Deadline

by Judy McDonough

The early morning sun was a much better alarm clock than that annoying one Caroline had at her apartment in Chicago. Warm and subtle rays silently crept into the room through the parts in the curtains. She felt the toasty warmth tickle her feet as it seemed to effortlessly spread its buttery glow across her bedspread. She stretched and froze in place the second she realized what lay beside her. She slowly turned her head to observe the thick locks of golden-brown hair she'd rested her hand upon. Her heart smiled when she realized Cade had stayed with her last night.

  She'd stayed at the bar until the band finished packing up, exhausted by the time they left. She barely remembered walking into the house or up to her room. Come to think of it, she didn't remember that at all. She glanced down to see she was wearing her pajamas from the night before. How in the world. . .

  As Caroline tried to figure out how she miraculously changed clothes without personally recalling the act, she caught movement from the corner of her eye. She turned to Cade smiling at her.

  "How did. . .why am. . .my pajamas are. . .wait a second. Did you. . .?"

  He placed a finger over her mouth. "You were dead on your feet, so I drove you home, carried you from the car up to your room and yes, I changed your clothes for you. But. . .before you freak out, let me explain. I was very respectful, and please believe me when I tell you, I had my eyes closed and didn't touch you. I merely helped you keep your balance and held the clothes for you as you stepped into them." His smile stretched across his face as he made one last little comment. "I promise, I only peeked a little."

  He anticipated her reaction to his sneaky little comment and vaulted himself out of the bed just as she jumped to attack him. Quick and agile like a cat who always landed on his feet. Embarrassed he'd seen her in her underwear, she supposed it was only fair since she had already seen him naked.

  Caroline threw her pillow at him, but he caught it and bounded back onto the bed. He sat on top of her and stretched her arms above her head. Holding them both at her wrists with only one of his hands, the other tickled her ribs until she cackled like a toddler. She begged him to stop before she peed in her pants. Cade finally gave in and released her arms.

  Tired from laughing, Caroline laid there, arms spread, chest heaving, trying to catch her breath. He quietly sat, admiration glinted in his eyes. Once she caught her breath he leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead. He lingered above her face for a moment and then slowly, tenderly kissed her lips. Caroline responded and the tender kiss developed into a deeper kiss. Before long, their lips were locked in passion. She shouldn't be kissing him, but it felt so good. So right. She ran her fingers through his hair and wrapped her legs around his waist.

  Abruptly, Cade stopped kissing her, pressed his face into the crook of her neck, took a deep breath, and slowly pulled himself away. She realized, for once, she wasn't the one stopping the lust-filled moment. Frustrated with herself for not wanting him to stop, she was glad he did. He stood, and stepped away before they both lost control. Caroline sat up in the bed and smoothed her hair.

  She got a good look at his navy blue boxers, and heat immediately singed her cheeks. With his back to her, she studied him while she had the chance. She couldn't resist studying the contours of his delectable body. Positively delicious. His bronzed skin only emphasized the rippling muscles in his back. He turned around to face her, and Caroline briefly lost herself in the definition of his chest and those amazing abs. Her eyes lingered on the unusual scar above his heart.

  She squeezed her eyes closed before she spoke the words running through her mind. She had only been here a week and already Trevor's body had started to become a distant memory. Stop it, Caroline! You are engaged to an amazing man who is just as beautiful. What are you doing?

  Worry creased his brow and he immediately shrugged back into his jeans. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what got into me. I shouldn't have kissed you like that, and I apologize. I know you're engaged, and I will respect that. I don't like it, but I'll respect it. Just tell me, honestly, that you don't see and feel how perfect we are."

  Caroline wanted to answer, but couldn't find the words. She kept her eyes trained on an empty space in the corner and shook her head searching for the right thing to say, unable to respond completely before his shoulders fell.

  "I see. I don't believe you, but I won't force you into anything. I promise I'll try to stop putting you in such awkward situations that cause you to do things you don't want to do."

  "No, Cade, I do want—" she pursed her lips, unsure how to explain without sounding hypocritical, "Really, it's okay. I kissed you just as much as you kissed me." She smirked. "I'm the one who wrapped my legs around you."

  Caroline ran both hands through her hair and spoke her thoughts out loud. "I really like you. . .a lot. You do things to me that—" She huffed a frustrated breath. What a train wreck. "I love Trevor, but the two of you make me feel good in. . .different ways. It's hard to explain. With Trevor, I feel desired and beautiful, but sometimes he makes me feel dumb, like I can't think or do things for myself. When I'm with you I feel. . .sexy and appreciated. . .alive. I worry, because with you, sometimes I find myself wanting to be rebellious and daring."

  He flashed a wicked grin.

  "I have a difficult time controlling my thoughts and actions around you, and, because I'm engaged, it worries me. It confuses me. I don't want to stop hanging out with you because you give me a love for life, for living and experiencing new and exciting things. I made a promise. I just have a lot to think about and consider, about myself, and what I want."

  Hope lit his eyes. Caroline needed to reevaluate her life decisions, but she couldn't help but be a little upset with Cade for causing her confusion and pain.

  "I don't want to be a home wrecker, but you can't deny our chemistry, Caroline. We fit perfectly together, I know you've felt it. That zing, the static current whenever we touch, my heart tries to bust out of my chest whenever you smile at me. I haven't had someone like you in—well, it's been a very long time since I've been this happy around anyone."

  Cade sat next to her on the bed, dipping the mattress and causing her to lean his way. She didn't resist and rested her head on his shoulder. "When. . .my girlfriend. . .died, I buried myself into my work and music. I fell into a dark place and wasn't sure how else to cope with the grief. I felt lost, like everything of value in my life had been stripped away from me against my will. I had just come home. . ." He looked down at her and paused, hesitant to continue, so she sat up again encouraging him to go on. She sensed his difficulty as his Adam's apple bobbed with every swallow.

  "I had missed out on a lot of time with her and then I blinked and she was gone. A horrible, very gloomy depressing time in my life. I wouldn't wish that on anyone." His jaw tensed. "If I put myself in Trevor's shoes, I would annihilate any man who tried to take you away from me. I can't be that guy."

  A war raged within him, evident as he forced his mouth to speak the next few sentences.

  "I'll back off. Step away. Concede. As difficult as it'll be for me, I will refrain from kissing or touching you inappropriately. I'll do everything in my power to resist you." He stood and paced to the door, before turning to meet her gaze. "Caroline, I do appreciate you. I promise to be nothing but respectful for the remainder of your time here." He'd made his decision.

  A terrible sadness washed over her. She'd just been dumped, but she hadn't. Why was she so upset? She should be happy he would stop tempting her to cheat on Trevor. Why was she not elated and thankful? She didn't want to admit it, the sheer possibility was insane, but she was falling in love with Cade. How was that even possible?

  Caroline dropped her head and grumbled like a pouting toddler. "I don't want you to stay away from me. I know we should chill out and stop flirting so much, but I don't want to. Is that terrible of me?"

  His face emotionless, Caroline thought, hoped, she detected a glint of desire in his eyes.

  "Sweet girl, you won't have to stay away from me," he sa
id. "I will stay away from you as much as I can force myself to."

  Sudden anger fueled her into a tirade. "You don't have to stay away from me and stop being my friend just because you can't kiss me or be with me! That's ridiculous. We can still hang out and be friends. It's possible. It just takes self control."

  He smiled with fascination at her acute burst of anger. "You've got a short little fuse there, don't ya, Fireball?"

  Fireball? "Whatever. I just don't like for someone else to make my decisions for me." Caroline felt like he'd grounded her from being near him. Whatever it was, she didn't like it one bit.

  Suddenly, a noise crashed downstairs and Cade immediately crouched in a protective stance.

  "We're the only ones here, right?" Caroline nodded, too afraid to say anything.

  His face dead serious, he made a hand signal that she didn't understand, and whispered, "Wait right here, I'll go check it out."

  "You're crazy if you think I'm gonna stay up here all by myself in a haunted house. I'm coming with you. I'll be right behind you."

  He shook his head and smiled. "A short fuse and stubborn. You do have some Cajun in you, don't ya."

  "Guess I take after my dad. Now, stop judging me and let's go see what made that noise."

  They tiptoed down the stairs. The noises were louder in the kitchen. Whoever, or whatever, pilfering in there was not trying to be quiet or inconspicuous. Cade held her behind him with one hand and he walked first, very slowly, into the kitchen.

  Caroline grabbed him with her cold hands. "Wait!" she whispered. "What if it's a ghost?" He flinched, and she tried to hold her laughter in.

  His whisper barely audible, Cade moved without making a sound. "I'm gonna buy you some gloves for those freezing hands. I seriously doubt it's a ghost making all that noise. Now stop talking and stay close."

  If she'd gotten any closer, she would have been wearing his jeans with him, which, on second thought, wouldn't have been too bad. Caroline slid her arms around his bare waist over the luscious ridges of sheer muscle and used his body like a shield, peeking around to see if she could spot anything unusual. He stiffened at her touch and she quickly removed her hands. She stepped up beside him when she realized there was nothing in there. Completely freaked out with goose bumps and all, Caroline looped her arm through his and clung to him for courage.

  They took a step farther into the kitchen. Someone popped up from behind the lower cabinets right in front of them. Cade moved like lightening, jumping back, and tucking her protectively behind him in one fluid move. Caroline screamed and the mystery guest screamed even louder. Delia smacked her hand over her chest feigning a heart attack, her pale skin blanched from her fright.

  "Delia, what are you doing here? You have the day off, remember? I thought you and Delphine went out of town for the weekend?"

  Delia's gaze focused intensely on Cade's bare chest. She blinked and swallowed hard as she prepared to speak, but didn't take her eyes off Cade. "I got back early and was just tryin' to get the kitchen ready for the week. Beau, honey, you can't sneak up on an ole lady like that. . .wit ya shirt off. . .and them muscles poppin' out all over the place, lookin' all. . .like you look. Ya nearly stopped my poor heart."

  Caroline glanced at Cade who was intrigued by Delia's inability to control her bold stare. He looked at the wall behind her with a huge grin on his face. Oh, he's loving this!

  "Yes, Ma'am, I apologize for startling you. And thank you." The irresistible smile Caroline had grown to love followed his apology. Delia blushed and fluffed her hair. Caroline laughed so hard, she snorted.

  Her hand fluttered to her mouth and she apologetically shrugged. "Yes, but it's only seven in the morning on Sunday," Caroline said. "You don't have to be here until tomorrow. Why are you here so early?"

  "I wasn't sure what all needed repairs, so I came to assess the damage. I been up since five this morning, Miss Caroline. This ain't early for me." She eagerly looked back at Cade, this time with a smile. Caroline didn't know why Delia was so enamored with his bare chest. She saw him all the time without a shirt when he was landscaping. Maybe Delia just hadn't seen him this closely, half-naked before. A smirk flooded across Caroline's face as she remembered she'd seen him more than half-naked.

  Man, I'm pathetic. What, am I proud of that now? I should really be ashamed of myself. But I'm not.

  Cade spoke, puzzled. "Ms. Delia, surely you're not responsible for repairing the damage? At least not all by yourself?"

  She shook her head. "No, honey. I merely wanted to come see what all needed to be done so I'd know who to call for the repair work. Sorry if I disturbed y'all." Her wide smile and suggestive tone hung in the air.

  "No, you didn't disturb us. We were just talking about what we're going to do today. That's all." Caroline's feeble attempt to explain proved useless.

  Delia inspected both of them, their tousled hair, Caroline's skimpy pajamas and Cade's bare chest. "Uh-huh, just talking. Okay, whatever you say, Miss Caroline. Whatever you say." She smiled and called over her shoulder as she walked off. "I'll be back later today after lunch. You two have fun, ya hear?"

  Caroline bit her lip and Cade stifled a crooked smirk, but no matter. They cracked up laughing until tears pricked her eyes. She could only imagine what they must have looked like to someone else. Caroline was just glad it was Delia who saw them and not April, or worse, Trevor. She really needed to try to get in touch with Trevor. She wished her phone would magically reappear. If Rachel's ghost had it, Caroline was about to lose her patience. How do you demand a ghost to do something?

  She checked the clock again. "I guess I need to get ready for church." He stopped at the base of the stairs.

  "You're welcome to come with me," she said. She hadn't expected him to go with her, she just figured she'd throw the offer out there. She'd invited Trevor many times, and he always had some reason why he couldn't, or wouldn't, go with her. Cade, as usual, surprised her.

  "Sure, I'd love to."

  Caroline's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "Seriously? You want to come to church with me?"

  Cade chuckled. "If that's okay with you? You did offer. Change your mind?"

  "Oh, I would love for you to come with me. I just wasn't expecting. . .I'm not used to. . ." she sighed. "It's just, I usually go either by myself or with Kristy."

  "Well, I'd like to come if you don't have a problem with it."

  "Certainly. Meet me back here at 8:45?"

  "I'll be here."

  After church, they went to Cade's place to have turkey sandwiches for lunch. Cade had obviously been to church before. His comfort and knowledge with the songs was impressive. As if she needed to be any more impressed with him.

  While they ate, she decided to ask Cade more questions. "So what is it like having four sisters?"

  He took a drink of his water. "Dramatic." He chuckled and took another bite.

  Caroline smiled. "I can see how it would be."

  "What about you? Other than the two you just met, do you have any other siblings?"

  She shook her head as she swallowed her bite. "Nope, I'm an only child. My mom never remarried."

  "Really? How come?"

  "It's a long story. I always wondered what it would be like to have a big family."

  He smiled big. "It's a blast. Christmas is the best, but every time we are all able to get together for a meal or any occasion, it's always fun."

  More envy. She wished she could have had the same types of experiences he'd had making memories with his sisters.

  "So I take it you want a big family, too?" Before she finished the sentence he nodded his head. An involuntary smile spread across her face as she studied a potato chip on her plate. The locally made chips were delicious. Crunchy and spicy. A nice addition to a bland turkey sandwich.

  "From your smile, I suppose you want a big family as well?" He'd stopped eating for a moment to wait for her answer. "Caroline?"

  Caroline absently glanced up and concern
creased his brow. "What? Oh. . .yeah, I'd love to have a big family. I've always wanted to get married and have three or four kids running around the house. You know, big dinners, big holidays and festive, noisy Christmases. It's always been a dream of mine." She avoided eye contact.

  "Well, you're on the road to making your dream a reality. You've met the guy and set a date, all that's left is saying the words and doing the deed." He laughed again at his choice of words, but this time she didn't laugh. "Have you guys set a date yet?"

  Unwilling to address the sore subject, she figured he sensed her unease. "Sort of. Trevor chose January fourteenth of next year."

  "Trevor chose that day? Uh-huh. And what about you?"

  "I would much rather wait until late spring or early summer. I don't see a need to rush into anything. I told him I wanted to wait until after I graduate so I won't have anything distracting me from my school work. I'm so close to graduating, and I can't let anything mess me up now, or I'm afraid I won't finish."

  "When do you graduate?"

  "December seventeenth. Trevor initially wanted a Christmas wedding."

  Cade nearly spewed water all over her. "Christmas? Man, he didn't want to waste any time, did he?"

  "I know. I told him no way because then I wouldn't be able to go home for Christmas to spend the holiday with my mom. I told him I wanted to plan the wedding after graduation, not during it."

  "I see. You told him that, so he graciously decides on January fourteenth? How thoughtful of him."

  "He said he's worried that if we don't hurry and book the place now we won't be able to get in anywhere. I don't know. I just feel like he's rushing me into a wedding for some reason. He assured me it didn't matter to him, that he'd be willing to elope if I wanted to, but he knows I want a wedding. I don't think he's trying to control me. It's just. . .I don't know. I don't like deadlines. They stress me out."

  "Well, how does he feel about children? Do you two agree on that aspect of your relationship?" Again, she didn't answer him. "Does he have a big family?"

  "No, he's an only child, too."

  "Okay, I think I'm getting it now. He wants to hurry up and get married, but you would rather wait. You want lots of kids and a big family, and I'm guessing he doesn't. Does he want any kids at all?"

  "Yes, he said he would like to have one, but he only wants one because. . .well, it's stupid. I'm not gonna say."

  "Oh, come on, you can tell me. I promise I won't laugh."

  "You'd better not laugh or say anything bad about him."

  He held three fingers up. "Scout's honor."

  "He only wants one child so there won't be any fighting, favoritism, or questions about who gets our inheritance."

  Cade sat silent and still, wearing no expression. He picked up his sandwich and took a bite. She stared, waiting for something. "Nothing? No comment or opinion? No sarcasm? Snide remark?"

  "Nope. I said I'd be nice."

  "Well, I wasn't so nice. I started a big fight about that little difference of opinion. I told him I would rather have a house full of rowdy, happy squealing kids than worry about who our inheritance goes to. That's extremely selfish."

  "I have to agree with you there. So, tell me why you are marrying him?"

  Because he asked me? Come on Caroline, think!

  "I love him. He is very caring and affectionate. He surprises me all the time with special dates and thoughtful little gifts. He's witty and handsome, and he loves me. Sure there are things I don't like, but, for the most part, the good things outnumber the bad ones." Only, the bad things are BIG things. "He really is a good guy. His dad pushes him around too much. He lets his dad get to him, and it stresses him out."

  "What does his dad do?"

  "He's a real estate developer or something. I'm not sure exactly what he does. I think he buys land and creates subdivisions or housing areas. Something like that."

  "What's his dad's name?"

  "I doubt you'd know of him. I think he primarily deals in the Midwest. His name is Kenneth Callahan. He's had his own firm for the past seven or eight years, but I'm not sure of the name. Trevor mentioned once that his dad got into it with his previous company, and he and his partners had a big falling out. I don't know much about him because I've only met him a couple of times. He's not the friendliest person in the world." Caroline desperately wanted to change the subject. "So what are your parents like?"

  When Cade talked about his family, his face lit up. He thought very highly of his parents. "Well, my dad is a hardworking man. He's spent most of his life working to support his family and raise us the way he believed we should be raised. My mom is beautiful and good at everything she does. . .which is pretty much everything. She cooks, sews, knits, sings, takes care of the house, takes care of us kids, plays the banjo and the piano, and in her spare time she's a doula. My parents are amazing people."

  "What exactly is a doula?"

  Cade smiled. "Someone who is trained to assist women during childbirth."

  "What about your sisters?"

  "My older sister, Catherine, is twenty-nine. She's a first grade teacher. My middle sister, Caitlyn, is twenty-four. She's an air traffic controller in the U. S. Navy. My next youngest sister, Carly, is twenty-one and in college to be a veterinarian. And last is my baby sister, Cameron. She's eighteen and wants to be a doctor."

  "Wow! Catherine, Caden, Caitlyn, Carly and Cameron. That's a lot of C's." Stupidly and without thinking, Caroline added, "I'd fit right in with your family."

  Cade stared at his bottle of water and quietly replied, "Yes. . .you would."

  She quickly tried to think of something else to talk about, but thankfully, Cade's phone rang. He jumped up to answer it while she beat herself up for the slip. Rub some salt in the wound, Caroline, go ahead. Ugh! Stupid, stupid, stupid!

  "That was your dad. He called to let me know they are back and asked if we wanted to come see the souvenirs he brought you. Shall we?" He held his arm out to escort her.

  "We shall." She loved the way he made her feel special. "I wonder if he tried to call my phone?" Not that she would hear it.

  "Yeah, he mentioned that. He said he tried to call yours and he heard it ringing up in your room. It must be in there somewhere."

  There was no way. She turned that room upside down looking for it. If it was in there, it was because someone, ghost or not, just put it back where it belonged.

  "Yeah, I guess we'll see, won't we?"

  Twenty-Four