Page 48 of Dark Lover

Sam decided Jan knew that Maclean had shown up at her loft. But of course she did—Maclean had been tailed. Her mind veered instantly from that encounter to the DVD and his phone call afterward.

“What’s wrong? All bent out of shape because Maclean got away from Super Sam?”

“Gee, did you get demoted to Personnel?” Sam walked over to her desk. She would never understand why men went nuts over Jan. Probably because she looked like a centerfold but was holier-than-thou and never put out. Jan was some kind of morally correct male fantasy.

Rumor had it that she was mourning her dead lover. It was some kind of deathbed vow that only soul mates could make.

Jan followed her, hips swaying. “Nick is so pissed.” She seemed pleased.

Sam tossed her messenger bag and briefcase on the small sofa that was on one wall, beneath several rows of bookcases. “Nick is always pissed.”

“He’s pissed at you.” Jan smiled. “On several counts. You didn’t report in. You left a wake of devastation around the city yesterday—which CDA will have to pay for. Maclean got away—whoops! And he stole the page. Nick wants to see you ASAP.” She sauntered out, her ass swaying.

Sam would have slammed her office door closed behind her, but Kit stood there uncomfortably. Sam faced her. “One of us needs to go.”

“She’s actually a nice person.”

“Don’t you dare become friends with her! I will take that as a personal betrayal.”

“Hey, okay. It was an observation. Are you okay? Did you survive Maclean?” Kit asked, stepping inside.

“Worse. I survived Rupert Hemmer, who came by, came on and offered me an unholy anti-Maclean partnership.”

Kit started. “And you’re playing?”

“Yeah, I’m playing.” Sam went to her bag and handed Kit the DVD. “I know I can trust you. Find out if this is genuine or shopped. Don’t let anyone here see it, either. I’ll never live it down, especially not after the videos from Maclean’s Park Avenue house.”

“What is it?”

“A sex tape. Of me and Maclean.” She spoke casually but there was nothing casual about her body now. Even thinking about him and the tape did crazy things to her.

Kit’s eyes widened and she blushed.

“I haven’t slept with him, Kit. But Hemmer plans to blackmail me with it, so it would help to know if this is a fake or if it came from the future.”

“Okay. I’ll find a consultant to analyze it.” Kit was worried now.

Sam clasped her shoulder. “Don’t worry. What’s the worst he can do? Put it on YouTube? I can handle it.” She meant it. She’d let him do as he wanted with the sex tape before giving in to his blackmail. Of course, she’d prefer the damn tape disappear. Sam turned to go but Kit caught her arm.

“By the way, a Mercedes salesman called. You can pick up your new car anytime today at their Lower East Side showroom.”

“What?” Sam asked.

Kit shrugged. “I’m only the messenger. He said he left you an e-mail—as per Lord Maclean’s instructions.”

Sam walked swiftly to her desk, tapping the keyboard and pulling up her e-mail. She was disbelieving. “He bought me a car,” she choked. “That bastard bought me an SL 500 convertible—fully loaded!”

“Wow,” Kit said.

He’d owed her, but she hadn’t thought he’d come through. And he’d owed her a Lexus—not a hundred-thousand-dollar Mercedes. Her insurance would have paid for most of the new vehicle and so would the agency. But Ian had bought the convertible right off the lot. And it was waiting for her. “Maclean is nuts.”

“You shouldn’t accept it. It’s a conflict of interest. But what a gift! Maybe he’s sorry about what happened yesterday. Sam, maybe he really likes you.”

She was taken aback. “Are you kidding?” she said. “This is just another come-on. Maclean doesn’t have guilt—or emotions. I have to deal with the boss.” She hurried out, shaken. He didn’t like her—he wanted her. Those were two different things. Men liked Jan. Men liked Tabby. She was too strong to be liked, too capable, too powerful and much too independent.

Nick was on the phone when Sam stepped to the threshold of his large corner office. He gave her a stare and said, “I’ll call you later.” Hanging up, he stood. “Gee, did you get enough beauty sleep?” he asked, alluding to the late hour, and pointed at the chair in front of his desk.

Sam sat. Nick remained standing. “I’m sorry he got away with the page,” she said. “I take full responsibility.”