TRUST MY LOVE

  ALEX MOON

  CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  CHAPTER 1

  Samantha

  Samantha hummed softly to herself as she slid the pan of scrambled eggs off the stove. The savory aroma filled the kitchen, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and buttered toast. She turned to grab a plate from the cabinet when the sound of hurried footsteps caught her attention.

  Emma rushed into the kitchen, her hair still tousled from sleep as she hopped on one foot, strapping the heel of her shoe. "Morning," she mumbled, grabbing a slice of toast from the plate on the counter.

  "Good morning," Samantha replied with a warm smile, her eyes lingering on Emma's flustered state. Even in her rushed morning routine, there was something effortlessly beautiful about her partner.

  Emma took a large bite of the toast, and some of the crumbs sprinkled onto the front of her crisp white blouse. "Shit," she muttered, brushing them away hastily. "I'm going to be late again."

  Samantha's smile softened as she watched Emma's frantic movements. She stepped closer, reaching out to gently brush away a stray crumb from the corner of Emma's mouth. "Don't work too hard today, okay?"

  Emma paused, her hazel eyes meeting Samantha's gaze. A flicker of tenderness passed between them. She nodded, her expression softening ever so slightly. "I'll try."

  With one last hurried glance around the kitchen, Emma turned and strode towards the front door. Samantha followed close behind, her hand catching Emma's arm before she could slip out. "Don't forget, it's date night tonight."

  Emma's steps faltered, and she turned back, a slight furrow creasing her brow. For a moment, Samantha worried she had overstepped, that she has addes another obligation to Emma's already overwhelming schedule.

  But then Emma's features relaxed, and she offered a small, lopsided smile. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it." She leaned in, pressing a warm, lingering kiss against Samantha's lips before pulling away. "Okay, I really have to go. Love you."

  With those parting words, Emma disappeared out the door, leaving Samantha standing in the entryway, her fingertips grazing her tingling lips. "Love you too," she whispered into the sudden stillness,

  Samantha settled onto the couch, cradling her steaming mug of tea. Her phone buzzed beside her, and she reached for it, a small smile tugging at her lips when she saw the caller ID.

  "Hey, Jen," she answered, leaning back against the cushions.

  "Sammy! How's my favorite freelance artist doing?"

  Samantha chuckled softly at the enthusiasm in her friend's voice. "I'm doing okay." She paused, running her finger along the rim of the mug. "The new job is going well so far."

  There was a brief silence on the other end. "Your voice doesn't sound as cheery as usual." A hint of concern laced Jen's words. "What's going on?"

  Samantha's grip tightened on the mug as she considered brushing it off. "It's nothing, really."

  "Sam." The warning in Jen's tone made it clear she wouldn't let it go that easily.

  With a heavy sigh, Samantha relented. "It's Emma." She swallowed hard, feeling the lump of emotion rising in her throat. "I... I think our relationship might be ending."

  Jen let out a soft exhale. "Oh, honey. What makes you say that?"

  Samantha lifted her gaze, staring unseeingly at the framed photos lining the wall opposite her. Images of her and Emma, smiling and embracing, a constant reminder of how things used to be. She blinked back the sting of tears. "We barely see each other anymore. She's always working late, and when she is home, she's too exhausted or preoccupied to really connect."

  She shifted on the couch, drawing her knees up as she cradled the mug closer. "I miss her, Jen. I miss the way we used to be." A shuddering breath escaped her lips. "Sometimes... sometimes it feels like we're just going through the motions, you know?"

  Samantha's fingers tightened around the mug as a familiar frustration welled within her. "We've been arguing more lately." She paused, worrying her lower lip. "A lot more."

  Jen's sympathetic hum crackled through the phone's speaker.

  "I'm scared..." Samantha's voice caught, the words she dreaded to voice aloud sticking in her throat. She squeezed her eyes shut. "I'm scared she might be... seeing someone else."

  "What?" Jen's tone sharpened with disbelief. "Emma? No way, Sam. She adores you."

  Samantha shook her head, even though Jen couldn't see. "You don't understand." She set the mug down, sliding off the couch to pace the living room. "We barely touch anymore." Her steps slowed as she neared the wall of framed photos, fingertips grazing one where Emma hugged her from behind, their smiles bright and carefree. "I can't remember the last time we were... intimate?"

  She pivoted, continuing her restless path. "Whenever I try, she brushes me off. 'I'm too tired' or 'I have an early meeting.'" Samantha's jaw clenched. "It's always some excuse."

  "Sam..." Jen's voice took on a placating tone.

  Anger flared in Samantha's chest, hot and sudden. "You don't get it!" Her words sliced through the air, sharp with frustration. "We used to be so connected, so in sync. Now it's like living with a stranger."

  "I try so hard, Jen. I plan date nights, cook her favorite meals." A humorless laugh escaped her. "Hell, I even bought new lingerie, trying to spice things up." She gestured sharply. "But she's just... distant. Closed off."

  Sinking back onto the couch, Samantha buried her face in her hands, shoulders slumping in defeat. "I don't know what to do anymore."

  Jen's voice softened with concern. "Have you talked to Emma about how you're feeling?"

  Samantha lifted her head, her brow furrowed as she considered the question. Had she truly opened up to Emma about the growing distance between them? She shook her head slowly. "Not really. I'm scared Jen."

  Jen made a disapproving noise. " know… But you two can't go on like this. It's not fair to either of you."

  Samantha worried her lower lip, doubt creeping in. The thought of confronting Emma directly made her stomach twist with anxiety. But Jen was right – they couldn't continue on like this, drifting further apart with each passing day.

  "You're right," she said finally, her voice low but resolute. "I'll...I'll talk to her tonight." The words felt like lead on her tongue, but she knew she had to try.

  Jen made an encouraging sound. "That's my girl. And hey, I'm just a call away if you need me, okay?"

  The corner of Samantha's mouth tugged upward in a ghost of a smile. "Thanks, Jen. I don't know what I'd do without you."

  "You'd be lost, that's what." There was a teasing lilt to Jess's voice, but the affection behind it was clear.

  Samantha managed a soft chuckle, the weight on her chest easing slightly as they ended the call.

  Samantha hummed softly as she chopped the vegetables for their dinner, the rhythmic motions soothing after a long day. The kitchen filled with the aroma of sautéed garlic and onions, making her mouth water in anticipation.

  Suddenly, familiar arms encircled her waist from behind. She tensed briefly before melting into the warm embrace, a contented sigh escaping her lips. Emma's chin nestled against her shoulder, her breath tickling Samantha's neck.

  "Can't surprise you, can I?" Emma murmured, a hint of amusement in her tone.

  Samantha chuckled, turning her head to steal a glance at her girlfriend. "Well, unless you've learned to teleport, I knew it could only be you."

  Emma peered over Samantha's shoulder, eyeing the array of chopped vegetables and simmering pots. "What are we having?"

  "Herb-crusted lamb,," Samantha's hand stilled on the knife as she savored the feeling of Emma's arms around her.

  Emma made an appreciative sound. "Smells delicious. But you know what?" She gently plucked the knife from Samantha's grasp. "Why don't you take a break and let me handle dinner tonight?"

  Samantha's brows knit together in surprise. "Are you sure? I don't mind finishing up—you must be exhausted after work."

  But Emma was already nudging her aside with a playful bump of her hip. "Nope, no arguments. Go grab us a bottle of wine while I take over here." Her eyes sparkled with mischievousness that made Samantha's heart flutter.

  Unable to resist that look, Samantha acquiesced with a soft laugh. "Yes, chef." She leaned in, brushing her lips against Emma's in a tender kiss before turning toward the wine rack.

  As she located a suitable bottle and began uncorking it, she stole sidelong glances at Emma.

  Samantha uncorked the wine bottle and poured the deep red liquid into two glasses. She carried them over to where Emma was sautéing the vegetables, the delicious aromas making her mouth water.

  "Here, try this," she said, holding out a glass to Emma's lips.

  Emma paused, glancing at Samantha with an amused quirk of her eyebrow before taking a sip from the proffered glass. She hummed appreciatively as the rich flavor coated her tongue. "Mm, that's nice."

  Samantha smiled, taking a sip from her own glass as she leaned back against the counter. "So, how was your day?"

  Emma chuckled, shaking her head as she stirred the vegetables. "Oh man, you wouldn't believe it. Remember that new intern we hired last week?"

  Samantha nodded, recalling Emma's mention of the fresh-faced college grad joining her marketing team.

  "Well, poor kid spilled an entire tray of coffees all over himself during the morning meeting." Emma snickered at the memory. "He was absolutely drenched—shirt, pants, shoes, the whole nine yards."

  Samantha's eyes widened in sympathy. "Oh no! The poor thing, that must have been mortifying."

  "You have no idea." Emma grinned, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "He just stood there, dripping everywhere, with this utterly shell-shocked look on his face."

  Unable to contain her amusement at the visual, Samantha let out a peal of laughter, her free hand clutching her stomach. Leave it to Emma to find the humor in an otherwise cringeworthy situation.

  As their laughter subsided, Emma reached for the flour canister to dredge the lamb medallions. But in her distracted state, she misjudged the angle, sending a small puff of white powder billowing up from the counter.

  "Oops!" Emma exclaimed, coughing slightly as the flour settled. She quickly set the canister down and began brushing at the dusting of white that now coated the countertop.

  But her vigorous sweeping motions only succeeded in spreading the mess further, a fine layer of flour now clinging to her cheeks and the tip of her nose.

  Samantha watched the scene unfold with widening eyes before dissolving into a fresh bout of giggles. Emma looked utterly ridiculous with her flour-smudged face, and the sight was too endearing to resist.

  "What?" Emma demanded

  Unable to form a coherent response, Samantha simply shook her head and fished her phone from her pocket. With a few taps, she had the camera app open and quickly snapped a picture of her flour-dusted girlfriend.

  Emma's eyes narrowed playfully. "Oh, you're going to pay for that one, Brooks."

  Samantha giggled uncontrollably as Emma lunged toward her, flour clouds puffing up with each step. In a flurry of laughter and playful shrieks, Emma's arms encircled her waist, pulling her into a tight embrace. Their bodies pressed together, smearing the dusting of white powder that now coated them both.

  "Emma!" Samantha gasped between peals of laughter, squirming halfheartedly in her girlfriend's grasp. "You're getting flour everywhere!"

  But Emma only tightened her hold, nuzzling her face against Samantha's neck with an exaggerated growl. "This is my revenge for the photo!"

  Samantha finally relented, allowing herself to melt into Emma's arms. She reached up, gently brushing away the streaks of flour clinging to Emma's cheeks. "Clearly, your culinary skills need some work," she teased,

  Emma's movements stilled at the quip, but instead of a witty retort, her expression shifted, softening into one of tender reverence.

  Samantha's playful smile faltered as she registered the sudden change. "Em? What—"

  The rest of her words were swallowed by Emma's lips capturing hers in a searing kiss. Samantha's eyes fluttered closed as she surrendered to the heated embrace, her arms winding around Emma's neck to pull her closer.

  Samantha felt Emma's lips press urgently against her own, and her girlfriend's hands roam along the curves of her body. A shiver of desire rippled through Samantha as she leaned into the heated kiss, her fingers tangling in Emma's hair.

  But just as the embrace deepened, a pungent scent wafted through the kitchen—the unmistakable scent of something burning. Samantha's eyes flew open, and she pulled back abruptly. "Em, do you smell that?"

  Emma blinked, momentarily dazed, before the distinct burning odor seemed to register. "Shit!" she cursed, whirling around to walk to the stove. Tendrils of dark smoke curled up from one of the saucepans, its contents blackened and sizzling ominously.

  With a few quick strides, Emma reached the stovetop and hurriedly turned off the burner. She let out a frustrated groan, using a dish towel to fan away the smoke as she glared at the ruined sauce.

  Biting back a chuckle, she crossed the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Emma from behind, her chin resting on her girlfriend's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay," she murmured soothingly. "Why don't we just order in tonight?"

  Emma heaved a sigh, "I wanted to cook for you…"

  "You'll have a million other chances."

  "Yeah, you're probably right." She turned her head, offering Samantha a wry smile. "I think I've done enough damage in the kitchen for one night."

  A teasing glint sparkled in Samantha's eyes. "Well, maybe you could make it up to me by joining me for a shower?" She brushed her lips along the curve of Emma's neck, delighting in the way her girlfriend's breath hitched.

  "You don't have to ask me twice," Emma murmured, her voice taking on a husky edge as she twisted in Samantha's arms to capture her lips in a kiss.

  Samantha melted into the embrace, savoring the familiar taste and warmth of Emma's mouth against her own. But as the kiss deepened and Emma's hands began to wander, Samantha reluctantly pulled back, pressing one last teasing peck to her girlfriend's lips.

  Emma's lips chased after hers with a playful growl, trying to reclaim her mouth, but Samantha evaded her attempts with a breathless laugh. "Food first," she chided gently, giving Emma's wandering hands a light swat. "Then we can pick up where we left off."

  With one last lingering look of longing, Emma finally relented, releasing Samantha from her arms. "Fine," she conceded with an exaggerated pout. "But you better make it worth the wait."

  Samantha's answering smile was equal parts mischievous and adoring as she turned and retrieved her phone from the counter. "Don't worry, I will."

  CHAPTER 2

  Samantha

  Samantha smoothed the crisp, white tablecloth, ensuring it lay perfectly flat across the surface. Her fingers trailed along the edge, fussing with the tiniest imperfections until it met her meticulous standards. With a satisfied nod, she turned her attention to the centerpiece where a delicate crystal vase cradling a vibrant bouquet of red roses and baby's breath sat perfectly

  She stepped back, admiring her handiwork. Soft candlelight flickered, casting a warm, intimate glow over the carefully set table. Every detail had been tended to with painstaking care, from the polished silverware to the rich burgundy napkins folded with precise creases. Samantha wanted everything to be perfect for their date night.

  Her gaze drifted to the clock on the wall, and a tiny crease furrowed her brow. Emma should have been home by now. Granted, her partner's demanding job often led to late nights at the office, but she had promised to make it a priority this evening.

  Samantha forced a reassuring smile, pushing away the tendril of doubt that threatened to take root. Emma would be here any minute, she told herself as she moved to the kitchen to check on their meal.

  The mouthwatering aroma of herb-crusted rack of lamb greeted her, mingling with the earthy scent of roasted vegetables. Samantha inhaled deeply, allowing the familiar smells to soothe her nerves. This was Emma's favorite dish – one she had spent hours preparing to perfection.

  She glanced at the clock again. And again. With each passing minute, the knot of anxiety in her stomach tightened.

  By the time the meal had cooled to an unappetizing temperature, Samantha could no longer ignore the sinking feeling in her chest. She retrieved her phone, fingers hovering over Emma's number before changing course and pulling up her conversation with Jen instead.

  "Emma didn't show, I'm I still overthinking."

  Jess's reply was instant, a simple question mark that somehow managed to convey both sympathy and outrage. Samantha's thumbs hovered over the screen, but the words stuck in her throat. What more was there to say? She had been so hopeful, so determined to have an open and honest conversation with Emma about the growing distance between them. But her partner's absence spoke volumes, and it almost seemed like it was confirming her worst fears.

  With a shuddering sigh, Samantha set her phone aside and began clearing the table, her movements robotic and detached. The once warm, flickering candlelight now seemed to mock her, as it casted an eerie glow over the remnants of her meticulously planned evening.

  She made her way to the bedroom after, shedding her clothes and crawling beneath the crisp sheets. The familiar scent of Emma's lingering perfume enveloped her, and Samantha's resolve finally crumbled. Tears slipped silently down her cheeks as she curled into a tight ball, hugging Emma's pillow close and allowing the sobs to wrack her body.

 

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