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⊰ 21 ⊱ The Quiet After: Part 1
The gym is my happy place, a place where I can lose myself in the familiar burn of exertion and the satisfying clink of metal plates. Thursday evenings are particularly my favorite, the gym is quieter than usual, relatively empty, and I can take my time without feeling rushed.
As I work through my bench press sets, the sound of laughter echoes off the concrete walls, drawing my attention to the entrance. Amelia and Anna, the inseparable twins who have become my unlikely friends, saunter in, their gym bags slung over their shoulders and mischievous grins on their faces.
The second their eyes land on me, they make their way over, all smiles. “Elys, hey!” Amelia says, overly excited. “We’ve been meaning to ask ya something.”
I sit up on the bench, wiping the sweat from my brow with the back of my hand. “What’s up?”
Anna leans against the rack, her eyes sparkling. “Our birthday is coming up in three weeks,
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Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 22 ⊱ Broken Pieces: Part 2
In Cade’s arms, I unconsciously shift my weight to him, trusting that he’ll keep me from falling. I draw my lip between my teeth, focusing on my breathing as he guides me back inside, kicking the door shut behind him. “Let’s sit you down.”“I-I can’t…” I whimper, my voice breaking. “I can’t sit.”He doesn’t hesitate, understanding flashing in his eyes as he nods, adjusting his hold on me. “Okay, let’s get you to bed then.”Oh, God. This is so embarrassing…Shame washes over me, and I want nothing more than to hide my face from him as he helps me to my bedroom, his arm firmly around my waist. When we reach the bedroom, he tries to lower me onto the bed, but the moment I try to bend at the hip, my back locks up, a cry of pain escaping my lips.Instantly, Cade pulls me into his arms, holding me up as I cling to the front of his shirt, my ha
Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 23 ⊱ Missed Connections
My eyes snap open at the phone blaring, jolting me out of my slumber.What the hell..?With my head still resting on Cade’s bare chest, I lay perfectly my hand slayed over his abs. Almost instantly, he shifts slightly beneath me, reaching for his cell phone and silencing it.The light from the sunrise creeps through the edges of the curtains, and knowing I can't lay here forever, I nearly panic trying to figure out what I should say.He spent the night…Memories of last night play over in my head, and I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment at how I practically threw myself at him. I want to blame it on the pot, but truthfully, all the weed did was make me bold enough to say and do what I really wanted to.Oh, this is bad…this is SO bad.In the next moment, I hear a dial ring through his phone. “Good morning,” he speaks lowly, more than likely assuming I’m still asleep.
Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 24 ⊱ Little Pink Dress
I scrutinize my reflection in the mirror, admiring the way the long-sleeved pink cocktail dress hugs my curves in all the right places. A smile plays on my lips as I turn, appreciating the fit.This is so cute!I bought this dress almost four years ago, ambitiously purchasing it one size too small. I’ve only worn it once. I had all but forgotten about it until I found myself desperately trying to find the appropriate outfit for tonight.It took 20 pounds… How tight did it fit before..?After a week of diligently running through my mobility exercises, the pain in my lower back has mostly subsided, allowing me to ease back into my normal routine. Work has been hectic, leaving little time for personal conversations with Cade.My heart flutters at the thought of spending the evening with him again, just the two of us. It’s been two weeks since my injury, two weeks since that night when I let my guard down and gave i
Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 24.5 ⊱ A Dress From Another Life
⊰ Cade ⊱The drive to the restaurant is a blur, the city lights flashing by as my mind wanders, drifting back to memories of Elysian.I can’t help but steal glances at her, my eyes drawn to the way the pink dress hugs her curves, the way her dark hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders. I’ve always thought she was attractive, but tonight, she’s breathtaking.As if sensing my gaze, she shifts in her seat, her teeth worrying at her bottom lip. It’s a nervous habit, one I remember all too well. The sight sends a jolt of heat through me, memories of those lips on mine, on my body, flooding my mind unbidden.I force my eyes back to the road, my grip tightening on the steering wheel as I try to focus on the drive, on the music playing on the radio. But it’s a losing battle, my thoughts driving to her, always her.Why does that dress look so familiar..?Out of the corner of my eye, I wat
Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 25 ⊱ Receipt for Disaster
I love cheesecake so much.A hum echoes from the back of my throat as I moan softly at the spoonful of the best strawberry cheesecake I’ve ever had in my entire life.This is…heaven. I am in heaven.I sway side to side in delight as I set the spoon down on the now-empty dessert plate, savoring the last bite. A smile plays on my lips as I lift my eyes to meet Cade’s, capturing the pensive look in his gaze.He watches me for a moment longer, a soft sigh parting his lips as his eyes break from my own, looking up to motion for the waitress. She’s swift, moving to the table and laying the check presenter on it. As she reaches to take the empty plate in front of me, Cade sets down his black card on top of the presenter, sitting back in his chair as the waitress takes the bill and excuses herself kindly.Well, he still never looks at the bill.…Oh, yeah. He’s a bi
Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 25.5 ⊱ Her Name on My Lips
⊰ Cade ⊱The drive home is a blur, my mind consumed with thoughts of Elysian. The way she looked tonight, the way her dress hugged her curves, the way her lips wrapped around that spoon… It’s all I can think about.I pull up to the gate of my community, waiting impatiently for it to open. The guard nods at me as I drive through, the familiar sight of my less-than-humble abode hardly easing the tension coiled tight in my muscles.I need a drink.I’m barely inside when my phone chimes, notifying me of a visitor at the gate. I frown, glancing at the screen.It’s Julia, the hostess from the restaurant.What could she possibly want at this hour?I hesitate for a moment before buzzing her in, my curiosity getting the better of me. I pour myself a drink while I wait, the amber liquid sloshing against the sides of the glass as I bring it to my lips. The alcohol burns as it goes down, but it does little to qu
Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 26 ⊱ Drowning Sorrows
The invitation to Anna and Amelia’s party sits on my desk, a glaring reminder of the commitment I made weeks ago. I stare at it, my fingers tracing the embossed lettering as I try to muster up some semblance of excitement.Clubs have never been my thing, the pulsing music and crowded dance floors making my skin crawl with anxiety. And after the disastrous not-so-date with Cade last week, the last thing I want to do is put on a brave face and pretend everything’s okay.We’ve barely spoken a word to each other outside of work, the tension between us heavy in every interaction, every stolen glance across the office. It’s like we’re strangers again—two people who just happen to occupy the same space.It’s killing me.I try to push him from my mind, to focus on the endless string of tasks and projects that demand my attention. But it’s harder than I thought it would be, especially when the memory of his touch, hi
Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 27 ⊱ Release and Remorse
I groan out of my sleep, turning in the softness of the sheets. As I inhale deeply, the familiar scent of sandalwood and something uniquely Cade envelopes me. My eyes flutter open, taking in the sleek modern lines of the bedroom.Where am I?I lay on my back for a while longer, taking in the familiar room.This is Cade’s room. Oh my God, I’m in Cade’s house…again.I sit up slowly, glancing down at the awfully comfortable and oversized t-shirt skimming my thighs. It’s Cade’s—Cade’s shirt. A quick assessment tells me that aside from the slight headache, I’m surprisingly hangover-free.Small mercies.Memories of last night come rushing back, fragmented and hazy. The club, the drinks, the phone call. Cade coming to get me, the feel of his hands on my skin as he helped me into the car.Oh God, I got sick in front of him…Mortification w
Latest chapter
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 27 ⊱ Release and Remorse
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 26 ⊱ Drowning Sorrows
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 25.5 ⊱ Her Name on My Lips
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 25 ⊱ Receipt for Disaster
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 24.5 ⊱ A Dress From Another Life
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 24 ⊱ Little Pink Dress
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 23 ⊱ Missed Connections
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 22 ⊱ Broken Pieces: Part 2
- Heartprints in the Void ⊰ 21 ⊱ The Quiet After: Part 1
