by Dena Blake
Sam pulled the slinky black dress over her head, letting it slide down her body. The silk fabric cooled her warm, freshly cleansed skin, and she shivered with excitement. She backed out into the room and glanced at her phone again. Happy to see she’d made it through her routine in record time, she sucked in a deep breath and assessed herself in the full-length mirror hanging on the closet door. Strapless and stretched to the seams, it fit like a glove, a very tight glove. Surveying herself, she turned sideways and let her hand drift down across her stomach. The curves and swells were still in all the right places. She felt like a woman again, which didn’t happen very often. Considering her occupation, most of her wardrobe consisted of jeans and T-shirts.
It was almost seven, so she slipped into the bathroom to check her makeup one last time. While her hair was still damp, she’d pinned it up elegantly, letting just a few curly strands hang down on each side. It felt a little stuffy for her, but it was a good style with the dress. She stared at the woman transformed in the mirror. Something was missing. Lipstick. She needed some color. As she rummaged through her makeup bag, she heard the faint knock on the door.
“Door’s open. I’ll be right out,” she shouted. After swiping the wine-tinted stick across her lips, she wound it down into the tube and slipped it into her clutch, then headed out to see her date. “This dress is beautiful. A little tight but beautiful…” When she saw Drew all decked out in a black suit, black shirt, and gray silk tie, her stomach vaulted into a full gymnastics routine. She was absolutely the most handsome woman Sam had ever seen. Hair tamed and spiked, Drew flashed her a smile. Sam’s heart sputtered, and her knees went weak. For a brief moment, she thought she might liquefy and ooze right down to the floor.
Drew’s gaze followed Sam’s curves from top to bottom as if savoring every inch. “Appears to be a perfect fit.”
Sam let a slow smile spread across her face. “I wasn’t expecting…such a dashing escort.” No sense in telling her whom she was expecting. She turned to the dresser, popped a few vitamins into her mouth, and washed them down with a swallow of bottled water.
Drew was apparently happy with the compliment, because she smiled, and her dimples set deeper into her cheeks. As Sam reached for her clutch, she saw her engagement ring on the basin. She picked it up and instantly made what could turn out to be the worst decision of her life. She took it across the room to the nightstand and dropped it into the top drawer.
She took a deep breath. “What’s the occasion?”
“My parents are having a little get-together.”
“Did you say your parents?” Sam twisted to face her. “You want me to meet your parents?” No one had ever taken her to do that.
“Of course,” Drew said matter-of-factly. “They would think it rude not to bring my number-one mechanic home to meet them.”
She smiled as the gymnastics meet in her stomach progressed. “Number-one mechanic, huh.” She still preferred technician, but it was useless to correct Drew. She picked up the drop pendant and held it out.
“Among other things.” Drew’s tone was low and seductive as she took the necklace and let her fingers drag slowly across Sam’s shoulders before fastening it around her neck. Her hot breath seeped into Sam’s ear, and she closed her eyes, fighting the urge to turn and push her onto the bed. She wanted to touch every inch of her, to plunge her tongue deep into her mouth, to beg her to touch every part of her. When Drew traced her earlobe with the tip of her tongue, the dress, the hair, the makeup didn’t matter anymore. She swung around and smothered Drew’s mouth with hers. Slipping her arms in under her jacket, Sam grasped her shoulders and slid her leg between Drew’s. The groan Drew let out as she rocked against her sent Sam reeling.
Drew broke away. “We’d better go.”
“What?” Sam said in shallow breaths.
“My parents,” Drew mumbled, ignoring Sam’s tongue sweeping across her lips.
“Your parents. Right.”
“They expect me to be prompt.”
She pressed her thigh firmly between her legs. “I like prompt.”
Drew smiled and backed up. “If I don’t put some distance between us right now, I’m going to be premature.” Pulling Sam along behind her, Drew let out what Sam knew was a growl of frustration and yanked the door open.
* * *
Sam didn’t realize it until after the valet took the Jeep that the porch rose to reveal a hidden stairway leading directly down into a ballroom. She glanced at Drew, then at the mansion. What had she gotten herself in to? This was really old money. Why in the world was Drew bringing her racecar technician home to meet it?
Sam descended the steps and waited for Drew at the entrance to the elegant ballroom. She stood staring in awe, gazing at the lines of the distinctly etched molding joining each wall to the next. She admired the beautiful landscape murals painted between the long luxurious curtains flanking the false windows. She was way out of her league.
The woman is dynasty offspring. My God, there’s the governor! She had to get out of here. Sam swung around and sprinted back up the steps. Meet her parents! What was I thinking? I must have been out of my mind.
Drew met her halfway up and blocked her path. “Not so fast.” She must have seen the panic in Sam’s eyes.
“I can’t do this.” She couldn’t make any commitments to this woman. Meeting her parents was a pledge, an unspoken promise of something more.
“Sure you can. They’re just like you and me. They’ve just got a little more money, that’s all.”
Sam widened her eyes in sarcasm. “Enough money to buy their own country.”
Drew let out a chuckle. “Maybe a small one.”
“Where are your parents?”
Drew pointed across the room. “Dad’s talking to the governor, and Mom appears to be assisting one of the staff.”
Sam glanced over to see a gorgeous blond woman who seemed to be showing one of the waiters how to hold a tray of champagne glasses.
“What’s she doing?”
“Mom’s a soft touch. She’s always taking in strays and trying to make them better.” Drew smiled. “I think she’ll like you.”
What was that? Some kind of a crack about her lifestyle? She might not have an actual permanent address, but she wasn’t a stray.
“Come on. Let’s go see her before she gets hung up with someone else.” Drew let her hand slip into Sam’s and led her across the room.
She tried to free her hand. “I’m not ready to meet her yet.”
Drew held tight, continuing to pull her along behind her. “Let’s get it over with, shall we? Then we can enjoy the rest of the evening.” She stopped short. “Or would you rather wait until she’s visiting with the first lady?”
“No!” The word came out louder than Sam expected, and she jerked her hand to her mouth. Catching Drew’s smile and a few guarded stares from other guests, Sam could see she was enjoying her unease. Drew turned and quickly closed the gap between them and her mother.
“Hey, Mom,” Drew said, creeping up behind her.
She turned, and Sam could see her mother’s eyes fill with elation. That was something to come home to. She’d never seen that kind of reaction in her father’s eyes.
“Drew, darling. I’m so glad you came tonight.”
Sam wasn’t surprised when Drew dropped her hand and put her arms around her mother for a long, blissful hug.
“Mom, this is Samantha Kelleher.”
“Nice to meet you, dear.” She gave her a warm smile.
“The pleasure’s mine, Mrs. Thompson.”
“Please, call me Johanna.”
“Johanna.” Sam nodded.
Drew located the bar across the room. “I’ll get us a drink.” She cocked her head, silently soliciting her order.
“Crown and water, double,” she said, narrowing her eyes.
“Mom?”
“No thank you, sweetie. I’ve already had a glass of champagne.”
“I’ll be r
ight back.” Drew smiled and moved through the crowded room to the bar.
“That’s a lovely dress, Samantha.”
“Thank you. I just came across it today.” Sam’s gaze darted to Drew at the bar and then back again. A rush of heat flooded her. Earlier, when she’d found Drew in her room, her body had betrayed her and was progressing to high treason as the night went on.
“If you don’t mind my asking, where did you two meet?”
“At Sonoma Raceway.”
“Yes. The raceway.” Johanna lowered her voice and took in a deep breath. “Hopefully she’ll give up that hobby. It’s too dangerous.”
“It’s not a hobby, Mom.” Drew handed Sam a glass. “I hope it isn’t too strong.”
Couldn’t be. Right now, she’d drink it straight. She took a large gulp and let it burn down the back of her throat. “Perfect.”
“I don’t know why you chose not to be a lawyer like your brother,” Johanna said to Drew before turning back to Sam. “Do you know how dangerous racing is?”
“I do.” Sam smiled, raising her glass to her lips again.
Johanna looped her arm with Sam’s. “Maybe you can convince her to stop.”
“That’s unlikely, Mom. Sam’s my team technician.”
Now she was a technician. Sam rolled her eyes, knowing Drew had said it just so she’d have to explain to her mother.
“Technician? Does that have something to do with computers?”
Drew stood back and smiled, leaving this one for Sam.
“It’s a fancy name for mechanic.”
“Really?” Johanna’s voice rose as she backed up and, without any discretion, swept her gaze up and down Sam. “Well, at least now I understand why Drew likes racing so much.” She darted her gaze across the room. “Will you excuse me, dear. I see your father is being cornered by that old windbag, Marlin. If I don’t interrupt, he’ll monopolize him all night.”
Sam caught her bottom lip between her teeth before letting it curve into a half smile. “Was that supposed to be a compliment?”
“I believe so.” Drew looked over her glass at her. “She’s really not all that bad once you get to know her.”
“I’m sure she’s absolutely delightful, dahling,” Sam said, batting her eyelashes.
Drew laughed. “All right. She is a little stuffy.”
“They seem happy.” Sam glanced back, watching Johanna cling to her husband’s arm, staring at him as though she were totally in love.
Drew’s gaze followed hers. “I think they actually are. They have their moments, but they have fun together.” She glanced down at the swirling liquid in her glass before returning her attention to Sam. “Someday, I hope to have that very same thing.” She drank down the last of her drink. “Along with a few kids.”
Sam choked on her drink. Kids? Would there be kids? The thought had never entered her mind.
Drew smiled as she took Sam’s glass and set it on the table along with hers. “Dance with me.”
She rested her arm along Drew’s shoulder, while Drew held the other close to her chest as she whisked her around the dance floor. Sam closed her eyes and felt the subtle rhythm of Drew’s heart against the back of her hand. The smooth softness of her face warmed Sam’s cheek. She took in a slow, deep breath, and her subtle, powdery scent filled her head. Sam’s world was spinning. She couldn’t speak—she didn’t want to. She would be happy to remain captured in Drew’s arms for the rest of the night.
“Are you having a good time?” Drew asked. When she didn’t answer, Drew kept her hand pressed firmly to the small of Sam’s back and lowered her chin to meet Sam’s gaze. She knew her eyes would give her away.
“You okay?” Drew asked in a whisper.
Sam nodded and let out a soft, contented sigh. She was more than okay. For once in her life, she felt completely safe. “We should find a seat. I didn’t eat much today, and that drink seems to have gone straight to my head.”
Drew frowned and took her hand. “Come on. Let’s get some food in you.” Pulling her through an elevated corridor, she weaved around a few waiters and pushed through a door into the kitchen. “Sodas are in the fridge.” She pointed to the massive Sub-Zero in the wall. “Grab a couple.”
Sam tugged the door open and took out a soda and a bottle of water.
After grabbing a box of crackers from the pantry, Drew picked up a tray of cheese and headed up the back steps.
“Where are we going?”
“To what used to be my room.” Drew noticed her hesitation and gave her a suggestive smile. “I could show you the wine cellar if you prefer.”
The door flew open and a waiter shuffled through.
Sam shook her head. “I think I’d like to see your room.” It might give her some much-needed insight. Was she a suitor, or just an incorrigible bachelor, looking for a good time?
Drew led her up the winding staircase and stopped at the top. “My parents’ room is that way.” She pointed to the left. “And mine is down here.” She headed in the opposite direction and didn’t stop until they reached the end of the hall.
Her room was filled with a ridiculous amount of memorabilia. Sports trophies covered the shelves, and academic awards hung on the walls. Sam was surprised at how sparsely the room was furnished with only a small computer desk, a dresser, and a queen-size bed. Finished in dark-oak wood molding, the room was three times as large as her hotel room.
Drew set the food on the bottom of the bed and pulled the desk chair over to sit. That left the majority of the bed for Sam. She sat on the edge with her legs crossed, wondering if Drew had planned it that way. She didn’t seem to leave much to chance.
She handed Sam a few crackers and motioned to the tray. “Have some cheese. It’ll make you feel better.” She opened a soda, which hissed before she took a swig.
“You were quite the over-achiever in school.”
Drew popped a piece of cheese into her mouth and squinted. “Still am.”
Sam tilted her head. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.” She ripped a slice of cheese in half and dropped it into her mouth.
“I don’t like to lose.”
“Already noted.” She smiled as she surveyed the room. “You actually grew up here, in this room?”
“Yeah.” Drew blew out the word and made a funny face. “I know it isn’t much, but it served its purpose.”
Pulling her legs up onto the bed behind her, Sam propped herself up on one elbow and raised an eyebrow. “You had your own private wing. Pretty convenient during high school, I bet.”
“In college too.” Drew moved the tray of cheese to the nightstand and stretched out next to her. “In fact, I’m kinda hopin’ it’s gonna work for me right now.” She pulled the clip from Sam’s hair. “That’s much better.” Tangling her hand in the curls, Drew cupped the back of Sam’s neck and stroked the edge of her jaw with her thumb.
Sam closed her eyes and melted into her, letting herself feel the heat of Drew’s mouth drag slowly across her cheek. Her warm breath whispered in her ear, and her breasts ached. She felt Drew smile before she moved slowly down to the sensitive spot at the base of Sam’s neck. She let out a whimper and fell back onto the bed.
Sam heard a low throaty moan, Drew’s, or maybe hers, she didn’t know, but the sound made her wet with desire. The sleek sensation of Drew’s tongue captured Sam’s mouth, sweeping gently across the inside of her lip before diving inside, mingling with hers, touching, baiting, and making her want her all the more. Sam didn’t think it possible at this point, but Drew was slowly and methodically proving her wrong about her own sensuality.
Drew’s hand swept up Sam’s thigh, leisurely making its way up her dress. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a woman up here.”
Drew’s hand stopped, she groaned, and Sam knew she was now fully aware there were no panties to be shed. Drew slid her fingers through the slick wetness, and Sam shuddered. Her nipples, hard and ready to be sucked, scraped against the inside of her dress. She
was speeding full-throttle past the limits she’d set for herself.
“Drew. Are you up here?” The voice echoed through the hallway, and the door pushed open. “I was going to introduce you…Whoops.” The woman jerked back into the hallway.
“Oh my God.” Sam’s face threatened to pale, but the heat was still sizzling in her cheeks. “Was that your mother?”
“Sister.”
She let her head drop back onto the bed. “The one I locked in the bathroom?”
“The only one I have.”
She shoved Drew to her side and sat up at the end of the bed. “Did she see me?”
“Just your feet.”
She hopped up, raced to the mirror, and clipped her hair up. “Do you think she knew it was me?”
“No.” Drew’s voice held a hint of irritation. “But she’ll see that later when I introduce you.”
“We have to go back downstairs.” Drew made no effort to move. “Now.”
“Are you kidding? I can barely walk.”
“Drew, please,” she begged. “This isn’t the way I want your family to know me.” Sam wasn’t sure why she cared. They were both consenting adults. She wasn’t a high-society woman by any means, but this wasn’t the kind of impression she wanted to make.
Drew growled and fell back onto the bed. “Just give me a minute.”
“Thank you.” Sam reached to touch her, but Drew waved her off.
“You’d better stay back, or you’ll have to finish what we started.”
They entered the ballroom, unnoticed, the same way they’d left through the kitchen. Drew searched the crowd for her sister. “There she is.” She raised her hand, motioning her over.
The back of Sam’s neck tingled, and her palms suddenly felt damp. “If you don’t mind, I need to freshen up.”
“You could have done that upstairs,” Drew said, pressing her lips together.
Sam glanced at Liza, then back to Drew. “I’ll be right back. I promise.”