The morning sun streamed through the window, waking Carmela from a deep sleep.

She blinked her eyes open, disoriented at first, but then the memories of the previous night came rushing back. The conversation with Max.

The kiss. The way he had held her so tenderly. She sat up, her face flushed as she remembered every moment of the night before.

What did it all mean? She had made a mistake again and slept with Max.

Carmela got out of bed and went to the window, looking out at the oceanfront. ...