Meeting Mueller

By Denise Grimm

Sam Anderson’s life is exactly where she wants it to be. She has a great job, she is happily married to a man who adores every inch of her, literally. Best of all, they are planning on starting a family as soon as Sam gets home from her three-day business meeting in Vancouver.

Steve Mueller’s life is, well, exactly where it is. He has built a construction company to be reckoned with and he has done it with passion and integrity making him well respected in the world of engineering. Despite his business success and ‘lady killer’ looks, he finds himself somewhat humiliated at his failure in the romance arena. The humiliation doesn’t overshadow the elation he feels at being rid of his greedy, selfish and now, ex-wife.

A chance encounter between Sam and Steve stirs up old passions and regrets from their days as university sweethearts. As the two collaborate on a match making mission to connect up Sam’s friend Dana with Steve’s friend Mike, Steve becomes determined not to make the same mistake twice as far as Sam is concerned.

All of a sudden Sam’s life goes from being perfect to perfectly out of control as passion, betrayal, pregnancy and tragedy combine to threaten any thread of happiness Sam could ever hope to hold on to. Is she truly destined to a lonely life of pain and regret?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Denise Grimm
• Release date: Oct 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9780994900005

Denise Grimm

Denise Grimm lives in rural Alberta, Canada with her husband, two amazing daughters, three dogs, five cats and twenty chickens.Educated in Science at the University of Guelph, Denise moved west with the intent of gaining work experience then moving home to Ontario. She met this northern Alberta guy, fell in love, married him and has been with him in Alberta ever since.Denise enjoys the Ontario Lakes and the Alberta sunshine and wildlife. She feels, "We have an awesome country from coast to coast...as Canadians, we are so fortunate."

Book preview

Meeting Mueller

Copyright 2015 Denise Grimm

Published by Denise Grimm at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook should not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please consider returning to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy or a gift copy for someone else. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue

About Denise Grimm

Connect with Denise Grimm

Acknowlegements

A fiction writer’s resource library shelves everybody they have ever met, every place they have ever been and every experience they have ever had...thank-you...to the life that I have lead.

Thank-you Erika, for the bookcover…you created my vision perfectly…I love it!

Thanks also to my dear friend Leanne, who read my draft. 

My dear friend, Selina-anne, you read, reread and edited...you are amazing...thanks.

Thanks to another dear friend, Helen, as she edited and gave me an international perspective.

And to my husband, Sheldon, who helped with the initial idea and then who's foot in mouth feedback made us both laugh so hard we were crying!  I love every aggravating inch of you.

Chapter One

I sure wish you were coming with me, Sam said to her husband, John.

I would love that, but we both have work to do and besides, we have a big week-end ahead of us. He kissed her hand as he drove. He was referring to the lovemaking that they would do all week-end; in his mind, three days of anticipation would only make what would be a passionate time even more passionate. They were both very aware of Sam’s ovulation cycle. Since they had decided to try to start a family, this was the first time that it worked out that Sam would be ‘ready’ on a week-end when both of them were in town. They were both very excited.

Sam kissed his hand and rested it in her lap as he drove her to the airport.

Later, as the plane took flight, Sam sat there thinking of John. She was overwhelmed with feelings of love. She thought about John’s promise of pregnancy and shivered a little as she envisioned the lovemaking that would go on when she got home on Friday; she felt a little like a school girl anticipating a date.

Sam reached down to dig out her laptop as the plane leveled out.

Sam was a pharmaceutical sales representative, known and liked by both customers and company for being honest and hardworking. She didn’t exactly buy into all the company rah rah, but towed the line enough to keep out of trouble and produced the kind of sales numbers that gave her a little leeway with the company. Sam used to love the job, but as life changed and her biological clock ticked, she found herself wanting more. She felt a little guilty for seeming unappreciative at times.

Sam had met John at university as they shared a mutual friend. They didn’t become romantically involved until after university when they met at an alumni party. They embarked on a whirlwind, long distance love affair for a year until Sam moved in with John and the rest is history.

As Sam waited for her computer to boot up, she chuckled as she thought of how they both pined for each other so severely when they had to part in those earlier days. There is a reason they call it lovesick, she thought, because they loved each other so much it hurt. Sam used to be depressed as heck on Monday and Tuesday because she missed John so bad. On Wednesday she was starting to feel a little better because it was mid week and she was half way to seeing him again. By Thursday and Friday, Sam, was out of her head with excitement and Saturday and Sunday…well, let’s just say they made up for lost time! While some of the insane passion was gone these days, it was replaced with a deep, equally as satisfying love for each other.

John was an engineer with an oil company. He was smart for sure, but it was his strong masculine features and witty eyes that first attracted Sam to him. At 6’ he was the perfect size to mold around her 5’9" body. He was like a dark haired version (she loved blondes) of all the men she adored through her growing years but had been too terrified to approach, but he was approachable and she was ready.

Twenty emails and a little day dreaming later, Sam packed up her computer ‘in preparation for landing’. She thought how she had heard those words ‘in preparation for landing’ a hundred times.

On the ride from the airport to the hotel, Sam soaked up the view of ocean and mountains. She really did love the exploring part of business travel. It always occurred to her, however, that it would be that much more wonderful if John could be with her. The cabbie was quiet and efficient and the next thing she knew, she was at the hotel.

As Sam approached the registration counter of the Delta Inn, she heard the cheerful greeting of her friend and colleague, Dana, from Saskatoon, Well hello Sunshine!

Sam turned and gave her friend a big hug. Wonderful to see you, Dana; how was the flight? Sam inquired with a smile; she knew how much Dana hated flying. All as I can say is ‘I need a drink!’ Let’s get checked in and I’ll race you to the pool side for a drink.

Deal, Sam replied.

Sam didn’t worry about racing; she knew her friend Dana. Dana would run into literally a hundred people she knew, chat cheerfully, get a little side tracked and eventually make it to the pool. Sam, enjoying solitude a little more than Dana, took the opportunity to unwind peacefully in her room, while hanging up clothes, setting up her laptop and calling John.

Hi Honey. How are you doing? she cheerfully inquired when John answered the phone.

Good, you made it there ok?

No problem. I’ve already run into Dana and I’m going to meet her at the pool for a drink. Apparently her flight wasn’t so good. She laughed. John laughed too. He always got a kick out Sam’s stories about Dana.

How is your report going?

Not bad, John replied, Amazingly, the guys at the plant were able to find all the data I needed. I just have to run a few more numbers and I should be able to put together a decent proposal.

John was a fantastic engineer, brilliant and personable which seem to Sam to be an unusual combination in engineers. It was probably his great interpersonal skills that kept him rising to the top, much to the annoyance of some of his colleagues. John genuinely believed in the value of people, at all levels, and it was obvious in his work. This quality seemed to earn him great loyalty from both his supervisors and subordinates.

Hey, my cell is ringing honey and I am waiting for a call – better take it. Have fun with Dana. Give me a call tomorrow night.

I will sweetie. I love you. Sam responded.

I love you too, he responded.

Sam looked in the mirror as a last check before she put on her cover up over her sporty two-piece bathing suit. At 33, Sam had managed to maintain a wonderful figure; most thought she was in her twenties not her thirties. Her hair was naturally blonde and absolutely gorgeous. In fact, that was the one quality that she would admit to liking if pushed. The rest of her 5’9" athletic build was grossly under appreciated by her, herself, but others could certainly see the beauty that she failed to. She grabbed a book to read while she waited for Dana and headed out.

On the way to the pool, Sam bumped into several colleagues, chatted briefly and carried on her way. People liked Sam and Sam liked people, but she valued quiet time and was looking forward to relaxing with a drink and her book. Once Dana showed up, there would be no more relaxing!

Sam was lounging in a chair, eyes closed, basking in the sun when Dana bounced down in the lounge beside her. So what are we drinking? she chirped.

I want a mia tia , Sam responded makes me feel like I am in Hawaii.

I see you’ve already gathered up a crowd of ogling men, Dana observed without surprise. You would think that one of these times, just one of the guys would look at you and say ‘she’s too skinny, I like the chubby one with her’. They both laughed.

You are such a goofball, Dana. First, no one is ogling at me and second, you are not chubby!

I hate to break it to you honey, but those hunky things over there have been looking at you and trying to get the nerve to come talk to you since long before I caught them. Dana informed her. Sam turned to look before she could catch herself and her eyes locked with a pair of very sexy and unbelievably familiar eyes.

My God, she said as she stood up that’s Steve Mueller!

The moment Sam recognized Steve, he was sure too, that it was Sam. He started towards her and they met midway from the bar and her lounge. Wow, he thought she’s even more beautiful than I remembered, and she looks pretty good in my memory.

Steve?

Sam?

Oh, my God Sam blurted as she hugged him, You look great!

Well, you look better than great. This is an incredible surprise. What are you doing here? Steve said as he held her back by the shoulders, mostly so he could take in the whole view.

I am here on an incentive trip with the pharmaceutical company I work for. What about you? she asked.

I am here looking at equipment. Steve owned a very large, very successful construction company that he had built up from owner operator status to an international construction company to be reckoned with. Steve was a brilliant businessman, but to look at him you might not know that if it wasn’t for an air of confidence and capability that seemed to surround him. He dressed like a regular guy – jeans, golf shirt. A golf shirt that seemed to make his muscular chest and arms scream out to you. Sam felt a little rush of embarrassment when her mind wandered to this thought.

Hey, you know what – how long are you here for? Steve asked Sam.

Until Friday morning, she answered.

Can I take you to supper tomorrow night – we can catch up?

That would be wonderful, Sam said sincerely.

Great. I’ve got some plans with my buddies now, but I’ll give you a call around 5pm tomorrow and we’ll make a plan. Steve had brought some of his employees to the international equipment trade show that was going on in the conference centre attached to the hotel. It was mostly a little perk for them but he himself had work to do while here. Right now they were just heading to the show to take an initial look around. Later, he would take them out for dinner.

They hugged again and started off back to their mutual friends.

I can’t believe it, Dana groans, the sexiest guy in the place and you know him!

Ya, and I’m going out for dinner with him tomorrow, Sam teased.

What?

Relax, he’s an old friend from university. I actually met John through him. Truth is, I had a crush on him and thought he liked me too but this other girl seemed to be a little better at catching his eye. While I was hanging about trying to be noticed, John asked me out and the fireworks flew. She added thoughtfully, Never really thought about Steve again.

That last comment didn’t seem too convincing to Dana but she let it slip. So, are we having those drinks or are you going to cause another distraction?

The next hour or so the women relaxed and laughed by the pool. Dana was always entertaining, especially when she started into her dating episodes. Dana was one of those people that everyone loved; Sam never really understood why she didn’t have a man. Sam always told her it was her own fault and that she was too picky. Sam claimed all Dana’s funny stories came from her not really giving anyone a serious chance.

Ok, well find out who that big guy was hanging with your old buddy – because that IS what I am looking for and maybe I will take it seriously Dana challenged.

Fine. responded Sam. Now we had better get going as I don’t think the company will appreciate us showing up at the plenary in our bathing suits.

Steve, upon reaching his group, was bombarded with digs and jabs from his employees.

What the hell, women must just smell money grumbled one of Steve’s employees.

Or maybe they see you drooling and are turned off. Steve challenged. She is actually a friend from university. I had a crush on her and thought it was mutual but it seems one of my classmates was more to her liking – John Anderson – she married him. Anyway, Steve ordered, let’s go.

John – nice guy, said Mike, Steve’s longtime friend and right hand man. Hey, who’s her friend? he added.

Move it! Steve snapped. Inwardly, he made a mental note to find out. Mike was one hell of a guy. He was a tall strapping man, with a heart as big as they come and smart. His wife had just got pregnant by and run off with their neighbor, breaking Mike’s heart. She claimed he was never home, always working – what was she to do? Steve’s jaw clenched. He heard his own ex wife’s echoing words but unlike Mike, he was thankful Janet saw fit to leave him.

Sam caught herself feeling a little giddy. I’m acting like a little school girl, she scolded herself. Since running into Steve, she really couldn’t get him out of her head. Now that she was back in her room, she let her mind focus on Steve. What was it with him? Did she have this attraction to him because he never wanted her? Her nose curled as she thought of Janet – wonder what she would think about him going to dinner with Sam; she didn’t seem like the understanding, trusting type? Wonder if they had kids? The thought of Janet and Steve having children annoyed Sam but she didn’t know why. The giddiness was turning into anxiety and Sam wondered whether it was a good idea for her to meet up with Steve now. What did they really have to talk about anyway? She didn’t really want to be friends with him. When she saw him, she was genuinely excited, happy but now she really didn’t see the point. They weren’t really friends. He was just someone that she hung around and had a crush on and…well, thought she was going to marry. Now she was happily married and didn’t really need Steve as a friend. Maybe she would tell him that something came up with work and she wasn’t available.

Sam had a quick shower, fluffed her hair with her fingers so it would dry on its own, put on some makeup and dressed. These meetings were always business casual which for Sam meant a pair of black dress pants, and a stylish blouse. She looked herself over and rushed off to meet Dana. She had spent a little too long daydreaming.

Sam knocked on Dana’s hotel room door and Dana opened up. You look lovely she said as she shut the door behind her.

You as well, Sam responded.

The two women rushed off to the plenary dinner – not sure exactly where the meeting room was, they went to the lobby to look at the meeting posting. While they were studying the electronic board a voice said. Hello Ladies. It was Steve. He was struck by how attractive and professional Sam looked and he said so. Not that the bathing suit wasn’t a good look either, he laughed. Sam blushed and then composed herself. Steve, this is my friend and colleague, Dana Sam gestured towards Dana, and Dana, Steve gesturing the other way.

You were at the pool with Sam early today, Steve said to Dana It’s nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, Steve, Dana responded, a little taken a back that she had even been noticed.

"Ladies, I had better let you go. Have a nice evening and Sam, I’ll give you a call tomorrow – are we still on?

That would be great – look forward to it Sam smiled.

Steve went outside and gave the concierge his valet ticket. We’ll bring your vehicle right up Mr. Mueller.

Wow, Sam, he’s pretty awesome. Remind me what was wrong with him again – why you didn’t nab him up in university? Dana asked.

He was taken and besides, I met John. Sam answered almost as if she was trying to convince herself that it was that simple. There is nothing wrong with Steve; he’s a really great guy. It is just how things work out sometimes.

Thankfully for Sam, they arrived at the entrance to their dinner meeting room; she didn’t want to discuss Steve anymore. Their colleagues were all mingling around having cocktails and appetizers. As the two women were making their way to the bar, Bill O’Reilly came up to Sam. I tipped a couple of chairs up for you ladies at our table; it’s the one over there by the leather couch, Bill pointed towards the windows.

Wow, what a gorgeous view, Sam noticed thanks, Bill.

Bill was an old-timer and one of the top sales men with the company year after year after year. He didn’t generally have time for rookies, but occasionally he found one worth investing in and that is how he felt about Sam when she joined the company 10 years ago. Sam was bright, eager to learn and of course, good for Bill’s ego because she worshipped experience. A lot of the rookies made him feel like a relic despite his stellar performance every year. Sam and Bill lived in different cities and took every opportunity to hang out when their paths crossed at meetings.

Sam and Dana got themselves a drink and had time to work themselves around the room, catching up with a few colleagues along the way and then Bob Granger, the western oncology manager, came to the podium.

Welcome, Welcome Everyone. Please find yourself a seat as we would like to begin our evening. Supper will begin being served shortly. In the meantime, we have a few guests that would like to have a word with you. First, I would like to welcome our President, Thomas Smart. Tom… Bob gestured for Tom to come up.

Thank-you Bob and welcome everyone. As you all know, we are all very fortunate to be here celebrating our great success. The economic times, as they are, found global headquarters cutting back to weather the times. One of the cut backs unfortunately, was our incentive trips. The trips have been temporarily replaced with a financial bonus which puts money in our pockets but cost the company less than the extravagant trips they reward us with when we perform well. Even thought we all recognize that things are tough in the economy today, I was still faced with a bit of a dilemma. I had the top oncology team in the world, one that had lead the way with a new drug while still growing our other brands. This team did this despite formulary challenges far greater than global seen in any other market. The team is you – top notch people that I could not afford not to reward. It took a lot of work by your area managers to help me put together a case for Global that would convince them we should still have an incentive trip. We were unsuccessfully successful. As you can see, we are not in a foreign country at a tropical resort and we are not on an ‘incentive’ trip. We are in fact, at a ‘brain storming’ meeting. Global did give us permission to plan a meeting somewhere in our own country. They welcomed the idea that we have some rewarding free time but they asked us to spend some of our time capturing what we believe lead to our success so that these best practices can be shared worldwide. I hope you join me in viewing this as a great honour and appreciate the concession that Global has made for us. The next 3 days will consist of meetings from 9-11am each day. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy our lovely location. Your expenses are covered but use your discretion. If you have any question about an expense being acceptable, I suggest you speak to your manager about it in advance of doing it otherwise you could be stuck with the bill yourself. Two hours a day is not a lot of time to work so I ask that everyone read the packages that they received at registration and come prepared to contribute. Now, we have a surprise guest. He stepped aside and the curtains behind him opened, revealing a giant video screen.

Good evening my fine colleagues’, greetings from London, came the face and voice of Sir Charles Rowling, the company’s Global leader. In these lean times, I thought it inappropriate for me to fly to Canada for the evening but I sincerely wanted to have an opportunity to congratulate you so we have opted for video conferencing. You know, Canada has been a leader in the use of this technology and we are learning from you how effective it can be. Necessity is the mother of invention they say and with the vastness of your great country, video conferencing has been a huge tool in your success. It seems that you do not only use it for your own success, but that you have taught our customers how valuable a tool it is in their own practices. Your customers are using the medium for diagnosis, rehabilitating and education. Did you know that our company funded an innovative program, decades ago, at the University of Alberta hospital providing videoconferencing technology and equipment for the purpose of educating the health care professionals and students? We supported the program and helped grow it from a novelty medium to a staple in the healthcare field. Congratulations my Canadian colleagues’, but I digress. We are here tonight to celebrate your success and what a success it was. I am going to bore you with a few charts as it is necessary in order that you do not take your success lightly and that you realize that you made it impossible for global to not reward you somehow."

Sir Charles took the next 10 minutes showing the group their sales numbers and discussing the hurdles that were overcome to achieve them. He then had his family join him as he wrapped up the video call. He was an admirable leader who had the air and confidence of well… a knight. Sam wondered what he had done to be ‘knighted’ by the monarchy.

A few more speeches, housekeeping mostly, occurred while the soup and salads were served and then the evening turned social.

So how have you been, my dear? Bill asked Sam. Great she responded. How is Nancy doing? Nancy, Bill’s wife, had had a scare – breast cancer – but it sounded like the doctors were successful at treating the tumor and she had been given a clean bill of health. She is doing well, Sam. It was sure a scare and it sure makes you get your house in order. Your priorities sure get a work over. I imagine, Sam said. I am really happy things went well, she added as she gave Bill a hug around his shoulders.

What are you guys doing for activities tomorrow? Sam asked the others at the table. Everyone but Dana was renting mountain bikes and riding through Stanley Park. Dana was ‘allergic’ to strenuous exercise she would always say. Her recreational picks were usually shopping, massage, pedicure etc.

What are you doing Sam? Bill asked.

I haven’t decided. Sometimes I like to just explore around myself, go for a walk, but a mountain bike ride sounds fun.

Why don’t you join us? he suggested.

I think I will – thanks Sam answered.

There was some brief discussion about what they would discuss at tomorrow mornings meeting; otherwise, the rest of the evening was social. About 9:30 pm, Sam put her wine glass down, I know there is no point in trying to keep up with Dana as she will shut the place down, and if I don’t get my rest I will never be able to keep up with Bill on the bike tomorrow.

I’m going to head out too Bill said and added I’ll walk with you. Always the gentlemen, Bill motioned for Sam to go ahead. Oh, wait he said, Let’s tell Mike we want another mountain bike reserved. He maneuvered through the crowd, which was getting louder as the alcohol consumption increased, to Mike Hale, one of the Vancouver reps.

Hey Mike, can you reserve another mountain bike for the ride tomorrow? Sam is going to join us. Bill asked.

Absolutely; you guys heading out? he asked.

Ya, I’m old and Sam is sensible. Bill said as he waved so long to Mike.

What floor are you on? Bill asked Sam.

Twelve – you? she responded.

Fourth. I always ask for a low floor because I tell them I am too old to run down the stairs if there is a fire. Truthfully, my son-in-law is a fireman and he insists that we always try to stay on the bottom 6 floors as that is as far as fire truck ladders can reach. Lots of times they won’t accommodate me but I always ask. Bill said.

Wow, I never really thought about that, Sam said.

Bill asked Sam what her plans were for supper tomorrow night as he reached out and pushed the elevator button. Sam told him that she was going out for dinner with an old friend from university. He asked her if the friend lived in Vancouver and she explained that they had just bumped into each other earlier today.

Well, that’s a nice coincidence Bill said sincerely.

Sam wasn’t so sure but she agreed.

They reached Bill’s floor in seconds and Sam gave him a hug good night. Just as quickly, she was on her floor walking towards her room. She wasn’t walking alone though; Steve was right there on her mind. Sam just could not shake Steve. She was replaying all their conversations, imagining other conversations; she just couldn’t stop thinking about him. This is really weird she thought as she opened the door to her room.

She busied herself getting ready for bed. She noticed that John had texted her Good night. I love you. She smiled and then felt a pang of guilt which shocked her; she hadn’t done anything wrong. A few minutes later, when she crawled into bed, it was Steve’s lips that she imagined kissing her good night. She became aware of her thoughts and decided a little imagination was good for the soul…and body.

Chapter Two

The next day was busy and fun but Sam couldn’t help wishing it away. She was looking forward to dinner with Steve. She said good-bye to her colleagues about 4 pm and rushed up to her room to have a shower. The water felt great on her body after the long ride through Stanley Park. As she washed her hair, she let the shower spray hit her nipples; it was arousing in her already aroused state. Her sudsy hands ran over her breasts feeling their erectness, she moaned as she reached down and satisfied her urge. She finished showering and then ran a warm bath; she thought she would soak in the tub and relax for a while. She read a magazine while soaking and after a while she checked her watch, which she had set beside the tub, and it was 4:45 pm; Steve said he would call about 5pm. Sam decided that she would get out and start getting ready. She would decide what she was wearing when she knew what they were doing.

Pretty much on the dot, Steve called, Hello Sam, Steve here.

Hello ‘Steve here’ how was your day? she teased.

Busy, but good; they have an excellent show going on here. How about yours? he responded.

It was a lot of fun actually – some of my colleagues and I rode bikes around Stanley Park, she answered.

I thought you were working? he asked.

I’ll explain over dinner, she said. It had been her experience that her job came with many luxuries and that it certainly wasn’t the norm for most folks. Probably a self-employed business owner, no matter how successful, rarely found himself playing all afternoon while he was ‘working’.

Are you easy to feed? Steve asked Sam.

The easiest, she laughed.

Any preferences? he asked next.

Honestly, I really am easy going food wise. If it were just me, I would probably look for some seafood seeing as I am on the coast, but my fallback position is always steak. Sam said.

Perfect. I had steak with the guys last night and would love some seafood. Have you been to Under-the-Sea? he asked.

"Yes, love the place. Let’s go there,’ she answered excitedly. Under-the-Sea was a lovely ocean side restaurant that catered to the business crowd.

I’ll call for a reservation. What time will you be ready to go?

Oh, I’m all showered. It would take me 20 minutes to be ready to go out.

Are you into walking to the restaurant after your strenuous day riding? he asked.

Absolutely, she said.

OK. I will make the reservation for 7 pm. I am going to head down to the lobby right away as I have some faxing to do. Then I’ll just wait down there in one of the lounge chairs – no rush at all. I am going to take the paper and I will be content reading it until you come down, Steve said.

Perfect. See you in a bit, Sam said and they hung up the phones.

Sam put on a pair of black Capri pants and a designer golf shirt. She put her hair up into a ponytail and slipped into a pair of stylish walking shoes. She quickly called John, but he was out. She left him a message that she was going to dinner with Steve, as he knew from an earlier chat and would call him either tonight or tomorrow morning, depending on how late she was. She then grabbed her purse and headed down to the lobby.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Sam saw Steve sitting handsomely in a leather chair by the huge wall of glass which oversaw the harbor. He was engrossed in his paper and she couldn’t help thinking how powerful and confident he looked. She noticed a table of women observing him and she wondered if he knew he had this effect on women. He must she thought, although it occurred to her that he might not. He was always a guy’s guy and always into what he was doing. He was always a gentleman but she didn’t recall him being a real flirt or womanizer.

Sam was halfway to where Steve was sitting when he looked