Page 44 of The Playboy

“Yeah, about that. I thought I was answering my phone and picked up yours. I think it might have been Caleb. He didn’t say anything and hung up. I didn’t look through the call list though, so I could be wrong.”

I see the look of panic on her face. She’s thinking the same thing I am.Caleb is going to flip his shit.She just needs to explain everything to him, and I’m sure it will be fine.

“Tait, can you give me my phone?”

I stand and hand it to her as she opens a new message. She types away at her phone, and I answer the quiet knock on the door. Elena is there. Quinn is talking to someone on the phone, and I’m trying to not listen to the conversation.

“Hey, Elena. Come on in.”

“How is she?” She looks in past me toward Quinn.

“She doesn’t remember anything, but I think she will be all right. I need to check on Sam. I’ll leave you two alone for a little bit.” I leave and walk down the hallway to check in on Sam. I knock and wait. Nothing. I knock again. This time, I can hear movement in her room, and I smile to myself. She must have still been sleeping.

She opens the door in one of my t-shirts and yawns. “Hey, Tait. How’s Quinn?”

“Fine, lass. She’s all right. I wanted to check on you as well. Can I come in?”

She plants herself in front of the door. “No, it’s not a good time right now. We have to be to set in a few hours, and I have a few things I have to finish before then.”

I turn my head to the side and examine her. Her eyes are bloodshot, and there is some makeup under them.

“Sweetheart, have you been crying?” I reach toward her face, but she pulls away from my touch. I drop my hand. “Did I do something wrong? I told you last night was just to make sure she was safe. Nothing happened between us. I would never do that to you, Sam.”

“I know. I’m fine. I’ll see you later.” She tries to close the door and I stop her.

“I’m coming back in an hour, and we are going to talk about what’s bothering you. Do you understand?”

She takes a deep breath. “Yes, Sir.”

I nod and she closes the door. I’m standing there like an idiot.What just happened?

I walk back to Quinn’s room, and Elena lets me in. She has a few suitcases packed and sitting on her bed. She looks over at me, and I can see the sadness in her eyes.What a dumb fuck he is.

“Text me when you get there and when you get home. I want to know you’re safe,” I say.

“I will. Don’t be too hard on him. He’s hurt, but things will smooth over,” she says, pulling me in for a hug.

* * *

I went back laterin the day to see Sam, but she wouldn’t open the door.

She hasn’t responded to my text messages or calls today, and I’m getting worried. I’m down in the lobby waiting for her so we can ride to set together. It’s a late shoot tonight, and we are the only ones that need to show up at this time. I have been looking forward to our alone time all day. I need to feel her soft skin and hear her musical voice. Everything feels like it’s going to shit right now, and I need my anchor to help ground me. The minutes tick by and the car pulls up, but still no Sam.

Me:Sam, where are you? The car is here waiting for us. We can’t be late for the shoot.

The elevator dings.Finally!The doors slide open and a couple exits. I look inside and see it’s now empty. I dial her number, but it goes straight to voicemail.Maybe her phone is dead and she forgot to charge it.I walk to the front desk to leave a message for her.

“Good evening, Mr. Flanigan. Can I help you with something?” the man behind the counter asks.

“Yes, my assistant isn’t here and I’ve tried calling her. We are going to be late if she doesn’t hurry. Can you try to call her room? She’s in room four-one-one-one.”

He picks up the receiver and dials the room. He looks up at me and smiles. I try my hardest to return the gesture, but I can sense it comes out more of a grimace. He puts the phone down after a minute. “I’m sorry, sir. There’s no answer.”

“Can you leave a message for her then?”

I hear the elevator again, and I stop talking and turn my attention toward it. Emily walks off the elevator and smiles at me.

“Never mind,” I say to the man. “Emily? What are you doing here? Where’s Sam? We’re going to be late for the shoot.”