The morning light filters through the curtains, warm and golden. I stir slowly, sore in all the best ways, wrapped in the arms of the boy—no, the man—I just gave everything to. His heartbeat thumps steady against my back, his arms caging me in like I’m the most precious thing in the world.
I smile sleepily, pressing a soft kiss to his wrist. Caden murmurs something incoherent, then nuzzles into my neck, his voice rasping from sleep.
“You’re not allowed to be this perfect first thing in the morning.”
“Says the one glowing like she just drank the moon,” he replies, his hand sliding beneath the covers to rest on my stomach. “How are you feeling?”
“Sore. In places I didn’t know I had,” I mutter, smiling. “But… so good.”
He chuckles, kissing my shoulder. “Come shower with me?”
I nod, lett
