What are we doing? Sami questioned as the cab she and Brandon had caught at the hotel stopped in front of a pink and blue neon sign. She turned to face Brandon with a curious expression watching as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of dollar bills. He handed some over to the cab driver before opening the door and walking out of the cab. He circled around it to open the door for Sami before offering his hand.
Tonight is going to be full of surprises for you, Brandon continued to extend his hand to her seeing the curious expression on her face. Reluctantly she accepted his hand and allowed him to take her to wherever was on his mind. He smiled down at her before adding, Only good surprises tonight Samantha.I'm going to hold you to that, she paused taking a look at their surroundings, although I'm starting to think we're overdressed.You can never be overdressed for midnight bowling, Brandon teased offering his arm up to her.
Midnight bowling? she repeated tipping her head up to finally read the sign in front of her. She met his eyes again before shaking her head, Brandon, I really don't think thatDon't think, he suggested reaching for her hand and pulling her along with him towards the bowling alley's front door.
she started to protest looking down to the evening gown that she was wearing.
But nothing. Tonight we're going to have some good old fashioned fun and who cares what anyone has to say about us? he wiggled his brow at her suggestively before opening the door. With a nod he smiled at her before motioning for her to enter, After you Samantha. she stood taller holding her head up high as she entered the smoky bowling alley. Almost immediately she wished she hadn't gone first now that she was surrounded by a few people who were at the bar looking like they'd just gotten off of work. Everyone was in casual mode, yet here she was standing in the middle of the room in an evening gown that undoubtedly made her look like the runaway bride. Of course given her history and the tears stains still on her face from earlier, maybe they would think of her as the one who was left at the altar again.
Brandon's voice roused her from her thoughts as he placed his hand on her shoulder gently, Come on. We're going to be late. she replied a curious expression on her face. She turned to him seeing the same air of confidence and amusement that he'd held with him in all the years they'd known one another.
Glow bowling starts in a short while and I thought you might enjoy that, he explained motioning for her to follow him. They walked over to the counter and got some bowling shoes before picking out a couple of balls for their adventure. Within a short few minutes they were at one of the lanes seated in the chairs.
I can't believe we're doing this, she finally blurted out seeing a few others getting ready for the glow bowling experience, When you said we were leaving I didn't think bowling would be where we were headed.I thought you've learned to expect the unexpected with me, he reminded her with a playful laugh.
I guess I forgot what it was like to have fun, she replied taking a look around the bowling alley before seeing Brandon stand up and move over to take his bowling ball. He moved forward, stepping up to the lane and threw it immediately getting a strike in his practice shot.
Your turn Samantha, Brandon replied turning back just enough to eye her over his shoulder, In case you need some warming up before the game starts.I don't need warming up, she announced standing up and taking a step forward. She paused for a moment looking down to see the bowling shoes that she was wearing. She couldn't help but laugh knowing full well that she had to look ridiculous in the dress especially now that she and Brandon looked like the bride and groom wannabes. With that thought in mind, she turned to face him again seeing that he'd discarded his jacket and his tie. His shirt was unbuttoned on the top few buttons and the expression on his face made it clear that he'd had his mind set on helping her find a way to forget about everything else for a little while. Smiling, she moved forward reaching out to pull her bowling ball from the area it was resting on. Bringing it up in the air, she snubbed her nose at him before moving past him, I've always been good at this.Show me what you've got then, Brandon nodded keeping his eyes on her now that she moved towards the lane. She threw her arm back and swung the ball forward only to send it right into the gutter without hesitation. Unable to repress the urge Brandon couldn't help but laugh, Um, the last time I checked Samantha it was suppose to go down the center of the lane, not down the side.
Curling her lip in a pout, she turned to face him again with a frown, That was only because you distracted me. he blinked back at her catching the small glare she was giving him.
If you wouldn't have been standing there staring at me like that I would've done just fine, she mouthed in response shaking her head in protest. You were making me feel self-conscious.I was making you feel what? he couldn't help but laugh, Samantha, you and I both know that would never happen. You're far too head strong for that.Brandon, I'm telling you that you were making me feel self-conscious, she explained again as her ball returned to her, and besides it's not as easy as you would think it is standing here in an evening gown and trying to do this. I mean at least you're in pants andWould you care to swap? he teased catching her wrinkled expression.
Brandon, you're being a dork, she shook her head at him before laughing, although if you're serious I'm sure that you would get a lot of notice in a dress right about now. Then again if you're wanting to wear a dress, I'm going to have to seriously wonder what's happened to you since the last time we saw one another. Is there perhaps something you want to get off your chest and tell me?Actually now that you mention it, Brandon took a small step forward his dark eyes reaching out into hers, there is a confession that I would like to make right about now.I'm listening, she paused seeing the way he was eyeing her with a sudden interest. She could feel the warmth of his gaze carrying over her, sending tiny shivers racing through her body without a second thought. While she'd given him a hard time earlier and had spent a great amount of her time pretending that there had never been anything between them in the first place there was no ignoring the fact that he was right in front of her now. From the scent of his familiar cologne, to the sexy stance he'd had, she couldn't help but feel her body react to the nearness of him.
The truth to the matter is, Brandon whispered, his words coming out in an alluring tone. She caught the spark of mischief behind his eyes before he leaned in closer to her, his breath sweeping over her in an intimate caress, things have changed Samantha. Tonight I fully intend on beating you at your own game.
Her blue eyes perked up with obvious interest, Is that right? he nodded in further confession, In the past I might have been a gentleman and let you win, but tonight I'm going to show you that I'm still the champion at all of this.In that case I should warn you that you're going to lose miserably, she promised him now that he'd managed to spark an air of competition inside of her, You don't stand a chance Brandon.Hmm, you say that now, but I think I've got pretty good odds in my favor, he teased a hint of a smile threatening to overtake his lips, especially after that gutter ball you just threw.Yeah well maybe I was just doing that to throw you off and make you think that you were actually going to get somewhere, she wiggled her brow at him suggestively before stepping in closer to him, After all one would like to lead you to believe you have a fighting change before I annihilate you.Bring it on Samantha, Brandon dared watching the way her face seemed to light up at the prospect of competition.
You're going to wish you never said that, she warned ready as the lights went off leaving nothing more than the neon glow that surrounded them. She smiled brightly ready to engaged in a good dose of healthy competition now that it was clear she was going to show Brandon just who was the true champion.
What's the score again? Sami sighed tossing her head back with a haughty laugh before motioning to the screen again, Brandon, I can't quite read that. Could you tell me it again?Don't get overconfident Samantha, Brandon shook his head at her while fighting to repress the smirk that carried over him. The game isn't over yet.But it will be for you very soon, she assured him as she adjusted the ponytail in her hair. She looked at the bowling alley around them before doing a tiny shrug. She looked to the scoreboard again before smiling.
There's only a small gap between us Samantha, Brandon reminded her with a laugh, So before you start doing a victory dance maybe you'd be best suited to remember that.After this next shot, you're going to see that the small gap is now huge, she promised sticking her tongue out at him. She threw out one last look of mock menace before she stepped forward reaching for her ball.
We'll see, Brandon mused with a laugh watching her bend down and reach for her bowling ball.
He had to give her credit, he realized seeing the way that she'd managed to tie up the dress just enough so that she had more freedom of the movement in her legs. Of course from where he was seated he couldn't help but appreciate the view now that he was able to take a look at the soft curves that had haunted his dreams since he'd left Salem all those years ago. Even now she was more beautiful than he'd remembered and being near her had him thinking about all the things he'd sworn never to lose himself to when Kate had set them up. He'd left town because he'd loved her, because he'd wanted true happiness for her, yet as he watched her enjoying herself he had to admit that his life hadn't been the same without her. She'd been the only woman that had ever truly made a real impact in his life and now that he was spending time with her, he couldn't help but find himself returning to all those old familiar feelings again.
Keep your head on the game Brandon, he reminded himself trying not to notice the determination that filled Samantha's stride. He attempted to ignore the wiggle in her hips as she sauntered over to the lane knowing full well she was about to put a show on for him. He could feel a confidence that surrounded her, one that was sexier than anything he'd ever seen in a woman before, yet he had to keep things cool and neutral. Tonight he was here for Samantha as a friend and nothing more. She was someone he needed to support, not push his feelings on. Too much time had passed and they were just friends. Nothing more.
Watch this Brandon because it's going to be the beginning of your downfall, Sami promised glancing over her shoulder at him with a playful wink, Hopefully you won't be too wounded once I crush your massive ego with this shot.I'll try not to lose myself to my tears, he brought his hand up over his chest feigning concern as she turned to make her shot. He watched as the pins splashed across the lane once the ball had made it's impact. Unable to contain himself he couldn't help but laugh as she leapt up in the air, jumping up and down excitedly.
Did you see that? Did you see that one Brandon? she pointed at the end of the lane, catching the attention of a few of the other bowlers with her words. She spun around wiggling in her own victory dance before rushing towards him. I kicked your butt plain and simple.I still have one more frame. I think I'd better make the most of it, Brandon shook his head before getting up from where he'd been seated. He moved towards her before feeling her stop to pat him on the shoulder.
It's okay if you're a loser tonight Brandon. I won't hold it against you, she teased with a wrinkle of her nose. I mean we all can't be perfect, now can we?We'll see about that Samantha, he replied moving forward to reach for his ball. He moved forward taking the shot and seconds later the pins went flying across the lane as they had in her shot. He couldn't help but smile as he turned around to face her with a laugh, What is the score again Samantha?I don't believe this, her jaw dropped as Brandon moved to take another shot followed by another. She shook her head as the final score flashed up on the screen indicating that there was a tie between them.
What was that you were saying? he questioned lazily moving in closer to her once again.
I don't believe this, she blinked back at the screen again, I so totally won that one.You almost won that one, but from the looks of it, I guess we proved to each other that there was no real competition between us. We're obviously evenly matched, he mouthed feeling her standing in front of him. Her lips were curved upwards in a smile and he felt her moving in closer to him.
So it would seem, she noted her blue eyes focusing on his soft, full lips before she cleared her throat. You know Brandon, maybe we should give it another try and have a rematch to see who really is the best.I think I already know who the best is, he replied in a dreamy tone wondering if she'd felt the spark between them as well. He wanted to reach out to her, to pull her into his arms and kiss her, but instead he took a step back and cleared his throat uneasily, You know if you want to we can get another game going.I'd like that, she nodded in response before turning her attention to the floor now that a heat carried over her features. Although I think I could use a drink.I'll go get us a couple of them, he suggested sensing her moment of uneasiness, but when I get back just know that this time you won't be so lucky with your game.Bring it on, she replied with a smile again attempting to pull her thoughts back towards the bowling game.
I intend to, Brandon promised reaching out to tap her nose gently with his index finger, and this time you won't be tied with me. This time I'm going to leave you in the dust.Fat chance, she laughed wildly feeling an anticipation carry over her that had nothing to do with the game and everything to do with Brandon. She couldn't help but watch him as he walked over to the bar area. There was just something about him that could always turn her feelings around. He just had a way of getting her to step outside of herself for a few hours to enjoy life and that was something she hadn't done in so very long.
Even now she couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed, the last time that she'd even thought about having fun or even more the last time she'd found herself drawn to another human being. Glancing over at Brandon once again, she couldn't help but notice how sexy he was leaning over the bar in his tuxedo shirt and pants. He was so gorgeous and he didn't even think twice about it, she realized thinking about how hard it was for her not to notice everything about him now that they were in close quarters with one another. Sure, they might have been surrounded by others in the bowling alley, but all she could see was Brandon, the way that his dark eyes managed to reach out to that special place inside of her and make her want to hold onto something again. Sure, she'd felt that the last time she'd seen him, but she'd pushed it aside because she loved Lucas--because she had so much ahead of her with Lucas, yet now that she and Brandon were alone with one another.
she warned herself knowing full well that the last thing she needed to be doing was even considering what it would be like to be close to Brandon again now that it was clear she wasn't meant for happiness. She had loved Lucas with her whole heart and she'd lost him in the worst possible way. To even think about another man right now was undoubtedly the worst kind of betrayal and she couldn't do that. She wouldn't fall for Brandon again.
Hey there hot stuff. I couldn't help but notice your sweet wiggle out there a little while ago, a voice roused her from her thoughts. She looked up to see an oversized man standing in front of her. It was clear from the slur in his tone that he'd obviously drank more than his fill, yet it didn't seem to phase him. He stepped forward, his dark eyes perusing her in a calculating movement that gave her a shiver. You know I don't think your little boyfriend appreciates all your talents, but I'm sure I could if you and I get out of here.No thanks, Sami replied wrinkling her nose at him before stepping over towards the area by the lanes.
Don't be so quick to turn me down, the man stepped up behind her, his words a challenge of sorts while his eyes perused her up and down once again, because I'm sure I could give you a good time hot stuff.I'm not interested, Sami replied not bothering to look back at him for fear of giving the man any further encouragement.
I don't think you're getting it. I wasn't asking you if you'd go with me. It wasn't an option, the man snaked his fingers out around her arm and yanked her in towards him.
Let go of me, she snapped feeling his gaze upon her. She curled her lips in a scowl before glaring up at the man that clearly towered over her. I said I'm not interested.I'm sure I can find a way to make you interested, the man slurred again leaning in closer to her with a newfound determination in his tone.
It's not going to happen, so back off, Sami warned him attempting to wrench her arm away from the much larger man's grasp. She writhed and tugged, but much to her dismay his grip on her tightened. Let go of me!Oh baby, now you don't want to fight me on this, although I don't mind it when a woman gets a little rough with me. It's rather a turn on, the man taunted with a delighted smirk that caused Sami to fall back to another place in time. She blinked a few times before seeing the man transform into EJ right in front of her. You know you want this as much as I do.No I don't, she shook her head frantically feeling a moment of panic press in over her. Instinctively she brought her knee up into his groin and felt him release her without hesitation. She moved forward ready to get as far away from him as possible, but before she could sprint off she felt him grab at her dress taking her down with the movement.
Wrong answer, the man snarled pulling her back towards him with a violent tug that caused the bottom half of her dress to tear.
The lady said she wasn't interested, Brandon's voice reentered the scene as he leapt over the railing between the lanes and the seating area. He rushed forward without hesitation placing himself between Sami and the drunken man.
In the blink of an eye Sami felt the man release her dress and she watched in horror as Brandon threw a punch into the man's face sending him backwards onto the lane again. The man fought back throwing his fists out at Brandon as well, which captured the attention of others in the bowling alley. She stood in fear thinking about how the man's words had reminded her of a time when she'd felt helpless and out of options, but now as the man attempted to get the upper hand on Brandon, she knew she had to react. Marching forward she moved to the area where her ball was waiting for her. She picked it up and took in a small breath before calling out to the two men.
Hey loser, Sami shouted causing the man to look up just enough to bring about a distraction. Brandon managed to step aside as Sami sent her ball forward towards the center of the lane directly at the oversized man. A second later, the man doubled over onto his back with the ball deposited in his abdomen upon impact. He slid a few feet further into the lane and Sami marched forward with a glare in her eyes, No means no jerk.Let's get out of here, Brandon whispered seeing security approaching the area. He reached for her hand and pulled her along with him towards the back exit to the bowling alley. She quickly followed before finding herself thinking about their shoes still up at the counter.
Brandon, we don't have our shoes. If we leave now she started glancing over her shoulder at the crowd that had surrounded where they were.
Forget about the shoes. I'll get you another pair, Brandon explained quickly rushing out into the night with her beside him. He held his hand up flagging down a cab and soon the two were headed back to the hotel.
I can't believe we did that, she couldn't help but laugh thinking about the way that the man had gone down in all of the chaos.
That guy didn't know when to quit, he paused before turning to face her again, Samantha, I'm sorry that I brought you into that. I never should've left you alone considering thatIt wasn't your fault. The guy was a jerk and I would've taken him out sooner except, she paused feeling a shiver overtake her, I guess I just got lost in the moment. I started thinking about Salem and everything that happened with EJ andAnd maybe it wasn't such a good idea for me to take you there, he paused as he looked to the world outside the cab.
No Brandon, she reached out to squeeze his thigh gently, I'm glad that you did because I had fun. I haven't had that in a long time and even if we wound up breaking some kind of law in leaving like we did without returning the shoes, well I have to say it's been one of the greatest nights of my life over the last year.I'm sure you never anticipated being on Chicago's most wanted list for stealing bowling shoes, Brandon couldn't help but tease reaching out to touch her cheek gently.
Well it wouldn't be the first time the law was after me, she joked lightly finding herself leaning into his touch, Everyone in Salem thinks I'm deserving of a jail sentence so maybe this isn't such a stretch.I'll find a way to get us out of trouble before we do any time, Brandon offered up leaning in closer to her only to find himself lost in her blue eyes.
You always have a way of helping me when I need you, she whispered inching up towards him, You always save me from myself when I least expect it.You don't need me to save you, but I'm glad that I'm here right now, he replied in a small whisper, his fingers sliding warmly into her hair. His gaze dropped down to her lips before he inched in closer to her, his mouth a mere breath over hers.
I'm thankful for that that too, she confessed unable to repress the urge to get closer to him. She arched up off of the backseat of the cab longing to feel his mouth over hers again if only for a brief second.
he whispered her name bringing forth a great many sensations rippling through her. She continued to ascend closer to him ready to just taste a kiss after all the time she'd spent away from him, but before she could follow through on her intentions the cab came to a screeching halt.
We're here, the cab driver announced as they were now outside the hotel.
Brandon mouthed dryly forcing himself to pull away from Sami despite what he'd wanted to do. He glanced over at her throwing out a look of longing before he slid back to his side of the cab.
she started seeing him shake his head. He got out of the cab paying the driver before offering his hand to her again. She accepted and the two now stood outside the hotel with one another.
I guess this is where we call it a night, Brandon replied as they entered the revolving doors into the lobby. We both have busy days ahead of us.Brandon I, she paused before giving him a sideways glance, I'm not staying at this hotel. I have a room in another one andI already had your things brought over here. I hope you don't mind, but I thought maybe you might like this better, Brandon replied with a small smile, I don't mean to overstep my boundaries, butNo it's amazing here. I love the room you got for me, she paused feeling a nervousness carry over her, You did get that for me, yes?
He nodded, Yeah, but I'd hoped you wouldn't mind.I don't, she paused another thought carrying over her, but what about you? Where are you staying?
Before he could answer she found herself half hoping he would say that he'd brought her things to his room, that they could share the room for the night and catch up with one another, but much to her dismay he'd offered up his answer.
I'm on the floor above yours, he explained after a pause, but if you need me don't hesitate to ask. she nodded as they made their way to the elevators. She stepped inside and watched him for a long moment thinking about all they'd experienced tonight. he questioned as the elevator doors opened up and they were on her floor.
Thank you, she offered up wanting to say so much more as she started to get off of the elevators. She paused for a moment finding that there was nothing more alluring than seeing him standing in the middle of the elevator, his dark hair messed up from the wind outside, yet he looked like he'd leapt off the pages of a magazine in his tuxedo. She made a small step towards him before drawing in a small breath, for everything. I mean for tonight andYou're very welcome Samantha, he replied flashing her a sexy smile before making a small step towards her, It was worth it to see you smiling again.I needed this, she explained taking in a small breath before seeing the elevator doors starting to close. Unable to refrain from taking a step towards him she pushed her hand between the doors preventing it from shutting. he replied eyeing her intently before she nodded towards the hallway.
Do you think you can walk me to my room? she blurted out feeling foolish for saying it, yet as she felt her pulse quicken in her throat she knew that she couldn't resist the urge to spend another minute with him. Just to be sure that we weren't followed considering that guy was probably pretty ticked off after I threw that ball at him.
Brandon couldn't help but laugh, Yeah that might have upset him a little bit, but it does prove a good point.What's that? she questioned feeling a breath or relief carry over her as he stepped off of the elevator and into the hallway to join her.
That anyone who believes you aren't a fighter is sadly mistaken. You can hold your own against the strongest of men because when it gets down to it, you're stronger than most of us put together, he spoke up encouragingly, reaching out to wrap his arm around her waist in a casual, instinctive movement. At first she thought to comment on it, but instead she leaned into the embrace.
I'm okay, she laughed lightly feeling him move with her down the hallway to her hotel room, though I'm pretty sure I would've gotten arrested if you weren't there.If you would've gone to jail, I would've been right there with you, Brandon assured her with a warm grin, I wouldn't let you fall without being there to help catch you.I know Brandon, she confessed leaning up against her hotel room door and wishing that they hadn't made it to her room so soon. She met his dark eyes wondering if he too felt the strange attraction that she could feel stirring inside of her. She tipped her head back feeling her throat go dry in anticipation of him, of his kiss, but she knew full well that was completely out of line. For her to even think about Brandon in such a fashion especially now just proved that she needed her head examined. She had been miserable for months, in a place that she'd put herself into and for her to even consider someone in her life after the way she lost Lucas was just wrong. Still, she could remember the times they'd shared together--the dreams that she'd had for them when they'd gotten married and even now there was no denying the memory of how it felt to have his arms around her, his lips over hers kissing her and tempting her in all the ways that she'd denied herself for years.
Good night Samantha, he whispered leaning in over her as her heart thrummed in her chest. She closed her blue eyes half anticipating the feel of his lips over hers, the soft caress of his mouth pressing into hers, the first taste of hunger that she knew burned behind Brandon each and every time that they touched, but instead she felt his kiss skim over her cheek tenderly before he stepped back. He reached for her hand offering up a light squeeze before she opened her eye and found him smiling at her, I'll see you tomorrow. she nodded feeling her stomach tangled in knots, Good night, he replied with one last lingering look before turning to the elevator once again. He paused to check over his shoulder and watch her get into her room. She forced herself to push the card key in the door before she too found her eyes falling upon him.
Sweet dreams Samantha, Brandon waved watching her for another moment before she stepped into her room knowing full well that after the night she'd had with Brandon perhaps her dreams wouldn't be filled with nightmares after all for the first time in over two years. Sighing, she leaned up against her door and tried to control what was happening inside of her, but even in the midst of her self-loathing and misery, there was no denying that even now Brandon Walker still had a mysterious effect on her one that she was certain she would never be able to ignore even if she tried.