He shoved open his door, and climbed out. As he rounded the front, he shook his head and grumbled something to himself. Just as I was reaching for the handle of my door, it flew open. Caleb stood there staring at me, his eyes wild with a look I’d yet to see from him.
“Get out.” He grabbed for my hand.
“What is going on?” I tried again. “Caleb…” He cut me off by smashing his mouth against mine. He moved us so my back was pressed against the side of the truck. One knee went between my legs as his hips pressed against me. He was practically crushing me against the metal. Every part of him from shoulders to thighs held me pinned. His head slanted as his mouth devoured mine. Soft groans filled the air around us, and I wasn’t sure what was coming from him and what was coming from me. Hands slid from my shoulders up to my jaw as he delicately cupped my cheeks. After a few moments, he pulled back as fast as he’d started. His forehead rested on mine as he attempted to calm himself.
“Sleeping next to you all night; not being able to touch you the way I wanted; having you naked in the shower just feet away… you’re killing me. You have no idea how bad I want to make you mine, but I want you to want it too. So, I’ll wait. It’s gonna kill me, but I’ll wait.” He huffed as he pushed back, and the warm morning air filled the spaces between us.
I stood there, still coming down from the high his kiss created as he sauntered around the truck, acting as if he didn’t just bring me to the edge of a cliff and leave me there. He climbed in, and then looked in my direction through the cab. “Coming?”
“No,” I murmured thinking he wouldn’t hear me, but when I looked up at him a wicked smile spread across his face. “It’s not funny,” I grumbled as I closed my door and he put the truck in drive. Game on, Caleb.
Chapter 16Riley
We’ve been driving for the last four days, and we’re finally nearing the end. We crossed into California three hours ago, and Caleb assures me that we’re in the home stretch. “This place is amazing,” I call out as I lean farther out the window. When we crossed into the city, I rolled my window down. It’s hot out, but I don’t care. I’ve never left the East Coast. I’ve seen some big cities traveling with my dad, but nothing like this.
“I don’t know. Seems kinda crowded to me,” Caleb grumbled. “I don’t care for the smog, and the traffic.” He tossed his hands in the air before laying on the horn for the billionth time.
“But look!” I pointed ahead of us. We don’t have this at home.” The Pacific Ocean lapped up on the shore a few feet to our left.
“We have Boston Harbor.” Caleb laughed.
“It’s not the same.” I pouted. “There’s so much I want to do while we’re here. The parks and museums to start with, and then the zoo. Maybe Alex will want to show me around.” I bounced on the seat as I tried to take in everything. It was like sensory overload.
“Let’s get to our hotel first, then we’ll figure all that out. I need a shower in a bathroom that doesn’t smell like stinky feet.” Caleb cringed as he made a turn onto another highway. “The GPS says it’s right up here.”
We pulled into what I knew was a hotel we couldn’t afford parking lot. “This looks expensive,” I murmured.
“Don’t worry.” Caleb shot me a smile. There was something about the way he looked at me that said he was hiding something, but I brushed it off. I was too excited that we were here.
We pulled up to the front area where you unload and a bellhop met us at the curb. “I know we can’t afford this. What are we doing here?” I turned frightened eyes on him.
“Stop worrying. I’ve got it covered.” He put the truck in park, and climbed out. After removing our bags and placing them on a cart, he handed his keys over to a valet. “Come on.” He held his hand out for me, and I slowly took it.
oooooooooCaleb
If she knew how I paid for this room, she’d probably never forgive me. The day after we left, I texted my mom to let her know what was going on. I didn’t think this trip needed to be a secret, but Riley did. She’s been irrational at times, and I don’t know if its hurt or anger talking.
Yesterday when we left our hotel in Arizona, Mom texted me telling me that Wes and Angela had made reservations for us when we reached San Diego. I called her when we stopped for lunch, and she assured me that they weren’t mad at Riley. In fact, they made a similar trip when they were younger. I’ve been trying all day to figure out how to tell her about all of this, but I know she’s going to flip.
I’ve convinced myself that keeping it a secret a little longer is ok. The fact that she’s questioning this hotel tells me I can’t for much longer. We both know that we’re living beyond our means at the moment. Part of me doesn’t want to hurt her just yet. I have no idea what meeting this Alex guy will do to her. If it doesn’t go well, she’s going to need someone. If I take away her trust now, that someone won’t be me.
Chapter 17Caleb
“Thanks.” I
