Spoilers:  After cattle incident and snippets of future episodes

Disclaimer:  blah blah blah…not owning them, but Nickoldeon does….yadda yadda.

Pairings:  Caitlin and Eric

 

** I just want to say thanks to ShadowGoddess, Miss Chievous, Katelin, sommer, BananaBelle, and Christine.  This chapter is dedicated to you! ;o) **

 

Chapter Thirty Six

 

They had been dating for less than two weeks and it had been the most comfortable and easy time of her life.  Granted she had never really dated anyone else other than Will, but being with Eric didn’t seem like she was ‘dating’ someone.  Nothing had really changed in their relationship with the exception of the sweet kisses he would give her, or the handholding.

 

The family had bugged them mercilessly when they found out.  Apparently they knew that Eric and she would eventually date.  This was all new to her; the Lowes had been apprehensive when she started dating Will, but none of this seemed to apply to Eric.  It scared her and made her uncomfortable.

 

Her feelings had already begun to run deep for the sarcastic and mischievous blonde.  Caitlin had never experienced the gambit of emotions that came with falling in love.  Fear, excitement, exhilaration, anticipation, joy, and many other nameless emotions welled up within her when she saw him. 

 

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach whenever he smiled at her with those clear blue eyes.  And whenever he kissed her a warmth would fill her body; it was intense and grew stronger every time Eric pulled her close.

 

“Caitlin!” Griffin voice cracked as he belted out her name.  His voice still hadn’t quite changed yet, even at the ripe age of 17.

 

Caitlin stiffened, and pulled herself out of her thoughtful reverie.  “Yeah, what?” she answered loudly.

 

Griffin jogged in huffing and puffing, as if he had just run a marathon.  He smirked and his eyebrow arched in a familiar knowing look.  “I have some good news,” he squealed.

 

Caitlin leaned back against the smooth, leather swivel chair.  The almost inaudible hum of her work laptop distracted her slightly.  She tore her eyes from the blue screen and frowned at Griffin.  How many times had she heard that before?

 

“What’s the good news?” she asked, a trace of skepticism laced her words.

 

“You know the movie that is being shot here?”

 

Caitlin nodded casually and gestured for him to go on.  She was actually getting tired of the buzz surrounding the movie and its actors.  They walked around town like they owned the place, and suddenly, Caitlin found it hard to find anyone who could talk about anything else.  “Yeah,” she said.

 

Griffin’s eyes gleamed keenly.  “I got us parts in the movie!” he exclaimed, buffing his nails on his t-shirt, as if silently patting himself on the back.

 

“What do you mean ‘us’?” she asked warily.

 

“I was in the board shop scoping out some new clothes that they just got when director of the movie walks in.  He was buying some souvenirs for his kids at home and I walked up to him and introduced myself,” Griffin explained.  “I told him that I was looking forward to this movie and would definitely be going to the theatres to see it.”  He grinned widely.  He was always good at sucking up to those he wanted something from. 

 

Caitlin laughed and rolled her eyes.  She was sure he would definitely see through his façade.  “And just like that he promised you a part in the movie?”

 

Griffin shook his head and held up his hands.  “Just listen,” he commanded.  “I was doing some schmoozing about the movie business when his phone rang.”  Griffin looked at her like she should never have doubted him.

 

“Apparently a few of the extras walked into a bad batch of poison ivy and they needed some new extras desperately!”

 

“And you expect me to be in the movie?” Caitlin groaned.  She was much better behind the camera than in front of it.  “Uh-uh.”  She got up from the swivel chair and walked out of the office area.

 

“Aw, come on Caitlin!” he whined, as he followed her into the kitchen. “Even Eric got his dad to give him time off to be on the set!”

 

Caitlin knew he mentioned Eric just so she would change her mind.  “Why don’t you and Eric be the extras then?  Why do you need me to tag along?” she asked, confused.  Grabbing a plate from the cupboard, Caitlin eyed the Double Deluxe Chocolate cake Dori had made yesterday.  As she sliced herself a generous portion of the dessert, she waited for Griffin’s answer.

 

Griffin slumped over onto the island counter.  “Because he needed a girl extra and I told him I knew someone who would love to do it!”

 

Caitlin pressed her fork into the soft moist chocolate layers and lifted it to her mouth.  Closing her eyes, she savored the wonderful taste of the sweet chocolate frosting.  Chocolate definitely was her most favorite thing, besides photography.

 

“Caitlin!” Griffin sighed exasperatedly.  “Are you going to do it?”

 

She rested the fork on her plate and studied Griffin with a sour expression.  “You really need me?” Caitlin groaned.

 

Griffin straightened up and put on his poor puppy-dog face and smiled sadly.  “Yes!”

 

Folding her arms across her chest, she contemplated the idea.  Most of her week was filled with appointments and running around interviewing people.  She hardly had any time to spend with Eric, although he was over almost every night of the week; whether it was to see her or Griffin was another thing.  Caitlin had no motivation to do it, but as she was about to tell him no, Griffin stuck out his lip and began to whimper.  She sighed.  “If Jason says I can, then I will do it.”

 

Griffin’s pout curled into a huge grin.  “Great!” he yelled, pumping his fist in the air.  “I’m going to be in a movie!”

 

Caitlin watched Griffin bound up the stairs excitedly.  She smiled as she lifted another bite of the chocolate cake to her lips.  At least she would get to spend sometime with Eric.

 

***

 

“Hey you,” a woman’s voice chuckled from behind, as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

 

Eric smiled happily as he turned around to greet his visitor.  Caitlin.  As he leaned forward to kiss her, once again, Eric silently thought how amazing the past couple of weeks had been.  How did this all happen?  How could he be this lucky?

 

But all those thoughts and questions fell away as his lips pressed lightly against hers.

 

When they pulled apart, coming up for air, Eric felt as if he had lost something.  Having in his arms was like a dream.  Eric never thought it would become reality.  After convincing himself that being with Caitlin wasn’t an option, she made him forget all of the very reasons he had told himself would lead to heartache with a kiss.

 

He often fondly remembered that day when she made him realize that he could no longer fight his feelings for this girl, now woman.  “Hey there yourself,” he replied huskily, planting another quick kiss on her flushed lips.

 

Her eyes twinkled as she blushed.  It happened frequently – her blushing.  It made him grin to think that he had that effect on her.  “What?” she frowned concernedly; though it didn’t diminish the sparkle in her eyes.

 

“Nothing,” he protested, trying not to smile.  “You’re just…” he searched for the right word, “chipper…today.”

 

“Take that back,” she gasped, as her finger poked him in the side.

 

The simple motion made him jump and pull away from her.  He glared and pointed his index finger at her.  “Hey, you don’t want to that!” Eric warned, half playful, half serious.

 

Caitlin’s brows raised mischievously.  “And if I don’t?” she asked slyly, approaching him stealthily.

 

“You…” He frowned.  He didn’t know what he would do.  Just then, when he looked up, Caitlin had closed the gap he had placed between them, and was reaching out to continue her slow torture.  He tried to pull out of her grasp, but found himself overwhelmed.  He was at a disadvantage from the start.  When he looked up, she startled him and he was put off balance.  Seeing her opportunity, Caitlin pushed him over and he fell back into the pile of straw he was transferring into a wheelbarrow.  She straddled him at the waist and began to tickle him mercilessly.

 

Eric was ticklish and he didn’t let many people realize that, but one night Caitlin had discovered his secret.  And ever since, it had been a weapon in her ‘evil plot’ to torture him at every turn.  As he squirmed from her slender fingers, Eric found himself gasping for breath.  “Stop,” he cried out laughing.

 

Caitlin paused a moment to ponder his plea, and Eric took this opportunity to grasp her wrists and flip her over, so that he was now the one on top.  “Hey,” she protested, trying to wriggle her wrists from his gentle but firm grasp.

 

“Don’t like it do you?” Eric laughed evilly, as he began to reach for her sides and tickle her. 

 

He continued the laughable torture for a few minutes, before he allowed the feisty auburn to breath.  Tears streamed from her face as her body relaxed at the halt of his fingers.  Her face was flushed as she gasped for air, and her hair filled with straw.  She looked up at him with a rueful smile, which made him smirk.  “Sucks when you’re the on the receiving end, huh?”

 

She stuck her tongue out at him.  “But it’s not fair when you do it,” Caitlin pouted.  “You’re bigger than me!”

 

Eric rolled his eyes.  “Yeah, sure,” he feigned sympathy, pretending to play the violin.”

 

Caitlin hit him lightly on the chest.  “Jerk,” she frowned, though the twinkle in her eye suggested she thought otherwise.

 

“Do you really think that,” Eric whispered, as he leaned down, taking her hands in his.  Entwining their fingers, he slid down, until he lay on top of her, with their hands above their heads.

 

Caitlin’s lashes hid her thoughts on the matter as she squirmed underneath him.  “Maybe,” she said breathily.

 

Eric felt his chest tighten at the knowledge of being so close to her.  Their bodies never had gotten this close in proximity, when they were not standing up.  He just wanted to wrap her up in his arms and stay their forever.  He didn’t respond to her attempt to tease him.

 

Lowering his head, his lips grazed lightly against hers.  Eric heard her breath catch in her throat as he captured her lips with his.  He let the full weight of his body press against her as he deepened the kiss.

 

“Eric!” his father’s voice bellowed distantly. 

 

He felt Caitlin pull away, startled by his father’s voice.  Eric acknowledged his father’s voice, but began to place soft kisses on the nape of her neck, throat, and lips.  He pulled her focus back to them, placing one last kiss on her lips.  Deep and passionate; Eric wanted Caitlin to understand how much he wanted and needed her.

 

“Eric!” his father called once more.

 

This time, Caitlin braced her hands against his chest, pushing up slightly; enough to break the lock between their lips.  “Eric,” she said out of breath.

 

Eric swallowed and looked down at her.  “Yes,” he said coyly, pressing his lips against hers again.

 

Caitlin pushed against him a little harder this time, and on an angle, until he fell onto his side.  “Your dad is calling you,” she replied, biting her bottom lip, which was swollen from his kiss.

 

Lying on his back, Eric closed his eyes and groaned.  After taking a deep breath, he pulled himself up and looked at Caitlin who was kneeling beside him, pulling out the pieces of straw in her hair.  “I have to get back to work,” Eric sighed.

 

Caitlin nodded, not meeting his gaze.  “Yeah,” she said, hesitantly.  “I should probably get home.”

 

He watched her roll the thin golden rods between her fingers.  Suddenly Eric felt a wash of guilty overwhelm him.  Had he pushed her to far?  Eric closed his eyes and silently chided himself for pushing himself on her.  Out of the corner of his eye he saw Caitlin push herself to her feet.  Quickly Eric stood and grabbed her arm.  “Are you okay?”

 

Finally Caitlin looked up at him and smiled briefly.  “Yeah,” she mumbled, trying to sound casual.  “I’m fine.”

 

Eric took a deep breath, grasping each hand in his.  Pulling her close, he gazed steadily into her eyes.  “Don’t lie to me okay,” he whispered awkwardly.  “If I went to far, I want to know.”  Caitlin was quiet for a moment, dropping her eyes from his.  Eric thought it felt like eternity.

 

“No,” she said, lifting her eyes to meet his again.

 

Eric felt his heart skip a beat.  “Are you sure?” he asked uncertainly.  “Really?”

 

Caitlin rolled her eyes and pushed against him lightly.  “Like I wouldn’t tell you if it wasn’t okay?” she scoffed, winking at him.

 

Eric saw the old spark return to her eyes and smiled.  She wasn’t lying to him.  He leaned his forehead against hers.  “Good.”

 

“Eric!” his father’s voice growled.  This time it was louder, closer and angrier.  “There you are!  I’ve been calling for you.”

 

Eric turned around and faced his father who looked at him irritably.  “Dad!” he exclaimed.  “I didn’t even hear you!”

 

His father rolled his eyes skeptically and shook his head.  His eyes glanced over behind Eric’s back.  “Caitlin,” his father greeted.

 

Caitlin who had been standing behind him nodded.  “Mr. Anderson.”

 

Eric pulled her close.  “I was just finishing moving the straw into the barn,” he blurted out.

 

His father folded his arms across his chest and sighed.  “You’ve got one minute to say goodbye to Caitlin and then meet me in the pasture.”

 

Eric nodded and waited until his father was several feet away before turning around to apologize to Caitlin.  He sighed and smiled tiredly.  “You heard the Boss.  I gotta get going.”

 

Caitlin nodded.  “Yeah.  Me too,” she smiled.

 

Eric frowned.  “Was there a reason you came over in the middle of the afternoon?”

 

“Do I need a reason to drop by, other than to say hello to you?” Caitlin exclaimed, pretending to be offended.

 

Eric rolled his eyes, squeezing her hand.  “No-oo,” he drawled.  “But you don’t usually come hear during the middle of the afternoon.”

 

Caitlin nodded; pulling her hands out of his, and ran her fingers through her hair.  “Are you actually doing this movie extra thing, Griffin set up?”

 

At the mention of the extras’ job, Eric lit up.  “Oh yeah!  I completely forgot about that!”

 

“So you’re doing it?” she frowned.

 

“Yeah, aren’t you?” He thought it would be fun to be in a movie. 

 

Eric wasn’t big on celebrities with the exception of actually being one himself.  He was very stoked about the job.  Of course Eric had a lot of convincing to do when it came to his father, but once he mentioned how much he would be making and how it would go to school expenses, there wasn’t a way he could have said no to Eric.

 

Caitlin shrugged.  “If I can get the time off,” she replied.  “But if I can maybe sell it to Jason as a piece for the paper, he might let me do it.”

 

Eric grinned.  “Of course you can.”  Caitlin could be very persuasive if she wanted to be.  “Besides, you would be great in the movies!” he chuckled.

 

Caitlin sighed and shrugged.  “We’ll see,” she laughed.

 

Then silence fell between them.  Part of Eric was still a little tense over the situation that had just occurred.  “Are we really okay?”

 

Caitlin drew close to him and nodded.  “Yeah,” she said softly.  “I just think we need to get used to this whole dating thing.  Don’t you?”

 

Eric looked into her dark brown eyes.  His heart was beating fast just staring into beautiful eyes.  He swallowed.  Of course there would be moments of awkwardness, right? They had just started dating.

 

Eric smiled and kissed her lightly on the lips.  “Yeah…sure.”  His voice waffled.  He hated the fact that this was all new territory.  There were all of these uncertainties when it came to Caitlin.  And he hated how it made him feel.

 

“Good,” Caitlin grinned, making him turn his focus back on her.

 

But when Eric looked at her, all of those feelings fled.  And if he was honest with himself, the fear and the dread he felt was because he was slowly realizing that he was falling head over heels in love with the woman.