A Summer To Remember: Novella (Lost Love Book 1) by C.L. Richards Page A

trembles with the need to leave.
    I palm my forehead, with my fingers splayed across my eyes, trying to convince myself to stay put.  “Don’t hide from me Isabelle.” Cupping my chin with his hand, tilting my head until my eyes are level with his. In delicately spoken words, he says, “If you rather take it slow or be friends, I want you in any way I can.”
    Both lost in each other, he lowers his head, eyes focused on my lips. Softly biting my lip, his thumb swipes across them, freeing them from their hold. Not realizing what’s happening, his lips touch mine. My body goes rigid. What is he thinking? He stays motionless, waiting for me to reassure him.
    Scrambling off his lap, why the hell didn’t I realize he would kiss me. I’m somewhat pissed at myself. I shouldn’t have led him on, I’m not ready to get into anything with anybody.
      With a quick peek over my shoulder before leaving the room. Xavier’s forehead is creased. His arms crossed over his broad chest, looking at me sympathetically. Feeling self-conscious, I make my way to the stairs without saying a word.   
     
    ~#~
     
    Deciding on having a bath to try and get some semblance in my mind. How could I have not known, Josh suffered from depression. Was I that self-centered? I’m not sure how long I’ve been soaking, but the water is getting cold. Pulling a towel off the rack, wrapping it around myself, I make my way across the hall. Pushing the door to my room open, I gasp in surprise. Xavier’s led on my bed with his hands behind his head. His eyes are closed, stepping almost silently over to my closet. I find silk pyjamas, being quiet not to disturb him. I lower my towel whilst glancing over my shoulder to make sure he isn’t perving on me. Xavier scares the living shits out of me. “I’m wake Isabelle, there’s no need to be sneaking around.” Xavier chuckles. His eyes are still closed. Picking a cushion up off my chair, I launch it at him. Hitting him smack in the middle of his chest, “That’s what you get for scaring me, you dumbass.” He jumps up with a start, taking long strides towards me. He looks like a predator ready to catch his prey, it doesn’t take long before he’s stood in front of me. He twists his hand into my hair, pulling me towards him.  A troubled expression gracing his gorgeous features. In a disheartening tone he says,  “I’m sorry if I pushed you too far downstairs. I thought you felt the same way as I do about you.”
      Swallowing, I nod my head in defeat. “It’s not that I don’t feel the attraction, my god I do, but I’m not ready for a relationship. I have a lot going on you know.” Masking my grief with a weak smile.
    “I know,” he replies, “I shouldn't have kissed you.” with a sad smile, he hesitates before placing a kiss on my forehead, dropping his hands from my hair. He grips the door handle, his knuckles turning white from the pressure he’s applying. Without facing me, he murmurs in a quiet voice “I’m sorry Isabelle.” The door bangs behind him.
    I’m left dumbfounded, and with a sudden urge to bawl my eyes out. I collapse to the floor. Would it be wrong to love twice? Is it too soon? Covering my face with the pillow I threw at Xavier, I let out an exasperated sigh. Knowing I’m not likely to gain any answers tonight, I reach for my iPod. Scrolling through the songs until I come across my favorite. I place the pillow under my head and close my eyes, focusing on the words in the song. My eyes are feeling heavy, I let the world slip by me and drift off to sleep.
     
    ~#~
     
    Why can’t I turn over? Something heavy is pressing into my side. Inhaling through my nose, I’m graced with the most beautiful smell, clean but with a hint woodsy. Instantly becoming aware of who is lying beside to me. I take a few moments to relish being in Xavier’s arms, How did I get to bed?  I remember lying on the floor listening to my iPod, but that’s where it ends. Surely I would’ve