CLAIRE
I woke up slowly. Julian’s arm was still wrapped around me, my back pressed to his chest just like when we fell asleep. Sunlight slipped through the curtains and painted soft lines across the bed.
For a few quiet seconds, the night before came back to me, his gentle hands, his kisses on my neck, the way he made my body shake and my mind go quiet. My cheeks grew warm at the memory.
I shifted a little. Julian stirred behind me and pulled me closer, his nose brushing the back of my neck.
“Morning,” he said, voice rough with sleep. His hand rested softly on my stomach, thumb moving in small circles.
“Morning,” I whispered. I turned my head to look at him over my shoulder. His eyes were half-open, hair messy, and he looked at me like I was the only thing that mattered.
“How do you
