Define Me (16 page)

Caitlin

I can
vaguely remember Vincent putting me to bed, but I don’t know if it was a dream or not.  I could still smell him and I could feel him to.

I opened my eyes and looked up at my perfect man. He was still fast asleep, he must have been so uncomfortable, and his head and shoulders were propped up against the headboard.  I was lying with my head on his chest, I could hear his heartbeat it was so soothing.  I didn’t want to wake him up, it was a hard day yesterday and I think both of us needed the sleep.  I looked over at my alarm clock; it was still early, only 3am.  I needed to go to the toilet; I wiggled myself out from under Vincent’s arm.

“Where are you going?” 

I nearly jumped out of my skin; I did not expect him to wake up. 

“I just need to visit the little girl’s room”

“Ok, but hurry up
, I need you back in my arms, I can’t sleep without you there”

I leaned forward and kissed Vincent on the head. 

“I promise I will be quick
.  In the meantime do you want to make yourself a little more comfortable; you still have your boots on, oh and also your pants”

Vincent got that cocky smile on his face again, I walked into that one, but I know exactly what he is thinking.

“No, no mister, I’m not talking about your underpants, you can keep that on.  I have no intention of going there tonight; I am still trying to recover from today’s events”

I couldn’t stop laughing at the look on Vincent’s face.  He looked like a little boy who was just told he could not play with his favourite toy. 

I made quick work in the bathroom and when I walked back into the room Vincent was waiting for me.  He had taken off his shirt, shoes and pants.  He was lying on top of the covers in only his Armani boxer briefs.  Oh my word, that body is just too hot to handle.  My mouth started watering and I could feel my body heating up from just the thought of this morning, being under him. 

I swear this man could
read my thoughts; cause on cue that smirks was back. 

“Penny for your thoughts” 

“No sorry
, I sell them for a dollar”

“Great, hand me my pants. I think I have a dollar in there somewhere.”

“Ha, ha, you’re so funny” 

“So are you going to stand there the rest of the night or are you coming to lie with me?  We need to talk, I know it is the middle of the night but I think we both know this needs to be sorted out.”

“I don’t know, I’m not sure.”

“I feel we need to clear the air, so we can start fresh.”

“You’re right, let’s talk.”

I climbed back on the bed
, at the bottom end. I sat staring at Vincent, those aqua eyes of his would be the death of me one day.

“Why are you sitting so far away?  Come here, come lie in my arms.”

I made my way into his arms.  Vincent put his arms around my shoulders, his fingers tangled in my hair.  I lay with my head on his chest, the rhythm of his heart in my ears.  I traced the outline of his tattoo, I waited for Vincent to speak but he was taking his time. 

“Are you going to lie here the whole night making knots in my hair or are we going to talk?”

“Oh I am making knots in your hair?  Well I will just have to help you undo that knots later, the smell of your hair is distracting me.”

“Oh blame it on me, just because you are to chicken to tell me what happened with Rebecca. Well let me start, I got a phone call from her this afternoon, I don’t want to know how she got my number but anyway.  She was really pissed, she told me to watch myself and that she will be coming for me.”

Vincent shot up in bed lifting me with him.  We were now sitting up, and he put both his hands on either side of my face, looking me straight in the eye. 

“Shit Caitlin are you ok?  Fuck I did not expect her to take it out on you.” 

“I am fine
, but I think it is a good idea that you tell me exactly what happened between you two.”

“Where do I start?”

“Well you told me how you how you met and about Patrick, so I think let’s pick it up from when you left here this afternoon.”

“When I left here I had a chat with Cole and he confirmed my worst nightmare.  He said the signs were always there, that Rebecca had feelings for me.  I was just too blind to see it.  I asked Rebecca to go to lunch with me, don’t worry it was in a public place, I thought it was best to not be behind closed doors with her.”

“Very good idea, I’m glad you did that.”

“I thought that would get me points with you.  Well, we talked and she told me that we belong together and shit like that, I told her that we, being you and I, are together now and there will never be anything between her and I.  She did not take it well and stormed out of the restaurant.  By the time I got back to the shop, Cole told me she resigned with immediate effect.  Then Cole and I came over to you.  I really did not expect her to threaten you like that.  I’m a little worried about that now. I don’t know if she is capable of harming you.”

“Don’t worry about me, I can protect myself.  I will not let a bitch like her scare me.  I am glad it is all over.”

“So now, what about you and me?”

“What about us?  Do you still want to be my boyfriend or have you changed your mind?”

“Oh, is it like that?  This is a lot easier than I thought it would be, you forgive that easily?”

“Well the only thing you are guilty of is being a typical male, not seeing what is right before his eyes.  Rebecca is the one with an unhealthy obsession with you, so I think I will let it go this time.”

I pushed Vincent down on the bed and then I climbed on top of him.  I put my hands on his chest looking into his eyes. 

“But there are a few things; you can call
them rules, if we want to make a go of this relationship: 

1. Trust for me is the most important. I need to know I can trust you with my thoughts, my feelings and you will not judge me.
   
2. Respect, we need to respect each ot
   her.  The way we speak to one another and respect each other’s space.  There will be times when I get grumpy and moody and all I need is to sit and figure it out for myself.  Lastly.
   
3. Honesty, at all times
   .  We need to be honest with each other no matter what, even when we know it will upset the other person.  This should be first on our list.  There is something I am not telling you, it is not because I don’t want to; it is just that I am not ready to open those old wounds.  I promise I will tell you and soon, just give me a little time.”
   

I stopped talking; Vincent grabbed my wrists and pulled me so that I was lying on top of him. 

“What about rule 4?”

“What is rule 4?”

“Rule 4 is lots of kissing and loving and sex every day!”

“I don’t know about every day, there will be times in the month that that is not going to be possible.  The rest of the time I think I can accommodate you, when should we start?”

Before I could even finish my sentence Vincent had me flipped on my back and started kissing me. After a little while he lifted his head and looked me straight in the eye. 

“I never want to have a day like this ever again.  I felt like my heart was ripped out of my body seeing you so upset and crying because of me.  I promise to protect you and love you for as long as you will let me.” 

OMG did he just say he loved me?  No he couldn’t have meant it; we have only known each other for a little while, how could he feel that way, guys are not like that.  I don’t know how to react to that, should I tell him I love him too? I thought I did but I was not ready to say that yet, it was far too soon and I still hadn’t told him about Hunter and what a weak person I was back then. 

I lifted my head and kissed Vincent on the lips to distract him, it seemed to work.  We kissed for what felt like forever, eventually Vincent came to lay next to me, with my head cradled in his arms.  I loved moments like this; we were both caught up in our own thoughts.  Vincent had his fingers in my hair again and I was running my hand up and down over his amazing chest.  I would love to go see him work out. 

“Will you take me to gym with you one day?”

“Excuse me what did you say”

“I said I would like to go to gym with you one day”

“I would love for you to go to gym with me.  That would mean I get to spend more time with.  You might need to give up your running time on the beach, are you prepared to do that?”

“Can we compromise with one day a week we go run on the beach?”

“Yeah we can do that, but I think it is time the two us get to sleep.  You have missed a day of class already because of me; tomorrow I will drop you at class and then fetch you after school, if that is ok with you?”

“Ok, I will go sleep now, but only if you promise not to let go of me. I want to wake tomorrow morning still wrapped in your arm”. 

“I promise, now turn around so I can hold you properly.” 

I turned my back on Vincent and he pulled me into him, we lay like this for a little while talking about what the future would hold.  Although it was only an hour or two we slept, it was the most peaceful sleep I had in a very long time. 

I woke up early the next morning, Vincent was still fast asleep, and he looked so peaceful.  I slipped out of bed carefully, so as not to wake him.  I grabbed his t-shirt off the chair and pulled it over my head.  I brought the shirt to my nose and took a big breath.  (I love the smell of him).  Before I walked out of my bedroom I grabbed my iPod and earphones. 

I made my way to the kitchen, the house was dead quiet.  I wanted to make Vincent a good breakfast, I didn’t think either of us ate well yesterday, but it was a new day for both of us. 

I put the coffee on, that smell alone was going to drive everyone crazy.  I just hoped I had enough time to get breakfast done before Vincent woke up.  I put my music on and started with breakfast,  I was happy, I hoped that Karma would be good to me, I really needed this, I had been in the dark for so long.  It felt good to be happy and with a guy who Loved me.  I really hoped he meant it.

I was standing with my back to the stairs; I had breakfast all laid out so that Vincent and I could eat in bed together.  I made some extra just in case Heather decided to get out of bed early.  I was just about to plate up when I felt Vincent’s arms around me.  Aah, I did not make it in time. 

“You spoiled the surprise, I wanted to bring you breakfast in bed.”

“I was getting lonely and the smell of the coffee was filling the house, so I thought I would come and look for you.  You have my t-shirt on, you look very sexy in it, even sexier if it is all you got on.”

Vincent’s hand sneaked under the shirt and travelled up my body to my breasts.  I leaned my body into his; I loved the feel of his rough hands on my skin.  I turned my head and kissed Vincent on the lips.

“Our breakfast is going to get cold and I spent a lot of time preparing this for you.”

“Come on, just a little bit, I would like to eat you for breakfast.”

“Vincent come on now.  If we start this we will never get out of here today, it is Wednesday already.”

“Exactly, it is Hump day
.  Come on baby help a guy out.”

I turned around and put my arms around Vincent’s neck. 

“As tempting as that might be, we need to eat and then get dressed.  I really wanted to go for a run with you this morning but you don’t have your clothes here.”

Vincent put his hand under my bum and lifted me up to sit on the kitchen counter.  I wrapped my legs around his hips and looked into is aqua blue eyes. 

“Well I’ll start getting dressed if that will make you feel better.  Let’s start with my t-shirt.”

Vincent started pulling his t-shirt up and over my head. 

“What are you doing?”

“Eating my breakfast, why?

“Breakfast, yeah right”

“Where should I start?”

I tilt
ed my head to the left to give Vincent access to my neck.  Oh yes, I tried so very hard not to let it go this way, so need to get ready for the day.  Sure, like I can say no to Vincent!  We started kissing, Vincent’s hands were everywhere; we were completely in the moment when heard someone clearing their voice behind me.

“Now that’s the way to have breakfast, Dude.”

Oh shit!  Heather had a sleepover last night, great, I grabbed onto Vincent pressing my body to his.  Hoping that Cole couldn’t see all my girly parts.  I had my face tucked into Vincent’s neck.  Heather was laughing so loud I thought the neighbours were going to wake up. 

“Dude you better stop looking at my girl like that or I am going to close your eyes permanently.” 

“Heather, get out of here.”

“No way!  I came to feed my beast; you better get dressed and take your party upstairs.”

“Ok, now seriously turn around so I can get my girl decent.  I don’t like this one bit; this body is just mine to look at.”

I c
ould feel my body heat up; I had never in my live been so embraced, being caught red handed making out with my boyfriend. Heather and Cole must have turned around because Vincent’s pulled away from me and slipped his t-shirt over my head, then lowered me to the ground. 

“Heather, why don’t you set up the breakfast table while Vincent and I go upstairs to get dressed?  Then we can all have breakfast together.”

“Whatever you say girl, but I think Cole and I will get started already.  I don’t think the two of you will be down any time soon, from the look on Vincent’s face.”

“H E A T H E R”

“What! I am just being honest”

I grabbed Vincent’s hand and quickly start walking upstairs.

“One fine ass you got there bro”

“Cole I don’t think you want to be making comments like that right now, I will beat your ass”

I turn
ed round to face Cole; I knew he was just joking.  He’s a good friend to Vincent and from what I could see he was really into Heather.  He was just digging at Vincent.  Heather walked past Cole and slapped him on the back of the head. 

“Hey! What is that for?”

“Stop looking at my besties ass.”

Vincent picked me up and ran up the stairs to my bedroom. 

“See now what happens when you get all naughty.”

“What, it would have been fine if it was at my place.  No interruptions when I want to eat my girl.  There is far too much traffic at this place of yours; I really think you need to come home with me.”

“Oh no mister what I really need to do is get back to reality, the past few days I have been living in a dream world and forgotten my responsibilities.  I missed class yesterday and if my dad finds out I will be in big shit.”

“Nice way of killing a man’s mood, mentioning THE DAD.  There goes the morning quickie.”

I started laughing.  I didn’t mean for that to happen.

“Aah no, I was looking forward to getting naked with you this morning.”

“You are such a tease Caitlin, I will get you back for that and soon.” 

I quickly got my clothes and laid them out on the bed before I went into the bathroom.  I washed my face and tied my hair up into a ponytail.  When I came out Vincent was fully dressed, lying on the bed with his arms under his head.

“I can watch you all day, every day.  You are so sexy, you now that?”

I quickly got dressed and we went down stairs for breakfast.  The 4 of us had breakfast together; there was a lot of teasing and laughing going on.  Never a dull moment with Cole and Vincent around.

“So guys, what are you going to do about the shop now that Rebecca is going?”

“I don’t know, Cole and I will have to interview for a new shop manager.  It is going to be hard to find someone so quickly.”

“Well if you want, I can help you out until you find a new person.  I am not doing anything right now, I am so bored and I’m just up the road.  I don’t know much about running a shop but I am a quick learner and it is just until you can find a new manager”

Cole looked at Vincent and nodded his head.

“Great, thanks for offering.  It will be a great help.”

After we finished breakfast Heather and I quickly cleaned up, while Cole and Vincent enjoyed another cup of coffee. 

“Well it is time for us to go; I still need to get to the market.  Heather, I will see you at 7:30 to open up and show you the menu.  Cole will spend the day helping you.  Thanks for helping us out.” 

I walked Vincent to the door.

“I will come back and take you to class after I’m done at the market, Ok?”

“No don’t be silly, I have my car.  I can drive myself, you need to show Heather what to do.  She might be a fast learner but you don’t know what you have let yourself in for.  She can be a real airhead sometimes, but love her a lot.”

“Ok, but can I see you later today?”

“I finish at 3 with my classes and then I have a few outstanding assignments to do.  Why don’t you come around for supper tonight?  I will cook for us; we can eat out on the patio.”

“That sounds great, what can I bring?”

“Yourself, I will supply the rest, but maybe you can arrange with Cole to entertain my friend for the night” 

“Now that is a very good idea.”

Vincent gave me a good bye kiss and walked away.  His car was still parked at Simplicity.  I was so glad we managed to sort out the issue with Rebecca, I have to say I was relieved that she had resigned and that I no longer had to face her.  However I don’t blame her for falling in love with Vincent.  He is such a good person, a real gentleman as good as you can get.  Luckily for me he was all mine and I would be damned if I was going to share him with anyone.  I needed to get ready for the day; I had so much to do.  I ran upstairs to my room, I could still smell him.  I jumped into the shower, 30 minutes later I was ready.  I gathered all my books for class and headed down stairs.  Heather was ready to leave for Simplicity, I was glad she found something to keep her busy during the day; I doubted her credit card could take anymore bored shopping trips.

“Hey girl, you ready for your first day in the real world?  You think you are going to cope, working for Cole the whole day?  You know there is a rule, no fraternising with the boss.”

“Oh whatever.  He was my boyfriend before he was my boss, screw that rule.”

“Nice.  Just remember, not at work and lunch time quickies will not do.”

“Yes mom!!”

“Well enjoy. 
I better get to school; I want to see if I can catch up on some of the work I missed out yesterday.”

“Great see you later.  What are we doing for dinner tonight?”

“I don’t know what you and Cole are doing, but Vincent and I are planning on having a romantic dinner at home. I don’t want to see you in this house.  This morning was far more embracing than I ever thought. I don’t want another repeat of that.”

Heather started laughing again.

“Yes, I have to say walking in on you and Vincent this morning was funny. You guys are really hot and heavy in this relationship.  It is nice to see you so carefree and happy.  I hope he is good to you.”

“I am really happy, Vincent is amazing and caring.  I thought my Dad was the only gentleman in this world, but I have met a man almost as good as my Dad.  I wonder what my parents will think of him. I can’t wait for them to meet him.  I think I should invite him to go home with me for Thanksgiving.”

“Wow, meet the parents already.  You are really serious about this one, aren’t you?  Well good for you, I think I will wait a little longer to I introduce Cole to my parents.  Daddy is not to easily impressed.”

“You’re right, well I had better be off.  See you later.”

It took me about 20 minutes to drive to school, I phoned Sam on my way to see if I could catch up on some of the work I missed out on yesterday.  I was lucky that Sam and I took all the same classes and managed to get all the notes I needed.  Thank goodness there was not that much. 

“So what have you been up too?  We didn’t see much of you on Monday night.”

“Wow, it has been a hell of a time.  Firstly I spent the most amazing night with Vincent at his home.  Then yesterday went for a ball of shit.  You remember that shop manager at Simplicity?”

“Yes, Rebecca I think.”

“Yes that one.  W
ell yesterday I found out she’s got a major crush on my boyfriend and has had this crush for some time.  She thought I was just a little fling and basically told me to take a hike. Needless to say she no longer works for Simplicity.”