Book excerpt.... I shifted my body from underneath Wes. It was another sleepless night and he was…

Book excerpt....

I shifted my body from underneath Wes. It was another sleepless night and he was crowding me again; cuddling, smothering, same difference. I kicked off the comforter and stretched my body beneath the soft jersey sheets. I had been awake awhile and my eyes were already adjusted to the darkness. I turned my attention to Wes. His face looked soft, like warm chocolate, cradled in the snow white pillowcase that housed our down pillows. The sight of him made me smile... briefly.

I threw my feet over the side of the bed and tried to quietly lower myself to the floor. Wes’ hand grazed my arm; the one that held my two-carat solitaire engagement ring.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, groggily, his eyes still closed.

"Is Tiana awake?” He asked, referring to my seventeen-month-old daughter.

“No. I just can’t sleep,” I told him, moving my arm away from his reach.

His eyes opened now, as if he could feel my distance. I was sure he wasn’t able to see in the pitch black room.

"Come lay down, I’ll rub your back,” he whispered, trying to entice me back to bed.

“I’m just gonna check on Tiana, maybe play on the computer for a little while.”

“Don’t. Babe, come here.” He called softly.

I didn't respond. I stood still in the darkness for a moment before I made a move toward the door. He was asleep again before I was entirely out of the room.