Page 16 of Big Pitch Energy

His words lingered like a soft, steady rain, quietly dampening something inside me I hadn’t even noticed was starting to grow. It felt like a candle flickering out just as it was about to catch fire…potential fading before it could truly ignite.

When it was time for the check, Sam insisted on paying. Then we walked back to my car, chatting about everything and nothing.

“Thanks for having dinner with me," he said. "It was much better than eating alone."

I laughed softly.

“You wouldn't have been alone. I’m sure someone would have joined you.”

“Maybe.” His voice dropped lower. “But sitting across from anyone else wouldn't have been nearly as nice.”

Is he flirting with me?

The thought barely registered before I noticed how the streetlight caught the amber flecks in his eyes. Several heartbeats passed in silence.

I shook myself out of my Sam-induced trance.

“Do you want a ride home?”

“No, thanks. The walk will do me good.”

His eyes held mine for a long beat, as if he were looking for an answer only I could give. Then he leaned in slowly and his lips brushed mine, gentle at first, then more sure, like he’d made up his mind. The kiss was warm, with a spark of something new and undeniable, like a current running through me, electric and inevitable, as if I'd been waiting for this exact moment my entire life without knowing it.

When he pulled away, I felt weightless—light, floating, and not ready to come back down.

“I have another Reiki session scheduled for Monday,” he murmured.

“I know,” I whispered back.

“I’ll see you then.” He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, then smiled and stepped

back. “Good night, Hope.”

He took a few slow steps backward, like he didn’t want to turn away just yet. Then he

pivoted and walked off, disappearing around the corner.

I stood there for a moment longer, fingers brushing my lips, the night pressing in soft and

still around me. That kiss hadn’t been flashy or dramatic. But something about it had settled deep, like it had unlocked a door I hadn’t realized I’d closed.

I’d told myself this was about helping him heal. About his arm, his energy, his balance. But now I wasn’t so sure that was the only thing shifting.

Chapter Five

Sam

I cutthrough Riverfront Park on my way to Hope's studio, enjoying the feel of the sun on my face. I’d enjoyed the two-mile walk Friday night and decided to do it again today, this time taking the more scenic route. I worked out earlier, but extra cardio is never a bad thing.

My phone buzzed in my pocket just as I was turning the corner past the bakery. I smiled as I answered.

“Hey Ray.”

“I just saw your text from Friday night.”

“Yeah, I knew you were off the grid, but figured you’d see it when you got home. And you did,” I said. “How was the cabin?”

“Peaceful. Quiet,” he said. “I live most of my life with this phone in my hand. It’s nice to detach from it once in a while.”

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