CHAPTER NINETEEN – BACK TO WORK AS USUAL

The first sliver of morning light peeked through the blinds, slicing across Lance's face. Kayla stirred beside him, blinking away the remnants of sleep. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind – the raw vulnerability Lance had displayed, opening up to her in a way she'd never seen before. It was a stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor, the impassive mask he wore like armor. Reaching over, she gently brushed a stray strand of hair off his forehead. His features were relaxed in slumber, the hard lines of his face softened. "Lance?" she whispered, her voice husky with sleep and something more – tenderness, perhaps. He stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open for a brief moment. Their gazes locked, and Kayla felt a jolt of electricity pass between them. But then he mumbled a noncommittal response and rolled away, pulling the covers tighter around himself as if erecting a barrier. Kayla's smile faltered. The warmth and intimacy they had shared just hours before had