"Derek.” She smiled and walked inside.
Sarah was tall, dressed in black slacks and a form fitted blouse, heeled loafers clicking on the surface of the wood with each step. Her hair was glorious, thick and ink black, clipped slightly above her chin. She didn't appear much older than me, but there was a level of maturity that exuded from her warm brown eyes that was impossible to overlook.
She strode into the room, toward me and Caleb.
"Hello, Caleb,” she greeted him before turning to me. “You must be Emma."
She smiled broadly and the effect was astounding, changing her from mousey to stunning. I could see why Caleb liked her so much. She wore her emotions right there on her face for everyone to see. She was friendly and warm, happy to meet me and to see Caleb.
"Hi, Sarah.” I smiled back, it was impossible not to.
Caleb interrupted our introduction, “If you don't mind, Emma and I were just about to take a walk. We'll give you and Derek some time alone."
Caleb grabbed my hand before I could comprehend what was going on. We were out the door in mere seconds. He tugged me along behind him, jumping off the porch and down the stairs. He walked around the back, toward the pond, traveling a sufficient distance from the house.
We stopped at the water's edge before he finally spoke. “I'm sorry.” He smiled ruefully as he apologized. “They haven't been alone in a few weeks, and they don't need us there for the reunion."
"No,” I agreed, staring at the pond. “They need time alone."
Afternoon would be over soon, the sky had already begun changing into a rusty orange hue. The color was enchanting against the water. The reflections of random trees mixed with the rays reminding me of colored glass, the shapes shifting and distorting the polished surface.
Caleb growled softly, yanking me to his chest. Out here we would not be interrupted, and his embrace was made so much more dangerous because of it. He pulled me tight against him, his mouth urgent, hands roaming freely down my back and lower.
The modest part of me protested, insisting to take it slow. But the wilder more feral part of me yearned for this, exactly this, and it was that part that won out.
I grasped his arms forcefully, leaning up, and he wrapped his hands under me, cupping my bottom and lifting me into his arms. My back was pushed into a tree but I didn't notice, wrapping my legs around his waist and undulating against him.
All I could see, touch, and taste was Caleb—his hard body, soft lips, and eyes like the ocean after a heavy rain.
He was irresistible.
"Tempted, I'm so tempted,” he exhaled against my mouth.
He brought his hand to my neck to pull my face closer to his, barely kissing my lips before pushing me away tenderly.
"What's the matter?” I gasped out the words. I felt jittery all over, the smell of wood, pine, and cedar in my nose.
"I won't do this, Emma,” he said, regret heavy in his voice. He helped me down on uneven legs, bringing our foreheads together so they touched. “You deserve more, and trust me, I will give you more."
"I don't know what's come over me.” My voice was hoarse and throaty.
"I know.” He kissed my forehead, exhaling softly. “I'm pushing you too fast. I'll behave."
He sat, pulling me down with him to the water's edge. His breathing evened out and I watched as he studied the water. He seemed guilty and frustrated. He was going to have premature wrinkles if he kept this up. I touched his hand and he glanced over, his beautiful face smoothing as he smiled.
"I am a big girl, you know.” Part of me considered leaning over and pushing those boundaries, but I resisted. This was hard enough on him already. And he was right. There was no need to rush anything.
"Believe me. I know you're a big girl. That's the problem."
The statement made me blush and he chuckled.
"So tell me more about your family.” I still didn't know much about them, other than what they looked like, and I was curious to hear more about his Mom who was once human like me.
"Sorry.” He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders in a false apology. “It's you turn."
I scowled. “I already told you, there isn't anything to tell."
"There isn't anything?"
"There is Grandma,” I answered slowly. I couldn't keep the somber tone from my voice. “She's still alive, but there isn't anything upstairs anymore, at least not for long durations."
"What happened?” He didn't pry, staring at the water.
"She started doing little things, misplacing her keys or making me lunch twice in one day. At first, I thought she was just getting older. But it became obvious pretty quickly that something was very wrong. She burned herself really badly one morning, and when I asked how it had happened, she couldn't tell me. The doctors at the hospital gave me the news."
"Oh, Emma.” He squeezed my hand.
"At least she's in a good place now and she's happy. I miss her, and some days are harder than others when I think about it. But I love her, and she knows that. I can't really ask for more."
"You must be excited about meeting your Father."
"Yes and no. He left, after all. And someone won't tell me why.” I glared at him accusingly, cracking a grin.
"To be fair, I don't know everything, just bits and pieces from Sam. You want more information than I actually know.” He seemed frustrated by that.
I smiled. “When I find out, I'll tell you, how's that?"
I glanced toward the cabin. The sun was dipping in the sky, fading behind the trees. Caleb didn't respond to my question and I tore my eyes away from the cabin to look at him.
He was staring, his eyes fastened on me. He waited as I came to him, remaining perfectly still.
I touched his arm lightly. The bronze skin was warm, the dark hair along his forearm soft and smooth under my fingers. I lifted my hands and stroked his hair, twining my fingers through the thick strands as he closed his eyes. I moved closer, tracing the contours of his face, finally touching those extremely long lashes.
They were as soft as I knew they would be.
The pull was there, undeniable now. I leaned in close, rubbing my lips across his cheek before nuzzling his ear. His hair tickled my face and I pushed it away with my fingers.
"You had better behave now,” he said with a harsh edge to his voice.
"I'm sorry.” I leaned back, leaving my hand in his soft hair. “I've never been like this with anyone before."
"That's a relief,” he growled softly. “I would hate to have to kill someone."
We watched the sunset together. We couldn't see the actual horizon, but the pond managed to create one of its own with the help of the corresponding sky. The crickets came out, singing to one another as birds chirped back and forth.
"I think we've given them enough time.” Caleb stood and held out his hands, helping me to my feet. I brushed the grass from my pants and placed my hand inside his.
We walked back together and I listened anxiously for any signs of an impending disaster, but no noise came from inside. We stepped onto the porch and walked through the door. I made Caleb lead the way, walking behind him. He stopped, listening just inside the quiet cabin.
"They're upstairs, in Derek's room,” he whispered softly, turning to look at me. “What would you like to do?"
"We could be nice and make everyone dinner. It might ease some of the tension,” I offered helpfully.
"Have I told you how amazing you are?” He started at me incredulously, wrapping his fingers inside the hair at my nape.
"No, but there is always a first time for everything.” I grinned, reaching for his hand and walking to the kitchen.
We probably overdid it, which wasn't hard. Caleb and Derek had pillaged the grocery store, purchasing every condiment in the universe. I had things to make salads, steaks, and potatoes.
They even remembered real bacon bits and sour cream.
To my shock, Caleb was staggeringly proficient in the kitchen. He
maneuvered around, timing everything perfectly, managing to get the grill started and the steaks on so that they were ready right as the potatoes were cooling from the oven.
Caleb went upstairs to get Derek and Sarah as I prepared the table. I was just placing the glasses into the proper places when they walked in. Sarah had removed her shoes and glided elegantly across the floor. Derek was beside her, and I was relieved to see he didn't look as stressed anymore. Caleb held out my chair and I sat down.
Sarah beamed at us, sliding into her seat across from me. “This looks wonderful, thank you."
"Caleb did most of the work,” I admitted shyly.
"He's always been a great cook.” She tried the steak and shook her head approvingly. “Delicious."
"Sarah bumped into Michael Davies the other day.” Derek took a huge bite of potato and topped it with a chunk of steak, proving his table manners were still non-existent. “He's still asking about Sammie."
Caleb rolled his eyes, grumbling, “He needs to take the hint."
"I think he may once he meets Mr. Blackney.” Sarah laughed, the expressive sound as beautiful as her smile.
"Dad will have him afraid to go to sleep at night,” Caleb chuckled, agreeing with her.
"By the way.” Derek looked up, chomping on another mouthful of food. “Sarah and I are hiking to the bluff tomorrow. You two are welcome to come along."
I couldn't believe my ears. Derek actually managed to sound cordial. The difference with Sarah around was incredible. Caleb glanced over, leaving the decision up to me.
"That sounds great. You have a bluff here?"
Caleb nodded. “You can see it from the cabin once you been there and know where it is."
Caleb and Derek started mapping out the trip, deciding it would be best to leave early, before the humidity struck. Sarah and I didn't say much, sitting back and listening to them prattle on, laughing at Derek's jibes and jokes in between. It was good to see that side of him again. I didn't like him as a grouch.
When dinner was finished Sarah and I got to relax on the couch while Caleb and Derek cleaned the kitchen. I sat on the left end, smiling gleefully each time I heard a loud crash or unexpected “shit” from Derek—the latter of which came after something shattered to the floor. Sarah curled up on the other side, smiling and laughing with me.
"Derek told me what happened. I hope you don't mind.” Sarah's voice was incredibly soft and light.
"Oh. No, I don't mind. Although, finding out all of this exists—that took a little getting used to. I'm still adjusting,” I answered, totally at ease with her.
Her face and voice faltered ever so slightly. “No, I meant about you and Caleb."
I didn't know what to say, finding myself at a loss for words, riddled with guilt. Did she hate me because I had walked into Caleb's life and the connection she so longed for with Derek was already there? She didn't seem angry about it, but she didn't seem the type to lash out with open hostility either.
She sounded hurt when she spoke, “I apologize. It isn't my business."
"Wait, it isn't like that at all,” I insisted, trying to apologize. “I just, Caleb explained that you and Derek, that you..."
"It's quite all right, Emma. I'm happy for Caleb, and for you. He's been alone for far too long."
"Did I hear my name?"
Caleb and Derek walked in, selecting their places on the couch. I smiled as Caleb sat next to me, but it was Derek I watched from the corner of my eye. He slumped next to Sarah, so close they could be touching. Yet somehow I knew they weren't.
"I put the DVD in the player.” Sarah reached for a controller, pressing a button. The movie started and she rolled her eyes. “Can't you two ever watch anything but these disgusting slasher pictures?"
"And why would we want to do that?” Derek drawled.
Caleb used a controller to flip off the lights, lounging back and wrapping his arm around my shoulders. I twisted slightly, pulling my legs up and cuddling next to him, resting my head on his chest.
This movie was somewhat easier to believe, since I knew werewolves did actually exist. Derek, Caleb, and even Sarah, grimaced and laughed at some of the things portrayed. Like the werewolf going crazy during a full moon.
"Is that true?” I asked, interrupting the movie. “Do you sprout fur and lose your minds during the full-moon?"
Derek snorted. “Typical human thinking. Consider the full moon our version of PMS. It comes once a month and makes us abnormally bitchy, but otherwise, it's harmless."
Sarah's sigh was drowned out by Caleb's boisterous laughter.
Leave it to Derek and his inept ability to explain things.
By the time the movie ended, I was struggling to keep my eyes open. Caleb asked if he could speak to Derek and Sarah privately and I graciously excused myself, climbing up the stairs to his room. I organized my clothing inside the closet earlier but I decided to wear one of Caleb's t-shirts, slipping it on and hurrying to the bed.
I drifted to sleep within minutes.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 11—Golden Coreopsis
Caleb came to bed at an unknown point during the night, rousing me when his arm encircled my waist to bring me back against his body. He was gone by the time I woke, and I decided that one day I had to surprise him and be the early bird for once.
I stumbled into the closet, choosing a short sleeved polo and a pair of khaki shorts for the hike. I dug inside the bag on the floor for my socks, thankful I'd been wearing sneakers when all of this transpired. Then I snuck into the bathroom for a short shower, drying my hair quickly, leaving it hanging loosely down my back and bringing along an elastic band. I could pull it up if I needed to later. I didn't bother with any makeup since I would only sweat it off anyway.
Sarah's voice carried from the living room when I descend the stairs and I turned in the direction of the sound. All of them were there, dressed and ready. Stuffed backpacks were resting on the floor at their feet.
"Good morning, Emma,” Sarah greeted me with a huge smile. She managed to look sporty in her khaki shorts and blue tank top, her hair parted to the side with a bobby pin keeping it in place. “Caleb said you like coffee, so I made some."
"Thank you.” I smiled at everyone and walked past, desperately needing my caffeine fix.
As promised, the pot was nearly full. I pulled down a mug and poured the coffee, stopping well before the top. I wanted milk and sugar.
Sweetness was just the thing I needed.
Caleb strode in, handsome as always. He hadn't shaved and I thought it suited him. His hair hung softly around his eyes, framing his face. He looked older, more rugged, and totally charming.
"Are you ready for some serious walking?” he teased me, opening the fridge and reaching inside for a bottle of water.
"As long as you're patient.” I took another drink of my coffee. “I should warn you, I'm not an agile hiker."
"If you want, I can carry you,” he offered.
I gave him a funny look, eyes bulging out when I realized he meant it.
"My bruises are finally turning green now,” I declined the invitation, shaking my head forcibly. There was no way in the world I was making that kind of trip again, not if I could avoid it. I touched my stomach absent mindedly, soothing the sore spots.
"I don't have to carry you across my shoulders.” He chuckled, lifting the bottle of water to his lips.
"Just the same, I'll stick to my feet, if you don't mind."
He continued laughing, watching me as I finished the coffee and rinsed out my mug. I walked to the counter and grabbed a banana, eating quickly and then discarding the remainder into the trash before following Caleb into the other room. Derek and Sarah were ready to go. Each had the enormous packs on, the sides bulging out around them.
"What do you have in there?” I asked curiously. It looked like they'd packed an entire room inside.
"All of the things we will need, plus lunch,” Sarah answered, her sweet sm
ile never wavering.
"And where are ours?” I glanced at Caleb. I wouldn't make it far, but I'd give it an old fashioned try.
"No, Emma. We have everything.” Sarah lifted the strap on her shoulder, leaning forward to emphasize the packs. No wonder they were so bulky, she had packed an entire room inside.
"I wanted to make you suffer.” Derek glared at me playfully. “But Sarah threatened me with bodily harm."
Sarah rolled her eyes but smiled at us. “You two just enjoy the scenery. Derek and I have this."
They led the way outside. The grass was slightly damp from the morning dew, causing the plastic soles of my shoes to squeak. We passed the pond and a fish splashed on the surface, creating a circular ripple. I smiled, thinking about Billy and my feeble attempts with his fishing rod.
A path was visible between the barn and an expanse of heavy trees. The dirt scattered with new patches of grass growing throughout.
"We'll follow the path. If you need us to slow down, just yell,” Sarah called to us over her shoulder, following the route in confident strides.
"Will do,” Caleb hollered back, extending his hand. I placed mine inside his warm fingers and we started off.
The initial area was fairly flat, the terrain easy to maneuver. The trees cleared a path and Derek and Sarah moved forward, their bodies disappearing from view.
The sun couldn't breach the trees. Instead it lit them from above, creating a shadowed green canopy. It was serene and calm, the wind building and whistling through the branches, blowing cool against my skin. Squirrels and a few rabbits darted about, bobbing in and out of the shrubbery.
"I see why you love it here,” I told Caleb enviously, taking in as much as my eyes, ears, and nose would allow.
"You'll love it in the winter. The leaves fall, and you can see everything. And when it snows, it's like a blanket of sparkling white.” He squeezed my hand, ducking out of the way of a low hanging branch.
"If I'm here in the winter,” I murmured quietly. I'd love to see the snow here—with Caleb.
"I've been thinking about that.” He pushed more branches out of his way, holding them aloft, keeping them from striking me. “The next time Sam calls, I'm getting some answers."