Define Me (7 page)

It was getting late, the sun was already setting.  I was really tired and I needed a bath, I love the beach but the sand gets up everywhere, it was really starting to make me feel uncomfortable. 

Heather and I were sitting chatting while Vincent sorted a few last minute things at the shop. 

This is the first time I got to talk to Heather alone after she went looking for Brent.  

"So did you find him?"

"Who?"

"You know who, don't play stupid with me"

"No, when I got to the place where he was standing, he was gone. I did meet a few of his buddies, cool guys; think I will hang out with them again. There were a few hotties, but unfortunately not as hot as TDD"

I was disappointed; I would have loved to see him again

"Oh"

"What does that mean, Oh?

"Nothing, I just wanted to say Thanks, I never got to say it, I'm grateful for what he did back then"

"Grateful for what?" Vincent walked in at the tail end of our conversation. 

"Nothing much, I saw one of our old school friend who saved Cat's sexy ass at school, but when I went to find him, he was gone…nothing much"

I could see the question in Vincent's eyes; I was just not ready to go into the whole Hunter story with him as yet.  Before he could asked I changed that subject and gave Heather THE look to tell her to drop it.

"I'm tired I need a bath, do you mind if I call it a day" 

"Yes I would mind, but I understand, it has been a long one" 

"Can I walk you home?"  

"That would be lovely" 

"Ok then, I will see you later, going to join the other's at the bonfire"

"Perfect, I will see you later"

Heather walked off to join Sam and the others.  I just could not stand feeling like that any longer.  I got up and Vincent came around the counter.  He slipped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me to him.  I fit perfectly under his arm and I put my arm around his waist.  We walked side by side towards my house, I could feel someone watching us, in this light I could not see a thing. 

As we got to my front door I turned around to face Vincent.  He put his hands on my hips and pulled me closer again.  I put both my hands on his chest and stood on my toes, I rested my head on his chest.  I could hear his heart beat speeding up.  I closed my eyes just for a second, I love being in his arms. I felt protected and safe; I never felt that with Hunter. 

Vincent rested his mouth on the top of my head for a little while and then kissed me.  I pulled away so that I could look into his eyes. 

"You know, we are moving a little fast, I've only known you for two days"

"I know... does that matter? I like you Caitlin and I mean really like you" 

"I like you to, but…”

"You said yes earlier, now what? Why not just enjoy this?"

"I'm not very good with relationships, quite crap actually"

"Oh come on" 

"No seriously, my last one did a number on me, I’m not sure if I will be any good for you"

"Let’s take it one step at a time" 

"Ok"

I kissed Vincent; he moved his hand and pulled me in even closer. I could feel every part of his body against mine, as though our bodies melted into each other.  After what felt like forever, I pulled away. 

"I am going to have a bath; if you want we can have some drinks on the patio later, just us, while the rest enjoy the bonfire. That is if you don't want to go there"

"I would love to have you to myself, I’m just going to lock up and then I will be back, I will bring us a snack"

"Great, I will see you later"

"See you later" 

I watched him walk away. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something move in the shadows, Vincent was too far away for me to call him back. I quickly ran into the house and slammed the door shut.  I went upstairs, my heart still racing.  I poured a hot bubble bath; my bath is right next to the window so I could look out over the beach and the ocean.  I spent over and hour in the bath and then at least another hour putting cream on and trying to find the right thing to wear.

Coming down the stairs I put my IPod on its docking station and put it on shuffle, then walked outside.  The sky was very dark already, but my patio was all lit up.  Vincent placed what looked like a 100 candles and on the table was a platter of fresh fruit and cheese.  It took my breath way. I was still standing looking at the scene in front of me when Vincent walked up from behind me, he was also freshly showered.  He put his left arm around me and with his right hand moved my hair from my neck.  He lowered his face in my neck and kissed me softly, it sent tingles right to the core of my body. 

Moments like that stay in your head. 

I wondered where he lived, how he could have done this in such a short time.

"I had some help, I asked the girls to sort out the candles and I went home and got this for us" 

Did he read my mind or had my face given it away again?

"It is wonderful, thank you"

"Come sit with me" 

Vincent walked over to one of the chairs and pulled me onto his lap.  I think this was my favourite seat by far, the only place I wanted to sit from then on.  I sat with my back against his chest; it took me a little while to relax. I know that he could feel it to, but he was patient with me, he put his hands on my back and rubbed my shoulders until the tension left me.

We sat like this for a while, music softly playing in the background, Vincent had his arms wrapped around me and nuzzled his nose in my hair.  "You smell amazing” It all felt so peaceful.

"Let’s dance"

"What
... here on my patio, are you crazy the people can see us?"

"Yes, why not, I would love to dance with you" 

Vincent lifted me off his lap and held my hand while he got up.  It was beautiful outside, just a soft breeze blowing.

Once the song had ended, Vincent walked us over to the railing. We stood there like the night before just looking at the moon shining on the sea, it is beautiful and magical.  In that moment I knew this was right for me.  We talked about our childhood and what the future held.  It was nice to meet someone that was so positive about what could be, should be.  I was really starting to feel tired, Vincent led me back to the seat, I sat cradled in his lap, with his right arm around my back. 

We talked so much. It was wonderful just to be able to open up and be myself; whilst chatting we fed each other fruit and cheese. 

Somewhere during the evening, day’s activities overcame me and I fell asleep on Vincent's chest. 

I woke up with Vincent carrying me to my room; he pulled the covers with his one hand and then lay me down.  He bent down to kiss me on my head.  I laced my fingers around his neck pulling him closer. 

"I will see you in the morning for a run, sleep now"

That night was the best I had ever slept, I dreamt about green eyes, black cars and beautiful sunsets.   

I woke up Monday morning with new hope, new love.  I jumped up almost knocking Heather out of bed.  I didn't remember her coming in last night. 

"Hey, watch it, what you so excited about this early in the morning?"

"Hey, what time did you get in?"

"Um, I think around two this morning, was spending time with one sexy piece of ass"

"Now who would that be? Cole or one of the army men I saw you adoring?"

"Nice, you think I'm a
Ho, Cole of course, ok but back to you, why so chipper this morning?"

"Vincent of course!"

"So what happened?"

"Like you don't know, you helped him set it up" 

Heather looked at me with the biggest smile, she really loved me, if she only realized how much I that meant to me especially after my story with Hunter. 

"Only a little, it was all his idea, so tell me what happened, did you ....."

"No you crazy girl, we didn't, it is too soon, we talked and talked and kissed and snuggled and I think I must have fallen asleep in his arms. I woke up with him carrying me to bed and tucking me in. I don't know how he found my room.  He is amazing Heather, I can really see me being happy with him.  For so very long I have been sad, I want this, I want it badly."

Heather got up from the bed and stood in front of me; she pulled me up from the bed and gave me a tight hug. 

"You deserve this happiness, I can see in the way he looks at you and the way the talks about you when you are not around that he really likes you.  Cole told me last night and VP is driving him insane every second word out of his mouth is
Cat.  This guy wants Crazy kind of love.  He will give you the world if you will let him."

"I want that too."

Heather pulled away from me, both her hands on my upper arms as she looked at me. 

"So make me this promise today. You will give him a chance, a real chance, give yourself a real chance to love again, a love that will curl your toes, a love that stops your breath, just allow yourself to feel." 

"Stop it now you are going to make me cry"

"No promise me"

"Ok I promise"

"Great, now get dressed, he is probably waiting for you already"

I quickly got dressed put my hair in a ponytail and headed downstairs.  Although it had been a late night for everyone, I found Sam and Brooke already in the kitchen dressed for the day. 

"Hey, you’re up early"

"Yes it is time for us to head home, enough loafing around your place. Our landlord is going to think we ran away" 

"Oh yes, I almost forgot…I'm going to miss you guys"

"Miss us? No ways! We will be here more often than you think, you have the best spot, I have never seen so many sexy hot guys in one place" 

"What do you mean?"

I walked to the water filter machine and poured myself a big glass of water with a slice of lemon.  Leaning back against the counter I watched Brooke pack the last of her things into her bag. 

"Well there is Vincent, but he seems to be hooked on to you. Then there is Cole, I had my eye on but your BFF got that one. I then saw this army dude, ogling you Saturday and Sunday, what's up with that?

"Army guy, what are you talking about?"

"Didn't you see him? Tall, dark and the most amazing eyes!  Even in a crowded room, I would spot those eyes and they were glued on you" 

"I didn’t see him… I don't care, I'm with Vincent and he is this only guy whose eyes I want on me" 

"So you and Vincent .... Is it serious?" Sam asked

"I hope so"

There was a knock at the front door. 

"I will get it” My heart was racing, please let it be Vincent.  Before I could get to the door Heather sprinted past me. 

"I will get it"

"Heather, come on"

Heather opened the door with me standing right behind her. My heart stopped, he was so sexy, and he filled almost the whole doorway.  Looking past Heather straight into my eyes Vincent gave me that sexy smirk.

"Good morning gorgeous, are you ready for our run?"

I just smiled at him; I could have run and jumped into those big strong arms of his.  Oh I needed to be in those arms, if Heather would just get out of the way, did she need to stand in between us? 

"Hey… am I chopped liver, good morning Vincent… nice to see you Vincent"

He gave a deep chuckle, which sent a hot throb down between my legs.  I wanted to jump his bones.

"Hi Heather, how are you doing?"

"Great… thanks for asking, so what have you got planned for today?"

“Heather really, what you doing, he is my boyfriend I will be doing the asking ... boyfriend, can I really call him my boyfriend?” 

"It depends on what my girlfriend has planned for the day"

(GIRLFRIEND!!)My eyes must have popped out of my head, my mouth went dry and I could feel my body heating up.  It was like he could read my mind, he called me his girlfriend. 

"Yes girlfriend, I thought we agreed to that or have you changed your mind overnight?"

"No, no, girlfriend is good" with that I pushed past Heather, deliberately pushing a little harder.  I flung my arms around Vincent's neck and gave him long, good morning kiss. 

"Hey watch it girl" she gave me a smile that said I told you so. 

"Well good morning to you too, you ready?" 

"Yes ready as I will ever be"

"So let’s go, see you girls" 

Vincent waved to the girls, turned and walked out. 

"Will you guys wait until I come back before you go?"

“We need to be in class at 9, can we come around for sundowners later?"

"Yeah that is great. See you guys tonight, I will make a farewell dinner for us all"

"Perfect we will see you then"

I turned and walked out with Vincent; he put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me to him. 

"You ok, with me calling you girlfriend?"

"Yes I am very happy that you call me girlfriend, can I call you my boyfriend"

"I hope you do"

Vincent stopped and turned to face me, with his one hand on the small of my back he pulled me closer.  Looking down into my eyes, I could get lost in those eyes. I think I love this man already. 

"I don't feel like going for a run this morning, don't you want to come and join me for breakfast, you have done a lot of running and training the past few weeks, I think you need down time"

"Mm, I don't know, I think I need more than just a hug to convince me to give up my running"

"Oh is that so? I think I know how to do that" 

Vincent lifted me into his arm; I laced my fingers at the back of his head and pulled him closer. He kissed me; there was something more to this kiss, a promise a commitment. His kiss was so intense, so strong.  His tongue pushed past my lips swirling, twisting, and stroking every part of my mouth.  I was nibbling, licking with the same amount of passion. After a minute or so Vincent tried to pull away but I got hold of his lip biting down just a little not wanting to break our kiss. I swore I heard him growl at me, my eyes shot open. I didn't let go.  I saw a look in his eyes, I squeezed my legs shut, that look just turned me on, I was hot and hell I wanted this guy , I know I vowed to obey the three date rule but I didn’t know if I could wait that long.  I let go of his lip, my sex was throbbing.  

"Shit woman, you’re driving me crazy! I want you so badly right now!"

I looked into his big green eyes; I knew it was too soon. I looked down to his chest; I swear I could see his heart beating a mile a minute. 

"Oh no mister this isn’t going to happen"

He growled again, oh my word this was going to be difficult. I needed to know that what we had could be stronger than just the physical attraction.  I needed to show him first that I could be all he needed before I gave myself to him completely. 

I wiggled myself out of his arm, stepping back to create some well needed space before it got out of control.   

"I don't have class today, so you feel like spending the day with me?"

“I don't know, you are playing hard to get, that really turns me on.  Don't know if I can keep me hands off you”

And with that he made a grab for me. I squealed and ran towards the beach, I didn't get very far before he tackled me to the ground.  Vincent covered me with his body, his elbow on either side of my head, his face so close to mine. 

The cool sand under my body was the only thing preventing me from catching fire.  His body, so strong, so hot, this simple action made me feel protected, the way his body shielded me from the outside world. 

"Do you know how beautiful you are Caitlin; I could stare at you all day?"

I was not very good with complements and not too sure how to react to the intense look on Vincent face.  I was not ready to take this relationship to the next level. The only way I saw out was to make fun of the situation. 

"Oh well, I don't know if Cole will be too happy with his partner missing in action".

"Forget Cole, I can do just what I want and when I want. I want to spend the day with you, looking into your beautiful eyes and then feasting on your hot seductive lips, exploring everything that is Caitlin Steward.”

“I don't know how I feel about that, it has only been three days and how do I know I can trust you?”

I was teasing Vincent but the look on his face was priceless. I burst out laughing, real tummy shacking laugh.  I couldn’t believe he thought I was serious. 

"Are laughing at me you little vixen? I'm going to get you for that!" 

Vincent started tickling me everywhere, I was wiggling so much that soon we were both covered in sea sand. Lovely! 

"Look what you have done Vincent, now I need to go home for a shower"

"Home, no ways! I'm not letting you out of my sight today, I know how to get rid of this” He jumped up and scooped me into his arm and started walking very calmly towards the water. 

"No way are you taking me into the sea so early in the morning it is going to be cold" 

I started twisting and turning in his arms trying to free myself from his grip. The more I struggled the more his grip tightened.  Just before the water edge he stopped, lowering me to the ground but still holding my wrist whilst he bent down to take his shoes off with one hand and then started taking mine off.  I moved my feet around so he could not get hold of them.  Before I knew it Vincent had me pinned on the ground again and was taking my shoes off. 

After chucking my shoes to the side Vincent jumped up, he stood there for a few seconds with the naughty smirk, he then bent down to pick me up. I tried my best to get a way.  I was a feather in his hands and he put me over his shoulder.  I kicked my legs but he held tightly, I knew the only outcome was that I was going to land in the ice cold water.  Two could play that game, I placed both my hand on his butt, OMG it was so tight.  I squeezed with all my might, I could feel a fault in his step and that heard the growl again.  He was just as affected by this as me.