Catching Raindrops (The Sutter Family #1)

by H. D'Agostino

  Her eyes blinked a few times and she blushed before her lips turned up in a sexy sleepy smile. “Morning.”

  “Good morning. I have to go,” I grimaced. I didn’t know who or what was going to be on the other side of her bedroom door, and I was slightly afraid to find out. Aaron knowing we were dating was completely different than him finding us in bed together. “I’ll call you this afternoon. Maybe we can meet for dinner,” I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers.

  “Ok,” she yawned as she tugged the sheets higher around her body. I slipped from the bed and shuffled across the room in search of my clothes. I could feel her stare on me, so I took extra time covering up. When I reached for my shoes, I saw the condom from the night before. It had been joined by two others, and I thanked God that I’d put them in my pocket before coming over. “Get some sleep,” I waved as I slipped out of her room and into the hallway.

  After tossing the condoms in the bathroom trash, I crept into the living room. I was parked on the street in front of her house, and needed to go out the front door. The coast was clear as far as I could tell, so I inched toward the door. Right when I grasped the knob, I froze.

  “Have fun last night?” Aaron’s amused voice rang out behind me.

  My head dropped before I shook it, and he snickered. “I don’t kiss and tell,” I turned to face him.

  “Un huh,” he nodded. “Just don’t hurt her. She’s wanted you for as long as I can remember. Don’t fuck it up,” he narrowed his eyes at me before waltzing into the kitchen. He was dressed in the same red trunks he had on the night before, and he had a nice hickey on his neck. “Coffee?” he swung his head around the corner to look at me as he held out a mug.

  I laughed and shook my head no just as a girl came stumbling around the corner. “I thought you were bringing me coffee, baby,” she whined as she rubbed her eyes. She was dressed in an oversized t-shirt, and by the looks of it wasn’t wearing anything else.

  “I am,” he smiled. “Go back to bed,” he pointed down the hall.

  I used this distraction to make my escape as I waved and shouted behind me, “Later,” and slipped out the door.

  Emma

  Those days that my parents were out of town flew by, and it seemed harder and harder to leave each day. Brock had been wanting to tell them for over a week now, and I’d kept putting it off. The truth was, I knew that my dad wasn’t going to go for it. Brock would lose his job, and my parents would raise holy hell about me dating him. I didn’t really understand why. I wasn’t a teenager anymore, and if they knew why I was really here this summer they’d see just how grown up I really was.

  This weekend was my family’s famous July 4th barbeque. Dad always had a huge spread. He’d grill hamburgers and hotdogs, and then he steamed oysters. Mom hated it, but she put up with it because she loved him. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the story about how he got her to eat a raw one when they were in high school. I tried them once and that was enough. Slimy little things are gross!

  Brock’s been invited tonight since he’s part of Dad’s staff and I’ve been trying to convince myself that everything will go fine. Mel called me this morning before she left school to let me know she’d be here, and now I’m just waiting. I feel like a little kid again, and can’t stop pacing the house like a caged animal.

  “Honey?” my mom called from the kitchen. “Can you take this corn outside and shuck it?”

  “Sure,” I muttered as I grabbed the container she was holding out. She frowned at me, but didn’t say anything. I knew I shouldn’t have snapped, least of all at her. She was the only one in the family who hadn’t bugged me about coming home this summer. I couldn’t help that I was moody, though. I missed spending time with Brock, and having him here tonight and having to stay away from him was going to kill me.

  I took the corn and marched down the deck stairs, grabbing a chair on the way. I parked myself under the house beside the trash can and began pulling at the shucks. I was about midway finished when Mel pulled in. Her parents lived close to campus, and had let her borrow a car for the weekend. She bounced out the door, and grinned at me.

  “I could get used to this,” she shouted as she yanked her hair back and began to tie it with a band from around her wrist.

  “Nice, huh?” I grinned back as I paused in my task. “Wait until you see the view from upstairs.”

  “I’m liking that view,” she tipped her head to her left, and my eyes followed.

  “Well, who do we have here?” Aaron appraised my roommate as he sauntered over. He was wearing his lifeguard trunks and carrying his orange safety buoy under his arm.

  I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “This is Melinda, my roommate,” I motioned to where Mel was leaning against her car door. Her lips were pressed together as she tried not to grin.

  “Hello,” his voice held amusement as he offered his hand.

  “Hi,” she giggled and I knew right then I needed to squash this. I loved them both, but Mel was too good for Aaron. He was such a player, and he’d break her heart for sure.

  “Don’t you have somewhere you need to be?” I placed my hands on my hips and tapped my foot.

  “It can wait,” he wagged his brow at Mel, and I swear I saw her swoon.

  “Well, I haven’t seen her in a month, so I’m calling dibs,” I went over, wrapped my arm around Mel, and began leading her over to where I’d been standing before. “You don’t want any of that,” I whispered in her ear, hoping Aaron couldn’t hear me.

  “I’ll catch you ladies later. Maybe we can watch the fireworks together,” he waved and jogged back in the direction he’d come.

  “Who the hell was that?” Mel’s eyes grew wide as she attempted to catch a glimpse of Aaron.

  “My cousin. He jumps anything with boobs. Trust me. I love him, but you don’t want to get involved with that,” I shook my head as I grabbed another ear of corn. “Wanna help?” I held one out.

  As Mel helped me, we talked about everything that had happened while we were apart, and I laid everything out there about Brock. I told her about how tonight was going to go down, and how my dad would flip if he found out. Mel joined team Brock with wanting to spill the beans, and I wondered if I really was overreacting about the whole thing.

  By the late afternoon people started arriving. There was a small crowd gathered around the pool. Mom and Aunt Avery were sipping cocktails and Dad was at his place by the grill. Uncle Cam was teasing him about something and the rest of his staff were in various places on the deck... Brock included. He always invited the team, so we had lots of nice stuff to look at. A few guys brought dates, but you’d never know it based on the way they flirted. I’d gotten used to it over the years. I’d missed last year’s, and now that I’m here I can see why I wasn’t so broken up over it.

  “Do you always have this many people at your house?” Mel hissed from behind me. “They’re everywhere.”

  “My parents have been hosting this party since I was a baby. I guess I don’t notice it as much, but yes... there are always this many people here. When it gets dark we usually go out on the beach and watch the fireworks. You can see them from here,” I pointed to the right and right at that moment, Aaron rounded the corner. He jogged up the deck steps and smiled as he appraised Mel and I. “Are you checking me out?” I gawked in disbelief.

  “Ew, no,” he shook his head. “I’m looking at this beautiful thing,” he motioned to Mel and I rolled my eyes.

  “Outta your league, buddy,” she laughed as Aaron stumbled back a few steps.

  “Ouch!” he pounded his chest as if he’d been stabbed. “Maybe you can tutor me. Get me up to your league,” he winked and Mel shook her head.

  “I don’t think so,” she motioned to the cooler by the pool. “You can get us a drink, though.”

  “At your service,” he bowed and then jogged over to the red cooler near my dad. When he grabbed two beers and my dad didn’t stop him, I was impressed.

  “Maybe havi
ng him around won’t be so bad,” Mel giggled. “Besides, he is fun to flirt with.”

  “Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid,” I warned just as Aaron reappeared in front of us, popped the top on one of the beers and handed it to Mel. He popped the other one open and took a giant swig. “Hey! Where’s mine?” I scowled.

  “In the cooler,” he chuckled and shrugged. “Last I check, your feet worked.”

  “Don’t be an asshole!” I shoved his shoulder, causing him to stumble slightly.

  “Don’t be a cockblocker,” he smirked.

  “I hate you,” I growled as I stormed away to grab a drink. I knew his game. He thought he could charm Mel if he got me away from her. I’m sure he’s going to put his moves on her as soon as I’m out of earshot. I just hope she doesn’t fall for it.

  When I reached the cooler I had just gotten it open and started to grab a beer when my dad’s voice cut in, “I know you’re just getting a soda, right Em?”

  I blew out a breath and dropped my shoulders in defeat, “Yes, Daddy.” I reached for the Coke that was half buried in the corner.

  “Would you lay off her for once,” Mom called from the lounger she was sitting on a few feet away. “We all drank at that age Nick, and we’re at home.”

  “It’s ok,” I smiled sweetly at my mother before turning and heading for the house. “I’ll be right back,” I called in the direction of where Mel was being held captive by Aaron. “Alright, Daddy. You wanna play hardball today? Game on,” I muttered as I made my way to my room. Dad and I had always been playful when it came to teasing, but I wasn’t in the mood for his overprotective bullshit today.

  I dug through my dresser until I found the blue bikini I’d bought last summer and had yet to wear at home. It was easily the most revealing suit I’d ever owned. Tiny strings were all that held the small triangle top in place and the little scrap that made up the bottom. I snickered as I put it on and piled my hair on top of my head. I whistled as I left my room and headed to the kitchen. I opened the cabinet above the stove, grabbed the rum that my mom kept in there, and giggled as I opened my can of Coke and poured half of it down the drain. “Yep, having a soda,” I giggled again as I opened the rum and carefully poured it into the can. I swished it around a little, put the rum back, and then took a few deep breaths. No going back now.

  When I pushed open the slider, I began to walk down toward the pool. Brock was sitting on a chair nearby, and I made sure to walk right past him...extra slow. I saw him almost miss his mouth when he went to take a drink from his own beer, and I couldn’t help but grin. My mom noticed me first and just laughed as she shook her head. I knew she saw a lot of herself in me and probably pulled the same crap at my age. Dad however wasn’t laughing when he turned around. Mom stood and shook her head at him as she grabbed his shoulders. I watched as she leaned up and whispered something in his ear. He scowled but went back to grilling. I knew I hadn’t seen the end of it, but at the moment I was too keyed in on the man coming up behind me. I knew I affected him, I just didn’t realize how much.

  “You are in so much trouble right now,” Brock growled from behind me. “Just wait until it gets dark tonight.”

  “I’m counting on it,” I nibbled my lip as I tossed a smile over my shoulder before going to find Mel. I needed to get away from him or I might jump him right here. He looked good enough to eat standing there in his trunks.

  Chapter 12

  Emma

  “Trying to prove something today, Em?” Aaron snickered when I finally made my way over to where he and Mel were standing.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about?” I shrugged as I sipped my rum and Coke.

  “Sure you don’t,” he chuckled. “I guess Uncle Nick’s face always gets that red when he’s grilling, huh?”

  “Wanna go down to the beach? I’m not really digging the crowd,” I sighed as I looked around. The truth was I was hoping Brock would come down there and talk to me. I knew he wouldn’t come over if we stayed on the deck near my parents.

  “Sure,” Mel shrugged as she moved around Aaron and we began to head for the steps.

  “Wait up!” Aaron called as he jogged to catch up with us.

  “Do you ever give up?” Mel laughed when he reached us.

  “Not on things I want,” he smirked, “and I want you,” he leaned closer next to her ear and she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as if she were trying to remember why she was resisting him.

  “Where are you going?” Brock’s deep voice sounded behind me as his fingers wrapped around my elbow. We’d just gotten to the bottom of the steps and out of sight.

  “Swimming,” I shrugged without looking back at him.

  “Not in that, you’re not,” he growled louder as he began pulling me under the house and away from prying eyes. “I’ve missed you, and seeing you in this is killing me,” he huffed as he came to a stop and spun us where my back was pressed against one of the supports under the house.

  “I’ve missed you, too,” I smiled as the rum in my drink began to cause my mind to get foggy. “Kiss me,” I whispered as he moved closer. His lips brushed lightly over mine and I used my free hand to thread my fingers in his hair. I tugged him closer and plunged my tongue into his mouth, causing him to jolt against me.

  “Holy shit!” he gasped as he started to pull back.

  “Nobody can see us. Kiss me,” I tugged him closer once more, and he came without resistance. One hand reached down and grabbed my thigh, lifting it around his hip. His hand climbed higher toward the edge of my swimsuit before he paused.

  “You’re fucking killing me with this thing you call a bikini. It’s nothing but scraps,” he hissed as his fingers slipped underneath the blue material and inside me. I moaned as I let my head fall back against the wooden support and my eyes drift close. “You’re so wet for me. How long have you been like this?” his murmured as he trailed his nose up the column of my neck before nipping my ear.

  “A while,” I groaned.

  “All day?” he paused in his movements. “Tell me. How long have you been dripping like this?”

  I shivered at his dirty words. Brock had this way of delivering them where they made me crave him instead of shy away. “Since you left,” I gasped breathily.

  “Three weeks? You’ve been wet for me for three weeks,” he growled in appreciation.

  “It doesn’t go away...ever,” I connected my gaze with his before I leaned in, fusing my lips with his once again. I was so lost in the kiss that I didn’t even hear the footsteps come up behind us. If I had, I would have stopped.

  “Hehmm,” a throat cleared and Brock went stiff as I froze in his embrace. “You shouldn’t be right under the house unless you want to get caught,” Ryan’s voice held amusement, and I rolled my eyes as I let my forehead drop to Brock’s shoulder.

  “Go away,” I begged before chancing a glance in his direction. He was standing about three feet away. His hair was damp and sticking up in every direction. Purple marks marred his neck, and Jess was peeking out from behind him. One hand was tugging at his trunks while the other held his surfboard. “What have you been up to?” I mused.

  “That’s for me to know,” he rolled his eyes before he grinned bigger. “The question here is... how long do you think you can keep this from Dad? He’s gonna go postal when he finds out. You know this, right?”

  “If you say something, I swear...” I pointed at him as my heart rate picked up. That was all I needed right now. If Ryan blabbed to my parents, then Brock and I would be over way sooner than I ever thought.

  “We need to tell them,” Brock mumbled but I ignored him.

  “I mean it, Ry!” I pulled back away from Brock.

  “Hey!” he lifted his hands in surrender. “I don’t rat on you. That’s not my style,” he stepped back slightly. “You need to pick a better place for this though,” he motioned around us.

  “Come on,” I grabbed Brock’s hand and began pulling him out from under the
house.

  “Where are we going?” he jogged to keep up with me as I stumbled toward the path that led to the water.

  “Swimming,” I rolled my eyes.

  “I need to go back to the party, Em. I can’t be down here. They’ll all wonder why,” he released my hand and stood there as I took a few steps forward.

  Anger swirled in me as I took a few deep breaths and spun. “You do whatever you need to do. I’m going swimming,” I pointed at the water. I didn’t know why I was angry with him. He was right. If he was down on the beach while all the rest of the staff was up around the pool, it would look suspicious.

  “Don’t do this,” he sighed as he moved closer. The sun was blinding me and I squinted as I looked at him. “You know I’d come with you if I could.”

  “I know,” I murmured as I dropped my chin and stared at my feet.

  “I’ll catch up with you when it gets dark. There are more shadows to hide in that way,” he whispered as he pressed a light kiss to my forehead.

  “You better go,” I mumbled dejectedly as I turned to make my way out to the water.

  Brock

  I felt terrible leaving her there, but what could I do? If Nick found out about us, it would be over and after having her that night I can’t walk away. I thought this was just a phase. I figured we’d fool around, I’d see that it was just the idea of her that kept me interested, but I was wrong. The minute I gave in, and sunk into her was the beginning of the end for me. I couldn’t walk away from her now even if my life depended on it. She’s like a drug, and I’m addicted in the worst way.

  The minutes have ticked by like hours today. I’ve mingled, made nice with the players, and laughed at all of Nick’s jokes. I’ve smiled and shaken hands, but all I can remember is the short time I spent with her under the house. My body’s craving her, and I can’t stop staring at her. She pulled a pair of jean shorts on over that lame excuse for what she called a bikini. She’s been sitting on the sand staring at the water for hours. Her friend and Aaron stayed with her for a while, but have since gone off on their own.