by Nikki Rose
I finally looked up from my laptop and studied her for a minute. Was this her way of trying to make amends? I smiled and reached out to take the cupcake from her outstretched hand. “Thank you. It looks great and smelling them bake all day has been torture.”
“It’s nothing fancy but, I hope you like it.” Caroline forced a smile. I’d learned to tell the difference between her genuine smile and the smile she used when putting on a show. It was still difficult to interact with each other and I didn’t see that easing off until we were out of each other’s way. At least she was trying.
I didn’t like when she walked out that front door without me being with her to watch over her but both of us needed a little space from one another. She would be safe on the grounds. It was fully gated with security cameras that fed to my laptop, and the guardhouse.
I’d had security jobs in the past but they were all business. I’d never let myself blur the line between business and pleasure before and my dumb ass chose to make an exception with the Director’s daughter of all people. I just needed to focus on keeping her safe. I took a big bite of the cupcake she’d made for me. Once this mission was over, I could move on and hopefully one day forget about the spoiled brat who somehow managed to embed herself in my thoughts. The only problem was, once this mission was over, the need to protect her wasn’t going to go away.
Knocking on the large wooden door of the Director’s study pulled me from a dreamless sleep. My pounding head rested on the keyboard of my laptop and I rubbed my face to try to focus. I couldn’t remember falling asleep in the study or what I was even working on when I fell asleep.
I looked up from the desk to see the cleaning lady, Ms. James standing in the doorway.
“Are you alright, sir?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. What time is it?”
“Almost eight. I’m sorry to wake you but I was concerned when no one was up.”
Panic rushed through me. “Caroline’s not awake?”
“I thought she might have slept over at Amanda’s last night. Her bed was still made when I went to her room.”
“Still made?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Shit.” I barked out and took off up to Caroline’s room to see for myself.
“I’ve searched the whole house for her.” Ms. James was surprisingly quick as she followed me.
.I made it up the stairs and into Caroline’s room in record time and just as Ms. James had said, her bed was untouched. Panic rose up inside me but I needed to keep a level head. There had to be a good explanation as to where the woman I was supposed to be guarding had gone.
Desperate to find her, I called her name as I ran down the hall. I rushed out the front door, bolting toward the guardhouse when a disheveled looking security guard stepped out.
“Caroline? Have you seen her?”
“Not since she dropped off cupcakes last night.”
“Do you know where she went from there?”
“She didn’t go back to the house?”
“I don’t know. All I do know is she’s gone.”
Chapter 19
The car hit a large pothole and my head knocked against the window, waking me. The old road was lined with trees so thick you couldn’t see anything else. I’d been dreaming about Chris and was disappointed to wake up without him.
I shook my head and looked out the window. I needed to get that man out of my head. He’d turned into a different person the passed couple weeks and I still couldn’t figure out why. Except, to think maybe the new of our relationship — if I could even call it that — had worn off and he got bored. But, he hadn’t seemed bored when we’d slept together just a half hour before breakfast.
He was the best sex I’d ever had but it wasn’t just about that. Chris saw a side of me I rarely let show. Most people see a spoiled rich girl and that’s fine with me. Better them think that then the truth, that I’m scared and hurting and trying to protect myself.
I glanced over at Derek and a sickening feeling of regret sank into my stomach. Is this really the type of guy you want to be wasting your time with?
This is exactly what I need, a weekend away, unplugged. Away from my father’s lackeys— away from Chris.
I needed time to clear my mind of him completely and being around him twenty-four-seven was not going to let me get over him.
The trees rushed by us as my mind turned back to Chris. As much as I wanted to forget, he kept popping up in my mind. I needed a distraction to take my mind off of him.
“So who all is going to be at the campgrounds?”
Derek glanced at me. “A bunch of people. I don’t know them all but it will be a great time. You need this. Get a few drinks in you, maybe a little something else too. That should loosen you up some and help you relax.”
“I don’t do drugs, Derek. You know that.”
“Damn it, babe. Don’t be such a prude.” He looked at me with annoyance.
I pinned him with a warning look and he turned his gaze back to the road. “Well, a few shots of tequila then. Either way, the time away will be good for you.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’ve been cooped up way too long.”
I checked the clock on the radio. Chris would be awake by now and so would the guard. I hoped my little stunt wouldn’t get them in too much trouble with my dad but, I needed to get away and they gave me no choice. You always have a choice. My dad’s voice reminded me.
The guilt of what I’d done flooded my mind with a slideshow of events from the night before. Chris had only been following my dad’s orders. But, I reminded myself that he’d also been an asshole on numerous occasions.
“You have to get away. There’s a big camping trip going on this weekend. We are all unplugging from our phones for the whole weekend. It would do you some good.”
“It sounds nice but there’s no way I could shake my security detail.”
“I might have an idea for that.”
And he did. I stood over the mixing bowl filled with chocolate icing as I added the sleeping pills to the mix and stirred. Chris’s errand couldn’t have come at a better time. It gave me the freedom to drug the cupcakes without looking over my shoulder.
It was so hard to give Chris that cupcake. He seemed so grateful at what he assumed was my amends when in reality it was my escape. I almost turned back to stop him from eating it but I was desperate. I felt as though I was a cornered animal, desperate to get out. Once Chris and the guard were both asleep, I disabled the security cameras before Derek picked me up.
“You sure are quiet this trip.”
“Sorry. I just feel bad for — well, you know — drugging the security team.”
“You did what you had to.”
“Yeah...”
“You’ll go back and say sorry once you have a weekend away to recharge.”
“I know, I know. You’re right. This is what I need.”
“If you can ever relax. Why don’t you grab the tequila from the back and take a swig.”
“Tequila? You can’t have that in your backseat. It has to be in the trunk.”
“See. This is what I’m talking about. For just this one weekend, can’t you try to let go a little bit? For your own sake?”
“You’re right. What the hell? I’m not the one driving.” I reached back and grasped the brown paper bag that hid the tequila and took a big swig straight from the bottle.”
“There you go. That’s what I’m talking about.”
Derek took the opened bottle from me and took a drink himself. It was everything I could do to not argue against him drinking and driving but he was right — I needed to let go and relax.
I did my best to make myself relax after that. I turned on the radio and sang along to the songs I knew. Closing my eyes and letting the warm air rush over my face and tangle my hair helped me to chill out. The shot of tequila helped.
The highways turned to smaller streets and those turned to worn out roads that wound up the mountains.We’d driv
en for miles with no sign of a store or gas station anywhere. Derek took a bend in the road too fast and I gasped as I clutched hard to the handle that hung overhead.
As I recuperated from the scare, I looked out to see a wide clearing by a small river where several cars and tents were scattered around. Loud music poured from the crowds of people and a few danced around the campfire set up in the middle of the chaos.
It wasn’t exactly my idea of a relaxing time, drinking and camping, but Derek was right about one thing — I needed time away. We parked and I hopped out of Derek run down honda civic and followed him to a small group huddled by a large oak.
“Hey guys, you remember Caroline, right?” I barely recognized their faces as some of Derek’s friends we’d run into at some houseparty he’d drug me to several months back.
“Nice to see you guys again.”
Everyone welcomed me with enthusiastic greetings, shaking my hand and even pulling me into hugs like I was one of them.
One cheery girl with strawberry blonde hair handed each of us a can of beer. “Hi, I’m Camy. Welcome. Come on. The fun’s just starting.”
She grinned and ushered us over to the roaring campfire. Several people sat around on cut logs or large rocks arranged around the fire. Several couples and singles lounged around the fire all talking and laughing. One guy who appeared to be the center of attention called to Derek. Grabbing my hand, he pulled me along as the man got out his guitar.
We found a comfortable spot on a log and I sipped on my beer while we listened to the music that made me sway as I chatted with Camy.
“This is Marcus.” She beamed as a tall, dark, and very handsome man sat beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her up against him.
“Nice to meet you.” He offered a smile and I nodded.
“Nice to meet you too.”
“You guys hungry? I thought we might roast some hot dogs.” Another guy with sandy blonde hair that reminded me of your typical California surfer came up with all the materials needed to roast our own hotdogs.
“I’m starving. How ‘bout you, babe?” Derek gave my hand a little squeeze. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until they’d brought up food so I happily accepted.
Surfer guy passed out the hotdogs and plopped down on the dirt near us.
“I’m Drew, by the way.” He offered his hand and I shook it.
“Caroline.”
“Damn, Derek. Where have you been hiding this one?”
I flushed at the way his eyes drank me in but the fact that I’d been referred to as this one was not lost on me.
“I wanted to keep her all to myself.”
“Well I’m glad you decided to share her now.” He gave me a wink but I only squirmed, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.
“Relax, sweetheart. I’m only teasing your boy here.” Drew grinned a genuine grin and let out a soft chuckle. Once Derek laughed I realized they were only teasing each other.
Once the hot dogs were done, the guitar player took a break and someone turned on an old-timey radio that ran on batteries so we’d have some music. We talked and laughed and somewhere along the way I’d finished my third beer which was unusual for me. It’s relaxing effects were welcome and when a particularly good song came on the radio, Camy jumped up, grabbed my hand, and tugged me to my feet.
“Come on, Caroline. Let’s dance.”
With the alcohol in my system I was bolder than I usually was and I happily followed her closer to the fire. We danced, joined by a couple other girls while the guys leered at us all in fun. We made a point to put on a good show for the guys until a couple of them couldn’t help themselves and rushed their girlfriends to claim a kiss.
When Marcus threw Camy over his shoulder and hauled her off to his tent, we all couldn’t help but laugh while the guys hooped and hollered. It was all very immature but it was just what I needed to unwind.
Soon after, the music slowed and the dancing calmed back down as people began making their way to their sleeping bags and tents. Derek and I sat around talking with everyone until there was hardly a soul left awake.
The night grew late and the fire turned into nothing more than embers glowing by the lake as most of the couples retired to their tents.
“I’m exhausted from the drive. What do you say we head inside the tent?” Derek wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close but for some reason it was Chris who came to mind when his hands were on me.
“Sounds good. I just have to pee first.”
“Okay well, hurry up” Derek playfully slapped my ass and I hurried off to pee. I was having a good time but throughout the night Derek’s flirting didn’t hold the same effects it used to. Every time he’d tried to kiss me, I had to come up with a way to avoid it. I couldn’t bring myself to kiss him much less anything more. It felt wrong and all I could think of was Chris. Which only pissed me off because Chris wasn’t interested in me like that. He made that very clear. I needed to forget about some unspoken loyalty I held for Chris that he didn’t deserve but something inside me wouldn’t let me cross that line with Derek again.
When I got back to the tent, Derek was lying under our sleeping bag with a slight look of disappointment on his face.
“Looks like tonight’s a no-go, babe. I drank too much.” He shrugged and motioned down below his waist where nothing was showing through the blanket. A side effect of all the alcohol he’d consumed. I let out a sigh of relief because I had yet to figure out how I was going to tell him we weren't having sex.
“That’s alright. It happens.” I shrugged and climbed into the tent, trying to hide my relief. I laid down in the shared sleeping bag and situated myself with my back to Derek so I could fall asleep.
Chapter 20
The blinding morning light pierced through the small holes in the tent. My head hurt and I remembered why I didn't party more often. Even though I didn't drink half as much as anyone else there, my body wasn't used to it and my head was killing me.
Derek laid there snoring beside me — another side effect from when he drank. I gave him a nudge but he didn't quiet down. I shoved him a little harder and he let out a loud snort before turning over and starting to snore again.
I thought about waking him up but, decided to let him sleep. I slipped out of the tent, squinting in the bright light. I needed to find something to drink that wasn't beer.
I walked around the campsite, checking the coolers from the night before, finally finding a lone bottle of water and downed it. I took the opportunity to enjoy the peace while everyone slept. The morning rays of sun danced through the tree leaves, reflecting off the shimmering lake. I walked along the dirt path that followed the lake. It was beautiful and quite peaceful when not flooded with rowdy drunk campers. The trail narrowed and I had to duck below low growing branches while stepping over the exposed roots and overgrowth. I reached the end of the path which opened up into a small clearing that jutted out into the water like the start of a mini peninsula.
Grass barely grew in splotches, the rest of the ground covered in embedded rock. I found a clear spot of smooth rock and sat down to take in the scenic view. Across the lake was a small seemingly uninhabited island covered in trees and brush. Several ducks and a few geese swam along the water leaving small wakes in their path. It was nice to get away on my own. To take in the beauty and clear my mind.
The cracking sound of twigs under foot and the rustling of someone making their way through the brush startled me. I turned just in time to see Derek hiking down the path.
“There you are.”
“Hey. Yeah, I just went for a little walk.”
“Well come on. I've got a massive hangover and the last thing I want is to be walking through these damn woods trying to hunt you down.” He snapped.
“You were sleeping. I didn't think you'd be hunting me down.” His attitude irritated me. Yeah, he had a hangover. Big deal. As they say ‘don't do the crime if you can't do the time.’ It wasn't my fault and
he had no reason to take it out on me.
“Marcus and Camy are running back into town to pick up some supplies.”
“Oh great, because there is absolutely nothing here after last night.”
“Tell me about it. They are gonna pick up some beer and hit the liquor store. Probably pick up some grub too, but I think we have some granola bars or something at camp.”
“How about some Gatorade? Maybe some ibuprofen for this headache?”
“Really? I just drink a beer and it usually does the trick.”
“I don't think that's going to do it for me.”
“Well, I can't call them. No service. Maybe someone has something you can take. Let's go back to camp.”
Everyone was waking up by the time we made it back to camp. It was sort of like strolling through a scene of the walking dead. They all groaned and complained that the sun was too bright as they stumbled out of their tents, walking on unsteady feet as they raided what few supplies were left. Everyone had seemed so fun last night but the magic was gone. I was relieved when Marcus’s car rumbled down the dirt path and pulled into view.
Camy and Marcus seemed to be doing pretty well. They looked refreshed and well rested. Camy didn’t even grimace when she stepped out of the car into the sunlight. Luckily, along with the tons of alcohol they’d picked up, Camy and Marcus had come back with food, sports drinks, and ibuprofen. We spent the next two hours sitting around shielding our eyes from the bright sun, popping ibuprofen, and drinking gatorade.
By lunchtime the majority of our symptoms had dissipated and we spent the rest of the day on the lake where I learned that I was surrounded by a bunch of risk takers. Derek and his friends were constantly doing something stupid that made my heart stop until they wound up safe. They’d tied a rope to the shallow part of the lake and took turns swinging and dropping into the shallow water. Some tried to stick the landing on their feet which ended in more than one guy limping from the lake. They did flips off a higher bank of the lake and I held my breath the whole time. I swore before the day was out someone was going to need stitches or mouth to mouth.
