Page 12 of A Whole New Play

We slip off each other's underwear between desperate, hungry kisses and caresses before we fall into bed.

I spend the rest of the night wrapped in the arms of one of the most beautiful and enchanting women I’ve ever met, enjoying every gasp of pleasure and lust-filled moan as we lose ourselves in each other’s bodies.

And it is, in fact, a night I will never forget.

My body wakes me before the sunrise.

There was once a time I could sleep in during the off-season, but that was before I took over custody of the twins. Now, I wake up an hour before they do so I can have time to myself before they demand all my attention. I’m not certain I could sleep past six-thirty even if I tried.

Even knowing I’m on vacation and have zero responsibilities doesn’t help. It’s like my protective dad instinct lingers even though I know Abby and Andy are safe with my parents back in Rose Hill. Still, that doesn’t mean I want to wake up.

I turn onto my side and burrow my head into the soft pillow under me. A sweet vanilla scent fills my nostrils. I stiffen and last night’s activities flood my mind, invading my senses.

My body relaxes as I remember the taste, feel, and touch of the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I went to dinner thinking whatever happened between us would be casual, but there was nothing casual about the way we connected last night. Nothing about it had been awkward or stilted. Our chemistry translated to the bedroom so naturally, it was surreal.

Forget what I expected.

This won’t be a vacation hookup where I never see Valerie again.

Not after the fireworks from last night.

Eyes still closed, I roll over on the plush mattress and reach out to wrap my arm around Valerie and bring her into my chest.

My hand touches a soft, cool sheet.

My eyes fly open. Disbelief followed swiftly by disappointment strikes me in the chest as I take in the rumbled sheets and empty bed.

She’s gone.

4

VALERIE

3 Months Later

“What do you mean you quit your job?” Megan’s shriek echoes through my car’s speakers, filling the cabin and making me wince.

I turn down the volume and then put both hands back on the steering wheel. While the traffic in Houston is worse, the unfamiliar roads on the outskirts of Dallis are filled with chaotic drivers, making me nervous.

“I mean that I quit my job,” I repeat what I told my best friend shortly after she answered my phone call.

“When?!”

“Yesterday.”

“What!” In my head, I picture her gaping in disbelief. “Why? What happened?”

The smartwatch on my wrist vibrates, drawing my attention to the dashboard where the GPS directions are displayed. I turn on my blinker and try to navigate to the right lane to exit. A car speeds up to block my first attempt, but I manage to move over and make the exit in just enough time.

“Hello? Valerie? Are you seriously going to leave me hanging?”

“Sorry.” I wait until I’m safely on the access road before I add, “I’m driving.”

“Where are you?”

“Dallas.”

She gasps. “You left Houston without even telling me?!”

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