Morning came slowly, bringing light that slipped through the gaps in the curtains and fell softly across the bed. The air in the room felt warm for an ordinary morning and that was the first thing Valerie noticed when her eyes opened.
She didn't move right away. Her gaze stayed fixed on the ceiling, as if trying to piece something back together in her mind. It took a few seconds before awareness came not gradually, but all at once, like a wave crashing without warning.
Last night.
The kitchen. The way he looked at her. The distance that was far too close. Their breaths collide.
And…Valerie stiffened immediately.
Her body went rigid, her breath catching for a moment before it slowly came out again, unsteady. Her heart beat faster, not from panic, but from awareness. Too aware of what had happened… and where she was now.
Very carefully, as if afraid of disturbing something fragile, Valerie turned her head to the side.
Leo was still asleep.
