Unable to see his eyes, she found that only his smell was familiar, and even that wasn’t familiar in the dark, because it wasn’t Phil’s mixture of soap, woodsy aftershave and the unique smell that was him. Nick’s smell, like the rest of him, had a refined quality. He smelled of a mixture of soap, mint and lavender. His body too felt different. He was harder than Phil and not as comfortable, or maybe he was just different. As she pondered the subtle differences between the feel of their bodies, she found herself relaxing, becoming aware of the strong beat of his heart, which felt exactly like Phil’s, and the feel of his chest as it rose and fell with his breath. A feeling of warmth and safety enveloped her, and she fell into a dreamless sleep.

Lina awoke the following morning alone in bed. As the events of the previous day came flooding back, she pulled the comforter over her head, only to be assailed by Nick’s aroma. She was in another man’s bed. Guilt consumed her as she recalled the feeling of his body wrapped around the back of hers, and she sunk deeper into the covers. She may not have committed adultery, but sleeping in the arms of a man who wasn’t her husband had to be close.

She couldn’t bring herself to take a shower in his bathroom. It felt too personal. So after brushing her teeth, she slipped on a pair of yoga pants and a loose top and went in search of Nick.

He was sitting at his kitchen table, reading from his iPad, a cup of coffee and an empty plate before him. “Good morning.” She gave him a small smile, feeling shy after the intimacy of the night.

He came to his feet. He was still wearing the black lounge pants he’d slept in and had added a long-sleeved black T-shirt. His face was unshaven, but his scruff was light, so his shadow didn’t look as heavy as Phil’s. Everything about the scene felt intimate, as if he, instead of Phil, were her husband “Sleep okay?” He touched her arm.

“Yes, I’m sorry for that.”

“I’m not.” He attempted to meet her eyes. “Talk to me. What’s going on in your head?”

“I feel like I cheated on Phil,” she admitted. “I know it’s stupid because I’m not even with him, but I’m Catholic and that’s how I feel.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong.”

She lifted her eyes to his. “I slept with you.”

“Nothing happened. Believe me, I’d remember.” When she blushed he took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t tease you. Please have a seat. Would you like coffee?”

“Yes.”