Play for Me by Lois Kasznia Read Free Book Online Page A

curiously.
    “Look,” said Sam somewhat frustrated. “Forget I asked. You
know, maybe this isn’t a good idea.” She started to get up, but Ian stopped her
and took her hand.
    “I’m sorry. Please stay. I'm playing the devil’s advocate.
You seem to think I’m this swinging, single guy who has dates with a different
woman every night.”
    “What makes you different?” asked Sam.
    “You see, that’s where you have me all wrong. Let me tell
you about Ian Andrews.” Ian became serious. “For your information, I love my
work. I’m good at what I do and am basically happy. I grew up on the coast, my
parents were very wealthy and traveled the world, but they never really had
time for me. My parents always left me home with the nanny and my little
brother. I went to Stanford and graduated at the top of my class. I served some
years in the Navy, and when I came out, I started my own business. It just grew
from there. Someone asked me to do a house in Maui and I fell in love with the
area. I designed and built my own house. You should see it sometime. As far as
women are concerned, I am very specific about whom I date. I’ve never been
married and am not looking to be right now. I like my women strong,
independent, athletic and smart. As far as a girlfriend, I don’t have anyone.
I’ve had casual dates with someone local, but for me, it’s platonic. However, she
doesn’t see it that way. Now, are you satisfied?”
    “Yeah. I guess so.” Sam rested her chin on her hands. “See?
You did it.”
    “No. I don't like being pegged me for something I’m not.” Ian
glared at Sam.
    “And you pegged me for something I’m not, as well,” countered
Sam. “I guess we’re even.” She became quiet for a second. “So, how do you know
my brother?”
    “When Jett called me, your brother happened to be there and
we all hung out. Tell me, what’s it like to have a brother like him?” Ian dug
into the chips and salsa.
    “I could tell you stories,” laughed Sam. “He's my older
brother, right? I worshipped the ground he walked upon, but let me tell you, he
and his friends teased the living daylights out of me. I finally wised up and
gave it right back to them. Then, I became one of the guys.” Sam noticed another
Margarita had appeared. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”
    “No. I think you can hold your own,” said Ian
appreciatively. “It’s just you’re a lot of fun and easy to talk to.”
    “Because I’m a guy in a women’s body,” said Sam laughing. “After
growing up the way I did, I’ll always be one of the guys. I'm going to change
the subject. Your parents, your brother? Do you still keep in touch with them?”
    “My brother, yes,” said Ian. “He is happily married with
three children. They live in Portland. My parents? I still have issues with
them.”
    “I think we all have issues with our parents,” said Sam
lightly. “Mine don't want me to grow up.”
    “At least they’re around. My parents are always gone,” said
Ian. “Just for the record, they haven't even met their three grandchildren.”
    “Ouch,” said Sam shaking her head. “That's not right. You
mean they don't even call or anything?”
    “Every once in a while,” said Ian. “When it's convenient for
them. Maybe once or twice a year.”
    “Oh boy. Nothing like my family,” explained Sam. “Except for
Jordan's traveling, we're pretty close.”
    “Well, I envy you.” Ian smiled seductively at Sam. “Let's
get back to you being one of the guys.”
    “I am,” said Sam returning the smile.
    “I disagree,” said Ian seriously. “You are every bit of a
woman. Every single guy in this place has had his eye on you.”
    “Get out!” said Sam. “I didn’t notice.”
    “Well, I have. Finish up, so I can take you to Venice Beach.”
    “I can’t guzzle this drink,” said Sam and she pushed it
away. Ian pushed it back.
    “We’ve got time.” He smiled lazily at her. “So, I’ve told
you about me, what about