For the first time in years, Jared slept deeply and without dreams. He was warm and comfortable and happy. Work stress didn't intrude on the sweet nothingness. He simply rested. The world could have ended in fiery sonic boom explosions and he wouldn't have stirred. That was what it was like to share a bed with Felicity after making love to her. He was content. Truly, blissfully content.

When he came out of his sleep at last, it was to see the late-morning sun filtering through ...