She wondered if he ever thought of that too, or what he was thinking now. The thought made her blush even more. He looked back up to her eyes and held her gaze, hypnotizing her with his penetrating stare that she didn't want to break, not even for a second.
But she had to. Her knees were... They felt weak like they might buckle beneath her, and if she didn't look away, she knew she'd crumble. She'd never met anyone like him before. Never met anyone who could have such an effect on her, and even after so many years. Logic told her that it was a little farfetched since she'd only known him for one day when they met. But it was how she felt.
They danced to the music, enjoying it. Enjoying each other's company and this... Closeness.
After a while, she felt that it was time he rested his leg and went back to the booth. Glancing over at the clock on the wall above the DJ pit she saw it was ten past ten. She supposed Sam would go soon because he'd been with her for hours. The thought of saying goodnight, and him going saddened her. Then it would be Monday before she saw him again. At work where they would be back to their professional selves.
"I'm sorry I've kept you out so late. You must be exhausted." He chuckled running his hand through his hair.
She shook her head. "I'm fine. Honest."
"I also haven't seen you eat."
She hadn't eaten since this morning. Too much had happened today. She was the kind of person who had to remember to eat when she was busy or stressed.
"I haven't. What about you?"
He took out a box of Tic-Tacks and shook it? "Some people call this food right."
She laughed and shook her head. "No one I know."
An idea popped into her head, and before she could think about it, she said it. "You should come back to mine. I can whip up the best fajitas you ever tasted." Reality left her mind when her emotions took over, and as soon as she spoke, she wished she'd kept her mouth shut. Clearly, she wasn't thinking, at all. He'd just spent what? Nearly six hours with her. What made her think he'd want to go back to her apartment for food, at this time of night?
He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Fajitas are my favorite. But I can't have you slaving over a hot stove for me at this hour." He smiled clasping his hands together.
So this was goodnight. It was fine. She'd be fine. They had a great night. She hadn't enjoyed herself this much in a long time.
Her disappointment, to her embarrassment, must have been obvious because he straightened up and said, "unless... If you let me help you make them. Now that would be like me cooking for you too." His smile brightened.
She couldn't hide her excitement. "That sounds great," she beamed.
"Good. Well, let's go."
An hour later they were at Lexie's apartment. They sat comfortably together on the large sofa talking about food while reruns of The Honeymooners played in the background. They'd just finished eating what was left of each other's Fajitas. Sam wasn't joking about letting him help. He made hers, and she made his.
Since poor Sam looked like he was doing his best to stay awake, she thought she'd let him go home soon. It would be cruel to deprive him of sleep. But first, she felt some hot chocolate was in order. It would finish the night off perfectly.
"I know what we need." She could quickly whip up her grandmother's special Mayan blend. As she moved to get up, he took her hand and covered it with both his.
"Hey, we agreed that I would be helping if there was anything to be made."
"I don't think you can help me with this one. Unless if you have the ancient Mayan recipe for my grandmother's hot chocolate." She smiled.
His eyes brightened at the mention of chocolate. "You had chocolate here this whole time and didn't tell me?"
She laughed, remembering how much he loved chocolate. "I was saving it for the right time."
"Okay, you go do whatever it is your doing. That sounds amazing." His green eyes sparkled.
She smiled at him. "First give me your hands. Let me make sure I get your blend right." She knelt down in front of him. He held out his hands to her, looking fascinated.
"I feel like you're going to tell me about my future." He sounded slightly nervous as she touched him.
"No. I can get Hayley to do that. She thinks she's psychic. Right now I'm going to make you the best hot chocolate you've ever had in your life."
Her hands were so soft against his. Soft and magical. Just like everything else about her. It was enough to put a man who'd been working since four a.m into some kind of enchanted trance where he just couldn't say no. Or leave her side. Sam should have gone home hours ago. Yes, he'd decided against the caution he wanted to take with her, but now he was swimming towards the deep end, allowing the currents of attraction to reel him into her. And he wasn't resisting.
He blamed the dance. Maybe he could have found the willpower to leave her before that, but as soon as he touched her, his mind left him. It didn't help that he was super exhausted. As they'd danced earlier, he found himself uncontrollably staring at her lips, and her all over, with the tempting memory of how sweet she tasted and how irresistible she smelled.
Sam knew he was in trouble when he couldn't control his mind. The lack of control and tiredness allowed the attraction he felt for her to take over.
He found himself thinking that he wanted to escape the horrible, lonely life he'd lived for the last twelve years. Just for one night, he wanted to escape his world and live.
"Cinnamon and spice." She decided, lifting her head after she analyzed the lines across his palms. "That's you."
"What's you?" It interested him to know. Just like everything else about her.
The corners of her delicate mouth lifted into a sexy smile. "Floral and aromatic."
She released his hands and rose in one fluid motion, carry off the charm she held over him with ease. He watched her like a cat would, watching its prey as she sauntered off towards the open plan kitchen. His eyes took in every part of her. The sleekness of her shoulders, the distinct curve of her tiny waist, the firmness of her toned behind. How was he supposed to help himself? He just couldn't bring himself to leave her just yet. He'd suffer for his decision later. He knew he would, but again she was worth the risk.
A few minutes later she returned with the hot chocolate. He took one sip and completely agreed that it was the best hot chocolate he'd ever had in his life. The cinnamon intrigued him while the spice mixed with the thick sweet chocolate, taking him to another plane of existence. He closed his eyes and savored the taste. The feeling reminded him of her, intriguing and mesmerizing.
"Was I right?" she asked excitedly.
"This is the best hot chocolate I've ever had in my life." He confirmed. She looked pleased with herself. "Come on sit back down."
She sat next to him, closer this time. As he drank he listened to her talk about chocolate and when he finished he rested his head back on the sofa and turned to face her.
"That was amazing."
"I'm glad you liked it," she said.
With heavy lids he watched her beautiful face light up. "Lexie, I can't move." His eyelids grew heavier.
"Rest." She said softly. That was all he heard before he drifted into a deep sleep.
* * *
Lexie knew she should feel worse for keeping Sam with her so long he fell asleep, but she didn't. She knew she should probably wake him too, but she wasn't going to do that either. Instead, she grabbed her most comfy blanket to cover over him and retired to her room to leave him to sleep.
How often had she thought about him over the years, and wondered where he was? For tonight she had the privilege of having him here with her, in her apartment.
What an interesting day she'd had. She turned out the lights and got into bed, too intrigued by Sam to end the night with sleep. She loved that she'd gotten the chance to find out so much more about him. Now she really, and truly felt like she knew him and everything about him captivated her. Her phone buzzed as a message came through from Gina thanking
her again for today. Earlier Lexie had called her and Tim to let them know all that happened. Well, not all. Just the business parts. She didn't mention anything about Sam being with her, and she wasn't going to do that now either.
She sighed to herself, as she thought about Sam again. Lexie still felt the same way about him. The same way she felt all those years ago. Was that crazy? The last few weeks had left her questioning herself, but now she knew that her feelings never left her. Tonight only enhanced them, and she wasn't sure that it was a good thing, particularly since ... Well, realistically he was out of her reach. Sam was CEO of Cervantes and his father's right-hand man at St. Johns & Co. He was a very important person, and she worked for him.
And not just that, over the years since Adam she was very careful to protect her heart. An attraction was one thing, but allowing it to take over her mind and sense of logic was another. Sam was like the exception to everything. He bypassed the rules of logic.
So she needed to be careful. It was wise to be cautious, and careful. That way she could still enjoy his company and be level headed about the way she felt about him.
She fell asleep on that thought and woke up early the next morning with the plan to make him a great breakfast. She pulled on her lazy day pajamas as she didn't think Sam would appreciate her walking around in her underwear.
He was still asleep but had shuffled around on the sofa, so he was lying on his side. Poor guy, he must have been super tired. At least he looked comfortable with the blanket tucked under his chin. Deciding not to disturb him, she started on the breakfast and thought about what she could plan for the day.
* * *
The smell of amazing bacon, eggs, and herbed sausages teased Sam out of a deep slumber. It stirred his senses and made him smile.
Was he at his parents' house? He wasn't sure. That was definitely his mother's cooking he could smell. Sam opened one eye followed by the other, but was still quite unfocused. He turned his head and observed the surroundings. White leather furniture, a brown coffee table in the middle with knitted costers. Pink and lilac things here and there.
This wasn't his parents' house. A glimpse of long silky brown hair caught his attention along with the subtle scent of vanilla. Then he saw two long graceful legs moving around the kitchen, and his eyes trailed up the rest of the body of its owner.
Lexie. Oh, this was another dream. Here she was Claire.
Her smile widened when she saw him and made her way towards him with a skip in her step. The sunlight spilled through the window bathing her in its light. Any moment now he'd wake up, until then he'd savor each second to admire her. It had been awhile since he'd dreamt about her. He focused on the tiny curve of her waist that pink slinky top she wore caressed each curve gracefully, just the way he would if he could touch her. Her ample breast bounced lightly revealing that she didn't have a bra on underneath. The slight outline of her nipples confirmed that and made him hard with the thought.
"Sam," she said his name with a smile. One that reached her eyes.
"Hey." His voice sounded groggy. She lowered to sit near him on the sofa at the same time that he sat up and reached for her, slipping his arm around her waist. It was strange, this felt real. She felt real. "What's going on?" Confusion set in.
"I'm so sorry. You fell asleep. I didn't want to wake you, so I did my best to make you comfortable." She said in a nervous babble. This... wasn't a dream. He stroked her waist to confirm it, and her cheeks warmed to that beautiful color that he loved.
It all came back to him now, and the reality saddened him. This was real life. Here she was Lexie, and she wasn't his. He drew his hand away, feeling silly for forgetting himself and touching her like that.
"No, it's me who should apologize. I should have left before I fell asleep. I'll just go get my things."
She laughed and rested her palm on his chest stopping him before he could move further. "Are you kidding? I'm not letting you leave. I made the most amazing breakfast for you."
"For me? Lexie, you shouldn't have. Or, you should have woken me up to help."
"That was last nights' rule. It's Saturday now." She cooed, eyes shining with excitement.
"Oh, so Saturday has a different set of rules?"
"Hmm hmmm." She nodded vigorously.
"What are they?"
"They are, say yes to Lexie if you're not busy today," she replied hopefully.
Okay, this was one of those times when he should say no. He needed to go back to his apartment and ... Well, he was certain there was something he could busy himself with.
Like physio. He needed to sort out another appointment. He'd only been gone to register and meet his new doctor when he first came to San Francisco. His leg was actually feeling like it was at that point when he could give up the cane. With all he'd done this week his leg hadn't bothered him once.
She rested her arm down next to him. The movement caused the slightest shift in her breast giving him a little more view. Damn. She was going to make saying no or saying anything at all hard. He was hopeless. If she crawled in here with him now he couldn't say that he would stop himself from stripping her down and devouring her.
"Are you busy today?" she asked.
"No," he replied. At least he said the word. Just not in the context he intended. Booking his appointment would just be a one-minute phone call. It wouldn't take up the whole day.
"I was thinking we could go to the cultural festival. But first to the marina." Her eyes lit up with excitement.
"The marina?" Sam's eyes widened at the prospect. The thought of going to the marina and watching the boats coming into the harbor was possibly the only thing that could cut his distraction from her body.
"Yes, It's about an hour away from here." She gave him a hopeful look. "I don't know much about sailing, but it has every kind of boat you could imagine."
That's it. He was convinced now that she was the perfect woman. How was he supposed to say no and go home? And go home to what? An empty apartment?
"Yes, absolutely. Let's go." He was excited now.
* * *
"I look like a surfer dude," Sam complained next to her. The wind swept into her car and tousled his hair.
He hadn't wanted to wear the same clothes he'd been in since yesterday, so Lexie lent him some of her cousin, Todd's, clothes. She'd chosen a light blue Quicksilver t-shirt and a pair of faded jeans. They were the exact same size. Todd was in the Marines and always stayed with her when he was visiting because Tamar was too bossy, Hayley was too radical and crazy for his liking, and her parents would smother him with food. He kept a stack of clothes with Lexie for whenever he visited. Today they came in very handy.
"You look cool," she giggled.
"I'm not so sure about that." He did look cool. More like a regular guy. He was just too used to being suited and booted all the time.
They got to the marina in next to no time because the road was pretty clear of traffic. As they got out, she took pride in watching Sam's eyes light up as he saw the boats. He walked directly over to a bay of sailboats and rested onto his cane.
"Mine looked just like that." He pointed to a large white one with turquoise blue and sea green sails. It was magnificent and perfect in its design, blending in with the sky and the sea with its colors. "I wanted to sail around the world."
"You still can."
He looked across at her and gave her an appreciative smile.
A weathered looking old man wearing a black T-shirt and Bermuda shorts emerged from inside the boat adjacent to the one they were admiring and observed them. Lexie watched as he lifted his hand to his face, shielding it from the bright sunlight.
"Morning. Are you looking to buy, or to hire?" The man asked placing a battered looking Dodgers cap onto his head.
"Are these available to buy?" Sam asked straightaway looking interested.
"They sure are. Want to check it out?" The man smiled.
Sam didn't need to be asked twice. Immediately, they made the
ir way on board the boat Sam liked. It was even more gorgeous on the inside and spacious too. Sam look quite fascinated with it.
The man joined them a few minutes later. Up close Lexie could see that his skin looked as if it had had far too much sun and took on a leathery look. He smiled at her revealing a missing side tooth and a golden one at the front. He looked like a pirate. Lexie wondered if that was the look he was going for.
"What do you think?" He asked Sam.
"She's a beauty," Sam replied.
"And perfect for the six flags race next summer. There's a number of people preparing for it in the marina."
Lexie didn't know what that race was, but Sam sure did.
"I used to compete," Sam reminisced.
"Well, you'd have plenty of time to prepare. My sons are taking part. They do it every year."
"Depends on my leg," Sam told him. "You know what the sea can be like on a bad day."
"Suppose so. Tell you what, take my card, talk it over with your Mrs. and get back to me when you're ready." Lexie blushed uncontrollably as Sam chuckled, taking the business card from the man. "I'm sure she'll agree that this here boat is a thing of perfection. Don't miss out." Sam turned to her as the man walked off.
"So Mrs. do you like it?"
She laughed. "It's definitely a thing of perfection."
"I'd buy it in a heartbeat if my leg was better."
"Your leg seems better and better every time I see you." She told him.
"It does feel better. I'd love to be able to sail again. Lexie... thanks for bringing me here." He turned to face her and lightly brushed his thumb against the side of her face, stirring her nerves.
"The pleasure is mine," she replied.
"Should we look around for a while?"
She nodded with excitement.
* * *
Complete Me Page 16
