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The ride back was surprisingly quiet. Brandon munching on the ice cream sprinkles filled the space. I should have known ice cream was all it took to shut him up.
"Don't forget your containers," I reminded him when I noticed he had left them in the car.
"Oh, sorry," Brandon said, taking them. "Thanks… for today. It was fun, even if we had to come back early." He added with a smile.
"Sure," I forced a smile.
Every step I took towards my apartment became heavy, my heartbeat hitching. I wiped my sweaty palms on my trousers before pressing the elevator button. Why was I so nervous when I was the one who had asked her to come?
Maybe it's because I haven't seen her for so long, I thought, ignoring all the other possibilities. I let out a breath, which didn't go unnoticed.
"Are you okay?" Brandon asked. I just nodded. He looked at me suspiciously, then smiled. "If I didn't know you, I'd say you're nervous."
The elevator doors opened and we stepped out. Sam was standing at my door, her body leaning against it. She had cargo pants on with a hoodie, her hair tied in a messy bun. It was so unlike her. I was used to her wearing shorts, or if not that, short skirts with revealing tops. Seeing her all covered up was weird.
Not that she didn't look good. She was hot as always. I doubt there's anything that would look bad on her.
I cleared my throat, forcing myself to step forward. Brandon turned to me, smirking.
"You're totally nervous," he whispered.
"No, I'm not," I whispered back, giving him a 'don't-start-this' look. He sighed
dramatically and shook his head.
"Hi, Samantha," Brandon greeted, throwing himself at her. I stood there watching. After their dramatic pleasantry, Brandon left, but not before reminding me I owed him an icecream date.
We were left staring at each other, silence stretching in the hallway. Sam looked as pretty as ever, her beauty knocking the air out of my lungs. But something was different. Dark circles framed her eyes, her smile weak.
"Chase wasn't home," she said. Her voice, usually so strong and full of energy, came out low and dragged. My eyes stayed fixed on her as my mind tried to figure out what was wrong. There was a pit in my stomach, my heart aching.
"Are you gonna let us in or what?" she added when she saw I wasn't responding.
"Oh—sorry," I said, stepping aside to unlock the door. I tried to open it, but the keys slipped from my hand. I bent to pick them up and accidentally bumped into her head.
"Aww," Sam winced.
"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" I asked, reaching for her.
"I'm fine," she murmured, stepping away from my touch. A sting shot through my chest. She didn't want me close. I stepped back, giving her space.
"Let me," she said, taking the keys and opening the door.
As soon as we got inside, she sank onto the couch while I carried my bags to my room and put my half-melted ice cream in the fridge.
"How are you?" I asked, sitting beside her. It was a stupid question, considering everything I had noticed, but I didn't know what else to say.
What happened next took me by surprise.
The chilly air was replaced with a warmth I had been craving for so long. I wrapped one arm around her back and the other around her head. My heart pounding against my chest, my breath hitching. I closed my eyes, letting my emotions flood. If it were anyone else, I would have pulled away — but with her, I wanted the moment to last forever.
"I missed you," Sam whispered, tightening her hold like she was afraid I'd disappear.
I had missed her too. More than I wanted to admit.
I breathed in, the scent of her shampoo filling my senses.
"You smell nice," I blurted out before I could stop myself.I bit my tongue, scolding myself. "I— I— sorry," I muttered.
She pulled back, her eyes searching mine. I tried to read her expression. Was she angry? Uncomfortable? Had I gone too far? I didn't even know if she liked girls. I had kissed her without knowing. What if she didn't feel the same?
My thoughts scattered when I noticed her gaze drop — to my lips. The look in her eyes was intense. I had never seen her look at me like that before.
Before I could process it, something warm brushed against my mouth.
She was kissing me. Sam was kissing me!
My eyes widened, then slowly closed as I melted into her soft lips — the ones I'd been craving for a week.
The kiss was gentle and tender. She pulled back, our breaths uneven. Then I pulled her in again, both hands cradling her head as I crashed my lips into hers. This time the kiss was anything but soft. I nibbled her lower lip biting it, earning a quiet moan.
Her voice sent a shiver down my spine, my arm hair standing. I forced myself to pull away before I lost control completely. I leaned back against the couch, running my hands through my hair, my heart racing.
I'd never had a kiss like that in my life.
The way my heart was pounding.
The way every touch sent shivers through me.
The way I ached for more.
It was overwhelming — and perfect.