She sighed shakily and let herself sink into the comfort of his embrace.
"Sam?" her mother called, appearing at the threshold. "Are you okay, honey?"
Reluctantly, she pulled away from Adam's hold. "I'm okay, Mum. Just worried, that's all."
"We all are. But that's why we're on a holiday this week, right? To not worry ourselves while we wait for the results?"
Sam nodded and composed herself. "You're right. Let's have dinner."
Adam stroked her back soothingly as they returned to the dining room. It calmed her, but it stirred her, too. Oh, she'd been so good at hiding her feelings for him in the past—even to herself. But now she knew it would be damned difficult from here on in. Was he ready for a new girlfriend so soon after breaking up with Sandy?
CHAPTER FIVE
Adam was just about ready to leave for his meeting with Kane when his phone rang. His brows creased when he saw who the caller was—Sandy's brother.
"Hi Eric."
"Hey, Adam! How's it going?" Eric boomed cheerily.
"Good, thanks. You?"
"Not bad, bro, not bad. Listen, I was wondering when we can start discussing your landscaping needs for your new property? I just want to make sure I have your job all scheduled so there are no delays later on."
Adam's frown deepened. Three months ago, he'd agreed to consider Eric's new company to do some landscaping for him after the new house was built. He didn't remember actually giving him the job.
"Um, Eric. I said you were one of my choices for a landscape designer. Unfortunately, I've gone for another company. Sorry about that."
"Hey, come on, Adam. I thought I was getting the job!"
"I don't remember promising you anything, Eric," he answered patiently.
"But you implied! And Sandy had said the job was mine. Are you turning your back on me because you've split up with her? I don't have anything to do with you and my sister breaking up. Why penalise me for that?"
Adam rolled his eyes. Of course Sandy had said 'yes' to her brother on Adam's behalf.
"Don't do this to me," Eric continued agitatedly. "I've already turned down a couple of lucrative jobs because I thought you'd already hired me."
Adam shook his head in annoyance. Eric was going for the guilt trip. He very much doubted that Eric had received other 'lucrative' job offers. He'd only just started his landscaping business and he hadn't done much in the way of promotion. Eric wanted him to be his prized client to use for his future marketing.
"Look, Eric. I'm really sorry. But we haven't signed any contract and I've never said you got the job."
"Geez, Adam. You've put me in a bad position here. I really need that contract. You know that. Can you reconsider?" Eric pleaded.
"I'm sorry."
"Damn. I'm gonna have a talk with Sandy. I know she can be childish and all. She should treat you much better."
"Sandy and I are done, Eric."
"Don't close your doors on me yet, Adam, please. Think about it. While you do, I'll put together a formal proposal for you. I'll be super competitive, you'll see. I've got to go now, but I'll talk to you in a few days."
Eric hung up and Adam let out a huge, frustrated sigh. Would Eric be like another dog with a bone, just like his sister?
No matter how much pleading Eric did, there was no way he was going to hire him. Having Eric work on his new property would just put more crazy ideas in Sandy's head that they weren't truly over.
Before they broke up, Sandy was already acting like his new house was going to be hers too. One of her favourite topics was how she would decorate the place when it was finished. He slowly but surely got bored with her constant yapping about paint colours and furnishings and indoor plants and this and that.
That kind of talk was what finally made him realise that Sandy wasn't the one for him. He simply couldn't picture her living in his new home. She didn't seem to fit in there. It all became clear that they didn't belong together.
*******
"Hey," Adam greeted Sam with a kiss on the cheek as she arrived at the foyer of Kane's office building. "Did you play tourist with your parents today?"
"Yeah," Sam said. "We just came back from Manly Beach. We took the ferry from Circular Quay. They loved it."
As they waited for the lifts to take them up to Kane's floor, Adam stared at Sam. Her cheeks were rosy from the sun. She looked beautiful.
He figured she would have stripped to her bikinis when she went to the beach today. Even though Sam wasn't the type of girl who dressed to attract attention—her attires were never too revealing—he knew there was a great body underneath those clothes—curvy and really sexy. He'd seen it before, when she was in a swimsuit that first day they met at Kane and Jasmine's. Of course, back then, he could only look. He was still with Sandy.
"What?" Sam asked, noticing him observing her.
He shook his head, embarrassed at having been caught gaping. "I was just noticing you've caught some sun."
Sam smiled shyly. "Hey, are you still okay for us to have dinner at your place on Friday?"
"Sure," he answered as they stepped in the elevator.
"My mum wants to help me cook. We'll probably have to be at your place at five thirty at the latest. Are you sure it won't bother you? You might still be hard at work and we'd be banging pots and pans in the kitchen."
"No, it's okay. Don't worry about me."
"The other thing is, they'd probably have a look around your place and expect to see my stuff there," Sam said hesitantly. "I might need to bring my luggage there for the day and put my toiletries in your bathroom."
"Oh. Of course. No problem. I'll pick them up from Trey's for you on Friday morning."
"No need. I'll drive over to your place before I go grocery shopping. I'll use Kris's car. You just need to give me your address."
He chuckled. "Now, we wouldn't want your parents to find out you haven't even stepped foot in my apartment, would we? Why don't we pass by there tonight before I take you back to Trey's? That way you can also start familiarising yourself with the roads for when you drive there on Friday."
"That would be good, Adam. Thanks," Sam said with a grateful grin. "I really appreciate all this."
"You're welcome. I'm sure I'll be asking you to return the favour again sometime in the future."
"Any time," she answered as they got off the lifts.
For some reason, he was very much looking forward to that.
*******
Adam listened with amusement as Sam described to Kane her perfect dream kitchen. She was so animated that he could easily picture her cooking up a storm with economical and efficient movements. She knew exactly where everything should be to make working in a kitchen faster and easier.
"Wow," Kane said when Sam finished talking. "I should hire you as a kitchen design consultant."
Sam chuckled, embarrassed. "Other people who cook differently from the way I do would probably prefer their things positioned somewhere else."
"What do you think, Adam?" Kane asked.
Adam grinned. "You guys are the pros. I'm happy with everything I've heard."
"But you have to tailor it to what you want, Adam," Sam said. "I've explained how my dream kitchen would look. It may not be what you have in mind."
"I think what you've suggested is perfect for my house," he said. "Besides, I'm not much of a cook. Frankly, the reason why I want a big kitchen is more for show than anything else."
"Okay, so you're happy for me to incorporate the details Sam mentioned?" Kane asked.
"Yes."
*
Finished with the kitchen business, the three of them were busy chatting about their planned get-together with Sam's parents at Kane and Jasmine's when Adam's phone rang. Excusing himself, he answered it.
"Hi, Mum."
"Hello, Adam. Are you busy tonight, darling?"
"Why?"
"Can you come over for dinner? Carmen and Sandy will be here."
Adam went
out of the meeting room for some privacy. "No, Mum, I can't. I'm with Sam tonight." That was great timing. He certainly had no intention of socialising with Sandy and Carmen even if his own mother requested it.
"Oh. I really need you to be here tonight, Adam. Would you mind rearranging your plans? Please?"
He heard the anxiety in Marie's voice. "What's up, Mum?"
"Well, Carmen actually asked if they could come over. She wanted to talk to me about Eric working for you."
He groaned. "Carmen does not have any business dragging you into this," he said rather angrily.
"I did tell her I don't know anything about your plans for your new property. But she begged to see me. It sounded like Eric's desperate for the job, so I agreed for her and Sandy to come over. Eric's busy so he won't be joining us."
Adam exhaled forcefully. "I'm sure you can deal with them, Mum. Just keep saying you doubt you'll be able to change my mind about hiring Eric."
"Adam, Carmen wouldn't have been so emotional if this wasn't a big thing. Could you at least listen to what she has to say? Please? And why drop Eric? I know he's only just started his own business but he's very experienced. He's worked as a landscape designer for years. I'm not saying you should hire him, but at least continue to consider him."
Adam rubbed his face. "Kane knows landscape designers who are much better than Eric."
"Please, Adam. Join us tonight," Marie said quietly.
An idea popped in his head. "Only if I can bring Sam with me," he said to his mother.
Marie gasped. "But Sandy will be here. That would be insensitive."
"It's about time Sandy realises we're over for good, Mum," he said, thinking his mother needed proof of that just as much as Sandy. "If I can't bring Sam then I can't go," he insisted.
"Okay," Marie conceded with a sigh. "We'll see the two of you then. I better warn Sandy though."
"If you must. We'll be there soon."
Adam ended the call, shaking his head in frustration. He loved his mother. She had one of the biggest hearts he knew. But it annoyed him that she was also one of the biggest suckers for sob stories.
Now, he had to ask Sam for that return favour. He went back to the meeting room, curiously getting excited about the night ahead. Surprisingly, the thought of Sam playing his girlfriend was enough to erase his earlier displeasure.
*******
"Ready?" Adam asked Sam as they walked to his parents' front door.
Sam gave him a nervous smile. "I guess."
He grabbed her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. "We just need to be like we were in front of your parents, that's all."
"Are you sure I'm dressed okay?" she asked with worry.
Sam was still wearing the blue summer dress and flat sandals she'd worn to the beach earlier that day. They didn't have time to get changed for dinner.
"You look great, Sam," he said, truly meaning it.
The front door opened. His mum must have seen them approach.
Adam gave his mother a peck on the cheek, then introduced the two women to each other.
"We brought dessert, Mrs. Craig," Sam said politely, holding up the box of cake they picked up on the way.
"Thank you," Marie said, taking the box. "Come on in."
Adam frowned at his mother's rather cool tone. Marie was usually warm and welcoming to her guests. He hoped that wasn't a portent for what was in store for the rest of the night.
As he was introducing Sam to his dad, who was watching TV in the living room, a cheerful female voice greeted them.
"Hi, guys!"
Adam raised an eyebrow as Sandy gave Sam a friendly kiss and a hug.
"Good to see you again, Sam. Glad you could join us for dinner," Sandy said.
"Thanks," Sam said, surprised.
Sandy turned to him and kissed him chastely on the cheek.
"My mum's in the kitchen," Sandy said. "We're helping Marie prepare dinner. Would you like something to drink, Sam?"
"Uh, sure. Just some soft drink or juice would be nice, thank you," Sam responded, giving Adam a quick glance.
"Adam?" Sandy asked him.
"I'll get it, thanks," he responded.
Adam put his hand on Sam's back as he led her to the kitchen, hoping to put her at ease. He'd quickly read the situation. Since Sandy knew she couldn't stake a claim on him, she was keen to show Sam how at home she felt at his parents' place. No doubt Sandy wanted Sam to get jealous and insecure of her relationship with his mother.
It irked him that his mum was playing right into Sandy's hand. He wouldn't be surprised if Sandy was the one who encouraged Carmen to enlist Marie's help on Eric's behalf. He wouldn't put it past her to come up with such an elaborate scheme just to entangle his family with hers. Sandy seemed that desperate to get back together with him and his money—and, oh yeah, he was sure she wasn't prepared to let go of his house that she'd already considered hers from the moment she learned it was being built.
He tightened his arm around Sam's waist. Whether it was rude or not, insensitive or not, he intended for Sandy to see he was truly over her. Hell, getting a scheming gold-digger out of one's hair was difficult without setting aside his good manners.
CHAPTER SIX
Sam felt Adam's tension from his arm around her waist. Unthinkingly, she curved her own arm around him, hoping to give him some comfort. That was what she was there for, right?
Sandy introduced them to her mother, who simply smiled politely at her. Hmm. Carmen and Marie seemed to be quite aloof.
Well, she could understand why Carmen would be. Sandy was her daughter. In Carmen's eyes, Sam was the woman who replaced Sandy in Adam's life.
Sam was more conscious of Marie's coolness. Perhaps that was just her personality? Or maybe Marie was concerned about Adam bringing a new girlfriend to her home when his ex and his ex's mother were also her guests?
The thought made her remove her arm from around Adam. She didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable by acting all sweet around him. Surely, the fact everyone thought she was Adam's new girlfriend was enough for Sandy?
She surreptitiously glanced at Miss Glam-Who-Couldn't-Cook, surprised that she was helping in the kitchen. She wondered what her tasks were.
"We'll be ready to eat in about fifteen minutes," Marie said. "Adam, why don't you and Carmen have your talk in the study? Sam, please feel free to watch TV with my husband in the living room."
"Can I help you guys with something?" Sam asked.
"No, thanks. Sandy and I are fine," Marie said without looking at her.
"I'll take you back to the living room," Adam said to Sam. "I'll be back in a sec, Carmen," he called out to Sandy's mother.
As they made their way out of the kitchen, Sam heard Sandy say, "Thanks for showing me how to cook this, Marie. I hope you're not sick of my never-ending questions."
"My pleasure, dear. Keep asking if you're not sure about something. It's lovely that you're interested in our family recipes," Marie replied.
Sam's head turned back to the two women who were standing together by the stove. Sandy and Marie were obviously close. Suddenly, she understood why she didn't feel welcome.
"I'll only be a couple of minutes," Adam whispered in her ear. "I'll just tell Carmen I'll talk to Eric to sort this out. No need for anyone else to get involved."
"Okay," she said.
"Dad's the quiet type. He'll be happy if you just sit with him in companionable silence."
"Okay."
"Are you sure?" Adam asked worriedly. "I'm sorry this all so… awkward."
"I'm all right. Don't worry," she assured him. She'd try not to let Marie's closeness with Sandy bother her too much, even though she was already smarting from it.
*******
Sam and Adam cleaned up in the kitchen. She'd offered, and Adam had insisted the two of them would do it together, shooing everyone else out.
"All done," she said after wiping the bench tops spotless.
"Great," Adam replied.
"Thanks for helping out."
"No problem."
"Do you mind if we stay for another ten minutes?" Adam asked. "We'll just have coffee, then we'll go."
"Sure. Can I use the bathroom?"
"Of course. You know where it is, right? I'll see you in the living room."
As Sam made her way down the corridor, she heard female voices inside an open doorway. It was the study room, if she remembered correctly.
"Well, they don't look that sweet together, do they, Marie?" she heard Sandy say, making her stop in her tracks. "I mean," Sandy continued, "Adam and I couldn't keep our hands off each other when we were a couple—even when there were people around. Do you think it means they're not serious?"
"I don't know, Sandy," Marie said. "I don't have an answer for you."
"Maybe I'm just being jealous, but I think Sam's a bit of a cold fish. I think Adam's just on the rebound, that's why he's with her," Sandy muttered.
Carmen tut-tutted. "Now, now, Sandy. Be nice."
"But it's true, Mum. Adam's a passionate guy and Sam seems a little too passive and undemonstrative for someone like him. I wonder if it's because they're just not that into each other? Maybe Adam still has some feelings for me? What do you think, Marie?"
"I'm afraid what I think doesn't matter, Sandy," Marie said. "It's Adam's decision. Anyway, here's what I wanted to show you, girls. Is this close to what you're looking for, Carmen? I can order it on wholesale price if you're interested."
While mother and daughter were um-ing and ah-ing over whatever it was that Marie was showing them, Sam forced herself to move. The last thing she wanted was to be caught eavesdropping. She walked silently to the bathroom, feeling absolutely miffed.
How dare Sandy call her a cold fish? She wasn't a cold fish! So Sandy needed to see more passion and sweetness before she'd accept it was all over between her and Adam, did she? Fine. Sandy asked for it, she'd get it!
Adam did ask her for a return favour. She had to be convincing in front of Sandy, just like Adam had been in front of her parents. Goodness, he'd even sent her expensive roses on Valentine's Day! The least she could do was to get Sandy to leave him in peace.
Secret Tastes (Secret Dreams Contemporary Romance 4) Page 4