Page 86 of Ruthless Secrets
Is he trying to make my heart explode? Because it sure as hell is working.
Sam isdue to arrive any minute, and I am practically bouncing off the walls. I haven’t gone this long without seeing her in years, and there’s so much to catch her up on.
After getting Zoe fed and ready for her day with Marco, I get myself showered and dressed in a pair of linen shorts and a blouse. The weather is perfect, and I cannot wait to spend the next few hours out by the pool with my best friend.
When a car heads down the drive, I rush down the stairs and throw open the door just as it’s pulling up.
“Sam!” I cry out when she gets out of the car.
She looks a little shocked as she takes in the enormous house.
I didn’t tell her much on the phone last night as I prefer to have conversations in person. All she knows is that I’ve been staying at Marco’s brother's house. What I failed to mention was that the house is the size of Manhattan.
“Hey!” She shoulders her bag, flicking her long ponytail over her shoulder.
It’s rare to see Sam out of corporate clothes, but she looks amazing in a coral summer dress that brings out the golden tones in her skin.
I rush down the front steps and throw my arms around my friend.
She’s been there for me through everything, and I think I missed her more than I’ve realized.
“I had a frickin’ driver pick me up,” she says once I let her go.
I laugh as I wave to Jax, who dips his chin at me before getting back into the car.
“Were you nice to Jax?” I lead Sam inside, but it’s clear she’s not listening to me by the way her eyes practically bug out of her head.
“This place ishuge. Are you kidding me?”
“I thought we could have a drink by the pool.”
“Of course, there’s a pool. Seriously, Clara, where do I find a man with a mansion and a driver?”
“Unfortunately, this house belongs to Marco’s brother, and he is happily married.”
“Are you sure?”
I chuckle. “Yes. Lila is great, you’d really like her.”
“You’ve gone and got yourself a readymade family, Clara.”
I’m unsure whether she’s saying it like that’s a good thing, so I just let it go.
I take Sam into the kitchen to get us both some drinks to take outside.
“Are you okay with a mimosa?” I grab the carton of orange juice from the fridge.
Sam laughs. “I’malwayshappy with a mimosa.”
I make Sam a drink and pour orange juice for myself before taking her out onto the patio.
“Oh, I could get used to this.” She settles on one of the loungers that overlooks the pool. “So, are you going to spill the tea or what? Are you and Marco a thing now?”
I roll my eyes as I sit down on the lounger next to hers and curl my feet under myself.
Trust Sam to go straight for the heavy questions.
“We’re just seeing how things go.”
