Shattered Past by Anne Pine

Author:Anne Pine [Pine, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Published: 2015-07-28T19:00:00+00:00

7

Cade

Friday

I awake to the rich, intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Caffeine. My best friend in the A.M. I'm not a huge fan of being conscious before noon, but I've found that mornings are a necessary evil when it comes to being a functioning member of society. I stretch my arms above my head with a deep groan and sit up, glancing around the wide, spacious living room of Blake's suite. I can't help the yawn that escapes from my mouth as I look for the source of the distinctly nutty fragrance that promises to renew my energy. My gaze stops on the large wooden table in the dining area. My brain completely ignores the bagels, pastries, and plates of breakfast food as my eyes zero in on the tall, silver carafe of coffee sitting in the center.

"Good morning."

I jerk around in surprise to find Blake coming back inside from the balcony with a steaming mug in his hand. He looks amazing in a navy, pinstriped suit that brings out the vibrant color of his irises and a shiny, silver tie. I bite down on my bottom lip as my sleepy, half-lidded eyes rake along his sculpted body, accentuated nicely by his perfectly tailored slacks and jacket. When my gaze reaches his face, I see that he's smirking at me. Amusement shines in his bright blue eyes. He seems to enjoy that I'm ogling him. My cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I drop my gaze to the floor as I mumble a quick greeting.

"You sleep like the dead," Blake remarks. "Piper called sometime after midnight. I answered and told her you would get back to her in the morning. I hope you don't mind."

I shake my head. "Thanks," I mumble, my voice hoarse, courtesy of the desert burning in my throat.

"She really hates me, by the way," he adds. "She told me to keep my dick in my pants and my thoughts to myself."

I chuckle sleepily, rubbing at my eyes. "Yeah, she does...hate you I mean."

"What's the deal between you two?" he asks, his brow furrowing into a frown. "I know you said you weren't dating, but..."

"We're just friends," I explain quickly. "She's like my big sister." His frown deepens, and I have the distinct feeling that he doesn't believe me. "Piper taught me how to kiss in the sixth grade so I wouldn't embarrass myself with this girl I was crushing on. That's the only thing even remotely sexual that we've done together. Trust me. She's in love with my brother Jason. She doesn't have the slightest interest in me."

"Jason, huh?" He rubs his chin in mock contemplation. "Maybe I need to meet your older brother. He'd be a little closer to my age."

Scowling at him, I grab one of the small, square cushions from the couch and chuck it directly at Blake's head. He ducks underneath it and laughs at my little, fake tantrum. I don't think he's really interested in trading me in for an older version...or at least I hope he isn't.

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