Page 43 of Missing

I spotted the large purse in her hand as I greeted her, but no overnight bag.Did she change her mind?It didn’t matter; we’d still have a good date with a great meal.

“Come in.”

Her grin turned to a broad smile as she walked into my apartment. She was close enough for me to smell her perfume, a bright, fresh, floral scent reminding me of a spring morning after a rainstorm.

Beth looked around as I hung her coat on a peg near the door. From our position near the door, she could see most of my apartment. The open floor plan felt like a studio, except I had an actual bedroom. The kitchen was separated from the rest of the space by an island, creating a galley style kitchen space.

“Want me to hang your purse too?”

She shook her head as she walked towards the table, inhaling deeply as she did. “It smells amazing in here.”

“Thanks, I’m making chicken cacciatore.”

“Wow, that’s impressive.”

“Try it before you compliment me.” I laughed.

“Is this your first time making it?”

“No, I’ve made it before.”

“Then I’m sure it’ll be delicious.” Her smile lit up my kitchen, outshining the candles I’d lit on the table.

I changed the subject. “I’m glad you were able to find a replacement sitter.”

Her nervous laugh before answering was unsettling. “You might not be when you hear who it is.”

“Yeah?” I asked, thoroughly intrigued.

“Meg and Jack volunteered to a slumber party with Chase.”

That explains her nervous laugh. I wasn’t surprised Meg had volunteered. She loved Beth and wouldn’t want her to have to cancel her plans.

“Ahh, so they know you’re spending the night out.”

“They do.” She blushed as she reached into her bag and brought out a bottle of wine.

I laughed, curious about what else she had stashed in her purse. “You didn’t have to bring anything.”

“I know, but my Mom taught me to never go to someone’s house empty handed.”

I could appreciate that; my mom had taught me the same thing.

“Thanks. Want me to open it? Or I can pour you a glass of the red I have open for dinner.”

“That sounds nice, let’s save this for later.” She lifted her purse. “Where should I put my overnight bag?”

Overnight bag? I thought it was a purse. I pointed to the bedroom, just down the hall. “The bedroom’s fine. Bath is on the right.”She still plans on staying.

As she walked the short hall towards my bedroom, I took a second to appreciate how good she looked. Her short black skirt hung just below her knees, swishing back and forth as she walked. Her floral yellow button-down shirt displayed just a hint of cleavage.I can’t wait to kiss her neck as I undo those buttons.

Reluctantly, I turned away and adjusted myself before pouring her a glass of wine. Then I topped off mine before checking the timer. "Dinner would be done in about thirty minutes."

I grabbed the small appetizer plate from the refrigerator and set it on the table along with two small plates. I'd gone all out to impress Beth.

“Sorry it took so long, I wanted to wash my hands.”

“No worries.” I handed her a glass and lifted mine. “To finding a babysitter at the last minute.”

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