Summer Lovin by Carly Phillips Page A

to balance discipline and understanding. Sam responds best to a reaction from us that acknowledges her behavior.”
    â€œWhy is that?”
    â€œBecause in her experience, if she ran away or did something wrong, the family she was living with wouldn’t report it to Social Services, not because they were being compassionate, but because they were afraid if Sam was taken away, they’d lose their monthly stipend from the state.”
    Her distaste for those past foster families and the system was evident in her tone. His heart squeezed tight as he acknowledged the difficult life Sam had led since her mother’s traumatic death.
    â€œThis is the exit.” She pointed and he followed her directions to her aunt Kassie’s restaurant.
    The teenager was fortunate she had the Costas family in her corner and no matter what happened, Ryan would never cut these people out of her life completely, he thought. He could never be that cruel.
    â€œI really admire how well you understand what Sam has been through and what she needs now.”
    â€œI can’t take the credit. Ari’s the one with the psychology degree. She met Sam first and they just bonded.”
    â€œSam obviously adores you, too.”
    Zoe grinned. “That’s because I’m the more unorthodox sister. Also, I live at home with her, at least for now.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “Moving somewhere?”
    â€œI think it’s about time I got a place of my own, but I haven’t started looking yet. I need to get the business off the ground first.”
    â€œI can understand wanting to stand on your own.”
    â€œI’ve always done that,” she said somewhat defensively. “I just haven’t…” She shook her head. “Whatever. Sam loves both me and Ari,” she said, picking up the original thread of conversation.
    Because he’d touched a nerve about her standing on her own? he wondered. He didn’t know, but he’d let her change the subject since he was equally interested in what she had to say about Sam.
    â€œI do think it was Ari’s psych background that helped her to realize that Sam liked to test my parents. It was Sam’s way of finding out what would happen. She wanted to know that even if she misbehaved, they wouldn’t give her away.”
    He groaned. “She’s really had it tough.” And he was determined to make it better for her.
    The challenge would be in accomplishing his goal without hurting this incredible woman in the process.
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    T HE PARKING LOT to Paradeisos was less crowded than usual, Zoe thought as she stepped out of the car. She planned on talking Sam out of her snit and the restroom and then returning to her date as soon as possible. With Ryan right behind her, she pushed through the glass doors. Her mother was waiting for her in the vestibule.
    â€œWhat happened?” Zoe asked. “Did it have something to do with the pig?” She couldn’t imagine anything else that would set Sam off so badly.
    â€œAsk her yourself.” Her mother waved a hand and Zoe walked farther inside.
    â€œSurprise!” The entire Costas clan from up and down the Jersey Shore greeted her in an excited frenzy and she stepped back in shock.
    This morning, she’d attributed the fact that everyone had forgotten her birthday to the fear and commotion over the break-in. She’d called Ari and they’d wished each other a happy birthday, promising to exchange gifts during the week. Ari was supposed to be going out for dinner with Quinn tonight, while Zoe hadn’t had any special plans until Ryan had called earlier today. She didn’t believe in playing hard to get, not when she really had wanted to go out with him. And, she admitted, she hadn’t wanted to be alone on her thirtieth birthday.
    Once in the car with Ryan, she’d enjoyed his company despite the sometimes serious conversation. In truth, she’d been so