“Are you getting the lay of the town?” Ben asked.
“I’m afraid I’ve been huddled up inside of my office most of the week. Grabbing a sandwich from the corner market on my way home was as much town as I’ve seen.”
Cassie almost felt sorry for Sam. She guessed she hadn’t been much of a hostess, yet she’d feared going around him and not resisting this mystical need she had for him. Even now, he enticed her into forgetting who she was and her responsibilities.
5
Okay, I’ve met your friends. I’ve put in my bids for the silent auction and dropped my check off with the treasurer. Is there any way I can convince you to leave with me now?”
“And where would we go, doctor?” Cassie looked into Sam’s smoldering gaze. She wanted to quickly deny his invitation, but she was held back by some unseen force.
“Come with me and see,” he teased, smiling that delicious smile that hooked her.
She couldn’t possibly just walk away from the gala, her duty, and run away with him. And yet, why couldn’t she? Anna would be with her dad all weekend and Cassie would go home to…nothing. Her daughter’s words came to mind, “I want you to be happy. Have fun.”
“Cassie?” His lips formed her name like a sexual epitaph.
“Did you have this planned?”
“I was hoping I could convince you.” He leaned in close to her ear. “I have a surprise that you won’t want to miss. I want to make you smile.” His voice spread like warm chocolate through her veins. “Meet me in the parking lot in five minutes.” His lips twitched with a smile. She watched as he made his way through the crowd toward the door.
Standing there, her heart and mind battling, she groped with her choices. For so long she’d done the right thing. Been the best mom she could be. Went to work every day and looked out for everyone’s benefit. When Steven had left her, she’d blamed herself. Their sex life had been lackluster and she’d had a priority list that didn’t include her ex at the top. Yet, it wasn’t her fault that he couldn’t keep his zipper closed.
“You should go.”
She twirled around. Bryan was standing next to her, popping a bacon-wrapped shrimp into his mouth.
“What?” Had he overheard her conversation with Sam?
“I think you should know,” he repeated his words, “that this new look of yours is amazing. I think you might have an admirer.” Bryan pointed to the exit door.
“I—well, I don’t know.”
“Yes, you do.”
“Okay, I guess I do, I just don’t know where we go from here…” She allowed her gaze to shoot to the door. “The townspeople are going to find my faults no matter what I do.”
“Yes, you’re right. They will.”
She brought her eyes on her assistant. “You’re always there giving me a vote of confidence. Thank you.”
“Come on, Cassie. You don’t pay me to tell you what you want to hear, do you?”
“Okay, then you tell me the truth.” She considered him a friend.
“Your ex-husband was a philandering bastard who didn’t appreciate the gift he’d been given in life. Don’t allow him to be the reason you let a good thing slip through your fingers. I think there’s a lot to be said about a man who will come to some tiny town where the most excitement is what new bagel flavor Dorothy will put out for the month.”
She blinked. “How did you know that he came here for me?”
“Again, you hired me because my instincts are right on. Your look was priceless when you spotted him.”
She kissed him on the cheek, shoved her glass toward him and he took it. “Thank you.”
“You’re the best boss. You deserve happiness.” For the first time in her life she was going to put pleasure before responsibility.
“I have someplace to be,” she said.
“But what about your speech?” He adjusted his glasses.
She shrugged. “You do it. I trust you.”
With anticipation curling around her backbone, she hurried out of the ballroom and down the stairs. She had no clue what she was doing and she didn’t care.
Sam was leaning against the silver BMW, looking handsome as always. When he saw her, several expressions flittered across his face before settling on one of disbelief. Had he really thought she’d turn him down? She doubted many women would refuse to follow Sam Saxour wherever he wished to go.
“Nice ride, doctor,” she said.
“Thank you.” He opened the passenger door as his eyes twinkled. “Your chariot awaits you, Miss Yearwood.”
Holy crap…he’s a dream. Once she was seated in the soft leather, he rounded to the driver’s side, slid behind the steering wheel and bent over and grabbed her seatbelt, clicking it into place. His fingers brushed her breast in the act. Her nipples hardened and her inner thighs clenched. Their faces were so close she would have been disappointed if he hadn’t followed through. He kissed her, his tongue slipping past her lips, sampling her for one quick moment before he pulled back. That one, leisure kiss left her breathless, and she saw only humor in his eyes.
“Now, let’s go chase the sun, sweetheart.”
She allowed her body to ease into the plush seat and gave him complete control, at least for the moment.
*****
He steered the car out of town as the sound of classical music played from the speakers.
“Where are we going?”
He smiled. “It’s a surprise.” He glanced at her and winked. “I have a feeling you’re not crazy about surprises.”
“No, not really.”
“Remind me to never give you a surprise party then.”
She chuckled. “Please, don’t. You know as well as I do no one appreciates being confronted with a crowd of friends and family jumping out at them and yelling, ‘Surprise!’. Is this Mozart playing?”
“Yes. Do you like it?”
“I love classical music. It’s lovely and calming.”
“Any time you wish, feel free to choose from the playlist. I have a huge variety of Adele.”
“You remembered that she’s my favorite.”
“Hell yeah, I did.”
“You do tend to amaze me. Why aren’t you married?”
He never liked talking about himself, but would rather listen to her and the facets of her life, but he realized if he wanted her to trust him he’d have to open up some. “I was once.”
“What happened?”
“We ended.”
“Yes, but what caused the break up?”
“We both wanted more, different things. What about you?”
He noticed that she shifted uncomfortably. “My ex decided he had a fascination with his college students. I was no longer enough.”
Sam shook his head. “Let’s get one thing straight, sweetheart. You’re more than enough. I’ve never wanted a woman more than I want you. Your ex was an idiot.”
“He’s quite smart, just not when it comes to where he sticks his penis.”
“My dad had that same problem, but it was with my nanny.”
“How old are you, Sam?”
“Thirty-five.” When she didn’t respond, he gave her a side glance. “Is that a problem?”
“No, should it be?”
“I like older women, although I wouldn’t consider five years as older.”
“So, where are we headed?”
He laughed. “Is it hard not to plan your every future step, Miss Yearwood?”
“Sorry. It’s an old habit.”
“I’ll put you out of your misery. We’re heading to the airfield.”
She stiffened. “The airfield?”
“It’s about time you got to know more about me than the size of my tool.” He winked.
“I’m pleased to hear that, but if you bought plane tickets for us, that was awfully presumptuous.”
He glanced across the seat to her glorious expression. Damn, she was gorgeous. “Allow me to put you at ease. I didn’t say airport. I said airfield. No
w let me indulge you a bit, sweetheart. Maybe even allow me to flatter you some. Being independent is okay, but that doesn’t mean you can’t let someone take the reins at times.”
“Note taken. You have your own plane?”
“No, but I would like to get my pilot’s license. That’s on my bucket list as well as climbing Mt. Vinson and restoring a classical car.”
“I need to sit down and make myself one of those bucket lists. My life seems very boring next to yours.”
“Then let me see what I can do about that.”
They pulled up to the complex and he parked in front of the brick building. He looked at her, glad that she appeared more relaxed.
“You never cease to surprise me, Sam.”
“Great. Any way I can keep you interested, I’ll take it.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. He climbed out of the car and hurried around to open her door, then helped her out. Together they headed toward the tarmac where several glider planes sat. A tall, gangly man met Sam and Cassie partway. He wore a Chicago Cubs cap and a blue polo.
Cassie leaned in. “His hat is sporting the Cubs. Friend of yours, Sam?”
“Very observant. Yes, he is. When I heard he was close, I asked him to pop down here and do me a favor.”
“Hey there, Sam.” The man shook Sam’s hand and buddy slapped him on the shoulder. “Long time no see.”
“Nice to see you, Parker. Thank you for flying in. Nothing would do but the best damn pilot I know. I don’t think you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Cassie Yearwood.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Cassie, this is John Parker,” Sam said. “He’s not only the best pilot, but also the best instructor.”
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” Parker shook her hand, showing off a wide grin. “Don’t let this fellow fool you. Teaching him was like showing a rocket scientist how to mix chemicals. His dad had Sam in the air more than on land when he was a kid.”
There was so much to learn about Sam and she was excited to peel every layer.
She also realized she was about to start that bucket list of her own today.
6
Come.” Sam held out his hand, palm up, and Cassie stared for a quick second.
As she took his hand, she was overcome with jitters. She wanted to blame the fact that they would be flying soon, but she knew, without a doubt, her emotions were all because this amazing man, a mere stranger, had thought enough to whisk her away. She’d never felt so…well, wanted in all her life. This was more like a fairytale than her average life in a small town.
As they approached the plane she realized how little she knew about the mechanics or models of planes. It was sleek white with two black stripes on the side and looked sturdy enough. The cockpit wasn’t very big and there were lights lit up on the front panel. Two seats were in the front and two in the back. Parker allowed she and Sam to climb in before he pulled himself up.
Once they were seated, Sam turned to her. “Let’s get you all safe and sound, shall we?” Before she could reach for her seatbelt, he had the strap in his hand and securing the snap between her leg. When he brushed the backs of his knuckles over her crotch she realized he had an ulterior motive. She should be staggered, but instead, she was turned on.
“You enjoy strapping me with belts, don’t you?” She raised a brow.
“I enjoy being near you,” he whispered. “And if straps are involved that’s icing on the cake.”
She’d keep that bit of information for later use.
Once they were settled in, she heard the pilot saying something over the radio before he clicked several knobs and dials on the panel. Sam seemed to trust the man, therefore, she trusted Parker too. She’d never been in a plane that wasn’t much bigger than her Suburban.
“Are you nervous?” Sam asked.
“No, of course not?” She was as nervous as hell and yet excited.
“Hold my hand. I’ll protect you.” He smiled.
Parker looked back at them. “No worries. I’ll take good care of you both. All set and ready to do this?” he asked.
She nodded. “Only forward now.”
For the first time in her life she had no clue what tomorrow, or the next hour, would include, and it took a little to get used to, but she liked not having to worry how things would turn out. It was a liberation. The propeller started, whirling loudly, and Sam handed her a pair of large ear phones. She put them on, so excited at this point that her throat constricted and butterflies fluttered inside her stomach…so happy she could throw up. She’d never forgive herself if she did and she doubted Parker would either.
The plane jolted forward and taxied down the runway, juggling her insides. There was chatter over the radio and the pilot responded with mumbled one-worded answers. The plane picked up speed, hitting a few bumps and then they were in the air. Suddenly, her stomach seemed to dip into her toes, only to come back up into her chest, before finally settling back into place. Her arms felt somewhat heavier. She looked over at Sam who appeared calm. Of course he did. The man never got a hair out of place with anything.
Holding his hand made everything okay. They were the only two people in the world as she looked down at the pea-sized landscape, recognizing some of the buildings until they flew over a wooded area and all she saw was green.
The sky was gorgeous with a warm orangish-blue hue with fat, fluffy clouds. Everything was soothing…peaceful.
She glanced over at Sam again, catching him staring at her. He smiled broadly and it was contagious. Her body smiled from roots to the tips of her toes.
“Isn’t this amazing?” he asked. “Easy to forget all our troubles up here.”
“Yes.”
They were silent and Parker’s radio talk drew her out of her reverie. She realized they had reached their destination and were preparing to land.
“We’re still in Texas, right?” she asked.
“Yes.”
The butterflies started to flutter again and she didn’t realize she was gripping his hand so tightly until he glanced down at their clasped hands. She loosened her hold, giving him an apologetic grin.
They dipped as the wings glided through the air and she watched them descend, the land coming closer and closer until it appeared they would hit but the tires struck asphalt and slowed before coming to a stop.
Minutes later they were out of the cockpit, still holding hands.
“How did you like that?” he asked.
“Thank you so much, Sam. That was incredible.”
They waved goodbye to Parker and Sam led her to an awaiting car.
“You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”
“Not everything. I still don’t know if I’ll have you naked and underneath me by the end of the evening. That is entirely your choice.”
Her core throbbed making it hard to walk.
A fancy dressed driver opened the door for them, but before she climbed in, Sam stopped her with a hand on her shoulder, gently pressing her against the side. She lifted her chin as he moved closer and kissed her—a kiss that would go down as the best kiss of her life. There were a lot of things she was experiencing with him that would top her list. When he pulled back, he was breathing heavy and his eyes were marked with a wild emotion. So, he felt the strong passion too?
“Good evening, sir,” the driver said with a knowing grin.
“Good evening,” Sam returned, motioning for Cassie to slip inside first.
*****
The five-star Italian restaurant was quiet as Sam and Cassie strolled through the dimly lit dining area. Sam had only been there a few times, but he remembered how delicious the food was and knew Cassie wouldn’t be disappointed. The hostess showed them to a private table in the corner where a lit candle was the only lighting. Cassie’s smile made him smile.
“What am I missing, Sam?” she asked once they were settled in the comfortable, plush booth. He’d chosen to sit next to her instead of across from her. He wanted to
be close.
“Explain.”
“You have the means to whisk us away in a plane and this restaurant…it’s pretty fancy. I know established doctors make a lot, but this seems over the top.”
“If you’re asking about my financial situation, I’m glad to explain. I mentioned my father before very briefly, but he was a businessman who’d made some very clever deals along his way. He had passed away a few years ago, leaving me an inheritance. Since I was his only child, I guess he had no one else to leave his money to.”
“I’m sorry about his passing.”
He shrugged. “I hadn’t seen him but maybe three times since I was five.”
“But I remember Parker saying that your dad had you in the air more than on land.”
“He’s referring to my step-dad, who Parker is best friends with. My mom married Derrick when I was seven.”
“Your biological father didn’t want to see you? He didn’t contribute to your upbringing?”
“I guess what Samuel couldn’t give in love or nurturing, he made up for in monetary things. Of course, I never wanted for anything, that is, things that could be bought. He paid for a reputable private school while I was growing up, braces, surgery when I wrecked my motorcycle at sixteen, my first car, my education at Duke, and, as a graduation present, he set me up in Chicago in the most luxurious high-rise apartment money can buy. Oh, and let’s not forget the phone call he made to wish me congratulations on being the youngest doctor at the reputable practice…which I’m sure he had a hand in. After all, I had to uphold the prestigious Saxour name. I spend most of my time working and although I do splurge on some things, most of my money is saved, and some donated to the very charities that Samuel despised. I’m putting his money to good use like helping the environment and scholarships for kids to attend college.”
She frowned. “Oh…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Your father…it’s confusing. Did he care and that’s why he helped you, or was he led by guilt?”
“It certainly wasn’t the first. It’s okay. Derrick was much more of a father than I could have ever hoped for. He’s the reason why I’m a doctor. He’s one himself and taught me ethics. A person shouldn’t be denied medical help if they don’t have insurance and helping others is much more important than making a dollar, the two very reasons why I quit the practice in Chicago.”
Hot as Hell (Studs in Scrubs Book 1) Page 4