“You’re beautiful inside and out, Lauren, okay? That’s the truth. The shit I said out of anger wasn’t the truth.”

“Luckily, I don’t need you to explain that to me. I know who I am, Slade.”

“Yes, I know that. But I know who you are, too.”

I clear my throat, trying not to let his kind words affect me. “Yes, you apologized. And I appreciate the clarification. But that doesn’t mean I have to forget it. By the way, thank you for giving me the best orgasm of my life. I appreciate it.”

Off the bed I go, strutting into the bathroom, naked, as his perfectly chiseled jaw drops. For the first time in a long time, I’m proud of myself.

A few hours later, we’re both showered and well-fed, courtesy of room service. We ate quietly, but the silence wasn’t antagonistic. It felt like he was giving me space, which I needed.

Cozy in my soft, blue cotton pajamas with white lace piping, I have no choice but to keep my eyes averted from Slade. If I look at him, I might jump his bones. He’s wearing nothing other than a snug white T-shirt and beaten-in jeans, typing away on his laptop and checking in with work while sitting casually at the desk in the room. Okay, fine, I’m staring. But I’m really good at not letting him see—I think.

“You think I’m blind?”

“Hmm?” I lift my head from the new book I’m reading from Leigh Ford, acting like he just interrupted me in the midst of a chapter. I typically can’t tear my eyes away from her romances, but Slade is giving me a run for my attention.

He moves next to me, massaging the top of my thigh. “Have you cooled off some?”

I can’t look at him. “Mmhmm. I’m all good.”

“Lauren,” he starts, tearing the Kindle from my hands, “what the hell happened here? It’s just us. Let’s have fun with the time we’ve got. I know you wanted to show me you aren’t some pushover. But the thing is, I know you’re not.”

I sigh, finally looking at gorgeous eyes. There are about a million things I want him to do to me. And we’ve only got so much time to work it all out.

“Feel like brewing me a cup of decaf?” I finally ask, unable to stop my smile. I swear, all the man has to do is look at me.

“Yes, ma’am.” He winks before jumping off the bed and stepping to the fancy coffeemaker on top of the dresser.

Minutes later, two white mugs are filled with a dark roast. Slade brings them to our small balcony, and I follow him outside. It’s pitch-black but incredibly soothing.

“What drives you?” I lift the hot cup to my mouth and take a sip, curling my legs beneath my butt. “I mean, what gave you the strength to be a Navy SEAL?”

“It’s always been about achievement. I think we’re all able to accomplish anything we set our sights on, and limits are simply a game our minds play. Limits are excuses. I like to test those limits and break them. Our internal dialogue makes or breaks our success in war.”