Chapter 54: Sam

Seven months later...

Roan-Mr. Hotshot Rookie of the Year-helps me carry the heavy couch up two flights of stairs. As we crest the landing, Violet scrambles to open the door. She slides out of our way before pointing at the far wall under the window of the tiny apartment we're now renting. "Put it down over there."

As we lower the monstrous thing to the ground, she directs, "A little more to the left, please."

Roan shoots me a look as we shuffle to the left.

"Nope, too far. Go back just a smidge."

We sidle to the right before hesitating. When she smiles, we set it down on the carpeted floor.

"Perfect!"

As I stretch my back and shoulders, my gaze strays to Violet as she fusses around the couch, adding cushions and pillows. The way she looks in those tight cutoff jean shorts-especially when she bends over to grab something off the floor-has me wishing that Roan would disappear. It also has me thinking about all the ways I plan to christen our brand-new apartment in the nea