I sat up, still in my dress from the previous night and looked around. I appeared to be in a guest room on the second floor of the mansion. Lovely sand-colored walls and matching bedding set off the views of the ocean and a plush rug warmed and covered the dark wood floor. I pushed the covers back and swung my legs out of bed. Sitting on the slipper chair next to the bed was the overnight bag I’d left at Macy’s and a change of clothes in a neatly folded pile. I picked everything up and walked into the en suite bathroom. It was sand-colored as well, with travertine floors, marble counter, and matching walls. I took a shower, cleaning the memories of last night off me and got dressed, leaving my hair down to dry. I headed downstairs, smelling something delicious as I walked into the kitchen. Dex was standing in front of the stove, spooning a cream sauce over sautéed chicken breasts. I pulled out a bar stool and sat down, tucking one of my legs beneath me. I watched Dex in his element, at home in his kitchen, and felt safe and secure.
