Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
C ade
I think she wants me; the way she was looking at me. I give my head a shake. I almost invited her into the shower with me. Talk about awkward, but there is this spark I feel when she’s near. She’s so pretty and the way she was with those animals. . .so loving and caring. She’s drawing me in and that’s a big problem because she doesn’t want a relationship, and I am clearly done with them too after all the crap I put up with from Scarlett. Scarlett was broken. I thought I could help her, but how can I fix someone when I put up with so much crap myself?
I head into the shower, trying hard not to think of Annie’s curves, of her full breasts, and her pretty pink lips. I try to erase her sweet smile from my mind but nothing is working. My cock hardens as a pulse of heat and want jolts through my body. This is more than a physical attraction; Annie now knows more about me than my friends do. Usually, my father likes to put a front up in front of my friends, but he was so pissed off about the Scarlett breakup that he showed his true colors. I don’t understand him. He always said Scarlett was the kind of girl who looks good on your arm, and in professional sports you need someone like that. It’s like feelings don’t matter to him or what’s inside a person. I shake my head clear of thoughts about my father and refocus, only my mind drifts back to Annie and the delicious breakfast she made. Damn, even the cows love her because she’s filled with a kindness you don’t see often. That’s why I picked up that goat. Because everything seemed so simple and relaxing around the animals. I’m sure farming is tough, but being outdoors in the fresh air and just strolling and talking was different. It felt very chill and a nice change of pace from what I’m used to with hockey. I see the appeal of the farm. The beauty of the nature that surrounds this place. I try hard not to think of Annie’s full breasts as I soap up my body. I can’t help myself as I tug on my cock and squeeze the base. I begin to get myself off and hold on to the wall for support. I picture Annie in the shower with me naked, the water streaming over her creamy skin. Her red hair wet and hanging over her shoulders, her blue eyes filled with so much lust. . . I pick up the pace, rubbing my cock, my hips thrusting into my hand as my head tips back and I release, picturing it’s Annie I’m pouring into.
When I come back down to earth, I realize what I’ve done. I’ve crossed a line I shouldn’t have crossed. I need to get control of my feelings. I’m clearly a mess and Annie doesn’t need that from me. She has enough on her plate with her mother and this Ford guy who wants her back. When I think of Ford, a green monster rears its head inside me. I can’t imagine Annie with an asshole.
Get a grip.
I wash my hair and body again and leave the shower. I want to say I’m relaxed after coming so hard, but it wasn’t enough. I’m still wound up tight. I head to the bedroom and grab a pair of boxers and a T-shirt. I brush my hair and put on a pair of joggers and deodorant. I don’t know what else Annie has planned for today. I leave the room barefoot in search of her. The house is quite large and I haven’t seen all of it yet. I hear her voice coming from a room to the back of the house. I follow the sound.
I find Annie speaking with her mother who is now thankfully dressed in actual clothes, since this morning she looked like she was in lingerie, and it felt freakin’ weird.
“Can we afford to do this?” Annie asks.
Her mother’s eyes narrow when she notices me.
“Hi, Cade, I heard you met some of our animals,” her mom says.
“I have. They’re amazing,” I tell her.
Her blue eyes widen. “You still think that after one of the goats shat on you?”
“Mom,” Annie chides.
“What, honey? Cade is a city guy,” she says.
“I love animals,” I assure.
“You do?” Annie asks, surprised. “I didn’t think you would still feel that way after what happened.”
“I can’t blame the little guy, he was probably very excited by the attention I was giving him,” I reason to Annie.
Annie giggles as she walks around a large dining table, setting up the plates and cutlery.
“Can I help?” I offer.
“You don’t have to, you’re probably not used to this kind of thing,” her mom says.
“I’m happy to help,” I volunteer. “Put me to work.”
“Okay, well, the caterers just dropped off all the food in boxes in front of the house. Would you mind taking them to the kitchen and placing the containers on the counters?” her mom asks.
“I’d be happy to,” I reply and leave the room.
“Mom, you can’t just ignore what’s happening. We’re in trouble. Acting like it doesn’t exist isn’t going to solve anything,” Annie scolds. I walk out of earshot so I don’t hear the rest. I feel bad for eavesdropping so it’s probably better this way.
I take the boxes filled with food to the kitchen and lay them out on the counter like she asked. My stomach grumbles.
“Someone sounds hungry,” Mr. Caufield says.
“Oh, hello, sir.”
“No need to call me sir. Name is Taron,” he says. “I was just about to make myself some lunch, you want to join me?”
“Ah, sure, thanks. If it isn’t too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all,” he says. He’s a tall guy with a brown beard and a wide gait. He looks strong, probably from working on the farm. He’s wearing a flannel shirt and a pair of blue jeans.
He takes a tray out of the fridge and pops it into the oven.
“I like my bread fresh,” he explains.
“Your bread is amazing. Annie made some at breakfast,” I tell him.
“I see my wife went overboard on food for dinner. She really wants to impress tonight,” he grunts.
“Are you close with Ford’s parents?” I ask because now that my jealousy has kicked in, I want to understand the dynamics between Annie’s family and Ford’s.
“Not at all,” he replies, accentuating each word. “Ford’s parents mostly live in the city. Their property here in town is a vacation property. They didn’t want Ford going to high school in the city, so they sent him out here. That’s how he met my Annie. I never thought he was good enough for her.” He scrunches his nose.
“You probably don’t think anyone is good enough for her. Isn’t that how it works with dads and their daughters?” I ask.
He responds with one of his hearty chuckles. “I wouldn’t say that. I’m sure there is a man out there good enough for Annie. It just isn’t Ford. My wife is having them over because I’ve got some legal troubles and the Bancrofts have a prestigious law firm in the city. They’re helping me at a very discounted rate,” he explains sheepishly.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,” I mutter.
“You didn’t. I offered the information. It just means I need to play nice tonight. This farm is important to my Annie. I’ve made some mistakes that could cost me the farm. I won’t let my daughter down, so I have to play my part. I want to make things right,” he declares.
Whatever is going on sounds serious.
“How will I fit in tonight? I mean, Annie said Ford is interested in her,” I state.
“You showing up has been a curveball we didn’t see coming. That’s why my wife has been prickly. She wants Annie to play nice with Ford.”
“Even if she isn’t interested?” I ask.
“Look, I didn’t want them coming here tonight and ruining my Christmas, but like I said, I need their help,” he states again.
“I don’t want to do anything to ruin things for you,” I assure him.
“Oh, I know that. I also think you’re a good guy, Cade.”
“How would you know that? We just met.”
“I heard Sally licked your face and she is never wrong about a person.” He laughs.
“Sally is definitely a character.” I roll my eyes and exhale.
“Now, what do you want in your sandwich? We got some smoked turkey, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bacon,” he lists off.
“I’ll take it all,” I tell him.
“Good man,” he says, and he makes my sandwich. We eat together at the kitchen table. He laughs even harder when I tell him about the goat shitting down my leg. “You should come by to see how we milk the cows. But you’ll have to wait until after Christmas.”
“I’ll take you up on that offer,” I tell him.
“This sandwich is fire. Thank you.”
“I’m assuming it means you like it.” He smiles and seems like a happy-go-lucky kind of guy.
We finish our sandwiches just as Annie and her mom enter the kitchen.
“Annie, I got you a dress and a pair of shoes for tonight. I left them in your room,” her mom states.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” she says to her mom.
“Come on, it’s Christmas, don’t be difficult,” her mom scolds.
“Did Daddy make you one of his famous sandwiches?” Annie asks me.
“He did,” I confirm.
“I have some paperwork to take care of in my office,” her dad says, ducking away from the kitchen.
“Remember to be dressed and ready for five. And wear a suit,” her mom calls after him.
“Thanks for bringing the food in here, Cade,” Mrs. Caufield says.
“My pleasure, is there anything else I can help you with?”
“We’re good.” She smiles.
Annie yawns. “Maybe we should go watch a movie in the family room,” she suggests.
“I’m up for that.” I nod.
As I follow Annie through the house, we pass the bedroom I’m staying in.
“This is a really big house,” I note.
“My grandad built it,” she says. “It’s big and old.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Thanks. I love it here. I know people are always trying to move away from the small towns they grow up in. I’m the exception. I love everything about farm life.”
“I can see that.”
We take a seat on a large brown leather sectional. The TV is older but has a big screen. She turns it on.
“What kind of movie should we watch?” she asks.
“A rom-com so I can wallow in my failed love life,” I retort.
“Oh, come on. You have to consider yourself lucky, Cade,” she says, surprising me.
“Lucky my girlfriend cheated on me in public?” I scoff.
“Obviously not, but it’s better you found out now rather than later,” she states. “And I was there to save you. So you weren’t completely humiliated.”
“That kiss was. . .” I’m at a loss for words.
She watches me expectantly, her brows raised.
“I’m waiting for your review, Cade. Don’t leave me hanging. I’m not the type of girl who goes around kissing almost strangers.”
“The kiss was hot, Annie. I don’t think you need me to confirm that. I felt the way you melted into my body.” My eyes drop to her lips.
My body heats and I think of what it would be like to make out with Annie on this couch. The thought of her dry humping me like a teenager comes to mind. Damn, I’m horny. I need to get a grip. I blink.
“We had to make Scarlett regretful for what she did. That’s why it was over-the-top.”
“I thought it was over-the-top because we have good chemistry,” I blurt, unable to hold back. I feel like pinning her on her back and lifting that shirt and sucking her perfect tits. Shit, I am screwed.
Her blue eyes widen and a flush runs up her cheeks. She watches me bashfully. “We did.”
Our eyes lock, and that zap of electricity that makes me feel like I’m floating toward her washes over me. I’m light as air, every bone in my body wants to be near her. To feel her warm lips against mine. She shifts slowly toward me then she blinks, and it’s as if she’s gained her wits back.
“What movie should we watch?” She pulls away and begins to scroll Netflix. I can’t be reading her wrong, can I?
“Oh, how about 10 Things I Hate About You ?” she says.
“I haven’t heard of it,” I admit. “But I’m easy. Whatever you want.”
“You’re easy?” She laughs.
“That’s not what I meant. You’re a brat,” I tell her playfully.
She laughs some more and starts the movie.
“Oh, it’s kind of like she’s going to fake date him for her sister,” I say.
“He’s cute,” she notes.
“You think he’s cute?”
“That’s what I just said,” she retorts.
“You’re a little abrasive, like the actress.”
She grunts. “I’m definitely not abrasive. I’m pure sunshine, Cade.”
“No, I wouldn’t say that. You’re a pessimist,” I note.
“What?” Her head whips around and she gives me an astonished look.
“You heard me.” I hold my ground.
“I’m absolutely not,” she insists.
“Really, well, you had one bad relationship and you’ve written off relationships entirely.” I bring to her attention.
“It’s more than one bad relationship, Cade. I also dated a guy my freshman year and I kept excusing his behaviors,” she confesses.
Her statement causes a feeling of recognition inside me. “I did the same thing with Scarlett. The warning signs were there. I chose to ignore them. I don’t know why I kept trying to fix her.” I have never said those words out loud and, in some way, it feels cleansing.
Annie watches me transfixed. “I’m broken. That’s my conclusion. It’s why I can’t date anyone else.”
“That can’t be right. Can it?” I ask. My mind is reeling from the emotions this conversation is invoking inside me. Am I broken too?
“Look, maybe I’m being a bit of a drama queen. I’ve gone for therapy and my therapist thinks I’m so conciliatory because I see my parents behaving that way. They’ve clearly decided to stay in a bad marriage. My life at home is borderline hostile.”
I huff, “I know something about that.”
“Can I tell you something without you getting offended or judging?” she asks.
“Of course.” My response is automatic. I’ve never had such an intense talk with anyone before. I’ve never laid all my faults out for someone to witness and judge, but Annie isn’t like that. We are two peas in a pod.
“When I met your parents for breakfast, your dad was kind of being a jerk and your mom was trying to laugh it off and cover it up, she reminded me of myself,” she confesses and she bites into her lip.
Her words blow me away. I know my parents have a dysfunctional relationship, and they like to act as if their problems don’t exist. Was I somehow mirroring that with Scarlett? Was I putting up with her shit because that’s what I’ve been taught to do? To accept another human walking all over me?
“I feel like such a fool.” I cover my hands over my face.
Annie shifts and she reaches over and hugs me. She smells like a fresh summer day. I move my hands off my face and hug her back.
“You’re not a fool, Cade. You’re a good person. Maybe too good.”
“You don’t know me, Annie,” I reply.
“I know you love your mom a lot. I know your dad rides you hard and has questionable morals when it comes to family. I know you’re a good friend, and I’ve heard you’re one heck of a hockey player. I know you’re kind and caring and you’re one hell of a good kisser.”
At her last words, I pull my head back and look into her eyes before my gaze drops to her lips. “I want to kiss you right now, but I’m not in the right headspace.”
She nods and swallows. “We’re better off that way.”
“You aren’t broken, Annie. You’re sweet and sassy. I can tell you have such a good heart too. Those guys were idiots. You’re perfect.”
I inhale and pull away from her.
She inhales and laughs. “Shall we get back to the movie?”
“Yes.” I extend my arm. “Come here, I want you close to me.” She curls against my body. We watch the movie with her leaning into me and my arm around her. It feels so right for something fake.