by Lois Kasznia
“Now what?” inquired Sam.”Is there supposed to be something else?”
“That’s it?” asked Jett, stumped. “What about my lifestyle with the women, and the way I have my house decorated?”
“That doesn’t concern me as my employer. As your girlfriend or significant other, then, yes. I’d have a huge problem with you.”
Jett sat back in his seat, appearing shell shocked. “So, you actually like me?”
“Yeah, I do.” Sam crossed her arms and stared at Jett. “But just don’t let it go to your head, got it?”
“Cool.” Jett smiled widely. “You’ve made my day. But back to business. You are not to go anywhere near Drew.”
“Why?” asked Sam. “You’re asking me to go with you to Maui, and I don’t get to meet Drew?”
“That’s right. If you thought my lifestyle is bad, you should see his. You don’t want to know or experience the way he treats women. Every one is a piece of meat according to him. As my employee, I refuse to subject you to him.”
“He’s really that bad?” Sam couldn’t believe it.
“Yeah, baby.” Jett reached out and tucked an unruly lock of Sam’s hair back into place.
“So, then on Saturday night, I’m on my own?” asked Sam.
“Yup. We’re staying at some nice digs, and maybe you can run into Ian on Sunday. That’s the plan.” Jett got up and walked to the door. “Toby will pick you up Saturday morning around ten. I’ve got a meeting with another friend. See ya.” Jett flashed a smile and left.
Sam sat back, slightly shell-shocked about Drew. She hadn’t heard anything like that about him, but since when did she have time to read the gossip magazines? Her cell phone rang, and was pleased to see Ian’s name flash on the screen.
“Rumor has it you’re going to be in Maui this weekend,” said Ian.
“It’s true.” Sam smiled. “I just found out about it right now. Did Jett call you?”
“No, he texted me.”
.”You know, between all of his texts and tweets, I’m surprised he doesn’t read his emails,” retorted Sam.
“Then you would be out of a job,” Ian reminded her.
“True,” sighed Sam. “Then, I’d have no excuse to see you.”
“I’d make one up.” Ian knew he would make up any excuse to see Sam. “So, Jett wants to see the progress of the house. I don’t know what he expects to see. I mean we just started on the construction. Is there another reason he’s coming here?”
“Yeah, something to do with Drew Stone.” Sam became quiet. Should she tell Ian what Jett had said about Drew?
“Drew is a slime ball. I hope Jett doesn’t expect you to meet him, does he?” asked Ian angrily.
“No, as a matter of fact, Jett doesn’t want me anywhere around him. Is it true, then? I mean Jett told me he has no respect for women at all. But he’s so good looking.”
“He should be arrested for some of the stunts he’s pulled. Don’t let appearances fool you. He’s the devil. I’m glad Jett is putting his foot down.” Ian smiled. “So are you free then for Saturday night?”
“Free as a bird,” said Sam as she smiled. “What do you have in mind?”
“Dinner at my place, maybe catch a live band somewhere?”
“Sounds good. I think I like that idea of yours.” Sam’s thoughts were running rampant in anticipation.
“Do you know where you’re staying?” Ian tried to think of places where Jett would be staying.
“All I know is Jett called it ‘nice digs’, whatever that means.” Sam shrugged.
“Tell you what, Sam. Call me when you get there, and I’ll pick you up. I do coach softball for the Big Brothers and Sisters every Saturday afternoon,” explained Ian. “So, if I don’t hear my phone, just text me, and I’ll be looking.”
“You do what?” Sam closed her eyes, thinking that Ian appeared too good to be true. Her Greek God
“I’m really into volunteering, especially on the island. You wouldn’t believe the poverty level and these kids have nothing. It’s the least I can do.”
“Ian?” asked Sam as she spoke slowly. “I think you’ve passed all of my tests.”
“I have?” asked Ian. “You trust me?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“So, that means you like me?” asked Ian.
“Yeah, I do,” confirmed Sam.
“Well, you know I really like you a lot, too, Sam. I’m glad you’re coming this weekend. I get to show you my Hawaiian paradise.”
“I can’t wait, either, Ian. It’ll be hell just waiting for the weekend to come.”
“Don’t get any ideas from Jett’s emails. You’ll have to tell me all about them when I see you.”
“Now I won’t be embarrassed to tell you,” offered Sam.
“Good.” Ian grinned ear to ear, smiling at his good fortune.
“I better get back to work,” said Sam, not wanting to hang up.
“I’ll call you later, Sam.” Ian’s velvety voice cast a spell over Sam.
“Okay.” Sam smiled dreamily before she went back to work.
****
The life of a superstar never stood still. Totally exhausted when Friday rolled around, Sam tried to get her bearings. Because Marvin had been out of town on some personal business, Sam had to accompany Jett on several projects he had been involved with. Jett had taken her under his wing and wanted Sam to know how his days and nights were planned in addition to the emails and fan club. After much cajoling by Jett, Sam would arrive early with Cracker in tow and they did an hour’s worth of Pilates and cardio. Sam had put her foot down on the Boot Camp claiming she had other work to do. Then, there had been the special breakfast made by Mattie even though it had been made thoroughly nutritional consisting of fruit smoothies, bran, soy and white tea. Ugh. Sam couldn’t wait to sneak at least one Pop Tart. Next she would retire to her office while Jett twittered and updated his Facebook account.
Lunch turned out to be another one of Mattie’s treats, consisting of chicken sandwiches on whole wheat bread with pita chips and flavored water. The afternoon consisted of going to the show’s rehearsals, which Sam did not care for, and found every excuse to do anything but watch. There would be an occasional interview or practice session in which Jett would insist of Sam’s participation. Sam got off the hook around four, and Jett would do his own thing. By the end of the week, Sam had lost five pounds and no doubt about it, probably in the best shape she had ever been in her whole life. But she would kill for a pizza and a whole gallon of ice cream
Ian had called her every night, and they were learning more and more about each other, which made Sam happy. The only thing wrong happened when sometimes Sam would get homesick. She actually missed her parents and her condo. She even called her mother, but regretted it instantly because Bunny threatened to come out immediately. Sam quickly put a kibosh on that idea. Thank goodness she had Cracker, but she had to leave him with Toby for the weekend and Sam felt guilty about that. When Friday rolled around Sam realized that she hadn’t even started to pack, and reached for the phone to call Ian.
“Hey, it’s me,” said Sam.
“Hey, me, what’s up?” Ian answered.
“I just brought out my suitcase and I have no idea what to put in it. So, tell me, Ian, what should I bring?”
“Just you would be good.”
“Ian, you know what I mean,” admonished Sam. “Jeans? Shorts? Something fancy? Swimsuit?”
“Bikini, bikini, bikini,” said Ian as he laughed, knowing he would bring out Sam’s ire.
“Very funny, and you know I don’t do bikinis. So, I get there Saturday evening while you’re cooking dinner, but then what?”
“Whatever you want. Sunday, will be a casual day to walk around the house and then you leave Sunday night. Sounds pretty simple to me.”
“Okay. I’ll think of something. You weren’t much help, you know. What’s the temperature?”
“Eighty-eight during the day and seventies at night. S
orry, I couldn’t be more help. Your birthday suit would be fine, you know.”
“You’re terrible,” admonished Sam. “Don’t go putting the cart before the horse.”
“What? I don’t get it,” said Ian perplexed.
“It’s a Midwest thing, don’t worry about it,” explained Sam. “I’ve got to pack. See you tomorrow.”
“Can’t wait, Sam.” Ian hung up the phone with a smile.
Sam looked at her wardrobe and then at her watch. Darn! There wasn’t enough time left to go shopping if she needed to call Toby. Sighing, she picked out a jean skirt for the plane ride, the dress she wore for her stint with Asylum Monkees along with the heels for the club, and a summer type dress for Sunday’s outing for the house. Sam packed lacey underwear and bras, but she felt a little on the nervous side about this. How do you pack for sex? She had never done this before. Closing the suitcase quickly, Sam took a shot of courage and got ready for bed where she didn’t sleep a wink.
****
“Hey Sam!” Toby bounded up the steps of Sam’s apartment with enthusiasm. “Ready to go? How’s Cracker?” The dog danced around Toby, excited to see his friend. “I’ll take real good care of him, so don’t you worry.”
“I hope he isn’t a problem,” said Sam, a little worried.
“Sam, it’s only for a night. I think I can handle it.”
“Is Jett in the car or did he take his own ride?” Sam reached for her suitcase but Toby already had it.
“Yeah, he’s in the car. Can’t deal with the parking at the airport.” Sam followed Toby into the limo and nodded towards Jett who was sitting in the back seat playing on his iPhone.
“Mornin’, boss,” greeted Sam cheerfully.
“Yo,” said Jett without looking up. Sam rolled her eyes, and paid attention to Cracker.
“I can’t believe how cool Twitter is,” said Jett. “I mean, I love it.”
“What can you possibly say all the time?” asked Sam. “I mean, don’t these people have lives?”
“Not as exciting as mine,” said Jett with a smile. Sam rolled her eyes again. “I mean it, who would’ve thought that we are on our way to Maui for a day because we can?”
“True,” admitted Sam. “But as an average person in the world, I’d be thinking about what I like to do, and how my husband and children are doing.”
“You are being totally traditional, Sam.” Jett teased her.
“Stop.” Sam looked out the window, not really seeing anything, lost in thought.
“Sam?” Jett touched her hand to get her attention. “What is it you want to do? Did I hit a sensitive spot?” Jett looked at Sam with concern.
“Yeah, you did.” Sam looked at him honestly. “I don’t know what I want to be anymore. I mean before this I felt happy working and playing my guitar. Now, I like what I’m doing except playing my guitar in public.” Sam glowered at Jett before she continued, “But what happens when you grow tired of me?”
“Sam?” Jett folded her hand into his and spoke softly, but firmly. “I will never grow tired of you. Ever.”
“I’ll hold you to it.” Sam tried to let go of Jett’s hand, but he wouldn’t relinquish his hold.
“I mean it. Now, enjoy the ride, Sam.” Jett finally let go, and went back to his phone.
The rest of the day was uneventful, though, Sam couldn’t wait to see Hawaii. As the plane made its descent into Kahului airport, Sam peered intently out the window. The sheer joy on her face touched Jett as he stared at Sam fondly. Maybe he should’ve asked her to dinner with Drew, but he frowned knowing what Drew would do. Jett tried to think about how he felt the first time he saw Maui, but he probably had been too stoned at the time. He enjoyed watching Sam who turned excitedly to him.
“Jett, this is way cool,” exclaimed Sam. “I mean look!”
“Wait until we land,” laughed Jett, Sam’s enthusiasm catching.
“Where are we staying, again?”
“The Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali. It’s a nice place. I think you’ll like it.” Jett stood up and grabbed his bag. “Ready, kiddo?”
“You bet.” Sam grabbed her bag, but Jett took it from her. Sam looked on in surprise, not used to such chivalry, especially from Jett. They were met by a limo which whisked them away towards their hotel. Sam’s eyes were huge as she took in the décor of the lobby. Sam glanced over at Jett who had assumed a bored expression as he checked in at the front desk.
“Hello, Mr. Robinson,” said the clerk somewhat in awe of him.
“Also a reservation for a Miss Stevens?” Jett asked.
“Yes, here are your cards.” The clerk handed over two cards which Jett passed over to Sam.
“Sam,” whispered Jett trying to get her attention. “Stop staring.”
“Sorry!” Sam reddened, embarrassed because she had been acting like a hick. Straightening herself she tried to assume the bored expression that Jett wore. The clerk asked Jett for his autograph which Jett gave him with a smile. They then headed towards the elevator and Sam felt duly impressed when they reached the floor.
“I’m here, and you’re down the hall,” said Jett as he pointed Sam in the right direction. “We’re both on our own tonight. I’ll call you in the morning.”
“Cool!” responded Sam. She started down the hall to her room and fumbled a couple of times with the hotel card, but finally got the door to open. This appeared better than the Beverly Hills. Wow! She set her things down and packed a little overnight bag just in case she ended up spending the night with Ian. Sam still felt a little nervous as she made her call to Ian.
“Hey. I’m on your turf now,” said Sam, without giving Ian a chance to say hello.
“How lucky can a guy get?” asked Ian. “I’ll be there in about an hour. I have to finish up here with the kids, take a shower, and I’ll be on my way.”
“What are the plans?” asked Sam.
“I’ll show you around the island and then back to my house where I’ll make dinner for you.”
“Sounds like fun,” agreed Sam. This would give her time to freshen up and maybe catch a nap? Ha! A nap? Yeah, right.
****
Ian arrived, dressed in shorts with a Hawaiian floral shirt. Sam had thrown on a flattering pale yellow sun dress with high heeled sandals. He ran up and grabbed her hands and gave her a resounding kiss.
“What a nice greeting,” said Sam with a smile. “Is this the way you normally greet people?”
“Only when it’s you,” said Ian smoothly. “You look fantastic.” He nuzzled Sam’s neck tenderly. “First place I’ll take you is of course the tour of the island and we can stop for some local food. Then we can go to the beaches.” He stopped noticing Sam’s overnight bag. “You did bring a swimsuit?”
“I did,” said Sam proudly. “It’s not a bikini, but I think it will look just as nice. Oh, Ian, I am so excited. I even brought my camera!” Sam produced a small digital camera and quickly snapped a shot of Ian. “For my scrapbook.”
“Where have you been all of my life?” Ian kissed Sam again and then took her hand to lead her to his car, a sleek, black Porsche.
“Nice ride,” murmured Sam, impressed.
“Hop on in!” Sam started up the car and it growled to life.
Sam’s tour had begun and Ian explained points of interest to her. They drove through Kaanapali, Lahaina, Wailuku, and finally stopped at Kihei Caffee for a snack. They strolled hand in hand as Sam took in the shops. Sam bought some jewelry and a refrigerator magnet for her mother and a shot glass for her father. Ian looked perplexed, but Sam explained to him it had become some quirky family tradition. Ian finally took her to his home and Sam stared, overwhelmed by its beauty and simplicity.
“Oh, Ian,” gasped Sam as she swung around the open foyer. “This is beautiful.” She gazed at the house, a white two story structure with manicured lawns and landscaping. The double front wood doors opened up to the interior which sported hardwood floors and terracotta walls. His dark, wood furniture complimente
d the walls and floor. Sam snapped away with her camera and Ian laughed.
“Come see the back,” said Ian as he grabbed her hand. They went through the foyer into the family room, through the kitchen and Ian opened the back door.
“Oh.” Sam became literally speechless. An outdoor brick kitchen with a huge television and stereo speakers took up most of the patio. The garden had been built in a seashell formation boasting plants of brilliant colors and the Olympic size tiled pool and spa shone a brilliant blue. Past the pool a white gate beckoned which led to the beach.
“Well? What to do you think?” Ian already knew Sam’s answer.
“Nice.” Sam tried to be funny.
“Nice?” laughed Ian.
“Yeah, nice. Oh, Ian? Can we go to the beach? Please?” Sam had already taken her shoes off and Ian ran, trying to catch up with her. Grabbing her hand, the two of them ran onto the sand and Sam acted like a little kid as she splashed in the waves, never minding her wet dress.
Ian watched Sam amused at her enthusiasm. He had to admit he had become besotted with her and she had totally turned his world upside down. He wanted her in the worst way. He wanted to feel her body, her soft skin under his. He wanted those gorgeous legs wrapped around his torso as he plunged into her soft, moist folds between her legs. He had worked himself into a frenzy. “Come here, you.” Ian chased after her and brought her so they were face to face. “I’m so glad you came,” he croaked hoarsely.
“I am, too, Ian. Thank you.” Sam’s lips touched Ian’s for a sweet gentle kiss. Ian opened his lips and Sam’s tongue slipped inside, exploring, tasting. Ian started to lose control and he crushed his mouth against hers, taking it all in, proclaiming her as his.
Sam could feel Ian’s erection through his shorts and she moved closer to him. Surprised at his display of emotions, it tugged at her heart. His arms wrapped around her tighter and if the kiss could get any deeper, it did. Never had she been kissed like this. It felt like sheer heaven. Her body tingled in places, especially in her nipples and her lower stomach throbbed with excitement. They were a perfect fit. Sighing, she broke away and stared at him intently, her eyes dark, her face flushed. “Ian?” she whispered softly.