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They say love is hell
But I've only been laughin' ever since I fell
It's only gonna make me love you more
The lord will have his way but I'm just a call away
It's only gonna make you love me more

- Ryan Adams, 'Gonna Make You Love Me'

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Chapter 49

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Martin walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. He turned his head to look behind him to see Sam wearing his bathrobe. It fit her about three sizes too big but she looked absolutely gorgeous bundled up in the thick terry cloth fabric.

She was toweling off her hair but must have felt his eyes on him because she looked up and smiled. "What?"

He wanted to tell her how much he was going to miss having her in his house. That he was going to miss seeing her face everyday. That he was going to miss holding her when he went to sleep and having her next to him when he woke up. That his house…no, his life was going to seem empty without being able to be with her everyday.

But in the end he chickened out and said, "I was just wondering if you want some coffee."

She studied him for a moment as if she didn't quite believe him but still replied, "Yeah. That would be great."

He gave her a nod and quickly got dressed. As he started down the hall with Milo in tow he heard Sam's blow dryer turn on. With each step the whirring sound grew fainter until by the time he reached the bottom step he couldn't even hear it anymore.

He wandered into the kitchen and headed to the coffee maker. He spooned ground coffee into the filter before grabbing the carafe and started filling it with water. He glanced out the window. The light pale gray overcast sky was typical Chicago weather so he knew that Sam's flight would leave on time; there wouldn't be any last minute snow storm that would give Sam an excuse to stay in Chicago for a few more days. Martin thought that would be perfect, just a few more days. He smiled and shook his head knowing that really wasn't true, even if he were to get a few more days it still wouldn't be enough time.

He poured the water into the coffee maker, put the carafe back in and then moved to the cabinet to get two coffee mugs. He pulled them out and held them in his hands. He stared at them and thought how tomorrow he was only going to need to make coffee for one, meals for one, wash dishes for one……basically going back to living life as 'one'.

The coffee started to percolate jostling Martin out of his melancholy mood. He got back to the task at hand and placed the mugs on the counter before making his way to the refrigerator to get the cream for the coffee.

He heard a whining noise behind him and turned to find Milo scratching at the back door. He had forgotten that after the incident with the cat last night that he had put the lock back on the doggie door which meant that Milo hadn't been able to go outside to do his business. Martin rushed over to open the back door for him muttering a quick apology as Milo rushed out. "Sorry buddy."

He walked back across the kitchen and finished getting their coffee. He headed back upstairs and wandered into the bedroom to find Sam standing in front of the bathroom mirror applying her makeup. He set the cup down on the counter.

She met his eyes in the mirror and said, "Thanks."

He smiled back. "You're welcome." He headed back into the bedroom and took a seat on the edge of the bed. He was leaning forward with his legs spread, elbows on his knees looking at the creamy swirls on the top of his coffee as it cooled. A few moments later Sam emerged and started moving around the room getting dressed. She dropped the robe to put on her underwear and he sat there watching her for a few beats when he said, "I was right." She looked at him wonderingly and he motioned to her nude form, "Never get tired of seeing that."

She laughed. "Maybe I should let you take a picture."

"Really?" He replied excitedly. He pretended to start sitting up and said, "Because I can just go grab my camera…." Sam froze, a blush running over her entire body and he had to laugh.

She gaped at him with an expression of mock indignation. "Jerk," She shook her head as she laughed and replied, "Just for that." She quickly pulled on her underwear and bra.

"Aww…." Martin lamented.

She just laughed and finished dressing as Martin sat on the bed drinking his coffee. He watched as she donned each piece of clothing, the levity from moments before slowly evaporating with the knowledge that with each addition she was that much closer to being ready to leave. Once she was fully clothed she picked up her boots and moved to sit down next to him smelling like shampoo, perfume and other heady scents that were uniquely hers.

She slowly started pulling on her boots and when she was done she clasped her hands and put them between her knees. She gently bumped her shoulder against his and said, "I guess all I have left to do is pack."

He nodded and looked over at her suitcase sitting in the corner of the room. He had almost forgotten she even had it. The morning after her first night here he told her she could put her stuff in his closet and had even emptied out a drawer for her to use during her stay. He broke his gaze away from the luggage and looked directly at her. "Are you hungry? I could make something…."

Sam shook her head. "I don't have much of an appetite. Thanks though."

They just sat on the bed looking at each other. He swallowed and said, "I still have to walk Milo so I'll leave you to pack."

She gave him a sad smile and whispered, "Okay."

He leaned forward and gave her a soft kiss. "See you in about a half an hour."

When he reached the doorway he paused to see Sam toss the suitcase on the bed. As she opened it up she smiled over at him causing a breath to catch in his chest. He returned the smile and headed down the hall and down the stairs. As soon as he reached the kitchen he made a quick grab for the leash and said, "Come on Milo, let's go for a walk."

The big brown dog rushed to the door and started jumping up and down excitedly. Martin tried to adopt Milo's enthusiasm so he put on a forced smile and stepped out the door.