The Summer Deal Read Online Free PDF Page B

dried off. Toweling her hair, she saw the dark circles under her eyes. Her usually pink complexion was pasty and pale.
    She wasn’t looking forward to being out and about today and possibly running into Brad Daniels. She wished she were already in Greece. She’d be half a world away, and he would never know where to find her. Even if he did, he wouldn’t bother.
    Would he?
    She resigned herself to three more days of looking over her shoulder and began to dress. A comfortable pair of jeans and her favorite t-shirt would make her feel better.
    Samantha heard the doorbell buzz and wrapped her hair in a towel to answer it. She passed Mary, finally asleep on the couch, and smiled as she heard a soft snore escape the woman’s lips. Her elderly neighbor had been so worried last night, she’d refused to go home and rest, and she’d refuse to take Samantha’s bed. The poor woman had spent the night on the sofa.
    Another buzz. Samantha put her eye to the peephole and saw Anthony Lakis checking his watch. She wrinkled her forehead, and unbolted the locks, opening the door.
    “Good morning.” Anthony stepped inside, giving her an easy smile, and strolled over to her neighbor, who was now rising from the couch, as if he visited Samantha’s apartment every day. “You must be the lovely Mary my brother told me about. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
    “Mr. Lakis, why are you here?” Samantha was dumbfounded. How did he know Mary?
    “Tony, call me Tony. Mr. Lakis is my father.” He looked so comfortable in her home, hugging her friend. “Demo phoned and told me what happened last night. He wants you to leave for Greece tonight. He’ll have a plane at JFK for you in a few hours.”
    “I can’t. I’m not ready.” Samantha protested. “I have work to finish, and I need to pack.”
    No one would tell her what to do. No way was she giving an inch of control to a man. She’d been there and done that, and the result was the predicament she was in today. No, she wouldn’t do it—regardless if she agreed with the order .
    “We packed last night, dear. I’m sure Tony won’t mind if you take a few minutes to throw your toiletries together.” Mary pulled him down on the couch with her, and patted his knee. “Would you mind, honey?”
    “Of course not. Mary and I could have some coffee and get to know each other better while you finish up.”
    Tony looked funny on her pastel colored couch. It was as if he was sitting on a toy. He was so much like Demo, only more relaxed and casual. If you looked up tall-dark-and-handsome in the dictionary, you would find both Lakis brothers pictured there.
    Nerves frayed, and knowing she should be jumping at the opportunity, she was nonetheless unable to accept the offer. Samantha wanted to scream, but instead she laughed. “You two are mad. I can’t, and won’t, leave tonight. I have things to do.”
    “Sweetie, please don’t argue with this nice young man. I don’t think I could sleep if I don’t know you’re safe.”
    “Mary, I’ll be just fine. Those where empty threats.”
    Tony’s gaze flared with emotion. Any comfortable, relaxed, or casual style disappeared. “Threats are threats Samantha. You never know what a man is capable of, especially one under the influences consuming Daniels. Don’t be stubborn for no good reason.”
    “I have good reason,” she said, raising her voice. I can’t. I won’t. Never again will I give up control of my life.
    Taking a deep breath, she scrunched her nose and crossed her arms over her chest. “I need to prepare. I have work to do, and I need to say goodbye to a few people.” Samantha paced the small living room, determined to appear confident. “Thank you, Mr. Lakis, but I can’t go tonight.”
    Tony stood and strode to where she stood. He lifted her chin so that she was looking into his eyes. “You win, Little Red. We’ll go to the office, and you can work all you want. Today.” He released her chin and gave her an assuring