There were times, however, when a man had to make a strategic retreat to win the game.

“No, she was just a woman. And that meant she could feel, she could need, she co…”

“You’re killing me," he told her, panting, his palms sliding down over her ribs …”

“As far back as I can remember, whenever you used to look at me, your face would…”

“A woman could be as beautiful as she felt herself to be.”