Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)(84)

She moved toward him. He opened his arms and drew her close. “You’re the kind of person who will always be successful,” she told him. “You would insist on it.”

“You’re giving me too much credit.”

She stared into his dark eyes and let her emotions flood her. Love, she thought. So much love. “Not possible,” she whispered, right before he kissed her.

His mouth settled on hers. Familiar wanting grew. She wanted to be with him tonight, she thought. For all the other nights to come. She wanted it all. But what about Sam? Could she convince him they were worth taking a chance on?

Questions for another time, she told herself, surrendering to the passion. She would come up with a plan. She would be brave, because they were worth it. But later. Tonight there was only the man and how they made each other feel.

* * *

SAM KNEW RIGHT away something was up. While he and Larissa got along, she didn’t generally hang out in his office. Plus, there was something worried in her eyes and she couldn’t stop smoothing her long ponytail.

“Just say it,” he told her, knowing if she expected his help with one of her weird-ass rescues, he was going to send her to Jack. No way he was getting involved with some three-legged tiger or Thanksgiving turkey breakout. Larissa was great and he liked her a lot. Her massages kept him functional. But when it came to seeing the world as one giant need, she was the queen and he wanted no part of that kingdom.

“You’re not going to like it.”

“Then let me help. No, you can’t put an ant farm in my living room, or a pig in my garden or whatever it is you want to do.”

That earned him a smile. “You’re so mean,” she told him.

“Not mean. Firm. Unlike Jack, who lets you walk all over him.”

“No. That’s not fair. Jack supports my causes.”

Because Jack liked Larissa. And because he had a guilt complex, Sam thought. He was forever trying to make up for something that wasn’t his fault. With Larissa as his front, he could convince the world he was giving back. The problem was he never felt it himself, so the guilt didn’t go away.

Sam frowned. He was way too insightful this morning. It wasn’t like him.

Sam returned his attention to the woman fidgeting in front of him. “I have a phone call in ten minutes.”

Larissa bit her lower lip. “Okay, but don’t shoot the messenger. Simone’s here.”

Sam’s mind shut down. One second there was thought, then there was nothing. It took several seconds for his brain to begin rebooting.

“Here, as in...”

“In the foyer. Right now.”

He was on his feet and moving before Larissa finished speaking. He sprinted down the hall, then consciously slowed as he rounded the corner.

Larissa had been telling the truth. His ex-wife stood looking at her cell phone, impatience pulling at every line in her body.

Sam came to a stop. She was older, but he couldn’t see evidence of that on her face. She was still beautiful, still sexually appealing. She was five years older than him. Back when they’d met he’d been a relatively innocent twenty-two-year-old and she’d been far more experienced. Looking back he could see their courtship for what it was—a planned seduction with a specific outcome. But at the time, he’d been blown away by what he’d assumed was the woman of his dreams.

She was tall and thin. Large breasted. While they’d been married she replaced the implants she had with bigger ones. She’d also had her nose done. She was a blue-eyed blonde. Sassy, irreverent and, at her core, ruthlessly selfish. It had taken him five long years to figure out theirs wasn’t a marriage. It was a platform from which Simone planned to launch the rest of her life. He’d been expecting love and a fifty-year marriage. She’d wanted exposure and a hook. In the end, she’d been the one to get what she wanted.

“Hello, Simone.”

She glanced up at him and smiled. It was the same smile that had first caught his attention twelve years ago. Bright, perfect, welcoming. He’d been drawn in then. Intrigued. In a sea of groupies, she’d been a real woman with something to offer.

“Sam.” She dropped her phone into her purse and walked toward him. “It’s great to see you. You still look amazing.”

She stopped in front of him and put her hand on his forearm before leaning in for a kiss. He let her, mostly out of curiosity. Her mouth brushed his and he felt nothing. Not revulsion, not anger. Just nothing.

Exactly what he’d wanted but it was nice to be sure. Their marriage had ended badly. But that had been a long time ago. Any feelings had long since died. Which made her return so interesting.

Before he could ask her what she wanted, he heard footsteps in the hall. Kenny, Jack and Taryn burst into the foyer and approached. Sam grinned as he saw them. They all looked pissed and protective. While he didn’t need any help, it was nice to know they were there for him.

“Simone,” Taryn said. “You’re looking...older.”

Simone stiffened. “I see you’re still a bitch, Taryn.”

“Yes, I am. I’m really glad you remember. Why are you here?”

Jack and Kenny flanked Sam. They were impressive but they would leave the talking to Taryn, Sam thought. Because neither of them had been raised to take on a woman. Still, there was strength in numbers.