Play for Me (29 page)

“Shit!” swore the officer. “Here I thought it was going to
be a quiet night.” He radioed in for more back up.

“The front door is wide open and all the lights are on. I
haven't gone in yet, but I'm worried about Cracker at your house. If anything
happens to my poor dog, I'll die!” Sam's lower lip trembled.

“I'm going over there as soon as I can,” said Ian. His mind
raced as well. It had to be Jennifer or Drew, but how could he prove it?

The police came and Ian raced to the house only to find it
too had been broken into. Nothing had been taken but the door had been smashed
open and the alarm had been blaring. Not even thinking about it, and kicking
into his Seal mode, Ian raced through the house, gun drawn daring to find
someone who had done this. That's when he heard a whimper coming from the
bedroom closet. Nestled way in the back stood Cracker, shivering violently. Ian
coaxed the poor dog out and clamped a leash on him.

“What did you find?” asked the officer. “And do you have a
permit to carry a gun?”

“Yeah,” said Ian and he fished out his credentials. “I'm
calling Sam to tell her that her dog is okay.” Ian turned his attention to the
call.

“Sam,” said Ian into the phone. “Cracker is fine, but
someone did break into my house. My gut is either Drew or Jennifer.”

“Thank God,” breathed Sam. She almost fainted with relief.

“Are the police there yet?” asked Ian.

“We're going to walk through the house now. I'm calling
Jordan and Deb to warn them.” Sam shook her head.

“Do that and when you're done, have the driver take you
here.” Ian wanted to get to the bottom of this.

They walked throughout the house and Sam didn't see anything
missing. Someone had gone through the cabinets and her dresser drawers but the
piano, guitar and everything else remained intact. Had it been malicious or
what? She shook her head and looked helplessly at the officer.

“We're checking for prints,” explained the female officer
who arrived at the scene. “Do you have a place to stay tonight?”

“Yes,” answered Sam with a rueful laugh. “That place had
been burglarized, too. Busy night on Maui.”

“It's going to be a long night.” The officers just shook
their heads.

“Jordan?” Sam had called Jordan unsure how to break this to
her brother.

“Sam? What's wrong? Did Ian do something?”

“No, not at all,” Sam laughed at her protective big brother.
“You are not going to believe it.” She proceeded to explain what had happened.”

“I can't believe it,” yelled Jordan. “Sam, what is going on?”

“I don't know, Jordan. Ian thinks it could be Drew or
Jennifer. He's not sure. Anyway, I don't think you two want to spend the night
at my house. Why don't you meet us at Ian's house?”

“What about my guitar and stuff?” asked Jordan anxiously.

“It's all there. I'll have the driver take yours and Deb's
suitcases with us. Do you remember how to get there?” asked Sam.

“Yeah, I think I do. We are on our way now,”

When Jordan and Deb arrived at Ian's, both Ian and Sam had
had a few drinks. Nothing seemed to calm their nerves.

“Looks like the party started without us,” commented Jordan as he stepped into the house.

“I think we have it narrowed down,” said Ian who couldn't
stop pacing. “I don't think it's Jennifer. It's too sophisticated for someone
like her to pull.”

“Why do you say that?” asked Sam as she served her brother
and Deb their drinks. She sat down next to Ian.

“Jennifer doesn't know anything about Jett moving here. Bryce
does and so does Drew.” Ian stared at Jordan. “I don't think Bryce would do
something like this. Man, he's one of my best friends.”

“Which narrows it down to Drew?” asked Jordan.

“Think about it,” said Ian excitedly. “Drew puts it together
there is a reason why Jett came down here. He knows Sam is here and since I
worked with his body guard, they know I'm down here.”

“So, how do we prove it?” asked Sam worriedly.

“I've got friends,” said Ian smugly. He began to plot.

“How soon can he work on it?” asked Sam.

“Nothing better happen while Mom and Dad are here,”
commented Jordan.

“That's right,” exclaimed Deb. “Sam, your parents are coming
next week!”

“Oh, Ian,” groaned Sam. “My parents. What am I going to do?”

“Relax, honey.” Ian's eyes had turned cold. “Mr. Drew is
going to pay.”

****

The rest of the week went by smoothly for Sam. Jordan and
Deb were definitely in love and she felt happy for them. They spent every
minute they could with each other until Jordan left. That gave her time for
working on her writing and answering Jett's emails. Sam had called Marvin about
Ian's thoughts of the crime and after a few frantic phone calls with Jett, the
situation worked itself out. The graffiti had been removed from Jett's house. Both
Sam and Ian had new locks put on with an updated security system. Ian became
wrapped up into solving the crime and Sam didn't see much of him, but she could
handle it. Sam took Deb to the airport and they hugged and cried. Deb thanked
Sam for hooking her up with Jordan. Now, all Sam had to do is focus on her
parent's arrival.

“Ian, it's me.” Sam broke down to call him first. She knew he
had been busy.

“Hey, me,” Ian answered happily. “I wondered if you had
forgotten about me?” He knew he had been busy, but he still teased Sam.

“I thought it was the other way around,” said Sam. “I don't
think the gal should be calling the guy.”

“Sam, you can call me anytime and you know it.” Ian smiled
into the phone. “You horny?”

“Ian, stop!” laughed Sam. “I am, but that's not why I called
you. Remember my parents are coming in tomorrow. Of course, they want to meet
you. What does your schedule look like?”

“I'm free for the first part of the week, but tonight I plan
on seeing you. It's been way too long since I've seen you.”

“I know,” whispered Sam longingly. “I know we're old enough,
but I feel funny about staying at your house while they are here.”

“I understand. This will be a test for us, that's for sure.”
Ian shut down his computer. “Mind if I come over now?”

“I was hoping you'd say that,” said Sam, smiling ear to ear.

“I'll be there in ten. Can't wait to see you.” Ian
disconnected the call, grabbed an overnight bag and headed over to see Sam.

Sam smiled as she raced through the house straightening
everything. She felt confident about the arrangements for her parents. Just
getting through to them is what she dreaded. She brightened as the doorbell
rang.

“Hey, gorgeous,” said Ian as he possessively claimed Sam's
mouth.

“A girl could get used to this,” murmured Sam as she clasped
her hands behind Ian's neck. “Want to come in and get reacquainted?”

“Don't mind if I do.” Ian picked Sam up and carried her to
the bedroom.

“Now, where were we?” asked Ian as he started taking off
Sam's sundress that had nothing underneath. Ian touched her fondly. He stroked
her arms and settled on suckling her nipples. Sam made little noises in the
back of her throat which drove Ian crazy. His hands traveled down Sam's flat
stomach and nestled in the opening between her legs.

“Oh, Ian.” Sam gasped. “Don't stop.”

“I won't, baby.” Ian thrust his shaft into the warm folds
and he lost all control. Both he and Sam climaxed at the same time, their
breathing hard.

“Oh, Ian. A whole week where we have to behave. I don't
think I can stand it.” Sam propped her elbows so she could stare at Ian. Sam
smoothed a lock of hair that had fallen across Ian's forehead.

“I know, but we can do it. I want your parents to really
like me,” admitted Ian. “I want them to know that I am taking good care of
their little girl.”

“What's not to like about you,” asked Sam as she fondly
stroked his face.

“Jordan has told me horror stories, so I am a bit nervous,” admitted
Ian.

“Well, you can count on me. They are my parents, and I know
how to handle them. Look at you. You're a famous architect, you work with
children and you're a Seal.”

“Don't tell them that part,” warned Ian. “That would scare
them off.” He pulled up the covers and snuggled next to Sam.

“You're right,” sighed Sam as she felt warmth from Ian's
body. “What's going on with Drew?”

“I knew you were going to ask that,” sighed Ian. “He's under
investigation and the police are watching him pretty heavily. They were able to
get prints off of the scene at Jett's house and my coworkers are on it.”

“I hope Drew knows he's being watched because I want nothing
to happen when my folks are here. Can you promise me that?” asked Sam.

“Like I told you before, I'm here to protect you,” said Ian
tenderly. Sam's look was all that he needed and Ian's hands once again traced
her body, which made him hard with desire.

****

“Mom, Dad over here!” cried Sam as her parents walked into
the airport. They looked a little bewildered seeing the greeters with their
lei's, time share reps, porters, customs officials and the police. Sam felt
sorry for them, knowing they hardly ever travelled.

“Sam,” breathed Bunny. “How are you?” Bunny looked at her
twice. “Goodness, you've changed. You've lost weight, and look at your hair and
your tan? Maui must agree with you.” Bunny gave Sam a big hug.

“Thanks, Mom. You look great too,” said Sam as she kissed
Bunny on the cheek. “Dad. It's so good to see you guys.” Sam noticed their
attention focused on Ian. “Gosh, where are my manners? Mom, Dad, this is Ian.”

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens. Very nice to meet you,” said
Ian cordially as he shook their hands.

“It's nice to meet you, too,” said Bunny, now all charm and
grace. “Sam hasn't really told us much about you, so it will be so good to get
to know you.”

“Likewise,” said Ian cheerfully. Ian grabbed the bags from
Sam's father and easily loaded them into the trunk. Sam let her father sit in
the front with Ian while she sat in the back with her mother.

“I bet you're tired,” said Sam. “Would you like to relax at
the house?”

“We're not tired,” said Bunny cheerfully. “We are just
starving!”

“Say no more,” said Ian. “We can have a barbeque at my
house.”

“Why, that sounds lovely,” said Bunny and tapped her husband
on the shoulder. “Isn't that right, dear?”

“Humph,” said Artie, not caring to comment on anything just
yet.

“Oh my,” exclaimed Bunny. “Why, this looks just like the
postcards you've sent me.”

“It's a beautiful island,” said Ian. “Sam's only been in Maui,
but the other Hawaiian Islands are just as beautiful, each one being distinct.”

“Don't you get a chance to travel, Sam?” asked Bunny.

“Of course I can, Mom. I've only been here what, Ian? Going
on three weeks?” Sam looked at Ian for confirmation.

“Something like that,” agreed Ian as he pulled up into the
gated driveway of his house.

“T-this is your house,” stuttered Bunny, her jaw dropped

“Yes, not only did I design this, but I oversaw the
construction myself,” beamed Ian.

“Oh my. Sam did say you were an architect.” Bunny turned to
Artie. “Isn't this lovely, dear?”

“Humph,” muttered Artie again.

Ian parked the car and they all got out. Sam showed her
parents around Ian's house and the view while Ian prepared his barbecue in the
kitchen.

“So, what do you think?” whispered Sam excitedly.

“Is he for real?” asked Bunny. “Oh, Sam, I don't want you to
get hurt.”

“Of course he's for real, and we're taking one step at a
time.” Sam rolled her eyes. “Can't you be happy for me?”

“We only want the best for you, honey. I just don't see this
relationship going anywhere. Why don't you come back to Chicago and settle down?”
Bunny patted Sam's arm.

“You've only known him for thirty minutes and already you're
dooming this? You are not being fair.” Sam glared at her mother.

“Bunny, call in your claws,” interjected Artie. “If you're
going to behave like this, it will be one miserable visit.”

“Thanks, Dad,” said Sam, relieved that at least her father
was on her side.

“I'll try,” retorted Bunny and stood out and looked at the
ocean.

“I think we could all use a glass of wine,” said Sam and led
her parents back to the kitchen where they found Ian in his glory making
dinner.

“Dinner is just about ready,” called Ian as he headed to the
grill. “I have fresh mahi-mahi and steak. For the steak, how do you like it?”

“Well done,” said Bunny, appreciating the aromas and the
appetizers. “Ian, this is lovely.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Stevens.” Ian smiled at the compliments.

“You can call me Bunny.” She smiled flirtatiously at Ian.

“Bunny,” repeated Ian and looked at Sam. She gave him the
heads up. It appeared that Bunny liked him.

Dinner passed without any incidents and Ian dutifully
answered any questions Bunny asked. She did most of the talking while Artie
just watched and listened.

“So, Ian and Sam, what's going to happen when Sam moves back
to Chicago?”

“Mother!” hissed Sam.

“Bunny!” growled Artie.

“We'll cross that bridge when we get there,” responded Ian
smoothly, easing the tension.

Finally, Bunny yawned, signaling it was time for them to leave.

“Ian, are you going to take us to Sam's house?” asked Bunny.

“I'm driving you to my place,” answered Sam. “Ian has to
work tomorrow and will be out of town for most of the week, right?” Again, Sam
looked to Ian for confirmation.

“Yes. I'm working on a house in Seattle and won't be home
until Friday,” said Ian.

“My, that's a busy schedule,” commented Bunny. “Well, Ian. Thank
you for a lovely meal and your pleasant company.”

“You're very welcome.” Ian shook Bunny's hand and then took
Artie's. “It's a pleasure to meet both of you.” Ian turned to Sam. “Drive home
carefully. Especially watch out for Jennifer or Drew. Call me when you get
home.”