The house lights went down and Cedi walked out to thunderous applause.
Abby took a spot in the back near the security team.
“Good morning. I’m Cedi and thank you for coming. This line is for the every woman. Women want something that’s both functional and beautiful. That’s why I created the Fall into Romance collection. I hope you enjoy.” He walked offstage.
The models began the show as the high-energy music played.
Abby swayed in the back to the beat of Earth Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star.” Suddenly she felt a hand tug her. “What?”
“Hey, beautiful.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked, shocked.
“I wasn’t coming. I asked my publicist to make a few calls so I could make today’s show.”
“You know Reggie said we have to keep a low profile.”
“It’s dark and this is the back of the room. Who’s going to notice us with all those great clothes and sexy models on the runway?” He asked as he slid his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek.
“We don’t want to take anything away from the show.”
“Okay. You’re right.” He stood next to her and grooved to the music until all the models walked down the runway with Cedi behind them.
Abby clapped furiously. “I think he’s a hit.”
Sam looked at Abby with her curly hair pulled up into a loose bun, a sexy fitted suit that was just short enough to show off her legs. Mmm, he thought. “I want you so much right now,” he whispered in her ear.
Abby’s body tingled at the thought. “That’s not fair. I’m working.”
“Can we get together to work later?”
“You do realize that if you say we’re going to work on your book, that’s what we’re going to do.”
“That’s fine with me. As long as I get to work on you later, it’s all good.” He said with a sly grin.
Shana walked over. “Sam. I didn’t know you were coming. Abby didn’t say a word.” He gave him the international fashion greeting of a kiss on each cheek.
“She didn’t know.”
“Oh. How did you enjoy the show?”
“I thought it was great.”
“I think it was well received,” Abby added.
Lauren rushed over with pad. “Ladies, they love Cedi. I’ve already taken down the names of at least five A-list stylists who want to pull from the collection.”
Shana and Abby high-fived each other.
“I’m going backstage to tell Cedi and congratulate him for a successful show.” Shana smiled. “It was nice to see you, Sam. Thanks for coming.”
Just as Shana turned to leave, Evelyn walked over. “There is a line of reporters who want to interview Cedi. Should I send them back?”
“Where are they?” Shana asked.
“Over there,” she pointed.
“I’ll take care of this.”
“I’m going to find our photographer and take a peek at the photos he snapped for the look-book. I have a feeling we’re going to need it ASAP,” Abby said.
“Cool. I’ll catch up with you later. We’ve got three more runway shows today.”
“I know.”
Shana walked away with Evelyn.
Abby turned to Sam. “I’m so glad you came but I’ve got to work now. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay. I know you’re working.” He leaned close to her ear. “Your place tonight at 7:00,” he whispered.
“Okay. Bring your manuscript.”
“I will.” He leaned in again. “Love you.”
“You, too.” Abby winked at him.
The moment she turned her back, she heard people call out Sam’s name.
Here we go. She thought as she walked away.
Chapter 24
Although Sam enjoyed the freedom of being behind the wheel, he was happy to surrender the driving duties to Bryan, his regular driver.
Sam felt his phone vibrate. “I forgot I changed the setting,” he muttered as he picked up. “Hello?”
“Sam?”
“Hi, Reggie.”
“Would it be possible for you to meet Blake at her office in say a half hour or so?”
“Okay.”
“Good. I’ll let her know you’re on the way.”
Sam hung up and took the business card out of his wallet. He leaned forward and handed the card to Bryan. “We need to get to this address.”
Bryan glanced at the address. “You’ve got it.”
Given that New York City’s traffic is often a nightmare at best, Sam managed to arrive at Blake Campion’s office in just slightly more than a half hour. When he arrived at her suite her secretary seated him in the waiting area. Sam looked around at all the photos of dignitaries, politicians and even a celebrity or two that hung on her personal wall of fame.
“Ms. Campion will see you now.” Her secretary announced. “You can go right in.”
“Thank you,” Sam said as he got up and walked into her inner office.
When Sam entered he expected a stately old mahogany desk and Colonial-style furnishings. Instead he found a very modern office with an executive desk with a shiny black veneer and a contemporary black sofa set. There were a few more personal photos displayed in a black executive cabinet set in the corner.
This is the first time I’ve ever been in a lawyer’s office that didn’t make me feel like I was in the principal’s office at school. Sam thought as he sat down.
A tall, elegant, African-American woman in a tailored navy pant suit walked in.
“Hello, Sam. I’m Blake Campion. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise, Ms. Campion,” he said as he rose to shake her hand.
“Please call me Blake.”
“Okay, Blake.” He remained standing.
“Please have a seat.” She said as she sat down. “Reggie tells me you’re in a bit of a pickle after a broken engagement.”
“I think that’s putting it mildly. As you probably know, she’s suing me.”
“I heard. Have you been served yet?”
“No.”
“Sam, do you have a dollar?”
“I think so.” He went into his wallet, took out a dollar and handed it to her.
“You’ve got yourself a lawyer now. From what I understand, she’s saying she gave up a potentially lucrative career to be by your side.”
“That’s crazy. I never said I didn’t want her to work. In fact, I encouraged her to use her degree.”
“Unfortunately, that’s your version of events. The truth usually lies somewhere in the middle.”
“I’m telling you the truth.”
“I don’t doubt you. What about the apartment? Who bought it?”
“I did. The deed and the mortgage are in my name.”
“Good.” She made a note on a yellow sheet of paper. “So she really has no legal claim to the property. You and she just lived there together.”
“Right.”
“Okay. I’ll let Redstone’s office know that you’re represented by council so you can be served. Once you’re served you can either bring the papers to me or I’ll meet with you at Reggie’s office. Is that all right with you?”
“It’s fine with me.” He sighed. “I feel better already.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She paused. “That’s all we need to cover for now. We’ll go into more detail later.” Blake got up and walked around her desk.
“Okay.” He rose and they shook hands again before she walked him to the door.
“I’ll be in touch.” She patted him on the back as he walked out.
Sam left her office and went down the hall to the elevator. He pressed the call button, feeling he was ready to fight fire with fire. If Big Bill wants a fight, he’s got one now. He stepped onto the elevator.
***
With day one of Fashion Week behind them, Abby and Shana shuffled through their building’s lobby, shoes in hand.
“I never realized how long this hall
way was before.” Shana groaned as she walked.
“Neither did I,” Abby agreed.
After what seemed like an eternity, they reached the elevator. When Shana pressed the button the doors opened.
“Thank God,” they chorused.
“Oh, my feet are barking.” Shana winced.
“Be grateful your feet are just barking. My feet are biting me.” Abby groaned. “I can’t manage twelve hours in heels like I used to.”
“Tell me about it. But sometimes we have to suffer for fashion.”
“Speak for yourself. I’m bringing my Aerosoles tomorrow.”
When the doors opened for Shana’s apartment there stood Raymond with a bottle of wine in one hand and a pair of fuzzy slippers in the other. “I thought that you could use these after your day.”
“Baby,” Shana’s face lit up at the sight of her light chocolate honey. Raymond was tall, broad shouldered and always looked sharp as a tack. “You are a sight for sore eyes and feet.” She said as she practically fell into his arms.
“I told you that I’d be back.”
“And here you are.”
The two of them kissed.
Abby cleared her throat. “Hi, Raymond.”
“Hey, Abby,” he said as he wiped his lips of lipstick. “How are you?” He leaned into the elevator and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m tired but I’m good. It looks like you’ve got the right stuff for our girl here.”
“I figured she could use a little TLC.” He pulled Shana closer to him.
“That sounds like a plan. I’ll leave you two alone. Enjoy!” Abby waved as the doors closed.
Once she reached her apartment, Abby dragged herself to the bathroom, ready for a relaxing hot bath. She turned the water on and poured in her favorite bath oil.
While the tub filled, she undressed, put on her favorite robe and re-pinned her hair. A few minutes later a happy Abby was submerged in the sunken tub while the jets worked her aches out.
Abby sighed as she closed her eyes.
“Now there’s a picture.”
Abby jumped. “Sam? How did you get in here?”
“I had a little help from my friends.” He smiled as he held up his portfolio. “I brought the manuscript.”
“Good.”
He started to walk toward the tub.
“Is your portfolio waterproof?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Then you’d better stay over there.”
“But you know,” he put the portfolio on the bathroom counter, “I think I’m waterproof.”
“Sam,” she warned.
“I’m not climbing in there with you though it’s quite tempting.” He knelt down next to the tub and rolled up his sleeves. “Give me one of those tired little tootsies.”
Abby lifted her foot onto the side of the tub. Sam began to massage it, pressing gently on all the pressure points.
“Oh, that feels so good.”
“I saw the shoes you wore today. They were gorgeous, but I know they had to hurt.”
“By the end of the day I sounded like Gunnery Sergeant Hartman from Full Metal Jacket.”
Sam laughed. “Now that’s saying a lot.”
“I know. I’m going to have to make up for it with a nice breakfast spread tomorrow.”
“I’m sure everyone understood.” He stopped. “Now give me the other foot, please.”
Abby lifted her other foot and closed her eyes while Sam massaged it.
“You know I met with a lawyer today. I think you know her.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes. Her name is Blake Campion.”
“Yes. I know Blake. She roomed across the hall from me at U of Penn. She was a Political Science major. She’s a smart woman and an excellent lawyer.”
“That makes me feel better.”
“Ah, this makes me feel better.” She pointed to her feet.
“It doesn’t have to stop there. I know of some other sensitive pressure points further north.”
“Naturally you’re talking about my temples, right.”
“It’s a temple, all right.” He got up, grabbed a towel and put his hand out to take Abby’s.
“What if I want to stay in the tub?”
“Then I’m either coming in or you’re getting out, it’s your choice.”
“I don’t have a maid to clean up my bathroom. So I guess I’m getting out.” Abby took his hand and got out of the tub.
“Allow me.” He began to towel Abby off.
“You’re getting all wet, Sam.”
“I can easily rectify that.” He said as he took off his shirt.
Sam toweled and kissed every inch of Abby’s body slowly and deliberately from the bottom up. Once he reached the top, he unpinned her hair as he kissed her neck and shoulders. Abby let her hand fall to his waist where she unhooked and unzipped his pants. Sam quickly stepped out of them and kicked them to the side. The next article to fall was his boxers, which quickly joined his pants in a pile.
Their bodies pressed together, they moved into the bedroom where they collapsed into a lover’s heap on the bed. The steam continued to rise as Abby wrapped her legs around Sam’s muscular back. Her toes curled as she felt Sam’s passion fill her once more. Sam moaned as her softness enveloped him. Caught up in the rapture of love, their bodies rocked as a heavenly sense of ecstasy washed over them.
Early the next morning, Sam rolled over to an empty pillow. He opened his eyes.
“Abby? Baby? Where are you?”
Abby walked out of the bathroom in a black slinky, body-conscious matte jersey Zelma dress by Ralph Lauren it had a dropped waist, three-quarter sleeves and a ballet neckline she dressed up with a long gold necklace. “Good morning.” She said as she put her earrings in.
“Look at you.”
“Do you like it?”
“Come back to bed. I’ll show you how much I like it.”
Abby giggled. “I would love to take you up on that, but I’ve got to get over to Lincoln Center. I have four shows today.”
“What time is it?”
“It’s almost six.”
“It’s too early. Come back to bed.” He patted the bed.
“You’re making it hard for me.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“You are so bad. But seriously, sweetheart, I have to leave and I’ve got to make up for turning into Captain Ahab yesterday.” She went over to the mirror and checked her hair.
“Why don’t you wear it down for a change?”
“The upsweep is more in keeping with my image. I let my hair down for you.” She turned and winked at him.
“I feel special.”
She walked over to her closet and pulled out her shoe rack. “As chic as they are, I don’t think my feet will survive another day in Jimmy Choos.”
“I could come back and massage them for you again tonight.”
“That would be lovely.” She pulled out a pair of boots. “I think I’ll stay with my Ralph Lauren theme. I’ll wear the Sahara Vachetta riding boots over there and then change into my Cala Snakeskin Heels for the shows.” She tapped her foot. “Oh yes, I’m bringing my black Amarissa satin ballet flats for backup.” She took both pairs of shoes out.
“You’re certainly making sure that you’re prepared today.”
“Yesterday, I could barely walk at the end of the day. I don’t want to go through that again. Although I won’t turn a foot massage down.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Abby sat down in a chair and put her boots on. “Okay. I am about ready to go. You can stay here as long as you like.”
“What if I want to stay here all day and wait for you?”
“Be my guest.” She got up, walked over to the bed and kissed him.
“Come on, you really can’t play hooky?”
“I’m afraid not. Our clients pay us to be there.”
“Okay. Can I at least get a better kiss than that?”
“All right.” Just as Abby leaned over to kiss him, Sam grabbed her, pulled her on top of him and kissed her deeply. “What about a quickie? All you have to do is lift up that lovely dress and I promise I’ll do the rest.”
“I’m wearing Spanx, Sam. It’s practically the modern day equivalent of a chastity belt.” She kissed him and got up.
“I can’t believe you’re going to leave me hanging like this.”
“I don’t want to, Sam. I have to. I’ll see you later.” She blew him a kiss as she walked out. “Love you.”
“Love you, too,” he called back. “I guess the best thing I can do is go back to sleep.” Sam closed his eyes and rolled over.
***
An hour later the sound of Sam’s cell phone woke him.
He scrambled to get his phone and waited a moment for his vision to clear before he read the caller ID. “It’s too early, Reggie. I’ll call you back.” He put the phone back on the nightstand and rolled over again.
A few minutes later the phone rang again. He reached over to the nightstand and checked the ID. It was Bo, apparently in conspiracy with Reggie to rob him of sleep. He didn’t answer.
The phone remained quiet long enough for Sam to doze back off. When it rang again, he picked it up.
“Hello, Reggie.”
“Turn the television on.”
“What? To what channel?”
“It doesn’t matter. You can put on any of the morning shows you want. The news will be the same. Call me back.”
Sam hung up and turned on the television.
“And in other news, the broken engagement between former New York Giants’ quarterback Sam Best and real estate heiress Maria Carrangelo took another turn when photos of Sam and New York publicist, Abby Carey surfaced on the web and in The Post.”
“Oh, my God,” Sam said aloud when several photos of him with his arms around Abby flashed across the screen.
“The public canoodling took place at the Cedi fall fashion show. Onlookers said the couple was very affectionate. Representatives for Sam Best had no comment.”
Sam shut the television off.
So much for keeping it low key. He sighed. I’d better call Abby and warn her.
Sam dialed and waited. “Please pick up, baby. Damn! It’s her voice mail.” He waited for the tone to record a message. “Abby, someone took pictures of us at Cedi’s show yesterday and leaked them to the press. It’s all over the news. Please call me. Love you.”
I Take This Woman Page 24
