Lance

I woke up early, not because of the alarm or work, but because I could feel the warmth of Alice’s body tucked against my chest, her slow breathing brushing against my neck.

For a moment, I kept my eyes closed, trying to carve that second into memory—the peaceful look on her face, the way her hair spilled across the pillow, the unconscious way she held onto me even in her sleep.

If I could stop time, I would have.

But I know, I can’t.

Carefully, I eased her arm from around my waist and slowly sat up. I didn’t want to wake her. More than that, I didn’t want...