I need

It was still dark outside when I woke several minutes or several hours later. And Richard was no longer in bed. I heard shuffling near his dresser, and I sat up.

“Can’t you sleep? Come back to bed.” I patted the sheet next to me.

He wore black briefs that hugged his hard, round buttocks. But even in the dark room, I could see that something troubled him.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

At first he hesitated. “I need. . . .”

I waited for him to finish as he lowered his head and faced the dresser away from me. He fingered a piece of paper there.

“What do you need? Tell me, please.”

“Thena.” He stepped to the foot of the bed then sat down. “I need more from you. I need you to be willing to give what I ask,” he said.

“What does that mean? I’m here. I’m willing. I’ve told you that I love this.”

He stood again and went to retrieve his slacks. Leaning on the couch, he slid his feet into them. I pulled the sheet over my body. Richard seemed broody. Vexed and uneasy. He picked up his belt and folde