Fragments Of You Read online

  Fragments Of You

  Garnet Christie

  Cover Design Cat Imb

  Photography by E. Vallejo

  Edited by Illuminate Editing Services

  Copyright © 2021 by Garnet Christie

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  To anyone thinking you’re not enough––that’s a lie. You are always enough.

  Contents

  From the Author

  Chapter 1

  Bentley

  Chapter 2

  Nora

  Chapter 3

  Bentley

  Chapter 4

  Nora

  Chapter 5

  Bentley

  Chapter 6

  Nora

  Chapter 7

  Bentley

  Chapter 8

  Nora

  Chapter 9

  Bentley

  Chapter 10

  Nora

  Chapter 11

  Nora

  Chapter 12

  Bentley

  Chapter 13

  Nora

  Chapter 14

  Bentley

  Chapter 15

  Nora

  Chapter 16

  Bentley

  Chapter 17

  Nora

  Chapter 18

  Bentley

  Chapter 19

  Nora

  Chapter 20

  Bentley

  Chapter 21

  Nora

  Chapter 22

  Bentley

  Chapter 23

  Nora

  Chapter 24

  Bentley

  Chapter 25

  Nora

  Chapter 26

  Bentley

  Chapter 27

  Nora

  Chapter 28

  Bentley

  Chapter 29

  Nora

  Chapter 30

  Bentley

  Chapter 31

  Nora

  Chapter 32

  Bentley

  Chapter 33

  Nora

  Chapter 34

  Bentley

  Chapter 35

  Nora

  Chapter 36

  Bentely

  Acknowledgments

  About Garnet Christie

  More Books

  From the Author

  Just a warning that Bentley and Nora are flawed. They’re real. They don’t always deal with their issues like they are supposed to––kind of like us sometimes. I could write about these characters who are tough as nails and deal with problems head on, but I don’t like to write about perfect people. My heart thrives on writing about hearts who are at the weakest points of their life. I love writing about the one’s who are wounded, who are scared to try again, and sometimes even try to tuck away the pain and forget it even happened to start with.

  I can’t promise you continuous happy story with these two, but I can promise you a sweet ending if you’re willing to stick around, with some spice here and there.

  Bentley is a mess, and Nora can doubt herself. But then again they are only human. What matter’s is how they mature in the end and become the people they should have been from the start. I hope you see that as you go through love story.

  Xoxo~

  Garnet

  Chapter 1

  Bentley

  The vibration of my phone stirs me. I open my eyes and blink at the ceiling, willing

  the sleep away. My nose curls up at an overpowering floral scent. It smells like shit, and I hate it. There’s a soft moan while my cell continues to buzz, and I look to my right—to the stranger in my bed.

  A frown crinkles my forehead. What was her name again? Fuck. I can’t remember, and it’s not from drinking. Honestly, I rarely remember the name of any girl I take for a ride.

  And man was this one a ride.

  But now, she’s bugging me with her snoring and fake rose smell. However, I won’t be a douche. At least not a total one. I decide to give her the usual ten minutes before I wake her and send her home.

  After straining for my phone, I check the screen. A missed call from Nora. That short, sweet name strikes warmth in my chest, and even though I’m itching to call her back, that seems rude to do to Nora when someone else is still in my bed. I’m clicking the screen off when her name pops up again, this time with a text message.

  Hey. That movie we wanted to catch is still out. You up for going this afternoon?

  Hell yeah. She doesn’t know it, but I’m always down for seeing her.

  A long tan arm flings across my chest, and I lurch.

  Time to leave.

  Looks like I’ll be breaking my own ten-minute rule as I give the girl's arm a jostle.

  “Hey, sweetheart.”

  She moans and sighs.

  “Rise and shine.”

  “Hmmm?” Her head lifts up. Long nails that scraped down my back all night grasp at the snarly strands of hair covering her eyes. “What is it?”

  I resist the urge to grimace. Not so cute in the morning. Then again, they never are. Not with the mascara lines streaming down their eyes and the smeared lipstick that leaves my pillows stained.

  “I’m sorry.” I kick the sheet off me and move out of bed, pretending I’m in a hurry. “Hate to do this to you, but I have to go.”

  “Go?” She sounds pissed while clutching the sheet, struggling to sit up. The scowl on her face tells me I’m right. “I don’t even get a coffee? You might have warned me before letting me stay.”

  “It’s not that, sweetheart.” I grab my phone off the nightstand. “I just found out my Grandma’s in the hospital. It’s really sudden.”

  Her mouth falls open and long fingers slap over her lips. “Oh. Oh, I’m so sorry.” She starts to scramble for her clothes. “I’ll get out of your hair. Let me, uhh—”

  “No worries. Sorry I won’t be able to see you out.” Turning for the bathroom, I hide my smile. Works every time. And she can’t get mad. No woman with half a heart would be upset with a dude checking in on his sick Granny. Also, she won’t get hurt. Double win. It’s my usual golden ticket. “I’m gonna shower.”

  “Sure.” She’s finally standing and throwing on her bra. “Thanks for a great night.” She smiles, and I see the dimples pop out. I’m pretty sure that’s why I picked her last night. She has those dimples, just like…

  Fuck… shut up. Shut up.

  I nod. “You too.”

  “I hope everything works out with your Grandma.”

  “I’m sure it will,” I wink. “Be safe on your way home.”

  “Thanks.”

  I shut the door, start the water and wait.

  I slowly count to ten, then hear her leave––the usual amount of time it takes for them to scramble and head out.

  I’m peeling out of my briefs when my phone goes off again. The name popping up will never be one I brush off, and I take the call, bringing the phone to my ear. “Hey, Dad.”

  “Bentley.” There’s a warning undercurrent residing in his dark tone.

  Shit. My stomach rolls inside. “Okay.” I turn off the shower, opting to stand bare ass naked in the bathroom, hoping my Dad won’t be too long. “What happened? What did I do?”

  “Gracie’s birthday.”

  “Damn it.” I slap a palm across my face and squeeze my eyes shut. “I forgot to call.” Yesterday was my little sister's birthday, and that mini princess thinks I’m a superhero. “Dad––”

  “She cried.”

  “Fuck.” Guilt needles aw
ay at me. I hate it when women cry. There isn’t a sadder sight in the world, so I always try to avoid the occurrence. And Gracie is only eleven. Some brother I am.

  “Son, you’ve got to do better. At least call when you say you will.”

  “Yeah. I know. I’m really sorry,” I sigh. “Is she okay?”

  “I think so. Your Mom took her and some friends to the roller rink a while ago.”

  I chuckle. “She’s still into that?”

  “Ever since you taught her, yes.”

  Smiling, I envision her with those wild brown curls fluttering behind as she races around the rink.

  My dad clears his throat, and that sound gives me a clue where this is heading. “What were you doing last night anyway?”

  Shit. Why does he always do this? “I was working late.” The lie is bitter on my tongue, but it’s better than admitting I was fucking a girl whose face blends in with everyone else’s.

  “Sure, Bentley.” His voice is harsh and sarcastic. “I don’t know when you’re going to see how empty it is dragging home another girl every night, but I’m telling you now that this lifestyle you’re livin––”

  I groan and don’t care if he hears it. “Hey, can I call you back? Work is ringing me.” I’ll be damned if I start my day off with another lecture. I’ve had enough to last a lifetime.

  He pauses, then sighs. “We love you. Call later if you can.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Ruffling the top of my hair, I half smile. Lectures and all, my old man never ends a phone call on a bitter note, and he’s open with his affection for his kids. Always has been. I’m lucky. That’s the real reason why I never hesitate to pick up. “I love you guys too. Give Mom a kiss. Tell Gracie I’ll call her tonight.” And this time, I will.

  “Okay.”

  The call ends, and my shoulders weigh down.

  “Damn.” I really am a shit brother, but I promise to do better tonight. Living over a thousand miles away doesn’t give me an excuse, plus I’ll be free tonight since I blew off so much steam the night before.

  Right, Nora. That's the real reason why I’m in here. I turn on the shower again and go forward with my original plans.

  I step in and let the water pulsate against my raw shoulder blades and back. That wild thing last night really tore me up, and maybe I’m being a pussy, but the shower right now hurts like hell. No more acrylic nail girls. I’ve told myself that before, but it seems like I always forget when in the moment. But this time is the last time. The carnage they do to my skin is making them not worth it anymore. Either that or I need to dial down my skills.

  For now, I accept the sting.

  My mess up with Gracie drains away, as does the fake scent of flowers that made me want to hurl. All the problems wash down the drain, but something else pops in my head.

  I sigh in contentment. All I can think about as the water cascades over me is Nora’s familiar scent that will soon surround me. It’s a smell I’ll enjoy. Well… more like drown in.

  I don’t know what the fuck that intoxicating smell is, but it wrecks me every time I’m near it.

  Raking my fingers through my hair, I take a deep breath and squeeze my eyes shut. Damn.

  The scenario is already playing out. We’ll be in the theater, fighting over who’s eaten the most popcorn, but the whole damn time, I’ll be daydreaming about having that scent forever in my bed, all while knowing it shouldn’t happen.

  Dad’s right. Bringing home a new girl isn’t always the most fulfilling thing, but hey, it’s fun. And while I want to have fun with Nora, I can never bring myself to do it. She’s off-limits—I remind myself for the millionth time.

  Because she’s so steady––the exact opposite of who I am now.

  Years ago, this wasn’t the case. I wasn’t always fast and short-lived, but life has a way of destroying the parts of you you’d never expect, and that’s that. As for Nora, I don’t want to be the one that throws her into the same cycle I’m in now.

  I used to be like her, but not anymore.

  There’s never a rotation of guys. They stay for months on end, and her breaks in between are even longer. Her demeanor remains consistent. It makes her stable––the exact kind I don’t fuck around with.

  That’s how you get into trouble and break hearts in the process.

  Still, I think of those deep brown eyes of hers, round and wide, wishing I could stare into them while I––

  “Fuck.”

  I shake away the thought and begin rinsing my hair.

  Control, Bentley… fuck.

  For once, I have a female friend who’s easy to be with, and to hell with me if I’m about to mess that up.

  It’s the one thing I can never let happen. Not now, not ever.

  Whatever it takes. I lean against the cold tiles while steam floats around me. I vow to keep her safe, always.

  And despite the liar I am, that’s the damn truth.

  Chapter 2

  Nora

  “And things are still okay in Colorado?” The voice of my older sister, Carly,

  blares over the speaker while I sit in my car. “We all miss you, you know.” I can hear the guilt she’s trying to lace into the statement. “I still don’t know why you’re there.”

  “Car, we’ve been through this.” I tap the back of my skull against the headrest twice. “I like it here. You guys enjoy Florida and all those sugary beaches. I’m staying here, sticking with my job, and making sure sand doesn’t get into every item I own.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” She pauses for a moment. “You know, I saw an article the other day that said Pharmacists have a shorter life span.”

  “Car…” A puff of air trails out slowly. “First off, I doubt you read that. Secondly, shut up. I’m not under enough pressure to die of a stroke.” A touch of anxiety swirls in my chest.

  She still doesn’t know I’m only working part-time. They’d all freak if they knew my hours had been cut.

  “Well, just saying you should be with your family. Mom and Dad aren’t getting any younger. Plus, maybe you could find a different job out here, even if it’s not at a pharmacy.”

  “Silly.” I scrunch my nose, feigning a playful tone. “You do realize how long I had to go to school for this, don’t you?”

  “Eight years,” we say in unison.

  “All that wasted time,” she bites out.

  And the money. Tons of money lost pursuing my dream job in my dream State. “I don’t want a career change.”

  “What?” Her voice goes dead. “Is bartending in short shorts beneath you or something?”

  Me in shorts, no way. I cock my brow. “Possibly.”

  “Just sayin’.” She’s sneering right now––I can just see it. “During the winter months, I make bank as the old-timers fly south. People like spending while vacationing.”

  “Yeah, well, I make bank all the time thanks to a steady job.” My teeth grit at the lie dripping off my tongue.

  “Oh, whatever.” She smacks her lips twice over the phone. “You’re at least coming home for Christmas, right?”

  I don’t answer. There’s a sight about ten feet away that’s making a slow stride through the parking lot. A beautiful, gorgeous sight that always leaves my throat dry and my heart racing. Bentley. I can hardly breathe when watching him. So, so perfect. But sadly, not mine.

  “Nora?” Carly’s voice cracks through my daze.

  “Bentley’s here, and I have to go. Sorry, Car.” My gaze stays pinpointed to Bentley. There’s no way I’m missing a free chance to ogle since I have to hide it most of the time.

  “Oh, the fuck-boy.”

  “Carly…” Telling her I found out Bentley is a bed hopper was a mistake.

  “You’re not sleeping with him, are you? Because that’s how you get hurt.”

  “Pffff…no.” For some reason, her words make a sting seep into my heart.

  “Nora…” Her voice spikes with a warning. “I’ve seen pictures of him. He’s sexy as all hell, so how are you
not shagging him?”

  “He’s short.” I snort through my nose. Taller than me, but still short for a guy. Not that it matters––he’s all that matters to me.

  “Which doesn’t sound like it matters. Not with the stories you told––”

  “Please, I’m not banging him, and I have to go.” Why did I say anything? I grab my keys and prepare to turn off my car. “Tell Mom and Dad hi. Love ya.”

  “Nor––”

  Killing the ignition, I climb out and rub my clammy palms together. It’s bad enough I have to pretend I’m devoid of attraction for the guy I’ve been obsessing over for two years. Does the idea of sex with him have to be rubbed in my face too? I can’t catch a break.

  I cross the parking lot, catching up to Bentley, and he turns around before I’m even halfway.

  “Hey, sunshine.” He winks with a smile, and butterflies unleash in my stomach. “You look lovely today.”

  The familiar greeting weakens my knees. They wobble just a hair, and God, those eyes don’t help me—light Grecian blue, soul-piercing, and a total knee buckler against his sun-tan. I hike my purse strap higher on my shoulder, trying not to stare too long, ignoring the hard beats of my pulse in my neck.

  “You made it.” I hope my smile isn’t too tight.

  “Why wouldn’t I?” He rumples a hand through the top of his short spiky hair, and once again, the sandy brown arrangement stays in place. I give full credit to the hair gel. It must be more like super glue. He flicks his eyes down at me, and the corner of his lip quirks up. “You know I’ve wanted to see this one for a while. Also, I wanted to see you again too.”