Unleashed by Sara Humphreys Read Free Book Online Page B

whole kit and caboodle. They paid for their purchases and then spent a good twenty minutes figuring out how to fit it all in Sam’s little car. The drive home seemed longer than normal as her excitement grew. She couldn’t wait to see what Nonie had done.
    They pulled in the driveway, gravel spitting up from the wheels, echoing Sam’s impatience at the car’s slow climb. Finally, she pulled around to the side of the house and up in front of the little garage. Getting out of the car and taking in Nonie’s creation, she was ashamed of herself for not noticing it yesterday. The garage door had been replaced with French doors, and pink and white impatiens created a colorful border along the welcoming little path.
    Nonie walked ahead of Sam and opened the doors, leaving her speechless. What had formerly been a dark little one-car garage was now a bright open space. The walls were painted a beautiful eggshell color. The cement floor was replaced with hard wood planks in a warm honey tone, and barren walls were now adorned with built-in shelving and cabinets. There were some easels and various organizational containers just waiting for her to use them. The absolute crowning jewel, however, was the enormous picture window at the back wall. It delivered a breathtaking view of the ocean. On the ledge sat a lovely silver frame with an old black and white photo of Sam with her parents. It had been taken on the very beach she looked down on now. It was Sam’s favorite. Overcome with emotion, she picked up the picture. The image blurred through the flood of tears rolling down her face. Nonie came over and wrapped her up in one of her delicious hugs.
    â€œI figured this place had just become a big junk room, and I had to clean it out anyway. So what better way to make use of it than for you to work in?”
    Sam sniffled and giggled as she wiped off her face. “How did you get this done in such a short amount of time? This is just too much. Nonie, how am I ever going to repay you for this?”
    â€œDon’t be silly.” She chuckled. “Actually, I’ve always wanted a portrait of our home. Perhaps you could see your way clear to whip one up for me?”
    â€œConsider it done.” Sam turned and hugged Nonie. “Thank you so much. This is the most amazing gift. I love you, Nonie.”
    â€œI love you too, Samantha Jane.” She released Sam. “Now, if you can manage to settle in here on your own, I have to get some things done around here before my bridge game tonight at Millie’s place.”
    Nonie gave her hand one last squeeze and headed out of the studio. Sam followed her out and brought in the rest of their purchases. Once it was all inside, she jumped up and down like a little kid, shrieking her delight and good fortune. Out of breath and deliciously exhausted, she turned slowly and surveyed the space, taking in the light from various angles in the room. “Luminous,” she said breathlessly. “Absolutely luminous.”
    From behind her, she heard an oddly familiar voice purr. “I couldn’t agree with you more.”
    Startled, she whipped around to see the most breathtaking man she had ever seen in her entire life—real or imagined. He stood over six feet tall, a body built like a Greek god, chestnut hair, and enormous, gorgeous brown eyes that looked straight through her. He stood there casually with his hands in his pockets, leaning against the doorway. He delivered a sexy smile that said he knew exactly what she was thinking. She realized she stood with her mouth hanging open like a large mouth bass. Sam snapped her mouth shut and desperately attempted to collect herself. “Uh-hi? Have you ever heard of knocking?” She knew how rude she sounded, but couldn’t help herself.
    â€œOf course, but you were enjoying yourself so much that I hated the idea of interrupting you.” He smiled as he stepped toward her with an