Chapter 9

Jacob hadn't always been a morning person. But now, his body was on school time, which meant that even on his days off, he was up at 6:30. Despite a night of lovemaking with Ann Marie, his internal clock still woke him up.

She was pressed against his back, her arm thrown around him. Her breath tickled the back of his neck. Her breasts were mashed flat against him, a feeling he wished to never be without. With a sigh, Jacob slipped out of her grasp to answer nature's call, then returned to the bed. Ann Marie stirred slightly when he slipped back under the covers, but he whispered soothingly in her ear and soon she was snoring softly again.

He couldn't remember the last time he had cuddled with anyone all night. Tracy was a post-coital snuggler, but typically slept on "her" side of the bed. While they were married, he never had any complaints about their sex life. Indeed, he thought it was pretty good. Apparently it wasn't good enough to stop Lavara Trimble from poisoning her daughter's marriage.

As the sun came up, the light that peeked around the corners of the curtains let him look at his lover's angelic face. Even in her sleep, Ann Marie was so beautiful.

Jacob draped his arms around her and held her for a long time. He loved the feel and warmth of her bare skin. And after a few minutes, he fell asleep, fully content having her in his arms.