The story wasn’t finished, however. There were many blank pages that Hunter hoped they’d fill in together as they continued to live out their own romance novel in real life. She’d wait for Samantha at their lamppost and count the seconds until they’d see each other again…hoping against hope that maybe, just maybe, Samantha felt the same…
Samantha thumbed across the bundle of blank pages left in the spiral, just as the narrative said there would be. She couldn’t stop her heart from beating out of her chest at the thought of all that lay ahead for them. Good God. She needed clothes! And cute ones. But mainly, she just needed Hunter there in front of her so she could kiss her, and touch her, and laugh with her. The sooner the better.
Switching into turbo drive, she took the E train to the Meatpacking District in what had to be the longest ride in the history of the MTA. Hopping off at her stop, she shouldered her way through the crowds of people out en masse tonight, free from the workweek and looking to let off a little steam. Night had fallen on New York, and the air around her felt warm from the last lingering days of summer. While aromas from the falafel cart on the corner made her stomach growl, she would not be deterred. As she turned onto the final street of her journey, she paused. Because there she was, just a few yards away, and the visual was like wonderful sunshine warming her skin. Hunter stood under the lamppost just as she had promised. And there had never been a more beautiful sight. The light from above reflected off her hair, offering a luminous glow. As she turned to Samantha, her gaze settled in recognition and she broke out in a slow smile.
Samantha had planned on words. She’d even thought through what they might be, but something took over and her arms were around Hunter’s neck before she could speak them. For several long moments, they remained in that embrace, and with Hunter’s arms around her again, she felt like everything aligned. That the world had righted itself again. God, she could live in this embrace, inhaling Hunter’s scent, fresh cotton and peaches.
“I didn’t know if you’d come,” Hunter said, quietly nuzzling her hair.
“Like I’d miss this,” she murmured back. “God, you feel good. Don’t you ever leave again.”
As Samantha pulled back, Hunter brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and straightened. A smile flashed briefly. “I’m nervous.”
“You’re never nervous,” Sam said.
“Not true anymore. Look at my hand. It’s shaking.”
Samantha took that hand in hers. “Well, then hold mine because I’m not.”
Hunter nodded and met her eyes seriously. “You’re here, so you’ve seen the book.”
“I have.”
“And?” She blew out a measured breath and it was adorable.
Sam looked skyward to gather her thoughts. “And it was…everything. Reading it all together like that stole my breath. I loved it.”
The smile started slow and spread as Hunter glanced at the ground and back up again. “I started writing it that second week in Ohio. At first, it was a release of sorts, to get it all out on paper as I sat in that hospital waiting room. But underneath it all, I knew it was more. As soon as I saw you again in Ohio, damn it, I understood where I was supposed to be. I just had to find the courage to get myself there.”
“Where is that?” Samantha searched her eyes, needing to hear it from Hunter.
“With you. I was always meant to be with you, I think.” She took a deep breath as if about to jump from a very tall cliff. “I love you, Sam, which is terrifying to say. But what’s infinitely more terrifying is the thought of never kissing you again or holding you again, or not walking through this world with you.” She lifted a shoulder. “You’re it for me. And if you tell me that you need time or that you’re not sure, then you should know that I’m going to fight for you and do whatever it takes to win your heart. I’ll give you as long as you need.”
As Hunter stared down at Samantha, her heart hammered away in her chest. Sam hadn’t stood her up, which had been her biggest fear, but she still didn’t know entirely where Sam’s head was. What if she acknowledged Hunter’s feelings but wanted to protect their friendship? The thought just about crushed her.
But Samantha was smiling and there were tears in her eyes. She slipped a hand to the nape of Hunter’s neck. “So you would fight for me, huh?”
Hunter met her gaze. “You have no idea.”
“And those other girls in your phone?”
“Are completely uninteresting to me. Deleted.”
Sam shook her head slowly. “You don’t have to fight for me, Hunter. I’m yours. I’ve never felt more alive than when I’m with you. Or more safe. Or more whole.” She paused, placed her hand on Hunter’s cheek. “Or more loved. I’m so in love with you I can barely concentrate on forming these sentences right now.”
And then they were kissing because there was no way not to be. Not when Samantha had just said the most important words in the world to her, making her heart fly. The ones she never imagined ever wanting to hear, and now couldn’t live without. The words were hers now, and Sam was hers, and nothing had ever felt more right.
“It’s not going to be easy,” Sam said when they came up for air. A breeze kicked in and Hunter felt the cooler air caress her skin.
“I don’t want easy. I want you.” Hunter’s eyes blurred but she blinked them clear again.
Samantha took Hunter’s hand and brought it to her heart. The gesture was so simple, yet said so much. “Shall we?”
Hunter nodded. “Home, please.”
The moon peeked out from the tops of the tall buildings as if to guide their way. Hand in hand, they walked back to their place, toward their future together.
“I think you took the U-Haul cliché to a whole new level.”
“I’m an overachiever.”
“In more ways than one.” Sam cocked her head. “Speaking of which, which room are we sleeping in?”
“I’ll sleep on the kitchen floor as long as you’re there…”
Samantha turned to her, walking backward. “We could start there. But I don’t know how much sleeping there’ll be.”
“All the more reason.”
As they walked, something came over Hunter. A warm, tingly feeling accompanied by a striking burst of energy, that all-encompassing intuition that something important was upon her. Not on its way to her this time, but here.
She thought back fondly to that moment in her apartment a handful of months ago when she’d experienced something similar. She knew now that it was Sam who’d been about to change her life forever. She smiled up at the universe, a silent thanks.
Hunter glanced next to her at the girl from psychology class, the one who caused her heart to clench and at the same time was her very best friend. The depth of feeling there staggered her. This was a new page in the story of Samantha and Hunter, and she for one couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.
Epilogue
The view from the Terrace Room of the River Café was breathtaking. Sam had to hand it to Serenity. They sure knew how to seek out the picturesque in life, and this little gem of a restaurant in Brooklyn Heights was no exception. The cocktail gathering was in full swing all around her that Thursday night in October. She smiled on as much of the Manhattan elite mingled and sipped champagne, all gathered for the unveiling of Serenity’s new commercial spot, which would hit local stations the following Monday.
“What if no one claps?” Brooklyn whispered to Sam from their location in front of the window. “And I love this dress. Can I borrow?”
Samantha turned to her very nervous friend and smiled. “Look at me. You know it’s a great spot. You know you’re awesome. You do this every time.”
“I do, don’t I?” Brooklyn asked.
“Both you and Hunter put a lot of work into this one, and if I do say so myself, the ad rocks.” She glanced down at her green and white striped dress, purchased special for the very important client occasion. She held up a finger. “And yes to the dress, provided y
ou return it, which is something you struggle with.”
“I’m working on return reform. I have daily affirmations.” Brooklyn tossed a glance behind her. “Where’s your alluring girlfriend?”
“Excellent question. She wanted to call home and check in on her mom before heading over. But she should be here shortly. And it’s after business hours, so I can make eyes at her and hold her hand territorially without repercussion.”
“You can. Not that you don’t make eyes at the office. We’re onto you both.”
Sam gasped. “No way. We’re super covert. The most professional of the professionals.”
“You’re allowed, you know.” Sam turned as Mallory appeared alongside her. “To be yourselves at work. Brooks and I are well aware of your inability to conceal your all-encompassing love. In fact, we’ve formed a two-person support group to get us through it.” Brooklyn and Mallory exchanged some sort of secret handshake.
“Ha ha,” Sam said. “You’re funny. But both Hunter and I think it’s best to remain focused on our jobs when at work. We’ve only made out in the kitchen once, and you were both gone for the day.”
“Who’s making out in the kitchen? Hi, baby,” Hunter said and kissed Sam. And there she was, her hair pulled back into a thick ponytail, a slight wave in its descent. Hunter was a sexy display in an off-white babydoll dress with a cropped black leather jacket on top. Short black motorcycle boots completed the ensemble. A work of art, really.
Brooklyn grinned. “That would be you, stud.”
Hunter’s mouth formed a guilty “oh” as she faced Brooklyn and Mallory. “Sorry about that.”
Mallory shrugged. “It was after hours. Besides, there aren’t rules. Let’s just do good work, and so far, you’ve both hit it out of the park in that department. No complaints.” Mallory continued speaking about some detail of the party, but Samantha’s eyes were on Hunter, who smiled back at her, lingering. She loved their private exchanges. They’d perfected them at work. Well, apparently not a hundred percent, but they’d work on it.
The past two months had surpassed any and all of Samantha’s expectations. She didn’t know it was possible to feel so much for just one person. The sensation could best be described as overwhelming in the most wonderful way. They took Elvis for walks together and discussed their individual days. Hunter still smiled at the many women who lavished attention on her at Showplace, but made it clear that she only had eyes for Sam.
No one had ever made her feel more special.
“And if it isn’t the women of the hour,” Tanya said, strawberry champagne glass in hand. “The commercial is amazing. We can’t wait to do more with you.”
Mallory smiled graciously. “It’s been a fantastic partnership for us, too, Tanya.”
Tanya beamed and her eyes settled on Sam. “Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more radiant. You just seem…”
“Happy,” Samantha supplied effortlessly as Hunter’s hand scratched the small of her back in solidarity.
Tanya nodded and smiled at Hunter. “Exactly. You found your glow. And speaking of people in love, I want to introduce you to my girlfriend. Sweetheart?” She glanced behind her and motioned to an approaching woman.
“April,” Hunter said, suppressing a grin.
April’s eyes widened on approach. “Whoa, Hunter. Hi. It’s fantastic to see you.”
Hunter shook her head. “Small world.”
“Not really,” Tanya supplied happily. “April was the yoga instructor from class that day we ran into you two. Apparently, a little bit of your luck rubbed off on me.” Tanya really did look happy.
“And Libby?” Brooklyn asked. Then she passed Sam a look. “Sorry. Just curious.” Sam shrugged. Honestly, she didn’t mind at all and wished Libby the best.
“She left me for a shoe designer, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.” She beamed at April, who seemed a bit gaga herself. “But she seems happy.”
“I’m glad,” Sam said before turning to Hunter. “The Way You Look Tonight” began from the live quartet across the room and the opening notes alone made Sam smile. “Wanna dance?” she asked Hunter, whose eyes sparkled at the question, because when did Hunter ever not want to dance?
“I do. If you’ll excuse us,” Hunter said to the group.
As Hunter’s arms encircled her, Samantha relaxed into the warmth and wonder that always accompanied any kind of closeness between them. “You look amazing,” Sam whispered.
“I was hoping you’d think so.”
“As if there’s ever any doubt. How’s your mom?”
“Gaining strength. She’s almost back to her old routine. She was at her mah-jongg group when I called, but my dad updated me on all the latest. Kevin has soccer tryouts tomorrow for spring. I’m so nervous you’d think I was him.”
“Don’t be nervous. He’ll be great. And your dad?”
Hunter shook her head in wonder. “Apparently, learning to play golf, which is new.”
“I’m glad you guys are getting chatty.”
“I don’t know if I’d go that far.”
Sam thumbed the white fabric of Hunter’s dress. “How long until I can take this off you?”
Hunter’s eyes darkened with a mixture of lust and amusement. “Meet me outside in five minutes?”
Samantha sighed in defeat. “Somehow I think leaving the party before the main event is frowned upon. But later…”
“I’m at your mercy.”
“And don’t forget it.”
Right on cue, Serenity’s CEO, Eleanor, took to the microphone, welcoming the guests, who quieted from their chatter at the sound of her ultra-soothing voice. After a few kind words, which included a thank-you to Soho Savvy for a job well done, the large screen flickered and came alive with vibrant color and sound. The work-weary woman in the ad battled the subway, her job, and the fifty million demands on her plate before receiving the royal treatment at Serenity in the form of rehydration baths, massages, and body wraps. At long last, she was whole again and ready to face the big, bad world with gusto. With Brooklyn and Hunter’s storyboards so captivatingly brought to life, even Samantha felt wowed.
Brooklyn and Mallory stood next to them. The room erupted into applause as the screen faded to black.
“To another home run,” Mallory said quietly, lifting a glass to her colleagues.
Three glasses met hers in the center of their circle, a private tribute to the work they’d done in the midst of what had been a very trying quarter all around.
But it wasn’t over, their journey.
There were many projects ahead of them, clients to tackle and goals to achieve. Sometimes it felt like there really was no stopping the four of them if they stuck together.
The foursome enjoyed themselves at the party for the better part of an hour, accepting congratulatory wishes and dancing up a storm with the Serenity girls—and even April. It was a celebratory night and everyone cut loose in response.
After losing sight of Hunter somewhere along the way, Samantha tried her phone to no avail. She walked among the dancers, the minglers, and tried the call again, still unable to find where Hunter had slipped off to. Just then, she caught sight of a familiar form on the outside terrace, alone and looking out over New York Harbor. She pushed open the door that led outside, pausing and taking in the image of her beautiful girlfriend, her forearms on the railing and the starry sky all around her. Hunter turned at the sound of Sam approaching and held up her phone.
“Hey, you. Just saw you called. But you found me,” Hunter said. “Ready to get out of here?”
“Wait. What was that on your phone?” Samantha asked smiling and attempting to see the readout.
Hunter blushed and shook her head. “Nothing. I don’t know at all what you’re talking about. We should go.”
“Yes, you do, babelicious,” Sam teased, and Hunter laughed at the ridiculous nickname. Without delay, Samantha snatched the phone from Hunter’s hand and pressed Call on her own p
hone. She stared down as the photo of them from their dinner at STK appeared, followed by the name Hunter had assigned her in her phone. The name was in sharp contrast to girl from club or brunette from laundry mat. The simple words touched her heart: My love.
“You make me happy,” Sam said sincerely, meeting Hunter’s gaze and handing back the phone.
“That’s because I love you,” Hunter said. God, those words never got old.
“I love you, too.” Sam stepped into Hunter and inclined her head upward. “Let’s get out of here. I want to be home with you.”
Hunter tucked a strand of hair behind Sam’s ear. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
It was an interesting concept, home. The dictionary, she’d recently learned, defined it as a goal or endpoint. After saying good night to their friends and thanking Serenity, they left the party hand in hand as Samantha ruminated on its meaning. For as long as she could remember, she’d always been seeking something, some sort of unnamed affirmation, inclusion, or validation in life. But in the time that she’d been with Hunter, that seeking had ceased. Because she now had all of those things and more. She’d reached her own goal or endpoint, and she’d never felt more herself as a result.
She really was home.
“Ice cream?” Hunter asked as they walked.
“You should know that the answer to that question will always and forever be yes.”
Hunter grinned. “This is why I keep you.”
“Gasp. That’s the only reason?” Sam asked, her mouth falling open.
Hunter shrugged. “Well, you’re also good at math.”
“Hey!” She nudged Hunter’s shoulder in protest, which earned her a kiss. “A kiss and ice cream?” Sam asked. “This is shaping up to be a pretty great night.”
Hunter turned to her with a noticeable glint in her eye, which shot Sam’s temperature up several degrees. “Oh, it just gets better from here. Trust me.”
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