Distraction (Westbrook Series Book 1)

by Laura Clark

  I can feel the heat rise into my cheeks as his gaze intensifies. It's weird to be on such an adult date, talking about mature things. I can't help but feel like I'm much older.

  When Ricardo asks us if we are ready for dessert, I give Sam a terrified look. There is no way I am eating another thing as long as I live. Well, at least until my stomach doesn't feel like an overstuffed sausage.

  "Ricardo, would you mind wrapping up dessert and leaving it behind in the kitchen?" Sam asks politely.

  "Of course, Signore."

  "Thank you. We need some time to digest this amazing meal, but you should go. I'm sure you have better things to do than hang out with us on a Friday night," Sam says with a warm smile.

  "That is very kind of you. Would you like me to open another bottle of wine before I retire?"

  Sam looks at me to see if I want any more. I shake my head.

  "No thank you, Ricardo."

  He pauses a moment, and looks at Sam expectantly. Sam simply nods. Ricardo pulls another vanilla colored envelope out of his pocket, and hands it to me.

  "If that is one of those little cards that says ‘If we choose to, we may forgo our separate rooms and use the enclosed keycard to stay together in the fantasy suite’ I'm going to lose it," I joke. Sam chuckles, but Ricardo looks at me inquisitively. Clearly, he is not a fan of the Bachelor.

  "Thank you for everything, Ricardo. As usual, it was perfecto. On behalf of the lady and myself, please have a wonderful evening," Sam says warmly. He stands up to shake Ricardo's hand, while slyly slipping what must be his tip into his hand.

  "Thank you, Signore," Ricardo says, while nodding enthusiastically. "I hope you and your lovely donna have a wonderful evening. Enjoy this beautiful night and God bless." Ricardo actually bows, which threatens yet another snicker from inside of me.

  I still cannot believe this guy is real. You could not write a better character than Ricardo. When I am sure he is gone, I allow myself to chuckle again lightly.

  "Still don't believe he's real, do you?" Sam asks me with a goofy grin on his face.

  "I mean come on, Sam. That guy could have been on Broadway. I think he may have missed his calling.

  "He still could be. You know a lot of Broadway actors and actresses have to wait tables, and do other odd jobs in Brookville Square to pay the bills. It's a shame. Most of them never even make it to New York."

  I finally settle down and stop laughing. Now, I am just staring at the little envelope, wondering what else he could possibly say to me.

  "So, how did you arrange all of this? Do you know Anthony whatever his name is? This must have cost you a fortune, Sam. How did you pay for this?"

  Sam laughs lightly and shakes his head. He looks thoroughly amused by my questions. "Laila, please. Don't worry your pretty little head about any of this. I have it all handled. So, are you going to open that or just stare at it all night," he teases.

  I roll my eyes, and slip my fingers across the top of the envelope to tear it open. It is another monogrammed L card. When I open it, a tiny, gold chain necklace falls out onto my lap. I make myself read the card before I allow myself to pick up the necklace.

  Laila,

  I hope you had fun on our first real date. I want this to be a night you will never forget, and for you to know just how special you are to me. I look forward to many more dates with my beautiful girlfriend. I can't promise they will all be like this, but hopefully you like me enough to keep me around anyway.

  Sam

  I hold the chain up to the light, carefully studying it, as if it were a delicate piece of fine art. It might as well be. I trace my fingers along the curves of the small, gold heart-shaped pendant and the cursive gold L dangling from it. I run my fingers along the smooth lines of the heart admiring it.

  "You should turn it over, Lis," Sam suggests.

  I roll the pendant between my fingers. There, inscribed, are those bittersweet two words that I used to hate, lil sis. My heart flutters, and my eyes sting as the tears threaten release.

  "Does this mean I get a rose?" I joke, hoping to keep the tears at bay, so Sam does not think I'm an emotional basket case.

  Sam laughs, taking the necklace out of my hands so he can help me put it on. I hold my hair over my shoulder to the side, while he carefully drapes it across my collarbone. I can feel his hot breath on my neck, and it is sending thousands of electric pulses shooting down my spine and arms. Once the necklace is clasped, he pauses a moment before pressing his soft lips against the delicate skin behind my ear. Once again, I lose my ability to think. Instead of fighting it, I close my eyes and try to savor the moment.

  "Thank you, Sam. Not just for the necklace, but for everything. Best date, ever. I really do feel like we were on an episode of the Bachelor." I pretend to look around dramatically. "Wait, this isn't the moment where the camera crew comes out and everyone says You've been Punk’d, is it?"

  He laughs again, and shakes his head. "Wanna sit by the pool?" he asks. I nod, as he holds out his hand and waits for me to grab it.

  I am sitting on the side of the pool with my dress hiked up to just above my knees, while my feet sway back and forth in the cool water. Sam is straddled behind me, with his pant legs rolled up and his arms wrapped around my waist. His feet keep tapping mine. Amos Lee's “Keep It Tight” is playing in the background.

  "I think he might just be my new favorite artist," I say, breaking the silence. When Sam leans into my neck, I can feel him smiling. He is playing with my hair.

  "We should go to Tennessee some time. You'd love the music and night life," he suggests, while twirling a lock of my long, dark hair around his finger. Normally, the ringlets wrap around his finger with ease. Today, my hair is straight, and it keeps slipping right through his fingers. He doesn’t seem to mind, though.

  "That sounds like fun. If only I were older . . . ." I want to retract my words as soon as they spill from my loose lips. I hate reminding him of my age. There is still a part of me that worries he will end things with me because I'm still in high school.

  "So who knew that Sam Woodson is just a hopeless romantic?" I ask as I pull his arms tighter around my waist. "Tell me this much. Is this your standard first date for all of your girlfriends?" I tease him, hoping to change the subject.

  "Um yes, I do have a romantic side to me despite what you might have heard from Kyle, and absolutely not. I have never done anything like this before."

  "And why is that?" I ask him.

  "Let's just say I've never been . . . motivated in the past."

  "So, you did all of this just to make up for the double date thing?" I ask, with a scowl on my face.

  "Do you really think I could pull off something like this in one day? You overestimate my capabilities, Laila. This was not easy to orchestrate."

  "I imagine it wasn't. So, are you ready to tell me exactly how you managed to do this?" I ask.

  "I was lucky. My father personally knows the chef, and he owed my dad a big favor. Ricardo is actually my mother's cousin, believe it or not," he explains.

  "You are related to Ricardo? Now that is surprising."

  "He is a real waiter at Venice, but he is also a paid actor. When I asked him what his going rate is, he offered to do it for free. He wanted to play up the whole Italian accent thing, for practice because his Italian is quote un-quote, very rusty. So, we made a deal, and I gave him free reign. It was actually pretty freaking funny."

  "That was an act? I'd say his Italian is better than rusty, but what do I know?"

  Sam laughs and shakes his head. "You may not be the best judge. No offense."

  I nod. There isn't much else to say because my attempts to speak the language were just shy of pathetic.

  "Anyway, Anthony is really good friends with my dad, and like I said, he kind of owes him. Apparently, my father helped him get his first big break, and it kind of put his new ristorante on the map. The whole thing was basically a bunch of favors called in."

  "Wow. That's real
ly cool. You have connections. So, your dad actually helped you set this whole thing up?" I ask.

  He simply nods.

  "Does he know… that this was for me, or even about us?" I ask nervously.

  "Yes and no. I mean he knows that I am crazy about a girl, but he doesn't know that the girl is you."

  I turn my head so I can peer up into his eyes. The flickering lights from the burning Tiki torches that border the landscaping around the patio are reflected in them. He is staring at me intensely, waiting for me to respond even though he hasn’t asked me a question.

  "Do you want to go swimming?" I ask suddenly, wanting to think about anything but how, or when we will reveal our relationship to our families.

  Sam's eyes get big, and I swear he blushes. It is really cute to see the always secure and confident Sam with a little vulnerability every once in a while. It makes him less intimidating. He nods almost too emphatically. We jump up, dry off our feet, and race back into the house so we can change into our swimming suits and grab towels.

  Chapter Twenty-One: What is With the Two of You?

  I can't help but stare at my new necklace with the heart pendant and gold L, resting on my chest just above my purple bikini top. The pendant is so small compared to the letter. You wouldn't even know it is inscribed unless you turned it over and looked at it really closely. This is a good thing because I'd have a hard time explaining away the inscription.

  The sound of the creaking guest bedroom door startles me. For a moment, I had forgotten that he was just over in the room next to me. I hear his heavy steps thudding down the stairs, and that fluttering in my stomach returns.

  When I glance at my phone, I see that it's only nine thirty. I also see a missed text from Avery.

  Avery Brookes: Is it ok if Trevor comes over with me to swim later tonight? I figured it would be fine since I am staying over anyway. We'll stay in the pool away from you guys if you want. I'm not sure what is going on between Sam and him, but I take it the two of them are not exactly friendly now, right? You have a LOT of explaining to do later, little lady!!!

  My stomach drops as the dread replaces the light fluttering I felt before. I am not ready to see Trevor again so soon. Not to mention, I'm still going to have to get through dinner tomorrow, when he and his parents come over. I wonder when "later" really is. She sent the text a little after eight.

  Me: What time???

  I am not ready to surrender my precious alone time with Sam, but I can't exactly say no to my best friend. I toss my phone onto my bed, and go to the hall linen closet to grab two beach towels. I throw one of Kyle's fraternity t-shirts over my head, and twist my hair up into a messy knot. My phone chimes.

  Avery Brookes: I don't know. Maybe around ten-ish? The movie just let out, but we are going to grab ice cream before heading back . . . .

  Me: Ok, it's fine. Sam and I are just getting into the pool now. Maybe, let us finish up our swim before you two come out, ok? (wink, wink) There are drinks in the fridge by the bar downstairs. My parents won't be home until later tomorrow. Not sure what time Kyle will be back from his date, but I don't think he will care.

  Avery Brookes: got it (wink, wink:). So, Kyle's on a date? Who's the girl? Is it that same Georgia chic?

  Me: Why do you even care? Aren't you on a date with Trevor right now? :)

  Avery Brookes: (gasp) I was just curious, Lays. Plus, Kyle doesn't have girlfriends! He is supposed to be the world's biggest player, remember??? Isn't that what you are always trying to make me believe? :)

  Me: Apparently, I don't know my brother very well anymore. I guess she is a game changer for him. It's about time. He seriously needs to grow up.

  Avery Brookes: Oh he's grown up all right, Laila. When I look at his hot bod, I would say he is DEFINITELY all grown up!!!

  Me: GROSS! You do know he is my BROTHER, right? Please reserve your comments for your friends that are not sharing the same bloodline, ok?

  Avery Brookes: (eye roll) Whatever, Laila. We'll sneak downstairs and give you and Sam some time alone to make out (wink, wink). :)

  I laugh and shake my head. Avery can be such a trip. I tuck my phone under the towels in my arms and head outside to join Sam. He is lying on the chase lounge, drinking a beer. I set the towels down and kick my Havanianas under the chair.

  Sam's eyes travel down to my necklace. The corners of his mouth sneak up into one of his breathtaking, signature Sammy smiles, the same kind that have been driving me crazy for years. I still can't believe we are finally together.

  "I see a purple string, Lis," he says teasingly as his eyebrows arch up playfully.

  He sets his beer down onto the side table and scoots himself closer to me. He places his hands down low on my hips, sending a shiver down my legs. When his fingers slowly move down across the fabric of Kyle's t-shirt, his breaths quicken.

  I am standing there, unsure what to do. Sam tends to have this effect on me. When I feel the pads of his fingers lightly tickle the bare skin of my thigh, at the hemline of my shirt, I almost collapse. He inches the fabric up until it is scrunched up along my midsection. His hands are wrapped around my waist. I'm having a hard time finding my breath. I'm still unsure where to put my own arms.

  He is perched forward, on the edge of the chase with his arms reaching up and around my waist. It feels strange to be standing while he sits, but I can't seem to figure out what to do with myself. I could straddle him and wrap my legs around his waist on the chair. I'm pretty sure we'd never make it into the pool if I did that, though. Plus, I'm not sure I'm ready for where that might lead us.

  He pushes the fabric up farther, encouraging me to remove it the rest of the way. I oblige to his silent request without hesitation. He has a way of convincing my body to do things before I can think about them, and it kind of scares me.

  Once the t-shirt is completely off, Sam lets out a deep sigh, before standing up. He grabs his beer and takes a big gulp. I take this opportunity to sneak away and dive into the swimming pool. I feel strange standing before him in nothing but my bikini. Also, I need to cool off before my body leads me astray again. It is just way too easy to get carried away with Sam.

  It's not long before Sam's shirt is lying on the concrete next to mine, and I feel a rush of water splash against my face.

  "And where do you think you are going?" he asks, while splashing me playfully.

  "Did you forget why we put on our swimsuits?" I ask him in a teasing way as I swim away from him. He catches up with me, grabs my ankle, and pulls me toward him.

  "No. I did not, but you can't blame me for trying to enjoy the view."

  Speaking of views, I can't help but stare at Sam's glistening, bare chest. He is bigger than I remember him being. Or maybe it's just the fact that I'm able to run my hands along the hard contours of his chest muscles, and that makes me realize just how incredible his body his. I've never been this close to him with so much of our bare skin touching. This is dangerous. While being alone with him is liberating, it is also frightening.

  He places one of his hands firmly on the small of my back, while gently pressing my body closer to his. His other hand cups the back of my head, as he lowers his head, and slowly moves his lips over mine. Once again, I find my body melting into him. I cannot think clearly. My lips move with his effortlessly, as if they are performing a well-rehearsed dance. My hands find their way around his shoulders as our kisses become more urgent. Sam moves his hands down to my hips, and lifts me up so my legs wrap around his waist. His lips have not strayed once since they first grazed mine.

  I can feel the water rushing by as he moves us towards the long staircase that flanks the shallow end of the pool. He spins us around so he is sitting on the ledge of one of the steps with me still cradled around him in his lap. His mouth moves across my cheek, and down my neck to that sensitive area right below my ear. This simple act sends me over the edge. I'm so lost in the moment that I didn't even notice his hand sneaking underneath the string of my suit, just below
my shoulder blade.

  I love the way his hand feels pressed firmly against my upper back. It's almost possessive, as if he is claiming me as his own. There is nothing I want more than to be Sam Woodson's girl. Even after everything he has done for me tonight to convince me of it, I still find it hard to believe. It all feels so much like a dream, the kind that I don't ever want to wake up from.

  His other hand is still lower on my waist near the small of my back. The tips of his fingers dip curiously underneath the top of my bikini bottoms every once in a while. That familiar rush of raw need returns. I want him to be closer, so damned close. I'm not sure how much closer we can be with my legs already wrapped around him tightly. Our chests are already practically glued to each other.

  I feel my bikini top suddenly loosen and fall slack. How he managed to untie the string without me knowing is beyond me. Now, it dangles loosely down my back, lightly tickling me. Sam pulls away from our kiss, and stares directly into my eyes, as if to silently ask me if what he has done is okay.

  A rush of heat floods my cheeks, making it even harder for me to think clearly. My body knows exactly what it wants to do, but I can't figure out where my head is. I take a deep breath, and answer him in the only way I know how. I lean my head up towards him, and pull his head down so our lips meet. My body always seems to win when it comes to Sam.

  He moans, as our kiss deepens, and his hands wander around to my stomach. The wet fabric is still clinging to my chest, but my back is completely naked, now. Sam works his way down my neck, kissing and nibbling the tender skin, making my insides explode. He slides his fingers across my rib cage, and gently pushes the wet fabric of my bikini top up.

  I squeeze my eyelids shut, not wanting to see Sam's reaction to seeing me. I feel the wet fabric being peeled completely away from my skin. The night air is slightly cool, causing my nipples to take notice. I feel completely exposed with my bare chest on display for Sam, even though it is too dark for him to fully see me. Sam tilts my chin up, forcing me to look at him.