Thom lay in bed, the sheets pulled up to his waist, his phone on the nightstand beside him. He lay back against the pillows, half-propped up, trying to clear his head and trying to find rest. His phone buzzed. He glanced over at it. Another video call from his ex, Maria. He stared at it. Thom swallowed, trying to decide whether to answer the call. He picked up the phone and flicked it open, answering the call. The screen...

Thom stared at her like a madman stares at the sun, blinded by the light. He shook his head and closed his eyes. The heat of her body was so close to his. It was more than he could bear. How, how did he let her go? His fingers twitched. A tear slipped down his cheek. Then it was a flurry of movement, like a man possessed. His arms swept around her, pulling her body against his and crushing her to him. His lips bruised her...

Thom shifted, feeling his back as it started to ache from the hard floor they were lying on. His voice soft, tender, and loving. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to pull out, but we need to move upstairs. You need to get out of these wet clothes. Please. Stand. Take them off. I want to see your body from head to toe, naked, for me.” Maria lifted her head slowly, her eyes heavy with exhaustion and devotion...