by Jade, Ella
“Come in.” He stood from his desk and walked around to greet her. “How was class?”
“Good, but I’m ready for the semester to be over.”
“Ah, but then you’ll be stuck inside this building all summer.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, wanting more than a friendly peck, but it was the middle of the workday, and after making love to her all weekend there would be no such thing as a quick kiss on the lips. “Jack will drive you crazy.”
“I’ll get to see you every day.”
“That sounds perfect.” He motioned toward the couch. “Would you like to have a seat? I’ll get you a bottle of water.”
“No.” She took his hand. “I have to start my day. I wanted to say hello and bring you these.” She handed him the container. “I baked them for you.”
“That was sweet.” When he popped open the lid, a chocolate aroma escaped. “Brownies. My favorite.”
“Coda told me.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wanted to do something special for you.”
“When did you have time to bake these?”
“Last night.” She reached out and straightened his tie, brushing his neck with her fingertips. “I couldn’t sleep.”
A surge of warmth flooded his insides. All he could think about was her underneath him, looking into his eyes with the most trusting look in hers.
“I was restless,” she admitted. “So I baked.”
“Why didn’t you call me?” He didn’t have a very successful night of sleep either. After having her next to him the two nights before, he found it difficult to fall asleep without her in his arms.
“I didn’t want to bother you.”
“You would never be a bother.” He lifted her chin and focused on her lips, realizing now he would lose the battle of not kissing her in his office. “Why were you so restless?”
“I missed being with you.”
“You definitely should have called.” He hadn’t wanted to disturb her while she was studying, so he’d buried himself in storyboards and emails before finally drifting off after two in the morning.
“You had an early meeting and I knew you were working out with Spencer before that, so I didn’t want to—” She stopped her thought, but he sensed there was more. “I decided to make you the brownies.”
“You didn’t want to what?” He leaned closer to her lips, feeling the energy that buzzed between them whenever they were this close. “Tell me.”
“We had this amazing weekend. The gala, meeting your mom, the things we did at your apartment.”
The blush in her cheeks gave her away. “I know, baby. I had a really good time too.”
“I didn’t want to call because I didn’t want you to think I’m needy.”
“Why would I think that?”
“You’re used to one-night stands and weekend flings, not clingy virgins.” She laughed, but he detected a note of uncertainty in her voice. “I wanted to play it cool.”
“I should have called you.” He shook his head over his lack of attentiveness. “That was insensitive of me.”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying.”
“It’s true.” He stroked her cheek, realizing he should have made more of an effort after she left his apartment. “I wanted to call you because I couldn’t sleep either. I missed you.”
“You did?”
“Don’t seem so surprised.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “You had to study and rehearse, and I didn’t let you sleep much this weekend. I wanted to give you some space, but don’t doubt for a second that you weren’t on my mind. It was a long night for me.”
“Me too.”
“So you made me brownies.”
“Lame?”
“Very sweet.” He placed a soft kiss on her lips. “No one has ever baked for me.”
“I love to bake, so if you tell me what you like I’m sure I can make it.” She pressed her lips to his, lingering longer than he had a moment before.
He pulled away, because there was already a commotion going on in his pants and he had a conference call in five minutes.
“You better get to work.” He rubbed her cheek. “I can do an early dinner tonight if you’re free.”
“I’d like that.” Her eyes lit up, and her smile reached her whole face. “I like having someone to eat with.”
“I’ll finish up at five.” He pulled her closer to him. “There’s no need for either of us to be alone tonight.”
“It’s going to be a long afternoon.”
“I’ll make up for it later.” He walked her to the door. “You better get going before old Jack comes barging in and accuses me of stealing you from him.”
“He is rather possessive.”
“I can’t blame him.” He kissed her cheek. “I want you all to myself too.”
“You have me.”
“In about four hours that’s going to be true.” He swatted her backside before opening the door. “I’m going to have you over and over again.”
“Have a good day.”
“You too, baby.” He winked as he let go of her hand. “All my days are good now that you’re in my life.”
Chapter 9
As Sammy placed the file on Coda’s desk, she noticed the frames scattered on either side of the computer. There were various shots of Coda and Spencer before the wedding, at the wedding, and some poses of the two of them in Italy. There was one with a woman who she assumed was Coda’s mother. They resembled one another. Each picture was more beautiful than the next. Coda’s vibrant smile stood out in every one of them.
One shot stood out as she studied each of them. It was an older photo, not as crisp as the others. It was of a family of three—a mom, dad, and a little girl. She picked up the frame and studied it. The little girl looked the same as the beautiful woman she had turned into. It didn’t take Sammy long to figure out who the family was. Coda was all smiles in her dad’s arms.
“Can I help you with something?” The deep voice startled Sammy enough to make her drop the frame onto the desk.
“Spencer.” She quickly picked up the photo and put it back in its place. “I was dropping off a file from Jack.”
He glanced down at the pictures before returning his attention to her. The intensity in his expression frightened her. She sensed he didn’t trust her. She’d seen the determination in his eyes at the gala. His curiosity had been piqued when he had asked her questions about the night of his wedding. She wanted to forget her past and her suspicions over her mother’s actions. Now that she’d found Tyler, she wanted to focus on the future and make her own life, free from her mother’s mistakes and lies. She feared Spencer could ruin everything for her.
“I need to get back to work,” she said. “Have a good day.”
“Is Samantha your full name?”
“Umm, no, just Sammy.”
“Were you named for someone?”
Why did he want to know that? “My dad,” she said.
“Sam Falcone?”
“Falcone is my mother’s last name. She didn’t give me my father’s last name. He died before I was born. I never met him.”
“Interesting.” His tone was smooth, and just like in the board meetings she had sat in on with Jack, Spencer gave nothing away. Tyler had said the reason his brother was so good at his job was because every move was calculated. He always gave the client what they wanted, but never at the expense of the agency.
What are you thinking?
“Don’t let me keep you.” He stepped out of her way. “I’m sure the old man is wondering where you are.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding and tried to relax as she smiled at him on her way out. She had done nothing wrong, but there was something in his eyes that made her feel otherwise.
“Hey.” Coda came into the room and smiled at her husband. “Party in my office?”
“I left you a file.” Sammy glanced at the desk, trying to settle her unhinged nerves.
“Are we still on fo
r tomorrow?” Coda asked.
“What’s tomorrow?” Spencer looked at Coda.
“Sammy and I are going to the spa while you and Tyler are at your martial arts competition. Remember?”
“Sorry,” he said. “Yes, I remember now. Sounds like fun.”
“A whole afternoon of girl time, and then Sammy and Tyler are coming over for dinner and a movie.”
“I can’t wait.” Sammy had been looking forward to spending the day with Coda, getting to know her better. She wanted to get to know Spencer too, despite her mixed feelings for him. They were Tyler’s family, and she wanted to get close to them.
“I’ll catch up with you before you leave,” Coda said. “Have a good afternoon.”
“You too.” Sammy quickly made her way out of the office and down the hallway. She didn’t stop until she got back to her desk, taking a seat and sipping from her water bottle. Every time she thought she was doing something wrong, she thought back to Tyler’s words.
I don’t want you to over think whatever this is. I want you to go with it. Put any doubts out of your head. Forget about what you think I deserve. What you think you can’t be.
This was about the two of them. Whatever she thought she had discovered in her mother’s past before meeting him no longer mattered. This was about her life now, and she was finally happy to be living it.
“SWEETHEART, YOU’RE being paranoid,” Coda said to Spencer as Tyler walked into her office.
“No, I don’t think I am,” his brother responded.
“Is this a bad time?” Tyler asked. “Did I interrupt a lover’s spat? I can come back.”
“Stay,” Spencer said as he closed the door. “I think you should hear what I have to say.”
Coda let out a loud sigh as she took a seat at her desk.
“I don’t want to get in the middle of whatever this is.” Tyler held up his hands. “Really.”
“Coda and I aren’t fighting,” Spencer said. “We have a difference of opinion, and I’m certain you’re going to side with her, but I’m going to put it out there anyway.”
“Is this about those Haller designs? Because the whole art department is split on those, and I need more time to think about the direction we need to take.”
“While that is a pressing issue, I have another that I’d like to address,” Spencer said. “Something bothers me about Sammy.”
“Wow,” Tyler said. “You don’t hold back at all, do you?”
“You know I don’t,” he continued. “I’m not saying she’s a bad person. I can see you really like her and Grandfather raves about her. It’s that something is nagging at me. I can’t put my finger on it.”
“We discussed this at the gala,” Tyler said. “I want this topic dropped.”
“I’m not sure I can do that,” Spencer said.
“Spencer?” Coda said. “This isn’t necessary.”
“Hear me out,” Spencer said. “I find it more than a coincidence that she happened to be in the area the night of our wedding. She’s from the same neighborhood as Coda. In a two block vicinity.”
“How do you know that?” Tyler asked.
“Sammy told me,” Coda said. “I’ve gotten to know her a bit. I really like her. We have a lot in common.”
“She really likes you,” Tyler said.
“She’s great.” Coda looked at Spencer. “I think you’re overreacting.”
“When I found her in here it bothered me,” Spencer said.
“She works here,” Tyler said. “She’s allowed to be in Coda’s office.”
“I agree,” his brother said. “I don’t know, it’s the way she acts around me. I make her nervous.”
“You don’t trust her.” Tyler couldn’t believe Spencer was making an issue about this. “Maybe she picks up on that.”
“Perhaps she picks up on it because she’s hiding something,” Spencer countered. “As I was saying, she’s from the same place as Coda. I feel like that’s too much of a coincidence.”
“So what do you think she’s doing?”
“I don’t know.” Spencer paced the space in front of the desk. “Maybe she saw an opportunity. What if she thinks she can have the same life as Coda?”
“I’ve heard enough. What? You think she knew she’d run into me that night at the reception? She’s some gold digger looking to land a rich, unsuspecting idiot?” Tyler had no idea why Spencer was acting this way.
“That’s not what he’s saying,” Coda said. “Calm down.”
“I’m not stupid. There was nothing calculated in our meeting. She had no idea I’d be in that lobby.” Tyler stared his brother down. “If you don’t trust her, that’s your problem.”
“I’m afraid it might be,” Spencer said.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tyler asked.
“My brother is falling for her, my wife thinks she’s her new best friend, and Grandfather relies heavily on her. If she’s lying about something, that’s a problem for all of us.”
“Mind your business and let me live my life.” Tyler didn’t want to be harsh, but Spencer was out of line. “I’m not that out-of-control embarrassment I was a few years ago. I’ve more than proven that.”
“Hey, guys, stop it,” Coda intervened, trying to diffuse the situation. “We’re all under an enormous amount of pressure with this account.”
“Your husband is wrong,” Tyler said. “You know it too.”
“Spencer has good instincts, Tyler,” Coda said. “I don’t think Sammy is a threat to any of us. She’s a good girl and trying to find her way in this world. I can relate to her story. I’ve been where she is. Dating a rich and powerful man isn’t easy, especially when you don’t come from much.” She looked at Spencer. “If she’s nervous around you, it’s because you can be intimidating.”
“I’ve never done anything to upset her,” Spencer said. “I apologize for overstepping, Tyler. I know you like her. I’m happy for you. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“I appreciate that, but you’re not going to let this go that easily,” Tyler said. “In case you’re wondering, and I know you are, she filled out the required HR stuff before Grandfather brought her on board. She’s a good student and lives an independent life. She works hard to support herself. I thought you would admire that.”
“I do.” Spencer sighed. “I didn’t mean to upset you. Something seemed off to me earlier, but if you both think I’m wrong I’ll back off.”
“Thank you.” Tyler had no reason to believe anything was off about Sammy. They had shared so much with one another. She was sincere and caring. He’d never had this type of relationship before. Everything was new and different. “Coda’s right about Sammy. She’s not from our world. She’s comfortable with me and she likes Coda. She’s going to have to get used to you, so cut her a break.”
Spencer nodded.
“I need to get back to work,” Tyler said. “I hope this is over.”
“It is,” Coda assured him. “You guys are coming over for dinner tomorrow night. Spencer will try to be more human and not scare Sammy.”
“I’m not that bad,” Spencer said.
Both Coda and Tyler laughed, but Spencer failed to see the humor.
“Now that I’m aware I may intimidate Sammy, I’ll try harder to ease her nerves.”
“Thank you.” Tyler opened Coda’s door. “We need to meet with the art department in ten minutes,” he said as he walked out.
Spencer had Tyler’s best interest at heart. Tyler couldn’t blame his brother for that. Spencer had been looking out for Tyler his whole life, even more so after their dad died.
Tyler didn’t always like Spencer’s tough-love approach, but it had worked. Tyler got himself together after graduating college and was making something of his life. He didn’t want to be a trust-fund baby. He wanted to contribute to the growth and success of Cannon Advertising.
Spencer liked being in control, and sometimes he went a little further than he needed to when it ca
me to Tyler’s life. Tyler was no longer that out-of-control kid who drank too much and partied too hard, and his brother was going to have to accept that.
Chapter 10
Sammy admired herself in the full-length mirror that hung on the back of the bedroom door. Her new pale blue dress was spectacular. It was silky and fit as if it were made just for her. As she ran her fingers over the delicate beading, she glanced down at the strappy heels that matched the trim on the dress. The only other time she’d ever seen such an exquisite dress was when she’d borrowed one from Coda for the night of the gala. This one wasn’t a full-length dress, but it was just as spectacular. Now, thanks to Tyler, she had her own.
When she’d come home from orchestra practice that morning, there was a package waiting. It contained the dress, shoes, and a gift certificate to an upscale Manhattan salon for a day of pampering. Tyler had made an appointment to get a haircut, a facial, and her makeup done. With the package there was a note.
Beautiful,
Your appointment to the salon is at noon. I’ll have a car sent for you. After you return home, put on your new dress and I’ll be at your door at seven.
Looking forward to seeing you. I’ve missed you.
Tyler
He’d been out of the office most of the week overseeing the production of a commercial in California. This was the first time in over a month that they’d been apart. She missed seeing him at the office every afternoon, but the nights were the hardest. She’d gotten used to having dinner with him and hanging out at his place. Their relationship started off fast and showed no signs of slowing down. Between his busy work schedule and her end of the year recitals and exams, things had gotten hectic, but they managed to spend as much time together as they could. She looked forward to tonight.
After a day of primping at the salon, she was ready for her date. As she made her way out of her bedroom, she heard a knock at the door. A minute before seven, she noted when she glanced at the clock on the microwave. He was always on time. She answered the door with a huge smile on her face.
