Page 115 of And Then Came You

Apparently I know little else, especially in love.

Sam is humming in the bathroom, and a flash of anger surges through me. How nice for him to be so content. Snatching the message, I open it, the last chance of happiness in this situation fading as I read the contents.

Sam,

I arrived early. Imagine that. Can’t wait to see you. It’s been too long. I’m in Suite 106. Come by for a drink.

Almira

The slip of paper falls from my hand as I blink back tears. It’s uncanny how you can be careening toward a cliff edge and yet never see it until it’s too late.

There will always be signs to convince your mind and heart of whatever choice you want to believe true. Such is the case with me.

“I thought you were coming back to the bath, but the water cooled. Ah, the food arrived. I know I worked up an appetite.” Sam wraps his arms around me, but I shrug them off, taking a few steps away. “Are you okay?”

“You have a message. From Almira. She’s arrived early and wants you to join her for a drink.”

At least the man has the grace to pale under his tan. “She wasn’t supposed to be here tonight.”

“I didn’t realize she was going to be here at all. Surprise. One of many.” Moving into the bedroom, I collect my clothing, littered all over the floor. “Just give me a few minutes to get dressed.”

“Why? Where are you going?” Sam strides over to me, grasping my shoulders. “My God, Lexi. It’s not like that.”

“I’m sure you have a logical explanation. Not that you owe me one. I have a pounding headache.” Shaking my head and willing the tears to stay in my head, I motion to the tray. “I shouldn’t have read your message. That was wrong. But, I got so upset when room service informed me that you placed the order for all of this”—I motion to the flowers and dining cart—“days ago. I thought you ordered it special for me.”

“I did. I ordered all of this for you.”

“No,” I snap, feeling the anger swell once again. “You ordered it for the day of the auction winner’s datebeforeI even won the auction. This isn’t for me. It’s for the winner, whoever it turned out to be.”

Now it’s his turn to get angry. “Is that what you think of me? That I planned to bed whichever woman won?”

“I didn’t want to believe that, butyouproved me wrong. Almira’s arrival was just the icing on the cake.” Sam opens his mouth to speak, but my heart doesn’t care to hear his explanation. After all, Sam never claimed that we were anything beyond friends. I concocted the storyline all in my head. He never promised me anything. With a deep breath, I force a smile in his direction. “It’s fine. We had fun, right? A good time had by all, except for the Giants, who are nursing quite a defeat.”

Giants, I know how you feel.

Sam rushes forward, framing my face with his hands. “Lexi, no—”

I grasp his hands, biting back tears. I hate being so damn sensitive. “My head is killing me, Sam. I need to go back to my room.”

He pulls me into his embrace, but instead of melting, I hold myself stiff. It’s my last chance of holding it together before I devolve into a puddle of tears. “Should I call the doctor?”

I manage a chuckle. “No, let’s not make a habit of that. I just need my medicine and some quiet time.”

“Give me your key card and I’ll go get it. I’ll bring it back here. Then, when your head is better, we are going to discuss this and get to the bottom of it.”

Pressing my hand to his chest, I steal a glance at his beautiful face. Even now, knowing the truth, I still love him to bits. The good in Sam outweighs the bad a thousand-fold. “I’ll be fine.”

“I’m not letting you leave.”

Another knock sounds at the door, but I know who’s on the other side without opening it. His former flame, dropping by for a visit.

Sam opens the door and sure enough, I’m correct. There stands Almira, looking perfect, as usual. Just like Sam, she’s too damn likable to hate.

“Lexi, how wonderful to see you. Sam told me you were here in New York, but I thought I’d have to wait until tomorrow.”

“Hi, Almira.” I walk over, giving her a kiss on both cheeks. No sense being angry at her. She did nothing wrong. Hell, she’s likely Sam’s safety net, rescuing him from his forced liaison.

I just wish that liaison wasn’t me.

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