Desperate Times (Boys of Silver Ridge 2)

The feelings never faded, but we are starting all over again. The logical part of my brain tells me I can’t uproot my life after a few weeks even though what Sam and I have is everything I wanted and then some. But then again, Silver Ridge isn’t Chicago. I’d be moving closer to Sam, but not in the same apartment as him.

I’ve always been a bit of an indecisive person, and moving isn’t something to be taken lightly. I don’t have to sell my house here in LA to go back to Silver Ridge, though, and as I slow by the gate at the end of my driveway, waiting for it to swing open so I can drive up and park in the garage, I find myself missing the lush forest and the quiet of the lake. With fall quickly approaching, I want to go back home and see the leaves change. There’s such a short period of time when the forest is full of beautiful yellow, orange, and red leaves before they blow off and gray skies stretch out above, blanketing the forest in a dull gray glow until the snow comes.

It’s a little after eight AM, which means it’s ten AM for Sam and he’s at work. He sent me a text this morning on his way in, telling me he loves me and can’t wait to see me again. I call him as I walk into the house, not expecting him to answer but wanting to leave him a message.

“Hey, babe,” I say, kicking my uncomfortable heels off the second I’m inside. “My meeting got canceled at the last minute and I’m not sure when it’ll be rescheduled, so I’m going to sit by the pool and tan while I write. I always tan topless so I’ll send you some pictures. I love you.”

One reason I hate calling people or leaving messages is because I’m so damn awkward. I feel comfortable around Sam, and more importantly, I don’t care if I am awkward, which is such a refreshing feeling. He’s always known me as an awkward weirdo, and he loves me anyway.

Staying true to my word, I change into a bikini, grab my laptop, and go into my backyard. I have a privacy fence around my pool, and the two other houses on the cul-de-sac are a little lower on the hill than mine. I don’t think anyone can see into my pool area, and no one has leaked nudes of me yet.

I spread out a towel on a lounge chair and untie my top, letting it slip down so just a bit of my nipple is showing. I take a photo and double-check that I’m sending it to Sam and not someone else on accident. Almost as soon as the text goes through, Sam replies.

Sam: I haven’t been able to listen to your message yet but hot damn, Chloe.

Sitting up, I take my top off entirely and pull my hair over my breasts, just kind of covering my nipples this time. I send it and wait for Sam’s response with a smile on my face.

Sam: Fuck, I miss you. And also, fuck, because I have to go into surgery now with you on my mind.

Me: So no more pictures because it’s too distracting??

Sam: I can handle the distractions.

Me: …and I’ll be waiting for my dick pic from you ;-)

Sam: I’m sitting in the hospital cafeteria right now or else I’d whip it out for you.

I laugh, missing him so damn much.

Me: FaceTime me—naked—as soon as you’re home.

Sam: You better be naked too.

Me: Deal. My phone buzzes in my hand, and I turn the screen away from my friends when I see Sam is FaceTiming me. I did tell him to be naked when he called.