Kate's eyes fluttered open, she wasn't sure what had stirred her but she knew she was safe, in Rick's arms.
His left arm was drapped over her naked body, at the waist. She linked her right hand through his, turning slowly to face him.
Moonlight streaked his face, and he looked incredibly peaceful. Kate smiled.
Reaching out, she touched his temple and let his arm come to rest on her hip.
Kate ran her thumb delicately over his features; his brow, cheek bone and finally his jaw, settling her eyes on his.
She was amazed at the length of his eyelashes.. and they were thick. Okay, maybe she was a little jealous.
His body was warm against hers, she wondered how she once lived without him. Kate had come to crave his presence.
Rick's eyelids flickered erratically and his body stiffened beside her. Was he having a nightmare? She hoped that he wasn't.
She put her hand over his heart, the heart that loved so openly, closing the half an inch between their faces she lightly kissed his lips.
Drifting back to sleep, Kate suddenly felt a shiver go up her spine she wasn't cold and was always at ease in his comforting embrace.
Taking a moment, she realised the reaction came from a continuing tickle at the base of her spine.
Rick had started tracing circles on the small of her back, a secret code between them. What had fast become their silent way of saying "I love you".