She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his mouth to hers. He lay on top of her, taking care not to crush her. Xander brushed her damp hair from her face and gazed into sated eyes. A smile lingered on her lips, and he loved that he’d put it there.

“That was unbelievable,” she whispered, her voice drowsy. She reached out and touched his cheek. He leaned into her hand, absorbing her warmth, her love.

“You are an amazing woman.” When she smiled at the endorsement, he rolled to the side and cradled her warm body against his. He held her for a long moment, stroking her skin softly until her breathing pattern changed. When he knew she was fast asleep, he pulled the blankets over her and climbed from the bed.

Sunlight streamed in through her lace curtain and pulled her from her slumber. With her lids shut tight, memories of last night came rushing back. Oh God. She didn’t want to open her eyes. That meant she’d have to face reality. And she wasn’t ready for that. Nor was she ready to reach across the mattress only to find out the warm body that had loved her so deeply, so thoroughly last night was now gone.

A noise in the corner of her bedroom had her lids fluttering open. Her glance darted around her room, then settled back onto the naked man sitting in her rocking chair. Her voice sounded as shaky as she felt. “What? How? What are you doing?”

He climbed from the chair and moved to the edge of the bed. “I’m watching you sleep, the same way I have for the last year.” Warm fingers touched her face. “I’m Xander, A.K.A. Max.”

Sweet mother of God. Understanding dawned in small increments. Her voice rose an octave. “It is you!”

He nodded.

Shocked, her mouth opened and closed. She pressed her hand to her forehead. “Dear Lord, what have I done?”

He pressed his finger to her lips. “Shh…it’s okay, Brianna.”

Her limbs felt shaky, her head heavy. She fought to think straight. “I still don’t understand. How did my incantation turn you back into a man?” She drew the sheets up to her neck, puzzled.