by Terra Kelly
Jack just looked innocently at Isabel, "It worked, didn't it? Who was that boy you went to prom with? Or that numbskull who forgot the meaning of 'curfew?'"
Camille put an arm around her husband, softly laughing, "Curtis and Evan, and I have a feeling this man is nothing like them. It is wonderful to finally meet you, Drew. I have heard so much about you."
Drew had calmed a bit, and smiled, "it's nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Sloane."
"Oh please, dear, call me Camille."
"Yes. Camille. Did you have a safe trip?"
Camille looked at Isabel, then at Drew, and just smiled. "We did have a nice trip. We enjoyed a little sightseeing along the way." She reached up to Isabel's cheek, "why is your face all scratched?"
Jack grabbed Camille's hand, "Really, Camille?" As his eyes looked to her, then to Drew's face, and his five o'clock shadow.
"Ohhhhhh, well nevermind that." Winking at Drew, she then turned to head down the steps. "Let's get lunch, I am starving."
Drew looked at Isabel, who looked just as stunned as he was. "Wow, you weren't kidding about speaking before thinking." Laughing, he headed down the steps to help unload the car. He had a feeling this weekend was going to be very interesting.
After Isabel's parents had settled into her cottage. They all decided to go on a drive around the city. Drew had pointed out different landmarks, and historical sites. Since he was from the area, he also enjoyed sharing fun stories from his childhood. They had a wonderful time, but Camille decided she was tired of being in a car.
When they arrived back at the cottages, Isabel headed to Drew's cottage. She had packed an overnight bag the night before, and left it at Drew's place. She was standing in his bathroom naked of course, freshening up. Drew walked in and just about tripped over his own feet. Isabel let out a full belly laugh, "Walk much?"
Leaning his body up against the door frame. Stifling a laugh, "What are you doing? Your mom could walk right in."
"Um, Baby, she has seen me naked before."
"So she knows about your problem?"
Turning to face him, "What problem?"
He straightened, then walked to her, standing just an inch from her, their bodies just barely touching, "Your extreme dislike of clothes."
"I don't dislike clothes. I just find this more comfortable, is all." Her body was heating up at the direct contact. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. Then she leaned in and kissed him. "Besides, you seem to like my problem." Then she fisted her hands in his hair and brought his mouth to hers. Breaking from the kiss, "Or would you rather I wear my sushi pajamas?"
A soft moan came from his lips, "No sushi pajamas needed." He then leaned in to continue kissing her.
They heard a light knock at his door. Drew looked into her eyes, "You make me crazy, Isabel Sloane."
Isabel threw on a pair of shorts and an aqua blue v-neck cotton tee. She was smiling when she walked out into Drew's living room. Her parents were eyeing her with curiosity as they went to sit on the couch.
Camille looked around, then with slight sadness in her tone, "Both cottages are very open, it really makes you feel at home."
Isabel wasn't sure why her mom sounded so sad. "They are mom, something I needed for sure. I thought about adding some color to the walls. Maybe a light blue or a soft yellow."
Camille lightly smiled, "A light blue, to compliment the deep blue colors of the ocean."
Isabel was near the couch, she walked over and sat next to her mom. She put her arm around her shoulders, "Mom what is it, why do you seem so sad?"
Camille just patted her hand, and smiled softly, "We just miss you. But I know you're happy because you've got your special glow."
"Awwww, Mom. I know this is difficult, but it was a wonderful opportunity. You know that right? I won't be gone forever." The moment Isabel spoke the words, she wanted to take them back. She looked up to see Drew looking directly at her, his expression unreadable. She really didn't know how long she would be in Wilmington, but she hoped for just a little while longer. Her time with Drew has been beyond amazing.
Camille smiled, "I know, Sweet Izzy. Plus visiting you often means vacation time for your Father, right?"
Laughing, "Exactly!" She pulled her mom towards her and hugged her tightly, "I love you!"
Jack was sitting there quietly, but rolled his eyes a bit at both his girls, "Okay, you two, this was supposed to be a fun trip. Enough with the sadness."
They both laughed and threw a pillow from the couch at him.
Drew felt a little uncomfortable, especially after what Isabel said. So she was already thinking about leaving? Why did she allow them to get so close, then? How could he convince her to stay? So many questions. He could see how close she was to her family. He understood that, he was close with his family. All these questions were not going to get answered today. So instead he would have to pull out the happiness, and hide his unease for the moment.
Drew looked at Isabel, "Do we want to just make a simple dinner at your place, and eat on the patio?"
Isabel rose from the couch and walked to Drew. She circled her arms around behind Drew and rested her head on his chest. "That sounds wonderful. I have stuff for a Greek salad, and unfried chicken."
They all mmmm-ed in unison. Isabel smiled, "I will take that as a yes."
They made dinner together in the cozy kitchen. Isabel found herself laughing each time they bumped into each other. They managed to create a spectacular meal with just a few basic ingredients. Isabel was carrying the bowl of Greek salad, turned abruptly and slammed into Drew who held two bottles of wine.
Isabel looked up with sheepish eyes, "Sorry! I forgot the salad tongs."
They both looked down and started to laugh. Drew had some diced vegetables and dressing on the front of his shirt. In a low voice Drew leaned forward and said to only Isabel, "you did mention you could just eat me up?"
Isabel gasped, pushed him playfully, and walked into the kitchen with a smile, shaking her head.
When they settled at the table, her father poured each of them a glass of wine. They chose a Pinot Grigio for the dinner, a perfect compliment to the unfried chicken. When Jack sat back down, he looked at Drew "So, Drew, Isabel told us you are from here?"
"Yes, my parents still live in the house I grew up in. My brothers and I go over there once a month to have a family dinner together. They are about a half an hour from here."
Jack looked curious, "Were you ever interested in living somewhere else?"
"Honestly sir, no. I truly love it here, especially here at the cottage. Living this close to the ocean tops any place in my book."
Isabel looked at Drew, "You've traveled to places other than North Carolina right?" She realized she had never asked Drew that question.
Drew smiled, "Yeah, my family would go on a month-long Summer trip every year. We would pick a place, then explore every interesting spot on the way there. When my brothers and I were in high school, Grant was in college, we took a trip out of the country. That was probably my favorite trip. We explored Ireland and England for a whole month."
Jack and Camille continued to ask Drew questions about his family. The sun was just setting and appeared to be resting on the surface of the ocean. The air was warm, yet slightly cool as the sun continued to set. Isabel went in and grabbed a long sleeve tee to help with the chill, and for her mom, a lightweight jacket.
They ended up drinking both bottles of wine, while getting to know Drew just a bit more. Isabel remembered she had some ice cream for dessert. Just like Isabel, her family loved sweets after their meal.
Just after ten o'clock, Camille yawned, and decided it was time to settle in for the night. She turned to Isabel and quietly said, "You know baby, I may miss you, but I feel so happy knowing you have Drew here with you."
That warmed Isabel so much, "Thanks, Mom. I'm very lucky to have met him."
Drew smiled when he heard what Camille and Isabel were talking about. He walked up behind
Isabel and wrapped his arms around her waist. Isabel took in a deep breath at the contact, then rested her hands on his arms and leaned into his embrace.
Isabel turned slightly and looked up into those blue eyes, "You ready to head to your place?"
Camille and Jack waved goodnight as Isabel and Drew headed back to his cottage.
The moment they entered Drew's cottage, Isabel started removing her clothes. She was walking in front of Drew laughing, and throwing her clothes behind her in his direction.
Her shirt landed on Drew's head and slid to his face. He ran up behind and grabbed her around her waist.
Isabel was just pulling off her panties when he grabbed her from behind. She let out a squeal, and while laughing tried to wiggle out of his embrace.
Drew thought he had a good grasp on her when she freed herself. Isabel ran into the bathroom, removed her bra, turned and jumped into Drew's arms. He looked a little shocked, and a bit unprepared. Then he pulled her in and breathed in her delicious scent. Smiling he said, "What are you up to?"
Isabel trailed hot kisses down the side of his face, his neck, then nipped at his collar bone. Excited, she said, "Let's take a hot bubble bath together?"
The teasing look in Drew's eyes quickly changed to passion and desire. Still fully dressed, he sat on the side of the tub with Isabel straddled on his lap. He leaned over and started the water, then looked back into her radiant green eyes.
They stayed snuggled together while they waited for the tub to fill up. Drew lightly moved a strand of hair behind her ear, "Have I told you how beautiful you are today?"
Isabel felt her chest tighten. She looked into those baby blues, "hmmmm... I don't think so." She then slowly reached down, grabbed the bottom of his shirt to pull over his head. His shirt got stuck, so she carefully tugged. Drew lost his balance and they both fell into the tub. They were both in fits of giggles. In between laughing, drew looked at Isabel, "are you okay?"
Still laughing, "I'm fine, are YOU okay?" She carefully leaned up so Drew could sit up. They both tugged his pants off. Isabel was breathless from laughing, "my stomach hurts from laughing, and geesh, who knew wet jeans were this hard to get off?"
Finally, Drew was free of his clothes. He slowly rubbed his hand up her leg, Isabel placed her hand on his. He just smiled, "Isabel, is it possible to be falling in love with you this quickly?" His eyes looked soft and warm, with a look of complete happiness.
"I think so, because I feel it, too. I am so happy, comfortable, and complete when you're with me."
Isabel turned her back to him and smiled as he wrapped his arms around her. She rested her head in the crease of his neck and sighed with pleasure.
When they were settled in bed a little while later. Drew looked into Isabel's eyes, and kissed her passionately.
The next morning Isabel woke and slipped out of bed. She knew her parents always got up really early. While she was in the shower with her head in the water rinsing off her hair, there was a draft of cold air behind her, then warm arms around her waist.
Isabel smiled and leaned into his embrace, "Good morning, handsome."
Drew was starting to wake up when he felt Isabel slip out of bed. He smiled and waited until he heard the shower running. He found himself craving every inch of her, needing to touch her now. He walked into the bathroom and slowly pulled back the shower current.
Drew held her close to him, "Why did you get out of bed so quickly?"
"My parents never sleep in. We need to get up and around to spend the day with them."
Drew moaned, "So early."
"Awwww, poor baby. Are we messing with your beauty sleep?"
Drew looked wounded, "Are you mocking me?"
"Who me? Never!"
They were both laughing, finished showering, and quickly got ready for the day.
At Isabel's cottage Camille had a pot of coffee brewing, and was sitting on the patio reading the newspaper. Jack was in the living room watching the local morning news.
Isabel and Drew walked next door hand in hand. Camille looked up as they approached and smiled, "Good morning!"
"Hi, Mom." Isabel leaned down and gave her mom a kiss on the cheek.
"I have coffee if you need some?"
Drew laughed, "She always needs some."
Isabel playfully punched him on his arm, "Not always! Just when I wake up, and sometimes at work." She shook her head, and laughed while walking into the cottage. "Good morning, Dad!"
Jack looked up, "Good morning, my Sweet Izzy! Honey, did I remember the station you work at?" Pointing to the local newscast on the TV.
"Channel three, right?"
With an excited look, "I remembered! I was thinking three or nine and I took a wild guess!" He rose from the chair and walked into the tiny kitchen. He was standing next to Isabel, "You are glowing again, or maybe just brighter today?" He then reached to fill his coffee after Isabel had filled her cup.
Isabel flushed, and looked out the window. "Um... w-what? Maybe it is the body wash Drew has next door."
Jack just laughed, "My guess, Sweetie, it's probably from the man who uses that body wash."
Isabel looked at her dad in shock, "Dad! Jeez, that's a bit embarrassing."
Jack let out a full belly laugh, "Honey, I was young once, too."
Camille and Drew rose from their chairs on the patio and walked into the cottage. Camille looked at her daughter, "What did your father do now?"
Isabel just gave a her father a smile, "Nothing, Mom, just the usual."
Jack put his palm to his chest, and leaned back, "You wound me, Isabel."
Laughing, Camille and Isabel in unison said, "Jack, stop!"
Drew was just standing in the doorway laughing at Isabel and her parents. They really did have a strong bond. He started feeling a bit concerned and slightly uneasy. What if Isabel wanted to head home soon? He wouldn't blame her, he would miss his family too. Although it looked like they were closer then he was with his family. He had to calm down. He didn't want Isabel to see the concerned look in his eyes. He took in a deep breath and forced a smile back on his face. Then he pushed off the door frame and walked into the tiny kitchen with everyone else.
Jack turned to Drew, "Okay, let's escape before these women get any more out of control."
Drew laughed, "I was curious if you all wanted to explore the U.S.S. North Carolina today? It is a World War II battleship. She was decommissioned in 1947, and North Carolina joined to together to save the ship, and brought her home in the sixties. There is a small museum, but the best part is you can walk on every level of the ship. You can see where they slept, where their meals were made, everything. Does that sound interesting to you?"
Isabel was the first to speak, "I've been wanting to see it... What do you think, Mom and Dad?"
Camille and Jack both looked pleased with the suggestion. Camille walked around and put her arm around Drew. "That sounds wonderful, Sweetie. Are you sure we are not taking you away from anything important?"
Drew put his arm around Camille and smiled down at her, "Not at all. I have to be at the station on Tuesday, so my schedule is wide open!"
Jack just smiled, "Well, then! Let's go explore a ship."
They all spent the afternoon walking every inch of the U.S.S. North Carolina. The battleship was huge, the stairs were narrow, and each section was so small and confined.
Isabel and her parents seemed in awe as they explored where the shipmates slept, where their meals were prepared. Drew couldn't take his eyes off Isabel as she walked ahead of him. She had this innocence about her as she walked with her arm looped in her mothers arm. Her head was resting on Camille's shoulder, and they were talking softly to each other.
At that moment Drew felt the world shift, his heart open wider, and his life change. He was in love with this amazing, kind, and gorgeous woman. He just didn't know how she felt, or if he should tell her yet. Hell, he wasn't even sure if she would be here in North Carolina much longer. Would he move for h
er? Could he move? No, he really couldn't, he loved his job, his life, and his family. Too many emotions were clouding his mind all at once. He had to get out of this ship, and get some fresh air like now.
Drew walked up to Isabel and whispered softly, "Izzy, I'm just going to step out for some fresh air for a minute."
Isabel turned in surprise, "You okay? We can leave if you need to."
Right there, that, that is why he was in need of air. Her love and kindness for everyone around her. Drew smiled, "No, Baby, you enjoy the rest of the ship. I have been here a few times. It's okay, I promise." He then leaned forward and kissed her lightly on her cheek.
As he walked up one of the stairs to head out, Isabel was watching him intently. She didn't notice she had stopped, until her mom laughed and tugged her lightly.
Camille patted her daughters arm, and leaned to kiss her forehead. "Isabel, when are you going to tell him?"
Isabel looked confused, "Tell him what?"
"Honey, you know this job was not a forever opportunity. You said it yourself, you wanted a change of scenery. Explore a new place on your own just once, then come back home to Philly. Or have you changed your mind?"
Isabel looked heartbroken, "No, Mom... I don't know... maybe?"
"Maybe what, Sweetie?"
Jack walked up next to Isabel, "You know, Izzy, whatever you decide to do, we will support you 100%."
Isabel had planned to go home after a few years away from Philly. She had even thought about trying to get home sooner. Then she and Shawna started to become close friends. Now, this thing between her and Drew. What was it, a long-term relationship, or just a fun fling? One thing was for sure, her feelings were growing stronger each day for that amazing man. So the question was, would she stay or go back home?
She stopped and lightly pulled her arm away. "What if I decided to stay?"