NICOLE

I wake up to the feel of Roman's hands on me.

Shortly afterward, he presses a kiss to my nape and pulls me even closer to him. I take several deep breaths, enjoying being this close to him. I feel calm. Relaxed. Spent.

"How're you feeling?" he asks in a deep, sleepy voice.

"Great," I answer. Then, after a second thought, I add, "Sore."

Roman's quiet for a beat, then apologizes.

We rise without making love first thing in the morning—a first for us—and head straight to the ...