Free Bound by Blood (Cauld Ane Series) by Tracey Jane Jackson Page A

whatever comes your way. Especially, if it’s some hot Scottish guy.”
    “Pepper, he’s not interested in me.”
    “How do you know? He could be feeling the same thing you are.”
    Sam let out a snort of derision. “Ever the romantic, I see.”
    “Do me a favor.”
    “What?”
    “Just go with it. If it’s meant to happen, then let it happen. Fall in love if you can.”
    “No! Falling in love with your boss is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.”
    “Well, shut my mouth,” Pepper retorted in a mock southern accent. “I mean, even a blind squirrel bumps into an acorn now and then.”
    “Pepper, stop. I just need to know what to do until you get here.”
    Pepper chuckled. “I just told you.”
    “You’re no help.”
    “Okay, how about this?” The clank of a gate latching sounded in the background. “Try to get a glimpse of him naked. Maybe he’s a troll under his clothing.”
    Sam couldn’t stop the giggle that burst forth. “Oh, Pepper. I miss you.”
    “Just about nine weeks now, my friend. I’m counting down the days.”
    “Me too.”
    “Okay, I just put Jonesy to bed in his stall and now I need a glass of wine and a long hot shower to wash the horse off me.”
    “In that order?”
    “Maybe I’ll start and end with the wine.”
    “Nice. Thanks for the pep talk…pun intended,” Sam said. “I’ll Skype you over the weekend unless I have another crisis.”
    “Sounds good. Love you.”
    “Love you too.” Sam hung up, dropped her cell phone into her purse, and pulled open her door. She nearly ran into Payton.
    “Oh, sorry,” Payton squeaked.
    “My fault, Payton.” Sam stepped back. “Come in.”
    “Thank you. I wanted to let you know your flat’s ready?”
    “My flat?”
    “Sorry, your apartment.”
    “Really?” Sam’s eyes widened. “I thought it was going to take two weeks.”
    Payton shook her head. “Well, there was a slight change. Dr. Gunnach had me make a switch.”
    “What? Why?”
    Payton hugged her portfolio to her chest. “I’ll let you ask him that.”
    Samantha smiled. “Okay.”
    “He asked me to see if you’d like to go on over now and make sure it’s acceptable.”
    “I’m sure it’ll be fine, Payton. I don’t want to interrupt your day.”
    “You’re not, and Dr. Gunnach insisted.”
    Who is this guy?
    “Okay. If he insisted.”
    Payton peered down at her open portfolio. “If you like it, we’ll organize your things to be moved from the hotel. Dr Gunnach said he’s available to take you to dinner tonight if you’d like.”
    “Did he insist on that as well?”
    Payton turned nervous eyes on her. “Oh, he would never, Samantha. Did I make it seem as though he would? I’m so sorry. He just wants to make sure you’re comfortable.”
    “I’m sure he does, Payton. Don’t worry.” Sam shut down her laptop and set it in her leather bag, then gathered her purse. “I’m ready.”
    “Great. Alasdair is waiting downstairs.”
    Sam followed her from the office and locked it. “Are you sure this isn’t keeping you from something far more important?”
    “Right now, Samantha, you are my priority.”
    There was a finality in her statement. Like Samantha would have no chance of arguing with her or trying to make Payton change tack. They made their way downstairs and slid into the ever-familiar car that Alasdair stood sentry over.
    They drove around the block and pulled up in front of the building Kade had motioned to earlier. “Okay, seriously, Payton, we could have walked.”
    “Well, you’re free to walk on your own time.”
    “I take it running with me in the morning wouldn’t be in your wheelhouse.”
    Payton’s face contorted in horror. “I don’t run. Not even when being chased.”
    Sam giggled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    Payton grinned. “I have to run errands this afternoon, so Ali’s going to wait here for me.” She climbed from the car.
    Sam followed.
    The lobby of the building was somewhat unassuming, but