I told myself I would stay upstairs.

I lasted until the house went quiet.

Ethan had called earlier. Long day. Missed me. Love you. I said the right things back and hung up before my voice could crack. The rain had finally stopped, leaving the windows streaked and the night heavy. I pulled on leggings and the same old T-shirt and told myself I was only going down for water.

The kitchen light was already on.

Marcus stood at the counter with a glass of something dark, sleeves rolled, watching the door like he’d been waiting. He didn’t look surprised to see me. He just set the glass down and...