Sam's body tenses under me upon hearing the boisterous laughter behind us. I have absolutely no doubt who the man is. The blood freezes in my veins. His voice is sexy. He sounds hot. Sam loved him for years. Jealousy makes my stomach shrink. I'm desperate to see him and dread it at the same time.
"Boys, what have you done?" Nicol shrieks. "What happened? Dearest God! Alec, are you alright, honey? Sam, where did you take him? I really thought you became more responsible at that age. I can't believe my eyes!"
"I hate to say this," Rose grumbles, "but I warned you. That boat isn't safe."
"This has nothing to do with the boat," Sam rolls his eyes. "It also wasn't my fault for a change."
"It wasn't Sam's fault," I immediately confirm, sliding down his back. Barney enthusiastically rushes to greet me but stops a few feet away and suspiciously starts sniffing the air. "I wanted to pick some water lilies and got stuck."
The newcomer starts cackling again, and I finally turn around. The sight is devastating. I am met by a bright, infectious smile that can melt the coldest heart and two crystal blue, sparkling eyes. He even has dimples. I am fighting the urge to pout and run inside the house. What is this guy, a fashion model? He is not as tall as Sam, but still very well built. Despite my greatest efforts, I can't find a flaw. To top it all, he is holding two white baby goats, which are easily the most adorable animals I have ever seen.
"Heyyy, Peppercooorn!" he winks at me. "I'm Victor, aka Huck Finn, Sam's best friend. Rose told me everything about you. Nice to meet you!"
"My name is Alec," I snap at him. "I would appreciate it if you use it."
"Wow," his eyes widen. "Sorry! I guess only Tommy can call you Peppercorn! I apologize, Alec! Peace, bro! Let's be friends!"
I only frown. The mud is starting to dry. It's itchy. I really don't need the winner of the county's 'Mister Agriculture' pageant to get on my nerves. He's not deceiving me at all. Bully!
"I actually came to see you," he doesn't give up and lets the two fluff balls loose at my feet. "Rose told me Sam was visiting with his boyfriend and that you really liked animals, so I decided to surprise you. These are Bonnie and Clyde. They are only a week old. You can pet them if you want. Aren't they the cutest kids?"
I am torn between the desire to hug the precious cuties, who start to rub curiously their noses on my toes, and my dislike for their owner. It's not their fault that he is a jerk, after all. Their friendly exploration is ticklish. One of them bleats in a high-pitched voice and licks my ankle. I can't resist and giggle loudly, dropping on the grass. Their rough tongues immediately attack my face.
I am ready to roll in the grass, ruffling the little goats silky coats when Sam grips my forearm, "Babe, we need a bath. Now!"
"You definitely do!" Rose exclaims. "Make sure not to create a total mess on the way. No stepping on the carpets! Victor, honey, how about a nice cup of coffee while we wait. You're staying for lunch, aren't you?"
"Oh, I'd love to, if Nicol and Sam would have me, of course," he answers, pinning his eyes on Sam. "Tommy, no hug for your best friend?"
"You really want me to hug you?" Sam nods at his muddy clothes.
"Well, I guess I can wait until you transform back into your human form," Victor snorts. "Muddy monster!"
They squint at each other and suddenly both burst into laughter.
"Come here, idiot!" Victor opens his arms.
Sam hesitates for a few seconds and finally embraces him. They start patting each other's backs.
"You're such a dick!" Sam mutters. "Bribing my boyfriend with goats. Only you can come up with such a plan. When did you arrive?"
"I know!" Victor agrees, and they crack up again. "Last night. I'm here for a week."
I am not amused. I jump up, pout, and determinedly stride towards the house. A whole week, and Sam definitely looks like someone who doesn't mind at all. Somebody let Henry lose, please! We can work together. I will show him exactly whose ass to aim at.
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Photo 116219101 © Wernerimages | Dreamstime.com
A/N
Hello, at the end of chapter 50!
Thank you for reading and supporting! ❤❤❤
You are amazing!
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Love: Anny