SECOND CHANCES AT MG RANCH by Karen England Page A

was baked to a fluffy softness. He popped a piece of the steak into his mouth and began to chew.  Mesquite flavor exploded into his mouth with each grind of his teeth.
    “So, what do you think?” She was tapping her foot waiting for an answer.
    Amy had been determined that Loren would learn to cook. She had stayed persistent over the years, telling Loren that she would be grateful one day. Well, that one-day was finally here. Proving Sam wrong would be her trophy.
    “It is heavenly, where on earth did you learn to cook like that?” Sam replied in between chewing.
    “My mom was a great teacher.” Her answer came with a feeling of satisfaction. It pleased her that he liked it, and it made her feel all bubbly inside. “But now that you know I can actually cook; don’t be expecting it all the time. Tonight was just a peace offering for getting under your skin all day.”
    He couldn’t argue with that. She had gotten under his skin all day and he was beginning to think this day was never going to end, but now he wasn’t sure that he even wanted it to.
    He hadn’t realized it until now, but he missed the company of a woman. He tried to recall the image of Stephanie’s face, but it wouldn’t come to mind. He was just distracted, that’s all.
    Loren sat down across from him and began to spoon lots of butter onto her potato. She knew it wasn’t really healthy for you, but she didn’t really care at the moment. It wasn’t worth eating without loads of butter and salt. She might regret it one day when it settled on her hips, but for now she was just enjoying every savory bite.
    Sam washed his last bite of steak down with a swish of sweet tea. “Thank you Loren. That is by far the best meal that I have had in a very long time.”
    “Wait a minute.  Is that a compliment that just accidentally escaped your mouth?”  Her smile was beaming from one side of her face to the other.
    “Yes, I believe it was , but it was no accident.  I meant it.” Sam’s voice sounded sincere.
    Without thinking, he reached out and laid his hand on top of hers, causing her cheeks to turn a light shade of pink. She was blushing again.
    “Then you are welcome. I am glad that you liked it,” she stammered.
    She wasn’t sure if his words or the warm sensation of his hand on top of hers was responsible for the pinkness in her cheeks. She fought the urge to pull her hand away from his.
    With each minute that his hand lingered on hers, her skin was becoming warmer.  It was starting to feel like his skin was going to catch hers on fire.
    Suddenly without warning the sky opened up and let loose a fountain of rain. Big fat rain drops began to fall; pelting down on them, as the dark clouds came rolling in. They were both soaked before they reached the door.
    Loren paused with her hand on the doorknob. “Have you ever danced in the rain, Sam?”
    “No, I don’t believe that I have. Hurry and open the door. In case you haven’t noticed, we are getting soaked out here,” he said impatiently.
    “What do you mean that you don’t believe that you have? Have you, or have you not danced in the rain before,” Loren said with her hand still on the doorknob.
    “No, I have not. I am sure that I would remember it, if I had. Now open the door,” he said, growing more impatient with every minute that passed.
    “We are already soaked. Dance with me?” she asked, holding out her hand to him.
    “Are you crazy? We are likely to catch phenomena out here in this mess.”
    The warmth of her hand earlier had ignited a spark in him. He was afraid that if he touched her again, he might start a fire that he couldn’t put out.
    “Please,” she pleaded softly , while still holding her hand out to him.
    Without giving it another thought, Sam took her hand and swept her into his arms. They were in a world of their own as he held her close, going through the dance motions.
    He could feel the warmth of her body through their wet clothes , as she pressed her