What's Left of Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

pavement, and his fingers twirling the keys in his hand, we walk in silence, enjoying the warm night breeze.   Summers in Minnesota are so beautiful.   It’s a shame they don’t last long.
    I wonder if I’m insane for leaving a bar with a man whose name I don’t even know.
    “I only live about five minutes from here.”   Pointing his fingers ahead, he adds, “Just up a block, then down two.”
    I smile up at him.   Looking down at our locked hands, I wonder if I should say something, but I don’t know what to say, or what to do.   Maybe I should ask his name?   That might be good.   A little icebreaker.   Fuck, why is this so difficult?   I’m just making this more awkward.   I decide it’s better if I don’t speak.
    I look over at him.   He’s running his hand through his hair.   He looks just as nervous as me, which makes me happy.
    Okay, I need to shut off all my thoughts before I talk myself out of this.
    We stop at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change.   He clears his throat next to me.
    Shit, he’s backing out!
    “My name’s Parker, by the way.”
    I close my eyes and sigh with relief. Smiling, I look up at him.   He has a hopeful expression on his face.   It makes him look a lot younger than I’m guessing he is.
    “My name is Aundrea.”
    He squeezes my hand and smiles back.   “It’s nice to meet you, Aundrea.”
    We round the corner and start making our way down the remaining two blocks.   I think he can sense my uneasiness because he pulls me in close to him, wrapping his arm around my waist.   I can’t help but think how perfect I fit against his side.   His thumb traces small circles on my side, raising goosebumps all over my body.
    We reach what I assume is his apartment building.   However, it doesn’t look like an apartment building at all.   It looks more like a hotel, lit with glowing yellow and orange lights.   It’s a stunning brick building with windows lining it all the way to the roof.
    He releases my waist, guiding me under a black canopy covering the stairs that lead up to the front door with the lightest of touches at the small of my back.   There is a security guard who opens the door and greets us with a brief wave and smile.   Parker’s arm slides back around my waist as we enter the gorgeous building.
    I’m in awe as we head toward the elevators clear across the other side of the big, open lobby.   The building has a unique historic charm, with a huge mural of a light blue sky and white clouds on the ceiling and a huge gold chandelier hanging in the center.   There are marble columns scattered throughout.   It’s absolutely breathtaking.   The gentleman at the desk to the right of the elevators greets us with a warm smile as we pass.   “Evening, Parker.”
    I really like that name.
    Parker gives him a small nod, never letting go of my hand.   “Evening.”   I can’t help but smile at the word evening.   It’s probably close to two in the morning by now.
    The elevator doors open and we walk inside.   My stomach is doing flips with all the excitement, or maybe it’s nerves.   The elevator doors are lined with glass, reflecting our bodies.   I swallow slowly as our eyes meet in the mirror.   Just like when we first met.   His lips turn up into a wicked grin and he winks.
    He gives my hand another quick, soft squeeze, and I turn to face him.   He’s watching me, smiling.   My heart is pounding so loud that I’m afraid it will jump right out of my chest.
    “Second thoughts?”
    “No,” I reply quickly.   Almost too quickly.
    He lets out a breath.   “Good.”
      Yup, he’s definitely just as nervous as I am.   When we get off the elevator, the hall is lit with gold and bronze sconces.   He’s still holding my hand, and all I can think about is how sweaty my palms are. I hope he hasn’t noticed.
    His apartment is the last door at the end of the hall.   He only lets go of my hand to get his keys, holding the door