Richard

Maya’s perfume wraps around me like an aphrodisiac. I take a seat in front of her before pulling her onto my lap. The side of her body remains tucked against my chest, giving her space to leave if she wants.

“What’s it going to be?” I tuck her hair behind her ear before leaning in to whisper. “Show or tell?”

I’m having an out-of-body experience where I want to do something for myself that defies my usual logic. That doesn’t require a list, risk analysis, or excessive thinking. I want to be free, if only for a few months while I’m still here.

My tongue darts out, tasting her skin before pulling back.

She sucks in a breath and leans into me. “Show. Always show.”

I chuckle low under my breath. I return my lips back to her neck to hide the way my cheeks burn. “There’s no going…