Page 52 of More Than a Fling

Annie glanced over at Gabe and they exchanged a smile. Thinking of their shower together made Annie tingle between her thighs. She had to pull her eyes away to concentrate on the conversation with Slim and Pepper.

She had missed out on what they were saying, and Pepper laughed and said, “See Slim, I would say the spell goes both ways.”

“I’m sorry, what were you saying?” Annie said, her cheeks turning pink.

“We was sayin that Midnight is comin’ round,” Slim repeated.

“I know. It’s so exciting.”

“Not to change the subject but Slim, what’s this I hear that you’re having some tests done at the hospital?” Pepper asked.

“Hain’t nothin’ just them greedy basturds tryin to get blood outta a turnip,” he said.

“Sam said you haven’t been feeling too good,” Pepper said. “You know it’s the nurse in me, I have to know what’s going on with my friends.”

“Jist old age, I’m slowin down,” he admitted.

“Look me up when you’re there, I can take you to lunch at the cafeteria, the food’s not too bad,” Pepper offered.

“You werkin Wednesday?”

“As a matter of fact, I am,” Pepper said.

“I’ll look ya up.”

“I’m counting on it.”

Gabe walked up and put his arm around Annie, tucking her up against his side. “Hey Slimbo, whatcha’ got going?” Gabe said.

“Makin small talk, jist about my least favorite thing to do,” he grumbled.

“You know you love it, who are you kidding,” Pepper said bumping Slim with her elbow.

Pepper received a small grin for her trouble which dumbfounded Annie yet again. She glanced up at Gabe to see if he noticed but apparently, he hadn’t.

Just then Sam called for everyone’s attention, “For those of you who haven’t figured it out, this is a self-serve establishment. Help yourselves to munchies, beers are in the cooler, wine in the fridge, we’ll set up the big screen TV and start the slide show shortly. Grab some grub then find a seat. Glad you all could make it. It’s great to see everybody!”

Gabe and Annie sat on the floor against the wall, with Annie snuggled up between his legs, leaning back against his chest, his arms wrapped around her. Pepper and Slim had pulled up kitchen chairs and sat next to one another. After making sure everyone had beverages and food Darcy and Sam gave a little talk about their trip then took their seats and started the slide show.

Casey, Sam’s sister, and her husband Charlie, had called the love seat. Allie sat on the floor at Zane’s feet with Olivia happily sitting on Clare’s lap. Olivia was adorable, chubby cheeks and legs, a happy baby with her front and bottom two teeth often on display because she was always smiling.

Annie noticed that Zane couldn’t keep his hands off Allie. He always had to be touching her. Currently, he had his knees on either side of her and his hand in her hair. She leaned her head back in his lap to smile up at him and he leaned down and kissed her. Nice to know that spark didn’t have to dry up after marriage and children.

Annie’s favorite photograph was one that Sam took of Darcy throwing her coins into Trevi Fountain. “OMG! You did it. Was that your three coins or mine?” Annie asked.

“Yours, that’s why I had Sam take the shot…just for you.”

Gabe looked a little stunned, then murmured, “I had the same request, I asked Sam to throw coins in for me too.”

“I remembered that you told him not to forget Trevi Fountain, I thought maybe it was a sign,” Annie said.

Gabe nuzzled her neck, nibbling her skin, “And now?” he whispered.

“Now?”

“Do you still think it was a sign?”

“Yes.”

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