Illicit Affairs

Chapter 16

As I lay in that blissful post orgasmic state, lazily tracing Ryan's tattoo with my index finger, I noticed something missing from my left wrist that was enough to wipe the smile off of my face.

"Ryan, get up." I demanded in a panic. As soon as he got up I started frantically checking the bed, throwing pillows and blankets on to the floor after shaking them out, and feeling around between the mattress and the headboard.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"My bracelet is missing." I replied, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Okay. What's it look like?" He asked calmly.

"It's a diamond tennis bracelet with a gold bar. The bar is engraved 'beautiful girl you were meant to do great things." I really tried not to panic but this wasn't just any bracelet. It was a 15 carat total diamond weight...worth a small fortune...but most importantly, it held a huge sentimental value because it was a gift from my grandfather for my eighteenth birthday. An almost exact replica of one that belonged to my mother. It could have been gold plated cubic zirconia, and the value would have been the same to me. The inscription meant the world to me.

"Okay babe. Don't panic. We'll just retrace your steps. When was the last time you noticed it?" He asked calmly, trying to reassure me.

I wracked my brain trying to remember. So much had gone on today. I remembered putting it on this morning. I had a vague recollection of seeing it at work. "I'm not sure. I know I had it this afternoon at the office, but I don't recall seeing it since. I was pulling a lot of files today, so it could have fallen into the filing cabinet." I tried reassuring myself.

"Okay. Just check in your office tomorrow before you stress yourself out, unless you want to go up there now."

"No, I think it will be fine. I'm almost certain it's in my office and it's locked." I replied, fully convincing myself that it had indeed fallen into the filing cabinet.

"Is it insured?" He asked.

"Yes it is, but it's more sentimental to me than anything. You're right though. I'm not going to panic. I'm sure it's in my office, probably in my file cabinet."

At least I hope it is.

"If you're sure...I mean, I'd be more than happy to help you look for it, although this is a lot of house to cover." He chuckled.

"No, it's fine. If it's not in my office, then we can tear the place apart, but I'm really hungry right now. I promised you dinner, but it's a bit late to cook what I had planned. I guess we'll just have to do it another time and find something quick and easy." I said, putting my missing bracelet out of my mind for the time being.

We went into the kitchen and I opened up the refrigerator, eying the contents. "How do you like breakfast for dinner?"

"I love breakfast any time of day. What did you have in mind?" He asked.

I took out a carton of eggs, a bag of shredded cheese and a package of bacon. He eyed the contents and grinned. "Did you know I make the best scrambled eggs ever?"

"Really? I happen to make the crispiest bacon ever." I said with a smile.

I watched as he got out the half and half and a stick of butter from the fridge while I lined a sheet pan with aluminum foil.

"You're gonna cook that in the oven?" He asked as I turned on the preheat.

"You don't cook bacon in the oven?" I asked.

"No. I cook it on the stove in a skillet."

"Oh baby. You have so much to learn." I chuckled. "Putting it in the oven is so much better. Not only can you cook it all at one time, but you don't have grease popping everywhere and it's so much easier to clean. I promise, you're gonna love it."