Page 43 of When Forever Falls Apart

What would I say to her if she were here? Would I be like Madelina, spilling my heart without a filter?

I walked away, even if Nicole pushed me, but will I end up just like Madelina? Hurt and regretting my actions?

I wanted more but… What ismore?

More what?

Now you’re thinking stupid thoughts.

Eventually, the pull of sleep envelops me, and my mind is cleared once again of any lingering doubts.

Morning light filters through the curtained windows.

I turn to see Madelina still sprawled across my bed, blissfully unaware and utterly still. She’s somehow managed to kick off the sheets, and my shirt is pulled up and wrapped around her waist.

Once again, her panties are teasing me.

Quietly, I slip out and make my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. The temptation to rub one out proves hard to ignore as my dick stands tall, demanding attention, but I stand in complete and utter frustration and brush my teeth instead.

When I’m finished, I head to the kitchen to brew some coffee. The boat is small, and as I stand beside the counter, looking out the window, the neighbor’s dog is lingering nearthe tree. She’s minding her business, strolling around like she always does in the mornings while Ronald is busy on the boat.

The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the kitchen, so I pour some steaming hot coffee and then head back to the bedroom with two mugs in hand.

I set one down beside Madelina, taking a seat on the bench across from the bed, waiting for her to wake at her own pace. The hangover will be punishment enough; I don’t need to make it worse for her.

Slowly, she begins to stir, stretching her arms above her head. “Where am I?” she asks, her voice dry and rasping.

“My place.”

As she opens her eyes wide, the sliver of morning light spills in, forcing her to squint against its brightness. “Is this… a boat?”

“Yes,” I respond simply. “There’s a cup of coffee beside you. I suggest drinking it before it gets cold.”

Madelina rubs her face gently, her fingers brushing against unfamiliar fabric. Confusion flickers in her eyes as she realizes she’s not wearing the same clothes from the night before and, in fact, is wearing my T-shirt.

“Did we… have se—”

“No. There was an incident, and I figured you wouldn’t want to wake up smelling like a projectile vomited margarita.”

Madelina’s groan echoes in the room as she buries her face in her hands. “Don’t say the ‘M’ word, I beg of you,” she pleads with a croak in her voice. “Hold on. Did you see me naked?”

The corner of my lip quirks up. “Not naked. Will that make this less awkward for you?”

Instinctively, she folds her arms across her chest, a blush creeping up her neck. Hesitantly, she reaches for the mug, inhaling the strong blend of coffee. She takes a sip, satisfaction etching her face as her muscles relax.

She finally releases a long breath. “How much did you see?”

“You have a hot body. Don’t worry about it,” I tease.

A smile spreads across her face, but she remains quiet, lost in thought.

“You’re quiet today,” I break the stillness. “No more singing left in you?”

“I was singing?” She tilts her head in confusion, then her eyes widen in shock. “Oh God, I remember now, ‘Dancing Queen.’?”

“You forgot some other classics. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ a little bit of Dolly…” I trail off, trying to lighten her mood.

Madelina shrugs, her eyes suddenly downcast. “I made a fool of myself. I didn’t expect seeing Myles would hurt this much. And you know what doesn’t make sense?Iended things. Now he has some new chick and has moved on, and here I am… hungover and feeling like death.” The pain is palpable in her voice.