Larissa's POV
Carson stood against the balcony railing, steam rising from his coffee cup. His silk robe hung loose, creating gaps that revealed glimpses of his chest. I kept my gaze fixed on his face, fighting the urge to look lower.
"How did you rest?" His voice carried the gravelly edge of morning.
"Fine," I answered, hoping he couldn't detect the truth. Half the night had passed with me hyperaware of every breath he took beside me.
"That's not honest," he said, though amusement colored his tone rather than irritation. "You were restless for hours."
Heat crept up my neck. "The waves are noisy."
"Sure." He obviously saw through my excuse but let it slide. His attention drifted to the water, morning light carving sharp shadows across his features.
We drank our coffee without speaking for several minutes. Despite the strangeness of waking up in my boss's coastal retreat after sharing his bed, the moment felt surprisingly calm.
