More Red, Hidden Hearts 2 (Complete)

Chapter 2

Sam

Sam tipped the attendant and locked the door behind him. Heat clung to his skin, too raw, too much. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against the cool wall outside the bathroom, trying to steady his pulse. On the other side of the door, Ali had retreated to clean up after the interruption, leaving him buzzing.

"He's gone." His voice came out rough, uneven.

Water rushed in the sink. Sam's fists curled, nails biting into his palms as the ache in his chest spread. With Ali, he was always careful. Gentle. Given her past, he promised himself he would never push, never rush, never make her feel cornered. His goal was to make sure she was in control and the sensation of her climaxing because of him often fueled his own pleasure. Tonight, that promise had splintered. Control had slipped into desire and for one frantic stretch, he hadn't waited. He'd just taken.

Taken what he wanted.

What he needed.

He dragged his palms against the wall, breath shuddering. What if she was shaken? What if she thought he was too much? The last thing he wanted was for Ali to feel anything that echoed her past.

Sam pushed aside the fear and asked, "Are you okay?"

"Out in a minute." Her voice sounded calm. Strong. Maybe even happy.

Relief flooded his veins, loosening his grip on the wall. He hadn't lost her. She'd come to New York for him, chosen him. She also chose to remove her underwear. That had to be a sign of her intentions.

Inside the bathroom, the water cut off. Sam shook out his hands, forcing his muscles to ease, forcing a smile onto his face. Her surprise was the antidote to a long and confusing day. Earlier he'd almost blown off tomorrow's meeting and even fantasized about highjacking his father's helicopter to fly to the Hamptons to steal a few hours with her. His body and soul craved Ali's arms around him, needing the comfort that only the woman he loved provided.

When he opened the door and saw her standing there, Sam realized just how strong his desire was. It was like a dream. So happy the see her, he'd pounced on her before she'd even fully stepped into the room.

The bathroom door cracked open, and Sam jumped back. "Hey."

She stepped out with a smile and the band cinching his chest snapped.

"Surprise." She held out her arms revealing the little black dress she wore beneath her coat. The material hugged every line he knew by heart. The collar plunged into a deep V baring the perfect sweep of her lovely breasts. Desire sparked, but instinct drove his gaze higher searching her eyes for any shadow of doubt.

He saw none, but he had to be sure. Reaching out, he caressed Ali's cheek. "I love you."

Her palm pressed the spot over his heart, steady and sure. "I love you more."

The words undid him, the ritual soft as a key turning in a lock. This exchange of words was their vow, their signal to each other that everything was okay. Shortly after they met, they had promised to always be honest with each other and this little ritual was born of that. If either one of them was unsure, they said they loved the other and if the response was that they were loved more, all was right. Sam pulled her close, inhaling the faint trace of her lilac perfume, holding on to the certainty she offered.

"Are you hungry?" He gestured toward the room service tray. "I ordered a burger and fries. We can split it."

"Suddenly famished," Ali teased him, a twinkle in her eye.

Fingers entwined, he led her to the table. Before cutting the burger in half, Sam swept the pickles aside. Ali smiled at his gesture. He settled into a chair, expecting Ali to take the one beside him. Instead, she crawled into his lap, warm and soft, her fingers tenderly playing with the loose ends of his hair. Sam tightened one arm around her waist gratefully. Maybe she sensed his need to hold her, keep her close until the last of the tension drained away.