38. Ain’t No Sunshine

CHAPTER 38

AIN’T NO SUNSHINE

BILL WITHERS

I’m curled up with Pongo and a pillow that smells like Ren when I wake up. Convincing myself yesterday happened will take a few more minutes and some coffee. My hand feels around for her, but I only find Pongo. When I sit up to survey the damage and see if she’s up here, I spot the remains of our clothes scattered around the loft. The costume guy is going to kill me for wearing that off set. I can’t even return it like this, in pieces. I pick up her shirt from the end of the bed, hold it to my face, and inhale that summertime sunshine that’s all Ren.

My girl. My?—

My eyes shoot open dart around the loft, then back down to Pongo. “Bro, did I… Did I propose to her last night?” I try to replay it in my mind, and flop backward onto the bed, trying to stop my brain from spinning.

There’s a foggy memory of tossing her phone downstairs after telling Mills?—

“Holy shit! Did I unlock a breeding kink last night, and, maybe…you know…?!”

Pongo rolls over to face the other way.

“Holy fucking shit. Wait, where is she?”

I hop off the bed, pulling on boxers as I run around the apartment. I don’t know what the neighbors saw last night, but they don’t need to see me running around naked this morning. Not yet, anyhow.

“Renate?” There’s no answer. I head into the bathroom, smirking at the scratch marks that cover my body. Then I trek downstairs. As soon as I turn the corner, my heart sinks.

I haven’t left. I’m always with you.

I love you, future husband.

-R