Page 66 of And Then Came You

I don’t bother to check my schedule. “Perfect.”

Hanging up the phone, I release a resigned sigh. I don’t feel a speck of excitement for my upcoming date, because Damian isn’t Sam.

But Sam has hurt my heart one too many times, and if there’s any hope of us continuing any sort of friendship, I need to get over this thing called love.

Sam has a long line of women clamoring outside his door. I don’t want to be another of his admirers.

At this point, I don’t even know if I still want to be his friend.

Chapter Eleven

Sam

I’m going to lose my shit.

No joke, if Lexi doesn’t pick up the damn phone, I’m getting on the next train to the Hamptons, even if it means missing Europe Fashion Week.

Last night started out beautifully, and I planned on spending the evening making love to Lexi, after I garnered the courage to tell her I loved her.

But then the damn photo shoot happened, along with several shots of tequila, and a quick drink that turned into two, all because of that bitch Natalie. I can’t stand the woman. But after a few drinks, the floodgates opened about her sick father and her mother, who just passed. What was I supposed to do? Leave her there, crying at the bar?

I told Lexi something came up, and I’d be right there. I meant it. As soon as one of Natalie’s friends made it downstairs to claim her, I was in the elevator, booking it to Lexi’s door.

A door that never opened, no matter how hard I pounded on it. When I went to the front desk, they told me she wasn’t accepting calls. Okay, I get it. I fucked up by having the drink with Natalie, not that I did anything with the woman. I’m crazy about Lexi. She’s the only one I want, and all I needed was five minutes for her to realize that I meant every word.

So, I slid notes under her door, begging her forgiveness and went to my suite.

Not that I slept. After a couple of hours, I wandered back down to her room, only to find the door ajar and Lexi nowhere to be found.

Checked out early, without saying a word.

Needless to say, I’m beyond pissed.

Tapping my foot ceaselessly against the ground, I listen to the incessant ringing of the phone.

“Hello, Sam.” Lexi’s voice is measured and cool, without a hint of emotion.

Her lack of emotion sends mine into a tailspin.

“That’s it? You leave out of here without saying goodbye and that’s the best you can do?”

“I wasn’t feeling well. I’m still not.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

She sighs into the phone, and I know she’s weighing if she wants to get into it right now.

Tough shit, E.T., you’re getting into it.

“Don’t make up excuses, either. Just tell me.”

“I don’t need to make excuses, Sam. That’s your department.” Her laugh cuts into my head, but it lacks her usual warmth and vibrancy. This laugh borders on a snicker—cold, biting and totally unlike her. “I needed some space.”

“Space from me? I flew here from London to be with you, and you up and leave without a word! What the fuck is that about?” Now I’m screaming, but there’s no chance in curbing my emotions right now. They’re a runaway train on an open track.

“You flew here for me? Come on, Sam. Stop lying. And stop playing the hapless male. It’s not a good look for you. The heartless playboy suits you much better.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I bark, my blood pounding in my ears.

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