Catching Caroline (Silver Falls Book 1)

by Megan Nugen Isbell

  “I know,” I sighed and then Sawyer looked at me again. “We’ve got this under control if you want to go back inside. You were up early to take Mom and Dad to the airport.”

  “I’m fine, Sawyer. I want to help.”

  “Don’t you have to work at the restaurant later though?”

  “Yeah, but I’ll be fine.”

  “What about dinner? Are we on our own while Mom’s gone?”

  “If you think I’m cooking for you, you’re nuts,” I snickered.

  “I’m not expecting that, I was just asking.”

  “It doesn’t matter about tonight anyway because after work, I’m going to Burlington with Erica and some other girls.”

  “What’re you doing there?”

  “Nothing exciting. Just getting some drinks and hanging out,” I said, shrugging my shoulders. He looked at me skeptically.

  “There’s no such thing as nothing exciting when Erica’s involved,” he said and I had to laugh because it was true.

  “Well, tonight there is. We’re just going out. You don’t need to worry about me.”

  “I’m not. I won’t be home anyway.” It was my turn to give him a look.

  “And where will you be? With Lindsey?” I swear I saw my brother blush. He never did that. This girl must be special.

  “As a matter of fact, yes.”

  “You’ve been out with her a lot. When do I finally get to meet her?” I asked.

  “Soon,” he said with a grin that gave away just how into this girl he was and then he started walking away while I got back to work.

  I tried to be discreet as I kept searching for Adam out of the corner of my eye. I wondered what he was doing and when he planned on speaking to me again. It obviously wasn’t today because when I decided to head in an hour later to get ready for my shift at the restaurant, we’d still said nothing but good morning to each other.

  I had to be to the restaurant by ten o’clock so I didn’t have time to worry about him, not if he was going to continue to act like an immature child instead of a grown man. I knew things were bound to be awkward after what had almost happened at the falls, but I hadn’t expected this. I hadn’t expected an outright shunning. I was getting annoyed now. Angry almost that after the friendship we’d seemed to be growing since he’d returned to Silver Falls, he’d simply stopped talking to me. The more I thought about it, the more ready I was for a night out with Erica. Maybe I’d meet a nice guy. Then again, maybe he wouldn’t be a nice guy. Maybe he’d just be a guy who’d actually kiss me and maybe even a little bit more.

  ~~~

  Work went by quickly and I was glad when I finally clocked out, heading home to take another shower and get ready for our night out. I was picking Erica up at seven-thirty and we’d be to Burlington an hour later, meeting a couple of our friends at a bar Erica swore only admitted the finest of Burlington’s males.

  I looked through my closet, deciding what to wear. I needed to spice it up a bit if I planned to at least meet a guy tonight. A cute modest dress like the one I’d worn on my nightmare of a date with Dr. Dylan would definitely not do. Instead, I decided on something much edgier and as I looked at myself in the mirror in the short denim skirt and gray and white striped woven shirt covered by a burgundy cardigan that hung to the middle of my thighs all paired with fishnet stockings and sock boots, I thought the outfit might work. I used the curling iron to create messy waves in my hair and after applying my make-up, I was ready to go.

  I locked up the house and trotted down the porch steps just as Adam’s truck was pulling in. I hadn’t even realized he was gone. I stood by my car, waiting for him to get out. He may be giving me the silent treatment, but it’d be painfully awkward if I just got in my car and left without saying something to him before leaving.

  He seemed to lollygag in getting out, but eventually he did, a pizza box in hand. He looked right over to me and I could’ve sworn I saw his eyes trying to discreetly pan over my body.

  “Hey,” I said, giving him a smile.

  “Hey,” he answered back and it was quiet for a few seconds. “You look amaz…” he said, but his voice faded off before he finished the word and I felt a sting in my heart. “You’re heading out then?” he asked instead.

  “Yeah. I’m going into Burlington with Erica and a couple of other girls. She says I need to get back on the horse after that epic disaster with Dr. Dylan,” I said with a quiet laugh. He laughed too and the awkwardness that had settled over us didn’t seem as heavy.

  “Well, be careful, Caroline,” he said, hesitating with his words.

  “I will,” I said, getting into the car and shutting the door. I didn’t want to stick around for anymore forced banter. I had places to go and men to meet. To hell with Adam DeLain.

  ~~~

  “I guess you’re taking this pretty seriously,” Erica said as we met at the front of the car.

  “Taking what seriously?”

  “Meeting guys,” she said, taking hold of my cardigan and gesturing at the rest of the outfit. “This isn’t the Caroline I’m used to seeing. It’s screaming sex.”

  I started laughing and grabbed my cardigan back.

  “You are ridiculous, Erica,” I said as we started walking towards the club.

  “No, I’m not. That outfit is hot! I didn’t know you even had such items in your wardrobe.”

  “I’m not as innocent as you think I am,” I said with a smirk.

  “What do you have planned for tonight?” she asked, a sly grin curling up on her lips.

  “I don’t know. Let’s see what the night brings. I’m open to possibilities.”

  “This could get interesting,” she said, linking arms with me and I started laughing as we walked towards the club.

  Jackie and Amber were waiting for us outside. I’d known them since we were kids. They were closer to Erica, but we hung out sometimes. They were fun girls and I knew if I was looking to forget what a bastard Caleb was and bury whatever the hell was happening between Adam and I, they were the girls to help me do it.

  “Hot outfit, Caroline,” Amber, the feisty red-head, said to me.

  “Thank you,” I said confidently as we walked into the club.

  It wasn’t a huge place. Nothing in Burlington was huge, but as the music pulsed through the speakers, it got my heart pumping too. This wasn’t usually my scene. I’d been with Caleb so long, I’d never felt the need to go out like this. I was content at home with a good book or a movie, but I was determined to be a different Caroline, because the old Caroline obviously wasn’t working. I was going to need a drink to get me started though.

  “You guys want some drinks?” I asked and the girls nodded, following me over to the crowded bar.

  I instantly noticed how cute the bartender was. Tall and lean with shaggy brown hair and dimples in his cheeks when he smiled at us to take our orders. Too bad he wasn’t available tonight. I could see him being an excellent distraction.

  “What can I get you?” he asked. His voice was deep and made him even more appealing.

  “A margarita on the rocks. Extra strong please,” I said with a grin. He winked at me and then got to work, handing it to me a minute later. I smiled and paid the man before turning to find us a table. The girls weren’t far behind and soon we were standing at a high-top table, sipping on our drinks. The margarita was good and extra strong like I’d asked. I could feel the tequila burning down my throat. It’d been a while since I’d had a drink and it tasted good. I could already feel the alcohol doing its thing as I started to relax, finding myself moving to the beat of the music.

  “So, what’s your goal tonight, Caroline?” Amber asked as she sipped her drink.

  “I’m not sure exactly. My extremely wise cousin thinks it’s time I spread my wings and start playing the field again,” I said, eyeing Erica.

  “I’m right though, wouldn’t you agree? She was a prisoner to that asshole Caleb for too long. Think of all the years you wasted with that dick,” Erica
said, her face curling up as if she’d eaten something bitter. I knew she was only trying to make me feel better, but hearing it like that caused a pit in my stomach. I’d loved Caleb despite how things ended between us. He may have been a cheating bastard at the end, but it hadn’t always been that way. I didn’t want to think our time together had been a waste. Life is what it is and you can’t change it. You can only move on.

  “I’m just here to have a little fun. We’ll see what happens,” I said, taking the last sip of my drink and Jackie started to laugh.

  “You’re off to a good start if you’ve already finished your first drink,” she said and I looked down at my empty glass.

  “I guess I just need another one then.” I laughed and made my way back to the bar and to the hot bartender with the dimples.

  “Back for another one already?” he asked as I approached.

  “Yes and this definitely won’t be my last trip up here tonight, so get used to seeing my face.”

  “I could definitely get used to seeing your face,” he said with another smile, causing me to blush a little. “Another margarita?”

  “How ‘bout something different?” I said and he looked at me raising an eyebrow.

  “Like what?” he asked and I shrugged my shoulders and then leaned against the bar.

  “Surprise me,” I told him.

  “You got it,” he said.

  I turned around, my eyes spanning the club. Erica had been right. There were a lot of attractive guys in this pace and when I looked over at my friends, I saw a few had made their way to our table. The girls were engrossed in a conversation with a trio of frat boys.

  “Here you go.” The bartender’s voice forced me to turn around. He was holding out a tall glass.

  “What am I drinking?” I asked, taking it from him.

  “My specialty. A mojito.” He looked confident and I took a sip.

  “Not bad,” I said, taking another drink. “It’s really good actually.”

  “I told you, it’s my specialty.”

  “I thought you were just bullshitting,” I said with a laugh, causing him to laugh too.

  “I may bullshit about a lot of things, but drinks aren’t one of them,” he said. “I’m Robert, by the way.”

  “Caroline,” I said, taking another drink.

  “Nice to meet you, Caroline.” He reached across the counter to shake my hand.

  “Likewise, Robert,” I answered.

  “Looks like your friends forgot about you,” he said and I turned to look at the table. They looked even more engaged now with the frat boys.

  “Looks like you’re right,” I said turning back to him and taking a long drink.

  “You’re more than welcome to stay and talk to me if you’d like.” He flashed those dimples again and I found his offer very enticing.

  “Is my next drink free?”

  “Definitely,” he said, but then had to turn away to take an order. I took a few more sips and then made my way back to our table when Robert didn’t come back right away. I wasn’t going to stand at the bar all night if my goal was to actually meet someone.

  “Hey,” I said, walking over and Erica looked over at me with wide eyes that told me she was into the guy.

  “Caroline, this is Joe,” she said introducing me to her new friend.

  “Hi, Joe,” I said, taking another long sip of my drink. I was only two drinks in, but since I didn’t drink much, I was starting to feel it. I was definitely relaxing and not thinking about Caleb, or Adam, for that matter.

  Joe muttered a hello to me, but I wasn’t all that interested in keeping Erica away from this guy she was obviously hoping to get to know better and soon the two of them had found their way over to a secluded spot near the door, leaving me with Jackie and Amber and the guys they were talking to. There were a few quick introductions, but it was becoming obvious it was every woman for herself tonight. I hadn’t managed anything other than some flirting with the cute bartender. My mojito was almost gone and I wondered if I was going to get that free drink he’d promised.

  “I thought you could use another one.”

  As if on cue, Robert was next to me, setting a new drink on the table along with a beer.

  “Thanks,” I said, taking a sip, and then raising an eyebrow at him, “but aren’t you supposed to stay behind the bar?”

  “Technically yes,” Robert said, showing me those dimples again.

  “Then aren’t you going to get in trouble?”

  “I assure you I am not,” he said, taking a long swig of the beer.

  “How can you be so confident. I mean, you are the bartender. Your job is to tend bar, isn’t it? And I’m certain drinking on the job is frowned upon.”

  He started laughing and looked over to me with a smile.

  “I was off at nine so I’m technically not drinking on the job.”

  “That’s kind of an odd time to stop a shift at a club,” I pointed out and he nodded.

  “It is, but when the other guys have it covered and I decide to clock out early, it isn’t.”

  “How can you just decide to clock out like that and keep your job?”

  “My dad owns the place, that’s why. I only do this on the side to help out some nights. He’s not going to fire me,” he said, leaning in closer to me and then holding up his beer to toast. “So, how ‘bout it, Caroline? Here’s to getting to know each other.”

  I couldn’t help the smile that formed on my face as we clanked our glasses together. I took a long drink, adding to the ever-growing buzz going on inside of my head.

  ~~~

  I should’ve stopped after the drink Robert brought over, but I didn’t. I was on my fifth and thoroughly drunk and he was well on his way. He’d told me about himself, but if I was being honest, I didn’t remember much other than something about having a finance degree and moving to Boston or New York. I didn’t really remember and truthfully, I didn’t care. I don’t think he cared much either when I rambled on about growing up on a dairy farm and majoring in computer science.

  I found myself on the dance floor with him, his hand wrapped tightly around my waist, our hips touching and moving together. My arms were around his neck, holding on haphazardly, my eyes closed and faced upwards, not a care in the world, which is exactly what I wanted from tonight. I felt his hands slide under my shirt, resting on my bare skin. He had guts and I liked it. I responded by opening my eyes and looking directly into his. He wanted me. I could see it when I looked at him and without warning, his lips were pressed to mine, his tongue taking over my mouth forcefully. He tasted like alcohol and regret, but it was delicious and I didn’t want him to stop. Our kisses were sloppy and frantic and soon he had me pressed against a wall in a dark corner. His lips left mine then, finding their way to my neck. I heard myself moaning as he pulled and sucked on my skin while his hand slid under my shirt again, but this time moving higher and only stopping when he’d found my chest. What the hell was I doing? I should stop, but as he cupped and massaged my breast while his lips were burning my skin, I didn’t want him to. I could feel him hard against me. He wanted me and I wanted him. I wanted one meaningless night with him so I could forget everything; so I could be the one in control.

  “You’re so fuckin’ hot,” he grunted into my ear. “Come back to my place. It’s just a block away.”

  He pulled back, looking me right in the eyes. He was horny as hell and I grinned wryly at him, licking my lips. He responded with another deep kiss, leaving me breathless when he finally pulled back.

  “Okay,” I whispered and that was all he needed to hear.

  He had my hand and was pulling me out of the club and into the warm summer air. My head was a fog from the alcohol, but I knew what I was agreeing to when I said okay.

  We didn’t say a word to each other as we walked down the street, stopping a few minutes later in front of an apartment building. He fumbled with his keys, but soon, we were walking into his apartment. He locked the door and the sou
nd of the lock echoed throughout the living room. He didn’t say anything to me as he came towards me, taking my cheeks in his hands and pushing his tongue deep into my mouth again. Our breathing was heavy and our kisses were urgent as if we hadn’t missed a beat from the club. This was reckless and stupid, but I’d never done anything reckless and stupid in my life and where had it gotten me? A cheating boyfriend and an unrequited crush that had flatly rejected me. Maybe reckless and stupid was exactly what I needed.

  My knees hit the couch and I fell into the cushions, the weight of Robert on top of me a second later. His lips were on my neck then, making their way down the deep v-neck of my shirt, stretching it down until his lips were between my breasts. He didn’t stop then. He began inching up my shirt, finding my belly button and flicking it with his tongue as he grabbed my hips and hiked up my skirt. My head started to spin when his thumbs hooked into my panties and he started inching them off slowly. My heart started pounding and my breathing quickened. I gasped then. His lips were on my thigh and then on the inside of my leg and getting higher. I knew where this was leading. I may be wasted, but I knew what Robert was about to do to me and I knew what would happen after that. Reckless and stupid was about to happen. I thought my heart was about to fly out of my chest. Just let him do it. Do it. But just as he settled between my legs, his mouth just inches from my most intimate place, I couldn’t do it. I bolted up, kneeing him right in the nose as I jumped up.

  “Shit!” He half-winced, half-yelled as I got to my feet, scrambling to pull up my underwear. “What the hell? I think you broke my fucking nose!”

  He pulled his hands away and his nose was purple with a trail of blood coming down.

  “I’m so sorry! So sorry!” I cried out, covering my mouth with my hand in shock.

  “What the hell was that for?” I could tell he was angry.

  “I…I just…I can’t. I’m sorry. So sorry,” I stuttered, walking quickly for the door.

  “You’re leaving? You break my goddamn nose and you just leave?” he shouted.

  “I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “Truly. So sorry.”