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forward to it,” she said, wishing she could find an easy way to end their call. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could go without crying out loud.
    “We’ll be all alone and able to catch up on all the lovemaking we’ve missed. Being celibate hasn’t been easy, but I’m glad we did the right thing.”
    Alicia stopped at a red light and closed her eyes, replaying what she’d just done with Levi. She’d never felt more guilty in her life.
    “Are you there, baby?” he asked.
    “Yeah…um, I was just thinking about my manuscript and all the other stuff I need to get done this week.”
    “I hear you. I have a lot on my plate, too. Are you almost home?”
    “Yes, only a couple of blocks away.”
    “Well, I’ll let you go, then. But call me tonight before you turn in.”
    “I will,” she said.
    “I love you, baby. With all my heart.”
    “I love you, too.”
    When the light turned green, Alicia proceeded through the intersection and sobbed massive tears. She couldn’t change what she’d done, but one thing was for sure. She would never see Levi again, and this time she meant it.

Chapter 12
    M elanie flipped on the master bedroom television and turned it to one of the news channels. She stretched her arms toward the ceiling and went into the bathroom. She’d drunk a lot of water yesterday, so she’d been going in there a lot. This was a good thing, though, because water always helped flush out toxins and excess fat.
    She removed her pajamas, stepped on the digital scale, and waited for it to register. After only one day of being on her new diet regimen, she’d already lost two pounds. She knew it was water weight, but she was still thrilled about it because it meant she was making progress.
    Melanie slipped on her above-the-knee terry-cloth robe and walked back into the bedroom. Brad had just come back up from running on the treadmill.
    “Good morning,” he said, pulling the towel from around his neck and wiping his face.
    “Good morning. You were up early.”
    “Yep, since five o’clock. After you gave me all that good lovin’ last night, I slept like a baby and now I’m wide awake.”
    Melanie shook her head, laughing. “Whatever.”
    “I’m surprised you’re not downstairs working out yourself.”
    “I think I’ll make some coffee first.”
    “And you’re gonna drink it before you get on the treadmill?”
    “Yeah, I read an article that said drinking coffee enhances your endurance, and it also maximizes your fat- and calorie-burning ability.”
    “I guess. Oh, and hey, when I leave the office this evening, why don’t you meet me for dinner? A new steak restaurant opened a couple of weeks ago, and I heard it’s excellent.”
    “I don’t know, maybe tomorrow.”
    “Well, as much as I hate to tell you this, after today, I’ll be knee-deep in this new case.”
    “Another big one so soon? And does this mean you won’t be home until late every night again?”
    “Baby, I’m sorry, but you know I don’t have a choice.”
    Melanie frowned. “I’m really tired of spending all these nights and weekends alone.”
    “I understand that, but what can I do? Quit?”
    “If that’s what it takes.”
    “Baby, be serious. You know I can’t do that.”
    Melanie moved toward the doorway. “Sometimes I feel like I don’t even have a husband.”
    “So you’re just going to walk out right in the middle of our conversation?”
    “What else is there to say?”
    “Well, for one thing, it won’t always be this way.”
    “It’s already been this way for a while, and if anything it’s getting worse.”
    “I’m sorry, but as a senior-level partner I have certain responsibilities that I have to live up to. You know that.”
    “I’m glad you’ve moved higher at the firm, but it’s not doing much good for either of us if we can’t spend any quality time together.”
    “That’s why I at least want us to go out tonight and have a nice dinner.”
    Melanie wanted more than anything to