My back arched as I welcomed him, trying to grab hold of what it was to feel him like this. I never wanted to forget what it felt like to be wholly his. And as I came apart, I knew I never would.

I came awake slowly as if emerging from a year-long coma. I blinked at the brightly lit space. What time was it? I glanced at the clock, and my mouth fell open. Ten a.m.? I hadn’t slept that late since I was in college. But I had to admit, it felt good. My rest the past few weeks had been rocky, to say the least.

I rolled onto my back and stretched. Apparently, I’d needed the solid eleven hours. And I wasn’t going to feel guilty about it, even if there were a million and one things that needed doing. I pushed up to a sitting position, the rush of blood making me feel dizzy for a moment. Geez, I felt as if I’d been drugged.

I gave myself a moment before standing and grabbing my slippers and robe. I made a quick pit stop in the bathroom to brush my teeth and then headed for the kitchen. The heavenly scents that greeted me stopped me in my tracks. Crosby moved around the space with complete ease, as if he owned every last inch of it. Gray sweatpants hung low on his hips. A plain white tee stretched across his muscled chest. I fought the urge to lick my lips.

Crosby’s gaze locked with mine as he turned. “Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. I was worried I would have to break your spell with some magic kiss.”

I laughed, rounding the island and wrapping my arms around him. That phantom energy that always followed Crosby swirled around us. “I haven’t slept that long in years.”

He pressed his lips to my temple. “You needed it. You’ve had a long few weeks.”

“What are you still doing here? Don’t you need to be at work?”

Crosby tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m not due back in court until tomorrow, and I’m prepared. I can take a few hours off this morning.”

I burrowed farther into his chest. “I’m not going to argue with that.” It should’ve terrified me that I relished his company so much. But I was sick of being scared all the time. I just wanted to live in the here and now. My stomach growled—loudly.

Crosby chuckled. “All that sleep got you hungry?”

“I guess so. What did you make me?”

He made a Vanna White gesture at the stove. “Bacon, eggs, and biscuits.”

It looked amazing. I wasn’t usually a huge bacon fan, but even that smelled delicious. I guessed that’s what happened when you slept half the day away. “Load me up.”

“Happy to.”