Chapter 13

• When I woke up the next morning, the sun was shining in my face, filling the room with its golden light as it streamed through the curtains. I slowly adjusted to the brightness by blinking a few times. Then, as I stretched a little beneath the covers, I felt a heavy object resting across my torso. I looked down to see what it was, curious and still a little dazed. At that moment, I noticed Ethan's arm wrapped around me, feeling warm and solid, as though he had been holding on to me all night out of instinct.
• I looked back at him after slowly turning my face so as not to wake him if he was still asleep. However, he was already conscious. He had his eyes open, watching me tenderly, and when he noticed that I was observing him, he grinned.
• In a gentle, slightly husky voice that suggested he had just woken up, he said, "Good morning," while tightening his hold on me and drawing me in for protection.