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

A involved him staking out the building in the evenings to see if he could follow Annie home.

That seemed like the quicker option at first, but then he realized tons of people left the building simultaneously in the evening. Plus, if she took the elevator straight to the underground parking garage, he’d have no way of knowing. Just like he had no idea what kind of car she drove. She could use public transportation, for all he knew.

Best to keep nurturing Plan B for now. Maybe he could even get laid. Girls like Beckie were easy to manipulate, and he could use some action. He also needed money, but couldn’t risk asking Beckie for that. He’d have to hit Jackson up for a loan.

After he was sure Beckie was back at work, he returned to the Samatrix building lobby and sat there until quitting time. If he was lucky, maybe he could catch a glimpse of Annie leaving and figure out what she drove. That bitch was going to talk to him whether she wanted to or not.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The week passed quickly, and before Annie knew it, another weekend had rolled around. It was the night of the fundraiser, and even though Sam was bringing a date, she was still excited to see him after an entire week apart.

The sleek, black limousine pulled up to the Seattle Club’s entryway. Annie had put in a lot of time getting ready. Knowing Sam would be there with some other woman, she was determined not to feel inferior. Her dress fit perfectly and hugged her in all the right places. It was a light turquoise that almost matched the color of her eyes. The bodice was tightfitting but made of a stretchy material that meant it was ultra-comfortable. It hit just above the knee, and she’d miraculously found shoes in almost the same shade.

Beckie and her mom, Jan, were also dressed to the nines, and their excitement for a night out was infectious. The three of them had a drink in the limo and were feeling light and happy. They were helped from the car by the handsome chauffeur and made their way to the ballroom and found their assigned seats.

Everything was top of the line. Servers dressed in tuxedos floated around with trays of champagne and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. The food was so fancy Annie couldn’t even tell what anything was. She was used to pigs in a blanket and Bud Lights.

She’d never been drawn to expensive, ornate things. It had always seemed like a waste of money, but tonight, with everything and everyone sparkling, she could see the allure. It made her feel regal and important. As tempting as it was to dream about what a life living like these folks would be like, she refocused. Her goal for the night was to help Beckie and Jan have a great time. She wanted them to forget all the health stuff and money woes. She wanted them pampered.

It had been almost three weeks since Jan’s last chemo treatment, so she was feeling good and walking on her own. She had a silk scarf wrapped around her bald head, but no reason to feel self-conscious. Because this was a fundraiser for cancer research, there were several ladies with the same type of wrap, no doubt going through the same thing Jan was. When they found their table, one of those ladies was already sitting and warmly welcomed Jan. They hit it off immediately.

Annie was too focused on getting Jan settled to notice the other guests but felt the instant Sam arrived. As if drawn to his very presence, she looked up and found him immediately. He was talking with another man and had a gorgeous, leggy brunette on his arm. She was wearing a simple little black dress but rocked it so completely that Annie suddenly felt like she was wearing a potato sack.

She knew this was coming and was grateful to Sam for warning her, but she still wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of negative feelings that fell on her like a ton of bricks. All the old insecurities came flooding back. She wasn’t good enough for Sam. This was his life. He was used to the glitz and glamor. She was not. He wore his tuxedo like a second skin and not only looked damn good in it, but comfortable. He must go to events like this all the time. Five thousand dollars was chump change to him. He’d probably donate a lot more before the night was over.

She, on the other hand, would savor every morsel of food and every second of the night as a luxurious experience she’d never had.

Hanging out with him in private she hadn’t noticed it, but seeing him here, in his element, it became painfully obvious. They were from two different worlds, and she didn’t know if she’d ever fit in. Even with all her self-improvements, she was still way out of his league. Shaking her head, she refocused.

Beckie, dressed in a red sheath dress, looked beautiful and as happy as Annie had ever seen her. Annie was grateful Sam had given them this opportunity and was determined to make it memorable for them.

“You wanna mingle a bit before we get settled?” she asked Beckie. “Your mom looks like she’ll be fine here.” Jan was chatting it up with her new friend.

“This is so awesome,” Beckie replied in awe. “I feel like we stepped into a Gatsby movie.”

“Yes, isn’t it crazy to think people live like this?”

You could spot the newbies from a mile away. Eyes wide, mouths gaping at the opulence. The old-timers were used to the service and the food and drinks. They laughed jovially, sipping their martinis and gossiping casually.

“Do you think we should talk to Mr. MacDonald?” Beckie asked. “I want to thank him, but don’t want to bother him. Wow, that woman he’s with is stunning.”

That stung, but Annie didn’t let on. “Let’s just play that by ear,”