Page 41 of The Playboy

What if all the drinks were laced?What would that have meant for Elena or Sam? I don’t want to even think of someone putting their hands all over Sam. It makes my blood boil. I clench my jaw trying to rid the image from my mind.

I think about texting Caleb but decide it’s best not to worry him at the last minute. I think I heard him tell Quinn something about traveling to a comic convention or something, so I’m sure he has had a busy day. Once we’re up for the day, I’ll make sure Elena sends him a text or something. It would be better coming from her anyway. The man acts like I’m trying to steal his girl. Quinn is something else, that’s for damn sure, butnothingabout her comes close to Sam.

We arrive and I help get her out of the car. She’s completely passed out so I carry her bridal style into the hotel. She stirs in my arms but doesn’t open her eyes.Andrew better be waiting at her room when we get there.The elevator ride seems to take forever, and I watch her open her eyes and look up at me.

“Hey, lass, can you walk?”

She nods slowly, and I put her feet on the ground. She sways in her spot but manages to keep herself upright. I keep my arm locked around her waist, and the two of us walk the short distance to her room. I recognize the medic, and his eyes widen as he watches the two of us come closer.

“Jesus, Tait. What the hell happened?” Andrew asks.

“She wanted to go dance and she wasn’t walking right. I asked the other girls how many drinks she’s had, and they told me just one other. I knew something wasn’t right, and I suspect she somehow got roofied. The waitress brought a tray of drinks to our table when we arrived back, but we don’t know who ordered them.” I fish her key from her pocketbook and let us in. I walk her toward the bed and deposit her there. She smiles and lies down on her back.

He opens his bag, taking out a small flashlight and puts a stethoscope around his neck. “Did she drink the whole thing?”

“I’m not sure. I think the glass still had some in it when she wandered away. Can you just make sure she’s going to be fine?”

He stands next to the bed, turning Quinn’s face toward him. He lifts up each eyelid, shining the light into her eyes. Her pupils shrink in the light and dilate when he moves the light. He checks her pulse and puts the earpieces in his ear to listen to her breathing when there is a knock on the door. It must be Sam.

I open the door, ushering her inside. “Is she okay?” She looks past me toward Quinn as Andrew does his check.

“Yeah, she’s going to be fine. Someone needs to monitor her throughout the night. Make sure she’s safe and is breathing normally.”

“I’m staying.” I look over at Sam. “I promise, I’ll stay on top of the covers. She’s just a friend.”

“I know, Tait. It’s fine.”

Andrew gathers his items and leaves us alone but not before warning us that if anything changes, she needs to be taken to the hospital.

I pace the small space from the bed to where Sam stands. “Sam, I’m sorry for crashing girl’s night, but I’m fucking glad I did now. If we weren’t there, who knows what could have happened to all of you?” I run my fingers through my hair, the tension rolling off me in waves. “I would never forgive myself if something happened to you. You mean so much to me, and I know Quinn means the world to Caleb.”

“Tait, we’re fine. I really thought Quinn ordered the drinks for us, and I’m sure she thought we requested to have some at our table. I’m glad you came tonight, too. It was nice being out in public with you, even if it was for a short time.” Her fingers are intertwined as she concentrates on them, avoiding my gaze.

I cup her cheeks, forcing her to meet my eyes. “Sam, I know we haven’t known each other for that long, but I know you’re good for me. It just seems right having you in my life. I don’t want anything to jeopardize that.” I kiss her hard and with as much passion as I can muster. I need her to understand the words I’m not able to say out loud.

I love you.

Chapter 26

My head is spinningas I walk back to my room. Everything Tait just told me is on replay, and that kiss? Pure magic. I’ve known Tait for only about a month, but I love him. I know I do. Being with him is so right, and I’m so happy. I’m convinced his playboy persona is all an act for the paparazzi and the rest of Hollywood. I start smiling as I dig for my phone and my room key. When I look up, Ben is standing outside my room, his back leaning against the door.

“Ben, what the hell are you doing here?” He jerks his head toward the direction of my voice and narrows his eyes at me. He pushes off the door to stand in front of me. My heels give me a height advantage so he’s not towering over me like normal.

“Well, I wouldn’t have had to come all this way if you didn’t block my number. I’ve been trying to call and text you for the past week. I stopped by your place, but Emily wouldn’t even talk to me.” He motions to the closed door. “Let me in.”

I cross my arms over my chest, tempted to walk back to Quinn’s room to get Tait.No. I don’t need him to fight my battles. I can handle him.“No. You told me you would leave me alone.”

A look crosses his features, and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it before. It’s almost… sinister? “You’re the laughing stock of Hollywood right now. Did you know that? Everyone thinks you’re some naive idiot for dating him. I’ve seen the pictures of the two of you at the airport and walking around the city. Hell, there are even pictures of you dry humping in the corner of the club tonight.” He turns his phone screen toward me so I can see the picture.

Tait’s back is toward the camera, but you can see my blissed-out face clearly. I snatch the phone out of his hands and click the picture opening the link.

Tait Flanigan and girlfriend, Samantha Riggs, are caught in a naughty position at Feverish tonight. Can someone please tell this girl desperate is not a good look for her?

I think I might be sick. I place my hand over my mouth and take a few deep breaths through my nose, trying to keep calm. They know my name. They know we’re dating. This is the last thing I wanted.

He motions toward my door. “How about you let me in now? We need to have a little discussion.”

I nod and unlock the door, pushing it open for the both of us to walk in. Once Ben leaves, I need to call Tait and let him know. He’ll know what to do. He’ll make me feel better about this; he always does. That thought alone helps calm my racing heart.