“You mean more so than you do now?” Adam snickered.
“Enough about me, what’s going on?” Shane asked.
Adam sighed. Taking hold of his glass he took a big gulp and placed it back on the table.
“When Samantha and I returned from the Bahamas, I told her that I loved her and wanted to marry her and adopt Kayla.”
“Whoa,” Shane said. “I take it she said no?”
“Not exactly. She said she wanted to be sure, or something like that. I told her the ball was in her court. If she wanted to be with me, she’d have to come to me,” he shrugged.
“Interesting. Is this why you pulled your disappearing act from the hospital?”
“It wasn’t a disappearing act. Samantha and I had a discussion about it. I’ve spoken to her since. We have to settle this thing one way or the other. I told you that Daniel threatened her, right?”
“Yes, but you never elaborated on it. What’s with that, and is that why we’re here today?”
“He wants to race the Powell car or at least get the specs to build one for himself. He snidely implied he’d go to the press about her and Kayla if she didn’t comply with his wishes. Samantha told him to kiss off and he hasn’t contacted her since. He wants nothing whatsoever to do with Kayla.”
“His loss. Kayla’s a beautiful little girl inside and out—Ashby’s an ass; we both know that” Shane said.
“No matter what Samantha says, I think she’s hanging back because in the back of her mind she’s afraid Ashby will put Kayla in the spotlight just to get back at her.”
“And you’ve decided to make sure he doesn’t; hence why we’re here?”
“Yes. I only want to have a conversation with him. I tried to leave this in Samantha’s hands, but she’s taking too long,” Adam complained.
“Well, why the hell did you give her an ultimatum in the first place?”
“Because, Shane, I can’t force her to love me.”
“But, you said that she loves you but wasn’t sure about marriage.”
“Well, yes, but still.”
“Still what? You’d push her away, rather than stick around and let her see how much you guys are meant to be? I’m sorry brother, but I can’t feel sorry for you. Well maybe a little bit,” Shane added. “Hell man, that shit you pulled only works in the movies, and even then, not always.”
Adam sat back and waited until their waitress finished placing their food on the table.
“Here you go guys. Shane, your to go order will be waiting for you up front,” Stella, their waitress said.
“Thanks, Stella,” Shane said.
“You’re welcome, suga’. Tell that beautiful wife of yours I said, hey.”
“I will,” Shane smiled.
Adam waited until Stella left before he addressed Shane.
“So you’re saying I messed up?” Adam asked.
“Not really. Adam, as far as I know, Samantha hasn’t been with anyone but you since Daniel and that’s before Kayla was born. Most of her time has been spent with you, Kayla and family, but mostly with you and Kayla. Hell, you two can’t be in the same room with one another without jumping each other’s bones. I seriously don’t understand the problem—other than your pride being hurt,” Shane said.
“That’s sex, Shane. We’re compatible,” Adam said.
“Sex you say? Really? You and Samantha have been exclusive. You said since Samantha’s had Kayla you’ve only had sex with another woman a total of two times, and that was before you got put on the hot seat when Ashby returned. If sex is what you think is holding y’all together then sex her up until she forgets Ashby ever existed. Just don’t roll over and play dead.”
“I’m not playing dead. I’d come to the same conclusion as you have. That’s why I’m here today, to speak to him and I don’t know what else,” he snickered, taking a bite out of his chopped barbecue sandwich.
“Well here’s your chance, he just walked in,” Shane said.
Adam whipped his head around to see Daniel walking through the door with, of course, a woman at his side.
“She looks pretty young, doesn’t she?” Adam asked.
“Yes, she does,” Shane frowned. “I hope she’s legal.”
“She’s legal. Daniel may be a douchebag, but he wouldn’t bring that kind of scandal down on himself. At least I hope he wouldn’t be that stupid,” Adam said.
Adam reached into his back pocket and pulled out the thin envelope.
“What’s that?” Shane asked.
“Insurance,” Adam said. “I’ll be right back.”
Adam heard Shane’s comment behind him. I sure hope you know what you’re doing?
I hope so too, Adam thought, as he walked towards Daniel.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“We need to talk,” Adam said, as he stood in front of Daniel. “Suga’ can you excuse us for a moment. I’ll only take a few minutes of his time.” The young woman looked from him to Daniel. I guess she was waiting for him to say something. When he didn’t, she turned and walked towards the bar.
“I don’t see that there’s anything we have to talk about,” Daniel said, eyeing him.
“Of course there is, Daniel. I can name two off the bat: Samantha and Kayla,” Adam whispered. “You want to grab a seat or would you prefer we have this conversation out in the open.”
“There’s an empty table right over there,” Daniel said, pointing to a table away from prying eyes and ears.
“Let’s go,” Adam said, following Daniel.
Adam waited for him to sit and then he sat down too.
“What is it you want?”
“I want you to sign all of your rights to Kayla over to Samantha,” Adam said bluntly.
“I know you didn’t call this little tête-à-tête for this? Give me the papers, and I’ll sign them now. As I told, Samantha, I never wanted the kid in the first place. Good luck with her trying to pawn the kid off on some gullible guy,” Daniel sneered. “Samantha already knows what I want from her and it’s not the child.”
“You will get neither Samantha, the car, nor Kayla,” Adam snapped.
“Why, because your brother is married to her sister? Please, that has nothing to do with Samantha and me. As you well know by the kid, Samantha and I have a history. That’s something you and her family can’t take away,” Daniel smirked.
“You’re Samantha’s past. You have never been nor will you ever be a part of Kayla’s life. When Kayla’s old enough, and she wishes to know who her sorry excuse for a sperm donor is, we’ll tell her. As for Samantha, that’s history, period, as Samantha’s my wife,” Adam barked.
“Your—your wife?”
“Yes, wife. I don’t see where you’d have any place in her life. As a matter of fact, I don’t want you coming anywhere near her without her permission, and not in my presence. Just in case you’re having second thoughts, here’s something that should change your mind real quick,” Adam snapped, throwing the envelope on the table and then getting up. “I’ll expect you to send the paperwork relinquishing your rights to Kayla within the next few days, or I go public with those. Those are copies. Trust and believe, I have the originals.”
“Son-of-a-bitch,” Daniel snarled, as he withdrew two photos from the envelope.
“At least you know it. My daddy always told me ‘never send a boy to do a man’s job’. See you around Daniel boy. Good luck with your race,” Adam said and walked away.
Adam walked towards Shane. “Let’s get out of here,” he said.
“It went well then?”
“Of course. I’ll ride with you back to your place, and have Samantha take me to my car later,” Adam said.
“I take it you’re going to claim your woman?” Shane grinned.
“For sure,” Adam said, following Shane to the bar to pick up the take out and pay for their meals.
They’d made it to the parking lot when they heard the loud sound of a motorbike.
“Wow, that’s a sweet bike
,” Adam said.
“It sure is, and whoever’s on it is wheeling it pretty good,” Shane smiled. “I need one of those.”
“Tracey is not letting you get a bike, Shane,” Adam chuckled, watching the person maneuver between cars, showing off skill.
Adam watched the sleek black bike as its driver steered it in their direction and stopped in front of him and Shane. Oh, Lord, he didn’t have time for one of Shane’s fans. He wanted to get to Samantha.
The rider took off her helmet. Adam’s eyes bugged and his mouth opened. “Samantha?” Adam stuttered.
“Hey, guys, Tracey said you were here. I figured I’d better get down here before you did something stupid,” Samantha said to Adam.
“Nah, he was good,” Shane chuckled. “That bike’s sweet, sister-in-law. Is that a Ducati®?”
“Yes, sir. I just revved it up a bit,” Samantha laughed.
“You didn’t get a ticket did you?” Shane asked.
“Of course not,” Samantha responded.
“We were on our way back to the house. You want to follow us,” Shane said.
“I was hoping Adam would take a ride with me? I have an extra helmet,” Samantha said.
“Sure,” Adam said.
“I’ll see y’all back at the house then. Be careful on that thing—daredevil,” Shane grinned.
“No worries. This bike is a cake walk for me,” Samantha said.
“Uh-huh, I bet,” Shane, said.
“Kayla’s with Tracey. We’ll be along shortly,” Samantha said.
*
Adam hopped on the back of Samantha’s bike and let her steer them onto the roadway.
“Okay, don’t you make us wreck,” Adam said.
“I won’t. Trust me,” Samantha said.
“Where are we going?”
“To this little spot I go sometimes to think.”
“When did you learn to ride?”
“Adam, I raced bikes for a while. Why do you think Tracey took me on as her crew chief? I not only went out with her on practice runs, I used my bike to practice with her. Austin and I have been racing since we were old enough to climb on a bike. Austin got me into racing,” Samantha responded, loving the cool breeze against her skin.
She ate up the road in no time—arriving at a barren stretch of t road, pulling off, and parking her bike.
“What is this place?”
“Just a place I found after I moved here. I come out here to open up my bikes and cars. It’s quiet. I like the solitude,” she said, climbing off her bike. She watched as Adam climbed off too.
“We can sit over here for a minute,” Samantha said, indicating a long log under a tree. “That’s if you don’t mind getting a little dirt on you.”
“Not at all. So, why are we here?” Adam asked.
“When Tracey said you were at the dive with Shane, for some reason I knew why you were there. Why haven’t you called?” Samantha asked quietly.
“You have my number too, you know,” Adam responded. “I guess I was waiting for you, and when you didn’t come, I figured I’d better set things straight with Daniel before approaching you again. I was on my way to you when you arrived here.”
“You were?”
“Yes, I was.”
“What did you talk with Daniel about?”
“Never mind that Samantha; however, I did tell him that you were my wife,” Adam smiled.
“Really?”
“Yes, that’s because as soon as we can get someone to marry us, we’re getting married,” Adam said.
“You’re sure about that?”
“Positive.”
“Okay,” she said.
“Okay?” he eyed her.
“Yes, okay. Can we just do something private? I don’t want all the hoopla. Me, you and Kayla are fine with me.”
“Samantha, I have to tell my parents,” he smiled.
“I know. I just don’t want people all up in our business,” she said. “And, you just told Daniel that we’re already married.”
“There is that,” he chuckled. “Listen I don’t care what we do just as long as you’re my wife.”
“Are you sure you’re ready for a ready made family?”
“Of course, I am. Listen, how private is this spot?” Adam asked.
“Not private enough for what you want to do. Besides we have to get back soon, I left Kayla with Tracey. No doubt Kayla’s talked their ears off already.”
“Nonsense, Princess, can do no wrong,” Adam said.
“We’ll see if you’re feeling the same way when she’s a teenager. You’d better stop spoiling her so much. You’re going to regret it later on down the line,” Samantha warned.
“No, I won’t. Kayla’s great now and will only get better as time goes on.”
“Okay. Remember you said this when the first boy comes to our house wanting to take her out,” Samantha said.
“Nope. No boys allowed until she’s thirty,” Adam said firmly.
“Adam, at thirty she’ll be out of the house.”
“Exactly! Thirty it is,” Adam said, standing and helping her up too.
“Oh this is going to be interesting,” Samantha smiled.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing. Come on let’s get going.”
“Yes. Can we make a stop on the way?” Adam asked.
“Sure. Where?”
“In the village,” he said.
“Sure if you don’t mind being seen on the back of my bike.”
“Are you kidding me? I’m riding on the back of one of the best bikes around, and with a sexy biker chick to boot. My hands can do all the wondering they want too,” Adam grinned.
“Not unless you want us to crash they can’t. Hands to yourself, lover boy,” Samantha said. “Sexy biker chick, you say?”
“The sexiest ever,” he said, climbing on the bike in the back of her and holding tight to her waist.
“Hmm—you want something,” Samantha said.
“I sure do.”
“Figured as much. What?”
“For you to ride me just as hard and fast as you’re riding this bike of yours.”
“You’re so nasty, Adam.”
“And you like it, Samantha,” he mimicked. “We have to talk about all of these dangerous toys you have. We do have Princess to think about now, you know.”
“Yeah I know. This is no dangerous than you riding in your fancy sports cars,” Samantha countered.
“No, ma’am. I sold all of them,” Adam said.
Samantha swerved on the road.
“Hey be careful,” he said.
“Sorry. What do you mean you’ve sold your cars?”
“Just what I said. I figure the money could be used to build our dream house and for Kayla’s education,” he said, earnestly.
“Wow! You’ve been thinking this through.”
“Yes, I have. The moment I realized I wanted us to be a family, I started making preparations.”
“I told you I love you, and I meant every word…then and now.”
“I love you too. Let’s pray this all works out,” she sighed.
“It will work out. It’s already working out. Stop worrying. And, if we weren’t on this bike I throw you on the ground and make love to you. Your, ‘I love you’ didn’t escape my ears, love. We’ll make up for it later tonight when I get you into bed.”
“You’re staying at Shane and Tracey’s tonight too?”
“Of course, but I’d rather discuss our plans alone.”
“Me too. We can go back to my place after the test drive tomorrow,” Samantha said.
“Sounds good. Pull off on Lexington,” Adam said.
“Okay,” she said doing as he asked. “Now where?”
“Park in the spot in front of Marcelle’s jewelry store,” he said.
Samantha did as he asked. They both got off the bike and walked into the store.
“Adam, you’re back!” A preppy young man cried.
“
Of course. Is it ready?”
“Yes. I thought you’d changed your mind after you didn’t return,” the sale’s clerk blushed.
“No, I didn’t,” Adam smiled.
“I’ll be right back,” the sale clerk said and disappeared to somewhere in the back.
“Adam, what’s going on? And, do you know everybody?”
“No, I don’t know everybody. Why do you ask?”
“Because everywhere we go someone knows you,” She said.
The sales clerk quickly returned with a velvet box.
“Thanks,” Adam said, taking the box out of his hand and opening it. “How do you like it?”
“It’s stunning,” she murmured.
“Glad you like it. Give me your finger,” he said.
Adam took her hand in his and placed the ring on her finger.
“Samantha Powell, will you marry me?”
“Yes!” she cried, and then started bawling.
“Geesh, darlin’ don’t cry,” Adam said, horrified.
“I can’t help it. I’m so happy!” she said and then cried harder.
“Well, please don’t ever get sad. I don’t think I could handle it,” he said, embracing her.
“You’re the best. Do you know that?” she hiccupped.
“If you say so, but if you don’t stop crying people are going to wonder what’s going on here,” he jested. “In fact, maybe we should get out of here before someone decides to call the law on me.” Adam turned to the smiling sales clerk. “Thanks, Tyler,” he called out.
“No problem. Congratulations!”
“Thank you,” Adam said and ushered Samantha out of the store.
“Suga’ you have to drive home on this machine of your, so you have to stop crying,” he said. “I can’t drive this thing.”
“Okay. I’m okay now,” she sniffed. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too. Now can we please leave? People are starting to stare.”
Samantha burst out laughing. She laughed and laughed and laughed.
“Well damn, darlin’, are you having some crisis or something. One minute you were crying your eyes out and the next you can’t stop laughing. Maybe I should call Shane to come get us?” he eyed her.
“I’m okay. Get on. Let’s go,” Samantha said, mounting on her bike.
SAMANTHA: Never Say Never (The Powell's Book 2) Page 14