Page 15 of Samson

She laid still, not ready to move yet, until someone knocked on the door. Shuffling into the living room in her oversized T-shirt and pajama pants, she said, “Coming,” before looking through the peephole.

Luca was holding up a brown paper bag for her to see. “I brought you a bagel,” he called through the door. “You going to open up?”

She turned the lock and pulled it open, stepping back. “Morning.”

“Morning.” He looked her up and down with a smirk. “Did you just wake up? What happened to the girl who got up at the crack of dawn?”

“I left her in San Diego. I’m surprisedyou’reup. What time do you usually go to bed?”

“I don’t need much sleep. I’m like a vampire.”

“Vampires sleep all day.”

“Right. What am I thinking of?”

“I have no idea.”

“It’ll come to me. Here.” He handed her the bag. “I thought you’d like some breakfast.”

“Thank you.” She peaked inside. “Bagel?”

“With sour cream and chive spread.”

She hugged it to herself. “You remembered.”

“I was hoping your taste hadn’t changed too much since we were kids.”

“Not with this.” She pulled it out and took a bite. “This is good.”

“It’s from the bakery two blocks away in case you need seconds. But if you don’t mind, I’ll need you downstairs in about an hour. I’ve got June here to show you the ropes.”

“Yeah, no problem. I’ll scarf this down and have a quick shower.” When he grinned, she said, “Was there something else?”

“You enjoy yourself last night?”

“Yeah. The music was great, and the fritters were delicious. You’ve got a great place.”

“Is that all?”

“Are you hoping I’ll mention the marble in the walls that cost you a fortune?”

“I was thinking more of the company you had briefly.”

“Oh.” Her face puckered. “Him.”

“Yeah, him. His name’s Samson.”

“Why didn’t you come over and rescue me?”

“For one thing, I thought I already had. He asked me who you were. I made it clear you were off limits.”

“Maybe you weren’t as clear as you thought.”

“No, he just didn’t care. He’s the kind of guy who takes what he wants. But I knew you could handle yourself.”

“He hit on me while his date waited for him at his table.”

Luca nodded slowly. “That sounds like him.”

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