Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
C ade
“It’s really nice not having to take the bus home,” Annie says as she controls the Spotify in my car. So far, her taste in music has been good.
“The roads are terrible,” I observe. “We should’ve checked the weather before we left Riverside.”
“We definitely should’ve waited until morning,” she agrees. “But we’re on a little adventure. I’m seriously happy you’re coming home with me. Ford is not going to be happy about this.”
“We should take a selfie and post on social media. That way Scarlett will see we’re together. I feel like we need to take our fake relationship to the next level, or no one is going to believe us,” I say. She leans in and takes a quick selfie.
It’s starting to get dark out. Waze says we are about thirty minutes out from the Caulfield farm, which isn’t too bad. Being in such close quarters with Annie is making me realize how sweet and easygoing she is. It also doesn’t help she wore a pair of leggings for the car ride and a cropped sweatshirt. She took off her jacket a half hour into the drive and every time she turns around to get something from the back seat, I get a side view of her perfectly rounded ass and her creamy skin peeking from under her top. It would help if I didn’t know how good she tastes because now I want another kiss. I want to feel the heat of her body pressed to mine. I shift in the seat because I’m growing hard. We promised each other our fake relationship was all for show. I am clearly not in the headspace to get involved with someone right now, after everything I’ve been through with Scarlett.
“Did you bring everything you own?” She laughs. “We’re only here for like a week and a half.”
“I’m an over packer which is a real pain in the ass, given I travel a lot with the team. I just don’t like missing anything,” I explain as Waze directs me down a poorly lit street.
“So you needed your skis and skates?” She laughs. I quickly look at her and my breath hitches. She’s so pretty. Her dark-blue eyes remind me of the deep sea.
“Eyes on the road, Cade,” she warns.
“I googled Sunny Springs to get a better idea of where I was going. There’s good skiing out here. You also said your family has a pond on the property that freezes over,” I remind.
“True, but I don’t know if there will be time for everything. I was thinking we could take Trudy and Duff out on the trail. Daddy and I have a ritual of skating on the pond Christmas Day, you can join us,” she offers.
“Are Trudy and Duff cows? Because I don’t know how I feel about taking cows for walks,” I say, feeling a little nervous over what I’ve gotten myself into. I barely know Annie and here I am going home with her for the holidays. Back at the restaurant, anything seemed better than leaving for Mexico with my parents.
She bursts into hysteric laughter. She’s laughing so hard she holds her stomach and squeezes her eyes shut. This girl is distracting in a good way. “Should I ask what’s so funny?”
“Trudy and Duff are horses. It’s nice to take them out on the trails. The property is so beautiful in the winter,” she finally explains after gaining control of her laughter. Then she starts laughing again and mutters, “Walking cows.”
“Well, you did tell me you wanted to introduce me to a cow. I don’t know what to expect from you.” I laugh, and on some level it’s part of the intrigue with Annie. She seems honest and real. She isn’t trying to impress me.
“Excuse me, but cows are social animals. Some are friendlier than others. I was present for Sally’s birth. We’ve developed a bond. There’s nothing weird about that,” she insists. I think she may be a little crazy.
“If you say so,” I answer, not wanting to argue.
“Make a right at the next turn.”
“Waze says to make a left,” I reply.
“Dude, Waze doesn’t always work properly in these parts. There can be spotty internet connections. I know where I live,” she insists, giving me sass.
“Okay, if we get lost it’s on you.” I follow her direction.
She huffs at my response and when I quickly gaze over at her, she’s rolling her eyes.
I make the turn and a couple minutes later, sure enough, there is a sign that says Caufield Family Farm.
“I’m not going to say I told you so,” she goads.
“Good.”
“You need to follow the windy road now. The house is at the end,” she explains.
“Are your parents going to be cool with me staying with you?” I want to confirm, even if it is a little late. It’s dark out now. I would never find my way to town from here.
“Mom might be a little cold. She wants me back together with Ford. Dad should be cool,” she says.
“Gotcha,” I reply. I feel like I may be walking into a lion’s den if her mom is anything like my dad.
We pull up to the house and Annie reaches for her puffer jacket in the back seat. I lick my lips, watching her exposed skin.
She slips on her puffer. I get out of the car to slip my own winter jacket on.
“Is it okay to leave my car out here?” I ask.
There is a long windy driveway, and I don’t see another car in sight.
“I can ask Daddy if we can pull your car into the garage,” she offers. “We can get heavy snowfalls this time of year.”
I reach my arms up and stretch. A loud yawn escapes me after driving a couple hours. My stomach also grumbles.
“Come, let’s get settled in. I can make us something to eat,” she offers.
I go to the trunk and take out her suitcase and mine.
“I can help with the suitcases,” she offers.
“I’m a strong guy, Annie. I’m not letting you carry your suitcase.”
“You’re so chivalrous,” she teases, batting her lashes playfully.
This girl is trouble.
I follow her into her home. “Hello?” she calls out.
A dog comes running to the door.
“Hi, Rocky.” Annie smiles cheerfully. The dog starts walking between her legs, wagging his tale. He goes back and forth a few times before she kneels down to hug him and he licks her cheek.
Then he’s checking me out.
“Do you like dogs?” Annie asks.
“Yeah, I always wanted a dog. My parents always travelled so much it wasn’t an option,” I explain. “Hey there.” I pat his head. He licks my hand. “Aren’t you a handsome fella.” He has cool green eyes.
“He likes you,” Annie says.
“I just hope Sally likes me too,” I joke.
“I better go see if Daddy is in his office. Do you want to come meet him?” she asks. I’ve never met a girl’s parents before. Now I’m meeting the father of a girl I’m fake dating.
“Now is as good a time as any.” I shrug.
I never went home with Scarlett, so I hadn’t had to deal with a father until now. The idea kind of makes me nervous, as I think of having a daughter one day.
We walk up to what looks like an office door. Her dad is at his desk deep in thought.
“Daddy?” she announces herself.
The man picks up his head. He’s got brown hair and the same blue eyes as Annie.
“Annie,” he says with a happy sigh. He stands and opens his arms to welcome her. She walks right into them and he embraces her. “Glad you made it home okay. I was worried about the weather.” He kisses the top of her head. “And you must be the boyfriend,” he says to me. I really don’t like lying, especially to someone’s parent, but I need to put up the ruse for Annie.
“I am, sir, Cade Price.” I take a step forward and reach out to shake his hand.
“Nice to meet you,” he says. “Have we met before? You remind me of someone.”
“No, sir,” I reply. “Thanks for having me over for the holidays.”
“Are your parents not around?” he asks.
“Daddy, that’s intrusive,” Annie chides respectfully.
“It’s fine,” I reply. “My parents are headed to Mexico. They don’t really make a big deal about the holidays.”
“I see,” he says, pursing his lips. “Well, you’re welcome here. Why don’t you take a seat?” he says, pointing to a chair across from his desk.
“Daddy, we’re starving. I wanted to make us something to eat,” Annie interrupts.
“I made you some of your favorite mac and cheese. Why don’t you go warm it up while I get to know Cade,” her father suggests. The fact he wants to grill me means he cares, so I oblige him.
“It’s all good,” I assure Annie.
“Go easy, Daddy,” she warns and leans up to kiss his cheek, and then she leaves his office.
“So what are you taking in school?” he asks and he reaches for the tumbler filled with amber liquid on his desk.
“Communications,” I reply.
“Sorry for asking but what do you plan to do with a communications degree?” he asks.
“I’m guessing Annie hasn’t told you much about me,” I reply instead of answering.
“She informed her mom yesterday that she’s with you.” He chuckles and takes a sip from the tumbler.
“I play hockey on Riverside’s NCAA team. I’m headed to the NHL next year, sir.”
It takes him a moment to process what I’ve said.
“That’s why you looked familiar. You must be John Price’s kid,” he says.
“I am,” I confirm, even though I don’t like to be compared to my father. I am trying to pave my own path in the world. It’s been a challenge since my dad has basically formed me into the type of player he wanted me to be. I’m an enforcer. I’m good at my role, but I actually hate playing rough. At this point in my career, I don’t have a real degree to fall back on, and hockey will make me good money. I just wish I didn’t have to be the guy who roughhouses on the ice. I want to find my own style without having my father’s voice in my head.
“I’ll be damned. I was a big fan of your dad’s. I’m a big hockey fan,” he explains.
“Yet, your daughter doesn’t know a thing about hockey,” I joke.
“Annie is all about the animals,” he replies.
“Yes, she really wants me to meet Sally,” I tell him.
A bubble of laughter escapes him. He has a hearty deep laugh but it’s warm and friendly. “That sounds about right,” he finally says.
“Should I be scared?” I ask him.
“Now that depends,” he replies.
“On what?” I ask.
“If Sally likes you,” he answers and he chuckles some more. “Come, let’s head to the kitchen. That mac and cheese should be warm by now.”
We both stand and head to the kitchen. “My wife is going to have a coronary when she finds out who you are.”
“Is she a hockey fan?” I ask.
“No.” He shakes his head. “But she was hoping on getting Annie and Ford back together. Now that I’ve met you, I don’t see that happening.”
“Does she know I’m committed to Annie?” I ask because it’s weird for her to want to break us up.
“Oh, she knows, but that isn’t going to stop her when she wants something. It’s good you’re an enforcer because Christmas Eve is going to be a special kind of battle.” He laughs. “Now, come on, son. I don’t like to leave my Annie waiting.”
With that, we head directly to the kitchen where Annie meets my gaze with wide eyes. “Are you okay?” she whispers.
“I think so?” I whisper back.
“Come on, Annie. I don’t bite,” her father says. “But sometimes Sally does.”
“Should I be terrified?” I ask Annie and her father.
“Daddy is just yanking your chain,” she explains, giving her dad a warning look.
Annie turns away to take the mac and cheese out of the oven. It’s got a layer of baked cheese on top. It smells delicious.
“These are garlic knots. Daddy makes them and they are so good,” she explains, pointing to a tray of little knots of dough.
“I’m sorry Thanksgiving was a bust. I wanted to make it up to you,” her dad says.
“Thank you, Daddy. But I understood. You have a lot going on,” she says vaguely.
He exhales and sighs. “That I do. Well, you kids have a good night. Cade can stay in the guest room down here.”
“That’s where I was going to set him up,” she confirms.
“Good. Have a good night, you two.” He waves and leaves the kitchen.
“Sit down and eat, Cade. You’re in for one heck of a meal,” she invites.
I do as she says and she’s right. This is the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had. It has a kick of garlic but it isn’t strong. The garlic knots are fresh and spongy. My parents are busy people, so having home-cooked meals was never a thing. We always ate well and healthy, but we had housemaids or caterers preparing food and it never tasted like this. This is a carbfest and my dad’s voice rings in my ears. I don’t give a shit because I am doing what I want. I need to live my life and get my dad’s voice out of my head. I finish the bowl and Annie gives me seconds.
“It’s good stuff, huh?” she says, enjoying the meal as much as I am.
“The best,” I tell her.
She looks at me like she wants to say something but then she snaps her mouth shut. Instead, she gives me a bright smile and something inside my chest expands. After we eat, she shows me to my room. It isn’t fancy but it’s spacious and has a queen-size bed in the middle and old, cottage-style furniture. There is an en suite attached to the room and Annie shows me where the towels are.
“Damn, let me go grab some sheets from the linen closet,” she says since the bed isn’t made.
She leaves and I check my phone for messages. Mom texted, of course, to make sure I got here safely, so I text her back since I don’t want her worrying.
“I’ll just make the bed,” she offers.
“You don’t have to. I can do it,” I assure. This is very awkward. I barely know the girl. I’ve been grilled by her father. I’m staying in her family home, and tomorrow I’ll be celebrating Christmas with her family and friends.
“Don’t be silly. You’re a guest, Cade. I appreciate you obliging my father,” she says as she gets to work on the fitted sheet. I walk around the bed to help her with the other side.
“I mean, you did help me out with my parents, so I’d say we’re even,” I reply.
She leans over to tuck the corner of the flat sheet. I see right down her top. Damn, her breasts are full. Thinking of the way they pressed against my body when we made out at Fair Shot makes my mouth water.
“Cade?” she asks, catching me taking a peek.
“Sorry, got distracted.” I blink.
We finish with the bed and move to put the pillowcases on the pillows. She brought down an old-style quilt and said something about her grandmother loving to make quilts.
“It’s really nice,” I tell her.
“Thanks.” She smiles. “I miss my grandparents around here.”
“It sounds nice to have had the extended family around. I don’t see my mom’s parents often because they live in Korea. Dad only has his father, I mean my grandfather, but he isn’t really in touch.”
“No family is perfect, Cade. We all have our quirks,” she replies.
She’s like a fresh burst of sunshine.
“And you haven’t met Mom yet. Don’t pass judgement on mine until you do,” she warns.
“Is she worse than meeting Sally?” I ask, hoping to get a frame of reference.
“That depends,” she says, not helping me.
“You know I’m going to have nightmares about Sally tonight,” I confess.
She licks her lips. I walk over to her with the intent of giving her a hug. It feels like the right thing to do after she’s fed me and given me a nice place to sleep.
I lean in and she’s confused at first. When I hug her, she fits perfectly in my arms.
“What’s the hug for?” she asks, looking up at me.
She’s so close I take in her lips and the intricate features of her face. I didn’t have a chance to do that at Fair Shot because she came up to me so unexpectedly that night.
“It’s a thank-you hug,” I say.
Her lips part and tug up. I take in the smattering of freckles on her cheeks and her deep-blue eyes. My stomach tightens.
“Well, you’re welcome,” she replies and she licks her lips. We stare into each other’s eyes for a beat. I could swear her breath hitches. But she pulls out of my embrace.
“Have a good night, Cade,” she calls on her way out the door.
“You too.”
She walks out the door. I take a breath, allowing the pent-up tension to leave me, but it holds as my body remains heated and an excited feeling courses through my veins. I like Annie, which means I am screwed, because Annie Caufield is the perfect fake girlfriend, and I’m completely attracted to her.