Chapter 18

Sam thought she would remember that night for the rest of her life. Jake loved her! She knew how much she cared for him and she was thrilled that he felt the same way about her.

It was difficult for her to say goodbye to him when it was time for him to go back to college. She tried not to embarrass him in front of everyone but ended up clinging to him in the middle of the Three Ponies ranch yard.

They ignored the grins from his family as Sam nuzzled into him. Jake didn't care about his shyness at this point, his girl was tucked into his neck, her arms around him.

He saw the shocked look on Mom's face, but Jake ignored it to hold Sam close to him.

Maxine herded her family into the house to give the young couple some privacy. Jake appreciated his mother and would tell her so later. In the meantime, he hugged Sam to his chest, murmuring his love to her.

"It won't be long," Jake promised.

"Christmas," Sam sighed into his chest.

"I'll be home for Thanksgiving," Jake told her.

"You will?" Sam pulled away from him to look up at him.

"I wasn't going to, but I need to now," Jake smiled down at her.

"There are some benefits to this girlfriend thing," Sam grinned at him.

Jake laughed and put his arm around her shoulder, kissing her temple.

"I do need to go," Jake told her with a sigh.

"Can't you do correspondence classes locally?" Sam asked, sighing deeply.

"I wish I could," Jake took her hand and started towards his truck.

"I wish you could too," Sam stood by as he tossed his bag in the backseat. "I don't mind that you bought an Avalanche anymore."

"No?" Jake smiled at her.

"Not since you told me why you bought it," Sam smiled back at him.

"I do love you a lot," Jake told her, putting his arms around her and giving her a quick kiss.

"Maybe you should go on ahead and I'll meet you a mile down the road?" Sam wondered. "I kinda liked that."

Jake chuckled. "Is there a reason to do that again?"

"Jake, if it means I get to kiss you then I'm all for it," Sam leaned into him and they kissed.

He glanced back at the house and saw his truck hid them from view. Jake grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. Their lips met immediately. Sam's arms wrapped around his neck as Jake widened his legs and brought her between them as he leaned against the truck.

Sam whimpered as she kissed him, trying to get as close to him as she could. Her fingers moved through his thick black hair as her lips clung to his. Their tongues tangled and danced as they tasted the sweetness of the mouth of the other.

He'd known she was passionate about most things in her life. She always had been. He knew she'd be passionate with her emotions too. She might not understand what was happening between them yet, but when the time came it would rock both of them. That he was sure of.

"I need to go," Jake pulled his head back regretfully.

"No," Sam whined, her lips finding his again. Jake smiled softly. It did his ego and pride wonders to know that she was reluctant to let him go.

"I'll call you later," Jake promised.

"I better charge up my phone then," Sam sighed.

He kissed her briefly before opening his truck and getting in.

"Bye Brat," he murmured. Their eyes met and held.

"Bye Jake," Sam returned. "I love you."

Jake's expression softened and Sam fell even more in love with him. They smiled at each other and then he was gone.