Page 12 of Sam
“Are you coming?” Ally calls out.
“I’ll be right there,” I answer. Draining my coffee, I fill my mug up again and go to the office to show Ally how I like things to be.
I’m glad I’m there when the front door opens and Ally about jumps out of her skin. “Easy,” I tell her, placing my hand on her thigh, ignoring how good it feels to touch her or that she melts under my palm. “It’s only Mum.”
Ally takes a shaky breath but nods. “I’m so sick of this.”
“It will take time, babe,” I squeeze her thigh gently, needing to comfort her. Once she sinks back into her seat, only then do I remove my hand, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable.
Ally opens her mouth to say something, but Mum walks in, followed by Reaper, stopping her. Ally is all business once Mum arrives. Leaving them to it, suspecting I’d only be in the way, I get up from my seat at Ally’s desk and leave to find peace in my workshop.
CHAPTER 8
ALLY
I’ve been working for Sam and Abby for a month, and I was finally feeling like I understood everything. It’s been a challenge running two companies that are so different from each other, but I’ve loved every minute. Working has been a good way to keep my mind busy. Keeping busy helped stop the thoughts that have plagued me for months, the ones that ran like a loop through my mind when I was feeling low. The‘I should have noticed. I could have stopped him without killing him’thoughts and the guilt that always followed behind them.
I’m still mortified that I’d had a breakdown that first morning, but Sam couldn’t have been kinder even when I’d bawled all over him. It made me wonder what the hell was wrong with Bella.
Not only is he kind, he’s smoking hot with Mediterranean looks courtesy of Abby. The combination of his dark hair and olive skin, along with a body that has most women drooling over him. Although I’m not sure he even noticed them. I certainly noticed.
The sheer number of women that came through our doors was testament to that. The sheer number of women was astounding. And they weren’t all single. Nope. We had a variety, from grandmothers and wives to hopeful singles. Sam was oblivious to it, which I think was part of their attraction to him.
I’d taken to gatekeeping for him and weeding out the actual customers from those who just wanted a chance to chat andogle him. The man was busy and worked his arse off, sometimes starting before the sun was up and only finishing late at night. He was so busy that we rarely saw each other, and considering we worked on the same premises, that said a lot. Between his business, the MC, and his brothers, he was constantly on the go. Abby came in twice a week and Sam checked in now and then to make sure that I was okay, but other than that, I was mostly left to my own devices.
It was great putting my training to use and implementing slight changes for the smoother running of the companies.
Even the drive to and from home was getting easier, and I no longer jumped at any small noise. I was also sleeping better, which meant my panda eyes were not as noticeable.
Both my therapist and I were happy with my progress enough that I’d encouraged Mum and Dad to take the boys camping for a long weekend with school being out.
This would be the last test for me, if I could stay by myself in the house. It wasn’t like I was completely alone on the property. I had all my uncles, my aunts, and my granda if I needed them. Mum and Dad had left this morning with the boys beside themselves with excitement.
It was knocking on for five, and at the end of my workday, I should be packing up, but I was delaying.
“For fuck’s sake, Ally, get a grip,” I grouse to myself, switching off my computer.
“You know what they say about talking to yourself, babe,” Sam voices from the doorway.
Starting, I slap my hand to my chest in fright. I’d been so caught up in my head that I’d not heard him come in, and I was jumpier than usual knowing that I was alone tonight. “Fuck’s sake,” Imutter again, taking a deep breath before looking at the man taking up most of the doorway and wincing at the concern on his face. I hated that he thought me weak.
“Not weak, babe. Not in the least.”
“Dammit,” I slap my hand to my forehead. “You’re going to think I’m a total div. I don’t usually talk to myself,” I assure him.
Sam laughs, and I blink a little in shock at the change on his face when he does. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him laugh like that, or at least not recently.
“You’re not a div, babe. You’ve got a lot going on. I’m only checking in to see if you need me for anything. I’m cutting out early; I’m off to the gym.”
Shaking my head, I grab my bag and stand. “Nope, I’m all good. I’ve put your new orders in the filing tray, and I’ve also added the form for the trade show in Birmingham. I’ve filled it out, let me know if you want to do it and I’ll sort payment out for it.”
“Thanks, Ally.” His tone is heartfelt. “I’m fucking thrilled Mum hired you. My stress levels have halved since you took over my shit.”
My face flushes, and a smile blooms on my face at his praise. “Thank you, Sam. You don’t know how much that means. I’m enjoying myself here.”
Sam studies me for a beat, and I think he’s going to say something, but we’re interrupted by the door buzzing. Looking at the camera screen, I see it’s Ben and Brice.
Pressing the button to let them in, I smile at them when they walk in. Ben has always been a favourite of mine, and when he opens his arms for a hug, I don’t waste any time in walking straight into them. “Good to see you, Ally,” he rumbles, pressinga kiss to my cheek before passing me over to Brice, who does the same.
