Page 160 of Solanum

"It's bullshit—"

"It's necessary." Sali motioned toward the living room. "Calm down before you go in there."

I knew she was right. I couldn't waltz in and bombard Nora with my shit. "Is she asleep?"

Sali nodded. "Yeah. Calm your tits."

"Gonna shower."

"'Kay." She pointed upstairs. "Go."

I frowned but trudged my way up to the bedroom to cool off.

By the time I returned to the kitchen, Harper and Sali stood together at the stove, arguing about garlic. I ignored them and made my way to the living room.

Maggie sat slouched on the sofa, her half-lidded gaze on the news playing quietly on the television. She had the volume off, but the captions detailed the threats made at the U.S. Capitol by domestic terrorists.

"Turn that off," I whispered before crouching down in front of her and Nora.

"This country has lost its mind," she said, her voice soft. "You look tired."

"I am. How was she?" I brushed Nora's hair from her sleeping face, noting how sweaty she was while wrapped in the blankets.

"Not bad, other than complaining she was cold. No fever or anything. Anita checked her out." Maggie smiled down at Nora when she stirred. "She's been a blanket burrito all day."

"I see this." I began to unwrap Nora's shoulders when I pressed my lips to her forehead. Emotions swelled in my chest, and I fought them as the wave of such continued to lash at me since this morning.

Nora stirred, her eyelashes fluttering before she peeked up at me. She squinted, sneaking her arm out of the blankets to rub her eyes. I chuckled, and just the way she looked at me splashed coolness over my raging insides.

"Hi, Kitten."

"Hi," she nearly squeaked, her face exploding with life. She wiggled herself free from the blankets and held her arms to me when I leaned down to hug her.

I chuckled and scooped her up, kissing her damp neck over and over. "You're sweaty, baby."

"I was cold," she said, wrapping her arms and legs around me when I stood up.

Maggie smiled up at us when she patted Nora's back as she rose. "You two spend time together. I need to pee."

"'Kay," said Nora, squeezing me tighter. Her smile broadened and she caught me in a kiss that would've lifted me off my feet if I hadn't held her in my arms. "You smell nice."

"Hmm. So do you." I gripped her rear then wrapped my arms around her, my face buried against her shoulder. "How was your day here?"

"Good. Maggie and I watched an entire serial killer documentary, then we watched a RomCom that you would puke over." Her smile broadened and I laughed as I dropped down to sit with her in my lap.

"Sounds like a good day, baby…" I caressed her sides, urging her shirt up so that I could feel her skin against my palms.

She nodded, closing her eyes as she pressed her forehead to mine. "How was your day?"

"It was…" I warred with myself on how to answer her. "Long without you."

"Same, honey," she said, her smile softening. "You look stressed out though…"

"I am, but I'm happy to be home with you," I said, letting out a sigh.

"You came home like you promised." She laced her fingers behind my neck before pecking me on the lips.

"Always, baby." I melted into the warmth of her, my insides quelled by the presence of her in my lap.

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