Shattered Girl (Emmy) novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50 

Patrick took the key and unlocked the front door, the rest of the guys trailing behind with their bags. Josh had decided to take mine, too, and told me to get some lighter grocery bags from Jamie and Sean. So that left me carrying two bags of chips and bread. When no one was looking, I rolled my eyes. Sure, I was well enough for Josh to slap my butt, but now I can’t carry anything too heavy. Sometimes, I don’t understand men. 

When I walked into the house, I swore, causing Josh and Jake, who was downstairs still, to laugh. 

“This is fucking amazing. How do you not spend more time here?” I asked, looking around in amazement. The main level was an open floor plan with large windows that looked out onto the lake and surrounding trees. An enormous river rock fireplace sat in the middle of the room, separating the dining area from the living room. To my right was the kitchen, with an island large enough to seat all six of us. To my left was a staircase that led upstairs. Jake pointed out a door on the far side of the kitchen and told me there was a finished basement, laundry, and extra guest rooms downstairs. 

Since I was still standing in the middle of the room looking around. Josh came over, took the bags of groceries I was holding, and set them down in the kitchen. Then, picking up my bag, he took my hand and led me up the stairs to the main bedroom. At the top of the stairs, I stopped to look around again. To my right, there was a loft with views of the lake. There were several overstuffed loveseats and a sectional spread around the space; a TV with several game systems was set up against the back wall. There was a short hallway that led to three more bedrooms. The main bedroom was to my left, and when I stepped into the room, I was shocked into silence again as I took it all in. 

“This isn’t a bedroom; It’s an apartment,” I told myself, and Josh laughed. “Well, look at it; it takes up half the upstairs. All we would need was a kitchen, and we could rent this out as a studio.” I walked further into the room, taking it all in. This room also faced the lake with two sets of large windows. There was an enormous bed along one wall facing the windows, so you could see outside if you were lying in bed. There was a sitting area with an oversized reading chair next to two floor–to–ceiling bookcases. A couch and loveseat faced another large TV. French doors led out onto a large balcony with two lounge chairs and a bistro table facing the lake. I sat down on the side of the bed, looking up at Josh. 

“Are you sure I can’t convince the other guys to live here full–time? It’s so beautiful here. There is plenty of room for all of us, right?” I looked at Josh pleadingly. 

“There is enough room for everyone, baby girl, but Patrick will not be able to run his company from here, especially once it’s all legal. We could probably come up for several extended vacations if that’s what you want.” He looked at me, waiting for my reply. 

“I guess that will have to do for now.” I sighed dramatically, Josh smiled at my antics and, reaching out his hand, pulled me to my feet. 

“Come on, let’s put your clothes away, and then we can walk down to the lake.” I took his hand and pulled him toward what I hoped was the closet. With both of us working, it only took twenty minutes to unpack everything. 

I wandered back downstairs and into the kitchen. Jamie was still working on putting the food away, and I grabbed a bag to unload. Jamie was quiet while we worked, and as soon as we were done, he mumbled his thanks, made his way to the basement door, and disappeared down the stairs. Since none of the guys were back downstairs, I decided to look around. I found a large room that was part office, and part library. Looking at the packed bookshelves, I decided this would be my new favorite room, and I looked through the book until I found something I wanted to read. I stretched out on the oversized reading chair to wait for the guys. 

I had gotten sa engrossed in the book that I didn’t even notice Mike walking into the room. He jumped when he cleared his throat to get my attention. I marked my place and went over to him, wrapping my arms around him and turning my face so he could kiss my lips. Taking my hand, we walked back into the living room. Everyone else was there waiting for us. Jake asked if I wanted to go down to the lake and explore. 

“Yes, yes, yes,” I said excitedly; I looked at the rest of the guys to see if they were planning on coming too. Patrick and Drew told me to have fun and headed toward the stairs leading to the basement; Mike and Josh both on their heels. 

“It’s just us sweetheart, you ready?” Jake asked, holding out his hand to me. I walked over to him linking our fingers together, and he led me out to the backyard. There was a large patio, with a covered outdoor kitchen, seating area and a fire pit surrounded by chairs. Jake led me down a gravel lined path, and there was the lake. Another seating area was arranged by the shore, and a lung dock led out onto the water, a ladder was attached to one side, a boat docked on the other side. 

“This is going to be so much fun, can we go swimming?” Jake grinned, promising that we would have plenty of time to swim, and take the boat out. The lake house was on the back of a private cove, and as Jake walked with me out onto the dock, he pointed out different parts of the cove where they -enjoyed fishing and swimming.