Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Chapter

45

The server returned asking for our drink orders, and we all ordered water and soda. Dinner was fun, the guys let me try some of what they ordered. I got to try lobster for the first time. Desert was the most fun, though; we each ordered something different, and we all shared. It was the meal's highlight, and I asked the guys when we ate out again if we could do the same thing. They all laughed, and Patrick promised we would do it again. don the

Returning to our suite, I went into my room to change into pajamas and stared in surprise when I turned on the light. Covering every inch of the king-size bed were books. Tears stung my eyes. I walked over, looking at the titles. The guys had somehow managed to remember every book I had looked at in the bookstore and went back for them when I was distracted. Turning. I hurried back into the sitting area and went to the first set of arms I came to. Jake carefully wrapped me in his arms, gently rocking back and forth, making comforting sounds in my ear. Another body pressed against my back; I knew immediately it was josh from the smell of his body wash.

"Baby girl, we didn't mean to upset you. We thought you would enjoy the surprise," Josh explained, and he brushed some hair out of my face.

Taking a shuddering breath, I explained that I was just overwhelmed, that they would do something so sweet. I loved reading but never had a lot of books. My father liked to destroy my things as a punishment; he took great pleasure one night in destroying the small library of books I had collected and tearing them apart page by page while he screamed at me. I had been fifteen when that happened and couldn't remember what, if anything, I had done wrong. Since then, I have kept anything important to me at school in my locker or hidden. I was even too afraid to use my e-reader when I was home.

hide things that are important to you," Josh promised. He kissed the back of my head and went to get a bottle of water for me. I wiped the tears from my face.

these enough to last for two weeks, or do you

need to order some

thirty books, I don't think I will have time to read thirty books in the next two weeks." I teased, and from

over my ha sweet kiss as they left.

up the

than a couple of books will fit in my duffel bag." I told Drew as I began picking up the books one at a time, taking a moment to flip through them and read the backs, I started staking them into two piles on the table next to the couch. One pile was for ones I wanted to read as soon as possible. The second pile was one I wanted to read, but I was willing to wait until I had finished the first pile. Drew smiled as he

bed.

onto the bed and unzipping it for me. I rummaged through my clothes until I found what I was looking for, and then took them into the bathroom with me. I changed and brushed my teeth and then came back out

like someone to stay in here with you tonight? Or do

spend every night in bed with you. But I have a feeling the others would complain."