I turn gingerly to glance at my clock radio. It’s almost eight; my alarm’s set to go off at nine.
Melanie stirs and opens her eyes.
“Hi,” I yawn. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you!”
“I guess last night wasn’t just a really good dream.” She laughs, burying her face into my neck.
“I was just thinking the same thing. Did this really happen?”
Melanie lifts her head to gaze into my eyes.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Good morning,” I murmur, leaning in to kiss her.
I relish the sensation as the kiss wakes the fire in my stomach. Melanie’s body coils toward mine, our legs intertwining.
“What time is it?”
“Eight,” I say. “Do you want to sleep for another hour?”
“No, that’s okay,” she says, rolling over onto her back. “I’m up. And the earlier we get going, the better.”
* * * *
“Writ
