Play for Me (6 page)

“This looks good,” said Sam as she looked over the menu. “What
do you recommend, besides the drinks?”

“Anything,” said Ian. “How do you like your Margaritas?”

“Frozen,” said Sam. “I think I’ll stick with a Taco Salad.
If I have anything heavy, I’ll be sound asleep in no time.”

“That’s cool. I have this really nice big bed…”

“Stop,” laughed Sam. “Are you trying to be Jett?”

“Just testing how you’ll handle yourself around him in case
he makes a pass.” Ian stared at Sam thoughtfully.

“I’ll tell him I don’t play on his team,” Sam said that with
a straight face to gauge Ian’s reaction. She smiled when he appeared to be
upset.

“You’re gay?” Ian’s eyes opened wide in shock. “Is that why
you don’t find me attractive, and you’re not looking for a man? You like women?”

“Oh no,” said Sam laughing. “I like men, really sexy and
virile.”

“Then why don’t you find me attractive? How do you know I’m
not sexy and virile,” countered Ian. The waiter had put some chips and salsa on
the table along with their drinks.

“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation,” said Sam. “Okay.
I think you’re damn hot, but you know it. So that’s kind of a turn off. I’ve dealt
with egos my whole life. Musicians and artists have a hold on the market.”

“You think I’m hot?” Ian smiled lazily. “For a minute there,
I thought I had lost my touch.”

“Enough!” Sam put her hand up to stop the flow of
conversation. “Tell me about Ian.”

“What do you want to know?” asked Ian never breaking eye
contact with her.

“Like who are you? Where did you grow up, where you went to
school? Have you ever been married? Who’s your current girlfriend? That type of
stuff.” Sam looked at his hands and then smiled. “I don't see a wedding ring or
a tan line revealing there is a wedding ring.”

“I’m not going to reveal
everything,
” said Ian coyly.

“Jeesh,” commented Sam good naturedly as she rolled her eyes.
“You’re impossible.”

“Why do you want to know about me? Do you plan on dating me?”

“Of course not,” said Sam. “Especially if you have a
girlfriend. Not into those kind of relationships.”

“But you think you would date me if I didn’t have a
girlfriend?” Ian enjoyed the banter between them.

“No!” said Sam emphatically. “I would never date someone I
didn’t know.”

“But if I told you a little about myself, then you would
date me?” asked Ian, curiously.

“Look,” said Sam somewhat frustrated. “Forget I asked. You
know, maybe this isn’t a good idea.” She started to get up, but Ian stopped her
and took her hand.

“I’m sorry. Please stay. I'm playing the devil’s advocate.
You seem to think I’m this swinging, single guy who has dates with a different
woman every night.”

“What makes you different?” asked Sam.

“You see, that’s where you have me all wrong. Let me tell
you about Ian Andrews.” Ian became serious. “For your information, I love my
work. I’m good at what I do and am basically happy. I grew up on the coast, my
parents were very wealthy and traveled the world, but they never really had
time for me. My parents always left me home with the nanny and my little
brother. I went to Stanford and graduated at the top of my class. I served some
years in the Navy, and when I came out, I started my own business. It just grew
from there. Someone asked me to do a house in Maui and I fell in love with the
area. I designed and built my own house. You should see it sometime. As far as
women are concerned, I am very specific about whom I date. I’ve never been
married and am not looking to be right now. I like my women strong,
independent, athletic and smart. As far as a girlfriend, I don’t have anyone.
I’ve had casual dates with someone local, but for me, it’s platonic. However, she
doesn’t see it that way. Now, are you satisfied?”

“Yeah. I guess so.” Sam rested her chin on her hands. “See?
You did it.”

“No. I don't like being pegged me for something I’m not.” Ian
glared at Sam.

“And you pegged me for something I’m not, as well,” countered
Sam. “I guess we’re even.” She became quiet for a second. “So, how do you know
my brother?”

“When Jett called me, your brother happened to be there and
we all hung out. Tell me, what’s it like to have a brother like him?” Ian dug
into the chips and salsa.

“I could tell you stories,” laughed Sam. “He's my older
brother, right? I worshipped the ground he walked upon, but let me tell you, he
and his friends teased the living daylights out of me. I finally wised up and
gave it right back to them. Then, I became one of the guys.” Sam noticed another
Margarita had appeared. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“No. I think you can hold your own,” said Ian
appreciatively. “It’s just you’re a lot of fun and easy to talk to.”

“Because I’m a guy in a women’s body,” said Sam laughing. “After
growing up the way I did, I’ll always be one of the guys. I'm going to change
the subject. Your parents, your brother? Do you still keep in touch with them?”

“My brother, yes,” said Ian. “He is happily married with
three children. They live in Portland. My parents? I still have issues with
them.”

“I think we all have issues with our parents,” said Sam
lightly. “Mine don't want me to grow up.”

“At least they’re around. My parents are always gone,” said
Ian. “Just for the record, they haven't even met their three grandchildren.”

“Ouch,” said Sam shaking her head. “That's not right. You
mean they don't even call or anything?”

“Every once in a while,” said Ian. “When it's convenient for
them. Maybe once or twice a year.”

“Oh boy. Nothing like my family,” explained Sam. “Except for
Jordan's traveling, we're pretty close.”

“Well, I envy you.” Ian smiled seductively at Sam. “Let's
get back to you being one of the guys.”

“I am,” said Sam returning the smile.

“I disagree,” said Ian seriously. “You are every bit of a
woman. Every single guy in this place has had his eye on you.”

“Get out!” said Sam. “I didn’t notice.”

“Well, I have. Finish up, so I can take you to Venice Beach.”

“I can’t guzzle this drink,” said Sam and she pushed it
away. Ian pushed it back.

“We’ve got time.” He smiled lazily at her. “So, I’ve told
you about me, what about you?”

“Let’s see,” thought Sam for a moment. “As you can figure
out, I'm from Chicago, born and raised there. It’s only me and my brother. According
to my mother, we were more than she could handle, but she survived.” Sam made a
face at Ian. “Since you know nothing about East of Vegas, I went to school at
Northwestern and majored in business with a minor in music. Jordan went to
school at DePaul and majored in music, obviously. Being a twin, they have a
tendency to think you’re alike, so Mom and Dad made sure we followed our own
dreams.”

“Do you have any musical talent?” asked Ian. Something told
him she did.

“Well, yeah. Mom made sure we both took piano lessons.
Jordan and I are very competitive with each other. When he took up guitar, so
did I. I tried to be better than him, but I didn’t want to be a performer.”

“Why not? You two could’ve been the next Carpenters or
something,” joked Ian. He kept getting lost in her green eyes. Ian loved the
way she gestured when she talked. Her hands were slender and strong. If he
didn’t know any better, he thought he might be coming infatuated with her. Obviously,
she didn’t seem to feel the same way and this frustrated him. Why couldn't she?

“No, thanks,” said Sam with a wave of her hand. “Let me
finish!”

“Okay, okay,” surrendered Ian, and slouched in his seat and
stared at Sam intently.

“I wanted to be in the business. At first, I wanted to be
Jordan’s agent, but I really didn’t know the business. So, when I was a senior,
I started working at this life insurance company. When I graduated, they
offered me a full-time position and I just loved it.”

“What position did you hold? Seems like such a difference. Music
to life insurance?” Ian cocked his head in confusion.

“They placed me in marketing, so I did get to use my
creative nature. I worked my way to the top and became their first woman Vice
President.”

“And?” Ian saw a shadow cross Sam’s face and he could’ve
sworn he saw tears in her eyes.

“This is the hard part,” said Sam not looking at Ian.

“What?” asked Ian softly, and he leaned forward and cupped
her chin forcing Sam to look into his eyes.

Sam's eyes widened in surprise at Ian's touch. “They laid me
off,” answered Sam Oh, she could get used to his touch. It felt like a caress.
Sam focused back on the conversation. “I poured my heart and soul into that
company and just like that, it’s gone.” Sam snapped her fingers.

“But you’re here?” Ian reluctantly let go of Sam’s chin. Her
skin felt like porcelain and he wanted to touch her all over. No way would he
let Jett lay a hand on her.

“Yeah,” said Sam taking a sip of her drink. “I went home in
tears, totally bummed out. Then, Bunny, my mother…”

“Your mom’s name is Bunny? Now, that’s funny,” laughed Ian.

“Her real name is Barbara, but she’s always been called
Bunny. Well, anyway she’s quite the character. She came knocking at my door
dragging me out of my condo and that’s when Jordan called. Which is how I found
out about Jett, and that’s why I’m here.”

“So, Miss Corporate? What plans do you have now? Obviously,
this is a temporary gig for you, is it not?” asked Ian. If he had to give up
his love of designing and building houses, he would be lost. He really felt for
Sam.

“My mother wants me to stay in Chicago so I can be close by.
She still wants to run my life.” Sam made a face and Ian laughed. “Jordan
thinks it’s a good idea for me to break away.” Sam looked away, somewhat
embarrassed “I’m boring you, I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not. Not at all, Sam,” he said softly and took
her hand. “I mean I really feel for you because if I had to give up doing what
I love, I, too, would be lost.”

“Thanks for understanding,” said Sam softly and she squeezed
his hand affectionately. “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.”

“I really hope you find out, and if you ever need someone to
talk to about it, I’m here for you.”

“In Maui,” said Sam pointedly. “Not Los Angeles.”

“Isn’t that what cell phones are for?” Ian held his out. “What’s
your number?”

“You really want it?” Sam felt amazed and flattered. Greek God,
Ian wanted her number! Maybe just as friends, but that’s better than nothing.

“Yeah, I do. Do you want mine?” asked Ian.

“Sure.” Sam sounded doubtful. “You really don’t mind?”

“Not at all. Look! We both have the same phone.” Ian grabbed
her phone and entered his number. He shoved his phone over to Sam. “Go ahead
and program it in.”

“Wow, you have a lot of contacts,” commented Sam with a
smile as she worked the phone.

“Now, don’t get too nosy,” joked Ian. “Remember I have a lot
of business clients.”

“Yeah, right,” drawled Sam a smile back on her face. “Are we
ready to go?”

“Yup,” said Ian as he stood up and Sam followed him.

“Man, it’s bright out here,” said Sam, realizing that the
sun shone in full view. She reached for her sunglasses while her phone rang. “Excuse
me,” she said to Ian and answered the call. “Hello?”

“Just checking to make sure I have the correct number,”
laughed Ian as he disconnected the phone.

“Cute, real cute,” said Sam. Why is it that guys always
teased her? Someone on inline skates just whizzed right by them, causing Sam to
almost lose her balance.

“Careful there,” said Ian as he grabbed Sam’s elbow. “Word
of warning, watch your step. People here are in their own world, population
one. Here, take my hand so I can hang on to you.”

“Ian, look at that guy over there. He has no clothes on?” Sam
looked away quickly, but curiosity won her over.

“Yup,” laughed Ian. “He’s getting ready to take a bath in
the ocean.”

“Oh, that is just too gross. Now I don’t want to go in the
water.”

“You will,” laughed Ian. “California. Land of fruits and
nuts.”

“Hey, watch it there, bucko. Aren’t you from California?”
Sam gave Ian a playful shove.

“Which is why I live in Maui,” said Ian shoving her back. They
strolled together holding hands in comfortable silence as Ian pointed out
various landmarks.

“I’m exhausted,” said Sam as they found a park bench and sat
down. “Between all of this fresh air, exercise and the interview with Jett…”

“And don’t forget the Margaritas,” said Ian. Sam leaned back
and Ian put his arm around her shoulders. “What do you want to do now?”

“I could fall asleep,” murmured Sam as she leaned in on
Ian’s rock hard, muscled body and it felt wonderful.

“Well, gee, I guess I’m no fun to be with.” Ian pretended to
sulk.

“Yeah, I guess so,” laughed Sam.

“Should we head back to the hotel or what?”

“I could use a nap,” yawned Sam.

“With me?” Ian wiggled his eyebrows provocatively.

“You wouldn’t get any sleep. I snore.” Sam sat up, her radar
on high alert. She wasn’t ready to sleep with Ian just yet. Nope. Way too soon.

“You don’t trust me,” said Ian evenly.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, I just don’t know you well
enough,” admitted Sam. She looked at the ground before she continued on. “I
guess I’m old-fashioned. I’m not into casual sex.”

“I appreciate your honesty,” said Ian. “As a young man, you
probably wouldn't have approved of my behavior, but I agree with you. I’m a
more selective now than ever. How about we take a cab back?”

“I don’t think I can move,” moaned Sam. “You’re going to
have to carry me,”

“Come on, lazy bones.” Ian took her hand and pulled Sam to a
standing position. He then put his arms around her, holding her close and
whispered in her ear, “How many hearts have you broken, Samantha Stevens?”