Ruby Red, The Sequel - The Romance Story Continues (Complete)

Chapter 38

Ali could no longer hold back her tears. They gushed from her like a broken garden hose. How had things gone so wrong?

The day had started with such promise. She had woken up in Sam's arms. It was the best feeling in the world, her cheek on his chest listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. Each beat felt like their relationship was stitching back together.

It started going downhill when Ali moved. A headache of massive proportions slammed into her, the first symptom of the hangover that would plague her for most of the day. This was going to make her early morning meeting with the caterers more stressful.  But the charity ball was this weekend and the last details needed to be wrapped up.

Tearing away from a sleeping Sam, Ali forced herself to shower and get a move on. She wanted nothing more than to forget the meeting, climb back into bed with her man and make up for lost time. And talking. She had so much to say to Sam. More she wanted to hear.

But responsibilities called. This event for the Harrington Foundation was important. It was a chance to prove to Sam's family that she wasn't just some flighty freeloader. She could contribute, be useful, be worthy of being part of this family. Everything had to be perfect for this event.

Multitasking by cramming her feet into her shoes while putting on earrings, she heard Sam call her name from the bed. "Ali, are you leaving?"

Spinning around to regard him, she was regaled with a sight that made her breath hitch. A decidedly rumpled Sam was sitting half-naked in her bed. His hair was adorably askew, his features still soft with the remnants of sleep and his chiselled abs called to be caressed. Ali groaned internally. The event, her mind reprimanded her body, which was already moving towards Sam.

"I...I am late for a meeting. I have to go." Ali stayed across the room, far away from temptation. "But can we talk? Later."

Sam's expression was unreadable. "Sure."

"Are you available for lunch?" At Sam's nod, Ali's insides relaxed. She hadn't realized she was fearful he might reject her. "Great. I'll make our reservations."

Sam was getting out of bed, moving towards her. "Let me do that. You sound like you have a busy morning." He stopped more than an arm's length from her. "I'll pick you up at the gallery, say a little after noon. Does that work for you?"

The look of hope on Sam's face encouraged Ali. She wanted nothing more at the moment than to make him happy. "12:15 would be great." It was her turn to nod reassuringly.

"It's a date." Sam smiled shyly back at her. Why was this so awkward? Making plans for a simple lunch. Because your relationship might depend on it, Ali's subconscious reminded her.

She thanked him again, feeling embarrassed. Grabbing her purse, Ali headed out the door. Just making the meeting, she breezed into the art gallery moments before the head of the catering company. Taste-testing the final selections for the evening's refreshments was the last thing her protesting stomach wanted. Still, Ali pulled on her armour and barrelled through.

The thought of seeing Sam kept her going through the morning. Now and again she would find herself pausing and just standing and smiling for a moment, thinking about getting to talk to Sam. She missed him so much and wanted to know every detail of what he had been up to while they were apart.

As the clock crept towards noon, Ali found herself in one of those moments, daydreaming about Sam when she felt hands wrap around her waist. Her smile broadened. Sam was finally here. Quickly she turned, wanting to hug him back, maybe steal a kiss. But it wasn't Sam. It was Noah. His smiling face too close for comfort.