“Hey, pretty face.” I lean down and kiss her cheek and peek at the pink face in the blanket. “She’s gorgeous, like her mama.”
“Thank you,” she whispers. I kiss her hair and back away so everyone else can see the brand new baby. When I turn around, I’m met with dozens of roses in pink and white, balloons, baby clothes and the softest big, brown teddy bear I’ve ever seen. Next to it is a small toy guitar.
“Read the card,” Gary calls over to me.
I’m sorry I can’t be there. Congratulations! The guitar is for Maddox. He should have presents too. Best wishes, Samantha Williams
I’m just struck dumb. My eyes roam over all the gifts again. She sent these things because these are people I love. Because she’s so fucking amazing.
Not a good person, my ass. She has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. She just does a damn good job of keeping it hidden.
I turn back to the guys to find everyone watching me.
“When did these arrive?”
“This morning.” Gary grins.
I stride to the bedside and lean over Lori, looking into her happy eyes.
“I’m sorry, I have…”
“Go get her, tiger.” She grins. “We’re fine.”
I smile back at her and kiss her forehead, then hug all my guys, kiss Cher’s cheek, and start making calls to get back to Seattle.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Samantha
It’s only been twenty-four hours since Leo went to L.A. and I’m already going stir crazy.
This is not good.
I’m sick of my own company. I don’t want to go to Luke’s or my parent’s. I want Leo.
So, to clear my head, I decide to go for a run. Leo would most likely spank my ass for running alone this late. The thought makes me smile.
The man gives good spank.
I zip my hoodie, grab my keys and palm the pink vial of bear spray I carry with me when I run alone, and set out. The neighborhood is relatively quiet, and the streetlights are on. Because of the late hour, I’ll just run a mile or so. It feels good to be out in the cool air.
I make a big circle and as I approach the entrance to my building, a see a familiar man leaning against the wall. My first thought is Leo, but Leo is taller and leaner than this guy.
“Hey, Samantha.”
What the fuck is he doing here?
“Brandon.”
“You shouldn’t run at night by yourself.” He’s frowning down at me as I approach him, panting.
“I’m fine. What are you doing in town?”
“I’m here seeing family for a week, thought I’d stop in and see how you are.” He shrugs and grins. “For old times sake.”
“Old times, right.” I smirk and grin at him.
“So, how about it? Gonna invite me up?”
I prop my hands on my hips and tilt my head, eyeing the handsome man interested in getting in my pants. He’s not as tall as Leo, has black hair and blue eyes, a square chin. His body is cut and perfect, and he knows his way around a woman’s body.
But the thought of fucking him makes my stomach turn.
“Brandon, we had fun, but I’m seeing someone.”
“So, it’s true?” He laughs mockingly. “You always told me you were just interested in a hard fuck.”
“That’s true. That’s all I was interested in.” My walls immediately go up. Brandon is hot, but he’s also an asshole.
“I would have given you anything you wanted, you know.” He shakes his head and scowls. “I’ve been in love with you for years.”
My mouth drops. “We were fuck buddies,” I counter.
“That was your call,” he responds softly.
“Well, I’m sorry that we weren’t on the same page, Brandon. Had I known…”
“You would have stopped calling.” He interrupts. “I know.”
“Well, good luck.” I turn toward my building, but he stops me.
“How about you invite me in, and I remind you how good I make you feel?” He steps close to me, and pushes his hand up under my hoodie to cup my breast.
“How about you take your hand off me right now and I don’t kick your ass?” My voice is cold and hard, and I shuffle the bear spray in my palm, ready to show him who’s boss.
“Come on, baby, don’t be like this.”
“I believe she said no.” A hard voice comes out of the darkness. Brandon immediately releases me and steps away as Leo – Leo! – strolls to me and wraps his arm around my shoulders, kisses my temple and glares at Brandon. “Are you deaf?”
“Fuck off,” Brandon sneers.
“I believe she pretty much said that to you, too.” Leo chuckles. “Cut your losses, dude.”
“You don’t know anything about us,” Brandon begins, but Leo holds up a hand, stopping him.
“Do you want to press charges for sexual assault?” Leo asks.
“No, I want him to go.”
“Fine.” Brandon’s scowl roams my face. “Your loss.”
“Okay.” I shrug and turn my back on him, buzz Leo and me into the building and into the elevator before I jump on him, wrapping my legs around his waist and arms around his shoulders and kiss him silly, biting his lips, his piercing, soaking in his warmth and his smell.
“I missed you,” I whisper against his lips, grinning.
“Me too, and I’m pissed at you.”
“Why?” I hop down and frown up at him.
“You went running at midnight.”
“How do you know?” I ask and bite my lip.
“Well, you admitted as much to that asshole down there, and you’re dressed for a run.”
“Wait, you heard our entire conversation?” I ask incredulously. I wrack my brain, trying to remember everything that was said.
“I did.” He nods and sighs and runs his fingers down my cheek. “I almost killed him.”
The elevator arrives at my floor, and I lead him to my door.
“You seemed very calm.”
“I almost killed him.” At the sound of his voice, Levine comes running from the bedroom, jumps onto the arm of the couch and cries for attention.
“He missed you too.”
He strokes Levine’s back and watches me, his eyes steady and warm, but his mouth is set disapprovingly.
“I don’t want you running this late.”
“I only went a mile,” I counter.
He sighs and pulls me into his arms. He doesn’t just kiss me. He takes ownership of me.