Play for Me (26 page)

“Didn't Jett want Sam to play on some of his stuff?” asked
Jordan, changing the subject.

“Yeah, he did,” commented Ian. “You're going to be surprised
at Sam. Your sister not only plays guitar and piano, she can sing and you
should hear some of the stuff she has written. I heard her the other day when she
didn't realize it. Then she shows me this collection of songs she has and they
are good.”

“I kind of figured she would do something like that,” mused
Jordan and slapped his knee with his hand. “Damn, I sure have a lot to talk to
my sister about. I know when our parents come here they are going to try and
kidnap her back to Chicago. I won't be here then, so I'm asking for your help.”

“Don't worry. Sam isn't going anywhere on my watch,” assured
Ian. “Even Bryce will back me up if I'm not here.”

“This is your place?” exclaimed Jordan. “Damn, dude. This is
awesome!”

“Come inside for a much needed beer.” Ian opened the garage
door and the two of them stepped inside.

“Let me call Sam to let her know I'm here,” said Jordan as he dialed her number. “Yo sis, it's your bro.”

“Jordan,” squealed Sam. “Did you just land?”

“No, I'm at Ian's poor house.”

“Isn't is house beautiful?” asked Sam.

“It is, but it seems you and I have a lot of catching up to
do,” said Jordan lightly.

“Yeah, we do. We can do it later. I'm supposed to be at
Ian's around six,” explained Sam.

“Bring your guitar. I want to run something by you,”
suggested Jordan.

“We can do it here,” insisted Sam. “I have a grand piano and
everything here.”

“Bring it.” Jordan would not take no for an answer.

“Why do I think I'm in trouble?” asked Sam.

“We will talk later,” said Jordan and he disconnected the
call.

“Who was that?” asked Deb.

“My brother,” said Sam, her mind reeling. “He sounded really
pissed off at me, and I don't know why.”

“Oh,” said Deb trying to appear not interested. “What's he
up to?”

“Lord only knows,” said Sam lightly, not wanting to give
away the surprise.

“What time is it?” asked Sam. “Three. Just enough time to go
to the beach for a bit, shower and get dressed for Ian's.”

“That sounds great,” said Deb.

****

“Ohmigod,” breathed Deb as they pulled up in front of Ian's
house. “This belongs to your boyfriend?”

“Well, yeah,” said Sam proudly. “Ian is very talented.”

“I think I'm going to quit my job and come live here with
you and that's final.” Deb shook her head in amazement.

“I wish you could, too, Deb but I'm not going to be here
forever. Remember, we talked about it when I said this gig is up. I go back to Los Angeles and Ian and I have to work something out. I mean I hope we can. I am just
taking one day at a time.” Sam sighed.

“You never know,” said Deb as Ian opened the door. Deb's
face could not hold back her surprise.

“Ian, I'd like for you to meet Deb, Ian.”

“Pleased to meet you,” said Ian shaking Deb's hand. Ian
looked at Sam and winked. “Hey Jordan, your sister is here.”

“Jordan is here, and you didn't tell me?” whispered Deb as she
glared at Sam.

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” said Sam. She turned to Ian
and made a face. Maybe this wasn't going as well as she thought it would.

“Sam,” said Jordan as he reached the door. He glared at her
and didn't even notice Deb.

“Um, Jordan? Remember Deb from Chicago? I know it's been a
long time since you've seen her, but she came out yesterday to visit me.”

Jordan finally noticed Deb, and his jaw dropped to the
floor. “Deb? Deblet? You've grown up!”

“Deblet? asked Ian, confused.

“It was my nickname when we were growing up,” explained Deb.
“I always seemed to be at the Stevens' house and Jordan considered me a pest.”

“Not any longer,” said Jordan, amazed that this beautiful
woman was Sam's best friend.

“Deb?” Bryce came forward for the introductions.

“How do you know Deb?” asked Jordan, once again glaring at
Bryce. For some reason, he felt very territorial about his sister's friend.

“Relax, Jordan. We met Bryce the other day,” explained Sam
amused at her brother's jealousy. Maybe this could be fun after all. Sam and
Ian exchanged winks.

“Well, Sam. Aren't you full of surprises lately,” said Jordan as he reached for Sam.

“Come on in and sit down,” said Ian trying to smooth over Jordan's temper. He reached for Sam's hand and held it trying to give her comfort.

“What's new in Jordan's world?” asked Sam trying to break
the tension.

“Let's talk about you. I'm on vacation.” Jordan stared at
Sam's chin. “What's this?”

“I started to surf and I had a little mishap. No big deal,
right, Ian?” Sam looked at Ian for support.

“She's really good. Just a beginner's lesson,” assured Ian. “Now,
Deb? What would you like to drink? I made some rum punch, but I've got other
drinks if you want.”

“Learned my lesson with punches,” laughed Deb. “Let me stick
with a chardonnay.”

“So Deb?” asked Bryce. “What has Sam showed you around the
island?”

“I did just get here,” said Deb, trying to catch Sam's
attention.

“Really?” said Jordan who stood protectively next to Deb.

“Come. Sit down,” said Sam as she pulled Deb to a loveseat
and sat next to her. Both Bryce and Jordan sat down across from them, nibbling
on some appetizers.

“For your information, Deb will be here for a week. We just
went swimming and we talked. That's what girls do. We had a lot to catch up on.
Right?”

“Yes,” agreed Deb, gladly accepting the drink Ian had given
her.

“How is Chicago?” asked Jordan. “I know it's cold and snowy,
but what else is new?”

“Well,” began Deb. “I see your mom and dad all the time. As
you know, they are pretty upset about Sam not being there.”

“Good grief.” Jordan rolled his eyes at her. “I heard they
are coming next week. I wish I could be here, but I can't bail Sam out. She's
going to have go solo.”

“Don't worry. I've done it before, right? Mom is not going
to get her way this time.”

“Are you still working for the advertisement agency?” asked
Jordan as he turned his attention back to Deb.

“Not the one I used to work for. I switched jobs about a
year ago. You know that business. Cut throat.” Deb made a face. “What about
you? Who are you touring with these days?”

“Right now, I'm between tours.” Jordan smiled at Deb. Actually,
it was a dopey love smile which Deb found endearing.

“He had been touring with me,” offered Bryce. “But we're on
break now, which is why I'm out here.”

“Really?” asked Deb. “I didn't realize how many celebrities
have homes here.”

“It's really getting crowded with egos,” said Ian with a
smile. “Bryce, Jett. Need I say more?”

“Not funny,” said Bryce. “Hopefully, Jett won't be here that
much.” Bryce focused on Deb. “Make sure you come out to see me before you go.”

“That sounds like a good idea,” said Deb. She glanced
quickly at Sam who just shrugged her shoulders.

“So, Sam,” asked Jordan. “What are your plans while I'm
here? Do you want me to stay here or with you?”

“You can stay with me if you want to. I've got plenty of
room. I have a piano at my place, too,” said Sam very much aware of Ian's
muscular arm draped over her shoulders. His touch alone drew goose bumps as
well as fantasies of what she would like to do with Ian.

“I'd love to hear the two of you play,” said Bryce.

“Me, too,” said Deb. “I meant it's been years since I've
heard Sam play.”

“After dinner,” said Ian. “I didn't cook this delicious
dinner for everyone just to listen to some music.” He looked at Sam and felt
proud of all of her accomplishments.

“Point taken,” said Jordan laughing.

“Which is why you wanted me to bring my guitar,” said Sam, a
little miffed about what Jordan had in mind.

“Come, sit down,” said Ian sweeping his hand to indicate the
place settings at the table.

“You did all of this?” asked Deb, astonished at the elegance
of the table setting.

“It's one of my many hobbies,” said Ian a bit shyly.

“He's a keeper,” whispered Deb to Sam. “What a hunk.”

“I know.” Sam smiled, and she hugged Ian.

“What? What are you two whispering about?” asked Jordan.

“Girl stuff,” responded Sam with a wave of her hand.

“I would like to propose a toast,” said Bryce standing up
with his drink.

“Here, here,” they all responded.

“To good friends and good times.” Bryce made a sweeping bow
while everyone took a drink.

“Not to mention family,” murmured Jordan as he leaned over
squeezed Sam's hand.

“Family, as well!” Sam smiled and looked at Jordan.

The dinner started with appetizers, and Ian played the most
gracious of hosts, catering to everyone's needs. Both Jordan and Bryce were
competing for Deb's attention. Now that she had had three glasses of wine, Deb
started to enjoy the competition. Ian and Sam just smiled at each other, realizing
Sam's idea of matchmaker had worked.

“I'm going to help Ian with the dishes,” said Sam as she
stood up. The other three ignored her, so Sam and Ian retreated to the kitchen.

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” said Ian as he grabbed Sam
and kissed her soundly. “How are we going to work out sleeping arrangements? I
don't like the idea of not seeing you for a whole week!”

“You did it before,” Sam reminded Ian of his Seal work.

“I didn't say I liked it.” Ian kissed Sam deeply and the two
of them were lost in the kiss. Until the water over ran from the sink to the
floor.

“Shit!” Ian jumped away and turned off the water.

“Where's a mop?” asked Sam. “Here, let me help.”

“In the pantry,” called Ian from the sink. He looked up to
see if the other three had heard them and there was no response. “I guess we
really are alone.”

“I bet we could sneak upstairs and no one would notice.”
suggested Sam.

“You game?” Ian grinned evilly at Sam. The two of them poked
their heads into the other room to look at their company. Ian confirmed they
wouldn't be missed. They both smiled at each other. “Let's go. We'll make it
fast and fantastic,” said Ian. He couldn't wait to get Sam naked and in his
arms. They sprinted off at a record pace for the upstairs bedroom.

****

“So Bryce,” stated Jordan. “What's going on with your wife?”

“Ex-wife, so I'm a free man.” Bryce smiled charmingly at
Deb.

“Is she taking you to the cleaners? Deb, let me get you
another drink?” Jordan deftly took Deb's glass and poured a refill.

“Oh my,” said Deb a little bit tipsy. “I haven't had this
much to drink in a while, Jordan. This will be my last for a while. Whew! It's
getting a little warm in here.”

“Let's go out to the patio,” suggested Bryce. “It's a little
cooler there.”

“Where're Sam and Ian?” asked Deb looking around for her
friend. She needed Sam's help, big time. Jordan had never paid her this much
attention and she felt at a loss. Granted, it was a dream come true, but she
wasn't quite sure how to handle it.

“They're in the kitchen.” Bryce waved his hand towards the
kitchen. “They'll know where we've gone. Come on.” The group moved to the
patio.

Upstairs, Sam and Ian were making love passionately more so
because of the situation. They both laughed at the frantic but intense pace of
their lovemaking. Ian heard the patio doors open and he whispered to Sam. “I
don't think they miss us, but we've been gone for about ten minutes. I think we
better find our way down.”

“Hmm,” murmured Sam, not willing to let Ian go. “Why don't
we go back to my house and let the three of them duke it out here?”

“I don't think that's going to happen. I know Jordan wants
to talk to you, and I think your friend could use your help. Those two men are
after her and she's probably scared out of her wits.” Ian unwillingly left
Sam's embrace. “Did I ever tell you how I love the feel of your lips against
mine?” Ian nuzzled Sam's neck and kissed her pulse.

“Hmm,” purred Sam. “You feel so good.” She lay there
contentedly. “But you're right,” admitted Sam. She got dressed slowly while Ian
watched. “When can we be together again?”

“Sam, we will. Don't worry.” Ian kissed her soundly. “Now,
let's go join our guests.” They walked downstairs nonchalantly and entered the
patio.

“Sam? Ian? You done in the kitchen?” asked Jordan.

“Pretty much,” said Ian dismissively. “What's going on here?”

“Bryce is taking me on his yacht tomorrow,” said Deb with a
smile on her face. “Jordan said he needed to talk you.”

“Oh, that's nice,” said Sam, not liking the Bryce date. Jordan
should be with Deb, not Bryce.

“But Deb is going out to dinner with me tomorrow night,”
said Jordan. “That is, after we talk.”

“Suppose I don't bring her back,” suggested Bryce.

“Stop it, you two! Jeesh!” Sam stood up between the two men.
“Deb is my guest, too. Bryce, you bring her back for dinner with Jordan. Then
she's mine all day Wednesday.”

“Did anyone remind you how bossy you are?” grumbled Jordan.

“Learned it from the best,” said Sam smugly.

“I think it's time for some music,” suggested Ian to get the
group back on track. “Sam, where is your guitar?”

“In the car.” She rose up to get it but Ian sat her back
down. “I'll get it.” He left and both Deb and Sam retreated to the bathroom.

“How are you doing, Deb?” asked Sam, concerned.

“I can't believe they're fighting over me,” exclaimed Deb. “What
is this about? It's like a pissing contest or something.”

“Who do you really want?” asked Sam curious to see how Deb
would respond.

“You know it’s Jordan. Yes, I’m flattered about Bryce, but I
don't want to be the rebound woman.”