"Miss Darling, Samantha if I may, I have to advise against giving your land away free. Even if you only charge a nominal amount, you will give the appearance of a…how shall we say, proper and legal contract. ‘Free’ smacks of a trade-off. I'm sure you don't want that."
"I'm not sure I like what you are insinuating Mr. Newland. There is nothing between your son and I and there won't be, ever. If it makes your dark little solicitor’s heart feel better charge him one dollar per acre per year. I really don't care." She lifted her chin before standing up. "You can call me when you have the lease drawn up and I will come in and sign it."
Sami walked out and slammed the door behind her. The receptionist looked up as she rounded the corner. "Thanks for everything."
The sarcasm appeared to be lost on her as Sami stormed out of the office.
* * *
"He wants to see you." James stood at the kitchen counter and spoke to Sami, his eyes watching every move making her nervous.
"Why?"
James shrugged his shoulders. "All the obvious reasons I guess. Maybe he wants some company and thinks you will fit the bill. I could tell him you weren't interested but since you guys have some things to talk about it could be a good idea."
Sami looked at him and frowned. "I wasn't going to say anything until I'd signed the papers. You know, hand them over or something. I didn't really want to get into a conversation about it all."
"Why not?" James walked over and took a seat at the table and waited for her to pour the coffee she'd offered earlier when he had arrived.
"Because I don't want to talk about it. I know it sucks and I'm being a girl about this but I can't help it. I still feel as guilty as all hell." Sami handed James the drink and sat down opposite him.
"Well, it is something you are going to have to deal with yourself. You know how I feel about it all. I know for a fact Mason doesn't think it's your fault either."
"I'll go then. Let me get cleaned up and then I'll visit him but if his damned father arrives I'm out of there."
"Look, why not give him as good as he gives you? You don't have to put up with his shit, Sami. You don't have any trouble dealing with anyone else who gets on your nerves." James drank his coffee and then stood. "Go and see him, he's bored to tears in there and driving the nurses nuts according to Lucy. Take his mind off his pain for a short time."
"No worries. Thanks, James." She walked him to the door and then headed into the bathroom for a shower. Rummaging through her meagre wardrobe Sami decided on clean jeans and the top she had worn for the winery party. A quick hint of make up on her face and she was ready to go.
Nerves made her stomach roll uncomfortably.
What if his girlfriend turns up? I'm being neighbourly, that is all. Get a grip Sami and do this before you chicken out.
Sami wiped her hands down the legs of her jeans and grabbed her car keys and purse, remembering to take Mason's phone in case he needed it. Running down the steps, she went through the gate and got in her car. Sedately for her, she headed into town to the hospital.
When she walked in, Sami was directed to the ward where Mason was recuperating. She walked down to the room and stopped at the door looking in. He was lying with the sheets up to his bare chest, eyes closed. For a couple of minutes she took her fill of him, wishing for things she couldn't have.
He opened his eyes and looked over at her. Fidgeting with her purse, she walked in and stood beside the bed.
"Hi."
His lips curved in a smile and her stomach dropped and rolled. He was devastatingly handsome even when he was ill. It would be easy to reach out and slide down the sheet tracing her finger over his chest.
Instead she looked around for a chair and walked away from him, sitting a safe distance from the bed.
"Hey, Sami. Nice to see you. How are you?"
"I think I should be asking that question, don't you?" She smiled at him, itching to wipe her hand over his brow. Strands of hair were hanging over his forehead.
"I'm fine apparently. Or at least I will be once they let me out of here."
He tried to sit up and she jumped to help him arranging the pillows behind his head. Mason grasped her hand and pulled her closer. She tried to pull away but he kept her hand in his. "Sit."
She lowered herself to the edge of the bed. "I won't break, Sami."
"Yeah, well that’s what you say now but look at what has already happened to you." She glanced at the frame holding the sheet from his leg.
"My own stupid fault. I know better but got sidetracked. Not your fault in the slightest." He ran his thumb over the fingers he was holding. "Sami, I don't want you blaming yourself. James said you do and I hear my father had another go at you as well. I'll speak to him about it, trust me. But the accident was my fault and that’s all there is to it."
"But if I hadn't been so damned stubborn and let you have the land, none of this would have happened." She gave a wobbly laugh. "I'll make it up to you, Mason, I promise."
"You have nothing to make up to me. Let it go, Sami. We need to move on and this is not helping, you taking this on your shoulders." With a gentle squeeze he changed positions with his hand and looked down at her fingers. "How is Mallika going? She doesn't have long to go now, a couple of weeks
