I pulled on my clothes from earlier, uncaring how overdressed I was as I crept back through the room where I’d sothoroughly claimed Penny just a few hours ago. I brushed a hand over the blankets, stopping over her flat belly, rising and falling quietly in the night.
I’d meant every word.
I wanted this life with her. But I needed to end my old one first. This was the first step in doing that.
Then I would come home to her, to the baby I wanted to create with her. I leaned over, speaking aloud. “I’ll always come back.”
And then, before I could stop myself, I stood up and made my way out of the apartment, down to the sharp cold Chicago streets, and let the city absorb me once more.
Only this time, I would remember how to get home again.
Chapter Ten
Penelope
The bed was too cold, too roomy as I rolled over, patting the space and looking for Neal. I had fallen asleep on him, the soft hair on his chest under my cheek as we’d basked in the glow of back-to-back orgasms.
But now the sheets were crisp. Cold.
Something in my belly turned over, and I shoved the anxiety out of the way. After what he’d said, what we’d shared, there was no real worry. Sliding back into my nightgown, I then got cleaned up for the day and then headed down the hall towards the kitchen. The house was peaceful and quiet, save the music that escaped Madeline’s room as she got ready.
With a yawn, I started the coffee going and blearily put two coffee mugs out on the counter. Scrolling through social media, I heard Madeline leave her room. A moment later, her lovely face was smiling around at me.
“Morning, Mom,” she said, leaning over the counter to select a banana.
“Daughter,” I responded, blowing on the top of my freshly poured coffee as I made way over to dump sugar and creamer in it. I loved the caffeine but hated the taste.
“Where’s Neal?”
I raised my brow at the transition to a first-name basis, something I’d been wondering if she’d ever do. “I’m not sure. He left early today.”
“On a Saturday? What a monster.” Madeline took a bite of the banana, munching as she pulled out her own phone to scroll.
“What are you doing today?”
“Adrian called, wanted to know if I can come down to the shop and work for a few hours this afternoon. Is that cool?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Have Church take you, please. No walking in this weather.” The cool gray morning had all the makings of a blustery day. Plus, I liked knowing she was extra safe with the driver.
Madeline grumbled, but there was no heat to it. We sat in companionable silence until she left for more entertaining options in the living room. But I stayed put, the now-cold cup of coffee still in my hands.
Something was wrong. I had been riding so high this morning, only to feel like I’d come crashing back to the Earth in a heap.
Hours passed. Madeline went to the store to help Adrian and returned a few hours later. I’d gotten dressed, straightened my hair, even tried to read a book.
But no Neal.
Church was lingering around the living room with Madeline, obviously aware of the tension in the air, and something finally occurred to me. Moving slowly, perhaps with dread, maybe just with the intense hope that I was dreaming, I went to my purse and pulled out my wallet. The car keys, which I rarely used, were missing.
And, I realized, as I swallowed hard, so was my credit card.
My throat clamped shut, despair curling around me like a vise until I could barely breathe. I leaned my head back, forcing my lungs to work. He was gone.
He’d lied.
He’d stolen.
He had done everything they told me he would.
