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.

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

you about our plans for

the kitchen. I turned and kissed them each, 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 to keep them from worrying, I promised to keep my phone with me, and once everyone left, I went to my

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 wanted to read, I added them to my growing

The weird feeling of someone watching me made my skin crawl, but when I looked around, I didn't see anyone paying particular attention to me, so I picked up the second book, setting the first one aside to check out. I continued working through my pile of books, picking out four of them to check out. I had continue to glance up and look around but never saw

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. I had found a bench under a tree

attempt to be scarry and handed him my bag of books which made

have no problem carrying me around all the time," I rolled my eyes at Josh, then squeaked when he cocked

the back door of the SUV, so giving him my sweetest most innocent smile

and he stood still looking surprised which gave me just enough time to slide into the backseat

to get in trouble." I shouted through my giggles. lake just shook

you know I can't help you when you poke the bear." Jake tells me, twisting in

moment that Josh's shock wears off because he gives himself a shake before heading toward the door I

before less then gracefully climbing 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

and sees the back seat