Shattered: A Salvation Society Novel Bella Emy (best ebook reader for laptop .TXT) 📖

take my bag from my hand. He leans down and I get a view of the top of his head. But he’s so close to me now. I swallow hard yet again. Why is my heart beating so fast, speeding up with each passing second? It’s not fair how my body is reacting to him. It’s not fair.

I need to snap out of this and think of something completely different to get my mind off things.

Then it hits me. I need to divert my thoughts focused on him and how he’s making me feel to something more direct, more subtle.

Finally thinking of something that I hadn’t noticed before, I tilt my head and say, “Where’s your bag?”

Lifting his gaze to meet mine, he answers with a smile, “No need for it. All my stuff is already on board.”

It’s already on board… of course it is. Why wouldn’t it be? He probably had someone pack his stuff and get it all situated on there. Freaking rich people. I shake my head to dismiss my ill thoughts. This is not how I want to be starting my day.

He straightens and motions with his hand out in front of him. “Shall we?”

I nod slowly and he leads me out of the hotel’s lobby. This should be something.

Interesting to say the least…

My mouth almost hits the floor as I follow Kalen to the pier leading up to his boat.

Wait. Scratch that. It’s not just a boat. It’s one of those pretty sailboats with a lower cabin compartment for sleeping. After we got on board, he took me on a little tour, and I was undoubtedly impressed.

Not to mention that this is an exact replica of the first boat he ever showed me hanging in that boat shop so long ago…  Miller’s Boat and Water Adventures.

Damn, the memories…

“Look familiar?” he asks, then smiles.

I smile back but change the subject instead. “I still can’t believe this is yours… it’s beautiful,” I say, as we sit on the top deck, sipping on some Dom Perignon.

He gives me a small smile that sends my stomach into knots. “This is just one of many. I own a yacht as well, but I remember when we were kids you always used to say how much you wanted to take a trip on a sailboat. This just so happens to be a sailboat with shiply-yachtly features all in one.”

I smile nervously and swallow hard. How the fuck does he even remember one of my wants and wishes from so way back when? I hardly remember them anymore. But this, what he just mentioned now, is the truth.

I nod and he continues talking. “All of them were built from scratch. Some were upgraded just a bit for special occasions, including this one.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Special occasions?”

He nods. “Yup. You with me out on the ocean with your birthday coming up tomorrow. That’s a pretty big special occasion if you ask me.” He pauses for only a moment. “Would you like some more champagne?” He lifts the bottle in my direction and waits for my response.

I turn my head around, looking out onto the sea. We’re currently at a standstill in the middle of the ocean on this beautiful morning. Well, it’s about to be afternoon, and I’m thankful for that because I’m kind of famished. I haven’t eaten much yet and the alcohol I’m sipping on will have me tipsy in no time if I don’t eat anything soon.

“I’m good, thanks,” I respond.

“Okay. We’ll head to the dining area for lunch in just a bit.” He points over to his right where a makeshift table and bench are set with a pretty flower arrangement. I wonder how the hell they don’t fall over when the waves are going wild.

He interrupts my thoughts with his statement. “The vase is attached to the table… they can’t fall,” he answers, reading my thoughts. “Anyway, I’m sure you’ve got to be hungry by now.”

I shrug. “I am a little hungry,” I lie. I’m really hungry.

He smiles knowingly. “Well then, let’s get going. I wouldn’t want to keep a pretty lady waiting.” He winks.

And there go the shivers down my back and the knots that form at the pit of my stomach once more. How am I going to last three days out here with Kalen Starling?

We spend the afternoon sightseeing. Kalen takes me to different parts, showing me nearby islands and the like. Tens and tens of boaters and scuba divers could be seen before us enjoying their day without a single care in the world.

This still feels like a dream to me. Leaning against the banister, as stars fill an evening sky, I look out onto the ocean and can’t believe I’m standing here. I sure as hell can’t believe I’m out on the sea with Kalen.

Kalen Starling.

Kalen Starling, the man who broke my heart so long ago.

My eyes start watering as the memories from so long ago threaten to spill over onto my cheeks. The same unbridled tears that get me every single time.

I try to push them away before he makes his way back up here on the deck and notices my eyes welling up with tears. Of course he does. He’s always been the observant one.

But the truth is it’s been so hard holding back since seeing his face once more. And as silly as it may seem, I didn’t think I’d be running into him. Even if I knew all along that Kennedy was getting married at his resort. At his venue. He was supposed to be away on business. It’s just my luck that he wasn’t.

“Hey,” he says as he makes his way back up the stairs.

I quickly wipe my eyes and then turn my head in his direction and smile. “Hi.”

I can’t take my eyes off of his handsome face as he smiles back at me.

Oh, Lexi. What the hell were you doing, thinking you could come out here with Kalen and not feel