HEART TO HEART

KARLA

I stirred, yawned, and stretched those three to four seconds of morning grace before reality hit me. My eyes snapped open, and I glanced to the other side of the bed, finding it empty. Panic welled up as I recalled the events of the morning after our first night together. Killian was absent from the bed, meaning he was awake and waiting to yell at me for seducing him again.

Slowly, I sat up, grateful he wasn't in the room. I threw off the blanket, ready to put on my slippers, when the door swung open, and Killian entered, carrying a tray. His smile stirred my heart, leaving me in awe. I watched, unsure if I was still asleep and dreaming or if I was fully awake.

"You are awake, sleepyhead," he said, setting the tray on the nightstand. I was still in shock and merely stared at him. He smiled at me again, aware of my uncertainty. "I made you breakfast; you must be tired after taking care of me last night."

I was too stunned to respond. I never thought a day when Ki