Chapter 19

My reaction to the latter was unexpected, this time. I actually felt a throb of pure sexual excitement at the sound. He was locking me in. He was keeping me safe. And that, I realized, was central to my current sense of connection to him.

* * * *

Some of my thoughts went outside the suite and situation I now occupied. I thought about my life, my friends, and wondered whether anyone would call the police.

My first thoughts went to my roommate, Ken. But he was only a casual friend; we both lived our own lives. He probably thought I had found someone and was working through a new relationship. He would be content to wait, and listen appreciatively to my story of love-gone-wrong, when I showed up.