Catch Me (The Winters Family Series: Book 1) by Terra Kelly Page A

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,