Free Bringing Down Sam by Leslie Kelly Page A

brown hair, but where Sam's was thick and shot with gold, Robbie's was plain and a little dull. His face wasn't unhandsome, and, in fact, he somewhat resembled Sam. But where Sam's features were distinct and strong, Robbie's were softer, more rounded. Sam exuded casual sexiness, and utter confidence that was irresistible to women; his pale cousin looked like a man you’d want to protect.
    "I have been trying to reach you; have you gotten my messages?" Sam's father barked.
    "Sure, I've gotten them," Sam replied, a note of annoyance evident in his voice. "You threatened to buy my agent's company and fire her if she didn't get me to call you back. How could I not hear about it?"
    Eve watched Sam's father school his features into even more rigid lines. He was handsome, powerful, silver-haired and elegant, with a money clip where his heart should be. His gray eyes were colder than steel, and when he turned them toward her, she nearly cringed. "Young lady, if you would excuse us, I would like a moment with my son."
    She was startled by his rudeness. He hadn't even waited to be introduced before telling her to take a hike. Next to her, Sam's stance grew even more rigid, and she knew he was close to losing his temper. Not sure why she wanted to protect him from the confrontation, Eve looked at the older man and gave him her sultriest smile. "Why, sir, I can certainly understand why you'd need some time alone. Such big, powerful men as you must have lots of important family business to discuss." The man gave her his full attention and she continued. "Unfortunately, Mr. Kenneman, Sam here has vowed to protect me and stay by my side this evening, haven't you darlin'? And I am afraid I am not inclined to give up my escort."
    She pushed herself even closer to Sam, implying an intimacy between them that did not actually exist. She felt his approval. Sam's arm dropped heavily across her shoulders and he tugged her against him.
    Sam's father glared. Eve did not back down by so much as an inch. The older man grew red in the face, and next to him, Sam's cousin suddenly looked at her with new interest. "You need protection?"
    "Eve's a model," Sam replied. "As you can imagine, she gets a great deal of attention wherever she goes."
    "Well, Sam, why don't you let me whisk your Eve off for one dance, then you can have a chance to talk to your father." Robbie stared hard at Sam, as if stressing the importance of the meeting. "I think you'll want to hear what he has to say."
    Before Eve had a chance to argue, she found herself tugged away by Robbie. Under other circumstances, she might not have minded. The man seemed nice enough, was somewhat attractive, and, judging by the absence of a wedding band, available. He seemed like a good, safe man—and she'd love to introduce him to Ruthie—but he wasn't his cousin. And his cousin was the reason she was here.
    Watching over her shoulder as they walked outside onto the patio, Eve caught Sam's eye. His father had immediately begun speaking to him, but Sam didn't seem to be paying any attention. He was entirely focused on Eve and Robbie. He looked troubled about something. She could only imagine it was because of whatever his father was saying to him.
    Robbie led her into the middle of the dance floor and took her in his arms. When Eve dared one more look at Sam across the crowded patio and into the reception hall, their eyes met briefly. Though he forced a small smile, she could still see the look of deep concern on his face. And Eve, who had gotten herself introduced to the man specifically so she could toy with him, once again felt an uncomfortable pang of regret.
    Because, she suddenly realized, she liked this man and felt almost protective of him. Which would make breaking his heart a bit of a problem.
     
    Sam couldn't even hear what his father was saying at first. He was too busy watching his cousin hold Eve in his arms, feeling an unfamiliar pang of tension in his gut. Frankly, he couldn’t