Page 5 of Securing Samantha

“I don’t think the tea tastes bad,” he tried to sidestep. “I don’t drink the stuff. I enjoy really strong coffee.”

“Did you drink strong coffee before the mission?” Claire asked.

“No. I drank tea. Irish Breakfast,” he answered.

Samantha stayed quiet. Her eyes focused on Claire as she waited for her to continue the discussion.

Claire sat back in the chair appearing completely relaxed while Samantha sat ramrod straight.

“I’m screwing this up. I don’t know what to say or do,” he responded flustered.

Samantha turned her gaze at him. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Liam. I’m sure we’ll find a ton of things different about each other.”

Claire beamed a smile at him as he rubbed the scruff along his jaw.

“Why don’t you sit next to Samantha and let her show you pictures of your son?”

Whiskey moved to the couch and sat stiffly next to her. Samantha reached for the baby book. She flipped the album open. He regarded her as she explained what happened in each photo. Her face held a tight smile. She felt the tension as much as he did. He leaned over pretending to be interested in the images she pointed out to him.

The smell of lavender wafted from her hair or clothes. He didn’t know which, but he loved the smell. It calmed his busy mind. The braid hung over her shoulder and he marveled at all the colors her blonde hair held. Strands of gold, and honey with a hint of red. It reminded him of the sun coming up every day in a different palette. No sunrise ever looked the same. It fit her. One day sweet as honey, the next day her passion burned red, and as he watched how tenderly she cared for her father, he knew he struck gold when he found her.

“Whiskey?” Claire gained his attention. “You drifted off. Samantha asked a question.”

Whiskey shook his head as if to shake the memory of her hair spread against the pillow as she stroked his cheek. “I love you, Liam O’Neil. I’m your Sunshine, but I only burn bright because of you. You’ll always be the flame that ignites me.”

“Sorry, what did you ask me?” he asked.

“I asked if you want to eat dinner this evening together. LJ will be sleeping over at your parents for the weekend. I made seafood chowder and soda bread,” she suggested.

He grimaced. It reminded him of their last meal together before he left.

“I don’t feel ready to socialize yet. Ash asked if I wanted to play cards tonight and I already said yes,” he gushed.

Samantha’s face resembled a blank screen as she blinked a couple of times before nodding.

“I better get going. I have clients this afternoon, and I need to repack my car.” Samantha stood, leaving the tea untouched.

“Why do you need to pack the car?’ he blurted out.

“I don’t feel comfortable by myself at the house. Especially in the salon,” her voice wavered. “We’re staying at Carol’s rental but it’s across the street…” her voice faltered. “Bear, a friend of mine, helps me move my herbs and items from the house as we need them.”

Whiskey watched her shoulders stiffen. He fought the urge to comfort her. What could he possibly offer? He barely made it up the hill to the hospital without breathing heavily. He lacked any muscle to protect her. Their conversations felt strained to say the least.

“Then we’ll meet again on Monday,” Claire added cheerfully.

Samantha grabbed her purse and left the pictures on the table. He rose at the same time.

Samantha’s gaze firmly stayed on Claire as she made her goodbyes.

“Goodbye Liam,” she whispered before letting herself out of the cabin door.

He waited until it closed before he ran his hand down his beard and sat back down on the couch. “I fucked up, didn’t I?”

Claire placed her cup on the table. “It’s a process, Whiskey. There’s no right or wrong. What did you feel went incorrectly?”

“I told her the tea was crap and then I didn’t want to socialize, and I agreed to play cards with Ash.” He stood and paced the living room.

“She understands you’re more comfortable with the team. Don’t add pressure to the situation, you’ll grow when you’re ready. Your body and mind need to heal. Give yourself grace.”

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