37. Lullaby Type

Valerie snuggled closer to Antonio, his steady heartbeat calming her in the quiet night. His arms were her safe haven, strong yet gentle. His warmth eased away all of her fear and tension, and she couldn’t resist falling asleep in his embrace, feeling completely secure. She slept through the night and only woke up when the sunlight hit her eyes through the curtains. Her eyes snapped open to find his side of the bed empty, the impression of his body still haunting the mattress. “Antonio?” she whispered. No answer came. She pushed herself up. He was gone. She felt oddly disappointed because a part of her wanted to wake up next to him. A blush crept up her cheeks as she remembered last night. He had made love to her without even penetrating her. She didn’t know it was even possible, but with Antonio, anything seemed possible. “Dammit,” she muttered, the word a sharp exhale of frustration. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, the cold floor a jarring contrast against her skin. And