FIRST ATTEMPT

With half-closed eyes, Max pulled his phone away from his ear and stared at the number on the screen. Who on earth was calling him this early and why wasn’t the person speaking? He shifted, bracing his weight on one elbow until he sat upright. The light-purple duvet slipped down his body, revealing his bare upper torso solid muscle, smooth skin, and a chest rising and falling in slow, rhythmic breaths. The kind of sight that could make half the female population scream if he ever showcased it publicly… which he absolutely refused to do. "Hello?" he said again, voice clearer, running a hand through his disheveled hair. Silence. "Since you’re not saying anything… bye." He ended the call. Letting out a low, frustrated groan, he tossed the phone aside and dragged the duvet over his head. He was determined to return to sleep. Precious, sacred sleep he had finally earned after working all night. But his phone rang again. "Grrrrrr…" he growled through clenched teeth. Same number. He snatched