Ruby Red 3 - A Romance for All Time (Complete)

Chapter 15

Sam expected to find Ali waiting for him at the gate. A tinge of disappointment prickled at the back of his neck when she texted back telling him to head for the limo waiting area. He had managed to get on the first flight out - landing at LAX by 10 am. The ball of anxiety in his stomach kept him from eating or sleeping for the long hours after hanging up with Ali last night.

He had stayed on the phone with her until she safely arrived back at the resort. When she called it had hurt to hear his usually bright and cheerful fiancée in pain. Panic had set in as he realized she was driving. What if she had an accident? The thought caused his heart to skip a beat – not in a good way.

Practically running through the airport, Sam scanned for signs for the door leading to the limos. Swerving around a couple with two kids riding on top of carts stacked with luggage, he burst into the hot California sun.

"Sam!"

Her voice. He turned and there was his living, breathing Ali. Not some cold flat-screen version that he had been forced to live with lately. The full 3D version. Despite living with her for over a year, seeing her in every state of dress possible, the site of her took his breath away. She was simply stunning in a bright ruby red, sleeveless dress, her luscious locks swirling around her smiling face.

Everything blurred as he crashed into her, burying his face in her neck, his hands clutching her waist, his arms crushing her into him. Closing his eyes, he took a long, slow inhale of his favourite smell, Eau d'Ali. Tension from the middle seat on the plane ebbed away as the warmth from her skin melted into him.

"My love."

Her fingers played with the hair at the base of his neck. He longed for her to run those delicate digits over his scalp, playfully pull his locks. Instead, Ali encased his face with her hands and pulling him away from her, took his mouth with hers.

That worked for him. She tasted so good. Her lips, her tongue. He felt her "I love you" and "I missed you" in every suck, stroke and probe. Sam tilted her back, deepening the kiss and responding with his own unsaid expressions.

Somewhere in the midst of the haze of their physical hellos, Sam heard a loud, long whistle accompanied by an "Atta boy." It reminded Sam they were not alone, but rather in a crowded airport. A small part of his brain considered they should have this reunion somewhere more private, The bigger part of his brain and all of his body didn't care.

Ali had more will power than Sam as she broke the kiss. But not enough to let go of him completely as she buried her face in his chest. "I'm glad you're here."

Sam swallowed, trying to make his throat work. "Me too," was all he managed to croak out. For a few more moments, or an eternity, Sam wasn't sure, they held on to each other, enjoying being in the same space. Together. Sam vowed never to be away from her this long again.

"Ms. Stinson,"

Ali created a small gap between them and turned to the man in the black suit and cap who had addressed her.

"Sam. This is George."

The polite thing to do would have been to shake George's hand. But Sam couldn't find the strength to remove his hands from Ali. So instead, he nodded his head. "Hi, George. Nice to meet you."

"Pleasure's all mine, Mr. Harrington," the man quipped. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Sam could not help but grin back at him, instantly liking the older gentleman. "I hate to interrupt, but we really should move before we get a ticket."

Sighing, Ali created even more space between them and Sam resisted pulling her back into his chest. When had he become so clingy? Oh, right. From the moment he first laid eyes on Ali. Steeling himself for the lack of warmth, Sam let her step back.