Catching Caroline (Silver Falls Book 1)

by Megan Nugen Isbell

  “Hey,” I said, putting a hand on my hip and tilting my head to the side a bit so my hair hung over my shoulder. He looked up, his eyes meeting mine as a smiled curled up on his face.

  “Good morning,” he said, taking a step closer to me.

  “Where’s Sawyer?” I asked looking around.

  “He went inside to use the bathroom,” he said and I was grateful we were alone. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Pretty good. I woke up a little later than I thought I would,” I said, moving another step towards him. “I was actually a little disoriented when I woke up though.” He looked at me curiously.

  “Why was that?”

  “I couldn’t remember if last night was real or just something I’d imagined.”

  He laughed lightly, looking down at the ground momentarily before bringing his eyes back to mine.

  “I assure you it was real, Caroline,” he said softly, taking the final steps to close the gap between us and gingerly taking my hand in his. His hands were so much bigger than mine and I didn’t think twice about the fact he’d been working in a barn all morning. I was simply glad to have him this close to me.

  “How ‘bout you? How’d you sleep?” I asked quietly.

  “Alright,” he answered as one side of his mouth pulled up higher than the other while raising an eyebrow.

  “Just alright?” I questioned and I felt him squeeze my hand.

  “I couldn’t stop thinking about this incredibly hot blonde,” he said and I laughed quietly, looking away for a moment as the redness hit my cheeks.

  “Yeah?” I teased, doing my best to keep my voice low in case Sawyer came back. “Good thoughts?”

  “Definitely,” he said, purposefully keeping his voice low too, with a ruggedness to it that only made me want him more.

  Our eyes met again and then I felt him coming closer. All I could focus on was his lips and how I wanted to feel them on mine. He was coming closer now and I wondered if his heart was beating as fast as mine. He gently wrapped his hand around my arm, pulling me closer. Our lips were only inches apart and I closed my eyes, waiting to taste him again, needing to taste Adam. I could feel his warm breath tickling my lips and I reached up, resting my palm on the smoothness of his cheek. He was so close. I could feel him. I could almost taste him.

  “Hey, Adam.” My brother’s voice echoed through the barn and Adam and I both jumped back, jolting us back to reality. My heart was pounding even harder now, but not because Adam was about to kiss me, but because Sawyer was here and he’d nearly caught us.

  I looked at Adam. The distance between us was too much after how close we’d just been. His eyes were wide and I knew he was just as nervous about Sawyer as I was.

  “Over here,” Adam called out to my brother. My heart was going even faster as I heard my brother’s footsteps coming closer and I quickly turned around, trying to look busy with something. “What’s up?” Adam asked when I heard Sawyer walk over. I could hear the tension in Adam’s voice. I wondered if my brother could as well.

  “I didn’t know you were up, Caroline,” Sawyer said and I turned around, praying my face wasn’t showing the nerves I was desperately trying to mask.

  “Uh, yeah. I woke up a little late. I’ve gotta be to the restaurant by ten so I was coming out to see if you guys needed me to pick up anything from the grocery store on my way back this evening.” The grocery bit was the first excuse I could think of and if I was being honest, I thought it sounded plausible, even if my words were coming out hurried.

  “We could use some more bread and some lunch meat,” Sawyer said, looking to Adam for approval and he nodded.

  “Is that it then?” I asked.

  “We’ll text you if we think of anything else,” my brother added and I nodded.

  “Please do,” I said, brushing by them and discreetly making eye contact with Adam as I did so. “I’ll see you guys tonight.”

  I didn’t wait for a response. I simply kept walking, my heart still pounding and my lips still aching for that kiss.

  I went inside and gathered my things for work, knowing that getting to the restaurant would help to calm the feelings Adam had stirred in the barn. If I couldn’t be with him, it might be better not to be in the same vicinity.

  I walked outside and down the porch steps, reaching for my keys when I felt a grip on my arm. I turned quickly and Adam was there, my heart racing instantly when I met his eyes.

  “Come with me,” he said softly, pulling me gently until I followed him, stopping once we were tucked away behind the carriage house. My body was pressed against the old wood and he stood before me, framing his arms on either side of me, his eyes locking on mine. My lips were burning to feel his again. I could feel my breathing quicken having him so close and seemingly trapped.

  “Adam,” I whispered softly, but before I could say anything else, his lips were on mine. I didn’t fight it and I kissed him back just as eagerly. His hands slid around my waist, pulling me close as he weaved his hands deep into my hair. I found my hands on his back, feeling the strong muscles through his shirt and I could feel the world disappearing around us. It came crashing back though when he finally pulled away, leaving me wanting more.

  “I couldn’t let you leave without having kissed you today,” he said softly, his lips still so close to mine as he reached up, gently brushing his fingertips against my cheek. He smiled down at me and I smiled back, unable to find my words yet. “Have a good day at work. I’ll see you when you get home.”

  I nodded and he winked at me before taking off around the back of the carriage house and out of sight. I just stood there a moment, trying to catch my breath, the feel of his lips on mine still so strong. I closed my eyes, needing to compose myself before leaving the sanctuary of the carriage house in case Sawyer saw me. I was a mess though. A wonderful mess. The kind I’d never felt before and the kind I never wanted to forget.

  I took another minute to get myself together and then took a deep breath before pushing off the scratchy wood and making my way back to my car. I saw Adam in the distance. He was almost to the barn, but he stopped and turned, smiling to me in that confident way only he could. I smiled back and then he stepped into the barn and was gone. I got in my car and started down the long driveway towards the highway, but all I could think about was getting home tonight and back to Adam.

  Sixteen

  “Okay, Caroline. I know we haven’t exactly gotten off to a great start with the whole dating again thing, but I assure you, I have a fool proof plan to get us back on track.”

  Erica was leaning against the counter, looking at me as I refilled some salt shakers. Now that the lunch rush was over, there were only a few full tables remaining.

  “I think I’m done with that for now,” I told her, trying not to let the smile form on my face that I felt coming as I thought about Adam and the fact we’d decided to throw all caution to the wind and give this thing between us a shot.

  “C’mon. Don’t be like that,” Erica whined dramatically. “It was two dates. Two,” she said bluntly, holding up as many fingers. “You can’t give up that easily.”

  “I’m not giving up. I just want to let things happen naturally.”

  “Things don’t just happen naturally. Not when you do nothing but work and go home. Men don’t just appear out of thin air. You have to put yourself out there. Advertise the goods a bit more.”

  “I don’t need to advertise anything.”

  “Yes, you do, which is why I’ve taken it upon myself to do this.” She had the type of grin on her face that could only mean trouble as she reached under the counter for her purse and pulled out her phone. She did something to the screen and then handed it to me.

  “What did you do?” I asked nervously before looking at it.

  “Look!” She pointed excitedly and I finally looked down to see my face staring back at me.

  “You got me a Tinder account?” I shrieked quietly and she nodded enthusiastically.

 
“Yes! And look at all of the responses you’ve already gotten!” She grabbed the phone and started swiping across the screen. “There’s Mike the accountant. He’s not bad. And there’s Jackson, the waiter who’s studying geology. He’s kinda cute in a nerdy sort of way. And there’s…”

  I didn’t let her finish. Instead, I grabbed the phone.

  “And there’s Billy. What does he do? Professional stalker?” I laughed as I glanced down at the profile before me. He was sitting in what looked to be a basement. It was just a picture, but the guy definitely looked creepy.

  “No! He’s into role playing games and fantasy books!”

  “Oh, that’s even better!” I laughed and handed the phone back to her. “Have you been pretending to be me?”

  “Yeah, but just so I could get their back story before we proceeded.”

  “We? I didn’t know we were looking into a relationship together. I wasn’t aware polygamy was your thing.”

  She hit me on the arm and rolled her eyes.

  “Shut up. I was only vetting them to see if they made the cut.”

  “And you think I’d be interested in a guy who plays Dungeons and Dragons? What kind of vetting process did you put them through?”

  “I’ll have you know one of my first questions was to ask their opinion about nude swimming on the first date. If they were opposed to it, I swiped right. If they said they were into it, I swiped left.”

  “You are unbelievable!” I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “You may think that, but I love you, my dear cousin. And there are more guys you haven’t even looked at yet.” She tried handing me the phone back, but I pushed it away.

  “Please delete the account.”

  “No. Not till you at least go out with one of them,” she insisted.

  “I’m not going out with any of them.”

  “Why not? It’s just a date!” she exclaimed and I started laughing.

  “I believe that’s what you said about Dr. Dylan and all that got me was an unsolicited look at his penis.”

  “Get over it. Dr. Dylan’s penis is old news. We’re onto new penises.”

  “No. No more,” I said, slapping her on the arm.

  “Why? You could at least chat with a couple of them and see where things go.”

  “I said no.”

  “But why?” Erica was starting to annoy me now. It’d been funny at first, but her determination was irritating.

  “Because I said so.”

  “That’s not a reason? Why are you so opposed to this idea?” she asked and I sighed, wondering if I should tell her about Adam. I wanted to tell someone about him.

  “Because,” I began quietly. “I’m kind of seeing someone.”

  “What?” she asked, her mouth hanging open. “When did this happen?”

  “It’s new.”

  “Who is it?” she asked eagerly.

  “Just a guy.”

  “Well, obviously…unless you’re suddenly playing for the other team, which I’m totally okay with.” I had to smile at her last comment.

  “Like I said, he’s just a guy.”

  “Why are you being so vague? Who the hell is it?” she demanded and I looked into the deep brown eyes of my cousin. I wanted to tell her. I wanted to tell someone. I knew she wouldn’t leave me alone until I told her.

  “It’s…it’s Adam,” I finally said in a quiet whisper.

  “Adam!” It was more of an exclamation than a question.

  “Yes, but please, keep it down.”

  “Just so I’m clear, we are talking about Adam DeLain?” she asked and I nodded. “I’m trying to wrap my head around this. You and Adam DeLain? How?”

  “It just happened. It’s been happening since he came home, but things changed last night.”

  “Did you sleep with him?” she asked, grabbing my arm excitedly.

  “No!”

  “Dammit,” she said, the disappointment heavy in her voice.

  “We’re just starting this whole thing. I don’t even know where it’s going to end up. I don’t even know how much longer he’ll be here.”

  “All of that is inconsequential. All that matters is that you are with Adam DeLain. Holy. Freaking. Shit.”

  “Do you have to be so crass all the time?”

  “Yes. In a situation like this, I must be. I mean…that man. He’s…he’s just about as perfect as they come and you’re going to get a piece of him. I’m getting all worked up just thinking about it. You will tell me all about it once you seal the deal. I bet he’s a beast in bed with a fastball like his.” She started fanning herself and I laughed.

  “There’s something seriously wrong with you, Erica.”

  “I’m sure you’re right, but stop trying to change the subject. Do you think it’s serious or just a fling?”

  “I don’t know what it is really. It feels too…” I stopped for a moment as I tried to think about how to describe what was happening with Adam. “It feels too deep to be just a fling, but I don’t know how serious it can even get. I mean, he won’t be here forever.”

  She folded her arms and stared at me with one annoyed eyebrow raised.

  “Why do you have to do this?’ she asked.

  “Do what?”

  “Always think the worst. Don’t worry about what will happen and just enjoy what is happening,” she said and I knew she was right. I didn’t know what was going to happen and I shouldn’t be worrying myself with all the what-ifs that faced Adam and I.

  “You know, Erica, you may be a loose cannon, but every once in a while, you actually say something useful.”

  She smirked at me and raised that eyebrow again.

  “I’m assuming that was a compliment.”

  “It was. Thank you,” I said, smiling at my cousin.

  “What does Sawyer think about all of this?”

  “He doesn’t know. No one does, except Adam and I and now you.”

  “What do you think he’s gonna say about it?”

  “I don’t know and I really don’t want to think about that right now, not until I really understand what this is,” I said and then looked her straight in the eyes. “Erica, please don’t say anything to him or to anyone. Not my parents, not Gram, no one. I don’t want to cause any unnecessary drama until we figure this out. Can you do that for me?”

  “Of course I can, Caroline,” she said, the usual humorous tenor gone from her voice.

  “Thank you,” I said and then leaned in, giving Erica a quick hug. “Now, I’d better go refill table nine’s drinks.”

  “Yeah, I’d better get to work too. Gram’s giving us the stink eye,” she said and I laughed before heading over to my table.

  Seventeen

  I kept my eyes on the clock throughout the day, anxious for it to finally reach six so I could get home. I was still thinking about the kiss from the morning and wondered what was in store for us tonight, but as I pulled into the driveway, I felt the excitement taken over by nerves. I started recalling my conversation with Erica when she asked me what this thing was between Adam and me and I started to worry. What if I was reading too much into it? What if it wasn’t as deep as I felt it was? What if it was just a summer fling? Stop it! I told myself as I eased the car to a stop in front of the house and I could hear Erica’s words in my mind. Stop worrying about what will happen and just enjoy what is happening. I may not know what exactly was happening between us, but so far, I was loving it.

  I took a deep breath and looked in the rearview mirror to make sure I looked somewhat presentable. I brushed some hair off my forehead and checked my teeth. Once everything was clear, I grabbed my purse and made my way up the porch steps and into the house.

  I expected it to be dark, but the lights were on in the kitchen and I could smell something cooking. I couldn’t quite place what it was, but it smelled good nonetheless.

  I set my purse down and then walked towards the kitchen, my curiosity piqued. Slowly, I turned the corner and saw Adam at the counter, pu
tting a salad together. He looked different from the morning. Gone were the torn jeans and dirty t-shirt, having been replaced with a pair of expensive looking dark jeans and a tailored button up shirt. It was dark blue and looked perfect against his tan skin and dark hair that was styled neatly instead of the disheveled mess I’d grown accustomed to seeing. This was the Adam DeLain I’d seen in the pictures from his life in Boston and I had to say, he looked even better in real life.

  “Hey,” I said quietly, leaning against the doorframe and folding my arms as I watched him.

  He turned his head, stopping mid-chop of a tomato and smiled at me.

  “Hey,” he said back.

  “What’s all this?” I asked him.

  “Sawyer’s at Lindsey’s and I thought I’d make you dinner. You’ve been working all day and I thought you might like some of my grandmother’s famous shrimp risotto.”

  “I didn’t know you cooked,” I said, realizing there was still so much to learn about Adam even though I’d known him forever.

  “I love to cook. I just don’t get the chance very often.”

  “But you decided to tonight?” I asked, raising a flirtatious eyebrow at him.

  “I wanted to do something nice for you,” he said and I walked towards him, stopping when I was beside him and kissing him on the cheek.

  “Thank you. This was so sweet of you,” I told him and he smiled, almost timidly at me. “How long till dinner?”

  “About twenty minutes.”