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

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

plans for the day. I could tell the guys wanted to go swimming since it was warm, and I

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

Are

you

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

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

boat.

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

only bringing two