In the hallway, she ran into Erica. They chatted a few moments but Samantha could see the other woman was preoccupied. “Erica, is something wrong?”
Erica wrinkled her nose. “Yes, unfortunately. I’ve been arranging a surprise party for tonight for this man who lives in town. It’s for his wife’s fortieth birthday and she thinks she’s coming here for dinner.” She clicked her tongue. “I’ve been working on this for weeks.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“We’ve got a DJ for later in the evening, but the husband particularly asked for someone to play piano music in the background during the meal, and now the piano player has come down sick.” Her smooth forehead creased as she began thinking out loud. “The DJ could probably play some soft music as an alternative, but I really don’t want to disappoint the husband. He said his wife loves the piano and he wants to give her the best party. I was hoping there might be someone in town I could find, but it’s probably too late.”
All the while she was talking, Samantha’s heart began thumping with a mixture of excitement and panic. “You may not believe this,” she said, not believing she was actually saying this, “but I can help.”
Erica’s eyes brightened. “You can? Do you know someone who plays the piano?”
“Yes.” Did she really want to say this? “Me.”
Erica stopped and blinked. “You play the piano?” She grimaced. “Sorry, that came out wrong. I just mean—”
Samantha smiled a little. “I know what you meant.”
Regardless, Erica still looked doubtful. “You really play the piano?”
Samantha nodded. “Yes, really.”
“You’re sure?”
Samantha chuckled as her anxiety faded. “Lead the way to the piano and I’ll show you. Just don’t expect perfection. I have to tell you I’m a bit rusty.”
Erica began to grin. “As long as it’s not ‘Chopsticks,’ then I’ll be happy. Follow me.”#p#分页标题#e#
A few minutes later, Samantha did a warm-up then started playing a quick medley of popular tunes. Her fingers felt a bit stiff because she hadn’t played since last Christmas at home in Pasadena, but she was soon enjoying herself—and enjoying the look on Erica’s face.
“That’s wonderful!” Erica murmured, once the music ended.
Samantha smiled with relief that she hadn’t lost her touch nor made a fool of herself. “Thanks, but it’s nothing special.”
Erica shook her head. “No, you’re very good.”
“Not really.”
“Yes, really,” Erica teased. “Good Lord, I didn’t know we had Liberace living here at the resort.”
Samantha laughed. “Just be grateful my mother made me take piano lessons growing up.”
“Oh, I am. Play some more, Samantha.” All at once Erica’s eyes widened and she chuckled. “Oh, my God, I don’t believe I’m about to say this but ‘play it again, Sam.’”
Samantha laughed. She knew she needed the practice so she was happy to oblige and felt more confident with each touch of the keys.
Afterward, they talked for five minutes then Samantha continued on her way to get the milk. Blake had a business lunch in town and had already left by the time she returned to the office, so she didn’t get to tell him about it all until late afternoon.
He fell back in his chair. “You play the piano?”
A wry smile tugged at her mouth. “Why is that so far-fetched?”
“I don’t know.” Then he shook his head as if he wasn’t hearing right. “Let me get this straight. You’re going to play the piano at a party here at the resort tonight?”
She shrugged. “It’s just background music during dinner.” But she wasn’t quite so calm inside, and talking about it now was making her kind of nervous.
He tilted his head at her. “Why didn’t you tell me you could play the piano?”
“It wasn’t a job requirement,” she joked, more to calm her growing anxiety than anything.
His mouth quirked. “No, I guess it wasn’t.”
Her humor over, she bit her lip. “Actually, do you mind if I leave a little early? I need to get myself ready and I’d like some time to myself.”
He gave a wayward smile. “You creative types are all alike.”
“Blake—”
“Feel free to leave early,” he agreed. Then his eyes slowly settled on her mouth. “But before you go…” Hunger jumped the distance between them. “I do think there is one requirement of your job that needs revisiting.”