When Corrine woke up, Winston was still sound asleep. She analyzed his face as he slept. He didn't look so cold and ruthless anymore. His features were softer, more peaceful looking. Every muscle in her body ached as she tried to get out of bed without waking him.
She went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She smiled to herself as she stepped in. "He's an animal," she said to herself.
"Damn right I am," Winston said.
"I tried not to wake you."
"I know. May I join you?" He smiled at her, knowing she wouldn't say no. She opened the shower curtain further, an invitation. He kissed her as the water cascaded down their bodies; his hands lifted her arms above her head while he gently pushed her up against the shower wall.
"Winston, I don't think I..."
"Shhh," he interrupted her. He lowered his head and licked the water from her neck, then her chest. "I think I'm rather spent to," he said softly. He slid his body against hers; she wrapped her arms around him.
"You're trouble, Mr. Newquay," she said smiling.
"You're not exactly innocent, you know."
"I know." She started to "lather up" Winston, massaging his neck and shoulders as she did so. "Are your arms sore? You were struggling quite a bit."
"Well, they're certainly on their way to recovery." He let out satisfied noises as Corrine relaxed his body. Then Winston actually returned the gesture.
As his hands began to release the tension in her body Corrine said, "Why, Winston, you're not totally self-centered after all." Winston only rolled his eyes. It was close to four A.M. when they were out of the shower and dried off. Corrine wanted to ask him to stay, but she knew that he wasn't like that. He got dressed, kissed her one more time, and left. Corrine went to bed...erotic thoughts of Winston invading her dreams.
When Winston arrived home, Claudia was leaning against the front door. "What are you doing here?" Winston asked, disgusted to see her.
"Sammy, can't we work this whole silly thing out? I'll stop drinking, I'll watch my spending..."
"No, Claudia, there's no reconciliation this time."
"You've been sleeping with *her*, haven't you? It's O.K., I'll forgive you, please..."
"I don't want to have to call the police, Claudia, but I will."
"All right, Sammy..."
"Stop calling me that!"
"Fine, Winston...tomorrow morning, you'll regret that you didn't take me back when you had the chance."
"Is that a threat?" Winston's face was reddening.
"Good night, Winston." Claudia stumbled off into the darkness.