Page 23 of Finding Her Leading Man

Samantha wouldn’t ruin Addie’s wedding. He was sure of that after the incredible performance in his room yesterday. He quickly dressed and ran the towel over his wet hair. Not second-guessing himself, he dialed his sister’s number.

“I thought I was going to get Cameron to put out a call for your missing body.” Addie laughed. “I take it that Mom got in touch with you, finally?”

Trevor slipped on his shoes. “Yes. Do you have plans tonight? Like, right now?” It was a little early for dinner, but he intended to catch Samantha at a slow moment at the diner.

“Why? Is there a pretty singer you want to visit? I never knew you to need a wingman. I figured my outstanding review of you would be enough to push her into your waiting arms.”

“You told her that you hate the way I eat chicken wings.”

“I do. You said to be honest.”

“I meant to tell her about the good parts. But that doesn’t matter now. Yesterday, she accused me of a few things, and I’m not sure what to make of them.” Or how to act. Because one thing was for sure, he had no intention of backing off.

“Let me finish this computer job, and I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

Trevor hung up, feeling a little more relaxed. He wasn’t a man to sit around and mope. It killed him when he didn’t have a solution to a problem. That’s where he was with Samantha. He had a question and no answer. She didn’t see that he was worried about her. Yes, he wanted to date her, God, and hold her, but it wasn’t out of some self-absorbed vanity.

The woman was too alive, vibrant, talented to sit around and waste her life away because of that dip shit.

Trevor walked across the street and met Addie outside the diner, letting her happiness cool off the rest of his temper. Samantha had lashed out at him. He just had to figure out how much of what she’d said was true.

“What’s put such a sour look on your face?” Addie poked him in the gut, making him laugh despite his mood. She’d pinpointed that tickle spot when she was about five and had tortured him ever since.

Might as well cut to the chase. “I need your advice. Samantha accused me of being like her ex yesterday.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Yikes. That sucks. What’d you do?”

“That’s what I can’t figure out.” He walked her through their conversation, trying to pinpoint where he’d screwed up.

Addie wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think you werecompletelyoverbearing, but a woman doesn’t want you to tell her what to do. You can give suggestions. You can offer your help. Telling someone what to do, does come across as controlling. Especially to someone trying to stand on her own feet again.” She patted his shoulder. “I know you’re not like that, but she doesn’t. She’s still working off first impressions. Plus, if you got in your ‘lawyer’ voice, it probably didn’t help. You can be intimidating when you get going.”

That part hadn’t seemed to scare Samantha. Good. One less thing he’d screwed up.

“So, what do I do? Back off? She’s eating those chalky antacids like candy.” He hated to see it.

“You have that look again.”

“What look?” He intentionally relaxed his shoulders.

Addie laid a hand on his forearm. “Like you’re ready to walk into a courtroom and verbally beat up some asshole. I get your protective streak. Believe me. After living with Cameron, I know why the two of you are such good friends. But you’re not dealing with Jasper. You’re redirecting that aggression toward Samantha.” She squeezed his arm. “Just chill out with her. Be yourself. Don’t try to fix her. Take her as she is, completely broken and screwed up. With antacids.”

Becky opened the door to the diner. “I appreciate such good-looking advertising, but are you going to come into the diner or just decorate the sidewalk?”

Trevor held open the door for Addie. “We’re coming in. Just some more wedding details.”

“That’s right. I didn’t ask what Mom had to talk to you about.”

Trevor saw Samantha and knew the moment she saw him. The cup of water she just filled up sloshed over the edge.

He smiled at her. Her expression didn’t change, but she didn’t aim him any “eat shit” looks. Progress.

“Mom wanted to hire a string quartet and questioned Samantha’s ability to sing.”

Becky cackled as she handed them each a menu. “Does your mom even know who she is? I mean, we can send her a video or something.”

Addie sat down at the small table near the back of the diner. “Oh, our mom knows who she is. She thinks Samantha is his girlfriend.” Addie shrugged when Trevor shook his head. “What? If mom comes down for that bridal shower, she’s going to find out one way or the other.”

“Wow. That is a situation. That the woman won’t even have dinner with you.” Becky nudged his shoulder. “Perk up, though. I made cheesecake for dessert today.”

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