Catching Sam: Book 2 of 5: The MacDonald Brothers by Emily Matthews (best mystery novels of all time TXT) 📗

right and she was playing him, but when he looked into her eyes after asking her about it, he saw no hint of deception.

There were clearly things she wasn’t ready to tell him, and she had secrets, everybody did. He just wasn’t sure they involved him.

Trusting someone, anyone, was not his strong suit. He hadn’t always been so cynical and suspicious, but once bitten, twice shy. One difference, of many, between Annie and the other women he dated, was that he felt like he could trust her. Feeling and doing were two different animals, though. Time would tell.

When she finally woke, it was almost eleven o’clock. He’d asked if she wanted to stay the night, but she insisted she needed to go home, so he drove her.

“It’ll be great when you only live down the street,” he said.

“Agreed. I love my cousin, but I can’t wait to get into my own place. Thanks for having me over,” she said sleepily. He gave her a kiss good night and watched until he knew she was safely inside.

The next day at work, he was tired but on cloud nine. He felt like a teenager with a crush. Having learned his lesson, he didn’t tell Phil anything. Having a secret was fun.

As much as he wanted to trust Annie, he decided it would be prudent to make sure she meant what she said about not telling anyone. He’d give it a week. If he wasn’t contacted by his lawyers, HR, or the media by then, it would mean she really hadn’t told anyone, and he’d call her again.

Waiting was harder than he thought it would be. By Friday, he’d thought up an excuse to visit the offices where Annie worked, but when he popped his head into hers, she was deep in conversation with Cooper’s assistant. She didn’t even look up, and he ducked back out without saying anything. Did she need an admin assistant then? He’d have to ask her later.

After lunch, he gave in and texted her, asking if she wanted to have dinner again and watch some basketball. He didn’t know if she liked basketball, but that was part of the fun of getting to know someone. He was still waiting for her reply when he left for the day at four.

She didn’t respond until much later, and that was only to say she was prepping for moving day and couldn’t do dinner. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had left him unanswered for so long, and it had been a very long time since anyone had said no to a dinner invitation. It was a novel idea to think she wasn’t hanging on his every text, pining away by the phone, waiting for him to call. An uncomfortable feeling, one he didn’t much care for.

He knew she’d be busy directing movers and getting things squared away on Saturday, so he let her be, but Sunday was close enough to his week-long deadline that he figured one day less wouldn’t hurt.

He stopped by a local nursery and purchased a mature pothos plant as a housewarming gift. The pot was a pretty shade of turquoise, almost the color of her eyes. When he’d driven past her house on his way out, the moving truck was gone, and all seemed quiet.

Even though he knew everyone hated the drop-in visit, he didn’t want to risk her saying no, so he parked and knocked anyway. Standing on the doorstep, plant in hand, his hands dampened and he started to second guess coming.

When she opened the door, she had a fistful of cash and a look of surprise, which was quickly followed by disappointment.

“Sam. Hey. I thought you were the pizza guy.” She looked beyond him as if hoping the pizza guy was hiding behind him.

“No pizza, but I brought you a plant.” Sam smiled and held the plant a little higher.

“Can we eat it?” she asked.

“Sorry, I should have called. If I knew you needed food, I would have brought dinner instead of a plant.” He shrugged, mentally kicking himself.

“No, no. It’s gorgeous. Please come in.” She opened the door and moved out of the way. “I’m not sure exactly where it will end up, but let’s put it in the kitchen for now. This way.”

It was obvious the house had been remodeled within the last few years. He suspected the original floor plan had been rearranged into an open-area concept, which had become popular only a short time ago. The entryway led to a large, modern kitchen, filled with all the latest appliances. The dining room and living room were not separated by walls, but the spaces were clearly defined.

He set the plant in the center of the kitchen island. It went nicely with the dark wood floors and white shaker cabinets.

“Oh, it’s perfect there. Just what I needed,” she exclaimed as she clapped her hands together. “I love it.” He was excited that she was excited.

She moved to hug him, but halfway into the embrace, the doorbell rang. She dropped him like a hot potato and practically ran to the door.

“Be right back,” she called over her shoulder. A minute later, she returned with an extra-large, hot, pizza box in her hands and a look of desire in her eyes.

She laid the box on the counter, opened the lid, and dove in. After the first bite, she found her manners. She finished swallowing and then moved to grab some plates and a roll of paper towels. “I’m sorry, Sam. Do you want some pizza? How rude of me not to offer.”

“Don’t mind if I do. If you think you can spare a piece.” The pizza was the size of a semi-truck tire. He grabbed a slice and dug in beside her.

“Ha. Ha,” she said before getting back to business.

They ate their first slices in silence. After that, she slowed down. “I lost track of time unpacking and didn’t want to go out because I look so…” She immediately turned away from