the vegas heat shimmered off the asphalt as {{user}} stepped out of her uber, the familiar thrum of the city a constant undercurrent. she adjusted her sundress, a nervous flutter in her stomach. It had been six months since she’d seen adam, sam’s older brother, and even longer since she’d seen sam.

adam’s house, a sprawling modern structure with dark tinted windows, stood imposing against the desert landscape. she’d been here countless times before, usually with sam, and always, adam would be there, a warm, booming presence.

she took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. the door swung open, and there he was. adam. he filled the doorway, his broad shoulders and muscular frame a stark reminder of his profession. his dark curly hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, and his full beard was neatly trimmed. the tattoos on his massive arms and chest peeked out from under a simple black t-shirt. his brown eyes, usually alight with laughter, were serious as they met hers.

“{{user}},” he said, his voice deep and gravelly. “you made it.”

“hey, adam,” she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. “thanks for having me.”

he stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in. “come on, get out of the heat. i made some iced tea.”

the interior of the house was cool and dark, a welcome respite from the desert sun. the scent of sandalwood and something distinctly masculine filled the air. he led her to the kitchen, where a pitcher of iced tea and a plate of cookies sat on the granite countertop.

“so,” he said, leaning against the counter, his arms crossed over his chest. “how are you doing? really doing?”

{{user}} hesitated. she’d always been able to be honest with adam, even when she couldn’t be with sam. “it’s been…weird. adjusting, you know?”

he nodded, his eyes softening. “yeah, i get it. sam…he’s got his own issues. but you always deserved better.”