Catch Me (The Winters Family Series: Book 1) Page 8

  Camille and Jack smiled at each other. Camille reached her hand up and tucked a lock of hair behind Isabel's ear. "Sweet Izzy, you know how much we support you and Dane. We would travel around the world to see you both. All we hope is that you both are happy in what ever you do."

  Isabel felt her eyes start to fill with tears, she blinked them away, but it was no use. As a tear slipped down her cheek, her mother pulled her into a hug. "My sweet, sweet Izzy, your heart overfills with so much love for everyone. This time, this decision is about you, and from what I can see it is about Drew, too. Think about the opportunity, and what YOU want. Don't worry about what your father, brother or I want this time. Okay, Sweetie?"

  Isabel had her fingers knotted together, her head down, and a look of sadness etched on her face. "I am scared to make this my permanent home. Yet I can see myself with Drew here with our own family. We haven't talked about the future, so I have no idea what he wants"

  Jack touched her hands to stop her from fidgeting nervously. "Well, maybe it's time to ask him? Honey, I can see he cares for you deeply, it's written all over his face."

  Isabel softly laughed, "Really, Dad?"

  Jack leaned in and embraced his daughter in a warm hug. "Izzy, talk to him. Don't make a concrete decision yet, just talk to him, find out what he wants."

  Camille put her arms around both her husband and Isabel, "Your dad is right, Baby. We love you so much, and we are so proud of you."

  "Thank you both. I don't know what I would do without you."

  The all hugged again, and decided they had explored this battleship long enough. It was time to enjoy dinner together.

  Drew was sitting on a bench on the deck of the ship. His elbows were resting on his thighs, his hands clasped together. He was looking out at the scenery drinking it all in, when he felt a light touch on his shoulder. He looked up startled, "Hey!"

  Isabel had reached the top of the ship a little winded from all the steep stairs. She looked at the front of the ship and her heart started beating faster. Drew was on a bench looking away from her. He looked lost in thought. She wanted to run to him, wrap her arms around him, and kiss him madly. Instead she took the more conservative approach and lightly touched his arm. Smiling, "Hi, Handsome."

  "Did you see everything?"

  Isabel sat beside him, put an arm around his waist, and rested her head on his shoulder. "Yup, we decided it was time to head out and grab some Linner."

  Drew pulled her into him, and then laughed, "Linner? What is that?"

  "You know, a late lunch and early dinner, Linner. Like brunch is a late breakfast, early lunch."

  Drew just burst out laughing. Standing and taking her with him as he rose, he pulled her into a deep embrace. "Well what are we waiting for? I could go for some Linner!"

  They decided a seafood restaurant would be perfect. They were near the ocean, after all. Their table was filled with different items to share, oysters on the half shell, steamed clams, lobster tails, and since Isabel's parents had never been to Wilmington, they made sure to order the most popular Southern dish, a gorgeous giant bowl of shrimp and grits.

  Camille just moaned with pleasure, "Wow, everything is so lovely."

  Jack smiled at her, "I can see why the shrimp and grits is popular."

  Drew agreed, "It's fun to order shrimp and grits at different restaurants. The recipe is different wherever you go."

  Isabel was reaching for the last oyster. Drew grabbed it first, then laughing, "Wait, don't I get this? Since you ate the last of our grilled cheese?"

  Isabel flushed at the memories of when they made grilled cheese together. She burst out laughing, "No way, I got the last piece fair and square." She leaned right next to him, placed her hands on his and quickly ate the oyster. Looking at him with a devious grin, "hmmmmm... yum!" Then she kissed him. In that moment, it felt like an electrical current went straight through her. She pulled back and looked into his eyes, softly, "Did you feel that?"

  Drew was momentarily shocked that Isabel stole the oyster. Then when she kissed him... WOAH! He felt heat radiate from the tips of his toes, all the way to the top of his head. In a raspy voice and low enough for only her to hear, "Yes, what was that?"

  They both just looked at each other, then brought themselves back to the present. Trying to act like nothing happened, Isabel cleared her throat, looking shyly at her parents, "So when are you planning to leave tomorrow?"

  Camille and Jack felt the heat between their daughter and Drew. They both just continued eating, trying to act like they didn't notice a thing... but they definitely noticed. At that moment they knew their daughter really needed to stay here in North Carolina for a bit longer.

  Camille sat her fork down, wiped her face with a napkin, "I think we will leave early, about 8:00 am."

  Isabel seemed sad, "I am so happy you both came to visit. I wish Dane would come down, but he seems too busy lately."

  Jack smiled, "His work has been demanding. Maybe if it slows down in a few months, he can visit for a few days."

  Isabel looked hopeful, "That would be great! We email often. I was surprised with how often he writes me." Looking at Drew, adding sarcastically, "Dane is a man of many words. He tends to bury himself in his work, and forget about the outside world."

  Camille and Jack just laughed. Camille shook her head in agreement, "He is the very definition of a workaholic."

  Drew smiled, "Has he always been that way?" He loved getting to know Isabel's family. The last two days were wonderful. He understood more now why Isabel was so kind, generous, and loving.

  Jack looked proud, "Yes. Dane and Isabel are successful, because they are dedicated and hard workers. Camille and I are very lucky. They both made parenting easy."

  Isabel grabbed her dad's hand and squeezed it tightly, "Thanks, Dad! You and Mom are pretty amazing parents."

  Jack cleared his throat, patted her hand lightly, and held back his tears, "Okay, Izzy, no more sappy talk. Where should we go now? Home?"

  Drew was ready to get home. He wanted to take Isabel to his cottage, maybe talk to her. Then throw her on the bed or wherever for that matter. He needed her now. They were sitting close to each other. He carefully placed his hand on her leg, and moved it to her inner thigh.

  Isabel was about to suggest some dessert when she felt Drew's hand on her thigh. She jumped slightly, felt herself flush with excitement. Then he started to move his hand to her inner thigh and inch his way up. So instead of dessert, she said "How about we go home and relax for the evening?"

  Drew chimed in, "I love the idea of resting at home for the night. We could even build a fire on the beach and make s'mores!" He looked at Isabel, "I may need a nap though, my schedule was crazy last week."

  Isabel looked momentarily confused, and lost for words. Drew was making it very hard to think, or even talk for that matter. "A nap sounds wonderful, AND I love the idea of a fire on the beach."

  Camille looked at Isabel, then at Drew, and with a slight grin looked at her husband. Camille and Jack knew something was going on between them. They didn't say a word, just paid for dinner while laughing softly. "Sounds like a plan to us."

  When they finally arrived at the cottages, Drew excused himself and headed to his place. He felt like the trip home took ages.

  Isabel really wanted to follow Drew, but with her parents there she followed them to her place. She sat her purse down, looked at her mom, "You okay if maybe I relax for a bit next door?"

  Camille smiled, "Honey, you don't need to ask for my permission. I think I'm going to read my book on your patio for awhile."

  Isabel smiled at her mom, "Sounds perfect. Let's plan to build a fire at dusk, in a few hours?"

  Jack walked up behind Camille and hugged her. "That sounds great. I may need a nap myself after climbing all those stairs in that battleship."

  Isabel hugged them both, grabbed a change of clothes, and practically ran to Drew's place. When she opened his door she let out a squeal.

&nb
sp; Drew was standing by his door waiting for her, thinking she better hurry up. When she opened the door, he quickly grabbed her around her waist. He closed the door with his foot, and took only a couple long strides to reach his bedroom. He practically threw her on his bed. Isabel starting laughing, leaned up on her elbows watching him intently.

  He took off his shirt and pants, then slowly moved his way up her body. "What took you so long?"

  Isabel smiled, "After what you did in the restaurant, I believe we are even." She moved her hands slowly up his chest. She could feel him react to her touch. She softly laughed, and wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down. Fisting her hands in his hair, she kissed him passionately. She loved the feel of his soft lips.

  Then without words he freed her of the confinement of her clothes. This time they didn't want to rush anything. They wanted to feel, arouse, and possess every inch of each other.

  Later, Drew and Isabel had fallen asleep snuggled together. Drew woke first and realized it was dark out. He looked down at Isabel sound asleep on his chest. She had a slight smile on her face. What was she dreaming about? He bent down and kissed her temple. He whispered softly, "Baby? It's time to get up."

  Isabel was having a glorious dream, and it involved her handsome Drew. She heard him speaking to her, but it still felt like it was in her dream. Then she felt the delicious feeling of him caressing her neck, her shoulders, her arm, and kissing each finger. She opened her eyes slowly and moaned.

  He continued to kiss her softly, "We better get up. Your parents are going to wonder what happened to us."

  She looked towards the window, "oh crap, is it too late to build a fire?"

  He pulled her closer, "Nope, we have loads of time."

  Isabel smiled, "Loads of time, huh?" Then she started intently kissing him.

  They were holding hands, and laughing when they were walking up the steps of Isabel's cottage. Camille and Jack were relaxing on the patio with a glass of wine.

  Camille just smiled, "Well! There you both are! We thought you both were going to sleep the night away!"

  Drew felt bad, "I am so sorry. We both crashed and forgot to set an alarm."

  Jack just elbowed Camille, "Ha, forget to set an alarm... that's a new one we haven't heard yet."

  Isabel flushed, "Dad!"

  Jack and Camille just laughed. Jack put his hands up in surrender, "Okay, okay! So are we going to build that fire on the beach soon?"

  Isabel looked excited, "Yes, let's get stuff for s'mores, Mom. Dad, you and Drew can do the man stuff... grab the wood and start making the fire."

  They gathered up everything they would need, and headed down to the beach. It was a perfect night for a fire by the water. The night was warm, with a cool breeze blowing in from the ocean. Everyone was sitting around the fire relaxing. The only sounds heard was the crackle and pop from the fire, and the waves crashing on the shore. They had grabbed long metal skewers, and started roasting marshmallows.

  Isabel's was on fire. Drew looked alarmed and tried to grab Isabel's marshmallow before it burned too much. Isabel looked startled, "Hey, now, don't ever mess with a women's charred marshmallow."

  They all laughed. Camille looked at Drew, "For as long as we can remember, Izzy has always been very protective of food."

  Drew looked at Camille and laughed, "Good to know. I need to watch my fingers next time."

  As Isabel ate her charred marshmallow, "And protective of charred marshmallows."

  Drew just smiled, put his arm around her waist, pulled her to him, and kissed the top of her head.

  They woke earlier then normal the next morning. Camille decided they should head out early, because they had long drive home.

  Isabel was walking to the kitchen rubbing her eyes, and trying to wake up. She was just starting a pot of coffee when she heard a knock at the door. She looked startled and ran to the bedroom to throw on some clothes.

  Drew was laying in bed enjoying the show, laughing, "This will teach you to not walk around naked all the time."

  "I don't remember any objections." As she threw a shirt at him, she just laughed, "Now get dressed, and let's say goodbye to Mom and Dad."

  She ran to the door, Drew called after her "Sorry, you know I stink at waking up quickly."

  Camille smiled, "Do I smell coffee? I think we all need some after staying up so late."

  Drew was pulling his shirt down as he walked out to greet her parents. "There is always coffee available when Izzy is around." He bent and kissed Camille on the cheek, and shook Jack's hand, "Good morning!"

  After they had some breakfast and decided they were fueled up with enough caffeine, they finished packing the car and started to say their goodbyes. When Camille hugged Isabel, they both started to cry. Camille whispered in her ear, "I miss you so much, Baby, but I am so happy you found Drew.

  Isabel wiped her tears away, "Thanks, Mom, I am too."

  Camille reached up and caressed the side of her face. "You should bring him up to Philly one weekend. Dane would love to meet him."

  "I may just do that."

  Camille wiped a tear away, "No more tears, Sweet Izzy. We will call when we stop for the night okay?"

  Jack walked over and put his arm around Isabel's waist. "Do I see tears?"

  Isabel just smiled at them both, "They're just 'miss-you-both' tears. Everything else is perfect! I will chat with you tonight."

  When Jack and Camille had left, Isabel felt extreme sadness. Isabel turned to Drew, wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. "Sorry, I am getting your shirt all wet."

  Drew just pulled her back into him, "Baby, you can cry as long as you need. I imagine it is hard being away from them. You all are so close."

  She leaned back and looked into his eyes, "I keep telling myself it will get better... easier. I am not sure I fully believe myself though. You have definitely helped with making the days better."

  She leaned up and kissed him, with their arms around each other they walked side-by-side into the house.

  CHAPTER 8

  The week started off crazy for Isabel. This was starting to be pattern with her. Since Drew was at the station all week, she stayed at her cottage. On Thursday she walked into her cottage at 11:30 PM and plopped down on the side of her bed. She was thinking, "One more day and then the weekend... finally."

  She was just putting on one of Drew's t-shirts and a pair of cotton shorts, when the phone rang. "Hi, Baby!"

  Drew loved hearing her voice, "Hi, Sweet Izzy! You sound tired."

  "This week was crazier than last week. I am so excited it's almost the weekend. Do we have plans?"

  Drew loved how she said that, do 'WE' have plans. "Plans to be with you, in my bed, all weekend long."

  Isabel just smiled, "That sounds like a perfect weekend to me."

  Drew laughed, "I had a feeling you wouldn't argue. Would you like to meet my family on Sunday for dinner?"

  Isabel was immediately excited, "Of course, that sounds great. Will your brothers be there too?"

  "Normally just Alex is unable to attend, but he will be in town this weekend. My Mom is so excited to meet you."

  Isabel yawned, "Awwww, she is so sweet. It sounds like a date."

  "Okay. It sounds like you may fall asleep talking to me. Get some rest, Gorgeous."

  Isabel just sighed, "Night love!"

  At around 4:00 PM on Friday, after Isabel had been at work for just two hours. She was called into her News Director's office. She had no idea what it was all about, and she was feeling a bit nervous.

  Tom, the News Director, was sitting at his desk when she knocked on his open door. "Come on in, Isabel, and take a seat."

  "Yes, sir." She immediately had butterflies in her stomach.

  "I got a call from your old station in Philly."

  Isabel looked a bit shocked, "You did? Is everything okay?"

  Tom just smiled, "They're making some changes to their morning show, and would love to have you as one of the ma
in morning anchors."

  Isabel was speechless, she just looked at Tom. When she finally found her voice, "um, really?"

  "I thought you would be excited. You have mentioned you miss Philly. I would hate to lose you, but this is a great opportunity for you."

  Trying to find the right words, she said, "I do miss home. I'm really happy here, too. Can I think about it, Sir?"

  "Of course. They would like to fly you up there next Wednesday, and talk to you personally."

  Isabel had no idea what to do. How she would tell Drew? This was a great opportunity, but what about Drew? Shit, shit, shit. With her head down, then looking back up, "That sounds fine."

  Isabel was walking back to her desk, her head spinning. How could this be happening now? Why not two months ago, before I met Drew?

  Shawna saw her, "Isabel are you okay? You look like you just saw a ghost."

  Isabel had to talk to someone, "Tom just called me into his office."

  Before Isabel could continue, Shawna freaked out, "Did you lose your job? Oh my God, Isabel, did you?"

  Isabel just stared at her blankly, "Goodness, calm down. No, nothing like that."

  Shawna had to sit down, "Isabel, don't freak me out like that."

  Isabel for the first time since talking to Tom, just smiled. "Oh I'm sorry I worried YOU. You crack me up. No, the station I worked at in Philly, they're making changes to the morning show. They want me to be one of the main anchors. They're flying me there to talk to them next Wednesday."

  Shawna was momentarily speechless. "Um... what? That's incredible! BUT... you can't leave yet?"

  Isabel sat beside her friend, "Sweetie, I have no idea what to do right now. Things are amazing with Drew, but this is a pretty fantastic opportunity." Sounding frustrated, "I have no freaking idea what to do right now."