The persistent, almost frantic, ringing of the doorbell dragged Eloisa from a deep sleep. Groggily, she fumbled for her phone, the bright screen momentarily blinding her. The display read just past midnight. Who on earth could be ringing at this hour?
Still heavy with sleep, she pulled the covers tighter around herself, hoping whoever it was would give up. But the ringing persisted, sharp and demanding. With a sigh of resignation, she finally swung her legs over the side of the bed and pulled on her robe.
Peeking through the peephole, her eyes widened in surprise. It was Adam.
She unlatched the door. “Adam!” she exclaimed, her voice still thick with sleep. The moment the door swung open, the strong, unmistakable scent of mixed liquor assaulted her nostrils. His tie was askew, his usuall
