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“The fun kind.”
He kissed her again, slowly and tenderly. Scarlet easily gave herself over to the firestorm he ignited. Let it burn through her.
She was still incinerating when the car door opened.
It took a few seconds for the sound to register in her mind. Sam’s as well, apparently. Because neither of them instantly pulled away. It took some effort for her to finally drag her mouth from his.
On a heavy breath, she said, “You could make me forget my own name.”
“Yeah, I know the feeling.” He slipped out of the limo, turning to offer his hand to her.
Sam guided her through the executive terminal with the driver following behind them, their luggage in tow. Sam checked in at the desk and they were told the copter was all prepped and waiting for them, so they headed out to the tarmac and the helipads.
“I’ve never been in a helicopter before,” Scarlet said. “It’s not going to make me queasy, is it?” Something she should have considered previously, but she’d been much too caught up in the after they arrived at the estate scenario to give much thought as to how they’d arrive.
“You’ll be okay,” Sam told her. “Smooth as silk ride, I promise.”
They climbed aboard and Scarlet’s jaw dropped. There was rich burl wood trim, gold-plated light fixtures, a large tan leather sofa against one wall of the cabin, and two matching oversized chairs opposite it. A chiller of champagne was set out and Sam popped the cork on the bottle and poured. He handed over a crystal flute to Scarlet and they clinked rims.
He said, “Despite the reason behind the visit, I’m glad you went to Montana.”
“Me, too.”
They sipped. Scarlet couldn’t take her eyes off him. He wore his distressed-leather jacket and jeans, along with the boots she was used to seeing him in. The light wind had ruffled his thick brown hair. His shimmering irises mesmerized her so that she barely even noticed when the copter lifted off the ground.
She was drowning in lust and they hadn’t even reached the Hamptons yet, where Michael awaited them.
Of all her adventures, Scarlet had to admit this was the most titillating one. The most exciting one.
She knew what she was barreling toward. Yet … not fully. So that the prospect enticed her and the uncertain reality teased her senseless. Along with Sam’s heated gaze.
In the back of her mind, Scarlet tried to recall that she wasn’t just on a pleasure trip. There was business to conduct as well.
And then there was the matter of what she and Michael had briefly discussed when he’d called her. That whole love issue.
Scarlet wasn’t looking to fall head over heels for anyone or have her heart slaughtered.
She was fairly certain Michael and Sam felt the same. Especially Sam.
So what they were doing was dicey. Although their affair was all under the guise of sexual attraction, it was evident more existed amongst them.
The cautionary tale didn’t deter her. She drank her champagne and let the exhilaration run rampant.
They’d polished off the bottle by the time they arrived on the estate grounds. They were shuttled to the mansion and someone took their bags to the guesthouse. She followed Sam through the cavernous entryway with two curving staircases on either side that led up to an open mezzanine. The décor was modern, with ecru and black marble in intricately designed patterns and complemented by medium-colored glossy wood trim. Tons of glowing chandeliers and mirrors and sconces hung from the ceilings and walls. All very elegant and inviting.
Breathtaking and intimidating, yes. But inviting nonetheless.
They entered one of the many living rooms and found Michael at the wet bar, pouring a scotch for himself.
He glanced over his shoulder when he heard them approach. Gave his signature devilish grin.
“Excellent timing,” he said. “Dad and Karina have already left for the Met.”
“Do they know I’m going to be here?” Scarlet asked.
“Of course. Dad’s prickly about it, which puts Karina on edge,” Michael told her, “but she’ll get over it because Tosca is her favorite opera and that’s what’s opening this evening.”
He handed his glass to Sam, who accepted it and took a gulp while Michael cupped the side of Scarlet’s face, leaned in, and kissed her.
