Lost in You by Lorelei James Read Free Book Online Page B

the center of the river and offered Lacy a package of jerky. She ate it, but she might’ve been chewing bark her mouth was so dry.  
    Luckily the spectacular scenery kept her distracted from her tangled emotions. Sam didn’t speak as they putted down the twisty river. He clasped her hand, absentmindedly stroking his thumb over her knuckles.  
    Black-tailed hawks dove into the silvery water, spearing fish with sharp beaks, then soared off into the cloudless blue sky to enjoy their meal.  
    Seemed they’d been trolling for hours when Sam’s breath tickled the back of her neck. “Lacy?”  
    “Hmm?”  
    “Before we get back, I have to admit I haven’t been completely honest.”  
    A fission of fear crawled up her spine. Followed by visions of a rustic cabin in the woods, a pregnant wife and little tykes running out to greet Daddy .  
    Wrong. She didn’t know everything about Sam Becker, but her heart knew he wasn’t the type of man who’d cheat. Or share. He’d be loyal and demand the same from his mate. Hadn’t he shown her his protective and possessive streak ran as wide as this river? “What?”  
    “I’m not who you think I am. I—”  
    The engine revved loudly, cutting off his declaration. Jeb swerved around a floating log, nearly tossing them overboard. He yelled, “I’ll be. Your party’s already waitin’ for ya!”  
    Lacy and Sam looked at each other then at the wooden dock in a sheltered cove.  
    Five horses and five men waited. Dave, the main guide, Clarence, the cook…and her ex-boyfriend Ross, plus Ross’s two smarmy friends.  
    Great. Ross had tagged along. No. He’d probably insisted on going along hoping to witness her humiliation.  
    Sam clutched her hand. “What?”  
    She didn’t want Sam’s pity. Besides she was no longer Lacy Buchanan, city mouse—she was Lacy Buchanan, outdoor adventuress.  
    Dave shouted, “You all right?”  
    “We’re fine,” Sam said.  
    Jeb helped her off the boat. Sam stuck to her side like pinesap.  
    Ross, that self-important asshole, stepped in front of Dave before Dave spoke again.  
    “Should’ve figured you were the one who’d screwed this up, Lacy. I’m surprised you went through with the hike after I dumped you.”  
    “Hah! I dumped you. I’m surprised you’re here. Isn’t this the time of month when you get your back hair waxed?”  
    His face turned cherry-red. “Still got a smart mouth. This poor schmuck got stuck with you?” He gave Sam a pitying look. “I would’ve left her there as wolf bait.”  
    Lacy started to retort, but Sam draped his arm over her shoulder.  
    “We were stuck together a couple of times, but it was completely consensual, right, cupcake?”  
    She froze.  
    “Or should I say sensual ,” he amended, nuzzling her crown with his cheek.  
    It was quiet enough to hear a pine needle drop.  
    “You…and s-she…” Ross sputtered and pointed to Dave. “H-he said you were lost without supplies.”  
    “Technically, we were lost after an accident with the compass. We managed to entertain ourselves…food wasn’t a big priority.” The sexual heat in Sam’s eyes made her thighs tingle. “But our delay getting back to base camp was my fault.”  
    “Your fault?”  
    “Mmm-hmm.” Sam brushed kisses across her temple. “I wanted Lacy all to myself.”  
    Her back snapped straight. He didn’t have to lie for her. Pretend he felt more than he really did. “But Sam—”  
    “Who are you anyway?” Ross demanded.  
    “Sam Becker,” Dave supplied. “He’s my cousin and business partner.”  
    Ross’s jaw went slack. “Partner? I thought you said your partner was some big time stockbroker from New York City?”  
    “Yep. He is. They’re one in the same.”  
    Lacy’s eyes went wide.

    “Trust me. I’ll explain everything later,” Sam whispered to her, praying she didn’t bolt before giving him a chance.  
    “So you’re telling me this hiking outfit left