Catch Me (The Winters Family Series: Book 1) Read online

  Isabel was giggling as they walked into the news room. She sat down her coffee at her desk, "yes, yes, and yes! And for the record, it was just two people taking a walk together, so it's not all that juicy."

  "Oh no you don't. Walk, what, when, where? Talk girl!"

  Isabel put her hands up in surrender, sat down, and shared her morning. She decided to leave out the nude episode, and made a mental note to buy curtains this week ASAP.

  When she finally finished, Shawna was leaning one elbow on her desk, resting her head in her hand, with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Why can't I ever get that lucky? Do you realize what this means? Oh my god your neighbor is totally interested in you."

  Isabel was feeling nervous and excited on her drive home from work. When she pulled up to her cozy little cottage, she looked over and smiled. Drew was sitting on his porch. The man was too beautiful. Someone needed to pinch her, this night couldn't really be happening.

  He had his legs resting on the railing, with a beer resting in his hand. He immediately smiled when he saw her pull up. He stood up, and Isabel just about forgot to put her car in park. While still in the car she found herself talking to herself.

  "Come on Izzy you are beautiful, strong, happy, and completely smitten with this man....no, no, crap, this is not helping." She opened her door and sat there for a few more seconds.

  Drew walked over to her car, smiling. "You okay?"

  Isabel immediately felt her cheeks flush, "All good. Sorry, was a crazy day."

  Drew leaned on her car door. "Then I believe it is time for you to relax. I hope you have an appetite?" He held out his hand, and helped her from her little car. His touch was gentle, his hand was rough, yet so soft. The heat that shot through Isabel's hand was immediate, and brought a jolt of awareness to her.

  She smiled, "I'm starving. What are we having?"

  He touched her nose in a gentle, flirtatious way and said, "that is a surprise."

  Isabel had dated, she even had a long term relationship. There was something different about this man, the heat he created by just one gentle touch was almost too much. She just met him, yet Drew took her breath away.

  The air was cool, a breeze blowing in from the ocean. They walked onto his porch. She smiled with unease, not because of dinner, but because this man was creating feelings she was not prepared to have just yet.

  Drew looked into her eyes, "would you like wine or beer for dinner?"

  Isabel felt like saying, "a shot of bourbon would be good." Instead she decided on a glass of wine to calm her crazy nerves.

  Drew lead her to a chair, and carefully pushed her up to the table. He then stood behind her, and put his hands on her shoulders, and bent down to her ear. He quietly said in a low husky voice, "are you up for a little mystery dinner?"

  A jolt of heat shot through her from where his hands were, and went all the way down to her very intimate spot. With a shaky voice she forced out, "yes."

  The next moment Isabel was shocked, Drew reached in his back pocket and pulled out one of his ties. Smiling, he tied the tie around her head, and covered her eyes up. "No peeking allowed."

  For the next minute or so Isabel heard clanking, and rustling around. Then she felt Drew's leg resting next to hers. "Okay, since you told me about your love for cooking, food, and trying new things- I thought this would be fun." In a sexy voice he said, "Do you trust me, Isabel?"

  Laughing nervously, with an obvious tremor in her voice, "I just met you, I guess we'll have to see." Then she felt something lightly touch her bottom lip. She parted her lips slowly with apprehension, and slowly began chewing. The taste was sweet and salty in one bite.

  With a grin, "are we having dessert first?"

  "Maybe," was all Drew could reply at that moment. He was watching her as she took the bite of salted caramel ice cream cake. Her lips were full and ready. Her face was so gentle and kind, with strands of her long dark hair falling around her face. She had soft velvety skin, and a beautiful creamy complexion. Her eyes were the color of the rainforest, and truly radiant.

  He slowly slide the tie off, and looked into her eyes. She had more than one emotion flash across her face. He grinned at her, and then feed her another forkful of the decadent ice cream cake.

  She laughed, "where I grew up, dessert is supposed to be served last."

  He looked down, then straight into her eyes, "It takes too long to get through all the courses. Can I ask you something personal?"

  "Ummmm... okay?" Isabel had no idea what the question could possibly be.

  He looked at her with a devious grin. His heart felt like it was beating a mile a minute. His palms felt sweaty. He knew this was as good of a time as any, he had to just ask. He cleared his throat, "Did I really see you standing at your bay window this morning... naked?"

  She looked momentarily stunned, then started to say, "I'm sorry..."

  Drew was inches from her mouth, "I'm not." Then he lightly touched his lips to hers. The touch was so soft, yet you could feel the wanting between them.

  She nervously pulled away, unsure of her feelings. He had desire in his eyes and that scared her. She quickly stood, knocking over her chair, looked at him, and then walked straight to her cottage.

  Isabel grabbed a few towels from the closet to place on her bedroom windows. She undressed and laid down on her bed. She wanted to scream, maybe even laugh, but what came was tears.

  The next morning she woke to a light knock on her door. She decided to ignore it, she knew it had to be Drew.

  She was still feeling unsure, and maybe just a little scared. Growing up, she was the one drooling over all the hot guys. No one showed interest in her, instead she was that friend you could count on. It wasn't until college, when she finally felt strong enough to ask a guy she worked with on a date. When he didn't laugh at her, she realized something had changed. That guy proved her wrong by trying to get in her pants on their first date. That unlucky streak with guys followed her wherever she went.

  This man next door could easily be a model. Definitely not someone who would find sweet, funny, plus-size Izzy attractive. Men like him wanted cute, petite, blonde, blue-eyed women... right?

  At about 10:00 am she finally made herself get up and start her day. She had heard Drew's jeep leave about an hour ago. She opened her door and gasped. There was a small bouquet of flowers, with a note attached. "To a truly stunning woman, with a gorgeous smile. I never meant to upset you, I hope you will let me make it up to you in a few days when I am back from work? Drew." The small heart next to his name made her smile.

  "Wow" was the only thought that rolled through her brain. Talk about confusing, and lovely all in one. Isabel decided to take a walk to clear her head.

  Drew headed to work about 8:45 am, but before he left, he went out and picked a bouquet of flowers for Isabel. His first thought was, "who was this man picking flowers?" His second thought was even more extreme. He really wanted to get to know Isabel, but he now knew he had to take it slow.

  When he walked into the fire station, his mind was only focused on one thing, one woman. It was amazing how she scrambled his brain.

  Danny was sitting at the table when Drew walked in, and let out a little laugh, "Hey man, good morning sunshine!" Danny could see by the glazed look in Drew's eyes something was up. "What has you so distracted?"

  Drew slumped in a chair, and sighed, "I met a girl."

  Danny just laughed, "That will do it every time. Do I know this girl?"

  Drew shook his head, "No, she's my neighbor. I went for a walk with her yesterday, and made her dinner..."

  Danny put his hands up, "Whoa, whoa, you made dinner for her... AND you just met her. Who are you, and what have you done with Drew?"

  Drew stood and took the chair opposite his friend. He had been friends with Danny for years, since grade school. Danny read him like a book, but never judged.

  Drew leaned back and crossed his arms on his chest. "There is something different about her, she's not like a
nyone I've ever dated. She is honest, funny, strong, and just really... hot."

  He started sharing how his day started, on his way out for a run. When he finished, Danny's mouth was half open, and the look in his friend's eyes was unreadable. "You can see she is unsure, so I backed off. Which was not easy."

  Danny grinned, "Well just give her space, but if you want my honest opinion. She may be nervous, but I bet she's totally into you, too."

  After only eight hours on his shift, Drew felt like he needed get out of the station's four walls, and there were enough firefighters on duty. He told Danny he needed to go out for about an hour. If he needed to get a hold of him, he had his cellphone.

  Danny just grinned, "Go talk to her, you'll feel better."

  Somehow Danny always knew what he was thinking. After all these years, and working so closely, it only made sense. They were in sports together. They went out on double dates together. Then after graduation they both decided they wanted to be firefighters. They loved living on the coast of North Carolina, so there was no reason to move away.

  Danny slapped Drew on the back, and just gave him that look. Basically the look that said, go get the girl!

  Drew was feeling a bit nervous, which was so like him. He had been worried all day he had blown his chance of getting to know Isabel.

  When he pulled up to the station, he took a deep breath, and decided it was now or never.

  He waited in the lobby for her, flipping through the various magazines from the coffee table. He heard foot steps, and looked up to find Isabel walking toward him. She had a slight grin, a mixture of happiness and confusion in her eyes.

  She stopped just inches from him, "Hi. Everything okay?"

  He was momentarily speechless. Her scent was intoxicating, with the scent of berries and a hint of vanilla. He wanted to breathe her in, maybe even run his tongue up the side of her neck and enjoy every last inch of her. Okay, yeah, he had a problem and he needed to reel himself immediately.

  "Hi." Drew finally managed to get out, with a slight shake in his voice. He put his hands in his pockets and looked down for a moment. He then slowly let his gaze wander the length of her curvaceous body, before settling on those gorgeous green eyes. "I hope this is not a bad time? I knew this might be the only way you would let me see you after last night. I just wanted to apologi....." He trailed off when Isabel stopped him by touching his arm lightly.

  "You have nothing to apologize for, and actually I think I'm the one who owes you an apology."

  Isabel had never felt more nervous, and more sure at that very moment. She loved everything about last night, except the way she left. Her problem was going to be believing in everything he shared with his words, and emotionally.

  "What? I guess I am a bit confused." Drew had to sit back down on couch.

  Isabel sat down next to him, their legs just slightly touching. The heat that radiated between them made this cool room feel like 100 degrees. "This is not the right time or place, will you be back home tomorrow?"

  Drew knew he could get a few hours away early. "Yes, but only for a few hours in the morning. Will you be around?"

  Isabel stood, looked directly in his eyes, "How about I make us some breakfast? I make a mean omelet."

  Drew just laughed softly. He squeezed her hand, "sounds perfect. See you in the morning!"

  Isabel awoke earlier then normal. The sun was shining through the curtains, casting a shimmer of light across her bed. She knew Drew would be arriving soon, which caused her insides to tingle.

  She finally made herself get up, shower, and started working on breakfast. She was chopping bell peppers when a light knock startled her. Isabel smiled just at the thought of seeing Drew. Shaking her head, and giggling lightly, she opened the door.

  The sight was breathtaking. Drew was wearing worn jeans, and a royal blue t-shirt that was tight around his abdomen and biceps. The blue in his shirt made his eyes look electric, which caused a bit of a fire inside her.

  He smiled, "Well good morning, What are you giggling at?"

  Isabel's eyes light up, "Oh, you don't want to know. I hope you are hungry?"

  They walked in together with only a breath separating them. Drew grabbed a piece of bell pepper and walked over to Isabel. He looked into her eyes, and without ever taking their eyes from each other, slowly brought the bell pepper to her lips. She took in a shaky breath, and opened her mouth to the sweet, juicy piece of pepper. Without thinking she brushed her tongue across her lips. Drew stepped back, and immediately apologized.

  With a questioned look, "why are you apologizing?"

  Drew smiled, "Isabel, you make my mind pure fog. I wish I knew what it was, but you make me crazy. I have never felt this way about anyone. I am craving your smell, your smile, you."

  Isabel was a bit speechless, which never happened. She was leaning against her counter, and Drew walked up to her, putting his arms on either side of her, moving his mouth to her ear. "I have a request."

  She was breathing fast, and it was quite possible her heart would pop out of her chest. She took in a shaky breath, "yes..."

  He then quickly moved to her windows and pulled down the bath towels she draped over her windows. "Stick to just the shimmery curtains!"

  Isabel burst into laughter.

  Breakfast was perfect, they spent their short amount of time together talking, with a bit of flirting.

  Isabel was passing him some toast, "Do you have family here in North Carolina?"

  Drew was so happy to be here in this moment with Isabel. He smiled, "Yes, my parents live about 30 minutes away. We all get together a lot for dinner, holidays, special occasions."

  Isabel was curious, "You ALL get together? Do you have brother and sisters?"

  Laughing, Drew shared, "No sisters, but there were times I wished we had one to mix things up. I have three brothers, but I am the only Firefighter in the family. My middle brother is a math teacher. The youngest brother is a Chef in Los Angeles, and my oldest brother is a Police Officer."

  Isabel's eyes widened, with a look of surprise, "Three brothers? Wow, I only have one brother, but he protected so well it felt like I had three brothers."

  Every word Isabel spoke was like music to his ears. Her eyes lit up when she was happy, with sparkles radiating in the corners of each eye.

  Drew took a bite of his omelet, "That IS a mean omelet. It is so good!"

  Isabel smiled, started to look down then looked straight into Drew's blue eyes.

  "You should do that all day long."

  Isabel looked surprised, and with a nervous laugh said, "what?"

  He just simply looked at her, with complete passion and said, "smile."

  Breakfast was amazing. Isabel was still reeling from the time they spent together. Drew's words were still running around in her head. "You should do that all day long!" "Smile!" Wow, that is all she could think of at the moment.

  Living in North Carolina, on a beach, next to a beautiful firefighter, this was all to surreal. She needed to come back to reality. She snuggled up on her fluffy chair in the corner of the living room, sitting right next to the front window with the spectacular view.

  She felt an urge to make a call. When her mom answered the phone, Isabel felt a ping of excitement. With all the happiness of the job, and living in the South, Isabel really did still miss the crazy life of living in a big city, being surrounded by family. As much as she missed Philly, though, moving back there was not even on her mind.

  "Hi, Mom!"

  Isabel's mom Camille was always happy, so full of life, and loved her children so much. "My sweet Isabel! How are you darling?"

  For Isabel there was something calming about talking to her mom. "I'm good. Work is busy, but the same. I finally met my neighbor."

  Camille seemed surprised, "you did, what is he like? I worry about you and your safety you know."

  Isabel let out a sigh, then with a slight laugh, "I know, I know. I am fine, I promise. My neighbor is wonderful, actua
lly. We had dinner the other night, and he was just here for my special omelet."

  "Wow! Well this is interesting! You just met him, but you sound so serious."

  Isabel paused, lost for words.

  Camille laughed, "Darling, it is okay to feel an instant attraction to someone. You know your father and I only dated for four months before we got engaged. If you feel an attraction, enjoy the moment, see where it takes you."

  Isabel felt a weight come off her. "Thanks, Mom, I really needed that right now. Will you and dad be coming to visit soon?"

  Camille sounded excited, "We would love to come visit in the next few weeks. Should we get a hotel room, or do you have enough room at your little cottage?"

  "It is tight squeeze, but more than enough room for you and Dad. That would be so fun, please come down soon, and stay right here."

  "Sounds wonderful darling, we will call next week with our exact plans."

  When Isabel hung up the phone, she felt that immediate feeling of calm. Her mom always had a way of managing her emotions even from Philly.

  She decided sitting inside on this beautiful day was just a waste. So she got up from her fluffy chair, and headed to her room to change into shorts and a t-shirt. She opened the door at the same time Drew was about to knock on it. Isabel let out a gasp of surprise, and Drew stumbled back slightly.

  "Oh my word, you startled me. I thought you had already left for work!"

  Drew was grinning from ear to ear, "Well I did. Then realized I needed to take care of something first." He took a few steps toward her. His body was humming with desire.

  She immediately felt his desire. With a slow seductive grin, "you did, huh?"

  He stepped in front of her, only a moment separating them. He cupped the sides of her face with his rough warm hands, her skin was warm, and so soft. "I am not sure how it happened, but in this short amount of time, you have completely altered my senses. My thoughts are only of you, and that means you have managed to distract me even when I'm working."