Read Breathing For The First Time for Free Online

walk past them, ignoring him even after Tyler calls my name. We find three chairs, by some miracle, and settle in for some sun, Tiffany and Paige taking the chairs next to me.
    I pull my cover off to reveal my pink rose print bikini. I knew when I saw this suit that I had to have it, and it helps that I look totally hot in it. Tiffany whistles at me, drawing the attention of the few men on the deck that weren’t already watching us.
    Just as I settle into my chair Tyler walks up. His hair is wet from the pool and beads of water slide down his bare chest, hugging his muscles like a second skin. It’s not fair that he looks so good. He flexes the muscles in his arms, a nervous habit of his, and I remember how it felt to have those arms around me.
    My fingers twitch at the sight of him, aching to touch him again. I stop myself, of course. I can feel the anger rolling off my best friends toward him and almost feel bad for him. But then I remember why they’re pissed off as my pain plunges to the surface.
    “Brooke, can we talk?” He glances between Paige and Tiffany before adding, “Alone?”
    He’s nervous, but I know it’s just because he’s been caught in the middle of a lie. Even if I could act like everything was no big deal and his trip was planned ahead of time, he is obviously still very comfortable with her. Watching them you would never know they aren’t a couple madly in love.
    I take my strength from my friends, sitting strong beside me, and tell him, “I don’t think so, Tyler. It’s pretty clear to me,” I gesture to the water, where the redhead is  watching us, “that I was mistaken about a few things. It’s all clear now.”
    “It’s not like that, Brooke. Please, I want to explain.” Tyler is pissed and a part of me wants to give in. I can’t just let it go.
    “Nothing to explain, Ty. We’re good.” I slide my sunglasses back over my eyes to hide the tears threatening my cheeks. I sit back in my chair and stare at the pool, willing him to leave before my tears fall. His friends are watching us, trying to figure out what is going on. The redhead looks like she ate a bowl of lemons. She’s obviously used to getting her way, especially where Tyler is concerned. Seeing him with me, ignoring her, has her fuming.
    “We’re good, yeah sure,” sarcasm drips from Tyler’s voice. “I hope you’ll give me a chance to talk to you Brooke, but I see you’re not in the mood. Maybe later we can talk. It’s not what you think. I’m not giving up on you Brooke. You can avoid me for the week, but once we’re home, you and I both know you won’t be able to avoid me. And you won’t have protection then either.”
    I don’t answer him. The strength of his voice is fueled by his frustration, but I can’t trust my voice right now. I know if I speak, my tears will fall and my voice will betray the strength I’m trying to force out. I cross my arms over my chest, hoping he gets the point.
    I also know he’s right. We’ve only been on one date, but we were friends before that. I owe him the chance to explain what’s going on. But not now. I need to either start drinking first or find a way to gather some strength. I don’t think he’ll lie to me, but then again, he already did. Talking to him when Paige and Tiffany are around will be easier than when I’m alone.
    After a moment, Tyler passes his gaze over Paige and Tiffany, accepting his defeat. He turns around and goes back to his friends. 
    The redhead looks back, flashing a smug grin in my direction as Tyler joins them. A part of me would love to smack that look off her face, but my heart is too fragile. Tiffany was right, I don’t sleep around, and sleeping with Tyler the other night was pretty significant for me, especially on a first date. He’s only the fourth guy I’ve slept with, but definitely the one I’ve felt the strongest about.
    I swipe at my cheeks, taking the tears away, knowing he doesn’t deserve them. Paige reaches over