Page 53 of Uproot

I wasn’t completely thrilled at the idea of spending our evening with a bunch of strangers, but I know that everyone we are going to see tonight means a lot to Selah, so it’s important that I get to know them.

And get to have a chat with Joey.

I’m slipping on a clean shirt when Selah comes out of the bathroom wearing a striped, pink dress. Her hair is up in a bun, and I can see her new earrings are out on display.

I pull down my shirt as she gives me a lop-sided smile. “Can you zip up the back of this dress for me, please? I always have trouble with it,” she asks, turning around.

“Of course, angel,” I agree, more than happy to assist her.

The dress’ zipper is low enough that I can see a hint of her lacy panties underneath that match the bra that she has on. I twist my jaw, running my fingers down her smooth bare back.

She shivers under my touch, and I take my time zipping her up, then smooth down the back of her dress.

She turns around, and I pull her against me, giving her a soft kiss. “You look amazing,” I whisper, unable to take my eyes off of her dress and the body wrapped in it.

She shifts on her feet, “Thank you. You look very nice too,” she says, running her hand over my shirt.

I smile down at her, gently stroking her hair, “You know, I realized just now that I’ve spent an entire day without strategizing or planning anything for work. We all have had such a good time together that I was actually just focused on the moments as they happened.”

Her mouth curves into a smile, “Wow, well I’m glad we could get your mind off of things for a while. You deserve to relax, Beck.”

I tilt my head, running my finger over her collar bone, “There are other ways I’d like to work on getting relaxed,” I say quietly, leaning down to kiss her neck.

Her breath hitches and the giggle that escapes her lips goes straight to my cock. “We don’t have time for that. We will be late!” She laughs, giving me a gentle push that doesn’t move me.

I sigh knowing she’s right. One thing I pride myself on is punctuality. “Fine. We can continuerelaxinglater,” I grumble.

I take her hand and we go to say our goodbye’s to Edison and Dragana. Edison’s eyes light up when he sees Selah. “You look so pretty Ms. Selah!” he exclaims, setting down his slice of pizza.

“Thank you Edi!” Selah chirps, leaning down to give him a hug.

I ruffle his hair playfully and he gives me a sweet smile. “Be good for Gana, and have fun watching your movie, ok? I’ll check in on you when we get back,” I tell him, stooping down to give him a hug.

“Ok Uncle B. I promise I’ll be good,” he says, sticking out his pinky finger to me.

I look down at his little finger and smile, remembering how Bobby and I used to do the same thing when we were kids.

I hook his pinky finger with mine and he nods before letting go. I stand up and suddenly feel hesitant about leaving him again. Dragana pats my back, gently pushing both Selah and I out of the dining room.

“Don’t worry aboutanything. We will be just fine. You two go enjoy some time out,” she assures us.

“Thank you Gana. Call me if you need anything at all, please,” I say.

“I won’t need anything,” she insists, giving Selah a hug.

She turns to me as Selah steps out of the front door, “Ucini je srec´nom,” she warns, tapping me on the chest.

“I’m always going to make her happy,” I assure her, gently squeezing her shoulder before heading out of the door.

???

Piper and Oakland’s house sits on a nice property, surrounded by trees. We stand at the door holding cookies and a bottle of wine that we brought with us. A few moments later we are greeted at the door by a woman holding a little baby girl in her hands, who I assume correctly is Piper.

She gives Selah a one-handed hug, then shakes my hand, introducing herself and welcoming us inside. “It’s so great to meet you Beckett! Thank you for coming,” Piper says enthusiastically.

“It’s great to meet you too, and thanks for having us over,” I say, looking down at her daughter as we step inside. “This must be Nova? She’s very cute.”

Piper hugs her close, then places a kiss on her head, “Thank you! Yes, this is our little Nova Clark.”

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