Sidelined

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

I felt as if I could finally breathe. I believed him. I believed the entire story about the ex and the picture. The whole thing made sense. Sam didn’t have to drive to Austin to kidnap me. He did it because it mattered to him whether I believed him or not.

“Do you forgive me, Natalia, for putting you in this situation? It is my fault the picture is out there.”

I took his right hand in mine. “I do. I’m sorry I jumped to all of the conclusions I did. It seemed logical at the time, and now I realize I was a crazy person.”

“Nah.” He shook his head.

“Okay, no, I was completely justified and sane.” I smiled. I liked the feel of his hand against my palm. It was warm and strong, just like him.

If people only knew what I knew about Sam Hickson.

Thirty-Three

Sam

I shouldn’t feel nervous, but I fucking did. I drove under the building and parked in my usual spot.

“We’re here.” I pulled the keys from the ignition and walked around to let Natalia out of the passenger side.

“And here is where you live?” she guessed.

“Come on.” I tugged her behind me and led her to the elevator. I punched in the button and we rode to the top floor.

“You’re not going to tell me anything?”

“Give me five seconds and you’ll see for yourself.”

I shoved the key in the lock and opened the door for the new apartment. She walked over the threshold and turned to look at me.

“What is this place?”

I grinned. “It’s ours.”

“What?” Her eyes darted back and forth.

“Yep. I bought it for you. For us.” I pulled her hand. “This is our living room, the kitchen, the master suite is back there, but this is really what I want you to see.” I opened the door and waited for her reaction.

“Oh my God.”

“Do you like it?”

“You built a studio for me?”

“I did. I wanted you to be able to dance here. And look, there’s even a place for your turntable from Madame Collette built into the wall. I had them add speakers so we can tie the whole system together. And the chandeliers are like the one you have, I think, but you can change anything you don’t like.”

“Sam, this is unbelievable.” She threw her arms around me, and I hoisted her from the floor.

My lips landed on hers as I drew her close to my body. I wrapped my arms around the curve of her waist.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“You were sure of yourself, weren’t you?” She smiled.

“I was not going to use the picture.” I eyed her. “But, yes, I know you belong with me. Here.”

She stepped out of my arms and walked to the barre, pressing on it. She lifted her heel on one edge and leaned over so her body was folded in half.