Her breath picked up pace as I crawled over her, like I mesmerized her, like just the thought of being with me had her on the brink. Did she know I felt the same way? That just being able to touch her amazed me? That all she had to do was touch my cheek, and I flamed with need? That she was the only person on Earth who could undo me?

She had so much power over me, and she didn’t even realize it. Sometimes, I was sure Kiera had no idea why I was with her. Why I’d chosen her. Why my heart was utterly hers. And right then and there, I decided, she would understand. Before we moved in together, before we took that next step, she would get it, just like she intrinsically got everything else about me. And then she wouldn’t wonder why we were together anymore. She’d just…know.

Chapter 2

GHOSTS

I woke up with a start, and the darkness of the room instantly pressed in on me. Where was I? A warm body resting beside me rekindled my memory. I’d fallen asleep with Kiera. I was in her bedroom. I was safe. My heart raced as I let out a long exhale, and I knew I’d awoken from something…intense. Thankfully, not a trace of my dream remained with me. Those were my favorite dreams—the ones I couldn’t remember.

Sitting up, I scrubbed my eyes. Nightmares were nothing new to me. My subconscious frequently tormented me with my past. The worst dreams were the ones that mixed my childhood with the present, providing a dire commentary on my current life. I’d do anything to shut off the dreams. Things were good now. I could let it go.

Careful to not disturb Kiera, I climbed out of bed and started my daily exercise routine. Pushups, crunches, pushups, crunches. Whatever it took to clear my mind. When I was done, I got dressed and headed to the kitchen to start the coffee brewing. Kiera would want some when she woke up, which wouldn’t be long after I started the pot. My girl could sleep through just about anything, but the aroma of freshly brewed beans almost always roused her.

One of the best sounds in the world met my ear a couple minutes later—warm liquid dribbling into an oversized carafe. The smell reminded me of Kiera, of our stolen moments together in the mornings. The color reminded me of the darker sections of her eyes, and I smiled like an idiot as the pot began to fill. Song in my heart, I started humming as I grabbed some mugs. That was when I heard the apartment door being unlocked. Anna must finally be home.

I set two mugs on the counter right as Anna stepped into the apartment. “Hey, Kellan, good morning.”

“Mornin’, Anna. You’re out late…or early.”