Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Chapter

110

Josh set me down at the kitchen island before making our coffee, Jake wandered in as he handed me my cup, followed by Patrick and Drew, Josh gave them all dirty looks as they teased him about what had happened, but I kept my mouth shut wisely. Mike was the last to arrive, walking over to Josh and slapping him on the back.

"Hey brother, sorry about my naked takedown earlier. I just reacted."

Tm Glad to know you are willing to protect Emmy regardless of your state of dress." Josh chuckled before coming back over and offering me his hand. Taking his hand, he led me to the balcony with our coffees while Patrick and Mike started pulling out breakfast stuff. When we stepped outside, I smiled. The morning was beautiful and still cool enough to be outside. A light breeze brought the scent of roses and fresh- cut grass, Josh led me to an outdoor couch and sat down before pulling me into his lap. I leaned forward to set my coffee cup down before it accidentally spilled, then leaned back against him as he gathered me in another hug. We sat quietly, enjoying each other's quiet company, before Josh spoke.

"There is a lot to do today. Would you be okay on your own for a few hours?"

"Of course I will, don't worry about me. What do you have to do?

"Jake and I need to go to campus to sign some paperwork. We will probably be gone for several hours. Drew and Mike are scheduled to meet with their base commander, and Drew will meet with his dads to review some business stuff," Josh explained.

"It's no problem. I know we can't spend all day every day together, even if we want to, but I will be fine. I can entertain myself for a few hours, I promise. Josh nodded at my reassurance. We had just finished our coffee when Drew stuck his out of the door and told us breakfast was ready. Josh set me on my feet with a slap on my ass that caused me to squeal.

ass with my free hand. I thanked Drew when he handed me a plate loaded with toast, scrambled eggs, and fruit

you about our plans for today?" Mike asked when he

telling them to have a good day and that I would see them later. While Mike and Drew were at home, they would be in virtual meetings all day trying to figure out an extended emergency leave plan, so

down the driveway, greeting the older man as 1 slid into the back seat and told him where I was going. Twenty minutes later, I was at the library. Thanking him for the ride, I made my way up the broad steps and into the cool quiet of the library. I took my time exploring; it was twice the size of the one I used to spend most of my time in, and I enjoyed browsing through the massive selection of books. Finding several books I

I picked up the second book, setting the first one aside to check out.

five o clock when my phone buzzed with a message from Drew saying that they were done with their meetings, and the twins were on their way to pick me up. I texted Drew telling him I would see them soon and brought my books up to the checkout counter. Thanking the librarian, 1 loaded my books into the reusable bag I was grateful for grabbing, and went outside to wait for the twins.

little girl, would you like a ride?" Josh said in a deep voice. I snorted at his attempt to be scarry and handed him

around all the time," I rolled my eyes at Josh, then squeaked when he cocked his

was already close to the back door of the SUV, so giving him my sweetest most innocent smile I shook my head

surprised which gave me just enough time to slide into the backseat and

door, I don't want to get in trouble."

can't help you when you poke the bear." Jake tells me, twisting in his seat so he can see into

can tell the exact moment that Josh's shock wears off because he gives himself a shake before heading toward the door I had dove through just seconds

over the seat into the very back. Seeing a blanket. I wiggle under it and clap a hand over my mouth trying to quiet my heavy breathing and occasional giggle. I hear Josh knocking on the window, and then begin to

for his brother. When Josh opens the back door and sees the back seat is