Chapter 15: Shiny Penny

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Chapter 15

Once at Connor’s I head straight to the room I’m in. The wine causes my eyelids to ache with exhaustion. Guilt weighs me down further for not being with Robbie when he needs me. I remind myself that today would have been Eddie’s day anyway, I wouldn’t have been there for him even if I were in Chicago. 

I’m pulled out of my guilt by a light knock at the door.

“Come in,” I call. Nails scratch the floor as Emerson approaches the bed. He licks my face once his head is level with mine. “How did you know I needed you?” I hug his head, pressing my lips against his coarse fir. 

“How are you?” Connor’s tone is gentle as he leans against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, the roll of his biceps press against the sleeves of his shirt.

“I’m…fine.” I sigh as Emerson goes back to Connor.

“Up, up, up.” With a shake of his head, Connor snaps his fingers and Emerson jumps up onto the bed, curling at my feet.

“Rest up, we’ll have a late dinner,” Connor says, turning to leave, sending my heart to my throat.

“I wasn’t just talking to Emerson,” I call after him. Connor faces me again. 

With a shaky breath I admit, “I need you too.” I pat the bed beside me at the same beat of my heart.

A golden blaze of emotion passes in Connor’s eyes before he lays next to me, climbing over Emerson who looks at him as if he’s intruding. Connor lays his head on a pillow, and I roll over to face him. His face blurs. He grabs me, pulling my head to his chest, the soft cotton against my cheek is as comforting as his smell when I inhale. 

My heart settles, the raging warm drum morphing into a subtle pitter pat of percussion.  And I can’t help but think I may have a new happy place. 

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