(Olivia)
The sound of the shower turning off stirred me awake the next morning. I stretched out, still feeling the comforting warmth of Derek's body next to me.
I hadn't realized how much I needed to hold him until the night before. The nightmare he'd had had shaken both of us, but I was grateful that he allowed me to be there for him. I could sense the burden of his past, the way it haunted him, but I was determined not to let it tear him apart.
I glanced at the clock—still early enough to have some time together. He needed to rest. I knew that for sure.
As the shower door opened and the steam started to escape, I felt the familiar tension in my chest loosen. Derek walked into the room, towel slung low on his hips, droplets of water still clinging to his skin.
His eyes met mine, and
