Broken

Chapter 16

I slid my hand into Stephen's, and we started to walk along the water. It was a beautiful day to be out, and by the water. I stopped and held onto Stephen's shoulder as I slipped off my shoes to walk in the sand.

"I'll hold them." he said, reaching out for my shoes.

"Thank you." I said as I held onto his arm, and we continued to walk.

"Do you want coffee?" Stephen asked as we walked past a little coffee shop.

"Sure." I said nodding.

We stepped into line, and Stephen pulled me into his chest. I laid my head on his shoulder as he rubbed my back. When it was our turn, Stephen ordered for us, and I just smiled at him.

"There are some tables down a little ways, where we can sit." He said taking my hand.

I stepped back into my shoes, and we found a little table to sit down at. Stephen put his chair right next to me, and I laid my head on his shoulder. We were quiet as we just watched the water move. It was peaceful out here, even with all the people around.

"I don't think we should tell people about us... not yet at least." I said nervously.

Stephen looked down at me, confused. "Why not?"

"I don't know, I just feel like it's typical for the boss to date their assistant or secretary. There is enough going around the company about me, I don't want to be seen as a whore." I said rolling my eyes.

Stephen was quiet for a minute before he said, "I hate that. I hate the way you are treated and talked about."

I shrugged, "I can't do anything about it. If I fired everyone who referred to me as 'The Devil' The only people left would be you and Diane." I said as I set my cup on the table and crossed my arms.

Stephen put his arm over my shoulders, and gently kissed over my cheek and neck, "I'm not going anywhere, Claire." He whispered.

I turned into him and gently kissed him, "I hope not." I said as I looked at him.

When we finished our coffee we walked back down to the edge of the water. I couldn't help but look at him as we walked. I have no idea how he came into my life and just turned it upside down in the best way possible.

We stopped walking, and Stephen bent down and rummaged through the rocks on the shore. He would pick up one and look at it, then either put it in his other hand, or toss it aside.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

He stood up, and turned sideways. Moving his hand back he quickly threw the rock out on the water making it skip. He looked at me over his shoulder, and handed me a couple of the rocks. I watched as he did it again, and tried to mimic his movements. I chewed the side of my cheek, as I threw the rock. All it did was plop right into the water.

I heard Stephen laugh, "Well that didn't work."

"I don't know how to do it." I said as I picked another rock out of my hand.

"I'll help." He said as he stepped behind me.

He put one arm around my waist and stepped into me so I was pressed against his chest. He positioned the rock in my hand so my finger rested along the edge of it.

"You have to snap your wrist at the last minute." He whispered into my ear.

I could feel his breath on my neck, and I slightly turned my head into him. I felt his nose on my cheek, and I could smell my soap that was on him from showering earlier.