Page 108

“I know, I know,” Sam sighed. “But honestly, back then, I don’t think I ever really believed that she would choose me at the end of it all.” She paused, thinking back to those days that now felt like another lifetime. “Or at least, I never let myself believe that she would.”

Scarlett frowned, stepping forward and squeezing her shoulder gently.

“Even the accident makes me feel guilty,” Sam whispered, staring down at her hands. “Like something I did to her.” Her jaw tightened involuntarily. “I caused her so much pain, without meaning to. I wouldn’t have blamed her for walking away.”

She felt Scarlett’s eyes on her, her expression looking slightly torn for a moment. Then she sighed. “She would kill me if she knew I was telling you this.” Sam watched her intently. “But even if she doesn’t know it, she was waiting for you. All that time, all those years, I think she was waiting for you to come back.”

A pleasant burn sizzled in her chest at the words, but an equally strong feeling of guilt surrounded it.

“But you know,” Scarlett continued, her voice low and careful, “she won’t wait forever. Even if she wants to.” Scarlett let out a sigh, leaning away. “Eventually, one of you will have to choose.Reallychoose. Because just doing this,” she motioned between Sam and the backyard, “it can’t last forever.”

***

The front door of Mike’s house creaked open, and Sam followed Jess inside.

She flicked on the light, and Sam’s gaze drifted across the familiar row of framed pictures that lined the walls, landing on one she’d look at every time she’d been in the house. It was Jess as a kid on Mike’s shoulders, holding a trophy, her blonde waves pulled back in a messy ponytail.

Jess tossed her keys onto a table by the door, and Sam looked up at her as she gave her a soft smile and nodded toward the staircase.

Sam followed, her boots echoing softly against the wooden steps. The air felt heavier upstairs, the kind of weight that came with memories embedded in the walls. Memories she was a part of.

Jess reached the second floor, then went down the hall, pausing in front of the open bathroom door. “I’m gonna take a quick shower.”

Sam leaned against the doorway, arms crossing as she watched Jess disappear into the bathroom. The sound of the faucet twisting on filled the silence, followed by the rush of water. Sam shifted her weight, unsure if she should wait in her bedroom or wander back downstairs.

Jess poked her head out, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. She moved closer, her bare feet silent against the hardwood.

“Just gonna stand there?” Jess asked, with a teasing lilt in her voice.

Sam smirked, watching her. “Maybe.”

Jess’ smile softened. Then she reached one hand out, her fingertips brushing Sam’s wrist before trailing up to her shoulder. Sam held her breath, soaking in the touch.

Jess leaned in, her lips finding Sam’s.

The kiss wasn’t heated or rushed. It was careful—deliberate. Like she had all the time in the world as her hand slid to the back of Sam’s neck and pulled her closer.

Then Jess pulled back just enough to whisper, her voice a low murmur that sent chills down her back. “Shower with me?”

Sam swallowed, her gaze meeting Jess’ as she nodded.

Jess smiled up at her softly as she tugged at the hem of Sam’s shirt, lifting it gently over her head. Sam raised her arms, the fabric sliding away before dropping onto the floor. Her hands skimmed Sam’s waist, undoing the button of her jeans with an ease that reminded her how many times she’d done it before.

Jess knelt slightly, guiding the fabric down Sam’s legs before standing again.

Sam watched through the clouded steam as Jess quickly discarded her own clothing before stepping into the shower.

When they moved beneath the spray of hot water, Jess turned to face Sam, her hands instantly finding her waist. She drifted closer, letting her fingers slide up Sam’s back, pressing their bodies together as the water ran over them.

Sam closed her eyes as Jess threaded her fingers through her wet hair, massaging her scalp in a slow, careful motion. Sam exhaled, curling her head down into her neck. And with every stroke of Jess’ hands, long held stress and tension rinsed away.

Jess leaned forward, lips brushing against Sam’s jaw and lingering there before moving to the hollow beneath her ear.

Neither of them spoke at first. There was no need to.

But eventually, Jess broke the silence.

“Have you thought about it?” she asked softly, her hands resting lightly on Sam’s back.