Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Chapter 81

Josh finally won the other spot next to me, the others grumbling good–naturedly came over and each gave me a kiss before claiming a spot on the second mattress. Drew was still holding me when Josh climbed into bed on my other side. Leaning over he gently pressed his lips to mine.

“Good night, baby girl; I love you.“Josh wispered. We shared a smile, before I leaned into him with a kiss of my own and a murmured I love you too of my own.

As everyone settled in for the night, the room was filled with a comforting silence. We had left a small light on, the lamplight casting a warm glow over us as we drifted off to sleep. The next morning, I woke still cuddled between Drew and Josh. It was still early, and I decided to take advantage of the quiet to see if I could fall back asleep. It worked because when I opened my eyes again it was much later in the morning. Most of the guys had gotten up by then, leaving me and Jake alone on the enormous bed. At some point after the others had gotten up, Jake had moved closer to me. His leg was thrown over mine, and he snored softly into the pillow next to me. Moving carefully, I slid out from under Jake and got up, getting dressed; in the bathroom, I pulled my hair back out of my face and brushed my teeth before heading downstairs to find the others and hoping someone had started

collee.

When

I walked into the kitchen, I saw the guys gathered around the table eating breakfast and laughing about last night’s antics. They all smiled and said good morning before heading straight for the coffee pot. Once I had my cup of coffee, I went to join the others at the table. They had laid out every box of cereal they could find, along with a bowl of fruit. I took the bowl Patrick handed me, picked a box, poured some cereal, and sat down to eat.

Jake joined us just as I was finishing my cereal, and once he had sat down with his own bowl we began discussing the plans for the day. I could tell the guys wanted to go swimming since it was warm, and I did not like the feeling that I would be the one responsible for everyone missing out on swimming. When there was a break in the conversation I spoke up.

“I don’t want to be the reason you guys aren’t going swimming, so I have an idea.” Now, all eyes were on me as I continued. “Well, I have two ideas, actually. The boat has plenty of shade. I will bring snacks and drinks, hang out in the shade, and read while you guys swim. The other option would be to go swimming off our dock, and I will sit in the shade on the shore and read while you swim. How does that sound?” I asked hopefully. The guys all looked at each other before Drew spoke.

Are

you

sure that’s what you want to do, Emmy? None of us want you to be left out or uncomfortable. Drew reached across the table, took my hand, and squeezed it.

Im sure. Look how many books 1 brought with me, and I haven’t had time to read more than one chapter. I would love a relaxing afternoon watching you guys swim and reading 1 smiled at all of them, hoping that everyone could see how sincere I was being. The guys looked at each other grinning. and the guys all went to change. I took the bowls to the sink, rinsed them, and loaded the dishwasher. Then I began to gather snacks and drinks putting everything on the island. I picked out what I wanted, then went upstairs to pick out a book and whatever else I would need for a day of relaxing on a ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

boat.

When I came back downstairs, I had a couple of different books, sunscreen, a hat, and an extra towel. I knew I was not going to be swimming, but I thought I could sit next to the ladder and dangle my feet in the water. The guys had piled towels and a couple of large beach bags on the island, along with a cooler that Jake was filling with ice and drinks. Insh came over with another beach bag for me, and I thanked him with a kiss, as I put my things into it.

“Baby girl, or only bringing two books? Josh teased.

“Well, we are only going to be gone for the afternoon. I was thinking about bringing my e–reader but I dont want to risk ruining it by getting it wet. Besides I’m sure you guys will keep me plenty entertained.” I teased back. Soon everyone was ready to go, and we took everything down to the boat. Patrick was driving, and we headed to a part of the lake I hadn’t been to yet. We pulled into a secluded cove, Drew and Mike tying the boat in the shade for me. I turned just in time to take in all five of my guys, shirtless, and I might have stared longer than was polite, but it was just us, so I didn’t care. Jake caught me staring and started teasing me.

“Like what you see, sweetheart?” he asked, walking toward me.

“Very much so,” I grinned. I have five hot shirtless guys to enjoy, so go swim so I can enjoy.” Jake looked like a fish gasping for air before he burst out laughing.

“I see how it is, sweetheart; you just want an excuse to stare,”

“Yep, now get your fine butt in the water so I can stare.” With us both laughing now, I gave him a gentle push toward the water. Jake dove into the water, coming up several feet away, brushing his wet hair out of his face, and grinning at me.