“I don’t want to see you puke either.” I made a yuck face just as he rushed to the far end of the deck. His body convulsed as whatever he’d poured down his throat came rushing out.
“I’m sorry.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’ve been trying to drink you away all night.” He leaned against the railing, facing me this time.
“Why?” I moved closer, and watched as his eyes travel up my body.
“I thought we covered this.” He sighed. “Your dad kicking my ass is a big reason, and we’re supposed to hate each other.” He chuckled.
“I do hate you.” I grinned as I moved closer. “Hate you so much that I want to beat your ass in the ring. I hated it when you wrapped your arms around me during the self-defense class, and I hated it even more when you took me to that abandoned building.”
“What about the kiss? Did you hate that?” His eyes darted to my lips as I stepped closer. We were almost touching at this point.
“Mmm hmm.” I nodded. “I think I hated that the most.”
He leaned closer, but I leaned back. “No offense, but I don’t need a repeat right now. You just barfed.” I cringed at the thought.
“How about you show me how much you hate me tomorrow night at dinner?” His mouth curled up on one side, making him look like the boy I used to know.
“Maybe.” I shrugged.
“You don’t want to go out on a date?” His palm came up and rested on his chest. He looked hurt, but I wondered how much of all this he would actually remember tomorrow.
“I’m just not sure if you’re actually being real right now.” I shrugged again. “I’ve fallen for your pranks so many times in the past, I don’t know what’s what anymore.”
He stood up straight, grabbed my hands, and tipped his head down. He rested his chin on top of my head, and then sniffed my hair. “You always smell so good. I promise, this is real. This is me, the real me, not the me who’s trying to keep you away. I’ve tried that for years. It hasn’t worked. I’m waving the white flag now. I’m giving in. You win. You have me if you want me.” He kept rambling, and as sweet as it sounded, I couldn’t help but feel like it was a trick.
“You gonna tell my dad?” I murmured. “He’s gonna find out when you pick me up.”
“Yeah, but I thought we could tell our moms first. Maybe Angela can help my cause,” he mumbled.
“And what cause is that? Getting in my pants?” I stepped back and stared up at his eyes. He knew how I felt about the whole sex thing.
“No. I’m not doing this to get in your pants. I’m doing this because I can’t get you out of my head. If we do that later, I’m ok with it, but I’m ok if we don’t too.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead softly. “I’m not who you think I am.”
“I honestly don’t know who I think you are.” I shook my head. “You coming back inside?” I pointed to the door.
“Yeah, there’s people in there. If I stay out here with you, who knows what I’ll do.” He laughed and then followed me back the way we came. ooooooooo
“Where have you been?” Claire came rushing up to me as I was refilling my cup.
“Talking to Caleb.” I sipped the red liquid and followed her back toward what I think is the living room.
“All that time?” She grinned. “Just talking?”
“Yeah.” I giggled. “I have a date tomorrow night.”
“Nice.” She nodded. “Does he have any brothers?”
“No.” I laughed. “I’m surprised you didn’t find someone for yourself yet.”
“I’ve found a couple. No one worth a second conversation though.” She rolled her eyes.
“You wanna leave? I’m kinda over all this.” I motioned around the room. The people who were still around were hooking up, and the ones that were hooking up, were pretty drunk.
“I’m good with that.” Claire glanced around the room.
“Let me go toss this. I’ll meet you at the car.” I pointed to the kitchen.
“Ok. Don’t take forever.” She laughed. “I’m not waiting all night.” She turned and disappeared in the crowd as she headed for the front door.
I went back to the kitchen to pour out what was left of my drink. When I rounded the corner, Caleb was standing there.
“Couldn’t stay away, huh?” He snickered.
“Nope.” I rose up on my toes and whispered right by his ear, “I’m already thinking about tomorrow.” When I lowered myself, I pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Don’t disappoint me.” I patted his chest, tossed my cup in the garbage, and then turned for the door.
“I don’t disappoint anyone,” he called, and when I turned back, he winked at me. Flirty Caleb was fun. I just hoped that he remembered all of this tomorrow, and he’s not trying to be a jerk. I don’t like that version, and I’d prefer not to have to deal with him ever again.
Chapter 9Caleb
When the sun shone through my window this morning it felt like a thousand little knives were stabbing me in the head. It didn’t get much better after that either.
I don’t really remember what time it was when I got home last night. I don’t even remember how I got home last night. I know I took an Uber to the party. I know I broke into my parents’ liquor cabinet before I left. I know that I’m probably going to get my ass beat when I get to work today.
“Caleb? Are you planning on eating this morning?” Mom called from the kitchen, I think.
Ugh. My head
