Rebecca stood outside Angelo’s apartment longer than necessary. The hallway was too quiet. It made her thoughts louder.

“Close the door, completely.”

The words constantly rang in her ear.

She lifted her hand and knocked before she could change her mind.

When Angelo opened the door, surprise flickered across his face, quickly followed by warmth. “Rebecca.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Never.” He stepped aside to let her in.

His apartment smelled faintly of coffee and something clean, understated like him. Everything about Angelo felt deliberate. Thought out and calm.

Unlike the storm constantly brewing inside her.

They sat on the couch at first, talking about nothing in particular. Work,...