Delaney, my ex, called me a selfish prick several times. She might’ve been right. I don’t think I ever cared for her enough. At least, I don't think so, because I never guarded her the way I do Claire. Not once did I hold her close to my heart while I made love to her. But with Claire, I just feel the need to make sure she knows how much she matters to me.

I’ve been with a lot of women. Fuck, I was even engaged. Claire is different from all of them. I can’t explain it, nor do I want to, because it’s done and over.

But why do I feel so conflicted?

I realize how fucked I am as I look down at her. She looks so fragile as she sleeps in my arms. If things were different, I could get used to waking up with Claire by my side. Having her in my arms feels different and right.

Like she belongs beside me.

I never took Claire as a cuddler. Not like I spent any time thinking about her that way before. She’s sweet in a cold way—always keeping her distance. But after this weekend, I’ve learned she’s a totally different person.

When it comes to the bedroom, she loves to snuggle closer to me, and I can’t help but take her into my arms and protect her during the night.

“You’re not alone,” I whisper, kissing her ear.

Her eyes open, and she gives me that well-satiated gaze I love to see after we’ve finished fucking.

“Morning,” she says with a throaty voice.

“Hey,” I greet her, taking her mouth and rolling on top of her. “I want you.”

“We ran out of condoms and have to meet your family,” she reminds me. I want to tell her I’m clean and I saw her pills yesterday.

But instead, I run a hand through my hair and calm the fuck down.

Jesus, Archer, since when do you go bare?

She stretches her beautiful body and rolls away from my side. My arms miss her and my body begs me to drag her back in bed. I want to follow her into the bathroom, but she shuts the door. When she comes back from taking a shower, I stare at her beautiful body.

I’m going to miss this.

Miss her.

“When is your family leaving?” she asks.

“After brunch, why?”

“Good. I need to text Courtney and Madeline.”

“Would you like to keep this room?” I offer.

She shakes her head. “We already had plans before …” She gives me a sad smile. “It was a good weekend.”

Suddenly, my heart stops as I watch her drag her bags out of the closet. I want to drag her back to bed and put my mouth on hers. Leave her breathless and remind her how good things are between us.