hadnât seen each other for years. She closed the door, focusing on the image of his smile, even as she understood it would haunt her dreams for ages.
* * *
M ATT LEFT HIS LUGGAGE off to the side and watched Sam turn in her Comic-Con shirt, with her copper-colored hair shifting over her shoulders. She was a woman now, beautifully sculpted with curves that hadnât been there when heâd last seen her. But that shirt? That was pure Sammy.
He couldnât get over it. The pictures online hadnât done her justice at all. She didnât have prom-queen beautyâthat wasnât Sam. She could stand to put on a couple of pounds and her smile was a little crooked, but she had amazing green eyes that lit up like firecrackers. Standing there in front of him was everything heâd always liked about Sammy, with the addition of womanly grace that only time and experience could bring.
He couldnât wait another moment. âCome here,â he said, holding his arms out, taking the first step.
A blush stole over her cheeks but she came willingly, and then she was in his arms. A second later, hers went around his waist, under his jacket.
It wasnât the MIT hug he was used to.
Theyâd never pressed this close, never hung on for beat after beat of his quickening heart. Damn, she smelled good.
He pulled back. She released him instantly, but he wasnât quite ready to abandon ship. He held on to her shoulders and gave her a head-to-toe inspection.
âLogan was right. Youâve turned into a stunner.â
Her brows, a little darker than her hair, came together as she frowned and took a half step back. âYou donât have to say that stuff to me, Matt. I donât need to be flattered.â
âYou think I wasnât being sincere?â
âNo. I mean, I know Iâm okay. But Iâm notâ Iâm in shape because I think better when Iâm running. Itâs not about...anything else.â
âIâm glad youâre fit, but I wasnât lying. I think youâre beautiful, and thatâs just the truth.â
âOkay,â she said as the blush darkened. âThatâs fair enough. I think youâre beautiful, too.â
He laughed. âI think the word you were looking for was handsome ? I hope?â
âFine. Handsome. Hot as hell. Drop-dead gorgeous. Mouthwateringââ
âOkay. Thatâs enough.â Matt laughed, mostly at himself. How could he have forgotten her quirky tendency to drive them all nuts with the thesaurus in her brain. âHey,â he said, giving her another once-over. âYouâre taller. By a lot. When did that happen?â
Sam looked confused and then dropped her gaze to her toes, peeking out from under the hem of her slacks. âIâm wearing heels,â she said and then lifted her right leg to show him the proof. âAnyway...â She stuck out her hand. The key rested in her palm. âHereâs the key.â
Matt accepted it, wondering why she suddenly seemed so nervous.
She moved back and turned in a jerky motion. âThis is it,â she said, gesturing widely. âItâs still a prototype. Iâm working out the kinks.â She took off walking down the hall and he lagged a few seconds behind until she reached the junction of kitchen and living room. âThe fridge and pantry are fully stocked. Feel free to use or consume anything.â
She picked up some brochure from the kitchen counter. âYouâll find everything you need in here, including chefs who will come here to cook or have something made-to-order delivered. The masseur is terrific, especially his sports massage. I know you know Boston, but there are a bunch of delivery menus by the pantry. And if you have any problems or questionsââ
âYouâve used this masseur?â
âWhat?â Sam frowned. âOf course not.â
âYou said he was