Chapter 19

Shelby woke in her own bed, in her own apartment - alone. Noel had been wrong. She was stark naked. Without him in the bed beside her, she was also cold.

Sunlight filtered in between the slats of the blinds, so she knew she'd slept deeply. A glance at the clock told her it was after ten. Wow, she hadn't slept that late in ages. Good thing today was a holiday. Her brown tweed suit - the modern version - was draped over the one chair in her bedroom, looking just as if she'd taken it off the night before. Her purse was on her dresser, just like always.

Had it all just been a really elaborate dream? The bottom fell out of her stomach at that idea and she squeezed her eyes shut. Surely not.

Before she could panic further, she heard her cell phone chirping out a Christmas carol. Quickly, she scrabbled for her purse, biting her lip when the phone display showed an unknown caller.

"Hello?"

"Hey there, sweetheart. You get home all safe and sound?" Noel's voice was as silky as melted chocol