Page 45 of All Her Broken Pieces

“It’s just Becka. She’ll be getting back in a few days and I’m nervous about telling her about all of this,” I say, waving a hand in a back-and-forth motion between the two of us. “She gets excited easily, and I’m still so worn out.”

“Embarrassed of me?” He pushes out his lower lip while making sad puppy dog eyes.

“Not embarrassed. Just lacking the energy to deal with her… zeal. I love Becka, but as you may have discovered, I live a quiet life, and she’s a rather loud part of mine.”

“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask you about that. I swear I remember you telling me that you were looking for chaos when we first met at the club, while I was there against my will, since Alyx forced me out of our place.”

“That was different. I was blowing off steam. I wasn’t looking for a real connection.” I wince, looking at him as I wonder if my words hit a nerve. “I didn’t mean…”

“It’s okay, you were looking for a hookup. And even though I normally prefer quiet nights in, I’m the one who bulldozed my way into your life. You weren’t looking for more than sex that night, but there was something about you that I couldn’t walk away from, and I’d give up all my quiet nights to spend more time in your chaos,” he says sincerely.

It feels as though all the air in my lungs has been punched out, each of his words landing a precise blow. I throw back the remnants of my coffee and push my stool back from the counter, needing to get some space before I do something I might regret.Still. Just. Friends.“I’m going to go take a shower.”

“Okay.”

“That’s it? You aren’t going to offer to help me? Make a dirty joke? Or try to stop me?”

“Do you want me to? Kinda seemed like one of those times you didn’t want me to chase you.”

“I… I…” Fuck. How does he do that? It is so unnerving the way he can read me.

“Your paperwork mentioned leaving the bandages on until they fall off on their own and patting things dry. No scrubbing.”

I nod and turn toward my room, secretly grateful that someone memorized my post-op aftercare instructions so that it’s one less thing I have to worry about.

CHAPTER16

Ethan

My feet slapthe sidewalk as my thighs propel me forward. I’m usually very active, hitting the gym at least every other day, but I’ve put that on hold for the past five days to take care of Bridget. Although I’ve been able to sneak out for a run every morning before she wakes up. From what I can tell, she’s normally an early riser, but she hasn’t been since I’ve been staying with her. Most nights, I can hear her from my bed on the couch. She groans every time she rolls over or gets up, and from what it sounds like, she’s up every couple of hours. Taking her pain meds would probably help her get more rest, but I understand her desire to avoid them.

Part of me worries she’s too hard on herself. I know she wants to be self-sufficient as quickly as possible, but if she pushes too hard too soon, she’ll regret it later.

I know how hard it is for her to allow me into her space, and after her confession the other night, I’m more determined to break through her walls and show her how good we could be together. It’s obvious she’s attracted to me, but I want more than just a physical relationship with her, and helping her recover from surgery has been the perfect opportunity to get to know her better. I like everything about her. Her laugh. Her snark. Her drive. We’re both focused on our careers, have similar values, laugh at the same jokes, and I admire how she’s unapologetically gone after what she’s wanted. She defines success on her terms, and it’s hot as fuck. I’ve always been attracted to strong women, and Bridget is a fucking queen.

Rounding the corner near her building, I spot Bridget leaving her apartment.

“Bridget!” I call, and as she turns toward me, I take in her beautiful face and the gentle arch of her eyebrows as they furrow slightly on her forehead.

“I wondered where you went so early.”

“Were you hoping I’d left?” I flash her a lopsided grin, the one that makes her blush.

“I figured you didn’t since your bag was still in the living room.”

“You’re up early. Going for a walk already?”

“Yeah, I wanted to get a head start.” Her eyes refuse to meet mine.

Sensing her need to be alone, I start my cool-down stretches as she shifts awkwardly on her feet. “Go ahead without me,” I tell her. “I’m going to grab a shower and get your coffee ready for you.”

“Oh… um… okay.” A small smirk crosses her lips as she turns and walks away from me, her perfect ass swaying with each pop of her hips.

I head inside and get to work preparing her a doppio. I’m determined to get her to relax today.

____________

I can’t control this overwhelming desire to know everything about Bridget, but she only hands bits of herself out in pieces. It’s up to me to collect them, put them together, and make her whole. It’s clear that no one’s ever tried to do this, to truly understand her. I’m getting pieces she hasn’t shared with anyone—not Becka, and probably not even herself.

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