conversation took many turns after that, but Julie sensed that Sam wanted to say something more. When dinner was over, Julie insisted the men allow her to clean up the mess. She waited until all three had moved to the front room before she got up from the table.
The wind was still howling outside, and Julie knew without the benefit of an open window that the blizzard was raging. Part of her hated the long, dark winters when windows were boarded up to insulate against the cold, but another part of her loved the raw wildness of it. Days, even weeks, would pass when the only people she would see were those who shared a roof with her. This isolation was part of the regionâs attraction, and Julie knew she could never leave it for good.
âStill mad at me?â
Julie looked up from the dishes and met Samâs dark brown eyes. âI wasnât mad at you.â
âGood,â Sam replied, sounding relieved. âIâd hate for you to think lowly of me, especially when I think so highly of you.â Julieâs puzzled expression amused Sam. âYou donât think a guy like me could think highly of a woman like you?â
âI donât know,â Julie whispered. âI guess I never thought about it.â
âToo busy with your studies and all?â
âI suppose,â Julie answered.
âWell then, itâs about time you heard it from someone who cares enough to be honest with you,â Sam said as he put his hand on Julieâs shoulder.
Julie grew painfully aware of Samâs closeness. She had no experience with this. What should she do? Before she could do or say anything, however, Sam leaned down.
âI think Iâve looked for someone like you all of my life.â
His breath was warm against Julieâs ear, causing her to shudder. She needed to move away from him, but in order to do so, sheâd have to turn and face him. Making her decision, Julie turned quickly and found herself in Samâs arms.
âDonât. I mean, I â¦,â Julie stammered. Why couldnât she say what she wanted to say? Then again, what was it she wanted to say?
âDonât be afraid of me,â Sam whispered as he lifted Julieâs face to meet his. âIâd never hurt you, Julie.â
Julie felt her breath quicken at the sound of her name on Samâs lips. She could feel her heart in her throat. âI know,â Julie managed to whisper just before Sam lowered his lips to hers.
The kiss lasted only a moment, but when Sam pulled away, Julie realized sheâd wrapped her arms around his neck. Frozen in the shock of what sheâd done, Julie met Samâs surprised stare.
âSam,â Augustâs voice called out from the front room, âweâve got the chess board set up. If youâre going to play, youâd best get in here.â
The tension was broken by the sound of her brotherâs voice, and Julie quickly dropped her arms and moved around Sam. âIâd better get back to work,â she said as she left the kitchen with Sam staring silently after her.
Chapter 4
T he raging wind and snow left Sam little doubt heâd be staying with the Erikssons through another day. He smiled to himself as he dressed for breakfast. Julie would be there! He could hear her now as she moved around in the room next to his.
Maybe heâd been away from women too long, or maybe heâd been too selfish as a young man to notice, but the existence of a woman like Julie Eriksson was a welcome surprise to him.
Julie beat Sam to the kitchen, where Vern had already stoked the fire in the stove. August had another fire burning brightly in the front room, and several oil lamps had been strategically placed to offer the maximum light.
Julie knew better than to open the door, although a look outside was exactly what she desired most. She could hear the wind and knew the storm hadnât let up. How much snow would this blizzard leave