The rapid breathing in the master bedroom slowly began to calm. The quiet sounds of the night returned. The logs in the stone fireplace continued to crackle softly, sending a warm, golden glow across the messy white bedsheets.
Delaney lay perfectly still on Rowan's broad chest. She listened closely to the steady beating of his heart beneath her cheek. She felt completely weightless. Her entire body was relaxed and filled with a deep peace.
After a few long, quiet minutes, their breathing completely steadied. Delaney realized she was resting her entire weight on him. She did not want to crush him while he rested.
Slowly, she moved. Delaney slid gently off his warm body. She rolled onto her side, resting her head on the soft pillows beside him. The cool night air brushed against her bare shoulders, a sharp change from the intense heat of his skin.
Rowan felt the sudden loss of her warmth immediately. He did not let her stay away from him for more than a single second.
