Ethan hurried and unlocked the door to his apartment, jiggling his keys and a bouquet of red roses. He had been late leaving work, but he had managed to pick up flowers for his date, Maya.
He was possessed by the thrill of anticipation. Maya was expecting him soon. She was new, exciting, uncomplicated. A stunning, recently hired coworker who had been a friend first but slowly became more as she had helped him deal what was proving to be a difficult separation, which kept going on as the divorce hadn't been finalized.
They had gone on a handful of dates, and he believed that tonight, Valentine's Day, could be a turning point in their relationship.
He stepped inside his apartment, and he froze.
Olivia was there. Olivia, the first woman he had ever loved, and the one who had broken his heart by announcing she wanted out of their marriage months before.
And there she was, sitting on his sofa, highlighted by the light of a soft lamp. It looked like she was wearing nothing but one of his old button-down shirts. It fell down to her mid thighs, and her legs were stretched out just enough to catch his attention.
"Damn," he thought, "Stockings too. Those were his weakness, and both she and he knew it.
Her auburn hair cascaded over one shoulder, tousled like she'd just rolled out of bed, and even though he knew better, he was still becoming enchanted.
"Hey," she murmured, her voice low and smoky. She had been waiting in the silence just for him, as a predator awaits its prey.
Her eyes met his. Her beauty was undeniable. He had never thought to put words to their description, but if had, they would have been seductive, familiar, magnetic, and dangerous.
"What are you doing here, Olivia?" He attempted to make his voice sharp, but he wasn't convincing.
Again, both of them knew this.
He continued, "How did you get in?"
