Sam opened the door to her apartment, bone tired after the turn-around trip to Singapore. The good news, was that she'd been able to re-establish the confidence of her Asian associates. The bad news, was that they were nervous in the first place. At this point, working to squelch any more rumors was pointless. She needed to hold a conference and she needed to do it sooner than later.

The bright spot in her otherwise dreary evening was the large bouquet, set in the middle of the breakfast bar. She smiled, admiring the arrangement of bright orange begonias, birds of paradise, and daisies. Stone knew how to pick flowers, that was for sure. Sam wondered how in the world he’d procured such a bouquet. Getting that arrangement in New York, in winter, would have cost him a fortune.

The concierge showed polite concern when he'd retrieved the beautiful arrangement for her. He'd asked if everything was alright, or if she had a new suitor. Sam recognized that he thought she'd had a death in the family and was receiving condolences. That made her laugh.

Sam never received things to her apartment, so it wasn't unreasonable for the man to think something terrible had happened. She’d thanked him and reassured him that all was well, and yes, she had met someone, though she didn't think it warranted this kind of gesture.

The concierge smiled kindly, told her that she was the kind of woman who would say exactly that, and would attract the kind of man who would send such flowers.

"Is there anyone you'd like me to place on the approved visitors list, ma'am?" He'd asked with a hopeful twinkle in his eye.

"No, Roger.” Sam answered with a shake of her head. “No one will be visiting me. It's not like that. Thank you though."

* * *

Sam was ready to collapse into bed when her phone rang. She considered not answering it, but he'd sent her those beautiful flowers, so she pressed the accept button, and smiled when she said, "Thank you for the beautiful flowers, Stone."

"You're welcome, Love. I was trying to make the end of your week a little brighter. How'd I do?"

"You did great.” She smiled even though she knew he couldn't see her.

"You doing alright, Sweetness? You sound real tired."

She smiled at his concern. It must be her exhaustion getting the better of her, making her feel so sappy.

"I'm okay. Actually,” She admitted. “I’m exhausted.”

"Why so tired? Long week for you?"

"Ha! You can say that again. Nothing like jumping right back into the fire. I just got back from Singapore. Had to take care of some business there."

"Wait." He halted with surprise. "You were just to Singapore and back? Isn’t that a twenty-plus hour flight? Why in the world would you do that to yourself?"

He sounded incredulous, and it irritated her.

“I didn't have a choice.” She told him defensively. “I had to do some clean-up and I had to do it in-person. I literally just walked in the door, and Stone, I’m so, so tired. Thank you for the flowers. That was really sweet of you, but I’ve got a big meeting tomorrow so I really need to get some sleep."

"Right.” He conceded. “You do need to sleep, but I’ve got another package for you. Should be at your door by now."

"Ok.” She sighed wearily. “I didn't hear the bell. Roger didn't say anything about another package."

"Why don't you check? It'd be great for you to tell me if you like it or not. I'll stay on the phone while you get it."

The man sounded way too excited. He'd already gotten her flowers. That was more than enough. Reluctantly, she walked across the expansive room to the entryway.

"Ok.” She said to him. "I'm checking now."

Opening the door, her breath caught in her throat, because there was Stone, looking like he'd just stepped off some kind of photo shoot. He wore dark grey slacks that hugged his muscular thighs perfectly, and a soft, knit sweater that made her wish to be lost in it. His dark hair was a perfect mess. How does he always look so good? Sam kept that thought to herself while she pressed the end button on her phone with a laugh.

"Stone!” She grinned up at him. "What are you doing here? What if I had still been out of the country?"

He shrugged, grinning back at her with that look in his eyes that made her knees go weak.

“I could have stayed somewhere else if you weren't home, but it was worth a shot. I wanted to surprise you. Think I did a fair job of that, didn’t I?"

"Yes.” She agreed, reaching to pull him inside. "You definitely surprised me."

"Well, I said I’d visit, didn't I? You should be expecting me at any moment."

"You're ridiculous.” She chided, but she was laughing all the same, so happy to see him. "Most people just call, ask if they can come over.”

Stone gathered her into his arms and she melted against him, thinking he must have magical reviving powers, because she suddenly didn’t feel so tired.

"Hm." He hummed, kissing the top of her head. “I see I’m going to have to work harder to prove I’m not most people."

He pulled back to look down at her. Her heartbeat sped up at the fire blazing in his eyes.

"Do you want to show me your apartment now, or later?" Stone asked, his voice going to that low timber. He twined his fingers into her hair even as he asked the question, and she shivered at the tingle running down her spine. "Because I have to tell you, Sam.” He whispered against her skin, using her hair to gently tug her head back, giving him access to her neck, to that spot right below her ear that made her squirm when his lips brushed over it. “I’ve been craving your sweet body from the moment you got on that plane."

His words were like honey, melting over her, taking her inhibitions and reservations with them. His touch was fire, scorching the battlefield of her mind, leaving only hot desire in its wake.

"Later." Sam managed between breaths, as Stone lit her up with each kiss, lick and nibble.

* * *

Stone looked across Sam's apartment at the floor-to-ceiling windows on the far side and nearly groaned at the image that popped into his mind. Sam liked it when he took control and he liked to take it. Tonight, he would test her a little, see exactly how much she would allow him.

"Sam." He breathed against her neck. "Take off your clothes for me." He stepped back to give her some room, keeping his gaze steady on her when she hesitated.

"Here?” She asked shyly, and he struggled to not chuckle at how cute she was.

"Can anyone see inside?” He asked, crossing his arms over his chest, smiling when she involuntarily licked her lips, her eyes fixed on the biceps bulging beneath his sweater.

"No." Sam answered, drawing her eyes back to his. "We're so high, it doesn't matter, but all you can see from the outside is a darkened window."

“I’ve a bit of a fantasy." Stone spoke slowly, letting his voice go deeper. "Will you allow me to play it out with you?"

He watched the flash of nerves move across her eyes, pleased when it was quickly replaced with the desire that had been there moments ago.

"Yes.” She breathed.

It took all his willpower to not pick her up and carry her over to that window right then. His consolation in that moment was the thought of how sweet the slow burn was going to be.

"Take off your clothes." He told her again.

"Slowly."

Dear god, she was going to combust. Sam was burning up and dripping wet. Stone just stood there, watching her, looking completely cool. She had never taken her clothes off in a sensual way for a man, wasn't totally sure what the best way to do it was. She wanted to be sexy, desirable, to make him as hot as he was making her. If she had an inner sex-goddess, now was the time to channel her.

Sam dropped her chin, let her eyes flutter shut, and began swaying to the rhythm playing in her mind. It was a slow, seductive beat, and she moved her hands slowly up her sides, over her ribs, let her fingertips barely brush the underside of her breasts. Then back down again, she unzipped the side zipper on her slacks, thankful they were the flared style that fell effortlessly to the floor. She stepped out of them, smiling when she heard his sharp intake of breath.

Beneath the slacks, she wore sheer, black stockings with lace garters. Wearing sexy, feminine satin and lace had become part of her trademark. It was part of who she was. Truly, Sam couldn't imagine wearing anything else, and tonight she was grateful for it.

She opened her eyes and locked onto his as she slowly, slowly, began undoing the silk blouse. Her hips kept swaying, her fingers moving with deftness and purpose, caressing her skin inch by inch as she moved lower. Her aim was to turn Stone on, but she was doing it to herself too.

She kept her eyes on his, her own desperate need reflected in the fire she saw there. She shrugged out of her blouse in a smooth motion, and now she was moving before him in nothing but a sheer lace demibra, the tiniest matching panties, and those stockings.

"My god, woman.” Stone’s voice was dark and husky. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are?"

Sam just smiled, because no, she’d never given thought to being sexy on purpose.

She continued to move, the beat in her mind louder now. Sam lost herself in surrender to her dance of seduction. She caressed her breasts with her palms, then pushed her hands upward, over her chest, her neck, driving her fingers through her hair and releasing it. She could see that his self-control was slipping, and she reveled in the power of it. One last thing should push him over.

Hooking her thumbs into the thin strap of her panties, she turned, bent forward to slide them down, give him a show he wouldn't be able to resist.

"Stop." Came the gruff command that halted her movement.

She stood slowly and looked over her shoulder, confused for a moment before he said, "I'll do that part."

“Take off your bra.”

She slipped out of the garment, letting it fall to the floor.

“Go stand in front of the window. Put your hands on the glass."

A little thrill shot through her. She put a sway in her hips, walking on the balls of her feet, giving him the best view she could. When Sam reached the window, she leaned forward, placed her hands on the glass in front of her, and looked back over her shoulder.

"Like this?" She asked in the sultriest voice she could summon.

Stone’s eyes flashed, and he closed the distance between them with a few stalking strides. “You’re doing beautifully, Love,” He murmured to her, one big hand moving slowly, sensuously over her bottom, up her back, grabbing a handful of hair, turning her head forward again. “Working so hard to bring my fantasy to life.”

He pressed his hips against her backside, and leaned forward, his breath hot on the back of her neck, making her shudder when he kissed her lightly there. Once, then twice, before moving to the other side.

“I’ve have to say, Samantha,” His hand still held her hair, not enough to cause real pain. Just enough to let her know exactly who was calling the shots, exactly how this night was going to go. “You make me want things I haven't wanted in a long time.” His other hand found the round globe of her bottom and caressed it smoothly.

If Stone hadn’t been holding her there, with her hands pressed firmly against the glass, Sam was certain she’d be reduced to a quivering mass on the floor. She was so aroused, she could hardly bear it.

“You make me feel a bit savage, Sweetness."

Sam yelped when that hand that had been caressing suddenly smacked her, the sting of it quickly subsiding, turning to warmth that spread across her as he caressed her again. Stone released her hair, and she let her chin fall forward, moaning when his hands moved down her thighs while he placed open-mouthed kisses along her spine.

“I love this body." Stone murmured, continuing the slow assault with his lips and hands. Everywhere he touched, tendrils of electricity morphed into heat pooling low in her belly. She could feel her own arousal seeping through the sheer panties. Her arms trembled, barely holding her up where she leaned into the glass. She just wanted him to touch her.

"Stone, please.” She begged. "Please touch me."

"You want me to touch you Sweetness?"

"Yes.” She whimpered.

Stone chuckled darkly. “Where do you want me to touch you, Love?”

“Here?” He ran his hands across her rib cage, around to palm her breasts. She sighed, then groaned when he pinched both nipples.

“Or here?” He ran his hands back across her stomach, down the front of her thighs, his thumbs so close to where she needed them to be, but he kept moving, torturing her.

“Stone,” She panted. “I think I’ll die if you don’t touch me.”

“Ah, Sweetness. I can’t have that. You’ve been so good, so perfect here, giving me everything I want. Working so hard for me.”

“Spread your legs for me, Love.”

She did. Probably more than she needed to, but she couldn’t stand it any longer. Sam’s need for him was so great, she would have done almost anything he asked.

When he ran his thumb between her cheeks, hooking into her panties, pulling them to the side, her heart stuttered. When he ran a finger across the seam of her, then pushed inside, growling, “So wet for me,” against her skin, her legs shook. But when he brought that other hand around to the front of her, found that sensitive bundle of nerves, stroked once, twice, three times, she disintegrated with a sob, her knees failing her.

Stone held her in a firm grasp, letting her come down slowly. “Bedroom?” He asked, sweeping her into his arms.

“Last door.” She barely managed, her eyelids unbelievably heavy. Before Stone made it to her bedroom door, she was drifting into darkness.

* * *

"Are you watching me sleep again?" Sam asked happily when she woke to the feel of his warm gaze on her.

“I told you it was my favorite pastime." He replied, his voice husky from sleep. “I think I need to say it's my second favorite though." He paused for a moment, running his hand over her hip. "Yeah, definitely my second favorite."

"What time is it? She asked, not opening her eyes, enjoying his touch.

"Almost eight. What time do you need to be at the office?"

“I don't have to go until later. We have a big meeting, but I need to call Carla.” She slipped out of bed, loving the way his eyes heated as they traveled across her naked body. Sam knew she had a great body. She worked hard to stay in fighting shape, but the thing that made her uncomfortable was the way his eyes lingered over the tattoo adorning the left side of her shoulder and breast. He hadn't asked her about them again, but she knew he was waiting for her to tell their story.

She would tell him. She just had to work up the courage to do it. If he insisted on hanging around, making her feel for him, working his way into her life, she would have to tell him. It hadn't happened yet, that she'd fought him instead of the sheets during one of her nightmares, but if he kept sleeping with her, she knew it would. Then he'd definitely want an explanation. She pushed the thoughts from her mind and smiled, peering at him from lowered lashes.

"Shower?” She asked in her most innocent voice.

"Oh. Definitely." Stone swung out of the bed himself, letting her get an eyeful of the body he’d put some work into. He covered the distance between them quickly, causing her to squeal when he swept her up effortlessly to carry her to the shower.

It was nearly ten, when they finally emerged from the steaming bathroom. Sam had imagined sex in her shower, but what they'd done blew all her imaginations right out of the water. She was smiling, wrapped in her plush, blue robe, sitting cross-legged on the leather sofa when she finally dialed Carla.

"Hey sleepyhead." Came Carla's chipper voice on the other end of the line. "How did it go with the boys overseas?"

“It was fine." Sam sighed. "They just needed reassurances that they won’t be cut out if our deal goes through. We need to talk about our meeting today. I'll catch you up with the other stuff once that's done. Tell me what you've got and we'll fine tune what we need to, what we can, on this truncated schedule."

Stone sat in the soft armchair opposite Sam after he brought her the coffee he'd made for the two of them and listened to her conversation. The girl he'd met at the ranch. The woman who’d surrendered so completely to him last night. The woman who made him ache, made him lose control and reveled in it, that woman was not the woman he listened to now. At least, this was a totally different side to her. He was having a hard time wrapping his head around it.

He listened to her talk about the deal she was working on, the factors at play, the players factoring in, and if he closed his eyes, he would have sworn he was listening to a fifty-five year old CEO who'd been doing this their whole life.

Samantha was smarter than he'd given her credit for. Harder than he'd wanted to admit. She was a woman who did what needed to be done to achieve a desired outcome. He'd been frustrated at what he thought was her hiding herself away from him, but now, he realized she might not know how to do anything else. The fact that he was sitting in the same room while she conversed with Carla about the biggest deal she would ever make, told him everything she couldn't put into words.

Samantha trusted him.

He stood and walked to the wall of windows. As he looked out over the city that meant nothing to him except a place where a series of business transactions were executed, Stone wondered if his current transaction would work in his favor, or to his detriment. He turned when he heard her sign off with Carla, and smiled when she rose to walked toward him.

"Admiring the view?” She asked, wrapping her arms around his waist, leaning into him.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “It's an amazing view."

"It's why I bought this place.” She remarked. “I loved the openness, the light, the view. It's never truly dark here. The city lights are always shining.”

She tilted her head up and kissed the stubble that had formed along his jaw.

"Are you hungry?” She asked. "Because I’m starving.”

He gave her a squeeze. “I’m famished. Noticed you don't have much food in here either."

“I just got back from the ranch, then left for Singapore. I haven't had time for shopping. I am a pretty decent cook though."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "You are, are you?"

"Yes.” She nodded. "Is that so hard to believe? I actually enjoy cooking when I can. I'll cook for you sometime. You'll see."

He smiled, thinking it was a very good sign that she was talking about future plans for him.

* * *

As it turned out, they didn't have to go very far for breakfast. The high-rise housed a few eateries, and Samantha took him to one serving a variety of breakfast foods. From the way the staff greeted her by name, with a smile, Stone surmised that she did not cook as often as her little speech led him to believe. Obviously, she'd spent enough time there to build some rapport with the staff.

"What?” She asked when they were seated at her breakfast bar. She with an egg white omelet and another coffee. He with a pile of eggs, bacon, toast and orange juice.

He laughed. "I'm thinking you don't cook as often as you you’d like me to think."

Sam just smirked at him between chews. “I said I like to cook when I can. I didn't say I cook all the time. And yes, I grab breakfast on my way out quite often. Is that a problem?” She asked, peering at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Nope." He shook his head. "Not a problem at all."