Page 79 of Shattered Rhythm

“As much as I’d love pulling more of those sounds out of you, I’m not going to do anything in this dirty closet. You deserve much better. I just needed you to myself for a minute,” he says, and I laugh.

“Oh, I’m not too good to get off in a closet, but I get what you’re saying,” I reply, putting my hands in his hair and scratching his scalp lightly with my nails, and he groans. “If you want to have me to yourself for a while, you only have to ask. It’s going to be a learning curve for all of us, but I always want to make sure that none of you feel left out. If you need me, I’ll be there.” I feel him nod in agreement.

“I missed you so much,” he whispers into my hair. I close my eyes, savoring the feeling of being in his arms again.

“I missed you too.”

We stand there for a few more moments, just holding each other, before reluctantly pulling away.

“We should probably get going before anyone notices we’re missing,” he says, and I nod.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

We leave the maintenance room and make our way to the locker room, feeling happy and still a little bit horny.

CHAPTERFORTY

Liv

Before I went home yesterday after my dance practice to shower and study, the guys asked me if I wanted to spend the whole Sunday together, and I was so excited that I couldn’t fall asleep for the longest time. Then I woke up at five-thirty and immediately got ready, scrubbing myself from head to toe and applying face and hair masks. I painted my nails with a pretty rose color and blow-dried my hair before styling it into beach waves. For makeup, I went with a light, natural look that accentuated my eyes.

They told me that we would be having breakfast together and then heading to the beach for some snorkeling. I’m thrilled to try it, since I’ve never done something like that before. The only problem is that a swimsuit is required, and I’m not quite ready to reveal the rest of my scars to them yet. So yesterday afternoon, I went shopping and found a cute rash guard like the surfer girls wear around here. It’s mint-colored with hibiscus flowers on the long sleeves and came with some matching mint bottoms. It fits me perfectly and it’s still sexy, even though most of my torso and arms are covered. I know I’ll have to change and take off my makeup before we head into the water, but I want to look good for them while we’re eating breakfast. So I decided to wear a pair of high-waisted, light wash denim shorts with frayed edges paired with a dark green crop top that has buttons down the center, which I leave open just enough to show off my cleavage without revealing too much. The sliver of skin between the shorts and the top is enough to create a sexy yet tasteful look.

I stand in front of the mirror and notice how much the scar on my knee stands out, but I haven’t bothered to cover it up in some time, so it’s old news by now. People seem to be much more polite and not point out your flaws or ask you about them if you’re not a celebrity.

I put on a cute olive-green kimono with a white flower print that I bought on my last shopping trip to cover the rest of me. Looking myself over in the mirror, I like what I see.It’s a funny feeling.

Jaxon told me to be at their house around nine am, and since it’s nearly time to go, I pack my bag. I take some sunscreen with me, as well as my new swimsuit, with a towel and my purse. With my car keys in hand, I leave the apartment.

When I get to their house, I ring the doorbell, and the door is quickly opened.

“Hey, gorgeous,” Chase says, smiling at me, and those words bring butterflies to my belly.He looks biteable.

His curls are half up in a bun, with the lower part falling to his shoulders. His stubble is dark, and his dark blue eyes light up when he sees me.

I need to stop pining after him.

He pulls me into a hug and sniffs my hair, which makes me laugh.

“Hey, you,” I say, stepping into the hallway and taking off my sandals. It smells fantastic, and my belly starts to growl. I slap a hand over my stomach and look at Chase with wide eyes, but he barks out a laugh.

“Come on. Jax went all out with breakfast for us, and he’s a fucking good cook.”

He puts a hand on my lower back and guides me into the kitchen that is attached to the living room and has a big table with space for at least eight people. I remember that Jaxon made fantastic snacks for our movie night. I’ve never in my life had such good popcorn, and the nachos were a dream, but now I’m standing in front of a table loaded with breakfast foods—eggs in all forms, avocado toast, fruit, yogurt bowls, and so much more. My eyes go wide, and I look at Jaxon.

“Woah, you did all this?” I ask, stunned, and he just nods, but I see a bit of pride shining in his eyes. River and Ryder enter the kitchen, both looking handsome as always, and both kiss me hello deeply. My head is spinning a bit as Jaxon guides me to a stool and sits me down.

“Let’s eat, guys, before it gets cold,” he says, while sitting down in the seat beside me.

“Or before Liv starves,” Chase says with a chuckle. “Her belly already protested.” I shoot him a glare, but he just laughs.

“I saved my appetite for this,” I grumble, but Jaxon takes my plate and starts to fill it with a bit of everything.

“How do you like your eggs, sunshine?” he asks.

“Scrambled, please,” I reply, smiling at him, and he smirks back, putting a plate in front of me.

“You look beautiful today, Liv,” River says over the table, and I blush.

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