Sam pushed Alex back against the wall and pressed against her. She slid her hands down Alex’s side, her palms tracing the wet curves of her body. She reached lower, grasping Alex’s buttocks and pulling her center firmly against her thigh.
Alex’s breath grew ragged. “Sam,” she gasped, her voice a hoarse whisper. Her hands, which had been gripping Sam’s shoulders, now threaded through her hair, gently guiding her lower. Sam didn’t need any more encouragement. She sank to her knees in the shower, her eyes never leaving Alex’s. She could see the raw desire reflected there. Alex’s cheeks were flushed, and her body trembled. Sam’s smiled. She loved that she still had this effect on Alex.
“Sam,” Alex whispered. “Please…”
Sam glanced up to see Alex staring at her intently, lips slightly parted, cheeks flushed. Her eyes reflected a deep, unspoken desire. Sam could see every emotion flashing across her face. The connection between them was electric, and she couldn’t look away.
“Come here,” Alex murmured. Sam stood up, keeping the connection between them. Their lips crashed together in a hungry kiss. Sam could feel Alex’s sharp inhale at the taste of herself on Sam’s tongue.
A shiver ran through Sam as the intimacy grew and the tension built. Moments later, a faint tremor coursed through Alex, her body growing taut for a fleeting moment before she melted against Sam. Sam leaned into Alex, resting her head on her shoulder, catching her breath. She gently withdrew her touch, wrapping her arms around Alex and drawing her closer, placing tender kisses along her shoulder, savoring the warmth and closeness.
“That was…” Alex’s voice was soft and breathless.
“Something else?” Sam laughed, a low, contented sound. She reached up and captured Alex’s lips in a slow, deep kiss.
She pulled away and looked down at Alex. “We should get out of the shower,” she said, smiling down at her. “I think our hour is almost up.”
“I could call and ask for another hour,” Alex teased.
Sam laughed, eyes sparkling. Just then, her stomach let out a loud growl, the sound echoing through the bathroom and making them both burst into laughter. Sam felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“Hungry?” Alex asked, her voice was low and husky and nearly drove Sam crazy.
“I guess so.” Sam grinned. “I must have worked up an appetite.”
“Okay, okay.” Alex laughed. “Looks like you’re hungry for something different right now.” She leaned up and gave Sam one last quick kiss. “Come on, I know just the place.”
They held hands as they stepped out onto the street. The sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze from the water ruffled through their hair. Occasionally, Alex would pause to pull Sam in for a quick kiss, which she was only too happy to return. She felt so light, so free, as if all the questions she had been asking herself had finally been answered. The answer was Alex, and it probably had been all along.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this,” Sam admitted.
Alex reached out and took Sam’s hand, bringing it to her lips and pressing a gentle kiss on it. “Me too,” she agreed. “Obviously. You know, my whole marriage being a sham and all that.”
“But you did get Sophie out of the deal.” Sam looked over at Alex and smiled.
“And I wouldn’t change that for the world.”
“I think we all do what we have to do,” Sam replied. “I’ve made my share of questionable choices.” She let out a mirthless scoff, thinking back on some of her past relationships. Then she thought about another choice she was facing, and her smile slipped a bit.
“Sometimes things are just out of our control,” Alex said gently.
“How did you get so wise?” Sam teased.
“Probably being a mom,” Alex answered. “When someone else is relying on you to explain the secrets of the world to them, youfigure things out quickly.” She pulled Sam in for another soft kiss. It made Sam feel so warm and cared for that it nearly brought tears to her eyes. “Besides, we’re together now,” she pointed out.
“And it’s like no time has passed at all.”
“Everything is the same.” Alex tilted her head. “But different.”
“Different,” Sam agreed. She looked down at their still clasped hands and squeezed them. “And better.”
They arrived at a cozy neighborhood café that Sam hadn’t noticed the night before when they were driving. From the outside, it looked charming. It was tucked on the corner of a tree-lined street. Ivy draped over its weathered red brick exterior. A hand-painted sign hung above the entrance, and the daily specials were neatly written on a chalkboard sign.
Inside, the space felt warm and cozy. String lights hung from exposed wood beams, casting a soft glow on the few booths and mismatched vintage tables. The air carried the scent of coffee and baked goods, and Sam’s stomach rumbled again. Alex laughed and led them to a booth by the window, where they slid in opposite each other.
Alex picked up the handwritten menu and studied it, while Sam studied her. Sam still didn’t know how they ended up together after all these years, but she was determined not to lose her this time. “I never thought I’d see you again,” she said softly. With each passing moment, she was becoming more and more certain that she belonged here, with Alex.
Alex put her menu down and looked up, her face searching Sam’s. “I never thought I’d see you again either.” She smiled widely, her warm eyes reassuring Sam. “But here we are. Now, I could ask what you’re going to get, but instead I think I should guess.” She turned her attention to the waitress who had just approached their booth. “We’ll both have coffee, please.” She looked at Sam, who nodded in confirmation. “And I’ll have a sausage and cheese omelet with a side of hashbrowns. And she will have chocolate chip pancakes, crispy bacon, and a side of french fries.” She raised an eyebrow at Sam, who smiled and nodded again. The waitress scribbled down their order and headed back toward the kitchen.
