Page 7 of Dead Man's List

Sam had picked her and Snickerdoodle up that morning and right away Kit had known something was wrong. Usually sweet and calm, Sam was tense and overly polite.

It was like they were strangers.

I’ve messed things up already, and I don’t even know what I did wrong,she thought sadly.

The drive to the park had been quiet, their minimal conversation stilted. Sam had asked her a few questions in a cautious tone, and she’d replied equally cautiously in sentences that never managed to be more than a few words.

They’d started their hike in a muted mood, with Sam pointing out landmarks and plants like he was a tour guide. Brisk, efficient, but impersonal.

I have to fix this.Because not only did Sam sound impersonal, he seemed sad, which she couldn’t stand. Especially if she’d caused it. Abruptly she stopped on the trail, Snickerdoodle obediently sitting at her side.

Sam had taken a few steps forward before realizing she was no longer beside him. Carefully he turned so that he and Siggy faced her. Sam’s expression was blank, and Kit’s heart dropped to her stomach. “Kit? You okay?”

“No.” Her voice shook and she drew a breath. “I’m sorry.”

His shoulders sagged, disappointment unmistakable in his eyes. “I know.”

Panic flared, and she realized just how much she’d wanted this date to go well. How much she’d wanted to see Sam happy. “I did something. Ruined something. You’re not happy. We’re here, in the desert, and you’re supposed to be happy.”

He frowned. “What are you talking about? I thought…”

She took a step closer. “What?”

His throat worked as he swallowed. “I thought that you were going to say that this date was a mistake.”

Her mouth dropped open. “What?”

He studied her face. “You’re not thinking this was a mistake?”

“No. Just…” She kept her gaze focused on his. “I was scared of today.”

“I figured you would be. I thought for sure you’d find a reason to cancel on me.”

“I almost did.”

One side of his mouth lifted in an almost-smile. “Not a shock. Who talked you into coming?”

“Rita,” she said dolefully. “And Pop. Called me out on my bullshit. Is that why you’ve been so distant all day? You thought I was about to call this a mistake?”

He nodded warily. “Were you?”

She did look away then, taking in the desert around them. It really was beautiful. “I don’t think so. I wanted to come here. With you. Wanted you to show me the desert and why you love it. But it’s been more than six weeks since I asked you on this date. Enough time to second-guess myself. And maybe to second-guess you. You could have anyone. Everyone tells me so. I still don’t know why you seem to want to be with me.”

And that was the honest truth.

“Kit.” He waited until she met his eyes again. “My feelings haven’t changed. I want to be with you, but I don’t want to rush you into anything you’re not ready for. I can wait. You’re worth waiting for.”

She took another step forward, now so close that she could see the thick dark lashes framing his green eyes behind his Clark Kent glasses. Could see the freckles sprinkled across his nose now that he’d gotten some sun.

She could see his sincerity, the very thing that had originallydrawn her to him. And suddenly she wasn’t afraid anymore, because this was Sam. Other than her father, Sam was the kindest, gentlest man she knew. He would respect her limitations. And he’d protect her heart.

She needed to protect his as well.

“I’m ready for this date.” She reached out, gripped his jacket, tugging him closer. “I want to know you better.”

His chest expanded with the breath he drew. “Thank God,” he muttered, his hands coming up to cup her face, sending a shiver down her spine and over her skin. “I’ve tried to give you space.”

“Don’t,” she said simply, releasing her hold on his jacket and sliding her hands around his neck. “I…I missed you,” she admitted.