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"I will"

She winked at ht ca the warmth of her body next to h

Sitting up, I handed her a glass of water

"What time is it?" she asked eventually

"Seven"

"We are so lazy"

"Eh We’re sick It’s allowed" I stretched toward the lamp on her bedside table and clicked it on

Lianne’s voice came up the stairs "Hi honey I’m home!" She appeared a ot what you askedto put it away" Lianne scurried off, toward the guest room I supposed

"What did she buy for you?" Bella asked

"Can’t tell you"

"Why not?"

"Um, Bella? It’s a week until Christmas Duh"

She poked me in the belly "What is it?"

"Didn’t you just hear ?"

"I can make you talk," Bella insisted

"No, belleza Nobody can "

I laughed "If that’s the way you want it"

She turned to study me Then she ran a hand from my chest to my crotch "Goddamn it What did I just do tointo the roorope each other whilst I toiled in yonder saltWe were busy with TV and naps," Bella answered "Thanks for the plague"

"Sorry"

"You can "