Catching Raindrops (The Sutter Family #1)

by H. D'Agostino

  As the sun began to make its final descent, most of the party goers had left. “Well, it’s been a great day, but my wife is ready to call it a night!” Nick’s voice boomed over the remaining guests. “You are welcome to stay and swim, but no one gets in the house that doesn’t live here,” he snickered as Leah shoved him in the side. “What?” he glanced at her. “You’re noisy.” I watched her turn a bright shade of red as she glared at him before she began walking toward the door. I couldn’t help but laugh a little. My boss was right on the edge of drunk, and he tended to talk too much when he got there. He stumbled slightly as he stood and followed her inside. I glanced back at the beach and my girl, and decided that someone in the universe must really like me because I was finally getting a chance to spend some time with her.

  Emma

  I sensed him the moment he stepped onto the beach. It was as if we had this invisible thread that connected us to one another. I couldn’t explain it, and I wasn’t sure I understood it, but I could feel it. My skin would prickle and heat would spread over me.

  I’d been sitting here most of the day. After Ryan had caught us, I came out here to escape the party. I hadn’t really wanted to come, but I didn’t have a choice. The only other option would have been to stay in my room. Mel and Aaron had sat with me for a while, but even they got bored with my silence. I’d told them to go back, and after a few times of hearing it they finally listened. I wondered now that it was dark how long it would take them to come back.

  The cool ocean breeze whipped my hair around and caused me to shiver slightly. I don’t think it was really that cold, but more so the fact that it had been really hot today. “Mind if I sit?” he sounded so unsure of himself as his bare feet came to a stop beside me.

  “Whatever,” I grumbled as I shrugged.

  “Don’t be like that,” he sighed as he lowered himself beside me. “You think this is easy for me?”

  “I don’t know,” I muttered as I continued to stare into the darkness. The fireworks would be starting soon if the storm in the distance held off. Rain showers had been predicted today, but it had been clear. Dark clouds were out in the distance, but they’d never come this way. Now that the wind was blowing harder, it looked as if the storm might make it to land.

  “Well, let me tell you, it’s not. Being here with you today has been one of the hardest most painful things I’ve had to endure in a long time. Being near you and not being able to touch you... it’s killing me. It’s killing me to feel this way and not be able to do anything about it. I want to be able to pull you into my arms and kiss you, and not have to worry about who’s watching.” He reached over and grasped my chin softly as he turned my face toward his, “I wanna make love to you in my house, and have you stay the night. Do you hear me, Emma?”

  I nodded as I licked my lips. They were dry from being out in the sun all day. “I want that too,” I whispered. “So much.”

  “Then why are we doing this?” his eyes begged me to tell him it was ok for my parents to know, but I knew it wasn’t. I knew they wouldn’t understand.

  “I think...” I started to say but a crack of thunder in the distance caused me to pause. I jumped in shock as the clouds glowed from the lightning.

  “We should go in,” Brock began to stand.

  “It’s too far away. It’s not coming near us,” I shook off his offered hand as the clouds began to part, and fat raindrops fell. I laughed as I leaned back on my hands and tipped my face to the darkened sky.

  Rain fell lightly at first, but soon came harder. “I used to beg my parents to play in the rain when I was little. I always told them I could catch the raindrops,” I shouted up to where he was standing. He smiled slightly as he stood there continuing to offer his hand. I took it this time and let him pull me up.

  His hair was flattened against his forehead, and his shirt was slowly getting plastered to his chest and arms. He lifted his hands out to the side and laughed as he let his head fall back and his face tip toward to the sky. I giggled as I stood there watching him. The beach was dark, and the rain had blotted out the stars. I didn’t know where Mel and Aaron had disappeared to, and at the moment I didn’t care. Brock looked so youthful, and for a moment I had forgotten all about our forbidden connection.

  “Come on,” I waved as I started to spin and dance around. Rain pelted my face as my shorts clung to me. My hair began to stick to the sides of my face, and I brushed it back. “Help me catch them,” I grinned as I put my arms out and cupped my hands.

  “You’re crazy!” he shouted over the rain.

  “Un huh,” I nodded as I ran toward him. “I am,” I panted as I flung my arms around his neck and hugged him to me. My forehead pressed to his, raindrops dripping off my nose and chin, and my eyes fluttered closed as I brushed my lips against his. “I am crazy. I have to be,” I kissed him again and this time he kissed me back.

  “I’m going to need a new job,” he muttered against my mouth before plunging his tongue in. He reached down and lifted me into his arms. My legs wrapped around his waist as he held my hips and began walking. “I need a new job now,” he groaned as he sped up.

  I wasn’t paying attention and when my rear hit the metal of the hood of his car I laughed. “A little cliché, don’t you think?” I pulled back.

  “Nope,” he snickered. “I parked this far away for a reason.” When I looked around I noticed we were farther down the road than I had expected. I could see my house in the distance, and I couldn’t figure out how he’d gotten me here in such a short time. We’d run around on the beach. I guess we came farther down than I’d noticed. “Come here,” he crooked his finger at me, and I slid forward on the hood in his direction.

  “Brock,” I hissed when he pulled at the tie around my neck, releasing my bikini top.

  “No one can see us,” he murmured as he pulled the triangle out of the way and leaned in. His lips wrapped around my nipple and my brain forgot all about protesting. “I need this. You’ve teased me all damn day. I’ve been walking around with a semi since you came out in this thing,” he licked up my chest catching the rain that mingled with the salty sweat. My knees parted as he leaned in, accepting his weight as he pulled the other triangle out of the way. “I need to be inside you, Emma. I need to feel you again. Once was never gonna be enough,” he groaned as he cupped one breast and sucked the other.

  My head fell back as my arms weakened, failing to hold me up. When I felt the cold metal of the hood against my back, it arched on its own accord. Brock stood up and frantically pulled at the button on his shorts. The button popped loose and he reached in his pocket for his wallet. “Don’t want to forget this,” he held a condom between his index and middle finger. I giggled as I squeezed my thighs together. Seeing him standing there with rain dripping from his hair, his heated stare burning a trail down my body made me shiver. It wasn’t from being cold, but more so the idea of what he was getting ready to do to me.

  “Come closer,” he growled as his hands went for the button on my jean shorts. He tugged them down before reaching to pull at the ties of my bikini bottoms that were held together at my hips. The rain made the car slippery, and it was almost impossible to get away from him; not that I wanted to anyway. “This isn’t going to be sweet and slow,” he warned as he shoved his shorts and boxers down and sheathed himself. “I’m way too keyed up to take my time with you,” he grabbed my knees and shoved them a part as he moved between my thighs. “You looked like every man’s fantasy today, and I plan to be the only star here,” he leaned closer as he positioned himself before he thrust his hips forward, spearing me with his cock.

  I groaned in pleasure as the memories from our last time filled my head. He was sweet, making love to me all night. This was fucking, pure and simple. His hips pounded into me, causing me to slide up the hood. I reached over my head and gripped the edge as I lifted my legs to let him get deeper. Every time Brock did something he made me see just how stupid I was for staying with Jordan. Brock was who
I’d been waiting for, and he proved that fact every time he was around me.

  “I’m not gonna last much longer,” he grunted as he reached between us to begin toying with my clit. Tingles began to run up my spine as he swiveled his hips. He ground down on me as he grabbed the hood right by my hands. He used the angle to slam into me harder and with a few well-placed thrusts, my eyes rolled back as the waves of one of the most powerful orgasms I’ve ever had completely took me over. “Fuuuuck!” he groaned as he sped up before going completely stiff. His body convulsed as his head dropped to my shoulder and he kissed the side of my neck. “You are going to be the end of me, Em. I swear I keep telling myself this is crazy, but I can’t stay away,” he mumbled before shoving off of me.

  “We have to tell your dad,” he sighed as he removed the condom and tugged his shorts up. “I can’t keep doing this,” his expression was one of sadness as he helped me sit up and dress. I knew what he meant, and I knew we needed to also, but I just wasn’t ready to let him go. I didn’t want it to end, and I knew that’s exactly what was going to happen. We’d tell my parents and then Brock would walk away. He’d leave because my dad would make him, and that would break me all over again.

  I was just starting to feel whole again, and Brock was going to shattered me back apart.

  Chapter 13

  Emma

  “So where did you disappear off to last night?” Mel laughed as she rolled on her side to face me. We were both lying on my bed talking and wasting time. My dad had gone into the office and Mom was off with Aunt Avery. I’d gotten used to being home alone, and it didn’t hurt that Brock had begun stopping by when he noticed their cars gone.

  “I’m not telling you that,” I giggled.

  “So you stay out in the rain just for fun?” her brows bounced as she stared at me.

  “Sometimes,” I shrugged.

  “You never did that with Jordan,” her face went from amused to sober quickly as I tensed beside her.

  “This is different. Brock’s different,” I mumbled.

  “Em, are you falling for him?” Mel grinned.

  “I don’t know. Maybe? Yes? No? I’m so freaking confused,” I groaned and let my head fall to my hands. “It’s complicated.”

  “How so?” she tugged at my wrist to get me to look at her.

  “I like him...a lot. I don’t know though,” I whined.

  “Do you think about him when he’s not around?” she pushed.

  “Yes,” I nodded.

  “Do you want to spend all your time with him?”

  “Yes,” I nodded again.

  “Do you see yourself with him in the future? Like next year or even this fall?”

  “That’s where I don’t know. I wanna say yes, but he lives here... I don’t. I’m afraid that I’m gonna have to walk away after this, and I don’t know if I can,” a single tear fell down my cheek and I reached up and brushed it away.

  “Hey, I didn’t mean to make you cry,” Mel soothed before blowing out a breath. “Jordan really screwed you up, huh?”

  “I don’t want to talk about him,” I grumbled. The truth was Jordan had screwed me up. I’d thought that I loved him. I’d thought that we’d get married, start a family; we talked about that for months before we had sex. I thought when I’d finally given myself to him that it meant something. I was so wrong though, and then after what happened I didn’t think I’d ever be able to be with a man again. I’d shut that part of my heart off, but Brock was different. He treated me different, and he saw me different. I didn’t know what had made being with him so effortless, but it was. It was effortless and each moment that we spent together made me fall that much farther.

  “Well, whatever happened... I hope you know it wasn’t your fault,” she flopped back on her side as I nodded. The truth was, it was my fault, at least partly my fault I just didn’t want to voice that aloud yet.

  “Where did you disappear to last night?” I quickly changed the subject. Mel and Aaron had gotten pretty cozy on the beach, but when I’d come in later Aaron was snuggled on the couch with some girl and Mel was in my bed.

  “He doesn’t want anything serious,” she flipped her hand in the air. “He wants to have ‘fun’. His words, not mine,” she rolled her eyes. “I’m just not into that.”

  “I’m sorry, but I warned you. I don’t think he’ll ever settle down,” I sighed as I rolled onto my back to stare at the ceiling.

  “Yeah well, I’m not really looking for a relationship right now. He can have his flings. I’m ok with being ‘just friends’. He is kinda fun to hang out with. In fact, he invited me to hang out on the beach while he worked his shift today.” She smiled as she pulled herself to a sitting position.

  “Are you going to go?” I grinned. I could see the excitement in her eyes.

  “I don’t know. I came here to see you,” she nibbled her lip in contemplation.

  “Don’t turn him down on my account. If you want to go, then go. I’ll be ok,” I shrugged.

  “Are you sure?” she grinned bigger.

  “Yeah,” I nodded and at the same moment I heard a tinging sound on my window. I rushed over, confused at what I was hearing, only to find Brock standing down below in nothing but a pair of black board shorts.

  “Rapunzel, Rapunzel. Let down your hair,” he shouted through cupped hands. I giggled as I shoved open the window and leaned out.

  “You’re crazy,” I laughed as I heard Mel sigh from behind me.

  “Come out with me today. I’ve got a surprise,” he waved his arm as he stood there smiling so wide I thought his face might split.

  “I...” I trailed off as I looked around.

  “Are you crazy? Go!” Mel’s eyes went wide as she tipped her head in Brock’s direction.

  “Give me five minutes,” I shouted back as I closed the window and proceeded to race around my room.

  I had no idea what his surprise was so I quickly dressed myself in a bikini and tugged shorts and a tank on over it. I tied my hair up in a ponytail, grabbed some sunscreen and a towel, and flew through the house like my pants were on fire.

  “Have fun!” Mel called after me. “I’ll cover for you.” I could hear her laughing as I raced down the stairs and came to a skidding stop in front of him.

  “Hi,” I grinned.

  “Hi,” his voice was barely audible as he leaned in and kissed me. I sighed as I sagged against his body; all thoughts of my earlier conversation gone.

  “So what’s this surprise?” I bounced in the front seat of his car as we pulled into the marina.

  “You’ll see,” he winked as he parked and came around to my door. He opened it, and helped me out before going to lift a cooler and large bag out of the trunk.

  “Are you kidnapping me?” I giggled.

  “Do you want me to?” he smirked as his eyes darkened.

  “Maybe,” I bit my bottom lip and he growled before marching up next to me and motioning toward the main dock.

  “This way,” he led me down the docks and stopped by a large schooner. “Surprise!” he grinned as he flung his arms out to the side.

  “Whose boat is this?” my jaw dropped as I took it in. It was huge, and Brock had never mentioned a boat before.

  “My family’s,” he stepped over the side and after setting down the items he was carrying, he reached back to help me. “We used to take it out all the time. Now my father saves it for entertaining clients. He’s gone for the week right now, so it’s ours,” he snickered.

  “Wow,” I gasped as I started wandering around the deck. “Where are we going?”

  “Wherever you want,” he shouted as he began untying it from the dock. “I’m taking you out for the whole day. We can swim, sunbathe, or check out the spaces below deck,” his voice dropped as he watched me.

  “I’m open to all of that,” I giggled as I watched him.

  Brock carried the bag and cooler over to a spot on the bow and motioned for me to have a seat before he turned to take his place
at the helm. The engine cranked on the first try, and as Brock navigated us out of the marina, I stretched out on one of the plush white leather seats. I’d never been on a boat like this before. I’d gone sailing as a child, but this boat was for luxury.

  “Having fun?” I jumped at the sound of him so close. I guess I’d fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes, we were floating out in the middle of the sound.

  “Yes,” I yawned as I stretched and smiled up at where he was standing beside me.

  “Wanna go for a swim?” he smirked. “The water feels nice today.”

  “What if I get cold?” I teased.

  “I’ll keep you warm,” he held out his hand to help me up. Once I was standing, I pulled my tank over my head and tossed it along with my shorts onto the seat where I’d been lying. I smirked at Brock when I turned to see him staring. Today I was wearing a black bikini. It wasn’t much bigger than the blue one from the day before and it seemed like he liked it just as much. “Damn,” he muttered as I stepped around him and climbed up onto the sundeck.

  “Where’s the ladder on this thing?” I glanced around. Most of time they were on the back, but I didn’t see one.

  “There’s a fold down platform that floats,” he motioned to the back as he scurried around to where a lever was hidden. He pulled it, and I watched a small deck fold out. It had a ladder that sunk into the water, and then a small set of steps that helped you get from the platform back up to the main deck of the boat.

  “Fancy,” I was impressed.

  “I try,” he shrugged before he started laughing. “You gonna swim, or stare,” he pointed to the deck.

  “Swim,” I walked in the other direction, toward the bow and climbed up like Leo did in Titanic. “How deep is it here?” I called over my shoulder.

  “Depth finder says fifty feet,” he called back. “What are you...” I cut him off as I released my grip from the boat and flung myself into a dive. I plunged into the water. It was cool and felt refreshing against my heated skin. It helped me think of something other than Brock standing there in his trunks too. When I surfaced, he was shaking his head at me. “You trying to give me a heart attack?”