SAMANTHA: Never Say Never (The Powell's Book 2) Page 4

  “And being pregnant don’t make you feel like a woman?” he asked in confusion. She’d laid a whopper on him.

  “Not that. It’s just . . . stuff happened. Things that I don’t want to talk about now. I’m tired. Can I just get some sleep now, or do you want me to leave?”

  “Why would I want you to leave? Rest; we’ll talk in the morning,” he said.

  “I’m not going to tell you who the father is, Adam, so don’t ask. I’m going to have enough to deal with as it is, not to mention my family. What a mess!” She cried in earnest then.

  “Don’t cry, suga’, it will all work out,” he comforted her, but she continued to wail. “Stop crying, you’re going to make yourself sick. Get some rest, and we’ll deal with everything else in the morning.”

  “Okay,” she hiccupped, and fell asleep in his arms.

  He woke up the next morning and Samantha was gone. The next time he saw her, she seemed so skittish he informed her that no one in the family would hear her secrets from him; neither their night together nor her pregnancy.

  “Ms. Samantha Powell, I have still not gotten you out of my system. You may not love me, but you damn sure still want me. I’ll go for that, for now. Daniel Ashby be damned,” he said to his empty office. “Time to play hardball.” Nope his Princess would not end up with the likes of Ashby. “Neither of them, Samantha or Kayla, and I don’t give a damn if he is Kayla’s father.”

  Adam picked up his phone and made a call.

  “Hey, it’s Adam. I need a favor,” he began.

  Chapter Six

  Samantha pulled up to Shane and Tracey’s house and stopped at the iron gate. She pushed the buzzer and waited for the big gates to swing open. Shane had already had the gates for privacy issues from his fans, but with the fact that Tracey has just as many fans as he does, he increased his security. The gates parted like the Red Sea and Samantha drove through and up to the house. Shane was waiting at the front door with a big smile on his face. Samantha smiled back and waved before turning off her car and climbing out.

  “Hey there, little sister,” Shane said, grabbing her up in a bear hug.

  “Hey, bro-in-law,” she chuckled against his chest. “Shane, you’re smothering me.”

  “You got here in record time,” Shane said, releasing her. “You must have been driving pretty fast in that little machine of yours.”

  Samantha looked back at her vintage Shelby and smiled. She rarely drove it because of Kayla. Restoring old cars was one of her passions.

  “Coming from the man who’s raced cars for many years,” she shot back.

  “True,” he chuckled. “Come on in, suga’. Tracey’s waiting for you out back on the deck. Go on back. I’ll get your luggage out of the car.”

  “I only have that leather duffle on the front seat. I’m just here for the weekend,” she called out as she walked through the house and out back.

  It was easier for Samantha to get to the deck by walking through the house. Otherwise she would have had to walk through the huge yard before reaching her destination. She walked through the sliding glass doors of the sun porch and out onto the deck, where she found Tracey sitting with a glass of sweet tea and ice. Tracey seemed to crave the stuff ever since Shane introduced her to it.

  “Hey, Sissy!” Samantha screamed as she came up to Tracey relaxing in the lounge chair.

  “Sam!” Tracey said excitedly, and then moved to get up.

  “Don’t get up. Relax,” Samantha said, bending down and placing a sisterly kiss on Tracey’s cheek.

  “I’m glad you’re here. Shane told me you were dropping Kayla off with Mom and Dad.”

  “Yes, they’ve been asking for her. I figured this would be a good time to get some things done before she starts day care.”

  “I wish you would have brought her,” Tracey whined.

  “No you don’t,” Samantha chuckled. “You’re not feeling up to having an active toddler around just yet. Wait until the morning sickness passes.”

  “Ugh, you mean morning, noon, and evening sickness. This kid is giving me a run for my money. Funny, I don’t remember you being this sick,” Tracey complained.

  “I wasn’t. Other than the first few weeks of being nauseous at every single smell, I had a fairly good pregnancy. Thanks to my wonderful family and extended family, the Westbrooks. I had more support than many single moms and I appreciated every bit of it,” Samantha smiled.

  “You know, Declan’s still trying to find out who Kayla’s father is,” Tracey said.

  “Declan needs to mind his own business.”

  “I agree. Why must people be so nosey, anyway?” Tracey frowned.

  “Nature, I guess. Thank you, Tracey,” Samantha said quietly.

  “For what?”

  “For never hounding me for information on Kayla’s father, and for just being the best big sister a girl could ask for.”

  “I’ve lived in the spotlight for a long time now. I can understand the need for privacy like no other. I figured if you wanted us to know, you’d have told us. The fact that you’re not with him, and neither is he a part of Kayla’s life, speaks volumes, in my opinion.”

  “I know everyone was shocked with my news,” she said. “I was supposed to have been the innocent, quiet one. Never causing anyone any trouble.”

  “Well, we all know what they say about shy and quiet people,” Tracey smiled. “And you keep telling everyone that. You do know you were never quiet, right?”

  “Hush, Tracey.” Samantha blushed.

  “I’m just saying. I was the rebellious one. I thought Mommy was going to faint for real when you told us you were pregnant,” Tracey chuckled. “At least it would have made up for all those times she’s faked it.”

  “I was surprised she didn’t. In fact, she was great. Both Mommy and Daddy were really good. Even Declan, with his grumpy self, helped out a lot.”

  “You got him to shut the hell up for a change. That was the icing on the cake for me. Standing there with his mouth opening and closing like a fish.”

  Samantha cracked up laughing at Tracey mimicking Declan’s mouth movements.

  “You’re a riot!” Samantha cried.

  “I’m serious,” Tracey smiled. “He’s a mess.”

  “Is he still calling you every day?” Samantha asked, wiping away her happy tears.

  “Yes,” Tracey said, trying to sound annoyed, but Samantha could tell her sister loved it.

  “Declan’s a pain in the behind. He means well. He’s a good brother,” Samantha said.

  “Yeah, I guess. Don’t tell him I said that though,” Tracey commented.

  “I figured you’d say that. You two are too much alike. The only twins that I know of who banter like you do.” Samantha shook her head.

  “We’re good. Arguing is how we show our love. I just have to put him in his place every now and then. I was pretty upset with him when he brought Daniel on board to replace me. We talked just before Shane proposed and straightened things out. We have an understanding now.”

  Samantha stiffened at the sound of Daniel’s name. A problem she was going to have to deal with sooner or later. Her feelings for him were all over the place. She never wanted to be put in the situation he’d put her in again. Samantha had heard the rumors, but of course, she thought that it would be different with her. Oh, he was the perfect gentleman in her eyes, until two things happened: her pregnancy, and then finding him in bed with another woman.

  “Samantha, are you okay?” she heard Tracey ask.

  Samantha shook herself and looked over at her sister.

  “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

  “You seemed so far away for a minute there.”

  “I’m fine. I should be asking you how you are doing. You’ve yawned several times already. Maybe you should go take a nap.” That’s the one thing Samantha remembered well—the tiredness.

  “You just got here. I want to spend some time with you,” Tracey whined.

  “I will be he
re. Maybe I can convince Shane to fire up the grill,” Samantha said.

  “No convincing necessary,” Shane cut in, walking over to join them. “My wife seems to love barbeque now.”

  “I’m trying to get her to go take a nap.” Samantha smiled at her brother-in-law.

  “That’s all I do is puke and sleep,” Tracey grumbled.

  “Come on, darlin’, Samantha isn’t going anywhere. You’ll be refreshed for the burgers,” Shane said, helping Tracey up from the lounge chair and placing a kiss on her lips.

  Samantha was a little envious of Shane and Tracey’s loving relationship. Shane always had Tracey’s back, no matter what. He took very good care of her sister, and she was happy for both of them. Her eyes began to water a bit.

  “I’m going to stay with her until she settles down. Help yourself to anything you want, Samantha. You can watch some television in the family room if you like,” Shane said.

  “Thanks, Shane. I’ll be in in a few minutes,” Samantha said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

  Samantha watched as they disappeared into the house, and sat back against the lounge chair. Maybe one day she would have the love that Shane and Tracey shared. She doubted it. She’d thought she did with Daniel; big mistake on her part.

  “Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk, Samantha,” she said to herself. Samantha lifted her feet up on the lounge chair, leaning back in the lounge chair and closed her eyes. She’d just sit here and soak up some sun for a little while before going inside.

  “I need a vacation,” she said, and before she knew it, she’d fallen asleep.

  *

  Samantha heard the soft sound of her name being called. She knew that voice. Didn’t she? She slowly opened her eyes and looked into the deep-blue eyes of Adam. His lips were mere inches from hers.

  “Adam?” she questioned, as if not believing that he was real.

  “That’s my name,” he smiled, his mouth still inches from hers.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, fully awake now.

  “This,” he said, and brought his lips down to hers. “Open.”

  Her lips opened on their own accord. His tongue pushed past her teeth and latched onto her tongue.

  He paused and pulled back a little. “Kiss me back, Samantha,” he demanded.

  She opened her mouth wider and kissed him in earnest. Their tongues dueled. He demanded, and she gave, and then she remembered.

  Samantha snatched her lips away from his. “Oh my God, Adam!” she cried anxiously, and moved her head from side to side.

  “He’s still in with Tracey,” Adam said, sitting in the lounge chair next to hers.

  “Why’d you do that?” Samantha asked breathlessly.

  “I couldn’t resist,” he said, taking her hand in his.

  “We can’t do this, Adam. I don’t need the complications,” she murmured.

  “So I’m a complication?”

  “Yes.”

  “Only if you make me one, Samantha,” he whispered.

  “I’d rather not discuss it here, Adam. I don’t want my family getting any ideas. Besides, it’s weird. You’re my brother-in-law, for Christ’s sake.”

  “So what? We’re not related. I want you and you want me. What’s the problem?”

  “The problem is…look, like I said, this is not the time,” she said, and looked around again.

  “When will it be the right time, Samantha?”

  “Never,” she shot back.

  “Never is a long time. Never say never, suga’,” he said.

  “I’m going inside to freshen up,” she responded, snatching her hand out of his and getting up from the chair.

  “Running away again?” he smirked.

  “No, not running, walking,” she said, turning on her heels.

  “Whatever it is, trust and believe that I’m coming after you,” he called out softly.

  “Good luck with that,” she responded.

  “Thank you, darlin’. Apparently, luck is on my side,” he chuckled.

  Chapter Seven

  Adam watched Samantha with Tracey. There was no doubt that the sisters loved each other dearly. It was cute; Samantha was being so attentive to Tracey, while Shane was occupied—grilling burgers and steaks.

  “So, did you find out what Ashby’s up too,” Shane asked him quietly.

  “I’m on it,” Adam responded, looking down at his drink in his glass.

  “Your mind’s been a thousand miles away. What’s going on with you?” Shane asked.

  “Not a thing. You need to flip those burgers,” Adam told him.

  “I know what I’m doing.”

  “You sure?” Adam joked, hoping that Shane wouldn’t ask any more questions. He’d already been caught several times watching Samantha.

  “I’m more than sure. Why do you keep following Samantha?” Shane demanded.

  “I’m not watching Samantha. I’m standing here with you.”

  “You know damn well what I mean, don’t play stupid with me!” Shane stormed.

  “Lower your voice. I have no clue as to what you’re talking about,” Adam lied. “I was watching the both of them, if you must know. I thought I was doing you a favor and watching out for your wife while you cooked.”

  “Why? What’s wrong with Tracey?” he asked anxiously.

  “Calm down. Nothing’s wrong. I know she hasn’t been feeling well. Maybe you should make her something healthier,” Adam said, frowning down at the beef.

  “I try, but this is what she craves; and chopped barbeque,” Shane frowned. “She does eat salads.”

  “Did y’all find out the sex of the baby yet?”

  “No, not yet. Not until her appointment next week,” Shane smiled.

  “You’re excited?”

  “Hell, yeah! I can’t wait to become a dad. Hopefully Tracey’s sickness will subside, and she’ll be able to enjoy the rest of her pregnancy.”

  “It will. Funny, I don’t remember Samantha being so sick,” Adam said.

  “She wasn’t.”

  “Everything okay with Tracey and the baby?”

  “Yes. They are both doing fine. The doctor gave her some pills to stem off the nausea, but she refuses to take them for fear of harming the baby. I keep telling her the doctor wouldn’t give her something to hurt the baby, but she’s not hearing it.”

  “She’s as stubborn as they come.”

  “I know. Pass me that tray. The food’s ready; we can eat out here by the pool. Go tell the ladies the food is ready.”

  Adam walked over to where the women were sitting, apparently in deep conversation about something.

  “The food’s ready. Shane wants to set up by the pool,” Adam said, looking from one to the other.

  “Great! I’m starving,” Tracey said, getting up and going to join Shane.

  “Wow, she moved pretty fast,” Adam laughed.

  “She sure did,” Samantha giggled, and got up too.

  Adam helped her up and wrapped his arm around her waist before she could escape.

  “What are you doing?” she hissed.

  “You keep asking me that. Hush, before they think something is up. I’m just simply helping my sister-in-law up.” His hand quickly slid across her behind and slyly gave it a squeeze before quickly releasing her altogether, but not before he heard her quick intake of breath.

  “You’re pushing it, Westbrook,” she whispered.

  “I wish.”

  “You wish what?” she whispered.

  “Oh…that I was pushing inside of you,” he smirked.

  “What are you two whispering about?” Tracey asked, looking back at them.

  “We were just saying how fast you jumped up to eat,” Adam laughed.

  “Forget you, Adam.” Tracey blushed.

  “She’s eating for two so be quiet, before I don’t feed you at all,” Shane said, coming to Tracey’s defense. Something he always did.

  “Shutting up now,” Adam said, and dramaticall
y pretended to zip his lips. He then held the chair out for Samantha to sit down.

  “Thank you. Shane, this looks delicious,” Samantha said.

  “It does look good, brother,” Adam grinned.

  “Thank you. Darlin’, you sure you’re going to eat all of that?” Shane asked Tracey.

  Adam looked over at Tracey’s plate and burst out laughing. “There is no way in hell you’re going to eat all of that.”

  “I am going to try,” she said haughtily.

  “Well, go ahead,” Adam teased.

  Adam watched as Samantha piled salad and a hamburger with all of the fixings on her plate.

  “I know Tracey can’t drink alcohol, but would you like a drink, Samantha?”

  “No—no thank you. I haven’t drank any alcohol since I had Kayla.” She blushed.

  Ah, she was remembering the last drink they’d shared. That could be the only reason why she blushed and put her head down.

  Interesting, he thought.

  He felt someone kick his leg and looked over to see Shane giving him a look. Adam lifted his brow. Shane said nothing. He’d have to be more careful, for now.

  “So, Samantha, are you working on another car?” Shane asked.

  “Yes. I pitched something to Declan. If I can get it finished, the Powell’s will have a new car on the track by next year. Maybe sooner. Depends on how much time I have to work on it,” she beamed.

  “I didn’t know you were working on another car,” Adam said.

  “It’s not really another car; the same car, different specs. I had to change it up and put the word out that the car was scrapped because someone was trying to steal my designs,” Samantha said.

  “You never said anything about this,” Adam said, not liking the sound of this at all.

  “I don’t remember hearing anything about someone trying to steal your designs either,” Shane said.

  “Shane, you’ve been busy with Tracey, and Adam, other than Tracey’s race weeks ago, you’re never at the track; I didn’t feel that there was a reason to tell you.” Samantha shrugged.

  Adam started to say something but quickly refrained from it, as she would not like what he was going to say.

  “Samantha, Adam is a part of the industry as well. He’s been Shane’s PR person forever. And the fact that the Westbrooks and the Powells have teamed up puts him in the need to know,” Tracey said around a bite of burger.