by RJ Nolan
The peaceful moment was broken by her growling stomach. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten, but the fridge was empty, and she didn’t relish going food shopping. There were numerous takeout menus in the drawer, but nothing appealed to her. Be honest with yourself. You know what you want to do. But she wondered if she should. Even after being injured trying to protect her, Sam still invited her out. If Sam was willing to take a chance, why shouldn’t she?
Riley marched into the bedroom to get her phone before her courage failed her. She plopped down on the side of the bed and gazed up at Annie. I can do this.
She listened to the phone ringing, her tension rising with each unanswered ring. When the call went to voice mail, she deflated like a pierced balloon. An automatic smile tugged at the corners of her lips at the sound of Sam’s voice. As the beep sounded, an unpleasant thought intruded. What if Sam had changed her mind once she’d had time to think about it? Or what if her sister found out about Sam getting hurt again? Doubts assailed Riley. She sighed and ended the call without leaving a message.
Chapter 21
Sam smiled at the feel of warm breasts pressed against her back. A slim arm wrapped around her waist for a moment, then a small hand captured her breast and squeezed. Her lover’s nimble fingers rolled Sam’s nipple, making her groan. She tugged the petite hand off her breast and guided it down between her legs, whimpering as her lover began to stroke her clit. Yeah. Just like that.
An insistent sound jolted Sam awake. The dream vanished like a wisp of smoke on the wind, just when it was getting good. Rolling onto her back, she growled at the lingering pulse of arousal. I’m gonna kill whoever’s calling.
She scanned the bedside table, but her phone wasn’t in its accustomed place. Another ring helped her pinpoint its location. How the heck…? Then she remembered her fit of pique the night before, when the phone had ended up on the floor. She scrambled out of bed and made a grab for her phone, trying to catch the call before it went to voice mail. She glanced at the screen as she stabbed the connect. “What do you want, Marina?”
“Good morning to you too, sunshine.”
“I was sleeping.” Sam glanced at the bedside clock. “What’s so earth-shattering you needed to call at eight in the morning after keeping me out till midnight?”
“I wanted to invite you to lunch. I just talked to my mãe. There’s a big helping of your favorite empadão waiting for you. Oh, and she said to tell you my pai made bolo de nozes.”
Sam’s stomach rumbled at the thought of the chicken pie and thick-layered walnut cake. Marina had introduced her to a number of traditional Portuguese foods at her parents’ restaurant. “What time do we eat?”
Marina laughed. “I thought that might change your grumpy mood. Want me to pick you up?”
“I’ll meet you there.” Sam thought she heard someone else’s voice in the background. “Bring Elisabeth with you.”
“Are you sure?”
Sam sighed at the hesitancy in her friend’s voice. “Marina, we’ve had this conversation. I’m happy for you. And glad Elisabeth doesn’t mind you hanging out with me. Bring her.”
“You’re the best.”
“I’ll see you both at two.”
“Later,” Marina said.
After ending the call, Sam checked her missed calls. She stared at the name she never expected to see again. Riley! And I missed her. Damn it. Should she call her now? She glanced at the clock. After waiting so long to hear from Riley, she could barely resist the temptation to call her back immediately.
Then again, Riley sure hadn’t been in a hurry to call her. She forced herself to set the phone down. A shower and breakfast, then maybe I’ll call.
Her anger washed away by her shower, she contemplated things she hadn’t previously considered. What if Riley wasn’t ignoring her? Maybe something happened at work. You should’ve called her and checked. Some job you’re doing looking out for her.
Sam grabbed her phone. Her foot tapped as the phone rang several times.
“Hi, Sam.”
An automatic smile bloomed at the sound of Riley’s voice. “Hey. How are you doing? Is everything okay?”
“I’m good. I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Work was crazy this week. I ended up not only covering my own shifts, but a friend’s as well.”
“Sorry I missed your call.” ’Cause I had a tantrum and tossed my phone. Guilt tinged Sam for doubting Riley. With the way things had ended between them the previous Friday, it had been hard not to.
“I was wondering…” Riley cleared her throat. “Are you still interested in going to lunch? I’m free today.”
Ah. Damn. Sam wanted to say yes, then call and cancel on Marina. If it had been any other time, she would have done just that, but with the anniversary of Marina’s brother’s death this week, she just couldn’t.
“Sam? You still there?”
She started, pulled from her thoughts. “Yeah. Sorry. I’d like to meet you. It’s just that I’ve already made plans today, and I really can’t get out of them.”
“Maybe some other time,” Riley said, her tone dispirited.
“How about tomorrow?” Sam crossed her fingers. “I’d really like to take you to lunch.”
“I’m free. Where would you like to go?”
Sam smiled. “I promised you could pick the place.”
“Do you like seafood? The cooked kind.”
Picturing the smile on Riley’s face, Sam grinned. “Yes. I like cooked seafood. Where did you have in mind?”
“What about The Landing? They have a very nice Sunday brunch.”
Nice and expensive. Sam shrugged. You did say she could pick. “Sure. What time?”
“Twelve-thirty?”
“That sounds good. I’ll meet you there.”
“See you then,” Riley said before hanging up.
While eagerly anticipating seeing Riley tomorrow, Sam had one pressing problem. The Landing was an upscale eatery located right next to the yacht club. What was she going to wear? One thing was sure—blue jeans were not going to cut it.
Chapter 22
After circling several times, looking for a spot nearby, Sam gave in and pulled up in front of the restaurant.
A uniformed attendant opened her car door and offered his hand. “Ma’am.”
Sam waved off his assistance. She handed over her keys, then reached into the backseat and got her cane. She had wanted to leave it at home, but her leg had other ideas. When she had gone to the bar with Marina, she hadn’t taken the cane, and she was still paying the price for that. Sam was reminded of one of her dad’s favorite sayings: Pride goeth before the fall. In my case, it will be literally.
Sam brushed at the hanger crease on her Dockers. The tip of her cane came down on a stray rock, and she stumbled. Damn. The sound of running feet made her head whip up. Riley. That figures.
Riley wrapped her hands around Sam’s bicep. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” Why does she always have to see me looking weak?
“Then let’s go inside.” Smiling, Riley kept her hand on Sam’s elbow. Her coppery-red hair gleamed like a newly minted penny. The bright sunshine made her green eyes appear as if they were lit from within. She was dressed in beautifully tailored charcoal-gray slacks that hugged her slim hips and a dark jade short-sleeved sweater set. Too bad she’s straight. Sam froze for an instant. Whoa! Where did that come from? Her gaze swept Riley. She’s not your type. Sam preferred her women beautiful and on the voluptuous side. Riley was neither. She was cute, but not a classic beauty. And her figure was boyish to say the least. But there was still something Sam found very appealing about her.
Riley’s grip tightened on her arm. “Is something wrong? Are you hurting?”
Sam shrugged away the unusual feeling. “Just thinking about all the great food. I’m starving.”
“Me too.” Riley released her arm and led the way to the tuxedoed maître d’.
“Goo
d day, Dr. Connolly. Will your aunt and uncle be joining you today?”
He knew her by name. It once again made Sam aware that they lived very different lives. She couldn’t image frequenting a restaurant this expensive often enough to become known by the maître d’.
“Not today, Edward.” Riley slipped her hand around Sam’s elbow. “It will just be the two of us.”
The maître d’ looked at Sam as if gauging her net worth.
She resisted the urge to straighten the collar of her knit polo shirt and pinned him in place with a hard stare.
His gaze dropped to the open reservations book on the podium.
Riley seemed oblivious to his perusal.
Maybe Sam was overly sensitive because she felt so out of place. The dining room was crowded with men in sport coats accompanied by women wearing dresses or expensive-looking dress slacks and blouses. A harpist on a raised platform near the back wall filled the room with the soft strains of her orchestral harp, muting the sounds of conversation and the clink of silverware. This would have not been Sam’s choice of establishment for a relaxing Sunday meal.
“I see you reserved a window table,” Edward said.
“Something special, please.” Riley took Edward’s hand for a moment.
The movement was so smooth, Sam almost missed it. Wonder how much she passed him?
“This way, please,” Edward said.
Giving Sam’s arm a quick squeeze before releasing her, Riley followed in his wake.
The panoramic view of the bay drew Sam’s attention as they approached their table. Very nice. The table was draped with a pristine white tablecloth and set with linen napkins, stemware, and shining silverware. In the center of the table, a vase of freshly cut flowers provided a splash of color.
Edward pulled out a chair for Riley, then placed the napkin in her lap once she was seated.
While Sam would have preferred to seat herself, she waited her turn, not wanting to embarrass Riley. She drew the line at having the napkin placed in her lap.
Edward sniffed and placed the napkin on her outstretched palm. “Your server will be right with you. Enjoy your meal,” he said, then made his exit.
* * *
Sam took a moment to enjoy the delectable scents filling the air. There were several food stations, each with a wide selection of choices. She looked to see what Riley had chosen to start with. The salads. Of course, what else? Sam had more meaty fare in mind. If she had to pony up fifty bucks each, she’d enjoy as many things as possible. She headed for the server slicing the prime rib.
Her plate filled to overflowing with a multitude of goodies, she returned to their table.
Riley was already seated. One side of her plate held raw vegetables and fresh fruit, the other side, a small portion of a vegetable dish and a piece of grilled fish.
Riley glanced at Sam’s plate.
She flushed, then pushed the uncomfortable feeling aside. Just because Riley barely ate enough to sustain a small child didn’t mean she had to.
The server arrived with the mimosas they had ordered before going to get their food.
Surprised she drinks.
“I’m glad you found some things you like.”
Was that a dig? Sam stared at Riley. If anything, she looked a bit nervous. Now you’re being ridiculous. Riley had never put her down or commented on what she ate. “Everything looked great. I had a hard time deciding. I guess I got carried away.”
Riley smiled. “Enjoy yourself. The food here is wonderful. They’re known for their lobster bisque. You should try it.” She speared a piece of mango and nibbled at it.
Then why hadn’t she taken any? Sam turned her attention to her own meal.
Conversation lagged as they focused on their food. The sound of the harp wafted over the table, filling the silence between them.
Finally, Riley pushed her empty plate away and patted her belly as if she had eaten a huge feast. “They do have the best food here.”
“It was good. I’m glad we were able to get together.”
Leaning forward in her chair, Riley met Sam’s gaze. “I wanted to apologize again for not calling you sooner. As I mentioned on the phone, things have been crazy. A couple I’ve known for years were expecting their first child. Carol had a complication with her pregnancy and required an emergency C-section six weeks before she was due. Her husband Denny and I work together. I covered all his shifts and call so that he could be with Carol and their son.” A shadow passed across her face. “It was touch and go for a few days, for mother and son. Between Denny’s shifts and mine, plus call, I just didn’t have a moment to myself.”
“No need to apologize. Things like that come up unexpectedly.” Sam felt doubly bad that she had not called Riley to check on her. Even if she hadn’t reached her, at least Riley would have known she was concerned. “Are they okay now?”
A bright smile lit Riley’s face. “Thanks for asking. They’re both doing great. Carol’s home, and Jeremy’s getting stronger every day.”
“That’s great.” Sam patted Riley’s hand where it rested on the table. “I wanted to explain about turning you down yesterday.” The sudden impulse surprised her since she wasn’t one to offer reasons for her decisions. But the dispirited sound of Riley’s voice when she said she had plans made her wonder if she somehow expected to be disappointed.
“You don’t have to do that. I understand you already had plans.”
“It’s okay. I want to.” Sam shifted in her seat and tried to stretch out her injured leg. “A friend I work with had invited me to her parents’ restaurant for lunch. Normally, I would’ve rescheduled with her so we could meet. I know your time off is limited with your workload and call.” She paused when she caught sight of the look on Riley’s face. What’s so surprising about that? “But this was a bad week for her and her family. It’s the anniversary of her older brother’s death.”
Riley’s smile dimmed. “Oh. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
Sam nodded. “It’s been ten years, but in the case of a sudden, unexpected death of a young person, I don’t think it ever really gets easier. Ray was only twenty-five.”
“No. You never get over losing a family member like that,” Riley said, her voice going hoarse.
Sam got the distinct impression that Riley was speaking from personal experience and wondered who she had lost. While she was curious, she didn’t want to ask something so personal. “Speaking of family, the maître d’ mentioned an aunt and uncle. Do they live here in San Diego?”
Riley’s lips puckered as if she’d tasted something sour. “No.”
It seemed clear that she wanted to add, “Thank, God” to that “no.” Apparently, the aunt and uncle weren’t a good topic of conversation, but Sam couldn’t resist trying again. “Any family in San Diego?”
“No. Just me.”
Sam waited, hoping Riley would elaborate.
She didn’t.
The server approached the table. “Would you ladies care for another mimosa?”
“Not for me,” Riley said.
Sam waved him off. Unwilling to give up, she decided to try a different tactic. “My siblings and parents all live in California, but not here. How about yours?”
Riley hesitated and for a moment, it appeared as if she wasn’t going to answer. Then she sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t have any siblings. My aunt and uncle live in LA.” Dark shadows took up residence in her eyes. “My parents died in a car accident when I was a child.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I had no idea.” God. No wonder she was so hesitant to talk about her family.
“It’s okay. It was a long time ago.” Regardless of Riley’s words, her expression made it clear that she still strongly felt the loss of her parents.
“It’s not okay.” A lump formed in Sam’s throat. Repressed tears stung her eyes. While she might bitch about her mother, just the thought of losing her was enough to make the food in her stomach feel as if it had turned to
lead. The thought of losing both her parents as a child was unfathomable. “It doesn’t matter how long it’s been, it obviously hurts you. And I’m sorry about that.”
Despite being in the middle of a restaurant, she wanted to wrap Riley in her arms and soothe away the pain in her eyes. The strength of the impulse took her aback. She settled for reaching across the table and clasping both her hands around Riley’s much smaller one. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Tears overflowed Riley’s eyes and ran freely down her face.
“Oh, Riley.” Sam released her hand, intending to go to her side.
Riley’s gaze darted to the people seated nearby. “I’m sorry. Excuse me.” She bolted from the table.
Sam’s jaw dropped as she watched her retreat across the room. What just happened? As she rose to follow, she noticed the disapproving stares from a couple at the next table over. She stared them down until they looked away, then went after Riley.
* * *
Riley forced herself to walk at a normal pace, keeping her face averted to hide her tears. As she pushed open the door to the ladies’ room, her aunt’s voice echoed in her mind. You should be ashamed of yourself, Riley Connolly. Stop that vulgar display this instant. She had been a child at the time, but she could still feel the harsh grip of her aunt’s hand around her arm as she dragged her into the restaurant’s ladies’ room for crying. Her parents had been gone only a week, and she had not yet learned her aunt’s cardinal rule: Never cry or display any other strong emotion in public. Her aunt considered it an unpardonable sin and an embarrassment to her and Uncle Rielly.
Riley blew out a relieved breath when she realized the anteroom was empty. She dropped onto a sofa in the back corner of the lounge and brushed at her tear-streaked face. She had never again shed a tear in public—until today, but seeing the open compassion on Sam’s face had been her undoing.
