Sami took a long look at her reflection on the mirror thinking about what tonight's party would mean to her future. While she'd gone out of her way to make things perfect yesterday, she realized that she wasn't even remotely close to having things together. It had been a blessing in disguise that Brandon had surprised her with news that the party was a day later because it gave her time to prepare for the night ahead of her. She'd been exhaustively searching for the right dress--one that would be as classy as her first dress, yet as elegant as the one Brandon had picked up for her, yet it had to have something more. It had to be something that when Brandon saw it would knock his eyes out. Then again it's not like she was trying to impress Brandon, or was she?
Turning towards the back of the elevator to give herself a long once over, she noted the up do she'd gotten done with her long hair leaving only a few blonde ringlets lingering to accentuate her face. The smoky eyes she'd managed to pull together with her makeup offered up a hint of seduction while still being classy as it was finished with a light pink gloss. Everything was in place just like she'd hoped for. Her gold sparkling colored gown was not as bold as the red she'd had when she'd arrived, yet the dress gave her all that she needed to make a statement tonight.
Her blue eyes had sparked with a new determination and a confidence that she hadn't felt in a while. It was undoubtedly that confidence that had lead her into the Victoria's secret she'd seen on the strip in the midst of her shopping expedition. While she'd wanted to say it wasn't because she'd been thinking of Brandon that she'd stopped off to pick up new lingerie, she knew better. Even after John's call she still couldn't stop thinking about Brandon. Just how long had he been keeping an eye on her? How many times had he found his way over to her house only to back off in the hopes of hiding his feelings for her? Had he dreamt about her too in the ways that she'd been thinking about him since she'd seen him again?
Not that you'd actually find out if he was, she mouthed to herself trying to remember that this wasn't about finding love again. This was about helping her company make it's way to the top and proving to everyone else that she wasn't a failure. Kate had managed to tarnish her reputation more so after Lucas had died, yet Sami had still kept fighting--still kept wanting to find a way to show the world that she was in fact worthy of the love that Lucas had given her. No, she would never be perfect but she was going to make for certain that everyone saw just what she could achieve if she put her mind to it. It was with that thought in mind that she'd taken the job ready to prove that the company like herself could overcome the odds. So far things were improving, but tonight would be what was needed to prove that she could stand up against the big guns back in Salem.
You can do this, she mouthed to herself vowing not to let insecurities get the best of her. She was going to march into that party, charm the guests and then when it was over she was going to let Brandon Walker see just what he wasn't having after he left Salem. Not that she cared of course. It was just enough of a punishment for his spying on her without mentioning it. That was all.
Taking in a breath Sami stepped off of the elevators and found the fountain in front of her bouncing with life, the various colored lights that surrounded it only added to the flare the night had to offer. She could hear the muted sounds of jazz music coming out from the ballroom area and she knew that tonight would be a night to remember. Turning towards the hallway, she spotted various guests dressed up as she was all mingling with champagne and appetizers. She weaved through the crowd putting on her best look of confidence. She passed the martini bar and could hear laughter surrounding her from the crowd. Yes tonight would be the night to make a splash indeed.
Sami Brady, she heard a voice call out to her. She spun around to see a familiar face in the crowd. Her blue eyes widened as she recognized the woman approaching her as Jamie Caldwell. Unable to repress her shock and surprise she stepped forward, Hey Sami, Jamie waved brightly greeting Sami as if no time had passed between them, It's so good to see you. Sami forced a smile forgetting that the last time she'd seen Jamie that Jamie had sold her out to Kate, but rather she remembered the friend she'd once had--something that was far and few in Salem. How are you?Never better, Jamie replied bubbling over with a wide grin, Wow you look fantastic. I hardly recognized you. You look fantastic.Thank you, Sami replied brightly giving her one time best friend a once over, You look incredible yourself. Life must be treating you well.It has, Jamie nodded eagerly, I guess you could say that after I left Salem I got my priorities in order and I realized that I needed to find my own happiness instead of waiting for it to come to me. I moved to Los Angeles for a while and that's when I met David. Sami repeated with a curious expression seeing the way that Jamie lit up at the sound of his voice.
Yeah, my husband. Jamie nodded eagerly, he's a marketing executive for an advertising agency out in L.A. and we flew in for the week for this party. When I saw that your name was on the guest list I knew I had to attend. I just had to see for myself how you were doing and Im glad I did.Wow you're married, Sami's eyes widened with surprise. How long have you been married?Since ninety eight, but it feels longer than that, Jamie laughed before shaking her head again, I guess when you meet the right person everything changes for you. Things really picked up when we had the twins though. I tell you there is nothing like having a few children running around the house to make you appreciate nights like these. What about you Sami? Are you married or still dreaming about finding happiness with Austin?
Immediately Sami's smile faded and she stood taller trying not to lose her cool, I'll have you know that I walked out on my wedding to Austin a while ago. I didn't love him and eventually he married Carrie again.Wait, you walked out on him, Jamie offered up a skeptical look, That doesn't sound like something you would do. I mean no offense but I remember full well how obsessed with him you were.I was a teenager at the time and didn't know any better. Not that I'm excusing my actions, but I was different then, Sami explained feeling very uncomfortable in the moment. My life is very different than it was when you knew me.So then I take it you've found someone else, Jamie half questioned before she had a thought occur to her, What about Lucas? Did he ever find someone special?He thought he did, Sami paused thinking about her own relationship with Lucas, but unfortunately they were never able to be married because he was murdered.Oh my God, Jamie gasped horrified by her words, I had no idea. Sami I'm sorry to bring it up. I know he's Will's father andAnd he was going to marry me. We were going to have another child together, but that didn't work out for us, Sami quipped in response feeling herself on the defensive side, Care to throw in another jab about that one as well?I would never, ever say anything bad about Lucas. I'm just surprised that you two would end up together considering how much you hurt him in lying about Austin being Will's father for so long, Jamie continued to remind her of her painful past. I can't see how he would be able to look past that, butWhy? Because you don't think I was worthy of love or maybe because you always wanted Lucas, but he wasn't interested in you, Sami shot back at her unable to contain the coldness in her tone.
Lucas would've been a lot happier with me, Jamie blurted out surprising Sami with her tone. I at least knew that I loved him from the start and didn't play games with him.You know what, Sami felt herself ready to lose her cool with her old friend when she felt a hand press over the small of her back causing a warmth to radiate over her bare skin. She felt a gentle massage of fingertips against her spine before a warmth skimmed over the side of her neck.
There you are beautiful. I've been waiting for you all night, she heard the seductive slur of Brandon's voice carry over her body making her forget all about Jamie and focus entirely on the nearness of him. His lips barely skimmed the side of her neck before he pressed a kiss on her bare shoulder not only surprising her but causing Jamie's eyes to cloud over with something that resembled jealousy. While Sami never thought she would see it, it was certainly there as Brandon eased his arm around Sami's waist and offered up his hand in a casual gesture.
I'm Brandon Walker, he explained holding his hand out towards Jamie while his other arm was linked around Sami's petite waist keeping her close to him. His hip was pressed in against Sami's as his voice shifted with a seductive undertone that caused Sami to shiver on the inside, I'm Samantha's fiancé and you are? Jamie blurted out before glancing over at Sami again, You didn't mention that you were engaged.Well you know Samantha and I are trying to keep things low key until we can get back home to Salem and celebrate with our families, Brandon replied taking control of the conversation after he'd picked up on the vibe between the two former friends. Plus we don't like to brag because really it seems almost unfair to be as deliriously happy as we are. Wouldn't you agree Samantha?I couldn't have said it better myself, Sami nodded finally playing along now that Brandon had offered her an out with Jamie. She played her hand over the center of his muscled chest feeling the warmth of him burning beneath his tuxedo shirt. She tipped her head up to meet his soulful brown eyes and in that moment she felt weak in the knees. While she'd attempted to come across exactly as Brandon was trying to convey what they were to Jamie there was something about his hold on her that caused her to lose her train of thought and focus entirely on him.
We really don't like to brag, but then again we do have something amazing together, Brandon leaned in closer to her, his nose nuzzling the side of her neck before he pulled her into a full embrace, I've missed you sweetheart.I'm sorry, Sami replied fighting to keep her voice cool and even. I was just mingling like I said I would.Well how about we mingle our way onto the dance floor, he suggested raising an enticing brow at her.
I would love to, she nodded practically hearing the sound of Jamie's jaw dropping. Turning she waved at her old friend in a casual movement before forcing a fake smile, It was great catching up with you. Jamie's eyes followed Sami and Brandon as they made their way out into the ballroom area to join other guests on the dance floor.
Care to tell me what that was about? he questioned lazily as his arms wrapped snugly around her waist, drawing her in even closer to him.
Not really, she admitted glancing over her shoulder to see Jamie had entered the room and was now watching them closely. Attempting not to notice Sami turned to Brandon again, She was my best friend when I was younger. I wasn't exactly the nicest person to her and we kind of ended our friendship on bad terms. To make a long story short she sees me as that same manipulative person who made everyone's lives a living hell. She refuses to see what I've become in the time we haven't see none another.In other words she doesn't see the strong willed, sensual woman you've become, he mouthed moving in towards her as if he was going to kiss her before he spun her out and circled her around the dance floor. When she returned to him, she felt his chest press into her back, his hands moving over her hips and up over her waist as the music shifted. She swayed with the sounds of the jazz music feeling every electric sensation of Brandon's hands upon her before he spun her around again to face him.
I really don't think she would see me as sensual, Sami forced a small smile as her arms curled around his thick, muscular shoulders. Then again I wouldn't really want any woman seeing me that way. Not that I'm against women who like other women, but well I'm just not that way andI know what you meant Samantha, Brandon couldn't help but crack a smile. He squeezed her in closer to him, his brown eyes penetrating hers and causing her to melt in his arms. He leaned his head down just enough so that he could whisper in her ear, his hot breath striking her skin with it's enticing allure while she closed her eyes and took in the scent of his spicy cologne.
Brandon, why did you do that? she couldn't help but ask arching her head up just enough to see the way that he was watching at her, his eyes reaching out into her as if he could see her very soul. Why did you say we were together?Well we are together right now, aren't we, he tossed back at her with a cryptic smirk.
You know what I mean. Why did you say we were a couple? she couldn't help but ask thinking about how he'd stepped in to rescue her. Why tell her we were engaged?Because I didn't like her tone with you. I didn't like how she was making you feel inferior when you are a far from being that lost teenager that you were before. You've grown up into a beautiful, independent, strong, sensational woman Samantha and I won't let anyone lead you to believe otherwise. You're better than that.Listening to the way she was speaking to me I didn't really feel that way, she admitted revealing her insecurities. When she started reminding me of who I was I felt like I was back in front of Kate having her punish me for all my sins all over againYou'll never be a saint Samantha, but none of us will. No one has the right to judge you, he continued to remind her reaching out to touch the side of her face. His eyes met hers again before he issued her a small smile, You have always taken control of your destiny, always fought for what you've wanted and you shouldn't regret that. It made you who you are today.You've always believed that about me, haven't you? she couldn't help but ask thinking about how Brandon knew of her flaws yet loved her in spite of them.
He nodded, I always knew that you had a way about you that no other person in this world came even close to touching. I loved you because you weren't afraid to follow your heart and fight for what you believed in.But in doing so I screwed up a lot of things. Even with us. I didn't trust my instincts and I was so stupid to screw with your head like I did with that lab report when, she began only to feel him press his index finger over her lips to silence her.
No regrets, no looking back, he mouthed in response a soft comforting tone carrying over his voice. We already discussed that we both made mistakes and we've forgiven one another. That was a long time ago.But the feelings still linger, don't they? she couldn't help but ask as he released her enough to curl his arm around her waist. You still have them don't you Brandon?More than you'll ever know, he admitted with a raw emotion behind his words. But they aren't the feelings that you're referring to Samantha.What feelings are they Brandon? she questioned feeling her pulse racing, her mind swirling with all the delicious possibilities of what they could have between them, but before she could get an answer from him, she felt him cup her face instead urging her to meet his eyes once more.
These feelings, Brandon leaned in towards her, his thumb caressing the hollow of her cheekbone while his fingers slipped in against her soft, blonde hair. She let out a sigh, her lips parting in anticipation, her eyelashes fluttering to a close as his soft touch caused her to fill inside with longing for him and only him. His breath skimmed over her face, the soft press of his lips just a whisper above hers threatening to take her to heaven all over again when a sound exploded through the room indicating the song had changed.
she couldn't help but ask her own thoughts betraying her. Why didn't you tell me that you were in Salem before now? he questioned feeling the magic of the moment threatening to fade away from them. He noticed the questioning look in her eyes, but before he could give her the answer she was seeking out, there was another voice joining them.
There you are Brandon. I've been looking all over for you, a woman's voice called out to Brandon. Sami looked up and noticed a petite woman with raven colored hair standing in front of them. She was wearing a white flowing gown and her brown eyes were fixed on Brandon, her smile turning upward at the sight of him and before either one of them could respond Sami watched the woman reach out to touch Brandon's arm gently.
I've been hoping to find you. When you disappeared on me I got worried before, she added before glancing over at Sami with mild irritation, Who is your friend?Oh right, Brandon cleared his throat before standing taller, Samantha I would like you to meet Gia she's my head of public relations. Gia this is Samantha Brady my Sami blurted out already not liking the hold that the woman had on Brandon. She noticed the way the woman's fingers curled around Brandon's arm and her frown intensified.
Don't you mean ex-wife? Gia corrected with a fake smile shooting daggers over at Sami with her eyes. I thought you said you were divorced Brandon.Well I am, but.. Brandon offered up an apologetic expression over at Sami.
We've decided to give our relationship another try. Wasn't that what you wanted to say Brandon? Sami mouthed feeling a bit catty at the idea of another woman being interested in Brandon. While Brandon hadn't indicated that there was anyone else, it was clear that Gia had a few intentions for Brandon. Her eyes spoke volumes about what it was that she was interested in where Brandon was concerned and immediately Sami found she didn't like it. Remembering John's words about Brandon still being in love with her, Sami took a bold step forward and reached out to Brandon once again, We were just working on that right now, weren't we?Well we were actually, Sami mouthed a smile tipping up over the corners of her mouth. She snaked her arm around Brandon's shoulders before pulling him boldly towards her. I believe we were right about
She paused long enough to draw out the syllable before a smile teased over her lips,
Before Brandon could respond to her words Sami did what undoubtedly would have been the boldest move of the night in laying one of the hottest, most explicit, earth shattering of kisses upon Brandon. She felt his arm drop around her waist, his fingers curling into her hips as her mouth meshed with his, lips parting just enough to allow his tongue to dip in against hers. She let out a soft whimper as her fingers eased up into his dark hair, curling it tightly with in her touch while feeling him squeezing her in just enough to pull her up off of the ground and into his arms. He nibbled on her lower lip hearing her soft sounds of encouragement as she squeezed onto him, forgetting all about Gia now that she'd focused completely on Brandon and the feel of him around her.
Suddenly the kiss ended leaving her breathless and as she stammered to regain control of the situation, she'd found that all that she could focus on was Brandon. He was as breathless as she was, his eyes glazed over with passion, his lips still twisted in the aftermath of the kiss they'd shared and as she felt him reach for her hand she realized that Gia was no longer at their side.
Samantha, we need to talk, he announced in a low, raspy tone leading her to see full well that there was far more happening between them then either one of them had planned on. She watched him survey the room for a long moment before he laced their fingers together fully and lead her out of the ballroom ready to get into a conversation that was long overdue between them.