Building Faith (Long Beach Series Book 2) by Dani Matthews Page B

she visiting me so early when it's obvious she'd just gotten out of bed?
    Zoey walks over to my bowl of cereal on the counter and sticks a finger in it, evidently testing it to see if there's milk in the bowl. “Can I have this? I haven't eaten yet.”
    “Now that you've stuck your finger in it, go for it,” I say as I wrinkle my nose.
    She shoots me a cheeky grin and walks over to the refrigerator. “Hey, what's this?” she asks as she peers at the list.
    Darn it! I put it up for my eyes only, but I forgot I might have visitors.
    “Cool. It's a bucket list. Why do you have sex on there?” she asks with her usual bluntness as she turns and looks at me expectantly.
    I shrug and fight back my embarrassment.
    Zoey's eyebrows arch. “Faith?”
    “It's private,” I say lightly, hoping she'll let it go.
    “Nuh-uh,” she says, crossing her arms over her breasts. “Spill or I'll harass you until you do,” she threatens.
    These people have a way of getting under my skin, and once again, I walk over to the stool to sit down. I give in to her threat and confess, “I don't think sex with Justin was as great as it could have been. I think I'm missing out on something,”
    Zoey tilts her head slightly and studies me. “You mean it was boring, and you want to experience something better?”
    “Something like that.”
    “Hmm. Well, be careful,” she warns as she turns and opens my refrigerator. She pulls out the milk and shuts the door, her eyes sliding back to me. “Guys can be total assholes, so make sure you pick a good one if you're looking for casual sex. I could probably point you in the direction of a few guys that would treat you good, but be warned, they won't want anything serious. A lot of guys I know aren't ready to settle down if you know what I mean.”
    I nod. “I'm not looking for anything, not after Justin,” I say with a slight shudder.
    Zoey walks over and pours the milk in her cereal. After she puts the milk back, she settles on the other stool. “Why do you have a car on the list? You've got money, why wait if you want one so bad?” she asks as she dips the spoon in the cereal and takes a huge bite, her eyes focused on me as she chews.
    “Like I said before, I don't want to use my parents’ money. I'll eventually want a car, but right now I'm content walking.”
    Zoey nods. “And the tattoos?”
    I fidget on my stool. “I want to cover up the scars on my back.”
    Her brown eyes widen with realization. “Oh! Oh. Is that why you were reluctant to wear the halter top? God, I'm such an insensitive ass. I didn't realize... I'm sorry, Faith,” she tells me sincerely.
    “It's okay. You didn't know, and I didn't speak up. I just don't want to see them anymore when I look in the mirror, and I don't want to have to hide or be restricted when it comes to clothing.”
    She suddenly sets her jaw and gives me a purposeful stare. “Speaking of you not speaking up, you gotta work on that. If you don't agree with me on something, say it. I'm not going to get mad. I swear.”
    “I'm working on being more assertive, and I'll try harder,” I assure. I'm feeling more confident than I had when I first arrived. I still have a ways to go, but I can feel myself slowly letting go of the old Faith.
    “Good. Now, for the real reason I dropped over at the ass crack of dawn,” Zoey announces as she sets her spoon down.
    I glance at the clock on the microwave. “It's nine in the morning.”
    Zoey nods seriously. “Nine is the ass crack of dawn if it's the weekend.”
    I fight back a laugh. I'm sure Caleb has his hands full with her on a daily basis. “Okay. So why did you drag yourself out of bed to see me?”
    “You ran off with Ace last night.”
    Uh-oh. “I did,” I agree cautiously.
    Concern flickers in her gaze. “Faith, I really need you to listen to me. Ace is hard to resist, I get it. He's a very sexy man, and he's easy to be around. But don't fall for him. I don't think he'll ever settle down, and