“Theo?” I cry, darting upright in a bed so comfortable that it takes actual effort to pry my eyes open. The sheets enveloping my body fall away to reveal my nakedness.
I feel sore all over, but especially between my legs. It’s a comforting ache, though. Not unpleasant.
The echo of a crying baby still rings in my ears as I try to get my bearings. Then I feel a hand graze my back and I twitch with shock as I crane my neck to the man lying next to me in bed.
Phoenix’s eyes are hazy with sleep. “Elyssa?” he mumbles. “Everything okay?”
His hand is still on my back, running up and down my spine. His touch is warm, but the tension doesn’t leave my bones.
I spent the night with him.
In his room.
In his bed.
And not because he made me do it. I chose this.
He had led me upstairs after we re
