Page 30 of And Then Came You

Gazing to my left, I see a leggy woman, clad in only a bikini and caftan, walking toward me.

On a positive note, it’s not Sveta.

No, this woman is far and away more gorgeous and exotic.

Fabulous.

She closes the distance between us, pulling me into a hug. “I’m so glad you could come. Sam talks about you all the time.”

Funny, he hasn’t mentioned you.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Lex Lex, you made it.”

At least I recognize that voice, although I’ve never heard Sam refer to me as Lex Lex before. But anything is better than Ms. Mouse, the nickname bestowed on me by his former flame.

Turning, I do a double take. I know it’s Sam, although the man looks totally different. His tattoos and piercings are the same—obviously—but that’s where the similarities end. His longish hair has been cropped close to his head, and a neatly trimmed beard adorns his previously chiseled jaw.

I realize two things immediately: I hate his new look and don’t think he’s nearly as attractive as I originally thought. Thank the Gods, it was only a moment’s weakness. A passing infatuation.

“You look different.”

Sam chuckles, running a hand over his buzzed scalp. “I took a few weeks to find myself. Find my center.”

“I thought you were in Dubai.”

“I was, which is where I met Almira.” He motions to the olive-skinned beauty, currently engaged in conversation with a servant. One of many, I assume, judging by the size of the residence.

“She seems lovely.”

Sam walks closer, opening his arms toward me. “Do I warrant a hug?”

With a chuckle, I wrap my arms around his waist. His arms encircle me, one hand pressing my head to his chest as his lips press to my hair.

So much for the whole passing infatuation idea.

Distance. Must keep my distance from the man.

Stepping back, I peer up at him, skewing my mouth in disgust.

“You hate it, don’t you?”

“Not a fan.”

“Of either?”

I shake my head, giggling at his pained expression. “What does it matter what I think? Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here? I don’t want to intrude on a lover’s weekend.”

Damn, those words taste as delicious as a glass of curdled milk. Yuck.

“Absolutely. When I told Almira that you lived in the Hamptons, she insisted you join us for the weekend.”

Yay for being a third wheel.

“This house is gigantic.”

“It’s rented for the summer,” Almira interjects, looping her arm with mine. “Sam tells me you have a deadline. I’ve given you a separate wing, with your own butler.”

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