Page 12 of Her Desire

My pulse races and I suddenly feel very anxious. I knew this topic would come up. After a night of sexual indulgence, like we experienced as strangers, the conversation was bound to come up.

“I’ve never done anything like that before,” I rushed out. “I mean, being with a woman and hooking up with someone right after meeting them.”

Sam smiled and I found it super sexy.

"Let's walk by the water," Sam suggested, her voice carrying a new layer of vulnerability. We found ourselves at the edge of Puget Sound with the city lights dancing on the waves. Side by side, we leaned on the railing, watching ferries glide across the dark water.

“Well, I’ve been with women before,” Sam chuckles. “But I’ve never felt such an attraction and need to have someone. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were special. I want you, and I know this is overwhelming, but if you trust me, I promise I will treat you like a queen.”

Sam’s words take me aback. I know we have something strong between us but being with her feels like a whirlwind. This is so unlike me. I just got out of a long relationship and now I’m about to consider being with a woman?

“This is a lot to consider. I mean, I like you,” I tell Sam, moving closer to her. “I just need to see where this goes before we discuss anything serious.”

Sam nods. I’ve already told her something similar, and she hasn’t pushed me, so I respect her even more.

“Let’s just continue with the day. I’m enjoying being with you,” she says.

“Same,” I agree.

We move to the market and walk through various shops and bakeries. The afternoon is filled with fun and great conversation. Soon, we are ready for a light snack. Neither of us wants to eat a big lunch since we are going out to dinner with Lydia and Tyler.

And it’s the truth. I’m about to let fate take control over my life. I just hope I don’t end up getting burned again.

Chapter- Sam

"Would you like to grab some coffee?" I suggested, my voice betraying a hint of hopefulness. The mere thought of sitting across from Ava in a setting more intimate than Lydia's living room sent a ripple of excitement through me.

Ava's face broke into an even wider smile, if possible. "I'd love to," she replied, with a sweetness that made my heart skip a beat. "There's a great little place just around the corner."

We walked side by side down the bustling Seattle streets, our shoulders occasionally brushing. It was a casual touch, but each time it happened, an electric current seemed to pass between us. We chatted about trivial things—the weather, the vibrant city life, the small eccentricities we had observed in people as they hurried past. Her laughter was easy and contagious, and I found myself vying for more of it, trying to memorize the sound.

The café was a quaint spot, its walls lined with bookshelves and the aroma of roasted coffee beans thick in the air. A bell tinkled as we entered, announcing our arrival to an almost magical nook that felt worlds away from the gray sidewalks outside.

"Over here looks good," Ava said, pointing to a cozy corner table that offered both privacy and a view of the street outside. We settled into the mismatched chairs, the space between us filled with an unspoken anticipation.

"Two lattes, please," I ordered for us, taking the liberty based on her earlier mention of a caffeine preference, and she nodded in agreement. With our orders placed, I leaned forward, eager to delve into a conversation beyond pleasantries. "So, what type of books do you enjoy reading?"

"Fantasy mostly," she admitted with a shy tilt of her head, her brown hair catching the light. "There's something about other worlds that always drew me in. It helps me escape when I really need to forget the world around me.”

I totally understood what she was saying, but there was a sadness in her voice that bothered me.

“What’s going on?” I ask, extending my hand across the table. “Talk to me.”

"Sam," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I've never felt this close to someone so quickly. It scares me a little, but it also feels... right."

"Good-scared can be exciting," I murmured. "It means you're stepping into new territory, discovering parts of yourself you never knew existed."

Her gaze met mine, and I saw the raw honesty there, the shared recognition of something blooming between us. It was a look that spoke louder than any declaration of affection could.

“I like you, but I need to be smart,” she explained.

As much as it upset me to hear that, I also had to respect her for trying to make the best logical decision for herself. Still, I would need to prove to her that I was worth the risk.

“I’m just going to lay it all out for you,” I began. This was my moment. I needed to tell her everything, even if it scared us both. “I have to go back to Miami in a few days. I don’t want our connection to end. Please come to Miami with me, to live and be with me. We only have a few days left for you to decide if this is what you want. If our connection is enough to take such a leap of faith.”

Ava stated back at me, her beautiful eyes wide in wonderment.

“Sam, I...” she stopped and glanced down. “I know this is crazy, but I believe we could make it work, but there are still things I have to consider.”

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