Shattered Pieces by Shayna Astor

Author:Shayna Astor [Astor, Shayna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-23T16:00:00+00:00

Despite feeling strange about what happened the day before, I go to meet Jake on the beach again in the morning. My want to see him outweighs any awkwardness about yesterday. I have so many emotions running through me, but grief and sadness are less and less day by day, especially when I'm with Jake. In fact, when I'm with him, I don't feel sadness or grief at all. It's very confusing and dizzying.

We go for our usual walk down the beach, reminiscing on some of our happier memories, Jake acting casual like yesterday hadn't happened. I keep reaching my fingers out again, trying to touch his. At one point, they intertwine a bit as I realize he's doing the same thing.

We look at each other and smile. It feels silly. I've had sex with this man. I've let him see every single inch of me. But that was ten years ago, and we're different people now.

A few steps later, he goes for it. Jake's always been that way, going for what he wants. He links his fingers in mine, fully, completely. I don't pull away. In fact, I lean in closer to him.

When we get back to where we've been meeting up, we slow, but don't stop.

"Let me walk you home," he says quietly. He doesn't want this to end, and if I'm being honest with myself, neither do I.

When we get to the slider on the bottom floor, we both freeze. Chewing my lip, I look down before meeting his intent gaze. "Want to come in?" I try to sound innocent and not nervous as hell. I’m not sure I’m successful.

"Sure." There seems to be a touch of nervousness in his voice as well.

He follows me into the house, looking around as we climb the stairs to the top floor. Our houses are set up the same as most houses in the Outer Banks. The bottom floor has a bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and slider to the beach access. The middle floor has bedrooms and bathrooms and a central living room, and the top floor has the master suite, kitchen, living room, and dining area. Every floor has a wrap around deck.

"Wow. Everything's exactly how I remember it. Like, everything."

Having Jake here, with me in the living room, a million memories come rushing back. Ones I've been keeping at bay for years, and have been fighting to lock away over the past few days. Looking over at him, I know they're flying through his head too.

Not sure what to say, I connect my fingers in front of my legs and turn my foot on its side. "Want some coffee?"

"Uh, I do, but I'm pretty wet under here." A thoughtful look passes over his features. "Tell ya what. That coffee offer still good if I run home and shower quick and then come back?"

My heart flutters. In the brief moment he mentioned he was wet and going home, disappointment had filled my chest. With the add-on that he wants to come back, it pops with joy, and I feel a lightness I haven’t known for a long time.

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