The next morning, Damian woke first. His arm had gone numb under the weight of Eilika's head. He lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling as memories of the previous night flooded back.
They had crossed a significant line, stepping through the door of intimacy in ways he never imagined they would. Yet he hadn't taken that final step. Even though she had clearly wanted him to, fear had held him back. He knew he had disappointed her, even if she hadn't said it out loud.
With a quiet sigh, he drew her closer, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her head and then to her bare shoulder.
'I love you, Eilika,' he thought, holding her tightly. 'I'll overcome this last fear soon. Just give me a little more time.'
Their bodies remained tangled together under the sheets. Damian tilted his head toward the window and glanced at the time. It was already past seven in the morning.
