SAM HEADED BACK to her office and hit Pepper’s number as she closed the door.
“Sammi?”
Sam sighed in relief. “Thank God.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Pepper, I’m in trouble.”
“Why, what happened?” she squeaked.
“I think I might be falling in lust,” Sam admitted.
There was a brief pause and then the sound of guffawing laughter and the whinny of horses in the background.
Sam dropped her head back against the door. “Pepper?”
“You totally freaked me out! I thought you were really in trouble!”
“I’m sorry. I just don’t know what to do. I’ve never ever felt this way before.”
“I know you haven’t.” Pepper was still laughing. “Who are you lusting over?”
“My boss!”
“Not the hottie on the plane?”
“Who? Oh, no. He’s cute, but nothing compared to my boss. Pepper, he looks like he stepped off the cover of a romance novel, and on top of that, he has this incredible voice. He’s Scottish, but there’s something else there. If Alexander Skarsgård and Craig Ferguson had a baby, he’d sound like him. He has long hair and his name’s Kade, for freak’s sake. Kade! Did his parents do that to ensure every woman on the planet would want to procreate with him?”
“Long hair ala Brad Pitt in Legends?” Pepper asked, a hopeful sound in her voice.
“Yep, pretty much.”
“Ooh,” she said breathlessly. “Holy cow. I might need to push my flight up.”
“I’m losing it, Pep. Seriously, I think this might have been a mistake.” Sam pushed away from the door and sat down at her desk. “I think I should come home.”
“Don’t you dare!” Pepper snapped. “You might be shy, Samantha Christene Moore, but you are no coward. Plus, this is your dream job.”
Sam sighed. “I know, I know. I just don’t know what to do. You know my rule.”
“No mixing business with pleasure, yeah, yeah,” Pepper droned. “Maybe throw that rule in the air and shoot the hell out of it.”
“That’s not a good idea.”
“How do you know? Take a chance for once, Sam. What’s the worst that could happen?”
“I could lose my job.”
“One you don’t actually need, right now, anyway. You have money saved, so if you had to come home and look for another job, you could.”
Sam sighed. “True. I just don’t know if I feel that brave.”
“Brave, schmave.”
Sam snorted.
“Does this fall into the category of being hit by a bolt of lightning wrapped in a rainbow?”
Sam couldn’t stop a giggle. “Oh, Pep. Yes. Really, you should have been an ad-man.”
“Let me tell you what you’re going to do. You’re going to throw caution to the wind and embrace whatever comes your way. Especially, if it’s some hot Scottish guy.”
“Pepper, he’s not interested in me.”
“How do you know? He could be feeling the same thing you are.”
Sam let out a snort of derision. “Ever the romantic, I see.”
“Do me a favor.”
“What?”
“Just go with it. If it’s meant to happen, then let it happen. Fall in love if you can.”
“No! Falling in love with your boss is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.”
“Well, shut my mouth,” Pepper retorted in a mock southern accent. “I mean, even a blind squirrel bumps into an acorn now and then.”
“Pepper, stop. I just need to know what to do until you get here.”
Pepper chuckled. “I just told you.”
“You’re no help.”
“Okay, how about this?” The clank of a gate latching sounded in the background. “Try to get a glimpse of him naked. Maybe he’s a troll under his clothing.”
Sam couldn’t stop the giggle that burst forth. “Oh, Pepper. I miss you.”
“Just about nine weeks now, my friend. I’m counting down the days.”
“Me too.”
“Okay, I just put Jonesy to bed in his stall and now I need a glass of wine and a long hot shower to wash the horse off me.”
“In that order?”
“Maybe I’ll start and end with the wine.”
“Nice. Thanks for the pep talk… pun intended,” Sam said. “I’ll Skype you over the weekend unless I have another crisis.”
“Sounds good. Love you.”
“Love you too.” Sam hung up, dropped her cell phone into her purse, and pulled open her door. She nearly ran into Payton.
“Oh, sorry,” Payton squeaked.
“My fault, Payton.” Sam stepped back. “Come in.”
“Thank you. I wanted to let you know your flat’s ready?”
“My flat?”
“Sorry, your apartment.”
“Really?” Sam’s eyes widened. “I thought it was going to take two weeks.”
Payton shook her head. “Well, there was a slight change. Dr. Gunnach had me make a switch.”
“What? Why?”
Payton hugged her portfolio to her chest. “I’ll let you ask him that.”
Samantha smiled. “Okay.”
“He asked me to see if you’d like to go on over now and make sure it’s acceptable.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine, Payton. I don’t want to interrupt your day.”
“You’re not, and Dr. Gunnach insisted.”
Who is this guy?
“Okay. If he insisted.”
Payton peered down at her open portfolio. “If you like it, we’ll organize your things to be moved from the hotel. Dr Gunnach said he’s available to take you to dinner tonight if you’d like.”
“Did he insist on that as well?”
Payton turned nervous eyes on her. “Oh, he would never, Samantha. Did I make it seem as though he would? I’m so sorry. He just wants to make sure you’re comfortable.”
“I’m sure he does, Payton. Don’t worry.” Sam shut down her laptop and set it in her leather bag, then gathered her purse. “I’m ready.”
“Great. Alasdair is waiting downstairs.”
Sam followed her from the office and locked it. “Are you sure this isn’t keeping you from something far more important?”
“Right now, Samantha, you are my priority.”
There was a finality in her statement. Like Samantha would have no chance of arguing with her or trying to make Payton change tack. They made their way downstairs and slid into the ever-familiar car that Alasdair stood sentry over.
They drove around the block and pulled up in front of the building Kade had motioned to earlier. “Okay, seriously, Payton, we could have walked.”
“Well, you’re free to walk on your own time.”
“I take it running with me in the morning wouldn’t be in your wheelhouse.”
Payton’s face contorted in horror. “I don’t run. Not even when being chased.”
Sam giggled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Payton grinned. “I have some errands to attend to this afternoon, so Ali’s going to wait here for me.” She climbed from the car.
Sam followed.
The lobby of the building was somewhat unassuming, but the doorman was friendly and grinned at the ladies as he held the elevator door for them.
“Alan, this is Dr. Moore. She’ll be on thirty-two,” Payton said.
“Aye, Miss McFadden. I’ll watch after her.” He turned to Sam. “Welcome.”
Sam smiled. “Thank you.”
Once they stepped off the elevator, Payton led Sam down a long hallway. She slid the key into the lock and pushed open the door. “Here you go. If there’s anything you need, let me know and I’ll make a note.”
Sam walked into the apartment and her mouth gaped open. Old met new in the large room. Floor-to-ceiling windows faced the university and the jogging path Kade had shown her earlier. The apartment was tastefully furnished with slim-lined and classic furniture. There were two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Payton called one of the bathrooms an en suite… the one Sam would have referred to as the master… but either way, the place had plenty of room for her and Pepper.
“It’s beautiful, Payton.”
“So you approve, then.”
“Of course I approve. I can’t imagine who wouldn’t.”
Payton smiled. “Excellent. Is there anything you’d like changed?”
Sam shook her head. “Nothing. It’s exquisite.”
Payton’s phone rang and she answered it. “Hello, Dr. Gunnach. Oh, yes, we’re here now. Yes, she’s very happy. Yes, she is happy with it. I’m uncertain. Shall I ask her?” She pulled the phone away. “Would you like to join Dr. Gunnach for dinner?”
“I actually thought I might unpack and then order in. Is there a pizza place close by that delivers?”
“Yes.”
“Great. Then I think I’ll order in and take a rain check on dinner.”
Payton nodded and relayed the message to Kade before hanging up. “Let’s head on over to the hotel so we can get you checked out.”
* * *
Samantha loved her new place. After she’d checked out of the hotel, her bags were delivered to the apartment and she went about unpacking. Payton had left her the number to the local pizza place and once she’d taken a shower and dressed in sweats and a tank top, she ordered a large combination. Gluttony, she knew, but she was surprisingly hungry and at least she’d have some left over for dinner tomorrow night.
The doorbell pealed and Sam grabbed her purse and made a run for the door, her stomach growling. She pulled the door open as she rifled through her wallet. “What do I owe you?”
“Nothing.”
Her head whipped up and she found Kade holding a pizza box and a bottle of wine, grinning on the threshold. He was entirely too gorgeous to be legal.
“What are you doing here?”
“Pizza delivery guy isn’t working for you, eh?”
She laughed. “I don’t tip unless you’re wearing the hat.”
“Ah. I’ll remember that next time.”
Sam waved her hand. “Come in.”
She stepped aside and Kade walked in. Sam noted his jeans and soft long-sleeve tee. Totally opposite of the buttoned-up suit he was wearing today. He was even better looking, if that were possible.
She glanced down at her sweats. New though they were, they were still sweats. She wore no make-up, and her hair was pulled up into a scrunchy. She groaned.
“Um, how did you…”
“Know what kind of pizza you liked?” he finished.
She raised an eyebrow. “I was going to ask how you got hold of my order, but we can go with that.”
He grinned. “They accidentally delivered to me.”
“Oh? I’m sorry. I must have given them the wrong address.” She rummaged in her purse. “I wrote it down. It’s somewhere in here.”
Kade chuckled. “No, Samantha. I live here too.”
She let out a nervous squeak and then cleared her throat. “Excuse me?”
“Down the hall. We’re on the same floor.”
She let out a relieved breath. “Oh. Right. Sorry. I didn’t know.”
“No worries.” Kade glanced back at her. “Do you drink wine?”
She nodded as she closed the door. “Religiously.”
“I hope you like red. If not, I have white at my place.”
“No, I love red.”
Sam followed him to the kitchen and watched as he pulled cabinet doors open looking for glasses and plates. Then it dawned on her that he’d hijacked her evening.
* * *
Kade watched her surreptitiously, hoping she wouldn’t object to him being there. When Payton delivered the message that Samantha had wanted a quiet night in, he’d been philosophical about her decision… for about an hour. Then he’d realized he had no idea how he’d get through the evening without seeing her.
Payton mentioned she’d given Samantha the number of the local pizza delivery place, and he’d called the store at least four times before her order was confirmed. Once it was, he changed the delivery address to his and put his plan in motion.
He was somewhat taken aback by how fast his heart raced as he waited for her to open the door. He felt like a teenage boy with his first crush all over again. She’d answered the door, and he’d nearly bound her right then and there. She was stunning in no make-up and her hair pulled away from her face.
Kade went through the kitchen looking for what he needed. She watched him, but not in suspicion. More like curiosity with a little confusion mixed in.
He set the corkscrew on the counter and glanced up at her. “I’m sorry, Samantha, have I pushed my way in? Would you like me to leave?”
She seemed to contemplate the question for a few seconds and then she leaned over the counter and hummed. “That depends. If you leave, do I get to keep the wine?”
He shook his head. “No. It’s a package deal.”
She wrinkled her nose. “In that case, please stay.”
Kade laughed. “I see where I lay in your list of priorities.”
“What can I say?” She grinned and opened the pizza box. “I’m ruled by food and drink.”
He grinned and poured her a glass of wine. She grabbed serviettes and took two large slices of pizza, setting them on her plate. Carrying her wine and food to the sofa, she set everything on the coffee table. Kade followed.
She sat cross-legged on the couch, her back against the armrest, and smiled. “So, is there something new with the blood samples?”
“Hmm?”
“Why you’re here. I thought maybe you needed to discuss work.”
He shook his head as he sat facing her. “Honestly, I just thought we could get to know each other.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Is that all right?”
Sam reached for her plate. “I guess that depends on what that means. I don’t like to mix business with pleasure, so to speak.”
This was going to be harder than he thought.
“Well, we’ll keep it professional, then.” He sipped his wine. “You had some questions that I thought I might be able to shed some light on.”
“The royalty one?” Sam grimaced. “Just ignore that. I’m chalking it up to my ignorance of the Scottish monarchy.”
“No, you’re not entirely far off.”
“Oh, really?”
“My lineage is long and complicated.”
“What do you mean, long and complicated?”
“Well, from what I understand, it started in Iceland over a thousand years ago and brought our clan, our family, here.”
“You have roots that far back?” she asked.
He refrained from telling her that his lineage went back a lot longer than that. He wanted to ease her in. “Yes. Fiona’s doing some research, and that’s what we’ve found so far.”
“Wow. History fascinates me.”
“Me too.”
“I can trace my ancestors back to the Civil War, I think, but that’s not nearly as impressive.” She sipped her wine. “Tell me about yours.”
“I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”
Samantha chuckled. “I’ll tell you what I know, but seriously, I don’t think it’ll have much of a wow factor.”
Kade shifted in his seat. She was going to drive him mad before he could bind her, he was sure of it. “Let me be the judge of that,” he said.
“Okay. Fire away.”
“Iceland was under Norwegian rule until 1380. That’s when we came under the control of the Danish Crown. We were forced to give everything to Denmark, including our autonomy. The Danes didn’t see us as worth protecting, so they didn’t try to stop pirates from attacking our coastlines. In 1420, my ancestor chose to take the clan away. We sailed here.”
Sam smiled. “I thought I heard an accent other than Scottish. Do you still speak Icelandic?”
He nodded. “I do. I also speak Gaelic and French.”
“So you’re a genius, then?”
Kade chuckled. “No, I just had very strict parents.”
Sam bit her lip, making Kade want to kiss her. She was stunning. “Do you live near your parents?”
“My father has passed on, but my mother’s a few hours away.”
“Were you born here?”
“No. My brothers and sister and I were born in Iceland, although we’ve been here for many years. In fact, we changed our name shortly after arriving here. We used to be Haarde, but took on Gunnach as we acclimated to Scotland.”
“Haarde? As in Haarde Pharmaceuticals?”
He nodded. “One and the same.”
“Wow.” Samantha cradled her wine glass in her palms. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be raised in a different country. I was born in the same town I just left. This is the first time I’ve been outside the States.”
“There’s comfort in that, don’t you think?”
She shrugged. “I suppose. I tend to think of it more as boring.”
He squeezed her knee. Perhaps too intimate, but Kade couldn’t stop himself from touching her. “I can’t imagine there’d be anything boring about you.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “How does the clan thing work? Do you have a name and a tartan and everything?”
He chuckled. “We do. Clan Gunnach.”
“Well, I feel dumb now.”
“Why?”
“Logic would suggest your clan name would be your last name.”
“Perhaps, but there are many other names within our clan.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, so your family is the head of the clan, so to speak?”
He grinned. “You could say that.”
“Which means you are royalty… at least in your own mind,” she joked.
“Exactly.” He tipped his glass toward her. “Your turn.”
“Hmm.” Samantha leaned back against the arm of the couch. “I have a feeling there’s more to the story, but what I remember is that my ancestors were spread out over several states. When they say in movies and books that the Civil War was fought brother against brother, they were probably talking about my family. My great-great-great-great—grandfather, give or take a few greats—fought for the South, and his brother fought for the North. They never healed the breach, and even though I have family in Pennsylvania, we’ve never met. The divide goes deep.”
“Have you ever tried to reach out to them?”
“No. Isn’t that terrible?” She sighed. “That’s not one of my strengths, to be honest. Strangers intimidate me.”
He felt her nervousness and couldn’t stop laying his hand on her knee again. She calmed instantly and didn’t object to his touch, so he kept it right where it was.
“I personally think your story falls into the wow factor category.”
She blushed. “Well, thank you.”
He lifted a photo frame from the console against the sofa. A young woman stood with a black horse covered in blue ribbons, her blonde hair pulled away from her face. Her smile was radiant. He turned the picture toward Sam in question.
“That’s Pepper. At that particular show, she won first in every event, including dressage, which is her worst discipline.” Sam smiled. “She was so happy.”
“She and Connall would have much in common, I think.”
“Oh? Does he ride?”
“Yes. He’s a large animal vet. We refer to him as the other doctor Gunnach.”
Sam smiled. “I’m sure he enjoys that.”
Kade nodded. “He also breeds and trains Thoroughbreds. Mostly race horses, but his philanthropic activities involve anything of the equine variety. He’s helped develop several medications for horses.”
“Wow. Very cool. We’ll have to introduce them, but we won’t tell Pepper about the Thoroughbreds. She’s an Arabian fanatic all the way.” Sam chuckled. “She drilled that into me from a very young age.”
“Do you ride?”
“I do. Well, I used to.” Sam shifted in her seat. “I haven’t for a while. As kids, we used to ride all the time, but then we grew up and high school kept us busy and then I went off to college. I rode mainly because Pepper did, and I enjoyed it, but it’s her passion. I think she’d die if she couldn’t ride. She also wants to be a vet one day. As well as ride for the Olympics and attend drama school.”
“Really?”
Sam giggled. “Yes. She’s the eternal six-year-old. I’m half expecting her to say she wants to win a pageant and be a pretty-pretty princess with a tiara. Her ability to dream while working her fingers to the bone is one of the things I love the most about her. It’s virtually impossible to discourage her.”
Kade smiled. “Tell me about the rest of the pictures.”
Sam picked up a frame and pointed out her family, appearing a little contemplative as she settled it back on the table.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
She smiled at him over the rim of her glass. “I’m thinking that you’re different than many of the people I meet.”
“How so?” he asked.
She shrugged, her face a lovely shade of pink. “I’m going to confess something that I may regret as soon as I’ve done it.”
“You’re safe with me, Samantha. Confess away.”
“I feel totally comfortable with you.”
Kade chuckled. “And that worries you?”
“A little, I suppose. You’re the third person I’ve met since I arrived here that I don’t feel nervous around, and that makes me suspicious.” She cocked her head. “That’s weird, isn’t it?”
“That depends.”
“On?”
“Who the other two are.”
“What if you don’t know them?”
“Hmm, then it’s probably weird.”
Samantha laughed. “Thanks.”
He smiled. “I hope the other two are my employees. I want you to feel welcome.”
“Oh, I do,” she said. “And, yes, Payton is one of them. She’s wonderful.”
“She is invaluable to our company. I often threaten I’m going to steal her away from Duncan.”
Sam pursed her lips. “What does he say?”
“It can’t be repeated in a lady’s presence.”
“He has good taste.” Sam sipped her wine.
“Who’s the other one?” Kade asked, nervous that it might be someone he’d need to pull rank on.
“Oh, he’s no one you know. His name’s Cole. I met him on the plane.”
Kade pulled his hand away. He didn’t want her to feel the full effect of the jealousy rising in him.
“Are you okay?” Sam set her wine on the coffee table.
Damn it. He needed to get control of himself.
“Of course. Why?”
“I just got an unsettled feeling. It’s strange.”
“Strange?”
“Yes, I’ve had these little flutters of panic over the past few days, and I thought it was because I’m in a new place, but…” Sam rose to her feet and rubbed her forehead.
“Samantha? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Everything. I’m sorry.”
He stood and took her hand. “Tell me.”
“I’m telling you entirely too much as it is. This isn’t me.”
He waited until he felt her heart calm and then he smiled. “When did you first have the panicky feelings?”
“When I arrived at the hotel on Friday night and this morning when I got to the office.”
Friday night he’d argued with his sister and this morning, he’d had the heated discussion with Angus.
“Then there was right before I called you about the samples,” she continued.
The news stunned him. Holding Samantha’s hand and doing what only he could as her mate, calming her, he realized he’d underestimated his sister’s connection to Angus.
She took a few deep breaths and he squeezed her hand. “Better?”
“A lot better.” She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know how you just did that, but you seem to have the same effect on me that Valium does.”
“Maybe we’re simply connected on a different level than other people.”
“Right.” Sam pulled her hand from his and took her seat back on the sofa.
He sat down as well and studied her. The depth of his emotion for her was humbling. Both Angus and his sister had described how it felt when they reached the age of mating and discovered they were to be bound to one another, but Kade hadn’t grasped the intensity of Fiona’s emotion. He realized how wrong he’d been to downplay her desperation.
No wonder he’d been willing to marry someone who wasn’t his mate. He had no idea what it felt like to have one. Now was another story. He could never settle for anyone other than Samantha. His challenge would be not to rush her. He couldn’t remember a time a Cauld Ane had been bound with a human, at least, not since he’d been old enough to pay attention to such things.
Her gentle touch nearly had him bounding off the couch. “Kade?”
“Hmm?”
“Where did you go?” She removed her hand from his arm.
“Sorry. I just remembered something I forgot to do.”
“I hate it when I do that.” She smiled. “Do you need to go?”
“Yes, I’m afraid I do.” He rose to his feet again. “But we’ll have to do this again soon.”
She seemed to hold back something and he waited for her to quash his suggestion, but then she surprised him with, “That would be fun.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
She nodded. “Yes. I look forward to it.”
He followed her to the door and leaned down, the desire to kiss her overwhelming, but he kissed her cheek instead and whispered, “Draumur um mig, fallegt.” (Dream of me, beautiful.)
“I don’t know what that means, but it sounds incredible.”
He grinned. “One day I’ll tell you.”
“Maybe I’ll study Icelandic and figure it out,” she challenged.
“If you want to learn, I’d be more than happy to teach you.”
“I may take you up on that.” She pulled open the door. “See you tomorrow.”
“Bye.” Kade stepped into the hallway and waited for her to close and lock her door before heading to his flat. As he slid the key into the lock, he dialed Connall.
“It’s happened,” Connall said when he answered. “Samantha’s the one.”
“Aye.” Kade entered his flat and pushed his door closed. “I’m in a pile of shite, Con.”
“Why? Because your mate’s an empath like me?”
“You picked up on that I see,” Kade said. “But, no, that’s not why.”
His brother laughed. “I thought life was euphoric when you found your mate.”
“Maybe. But what happens when your mate doesn’t know she’s your mate?” Kade countered.
“Good point.”
“Do we know anyone who’s bound a human?”
“Not off-hand. You’ll have to ask Mum.”
Kade groaned. “I’m not there yet, Con.”
“You know Fiona’s probably already told her.”
“I know.” Kade sighed. “But until I confirm it, she’ll hopefully chalk it up to Fiona’s desperate need to be bound.”
“Well, then ask Fiona. She’s spent hours in the archives.”
“I suppose that’s one way to get her speaking to me again.”
“Certainly a more effective way, anyway.”
Kade dropped his keys on the console. “She’s going to want me to go faster with Samantha than I should.”
Connall sighed. “She might surprise you, brother. You still see her as the ten-year-old girl in pigtails. Give her a chance and you’ll see she’s a great ally and friend, even if she’s still our annoying little sister.”
“You’re right. I just get the brunt of her frustration most of the time.”
“That’s because you’re the only one who can help her.” Connall chuckled. “She’s going to have every reason to make sure you and Samantha bond quickly, so she’s going to be on her best behavior.”
Kade rubbed his forehead. “I hope Samantha and I bond quickly, because I had a difficult time keeping my hands off her tonight.”
“I don’t envy you right now, I have to admit.”
“I don’t much envy myself.” Kade flopped onto the sofa. “Hey, can you have Ali look into some guy named Cole for me?”
“Cole who?”
“Don’t know. He was on the plane with Samantha. He sat next to her, apparently. She said she feels comfortable around him…” He had to stop himself from swearing as the jealousy rose.
“And you want her to feel a little less comfortable, right?” Connall finished.
“Aye.”
“We’ll get on it.”
“Thanks. I’m going to call Fiona now,” Kade said.
“Talk to you tomorrow… unless, of course, you need more of my wise words.”
“No. Thank you. But don’t worry, I’ll take advantage of the fact that I have you here for the week. Once you go back to the horses, I’ll lose you again.”
Connall laughed. “Too true.”
“Night.” Kade hung up and dialed his sister.