Page 8 of Her Intense Protector

“Like what?” Sam couldn’t help but ask.

“He wanted to know about your social life here in Virginia, if you were happy and settling in. He also wanted to know if that dick of an almost-husband was pestering you.”

“How would Ezio know that?” Samantha wanted to know. “I was stunned when Kevin called me and wanted to come out and visit. It was freakin surreal.”

“He did? And you didn’t tell me?” Eden’s expression was hysterical.

“Yes, he did. Last week. But how did Ezio know?” Samantha asked again.

“I’m telling you, Ezio has a thing for you. But how dare you not tell me the moment Kevin called. That’s what friends do; they call immediately when slimy cheating ex-fiancés call. Don’t you know the rules?”

“I didn’t know that rule.”

“Now tell me why Kevie Wevie is calling. Seriously, that fucking asshole had the nerve to call you? This I gotta hear.”

“Let me put the cakes in the oven, then I’ll tell you.”

Samantha took their dishes into the kitchen and busied herself with the batter while Eden made a phone call. Ten to one it was to Asher. By the time she was done, Eden was looking over her drafting board.

“I like the color scheme, this is really good.”

“Thanks. That’s part of my problem.”

“Nope,” Eden said as she plopped down on the sofa. “The Kevin story first.”

Samantha plopped down beside Eden and started braiding her long blonde hair. “Okay, here’s the deal. Kevin’s called three times now. I’m tempted to block his number, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Besides being my almost-husband, he was a friend of mine for a year before we started dating in college. He is devastated by Sheri’s affair.”

Eden snorted. “It’s called karma, Baby. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”

“I get that, I really do. Finding out on my wedding day that he’d been cheating on me with my maid of honor was not my happiest moment. I still can’t thank you enough for talking to all the guests and handling everything.” Sam sighed. At least she was no longer tearing up or raging at the thought of that day.

“It was the least I could do,” Eden said as she grabbed Sam’s hand. “Now tell me what Kevin wants.”

“Well at first he just needed someone to listen to him. He needed a shoulder to cry on. That was four weeks ago, but last week he was wondering if he could come and visit. Supposedly he wanted to see if we could visit Washington D.C. together. But I said no, I was too busy.”

“Damn, you didn’t laugh in his ear? What the hell, Sam? That is a hard no. No way, no how, no sir. Please say you’re not considering it.”

“Of course, I’m not. I’m not a masochist. He torpedoed his bridges with me. I was just trying to be a friend to him. It was when he mentioned the visit that I was thinking about blocking his number.”

Eden held out her hand. “Give me your phone. I’ll block it right now.”

“You’re not going to do that.”

“Yes I am. Give me your phone.”

Sam heard the timer for the cakes. “Saved by the bell. Let me get the desserts.”

Eden followed her into the kitchen. “Give me one good reason not to block the slimy little bastard. Give me one reason.”

Sam reached into the oven and pulled out the cookie sheet with the ramekins on it. “I can’t,” she sighed. “Let’s have dessert, and I’ll block him. You’re right. He’s being a pest that I don’t need.”

When they got back to the dining room, Sam explained the problem with Pam. “Geez, your problem is you’re too damn nice. If I had someone on my team running around behind my back going to one of the bosses, I’d eat ‘em for lunch.”

“No, you wouldn’t,” Sam protested.

“Would too.”

“Eden,” Sam started patiently, “I’ve seen you in action. Except for eviscerating Sheri at my wedding, you are always diplomatic when dealing with problem people. I might be ‘too nice’ in your opinion, but that’s not entirely true. Most times I’m just crap at confrontation and being a boss. So how do I handle Pam?”