“I love you, Cat. Will you stay with me? And we’ll see where this all takes us.”
His words drummed in her head as joy rushed through her bloodstream. Cat grinned and threw her arms around his neck. Her throat was tight with emotions.
“Oh Sam, I thought you’d never ask.”
After he hugged her, he inched back and frowned. “I’m sorry for accusing you of hiring Eugene. Deep down I knew you’d never do that. I lashed out in anger. I guess I still have a lot of things to work through.”
She touched his cheek then signed the words I love you, the way Rio had taught her. When he signed the words back, her heart soared like a leaf caught in an updraft. “And I’ll be here to help you work through them. Because, Sam York, you’ve got what it takes to keep me around. Forever.”
epilogue
One year later
Cat smoothed down her sleek black cocktail dress and took a seat beside her husband at the head table. Sitting in the gorgeous banquet room inside a posh hotel overlooking the city, she perused the crowd gathered to celebrate Sam’s success with the new female libido enhancer. During the course of the evening, Cat and Sam mingled with their friends Laura and Jay Cutler and Erin and Kale Alexander. The five scientists were in secret talks about a new experiment. Sam promised as soon as he knew more, he’d let her in on it. And if all went well, she’d be the first to report it to the public through her “Cat on the Prowl” article.
Fortunately, since Hawk had been fired, things were much better at the office now. Amanda Stone had been hired, taking over the “Eye of the Hawk” column. They were still working on a catchy title for her.
The sound of Director Reginald Smith tapping his spoon on his wine glass drew everyone’s attention. Cat smiled, her heart swelling in her chest as she watched Sam rise and accept a plaque from the Director for his successes at the lab.
Of course, the Director hadn’t always been so pleased with Sam. After he found out Sam and Cat had spent an entire week testing the new serum before approval had been given, he’d nearly kicked Sam’s ass to the curb. But since the Grant Governing Board stepped in and presented the Director with an abundance of grant money, he’d softened around the edges.
God, Sam looked incredibly handsome in his tux as he accepted the plaque and glanced around the room. As his gaze settled on Cat, the love she felt for him rushed over her like a wind storm. In turn, his blue eyes twinkled with the love he felt for her in return.
Sam held the plaque high. “To future experiments,” he said, winking at Cat.
Cat grinned back. She really had no idea what they planned to test next. She just hoped Sam asked her to be his guinea pig.
After Sam gave his speech, he returned to his seat beside her.
“You did great,” she whispered in his ear.
He smiled. “Thanks.” Just then their server came with dessert. As Cat glanced at her plate, her whole body moistened and her blood pressure soared.
As she took in the sight of her delicious cake, drizzled in chocolate sauce, and surrounded by fresh fruit, her mouth watered, but not for her dessert.
“Um, Sam.”
“Yeah?”
“Are you hungry?”
He gave her a perplexed frown. Cat picked up the orange slice from her plate and drew it into her lips. She squeezed the juice into her mouth before popping it inside.
She watched Sam’s throat work as he swallowed. “Jesus, Cat.” He glanced around and adjusted his pants. “What the hell are you trying to do to me? These dress pants are as unforgiving as scrubs.”
“Are you feeling…uncomfortable?”
“Hell, yeah.”
She shook her head in dismay. “Well, we can’t have that, Sam. You can’t be uncomfortable at your own party.”
His grin turned wicked, his eyes smoldering. Cat felt her panties grow damp as his eyes latched upon her cleavage. God, she would never tire of the way he looked at her with such passion, such love. The two had grown so close over the past year, their relationship growing stronger and stronger by the day.
His voice dropped an octave. “I think you’re right, Cat. Why don’t you grab that orange slice and meet me in the hall? I spotted a storage closet there earlier.”
“A storage closet, Sam. Isn’t that a little risky? A little naughty?”
His lips twitched and the fire in his eyes licked her from head to toe. “That’s never stopped us before.”
Her pulse leapt as his hand touched her thigh under the table. Without pause, Cat raised her voice. “If you’ll all excuse me, I have to make a quick trip to the little girl’s room.” She hastily disposed of her napkin and rushed from the room.
Cat made her way to the hall. Her body fairly shook with excitement. In no time at all, she found the room Sam had staked out. She pushed open the door and catalogued her surroundings. As she made a move to enter, she felt a large hand splay out over the small of her back. Her whole body moistened as she absorbed Sam’s warmth.
He put his mouth close to her ear. His warm breath made her shiver with longing. “Are you looking for something, ma’am?” he asked, urging her forward, closing the door behind them.
Both love and desire raced through her as she twisted around to face him. His eyes clouded with passion as they moved over her face. Cat moistened her lips. “Yes, sir, as a matter of fact I am.” Her hand traveled over his chest and lower until she reached his cock.
She squeezed.
He groaned.
“Ah, I believe I found what I was looking for.”
“Christ, that feels good.” His cock jolted and grew beneath her hands. Her lips found his. She drew his scent into her lungs as they
