Page 3 of Her Desire

“Sorry, how have you been? I’ve been so busy at work. I feel like we haven’t had time to talk.” Guilt spread through me. I felt like I wasn't giving the few people I had in my life enough attention. I worked 24-7 and never had time to talk to people and that sucked.

“I know, I see your products everywhere. I’m so proud of you,” Lydia gushed.

As the CEO of a sex toy company, I had products in pretty much every store.

“Thanks, I really appreciate it. Now, back to your friend…”

Lydia laughed again, and I could just imagine her head falling back and her long hair dancing around her face.

"She's my old college roommate and one of my closest friends. She's staying with me for a bit in Seattle—just went through a rough breakup."

"Staying with you?" The words echoed in my head, sticking to my thoughts as if written in wet paint.

"Yeah, she just went through a pretty rough breakup." Lydia's tone softened, and I could picture her sympathetic frown, the way she always tilted her head when she felt for someone. "Poorthing found out her boyfriend was cheating on her. So, she's here in Seattle, taking some time to heal, you know?"

"Ah." My response came out softer than intended. A breakup. Ava's heart was tender then, perhaps as hungry for authenticity as mine. I nodded, though Lydia couldn't see it. Ava needed comfort, a friendly space to recover, and maybe—just maybe—I could be part of that equation. My mind raced ahead, possibilities sprouting like seeds in fertile soil. There was something about Ava, a pull I couldn't quite rationalize but felt compelled to explore.

"Thanks, Lyds." I managed to keep my voice steady, hoping she didn't catch the undercurrent of curiosity that threatened to overflow. "I'm glad she has you."

"Of course," Lydia replied, her warmth radiating through the phone. "Family's there for each other, right? And hey, she's great, Sam. You'd like her."

"Maybe I will," I said, a smile playing at the edges of my lips, sensing the truth in Lydia's words more than she realized. "Actually, I've been meaning to come visit," I said, nudging the conversation toward what suddenly felt like an inevitable conclusion. "Mind if I catch a flight out to see you? Maybe meet this Ava while I'm there?"

What in the hell am I doing? As the words slip past my lips, I close my eyes and sigh. I am about to take my first vacation in almost five years, to see a woman who I’ve never met. And for what? To talk her into being with me? Maybe I’ve lost my mind.

"Of course! Tyler and I would love to have you," Lydia enthused, blissfully unaware of the undercurrents at play. "And I think Ava could use some good company right now."

"Great, I'll look at flights and contact you with details," I said a little too eagerly.

“That sounds awesome. I’m so glad you called. Just send me some dates that work for you and your work schedule and Tylerand I will arrange some time off of work to hang out with you while you are in town. I’m sure Ava will want to join us, too.”

Lydia had no idea how badly I wanted Ava to be there with us. I ended the call, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement I hadn't experienced in a long time. Seattle, then. A chance to find the depth I'd been craving, wrapped in the possibility of a woman named Ava.

As I set the phone down, it wasn't the echo of the night's accolades that filled me with anticipation but the thought of meeting her—the woman who might finally see beyond the title and into my soul.

The cursor hovered over the 'Book Flight' button, a digital gateway to possibilities. I chewed on my lip, a habit when uncertainty nipped at my decisions. But as the image of Ava's smile flickered in my thoughts, the uncertainty dissolved into a resolute click. Seattle wasn't just Lydia's home; it was where Ava was, where new beginnings might be waiting for me.

"Sam, are you sure about this?" I muttered to myself, scrutinizing my reflection in the screen's darkened pane post-purchase. The woman staring back held an intensity in her eyes, a determination that felt like a promise. Yes, I was sure. This wasn't just about offering support or being the friendly cousin. It was about Ava, about the stirring inside me that whispered she could be the one worth taking a leap for.

Chapter 3

Sam

The plane’s descent into Seattle's landscape was a gradual immersion into a world buzzing with life and misty rain. I peered through the oval window, the cityscape sprawling out like a living organism, its arteries pulsing with the rush of traffic and the vibrant energy of urban life. My heart thrummed in sync with the engines' hum, anticipation coiling within me tighter than the seatbelt across my lap.

"Welcome to Seattle," the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom, a cue for reality to sink its teeth back into my daydreams. I stepped off the plane and into the terminal, my carry-on trailing behind me like an afterthought. SeaTac Airport buzzed around me, a symphony of hurried footsteps, rolling suitcases, and languages blending into a cacophony that somehow signified I was exactly where I needed to be.

The air outside was brisk, carrying the scent of rain-soaked streets and coffee, the latter almost palpable in its ubiquity.An Uber ride later, the city's scenery became intimate as we navigated through neighborhoods, each turn bringing me closer to Lydia's place, closer to Ava.

"Here we are," the driver announced, pulling up to Lydia's familiar address. As I stepped out onto the sidewalk, my gaze was drawn upward to the row of windows that lined the second floor of the townhouse. Somewhere behind those panes of glass was the reason why my heart had ventured across the country—Ava.

I took a deep breath, the cool air filling my lungs with resolve. This was it, the threshold of what could be the most significant chapter of my life. Or perhaps, just another page in the book of chance encounters. Either way, I was here now, ready for whatever came next.

The wheels of my carry-on thrummed a steady beat against the pavement as I navigated the sidewalk that led to Lydia’s apartment. The city's eclectic pulse was a stark contrast to the sterile hum of corporate life. A light drizzle misted the air, casting a soft glow on the sidewalk and creating halos around the streetlights. It was quintessential Seattle weather, and I found an unexpected comfort in it. Lydia's apartment building loomed ahead; its brick facade graced with black iron gates. I had forgotten how much I loved Seattle. I had moved to Seattle in high school when my parents kicked me out of their house. Seattle had this cool, artsy vibe that made you feel at home and peaceful.

"Sam!" Lydia's voice resonated down the staircase before she appeared, blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, her tall frame descending toward me with open arms.

"Hey, Lyds," I said, my nerves dissolving into the warmth of her hug.

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