Page 81 of Shameless Expectations

It was time for her to become someone new.

Someone she’d always wanted to be.

Someone who made her own rules.

Athena showered quickly, drying off and slipping into loose-fitting and comfortable clothes. She walked out of her bedroom barefoot and immediately went next door, only to find Monti asleep on the bed. Her hand was tossed over her head, one leg dangling as if she was about to stand up, but her gentle breathing and soft snore were sure signs that she was fast asleep.

Grinning from ear to ear, Athena snagged a throw blanket off the end of the bed and laid it gently over Monti’s sleeping form. They had two full weeks together. They’d find the time to figure out what they were doing. Bending down, Athena brushed a kiss into Monti’s hair before heading back to her bedroom.

twenty-five

Monti woke with a start, her entire body jerking as she sat straight up in bed. Her heart was in her throat when she looked around the unfamiliar room as her eyes cleared. For a moment she’d thought she was at home.

No. Not home.

Sucking in a sharp breath, Monti tried to remember exactly where she’d thought she was, but now that she was awake, she couldn’t bring the dream to her memory. It was as if she was grasping at smoke, trying to catch it between her fingers as it slipped away and became impossible to see anymore.

Monti plucked the thin blanket off her legs and stood up. She was in Florida with Athena. And she must have fallen asleep before Athena had gotten out of the shower because she couldn’t remember her coming back into Monti’s bedroom. And the door was shut. And the blanket.

She’d never fallen asleep quite like that before, not unless she was under the stars. Sighing, Monti wrapped her arms around herself and rubbed her hands up and down. Why was she still chilled?

Taking a quick shower, Monti unpacked her bag and headed to the kitchen. She wanted coffee. Maybe that would warm up her bones like the shower had failed to do. She made a pot of coffee and stared out the window as the sun rose and lit up the sky. If the house faced the other direction, she would have been able to see it. But this way, all she got to witness was the way the light painted the sky and the clouds, creating a masterpiece of its own body.

Monti stayed put, mesmerized by the beauty that was so natural to the world. It was peaceful here. Wait. What was that thought? Monti pursed her lips and took another sip of coffee, letting the caffeine rip through her and wake her up even more.

It was peaceful here.

She breathed in that blessed feeling, allowing it to settle into her chest. That had been what she was searching for. But why was she finding it here of all places? Was it because this was somewhere new? Or was this just the newness tricking her into thinking that it was peace?

“Morning,” Athena singsonged as she stepped into the kitchen.

“Morning.” Monti smiled as Athena leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“You were asleep when I went to find you last night.” Athena brushed her fingers along Monti’s hand as she reached for a mug, intentionally teasing.

Athena had become a whole new person overnight it seemed. Monti glanced at the clock on the stove, surprised to find that hours had passed since she’d come downstairs. She’d always been one to lose herself and forget about time, but this seemed different.

“Do you need a refill?”

“Uh. Sure.” Monti handed her cup over and waited as Athena filled it. “Just milk.”

Once she had her second cup between her fingers, Monti leaned against the counter and looked out the patio doors again. “You missed a beautiful sunrise.”

Athena hummed. “Did I? I guess I was worn out from all the…travel.”

“I’m sure it was the travel.” Monti picked up on the flirting instantly and played right into it.

They finished their coffee, setting the mugs in the sink before walking out onto the deck. It was already warm outside, and the breeze was gentle as it caressed Monti’s skin. She was impressed to find that Athena wasn’t wearing her normal buttoned-up outfits, but a loose-fitting shirt that showed off her arms. More than that, her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, giving her face a much younger look.

“Was there anything you wanted to see while you were here?” Athena asked.

Monti took her hand, lacing their fingers together. When Athena stopped on the deck, Monti continued forward, taking Athena with her. If they were going to be here, then Monti didn’t want to be cooped up in the house all day. She stopped at the bottom of the deck and toed off her shoes. The sand was cold against her feet, but it was a glorious contrast to the warm sun that was hitting her skin.

“Take your shoes off,” Monti said, her voice so soft. She wasn’t sure that Athena would agree or not, but it would be interesting to see if she did. Athena would probably think this was childish, but Monti loved the beach. She loved the woods. She loved any type of nature that she could find, including the world made by the hands of humans.

“What are we doing?” Athena asked, holding Monti still.

“Exploring.” Monti knew that single word was a statement.

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