Wanting Reed (Break Me) BOOK 2 Read Online Free PDF Page A

kissing her on the cheek.
    “I love the ocean.”
    “I know,” I answer as she gives me a sideways glance and smiles. “Someday I’ll take you there.”

 
     
     
    It’s Tuesday afternoon, and I’ve been busy completing paperwork for the new employees we’ve hired at the center. I shove all the new files inside the file cabinet marked active and pull out Reed’s to move him to the inactive cabinet. It’s kind of fitting in a way. I run my finger over his name scribbled on the manila file folder like I’m going to feel some connection. It’s like I’m rubbing a magic lamp and he’d magically appear if I wished for him. Part of me wants him here, and the other part just wants to just push away every minute I spent with him. I need to bury it in the sand like it never happened, along with every emotion I ever felt for him. Unfortunately, that’s not so easy to do. The feelings will linger like an open wound that will never heal, only leaving a scar as a constant reminder.
    I set Reed’s file on top and flip it open. I’m not snooping or investigating anymore, only closing the door on a short, but amazing, one month of my life. He made me feel complete one minute and then utter and total devastation the next. I still remember his kiss, the way he touched me, and the richness and softness of his voice when he whispered my name.
    This is the most I’ve thought about him in two weeks as I leaf through the papers in his file. A black and white copy of his Texas driver’s license stares back at me, showing off his crooked smile and hair that falls perfectly over his eye and those full, red lips that tasted so sweet. It brings a reluctant smile to my face just picturing him sitting down and filling out the paperwork. I notice the way he signs his name with a large swooping “R”and “A,” followed by an unreadable scribble that I trace with my finger. The rest of the information is filled out in small capital letters in his handwriting.
    He listed Tommy as his next of kin in case of an emergency, and there was no physical address in Texas, just a P.O. Box. If I ever wanted to find him, he couldn’t be found. He’s gone now. It’s like remembering the important parts for a test, only to forget what you memorized after you’re finished. However, this is one test that will stay with me. I shut the file, close my eyes and lean back in my chair. I allow my mind to wonder what he’s doing and begin to place hope that just maybe he’ll call or come back. Why hope? Why wait? I still have his number. No. He left me. I can’t forgive someone else for their mistakes or for hurting me. I won’t do it.
    “Elle, did you complete that paperwork for the new hires? I need to get it over to payroll to get them set up.” Startled, I raise my chin and see Craig, the director, gazing at me with his warm eyes. He’s an average-looking man about five-feet-ten and toned with black hair and dark brown eyes, wearing a pair of ironed khakis and white T-shirt. He’s probably in his early forties, and he’s a new father to a two-month-old baby girl named Maddie.
    “Yes, I have the files right here, and I sent all the payroll information in an email,” I say as he walks toward the desk and picks up Reed’s file, scanning the name off the tab.
    “Reed was a good guy. I hired him,” he says, slapping the file in his open palm. “It’s a shame he left. The kids really loved him. To be such a big guy, he was very attentive and caring.”
    “Yes,” I reply, swallowing loudly. That was the last thing I wanted to hear about the guy who mysteriously bailed on me. “Well, let’s hope the new counselor is just as considerate,” I counter in an attempt to end any more conversation about Reed.
    “Let’s hope so. Reed is going to be a tough act to follow.” He smiles as he hands the file back to me so I can put it away. Great , I think to myself. I guess I can relate to his comment. I half-smile in response while turning to