Play for Me (34 page)

“So, where are you?” asked Jordan.

“Heading back to Seattle. They pulled me off for security
reasons. I have to hang out for a while, back to my old job.”

“Keep in mind, you're invited to my wedding,” said Jordan,
laughing.

“Sure, but where's it going to be?”

“Chicago,” said Jordan. “Deb's church is there.”

“I've never been to Chicago and, of course, you're getting
married in the dead of winter,” pointed out Ian.

“Now, you know why we Chicago people are tough. Gotta run,
dude. I'll talk later.” Jordan ended the call.

Ian sat quietly lost in thought about Jordan and Sam. Jordan
hadn't said that Ian should marry his sister which surprised him. Sam hadn't
said anything and Ian realized that he had been the one with the problem. No
one had pressured him except himself. He picked up his cell phone.

“Sam, its Ian. How are you holding up?”

“Ian, I'm surprised to hear from you,” said Sam pleased he
had called. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes and no. I'm on my way back to Seattle for a couple of
weeks and then I really need to get back to Maui.”

“I thought you would be, you know.” Sam didn't quite know
how to word it with it being Seal business.

“It's being taken care of so you are safe,” said Ian softly.
“That is the most important thing.”

“That's good news,” breathed Sam. “I was starting to get a
little paranoid. I mean between Drew, Jennifer, and the kidnappers, well let's
just say my life has been too exciting.”

“Yeah, between the two of us, there's never a dull moment,”
mused Ian. “So, what did Jett have to say about your work?”

“I'm going to send it to him,” said Sam, thankful she and
Ian were having a decent conversation. “He's too busy on tour to come back
anytime soon to listen to it. Jordan thinks he'll like it. I sure hope so.”

“I know I did,” said Ian with a smile.

“Since you're going to be away for a while, should I be
getting back to Maui to monitor the house?” asked Sam, concerned.

“Yes, you should,” said Ian. “I'm glad you brought it up.
Stay at Jett's for about two days and then make plans to head on down there.
I'm pretty sure things are going well, but since I can't be there just yet,
I'll feel more comfortable knowing you're down there.”

“Thanks, Ian,” said Sam once again tickled at the confidence
he had in her. “I'll let Toby and Marvin know. Now, take care of yourself and
stay out of trouble.”

“I should be telling that to you, Sam. Don't hang up yet.”

“What?”

“I miss you, Sam.”

“I miss you, too, Ian,” said Sam softly. She ended the call
slowly.

****

Two days flew by and before she knew it, Sam found herself
on her way back to Maui. She had fielded calls from her mother in tears of joy
about Jordan's and Deb's upcoming nuptials. There were hints about Sam's
relationship with, Ian but Sam totally ignored it. She steered Bunny back to
the present and focused on Jordan. Deb had asked Sam to be Maid of Honor which
Sam thought precarious because that would mean Sam had to go back to Chicago
for dress fittings. What if Bunny held her hostage?

Sam had cleared the time off with Jett and he even arranged
to have Sam use his plane again to take Cracker with her. Jett said he would
try to fly in for the wedding. Sam had dutifully checked in on Jett's house and
after settling a minor contract dispute, the house would be finished ahead of
schedule. There had been no Drew, no Jennifer, and even Bryce appeared to be
out of town. In a way, Sam felt kind of lonesome, but she threw herself into
her work. Ian had called almost every day but a tension still existed between
them that had not been there before. After being around her brother as long as
she had, Sam knew what troubled Ian. He must be afraid that she would push the
talk of marriage. Sam tried to keep her distance from Ian so he would not get
that impression. Once again, she resolved she would never force someone to
marry her if they didn't want to. Ever.

Jett's tours were getting excellent reviews and the email,
blog and twitter accounts were picking up. Sam headed on her way to the beach
when her cell phone rang.

“Ian?” asked Sam cautiously.

“Guess where I am?” Ian sounded happy, something she hadn't
heard in his voice in a long time.

“Something tells me it's not Seattle,” said Sam with a
smile.

“You are absolutely correct. I'm in Maui. Are you up to
seeing me?”

“You will be a sight for sore eyes.” Sam felt a little in
shock, really. She had been trying so hard not to chase him or act like
Jennifer.

“I should be there in about thirty minutes or so. Are you
good with that?”

“Sure,” said Sam. “Um, what do you want to do? Go out for
dinner?”

“I want to pick you up and take you home with me. I am
really hungry,” growled Ian playfully.

“I see,” said Sam and swallowed the lump of nervousness in
her throat. She and Ian hadn't been intimate in about three weeks.

“Of course Cracker is welcome, too,” laughed Ian. “I want
you alone all weekend.”

“Ian, are you sure?” Sam held her breath.

“I've never been as certain of anything in my life,”
answered Ian honestly.

Sam trembled as she hung up the phone. She wasn't sure she was
up to this. Yes, she loved Ian, but she hated the way he felt she had trapped
him. She took a long drink of wine to assuage her nerves while she waited for
Ian.

****

Sam opened the door and Ian thought that. Sam looked
absolutely beautiful, her long hair framing her beautiful face and once again,
those legs that wouldn't quit. How could he have stayed away from her this
long? Ian mentally kicked himself and stepped forward.

“Hey.” Ian raised his hand to cup Sam's cheek. “I missed
you,” he said softly.

“Hey, yourself,” said Sam quietly trying to read Ian's body
language.

“Can I kiss you?” Ian asked tentatively, his lips hovering
over Sam's lips.

“I…”

Ian didn't let Sam finish as he claimed her mouth and felt
the fire, the spark which made kissing Sam so different than any other woman he
had kissed. He knew she felt it too. He held her in his arms; her body once
tense slowly melted into his. “That's what I missed,” said Ian as he rested his
forehead against Sam's.

Sam took a deep breath before she spoke. “Ian, before we go
any further, there's one thing I want you to keep in mind.” Sam held Ian's
gaze. “I am not my mother nor am I Jennifer. I am not trying to trap you into
any kind of a commitment, okay?” whispered Sam.

Ian slowly withdrew from their embrace. He stared into her
eyes and noticed the determination in them. “I know I've been acting strangely
and I apologize. Sam.. I've tried to stay away from you and I just can't. I've
always had a straight career and partner plan until I met you.” He pulled Sam
closer. “Then because of me, you were kidnapped. What should I do?”

“Trust me, Ian. Please?” pleaded Sam.

“That is fair enough,” whispered Ian and his lips settled on
Sam's again. Ian never left Sam's house all weekend.

“You're going to Chicago?” asked Ian, extremely disappointed
as he watched Sam pull out her suitcase.

“I have to go for the dress fitting,” explained Sam slowly. “Toby
is flying in to watch Cracker since I'll only be gone a couple of days. I'll be
back on Friday.”

“I'm leaving for Seattle on Friday,” said Ian morosely. “Could
you change your plans and come with me?”

“Is it with the author again? I don't know if I want to meet
him,” shuddered Sam.

“It's a she, and yes it is. Now, she said she's changed her
mind on her kitchen. I think this is the fourth time she's done that. I'll be
really surprised if this house gets built.” Ian smiled at Sam.

“As much as it's a tempting offer, I'll wait until you get
back,” laughed Sam. “Don't take it personally.”

“Be good?” Ian reached for Sam and pulled her close. “Come
back? Don't let your mom talk you into staying there.”

“It's winter, Ian. Hawaii is much more appealing.” Sam
kissed Ian goodbye, but he wouldn't let her go.

“My biggest fear is losing you,” said Ian as he held onto
her. “Please, come back to me? Please?”

“Do you mean it, Ian?” asked Sam with tears in her eyes.

“Very much so, Sam. You are my life,” declared Ian.

“I'll be back before you know it,” promised San and she
headed out to the airport.

****

“Hey, Jett. It's Sam. Just letting you know I'm on my way to
Chicago if you need to get in touch with me.” Sam ended the message and called
Deb.

“On my way. What's the weather like in Chicago?”

“Cold, of course. Sam, you are going to absolutely love the
dress! It will look so good on you,” squealed Deb.

“I'm so excited to be your Maid of Honor. I've never been
one before,” said Sam. “What does she do?”

“Hold the shower, make sure my dress looks right. You know,
stuff. Believe you me, between my mother and yours, they'll let us know what
needs to be done.”

“Wait, back up. Shower? Deb, this is all so fast and I only
have so much time off. Can we do the shower this week while I'm here?” asked
Sam somewhat flustered.

“Sure. I'll talk to my mom because of the time frame. But
you are coming in early for the bachelorette party on Thursday. Rehearsal
dinner is Friday and then the wedding is Saturday,” gushed Deb.

“Who is the Best Man?” asked Sam. “I hope you don't pair me
up with an ugly guy.”

“Jordan didn't say,” said Deb. “I know my brothers are
standing up. I don't think Jordan would put you with someone ugly.”

“We're talking about Jordan here, Deb. My brother is a
prankster.” Sam rolled her eyes. “Hey, I have to run. They're closing the
doors.” Sam tightened her seat belt and fell asleep.

When the plane landed she felt well rested until she saw her
mother, Deb's mother and Deb waiting for her at the gate.

“Sam, are you all right about this?” asked Bunny. “Always
the bridesmaid and never the bride. I take it Ian hasn't popped the question.”

“Mom, please don't start,” pleaded Sam and braced herself
for a long week.

By the end of the week, Sam had had it. Her mother had done
nothing but nag her about Ian, Jordan had been nowhere in sight and Deb had
been too caught up in her wedding to seek solace. Sam's dress was beautiful and
it did look nice. As predicted, the shower went smoothly and Sam sighed with relief.

Ian had called almost every day, which pleased Sam to no
end. She felt glad that things were back to an even keel with him, both feeling
comfortable with the status quo of their relationship. But if he had heard
Bunny's carrying on, Sam would bet Ian would take the first flight to Tahiti.
Speaking of flights, Sam almost missed hers back to Hawaii.

Letting herself into the house, she heard Toby's snoring and
Cracker slept right next to him. “Hey, guys. I'm home.”

“Sam,” said Toby sleepily. Cracker got up slowly, stretched
and then wagged his tail at the sight of Sam.

“When is your flight back to the mainland?” asked Sam as she
petted Cracker.

“In about two hours.” Toby got up off the couch and
stretched. “Living down here has made me lazy. I need to go home to work out.
Between the beach and all of the good food, well.” Toby rubbed his protruding
stomach and smiled at Sam. “Cracker here behaved himself. It's a good thing
he's neutered because there're lots of female dogs around here.”

“At least someone behaved,” laughed Sam. She hugged Toby. “Thanks
again for helping out. You're coming back out in two weeks, right? I'm leaving
here on Wednesday and should be back the following Tuesday. Jett gave me a
reprieve.”

“You got it,” said Toby and he reached for his backpack and
left. Sam shook her head. Leave it to a guy to just use a backpack. Sam always
needed a suitcase. Smiling, she sat down at the piano and began to compose a
song in honor of Jordan's wedding.

****

The two weeks before the wedding flew by for Sam trying to
make sure she could afford the time off. She wanted no surprises to pop up in
her absence. Ian had been in and out of town with one thing or another but they
still found time to see each other as much as possible Currently, he said he
was back in Seattle again, but this time Sam found herself too wrapped up in
her work to be concerned. She even ignored the calls from her mother because
they were too annoying, usually picking on Ian and the age old nagging about
not living in Chicago. Her mother would be the death of her.

Toby had come back to watch Cracker and now as Sam headed to
the airport, she felt concerned that she had not heard from Ian. She texted him
but he didn't return her text. Boarding the plane, she tried to think
positively about this wedding and not dwell on her mother.

The plane ride turned out to be uneventful and this time Sam
used her car and chose to stay at her condo rather with her parents. She had
stocked the condo before she had left the last time and headed straight for the
wine. The bachelor party started at ten and Sam had arranged for a limo to pick
them up and take them downtown Chicago to hit the bars. There were to be four
of them and Sam found herself looking forward to it. She decided to call Deb to
see if plans had changed.

“Hey, Deb! Getting closer. Are you nervous yet?”

“Sam, where are you?” asked Deb anxiously.

“I'm at the condo here. What's wrong?” Sam didn't like Deb's
tone of voice.

“The dress is too small. I've been eating like a pig with
everything going on. Sam, what am I supposed to do?” Deb started to cry.

“Calm down. First off, take a deep breath. Have you called
the tailor?” asked Sam.