“I didn’t know you were seeing someone.” I turned toward him. It wasn’t my business, but Caleb and I had been sharing a lot lately.
“Doesn’t matter.” Caleb lifted the cup to his lips. “Gonna get some air.” He pointed to the back door, and slipped outside.
As it closed behind him, someone handed me a cup. It was red, and fruity. “Go slow. I don’t wanna be cleaning puke out of my car tonight,” Claire warned.
“Promise.” I laughed as I stared at the door Caleb had gone through. I don’t know why I cared, but I did.
“Go. I know you want to. I’ll be fine.” Claire nudged my shoulder.
“You sure? I don’t want to break party code.” I pressed my lips together as I continued to stare at the door. She nodded, and I rushed after Caleb.ooooooooo
“Are you ok?” I shuffled across the outdoor deck. Caleb was leaning over the railing, looking out into the dark back yard. His shoulders tensed, but he didn’t turn around. “You can talk to me, if you want.”
“I don’t want to talk, Princess.” He almost growled the word, and refused to look at me.
“Ok. I just thought…” I let the words trail away.
“Thought what? That you’d come out here and help? Make me feel better?” His voice, his anger reaching both their limits. I knew he’d blow soon, but I couldn’t help it.
“You helped me. Is it too hard to believe that I could help you?” I lifted my arms at my sides. “I’m sorry that I tried to care.” I shook my head and started to turn, but he stopped me.
“Wait.” He sighed dramatically before turning to face me. He was still leaning against the rail. “I’m not mad at you. My problems aren’t yours. I’m sorry I snapped, Princess.” He closed his eyes as if he was in pain.
Anger and hurt churned in my gut. “Why do you do that? You know I hate it.” I stomped my foot. “Do you just like being mean to me?”
His eyes closed again, and this time he paused before answering me. “If I wasn’t drunk off my ass right now, I probably wouldn’t do this, but what the hell. Let him beat my ass. It might be worth it.” He was talking to the sky like there was a person there.
“What are you…?” Before I could finish, Caleb stepped closer and crushed his mouth against mine.
Chapter 8Caleb
Her lips were soft, and tasted like strawberries. She let out a little squeak when I kissed her, but it turned to a sigh as I held her there. I knew it was wrong. I knew that her dad would probably kill me when he found out, but I’ve been thinking about this since she waltzed into the gym three weeks ago. I’ve always thought she was pretty, but now that she’s grown up, she’s gorgeous.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered as I stepped back. It took me a minute to get my bearings. I’ve been drinking for hours, trying to get her out of my head. I glanced up and saw her shocked expression turn to hurt. “No, I’m not. No more lying.” I growled as I slammed my fist against the railing. I was probably going to regret that in the morning.
She turned and started to walk away, and I knew I needed to act fast. “Riley, wait!” I reached out and my fingers brushed against her wrist.
“What was that?” she whispered as she slowly turned back in my direction.
“A kiss?” It came out like even I didn’t know what we’d just done.
“I know that, but why?” She crossed her arms and kicked one of her feet at the ground.
“I’m not sure,” I huffed. I ran my fingers through my hair and tugged at it. Could I really tell her how I felt? Was I ready for this battle because that was what would happen? “You wanna know why I call you Princess?” I smiled. I couldn’t help it. I liked her, and I was about to bare my soul.
“Sure. Whatever.” She flung her arms out and let them smack her sides.
“I need you to hate me because if you hate me, then you’ll stay away.” I knew I wasn’t making sense, but in my drunken mind it was crystal clear.
“Huh?” She crinkled her nose, and it made her look so cute.
“If you stay away, then I don’t have to fight this so hard. It was working, and then you started coming around and making me care. I need you to hate me, Princess.” I blew out a breath as I leaned back over the railing. The world was starting to spin faster, and I didn’t want her to see me like this.
“You want me to hate you because you like me? Do you know how elementary you sound right now Caleb? What are you, five?” She sounded incredulous.
“Makes sense, right?” I continued to stare at the grassy area below. “Your dad is going to kill me when he finds out what I did.”
“What? Kiss me?” She stepped closer.
“I’ve kissed boys before, quite a few actually.” She seemed proud of herself.
“Really?” I stood up. “Any of them turn you on?” I stepped closer, and I saw the tiniest of shivers run through her body. “Did they make you feel the way you do right now?” I moved closer, daring her to move, but she stayed rooted in place. “I know you’re fighting this. I know that you’re scared after what that asshole did to you. I know you think that we’re all like that, but we’re not.” oooooooooRiley
I didn’t really understand him, and I don’t think he did either. “What are you saying?” I moved closer and he held his arm out, halting me.
“I don’t want to puke
