The tenderness surprises her, as always, but this time she allows herself to enjoy it. She misses the gentleness, the intimacy, the closeness; she misses feeling more than just wanted, but cherished. She closes her eyes as his stubble starts a low fire in her skin, savoring the tingle.

"Thank you."

She brushes his lips with the backs of her fingers. She traces his chin, his cheek, his jaw. After a sober moment, letting the quiet of early morning wrap them up, her eyes heavy, she scoots toward him.

"You tired?"