by Lois Kasznia
“Thanks,” said Sam overwhelmed by the crowd’s reaction and their chanting of, “More! More!”
“One more,” whispered Jordan to the lead singer and Sam. The band chose a blues number and Sam quickly picked up Jordan’s lead. By the time they were done, once again the crowd stood on their feet. Sam bowed and quickly got off the stage.
“Sam, you were great,” said Ian excitedly as he pulled her from the mob of people who went to greet her. “Let’s get you out of here in one piece. I talked to the bouncer and we can sneak you out the back door.” The bouncer spotted them and Ian and Sam escaped unscathed.
“What about Jordan?” asked Sam. “Shouldn’t we wait for him?”
“How long will he be? He looked like he could stay there all night. Jordan is a big boy and can take care of himself,” replied Ian.
“I’ll text him to let him know what we’re doing.” Once again, Ian hailed a cab while Sam busily typed away. She hit send and looked up at Ian with a smile. “So, what are we doing?”
“This is what we’re doing,” said Ian as he lifted her chin with his fingers and kissed her lightly on the lips. “We’ll have a drink at the bar and I’ll walk you to your room.”
“But Ian…” said Sam firmly. Ian had put his finger to her lips.
“I know the rules,” said Ian. “You have to go to work tomorrow, and I have to get up at four thirty to catch my flight.”
“Thanks,” said Sam relieved. She sat back in the cab and gave a huge sigh. “That is a relief to get that over. I hate performing and I don’t why I let Jordan talk me into it.” She then looked at Ian. “You didn’t help much by agreeing with him.”
“It’s because you two were fighting like cats and dogs!” Ian paid for the cab and walked Sam to the bar. Throngs of people hugged the bar so they ended up standing along the wall.
“You know you could always play in the studio,” suggested Ian. “Honestly, Sam. You’re really good.’
“Thanks,” said Sam blushing. “Do you know that I’ve known you now for over twenty-four hours?”
“That’s a good sign,” agreed Ian smiling at her. “Do you think you know me well enough now?”
“Nope,” said Sam. “Still haven’t seen you with animals and old ladies. Saw you with my brother which turned out pretty good.” She looked at Ian critically. “Did Jordan do the ‘if you hurt my sister’ routine?
“Of course he did. Do you blame him? This is a tough town and you have to be on your guard at all times.” Ian gazed at her fondly.
“I know.” Sam met his gaze. “Do I have to be especially careful about the people from Maui?”
“We’re the worst,” teased Ian as he lightly ran his finger down Sam’s arm, giving her goose bumps.
“That’s what I thought,” murmured Sam. She looked down at her drink, her heart thumping loudly in her chest. She just couldn’t believe that she had performed in Los Angeles and now stood in a bar drinking in the Beverly Hill Hilton with what she thought had to be the most attractive man she had ever seen. Sam pinched her arm to make sure she hadn’t been dreaming.
“Why did you do that?” asked Ian not missing a thing.
“Nothing,” said Sam lightly. “I’m just a little numb, that’s all. I mean, not even a week ago, I lost my job and the future looked bleak. My dog, Cracker, and I were going to live on the street. Now here a week later, I’m sitting in the Beverly Hills hotel bar with a famous architect, I just performed at a night club; I now work for Jett Robinson, I mean who would have known?”
“Let’s get back to the architect,” said Ian holding Sam’s gaze. “What about him?”
“What do you mean,” said Sam knowing full well what Ian wanted to talk about. “Do you mean if I think he’s nice?”
“Well, do you?” Ian had taken her hand into his. “Have you fallen madly in love with him yet?”
“You’re something else, Ian Andrews,” laughed Sam. “You’re trying to wear me down. Do you treat all of your women this way?”
“No,” answered Ian honestly. “I’ve never had to. I think, I’ve lost my touch.”
“Won’t work,” said Sam with a smile. “You could go up to any female in here and you’d have no problem.” Sam reached for her purse and started to get up. “I’ve got to get some sleep.”
“I don’t want anyone else in this room.” Ian had reached for her hand. “Look, I promised I’d walk you to your room.”
“Okay. A promise is a promise,” said Sam lightly enjoying the moment.
They stood silently in the elevator while riding up to their floor. “I just want to thank you for a lovely day. I’ve never had so much fun in a long time.” Sam squeezed Ian’s hand. “If ever.”
“Do you really mean that?” Ian stared at her intently.
“Yeah, I do.” The elevator opened at their floor and Sam stepped out first, with Ian trailing behind her as they approached her room.
“Can I kiss you now?” whispered Ian softly.
“Yes,” whispered Sam softly. Ian pulled her into his arms and firmly, but gently pressed his lips to hers. Sam’s senses were overwhelmed; the heady sensation of being in his arms, Ian’s firm lips pressed perfectly against hers and how he brought their bodies closer together in a perfect fit. Sam’s arms curled around Ian’s neck as he deepened the kiss, his tongue outlining her lips. Sam tentatively opened her mouth and Ian’s tongue quickly slipped inside, searching and meeting her tongue. Sam stepped away and tried to take control of the situation before she lost her composure.
“Very nice,” murmured Ian as he brought his hand under Sam’s chin so he could claim Sam’s mouth again.
“Nice?” said Sam as she quickly kissed him and pulled away.
“Extremely nice,” said Ian once again, trying to read the expression on her face. Damn! He thought she would melt in her arms. He could kiss her all night long. Hell, he wanted to do more than kiss her all night long. He wanted to stake his claim on her to be his forever.
“Yup! Pretty darn special,” whispered Sam as she slid her hands down to Ian’s waist. “But, you have a plane to catch, and I have to get some shut eye.”
“I hoped you wouldn’t bring that up,” winced Ian painfully as he rested his hands on Sam’s. “When can I see you again, that is if you want to?”
“Of course I want to see you again” said Sam touched by his insecurity. “It’s going to be a hectic couple of days. I have to talk with Jett about how I can get out here with my dog and my stuff.”
“His plane. If he can’t, let me know because I can make some arrangements,” said Ian helpfully.
“Then on Saturday, Jordan is in town and we’re going to hang together Saturday night at the House of Blues.”
“In Chicago?” asked Ian as he pulled Sam back into his arms.
“Yeah,” said Sam as she accepted Ian’s lips on hers as they explored each other slowly. The two of them became lost in one another until they heard another hotel patron clear their throat. They parted slowly and Ian took her hotel card from Sam’s hands and inserted it into the door.
“I’ll call you,” said Ian.
“Okay,” said Sam looking at Ian fondly. “Have a safe flight.” With that, she turned around, entered the room and quickly closed the door before she did anything she’d regret. She heard Ian’s footsteps as he walked away and Sam went over to the couch and sat down deep in thought. She started to relive every moment of the day and before she knew it, she fell sound asleep on the couch. Sometime in the middle of the night, Sam managed to change into her oversize tee shirt and crawl into bed, setting the alarm for nine in the morning.
Chapter Six
Ian tossed and turned, his mind churning with images of Sam lying on the bed, without him which would be a criminal offense. He wanted her so badly, he couldn’t take it. He felt jealous because Jett would get to see her every day and he wouldn’t. How would this work out? Sam in Los Angeles while he stayed in Maui? Would he fly to Los Angeles on the weekends? Wo
uld she fly to Maui for the weekend? Ian sat up in bed and punched his pillow with anger. Never, never had he been this taken with a woman. Ian rolled over and looked at the clock, which read four fifteen. Darn! Where had the time gone and he hadn’t gotten one lick of sleep? He jumped in the shower and got dressed. Some guiding force led him to Sam’s hotel room. Picking up his phone, he called Sam’s number and Sam answered the phone, her voice throaty from sleep.
“Open up the door,” whispered Ian into the mouthpiece.
“Ian, it’s four thirty in the morning, shouldn’t you be on your way to the airport?” Sam yawned sleepily as she got out of bed.
“I am, but I wanted to see you one more time before I left.” He smiled boyishly as Sam opened the door and pulled him in, before looking down the hall for anyone looking at them. “Sam,” croaked Ian hoarsely as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. His hands ran down the length of Sam’s torso before stopping on her bare legs.
Sam stopped Ian before they went too far. “Ian, you’ll be late for your plane.”
“I don’t care,” Ian whispered softly.
“Ian?” asked Sam as she scrutinized his face, the fatigue showing in his eyes. “Did you get any sleep at all?
“No, I couldn’t,” admitted Ian honestly. “My mind is running rampant.”
“About what?” asked Sam confused.
“When I would see you again,” admitted Ian sheepishly.
“Oh,” said Sam overwhelmed because no one in her dating life had ever said that to her. It had always been something like ‘I’ll see you around sometime.’ “I’ll talk to Jett and when you call, we’ll figure something out.” She accepted Ian’s lingering kiss. “Now, you go catch your flight while I go back to bed.” She gently shoved him out the door. “Bye.”
Sam woke up at eight rather than nine and ordered room service. She showered leisurely and wiggled in delight in the soft robe provided by the hotel. Ah, yes, she had made the right decision to accept this job. Her breakfast came and she settled down to eat it when her phone rang. Hoping it would be Ian, she quickly answered without looking.
“At least you could’ve called me,” said Bunny petulantly.
“Mom,” said Sam guiltily. “I’ve been running nonstop since I’ve been here.”
“Tell me you didn’t take the job,” warned Bunny.
“I did. It’s going to be great! I am so excited about it. As a matter of fact, I’ve already started.”
“Did you try any of the places I emailed you about?” asked Bunny.
“No, I didn’t. Besides, I already told Jett yes.”
“So, what is your schedule?” asked Bunny, her disappointment evident.
“I have to talk to Jett about a couple of things. He has an apartment for me so I don’t have to go look for a place and he has a private plane so I can take Cracker.”
“What are you going to do with your condo? Have you even thought about that, Sam? You just jumped into this without even thinking.”
“Give me some credit,” retorted Sam. “I’m going to lock things up, but I’m going to keep the condo. It’s good for tax purposes, and not only that, if this doesn’t work out, I’ll always have a place to fall back on. I don’t have to pay rent on this apartment.’
“Your father and I have been talking and maybe I should come out for a couple of weeks until you’re settled.”
“Oh, no! I appreciate the offer, but not now. Let me get settled in first.” Oh, Sam could just see her mother and Jett. And Ian. Good Lord! “I’ll be back on Friday and I’ll touch basis with you then.”
“Have you seen your brother at all?” asked Bunny.
“As a matter of fact, yes. We went out to dinner last night, besides he’s coming to Chicago this weekend.”
“That’s right,” admitted Bunny. “Sam, you have me so distraught over this whole ordeal, I can’t remember if I’m coming or going.”
“Relax, everything will be fine,” said Sam trying to get her mother off the phone. “I’ve to get ready for work.” Sam ended the call with a sigh. You’d think her mother would be happy for her. Sam finished her breakfast and got dressed. Hoping it wasn’t too early, she called Toby for a ride to work. Sam smiled as she left her room. Oh yes. She definitely could get used to this!
****
Toby appeared jovial as he drove Sam to Jett’s mansion. He pointed out places of interest to Sam and cracked jokes along the way. Sam really liked him and felt like she had known him forever.
“You’re different from other girls who have worked for Jett,” said Toby appreciatively.
“Thanks. My brother Jordan said I’m just one of the guys,” said Sam with a laugh.
“You know Jett isn’t up yet.”
“I figured as much,” admitted Sam. “It’s okay. I’ve got lots to do and when he does get up, I’ll have a list of questions for him. When did he get home last night?”
“Last night?” snorted Toby. “Try an hour ago.”
“Get out,” laughed Sam. “Well, maybe I won’t see him. That’s okay.”
“Naw. He wants to talk to you about something.”
“Really, what?” Sam became curious.
“He heard you play last night.” Toby’s eyes were on hers.
“He did?” asked Sam incredulously. “Why didn’t he say anything?”
“You left too quickly. Where did you learn to play guitar like that? You’re just as good as your brother.”
“Not really,” said Sam. Her mind reeled with all sorts of scenarios. “I hate to perform in public where Jordan thrives on it. We just practice with each other.” She looked at Toby with concern. “You don’t think I took this job to break into the rock world, do you? Because that’s where you’re wrong. I hate to perform. I just did it because Jordan asked me to.”
“You don’t have to convince me,” said Toby. “But I know Jett has some questions.”
“Thanks for the head’s up,” said Sam now close to tears. Now what? Top of the world one day and in the pits the next? She thanked Toby as she entered the mansion. As she walked back to where she would be working, she couldn’t help but notice a trail of woman’s clothing on the floor; first a tank top, then a bra, a pair of leather pants and then next a thong, hanging from the stair rail. Sam picked up the thong and turned to Toby. “Must have been a fun night?”
“That’s Jett for you.” Toby shrugged his shoulders. “I think it’s only one woman this time. Sometimes he has as many as three.” He gave Sam a bemused look.
“Whatever,” said Sam shaking her head, trying not to laugh. Rock stars. “Hey, where can I get a good cup of coffee?”
“Just go into the kitchen. Mattie always has a freshly brewed pot.”
“Thanks.” Sam headed for the kitchen only to find it deserted. She did find the mugs and poured a healthy cup of coffee. She threaded her way back into the mansion, through the studio and into the office. She worked steadily until the scheduled time for her meeting with Marvin.
“Hi Samantha, or can I call you Sam?” said Marvin cheerfully as he shook Sam’s hand. He had joined her in the office.
“Sam is fine,” she said, immediately liking Marvin. He looked to be around fifty years old, small frame, graying thin hair, but he had a contagious smile and his blue eyes sparkled behind his black framed glasses.
“If you don’t mind, I ordered in. I am so sick of eating out all the time and my waistline will appreciate it,” said Marvin as he brought out a huge sack containing deli favorites. He carefully arranged them on the desk along with coffee and soft drinks. “Help yourself.” He spread his hands invitingly. Sam took a sandwich and a soft drink eagerly, not realizing how good the food smelled.
“Thanks,” she murmured gratefully between bites of her lunch.
“So, you’re working with Jett now.” Marvin paused momentarily. “You don’t have a crush on him, do you?”
“Goodness, no!” said Sam with a laugh. “I think that’s why he hired me
because I’m totally opposite of his type. Well, at least that’s what he told me. But no, Marvin. No crush here.”
“Good, because sometimes these things could get complicated. So what brings you to Los Angeles?”
“Pretty simple,” explained Sam. “I’m originally from Chicago and I just lost my job last week. Whoops! Sorry about that,” exclaimed Sam sheepishly as half of her sandwich fell out of the bread. “Honestly, I do have better manners than this.”
“It’s fine.” Marvin smiled. “I find it refreshing. Now, what did you do?” He smiled warmly at her.
“Vice President of Marketing for a life insurance company,” mumbled Sam between bites. “My sense of direction for the company didn’t match theirs, so I got the short end of the stick.”
“You were a financial liability, you know that, right? You were probably pulling down quite the salary and they figured they could hire someone younger and cheaper than you.”
“You’re probably right,” admitted Sam. “They hired me right out of college.” Sam felt blessed not to have any more incidents with her sandwich.
“Are you sure you want this job? I mean, it’s not what you’re used to. Jett can be pretty annoying at times, but I can be a buffer if he gets on your nerves.”
“I’m used to egos,” laughed Sam. “My brother is a musician, too.”
“Right,” exclaimed Marvin in recognition. “I know who he is. That’s why you looked so familiar.”
“And she can play better than him,” interrupted Jett as he entered the room looking into the sandwich bag. “You didn’t save anything for me?” He glared at Marvin.
“I didn’t know you were there,” said Sam sheepishly. “Actually, Jordan made me do it. I hate playing in public.”
“You’re not trying to worm into the music business, are you?” Marvin looked suspicious.
“No way!” Sam remained firm. “Jordan is the performer and I’m the business partner. When I play, it’s for my own pleasure.”
“I don’t buy it,” said Jett angrily. “You’re gonna let all of that talent go to waste?”
“Yeah, I guess I am,” said Sam smoothly, her gaze challenged Jett’s.