her backpack filled with a picnic
lunch. The cargo area of his pickup held two German shepherds and a black lab.
The dogs set up a clamor at her approach. Reaching out a tentative hand, she
let the trio sniff their fill before patting their heads.
    Ethan smiled at her when
she climbed inside and dumped the pack at her feet. Leaning across the center
console, he dropped a kiss on her upturned lips before starting the engine and
making a quick three point turn in the driveway.
    “You look beautiful.”
    Sam glanced down at her
black shorts, windbreaker, and favorite red tank top, faded from so many
washings. “You gotta love a man who’s easy to please. Where’re we hiking?”
    “I thought we’d park at
the cross country ski area and head out from the lodge. There may be a few
tourists using the hiking trails, and these three need practice engaging with
bystanders.” He hitched his head toward the back of the truck. “You can be the
victim.”
    “Sweet. I’ve had plenty
of experience in that role lately.”
    He glanced away from the
road and frowned. “Bad choice of words.”
    “I’m joking, Ethan.” She
patted the hard muscle of his thigh, covered by faded jeans, and her fingers
lingered. “Before I forget, Ken invited us both to dinner tonight. I hope
you’re free.”
    “My social calendar
isn’t exactly bursting with activity. I’d love to go.”
    “Good.” Sam relaxed
against the seatback. She’d wondered if morning after jitters would get the
best of her once she was face to face with Ethan, but the silence that settled
between them was natural. Warmth wrapped around her heart.
    He turned into the lot
at the cross country area and shut off