Chapter 8:

New Beginning

I woke up wrapped in Daniel’s arms again, his chest rising and falling steadily against my back. Three days had passed since that night in the rain, and my life already felt unrecognizable. Part of me kept waiting for the crash for him to realize this was moving too fast and pull away. But every morning he was still here, touching me like I was something precious he couldn’t get enough of.

“You’re thinking too hard,” Daniel murmured, his deep voice rough with sleep. He kissed the back of my neck, one hand sliding down to cup my breast. “I can feel it.”

I turned in...