“Sure.” She typed a quick note on her computer. “Done. And don’t worry. You’ll have a fabulous time. This group of people is a hoot when they are out together. Just watch out for Alex McDermott.” Deanna laughed.
This was the last thing Sam needed right now. She was already worried about what Logan thought about her reaction to him. She wasn’t a particularly convincing actress and knew how transparent she was.
“I guess I’ll see you at three o’clock. Oh, and about Alex. You don’t have to worry about me,” Sam leaned in close, “he and I go way back. He’s harmless.” Sam grinned and then quickly headed down the corridor to her office, shutting the door behind her.
There was no way she could get out of this now.
She was thirty minutes late to the party, but it had taken her that long to convince herself she was seriously going to go. Then, it had taken her that much more time just to figure out what was appropriate to wear.
Going home to change had been her first priority. With the brutal Texas sun beating down, she’d burn up in the one hundred and two degree heat wearing what she was wearing. August in Texas wasn’t much different than June or July – hotter than hell with enough humidity to make it necessary to take a shower more than once a day. The jeans she’d chosen for work had proven to be too hot even as she walked to her car.
Back at her apartment, she’d opted not to wear a swimsuit after trying on the only two she owned. Although she hadn’t been dissatisfied with the way she filled them out, modesty had been her deciding factor, and she resigned herself to not get in the pool.
Not that she didn’t want to submerge herself in the cool water; she did, just not under these circumstances. Partly because this was a company function, but mostly because Logan would be there. She wouldn’t be able to hide the telltale reaction she had when he was around.
Obviously the security guard stationed at the gates to Logan’s upscale neighborhood knew he was expecting company because once Sam gave her name, he opened the gates and allowed her entry.
If that encounter hadn’t been intimidating, Sam found herself feeling way out of her league as she maneuvered through the wide, paved streets, immaculate two and even three story mansions lining both sides. Their lawns were impeccably landscaped, the cars that dotted the circular drives worth more than she made in an entire year.
When she finally arrived at the address Deanna had given her, the wide circular drive lined with lush, green boxed hedges welcomed her as she pulled her SUV into an empty spot. Logan’s large stone home sat several yards from the street, surrounded by a freshly mowed, thick, green lawn with bright, blooming flower beds outlining the beautiful house.
With a little reservation, Sam climbed out of her truck, grabbed her bag from the backseat and then finally coaxed her legs into moving. As she made her way up the winding path that led to the front door, Samantha admired the brilliant colors that bloomed in the vast gardens on both sides.
Although she shouldn’t have been surprised, Sam still had a hard time wrapping her mind around the vast differences between her and Logan.
She was the type who pinched her pennies, letting her savings grow as though she actually had a plan for the future. Rather than owning something of her own, she chose to waste her money on rent so she didn’t get tied down to anything. She had contemplated buying a house in the recent past but because of her commitment phobia she had yet to even begin looking.
By the looks of the grounds surrounding Logan’s exquisite estate, he didn’t mind dropping money here and there on things that were obviously important to him. She envied his ability to settle down at least that much.
Although he seemed to be her polar opposite when it came to residences, her body heated with every thought of him and she woke repeatedly every night from erotic dreams that starred Logan. And recent dreams had definitely been filled with the man. Each night seemed to be more man, less clothing.
Almost to the oversized front porch that resembled more of a pavilion than something on the front of a house, Sam wished she could just get in her truck, drive back to her apartment and hide for the weekend. But, if nothing else, she needed to make an appearance, just to show her employees that she was a team player and supported team functions.
The front door was open when she reached the porch, the only thing between her and the room full of people was a solid glass storm door. She took a deep breath and reached for the handle. The moment she entered, she was almost knocked over by a huge animal, resembling an enormous black bear.
“Bear, sit.” Jim Jeffries, one of her project managers, said from across the room as he headed her way.
Sam took in a deep breath and stared into the face of what had to be the biggest German shepherd she had ever seen. Not that she had personally seen many.
“Hi.” She greeted the dog, her voice trembling.
Sam relaxed a little when the dog didn’t move, simply began vigorously shaking his hind end, his tail wagging back and forth against the Travertine tiled floor.
Looking up from the dog, she saw that no one appeared alarmed, so she slowly held out her hand, giving the dog the opportunity to smell her. When he pressed his massive head into her palm, she took it as an invitation to pet him.
Instinctively, she squatted down to greet him appropriately and was greeted back with a lick to her face. The laugh that escaped allowed all of the tension to fade away and Bear seemed to think that was a sign to give her more affection. The friendly, overgrown animal pressed his warm, furry body against her, and she had to lock her legs to keep from falling to the floor.
“It’s great to meet you too, boy.” She said as she gave him a full body rub and slowly stood. “I think I better go talk to some of the humans, but don’t worry, I’ll check in with you later.” She spoke to Bear as though he would understand.
She took in her surroundings, trying to put names with the faces of those she could see from the doorway. Looking back down at the dog, she suddenly wished she could just hang out with him for the remainder of the afternoon. She’d always had a deep affection for animals, but due to her schedule, she’d never felt she could provide enough attention to an animal of her own.
“Hey, Sam. Glad you could make it.” The same voice that had called the dog earlier spoke again, and Sam turned to see Jim standing only a few feet away, beside him an extremely attractive red head.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” She replied, then held out her hand to shake his in greeting.
“Sam, this is my wife, Paulina. Paulina, this is Samantha Kielty, my boss.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Sam.” Paulina greeted as she shook her hand.
“Very nice to meet you. Jim talks so much about you.” Sam smiled, noting the dreamy way Paulina glanced over at her husband. The pretty red head couldn’t have been older than twenty two, maybe twenty three. Her bright green eyes sparkled as she looked at Sam and back down at Bear.
“I think you’ve made a friend there.” Paulina laughed.
Sam looked down to find Bear sitting beside her, his big body pressed up against her leg. “Looks like it. Is he Logan’s?”
“His brother’s actually. His name is Bear.” Jim confirmed, taking Paulina’s hand in his and pulling her closer. “You’ll find the rest of the gang out by the pool. Logan’s running around somewhere.”
“Thanks. I guess I’ll go and let them know I made it. `I hear this is a frequent thing.” Sam said a little shyly. “I hope I’ll fit in.” Suddenly blushing from embarrassment, Samantha realized how insecure she sounded.
“I don’t think you have to worry about that. In case we haven’t mentioned it, we’re extremely glad to have you. It’s been an interesting couple of months, and quite frankly, I think all of us are just excited to see the progress we’ve made since you came on board. I don’t think we’ve seen this much cooperation and streamlining of projects in the entire time I’ve been with the company.” Jim boasted, sounding genuinely happy.
Th
is time the blush was due to Jim’s compliments. She hadn’t been given much feedback from her direct reports, probably because they were still trying to get comfortable with her. “That’s great to hear, Jim. And it was so nice to meet you, Paulina. If I don’t see you before I go, I hope you have a great weekend.”
Sam gave Bear another loving pat before she turned to go in the direction of what she assumed was the back of the house. She tried to take in the decor, noting the warm colors on the walls, the large vases full of fresh flowers, and the dark, masculine wood furniture. She wondered if Logan had decorated the house himself. He didn’t come off as an interior design type of guy, so he’d probably hired a designer. With him, though, she didn’t want to make any assumptions. She’d more than likely be wrong.
When she headed down the long hall, Bear fell into step beside her, and she looked down to speak to him. While she was mumbling sweet words, paying no attention to where she was going, Sam collided with something hard. And warm.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t watching where –” Stumbling more as she tried to gain her balance, Sam fell head long into a very familiar, very broad chest.
“Sam. I’m glad you made it.” Logan’s deep voice rumbled through the darkened hallway.
When his hands braced her shoulders, an apparent attempt to hold her upright, Sam felt his entire body go taut. She had the same reaction, her body tensing as she became aware of how close they actually were. And just as it had in the parking lot at their first lunch meeting, Sam felt the underlying sexual need spark between them.
For a brief second, she entertained the idea of relishing the feel of his large, calloused hands on her bare shoulders. She wasn’t sure if she was moving closer, or he was, but neither of them seemed to be able to back away.
His presence overwhelmed her, the warmth of his hands on her shoulders, the intoxicating scent of musk and man had her knees feeling like jelly. And then, before she was ready, the heat from his palms left her, and she suddenly ached for them to return. Feeling embarrassed and highly aroused, Sam turned her attention to the traitorous dog who now sat at Logan’s side.
“Sorry, I was having a conversation with Bear.” She admitted, trying to lighten the tension flaming like a wild fire around them.
“Bear? Well, he’s a decent conversationalist.” Logan admitted as he took a step back, his eyes boring into her.
So much for all of the distance she’d managed to put between them for the last few weeks. One single touch and her body betrayed her. Sam hated that she couldn’t muster up any of her control from her never ending supply.
This tall, well-built man was out of her league, yet he intrigued her, not to mention he smelled so damn good. What was it with him? She had never been around a man that smelled that good. It must be the pheromones.
When her gaze collided with his piercing blue-gray eyes, his presence overwhelmed her, his confidence filled the air around them, making it hard to breathe while his muscular body towered over her. She wondered if he felt the strange connection that seemed to linger between them. There was an odd sense of comfort, a sort of security that she felt when he was near.
Chapter Eight
~~ ** ~~ ** ~~ ** ~~
Logan watched the emotions play across Sam’s beautiful face. She seemed distracted and confused all at the same time. Maybe she was thinking the same thing he was. What would it feel like to pull her in his arms and put his mouth on hers? Her soft, sweet lips seemed to beg for his kiss, and he knew they would taste as good as they looked.
But none of that mattered because Samantha Kielty was off limits. Off limits. Like a crime scene – stay back; do not cross the yellow tape – off limits.
They both stood motionless for a moment, mere inches separating them. While he stared down at her, she stared back at him just as intensely. Without heels, Sam’s chin came to the middle of his chest, and he couldn’t help to think how nicely their bodies aligned. Everything about her seemed right for him felt right even though it was completely wrong.
The moment was broken when Bear let out a gentle bark, trying to get Sam’s attention again, and Logan took the opportunity to break the silence. “The party’s out back. I just came in to check on things in here.” Breaking eye contact, Logan looked at Bear, then back at Sam. “Looks like you might have a companion for the evening.”
When her eyes widened, Logan wondered what she thought he meant. Then he wondered what she would say next.
What if he was offering to be her companion for the evening? Would she be ok with that? He was her boss. She was new to the Dallas office, and rumors would spread quickly, especially since Logan knew there was one particular project manager who didn’t seem too keen on the idea of having Sam as her boss.
Suddenly, and with very little thought, Logan reached up, gently tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, lingering for a second more on her soft cheek. She didn’t move and neither did he.
The confines of the long, narrow hallway offered a small measure of privacy, but not nearly enough. When she pressed her face against his palm, Logan knew he was a goner.
Stepping back quickly, nearly tripping over Bear, Logan realized he’d crossed a line. “I’m sorry.” He whispered.
“Don’t be.” Sam’s voice was low, her eyes hooded as she stared at his mouth.
She was killing him.
“I mean…” Obviously she had a moment of sanity because she took a step back as well, putting a respectable two feet between them. “Let’s just pretend this didn’t happen.”
She looked incredibly nervous, and Logan wanted to touch her again. Rather than backing off like he should, he took a step closer and lowered his voice. “I’ll do my best, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
There. He’d said it. Now, at least she knew where he was coming from. Though this was likely the biggest mistake he’d ever made when it came to his career, something about Sam made it impossible for Logan to back off. So, now they could either walk away, pretend the earth didn’t stop spinning when they were close, or she could make the next move. Either way, he’d have to make do with her decision.
He fought the urge to touch her again. Instead, he glanced behind him, then back at her. Her face was flush, and she still looked nervous, but then a flirtatious smile curved her lips and his heartbeat ratcheted up a notch.
“I think I should go where the party is.” Sam suggested, her voice a little breathless and shaky.
For some reason, that turned him on more.
“Party. Yes.” Logan knew they better get back before someone noticed he was missing and came looking for him. Or, before he kissed her. “After you.” He said as he stepped aside so she could pass him.
“Sam, I’m so glad you could make it.” A female voice called from the hallway behind them. Deanna.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Logan smiled at his admin as she seemed to be unaware of the heat that still lingered in the hallway after the brief interlude between him and the sexiest woman he’d ever met.
“Oh, hey, Logan.” Deanna smiled, turning her attention back to Sam. “Come on back, we’re all sitting by the pool. What would you like to drink?”
“Something strong.”
Logan almost laughed at the insistence in Sam’s voice. So she had been just as affected by their encounter as he had. Except one thing. He needed a moment alone to figure out a way to diminish the evidence of how affected he was. He watched as Sam walked away from him, not looking back once. He admired her long, tan legs, and the way her short, white denim shorts encased her beautiful ass.
This was going to be a long damn party.
Several hours later, Sam stood as she went to say her goodbyes to the few people still lingering.
For most of the afternoon, she’d managed to get lost in the conversations of those around her, never once paying attention to the time. She’d shared some laughs with several of the managers who now reported to her, and she’d talked at length with Deanna
. She liked that they were becoming fast friends, and she was getting to know her on a more personal level.
Then there was Bear, Sam’s new four legged best friend. Most of the party goers were amused with how much Bear had taken a liking to her. According to them, Bear rarely left Logan’s side when he was over at the house, but today Bear hung around everywhere she went.
The party was dwindling down, and couples were heading home with excuses about kids and laundry and other family things that needed to be taken care of. She knew she better make her way out before she ended up being the only guest left, and that would be uncomfortable for both her and Logan. Especially after what had transpired between them earlier in the hallway.
Sam didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye to Logan, although it would just be easier to sneak out than it would be to face the man again. She had made a grave mistake earlier when she’d allowed herself to get lost in his touch for even that brief moment. And then, when he’d mentioned he wasn’t going to be able to forget what happened, she knew she wouldn’t either.
The fact that he had actually come onto her was weighing heavily on her conscious. Never, in as long as she could remember, had she felt such a strong sexual pull toward a man.
But with Logan, Sam felt like an entirely different woman. She wanted things she’d never wanted before. Her body ached for him, her skin tingled with wanting his touch, and she didn’t seem to care when or where, just as long as she could have him.
Shaking off the thought, Sam looked around, finally locating Logan leaning against the railing surrounding the veranda, talking to a couple of guys she didn’t recognize. Again, their eyes met when she turned toward him, and she felt as though the world was spinning faster, throwing her off balance again. She shook off the feeling, tried to compose herself and was just about to head in his direction when Alex walked up.
“Hey. Leaving so soon?” Alex asked as he moved to stand directly in her path.
Club Destiny 1 Conviction Page 7
