Hard to Find

Chapter Twenty Two- Hidden Objects

No longer than ten seconds later do I feel hands on my shoulders, massaging the sore spots on my neck. I let my head fall between Jayden's arms. His lips graze my ear and move down my neck.

"This is a pleasant surprise." The warmth of his breath against my skin makes me writhe in the water. "I could get used to this."

I open my eyes to find him fixated on me. He doesn't hesitate in bringing our lips together. While we kiss, he reaches for the buttons of his white dress shirt, and I know he's about to get in with me. I try to fasten the pace by undoing his belt and pant zipper.

"Eager, I see?" The humor in his voice clear, but I continue to undress him.

"It's been a full week since I've seen you."

"I know, I've missed you."

When he is completely undressed, I move my legs so he can slide in across from me. His eyes close and a relaxed sound escapes from his perfect lips. It's safe to say he enjoys his surprise and because of that, I feel much more comfortable.

His hands trace my legs to my feet and begins massaging, leaving a burning trail with every touch. "How'd you get inside without a key?"

My stomach ripples with small laugher at the thought. "I remember where you put the spare key."

He nods understandingly, switching to my other foot. "I'm glad you remembered."

I close my eyes once more, taking in the moment. The silence is comfortable and his kneading thumbs help me relax. I never had pictured myself this intimate with Jayden, especially when I first met him. But he's gentle, and as I've found out, broken. I know I'm not enough to replace the missing pieces of his heart, but hopefully I'm enough to ease some pain. Just as he's eased some of mine.

He breaks the silence. "I like coming home and seeing you."

Without hesitation, I sit up and crawl on top of him. He goes in for a kiss, but I press my fingers against his lips. Taking my time, I trail my fingers up his jaw, down his neck, over his mouth until he is fussing underneath me. I focus on our breathing and listen to him progressively get heavier and faster. I know I'm turning him on; he is doing the same to me. His hands haven't stopped touching every inch of my body and I don't know how much longer I can wait.

He cups the side of my face, closing the space between us. I go lax against him, our lips melt together, but not for long. Abruptly, Jayden turns me around so my back is resting against his front.

His fingers trail between my breast, and I rest my head against his collarbone, trying to fight the urge to pounce.

"Is this what you had in mind?" he whispers in my ear.

"Yes." My voice is quiet.

His thumb caresses my nipple, teasing me. He places light, feathery kisses behind my ear, and when I try to move, he holds me in place. I see his reflection in the glass shower door in front of us. Our eyes lock, and his hand continues its agonizing descent down my torso.

I want to beg him to go faster, but that would mean this would be over sooner. And I want this moment to last as long as possible.

It's the way he makes my heart race when all he does is look at me. The way he talks to me like I am worth something to him. The comfort he brings without trying.

As the water sways, I let my thoughts subside and live in the moment.

When we're done in the bath, we both get dressed in our pajamas. I didn't plan on staying over so he lends me a tee-shirt which I put on with ease. He retreats downstairs to order us a pizza, giving me some time to finish washing off my makeup.

I walk into Jayden's room while drying my face off when a piercing pain shoots up my big toe, into my foot. I let out a slew of swear words, falling to the ground and gripping my toes as all the papers atop the dresser fall with me.

"You good?" he shouts.

"Fine! Just stubbed my toe!" I shout back, collecting the loose papers into a pile. The folders from our trip are discombobulated and papers I've never seen are scattered about the hardwood.

I try to organize them when something under the dresser catches my eye. I reach under and pull out an envelope.

Olivia Leeman

4382 Johan Street

Vienna, Virginia, 22180

I sit back on my heels and stare at the letter. My brain feels like someone hit a pause button and all I can do is stare. It's from her. And the date added in the corner is the day before she passed.

A chill ripples over me and I look around like the dead is watching. Or judging.

Every part of me wants to open and read what's inside, but I refrain. I don't want to ruin what I have with Jayden, especially his trust. I almost did that when I called 'Noah'. So, I slowly tuck the letter back where I found it and set the rest of the papers on the dresser.

I hurry out of the room and down the stairs. My heart is beating like I ran a mile when I find Jayden pouring two glasses of wine.

"Hey, beautiful." He smiles and pulls me into his embrace. "You okay? You seem a bit pale?"

I hold my forehead and laugh. "It must be from hitting my toe. I also knocked all the papers off your dresser too, I tried putting them back, but it's a mess."

He waves his hands, dismissing the accident. "It's okay. I have been meaning to put those in my office down here, but haven't had a chance."

"Have you had any new updates on the Leeman's or Ellie?"

He shakes his head and I can see the disappointment in his eyes. "Radio silence on both ends. And the Leeman's are probably gearing up with lawyers and preparing to go down at this very moment."

I tuck my head under his chin, trying to calm myself down and comfort him at the same time. I know this is a lot to go through, and I can't help but worry about what's going on inside his head.

Because all I can picture in mine is Olivia.

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How have you guys been?

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Thanks for reading, xoxo Anna :)