Chapter 3

I woke at seven,my usual time.For a second I didn’t recognize the room,then the smells reminded me—the odor of greasy food,beer,and Conrad.A narrow shaft of pale sunlight shone into the room and Conrad stirred,then turned away from me.His broad back was smooth-skinned,a rich caramel color that was unblemished and it looked delectable.

Before this—before Conrad—looking at other men had meant something completely different than what I was feeling now.It meant sizing them up.Sweeping over a silhouette for a concealed weapon,gauging height and weight for a report later,analyzing someone’s bulk to make sure I could take a suspect down without getting hurt myself.And sure,I looked over other guys like all men did,just that quick review to reassure myself I was bigger,stronger.