Chasing Roxi (Princeton Falls Book 1) Read online

  Chase had two full shifts at the pool for the next two days, but he was off work by nine each night. We made plans to meet up at my house and at the pool parking lot.

  I was admiring my promise ring and Chase questioned, “I plan to buy you an engagement ring when it’s our time. Have you ever thought about what styles you like?”

  I told him I had always daydreamed of a round solitaire with yellow gold to highlight my freckles.”

  Then I giggled. Little Red Roxi was talking about engagement rings!!!!!

  He smiled, “I will remember that.”

  I told him, “I am not in a rush. Since Mikayla is getting engaged, I know we will be busy planning her wedding for the next year.”

  He smiled and kissed my hand, “My dear I may not be able to wait a year to marry you.” I blushed, but I knew it was true, we had both fallen hard and fast.

  The waitress removed our dishes and we got up and decided to go for a walk down Main Street just like our first date. We walked, talked, and kissed. This was so perfect. Jacki drove by us, déjà vu!

  She pulled over and I walked up to her truck and told her about Conner’s plans and how we needed her help. She was just as happy and excited to help as I was. I texted Conner to let him know we were all set.

  Then Jacki left to go meet Chris and we walked back to Chase’s car. He opened my door and I slid in. He got in and we headed back to his house since my car was there.

  We got out of his car and were making out pretty hot and heavy when we realized that it was almost midnight. Chase had to work the next day, so I decided I better be getting home. I needed to figure out more details about my big distraction plan to help Conner.

  I drove home, my mind full of plans and ideas. I took a quick shower and scribed in my journal, “51 days left and tomorrow I help Conner propose to Mikayla!”

  Chapter 17

  I woke up and brushed my teeth and got dressed. I was so excited! I walked to the kitchen and saw Mom had left a note.

  “Roxi, I went out to run my errands. There’s breakfast casserole in the fridge. Love, Mom”

  I smiled as I read her note. Mom was going to be lost without me when I left for college. I would be lost without her too. I half think Mom will sign up for college classes at orientation with me and Mikayla.

  I heated up some breakfast casserole and ate it. Then I cleaned up my mess and headed back to my room, grabbed my phone and I saw that I missed a text.

  Mikayla texted me: “On my way over, coming early.”

  I wrote back: “c-ya soon!”

  I dabbed on a little makeup and pulled my hair back in a ponytail.

  Then I texted Jacki: “You ready for today?”

  My phone tinged almost immediately. Jacki said: “YES! So excited for them both! I stayed up late planning the pictures.”

  I smiled and wrote back: “I’m sure you will make it PERFECT.”

  She wrote back: “Thanks! See you at the big event!”

  I texted: “Can’t wait! ☺”

  Mikayla pulled in the driveway and I deleted my texts from Jacki and Conner so it really would be a surprise. Mikayla came inside, I grabbed my purse and we headed out to my car so we could go shopping.

  Mikayla and I were shopping for notebooks and college supplies when I found them….

  Mr. Bubble boxers! They were perfect and I had to get them for Chase. This would remind him of our weekend getaway to Lazy Days! Perfect!

  Mikayla said, “Those are cute! Should I even ask why?”

  I smiled and replied, “Let’s just say he earned these on our last trip together…”

  We found lots of things for college as we filled our cart up with goodies. We headed to the checkout and separated our stuff so we each paid for our parts. We decided to go out for a little lunch. We went to The Deli and ordered sandwiches. We got our food and sat down at a table in the back. We ate and talked and then got ready to go. Just as we were leaving, Mikayla and I both got a text from Jacki.

  Jacki’s text said: “I forgot my tripod!!!!”

  I waited for Mikayla to say it… She texted: “We can get it, where are you?”

  I smiled, our plan was going perfect. Jacki sent directions to Mikayla’s phone and we headed towards Jacki’s house to get the tripod. We went to the front door and knocked, no one was home, so we found the spare key. I got the key and opened the door.

  We both went back to Jacki’s room and grabbed the tripod. Then we locked the house back up and hid the spare key back in its spot. We left her house and headed to the park.

  Inside I was so excited I could hardly keep myself calm. I knew in a few short minutes Mikayla and Conner would be engaged. I daydreamed as we drove to the park.

  We got to the park and popped the trunk to grab the tripod and we walked down where Jacki texted to go to. I carried the tripod and Mikayla walked next to me.

  We saw where Jacki was and walked over to her. And just out of normal sight I saw Conner out of the corner of my eye.

  Mikayla looked up and she was confused…

  I handed the tripod to Jacki and she set it up to capture the engagement. Conner proposed and Jacki and I both cried as Mikayla said, “Yes!”

  Mikayla and Conner were hugging and kissing and he put a beautiful diamond ring on her finger. Jacki was photographing the whole event. I couldn’t wait to see what her engagement album looked like; Jacki was so talented!

  What a great day it was, I couldn’t wait to tell Chase how perfect everything went.

  Mikayla went home with Conner and Jacki headed home by herself, and so did I.

  I was actually home with Mom and Dad for dinner. We had tacos.

  I helped Mom clean-up after dinner and then I went to my room to sort through all the goodies Mikayla and I bought for college.

  I got everything packed-up and then I heard my phone ting and I had a new text. It was a picture from Jacki, of Mikayla and Conner getting engaged.

  I wrote back: “Awwwww, love the sneak peek! Great job!”

  Then I got another text, one from Chase this time: “Leaving work, heading your way, Love u.”

  I texted back: “Can’t wait, love u more.”

  Chase worked a long day at the pool but I was excited to see him and tell him about Mikayla and Conner’s engagement and show him the picture Jacki sent to my phone.

  Chase came to the front door and I greeted him with a quick smooch. Dad was in the living room watching the 9 o’clock news and Mom was in her craft room working on a project. I told Dad Chase was here and we went back to my room. I left the bedroom door open, but we went inside to talk. We laid down on my bed and I used my remote to turn on the radio real low.

  We were deep in conversation when Mom came in and sat at the foot of the bed.

  She asked, “What are you two doing?”

  I replied, “Just catching up! I’m telling Chase about Mikayla’s engagement today and about our shopping trip.”

  Mom agreed, “You did have a busy day today, very exciting though.”

  Chase told Mom, “One day Roxi will be telling you about our engagement. I love her so much.”

  I blushed, but I knew it was true, I will marry Chase.

  Chase and I talked until I realized it was almost 11 and he had another busy day at the pool the next day. I walked Chase to his car. We kissed goodnight.

  Then I whispered in Chase’s ear, “I’m going to have some sweet dreams about you tonight.”

  He confirmed, “Me too. Love you.” He climbed in his car and I blew him a kiss and walked back inside.

  I went back to my room and grabbed my journal. I wrote, “Mikayla’s dream came true, she got engaged to Conner today and Jacki took photos of the whole thing! 49 days left of summer…”

  Chapter 18

  I got up and ready for the day. I quickly pulled my hair into a ponytail and added lip gloss and mascara. This was my standard routine during Summer break. I skipped breakfast because I planned to meet Jacki for brunch at the Pizz
a Shack.

  After we ate, Jacki got her computer out and showed me more engagement photos of Mikayla and Conner. She opened up her photo editing program and gave me a sneak peek of the photo book she was making them. It was so incredibly beautiful. This was a perfect memory, something they would cherish forever.

  I asked Jacki, “What are your plans for the rest of the day?” I also commented, “I only asked because I will be hanging at the pool…”

  Jacki said, “I will meet you there for a little while later on today!”

  I continued, “See you there any time after four.”

  Jacki explained, “Chris gets off work at three, so I will come to the pool with him after he is off of work.”

  We met up that afternoon just a little after four and swam for a couple of hours. The pool closed at 9 and after Chase got off work, we all tailgated and talked in the pool parking lot. It was very simple, a tailgate, a cooler of mountain dew and all of my best friends and great conversation. This was just too good, everything was perfect in my little bubble.

  We visited together until ten and then I kissed Chase and announced, “We need to get going.” And I gave him a wink…

  We went to the Bluffs, a perfect make-out place. I was so happy to have Chase alone with me that I couldn’t keep my hands-off of Chase. We found a great “parking spot” and I jumped into the back seat. Chase smiled with his cute dimples and climbed into the back seat too. My whole body heated up in anticipation.

  We were getting pretty hot and heavy into our current make-out session when we heard a tap on our window. The window was all fogged up, so I smeared a clear spot so we could see out. I believe my face turned more red than my hair! It was a police officer!

  We rolled the window down and the police officer said, “Are you being held here against your will?”

  I almost couldn’t speak, but I squeaked out, “No Officer, I’m not here against my will, it was my idea!”

  He said, “Alright, it’s time for you guys to call it a night. Take her home and don’t make a habit of parking up here after ten pm.” We shook our heads in agreement, and the officer left. I was just thankful the officer was a gentleman and let us go! Can you imagine the phone call home if we had gotten hauled to jail for making out at the Bluffs?

  We quickly got the remainder of our clothes back on and climbed back into the front seat and we headed to my house. It was a pretty silent ride, but we held hands the whole way there.

  When we pulled onto my road, Chase finally sighed and said, “That was a close call!”

  I said, “Yes it sure was! I can’t wait until we have our own place so we don’t have to sneak around and like tonight- and no more getting caught!!”

  Chase smiled and kissed me. He whispered in my ear, “We may have our own place sooner than you think!”

  I giggled, that must mean we will get engaged and married in the next couple years! I knew this man loved me and that felt incredible…

  I gave Chase one more smooch, then I opened my door and asked, “See you tomorrow? Love you.”

  Chase replied, “I will talk to you in the morning. I love you too.”

  I went inside, took a nice cold shower and headed to my room. I needed something to cool me off after Chase heated me up from the inside out! Too bad that officer cut our foreplay session short.

  I picked up my phone and texted Jacki and Mikayla. I wrote: “What plans do you have for tomorrow?” I plugged my phone in to charge and then I grabbed my Journal. “48 days until this perfect Summer is over. Tonight, I met an officer and a gentleman- haha.”

  I sat my Journal back in my dresser drawer and heard a ting. My cell had a new text. I grabbed it and see: “Photoshoot at 3 pm” from Jacki.

  I texted back: “Plans for the morning?”

  She texted back: “Wanna meet up?”

  I wrote back: “Yes, come over in the morning.”

  She agreed: “Perfect. Goodnight.”

  I giggled, thinking, it was a perfect goodnight…. I climbed into bed, I guessed Mikayla was probably busy with Conner.

  Chapter 19

  I woke up to my phone tinging.

  I rolled over and grabbed it: “What’s up today?” from Mikayla.

  I texted back: “Jacki is coming over this morning.”

  She wrote back: “Me too, on my way!”

  This was a great start to the day, time with my besties!

  Mikayla got to my house first, I was downstairs watching a movie when she arrived. I heard her talking on her phone with Conner as she walked downstairs.

  Mikayla climbed onto the giant couch and grabbed an extra blanket and sat right next to me. I gave her a hug and then we chatted. This was the first time I had gotten to have girl talk time with Mikayla since she got engaged. I was still getting used to saying that!

  Mikayla and I were deep in conversation when Jacki came downstairs. I saw that Jacki was carrying something. Jacki climbed in on the other side of me and cuddled up with my blanket.

  I asked, “What did you bring?”

  Jacki was smiling ear to ear, and said, “I brought an engagement album for Mikayla!”

  We all squealed in delight and Jacki handed it to Mikayla. She opened it and we all ooh and ahh over every page we saw. Jacki was so talented; the pictures were amazing. There were tears coming down our cheeks, it was all so beautiful and perfect. Mikayla will treasure this album for the rest of her life.

  She said, “I can’t thank you enough!!!!! Conner is going to love these pictures, thank you sooooooo much!” Jacki hugged her and we all looked at each of the pictures again.

  We literally talked for over 4 hours without even noticing it until our stomachs started growling and we went back upstairs for a late lunch.

  I grabbed some lunchmeat and bread and made sandwiches and got some grapes and chips to go with them. We chit-chatted until I heard my phone ting.

  I quickly checked my texts, and I had a new message from Chase. I clicked to open it and I smiled from ear to ear…: “I Love You! I am planning another special trip, what are you doing for the next 3 days?”

  I texted back a simple yet truthful answer: “You, anytime, anywhere.”

  My phone instantly tinged. Chase wrote back: “You dirty girl! Love you!! Will give you details tonight after work. Go ahead and pack, including a bikini and sunblock.”

  Chase used his vacation days at work. I knew he had saved them up for something special so I was super enthusiastic about whatever he had planned.

  I went back to girl time and we all chatted for another hour. After Mikayla and Jacki left, I decided to go start packing for my next adventure. While I was organizing my suitcase, I got another text.

  Chase texted: “Can I stop by after work tonight?”

  I said: “YES!”

  He wrote back: “See you later sweetheart.”

  I sent him an emoticon: *winky face*

  I finished up packing for our 3-day fun trip and decide to go ahead and pack the rest of my closet stuff for my dorm. I used 5 more empty boxes but I got the job done. Now the only stuff left out is about a month's worth of clothes and shoes. I finally felt organized and ready to move to college.

  I ate dinner with my parents and settled in to watch Nightly News with them. It had been a long time since I actually relaxed and hung out at home for a night without friends or Chase being there.

  About 9:30 pm, Chase pulled in our driveway. I waited for him to come to the door and we went outside to sit on the deck and talk. The lightning bugs were flying around, the stars were out, it sure was a beautiful night.

  We sat on the swing and talked for an hour or so. He hugged me tight and kissed me over and over. This was complete bliss. He said, “Our next adventure is part family campground and part boat ride.” I was excited, this time we wouldn’t have to travel so far and that meant we will have less time wasted on the drive!

  Chase said, “I will pick you up at 10 am.”

  I shook my head in agreement and
I walked him to his car and we kissed again. This time I saw my Dad peek out the window. I blushed to myself, thinking how thankful I was that Chase hadn’t pushed me against the chimney again tonight for another rendezvous! Dad should never have to see my untamed side, as I will always be a Daddy’s girl on the inside.

  I ran back inside and Dad was getting ready to go to bed. He hugged me and said, “I am really going to miss you when you move to college.”

  I smiled and replied, “I know Dad! But at this point, you may have to relocate anyway because I am not sure Mom will let me enroll alone! She may go to college with me!”

  We both laughed… I hugged Dad and decided it was time to take my shower and get into bed.

  I wrote in my journal, 47 days left. Tomorrow I start another adventure with Chase, can’t wait!

  Chapter 20

  Here’s what happened at 10 am the next day….

  Chase showed up in a truck, pulling a trailer with a big 4-wheeler on it. He knocked on the front door and I met him with a kiss.

  He questioned, “You ready for me?”

  I laughed and smooched him again and confirmed, “Born ready for you.”

  He walked back to my room and grabbed my suitcase and took it to the truck. I wrote Mom a note. “Gone with Chase to meet all his family, won’t be back for 3 days. You can text me if you need me. Love, your favorite daughter.”

  The first place we went was to the family campground. We fixed up our bedroom in the cabin, opened the windows, sat the cooler up and plugged in a fan.

  There was no shower house here, so we went to the lake for a swim to cool off.

  We were jumping off the diving board on the dock by the beach, laughing and having a great time. I swam over to Chase, wrapped my arms and legs around him and told him I loved him. I felt the electric charge between us, and I knew where it was going. Since I hadn’t been on the pill long enough, we had to use a condom. We laid our blanket out on the sand and made love right there. The whole world could have been watching, but my every thought was on what this man was going to do to me next.