All Chapters of The Saddle Creek Series: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Sam glanced at the cowboy again and was pinned to the spot when his blue eyes bored into hers, as if sending a message of magnetism. Her nerve endings tingled. She inhaled deeply and exhaled. She slowly smiled at him."It's yours now," Elliott nodded toward the bar stool with a big smile. "II'm Elliott Bouchard." He stood and held out his right hand."Samantha Williams, but everyone calls me Sam. Nice to meet you, Elliott." She shook his work-calloused hand. Triggers of electricity surged through her fingertips, up her arm, and traveled throughout her body. Her heart jumped into her throat, and she couldn't breathe. A tingle ran down her spine. She quickly pulled her hand away.Sam dropped her bags on the floor at her feet and settled onto the stool next to Mr. Handsome. From the corner of her eye she could see his worn-in jeans fit his muscular thighs just right, and with a red plaid shirt-jacket over a white T-shirt, he reminded her of the actor who played the part of Wyatt Earp i

Elliott wanted to wrap his arms around her and chase away her chill. "Before you know it, it'll be the Fourth of July," he said, wondering how long she'd be there.Most city slickers didn't last too long after the short summer and the long, snowy, cold winter. He couldn't, he wouldn't, get his heart involved again. He'd learned his lesson with Mariah. He'd fallen instantly and hard for her. His life changed when he'd met her. She wanted the same things in life he dida life with him and wildlife in her backyard. Home grown and beautiful, even on the day she died.Sam interrupted his thoughts when she stopped and turned to him. "I've had a wonderful time getting to know you tonight and I appreciate your hospitality." She turned with him as they walked toward the hotel's front double doors.Elliott stopped and stared into her eyes, pinning her to the spot. "I know we've just met but I feel like I've known you for a long time." He placed his hands in his coat pockets."Me, too. I feel

Dirty piles of snow and slush run off seemed to be everywhere, in front of the stores, beside the curbs, and even down the allies. Apparently, this area didn't pay much attention to the calendar or the arrival of spring.After paying for her breakfast, Sam ventured outside. The sun had gone behind a cloud, and she shivered, quickly slipping on her light covering. As she turned around, the snow-capped mountain peaks off in the distance and a ski run nearby caught her eye. A typical winter-type town.Meandering along the main street, she peeked in the windows of the now-open stores, sporting their wares, being careful not to go too far from her hotel and risk getting lost. She kept glancing at her watch and at ten thirty she hurried back to her hotel to freshen up and finish waiting for Elliott there.After applying some light makeup and lipstick, she stepped outside the hotel into the bright sunlight. The warmth felt good on her back so she turned, lifting her head toward the sun and

"Give me a half hour to check out the trail. I'll be right back," Elliott exclaimed as he moved out of camera sight. "I hope you didn't break your camera on pictures of me." His laugh echoed in the canyon quietness as he headed up the trail and out of sight.Sam sat on the rock Elliott had vacated and took in the stunning views, her camera always at the ready. Every now and then she took a picture of an eagle flying overhead or trees bending in the wind.She saw Elliott come over the rise before she heard him tramping through the brush.Sam continued taking photos until Elliott returned and they began their trek down to the four-wheeler."The sun will be goin' down soon and we don't want to miss a gorgeous sunset, now do we?" He held his hand out for her to help her off the rock. Then they started toward the four-wheeler, Elliott soon ahead of her."Did you get some good shots?" Elliott asked."I got some pristine photos, and I can't wait to download them onto the computer and en

Sam hurried into her room, shut and locked the door. She couldn't believe how wonderful the day had been with Elliott. She sensed she'd known him all her life yet they had just met. What is wrong with me?She began to undress but stopped when she heard a knock. Grabbing for her clothes, she slipped them on while striding to the door, hoping to find someone from the front desk with her lost luggage. She looked through the peephole and saw Elliott standing there with her bouquet of daisies in his hands. Great! He's changed his mind. She unlocked and opened the door wide."I'm glad you came back, Elliott." She tugged her sweater down and moved to the side, opening the door wider for him to enter.Elliott stepped inside and handed her the flowers. "I brought these for you to put in some water. They appear a little droopy.""Okay, I'll have to find something to put them in." She turned and looked around her room, then turned toward the bathroom. After retrieving a cup meant for coffee s