“But—”
She put her hand against his chest. “I don’t have the passion for it, Blake. Really, I don’t. I like to play occasionally but that’s all.”
He finally understood what she was saying, but the world had better look out if she ever decided to further her talent.
He felt her palm still against his chest. “What do you have a passion for?” he said huskily, bringing it back to the two of them as much as he could. That’s what he would focus on from now on. Them and only them.
She rubbed herself against him, seeming to delight in making him aware of her. “Right now? You.”
By the time they reached the bedroom they were both naked. After they made love, he pulled her into his arms and let her sleep, but listening to her soft breathing, he admitted to himself that never before had he felt as comfortable after making love to a woman as he did right then. This woman felt right at home in his arms.
And he wasn’t sure he should like the feeling.
Ten
One advantage of sleeping with the boss was that she didn’t have to jump out of bed and hurry to get to work, Samantha thought lazily, after she woke late the next morning and lay in Blake’s arms. He was still asleep.
Then he moved a little and she tilted her head back to look up at him. “You’re awake?” she said unnecessarily.
He opened his eyes. “I have been for a while.”
That surprised her. Usually the minute he woke up he made love to her.
“Is something wrong?”
“No,” he said, but she felt his chest muscles tighten beneath her.
She saw that he had a closed look about him. Something must be on his mind, though she didn’t know what. He’d been fine when they’d made love last night. Now he seemed…distant.
She could only think something had occurred to him during the night and upset him. For some reason a wall had been erected between them now. Then she remembered how Erica and Christian had seen him kiss her on the forehead before the party. It hadn’t been a passionate kiss but it was clearly more than friendship. So perhaps Blake minded that his family knew about them now? As far as she could tell, it was the only thing that had changed overnight.
“Erica and Christian probably realize we’re lovers now,” she said, testing the waters.
“They’d be stupid if they didn’t.” It wasn’t said nastily, but it still made her wonder.
She tilted her head back a little. “You don’t mind?” He’d looked more at ease with Erica last night. He’d actually seemed to like his half sister.#p#分页标题#e#
“Why should I?”
“True.” She swallowed. “I’m leaving soon so it doesn’t matter anyway, does it?” she said, trying to get a reaction out of him. Any reaction. One that didn’t lock her out.
There was nothing.
Feeling disheartened, she pushed herself out of bed and hurried to the shower, a tightness in her throat. Their remaining time together was so short. She didn’t want to spend it like this.
No sooner had she stepped under the spray than he opened the sliding doors. “What’s the matter?” he said, frowning at her.
She thanked goodness the water streaming over her head hid any tears that threatened. “Nothing.”
His look said he didn’t believe her as he stepped inside the cubicle and joined her. He didn’t say a word, and he had a fixed look about him as he soaped them both up and then made love to her with an urgency that startled her. By the end of it she was none the wiser, but at least she knew he still wanted her.
Her heart twisted inside her then. As much as it was a compliment to her, was he still refusing to accept that she was leaving? If so, he was only making it harder for himself. They both had to accept it, she thought, her heart aching at the thought.
She managed a blank face as they went to the manor for breakfast. It was either that or cry, and she couldn’t allow herself that luxury.
As they entered the lobby, a woman practically jumped out at them. “Blake Jarrod!” she exclaimed, in a you-are-a-naughty-boy tone. “You didn’t tell me you owned this hotel.” Her gaze slid to Samantha, “Or that your assistant was the piano player.”
Blake put on a practiced smile but Samantha could tell he didn’t like the woman. “It’s Clarice, isn’t it?” he said, making it clear he wasn’t interested. “This is my assistant and piano player,” he mocked, “Samantha.”
Samantha inclined her head and the woman gave her a cool smile. “I’m Clarice Richardson. Mrs. Clarice Richardson, but I’m divorced.” Her gaze slid to Blake, instantly dismissing Samantha. “I was wondering, Blake. How would you like to have that drink tonight?”