The Taming of Xander Sterne(76)

                ‘How would I know?’ Darius shrugged.

                Xander’s scowl deepened. ‘Maybe because your wife is Samantha’s best friend as well as her employer?’

                Darius eyed him pityingly. ‘And Miranda and I have far better things to do than talk about Sam when we’re alone together.’

                ‘You are so annoying.’ Xander turned abruptly to stride determinedly across his office and collect his coat from the back of his chair before quickly pulling it on.

                ‘Where are you going?’

                He shot his twin an angry glare as he strode over to the door. ‘Out!’ He ignored Darius’s chuckle as he wrenched the door open before striding impatiently out into the hallway towards the lift.

                He wasn’t in the least surprised to find the car, and driver, waiting for him downstairs as he stepped outside the building; Darius might be annoying, but he could read his twin like a book.

                ‘I’ll drive myself, thank you, Paul.’ He managed to smile at the other man as he took the keys from him to get in behind the wheel.

                Xander felt more light-hearted than he had for the past four weeks as he drove through the busy London streets towards Andy’s dance studio. He knew it was because he was going to see Samantha again. Was going to talk to her again.

                Whether or not Samantha would be as pleased to see him was another matter.

                ‘Dare I hope that you’re finally here to see Sam?’ his sister-in-law teased as he entered her dance studio a short time later, obviously having just finished taking her last dance class of the day.

                Xander narrowed his eyes. ‘You and Darius should seriously think about becoming a comedy team.’

                Andy gave a husky laugh. ‘Sam’s in the office. If you’re interested, that is?’

                ‘Oh, I’m interested,’ Xander confirmed determinedly.

                ‘Good luck!’

                Xander had no doubt he was going to need it!

                ‘Samantha?’

                Sam stilled as she heard the husky sound of Xander’s voice in her head.

                A voice she had heard so many times, and in exactly the same husky tone, these past few weeks. When she was here at work. Or at home with Daisy in their new apartment. When she lay alone in her bed at night.

                And each time she heard it Sam felt a twisting pain in her chest. As evidence of the empty hollowness inside her, that she knew only Xander could fill. But never would.

                She closed her lids as her eyes suddenly filled with scalding tears, silently willing them not to fall. Wishing the pain of loving Xander would stop. But knowing it never would.

                ‘Samantha?’

                Sam almost jumped out of her chair, her heart pounded erratically in her chest, as she felt caressing fingers against her cheek, her eyes widening with disbelief as she found herself looking up at Xander.

                He was the suave and sophisticated Xander Sterne today, successful billionaire businessman. A man so unlike the casually dressed Xander she had known and grown to love four weeks ago. Today he wore a dark, sleekly tailored suit and shirt, with a meticulously knotted tie, and his hair was professionally styled rather than the overlong and shaggy look he had favoured a month ago.