New In The Territories (Book 1) COMPLETED

Chapter 5 Sam

The soft sound of chirping birds in the distance, and the morning sun spilled through the sheer covered French doors was a pleasant awakening. Taking a few blissful moments to lie in the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in before getting up and facing the world. Rolling over I noticed the bedside clock read 9:15 am. "I can't remember the last time I slept this well." Finally getting out of bed, I walked over to open the French doors and inhaled the fresh air that the beginning of summer had to offer. Stepping out on the balcony, the welcoming sun warmed my face as I leaned against the rail. Looking out at the lush green tops of the woods that seem to go on for miles, I noticed a few circling hawks out a couple of miles.

A soft knock pulled my attention away from the tranquil scenery. "Just a minute" Calling out as I reached for the jogging pants from the end the bed to pull them on.

"K, come in." Thrusting fingers through my wild mane as Mady walked in.

Mady's eyes went right to the wildness of my hair, and she asked, "How did you sleep?"

Giving up with the mess, I called hair. "I had the best sleep I've had in months, Thanks."

"I'm glad to hear it. Would you like some breakfast?" Mady asked with obvious relief.

"Sure I'm just going to jump in the shower and be down in twenty minutes."

"Ok...and good morning witch hazel," Mady quickly added before shutting the door. The pillow I grabbed off the bed hit the closed door.

"Bitch!" I yelled half heartedly was followed by both our giggles.

Washing away the last bit of sleep residue, I felt a new confidence that was foreign to me. Turning off the water, wrapping the lush, soft towel around my body, I headed back to the bedroom. Towel drying my hair while deciding what to wear for the day. Not knowing what the plans were, beside unloading my car I gave up quickly and decided on a pair of jogging pants and an oversized t-shirt.

Finally dressed I headed downstairs. "Mady?"

"In the kitchen Sam, breakfast will be ready in two minutes."

Heading towards the kitchen I had to admit I forgot about Nate, that was until he said good morning from behind me Where I practically jumped out of my skin. The problem when that happened I usually come up swinging. Nate's chuckle was short lived when I did exactly that. I jumped, spun around then swung. Of course I yelled next. "Don't do that, you scared the shit out me!"

"Sorry about that," his apology was unconvincing, leaning against the doorway of the den sipping his coffee. His growing smile hid behind that steaming cup of coffee.

"If I knew you meant that I would have said it's OK, but since you're not hiding the grin on your face not too well, you can just kiss my ass." Since I didn't even come close to making contact and he thought the whole thing was amusing I didn't feel the need to apologize. That was wrong but my heart still pounded. My go to ways: defensiveness and sarcasm.

"Sam? Please tell me you did not hit my husband." So she did remember.

"Nope." I was at the kitchen door. "Maybe you should have warned..." My train of thought was gone as soon as I saw all the food on the table: pancakes, sausages, ham, scrambled eggs, coffee and orange juice, "You expecting company?"

"Umm, no why?" Mady asked, turning around from grabbing the plates from the cupboard.

All I could do was stare at her then back to the food. "So what's with the food...hold on, let me rephrase that, what's with all the food that would feed a family with six growing teens?"