Page 101 of Samuel

Evie was also only six weeks out from her due date. It was getting harder to not feel the effects of carrying Jellybean. So, she was giving herself some grace that afternoon. A little time off to enjoy some of Sylvie’s whimsy.

“You’re leaving early? Everything okay?” Sam asked as she grabbed her purse off the shelf.

“You don’t remember? Sylvie invited me to celebrate the Summer Solstice.”

“Are you sure you’re up for it?”

“Of course I am. I can’t stay hidden away either here in the office working on chasing down numbers or up in the apartment. I’m going stir crazy.”

“Just in case you weren’t aware, she’s going to make you dance out in the field.”

“Oh, I’m aware. I kind of can’t wait,” she laughed. “Sylvie has this infectious energy that I just can’t get enough of. She told me to wear a dress and be ready to help her ‘charge all her crystals’. I’m very interested to see how we are going to do that.”

“Have fun. If she gets too eccentric, just tell her I need you back here.”

“Stop, Sam. I love your mom. It’s going to be so much fun! Do you want me to bring Shep up to the house with me?”

“Nah, leave him here. I have to head out and help Derrick and Zeke. He can come with us.”

Evie turned, grabbing her water bottle before heading out.

“Wait!” Sam stood up from his desk, walking over to her. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and brought his lips down to hers. She gasped, allowing his tongue to press into her mouth.

“God. Keep kissing me like that and I’ll need to celebrate the solstice with a different kind of dancing,” she teased when he finally let her go.

“I’m not opposed to celebrating that way later.” He brushed his finger over her flushed cheek. “Only if you’re ready though. I know we’ve been working back towards?—”

“Is that why you’ve only been cuddling me at night? Sam, I let you back into my bed.”

“But that was for comfort after you were attacked.”

“And yet, I haven’t asked you to leave.”

Evie laughed as his eyes sparkled with excitement.

“You haven’t said anything before now, though.”

“I was enjoying the back rubs and the cuddles too much. I don’t want them to stop.” She bit her bottom lip before it could pop out and pout. “But I think there’s a different ache I need you to take care of tonight.”

“Fuck me,” he groaned.

“Oh, I plan to, Cowboy. Make sure you bring your hat to bed tonight.”

Sam pressed a kiss to the end of her nose before she turned, yipping at the pat he landed on her behind before she made it out of the office.

“Oh, Evie. You look beautiful, honey.”

She’d gone up to the apartment to change into a long, loose skirt and matching top. It felt so nice not to have the pressure of maternity pants pressing against her belly for once. She’d also let down her hair, leaving it in waves that flowed over her shoulders and down her back. The combination of everything made her feel incredibly feminine, and powerful.

“Thanks, Sylvie. And thank you for the invite. I’ve never celebrated the solstice before.”

“Well, you’re in for a treat! This is a great one. Don’t be surprised if the baby starts kicking up a storm on you. Abby was always quiet, but Sam loved when I’d dance. And I think their little spirits are closely tuned to nature.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it just as much as I will.”

Sylvie reached out and squeezed her arm. “You are a gem, Evie. Will you grab those two selenite towers for me?”

“Sure.” She eyed the large white crystals, picking one up in each hand as she walked behind Sylvie into the kitchen. “Where do you want them?”

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