Chapter 2

SOFIA

That night I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling. The streetlight outside was shining through the curtains making everything feel peaceful. Daniel was already asleep beside me breathing deep and even. I was feeling really warm. No matter how many times I turned over I just could not get comfortable. My mind kept going to dinner. To Elena. The way she looked with her hair and tattoos and the way she smiled at me. 

Heat flushed through my body again just thinking about it. What the hell was wrong with me? She was Daniel’s sister. His little sister. The black sheep they all complained about. And yet my stomach kept doing this stupid flip every time I pictured her smirk.

I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to focus on Daniel. It had been weeks, maybe even months since he had really touched me the way I needed.

 Put my hand on his side. "Daniel " I whispered, kissing his shoulder. "Are you awake?"

He mumbled something. Rolled away. "I'm tired, babe. I have a meeting tomorrow."

I felt my face get hot. I pulled my hand back. Okay fine. I slapped my leg lightly trying to snap out of it. Stop thinking about Elena, Sofia. Just go to sleep. I turned onto my back. Stared at the ceiling until my eyes finally got heavy.

The morning the sun was shining through the window. Daniel was already in the kitchen making coffee. I put on one of his T-shirts and went over to him wrapping my arms around his waist. " Morning " I said, pressing my body against his back. My hands went under his shirt feeling the muscles I knew well. "Do you have a minutes before you leave?"

He turned around and gave me a quick kiss. "I wish I did, babe.. I have a meeting early. Maybe tonight?" He was tying his tie in front of the mirror.

I tried to sound casual. "You said that week and the week before. I miss you Daniel. I miss us."

He smiled at me adjusting his collar. "I know I know. This promotion is big. Once I get it I'll make it up to you. I promise. I love you." He kissed my forehead grabbed his briefcase and left.

The apartment felt really quiet after he was gone. I. Leaned against the counter holding my coffee mug. "Yeah I love you too " I said to the empty room. I was in the final stretch of my Master’s in Literature, but I also worked part-time at the university library three mornings a week, helping with research requests and filing. It paid the bills and kept me close to the books I loved.

By the time I reached the university library, the morning rush had already started. I waved at my coworker Maria behind the front desk. “Morning! Busy already?”

Maria grinned and slid a stack of request forms toward me. “You have no idea. Professor Hayes wants those interlibrary files pulled by noon, and two students are waiting for help with their thesis citations. How was dinner with the in-laws last night?”

I laughed as I logged into the computer. "It was nice. Daniel's parents are really welcoming. They kept feeding me until I was full. His mom made the best cake I've ever had."

Maria leaned on the counter, eyes sparkling. “And the mysterious sister? Daniel always talks about her like she’s trouble. Did she show up?”

I felt my cheeks warm just at the mention. “Yeah… she did. Late, on a motorcycle. Tattoos, leather jacket, the whole rebellious vibe. She’s studying psychology at the state university across town.” I kept my voice casual, typing faster than necessary. “She seems… intense.”

Maria whistled low. “Sounds hot. You okay? You look a little flushed.”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, laughing it off. “Just tired from all that food. Let me get started on these requests before Professor Hayes comes looking for me.”

The morning went fast. I was helping students scanning articles and answering emails. Around two Professor Hayes came into the office where I was sorting files. "Sofia, good timing. I need a favor. The state university has some manuscripts that I need for my seminar. They're only letting us borrow them for forty-eight hours. Can you drive over and pick them up?"

My heart skipped a beat. The state university. That's where Elena goes to school. I pushed the thought away. What were the chances I'd see her? The campus is huge.

I smiled. "Of course, Professor. I can go after lunch. Should I take the library van or my car?"

"Your car is fine, " he said, handing me the paperwork. "Here's the pickup slip. Call me if there's any trouble."

I grabbed a sandwich and headed to the parking lot. The drive took forty minutes. I turned up the radio to keep my mind from wandering.At the state university library I showed the paperwork to the front desk clerk, a friendly older woman named Rosa. “These manuscripts are ready for you, dear,” she said, sliding a sealed folder across the counter. “Sign here and here. Professor Hayes already confirmed everything. You’re all set.”

“Thanks so much,” I told her, signing quickly. “I really appreciate it. My professor is going to be thrilled.”

Rosa smiled. “Anytime. Drive safe—the weather looks like it might turn.”

I thanked her again and headed back to the parking lot, folder tucked securely under my arm. My little blue car waited right where I left it. I slid behind the wheel, started the engine… and nothing. Just a weak click and silence. I tried again. Click. Click. Dead.

“Oh come on,” I groaned, smacking the steering wheel. I popped the hood and stared at the engine like I knew what I was looking at. Nothing obvious. Great. Just great. I slammed the hood shut and grabbed my phone. No time to call a tow right now—I had to get these files back before the library closed. I locked the car and started walking toward the main road to catch a cab, heels clicking on the sidewalk.

That’s when the sky opened up. Fat raindrops hit my shoulders, then my hair, then everything. In seconds it was pouring. I cursed under my breath, then louder. “Are you kidding me? Today? Of all days?” I picked up my pace, folder clutched to my chest under my thin blouse, now sticking wetly to my skin. “Stupid car, stupid rain, stupid everything—”

A motorcycle engine roared behind me and slowed to a stop right in front of me, blocking the sidewalk. Rain streamed off the black helmet and leather jacket. The rider flipped up the visor, and my heart slammed against my ribs.

Elena grinned at me through the downpour, dark wavy hair plastered to her forehead, olive skin glistening, tattoos shining wet on her exposed forearms. “Well, well. Need a ride, Sofia?”