Into Thin Air Page 23

  Sam left before sunrise, to avoid the press and to get ready for the move today. It was hard for us to separate, now that we’re together again. We’re both in seventh heaven after what happened last night. I’m so glad Gale, Christy, and Cass were there to witness our reunion. They can be my backup when I tell Mom. I can’t wait until she meets him.

  This will be a great addition to my book. I forgot to tell Sam about that. Maybe I’ll surprise him with it when it’s finished. It’ll be more exciting that way.

  I hope Sam’s publicist will put out a statement, and that’ll put an end to this fiasco. I don’t want to be bombarded everywhere I go. How do girlfriends and wives turn their backs on it? I like to consider myself tough, but on a personal level like this, maybe I’m not.

  Sam says I should talk to Cass because her husband is a famous singer. I felt bad because I didn’t recognize his name or the band. And I work in entertainment law. Sam even showed me a picture of him. No one is as hot as Sam, but JT comes close. I still didn’t know him until I heard one of his songs.

  I cautiously pull my car out of the underground parking deck. I don’t see anything out of the ordinary, but I make sure I have sunglasses on. It looks clear.

  The phone rings in my car. It’s Sam.

  “Hey, sexy, are the movers there yet?”

  “Cass and I are waiting patiently. They’re supposed to be here within the next thirty minutes. Any problems with photographers when you left your apartment?”

  “No, but I should buy a hat or borrow one of yours. I have sunglasses on, but I’m not sure that’s enough.”

  “I didn’t see anyone either when I left your place. I got hold of Diana.”

  “Wait a second, who’s Diana again?” I ask as I turn left onto Wall Street.

  “My publicist. You spoke with her on the phone when I was in the car yesterday.”

  I chuckle. “Again, overload. We’re living on very little sleep. I can’t keep track of your posse. Is she young? Pretty? Single?”

  “She’s forty-five and madly in love with her girlfriend.”

  Cass laughs in the background.

  “She’s perfect then. I love her already. One less woman to be jealous of.”

  “There’s no reason to be jealous or worried. I’m officially off the market and will be for the rest of my life.”

  “I’ve missed how you talk to me like this. I just turned to Jell-O. But please don’t do it when I’m driving. I might swoon or have a heart attack.” I stop at a red light. “Hey, more and more I’m thinking that a statement about us is a good idea. Make it very clear that you are mine. Then, hopefully, none of your other ex-girlfriends will come out of the woodwork.”

  “Listen to you.” He laughs. “Diana and I agreed that she’ll release something this afternoon. Is that too soon?”

  “Hell no. I’d have done it last night if we could’ve.” A horn honks behind me because the light is green now and I’m not paying attention. Time to wake up.

  “Done what? D’you mean what we did on the couch and in the bed several times?” I hush him, and he laughs. “Don’t worry, Cass is outside. She can’t hear me.”

  “This is going to be the longest day of my life. I don’t think I can wait until the end of the day to see you again.”

  “I know. Isn’t it weird to think I’m living here now? We can see each other whenever we want.”

  “And have sleepovers.” I chuckle. “I’ll take what I can get. Okay, let me go. I’m almost at work, and I’ll lose connection once I’m in the garage.”

  “Call me if anything happens. I’ll pick you up if I have to. I’ll text you when the statement is released.”

  “Sounds good. Good luck with the move.”

  I’m about to hang up when I hear, “Ellie, I love you. And I love that I can say it to you out loud.”

  “Again, stop saying things like that. I don’t want to walk into the office crying.” He chuckles, and my heart swells. “I love you too, Sam. Always.”

  The call disconnects as I drive down the ramp to the garage. There were no signs of reporters in front of the building when I passed. I sit in my car for a few minutes to enjoy the big smile on my face, the sore muscles from last night, and the fact that this is reality. No more dreams. We are finally together.

  Another car pulls in and parks a couple of spots down from me. My lights and car are off, so no one would know I’m here. I push my glasses up on my nose and squint to see who it is.

  It’s Stephanie. I can’t deal with her right now. She’ll just ruin my mood. I duck down so she won’t see me. It’s not so easy with my height. I can still see her, though. She fumbles for something in the back of her silver Porsche, then turns forward again. She looks out both windows to see if anybody is around. I stay as low as possible. My eyes pop open when she lifts a bottle in a paper bag. I quickly unlock my phone and snap a couple of photos as she takes two long swigs and screws the top back on. Then she picks up a bottle of orange juice and takes a couple of sips from that. What the hell?

  I slide farther down in the seat. That had to have been alcohol. Why would she keep it in a paper bag if it wasn’t? And if it is, she’s crazy for having an open bottle in her car like that. And driving, no less! She must be a functional alcoholic. Now I’m stuck in my car until she goes inside. After two more swigs from the paper bag and a careful lipstick application, she finally goes into the office building.

  I wait another few minutes so it doesn’t look like I’m following her. I have a feeling this will be something valuable for me later. Time to take some notes.

  ∞

  “So, it’s official. You’re together with Samuel Moore. You’re one lucky girl.” Dora, along with a few of the other lawyers from the firm, is drooling in my office doorway. “You snagged one of the most eligible bachelors.”

  “Yes, I guess I have.” Soft warmth covers my face while I smile.

  “Look at your grin. I’d smile like that too if he were my boyfriend,” Dora says, pretending to faint.

  “I guess you read it on the internet.” Sam sent me a message that the statement was out but I haven’t seen it yet because I haven’t had a second to myself.

  “Mmm hmm. People website, TMZ, and it’s trending on Twitter.”

  “People? Oh, man.”

  “Your picture is plastered everywhere. They took enough of you yesterday.”

  I cover my face with my hands and peek out between my fingers. “Are they saying bad things? I’m so scared.”

  “Not at all. The sites all say the same thing, that you’re together and met because of the airport explosion.”

  My phone dings. “Okay, ladies. You’ve got your scoop for the day. I have to work.” Dora laughs and snorts at the same time. The other women join in with giggles as they walk out of my office. I follow them to the door.

  “Hey—bring him to work one day so we can get autographs. My husband would go nuts,” Dora says before I close the door. I lean against the back of the door and laugh. Let’s see how many people visit my office this afternoon.

  Christy already stopped by early this morning when it was quieter. She’s thrilled for us. She said Cass is a riot, and she can’t believe who her husband is. Apparently, they ended up hanging out for two hours last night. I spoke with Gale also, and he pretty much said the same as Christy, with a million apologies in between. Now I feel our relationship is back to normal.

  My phone dings again. I pick it up. It’s a message from Sam with an attachment of the statement Diana released. I exhale in relief. It’s short and sweet.

  I reply with, “Perfect!”

  That was simple. Everyone can leave us alone now. Business as usual.

  Chapter 40

  Sam

  Cass was a machine today. She’s already got the kitchen unpacked and organized. This morning, she ran out to the grocery store and came back with enough food to feed the entire SU soccer team. She also hit Target and bought new towels, sheets, colorful pillows,
and candles for my bedroom and bathroom. It needs to be cozy for Ellie, she said. Especially the first night.

  I’ve been smiling all day and have never been more excited for the future. Ellie and I are meant to be together. For us to find each other in a dream is completely unbelievable. Nothing can keep us apart again. I know things are moving as fast as the Grand Prix, but I’ve never been more certain of anything.

  I glance out the window to see Ellie drive through the gated entrance. I made sure that this place required a high level of security to get in. After the situation with Jenny showing up at my condo, I need to be more cautious.

  Ellie opens the back door of her car and removes a plant. Something she will learn pretty quickly is that I kill any plant that comes near me.

  As she approaches, she sees me waiting for her. With a grin, she lets her hair down.

  “Must you do that right now?” I lead her into the apartment and close the door behind us. “You know it drives me nuts. I’ll need to take you right here in the hallway.” She shakes her hair with her hand, her teasing eyes locked on mine.

  Somehow the damn plant lands in my hands. I look around for a place to put it. The stairway next to the front door is the winning spot. I set it down, then pull her to me.

  She wraps me in her slender arms and says, “I missed you today.”

  “Oh really,” I say, my lips almost touching hers. “How much?”

  She traces her finger down my neck. “Do you want me to show you?”

  “Ye—”

  Her inviting lips connect with mine in a heated rush. I break away and whisper against her cheek, “I want you right now, but Cass is upstairs. We’re going to have to put this on hold until she leaves. She’s staying at the hotel tonight.”

  I kiss her one more time. She grabs my ass. “Mmm mmm. That should hold me over for a little while. I need to get my bag out of the car. Let me see what you’ve done in here first.”

  “Give me your keys. I’ll get your bag for you. Cass should be down in a minute. She’s on the phone with her manager.” She hands them over. I had an extra key made for her—I’m going to sneak it on her keychain to surprise her.

  “Okay. I’ll walk around. This apartment was beautiful empty; I can’t wait to see it lived in.”

  “Where’d the plant come from?” Cass hollers as she trots down the stairs. “Oh! Hey, Ellie, you’re here.” She walks up to her and gives her a hug like they’re old friends. “What do you think of the place?”

  “It looks great from here, but Sam’s barely let me past the hallway. I brought the plant as a little housewarming gift.”

  “I’m going to your car. I’ll be right back. Let Cass show you how far we’ve gotten today.”

  Cass wraps her arm around Ellie’s. “Let’s go, but I’ll warn you that I might smell. Sam was a slave driver today.” They giggle and walk to the kitchen, Ellie’s plant in hand.

  When I return, I hear the pop of a champagne bottle. “I thought you were looking around. I was gone for a minute.”

  “We’re talking. Why didn’t you tell me Cass is an editor for a top publishing house? How cool is that?”

  I put her bag by the stairs. “I thought I did. But I guess not.”

  Cass fills two champagne flutes to the rim and a third with a splash. “I have to drive.” We lift our glasses. “To my brother. I wish you a lot of luck with your new beginning. I think you’ll be very happy here. And to you and Ellie, I’m so glad you proved me wrong and that you’ve found each other. I’m beyond excited for you. Cheers.” We clink our flutes and drink.

  After we show Ellie the first floor, I grab her hand. “So, since we didn’t show you the upstairs yet, come with me.”

  Her eyes flare. “Sure.”

  “Listen, guys,” Cass interrupts. “I’m going to go. Thanks for letting me take your car, Sam. I need a shower, I’m starving, and I’m exhausted. I have a big date with the extra-large bathtub in my hotel room.” She looks around the kitchen. “I have no idea where my stuff is.” She finds everything on the living room couch.

  “Ellie, I leave in two days. Why don’t we have dinner tomorrow?” She points her thumb at me. “Without this guy. I’d love to get to know you better without Sam playing footsie with you under the table.”

  Ellie bursts out laughing. I wrap my arm around her waist. “I can’t help it if I like her feet.” She kisses my cheek.

  “Sounds great. We can eat at your hotel. I told Sam how great the restaurant is there.”

  “Perfect. Sam can give you my number. Send me a text when you can be there, and I’ll make a reservation.” Before we know it, she’s out the door.

  Ellie wraps me in her arms again. “I love Cass, and I hardly know her.”

  “And I love you.” I kiss the tip of her petite nose.

  “I’m not so sure.” She steps away from me. “Maybe you need to show me your new bedroom to prove it.” Her devilish smile lures me to her. She lets her suit jacket slide down her arms and drop to the floor as she walks backward to the stairs.

  I pounce at her. She shrieks and runs upstairs. Once we’re up there, she halts. “Hmm. I don’t remember which bedroom is yours. You need to show me.” She toys with me and kicks off her shoes to the side.

  “You know exactly which one is mine, but it doesn’t matter. I just want you naked. I expect us to have sex in every room in this apartment. But I need a shower first. How about you?” I yank my shirt over my head. Her hooded eyes focus on my chest.

  “You have the most amazing body I’ve ever seen. Do I really get you all to myself?” She unzips her skirt in the back and lets it drop to the floor. She’s wearing black, thigh-high stockings. Then her shirt dangles from her finger.

  My mouth waters and I can hardly speak. “Bathroom. Now.”

  She twirls around, revealing her perfect backside, and grins at me over her shoulder. “Yes, sir.” I follow with my heart in my hand. I love this woman.

  Chapter 41

  Ellie

  The past few weeks have been the best but also a blur. Sam and I spend as much time together as possible. I do wish things would slow down, though. It’s like our relationship is on a fast track with little chance to lose momentum. That’s not always easy, because he’s started his new job and I’m swamped at work and busy writing my secret book.

  Stephanie keeps piling cases on me. I’ve complained, but she only barks back. Of course, when she does that, I document it. Today has been quieter, with fewer interruptions.

  Knock, knock.

  Until now anyway. I push my hair out of my face. I’ve started to wear it down lately. Spicing things up a bit, you could say.

  KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.

  “Come in.”

  “What took you so long to answer?” Stephanie bursts through the door and stands in front of my desk with her arms crossed. “You’d better not be taking personal calls here.”

  I stack some papers in the middle of my desk. “I’m busy working on the Tiller v. Camden case. The one you gave me last minute. I have court tomorrow morning. What do you need?”

  “Did you send Jenny Parton’s modeling portfolio to Tate Reilley at Image Inc. like I requested?”

  “Stephanie.” Breathe deep. Stay calm. Find your zone. “I gave you her portfolio weeks ago when you had the first meeting here with Carlotta Weis. This is the first we’ve spoken about it since. Jenny Parton is well aware that I gave it to you that day—you discussed it with her and Carlotta.”

  “Well, Jenny called today for an update.”

  “She asked me for one a couple of weeks ago. You’d left the office early, and I told her I’d leave you a message to call her back, which I did. I can show you the email I sent you.” I search my system for the email. “Here it is.” I turn my laptop around. “See the date.”

  She fiddles with her earring and then her necklace. “I specifically asked you to deliver that portfolio.” She stabs my desk with her pointer finger, snapping the chipped acrylic nail off
. It lands on one of the several stacks of files on my desk.

  I’m either going to puke or laugh my ass off. I push the stack toward her. “Do you need that?” She takes a quick glance at it and has the nerve to leave it there.

  “Stephanie, you’re the main contact with Image Inc., not me. I’ve never dealt with Tate Reilley before. You did not return that portfolio to me, and that’s all I have to say about it. You must’ve misplaced it, or you gave it to someone else.”

  “Don’t take that tone with me. Show some respect to your manager.”

  What a witch. “Actually, I’m quite calm.”

  “Is this because of the tension between you and Jenny? You know, with her being Samuel’s girlfriend and all.”

  “Ex-girlfriend,” I correct her. Don’t let her provoke you.

  “Whatever.” She dismisses me.

  “Stephanie, my private life has nothing to do with my professional one. If Jenny has a problem, then you should remove me from her mother’s case. I’m a lawyer, not a model scout. I come to work every day, and I do my job exactly the way I should. Unlike others in this office.”

  “There’s no reason to get defensive.”

  “I’m not defensive; I’m stating facts. So if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” I turn my laptop back toward me. I focus on the screen and refuse to look at her any longer.

  From the corner of my eye, I see her quickly snatch her nail off the paper stack. Then she turns and stomps out of the office. I want to tell her to close my door on the way out, but that’s probably going a little too far.

  Something’s fishy. She’s been acting irrationally the last few days. I have a feeling she’s setting me up to take the blame for something she did wrong. And, of course, it has to do with Jenny Parton.

  I open the document I started the day I saw her drinking in the parking garage. I add today’s date and time and describe our conversation. I’ll be damned if I get punished for her failures. I need reinforcements. I save the document on a memory stick and put it in my handbag.