Playing Dirty

Nineteen

“We’d best split up now and look out for Caine.”

Without waiting for a reply, Sam slipped away, eager to put some much-needed space between her and Ryan in order to get her treacherous thoughts under control.

Now was not the time to indulge in dangerous memories, and certainly not the feel of his hands exploring every curve of her body, or the too sexy for his own good voice that reminded her of the sweet, seductive words he’d whispered in her ears while he’d moved within her.

A passing waiter walked by, holding a tray, and Sam grabbed a glass of wine and practically gulped down its contents, set it back and grabbed another, ignoring the raised eyebrow of the waiter.

With the warmth of the alcohol spreading pleasantly through her stomach, she finally risked a glance over her shoulder and quickly wished she hadn’t.

Ryan still stood where she’d left him, hands thrust deep into his pockets, as he watched her with an intensity that set another burn that had nothing to do with the alcohol, racing through her.

She cursed inwardly, wondering if he’d noticed her desperate drinking, and turned away, cradling the glass of wine as she pretended to take an interest in the people around, though every cell in her body was aware of his presence.

“Sameera!” A high pitched voice called out in delight. “What are you doing here? I thought you couldn’t make it?”

Jolted out of her wayward thoughts, Sam barely had time to turn around before she was enveloped in a warm hug, a familiar scent of hideously expensive perfume filled her nostrils.

Sam smiled and pulled back to gaze fondly at the willowy woman.

“Something unexpected came up.” She replied, hooking an arm through her friend’s, relieved to have a distraction from the brooding presence behind. “You look stunning as usual, Katie.”

The blonde smiled and patted her hand with a fond smile. “As do you, dear. I’m glad you finally decided to come to see my work.”

Sam felt a stab of guilt at the words. Her smile wavered, and she couldn’t quite meet Katie’s eyes as she murmured. “Yeah, me too.”

Just then, a voice announced the start of the exhibition and the guests began filing into the main room, spreading out to study and admire the artwork that hung from plain, white walls.

“C’ mon, you need to see my latest work,” Katie announced and began steering them towards one end of the room. “I think it’s my best one yet, modesty aside, and I’m really hoping others can see it too.”

Mindful of the man she’d come with, Sam looked towards the reception desk, but Ryan had already moved away. Her eyes scanned the crowd, looking for him, but failed to spot him.

Feeling a bit of resistance from Sam, Katie stopped and gave her a puzzled look. “Are you looking for someone?”

Sam flushed and shook her head. “I thought I saw someone familiar.”

The answer seemed to satisfy Katie and they continued moving until she stopped in front of a large canvas.

“Here we are!” Chest puffed up with pride, she swept her hand in a flourish. “What do you think?”