The soft glow of morning filtered through the curtains. Ethan stirred slowly, turning toward the other side of the bed, only to find it empty.
He wasn't surprised.
A soft sigh left his lips as he stared at the space where Alex had been. The storm had passed, and so had the comfort that came with it.
He always sleeps better when Alex is near.
There was something about Alex's presence that calmed the fear he never admitted aloud. But Ethan shook his head, chasing the thoughts away. No use dwelling on it.
He swung his legs out of bed and stood, stretching faintly. His eyes caught the neatly folded clothes resting on the couch. His suit. Freshly laundered and pressed.
A smile crept onto his lips.
Alex.
Ethan immediately went to the bathroom to take a bath. After freshening up, he dress
