Free Play for Me by Lois Kasznia Page B

we’re doing.” Once again,
Ian hailed a cab while Sam busily typed away. She hit send and looked up at Ian
with a smile. “So, what are we doing?”
    “This is what we’re doing,” said Ian as he lifted her chin
with his fingers and kissed her lightly on the lips. “We’ll have a drink at the
bar and I’ll walk you to your room.”
    “But Ian…” said Sam firmly. Ian had put his finger to her
lips.
    “I know the rules,” said Ian. “You have to go to work
tomorrow, and I have to get up at four thirty to catch my flight.”
    “Thanks,” said Sam relieved. She sat back in the cab and
gave a huge sigh. “That is a relief to get that over. I hate performing and I
don’t why I let Jordan talk me into it.” She then looked at Ian. “You didn’t
help much by agreeing with him.”
    “It’s because you two were fighting like cats and dogs!” Ian
paid for the cab and walked Sam to the bar. Throngs of people hugged the bar so
they ended up standing along the wall.
    “You know you could always play in the studio,” suggested
Ian. “Honestly, Sam. You’re really good.’
    “Thanks,” said Sam blushing. “Do you know that I’ve known
you now for over twenty-four hours?”
    “That’s a good sign,” agreed Ian smiling at her. “Do you
think you know me well enough now?”
    “Nope,” said Sam. “Still haven’t seen you with animals and
old ladies. Saw you with my brother which turned out pretty good.” She looked
at Ian critically. “Did Jordan do the ‘if you hurt my sister’ routine?
    “Of course he did. Do you blame him? This is a tough town
and you have to be on your guard at all times.” Ian gazed at her fondly.
    “I know.” Sam met his gaze. “Do I have to be especially
careful about the people from Maui?”
    “We’re the worst,” teased Ian as he lightly ran his finger
down Sam’s arm, giving her goose bumps.
    “That’s what I thought,” murmured Sam. She looked down at
her drink, her heart thumping loudly in her chest. She just couldn’t believe
that she had performed in Los Angeles and now stood in a bar drinking in the
Beverly Hill Hilton with what she thought had to be the most attractive man she
had ever seen. Sam pinched her arm to make sure she hadn’t been dreaming.
    “Why did you do that?” asked Ian not missing a thing.
    “Nothing,” said Sam lightly. “I’m just a little numb, that’s
all. I mean, not even a week ago, I lost my job and the future looked bleak. My
dog, Cracker, and I were going to live on the street. Now here a week later,
I’m sitting in the Beverly Hills hotel bar with a famous architect, I just
performed at a night club; I now work for Jett Robinson, I mean who would have
known?”
    “Let’s get back to the architect,” said Ian holding Sam’s
gaze. “What about him?”
    “What do you mean,” said Sam knowing full well what Ian
wanted to talk about. “Do you mean if I think he’s nice?”
    “Well, do you?” Ian had taken her hand into his. “Have you
fallen madly in love with him yet?”
    “You’re something else, Ian Andrews,” laughed Sam. “You’re
trying to wear me down. Do you treat all of your women this way?”
    “No,” answered Ian honestly. “I’ve never had to. I think,
I’ve lost my touch.”
    “Won’t work,” said Sam with a smile. “You could go up to any
female in here and you’d have no problem.” Sam reached for her purse and
started to get up. “I’ve got to get some sleep.”
    “I don’t want anyone else in this room.” Ian had reached for
her hand. “Look, I promised I’d walk you to your room.”
    “Okay. A promise is a promise,” said Sam lightly enjoying
the moment.
    They stood silently in the elevator while riding up to their
floor. “I just want to thank you for a lovely day. I’ve never had so much fun
in a long time.” Sam squeezed Ian’s hand. “If ever.”
    “Do you really mean that?” Ian stared at her intently.
    “Yeah, I do.” The elevator opened at their floor and