Page 12 of Her Shadow

“Kara…” Sam began, but the words fell away as Kara leaned in closer, her breath warm against Sam’s skin.

“Please just give me, and this place, a chance, even just for a little longer than one night. Don’t leave me yet,” Kara murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

Sam felt her heart race as Kara’s lips met hers in a soft kiss.

They pulled away slowly, their foreheads resting against each other. Sam’s heart thundered in her chest. “I want you. It’s just complicated. I have people who need me.”

“Tomorrow is never promised, Sam. Just think about it.”

“I’m open to considering it. Is that enough?” Sam replied.

They shared another kiss, this one fueled by a more profound urgency. Sam’s hands ran through Kara’s short hair, and she couldn’t help but smile against her lips. Her fingers traced the curve of Kara’s jaw, feeling the strength and softness of her features.

Kara’s hands roamed over Sam’s back. Each caress felt like a promise.

This woman. Fuck, she drives me wild.

“We should probably join in a little with the others,” she suggested, glancing toward the fire.

Sam shook her head slowly and laughed a little. “Yeah, if we must. I don’t want them to think I’m keeping you from them.”

They walked back toward the group in a comfortable silence. Their shoulders brushed against one another occasionally, an unconscious connection that felt natural to Sam.

When they returned, the atmosphere was alive with chatter and the comforting aroma of a communal meal being prepared. A few familiar faces turned toward them, their expressions shifting from curiosity to acceptance.

Kara slipped her hand into Sam’s, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “See? They’re starting to warm up. You know what it’s like in these places. Trust and respect is earned.”

“I hope so,” Sam replied. It felt good to be here, to be part of something bigger than herself.

“Do you want something to eat?” Kara suggested, leading Sam toward a large pot simmering over the fire. The sight reminded Sam of the warmth of family dinners.

God, I miss everyone. I miss them all so much.

“Hey, you two,” a voice called out. It was Mona. She was ladling food into bowls. “Care for a bite?”

Kara glanced at Sam, who felt a rush of gratitude. “Of course,” Kara replied, her smile brightening. We’d love to. We’re starving!”

As they settled into the circle around the fire, Sam couldn’t help but notice the ease with which Kara engaged with everyone. She was so animated, and the humor and camaraderie were evident in every movement she made. Sam listened and watched. It was refreshing to be somewhere else, somewhere safe, somewhere with walls.

“You know, it’s pretty brave of you to come here after everything,” Mona said, her expression earnest. “Most people wouldn’t have dared come back. Not after losing everyone like that.”

“Where else would I go? I need you all like you need me.” Kara sighed as she reached for Mona’s hand.

“I’m really glad you made it, and your friend seems okay, too.” Mona winked as she lightly squeezed her hand.

After dinner as the sun sank low and the fire crackled around them, people started getting up and dancing as others played well worn acoustic guitars and parts of an old drum kit. Sam hadn’t seen anything like it in years. Her group had to be quiet, vigilant, aware of limiting their sound. This place felt so free.

Kara stood up, extending her hand toward Sam. “Care to join me, ma’am?”

“What? I can’t dance! And don’t call me Ma’am. I’m not that old,” Sam protested, a mock-angry sigh escaping from her lips as she tilted her head to one side and smiled.

Kara huffed loudly, taking Sam by surprise. The younger woman’s eyes glinted mischievously. “Got it! Sorry, Sam. I can’t dance either, you know? But why would we let a small detail like that stop us?”

With a mix of reluctance and excitement, Sam took Kara’s hand, allowing herself to be led into the circle. Allowing herself to just exist in the moment.

“See, you can dance…a little,” Kara joked as she pulled her in closer.

“Don’t tease me. I’ll make you pay for that.” Sam leaned in, whispering softly in her ear.

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