Secret Tastes (Secret Dreams Contemporary Romance 4) (10 page)

Sam felt her face burn. She shook her head vigorously to erase the unwanted picture of Sandy and Adam in bed together. Arrgh! She couldn't stand the thought. Why did Kris have to tell her that detail?

"Hey, you okay?" Kris asked, surprised by her reaction.

"Sure," she said. "I just can't believe how annoying she is."

Kris nodded her agreement. "I do wonder what Adam saw in her. And I wonder if their break-up is for real this time."

I hope so, Kris. I certainly hope so.

*******

"Are you okay, Sammy?"

"Yeah," Sam said, giving her mother a bright smile as they waited for her dad to finish checking in their luggage at the airline's self-serve baggage drop counter with Adam's assistance. She thought she was hiding her despondency well. She should have known her mum would notice.

"It'll only be a month then you'll be together again," Helen said.

"But then I'll be far away from you and Dad."

"Oh, darling, it's not as if you normally see us everyday anyway. Even when you're at work, you don't necessarily talk to your dad everyday. As long as we visit each other every month or so, then things shouldn't be that different. But with Adam, I know how hard it will be for the two of you to be away from each other for weeks."

Oh, her mother was an incurable romantic, and Sam didn't know what to say. Yes, the thought of not seeing Adam for a whole month, maybe longer, was already making her miss him. And she hadn't even left yet.

He'd been so wonderful this past week. If that was an indication of what Adam would be like as a long-term boyfriend, then she definitely wanted him for something serious and committed.

She sighed, remembering last night. Without a doubt, Adam knew his way around a woman's body. She never thought sex could feel like that—incredible… heavenly… addictive. How could she go without Adam for a whole month when just looking at him right now made her crave for his touch? And would they simply pick up where they left off when she returned?

"Hey, guys. We're here!"

"Kris! Trey!" Helen cried. "What are you doing here?"

"We wanted to see you guys off, Auntie," Kris replied, giving Helen a hug.

"You didn't have to."

"We wanted to. Sam said you'll be having breakfast before you board. We'll join you."

*

Kris and Trey were saying goodbye to Helen and Ted when Adam pulled Sam close.

"Let me know what the test results are as soon as you get them, okay?" he said softly.

"Yes. Thanks for this week, Adam. It's been great," she said sincerely. She was aware that the others would soon notice them embracing but she didn't care.

He grinned. "I had an excellent time, too." He gave her a chaste kiss on the lips, then let her go.

Hmm. That was a bit disappointing. For a goodbye kiss, that was much too tame for her liking. Maybe Adam was conscious of their audience?

Adam turned to her parents as Kris enveloped her in a hug.

"See you soon, sweetie," Kris said. "I'll call or message you everyday to make sure you're not procrastinating on your move."

She chuckled. "Don't worry. I won't be."

"And I'll remind Adam again to send you flowers and chocolates—just to keep your parents happy," Kris whispered.

Sam stared at Kris. "The roses and chocolates on Valentine's Day were your idea?"

"Yup. Didn't he tell you?"

"No."

Kris rolled her eyes. "I even told him where to order them from."

Sam smiled even though her disappointment deepened. Sure, she'd known that the Valentine's Day gesture was mainly for the benefit of her parents. Still, she'd wanted to believe that Adam did think a little bit of her, and that was why he had them sent. Turned out Kris should get the credit.

The final boarding call announcement was being made for their flight and Sam reluctantly followed her parents toward the gate entrance. She looked back and waved at the three, still hoping that Adam would at least give her another big hug. But he remained where he was beside Trey and Kris, waving back.

Would he miss her at all?

"You've got to be kidding me," Adam said, staring in disbelief at the confused-looking woman at the reception desk of the Byron Bay resort where the wedding of his cousin John and his fiancée Bella would be taking place that afternoon.

"I'm sorry, sir, but that's what's been booked according to our system," the receptionist said apologetically.

"It should have been changed. Sandy Burns and I are not supposed to be sharing. Could you move me to another room, please?"

"I'm afraid we're fully booked, sir."

Adam ran his hand through his hair. This was ridiculous. How could the bride and groom's wedding planner get this wrong? He'd advised both John and Bella a month ago that he and Sandy had split up. Bella had assured him that her planner, who was organising everything including flights and accommodation for the wedding guests, would make the necessary adjustments. Obviously, instructions didn't get to the right people.

"I'd need to book into another hotel then," Adam said to the desk clerk. "Could you assist me with finding nearby accommodation, please? I'd do it myself but I need to get ready for the wedding."

"I'll ask our concierge to make some calls for you," the woman said sympathetically.

"Thank you. I'll check with him after the wedding. For now, I guess I'd need that room key."

*

Adam knocked on the door before opening it. If Sandy was in there, he didn't want to just enter. There was no answer, so he let himself in.

He surveyed the room. It was what you would expect from a pricey five-star resort in the area—opulent and elegant with a warm, country feel. The problem was it had only one king-sized bed. Oh well, not that it mattered. He wouldn't be sleeping there anyway. He just needed to use the room to get changed for the wedding, which would be starting in fifteen minutes at the resort's gardens.

Sandy's suitcase was there, so she must already be mingling with other guests. Why didn't Sandy warn him there'd been a mistake and that they were in a same room? Did she even try to fix the problem?

He exhaled harshly. Was the mistake deliberate? It wouldn't surprise him if Bella didn't instruct her wedding planner about making the changes. Being one of Sandy's oldest friends and the person who'd introduced Sandy to him, Bella was still keen for them to get back together.

Well, no point stewing about it. He'd check into his new hotel after the wedding.

He heard the door click and in walked Sandy. He hid his grimace. No doubt he'd be sitting next to her at a couples' table during the reception dinner. He wasn't looking forward to that.

"Hi, Adam. I saw you arrive downstairs. Too bad the hotel's fully booked, huh?" she said, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek.

"The booking should have been changed weeks ago," he responded. "I'll let John and Bella know their wedding planner stuffed up. Anyway, I'm not staying here tonight."

"What do you mean? Where will you be staying?" Sandy asked, surprised.

"Don't know yet. I've asked reception to find another accommodation for me. I'll know later."

"I heard most of the good hotels around the area are fully booked for this weekend. Some of the guests are sharing a room together because there was nowhere else to go."

He stared at Sandy, hoping she was wrong.

"Anyway, if they find a room elsewhere for you, great. Otherwise, I don't mind sleeping on the couch," Sandy said.

He frowned. "I'm sure they'll find something. But if not,
I'm
sleeping on the couch, you take the bed."

"It would be too uncomfortable for you, Adam. The couch is not long enough, but it's perfect for me.
You
take the bed."

He shook his head. "Let's not discuss this unless we absolutely have to. I'll just go get changed."

"I'll wait for you. I thought we could go downstairs together."

He opened his mouth to protest, but decided there was no harm in that.

*******

"Wasn't that a great party?" Sandy commented as they went back to their room. "I'm so tired, but I'm still buzzing. It'll probably take me a while before I fall asleep."

Adam smiled his agreement, feeling amenable even though he'd received the bad news that nearby hotels were also fully booked. Those with vacancies were a good distance away.

Since it was only for one night, and Sandy seemed to be behaving reasonably well, he didn't feel as against sharing the room with her as he'd been when he first found out he had to. Besides, he was also feeling upbeat courtesy of the wonderful food and great entertainment from the wedding reception.

"Do you mind if I use the bathroom first?" Sandy asked.

"Of course not. Go ahead," he responded.

While Sandy was having a shower, he fixed the sofa with a pillow and spare blanket. He lay down, trying it out.

Damn it, he was too tall. It would be a long, uncomfortable night. But he had no choice but to put up with it. It would be very ungentlemanly of him if he let Sandy sleep on the couch.

He glanced at the bed, knowing it would be cozy. It reminded him of Sam and how he would have loved it if she were his date tonight. He missed her and couldn't wait for her arrival back in Sydney next weekend. He was pleased she was able to arrange her move so quickly.

He was glad and more than relieved that her dad's initial test results from the biopsy were negative. That was excellent news, although Ted's doctor wanted him to have further tests sooner rather than later.

He wondered what Sam was doing now. She was probably asleep already. Oh, what he'd give to be sleeping with her tonight.

*******

Adam came out of the bathroom and found Sandy lying on the sofa, playing with her phone.

"Hey, I told you I'm taking the couch," he protested.

"Adam, I'm fine here. I'm short enough to be comfy. Stop arguing and take the bed," Sandy replied.

"Fine. But don't say I didn't offer."

Sandy laughed. "I know what a gentleman you are, Adam. Even though you can be a devil sometimes."

He let the comment pass, knowing Sandy would only need the tiniest hint of encouragement to continue with her teasing banters.

He got in the bed, pleased that he was right about how comfortable it was. He closed his eyes, thinking of Sam.

*

Adam stroked Sam's bare leg, then let his hand travel to her belly. Why was she still wearing her nightie? Wasn't she supposed to be naked? He pulled her closer, her back against his front, and kissed her shoulder. She ground her butt against his erection, making him groan in pleasure. He groped for the hem of her lingerie, eager to cup her breast underneath her clothes.

"Mmm, yes, Adam," Sam moaned.

Except that she didn't sound like Sam.

The voice was Sandy's.

Adam snatched his hand away and sat up abruptly, sleep leaving him as reality became clear.

"What the hell are you doing in the bed?!" he asked incredulously. Jesus. He was dreaming of Sam but was touching Sandy.

"The couch was too uncomfortable and I couldn't sleep. The bed was big enough so I thought you wouldn't mind. You're the one who started caressing me."

He rubbed his face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

"I don't mind," Sandy said in a sultry voice, reaching out for him.

He shook his head and got out of bed.

"Where are you going?" Sandy asked in alarm.

"I'm getting up."

"It's way too early. It's only six-thirty."

"Sandy, you and I are not gonna happen again," he said with conviction.

"Sure. But you're still hard, Adam," Sandy said, running her hands slowly over her breasts. "I don't mind helping you with that. Just for this morning. We'll forget about it after we leave this room."
 

He gulped. His dream of Sam had given him a raging hard-on that hadn't gone away even with his rude awakening. But he was pleased to get confirmation that he was no longer susceptible to Sandy's temptations like he'd been in the past. He turned and went to the bathroom, locking the door.

*******

A big smile split Adam's face as he answered his ringing phone.

"Hey, Sam," he greeted.

"Hi, Adam. How's everything going?"

"Good, thanks. Just got back from Byron Bay. I'm in a taxi on the way home now."

"Byron Bay?"

"Yeah. Didn't I tell you? That was where my cousin had his wedding."

"Oh, right. I knew the wedding was yesterday but I didn't know it was at Byron Bay. How long were you there for?"

"Just one night."

"Where did you stay?"

He told her, suddenly not wanting to discuss the accommodation further, considering the mix-up that had happened. He'd hate for Sam to know he'd spent the night with Sandy, even though nothing had happened.

"Oh, I've heard so many great things about that place," Sam gushed. "What was it like?"

"It was good. The garden where the ceremony was held was beautiful, and they put on a fantastic wedding reception. Anyway, how have you been?" he asked, keen to change the subject.

"Good, thanks. The reason I called was to give you some warning that you might be getting some of my mail at your home address. I've already done a redirect at the post office to my new place, but some of my personal mail would still go to the practice's PO box. My mum sorts through those so she'd be posting mine to your place. There shouldn't be many, if at all. Just thought I'd let you know. And I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not. That's no problem. Is everything all set for your move?"

"Yes. I'm staying at my parents' now until I leave next week. My apartment's being emptied and cleaned so I can have it rented out."

"I'll pick you up next week," he offered.

"Oh. Thanks. But Kris and Trey are already picking me up. I'm staying with them for a week because my new Sydney place that my parents don't know about won't be ready yet."

"Whatever would your mum and dad say when they learn that your boyfriend didn't bother picking you up at the airport?" he teased.

Sam laughed. "Well, unless one of us tells, they'll never know."