Writing Sam's Book

Sam is one of my favorite characters from Seaside. She's smart, sassy, and would rather strap on a weapon than a pair of heels.
Here's a sneak peek:

“Should we be concerned about your grandmother offering us a mating ritual?” Rich asked curiously.  

“Would you turn it down?” Davis said with a smile. “Because I wouldn’t.” 

The pounding of my heart thudded in my ears as he met my eyes. “Mating is a serious thing,” I said weakly. “It’s permanent, not like a human marriage.”  

Davis looked around the room. “I can honestly say that I know you better than any other chick I’ve ever dated, and I think everyone else here can say the same. We’ve spent months living together, training together, and fighting together.” 

“I recognize the sound of your breath,” Trevor told me. “Even when blindfolded.” 

My eyebrows rose. “That’s…” 

“I think he was going for romantic?” Quinn offered.  

“I can do better,” Mike said before I could answer. “Sam, I hear the sound of your footsteps coming towards me from across the house, and I start to smile.”  

“Better,” Quinn quipped. “But you’re still not there.”  

“Uh…” I still couldn’t make words come out of my mouth.  

“I walk into the gun store, and I find myself immediately looking for something you’d like,” Davis told me earnestly.  

“Rich, you’re up,” Quinn said. “And go deep because the other ones are stuck in the kiddie pool.” 

“I think what we all want to say,” Rich said before he paused. “Is that you have enriched our lives enormously, Sam. We might not have all the right words to form the pretty bouquet that most women would want, but we see the world differently than most men. Instead of bringing you flowers, we’ll present you with ammo and knives.”  

My eyes widened. “I like ammo,” I squeezed out. “And knives.” 

Davis gave me an intimate smile. “I know.”  

“I’ll rig things to explode, just for you,” Rich said with a grin. 

Quinn looked exasperated. “Love, the word you are all struggling for is love.” 

“I…” I tried to speak, but there was a lump in my throat, and my eyes were wet from more than just the water from the pool. “I think I might love you, too.” 

Quinn laughed out loud. “Oh, the five of you definitely belong together.”