Page 96 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

“How did he get your keys?”

“I’m not sure. Before you lived with me, I’d invite the guys to my place for a beer. But only a couple of times. Justin might have stolen them then. I’d never needed my spare keys before. I just kept them in my room, but when I checked, they were gone.”

“Someone had been in your room. Are you missing anything else?”

“Yeah,” I said, swallowing the anger rising inside me. I still couldn’t believe I’d been robbed by someone I considered a friend.

“A Piaget watch I inherited from my grandfather is missing, some cash. I don’t know what else. Clooney, the PI I hired, is checking the security footage of the building. There are no cameras in the hallways. I refused to let them put one in, but there are cameras in the elevators and lobby.”

I stumbled back into bed, hugging my pillow. I wished it was her.

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’m so tired, Red. I wish you were here.”

“Me too. I miss you,” she said. “I-I was hoping to spend more time with you today. Watch movies, make you dinner. I don’t know. Something.”

My eyes felt heavy, but I managed a smile.

I reached sluggishly for the lamp and turned it off. Better to hear her voice and imagine her beside me in the dark.

“I would have loved that,” I murmured. “Hey, Red?”

“Yes?”

“What are you thinking about?”

“Um…”

“Are you thinking about me? And what happened in your bedroom?” I whispered.

Soft, fast breathing was her reply.

“Because,” I continued, “I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“Yes,” she said breathlessly. “Me too.”

“Good.”

“You sound so tired, Caleb. Get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I murmured. “I have this picture of you in my head when I close my eyes. Just you,” I whispered. “Just you.”

I settled into my pillows, feeling sleepy and lethargic, wishing she was curled up beside me.

I want to make love with you again.

Today.

Tonight.

Tomorrow.

Every day.

For the rest of our lives.

“Come home soon, Caleb.”

“Soon, my Red.”

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