Page 32 of And Then Came You

Time for some good old-fashioned relaxation, or the appearance, at least.

Feeling Sam’s gaze on me, I glance over, sending him a smile. “I get it, I’m pale as a ghost. You can stop staring.”

His brow furrows as he shakes his head. “That’s not what I was thinking.”

“What were you thinking?”

“You look different.”

“Me? I didn’t shave my head and grow a beard.”

Sam throws up his hands in surrender. “I knew it was a bad idea the second I did it. Now, I’m stuck with this look for the next few months. Thankfully, my hair grows fast. I’ll look like my old self soon.”

I arch my brow, chewing my lip. “Maybe your fans will fancy your new look. It seems Almira likes it.”

“She hasn’t said otherwise.” He turns to his side on the lounger, taking a pull from his drink. “Back to you. There’s something different about you.”

I shrug, accepting my cocktail from the servant. “I don’t know what that might be. My life is essentially the same, save for trying to finish my book. Maybe I look crazy. That might be the difference.”

I don’t mention Damian. I don’t want to ruin a beautiful weekend by discussing an upcoming date with a man Sam warned me against. Best to turn the focus back to Sam.

“How did you meet Almira?”

“Way to change the subject.” Sam’s gaze penetrates me, studying me, and making my insides flutter. “I met her while I was on the shoot in Dubai.”

“She’s got quite the illustrious history. Well done, Sam.”

He flips onto his back, running a hand over his head. “Yep, descended from royalty.”

“Look at this place. It’s like living in a palace.”

“I know, right? Talk about marrying up.”

“Are you two serious?” I choke out the question because I don’t want to know the answer. It’s a very new relationship, but Almira is perfect. She’s practically a princess, for Christ’s sake.

“Just testing the waters.”

“What does that even mean? Men love that term, but it’s a bullshit line that could mean any number of things. So, in your world, what does it mean? Are you’re trying her on for size by fucking her in every room of her Hamptons palace?”

Sam smirks. Busted. “I’m not sure we got to every room.”

“It’s good to have goals.” Despite the squeezing pain around my heart, I slide back on the friend mask. I’m no fool. I know my role. I always did. My stupid heart just didn’t get the memo, especially after we spent that hour holding each other.

Something changed for me that day, and I’m not sure how to change back.

I should have gone to the country club with Damian. Maybe it’s not too late to change my mind…

“What about you? Why aren’t you dating?” Sam’s question jars my internal monologue, forcing me back to the present.

“You know the last person I dated. It was not a healthy environment.”

“So, don’t date an asshole.”

“That’s easier said than done.”

“What are you looking for in a guy? Tell me what kind of man turns you on.”

The flush crawls up my cheek, as I desperately look for a way out of this conversation. “I don’t know.”

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