“Me too.” She nodded, saying the words through her tears as we hugged goodnight. That late night hug ended up being our goodbye as well because Aimee didn’t emerge from her room in time to see me off when Sam came to pick me up the next day. Only after I left, did I realize that she and I had failed to exchange contact information. Although I only had the pleasure of knowing her for a short period of time, Aimee’s story would linger in the back of my mind, troubling my thoughts for a long while.

33

Sam and I rode quietly most of the way back to my house from the spa. He held my hand or touched my leg whenever he wasn’t shifting the Porsche’s gears. His touch electrified my skin, as it always did, and I gazed at his elegant hand.

I couldn’t seem to get Aimee’s situation out of my mind, and I prayed that I wasn’t cursing myself to the same fate. Sam seemed to sense my dark thoughts, and he turned towards me at a stoplight, “Did you not enjoy the retreat?”

“Yes,” I nodded. “It was great.” I didn’t want him to think I was unappreciative of the kind gesture.

“I missed you terribly.” He rubbed his thumb over my hand and flashed his dazzling, crooked grin at me. If anything could pull me out of a funk, it would have to be that amazing smile.

I couldn’t help but smile back at him. “I missed you, too. Tons.”

“Tons, huh? I missed you more.” His competitive streak was starting to emerge.

“I missed you the most,” I countered. This fun banter reminded me of the game I used to play with my Mom where we would each claim to be the one who loved the other more. It was a wonderful memory, and I made a mental note to carry on this comforting tradition with Peaches.

Without missing a beat, Sam said, “I missed you the most, infinity.”

“I can tell you grew up competing with a twin.” I shook my head at him, but the bout of sweet one-upmanship had already lightened my mood considerably.

Brightening my spirits even more, Sam said, “I have a surprise for you.”

“What?” I asked excitedly, hoping that it had something to do with us spending the day naked, slicked up with body oil, sliding around and touching each other all over.

“You have to wait until we get home.” He peeked at me out of the corner of his eye to catch my reaction.

I did not disappoint. “Ugh! You’re such a tease.” Suddenly, an exciting idea came to me. “I bet I can get it out of you.” I said the words huskily.