“I know.”
“You should have told me you were engaged.”
“You’re absolutely right. And I shouldn’t have gone to bed with you while I was engaged to someone else, even if I was intending to end it.”
“You’re right.”
“This isn’t an excuse, but…I couldn’t resist you, Sam. I couldn’t resist you five years ago, and I couldn’t now. I’m not afraid to go after what I want, but I’m not the type who goes around having one-night stands.”
“You invited me to your room that night, Sydney.”
“I know. And it wasn’t like me at all. There was something about you.”
He nodded. “I understand, believe it or not. I never believed in chemistry before. I never believed in love at first sight.”
Her heart lurched. “Love at first sight?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to scare you.”
Adrenaline spiked through her. “I’m not scared, just a little confused. What exactly are you saying?”
“We know little about each other, but I can tell you one thing. I have never in my life felt the way I do when I’m with you.”
“Neither have I.”
“Then is it love we’re feeling?”
“I don’t know.”
“From my end, it sure seems to be.”
Warmth flooded her. Did he truly love her? Could it possibly happen? Even with everything else she hadn’t told him yet?
He caressed her cheek. “I love you, Sydney.”
She shouldn’t say it back. It would just make things harder, but the words tumbled off her tongue. “I love you too, Sam. God, I love you so much.”
She meant the words with all her heart.
It was now or never. She had to level with him. He deserved the truth. She might lose him, but she could no longer live the lie.
“Sam, I need to tell you something.”
“What is it, baby?”
A knock on the door interrupted her. “Who could that be? I know Mom and Dad were keeping Duke at the rodeo to watch the rest of the events. He already had his nap before my race.”
“Whoever it is, get rid of him,” Sam said, pressing his lips to hers. “I want you back in this bed.”
She smiled. Saved by the knock. For now at least. She pulled on her robe and opened the door.
“Hello, darling Sydney,” Rod Kyle said.
“What are you doing here?”
He pushed past her and walked into the room. Sam, still naked, jumped to his feet.
“For God’s sake, put some clothes on,” Rod said, turning his head.