Free Cat 'N Mouse by Yvonne Harriott

snagged a towel from the rack in the washroom and began to towel dry his hair. He’d just stepped out of the shower when Hanes had returned his call. He’d wanted to set a plan in motion before her
Highness
woke up.
    Sam knew when she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway she was ready for round two. The thoughts that raced through his mind, he had seriously considered going to confession. On a sobering thought, Sam decided he didn’t need a priest; he needed an exorcist to get her off his mind.
    “You’re a professional,” he reminded himself in the mirror. He had to keep reminding himself because she had a habit of getting under his skin. Yanking the wet T-shirt over his head, he reached for another, shrugged into his tan jacket and was ready to meet Princess.
    Sam had a feeling the day was about to get interesting. He made sure he had everything when he left the bedroom…keys…gun…and a stack of patience. Patience was right up there on the list next to breathing.
    “After you,” she said sweetly and passed him when he opened the front door, brushing against him. Her fragrance, her trademark musk, assaulted his senses.
    Oh yeah, it was definitely going to be an interesting day.
    •  •  •
    Sam had never seen anything like it before, Alexandria could tell as his eyes glazed over when they pulled up but he said nothing to her. The hotel was described as a castle on top of a hill. Set on about five hundred acres of the most beautiful landscaped garden in Orlando, it was ideal for the Foundation’s gala.
    She fit right in but saw when he looked down at his attire. Was that a hint of regret that flashed in his eyes, she couldn’t tell. He had a poker face and she could never tell what he was thinking.
    He told Alexandria he had a private spot where Hanes told him to park when she asked to be let out at the front entrance.
    Sam was all business when he parked and pulled the key from the ignition. The man she’d been in constant conflict with since they met had vanished. In its place a leader with strength and confidence emerged. He knew what he was doing. He did a sweep of the parking area before he got out. She had to admit she did feel safer with him around, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. She just wanted to get the committee meeting over with. Since she’d given Sam a list of the committee members and he’d cleared them with Matt, the meeting was good to go.
    The Robyn’s Nest Gala Committee consisted of six other members, all socialites and married to rich husbands. The best designers fashions were on display—Dior, Channel, Lagerfeld, Wang, Spade…all perfectly draped around her fellow members’ bodies.
    Alexandria had brought these ladies together because she knew they could raise the money needed for the Foundation. They needed ten million dollars and these ladies were up for the task. Last year they hadn’t accomplished their goal but with the new members and her at the helm, she expected to meet or exceed the target number this year.
    Sam didn’t seem to care for the ladies. He had brought her to a room that mimicked a boardroom decorated in heavy wood and large high back executive chairs. He reiterated the instructions he rambled off in the kitchen earlier and again after they had exited the SUV. How could she forget?
    “Alexandria, pay attention,” he said, when one of the committee members waved at her and she waved back.
    “I heard you in the kitchen and when we got out of the vehicle ten minutes ago. I’m not deaf. I stay put in the room and don’t go anywhere without you. Anything else?”
    He looked at her hard then abruptly turned on his heels and left the room. He didn’t say where he was going but she knew he wouldn’t be far away.
    “My, my,” Rebecca, a thin, thirty-five year old blond said, fanning herself with her hand. “Who is that eye candy?” She leaned her head to stared at Sam’s behind as he walked away. “Is he yours?”
    Alexandria