Escape Across the Pond

Chapter 11

Dear Dad,

At what point do you take back control of your life and stop being afraid of your own shadow? When is enough, enough? Is there a point where you throw all caution to the wind and decide to go for it no matter the outcome? Was Grandmama right? Do I need to reach up and grab life by the balls, consequences be damned? Time will tell.

I must admit that I'm a little nervous to be meeting Kate's brother for the first time because she doesn't talk about him much. Well, that's not true either. She talks about him a lot just not about what he does or really anything personal like that. But he must be wondering if he's Kate's brother. Right?

I still got up early, even though I didn't have to go to work today, but I took the time to soak in the tub and take my time getting dressed in my usual ripped jeans, tank top, flannel, and some black boots I found at the store Charlotte recommended. I didn't want to wear anything too crazy for a car shopping trip. After getting ready, I make myself a small breakfast and have a cup of coffee while I wait.

It's nearly 8 when I finish getting the kitchen cleaned back up. I hear a knock at the door, so I quickly dry my hands to go and answer it. That must be Alex. The moment I pull the door open and I see the man standing on the other side, my smile drops, I squeal like some sort of farm animal, then slam the door right in his face.

Oh my God! What the hell is he doing here? I know that there isn't an ounce of blood left on my face but I have to go out there. I close my eyes, rest my forehead against the door, take a deep calming breath, then straighten back up and pull the door open again. This time when I look up into the clear blue eyes that now look sort of familiar, they are crinkled at the corners and there's a faint smile on his pouty lips. He runs his hand through his hair and I drop my eyes down to see a peak of tattooed skin just above his waistband. I plaster on my best smile, "Hey there! Sorry about that. I wasn't expecting it to be you." I say, then my eyes widen. "Not that you aren't welcome or anything. It's just that my friend's older brother was supposed to come by..." I trail off looking around for him anywhere outside. Then, I hear him laugh and it's one of the sexiest sounds I've ever heard. I feel my skin heat but I also have chills. What a conundrum.

He sticks his hand out for me to shake and his low voice rumbles, "Hello. We've not been properly introduced. I'm Alex Taylor. This is my grandmother's cottage and you must be Kate's friend, Coraline." Oh shit.

I'm at a complete loss for words. There is no blood left in my brain and I feel lightheaded. This is Kate's brother? This is the Alex? The sexy, tattooed stranger I've been fantasizing about is none other than my very best friend's brother. I'm standing here with my mouth just partly open like a dead fish so I slowly reach out to take his hand. That's when I feel something like an electric shock run through my hand and up my arm. He must have felt it too because we both pulled our hands back quickly.

"It's... uh nice to meet you. You can call me Cora if you want. Most people do. Thank you so much for the other night. I should have thanked you properly yesterday at the coffee shop. If I had known you were Kate's brother I would have... well, I don't know exactly but I'm sorry. I should be trying to repay you for what you did for me and now you have to help me again." I ramble on. What the hell has gotten into me?

"It's no trouble at all, Coraline," he responds, shaking his head. "Kate told me you would be here and Grandmama said you might need transportation. I've a mate that has a few things you might be interested in. Care to go take a look?" He gestures to the giant motorcycle parked next to the curb on the street.

"You want me to ride on that?!" I ask, looking back at him with big eyes. He gives me a sexy smirk and leans down to me since he's so much taller than I am, He has to be 6'3 at the very least.