Barry scraped eggs and bacon onto a plate, added a generous helping of toast, then handed it over without hesitation. "You're too good, honestly. Guy should be paying you overtime."

Zoe leaned in and kissed his cheek. "I love what I do."

She padded quietly up the stairs, the plate warm in her hands, her robe parting slightly with each step, brushing against her thighs like a secret. The morning air was soft and still, filtered with golden light -- but when she slipped into the guest room, the air changed. The scent lingered. Sex. Sweat. Salt. And something deeper. Something claimed.

Nate was sprawled across the sheets, one leg...