Page 88 of Nocere

Chapter Eleven

Sam smiled at me from across the island counter while she bit into her marmalade-covered toast. A light chuckle left me while I crunched on a piece of bacon. She narrowed her eyes at me, then cocked a single brow. It made me laugh harder and she swatted my hand.

My ringing phone broke our silly game and I pulled it from the pocket of my dress to see Rebecca's name. "It's Rebecca."

"Better get it." Sam nodded toward the phone and I answered.

"Morning."

"Rosie, where are you?" Rebecca's voice sounded pressured at best.

"At Sam's. Why? Where are you?"

"At your apartment but only Alex was home. What's Sam's address?"

"Why? What's going on? Is everyone okay?" I set down my bacon as immediate panic tightened my gut.

"Everyone is fine. I'd like to talk to you about something before work this morning," she said, her tone remaining serious.

"I-I have to be there in half an hour."

"Work can wait. What's Sam's address?"

"Um…" I looked to Sam as she swept around the counter to perch beside me. Concern wrinkled her brow and she grabbed my hand. "Rebecca wants your address."

"Give it to her, baby."

I texted her Sam's address and the map icon appeared in the box. "I sent it."

"All right, sweet girl. I'll be there in half an hour."

"You're scaring me." I launched myself into Sam's arms and she caught me without hesitation. She rubbed my back as she held me against her, her thighs squeezing my hips.

"I'm sorry, Rosie. Everything is okay. I'll see you soon."

"Okay." I hung up and wrapped both arms around Sam's shoulders.

"She's coming over?"

I nodded and let out a shaky breath. "Something is wrong, but she isn't telling me."

"Does that happen often?"

Again, I nodded and Sam rubbed my back. "She gets worried about my reaction."

"Isn't this worse though? Waiting in limbo?" Sam leaned me back and stroked my cheeks with her thumbs.

"Yeah."

"I better change out of pajamas, baby." Sam kissed my cheek. "I don't want to meet Rebecca for the first time looking like I spent all night sexing up her ward."

I laughed a little and nodded, leaning back to release her. "Okay."

Samirah placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Do you want to come with me or stay here?"

"I'll, um, clean up from breakfast," I said, drawing a deep breath as I contemplated ways to harness my excess energy.

"Okay. I'll be right back." Sam released me to scurry off down the hall to her bedroom.

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