Pieces of You Read online

  My hand dips low between us and my fingertips find his shaft, the feel of his chest vibrating against me as his voice shifts into a husk making my knees weak.

  “Baby, that feels fucking phenomenal,” he admits, his lips brushing against mine as his hands slide over my ass, gripping me hard enough to have my nipples grazing his chest. “You don’t have to…”

  “Shh…” I whisper, cutting him short. “It’s okay. I want to.”

  “You sure?” he asks, his gaze intense as it holds mine, the pad of my thumb running over his tip making his eyes grow heavy.

  “Well, you have been a very good patient,” I rasp before I give him a gentle kiss, holding his eyes. “And I’m all out of lollipops, so…”

  His jaw goes slack as I slide down the tile, coming to a stop at his feet.

  “Jesus Christ, Ava,” he husks.

  A low groan of pleasure leaves him as I wrap my lips around him, taking him into my mouth. His hand winds into my wet hair, his green eyes never leaving mine as I nervously stare up at him, savoring in him falling apart at my touch. Over the last few weeks, we’d done plenty. Nate’s taken me to the height of pleasure as often as I’d let him, the feel of his slick skin against me beneath the shower something I’d long since memorized. However, this is the farthest I’ve ever gone with him, my irrational fears making me stop short every time we’d ever gotten close to going further than we had the first time I’d been to his place. He’s never made me feel rushed, he’s done everything he can to keep his word of taking things at my pace. I know it’s all in my head, my skeletons coming back to haunt me every time I try to move on. Still, the craving to please him won’t relent, either.

  As he edges closer to his end, his lower lip tucking beneath his teeth as I stroke him, take him further between my lips, makes me heady, desperate for his pleasure.

  “Oh, my God,” he pants, his fingers gripping my hair tighter. “Ava, I’m about to come,” he admits, his toes curling slightly beside my knees as he rocks into me. “Do you want me to pull out?”

  “Mmm,” I shake my head, gripping his hip with my free hand and holding him close, moaning around him when he releases a low groan and his shaft begins to pulse between my lips.

  “Baby, fuck…” he groans, stroking my jaw as his release begins to pour out onto my tongue, my eyes fluttering shut just slightly as I release a low hum. “Damn, sugar,” he pants as my eyes come back to his, his lip moving back between his teeth as he watches me press my lips to the tip of his cock, releasing him. His hand falls from my hair, his chest still heaving with the remnants of pleasure as he strokes my cheek, reaching for me. “Come here.”

  I take his hand and return to a stand between him and the tile. I’m about to speak, to say what, I’ve no idea, when his lips cut me off. He kisses me hard, his tongue sliding over mine as he cradles my neck in his palm, holding me in place beneath the spray that’s growing cool against our skin. He kisses me with desperation, like he’s been drowning, and my lips are the only thing that can save him and I savor it. When he pulls away, I gasp for air, the damp breath I pull in stinging my lungs in the most delicious way as he kisses my neck, his hand caressing my skin as he continues to hold me.

  He got what he wanted out of you… you can kiss him goodbye.

  Fuck.

  The words echoing in my mind take the high I’m flying on and rip it out from under me, making my heart stumble and thump with a rip of pain.

  At least that smart mouth of yours is still good for one thing.

  “Nate… I’m not…” I rasp, pulling his eyes to mine and hating the sting that burns behind them. “I can’t yet.”

  “Shh…” he cuts me off, shaking his head as he pulls me close, humming as I wrap my arms around his broad shoulders. “I know, baby,” he whispers, kissing my temple. “It’s okay,” he says softly, pulling away to face me. “Just keep giving me the pieces you can, sugar,” he breathes, and I nod, swallowing hard. “That’s enough for me,” he promises. “Ava, you’re more than enough.”

  Nate

  “So, how has school been going, Ava?” my mom asks from across the table, giving her a gracious smile as she passes the bread basket toward her. “Are you still enjoying your classes? Still glad to be going back?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” she nods politely, taking a biscuit and handing the basket to me. “I really like it. I think I’ve just got to figure out a way to balance it all so I don’t get burnt out.”

  “Yeah, you sure don’t want that,” she offers in return. “How many classes are you taking this semester?”

  “Four,” she admits, the number making her eyes tired just saying it.

  “You might have to cut down to three next semester or see about cutting your hours down at the store,” I interject.

  “I can’t do either of those,” she shakes her head, thanking my mom for the bowl of macaroni and cheese before she takes a few scoops and hands it to me. “I need the hours at work for bills and the credits at school to get done on time. Otherwise, that’s another semester I’m signing on for and as grateful as I am for the job, I’ll be doing good to make it at that store through graduation.”

  “What are you gonna do then, baby?” I ask, setting a piece of chicken on mom’s plate before doing the same for Ava and taking my own. “You just said you were worried about getting burnt out, but you don’t want to cut anything back.”

  “Well, I can’t give up work or school, so I guess that only leaves you,” she shrugs playfully, taking a bite from her chicken, winking at my mom when she begins to cackle loudly at the joke.

  “Well, we had a good run,” I tease, making her smirk back at me. “I guess you were right, Ma. I should’ve taken her that pie when I had the chance.”

  Ava and I continue to laugh at the playful exchange, my mom still grinning despite the gentle shake of her head.

  “Pie? What in heavens name are you talking about, Nathan?”

  “Don’t you remember when Ava first moved back in you were trying to get me to lure her over here with pie?” I face her, my eyes still dancing in amusement at the memory. My mom, however, seems to be struggling to recall.

  “I don’t remember that, son,” she shakes her head. “I must’ve been taking my good pills that day.”

  “Hmm… yeah, maybe,” I offer, taking in her expression for a moment before I shake my head clear. She’d been having these little lapses a lot lately, much more often than usual. It’s never easy to see your parents age showing, but I’m sure it’s nothing. “What all did you do today?”

  “Not a whole lot,” she admits. “Tinkered around the house, did some laundry. Same old. How about the two of you?”

  “I went to work, and Ava had a class this morning,” I shrug. “Same old for us, too.”

  “Yeah, well there’s nothing wrong with a little normal and boring, I always say.”

  The rest of dinner goes quickly, and Ava and I begin clearing the dishes, encouraging my mom to relax in the living room. We clean up quickly and say goodnight, both of us exhausted and ready for bed.

  “Alright, mama. The kitchens all cleaned up for you,” I promise as I sit across from her on the edge of the couch. “We both have to work in the morning and Ava’s still got some stuff to do before bed, so we’re going to take off for the night, but thank you for making us supper.”

  “Yes, thank you. It was delicious,” Ava smiles.

  “You’re welcome, doll,” my mom replies, kissing her cheek as she bends to give her a hug. “You come over tomorrow after your shift if you’re not too tired or busy. I’ll make us a pot of coffee and we can catch up like we used to before this one stole you away from me.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I will,” she chuckles at her wink, ignoring my eye roll.

  “Ma, you practically threw me at her,” I tease. “You can’t get mad at me now.”

  “Oh, hush, you,” she swats him away. “I’d never get mad at you for bringing such a nice girl home.”

  “Than
k you,” Ava smiles again. “I get off at three tomorrow and I’ll come over afterwards.”

  “Good girl,” she pats her hand. “You kids get some good rest and behave yourselves.”

  “I can’t make any promises,” I joke, kissing her cheek. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, brat,” she smirks. “Ava, you keep him in check.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” she calls back, waving at her from the doorway. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  We make our way across the grass, Rocky trotting along beside us until we get to Ava’s door where he pushes his way inside and makes himself at home. She takes a few minutes to get her things gathered for work in the morning before joining me on the couch, pulling the light blanket over her legs and resting her head in my lap.

  “Sleepy?”

  “Yes,” she nods, stifling a yawn. “I’m very sleepy. How about you?”

  “Gettin’ there, sugar,” I admit, brushing her hair away from her face as I lean against the arm of the couch.

  “Why don’t you lay down with me then?”

  “I’m going to,” I sigh. “My back is just sore from sleeping out here.”

  “I’m sorry,” she offers, chewing on her lip as she gazes up at me.

  “It’s okay,” I reply, resting my hand on her stomach, holding her eyes. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Hmm?”

  “I get why you won’t sleep in your dad’s room,” I start, my words slow, careful. “But why don’t you ever go into yours?”

  “It’s not mine anymore,” she answers quietly, glancing away.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean the girl that room was for doesn’t exist anymore,” she replies, her voice so low, I nearly miss the break. “Besides, it wouldn’t matter much if she did. It’s upstairs and I don’t go up there.”

  “I don’t underst-”

  “I really don’t want to talk about this anymore,” she manages, sitting up and pulling away from me before glancing away to hide her eyes. “Can we drop it?”

  “I’m sorry,” I offer, swallowing hard as I take in her surprisingly emotional reaction. “I wasn’t trying to upset you, baby. I just didn’t know why-”

  “So, you’re just going to keep talking about it?” she cuts me off again, tears springing free as she stands and moves toward the kitchen. “If you would rather sleep at your place, Nate, I get it, but there’s not anything for me at the top of those stairs.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Ava

  I wake slowly, my eyes stinging from a full night of crying and the way the light bleeds in across my empty living room.

  Last night was a disaster.

  When Nate suggested we sleep upstairs, I completely overreacted before shutting down altogether. I know he didn’t mean anything by it, he simply wanted to be able to have a good night’s sleep. No big deal, right?

  Well, it shouldn’t have been, but I sure made it that way.

  Although Nate had shown me nothing but patience and understanding, there’s no amount of good intention that could help him appreciate the irrational fears I walked back into this house with. Hell, I’m the one dealing with them and I don’t even think I completely get it myself. How could he?

  I swallow hard, my throat still holding the knot the night before had put there. I raise from the cushions, releasing a low breath as I amble toward the kitchen and start my coffee pot. One look at my phone shows me exactly what I expected: nothing from Nate.

  I can’t blame him. I’m pretty sure if the shoe was on the other foot, I wouldn’t call me, either. After my dramatic and cryptic reaction to his questions, he simply released a low sigh and took his leave, saying almost nothing on his way out. I knew in that moment, in that very second, I was making a huge mistake. That I should go after him, apologize for the way I was behaving, but my pride wouldn’t let me.

  Instead, I let him drive away and cried myself to sleep.

  I chew on my lip, my stomach twisting in knots before I bite the bullet and type out the only words that really matter at this point, the same words I should have said hours ago but was too stubborn and crazy to speak.

  I’m sorry about last night. ~Ava

  I quickly set the phone on the counter and reach for a mug, trying my best to forget technology’s existence immediately, knowing it’s impossible. Thankfully for both my heart and my sanity, he doesn’t make me wait very long.

  No big deal -Nate

  The words glare back at me, eventually pulling a low groan from my heavy chest. I haven’t dated in years, but unless something big changed, I know that text isn’t a good sign. I’m somewhere stuck between typing and backing out a half dozen times and succumbing to a full day over overanalyzing the two words when my phone pings once more.

  Don’t worry about it. We’ll talk tonight -Nate

  I consider his words once more and although things aren’t going as easily as I’d like, I release a low sigh, grateful he’s at least still speaking to me. I’ve got one hell of an apology to prepare for and an uncomfortable conversation to get through if I want to try and make things right with Nate. I’m not looking forward to it, but I also know he deserves that and a whole lot more, especially after the way I treated him last night. I swallow hard and type my reply, shaking my nerves away until later.

  Okay. See you soon. Be safe xo ~Ava

  My shift is long and boring, same as usual. Fortunately, my thoughts keep me sidetracked and before I know it, my relief is coming to take over my till. I take my time moving toward my truck, my thoughts still obsessing over everything that happened, everything that’s still yet to come.

  I power on my phone, surprised to see a text, hoping it’s something of more substance from Nate. Instead, it’s a text from Sam asking if I’d like to get lunch later on in the week. I reply quickly and back out of the screen, the image of Nate, Rocky and I filling my screen making me release another sigh.

  I make my way home and change quickly, pushing myself toward the door to Mary’s before I talk myself out of going altogether. Coffee with my boyfriend’s mother, especially when things are so awkward between us, doesn’t sound like all that much fun right now. I want to cancel, feign a headache and stay locked in my house all afternoon, but I know I can’t. I promised I’d be there and while my list of faults might be a long one, I’ve never made a habit of making promises I don’t intend on keeping.

  I tap lightly on the back screen, forcing a smile when I see her make her way over.

  “Hi honey,” she smiles, pushing the door open and stepping back to let me in. “Everything alright?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I nod, returning her hug. “I’m sorry I’m late. It was so hot out, I decided to take a cool shower before I came over.”

  “Oh, that’s alright,” she replies, her eyes quirking together slightly as she gives me a small, questioning smile. “What are you late for?”

  “Our coffee date,” I answer, quickly replaying the conversation from the night before to make sure I hadn’t dreamed it. “We said three, didn’t we?”

  “Hmm,” she ponders, internally scratching her head for a moment before she shakes it clear. “Well, honey, you know I don’t remember,” she admits, her own cheeks heating slightly as she faces me. “But that’s alright. Coffee only takes a minute and I’m always happy to sit and visit with a friend.”

  “Okay,” I smile, taking a seat when she gestures toward the chair at the dining room table. “Have you had a nice day today?”

  “Oh, it’s been alright,” she replies, giving me a shrug. “I’ve just been tinkering around here. How about you?”

  “Good,” I smile, swallowing the lie. “Work was pretty slow, but otherwise, not so bad.”

  “Sometimes that’s a good thing,” she smirks, handing me a mug filled with coffee and taking a seat beside me.

  We sit for a few minutes, talking about nothing in particular before she goes quiet, holding my eyes. She seems to be thinking hard on someth
ing and when the low sigh leaves her chest, it sounds much more thoughtful and weighted than usual.

  “You okay?” I ask.

  “Yeah, yeah,” she waves me off, shaking her head before taking a sip of her coffee. “I was just wondering how your daddy was doing? I haven’t seen him outside in quite a while.”

  I stare back at her for a moment, my shock freezing me in place.

  “What?” I blurt, my voice coming out as shaky and broken as my heart feels.

  “He’s always out there fiddling with something, but I haven’t seen him out there in a spell,” she continues, driving the invisible knife further into my chest. “I reckon with all this rain, he’s just been trying to stay inside and keep dry, though,” she gathers, standing to refill her mug and offer me a refill. “Honey are you alright?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I lie, clearing my throat and shake my head when she gestures toward the pot she’s still holding. “It’s just… did you ask about my dad?”

  “Yes, darlin’,” she nods, smiling at me once more. “He okay?”

  “No,” I shake my head, the traitor tears I’ve tried to hold back finally falling freely over my cheeks. “Mary, my dad died,” I manage, hating the taste of the words I’ve not had the courage to say out loud before this moment. “He’s dead.”

  “Oh, my goodness!” she gasps, her hand reaching for mine, squeezing gently. I stare back at her blankly, anger flashing briefly through my chest at whatever cruel joke she’s playing until I take in her own emotional expression. She doesn’t remember. “Honey, I’m so sorry. What happened?”

  “He…” I start, my voice strangled with tears until I swallow hard over the lump once more. “He had a heart attack,” I whisper, the emotion finally hitting me full force. “He’s dead,” I sob, covering my eyes with my hands, slowly falling apart in the middle of her kitchen. “My dad is gone and he’s not ever coming back.”

  “Oh, honey,” she whispers, her own voice breaking as she pulls me close, both of us mourning the loss of the man who left us months ago. How can she not remember? “I’m so sorry. Let me go and get you some tissues.”