Hello, my fellow readers,

I just want to thank all you guys for reading, voting and commenting. You don't know how happy it makes me to receive a notification from a vote or comment. Thanks so much for all your support.

I'll continue to write as much as I can.

Lastly, enjoy this chapter!

*****

Caden

"Where's Erin," I question out loud.

I haven't seen her since Kale dragged her away. However, I also saw him exit the kitchen door with Abby a few minutes ago and still, Erin is nowhere to be seen. I would have known if she came back because I have been on the lookout for her ever since she left.

It wouldn't matter if I'm with Grace or someone else, my eyes are constantly searching for Erin.

Speaking of Grace, I have to say she's great company. Not only is she smart and pretty, but she has a great sense of humor too. I was surprised when Erin introduced Grace as her sister, for they are so different from each other. Grace is certainly pretty, but her beauty is nothing compared to Erin's perfection. She may have the body of a model, but it is no match for Erin's lush curves, the curves my hands itch to touch.

In fact, though I'm sitting here talking to Grace, Erin occupies my mind and thoughts. I want to see her.

"I'm going to go look for Erin," I say to Grace, standing from my spot on the bench.

"I'll go with you," she adds starting to rise.

"No," I exclaim extending my hands and reaching out to stop her. "You stay here, I can go. They're going to sing the birthday song soon. Plus, if Erin comes back before I find her, you can call or text me." I give her my number and watch as she dials it into her phone.

I take a step ready to leave only to stop when I hear Grace cry, "Wait, I'll let you leave on one condition."

Slightly tilting my head to the side, I wait for her to continue.

Grace gets up from the bench and stretches her arms out wide. "Make sure there are no more caterpillars on me," she demands her face scrunching up.

I chuckle softly before walking up and inspecting her.

Earlier we were talking about hilarious childhood events and laughing at each other's stories when I noticed a black and green caterpillar, about 1-inch-long, crawling on her right shoulder. Not wanting to freak her out, I gently grabbed a strand of her hair and moved it out of the way before the little creature could crawl onto it.

Grace must have been surprised by my sudden movement towards her because she froze, her lips in a thin line and a snarl escaped as she asked, "Caden, what are you doing?"

"Don't move," I demanded before leaning in to remove the snug caterpillar from her shoulder. With the flick of my finger, the caterpillar flung into the grass.

I glanced back at a very disordered Grace before telling her the truth. "There was a caterpillar crawling on your shoulders."

Grace shot up like lightning and scrambled around trying to brush herself off, hoping to get rid of any remnant bugs. It was a sight to see.

Now she stood before me hoping I would once again clear any possible creatures that might be crawling on her body. I circle twice around Grace. "I don't see a single caterpillar or bug anywhere."

"You promise," she mutters nervously.

"I wouldn't lie."

Grace drops her arms to her side. "I'll keep you to your words. Now, go and find my sister."

She doesn't need to tell me twice. Even before my next breath, I'm already striding toward the door leading into the house. Ten long minutes later and she's still nowhere to be seen. The only conclusion is she's no longer in the house.

Hoping to find her outside, I rush to the front door and step onto the front yard. I take about four steps before I see Erin. Her head is slightly bent down facing the ground and her hands twirl endlessly with what looks like a blade of grass. Her feet shuffle beneath her like she dreads the idea of coming back to the party. Erin must have sensed my presence because she stops, her head snaps up, and her beautiful brown eyes meets mine.

The air escapes my lungs and my body turns cold. Instantly, I rush toward her. Erin takes a step back when I approach, but I'm faster. Both my palms gently swing up to her rosy round cheeks, holding her in place and preventing her from escaping.

"You've been crying," I state bluntly.

"I wasn't crying," Erin mumbles, avoiding my gaze.

She's lying. Why would she lie?

Erin has clearly been crying and there's no way she can hide it from me. She looks discombobulated and distant. Her eyes are swollen, and her nose is red and puffy. Plus, I could see the streak of fallen tears on her cheeks.

The thought of her shedding tears pains me, and I couldn't mask my concern for her. Which bastard would dare make my Erin cry?

"Erin, why are you lying to me?" I ask hoping she would tell me the truth instead of avoiding my gaze.

Luckily for me Erin's head tilts up, her eyes locking onto my own. However, my breath leaves me again when I witness the raw emotions of mixed feelings she desperately tries to hide. Worry washes over me as I see the small pool of water start to form underneath her eyes. I'm about to ask her what is wrong when she pushes herself away from me, letting my hands fall to my side.

Instead of seeing tears streaming down Erin's face like I expected, all I see is her beautiful smile directed at me.

"I'm not crying silly," Erin says shaking her head. "I just have allergies, that's all. I was actually on my way to the car to get my medicine, but I forgot Grace has my keys."

"Allergies huh," I mumble, completely unconvinced. I want to push the matter even further, but a part of me is scared that if I push the issue too much, she would run away and that's something I cannot let happen. I'll let her get away with lying to me this time, but I won't be so forgiving next time. "If you have such bad allergies then we should probably go and find your sister, so she can give you the keys."

Erin nods silently.

"Alright then, let's go," I say reaching for her hand wanting to feel of the warmth of her skin. But I feel my chest tighten in discomfort when I see her avoid my touch and instead walk around me heading back into the house.

I stare at her stunning back, lush curves, and soft bottom as she walks away from me. It takes every ounce of my control not to rush to her side and demand her to tell me what's wrong. Everything just seems off, from Erin's crying to her lying, followed by her rejecting my touch; all of it doesn't make sense. I look down at the hand that she didn't take and clench it into a tight fist.

Is it me? Could I be the reason why she's acting so different?

She certainly wasn't like this is in the morning. Hell, earlier if Grace hadn't disrupted us I would have finally known how it felt like to have Erin's lips on mine. I almost shouted in frustration before when Erin pulled away. If Grace wasn't there, would she have let me devour her right there and then? It wouldn't have mattered if we were at my nephew's birthday party. When I'm with Erin I lose all my self-control and damn it, if that didn't turn me on and make me want her even more.

There is chemistry between us and I know I'm not the only one that feels the connection. Yet why do I feel like Erin's trying to break this amazing link between us instead of accepting it? Even if I demand to know what's going on in that little pretty head of hers, I wonder at the same time if I really have the right to know.

As of right now, I am no one to her. I'm not her boyfriend and I'm certainly not her lover.

I look back up to see her open the door and step inside the house. With a sneer, I throw my fist to my side and run after the girl who's driving me insane.

As I follow behind her I realize that at this moment, I didn't care who I am to her. All that matters is that I want her.

So, there's just one simple answer to all my questions.

I'm going to make her mine.

*****

"Caden, are you leaving?" Abby asks

"Yes," I answer heading into the house to find her.

Kale's birthday ended two hours ago and I decided to stay behind to help clean up. I have to say the party turned out great, other than the fact that Erin left right away after saying "Happy Birthday" to Kale. She didn't stay for the cake nor to socialize, I just remember her pulling Grace to the side and saying something to her. Before I knew it, she was gone, and she didn't even say good-bye.

I found Abby in the kitchen sweeping the floor. "Did you need something?" I lean against the counter.

Looking away from her task, she picks up a large brown box that lies next to her feet and hands it to me. "Yes, can you take this back to mother for me? Mom just called me and said they arrived home about an hour ago. It seems like they really enjoyed their trip. I was going to stop by tomorrow and give it to her then, but since you pass them on your way home anyway, you can just drop it off. I'm sure mom and dad are back from their trip. Plus, you haven't visited them in forever, even though you only live less than 30 minutes away."

I sigh and place my elbows against the kitchen island. "And you already know why I don't visit them as much anymore."

Abby strolls to the closet to put the broom and dustpan away. "Of course, I know why," she smirks. "You're tired of mother always pestering you about blind dates and trying to get involved in your life." My eyes follow Abby as she walks to the other side of the kitchen island and stands across from me before continuing. "But Caden you must remember mom's acting the way she is because she wants what's best for you. She's tired of you hooking up with random women or jumping from one relationship to another, and frankly, I am on the same page as mom on this. Caden, as your sister I just want to see you happy, you know that right?"

I give her a small grin before reaching over the counter to lightly touch the tip of her nose like I did when we were kids. "Thanks, sis, but you don't have to worry about me. I know how I am, and I'll decide on my own who I want to be with. Although this 'stick to one relationship and settling down thing' may come faster than you or mom realize."

"What!" Abby cries in astonishment, her eye wide from shock. "What did you just say?"

Instead of answering I swiftly grab the box and rush to the front door. I laugh as I hear Abby chase after me yelling, "Don't you dare leave Caden, we are not done with our talk!"

I continue to laugh out loud, shouting back. "Bye big sis, I'll see you next time." I skip to the car before she can catch up to me and start the engine. Pulling out the driveway I am on the road and to my parent's house.

The drive takes less than 15 minutes. Grabbing the large box from the passenger seat I make my way to the front door. Before I have the chance to ring the bell the door flies open with my mother, Ellen, standing behind it. At 56 years old, she stands just above 5 foot 3 inches and is a plump short brunette with soft green eyes.

"Caden!" My mom squeals rushing in for a hug.

Well, it was more of a half hug, given that my other hand is supporting the box on my lower hip. Pulling back, she points to the box, "What's that?"

"Abby told me to give you this, I think they're kitchen items or something like that."

"Oh yeah, she borrowed some silverware to use for Kale's birthday party." Turning around she walks into the house. "Come, dear, you can set them on the table and I'll put them away later."

I did as she instructed. "Where's dad?"

She hands me a bottle of cold water before answering. "He's in his office working on some last-minute paperwork."

"I see," I say taking a sip of the cool drink. "Did you guys have fun on your trip to London?"

Mom smiles sweetly."We did, we got to see so many new things and the food there was amazing. Everything was going wonderful until I got a very special call from Dr. Wilcox."

Oh shit, I'm in trouble now. I am almost afraid to look up but when I muster enough courage to glance at her all I see is a thin smile and piercing eyes, which creeps me out even more. She is not happy with me at all. I'm in big trouble.

"Mom, I can explain," I stutter backing away my arms positioned in front of me. My mother is probably the sweetest human being alive and she has a heart with so much love but when she's mad, all hell breaks loose.

She crosses her arms, her green eyes piercing through my very soul. "Really? Feel free to elaborate on the fact that while I was enjoying my vacation with your father, I suddenly get a call from Dr. Wilcox complaining that you disrespected his daughter during the blind date."

"Well mom, you see I-"

"Do you know how many times I had to apologize and how embarrassed I was," she continues interrupting my chance to speak. "I'm embarrassed that my own son would act the way he did. I thought I raised you better than that?"

I'm about to defend myself when a low husky voice calls from the doorway. "What's going on here?"

Instantly our attention diverts to the voice. To my relief, my father, William, stands leaning against the entrance. His thick brown eyebrows knot together and his eyes squint with confusion over the commotion. My father is the very image of me, just older. Sometimes I wonder if I would still be as healthy and strong when I reach his age. He's almost 60 years old and still doesn't look a day past 45.

I observe as my father walks behind my mom and wraps his arms around her, snuggling close into her warmth. Although she is yelling at me a few seconds ago she instantly relaxes into her husband's arms. It still amazes me that after 31 years of marriage their love remains strong. I too hope to have a love like theirs one day.

At that thought, Erin's sweet face, curly luscious black hair, and bold brown eyes appear in my mind. The thought of growing old with her didn't frighten me one bit, instead, my heart pounds with excitement and anticipation. She is all I can think about and she's driving me insane, but I can't help but love every minute of it.

"Caden, what are you doing to my beautiful wife?" dad asks interrupting my thoughts.

"It was nothing— "

"Nothing!" mom cries cutting in. Breaking from the embrace she faces my father. "William, our son here promised me he would behave himself during his blind date, but instead he goes and disgraces Dr. Wilcox's daughter, Olivia."

"I see," he replies his gaze never leaving hers. "So, this must be the same blind date you've been talking about the entire trip."

"Yes," she wails, crossing her arms again fuming with anger. I for sure thought I could see the smoke coming out of her ears and head.

My father leans down to give her a peck on the forehead. "Calm down Ellen, I know you're mad but let's listen to what our son has to say first, alright?"

Silent seconds ticks by before she finally nods to his request. Thank god my dad is here to calm her down because I certainly wouldn't know what to do.

Standing straight and giving my mom my full attention, I ask politely, "Can I say my piece now?"

"Yes," she responds placing the palm of her hands on the counter facing me. "Tell me what happened."

"Mom, I know you love me and care for my well-being and that's why you're always arranging these blind dates for me. But you also must remember I am a grown man and I am more than capable of finding someone I think is suitable for me. I don't want to randomly go on blind dates with women I have no interest in either, it's a waste of my time and theirs."

I frown as I recall my blind date with Oliva, "The same applies to Olivia. I don't know what you heard from Dr. Wilcox or his daughter but she's not how you imagine her to be. She's fake mother, completely fake. Through most of our date she was on her phone, talked my ears off and she didn't give a shit about my interest or me. She only cared about herself and that is not the type of person I want to be with nor even associate with. So, I tolerated her as long as I could, because like I promised you I would be on my best behavior. But I can only do so much, plus." My thoughts trail off to the moment where I met Erin at the café.

"Plus, what?" she asks.

"Plus, I have someone I like and want to dedicate my time to," I state honestly.

"You what!" my mom shouts slamming her palms on the table counter. "Are you're kidding me right now?"

"Mom, I would never joke about something like this," I say bluntly.

With a loud shriek, she rushes around the counter separating us and throws her arms around me for a crushing hug. "Caden, I'm so sorry for forcing you to go through with all those blind dates. I always thought I was helping my son, clearly, I was wrong. I apologize. However, most of all I can't believe my little boy has finally found a girl he's serious about. So, who is she and what's her name? How does she look like? Where does she work and how did you guys meet?" Mom continues to bash me with endless questions not giving me time to answer.

"Ellen, sweetheart," my father chimes in breaking the interrogation. "I know you're excited, but you need to give him a chance to speak. I don't think harassing our son with all these questions will help."

With that, my mother finally steps back before whispering a slight sorry. That sorry was my cue to finally speak.

Chuckling at how cute my mother's actions are, I present her with my biggest smile with Erin on my mind. "I'm glad that you're excited for me but unfortunately as of right now, I'm unable to tell both of you about her. And before you ask me why it's because I'm sure she doesn't feel the same way about me as I do about her. She's important to me and I want us to get to know each other before I introduce her to my family."

I wait in silence as my parents' glance at one another, speaking unspoken words between them. My dad walks up to me and pats my shoulder, his expression soft and cheerful. "Son," he says. "Your mother and I are thrilled that you have found someone important to you, and if you feel that it's not time to introduce her to us then we will respect your wishes."

Moving closer to me my mom adds, "And from now on I won't set you on any more blind dates, I promise. So, I am looking forward to the day I get to meet this special woman who has finally tied my little boy down."

"You'll definitely get to meet her one day, I guarantee it."

With that, I say my good-byes to my parents and head back home. My only wish is that I hope I'm able to keep the promise I made to my parents. If I had it my way, Erin would already be in my house, in my bed and screaming with pleasure. However, a part of me knows that she is not the type of girl who would jump into bed with someone without giving her heart to him first and that is something I am counting on.

I am ten minutes from my place when my phone rings beside me. Grabbing it, I look at the caller ID and see it is from my childhood friend, Kyle.

"Hello."

"Hey Caden, wha'cha doing?" Kyle asks.

"Nothing much, I'm actually on my way home right now. What's up?"

"Well, Zack and I are hanging out at my place if you wanna join. We're just casually drinking, and I have some meat marinated that's about to go on the grill."

I glance at the green clock to see that it is only 9:45. I guess the night is