Play for Me

by Lois Kasznia

  “No. I’m good.” Sam’s wary gaze met Drew’s.

  “So, you’re Sam Stevens in the flesh and blood.” The desire on Drew’s face could not be missed

  “That’s me. Look, lose the bodyguard. At least he can sit someplace else.” Sam didn’t break eye contact with Drew.

  “Hook, you heard the lady. Just don’t go too far.” Drew waved his hand and Hook sat at a table behind them. Ian immediately joined Hook who looked definitely rattled to see an old cohort.

  “Let’s get down to business,” said Sam. “Jett told me you’re interested in me joining your band.”

  “Direct, aren’t you?” Drew smiled lazily, his eyes roaming lasciviously over Sam’s physique.

  “Eyes up here, please.” Sam pointed to her eyes. “Intense is more like it.” Sam smiled demurely. “I really appreciate it, but the answer is no. I don’t like to perform in public.”

  “That’s bullshit, if you hate it so much, why did you do it that night?” demanded Drew.

  “We’re done here.” Sam rose, but Drew put his hand on her arm for her to sit back down. Sam glared at him in disdain.

  “Wait. What about a private session together with me and the boys?”

  “Please don’t touch me,” said Sam evenly. “And I don’t think so.”

  “What? Oh, sorry.” Drew immediately withdrew his hand. “I mean you won’t even let me try and talk you into it?”

  “Nope. I’m good. I like working for Jett. Don’t worry, there’s a ton of musicians out there who would jump at this chance. Not me.”

  “You’re making a mistake. We would be good for each other. I really want you.” Drew looked at Sam, as if trying to intimidate her.

  “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m kind of seeing someone at the moment.” Sam glanced at Ian who nodded back at her.

  “Give me a chance.” Drew looked into Sam’s eyes, almost pleading.

  “I’m flattered,” laughed Sam. “But the answer is still no.” She got up from the table and Drew didn’t try to restrain her.

  “You’ll find out I don’t give up that easily.” Drew had stood up and they were face to face.

  “Neither do I.” Sam turned and joined Ian and Jett. “Ready?”

  “Let’s go,” said Ian as he put his arm protectively around Sam’s shoulders. Jett walked abreast with them, pumping Sam for information.

  “What did he say? I mean he really must respect you because he didn’t make a pass or anything.”

  “He came close a couple of times, but I had it all under control. I’m just upset that I didn’t get to show off my karate skills.”

  “The night is not over,” laughed Ian.

  “Are either of you listening? What did he say?” Jett felt like strangling the two of them.

  “He really didn’t say much. I told him I didn’t want to work with him. Then he asked me out, and I said no to that, too. He said he doesn’t give in and that’s not the last I’ll hear from him. I told him I don’t give up, either. Okay? I’m tired and want to go to sleep.”

  “You’re not staying here,” said both Jett and Ian.

  “Why not? I’ll be perfectly safe.” Sam tried to stifle a yawn.

  “You were going to stay with me until this whole incident occurred,” said Ian. “Are you going to renege on your promise?”

  “I never promised anything like that,” defended Sam.

  “But we were headed there, right? Look, we haven’t even eaten yet. Cut me some slack.”

  “I’m outta here,” said Jett amused at their discussion. “Meeting with some other friends. I’ll see you two at my house around noon. Sam, we’re leaving around three Sunday, so be ready.”

  “She’ll be there,” said Ian. They both watched Jett’s retreating figure.

  “About dinner,” suggested Ian as he walked Sam to the car.

  “Now that you mentioned it, I am a little hungry,” mumbled Sam.

  “You’re really tired,” said Ian as he lifted Sam’s chin, and gazed at the weariness of her face. “It’s been a long day for you.”

  “Yeah. Kind of sums it up.” Sam smiled tiredly.

  “It’s okay to take a snooze in the car until we get home.”

  “Some sort of date I am,” said Sam somewhat embarrassed.

  “Let’s see,” stated Ian as he started the car. “First time to Hawaii, made love several times, which by the way, turned out to be awesome. Then had to confront a sexually crazed man who is probably going to stalk you, and you’ve had no food in over six hours. Yeah, that would make one tired.”

  “I thought this afternoon was pretty darn awesome myself,” said Sam with a smile. “I’ll try to better company. By the way, what’s for dinner?”

  “I just ordered pizza and it should be there when we get home.”

  “Now, I know why I like you!” Sam closed her eyes and smiled happily. Yeah, it had been quite a day!

  Chapter Twelve

  Sam dreamt she floated on a cloud, no take that back. More like on a boat, with the water lapping at her side. It felt so peaceful, she sighed happily and buried in her head into the pillow. She then heard a snore, and became instantly awake. Cautiously, she raised her head to look around and get her bearings. Where was she? Straining her eyes, she looked through the dawn light to see Ian slouched in a chair, his head thrown back and his mouth wide open. Her sudden movement awakened him.

  “I tried to be quiet,” explained Ian. “You were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t want to awaken you.”

  “How long have I been asleep?” Sam glanced down and saw she still had the clothes on from last night.”

  “You’ve been asleep for a while. You fell asleep while you were eating your pizza.” Ian gave her an amused glance. “I’ve never seen anyone do that before. One minute, you’re holding a conversation with me, and the next thing I know, you’re out like a light with your head on the plate.” Ian chuckled.

  “I am so sorry! I’ve never done anything like that before.” Sam turned the deepest shade of red that Ian had ever seen.

  “Don’t be. I thought you were kind of cute.” Ian got out of the chair and sat on the edge of the bed.

  “Ian, you probably think the worst of me,” said Sam ashamed. “Why weren’t you in bed? Why did you sleep on the chair?”

  “I wanted to make sure you were okay, and that Drew didn’t figure out where you were. The other reason? I never take advantage of someone who cannot fight back. Actually, you turned me on.”

  “You know what, Ian? You are too good to be true. How did I find you?” asked Sam in amazement.

  “I found you,” murmured Ian as he crawled up the bed and took Sam in his arms. Ian began to kiss her cheek and slid his hands down her arms.

  “Oh, Ian,” signed Sam happily. She then abruptly sat up. “Morning breath! At least let me go brush my teeth.” Laughing, Ian held up Sam’s toothbrush just out of her reach.

  “You have to get it,” teased Ian.

  “You’re on,” said Sam fiercely. “You know, Jordan taught me how to play with the big boys.” Sam wrestled and the two of them were thrashing and laughing when suddenly, they rolled to the floor. Shrieking with laughter, Ian got loose and rushed into the bathroom and tried to shut the door. But Sam had been too fast for him. Using her arm she shielded the door from closing all the way. Ian lost his balance temporarily and Sam used it to her advantage and grabbed her toothbrush triumphantly. Ian collapsed into a heap, laughing so hard, his eyes were watering.

  “Do you know how you look right now,” he gasped.

  “What?” Sam turned to look in the mirror and Ian grabbed her around the waist and snatched the toothbrush out of her hand.

  “That was a Seal thing, right?” She glared at him.

  “Not really,” said Ian trying to catch his breath.

  “Now it’s mine,” said Sam grabbing it back and she quickly found the toothpaste and started brushing her teeth. She looked into the mirror as Ian brushed his teeth the two of them da
ring each other to break eye contact. “Are you as turned on as I am?” she whispered hoarsely.

  “Oh yeah, baby.” Ian picked her up with a whoosh and carried her to bed. “I have you Samantha Stevens, and you are all mine.”

  ****

  “Hey, Jett!” Sam greeted him enthusiastically at his home in progress. “Check this out, this is gorgeous. This is so not like the one in California.”

  “The real me,” said Jett as he smiled at Sam. He glanced at Ian and saw the love struck look on his face as he looked at Sam. Jett smiled. His matchmaking skills were still in top form.

  “Well, here’s where we start,” began Ian. Taking the blue prints, he leaned on an outside table and began to explain the changes in progress. “Here’s the foyer where we are importing the stone from Italy. Right now, we have it torn up and we are awaiting the shipment.”

  “You taking notes? asked Jett to Sam.

  “Why, do you want me to?” Sam felt excited about this.

  “Sure. If I can’t get a hold of Ian, I can always call you.” He smiled at Sam and then turned to Ian. “You don’t mind do you?”

  “Not at all. But how is Sam going to know what’s going on with the house?” asked Ian.

  “Because she’s going to be staying in Maui while I’m gone,” replied Jett.

  “I am? I thought it was a ‘once-in-a-while’ thing.” Sam looked at Jett dubiously.

  “She is?” asked Ian, pleased.

  “I think it would be best.” Jett turned to Sam. “Now, don’t worry. Cracker can come here, too.”

  “How did you know that would be my next question?” Sam smiled at Jett.

  “Because you love that dog more than anyone.” Jett nudged Sam in the arm.

  “Yeah, maybe you’re right,” agreed Sam.

  “Are you two done?” asked Ian impatiently. “This is work we’re doing here.”

  “Spoil sport,” grumbled Sam, good-naturedly. She and Jett followed Ian into the house.

  “Careful where you walk,” warned Ian. “Now, over here, is one of the living room areas. We’ve stripped the floor and once again are waiting for the wood from South America. We also knocked out the dividing wall so the room would flow into the entertainment room.” They followed Ian throughout the room. “This is where the home movie, surround sound system will go.”

  “Still needs a lot of work,” commented Jett as his eyes wandered through out the room. “You do have a decorator on hand, right? One who won’t rob me blind?”

  “Yes, I do. As a matter of fact, she lives here in Maui. What kind of theme are you looking for? This way, I can let her know.”

  “Something local,” commented Jett. “Sam? Here’s what I need for you to do. Keep me posted on the progress if something is late or you don’t think it looks right. Also, I need for you to meet with this person that Ian is recommending and keep track of the budget. Look around and see if you find anything local that looks good too. You know what I have in California, so what I want here is totally opposite. Just like my house in Phoenix.”

  “I’ve never been to your house in Phoenix,” pointed out Sam.

  “Let me show you.” Jett whipped out his phone and gave it to Sam. Ian looked over Sam’s shoulder.

  “This is really nice,” commented Sam as she thumbed through the pictures. “Is that your daughter?”

  “My pride and joy. Michelle. She’s five this year.”

  “I just love it when rock stars have daughters,” laughed Sam. “I mean, look at Tom Petty. I remember reading something about how he wouldn’t let his daughter go on a date because he knows what’s on a teenage boy’s mind.”

  “Michelle is going to be a nun,” announced Jett, perfectly serious. “Anybody touches her, they die.”

  “You know there’s a group you can join called D.A.D.D?” asked Sam.

  “What are you talking about?” Jett turned to Sam in frustration.

  “Hey, I’m serious,” said Sam defensively. “Dads Against Daughters Dating.”

  “Are you kidding me? I kind of like that,” Jett broke out in a slow smile

  “And when she’s not married and there are no grandchildren, you’re going to ask her what’s wrong?” Sam loved teasing Jett.

  “Don’t need any grandchildren,” said Jett.

  “Ha!” Sam challenged Jett.

  “Hey, can we move on here?” interjected Ian. “I have a date in about thirty minutes.”

  “Date?” Jett looked at Ian first and then Sam. Her face went white.

  “No, it’s not like that,” explained Ian crushed at the hurt look on Sam’s face. “Wrong choice of words. I’m meeting my friend, Rock, to go surfing in Kauai. That’s all.”

  “Oh,” said Sam, realizing she had stopped breathing.

  “I just love that island, but I couldn’t find a house there. What’s next, Ian?” Jett had broken the tension.

  “The kitchen has been ripped out, just waiting for the cabinets and appliances.”

  “The ugly stuff is gone. Hope you burned it.” Jett shuddered when he thought about it. “It was U-G-L-Y,” he said to Sam.

  “I just gave it away to some charity. I’ll let Sam know for your paperwork.” Ian moved them along quickly. He couldn’t believe he said he had a date in front of Sam. She probably thinks he’s a jerk. Still dwelling on his blunder, Ian led them to the master bedroom.

  “This looks much bigger without the furniture,” commented Jett and then he stuck his head into the huge master closet. “I want one of those closet organizers in here.”

  “Do you want wood or wires?” asked Sam and both men looked at her, not understanding what she meant. “I’ve seen both kinds. There is a real fancy one that has wood shelves and dividers and there is something at Ikea that is wire. Personally, I like the wood. It’s classier.”

  “Then wood it is,” confirmed Jett with a smile at Sam. “Now the bathroom?” Jett stuck his head in there. “Good. All the ugly stuff is gone.”

  “Right. We’re waiting on the cabinets, countertops, toilet, shower tiles, pretty much everything. It’s all been ordered.” Ian made a note on his list.

  “What about the studio?” asked Jett.

  “Down this way,” said Ian. Jett and Sam followed him single file, Jett right behind Ian. Sam’s cell phone rang and Ian stopped. Sam waved them on and mouthed, ‘my mother’, so they both understood. She dropped behind but kept an eye on the two men.

  “Mom! What a surprise to hear from you,” said Sam cautiously

  “Where are you? Your father and I have been talking about coming out to see you. I think we would both feel better if we knew our little girl is okay.”

  “Well, actually, we’ll have to schedule that because I’m going to be spending a good amount of time in Hawaii. I just now found out about it, so I’ll let you know. But honestly? I’m doing great. As a matter of fact, I’m in Maui right now.”

  “You’re where?” Bunny sighed dramatically. “You’re just like your brother, flitting all over the country. I knew he would ruin you.”

  “Mom, I’m not all over the country like Jordan, and I resent that you think I’m ruined. I’m not. Jett is having one of his houses redecorated and he asked me to supervise it. What’s wrong with that?”

  “Oh.” Bunny was silent for a moment. “Just how many houses does Jett have?”

  “Three that I know of. He could have more. I didn’t ask because it’s not important to me.”

  “Isn’t that where this architect man is?” asked Bunny.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, he’s the one doing all the work,” replied Sam.

  “Oh,” said Bunny. “How convenient for you.”

  “Mom, it’s not like that at all.” Sam turned red with anger at her mother’s innuendo. Talk about a guilt trip!

  “Then, maybe your father and I could come see you in Maui. We’ve never been there before.”

  “If that’s what you want to do, then fine. I don’t know where I’ll be staying. I have
to work that out with Jett.” Sam watched as Ian checked his watch and patted Jett’s shoulder, indicating he had to leave. He looked back at Sam, gave her a sheepish smile and made a ‘I’ll call you’ gesture and dashed out the door.

  “You mean you’re not living with the architect?” asked Bunny bluntly.

  “Of course not, Mother. We just started dating and you’d be the first to know if it’s progressed past the dating stage.” Sam thought it had, but she had some bad feelings about this ‘so called date’ of Ian’s. She watched as Jett approached her, noting the time. “Mom, Jett and I are getting ready to catch our flight back to Los Angeles. I’ll call you when I know more.”

  “You always say that, and you never do.” Bunny fell into her whiny mode.

  “I will, Mom. I promise. Love ya.” Sam disconnected the call and rolled her eyes.

  “Bunny?” asked Jett with a smile. “I just love that name.”

  “Cute, real cute,” said Sam and walked next to Jett and got into the waiting limo.

  “I don’t mean to pry,” commented Jett. “Are things okay between you and Ian?”

  “You sound like Jordan,” grumbled Sam. “Nothing is serious, if that’s what you mean.” Sam looked out the car window. “Where am I going to be staying when I’m here? My parents want to come out and visit me. First, they wanted to come to California, but since I’ll be here, they would rather come here.”

  “I want the move-in date here upped about a month. I need you to put a little pressure on Ian. The house is really for Michelle. She’s always wanted to spend the winter in Maui since it gets kind of cold in Phoenix. Her birthday is coming up in six months, so I’d like for it to be ready by then.”

  “I’ll do what I can. Should I be looking for a house to rent? Lease a car?” Sam wanted to know, her mind already off of Ian and on to practical matters.

  “Talk to Marvin. He knows people in real estate and he can set you up with something. I’d like for you to be down there by this weekend. Our tour starts soon, and maybe I’ll try and come back to Los Angeles now and then. I’ll be calling you to check up on things.” Jett reached over and patted her knee. “Thanks.”

  “Don’t thank me yet,” warned Sam, but she gave Jett a big smile.