Love The One You're With

Chapter 16-Enough

A wave of guilt washed over me when I heard Sam was gone. I immediately knew it was because he had overheard Jake and I. "Jake, we need to go find him.." I said softly. He nodded in agreement. "How long until you guys go on?" I asked nervously, genuinely afraid of the answer.

"We have soundcheck in like 2 hours.." he replied quietly as we walked in to the living room. "I'll call him real quick, maybe he just stepped out?" He said hopefully. As soon as he dialed, we heard Sam's phone ringing in his room. "Let's split up to find him...I'm going to check the local bars and Danny's place," he added as he grabbed his keys.

"Okay, be careful and call me if you find him," I replied as I grabbed my own keys. Jake kissed me gently before we went our separate ways. I was pretty sure that I knew exactly where he would be.

When I pulled into the parking lot of the animal shelter, my heart started racing. "Quinn! It's so good to see you again! Sam didn't mention you were coming?" Leanne said with a smile as I walked in. I felt immediately relieved knowing he was here.

"Is he with the puppies?" I asked with a laugh. Leanne nodded and pointed towards the back where the puppies had been moved to. I sent a Jake a quick text to let him know Sam was okay, and I felt my heart race as I made my way down the hallway through the large door in the back.

Sam was sitting in the floor with his legs stuck out straight in front of him and the puppies crawling all over them. "I just couldn't do it anymore, you know?" He said quietly as if he was holding a conversation with one of the puppies.

"Hey, Sammy...I thought I'd find you here," I said softly as I leaned against the gate. He looked up at me with furrowed brows. I smiled weakly, but his face didn't change. "Will you let me in?" I poured as I pointed to the latch inside that was keeping me out. He let out an exasperated sigh and stood up to unlatch it and let me in. He sat back down and went back to playing with the puppies, while I carefully held my skirt as I tried to sit down without flashing him. "I know you're mad at me," I began, but was interrupted with a scoff.

"Yeah, I am...You promised that wouldn't happen.." he replied in an annoyed tone, looking up at me through his dark lashes.

"I know, I know, and I'm really sorry. It just kind of happened, but I swear I won't let it happen again.." I stuck out my lower lip, pouting as I explained.

"That's not fair! How am I supposed to stay mad at you when you pout like that," he mirrored my pout as he stood up.

"That's kinda the point," I giggled as I stood up and hugged him. His adorable staccato laugh bubbled out of him as I squeezed him tighter. Before I pulled away, I kissed his cheek and felt the heat rush there as he turned a faint shade of pink. "We should probably get out of here though...you've got a show to get to," I smirked as I took his hand and pulled him towards the gate. His eyes lit up as he followed me.

"Really? Since when?" He asked as we made our way through the shelter, waving bye to Leanne as we left.

"I guess a band dropped out of that festival in the park, and they wanted you guys to fill the spot," I shrugged before climbing into my car.

"Well fuck..that's exciting!" He beamed before tapping my door and walking around to climb in the passenger seat. "We'll come get my car tomorrow," he said matter of factly as he smiled and buckled up.

Once we got home, Sam hurried in to get ready, and Jake met me in the living room. "Where was he?" He asked curiously as his hands found my hips and pulled me close. I didn't want to give away Sam's safe place, so I just leaned in and kissed Jake gently. He smelled amazing, and looked really cute in his black and white vertically striped pants, and black vest.