Page 83 of Tell It To The Waves

“We will be.” I smile at my brother.

Never did I think life would turn upside down like it did. My family and I have always been close, but I knew if I didn’tdistance myself, I’d implode and with it take them with me. I had to protect them and fix it. And fix it I did.

I smile at August while I’m wheeled out of the hospital. They wouldn’t let me walk. She looks beautiful, even with her tired eyes and crazy bun; she’s still beautiful.

“If you need anything, just let me know.” She bends down and kisses my cheek, her lips touching the side of my mouth.

I’m going to Kai’s house for a few weeks, heal up there, and then on to finding my own place in town.

We took the boat back to Driftwood Bay after our Uber. August went her own way even though we all tried to talk her into coming with us.

Baylee and Kai gave me the downstairs den, which has a pull-out sofa, since walking up steps hurts too much.

I’ve been here for a week, feeling better than I did, but now my road rash is scabbing up and itching like hell. Stretching the wrong way pulls the scabs, breaking them open. It’s a pain in the ass.

The house is quiet as I lay in bed, the only sound is the noise the house makes here and there… The house? Maybe a ghost? I can’t think about it too much. Even though I’m a man, ghosts still freak me out.

Tapping my phone, the screen lights up, and my only thought is August. She’s came by and checked on me, like a friend. But other than that, it’s been nothing more.

Baylee has been going to the bakery to help her, so August has no real reason to come to the Manor.

After clicking on our messages, I sit and read them for a minute, trying to find the nerve to message her. It’s hard to tell what August wants. Does she want to be just friends, or is there a chance we could be more?

You should come over and see me.

Hitting send before I chicken out.

I wait, but nothing happens. Twenty minutes pass, and my phone chimes.

You should put all your energy into healing.

I smile; she’s such a smart ass.

I have enough energy to do that and do you.

I chuckle, imagining her face as she reads the text.

The text bubbles pop up and then disappear.“Oh, come on now, August.” I talk to the screen.

I push my body up on the bed when I see the bubble pop back up.

Unlock the door; I don’t want them to know I’m there.

She finally replies.

Smiling, I push myself up off the bed, hissing a bit, but scurry to the front door, unlocking it and cracking it open.

It’s unlocked and ajar; come into the den.

I know where you're sleeping at, Bohdi.

I feel like a damn teenager, the excitement coursing through me at knowing she’s coming here to see me; it’s ridiculous.

Hurrying back to the den, I sit on the bed, watching the time on my phone, and it passes slowly. My palms become slick and my heart races. What the hell is wrong with me? And I don’t have to ask myself that, because I know what it is. After eight years, I got a hit of August, and now I’m craving more.

Finally, I lay back on the bed, my feet on the floor, staring up at the ceiling, marveling at the intricate details carved in the molding.

I feel like I’m being stared at. Lifting my head from the mattress, I say, “Holy shit.” I grab my chest. August stands at the foot of the bed, smiling at me, her face mischievous.