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

you?”
    “Let’s see,” thought Sam for a moment. “As you can figure
out, I'm from Chicago, born and raised there. It’s only me and my brother. According
to my mother, we were more than she could handle, but she survived.” Sam made a
face at Ian. “Since you know nothing about East of Vegas, I went to school at
Northwestern and majored in business with a minor in music. Jordan went to
school at DePaul and majored in music, obviously. Being a twin, they have a
tendency to think you’re alike, so Mom and Dad made sure we followed our own
dreams.”
    “Do you have any musical talent?” asked Ian. Something told
him she did.
    “Well, yeah. Mom made sure we both took piano lessons.
Jordan and I are very competitive with each other. When he took up guitar, so
did I. I tried to be better than him, but I didn’t want to be a performer.”
    “Why not? You two could’ve been the next Carpenters or
something,” joked Ian. He kept getting lost in her green eyes. Ian loved the
way she gestured when she talked. Her hands were slender and strong. If he
didn’t know any better, he thought he might be coming infatuated with her. Obviously,
she didn’t seem to feel the same way and this frustrated him. Why couldn't she?
    “No, thanks,” said Sam with a wave of her hand. “Let me
finish!”
    “Okay, okay,” surrendered Ian, and slouched in his seat and
stared at Sam intently.
    “I wanted to be in the business. At first, I wanted to be
Jordan’s agent, but I really didn’t know the business. So, when I was a senior,
I started working at this life insurance company. When I graduated, they
offered me a full-time position and I just loved it.”
    “What position did you hold? Seems like such a difference. Music
to life insurance?” Ian cocked his head in confusion.
    “They placed me in marketing, so I did get to use my
creative nature. I worked my way to the top and became their first woman Vice
President.”
    “And?” Ian saw a shadow cross Sam’s face and he could’ve
sworn he saw tears in her eyes.
    “This is the hard part,” said Sam not looking at Ian.
    “What?” asked Ian softly, and he leaned forward and cupped
her chin forcing Sam to look into his eyes.
    Sam's eyes widened in surprise at Ian's touch. “They laid me
off,” answered Sam Oh, she could get used to his touch. It felt like a caress.
Sam focused back on the conversation. “I poured my heart and soul into that
company and just like that, it’s gone.” Sam snapped her fingers.
    “But you’re here?” Ian reluctantly let go of Sam’s chin. Her
skin felt like porcelain and he wanted to touch her all over. No way would he
let Jett lay a hand on her.
    “Yeah,” said Sam taking a sip of her drink. “I went home in
tears, totally bummed out. Then, Bunny, my mother…”
    “Your mom’s name is Bunny? Now, that’s funny,” laughed Ian.
    “Her real name is Barbara, but she’s always been called
Bunny. Well, anyway she’s quite the character. She came knocking at my door
dragging me out of my condo and that’s when Jordan called. Which is how I found
out about Jett, and that’s why I’m here.”
    “So, Miss Corporate? What plans do you have now? Obviously,
this is a temporary gig for you, is it not?” asked Ian. If he had to give up
his love of designing and building houses, he would be lost. He really felt for
Sam.
    “My mother wants me to stay in Chicago so I can be close by.
She still wants to run my life.” Sam made a face and Ian laughed. “Jordan
thinks it’s a good idea for me to break away.” Sam looked away, somewhat
embarrassed “I’m boring you, I’m sorry.”
    “No, you’re not. Not at all, Sam,” he said softly and took
her hand. “I mean I really feel for you because if I had to give up doing what
I love, I, too, would be lost.”
    “Thanks for understanding,” said Sam softly and she squeezed
his hand affectionately. “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.”
    “I really hope you find out,