Page 23 of Shattered Rhythm

He starts the salsa video again, and I feel his hand on my back, tracing soothing circles. I close my eyes, feeling safe and protected in his embrace. It’s strange how someone who was a stranger just a few days ago has become someone I trust. I don’t know how long we watch the video, but eventually, we both drift off to sleep.

When I wake up, Gunner is still there, his arm wrapped protectively around me. It’s odd to wake up in someone’s arms like this, but I can’t deny that it feels good. I try to disentangle myself from him carefully so as not to wake him up, but he stirs anyway.

“Morning,” he says sleepily, rubbing his eyes.

“Morning,” I reply softly. “Thanks again for staying with me last night.”

“Anytime, Livy,” he says with a small smile, sitting up and stretching. “I probably need to get going. You should try to get some more sleep.”

I nod, feeling very alone again as he gets up to leave.

“See you later,” I say, forcing a smile.

“See you later,” he echoes, closing the door quietly behind him.

I nap the whole morning away, then do some homework for a few hours before getting ready to go shopping with Chris.

* * *

I’m so excited for this girls’ day, especially since I’ve never had a girlfriend before. It was always Liam and me, and maybe some of his friends, while we were still at private school. Somehow, I never got along with the girls in my classes, which has to be a me problem, because I never found any girl to be friends with, but Chris seems different. I like her aloof demeanor a lot and can’t wait to get to know her better today.

It’s scorching hot again. It seems like summer has to ramp up again before it goes away. I’m considering just going out in shorts and a top or T-shirt. My scars will be on display, but it’s just Chris. I could let her know I’m not ready to tell her everything yet. Either she’ll get it, or she’s not the person I thought she was, and it’s better to find out sooner rather than later. So I put on some light wash jean shorts and a white tank top. I get a white linen button-up shirt and put it on over the top but leave the front open. I still need a security blanket for my nerves, and it’s easy to take off so I can try on other clothes. Maybe I’m not as brave as I thought I was, but that’s okay. I look myself over in the mirror I put on the back of my door. Going out in shorts is already a big step. Let’s take it one at a time. After grabbing my purse and keys, I head out.

* * *

I arrive at Tanner Fitness ten minutes early to pick up Chris from her shift. As I walk towards her, I notice her gaze drop down to my knee, and I curse myself for being so stupid. Sure, I’m spending the day with her today, but I should have waited in the car for her to come out if I didn’t want anyone else to see my scar. I was just so excited, I forgot about it.That sure as shit never happened before.At least my arm and shoulder are covered.

“Hey!” I smile at her. “Sorry. I know I’m a bit early, but I couldn’t wait.”

She recovers quickly, smiling back at me. “Same, girl, don’t worry. I just need to log out real quick and wait until Jaxon gets here to replace me.”

Fuck, he doesn’t need to catch sight of my ugly scar, or he’ll see me differently.I like the way he looks at me now.

“Oh, I can wait in the car,” I say, walking backwards, but I run straight into somebody and feel arms come around me from behind. I look down to see a tattooed forearm and silver rings.

“Oh no, you don’t,” Ryder says in my ear, laughing. “I can’t let you walk out so soon when we haven’t seen you in a while, can I?” River steps up to my front, kissing my temple.

No, don’t think about the dirty twin sandwich again. Bad Livy.

“Hey, guys,” I get out, my voice strangled, and I hear Chase laughing.

“Oh, it sounds like she’s happy to see you.”

“Shut up,” Ryder snaps at him, but I hear the smile in his voice. He’s still holding me from behind, while River bends down to look me in the eyes.

“You are happy, right?” he asks, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. He sounds insecure, making me feel like a dick.

“Of course, I’m always happy to see you,” I whisper, smiling at him, and he beams.

“Let me have her,” Chase says, pulling me out of the twins’ grasp by my arm and into his. He hugs me around the waist and lifts me off my feet.

“Put me down, Chase,” I say exasperatedly.

“I don’t think so,” he retorts, laughing.

“Put her down, dickhead.” Jaxon’s deep voice gives me shivers down my neck.

“Spoilsport,” Chase mutters, putting me back on my feet.

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