Pieces of Me

by Laura Farr

  “Thank you.” I climb off his lap and slip my bra on. Reaching for my t-shirt, I pull that on, too, before sitting down next to him. He wraps his arm around me and kisses the side of my head.

  We spend the rest of the night laughing and talking like we’ve known each other forever. I hope to God this works out between us. I’ve already lost my heart to the little girl asleep upstairs. I’m certain it will only be a matter of time before I lose it to her daddy, too.

  Cooper

  “Daddy, are we going to the beach today?” Bella cries as she bursts into my bedroom.

  Rubbing my eyes, I roll over and groan as I catch sight of the clock on the nightstand. It’s 7am. Normally, I’d be awake at 6am to spend an hour in the gym before she woke, but as I didn’t get to bed until 2am, I had hoped to be able to sleep in this morning.

  “Yes, sweetheart. Later. Get over here and give me a cuddle.” I watch as she runs across the room and jumps onto the bed. Throwing the comforter back, she wriggles underneath and presses her tiny body against mine.

  “Can Lexi come with us to the beach, Daddy?”

  I turn to face her and pull the comforter over our heads. She loves building dens and her favorites are always ones made from the comforter.

  “Well, it just so happens I asked Lexi last night, and she said yes,” I whisper into her ear as I sit up on my elbow.

  “Yay!” she cries, her little legs bouncing up and down on the mattress. “I’m going to choose which bathing suit I’m going to wear.” She throws the comforter off and rushes out of the room.

  Flopping back onto the bed, I drop the comforter and close my eyes. Neither Lexi nor I had wanted to say goodnight, and we spent almost all night talking. I felt like I’d known her for years rather than the few weeks it had actually been. Everything just seemed to click into place when I was around her. For the first time in years, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I could be happy again. I still thought about Emerson every day, but being around Lexi made me realize how much I’d missed being with someone. Little things like holding hands or watching a movie with a warm body pressed against mine. The feeling of being desired by someone and desiring them back. I hadn’t had those things for so long, I’d forgotten what they felt like.

  Starting a relationship with Lexi meant letting Emerson go and opening myself up to more hurt if things didn’t work out. No one started a relationship thinking it was going to end badly, though. Could I be lucky enough to meet two people in my lifetime that I wanted to share my life with? I would always love Emerson. She would always hold a piece of my heart. If she hadn’t died, there is no doubt in my mind we would have been together forever, but she was gone. I couldn’t change that.

  Rubbing my hand down my face, I stretch my tired body before sitting up and swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. After using the bathroom, I peek into Bella’s room.

  “Breakfast, baby girl?”

  “Pancakes, please, Daddy.”

  Seeing she’s trying to put on a bathing suit over her Pull-up, I quickly take it off her and clean her up. I head downstairs, leaving her to continue choosing what she wants to wear.

  “I’ll call you when the pancakes are done.” I shout up the stairs once I reach the entryway.

  “Okay,” she hollers back.

  I chuckle as I pad into the kitchen. My breath catches in my throat as I see Lexi at the stove, flipping pancakes. She’s wearing tiny shorts and a tank, and my eyes track the length of her toned legs. The coffee machine gurgles on the counter, and as I look to the breakfast bar, there are three glasses of orange juice lined up. She’s been busy this morning. Walking silently across the room, I stop behind her, sliding my arms around her waist.

  “Morning.” I whisper, kissing the skin under her ear. “You’re up early.”

  She puts the spatula down and turns in my arms. I see her eyes go wide as she takes in my bare chest and sleep shorts.

  “Morning.” She goes up on her tiptoes and kisses me. “I wanted to make you breakfast.”

  “How did you know Bella wanted pancakes?”

  She shrugs and turns back to the stove, my arms still around her waist. “Lucky guess. We still on for the beach today?”

  I nod and kiss her shoulder. “Mmm-hmm,” I mutter into her skin. “Bella is trying on bathing suits. She’s excited that you’re coming. I’m pretty excited, too,” I confess. She turns her head and smiles before brushing her lips against mine. I hear Bella’s feet running down the stairs and kiss her one last time before stepping away just as Bella barrels into the room. I frown as I see what she’s wearing.

  “You aren’t wearing that to the beach, Bella.” She’s wearing a bikini Madison bought her. I wasn’t happy with Mads when she brought it, and I told Bella she could only keep it to wear in the pool at home. She’s too young for a bikini.

  “But, Daddy—”

  “No buts,” I say, interrupting her. “You know you can only wear that in the pool.” I see Lexi turn from the stove and glance at Bella. A smile forms on her lips as her eyes meet mine.

  “Lexi wears a bikini,” Bella whines before stamping her foot on the kitchen tiles.

  “Lexi’s an adult. You are four years old. You aren’t wearing it. Please, go get changed.”

  She pouts her lips and holds my gaze defiantly. When I don’t back down, she turns on her heel and stomps out of the kitchen. I groan as I watch her go.

  “I did the right thing, didn’t I?” I ask Lexi, who’s watching me.

  She turns back to the stove and shrugs. “I thought she looked cute.”

  “But a bikini? She’s only four.”

  She picks up the stacked plate of pancakes and carries it to the breakfast bar. “I think you’re having a standard dad response to your little girl wanting to grow up.”

  “But she’s four!” I repeat in astonishment.

  “I’m not saying your response is wrong. Just that maybe her wearing a bikini isn’t as horrific as you think.” She stands in front of me and winds her arms around my neck. “What would Emerson have said?”

  I sigh and offer her a wry smile. “Emerson would have been the one to buy her the bikini. Doesn’t mean I’d have liked it, though.”

  “You’re her dad. If you don’t want her to wear it, she doesn’t. She’ll have forgotten all about it in an hour anyway. Don’t beat yourself up.”

  I smile at her gratefully. “How is it you know just what to say?”

  She shrugs again. “I don’t. I’m just winging it.” She winks and pecks my cheek, stepping out of my embrace.

  “Well, you’re doing a great job.”

  “So are you. Don’t forget that.” She turns to walk away, but I reach my hand around her waist, pulling her back against my chest.

  “Thank you.” I nuzzle into her neck and feel her relax into my embrace. I have no idea how I’m going to stop myself from touching her today. It’s going to be a long ass day.

  Sitting at the breakfast bar, Bella walks in a few minutes later wearing a bright pink bathing suit. Her face is still sour, but some coaxing from Lexi, a promise of sandcastle making, and a plate of pancakes seem to bring her around. By the end of breakfast, she’s back to her usual bubbly self, the whole episode forgotten.

  My phone chimes next to me on the counter and I pick it up, seeing a message from Maddie.

  Mads: Sure, we can babysit. Where are you going?

  I messaged Maddie last night, asking if she could watch Bella after we’d been to the beach. I hadn’t said why or whom I was going out with, and I can only imagine her response when I do.

  Me: I’m taking Lexi out.

  I press send and my phone vibrates with a response in seconds.

  Mads: I knew it!! About time!! I can’t believe she hasn’t told me!

  I chuckle and toss my phone back on the counter. “Maddie and Alex are coming over to watch you later, Bells.” Lexi turns to look at me and smiles, realizing they must be coming to watch Bella so we can go out.

 
; “Yay!” she cries, bouncing up and down in her chair. “Are you going to look after me too, Lexi?” Bella asks, turning in her seat to look at Lexi. “We could watch Tangled with Aunt Maddie and Uncle Alex.”

  I watch as Lexi’s eyes go wide, and she looks at me in a panic.

  “Erm… No. I think I’ll be tired after the beach—” Lexi starts.

  “Actually, Lexi is coming out with me tonight, Bella.” I catch Lexi’s eye and smile.

  “Can’t I come?” Bella asks with a pout.

  “Not this time, baby girl. Tonight is just for grown-ups. You can come with us another time though, okay?”

  She thinks about what I’ve said for a few seconds before nodding. “Okay, Daddy. Can we go to the beach now?”

  “It’s a little early. Go and get your things ready and we’ll see.” She climbs down from the breakfast bar and skips out of the room.

  “I hope you didn’t mind me telling Bella? I’ve no idea the best way to handle this, but I know I’d rather not lie to her.”

  “I don’t mind. I’m happy with whatever you tell her.”

  She stands and begins to move the dirty dishes from the breakfast bar to the counter by the dishwasher. I help her, loading the plates after she’s rinsed them in the sink.

  “Where are you taking me tonight then?” Lexi asks as she hands me the final plate.

  “You’ll have to wait and see. Wear something warm, and flat shoes too.”

  “God, we’re not going hiking or something, are we?” she asks, a look of horror forming on her face.

  “Well, don’t spoil my surprise!” I exclaim, trying to keep a straight face. I may have only known her for a few weeks, but I know a hiking date would be something she’d hate. She smiles weakly at me and wipes the counter down with a cloth.

  “I’ll go and get my beach stuff ready then.” She looks worried as she turns away from me and heads to the back door. She must be preoccupied as the cloth she was just using is still in her hand.

  “Lexi,” I call. I can’t let her go off thinking our first proper date is going to be doing something she hates. I wait until she turns around. “We aren’t going hiking. I know you’d hate that. I’m not going to tell you what we’re doing, but I think you’ll like it.” Relief floods her face and I can’t help but laugh.

  “God, you had me worried for a minute.” She throws the cloth in her hand at me. I chuckle as I catch it seconds before it would have smacked me in the face.

  “I got you, babe.” I wink at her and she grins before heading outside.

  Forty minutes later, I’m showered and loading the truck with all the paraphernalia needed for a day at the beach. I swear, every time we go, there is more stuff to bring. I double check what I’ve packed and realize I’ve forgotten the umbrella. Sighing, I head to the garage to find it. When I return a few minutes later, I see Lexi looking in the back of the truck, a beach bag in her hand. Her blonde hair is piled on top of her head and loose tendrils frame her face. She’s wearing a tank with dark denim shorts that are cut so short, I swear her ass cheeks will be hanging out when she turns around. I feel my dick jump in my shorts and my mouth waters at the sight of her.

  “Hey,” she says as she sees me walking toward the truck. “Do you have room for a small one?” She holds up her bag before looking back into the truck. “How much stuff are we taking? We’re only going for the day, right?”

  “I know. It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? And I’ve got this to get in yet.” I hold up the umbrella. “I can fit that in, though.” I gesture with my head to the bag she’s holding. Tossing the umbrella in the back, I take the bag from her and add it to the rest of the stuff.

  “I think we’re finally ready.”

  “Shall I get Bella?”

  “Please. She’s in the den, watching TV.”

  I see her nod as she begins to make her way across the front garden and up the steps to the door. I watch her, my eyes fixed on her ass. My previous assessment of her shorts was accurate, and I can see the bottom of her ass below the material of her shorts. My hands itch to touch her, and I discreetly adjust myself before she returns.

  Minutes later, she’s back with an excited Bella, who’s already wearing her floaties and a swim ring. “I think you’re going to have to take at least the swim ring off, Bells. I don’t think you’ll fit in your car seat.” I chuckle as I watch her wriggling out of the ring. Once she’s strapped in, I pull out the driveway and head into Oceanside.

  We’ve arranged to meet Maddie and Alex on the beach near the pier. The area is packed, and we struggle to find them amongst the hundreds of people already set up on the sand. Finally spotting them, we head over. I’m thankful to be able to put down the armful of stuff I’ve brought with me from the truck.

  “Hey, guys. You made it,” Maddie cries from her sun lounger. She removes her sunglasses and sits up, shading her eyes from the sun with her hand. “Look at you, Bells. You look like you’re ready for a swim.”

  “I am! I have my swim ring, too. See?” She holds up the ring I’d made her take off and jumps up and down. “Can we go into the water?”

  “Sure, sweetie. I’ll take you while Daddy and Lexi set up the beach stuff,” Maddie tells her, standing up and reaching for her hand.

  “I’ll come with you.” Alex offers, slipping his arm around Maddie’s waist.

  “Thanks, guys. We’ll come join you in a sec,” I tell them as I begin to unfold one of the loungers.

  “Take your time. I’m sure you can find something to do while we’re in the water.” I look up to see Maddie grinning like an idiot at both Lexi and me. I roll my eyes at her and watch as she whispers something into Lexi’s ear before walking past her toward the water’s edge. Lexi’s face flushes and I hear Maddie laughing as she walks off.

  “What did Maddie say to you?” I ask, once we’ve finally set up the loungers.

  “Just something about wanting to know every detail of how we got together. I can’t believe she wants to know, considering it’s her brother I’m dating!”

  “Do girls actually do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Tell each other everything?”

  She shakes her head. “Not everything. Sure, we talk, but I’d never share intimate things about a relationship with anyone. That stuff is private. Plus, she’s your sister, so talking to her about it would just be weird.”

  “Good, I don’t fancy my baby sister knowing all about my sex life,” I tell her with a chuckle, although I am relieved that she isn’t going to be giving Maddie a blow-by-blow, no pun intended, account of what happens between us. Her eyes widen at my statement, and before she can say anything, I flop down onto one of the loungers, pulling her down on top of me. She’s still wearing her shorts and tank, so I slide my hands under her top, my fingers caressing her soft skin.

  “What if Bella sees us?”

  “You’d better kiss me quickly then before she comes back,” I mutter against her mouth. I know I’m being reckless, kissing her where Bella might see us. Although, right now, I’m not sure why I’m holding off telling her. It’s not like I’ve got to wait until I get to know Lexi better before I introduce them. I already know they adore each other.

  I’m pulled from my thoughts as her lips find mine, and what starts as a gentle kiss soon becomes heated. Her tongue swipes across my bottom lip, and I open up to her, our tongues dueling. My hands rake over her body, and for a fraction of a second, I forget we’re lying on a beach with hundreds of people around us.

  I pull out of the kiss before I get too carried away to stop. I lie with her in my arms until we’ve both caught our breath. She slides off my lap and I watch as she removes her tank and shorts to reveal a hot pink bikini underneath.

  “Wow. You look incredible, Lexi.” Her cheeks flush at my compliment and she tosses her clothes onto her lounger.

  “Thank you. You look pretty hot yourself.” She holds her hand out to me and I stand up and take it. “Let’s go and find the others.” I
nod, and she pulls me through the crowd, her hand still encased in mine. As we reach the water’s edge, she drops my hand and we walk through the swell to where we can see Bella swimming and splashing with Maddie and Alex.

  The water is cold, but it’s a welcome relief after getting carried away on the lounger with Lexi. We spend half an hour or so messing around in the water. Bella wants to take her floaties off, but the waves are pretty big today, so the water isn’t calm enough. Instead, I promise to let her go into the pool tomorrow, and she’s happy with that.

  The rest of the day is filled with sandcastles, ice cream, and laughter. Maddie and Alex can’t keep their hands off each other, and I’m a little jealous I can’t be like that with Lexi. I’ve stolen the odd kiss when Bella was off with Alex getting an ice cream, but keeping away from her is proving difficult. The date I’ve arranged for tonight can’t come around quickly enough.

  Lexi

  I’m sitting on my bed surrounded by clothes. I have no idea what to wear tonight for my date with Cooper. We got back from the beach about an hour ago, and after showering and curling my hair, I’ve tried on what feels like a million outfits. His brief comment of something warm, and flat shoes isn’t a lot to go on. I tried to get more out of him while we were at the beach, but he wasn’t giving anything away. As I’m running out of time, I opt for a pair of dark skinny jeans, a tank, and a hoodie. Slipping my Converse on, I take one last look into the mirror before grabbing my purse and heading down the steps outside my apartment.

  As I walk through the back yard and into the kitchen, I see Maddie and Alex have arrived and are sitting at the breakfast bar with Bella. Maddie turns as she hears the door open.

  “Hey, Lex. You look nice.”

  “Do you think?” I glance down at my hoodie and Converse and shrug. “It doesn’t scream first date, but as he won’t tell me where we’re going, I’ve had to guess.”