Chapter 1

Leonard trudged up the green carpeted stairs, sighing to no one in particular. The strap from his messenger bag dug into his shoulder and he adjusted it. He finally reached the fourth floor, noting the climb had aggravated the asthma issues he'd been dealing with all day. The keys jangled together as he dug them out of his pocket and he let himself into apartment 4A. He shut the door quietly behind him and threw the keys into the bowl on the end table. They clattered together as they hit the ceramic container.

He sighed softly again and sat the messenger bag down carefully on the sofa. It was Valentine's Day and he was alone. Sheldon was working late and wouldn't be home for some time. His lungs wheezed lightly and he took a puff of Albuterol, trying to alleviate the irritating tickle. He coughed twice and sat down on the couch.

He thought of his neighbor across the hall and wondered if she had plans for the night. He smiled when he thought of her. Of all the women he'd known, none could hold a candle to Penny. She was beautiful and vivacious- she was fun and bubbly and he loved everything about her. He admittedly didn't know much- she'd only moved into the building a few months ago, but he desperately wanted to know her better. Could it be possible she was free tonight?

No chance, Hofstadter. She's probably not even home. He shot the idea down before he'd truly even entertained it. A wistful look appeared on his face. You could try- it wouldn't hurt to try, after all. The worst she could say is no. Leonard sat and thought about it for a moment, trying to decide if the positives outweighed the negatives. He made up his mind and walked across the hall, nervously rubbing his slightly sweaty palms on his jeans.

Penny looked in the mirror, carefully applying the finishing touches to her makeup. She glanced up and gave herself the once-over. It was Valentine's Day and Mike was taking her somewhere nice- she was looking forward to the evening and had purchased a new dress just for the occasion. It was deep red, body hugging, and dipped low in the front, showing more than a little cleavage, while also making the most of her derriere. She felt confident, sexy, and happy in it. Soft curls framed her face, and muted eye shadow helped her bright red lipstick stand out. She snapped the compact shut and stepped into her heels. Mike was going to be impressed.

She walked into the living room and sat down nervously, waiting for a knock at the door. Their reservation was for 6:30, but he was supposed to pick her up early so they could have a few drinks. Penny flipped through the TV channels, noting that nothing much was on. She settled on a talk show and waited.

As she sat on the couch, she contemplated her relationship with Mike. Though they had only dated a few months, Penny was happy- happier than she'd ever been with Kurt, thank you very much. Mike was fun- he was tall, handsome, he had a killer body, and a great sense of humor. Although they hadn't discussed anything, she felt that he might move in with her soon. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. She had definitely fallen for him and couldn't remember the last time she'd wanted desperately to tell someone that she loved them. She grinned with giddy nervousness, envisioning a perfect evening together.

A knock sounded on the door and she jumped up, happy and excited.

"Hey! You were almost late. I was getting worried!" she said, opening the door.

Leonard stood in front of her. "I am?" he asked.

She smiled. "Oh. Hey, Leonard. What's up?"

He stammered and blinked, distracted by the low-cut dress. Clearly she had plans. "I just um…I was wondering what you were doing tonight." He said quietly.

"I have a date with Mike," she grinned. "He's taking me somewhere fancy!"

"You look lovely," he said quietly and smiled. "I hope you have a good time."

"Thanks sweetie. He should be here soon."

As if on cue, Mike walked up the stairs, dressed in a suit coat and jacket. He nodded a greeting in Leonard's general direction and smiled when he saw Penny. Leonard shifted uncomfortably on his feet, looking first at Penny, then at Mike.

"Well," he started nervously, "it looks like he's here. Have a great time." He shot them a tight smile and walked back towards apartment 4A.

"Wait- Leonard?" she asked.

He whipped around. "Yes?"

"Did- did you need something?"

"Oh, it's uh…it's nothing. It can wait. You go. Have a good time." He walked back to his apartment. As the door closed, he heard Mike speak.

"Who was that guy?"

He closed the door with a click, blocking out the rest of the conversation. He sat down at the laptop. Might just as well get some work done.

Penny smiled. "Mike, that's my neighbor…Leonard. Remember?"

"Oh…uh, right. So, you ready to go?" he asked her. He ran a finger across her cheek and over her jaw line, tracing her neck carefully, before running it lightly between her breasts.

She shivered and blushed lightly. "Hey now! Save that for later, mister."

He gave her a ready grin. "Don't act like you didn't like it. You know, we could just skip the meal and head back into your bedroom…"

She chuckled. "Let's go, Casanova."

They arrived at the restaurant and headed to the bar as they were an hour early for their dinner reservation. Penny made herself comfortable and ordered a glass of red wine. Mike got a beer and sat next to her.

They sat and talked a bit. Mike was, as usual, on his phone quite a bit, but Penny didn't think much of it. He was constantly taking calls and texting for work- it was just a part of his life. She downed another glass of wine as they chatted casually. The hour passed quickly and they were soon seated at their table.

The restaurant was packed with other couples- she was glad Mike had taken the time to make reservations. He excused himself to use the men's room, leaving her at the table alone. She took a sip of wine and picked up the menu. She looked over it, trying to choose an entrée that wouldn't pack on the pounds but would still taste good. She finally settled on the fish, and sat her menu down, looking around the restaurant.

Mike's phone buzzed and vibrated across the table. She picked it up quickly, trying to turn it off, but the text message popped up instead.

Can't wait to see you too, babe. Reservations at 9:30, right? See you then! Xoxo

Penny wrinkled her eyebrows. What the hell? Was it a wrong number? Was he dating someone else on the side? She sat and swallowed uneasily. What was happening?

The phone buzzed again. She picked it up and looked at the message.

A photo of a topless woman appeared with the text- Just 4 you Mikey xoxo

She felt something catch in her throat as she viewed the lewd photo. Her heart sank.

Mike appeared from the bathroom walking towards the table. Penny had his phone in her hand and he quickened his steps. He didn't need her to find out she wasn't the only one he was seeing at the moment. The look on her face told him it was too late.

"You uh…you missed a couple messages while you were away," she spoke in a whisper. She handed him the phone and stood up.

"Penny, wait," he started, glancing quickly at the screen. Shit. Jenna had sent another topless photo.

"No," she said, biting her lip. "I'm going." She stood up, and headed for the front door.

"Penny," Mike said, following after her, "come on, come sit down and talk with me about this. It's not a big deal, really."

She stopped in her tracks, not bothering to turn around. "Well Mike, it's a big deal to me. I've gotta admit- you had me fooled. I had no idea there was anyone else so…" she paused and took a shaky breath. "So, I guess…good for you."

He reached a hand out for her shoulder, but she shrugged it off as soon as he touched her. "Come back inside- come have dinner with me. I do care about you, Penny. Don't just up and leave."

"So, were you seeing her the entire time you were seeing me? I mean, did you have sex with me, then run off to her for another round?"

Actually, yes, but I'd never tell that to you. Why the hell didn't I take my phone with me to the men's room?

She interrupted his thoughts by speaking again. "Tell me the truth."

"No, of course not, Penny. Just…just come back to the table. Please?"

"Mike," she trailed off, "I- I cared about you. I mean, I really thought that you loved me. I thought you were going to move in with me. I thought….I thought you might be the one."

He rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Look, that's not going to happen, Penny. I'm not that kind of guy. We have fun together- I like being with you- but I've not big on commitment. You're a sweet girl and I-"

"It would have been nice to know that before tonight," she said angrily.

"Penny, do we have a great time together?" he asked her sharply.

She nodded, tears welling in her eyes.

"Is the sex fulfilling?"

She looked at the ground, feeling humiliated.

"Is it?" he prodded.

She huffed. "Yes."

"Then why do you need anything more? Look, just come back and sit down. We can have dinner and then go over to your place for a little fun before I have to head out."

Her jaw dropped. She'd just confessed how much she cared for him and he was looking to buy her dinner and then score. She was a mixture of emotions- despair, anger, grief, revulsion, and embarrassment.

He stroked her shoulder lightly. "Come back to the table-"

"You know what," she interrupted, "just stop right there." She bit her lip and swallowed hard. "Thanks for letting me know where I stand." She walked out, biting the side of her cheek so he wouldn't see her cry. She wanted to leave with the tiny shred of dignity she felt she had left.

She walked out and headed down the sidewalk, feeling lost. She hailed a taxi and gave the driver her address. As the cab whizzed down the street, the tears flowed freely, ruining her makeup. The cabbie cleared his throat nervously, clearly uncomfortable, but she didn't care. Her heart had been broken.

A/N: Hello readers and thank you for tuning in for the first of three installments in this Valentine's themed story. I hope that you enjoyed this first part. I'll be publishing chapter two tomorrow, and the final chapter the day after that, if I'm finished editing by then. Thank you in advance if you decide to take the time to write a review, favorite, or follow this story. Have a great day!