Read Beautifully Damaged for Free Online

"I've been hoping you'd take me up on my invitation."
    Though I was being uncharacteristically open, I lowered my head since I was still mildly embarrassed. He touched my chin with his finger and lifted my gaze to his.
    "I've wanted to."
    I just stared at him trying to understand his words. He wanted to, so what stopped him? I was so tempted to ask but I chickened out. We warmed up in silence, and ran the five miles with Trace keeping pace with me.
    While we warmed down he said, "Are you going for your coffee?"
    "Yes."
    "Do you mind if I join you?"
    "I'd like that."
    We started along and I couldn't help looking at him from the corner of my eye. He really was amazing and the fact that he was here, with me, made my heart skip. I was pulled from my crushing when his voice filled the silence.
    "There's a club that I thought you and your friend might enjoy. It's called Nocturne and it's in the Village. They have open-mic night every night."
    I turned my head to him and smiled. "We'll have to check it out."
    "If you do decide to go, would you give me a call? I'd like to hear you perform again."
    A wicked thrill skirted down my spine at the look in Trace's eyes. How I managed to retrieve my cell phone for his number without fumbling it, I didn't know. My voice was barely a whisper when I replied, "I will."
    We reached Starbucks and he held the door for me, offered a smile and said, "See you, Ember." Then he was gone.
    I called Trace three nights later and left him a message that Trent and I were heading to Nocturne. I stood at the bar with Trent and found myself constantly looking towards the door.
    I'd had a few days to think on Trace's request that I call him, and I couldn't lie, I was surprised by it. Trace had a reputation for being a player but in his interactions with me he was a complete gentleman. I knew he slept around; it was obvious from the looks the ladies gave him, but he didn't sleep with that beauty from Starbucks. He didn't linger over a woman and yet I'd seen him a few times and he still seemed interested in seeing more of me. He was a walking contradiction and since I was already enthralled with him, this contrary behavior only made me more so. I was pulled from my thoughts when Trent reached for my hand.
    "We're up."
    I wasn't up to singing since I didn't want to indulge in alcohol again, so I was going to accompany Trent's most excellent guitar skills. I settled behind the piano and I lost myself in the music as soon as my fingers touched the ivories.
    After our first number, the crowd cheered so loudly that we played another and then another. When we finally climbed down from the stage several people shook our hands and gave us their business cards for potential gigs. Two spots instantly opened for us at the bar and fresh drinks were delivered, free of charge.
    "I could get used to this," Trent said as he grinned at me before touching his glass to mine.
    "Me, too."
    We spent the next hour talking and all the while I noticed the pretty brunette down the bar who kept looking over at Trent. I knew he saw her, too, since he was looking back.
    "Trent, go say hi."
    "I don't want to leave you here alone."
    "I'll be fine. Go. She's pretty."
    A grin flashed over his face. "She is, isn't she? Okay, I'll go but stay here so I can see you and don't leave without me."
    "Yes, Dad."
    He dropped a kiss on my head before he stood, grabbed his beer, and walked down the bar to the brunette. I grinned, watching them for a minute, before turning my gaze to my wine. I was disappointed that Trace hadn't come but I hadn't actually spoken with him earlier -- only left a message -- and knowing he was supposed to have a very active social life, it wasn't really a surprise.
    I finished my drink and looked over to see that Trent and the woman appeared to be hitting it off. I was tired anyway so I was going to call it a night. I walked to them and Trent smiled as I approached.
    "Ember, this is Kelly."
    "Hi, Kelly." She was pretty with her