Surrounded by Scales: MM Shifter Mpreg Romance by Maggie Hemlock

Author:Maggie Hemlock [Hemlock, Maggie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Sam

When lunchtime rolled around, and Dara hadn’t texted or called to make plans I took it as a good sign. The two of them needed some time alone to nourish their new but growing bond. I tried not to think too hard about what they might be doing, because thinking about them with their hands and mouths all over each other left me hotter under the collar than I cared to admit.

I lunched with the others helping with the interior of the new bakery. Things were coming along and once the stools for the counter arrived the next day the work was complete. Once Douglas’s ingredients arrived, he’d be up and running.

As we ate the conversation turned to Abel and his salon which was next on Manny’s list. Some folks thought other businesses should come first, but no one was ready to undertake the job of running and overseeing them.

Back home in London, Abel had a very in demand chair at a shifter salon. I figured he’d be just as in demand here. The first love of his life was nail art, but he could do the whole kitten kaboodle. Hell, when we dated, he cut my hair.

“Others will come,” Manny said, cutting into the conversation. “They will. We’ll build them as they go. I think soon it’ll be Eston’s greenhouse that’s coming up to be talked about.”

“Right now, I think my poor brother would turn the blueprints into a vomit lake,” Nicky said.

“No vomit talk while we’re eating,” Philip shook his head. “I’m sittin’ with a bunch of Neanderthals.”

“Sorry, Philip. Thought you of all people would have a stronger stomach,” Nicky smirked.

“Not for that while we’re eating. You’re all grownups. Act like it.”

“You alright, Philip?” I asked.

“Yeah. Folks are just overlooking a few big things. What smaller places need are community gathering spots – the gym works. The salon will be that too and the bakery. A bunch of shifters are hunting and gardening and droning in food. You gotta doctor now. Things will grow, but if you don’t keep community focused there ain’t a damn point to none of it. So, let them have their businesses.”

“Hear, hear!” Manny cheered.

Retirement still had me restless. I announced I was going for a walk and politely asked if anyone wanted to come with me. I didn’t expect any takers, but Philip adjusted his black cowboy hat and stood up.

My feet dragged me back to the edge of the village and Philip followed my lead. Neither of us said much until the buildings gave way to trees and the village square disappeared behind them. The first chill of autumn was starting to dance in the breeze, ruffling the green leaves soon to put on their colorful dresses for the last hurrah before their withering.

“How are you three doing?” Philip broke the silence.

“I’m hoping since they’re home alone that they’ll get around to their mating vows. They’re both on the same group link as me. So, I don’t think they’ll be a big jolt like there is sometimes.

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