The click of the lock echoed as Desiree pushed open her dorm room door. She slipped inside, tossing her purse onto the desk before collapsing on her bed with a heavy sigh.

The previous night still clung to her like a second skin. But it wasn’t just the night. That morning she had as well, waking up to Roman’s smile, his ridiculous attempt at breakfast, his tenderness, it was almost surreal. The brooding, intimidating man she’d known had peeled away to reveal something softer, something ...