CHAPTER 27

The sheer drapes at the windows overlooking the ocean billowed into the room. Annalise's eyes opened languorously, and she sighed with the deepest pleasure she ever remembered feeling. The room, bathed with the ethereal lavender of dawn, encapsulated her like a sensuous cocoon of love. In it, she had learned the meaning of life in its most splendored dimension.

Lance's breathing was deep and even. She could feel it on her naked back as he held her close to him, sharing the pillow, his arm lying along her thigh. Annalise turned her head slightly, careful not to awaken him, and looked around for her clothes.

A sliver of sunlight beamed across the carpet like a miniature spotlight. She ought to return to her bedroom, sleep a little, and then start preparing for the day’s events. She eased Lance's leaden arm off her thigh and inched to the edge of the bed.

Gaining the floor, she covered herself with Lance’s bathrobe, took her clothing, and tiptoed over the