Read Missing Pieces (The Pieces Series Book 1) for Free Online

first what?”
    “I am going to take you on seven dates so we can get to know each other better. Maybe you’ll finally admit you like me. I have a great idea for our first date. Dress in something comfortable. I will be by to pick you up at 5.” He winks and walks out the door. What have I gotten myself into?
    I spend the rest of the day just watching TV. I need to remember to ask Neeko if he can send someone to get my iPod and kindle. I also need my workout clothes. Running always helps clear my head.
    At 3, I start getting ready. Like any girl, it will take me forever to get everything perfect. I jump in the shower and soak up the hot water. When I’m nice and pruned, I get out. Neeko had brought me a few clothes from my apartment, which I hung in his massive walk-in closet. I love that the door to the closet is in the bathroom. I walk in and pick out a silver-blue summer dress and my silver flip flops. I love flip flops. I would rather go barefoot, but when I can’t, I wear my flip flops. I grew up in a small town in Alabama so it was the norm to go barefoot in the yard. Alabama weather never got cold enough not to wear my flops.
    I moved to Atlanta to get a better job and further prove my rebellion to my parents. Well, my adoptive parents. Apparently, I was dropped off at a church when I was a few days old, and a couple from the church adopted me. I couldn’t have asked for better parents. Even when I was rebelling, my mom would cheer me on. I think back and laugh at myself now. I never could get my mother to get mad at me. She’d say that she was too proud of the person I was going to become. I think about all the good times with my parents before they passed away. They were old when they adopted me, so it was just normal circumstances that took them from me. It still makes me sad that they won’t get to see me become that person they wanted me to be. Oh well, enough on my past. It’s time to get me pretty.
    At 4:30, I am ready and waiting. I wonder where he is taking me. He opens the door right at 5. He is wearing khaki shorts that show off his tanned, sculpted legs, but no shirt. Wow, can I fall to pieces now? I blush. “Ah, that is your color. Ready?”
    Where can we be going with him dressed like that? I twirl playfully and he laughs deeply. It vibrates through my body, giving me chills. He grabs my hand and leads me out the door. I look out and stop. All the lights are off and candles light our path down the hallway. I grin and blush. He really has put a lot of thought into this date. The candles go all the way to the front door. He opens it and even bigger candles light a new path, which we follow until we come to a lake. There is a blanket laid out on the ground, torches surrounding it to keep away the bugs. I am glad I wore my short summer dress because the air is just right. He motions for me to sit, plopping down beside me. It’s not graceful, but it breaks the tension and I laugh. He grins his goofy grin, which makes him look so young and carefree. Come to think of it, every time I see him, his face looks like he is trying to hide his worries. My thoughts are broken by a pair of lips touching mine. I am surrounded by the smell of cinnamon. There is a small breeze caressing our bodies. We are in our own little word for a few minutes.
    He breaks the kiss. “You were thinking so hard that I figured you needed a distraction.”
    “A little cocky, aren’t you?”
    “Lately, I have been told that a lot.” He winks. “Are you hungry?” As he asks that, an older woman with greying hair brings out a plate of fruits...sliced apples, peaches, pears, oranges, and plump green and red grapes.
    “I could eat. But where are the strawberries?” I wink, recalling what happened the last time I ate a strawberry.
    “They are for dessert. I want to actually get through our meal without one of us jumping the other.” He smirks.
    “Are you smirking at me?” I playfully tease him, fluttering my lashes.
    “Only