I started chuckling at her hunger and pulled back, saying, “Lemme get some coffee and then we'll continue."

Sam had made a whole pot, so all I had to do was pour myself a mug and return. There was no space to join her on the armchair, so I took a seat on the nearest couch and sat back. I patted the seat beside me, and Sam got out of her armchair, bringing both her coffee and the blanket she'd had across her lap. Settling in beside me and allowing me to tuck her underneath my arm, she spread the blanket over both of us and puckered up to resume our little makeout session.

I kissed her warmly, but not passionately. I didn't want to start something that would Lead to sex right here on the couch or anything, and when she pulled back, I gave her a serious look and asked, “What's wrong?"

Sam blinked at me a couple of times and frowned.

“Why would you think something was wrong?"

I shrugged.

“It's our day to sleep in and yet you're out here, staring out the window, deep in thought and not looking too happy about it."

"I'm fine, and I could say the same for you.”

I shrugged.

“Woke up and had to pee. I'd have gone back to bed except you looked Like you could use a hug." I squeezed her for emphasis.

“I'm fine," she insisted.

I just stared her down, a skeptical Look on my face.

She cracked first, pursing her Lips and turning away from me abruptly.

“It's nothing."

“I don't know what it is, but I know it's not ‘nothing'."

“It's nothing," she insisted.

“Okay well now I know it's about me."

Sam whipped her head back around to me, her expression as good of a confirmation as any, and I sighed.

“Please tell me this isn't about me choosing a favorite BTC girl.”

She shook her head. "Doesn't matter. I already know it's not me."

"I don't have a favorite."

“Don't you?" Sam arched an eyebrow and extended her chin forward in the direction of the master bedroom I had shared last night with Naimh.

"I don't choose favorites. I love you all.”

“That's a politician's answer, or a parent's answer when they tell you they don't have a favorite child. They do.“

I frowned.