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

  This was the first time all week she could finally take a break and relax. Instead she was on edge, stressed, and freaking out. The conversation with her News Director kept replaying over and over in her head. Trying to sleep was out of the question. This was going to be a long night. A perfect night to bake and release some of her stress.

  She pulled out some bread flour, and decided homemade sweet rolls sounded perfect. First she prepped the dough, so that it could rise properly. While she was waiting for the dough to rise, she poured herself a glass of wine and sat on her porch. It was 1:00 AM and she was wide awake and making sweet rolls. She mumbled to herself, "This is just crazy!"

  A vibration startled her out of her reverie and made her jump. Her phone was ringing. She ran back in the house to grab her phone and saw that it was Drew calling. "Hi, Sweetie!"

  Drew loved the sound of her voice, "Hi, Baby! Did I wake you?"

  "No, I couldn't sleep, so I am baking."

  A pause while that sunk into Drew's head. "It's one AM. Everything okay, Izzy?"

  "Oh yeah, everything is fine I promise. Just had a long week, and a lot on my mind. How are you doing? Will you be home tomorrow or Sunday?" Isabel was trying to sound calm and cool. But her voice was wanting to deceive her, and her heart rate was slowly starting to increase.

  "Isabel, what is it? Your voice sounds shaky?"

  "I promise I'm fine. I bet I'm just tired. I'm almost done with what I am baking, then I will finally crash." Isabel was saying a mantra over and over in her head. You got this, Izzy, you can do this, just sound happy, Izzy.

  "I'm scheduled to work till 6:00 PM today, since it is already Saturday. Can I see you later?"

  You got this, Izzy, you can do this, just sound happy, Izzy. "Of course. I have no plans except to throw you on my bed and have my way with you."

  Drew let out a laugh, "Oh! I was thinking the couch, but the bed is so much better."

  Isabel felt herself calm. It was Drew having that effect on her. He knew what to say to make her feel good. "We could try out both the couch and then the bed? If we are not satisfied, we can try out your couch and bed?"

  Drew took in a deep breath, "What you do to me, Izzy. I think we have a date then. What are you baking?"

  "How does melt-in-your-mouth sweet rolls sound?"

  Drew smiled, "My mouth is watering just thinking about them. You sure you are okay, Love?"

  You got this, Izzy, you can do this, just sound happy, Izzy. "Yes, I'm fine! Now let me finish these sweet rolls, and get some rest. It sounds like it will be a long night."

  Drew laughed again, "Yes, it will be. See you soon, Baby!"

  At about 6:00 PM on Saturday, Isabel knew Drew would be home any minute. She had spent the day in a daze. Her sweet rolls were perfect, thank goodness. Somehow even with fatigue, and a foggy mind, she was able to make melt-in-your-mouth sweet rolls. She was resting on the porch when she saw Drew's Jeep. Still reciting her mantra, she stood and started walking towards him. All she wanted was to be held by him, and now.

  Drew was parking the Jeep when he saw Isabel start to head his way. There was something wrong, but he had no idea what it could be. Last night she just did not sound herself, but he did not want to push her. Now, he could tell by the look in her eyes something was seriously bothering her.

  He hopped out of the Jeep and held his arms open. Isabel leaped into his embrace, and wrapped her legs around his waist. Drew just held her tight, "A guy could definitely get used to a greeting like this!"

  Isabel was starting to forget her mantra. She buried her head into the side of his neck. "Isabel, what is it? I knew something had to be wrong, now I am sure there is something going on."

  Drew walked to his cabin with Isabel in his arms. She was holding on so tight, he almost struggled walking up his steps to his cottage. She never made a sound, just stayed snuggled into his embrace. He finally had the door open, and walked to his couch to sit down.

  "Hey, look at me." Drew was trying to carefully get her to look at him. Then he heard a sniffle. "Baby, please tell me what it is that has you so sad?"

  Isabel wanted to melt into his embrace and just stay there forever. She had held her tears at bay, then the moment she was in his arms the flood gates opened. There was no holding back now, she had to be honest with him. She calmed down some, and leaned up to look into his radiant blue eyes. Oh those eyes, how they made all her worries seem to disappear, even just for a few minutes.

  "I'm sorry. I really didn't plan to be so emotional. Then your arms were around me and well... here we are." She cupped the side of his face, and he leaned into her touch. "I really don't want to talk about this just yet, okay?"

  Drew didn't know what was okay, but her crying was definitely not okay. "Izzy, I come home to you launching yourself at me, and then discover you are crying. Baby, you have this light about you, just like your mom said. Today, it's gone, like completely gone. I feel like maybe we should just get it out in the open. Maybe it will make you feel better?"

  Isabel knew it would make her feel worse. She was so afraid he would not want to talk to her. She took a deep breath, "My News Director called me into his office yesterday, about two hours into my shift."

  Drew wanted to ask questions, but instead just listened. He had his hands on her hips, and was brushing his thumbs up and down over her silky skin. He loved how she felt. Then Isabel moved off his lap and was standing next to his living room window.

  She was trying to find the perfect way to tell him everything. She had to make some distance in between them, he was just too distracting. "My old station in Philly, they called him. Apparently they are looking to make some changes to the morning show, and want me as one of the main anchors."

  Drew was speechless for a second. He knew he had to speak, and now. She can't leave, not yet. His mind was reeling, how was he supposed to react to this news? "It's not official right? You can think about it?"

  Isabel knew he was having a tough time with this news, too. What she wanted to say was 'Oh, my handsome Drew, I am not ready to let you go just yet.' When she opened her mouth, she said "They want me to fly there on Wednesday to talk to the News Director about the opportunity. I will probably stay through the weekend to visit with my family."

  Drew stood and walked towards her, then pulled her into his embrace. "You have to do what your heart tells you to do. If this is what you want, you should take it." What he really wanted to say was 'please don't go. I need you Izzy, I love you.' He knew he couldn't tell her how much he loved her now. It would just feel like he was telling her those three little words as a way to keep her here.

  Isabel couldn't think about this anymore. She wanted to just be wrapped in Drew's arms, with him buried deep inside her. She turned to face him, reached up and fisted her hands in his hair. Looking into those ocean blue eyes, she brought his mouth to hers. She kissed him with such fierce emotion, so much passion.

  Drew was not expecting her to kiss him. Well, not like this. She was holding him so tight he was afraid to move. He managed to break free from the kiss. They were both breathing so heavily. "Baby, are you okay?"

  "I just don't want to think about it right now. Make me forget Drew, please!"

  Drew pulled her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. He stopped suddenly in his doorway, "Hey, wait a minute, I thought I was getting melt-in-your-mouth sweet rolls?"

  Isabel just started laughing and with a seductive grin, "I will give you a treat if you're good!"

  Drew just moaned and then threw her on his bed. With quick precision he removed his clothes, started to remove her shirt, and paused. "You said you were going to have YOUR way with me." He unfastened her bra, then bent down and took one taut nipple into his mouth.

  Isabel cried out from the pleasure, "I'll have my way with you at my place!"

  Drew looked up into her green eyes and smiled, "promises, promises."

  Isabel was pulling him onto the bed to be with her. She just wanted him near her, in h
er, and now. As Drew made his way onto the bed beside her, he quickly removed her pants. Then he quickly rolled her onto her back. He was on top of her, his elbows resting on either side of her face. His heart rate was slowly starting to increase. With a look of desire, and slight grin, she carefully guided him into her.

  He always made her feel complete, loved. Whoa, loved? Could she already love him? She pushed the questions away for now. One minute she was trying to decide if she loved Drew. The next moment she was being lifted off the bed by a mind-blowing orgasm. She fell back, her arms falling to her sides. At the same moment Drew was feeling his release. He wrapped his arms around her and just held her tight.

  He felt her smile. Then she looked into his eyes. Before Isabel could say anything, Drew had her wrapped in his arms, and was off the bed. Isabel looked startled, "Drew, what are you doing?"

  Drew put Isabel down, then wrapped a blanket around himself. He looked at Isabel, "Want to join me under here? I need sweet rolls."

  Isabel just smiled and snuggled beside him. "Oh I see how you are, you only want me for my sweet rolls."

  Drew squeezed her behind, "Get moving lady, there are melt-in-your-mouth rolls calling my name."

  Isabel was sitting on her kitchen counter. Drew was grabbing the pan of freshly-baked rolls. He brought the pan to his nose and just inhaled the aroma. They were covered in gorgeous sugary glaze. "You really know a way to a man's heart."

  He sat the pan down next to Izzy, and went to stand in between her legs. He reached into the pan and pulled out a sweet roll. He looked at Isabel, then at the delicious treat dripping sugary glaze from his fingers. The one bite made him moan, "Wow, I may be in loads of trouble now."

  She eyed him suspiciously, "Trouble? Why would you be in trouble?"

  "I just don't see this pan of delicious happiness making it past today. Plus, that also means I may need to run a little extra to balance it all out."

  Isabel just laughed, "We could save some for dinner with your family tomorrow?"

  Drew's mouth was agape, "ummmm... no!"

  She playfully pushed him, "Drew! You should share with your family!"

  He was now pouting, "What if I don't want to share?" Then he flashed a devilish grin "We can share the next pan, this pan is all ours."

  Isabel looked stunned, "Who said I was making another pan?"

  Drew gave his best puppy dog eyes, "If I ask nicely will you?" He then reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

  She was momentarily frozen from his touch, it was like an electric shock. "If you keep that up, I may give in."

  Their eyes were locked on each other. Drew finished his sweet roll. There was still glaze on his fingers. He reached up and placed his index finger in Isabel's mouth. She slowly took his finger into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the tip of his finger. Then slowly sucked on his finger. Drew closed his eyes and moaned softly.

  He removed his finger from her mouth, and leaned forward to capture her lips in his. She tasted of sugar and oranges. He loved how soft her lips felt on his. He loved kissing her. Their tongues tangled and explored. The kiss was starting to become more intense, he wrapped his arms around her, her hands fisted in his hair.

  Isabel pulled away suddenly, "Do you think your family will like me?" She had a look of complete concern in her eyes.

  "Of course they will. Why would you ask that?"

  "I just feel very happy when I am with you. I know how close you and your family are, and I want them to be happy with me." Her hands were on either side of his head, and she was combing her fingers through his hair.

  The feeling of Isabel's fingers combing through his hair was slightly hypnotic. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. When he opened them she was staring at him intently. He sighed, smiled, and kissed her forearm, "Baby, they are going to love you, I promise."

  Isabel wrapped her legs around his waist and brought him closer to her. She then wrapped her arms behind his head, and kissed the corner of his mouth. Then she kissed the other corner, and leaned back to look into his eyes, they were dark with passion. She trailed a fingertip down the bridge of his nose, and traced the outline of his lips. With a smile, "Thank you, Drew Winters." Kissing him lightly on his lips, "What are you doing to me? I don't know how to react to the feelings you stir-up inside me." She then kissed him more deeply, and this time plunged her tongue inside and explored every inch of his mouth.

  Drew was not sure what to say, but he had a feeling they both were thinking of the same word.

  Love.

  CHAPTER 9

  Isabel was in her closet, knee-deep in clothes around her feet. She had been trying to decide what to wear to Drew's family dinner. Everything she tried was either too dressy or too casual.

  Drew was next door getting ready. He threw on a pair of faded blue jeans, and a button down white dress shirt he left untucked. He combed his hands through his hair and headed over to Isabel's cottage. He was ready and looking hot in about five minutes.

  He knocked on the door, and opened it, "Izzy?" Then he heard sounds of frustration coming from inside her bedroom. He walked in and closed her door. When he walked into her bedroom he was momentarily stunned. "Umm... Baby... you okay?"

  Isabel was about to throw another piece of clothing on the floor. She looked up, and with a frustrated sigh, "I don't know what to wear tonight. Everything is either too dressy or too casual." She was wearing a lacy turquoise thong and matching bra. "See, you look holy-wow gorgeous." Then she stepped carefully around the piles of clothes. Walking up to him, she smoothed her hand over each button. Glancing up, she smiled, "I love jeans and white shirts, very sexy."

  Drew was having a hard time staying in neutral, he knew they had to get going soon. Looking down and slowly making his way back up to meet her gaze. He gave a half smile, "Baby, you could go just like this and my family wouldn't care. Do you have jeans, or some simple shorts? I can guarantee they will all be in comfy, casual clothes." He put his arm around her waist, and walked to her closet. He noticed a pair of Bermuda shorts, "What about these and one of your cotton v- neck tees? Simple, gorgeous, and comfy."

  She grabbed the shorts, "Next time you should just tell me what to wear. I make too much of a mess trying to decide." Then walking into the closet, she found a bright blue cotton v-neck tee. After she was dressed, she turned in a full circle waiting for his approval. "The shirt matches your eyes, perfect!" Then in a quick movement she lunged forward, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  "Personally I like the bra and panties, but you look perfect, Sweet Izzy!"

  "Oh stop, but you can enjoy the undergarments later."

  "Promise?"

  She just laughed and kissed him lightly on his lips, "Promise."

  On the drive to his parents, Drew had taken the soft top off of the Jeep. With a sheepish grin, "Sorry about your hair."

  Isabel was loving the drive. The evening was unusually cooler for a Summer day in the South. She knotted her hair in low bun for the drive. She smiled and touched his arm, "What, are you kidding? Who cares about my hair, I will just comb through it when we get there."

  The drive took about 30 minutes. When they pulled into the drive way, Isabel just smiled. Drew's parents lived in a two-story home with white siding, and faded blue shutters on every window. The home looked like an old plantation. The porch was long and spread out from the front, and covered both sides of the house. There was an old barn that looked run down, and probably had not been touched in years. The house was nestled in a few acres of land covered by hundreds of trees. Isabel loved the home, and how there was so much shade to keep the house cool in the Summertime.

  "Drew, is this where you grew up?"

  "Yup, lived there until I became a firefighter."

  "I love it. Since I grew up in the city, I always said I wanted to live in a home like this. Especially away from the city and all the crazy sounds." She looked into his eyes, "What?"

  He just lightly touched her cheek, "
Nothing, I just like getting to know a little more about you."

  She smiled and captured his hand in hers and brought it to her mouth. She lightly kissed the inside of his hand, on the center of his palm. "I love sharing about me, I want you to know everything."

  He took in a deep breath, "Isabel, do you feel the strong connection between us? It's not just me, right?"

  She brought his hand to her heart, it was beating so fast. "It is definitely not just you."

  Just then they heard a door close loudly, startled, they both looked up. His mom and dad had walked out onto the porch. Connie and Jim had their arms around each other. Connie yelled, "Hey, you two, you plan on coming in soon?"

  Drew took one quick glance at Isabel and squeezed her hand. Then laughing, he hopped out of the Jeep, "We're coming, keep your pants on!" He walked around to Isabel, took her hand in his, and they walked to the porch together.

  "Mom, Dad, I am excited to finally introduce you to Isabel Sloane."

  His parents were so excited. Connie took both of Isabel's hands in her own, "You really are stunning, just like Drew described."

  Jim smiled, "You sure are, dear. We are so happy you could join us for dinner."

  Connie let go of one of Isabel's hands, "Come on, Sweetie, let's go inside." She turned and grabbed Drew's hand, "How are you doing, honey?"

  They walked into the house. Isabel noticed three gorgeous guys sitting in the living room. Well, now she knew good looks ran in the family. All three men rose and headed their way. Drew went over and gave a quick hug to each of his brothers. When he hugged the brother with all the tattoos, he looked really happy to see him. Isabel realized that must be Alex, who was home from L.A.

  Drew had such a look of happiness, "Guys, this is Isabel. Isabel this Alex, Joshua, and Grant."

  All three smiled and leaned in to shake her hand. She looked at everyone, "It is nice to meet you all, Drew has told me so much about you."