In the picturesque town of Leavenworth, Washington, 27-year-old Sofie Bennett leads a life marked by its comforting predictability. As a sweet-natured waitress at The Alpine Tavern-a cozy haven where locals come together for hearty meals and lively...
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The early morning sun streamed through the trees as Ethan and I rode through the quiet streets of Leavenworth. I held onto him tightly, feeling the vibrations of the motorcycle beneath us. The cool air rushed past, a refreshing contrast to the heaviness in my heart from the events of the past few days. As we approached Salice's apartment, Ethan slowed the bike and pulled into the parking lot. The engine rumbled to a stop, and I reluctantly released my grip on him. I took a moment to savor the way he looked in the morning light, his rugged features framed by the golden rays.
"Thanks for the ride," I said, my voice softer than I intended.
He turned to me, his hazel eyes meeting mine, and a small smile crept onto his face. "You sure you'll be okay here?"
I nodded, even though I felt a flicker of uncertainty. "Yeah, I just need some time to think."
As I climbed off the bike, an impulse surged through me. I leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, my lips brushing against his warm skin. It was a fleeting moment, but it sent a rush of warmth through me.
"See you later, Ethan," I said, stepping back and forcing a smile, trying to hide the butterflies in my stomach.
"Take care, Sofie," he replied, his tone serious but gentle, as if he could sense my inner turmoil. He watched me as I turned away, and I felt his gaze linger on me, even as I walked toward the apartment.
Once inside, I called out, "Salice? Ayana?" but the silence answered back. The apartment felt eerily quiet, and I shook off the unease creeping in as I moved through the space.
After changing into some comfortable clothes, I headed to the bathroom, turning on the shower. The hot water cascaded down, steam filling the room. I tried to let the warmth wash away the lingering worries of the day.
But just as I started to relax, I heard the bathroom door creak open. My heart dropped. "Salice? Are you back?"
When no one answered, dread filled my chest. Then I heard it—a familiar voice that sent a chill through me. "Hey there, Sofie."
