Page 29 of And Then Came You

I can continue down this torturous conversation path, or forge a new one. “Where is the world is Sam, anyway? Bali? Germany? Australia?” My mind reels at the sheer amount of traveling in his life.

“Dubai.”

My eyes widen. “I didn’t realize the Middle East was a popular destination for men like Sam.”

“It is when one of your largest accounts is craving a desert themed shoot. I can’t handle the sun or the heat, so my darling boss gave me a pass.”

I snort at the image of Sam wading through life without Caroline to assist him. “He’s likely wearing his knickers backward.”

“No doubt. If he’s wearing them at all.”

Her off-the-cuff humor catches me, and I grimace at the image of Sam making love to some beautiful, buxom beauty.

“Knew it.” She leans in, grasping my chin. “I knew you liked him. Don’t deny it. Your face just now, gave it all away.”

Huffing, I stir my drink with furious energy. “That’swhy I’m avoiding him. We shared a moment that I thought meant more than it did. Now I have to unwind my emotions. Get my head on straight.”

“Personally, I think the two of you need to explore this whole friends situation. My other opinion? You should chat up the fine-looking man from the other week.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I spy the man from that night at karaoke. He commented on my lovely voice, before Sam cock-blocked him, claiming he was a terrible idea and not one worth pursuing.

Screw you, Sam.

Feeling a surge of anger at the hypocrisy of Sam’s words and actions, I wave at the man, watching his face light up when he sees me. When I crook my finger, he wastes no time getting to my side. His first order of business? Another round for all of us.

Within fifteen minutes, Damian, the player as Sam called him, has Caroline and me hooting with laughter.

As for Sam? Not even a thought. And I’ll keep telling my heart that until it’s the truth.

Chapter Six

Lexi

“So, you’ll come?”

Damn Sam and his beseeching voice. It makes it so hard to say no to the man.

“I’ve got a deadline, Sam.”

“You can write here. I haven’t seen you since that debacle at the farm. I was beginning to think you weren’t ever going to talk to me again.”

“I considered it. Your girlfriend was terrible to me.”

“I know, and I kicked her to the curb.”

I chew my lower lip, unsure if it’s wise to see Sam. Iwantto see him, but I’m still a bit upside down regarding him. Hell, even speaking to him sends me into a tailspin. “No need to do that on my account.”

“You’re more important.”

And with those words, the bastard has me by the heartstrings. “Give me the address.”

* * *

Imust have the wrong house, not that this is a house. A castle is a far more appropriate term. I realize the Hamptons are a mecca for the rich and famous, but this is top end even by Hamptons standards.

Stepping from my car, I shield my eyes from the sun, taking in the incredible architecture.

“You must be Lexi.”

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