Chapter 25

For the first time in years, Jared slept deeply and without dreams. He was warm and comfortable and happy. Work stress didn't intrude on the sweet nothingness. He simply rested. The world could have ended in fiery sonic boom explosions and he wouldn't have stirred. That was what it was like to share a bed with Felicity after making love to her. He was content. Truly, blissfully content.

When he came out of his sleep at last, it was to see the late-morning sun filtering through the blinds on the small window in the bedroom. Everything he'd said the night before, everything he felt came flooding back, and he closed his eyes again. Part of him, a deep part that responded with anxiety to any signs of change, wanted him to bolt from the room and pretend he'd never revealed his weakness, his feelings for the girl in bed next to him. He hadn't held back from her, not a damn thing. It scared him shitless, like he was freefalling without a parachute. But the rush, the adrenaline-spiking, blood