Sam spent the rest of the day trying to work as hard as possible and keep things tight so he could squeeze in ten minutes to run down to see Lexie. With his efforts, the opportunity presented itself later than he hoped, just before the teleconference call. Through his office window, he could see her coming out of her lab with her bag, ready to go home for the day. Adrenaline kicked in, and he dashed to the elevator, hoping he'd get to her before she got in the other one next to it.
Luck happened to be on his side. She stepped into the adjoining elevator at the same time he got out, and he managed to grab the door just before it sealed itself with her on the inside.
"Sam." She beamed with that sparkle in her eyes that he'd grown used to.
Warmth washed over him as he looked at her, and he could no longer deny himself of this woman who made his heart beat and his blood sing through his veins. He wanted to talk but the first thing he saw was her lips, and he remembered how she tasted. It was a taste that could keep him going back for more even after twelve years.
Sam moved with the force that drew him to her, and when he took hold of the delicate curve of her beautiful face, she moved to him too, meeting his awaiting lips with the same passion and longing that fueled him. They kissed each other greedily allowing the passion to overtake them and all that mattered was right now. They were finally together. Finally.
As his thoughts faded and he felt himself lose control he slowed the kiss and pulled back, holding back and reminding himself that they were still at work and they were in the elevator.
"I can't wait any longer." He told her, lifting the ends of her hair.
Her cheeks turned that warm rose color. He swore she got more beautiful every time he saw her. "You don't have to." She smiled up at him.
His spirits soared on hearing that and excitement sparked within him. He reached up and cupped her face. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," she replied with emphasis and smiled.
He wondered how much trouble he would get into if he ditched the conference call and just left with her now. Maybe he could say he was sick and Zane could handle it all. The idea appealed to him the more he looked at her, but he realized it wouldn't be fair to the Japanese investors who were setting up in their office at only God knew what time in Japan. It would never go down well to explain that he was far too distracted by the beautiful woman standing next to him to think logically. The meeting was going to start in five minutes.
"I -"
The elevator started moving, and he released her just for a few second so he could press the help button. Earl, the building engineer, came on immediately.
"Hey Earl, it's Sam. I need another one of those special favors again. Can you ground us for two minutes?" Maybe he couldn't miss the meeting, but he could be late.
Earl's laugh boomed across the intercom. "Sure thing boss."
"Thanks, Earl. I owe you one."
Sam turned back to Lexie who had an amused expression on her face. "Do that often?" she giggled.
"Only twice." The first time was when he dropped all her paperwork he'd prepared for a meeting and needed time to assemble it all. The next was when he needed to escape for a few minutes. "I'm sorry, this is my desperate attempt to spend time with you," he acknowledged.
She reached out and pressed her dainty hand on his chest. "It's much appreciated."
"Thanks for trying to book an appointment to see me."
Her cheeks flushed again, and she looked at him with bashful eyes. "Oh, that, um was probably so high school." She pushed her silky hair behind her ear revealing the delicate line of her neck.
"No," he shook his head. "It wasn't." He moved closer and kissed her, deciding they could kiss and talk at the same time. Sam wanted to savor what few minutes he had. "I promise you won't have to do that again." He spoke against her lips.
She smiled looking up at him. "When can you see me?" She twined her arms around his neck and searched his eyes with excitement.
"Next week. I'm in Chicago this weekend with Amy. Monday may be a little crazy as always, but I'll come and find you. Not here though." He shook his head.
"Not here?" Her eyes searched his.
"I want to spend time with you properly."
"Okay."
He kissed her sweet smile and decided he was done talking. Her delicious lips were calling to him, and he had to answer. Desire pulled at the base of his stomach, and he wanted her more than anything else he'd ever craved in his life. For these few minutes she was finally his, and he savored having her all to himself.
Sam had to force himself away from her as the elevator doors sounded, signaling that their time was up.
"I'll call you," he promised and kissed her again as the doors opened. He didn't even care that Mags was just making her way across to the exit and nearly bumped into the revolving doors as she spotted them.
Chapter 15
When Sam reached Chicago the only thing that could take his mind off Lexie was Amy.
As he sat amongst the audience in the theater watching her act as Kathy Bostock in Whistle Down the Wind his heart swelled with pride at the talent she displayed. She was absolutely amazing, and it was evident that the hard work she'd put in, had paid off. He knew for sure that years from now he'd either be watching her in some movie or on Broadway.
His mood turned sour when he saw Jessica after the performance. He met her and Amy backstage near the dressing rooms. Although he'd spoken to Jessica several times, he hadn't seen her in months, and her presence still had that blood-curdling effect.
Amy rushed up to him the minute she saw him. Her long curly blonde hair bounced with life as she moved.
"Dad, you're walking without your cane," she cried throwing herself into his arms with the biggest smile.
Nothing compared to the feeling he got when he held his little girl in his arms. It was indescribable, and sometimes it overwhelmed him that he could love a person that much.
"Does this mean we can go sailing in the summer?" Her bright blue eyes went wide with excitement.
"Yes baby girl, it certainly does. Are you up for being my navigator?"
She raised her hand up to her temple and stood to attention. "Yes Captain," she giggled and hugged him once more.
"Sweetheart you were amazing."
"Thanks so much," she beamed.
He was all up for ignoring Jessica but didn't want to be rude to her in front of Amy. At least she hung back to give them some space.
"Jessica." He gave her a polite nod when he eventually acknowledged her.
She offered a small smile against her plump lips that looked like she'd just had work done on them. "It's good to see you back on your feet," she stated.
"Thanks."
"You ... look like your old self again." A speck of hope flickered within her ice blue eyes. "Are you joining us for dinner?"
He narrowed his eyes at her. Who was she playing at? They didn't talk like this. They were more about minimal conversation. And as for dinner? The answer was no. He wanted to get back to the hotel, order a pizza and call Lexie. He already had plans with Amy for tomorrow, and as much as he wanted to spend every chance he got with her, he wanted as little contact as possible with Jessica.
"Please dad and then I could introduce you to my friends." Amy jumped in before he had the chance to refuse. Her little face lit up at the possibility. "I haven't seen you in weeks. We would just be making up time." She pleaded.
He didn't want her to beg. She shouldn't have to. And she was right. It was well over a month since he'd last seen her.
"Okay, I guess I'm coming to dinner then." He smiled down at her.
"Yay."
Amy looked ecstatic, but it was actually Jessica's reaction that surprised him more. She appeared to be quite happy that he was joining them. It puzzled him, but he decided not to waste time thinking about it. If she was happy with him being with them that worked fine because all he wanted was to see Amy. Nothing else about Jessica concerned him.
Wh
en he got back home that night, he noticed how strange the house felt. Like it belonged to someone else, and he was just visiting. It was weird since he'd lived here for more than twelve years. That night he found it hard to get comfortable and only felt at ease when he spoke to Lexie.
The next day was great with Amy. They started out early, heading to the local diner for a super mega mountain of pancakes drenched with maple syrup, then headed to the beach to spend the day there. Like always it was hard to say goodbye but this time thinking about Lexie got him through and gave him strength.
He returned to San Francisco on Sunday night in haste, eager to see her. He caught a glimpse of her on Monday at work but had to hold back for the plans he had for them later. He simply couldn't wait.
* * *
Lexie tucked her hair behind her ear, doing her best not to disturb her perfectly straightened hair. She and Hayley had been sitting by the bar in the club for the last hour, talking and drinking virgin mojitos. As much as she enjoyed Hayley's company, she was starting to wonder if she was ever going to see Sam today. He'd messaged her earlier to let her know he'd meet her here as soon as he could.
It was nearly eight so the night was still sort of young and with the way how things were at work, and it being Monday, there was a chance he'd left late.
"Lexie, you are practically glowing." Hayley giggled.
"Am I?" Her cheeks warmed.
"Yes, like a light bulb. Are you nervous?"
Lexie nodded. She was a mixture of nerves and excitement.
"You shouldn't be."
"I just want it to be perfect."
"I can see that. You even wore heels." Hayley laughed as she admired Lexie's feet in the daring black leather six inch Louboutin's. Lexie rarely wore heels. "Good idea. I guess you'd need to be at least three inches taller to kiss Sam whenever you want." She continued to laugh.
"I know." Lexie couldn't believe herself. She'd been acting so girly since Friday. Thinking about her hair, makeup, her clothes. It was nice to be like this for a change. Just normal. She'd worked so hard over the years that she'd forgotten what normal was. It was refreshing to step away from her comfort zone and give herself permission to have a life. She couldn't wait to see Sam.
"I've never seen you like this." Hayley expressed in awe. Her wavy hair shook as she laughed. "It's nice."
"Please, just tell me I look okay." She sighed and smoothed out a non-existent crease on the front of her black halter neck top. She also adjusted her crystal pendant so that it was centered.
Hayley suddenly got this sly look on her face and said, "I think I'll leave that job for someone else. Have fun and remember safe sex."
Lexie's cheeks burned. "What?" She was confused. "Hayley, does that mean I look okay? Hayley?"
Hayley grabbed her drink and hopped off the stool, laughing to herself. "Lots of safe sex." She smirked before sauntering off.
Before Lexie could call after her again, a strong hand smoothed around her waist and held her. She turned and found herself staring up into Sam's handsome face. His gorgeous eyes beamed down at her as if he was looking straight into her soul. The light was just bright enough to make out the hints of hazel within that had always fascinated her.
Butterflies filled her stomach instantly, and it was a good thing she was sitting because her knees felt weak. He kept his hand at her waist, which now radiated heat into her stomach. It increased by the second when his thumb came into contact with her bare skin at the point where her top tied around her waist. He decided to stroke her skin there, and it was all she could do to remain composed.
"You look beautiful." Were his first words, his eyes never leaving her.
"Thank you." She managed. "So do you." He wore a white long sleeved T-shirt that made a perfect show of his mile-wide chest and the definitive muscles in his arms.
Her eyes widened as she realized her reply. "I mean you look great too." He looked better than just great, but it was the best word that she could think of right now.
Hold on... she just realized something else. How long had he been standing there? Had he heard what Hayley said? She could feel her face turning red, and her heart beat speeding up.
"Oh my, gosh, did you hear what Hayley said? She didn't take her medication today." That was the best excuse she could come up with. Lexie needed to have some strong words with that Hayley.
Her pulse quickened as she noted Sam's reaction. He looked like he'd definitely heard every word, and when she thought about it, Hayley would have made it her duty to say something like that at a time when he could hear.
With a sly grin, he lowered to her lips and gave her a much-needed kiss. As his luscious lips molded to hers, her body weakened under the enchantment of him. She liked this part. The part where the heat that washed over her body turned into fire and blazed within her.
Sam pulled away slowly to gaze down at her, taking her hands into his. "Ready to go?"
Excitement filled her with fresh energy as joy blossomed within her. "Yes. Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
Like a puppet, she moved when he put his arm around her and ushered her through the crowd.
"Well, well, look at this." Said a familiar voice just before they got to the door. There were a lot of people around, but it was very clear that the comment was aimed at them. "Lexie and Sam, the supposed work friend." And that confirmed it.
They both stopped, turning to see Ed behind them. He looked... drunk. And terrible. Stubble darkened most of his face, and his clothes looked dirty. Lexie's sucked in a breath at the sight of him.
"You know it was so stupid of me," Ed slurred, swaying as he tried to balance himself. "I should have realized what was going on when I met you, Sam." Ed babbled, his voice now sounding raspy. He pointed his finger at Sam.
"Ed -" Lexie tried to speak, but he cut her off.
"Don't speak to me." He held up his hand and shook his head. "Don't, not ever. You are the worse person I've ever met in my life. Insensitive, selfish, vile. The worse."
Lexie froze as he gave her a cold, dark stare that penetrated her and gnawed at her, making her feel like she would crumble.
"Be sure to tell him what you're like." He laughed cynically and continued to shake his head.
"You need to stop now," Sam warned, releasing her.
"Make sure he knows you aren't worth wasting time on. Or worse, falling for. You're nothing," he shouted. "Nothing."
He was about to continue his tirade but didn't get a chance because Sam's fist sent him straight to the ground. Sam punched Ed so quickly that Lexie didn't see it happen. Then Sam rushed at him and grabbed him by the collar of his jumper, lifting him high. She'd never seen Sam angry. She didn't even know he could get angry like that, or punch someone.
Ed tried to free himself from Sam by attempting to punch his stomach but Sam tightened his grip on him, and he pushed him towards the exit.
"We'll finish this outside," Sam yelled. By this time all the people around them were looking on and parting to make way for them.
"Sam," Lexie called him, but he wasn't responding. He was caught up in his anger and looked like he was about to kill Ed.
Thankfully, Jay and two bouncers came rushing over. Jay held on to Sam's arm while one of the bouncers took Ed. It was only when Sam looked at Jay and saw that it was him that he released Ed.
"Bastard, you stole her from me," Ed cried.
"She was mine first." Sam declared shocking them both. While Lexie knew what Sam meant, Ed looked confused. "Count your blessings you just got saved. You better pray I don't see you again." He glared at Ed with burning contemptuous eyes.
"Get him out of here," Jay told the bouncer that held Ed. "You cool?" He turned back to ask Sam.
Sam nodded adjusting his fingers on the hand he'd punched Ed with.
"You sure?" Jay asked because Sam still looked quite angry.
"I'm fine," Sam told him then focused his attention back to her.
Her throat tightened
, and her heart raced as deep humiliation washed over her in full force. Ed's words struck her, paining her to her soul, robbing her of the happiness and excitement she'd previously felt. Sam took hold of her shoulders and held her, but she was too numb to feel the warmth she usually felt from his touch.
As she gazed up at him, her mind went back to the day they met and the mess she'd been in then.
Ed called her nothing.
Adam had too. In fact, that was his favorite thing to call her. Along with worthless. Not worth time, not worth energy, not worth the food she was fed, not worth love. Nothing.
Ed was the second man she'd been with to call her nothing.
She noticed the wealth of concern that filled Sam's eyes and thought of how her heart would shatter if he ended up thinking she was nothing too. As a scientific person she thought if two people had thought it, a third was a sure thing to follow.
Lexie was so heartbroken when she realized Adam was wrong for her, but her heart would be irreparable if Sam ever hurt her. It would be worse with him.
Unlike Adam or Ed, the feelings she had for Sam were ...
In all honesty, she'd never felt like this about anyone else. The walls of her chest tightened as it all dawned on her. She couldn't do this. Lexie looked up at the beautiful, amazing man before her and realized she couldn't be with him. Lexie never had a chance twelve years ago, and she didn't have one now.
"Lexie. Are you okay?" Worry filled his eyes.
"I have to go home." Her voice sounded faint.
"Lexie, Ed was drunk. People say a lot of crap when their like that. You shouldn't take any notice of him." Poor Sam, he wore his heart on his sleeve, but that would change the minute he realized she wasn't worth anything at all.
"I..." she was shaking so much she couldn't talk. She just shook her head and moved out of his grasp rushing outside where the blast of night air hit her. He followed her and took hold of her arm just before she was about to break into a run. The tears were coming, and she didn't want him to see her cry.
"Lexie -"
"Sam, just let me go. This thing with us isn't ... It's not going to work." She couldn't believe she just said that. What was worse was the hurt that flashed through his eyes.
Complete Me Page 21
