Chapter 5
The first thing Sam did when she arrived home from school, well after her chores anyway, was look up what it was that Jake had sent her.
She stared at her computer screen in surprise. Oh heck, it was shock! It was a song that Jake had sent her. A song whose lyrics mentioned love. Jake had left out that part of the song, but Sam was still shocked that he would send it to her. She knew Jake didn't love her. He couldn't love her. At least she didn't think so. He had just kissed her.
Still, the thought of Jake someday loving Sam made her feel all warm again. And giddy.
She couldn't help the laugh.
Her family and friends were going to lock her up at this rate, she was so giddy most of the time.
Sam's phone rang and she looked at the caller ID and answered it before it rang twice.
"Hi," Sam knew she sounded breathless, but that's what Jake did to her. She couldn't help it.
"Hi," his voice rumbled in her ear. Her heart beat increased and she found it hard to breathe.
"Jake, that song…" Sam couldn't finish.
Jake coughed and Sam knew he was embarrassed.
"I loved it and added it to my iPod," Sam told him.
"Ah…," Jake broke off.
"Don't be embarrassed and stop rubbing the back of your neck," Sam teased.
Jake's chuckle came through the phone.
"I'll try," Jake responded. "I, uh…"
"Stop it, Jake," Sam said. "I loved it and you were incredibly sweet."
Jake groaned and Sam laughed.
"Oh yeah, just what I was going for," he muttered.
"It should be," Sam continued to tease him. "Haven't you ever heard of brownie points?"
Jake laughed.
"Did I get some?" he asked.
"Oh yeah," Sam told him. "Redeemable for a kiss the next time I see you."
"Well, that's not too bad then," Jake said. "It might make up for all the embarrassment I suffered."
Sam counted to five in her head waiting and giggled when he gave a longsuffering sigh just as she suspected he would.
"You find my suffering amusing?" Jake asked.
"No, but I do like how predictable you are," Sam laughed. She proceeded to tell him what she meant.
Jake groaned. "That will teach me to kiss someone who's known me for so long."
"Who else would you kiss?" Sam demanded.
"Nobody," Jake said honestly. "Just you, Brat."
"Am I the only one you've ever kissed?" Sam asked.
"Am I supposed to kiss and tell?" Jake teased.
"Yes, it's part of the deal," Sam told him.
"I want to see those rules in the official boyfriend handbook," Jake responded.
"Are you?"
"Am I what?"
Sam blushed. Could she come right out and ask him?
"I hope so," Jake murmured, when she didn't say anything.
"As far as I'm concerned," Sam whispered.
"Good," Jake said, his voice soft in her ear.
Neither one said anything for a few moments as they thought about what they had both declared.
"Listen, about that favor…," Jake began.
"Oh yeah, I forgot," Sam laughed nervously.
"It's not anything bad," Jake assured her. "I need you to go over and ride Witch for me when you can."
"Me?" Sam gasped. "Jake, she's too much horse for me."
"A few hours on her back and she'll understand who's boss," Jake said.
"It's those few hours until she understands that scares me," Sam responded.
"You can ride her, Sam," Jake told her. "I'd rather you rode her than one of my brothers."
"You're trying to guilt me into this aren't you?" Sam laughed.
"Is it working?" Jake laughed with her. Sam sighed. Deeply.
"Yes," she grumbled.
"Good to know," Jake teased.
"You owe me, Ely," Sam muttered.
"Oh I'll pay the next time I see you," Jake promised, his voice almost caressing.
Sam went white hot. She felt so decadent at what she was feeling.
"J-J-Jake," she stammered, trying to catch her breath.
"What?" Jake's caressing voice continued.
Sam was trying not to groan out loud. She didn't understand why hearing Jake's voice like that was making her feel the way it was. It was just like when she dreamt about him. No way could she tell him any of that.
"My foot got a cramp," she said instead. She clapped a hand over her mouth so the part groan and part giggle couldn't escape. Of all the dumb things to say!