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Sam frowned. Howard had told them about it that morning and asked if they could attend so they could meet some of the executives at the other firms they owned.

“I forgot about that,” she muttered. “I guess we’ll need to meet earlier in the day.”

“You’re coming?” Liz asked, her eyebrows raising.

Sam nodded. “Yeah. They emailed us about it this morning.”

“Oh thank god,” Liz breathed. “I always get so bored at those things. At least I’ll have you guys to hang out with.”

Sam gave her a small smile, nodding. “I’ll message you later about figuring out an exact time to meet up that day.”

“Sounds good,” Liz said, stepping out from around the desk and making her way toward the door. “Well, I guess we’ll walk out with you.”

Sam followed silently behind Liz and Jess as they all made their way back out of the building, exiting out onto the sidewalk. The office building loomed behind them, its tall glass windows gleaming faintly under the muted afternoon sun.

Her bike stood parked just off the sidewalk, its black and chrome frame catching the reflected light.

Sam took a step toward it, setting her helmet on the seat as she adjusted the backpack straps over her shoulders.

Liz stepped forward behind her, letting out an impressed hum.

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to ride,” Liz said, her heels clicking softly on the pavement as she bent slightly to examine the bike. She trailed a hand just above the handlebar, not quite touching it, as if afraid to disturb its pristine shine. Then she let out a soft chuckle, straightening up. “But Jess says she refuses to date anyone who rides a motorcycle.” She snorted a laugh, looking up at Sam as she rolled her eyes. “You know, danger and all that.”

Sam looked at Jess, the words spurring some unrecognizable feeling.

And this time, Jess didn’t avoid her gaze. She looked up at her, mouth opening and pausing with unspoken words.

“I don’t blame her,” Sam said softly before Jess could speak.

Their eyes remained fixed on each other as Sam offered her a small, understanding look.

Then, without another word, she swung her leg over the bike, the leather seat creaking faintly beneath her. In one smooth motion, she pulled the helmet down over her head.

The bike’s engine roared to life, its deep growl cutting through the hum of the city. Sam’s gloved hand gripped the throttle, her gaze flicking up to Jess one last time before she pulled away.

***

Three Years and Eleven Months Earlier.

Sam awoke to an arm shifting around her torso.

Soft gray light glowed through the wide cracked window on the opposite wall. She turned slowly, feeling Jess’ chin resting on her shoulder. And by the way her chest rose and fell against her back, she knew she was still asleep.

She tapped her phone screen where it laid on the bed beside her pillow, checking the time.

Then, ever so gently, she slid Jess’ arm out from around her, scooting her body forward to rise off the bed.

Sam grabbed her t-shirt off the floor and slipped it on before tiptoeing out into the main area of Jess’ tiny apartment.

These days had become her favorite. The ones where Jess’ roommate left for the weekend to stay with her boyfriend, who lived a few hours away, giving them the space to themselves.

She made her way into the small kitchen area and began prepping a pot of coffee while she checked the string of texts Caleb had already sent her that morning. An endless stream of problems only she could fix.

Within a few minutes, a noise floated out from the bathroom, and Sam followed it.

A light in the bathroom seeped out through the open door, where Jess stood at the counter brushing her teeth.

Sam walked up behind her, sliding both arms around her stomach as she kissed the back of her neck.