"Can we pick up some bubble tea on the way?" Sam asked as they rode the elevator to Parking.

"Yeah sure, I could do with coffee myself." Ryan said with a nod, engrossed with typing an email on his phone.

Americans and their coffee addiction. He'd already downed two cups during breakfast and still wanted more?

"You already had two cups just now," Sam pointed out. "Won't it make you hyper having so much in the morning?"

He looked up and smiled. "It actually helps me concentrate better. It's a habit I picked up in college when I had to do tons of studying and I'd drink like ten cups a day just to keep up."

Sam's eyebrow rose. "Ten cups? Really?"

"Yep, I was really into the stuff then. Lucky for me, the caffeine didn't seem to have a negative effect like most people. Still, I've cut back since. I limit myself to four cups per day."

"So, you're addicted to caffeine?"

He grinned and slid an arm around her waist, tugging her close for a kiss then lifted his head and gazed down at her, an intense look in his eyes.

"I think I'm addicted to kissing you." He murmured, his thumb tracing her moistened lower lip.

The words filled Sam with warmth. Bringing her arms up to hook around his neck, she rose on tiptoe to press a kiss on his lips.

"Me too."

The doors slid open, but neither of them moved. Instead, they shared another kiss, mouths exploring each other in desperate passion. Ryan moved, taking them backwards until Sam felt the wall against her back. She was only vaguely aware of the doors swishing closed again, trapping them in a cocoon of heated passion.

Desire pulsed through her and she moaned as he bit lightly on her lower lip, moaning again when his hands cupped her ass and squeezed, his erection hard and urgent against her hip.

"The meeting…" Sam gasped, grabbing his shoulders as he settled heavily between her thighs. His fingers trailed down to pull up the hem of her dress to delve underneath and let out a groan when instead of the fabric of her panties, he touched bare skin.

"No panties?" He groaned again, resting his forehead against hers, as their heavy breaths mingled. "You trying to kill me, woman?"

"Not intentionally," She whispered, lost in a haze as he stroked her, feeling her body go limp. "Ryan...we shouldn't...we'll be late."

"Yeah." He sighed and pulled away, stooping to pick up his jacket and tie off the floor.

Sam put herself to rights and opened the door to the mercifully deserted parking garage, flushing as it hit her then that anyone passing might have seen them the first time.

Goodness, they were acting like horny teenagers experiencing sex for the first time.

"You know this is torture, right?" Ryan fell into step beside her, giving her a heated look.

"What is?" She asked, confused.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Watching you walk, knowing what's underneath that dress...or isn't. It's fucking with my head right now cos I want to take you back upstairs and fuck you all day but I can't do that."

Sam's steps flattered, butterflies flirting around her stomach.

"Oh…" She was lost for words for a moment but recovered quickly and laughed. "Noted. I'll be sure never to go commando around you next time."

"Never say never, babe." He grinned, reaching for her hand and tangling their fingers. "I like it when you're naked for me."

"We're acting like a pair of silly teenagers." Sam muttered, and he burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the cavernous space.

She smiled, loving the feeling of holding hands with him. She let her eyes drink in the sight of him, tall, relaxed and good looking and just then, she wanted the right to be able to claim him as exclusively hers.

Troubled by the direction of her thoughts, she let her gaze drop, landing on the tie and jacket draped over his arm. She stopped walking and tugged him to a stop.

"Here, let me help with your tie." She quickly took the fabric and draped it around his neck, busying herself with forming the knot.

His phone rang, and she caught a glimpse of his assistant's name just before he answered it.

"Did you get my email?" His tone turned businesslike as he spoke to Lola.

Sam put in the final touches and stepped back, intending to head to the car alone and make a few calls of her own to Jane. However, Ryan slipped an arm around her waist, keeping her close as they walked.

Still engrossed in his conversation, he opened the passenger door for her then headed across to his side.

"Okay, good. Let everyone know the meeting's been postponed, then set up an appointment with Caine." Sam listened idly as Ryan rattled off more instructions, ending with. "Yes, I'm on my way, but I need to make a detour first."

He ended the call and glanced at her, turning on the engine. "All set?"

"Yes."

                ****

The sounds of a cricket game echoed around the apartment as she opened the door; a sure indication that Yash was home.

Sam sighed as the vain hope that she could avoid a confrontation vanished into thin air.

Dropping her keys and purse on the table by the entrance, she ran fingers through her hair and walked into the living room, mentally bracing herself.

Yash lay sprawled on the couch, one arm hooked beneath his head, but as he caught sight of her, he reached for the remote, sat up and turned off the TV, wearing a scowl.

"Where have you been?" He rose, coming to stand in front of her. He was dressed for work, but had obviously been waiting for her to come back before leaving.

"I'm sorry I forgot to call you." Sam said, deciding that jumping straight to an apology was probably the best strategy. "And my phone was on silent mode so I didn't see your calls till this morning."

"Forgot?" He continued to glare at her, brown eyes searching her face for heavens knew what. "Do you have any idea how close I was to calling the police? Jesus! Sam, what the hell were you thinking that you 'forgot' to call?"

She winced at his tone. "Yash…"

"I know you're a grown woman and I've tried to respect that, but the least you could do was let someone know if you decide to spend the night out." He raked a hand through his hair, and blew out a breath.

"And do you know what's fucking worse? When I asked Dee and she tried to cover up for you. Like I don't know what a terrible liar my own girlfriend is. For fucks sake…"

He trailed off, shaking his head as though to clear angry thoughts and threw up his hands in exasperation.

Sam moved towards him, wrapping her hands around his left arm. "I'm sorry, Yash. I'm sorry I made you worry."

He grunted, some of the tension easing from him. "Please, at least tell me it wasn't with some random dude you met for the first time yesterday."

She felt color steal up her cheeks. "Of course not. Give me some credit dude."

Heaving another sigh, he eyed her. "So, is this why you're moving out? So you and this 'guy' can live together?"

"I already told you yesterday, I'm moving into my own place. Alone." She stressed the last word. "And do I need to remind you of labor day weekend?"

Yash had the good grace to look embarrassed.

"You're never going to let me forget that, are you?" He muttered under his breath in Hindi.

"Believe me, I'd much rather forget too, but the sounds are seared in my memory."

Giving her head a playful tap, he tugged free and headed for the kitchen to make coffee. "So, who's this dude? Anyone I know? Do I need to give him 'the talk'?"

"You mean the 'hurt my sister and I hurt you talk?" Sam chuckled and shook her head. "No, thanks." She couldn't help wondering what his reaction would be when he found out about Ryan. Probably annoyed, she decided with a sigh.

Speaking of Ryan, she glanced at the wall clock. "I gotta hurry up and change. We'll talk later."

Hurrying to her bedroom, she quickly slipped off the dress and bra then put on a fresh peach lace bra and matching panties. A quick search through her closet and she settled for a navy blue suit with a pencil skirt and a white chiffon high necked blouse to go underneath the jacket. Black pumps, silver stud earrings and matching bracelet completed the look.

Sitting in front of her vanity, she put on makeup, perfume, brushed her hair, opting to leave it hanging loose. She sent Ryan a text to let him know she'd be down in five minutes then grabbed her briefcase and laptop bag and headed out.

She stopped, surprised at the sight of her brother still perched on a kitchen stool, drinking coffee while playing with his phone.

"Aren't you working today?" She set her bags down to shrug into her coat.

"I am." He set down the mug and slid off the stool, grabbing his own coat. "I'm just heading out now. Do you need a ride? I don't have to be at the hospital till 10, so I don't mind dropping you off."

Sam stifled a groan. Really, Yash? Today of all days?

"Umm… thanks, but I already have a ride." Sam held her breath, hoping he wouldn't ask for specifics and simply assume it was her usual chauffeur.

She let the breath out softly when he merely nodded, falling into step as they headed for the elevator. To her renewed dismay, rather than heading for the basement parking, he chose the lobby.

Dammit. She was in no mood for more drama today, but apparently, fate was being a pain in the ass.

"You're parked outside?" She asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.

"Yeah, I got in late last night and couldn't be bothered to drive one more inch."

"Mmm…"

"By the way," Yash began, "When are you going to show me your new place?"

"When do you have some free time?"

"Tonight's good. I get off work at eight."

"Great, I'm heading there with Dee after work. We can swing by the hospital and pick you up."

"Good plan." Yash grinned, hands thrust into pants pockets. "We'll grab dinner afterwards, my treat."

Once they reached the lobby, Sam quickly stepped out. "I'm really running late, see you this evening."

Taking long strides through the lobby, she hurried outside to where Ryan was parked, mercifully a bit down the street and climbed in.

"Sorry I kept you waiting so long." She gushed, breathless from her near sprint.

"No problem," he replied. He started the car, leaned back and studied her, one eyebrow raised in mischief. "Please tell me you're wearing panties."

"Oh for God's sake," she rolled her eyes, "I am, you pervert. Now, please, drive or we'll be - "

They both jumped as three taps sounded in quick succession followed by Yash's face filling the driver side window.

"Hey BhagWaan!" The exclamation slipped from Sam as she shut her eyes, hand slapping against her forehead, praying this was all just a fatigue induced nightmare.

"Hey what?" Ryan asked, shooting confused looks between Sam and Yash. "Who's he?"

"My brother, Yash." Sam muttered in a resigned tone.

"Really?" Looking pleased, Ryan lowered the window, letting in the cool air. "I've wanted to meet him...he looks familiar."

Yash stood back, arms crossed, an impassive look on his face that quickly changed to surprise as he recognized Ryan.

"You?" He said, at the same time Ryan said. "Hey, I know you."

Ryan stepped out the car, unfolding his length as he held out a hand towards Yash.

"We used to run into each other in the lobby. Man, I should have figured it out when Sam said she lived here. Ryan Silverton, it's great to meet you."

Wonderful…just freaking wonderful. Sam groaned, opened the door and stepped out, crossing to where Yash stood, glaring at Ryan's outstretched hand as though seriously considering breaking a few bones.

To Sam's relief, however, he accepted the handshake, albeit reluctantly.

"Dr. Yash Bhaat." He responded, both men sizing each other up. "How do you know my little sister?"

Sam glanced down at where their hands were clasped, noting how tightly Yash gripped Ryan's arm, till his knuckles turned white. Still, Ryan didn't flinch or show pain in any way...if anything, he seemed to tighten his own grip.

It was such an obvious display of testosterone that Sam rolled her eyes again, wondering how she got herself into this ridiculousness.

'We work together, Yash." She replied before Ryan could say anything. "Did you want something? We're running late as it is so if it's not important, can it wait till later?"

Yash dropped his hand, gaze still locked on Ryan for a few seconds before shifting to her.

"Nothing important." He finally said, giving her a look that spoke volumes. She would be getting a grilling later on, that was certain.

He turned back to Ryan. "We're meeting at Sam's new place then grabbing dinner later. Why don't you join us?"

"What? No…" Sam sputtered, mortified. Dinner tonight was going to be awkward enough without Yash giving Ryan what amounted to an interrogation.

"I'd love to." Ryan accepted, looking pleased.

"Good, see you then." Yash nodded and walked towards his car.

                  ****

"I still can't believe you agreed." Sam muttered for the umpteenth time as Ryan pulled to a stop at the Silvercorp parking lot. "You know he just wants a chance to grill us both because he knows we're sleeping together, right?"

Ryan chuckled and turned off the engine. He reached back and picked up his jacket and laptop bag, giving Sam a teasing look.

"I know. It's not a problem, Sam." He climbed out and came round to open her door.

"It's going to be awkward!" Sam protested, gathering her own things and stepped down. "You have no idea what Yash is like when he goes into protective mode."

"As someone who once threatened to break my brother-in-law's jaw and knees should he hurt my sister, I think I have an idea."

Sam started at him, incredulous. "You really said that?"

"Yep. And it might interest you to know that he's a former WWE champion turned senator and at least ten years older than I am." He laughed at her expression, eyes sparkling in mischief.

"Sam, relax. It'll be fine." He assured her, then changed the subject. "Are you ready for the meeting?"

Recalling all the questions she'd meant to ask about the project, she silently cursed Yash.

"We need to sync up on your plans for the project so we're on the same page." She told him.

He glanced at his watch and nodded. "We've still got fifteen minutes before the meeting, let's talk in my office."

                   ****

The meeting with Bradford went without a hitch. It was clear to Sam that winning back the Caine contract had eased some of the tension between father and son.

She studied the other members present as Ryan made his presentation, noting their expressions.

Her gaze landed where a pregnant gorgeous blonde sat beside Bradford, startled to find the woman looking back at her, wearing the same expression Ryan had when he was silently assessing a situation.

Flustered, she lowered her gaze, wondering why Ryan's twin seemed so interested in her. This wasn't the first time they'd sat in on a meeting together, but Hailey Merrit had never shown this much interest in her before now.

Could it be that Kelsey, Ryan's mom had mentioned something of their airport encounter? It was possible, Sam mused, recalling how sceptical Kelsey had been when Sam had insisted there was nothing more than a working relationship between her and Ryan.

Kelsey may have expressed her doubts to Hailey, hence the silent interrogation that made Sam nervous.

She rubbed at her temple, feeling the start of another migraine. Between the confrontation with Yash this morning and now, this, today was not looking to be a good one. This thing with Ryan was supposed to be free of complications, but it was rapidly turning into a shitstorm.

Maybe it was time to take a step back?

Her head throbbed harder and coils of unease settled in the pit of her stomach.

She was roused out of her thoughts as Ryan rounded up his presentation. She watched him, looking coolly assured as he resumed his seat beside his sister.

Bradford leaned forward, arms on the table.

"Let's try to wrap up this project as soon as possible." He began, his direct gaze on Ryan. "As per your plan, you will fly to Maui with the team next week to personally supervise things on ground. Ms. Bhaat will remain here and run the department as well as any logistics needed on the resort."

Ryan nodded. "Yes Sir, that's the plan. Once I'm on ground, I'll be able to set a timeframe for completion."

"Okay." Bradford "Since that's settled, let's move on."

The rest of the meeting passed quickly then Bradford dismissed the group. Sam gathered her stuff, exchanging pleasantries with a few of the executive members she was familiar with.

She caught sight of Ryan, talking to his sister, blonde heads together. His eyes met hers and he smiled then returned his attention to his sibling, who caught the exchange. The blonde looked towards Sam then murmured something to Ryan who merely shook his head in reply, leading her out of the room.

Sam watched them head towards Hailey's office.

Were they talking about her? Feeling uncomfortable under the scrutiny, she broke from her group and stepped out of the conference room, intent on getting back to her office.

Seriously, this whole thing was becoming too much to handle. Her phone rang, startling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and frowned.

"Hello?"

"Good morning Ms. Bhaat," the cultured voice of Bradford's assistant filled her ear. "If you have a minute, Mr. Silverton would like a word with you in private."

"Now?" She raised her eyebrows in surprise, wondering what he wanted to discuss with her that couldn't have been said in the meeting.

"Yes, please. He's available now."

"Okay, I'll be there."

She ended the call and turned, heading back down the corridor that led to the private elevator leading to Bradford's office on the floor above. She contemplated texting Ryan to let him know what was going on, but changed her mind.

She'd talk to him later.

Bradford's office had not changed much since the last time she'd been in there. It was huge, taking up half the entire floor, sleek marble walls rising up to meet a coiffed ceiling with recessed lights casting a warm ambience on the room. Floor to ceiling windows showed a stunning view of the skyline.

Bradford sat at his desk, chair turned towards the window, speaking into his phone. He didn't acknowledge Sam's entrance, and she took the initiative, settling on one of the white chairs in front of his desk and waited for him to finish.

Five minutes turned to ten before he wrapped up the call, spinning around to face her, his piercing blue eyes pinning her in place. He kept his expression impassive as he studied her.

"I must say, I'm impressed at how far the division has come in the past few months." He began abruptly, flicking open a folder and studying it. "Other than the Caine project, there's been significant improvements and I must say, Sam, I'm impressed."

"Thank you, Sir," Sam replied, hands folded on her lap. "It was a joint effort, sir. Ryan worked just as hard to turn things around."

Bradford's eyes flickered up to her face briefly then went back to the folder.

"I see. That's high praise, considering how