As always, a HUGE Thank You to all who have read and reviewed this story – It really means a lot and inspires me to write too!

I'm afraid to say this chapter does not have much Eric, but plenty of Sam – but there is of a course a reason for this and it shows you a little more of Sam and Lillie's close friendship.

I will make up for the lack of Eric in the next chapter, which will be up very soon!

Please review, good or bad, I love to hear what you all think of this story!

I hope you enjoy this next chapter...

Chapter 26

The next morning was sunny and warm. Lillie drank coffee on her porch, making the most of the sun's rays. All that she could think about was Eric, and the night that they had shared together.

Lillie arrived at Merlotte's at lunch time. She was working along with Tara and Terry. Lillie was pleased Lafayette wasn't working the same shift as her, just lately he always seemed to make her feel guilty for spending time with vampires and Eric specifically.

Sam was sitting at his desk when she went to put her bag away.

"Heya!" She said, cheerily.

"Hey". Came Sam's deadpan reply, not even turning away from his paperwork.

"You have a good day yesterday?" Lillie continued. Although it was only 'small talk', Lillie had felt slightly hurt that Sam may have avoided her the day before.

"Fruitful". Was his one word reply.

"Missed you here". She said, tying her apron on and smoothing it down.

"Sam, did you hear, I missed you here". Lillie repeated, as she had had no reply she wasn't sure if Sam had heard her. Sam had heard her, and he swivelled his chair around to face her.

"Really! Well, I would like to bring it your attention that I can't be here, at the bar, for you". He said, anger clear in his tone.

Lillie felt herself turn red at Sam's stern reply and the venom in his voice both shocked and upset her. Tears began to sting at the back of her eyes.

"OK...Sam...I...I just said that I missed you"She just about managed to stutter, and she hurriedly left the office before the tears made an appearance.

Sam watched her leave the office, and he went to call her back. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her, but his anger and frustration had taken control. He was bitter at Lillie's relationship with Eric as well as being concerned at the fact that the one girl who he pretty much knew he was in love with was conversing with vampires and one particular vampire Sheriff, who Sam had taken an instant dislike to which was reciprocated by Eric.

Sam cursed himself for not holding his tongue with Lillie. He was fully aware that if he pushed her away, it could push her straight to Eric. What Sam was unaware of, was that Lillie had already been in Eric's arms and had done a lot more than that with the vampire! As the Merlotte's owner contemplated his next move sullenly, in his office, Lillie wiped the tears that had escaped from her eyes and continued into the bar. She was Thankful the bar was busy, as it was a distraction from thinking about Sam and Eric.

Lillie had been working her shift for a little over an hour, when she noticed Sam's appearance behind the bar, helping out Tara. His eyes were already on Lillie and he gave her an apologetic smile. Lillie turned away from him and continued to write the order down of the table that she was waiting on. She was still hurt at the way Sam had spoken to her and with all the confusion with Eric, she felt her mind was just a mass of bewilderment.

She was pleased when her afternoon break came. It was almost six and she decided to go and sit outside at the back of the bar – she felt like she needed the fresh air. As she reached the back door, she took a seat on one of the empty beer barrels that was awaiting a collection. She sighed and closed her eyes, wishing she could block her thoughts out as well as the evening sunshine.

"I'm sorry Lil". Sam's voice interrupted her.

Lillie opened her eyes and frowned for a few moments as her eyes re-adjusted to the sunlight.

"I didn't deserve that Sam".

"I know you didn't, and I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I'm sorry".

The pair remained silent for a few long moments.

"We did miss you here". Lillie eventually said, slightly smiling.

Sam returned her smile and Lillie noted how handsome he was, especially when he smiled. He looked good today, she thought. He was wearing a brow, checked shirt and had just the right amount of stubble.

"It's nice to be missed". He said.

"I better get back to work, or else my boss won't be happy". Lillie joked, as she jumped off the barrel. As she went to walk passed Sam, he grasped her arm and pulled her into his arms and tenderly kissed the top of her head. "Your boss sound's like an asshole". He joked.

"Not all the time". She smiled

Lillie looked up at him and he released his grasp on her. She smiled and silently went back into the bar.

Merlotte's was almost empty by eleven thirty that night, apart from a couple of regulars supping their last beverage. Sam decided to close up and Lillie let Arlene and Tara go home. Lillie had the next day off from Merlotte's and she wanted to make sure that she left the place all prepared for the next day – the way she liked it left when she begun work.

Eventually the customers had left and Lillie had finished all her duties. She guessed that Sam was in his office, so she continued there to grab her bag and say Goodnight to him. Sam stood up from his chair as Lillie entered his office.

"I'm off now". She said.

"D'ya fancy a drink with me before you go?" Sam asked. Lillie looked at her watch.

"I'm driving". She replied.

"I didn't say it have to be alcoholic. Just one?"

Lillie was full aware that he was using what she called his 'puppy dog eyes' to convince her to stay.

It had already turned Midnight, but she just couldn't say no to him.

"Just one". She smiled, and she made her way back into the bar, but this time with her bag. Sam was right behind her and grabbed a bottle of Southern Comfort and two glasses from the bar. Lillie sat at one of the tables that was situated in the middle of the bar. As Sam put the bottle and glasses down on the table, Lillie smiled.

"Sam – I'm driving! I can't have one of those!"

"Then don't drive, I'll call you a cab home".

There was a short silence between the pair.

"I can't...I'm working at Fangtasia tonight". Lillie replied, nervously.

Sam leaned back into the chair and frowned.

"Still working for Eric then". He said. Lillie nodded, even though she was unsure if Sam was asking a question or making a statement.

"I'm not gonna stay for a drink". Lillie said, standing up.

"Lillie, I'm sorry – Please stay?"

Lillie sat reluctantly back onto the chair.

"Why do you hate Eric so much?" She asked, as she fidgeted with her hands. Sam knew she was nervous.

"I can't say I hate him, but I'll be honest, I hate that you spend so much time with him, but only because I worry about you". Yet another uncomfortable silence arose between the two of them.

"Sam...". Lillie began apprehensively. "I need to tell you something..."