The first morning back from their beach getaway was almost too quiet. Sabina woke with the faint memory of waves still echoing in her ears, her body aching in that delicious way that comes from days spent under the sun and salt water. For a moment, she thought she could still smell the sea breeze, but when she opened her eyes, all she saw was their familiar ceiling and the patterned curtains swaying with the hum of the electric fan.
Beside her, Jude was already awake, propped on one elbow, watching her. He smiled the moment she blinked at him.
“Good morning, Mrs. Valencia,” he said softly, his voice teasing but warm.
Sabina groaned and pulled the blanket over her face. “Don’t look at me like that. I just woke up.”
Jude laughed, tugging the blanket down. “I’ll look at you however I want
