Define Me (10 page)

“You are so pretty when you do that; I could sit and watch you all day.”

He turned me around; I placed my hand on his sculptured chest.  (I love the smell of him; even after a long day in the sun he still smells so minty fresh.)  He bent his head down to kiss me but before our lips could touch the back door flung open and Heather burst in.  Hell this woman had perfect timing; that was the second time that she interrupted a perfect moment.  

"Aah, did I do it again? Sorry but I brought you a surprise" 

"Yeah thanks, great friend you are"

"Oh whatever, look who I found your knight in shining armour"

Still standing in Vincent’s embrace; I looked over Heather's shoulder and looked into those brown eyes that had haunted my dreams for so long. 

"BRENT!  What, where did you come from?" 

Before Brent could answer Heather jumped in. 

"Cole and I went past Simplicity to
lock up and found him talking to Rebecca; I invited him to our party tonight" 

Heather had this very naughty look on her face; I just knew whole thing was going to bite me in the ass. 

"Brent, how nice to see you again, it has been very long", I made sure to add that part, so that Vincent wouldn’t get any funny ideas about what Heather had said. 

"Hello there princess, how you doing? Congratulations on the win the other day."

(Holy crap! Why did he just call me Princess?) From the look on Vincent's face I could see he was not pleased, and little puzzled to say the least. 

"Thanks"

Vincent pulled me a little closer and kissed my cheeks and then stepped away. 

"Can I get you something to drink, Brent? I know Caitlin has some beers in the fridge"

"No thanks I am on duty…. can't drink, but a Coke will be great if you have any, little hot outside"

Vincent walked towards the fridge leaving me standing on my own. 

We were all standing in the kitchen, the only person comfortable with this whole situation was Heather.  Both Cole and Vincent were glaring at Brent, like they were not sure what to make of him.  Heather was obviously smitten with him and I looked as though I had seen a ghost. 

“I
would love to hear what happened to you since you left us so unexpectedly.  Caitlin did not even get to thank you properly for saving her" 

"I can't stay long, the guys will be looking for me, and we still have some patrolling to do later"

OMG this girl is crazy, I always knew that she had a thing for bad boys and Brent definitely fitted that profile down to the ground. 

We all sat around the kitchen table, Heather opposite me and Vincent next to me. Cole was standing to the side of Heather not taking his eyes off Brent.   I had my hand on top the table while we were talking, Vincent placed his right hand on top of mine lacing his fingers through mine.  I looked down at our hands, it felt good; I smiled and looked up into pools of blue.  I really liked him!  We got lost in the moment; I was not listening to a word Brent and Heather were saying. 

"Sorry… are we boring you? Do you two need a moment, Princess?"

Hell, there’s that princess word again. What was it with this guy and calling me princess?  Vincent frowned and looked at Brent.  Before he could say anything I squeezed his hand and looked at Brent.  He had a strange look in his eye, as though he was not impressed. 

"Why do you call me Princess?"

"Why not… I like it, is it a problem?"

“Well yes. Sort off, we hardly know each other"

"You are right, we don't. That is not my fault is it now? You were the one that acted untouchable like royalty

"Pardon me..." 

"Ok, I think I you need to leave now Brent" 

"Yes I think so too. I might need to rescue another Princess in distress” with that he stood up and winked at me.

Vincent stood up and gave Brent a very strong handshake, little too strong for my liking. 

"Nice to meet you Brent… will we be seeing you more of you?" 

"Yeah, you will"

With that Brent was gone. What the hell was that all about? I gave Heather a look that told her I was not happy at all and we needed to talk. 

Vincent sat back down and took my hand again.

"So, how do you know Brent?"

(
I knew this was coming, I could feel him tense up when Brent was sitting at the table.) 

Heather took that as an opportunity to jump in and tell Vincent the story. 

"We met Brent in our final year in High School, real bad boy if you can call him that.  He got into a fight to save Cat and got suspended from School in the process"

Looking directly at me, Vincent asked "Save you from what?"

"Um well, from my boyfriend"

"WHAT!"

"Yeah, I didn't make all the right choices back then. The boyfriend I had back in school, let’s just say he was not a very nice guy.  Brent sort of stepped in and prevented me from getting hurt that time.  I don't want to talk about it, it is part of the past, I have put that all behind me.  I want to move forward … With you" 

I could see that Vincent was not too happy with the answer I gave him, but it was the best I could do.  I looked at Heather, pleading with her not to say anything more to Vincent about Hunter or Brent; I really just wanted to move on.   

The 4 of us sat there for a few moments not talking, I was holding his hand but looking out the window. (I remembered that day with Brent and Hunter like it just happened.  It was bad and if Brent did not step in when he did, I don't know what would have happened.  He really did save me that day.  I would forever be grateful to him for standing up for me that day.  I just wish I was stronger, the pain I went though I hate Hunter; I hope I never have to see him again.)  I didn't even realize that I had started crying, I just tasted the saltiness on my lips, I quickly wiped the tears away, but it was too late Vincent beat me to it.  Not letting go of my hand, he took his left thumb and wiped the tears from my face.  Then kissed me, such a soft tender kiss, I almost started crying again. 

"It's ok, I'm here now. I will protect you, but I still want to know the whole story.  Will you one day trust me enough to tell me?" 

"Yes, one day, just not today."  I leaned in and gave him another kiss. 

"Great, I can live with that" 

"I think your friends will be here soon"  

The whole Brent thing was soon forgotten, or so I thought.  Cole and Vincent started the barbeque outside on the patio and Heather and I set everything out in the kitchen.  Heather managed to turn the whole patio into a fairy light spectacular.  (I have to say it looked magical, so perfect.)  Vincent invited six of his buddies to come and join us for the party, it was funny to have a party on a Monday night when we all had school and work the next day,  I made sure that it didn’t run to late, I couldn’t miss a day of class, my studies were just too important. 

In the kitchen I took out all the salads and plates and was making sure everything was perfect when Heather walked in. 

"I am so very sorry for bringing Brent home, I did not expect it to turn out like that, that guy has some serious issues with you.  I could feel the tension between him and Vincent and not to talk about Cole.  He nearly took my head off for inviting him; thank goodness he did not stay. I am so sorry my friend!"

“Yeah you should be hell I don’t need him to call me Princess and then start talking about Hunter.  I have not told Vincent about Hunter and really don’t feel like doing that soon either.  It is a little too late now seeing that he is really interested and is not going to let it go until I tell him the whole story.  How weak and pathetic I was, to let a guy push me around.  Hell of a way to start a new relationship isn't it.” 

I was so upset with the whole situation that I could not even look at Heather.  I was cross with her, or me, I don’t know I just know I am pissed.  Yet again Hunter has managed come and fuck with my live and I have had enough of that. 

“I need some time to myself; I will be back soon.” 

“Caitlin, wait!”

“No Heather I just need to get out of here.  Tell Vincent I don’t feel well and I went to lie down, I will be back in fifteen minutes.”

I walked out the front door; I didn't want Vincent to see me.  I took the long way round and found my way down to one of the secluded rock pools on the beach.  I sat on one of the rocks, if you looked back at my house it was just out of the way so no one would be able to see me. 

Today was such a perfect day and then my past had to come and ruin it.  I really thought I managed to pack those issues with Hunter away, but what happened today, seeing Brent again, reminded me of all the horrible things that happened. Like that time I said no to movies with Hunter and his idiot friends, all I wanted to do was study, it was final exams and I needed to get top grades.  Hunter was not happy with me and I got a back hand across the face, needless to say after that I did not go to the movies.  I also could not go home; I couldn’t let my mother see my face.  I stayed with Heather that weekend, I think that was the first time she realized the extent of the abuse from Hunter.  I did not want to talk about it and she did not push me to talk, although I knew she always wondered what happened.  I started crying, sobbing; this was all just too much.  I couldn’t let Hunter do this to me again, I had finally met someone that was good and the day was so perfect.  There was a time that I almost forgot the pain. 

“Hey there gorgeous so is where you disappeared to?” 

“Vincent, how did you find me?  Sorry I did not mean to be away so long.”

“It's ok; Heather came to tell me you are not feeling too well.  When I went to check on you in your room I found you were gone.  I have seen you here before, so I thought I might find you here.” 

“Oh yeah, from Simplicity you can see this clearly.  Sorry I disappeared, I just needed a little time to pull myself together”

“Are you ok?  You are making me worry.  Who is this Brent guy, it is obvious that what he said today upset you.” 

“Yes I am upset but not with him so much.  The Princess thing yes, but it is more the reason him and I met.  That was a bad time in my life and I never want to go back there”

“Will you tell me about it?” 

“One day, but not today.  I am not ready to tell you about Hunter.”

“Ok I understand, but you need to know that I will not let this go. I care for you a great deal and I can see this has you spooked, I want to know but I will give you time” 

I nodded; Vincent came to sit next to me on the rock.  He placed his arms around me and hugged me tight.  I felt so safe in his arms.  He gave me a kiss on the head and we sat there for a little longer until I calmed down and was ready to join the party.  When we got back to the house the food was ready.  I quickly ran up to my room to clean up my face and put some fresh make-up on.  While I was still busy there was a knock on my door. 

“Come in.” 

“Hi, is it safe for me to come in?” 

“Yes, why would you say that Heather?” 

“You were very upset with me back there” 

“I was not upset with you, I was upset that the thought of Hunter came to ruin a perfect day yet again.”

“Cat he is gone.  You changed your numbers; he has no way of bothering you again.  He is gone forever.” 

“
I really hope so.  I can't believe I ever let a man treat me like that and then I went and gave myself to him as well God I was stupid and naïve” 

“That we all were, I didn't see the signs until it was too late.”

“Oh well, there is nothing we can do about it now.  Let’s just enjoy our night” 

“Is Vincent going to stay over tonight?” 

“WHAT?! OMG I don't know, I haven't thought about that.  I would like him too; it was such an amazing day except for just now.” 

“So ask him to stay.” 

“I don't know, I will have to see.” 

When we got downstairs Vincent had sorted everything out and everyone was enjoying the amazing seafood.  He handed a plate of food. 

“I think you need to eat, you are going to need it tonight.  I am collecting on my reward.” 

“
What reward are you talking about?” 

"Remember, I told you his morning there is only one way I will help you tonight, if I get a reward.  Well my reward is that you come home with me tonight.  I want to hold you in my arms and not let go.  I want to wake up with you tomorrow morning and make you breakfast and keep you close.  I want to kiss away all your pain and sorrow. I want to have all of you, if you would let me.”

“Then have me.”  I looked up to see his reaction.  I was worried what he would think of me agreeing to this so soon, but if I had ever doubted how Vincent felt about me it disappeared in that moment. 

“You sure? I don't want to push you and stand the risk of losing you”

“You’re not pushing.  I want this; I just hope I don't lose you in the process.”

“Why would you lose me?”

“Let’s wait with that, I will tell you when we are alone, there are too many people around.” 

“
Great, I understand, we will chat later.  So eat up, I have had enough of this party.  Heather and Cole can take it from here; I want to have you all to myself.”

“I have class tomorrow I can’t stay the night” 

“Yes, you can, I will drop you at class and come and get you when you are done.  I told you I am collecting on my reward tonight and I don't take no for an answer.  So you better go pack your bags for tomorrow and tell your lovely friend the rest of this party is now her problem.”

“Wow but you are bossy.” 

“You have seen nothing yet, wait till I get you alone then I will show you bossy.”

I turned to find Heather, I was so excited about what the night would bring I did not even notice Brent standing at the kitchen door. 

“Hi Princess, I came back to see how you are doing”

“Hi, Brent it is really not the right time now.  I am on my way out; can we do this chat some other time?  I really need to talk to you, but not now.”

“
Sure, are you leaving with Lover Boy?  Looks like a nice enough guy, maybe a little too old for you but hey who am I to judge.” 

“What is your problem, no wait, I don't want to know.” 

When I turned around I found Vincent looking at me and then Brent, I could see he was not happy but he didn't say anything.  Thank goodness because I don't want to ruin tonight with him. 

I walked up to Heather and pulled her by the hand up the stairs, I needed her to help me pack. 

“Hey slow it down, what is happening here, you ok.”

“Yes more than ok, oh maybe Brent could leave then I would be ok.”

“Brent?  Is he back? I thought he left hours ago.” 

“Yeah well he returned and I don't have a good feeling about him and Vincent in the same room at the same time.” 

“Ok but why are you pulling me up-stairs?  What do we need to do here?  We can’t hide away need to deal with it.” 

“They can deal with it right now; I need you to help me pack.”

“Pack for what?”

“I am going home with Vincent tonight and I need you to help me pack.”

“W H A T!  You are going where?  Are you sure you are ready for this when we spoke this morning you wanted to wait.  What changed?”

“Me, I changed.  I don't want to waste any more time, I like this guy and I like him a lot.  Why can't I have some fun and enjoy myself?  I realized this afternoon that I have wasted enough of my time on feeling sorry for myself, it is time to be strong and take what I want and I want Vincent.  So are you going to help me or just stand there with your mouth open hoping to catch a fly?”

“Wow … I don't think I have ever seen you like this.  I must say I like it.  Well let’s go, what you would need for tonight.  PJ's are over rated and to be honest I don't think VP is the PJ type, I can see him sleeping in the nude.  Not that I think sleeping is on the agenda for tonight anyway.”

“I am not sleeping naked that is for sure, so we would need to make a plan.   I would also need some clothes for tomorrow, he said he will take me to school and bring me back home.” 

“OK great, let’s go to my room first I think I have some sexy nighties you can borrow and don't  worry they are new, I picked some up this afternoon when Cole and I went shopping, I thought one of us might need it.”

Heather and I packed in record time, ten minutes later I was ready to go.  I left my bags on the top of the stairs, didn't want to be too obvious with my intentions in front of everyone. 

When I walked down the stairs I saw Vincent and Brent standing far too close with Heather in between them, Cole was close by.  As they saw me they all stopped talking, Vincent eyes were locked on me and he could see I was upset.  Brent gave me one look and then turned and walked out the house. Heather gave him a look and then started walking towards me. 

“It is all sorted, nothing for you to worry about, just a little bit of testosterone flying around, but we managed to sort it before it got out of hand.”

“Heather what happened, it looked like that were going to kill each other.” 

“Vincent just very nicely asked Brent to stop harassing you and not to call you Princess again.  I never realized just how cocky Brent could be; he really got the better of Vincent.  VP had trouble controlling himself.”

“Hell, that is all I needed tonight, I was so looking forward to tonight.”

“So am I baby, don't let this idiot spoil our night together.”

I turned around to find Vincent standing behind me.  I walked up to him, placed my hands on his biceps and then pushed onto my toes so that I could kiss him. 

“Nothing could spoil this night for me; let’s go before anything more happens.  My bags are on the top of the steps, do you mind getting it while I say good bye to my guests?”