AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 29
Caleb
I woke up early this morning and climbed out of bed. I didn’t want to disturb Aria after our night together. I want her to get some rest. I feel like I’m floating on a cloud. I feel like all my birthdays and Christmases have come at once. I got to spend the night with the woman I love, and she didn’t freak out, or stop it. She was glowing. It felt amazing being with her like that after so long.
“Did you piss the bed or something, bro?” Clay throws bagels and croissants down on my worktop.
“I’m taking those keys back off you. Do you never sleep?” I throw over my shoulder as I pour us a coffee.”
“Don’t pour me any of that decaf shit.”
I shake my head at my brother and pull out the seat opposite him. “Why are you here at this time? What’s going on?”
“I’ve brought breakfast. What else could be wrong?”
“Any news on Shay?”
I haven’t heard anything about Shay in weeks, and I know Clay is constantly trying to find out any little information, not only for himself, but for Shay’s family as well.
“Nothing. It’s as bad as this fucking case with Aria. It’s like they’re all ghosts.”
“What’s your gut saying?”
He shrugs and scrubs his hands down his face. “I want to believe that she’s alive, but I don’t know.”
“Don’t give up hope, Clay. You’ll regret it if you do.”
Clay studies me for a few moments, and I kick his leg under the breakfast bar. “Quit staring at me.”
“You seem different this morning.”
I don’t get a chance to answer Clay when Aria walks into the kitchen. “Morning.” Aria tightens her robe when she realizes it isn’t just me and her.
“Morning, babe.” I lean in and give her a kiss.
I see her cheeks heat up, but she takes my coffee from me and wraps her hands around my mug.
“I can get you your own, you know? It would be hotter than mine.”
“I could have gotten my own, but yours always tastes better.” She chuckles. “Clay, did you bring those bagels filled with cream cheese?”
“Fill your boots. They’re all yours, sweetheart.”
Now I know why Clay brings breakfast every goddamn morning. Why didn’t I know that Aria has a thing for bagels and cream cheese? I know she has a craving for Mexican food and cookies at the moment.
“We really do love you, you know?” She leans in and places a kiss on Clay’s cheek.
She turns away from us and turns on the television. She stops at the news channel and a breaking news headline flashes across the screen.
“Breaking news is just in this morning. Detectives in Chicago are closing the area surrounding Dukes University after an early morning call to a disturbance. Four young girls who were still on campus for the holidays have been found brutally raped and murdered. Police officials haven’t confirmed that this is the work of the man that’s been at large in Chicago for several months, but our reporters are saying it’s highly likely. We’ll bring you all latest updates as we find out.”
Aria drops the remote control and her coffee. Clay jumps off his seat to guide her to the couch before her legs give out. I’m glad my brother was closer to her and acted on impulse.
“Put your head between your legs and breathe for me, sweetheart.” Clay guides Aria through her panic attack and I grab my cell from the table.
I dial Al’s number and it rings a few times, much to my annoyance.
“You’ve seen this morning’s news,” says Al from the other end of the line.
