Always Tried and Proven

by Nancy Hopper

  Callie sighed and blinked back sudden tears. He was right behind her; his hands rested gently on her arms. “The tent is going to become incredibly big and successful, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.” Sam answered humbly. He appeared to be without selfish pride.

  She turned and looked up at him, and smiled. “I’m glad for you, Sam. I really am.”

  He smiled down at her. She felt his eyes on her lips and she blushed, tensing. He moved closer, and pulled her into a hug.

  “Not yet, eh? All right, Callie. I can wait a bit longer.” He said with a chuckle. He kissed her forehead and then, he released her. “I’ll say goodnight, and let you get some rest.”

  She looked up at him shyly. “Goodnight, Sam.”

  He gave her a crooked smile, and went out the door.

  Sam sat alone in the dark. It was quiet, in the still before dawn; even in the heart of New York. He couldn't seem to sleep. Not usually a problem for him, he thought with a chuckle. He worked long, hard hours like every member of the team did. Most of the time, they all fell into bed exhausted, and slept hard enough that a hurricane could come through without notice. But, not tonight. Not for him.

  He'd been dead, inside; dead, for so long, to the idea of being a man. He didn't recall ever desiring a woman before; not without drugs. When he did drugs, the women were there, just waiting for him. Wanting him. He'd always succumbed without complaint. What man wouldn't take sugar when his defenses were subdued, and the women were gathered, waiting?

  He hadn't desired them as lovers; they were just women to have sex with. It wouldn't have mattered if they'd had no names, and been unable to speak. They were only receptacles for his use, under the influence of drugs. Nothing more.

  He shook his head. He didn't want to think about that. This was different. This was the first time he'd been truly captivated by a beautiful girl. The first time he'd ever allowed himself to look, and see what was there to see, since...

  Ten years. Ten years, he'd been so alone. Waiting, and lately, rather hoping that someday, somewhere, there would be someone. Some woman that would wake him up. Someone he would feel something for. He was so lonely in this area. He'd just buried his head in the sand, and served God tirelessly. He'd always thought it would be enough. But now, there was Callie. He knew that it was a risk. Wasn't it always, though? There are no guarantees in life!

  He sighed heavily, and leaned back in the chair. She'd caught him off guard, that's for sure. That heavy curtain of incredibly long, flowing hair so rich brown in color, with highlights of shimmering gold and red. Then, her eyes. So clear, and piercing with color so bright it took his breath away. The soft smooth skin of her cleavage, that had drawn his eyes before he even realized what he was seeing. And the legs … dear God, the legs. Endlessly long, slender and tan. Her thighs were even slender and beautiful. Not like the hams most women had above their knees – but long, muscled and smooth. Brown, and begging his fingers to touch them. Her calves, so sinuous and pleasingly curved. Her ankles, so tiny, and her feet – even they were lovely! Tiny, with the nails perfectly manicured and painted white along the tips, like her fingernails.

  Her arms were slender, but also muscular in a lean, beautiful way. Her wrists, so tiny he knew he could put one hand around both of them. Her hands so soft and lovely, with long, slender fingers made even more tantalizing by the medium length nails, so perfectly done in a French manicure. How she managed to play a guitar with those nails, was a mystery to him.

  Her cheeks had just the right amount of roundness to draw the eye. Her nose was tiny and adorable. Her lips – her lips! Full, yet not fleshy. Perfectly shaped, soft and smooth. They curved up at the edges, as if she was going to smile at every moment. The dimples that flanked her lips fascinated him. They were so cute. Her teeth were beautiful, too; even and white.

  Her husky voice, like no other he'd ever heard. He could still hear it now, saying his name. “Sam”. Like a caress! How did she think he'd ever be able to think about anything else, when he kept hearing her voice, saying his name?

  He had been so stunned that morning, when the door opened a tiny three inches, to see the curtain of hair, the wary eye that peeked out at him. The scent of her, so light and sweet, like Jasmine or Lily of the Valley, muted by the soft freshness of crushed leaves and maybe, the silky freshness of a Spring breeze. Then, to be hit between the eyes by the cleavage and endless legs, the beautiful hands and lips, eyes and nose, dimples and toes.

  He smiled, thinking how silly he sounded. He found her wary eyes so lovely; looking at him as if trying to determine whether he'd pounce, or bite. Looking at him, and being spooked by his very presence. As if he would devour her. Yet – not being able to look away, either. That was quite encouraging.

  He'd been amused when she'd run, hair streaming, back to her room, obviously trying to escape his scrutiny.

  Then, she had returned, trying so hard to appear poised and indifferent. And managing only to be shy and adorable. And so, so cute.

  And yet, on another level, she challenged him. She was defiant and fiery, wily and intelligent. Feisty and mouthy, and independent. He found, to his surprise, that he liked that. It rather made his blood race through his veins, just to think about it.

  Sam suddenly felt his own heart beating wildly. He'd been waiting, he realized. Waiting for someone like Callie Wilson to appear. The feeling of loneliness because he wasn't with her, almost strangled him.

  Yes, he had his God – indeed! But he'd never had a mate. Never had a woman look up at him and grab him with her wide, honest eyes, that way. Not until today. And now?

  He couldn't escape.

  Callie didn’t wake up until noon. Sadie was already busy in the kitchen, baking cookies.

  “Well good afternoon, sleepyhead.” She greeted Callie cheerfully. “Late night?”

  “Yep.” Callie agreed.

  “Well, how was the job?”

  “Great. Fine.”

  “You sound grumpy.”

  “I am.” Callie growled. Perhaps I’ll take a bath and with any luck, I’ll feel more human, after.”

  The bath definitely improved her spirits. Afterward, she went into her room and put on some white, terry shorts and a matching, strapless top that was bare over the midriff. She was still shaking her hair out when she walked into the living room.

  “Sadie, are those cookies done?” she asked wistfully. “Don’t tell me they’re for a special occasion or something. You’ve got to let me have one.” She begged.

  “I think that she made them because she invited us to lunch.” A man’s voice answered her.

  Callie turned and stared in shock at Sam and his friend, Clyde. “Hi, Sam.” She said woodenly. She felt ridiculous for appearing in her skimpy attire.

  “Hi,” he answered, his dimples creasing his cheeks. “This is Clyde Lawson, our tent master.”

  “Hi, Clyde.” Callie greeted him. “Please forgive me for my dress. I wasn’t expecting company. I’ll just go change.”

  “Callie, I hope you don’t mind.” Sadie called from the kitchen. “I didn’t want to wake you, and there is some tent business that needs to be taken care of.”

  “No problem. Just let me get into something decent and I’ll be out of the way…”

  “No. Join us.” Sam insisted. “As we intended.”

  Callie gave him a withering look, but he just smiled. “It’s what I want, and I generally get my way.”

  “Tell me about it.” Callie grumbled. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She returned wearing a sun dress that covered more of her slim, tan body, but was still cool, and looked fine without nylons. It showed off her tan very nicely. With feet bare, she looked cool and comfortable when she joined Sadie in the kitchen. She was chagrined to find the men there too, in the breakfast nook.

  “So what is for lunch?” she asked lightly.

  Sadie grinned. “Grilled chicken Caesar salad with artichoke hearts, fresh tomatoes, avocado and croutons. And iced tea to d
rink. It’s about ready, so go on out to the patio.”

  Callie and the men didn’t argue. They found a beautiful garden table set on the lanai. Sadie had transformed Callie’s white, wrought iron garden set with a floral print umbrella, matching chair pads, place mats and napkins. Combined with Callie’s potted garden of Nasturtiums and Morning Glories, Roses and Petunias, it was like a festival. Sadie had plugged in the corner fountain, and turned on the music.

  “What is all this?” Callie demanded in awe.

  “This is just my way of saying thank you for letting me stay here with you; and for singing at the tent.” Sadie answered soothingly. “Huh, uh. Don’t you even dare.” She shushed Callie, who opened her mouth to object. She pushed Callie into a chair and breezed inside to get the food.

  Sam sat down on Callie’s left, and gave her a teasing look. “Well, perhaps there’s hope, yet. I see that you know better than to argue with Sadie. Perhaps you’ll soon learn better than to argue with me.”

  Callie gave him a scathing smile. “Don’t you hold your breath, preacher.” She warned. But her smile softened to ease the words, and her eyes teased him.

  The food came immediately and it looked divine, served up on Callie’s clear, bottle green glass tableware. Sam offered Callie his hand and smiled a challenge at her. “Is it all right for me to say a blessing?” he asked.

  “Sure.” Callie agreed, feeling as if it could be a big mistake to join hands with these people. But, Sam behaved himself admirably when he prayed, and moments later, they were all digging in hungrily. Instead of making her uncomfortable, Callie found that the joining of hands and simple prayer somehow made her feel warm and comforted, and happy. It eased and then melted away the last shreds of tension she’d been feeling about her lunch companions.

  Afterward, Sadie produced a delicious raspberry sorbet. After a generous helping of that, they all just sat drinking tea, and made a halfhearted attempt to finish off the cheese garlic bread.

  “So, what are you going to wear to the tent tonight, in this heat?” Sadie asked Callie lazily.

  Callie shrugged. “I don’t know. If I had my way, I’d wear something with spaghetti straps. But that’s probably a no-no; isn’t it, Sam?” she asked regretfully.

  Sam shot her a lazy look from under a raised eyebrow. “I have no prediction about the reaction that might cause.” He warned. “What exactly did you have in mind?”

  Callie blushed at the tone of voice he used. “Never mind. I’ll think of something else.”

  “Show me what you were thinking about.” Sam dared her. Callie met his eyes steadily. He wasn’t going to back down, so she sighed and pushed away from the table.

  “All right.” She agreed. “Come with me, then.” She walked away and felt Sam following her down the hall. The tension grew as she realized that he intended to follow her right into her room. She reminded herself who he was, and told herself not to be ridiculous.

  To her relief, Sam stopped in the doorway. Callie was glad she’d made her bed and picked up, though. She went to her closet and returned with the sun dress. It was a lovely thing, of sea green satin and white lace. The skirt was full, the bodice was perfectly fitted. Ivory lace covered the bodice and made it a very feminine and attractive piece. A graduated lace flounce at the waist made it into a peplum. Spaghetti straps held it up, and layers of net petticoats made the skirt a rustling delight.

  Sam raised his eyebrows and ran a hand over his eyes. “I hope you don’t expect me to say you shouldn’t wear that.” He begged. “That’s got to be just about the most incredible, beautiful thing a woman could put on. Next to what you’re wearing at the moment.” He said with a sheepish, lazy grin.

  Callie laughed incredulously. “Well, Sam. What did I tell you, it would never go over at the tent. It’s only good for the bars, I suppose. Even if I let my hair cover my shoulders it wouldn’t do, would it?”

  “That would just about clinch it.” He advised dryly.

  Callie watched his burning eyes and felt butterflies in her stomach at the look she saw there. “Well; perhaps I’ll save it for later in the evening.” She said finally.

  “Do save it for the last set.” He urged.

  “Why?” she asked curiously.

  “Save the best for last. Anything you put on after this would be anti-climactic.” He warned.

  “You are simply an impossible man, has anyone told you?” she asked in exasperation.

  “No. Tell me why.” He challenged, crossing his arms on his chest.

  “Oh, you’re just … a bit of a bull dog. I mean, here you are again, driving me crazy. You’re a nice man, Sam, but you just don’t know when to say uncle!”

  He laughed at her, and pulled her into a light embrace. “I never had an uncle. And I don’t want one. I just want to be alone with you for a minute.”

  Callie tensed at the intimate tone in his voice. “Why?” she asked pertly.

  “To see if you’ll suffer my kisses yet.” He threatened, growling in mock frustration as she pushed against his chest. “Stubborn, independent woman, you are.” He accused. “Don’t you think you ought to at least give me a try?”

  Callie shook her head. “No. You’re much too dangerous to play with. If I gave you one inch, I’d be done for.”

  Sam laughed down at her. “Then I’m a fool if I don’t press my advantage, don’t you think?” he challenged pleasantly.

  She stared up at him in shock and disbelief. Dismay flooded her as she realized just what she’d said. “Oh, my.” She said tiredly. “No. No, no, no!”

  “But that is a risk I’m not quite willing to take, just yet. I’d rather wait for you to want it as badly as I do.” He said with satisfaction. “But I would be forever grateful if you’d let me take a nap on your couch, just now.”

  “Sure.” She agreed immediately. “I’ll get you a blanket and pillow.”

  “Just a pillow is all I'll need, thanks.” He advised with a yawn.

  He followed Callie back down the hall, and sighed as he made himself comfortable on the couch. “What are you going to sing tonight?” he asked curiously.

  Callie shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t decided yet.” She admitted.

  “So, how do you decide what you’ll sing?”

  “I just know when the time comes.” She admitted. “Is that a problem? Should I be deciding earlier, and letting you know?”

  “No. Actually, I’m certain that it’s a very good sign.”

  Surprise and pleasure filled Callie. She’d begun to realize that she very much enjoyed gaining Sam’s approval. “What time do you need to get up?” she asked.

  “About four.” He mumbled, burying his face in a pillow.

  “Oh, man.” Clyde grumbled from the patio. “How does he rate? Any chance I could snag the other couch?”

  “Sure.” Callie agreed. “I’ll get you a pillow.”

  “Let me take one from the guest room, Cal. You might just want to nap this afternoon, and that would leave you one.”

  “All right.” Callie agreed.

  Clyde went into the restroom, and Sadie went back to the guest room for the pillow, leaving Callie alone with Sam for a moment. She walked over and stood above him, looking at him with puzzled affection. She reached down and brushed a wayward strand of hair out of his eyes. Then, certain that he was already asleep, she leaned over and placed a soft kiss on his temple.

  She was filled with anxiety as soon as she’d done it. What if he wasn’t asleep? What if he thought the wrong thing? What if, what if! She went to her room and flopped on the bed.

  She liked Sam. She liked Sadie, and she liked the people who made up the tent crew. But she was extremely uncomfortable having them in her home, in her life. It felt ominous, somehow. As though something was about to happen, as though she might just lose control somehow. And Callie liked very much to be in control.

  “Callie. Time to wake up.” Sadie shook her friend’s shoulder gently.

  “What? I fell a
sleep again?” she mumbled.

  “You sure did. It’s five o’clock, honey.”

  “Oh, boy. Sam wanted to be up an hour ago.” She groaned.

  “He was. He’s already gone back to shower. By now, he’s on his way back here to pick us up.”

  “Huh?” Callie grunted, coming fully awake.

  “Yep. He says he’s taking us to dinner again.” Sadie confirmed. “He said it was so enjoyable to be able to take two beautiful women to dinner and have nobody pointing a finger at him, that he wouldn’t pass up another opportunity.”

  Callie rolled her eyes and flopped back to the bed again. “That man! He doesn’t ask, he orders and he just makes his plans as though everyone will fall in step.”

  “We will, darling, because he’s Sam. And I don’t think you’re half as sorry as you’d like to have me believe. Give Sam a break, and let him have a little bit of female companionship. He travels alone so much; let him enjoy this. Please? Now get up, and make yourself beautiful.”

  The Sam that picked them up half an hour later was a very dashing man. In black slacks, a crisp, white shirt and black vest, he looked handsome, and then some. He wore shiny dress boots and he even had a crisp, white handkerchief in his pocket.

  “Wow.” Callie chuckled. “Dressed fit to kill, aren’t you?”

  Sam tipped his head as though it was of no consequence. “If you noticed, it’s all right with me.” He teased. His eyes took in her hair and make-up with approval. “Are you about ready?”

  “Yes. Just let me slip into my dress,” she said, clutching her robe. “I can’t answer for Sadie.” She returned wearing a sleeveless dress in Navy, with big white polka dots, and white heels. A wide, white belt with a jeweled clasp accentuated her slender waist, and the flowing skirt of the dress.

  Sam looked at her with raised eyebrows.

  “Will this be acceptable for the tent?” she asked worriedly.

  “Oh, my, yes. And then some!” He assured her.

  Sadie slapped his arm reprovingly as she went out the door. “Don’t forget your garment bags.” She reminded Callie.