Ava woke to the sound of rain tapping against the windows. For a moment, she forgot where she was. The couch beneath her was narrow and unforgiving, her neck stiff from the awkward angle. Then it all came rushing back—the hotel, the one suite, and Ethan asleep only a few feet away.

She turned her head. He was on his side, one arm tucked beneath his head, the covers slipping low on his waist. In the dim morning light, he looked nothing like the ruthless CEO everyone feared. His face was calm, ...