“So, what do I do?” He stood up and began pacing around the small office. “I have to go back and face her once again after having messed up her life. She was doing just fine hiding out before me, but I’ve ruined it. Some guy who has hurt her in ways I can’t even imagine is here and it’s entirely my fault.”
“Hold up,” Jake said severely. “You need to get it together and stop blaming yourself. She was hiding herself really well, this is true, but you have given her back a life.” Sam stopped and looked at him. “As terrible as it is that this creep is here, she needs to face him and move on. If that means she has to press charges and endure a trial, at least she will have peace of mind. She won’t ever have to look over her shoulder again.” He watched Sam for a reaction. He was getting through to him. “And because of you, she has people that love her, a great career, and security.”
“Security? I…”
Jake smiled. “I noticed you didn’t deny loving her.” Sam’s ears burned. “And yes, she has security. You’d lay down your life to save hers and you know it.”
He swallowed. “Absolutely. I’d do anything for her.”
“Go back to work,” Jake urged. “I know how to find you.”
By the time he reached his office he was much calmer. He even had a smile for Haley as he walked in. He was about to ask her to join him in the office to go over a few things when the phone rang.
She was smiling as she spoke to the person on the other end. “Of course.” She listened and giggled. “I’m sure I can find something appropriate to wear.” She smiled at Sam. “Well, thank you so much for asking.” He stood there watching her, wondering. “Yes, he’s right here.” She put the caller on hold. “You may need to sit down for this,” she said with a laugh. “Take it in your office. We can talk after.”
He stared at her for a second, holding that memory of her purely happy in his mind and walked into the office. He closed the door behind him before answering the phone.
“So, what are you doing Saturday afternoon?” Ellen asked.
He smiled. “Anything you want.” He would do anything to see Haley that happy again.
“Wow, Haley has certainly been a positive influence. Or did I just pick the right day to ask you?” She was being coy.
Suddenly he stilled. “Ask me what?”
“I want you and Haley to be Abigail’s godparents.” She paused, waiting for a response.
“Aren’t godparents supposed to be married?” He asked.
She laughed, “In your case, I’ll make an exception.”
“And why is that?” He was genuinely confused.
“Because somehow I think you two are going to be together forever,” she stated. She might have said more, but there was a knock on her door. “Well, I guess I’ll see you both on Saturday. Gotta go!”
He waited impatiently for the door to be answered. When the door opened to reveal a tired looking Ellen, he struggled to hide his disappointment.
She wore a curious expression. “Yes?”
“Hello, Ellen,” he said smoothly. “I’m sure you don’t remember me.” She shook her head. “We went to school together. I’m David’s friend.” She nodded. “I was only in town for the day. I thought I might meet up with Haley while I was here.” That was absolutely the wrong thing to say. He knew it instantly. Ellen moved to shut the door in his face.
“I wish I could help you,” she said shaking her head. The door was very nearly closed when he stuck his toe in it. Her eyes widened in shock.
“Of course you can,” he said. He was about to force his way in when a man entered the room.
“Ellen, who’s at the door?” Ryan asked from behind her.
With that, Chase hurried back to the car. Damn it. So close. She has to be here. I just want to talk to her, reason with her. He glanced at his watch. It would have to wait until the next trip. He had to be back at work tomorrow. He growled. Nothing was ever simple. He threw the stuffed bear on the passenger seat as he drove away in a rage. Now he would have to face his father, admit his mistake, and plan a return trip in the near future. He fumed all the way back to the hotel.
As he hung up, he saw Haley standing in the doorway beaming at him. “What are you so happy about?” He asked pleasantly.
“We’re going to be godparents.” Her eyes were sparkling like emeralds and her happiness was contagious. He wanted to shut out the rest of the world and just hold her tight. He stood to make that a reality.
“Come here,” he said in a husky voice. She smiled at him coyly, but entered the room. He stepped behind her to close the door and wrapped his arms around her. In the past she had shrank back from his touch, stiffened, and often run. He reveled in the positive changes between them. It thrilled him to be able to touch her and hold her, to have her melt into him. He sighed.
“Happy?’ She murmured into his neck.
“Ecstatic,” he said honestly.
“Now I just need to find something to wear,” she admitted. He stepped back to look at her and she regretted her words instantly. “No,” she said shaking her head. “This is not a business expense. I will find something more than suitable with my money.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“Okay,” he shrugged. “I was just hoping that I could convince you to go to the spa with me Friday after work.”
She looked at him suspiciously. “For what purpose?”
“Well, I need a hair cut,” he began slowly, still formulating his plan, “and you deserve to be pampered.” She started to argue, but he had already anticipated that. “Listen, you do more work than any other temp ever has. Hell, you do more work than half of my permanent staff. I can’t reward you with a pay raise since you technically work for the temp agency, at least let me repay you in other ways.” He crossed his arms and gave her a look that dared her to disagree with him.
“I hate pity,” she said quietly.
“Why would I pity you?” He softened. “I admire you more than anyone I know.” He gripped her shoulders lightly. “Just let me do nice things for you once in a while.”
Haley tilted her head to one side. Would that be so terrible, letting him do nice things for her? She smiled slowly. “Okay, but nothing too extravagant?”
He nodded, pleased that she conceded so easily. “By the way, what do you consider too extravagant?”
She sighed. This might be more difficult than she imagined.
At three on Friday afternoon, Sam sent the chauffeur to pick up Haley. “But I have two more hours!” She protested.
“Not today, madam,” he replied as he shut the door behind her.
The divider came down and she was addressed once more. “Mr. Davenport suggested you enjoy a glass of wine on the way to the spa.”
She balked at the idea. “Who drinks at three in the afternoon?”
The driver smiled. “Well, some would suggest that it was five o’clock somewhere.”
The driver was about to raise the divider once more, but Haley stopped him. “Excuse me, sir,” she began, “I feel terrible. You have driven me several times, but I don’t even know your name. What would you like me to call you?”
The driver flushed, unused to anyone caring. “Well, miss, you could call me Neville, if you like.”
She nodded. “Thank you for driving me, Neville.” She smiled and relaxed into the leather seats. Soon they arrived at their destination. The door was opened for her once more. “Um, I hate to ask, but are you waiting for me or…” Her voice trailed off. She had no idea what was planned for her.
With a warm smile, Neville responded, “Don’t worry, Miss Iverson. We will make sure that you get home safely.”
Haley was whisked away into the depths of the spa almost as soon as she checked in. Immediately she began to realize what an important man Sam must be if she was being treated so well for merely being his guest. “We’re on a tight schedule, but don’t let that prevent your enjoyment of today,” her esthetician said while looking her over.
Nothing
could have impeded her ability to enjoy her afternoon. She was given a French manicure and pedicure. Haley loved the nice clean sophisticated look. She loved even more that she didn’t have to give it to herself. Her facial left her with fresh glowing baby soft skin. The stylist she had worked with on the Employee Appreciation Day had sent over several outfits for her. At first she struggled to choose which outfit she liked best, but was told they were all hers and her jaw dropped. This must be costing Sam a fortune. And that made it somewhat difficult to take pleasure in the rest of her day, until she was sent for her body treatment.
Haley had just entered the room in her bathrobe and was about to shut the door when a hand prevented that. “Whoa,” he said in a low voice.
Haley looked confused. “I must be in the wrong room,” she said until she realized that she was speaking to Sam and that he was wearing a similar bathrobe. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“We’re having our body treatments together, Haley,” he said.
“Together?”
“Yes, baby. Together.” Sam saw instantly how nervous she was. “Is it me?” He glanced around the room and realized that two men would be taking care of them.
Haley looked up at him and wondered over what to say. “Um, Sam?”
He knew instantly what she was thinking and addressed the estheticians. “Could you give us a moment please?”
Given that it was Samuel Davenport making the request, they immediately scattered.
Once they were alone again, Sam pulled her close. “I wasn’t thinking, Haley. Or maybe I just thought having me right next to you would give you the courage to enjoy the experience.” He inhaled the scent of her hair. “Will it be okay, or should I find a woman to work on you? Or maybe you want a woman and for me to leave the room? I’ll do whatever makes you most comfortable.”
Haley made a face. “I don’t know what this entails. What’s a Vichy shower anyway? Do I have to get naked?”
Sam took a moment to explain the procedure. They would both be wearing special paper undergarments, totally disposable. They would get on the table face up, select a body scrub, have that scrub applied to the entire body, then they would be covered by the top of the pod and water would flow through the holes to rinse them. During that time, usually a good twenty minutes, the lights would be low, there would be music, and they could relax.
To Haley, it sounded pretty perfect. It also sounded pretty intimate. Yet with Sam on the table next to hers, she could handle it. She could even imagine enjoying it. He was correct in his assertion that his presence gave her strength. She felt better already just having him close. He would always protect her. He had told her as much. “I’ll be fine,” she murmured against his exposed chest. Her lips grazed him as she spoke and he discovered he was having an immediate physical reaction.
“Well, let’s get you on that table then,” he said, pushing her toward the table.
She was self-conscious, but trusted him to behave like a gentleman with her nearly naked form. Haley untied the robe and let it drop from her shoulders. She focused entirely on his eyes while she passed it to him, looking away only to climb up onto the Vichy table and cover her chest with her arms.
“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” He whispered in her ear as he leaned over her and kissed her on the lips. He hung up her robe, walked over to the door, and announced they were ready.
Sam tried to focus on relaxing. He couldn’t concentrate on anything but how incredible Haley had looked naked. He had wanted to touch her, to caress every square inch of her, but he had held back, knowing that he would never have her complete trust if he leapt on her at the first moment that presented itself. He sighed.
“Sam?” Haley said softly while they were alone in the room, sealed in their pods.
“Yes, Haley.” Her voice caressed him.
“Thank you so much.” She was genuinely happy, completely relaxed, and utterly convinced that this was the best afternoon of her life.
“You’re welcome so much.” He smiled, even though he knew she couldn’t see it.
“No, I mean…for everything. It’s not just about what you do for me; it’s about how you care for me and support me. Do you understand?” Haley struggled to make sure he understood what a difference he was making in her life.
He opened his eyes, understanding the gravity of the discussion. “I know.”
And by the time she walked out of the spa, Haley was a whole new woman, right down to her hair. Sam had commented on the picture of her with her family the morning after he spent the night. He didn’t pry, for which she was eternally grateful. In fact, the only observation he made was how great her hair looked its natural color.
As much as she longed to remain safe and secure with her mousy brown hair and baggy clothing, Haley felt stronger and more confident than she had since the attack, strong enough to be more herself than she had in a long time. And in some way or another, all of her changes could be traced back to Sam. Sam had signed her up for Tae Kwon Do. Sam had set her up with the stylist. Sam had supported her, been patient with her, and cared for her every step of the way. Just thinking of him warmed her.
Then he saw her. He was waiting in the back of the limo, finishing up an important phone call while he anticipated her exit from the spa. He had planned a late dinner and hoped that if he just played his cards right, she might ask him to stay over so that they could enjoy another weekend together. With the Christening on Saturday afternoon, she was already rather tied to him, right?
The door opened suddenly and an amazing leg was propped on the floor beside him. The rest of the body was busy with the driver. “Thank you, Neville,” she said full of grace and confidence.
Sam made eye contact with the driver, who was blushing. He raised his eyebrows. Haley knew his name? The driver shrugged. And in an instant she was beside him. He barely recognized her.
The hair that had always seemed wrong for her now was a glossy brilliant copper. His eyes widened. Her creamy skin was begging for his caress and he gave in to temptation.
Slowly, Haley turned to study his reaction as he captured her face. He was millimeters from her lips, mesmerized by her eyes, which now sparkled a deep emerald. “You have rendered me speechless,” he murmured, closing the distance to her lips.
“I’m glad you approve,” she said once she pulled back from his kiss. She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed.
“Relaxed?” He guessed while playing with her hair.
“Too relaxed,” she jokingly complained. “I can barely move. The massage was incredible.”
He nodded in agreement. Her comment reminded him of how amazing she looked naked. He felt his groin react and had to quickly change the subject. “So, do you think you can find the energy to eat? I have reservations at this amazing Italian restaurant.”
“Somehow I’ll manage,” she giggled.
At dinner he tried plying her with wine, but she stopped him. “You are so transparent,” she teased.
Sam’s ear turned pink. “Whatever do you mean?”
“What if you just ask?” She murmured, leaning across the table. He studied her face. “What if we discuss it before I wake up with a start, wondering where I am, who I’m with, and if there’s an intruder I need to worry about?”
His eyes widened in shock. “Is that what I do to you? Is that what has happened those times?” He reached for her hand with a furrowed brow. “I never meant…”
“I know,” she said quietly, letting him caress her palm. “And as soon as I see that you are with me, I’m fine,” she declared shyly.
“Was that so bad, admitting you like having me around, admitting I make you feel safe?”
She challenged him. “Would that be so bad, admitting you want to stay with me, share the same bed with me, spend time with me?”
He pursed his lips together. “Point taken,” he said wryly. He sighed. “I hate rejection, Haley. I’m not accustomed to it. And it’s not as though you haven’t turned me do
wn in the past.”
“I won’t always acquiesce to your every desire,” she said honestly. “But you will always know how I feel, where you stand.”
Sam leaned closer. “In that case, you’ll be doing a lousy job of hiding,” he teased.
“I’m done with hiding,” Haley replied. “You and I are sardine players.”
Sam stayed over. Even more surprising was his announcement in the morning. “I’d like to go to class with you.”
She paused as she tied her belt. “You can’t just watch, you know. People sitting around watching distract the kids. No one is allowed in the room unless they are participating. That’s the rule.” She waited for his answer.
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