Some Day Somebody by Lori Leger

repeated.
    She blinked then lifted her lids in one languid motion. “Eight is good.”
    They stood awkwardly, both needing to leave, neither wanting to walk out first.
    Sam cleared his throat. “Well, I guess this is it, then. Merry Christmas, Carrie.”
    “Merry Christmas to you too, Sam—and I hope you have a wonderful New Year.” No Sam until after New Years.  
    “It will be if you’re a part of it.”
    Her heart pounded. “What did you say?”
    Sam took a step closer and rested his hands upon her upper arms. “At some point, I’d like you to become a major part of my life in the next year. Do you see that happening?”
    Carrie struggled to answer. “Maybe,” she squeaked, her voice hoarse and full of nervous energy.
    Sam leaned over slowly and kissed her on the cheek, lingering beside her long after the kiss was over.
    Just as he began to pull away, Carrie turned toward him until her cheek made a gentle, but electrifying contact with his. She lowered her lids and lifted her chin, strengthening the skin to skin connection. She heard the low moan, realizing too late it came from her own parted lips. Powerless to move, she felt him pull away before caressing her face in his large hands.
    “Open your eyes, Carrie,” he whispered.
    Her lids opened heavily as she focused on his lips, mere inches away, and lifted her hands to cover his.  
    “I’ll apologize for this later,” he murmured. “But I want you to remember me over the next two weeks.” He lowered his mouth gently onto hers.
    The first kiss was to taste, light and teasing, a little unsure. Carrie felt him draw away but stayed, hoping he’d get the message.
    I want more.
    He got it. The second kiss was firmer, more confident, from a self-assured man who knew what he wanted. By the time he pulled away, Carrie could barely stand on her own two legs. She leaned into him for support, her hands spread out against his broad chest until she regained her balance.
    “I’m sorry, but I had to know.” He kissed her lightly again, “How you tasted. I’ve wanted to do that ever since the first time I made you laugh,” he admitted. “If that’s all it takes to keep you happy, I might have a shot at you.”
    She gazed up at him, slightly dazed. Her head tilted forward, then back in a distracted nod.
    Sam grinned. “So, all I have to do is be my charming, funny self to earn your undying love?”
    She repeated the nod once more before straightening, coming to her senses. “No.”
    He laughed. “I thought I was getting off too easy.” He reached out and ran his forefinger gently along her jaw line. “Focus now, Carrie. What else?”
    It was difficult to breathe, to concentrate, with him so near and touching her that way.
    He smiled down at her as he brushed a lock of her soft curls away from her face. “What else would it take to make you mine?”
    Carrie shivered at his touch and covered his hand with her own. She attempted to clear her throat, as well as her head. “I can’t take being hurt again.”
    “I won’t hurt you.”
    “Just words—how do I know I can trust you?”
    “I’m nothing like your ex—”
    “How do I know that?”
    “Because I’m telling you I’m not,” he insisted.  “But feel free to ask anyone.”
    She studied him, watching for signs of discomfort. Fear of secrets being revealed. She saw nothing.
    “Lots of people thought Dave was a ‘good ole’ boy’.  They didn’t know what he was doing behind my back.”  Sam raised his hands, as though his patience was at an end.
    “Okay, then. You tell me what you want in a man.”
    “I don’t know what I want in a man,” she said. “But thanks to Dave, I damn sure know what I don’t want.”
    “Then tell me. What don’t you want in a man?”
    She took two steps toward the door then turned back toward him. “I don’t want a man I can’t trust, or one who’ll push me or my kids around. I don’t want someone I’m afraid to relax around.” Her gaze locked on