The Winter of Temptation Ch. 07

As she passed the building housing the vending machines, Ian got a glimpse of her walking by in a rush. He looked over at Michael who had his back towards the door. Shaking the machine, trying to force his stuck candy bar to fall. When it finally did he smiled in triumph.

"I wanted to really thank you for what you did for me back their Mike."

Michael slowly chewed his candy. "What do you mean?"

Ian smiled. "For putting your brand new jeep in the hands of the girls. For me."

Michael finally realized what he was talking about, and then shrugged. "Sam is like my little sister. I know I can trust her."

Ian nodded.

"Speaking of Sam, where is she and Caroline?"

"I'm pretty sure I just saw Samantha fly by. So I guess they are at the bathroom."

"Oh, you think she gave Sam the letter yet?"

Ian shrugged, hiding the fear he felt creeping up his spine. It bothered him, how much control Samantha had over him. He was a manly man and the fact that just the thought of her laughing at him and his childish attempts for attention, fucked with him badly.

"Dude, you looked worried. You shouldn't be. I know for a fact that Sam will become your woman. Hell your wife one day."

Ian felt his heart literally lift at his words. "Your right."

***

Samantha stood beside Caroline at the sink and felt her heart crumble once more at the hurt expression crossing her face.

"Caroline, it was wrong and dumb of me to ever think of you doing something like that." Caroline didn't acknowledge her words. "Please forgive me Carol."

"I didn't know what to think. All I could think about was Ian and his ways. I was wrong."

Caroline slowly turned around to face Samantha. "Apology accepted. But Samantha you have to get yourself together. I'm letting what you said slide because you found out that someone you called a friend turned out to be bat shit crazy bitch."

Samantha rushed to her for a hug. But stopped short when Caroline brought her hand up. "Never do that shit again Samantha."

Samantha's eyes where down casted, when she felt a pair of Smooth arms wrap around her shoulders. She basked in the loving embrace, and held on tight.

"I'm so so-rry." She cried.

"I know Sam." Caroline pulled back and wiped her tears away with the pad of her thumbs.

"Gotta make sure your makeup is on point."

"Why?"

"Because your man will be watching."

"Carol, Ian is not my man."

Caroline's made a face as if to say 'Stop lying.' "Girl with the way you were just acting, there's no reason for you to even try to lie."

Samantha's mouth clamped shut. For she had a point. Though she constantly made it a point to point out her un-involvement with Ian. Her actions spoke louder than words, people could clearly see what she was afraid too.

"Come on, boo. Let's get going" They walked out of the bathroom arm in arm.

As they walked out and passed the vendor's building. Samantha saw Ian and Michael deep in conversation. Caroline steered her towards the door, and as they walked in both men went quiet. Ian glanced at her cautiously, then turned away. But his eyes flew back to her and he moved across the floor to stand in front of her.

"What's wrong?" He gripped her face in his hand and caressed her cheeks.

"Nothing I'm fine Curly." Samantha replied unconsciously calling him by the little pet name.

Their eyes locked and he felt a jolt course through his body. Without taking his eyes away from her, Ian moved in and brushed his lips against hers. He brushed them twice more, before he planted them firmly against hers. Leisurely allowing his lips to caress hers sweetly; sucking on her succulent bottom lip.

Caroline and Michael exchanged knowing looks at each other, before both cleared their throats.

Samantha jolted at the sound, and realized what she had been doing. Jumping back, her hand came up to rest over her lips. She nervously looked at her friends, and then back at Ian before she turned and walked out of the building. Ian drew his lower lip into his mouth, and squeezed his closed fist. In agony from the hardness in his pants. He discreetly adjusted himself; then turned around.

"Dude when I told you to work on her defense and get her to understand how you felt, I didn't think you would start so soon."

Ian didn't feel at all bothered by what had taken place. "It just happen. I saw her red rimmed eyes I just went to her."
"Well adjust yourself a bit more; then come on lover boy." Caroline walked towards the door. "We have to get back on the road."

Michael laughed and clapped." Keys." Ian tossed the keys to Michael, and followed him outside

***

As Caroline got inside Samantha rested her head against the head rest. When she cranked the car up, Samantha finally managed to open her eyes. "What am I going to do?"

Caroline looked out of the rear view mirror and saw that the guys were ready to pull out.

"Honey I wish I could tell you. But that is something your going to have to figure out on your own." She pulled out and merged into the light traffic. "Should I let them lead?"

She looked over at Samantha.

"I think you will be okay. I set the GPS for you. But if you feel more comfortable following them than that's cool."

Caroline visibly relaxed in her seat. They rode in silence for a couple of minutes, with top 20 hit's playing in the background.

"Did you read the note?"

Samantha shook her head before she realized Caroline wasn't looking.

"No I haven't got around to reading it yet but I will."

"Mmmh hmm."

"I will. Right now I just want to get home to my mama, and daddy."

"Tell me about them." Caroline said, jumping subjects.

Samantha smiled to herself. "Belinda Wilson is one woman that is amazing. She's smart, funny, talented, and someone you can't get over on. She'll call you out on your shit in a heartbeat. But will also be there for you to lean on if you were to ever need her. She's just an awesome woman. That's why my dad married her."

"But daddy is a hardworking man. He can sometimes seem a little hard around the edges, and a bit standoffish. Yet that façade always seems to fall away whenever my mama's around. They are two peas in a pot."

"Aww you can tell you love them."

"I do." She shifted in her seat to look over at Caroline. "What about you, Carol."

Caroline waved her hand, and shook her head. "Nah, I'll pass. I would much rather talk about that heady kiss you and lover boy shared."

Samantha groaned, and tilted her head back against the headrest. "Carol, why must you always bring Ian up?"

"Well because this entire situation is like something you would watch on a drama filled soap opera. An you know how much I love soap operas."

"You are something else. I'm going to take a nap wake me up when we get there."

***

The feeling of arms wrapping around her woke her up from a serene nap. As she opened her eyes, a pair of tropical sea blue eyes stared into hers. She stared up at him silently. His mouth was moving but she couldn't comprehend a thing he said. Her attention was so taking with the sight of his male beauty. He shook her a bit. Sound began to filter into her.

"Samantha?"

"Wha- huh?"

"You were talking in your sleep." His face was a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "You were calling for me."

Samantha tried to sit up in her seat but Ian had not let her go. Her hand came to rest on Ian's forearms as she looked around for Michael and Caroline. Who happened to be unloading the jeep at that moment.

'How long have we been here?'Samantha wondered. She didn't feel the car stop. 'How did Ian continue to appear, and ask if everything's alright.'

"Uh Ian?" He looked down at her questionably. "I'm awake now." She stated.

He gave her a coy grin. "I know."

Samantha swallowed audibly.

"Hey do you think you guys can speed up with the love bird chatter, and come help with this luggage." Michael asked.

Ian kissed her forehead and then let her go. Walking to the back of the car he grabbed all of her bags in one strop grip. She felt her mouth begin to salivate at the display of his thick firm Biceps and Triceps. Shaking her head to rid herself of thoughts of yearning; she got out of the truck and grabbed her purse.

When she turned around she realized that she wasn't in her yard. Instead she was standing in the driveway of Ian's home. And her home, and place of sanctuary was down the street.

'Wha-.Why did he take my things in to his house.'

Rolling her shoulders to ease the tension. Samantha marched up the porch and into the house. Immediately a feeling of warmness, and affection consumed her.

"There she is. Buttercup come here girl." Jacob pulled her into his arms and rocked her from side to side.

She held on tight and smiled contently at the fondness in which he said her pet name he'd given.

"Hey, papa Jac." He pulled back and she went over to Lauren.

"Hey, ma." She hugged her tightly. Having missed the woman she had come to consider her second mother. She had been there for her just as much, and she loved her dearly. She loved them both.

Lauren pulled away and assessed her thoughtfully. "Buttercup, you look so beautiful. Honey your vibrate."

"Ma, your exaggerating." She giggled. Then reached for Caroline's hand. "Have you been introduced to my best friend Caroline?"

Lauren nodded and smiled. "Yeah, Ian did the honors." The taller woman pulled both girls hand. "You gal's come with me. Let the men get the luggage."

At the mention of luggage Samantha remembered her previous thoughts before being sidetracked.

"Oh, Ma I'm not planning on staying here. I promised my mama, I would be staying at the house." Samantha rushed to explain. Glancing over her shoulder at Ian, for some reason. He in turn stared at her crestfallen.

"Oh okay. What about Caroline here?" Lauren looked over at Caroline. "There's more than enough room, here if you wanna stay."

"That's okay, I'll just stay with Sam."

Lauren smiled and turned to the boys. "Take their bags back to the car."

Michael and Ian groaned, as Jacob laughed.

Lauren proceed to walk into the large living room. Decorated in yellow, beige, and browns. As soon as you walk in your attention is drawn towards a large stone fireplace that reached the ceiling. Samantha had plenty of fond memories of her, Ian, and his parents making s'mores or huddle around the flat screen; watching movies. The screen displayed 'The young and The Restless,' at that moment. Lauren took a seat behind a small glass top desk that she had facing the television.

As she and Caroline took a seat on the soft beige remote recline sofa. Carolina was completely taken by the drama on the screen, while Samantha reminiscence about the things they had done. The golden yellow walls were covered with family photos of Ian's family, and even a few of her when she tagged along for one of their family trips.

"How have you been Buttercup? Have you been keeping my baby boy out of trouble?"

Samantha's attention turned back to Lauren, as Caroline cackled in the background. Lauren put her work aside and gave all of her attention to Samantha.

"Well you know Ian. The boy's middle name is trouble. I have no control over his actions."

Lauren laughed. "You got a point. It was always hard to keep that boy out of trouble. And he always found a way to drag you in to his little terrible antics." She laughed to herself.

"Well I see the little look on your face. Plus the glower of new love on you." She grinned.

"There's no one ma." Samantha said, a little too quickly.

"Uh huh, you are not being truthful. Caroline?" Lauren put Caroline on the spot, it was obviously obvious. "Who is my darling little Buttercup here smitten with?"

Caroline glanced at Samantha's face, and then backed to Lauren.

"Uh, well she has been seeing this guy."

Lauren clapped her hands together happily. "What's this young man's name?" She move to get up; coming around the desk she sat down right in the middle of Samantha and Caroline. With her back to Samantha she gave her attention to Caroline as she waited for an answer. Samantha franticly shook her head; no. Caroline glanced at her and then turned back to Lauren.

"His name is Calvin." Caroline told the little white lie, smoothly. Though she didn't like the sound of it as it left her mouth.

Samantha breathed a little easier, for a second she thought that Caroline was going to tell Ian's mother about them. That couldn't happen.

There wasn't a reason too right?Her thoughts began to jumble up.

"Oh wow do you have a picture of this lucky young man?" Lauren insistently asked.

Samantha thought quickly, and remembered that she did have a picture of her, and Calvin from the week that they had spent together. Pulling out her phone she went to the photo, and held it out for Ian's mother to see. As she looked on Lauren let out a little gasp, and her eyes widen.

"He's so handsome. Where did you meet?"

"Well I was attending a luncheon and he just happened to be there." Samantha felt the dryness in her throat. "Ma, can I grab a glass of water?"

"You know that you don't have to ask. This home is just as much as yours as it is mine."

Samantha got up to head towards the kitchen. "Oh can you tell Ian that his mama wants some quality time as well. You know where they will be." Samantha laughed knowing it would be a struggle pulling Ian away from that den. She walked down the familiar hall, straight towards the kitchen. Opening the fridge she peeked around before grabbing a couple of grapes, and a 2 bottles of water. Then she went on the hunt for the three stooges. She found them easily, all of them engrossed in a game of hockey. As she walked in no one paid her any attention; for someone happened to be gearing up for a shot. She found out this player was Ian, when he shot up out of his seat at that moment, and mimicked WWE's Dolph Ziggler's show off move; as the player made a goal.

Samantha snickered. He had the hip move down packed, and it was incredibly sexy. Ian turned to her smiling. He motioned or her to come over and she shook her head still grinning. When the game paused and everyone eyed her, she had no other choice but to walk over. Ian pulled her down next to him, and stole one of her grapes; popping the fruity morsel into his mouth before turning back to the screen. She couldn't help but look at the prominent curve of his strong jaw, and the curve of his pleasurable mouth.

'Get a grip girl, you can't look at him like that.'

Yet look she did. She couldn't help but begin to open up and relax around him, after seeing how much he was trying. His attitude was completely different from the way it had been for the last few weeks. It felt as if things were suddenly back to the way they were before all of the drama. She felt immense happiness, but also a bit weary.

'What if it's all an act? How can I truly know ifmy old Curly is back?'Samantha nibbled her lip as she thought about all of these things. Not realizing two things, 1: That she had unconsciously labeled Ian as hers, and 2: That she was supposed to be relaying a message.

Ian reached over and snagged two more grapes. She playfully shoved him, and he chuckled.

"Boy pass the ball. While you over there passing love taps, you leaving yourself all open." Jacob chided.

Samantha felt guilty, and embarrassed. Jacob had been observing the complete exchange. Samantha chanced a glance at him, but his soft blue gaze was focused on the video game. Michael broke out in a laughter as he swiped the ball from Ian, and made a goal.

"Ian!" Lauren shouted from the living room.

"Oh crap I totally forgot. I was supposed to tell you that ma wanted to see you."

Ian looked down at her, before getting up. He handed her the remote. "I'll be back."

Samantha looked down at the remote with dread.'I hate soccer.'

***

"What's up mama?"

Ian sauntered into the living room, and jumped over the back of the couch; landing in a slouch position, with his arm resting on the back of the sofa.

"Do I need a reason to have my son come spend a little time with his mama?"

Ian laughed as she tried to pull the guilt card. "Never." He pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her on the cheek. "What you been up to mama? I see that you and dad both decided to take a day off."

Lauren hugged him back and pulled away. "Well your dad, is on call. I decided to work from home today. I wanted to be home to welcome you, Buttercup and your friends."

"How is things going at the antique shop?"

"It's doing amazing, baby. I love being around all of those pieces of history, more than I like cataloging it." She made a hand gesture towards all of the paperwork littering her work area.

"May I use your restroom?" Caroline cut in.

"Yes darling, there's one right down the hall to your left."

Turning back towards Ian, she cupped his cheeks and beamed up at him. "I just want to say how proud I am of you Ian." Her eyes watered. "I'm so happy for you, sweetie."

"Aw, mama." His arms found their way around her again.

She sobbed happy tears into his chest for a moment, before she pulled back. Grabbing a Kleenex from the coffee table; she dabbed at her tears, offering a watery smile.

"I remember a time when it was you crying into my chest, instead of the other way around." He laughed. "Well you're truly a man now. Your not my baby Mitchell anymore."

Ian groaned. "Mama, you haven't called me that in a while."

Lauren cut her eyes at him. "Well if you were to come home more often then-"

"Mama we've been through this."

"Argh. I know, I know." She sniffled. "Well I just wish you would at least bring home a special little lady one of this days."

Ian bristled. His stoic expression gave away nothing.

She impishly grinned. "For a second I thought you were with Caroline. I was so thrilled but, then you introduced her as just a friend." Her face revealed displeasure.

Ian shook his head. "We're strictly friends."'Samantha would have my ass on a platter.'He thought with a smile.

"Do you not have your eye on any young lady? I do wanna be a grandma ya know."

"Whoa, mama! I haven't even graduated yet, and yet your talking as if you want me to start a little league."
'Oh, she's really cranking up the pressure.'he laughed.'If she only knew.'

The moment he got Samantha to stop fighting their love, their parents would be the first people they tell. He preferred for that to happen sooner rather than later. He just had to continue to have day's like this, were she did nothing but smile and laugh. Far away from that asshole, Calvin, he could definitely work on proving himself worthy of her with no interruptions. The thought was very sobering. He needed to really think of ways to really woe her, like she deserved.

"Ian? Did you hear me?"

Ian broke his train of thoughts to look at his mother, he hadn't realized that he'd completely tuned her out. "Nah. I'm sorry I had something on my mind. What did you say?"

"I was just saying that, if Buttercup can find a special man, then you can find a special young lady to bring home to meet your paren-"

Ian ignored everything else his mother said; after hearing 'Buttercups special man.'

'What was she talking about?'

"Mama? Whatcha talking about?"

"I'm talking about the little handsome fella she showed me. I think she said his name was Calvin. Yeah that's his name." Lauren look thoughtful. "They make a beautiful couple. Their babies would be absolutely gorgeous. Don't ya think?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Ian was outraged. How could Samantha tell his mother these things? Abouthim. For god's sakes, she has only known this man for a matter of weeks. Now his mother was damn near ready to plan her wedding to the prick. It was beyond his understanding.