Excerpt from “Girls” by William Alton

\The storm brought wind and rain. It brought tree limbs to the ground and ripples to the water in the wetlands at the edge of town. Wild flowers tossed their petals up and cherry blossoms twisted in the gutters. The storm brought you to my apartment.

We sat together in the living room getting drunk. We smoked cigarettes and talked about depression and loneliness. We ate devilled eggs and brownies I made the day before. You closed your eyes for a second and spilled your beer.

Are you tired? I asked. A little, you said. I offered you my bed. My couch was comfortable enough. You can sleep with me, you said. I didn’t know how to respond. Was this about sex or sleep? I didn’t want to get it wrong and ruin a good night. You laughed. Take a hint, you said.

We showered before bed and you kissed your way down my body. I held you and smiled. I moaned when you touched me. Flesh pressed against flesh. You never once opened your eyes, letting me lead you to orgasm.

Get more of William Alton’s short story collection “Girls” on Unsolicited Press.