Noah and Sami met 31 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

"Sure." She focused on Noah's hand as it tightened around hers. "There are two things I want to do immediately. First, I have a relationship that needs to be redefined. We'll need to figure out what comes next. Second, I need to see my parents."

A long silence continued, before Noah said, "I guess it's my turn. I know Bob and Jose expect me to say something like go to my office and clear my desk. I know it's piled high." He exhaled and studied Sami. "But my immediate task is to figure out how to prioritize my life, so work isn't first. From now on a certain young lady will be first on my list." He dried a tear creeping down Sami's cheek. "I'm serious about this."

"Thank you."

*****
After dinner was cleared, Noah and Sami took Jasper for his final nightly walk. They held hands and occasionally kissed along the way, before Noah said, "Sunshine, I'm serious about making you a priority."

"I know and I hope it works that way. I won't lie. I'm worried."

"I understand."


TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 26

Wednesday as everyone came to the table for lunch, Noah said, "Sami, I've noticed you've been busy all morning. What do you have planned for dinner? I'm guessing it's special."

"It's a surprise, so I can't tell you. Since you haven't told me to close down anything, I'm guessing all I need to do is pack my personal belongings, correct? What about the things that were in the attic?"

"We'll need to replace them," said Noah.

"I can."

Bob joined in the conversation, "We'll do it. After we leave, a crew will come in and take care of cleaning and get everything ready for the next occupants."

"Makes sense." Sami's eyes widened as they lit the room. "I'll give you a heads up, so you can be thinking about it. During dinner I'll ask three questions. What was your favorite part of our stay? What was your least favorite?" She exhaled. "In case its different, what do you regret?" She tilted her head. "I think I'll add, what were you most impressed with? Now, four questions."

Noah exhaled loudly. "You taxed my touchy-feely side last night and you're doing it again."

She reached over and patted his hand. "I'm giving you a warning, so you have time to think about it."

"Or all afternoon to worry."

"I guess it depends how you look at it. Maybe since you're the boss you can be exempt."

The three teammates responded, "No way!"

"I'll participate, but I'm doing it under protest." Noah stood. "Let's get busy." He winked at Sami. "If you need anything, you know where I'll be."

"I'll bring in a fresh pot of coffee."

*****
Mid-afternoon, Noah came into the kitchen. "Sami, I need a break. Do you have time for a walk?"

She scanned the area. "I always have time for you." She accepted his offered hand. "Is it okay if Jasper comes?"

"I never considered he wouldn't."

They walked together toward the pond, before Sami said, "Noah, I know sharing feelings isn't your thing. I'll cancel the questions."

"Thank you, but I think it's sort of a good idea. It's like an after-action report." His eyes met hers.

"Is that good or bad?"

"It's probably normal for everybody but me."

"I fell in love with this strong, unshakable man. I feel by expecting you to answer these types of questions I'm trying to change you. I don't want you to change."

"In order to open my heart to love, I need to change."

"I hadn't thought about it that way." Sami thought a moment. "I guess that's true."

Noah kissed her. "You've broken through every wall I'd built. It's a little scary, but I'm glad you did."

"I can't picture you being scared."

"The thought of Big T hurting you or Chen getting hold of you both scare me." He grinned. "When it comes to you, I scare easily."

Sami reached up and kissed him. "Thank you. I..."

"Noah!" interrupted Jose. "Galvin's losing his stuff. You need to handle this."

Giving Sami a quick cheek peck, he said, "Sorry. I guess I'd better get inside."

"I need to work on dinner, anyway."

*****
The team came together at the usual dinner time. The table wasn't set. "Sami, is dinner ready?" asked Jose. "It's unlike you not to be ready. Do you need help?"

"It's ready." Sami glanced at Jose standing beside her and pointed. "Would you set that platter on the table?"

"Sure." Setting down the platter, he nodded toward Sarah. "I think there's place settings on the counter."

Once everybody sat around the table, Jose's eyes met Sami's. "In a little while you're asking us some questions. I have one for you. You're never late with anything. What's going on?" He hesitated. "And don't tell me nothing."

"Sami?" Noah's eyebrows rose.

Taking a long drink of water, Sami fingered her glass. "I'm happy to be returning to my life, but since I've been here a part of my life changed. I'm afraid when I leave, that part of my life won't be possible. That thought hurts."

Noah reached for her hand. "It'll continue. I'm not going anywhere."

Silence continued as they passed the dishes around the table.

"I don't think I've ever had prime rib this good before," Bob broke the silence. "You did a wonderful job."

"Thank you."

He nodded. "I know my favorite part of this assignment. Being on assignment with my wife."

Sarah touched Bob's arm. "I agree with my husband. Being here with Bob. Thank you, Boss."

Jose chuckled. "My favorite part was watching Boss and Sami attempt to hide their relationship. None of us are blind. It was obvious. And another favorite was learning that a dog the size of a horse is afraid of storms."

Noah studied Sami. "Since it's out in the open, my favorite part was learning more about this incredible lady."

"It's my turn." Sami exhaled. "Realizing, Noah felt the same as I did." She tilted her head. "Who wants to start with least favorite?"

Jose finished his bite of twice baked potato. "My least favorite was having our movements restricted."

Everyone agreed that was their least favorite.

Sami said, "The next one is easy. My biggest regret is slapping Noah and not trusting him."

Sarah nodded. "I'm sort of in agreement. My biggest regret is not trusting Bob enough to tell him I thought I was pregnant."

Leaning over and pecking Sarah's cheek, Bob said, "My biggest regret in not making sure my wife knew how much I love her. She should never be afraid to tell me anything." He glanced at Jose. "You're turn."

"I honestly can't think of a regret." Jose thought a moment. "I do have one, allowing Baldwin to leave the front door open. Security is my thing. I never should've trusted him."

Exhaling, Noah said, "My biggest regret is every time I said something or did something that hurt Sami." His eyes met hers. "I'm sorry."

Sami swallowed, loudly.

"Okay, everybody," said Jose, "I have the next one. I've been impressed by many things. First Sami, I was impressed that out here in the middle of nowhere you found a longhorn steer that trapped you in a tree. I'm sorry, but that's impressive."

Bob chuckled. "You're right, Jose."

"Not done. I was impressed with Sami telling off Baldwin." Jose winked at Sami. "Let's just say I've been impressed with you. I can't think of a more perfect woman for Boss."

"Thank you," she whispered.

Sarah reached over and took Sami's hand. "I'm impressed I found a good friend in Sami. I know this friendship will last forever."

Drying an escaped tear, Sami said, "I agree. Friends forever."

Bob chuckled. "Sami, you've impressed me with how many things you found to get into while in a restricted environment. I didn't think it was possible, but you did it. I'm also glad you and Sarah have a strong friendship."

"Sorry, for continuing getting in trouble." Sami exhaled. "I'm not sure I should say this, but I was most impressed with the time I was hurting, and Noah risked everything to come into my room and hold me." Her eyes met his. "I'll never forget that."

Noah nodded. "The incident that left the biggest impression on me was when you asked me to kiss you and to really mean it."

Jose chuckled. "I wish I would've known that. I'd have added that to my list."

"I was getting the feeling Noah cared but wasn't sure. I knew if he kissed me, I'd be certain how he felt."

"Did you get your answer?" asked Sarah.

Sami's eyes lit the room. "I did and more than I expected."

Everyone laughed as Noah attempted to ignore the situation.

The conversation continued through dinner and cleanup. Afterward everyone went to their respective areas and finished what needed to be done.

*****
Jasper and Sami stood by the door to go outside, and Sami wondered what to do next. Noah's busy or he'd be here.

Jose walked in and glanced at Jasper. "He needs out?"

"I'm guessing Noah's busy. Since the threat is over, can I take Jasper for his walk? Tomorrow I'll be walking him by myself."

"It makes sense, but not sure. I'd better ask."

Before Jose could go to the computer lab, Noah came out. "Ask me what?" He saw Sami and Jasper at the door and checked his watch. "Sorry, I lost track of time. If you thought you could go out by yourself, you're mistaken. There are wild animals out there."

Holding hands, they headed toward the pond. Noah stopped and faced Sami. "I know you're worried about our future. I promise to do everything in my power to make this work."

"I believe you." She exhaled. "You're every woman's dream."

"I think you're confusing me with Mateo," injected Noah.

"You're handsome, sexy, and compassionate. When you commit to something you go all the way. I believe you'll do that with relationships too."

"I don't share my feelings. I'm bossy."

"You are bossy." She smiled. "If that's your worse fault, it's not a problem. We'll work through it."

He chuckled. "Thank you."

"As for not sharing your feeling, you've gotten better."

"Around you." He took a deep breath. "It's safe around you. As for commitment, you're right." He avoided eye contact before his eyes met hers. "I'm working on something. I don't want to say anything and get your hopes up in case it doesn't work. If it does, things will be better. Can you trust me a little longer?"

She reached up and kissed him. "Of course."



~~~~~
CHARACTERS:

Sami Martinez - Twenty-five-year-old high school teacher, who's working to find a kidnapped teenage girl.

Noah Taylor. - Homeland Security team leader, who works in the Human Trafficking department. Alias - Trey Morgan

Jose, Bob, & Sarah - Agents who work under Noah. Bob and Sarah are married.

Laura Martinez - Sami's mom.

Jasper - Sami's Great Dane, a large breed dog.

Myra Rodriguez - Kidnapped teenage girl whom Sami was close to.

Julia - Teenage girl, who was friends with Myra and Sami works with.

Big T - Neighborhood pimp; not a friendly person

Numerous Team Members - They will show up periodically but not really important to the story, except they're there.

Chen - Charles Henry Edward Nichols - Human trafficker and into some really bad stuff.

Chief Galvin Baldwin - Noah's supervisor.

Marc - Sami's old boyfriend.

Mateo Enrique Aguilar de Pereira - a very close friend of Sami's; a rich playboy

Juan Pablo Enrique Aguilar de Pereira - Mateo's father