Unbreak Me

by EJ Logan

  All it did was make them laugh though. “We promise Ari, you are like the bestest friend ever. Wait where will you sleep?” She asked.

  “I’ll just sleep out in the living room, it’s no biggie,” I shrugged

  "You sure," Jake asked seriously. I just pushed them towards my room.

  “Yes, I’m sure, now go before I change my mind,” They both called out thanks heading into my room.

  I looked back over at the dance floor to see Kelly and Drew dancing very intimately, and then he leaned down and kissed her. It wasn’t the sweet kiss Aiden gave her. This kiss was full of passion. I smiled they would make the cutest couple. They are both such sweethearts. I wonder what Dan would think of that.

  All of a sudden I felt arms encircle my waist, and a chin lay on my shoulder. "Oh, they look so cute," Caleb said using a fake girlie voice. I shrugged him off of me. Does he really think I want him to hug up on me? He was just with some bimbo, I mean really. Do guys think at all? Caleb must have seen the disgusted look I was giving him because his face suddenly grew concerned. I turned from him, but he grabbed my chin to look at him. "What's wrong babe?" He asked. I pushed his hand off my face. Scrunching my nose in disgust again.

  "Please don't touch me, I mean seriously. You were just in the other room with one of the groupies. It makes me cringe, thinking where your hands just were, and then you touch my face. I think I might be sick,” I said shuttering at the images that popped in my head.

  "Ari baby, please don't look at me like that. It hurts to see the disgust on your face, when you look at me. I never touched her, so you don't have to worry. I didn't even kiss her. I won't lie to you, yeah I let her go down on me, but I didn't touch her at all. So my hands are clean. See,” He said holding up his hands.

  I laughed “Whatever, you’re still gross. Where’s Aiden, by the way?” I asked.

  He glared at me. “Really and why do you want to find Aiden?”

  "Well, not that it's any of your business, but I gave my room to your cousin and Jake, so I'll be sleeping in the living room. I just wanted to give him a warning that I was taking over his couch,”

  "Well, sorry babe, he probably won't be out for a while, he just took one of what did you call them groupies. Yeah, that's what it was, so he took a groupie to the office,” He said with a shrug. God it is so messed up that these guys treat girls the way they do. "Oh shit, sorry Ari. I know you have a thing for him; you were probably hoping it was you in there instead of the bimbo,” Caleb said with no concern whatsoever.

  "What the hell are you talking about; I don't have a thing for Aiden. I barely even know him. Yeah, he's hot, and he seems pretty cool, most of the time, but I'm not looking to have a thing for anyone. Knowing what you do about me, I'd think you'd know how hard it's going to be for me to be intimate with a guy ever again,” I snapped

  “Shit I’m sorry babe, I’m a little drunk and I don’t know maybe a little jealous,” I scrunched my nose in confusion.

  He just shook his head. "Let's just forget it. Did you get anything to sleep in before you let my little cuz takeover your room?"

  “Ah man, no I totally didn’t even think about it,”

  He grabbed my hand pulling me down the hall to his room. “Don’t worry about it you can wear one of my shirts or something,”

  “Thanks” I mumbled.

  He threw me a big black t-shirt and I took it into his bathroom to change. I went ahead and washed my face while I was in there. When I walked back into his bedroom, he had unbuttoned his shirt, showing his tight abs. God he was flipping hot. I know he saw me checking him out, but he just let it slide.

  "Hey, so I'm going to go jump in the shower, why don't you just crash on my bed. I promise to be good,” He said with a smirk, and I know he remembered my drunken night last week. I think I used those exact words. I knew he was joking though so I just said thanks and slid under his covers. Once my head hit the pillow, I inhaled a big breath of his intoxicating smell and then I was out cold.

  CHAPTEReleven

  Caleb

  I wasn't into this whole party. When Ari walked out in that dress I just knew, tonight was gonna suck ass. Every one of my friends couldn't take their eyes off of her. I made my rounds for a while talking to a bunch of different people, until I saw Tess; Lizzy and Ari come through the house in their bikinis. I made my way outside and discreetly watched while the girls chilled in the pool. It wasn't until I saw Jake, James and Aiden jump in that I started to get concerned.

  I don't know why Aiden being around Ari bugs me so much, but it does. I guess it's because I can see how much he already likes her. I heard James shout chicken and the guys started picking up the girls. When all of a sudden, I got a brilliant idea. "Hey, Kelly want to go play chicken,” I could see a swimsuit on under her clothes, so I figured she would be cool with it.

  "Um… I… Uh,” I could tell she didn't want to but was being too nice to say no. Knowing about her crush on Aiden, I decided to use it to my advantage.

  "Aiden's playing, if we win I can make it where he kisses you," I said smiling. Her face lit up, and she was already on her way to the pool. I almost felt sorry, because I know he doesn't see her that way, but I wanted to play this game. "Hey, wait for us" I called out, as Kelly and I undressed.

  Once I was at the pool, I made the wager losers drank, and the winner gets to kiss whoever they choose. Of course, the only one who hesitated was Ari, but she reluctantly agreed. Of course after a fierce battle my team was the victor. As I expected Kelly chose Aiden, and he gave her a small sweet kiss. They had to cut it short though before Dan kicked Aiden's ass.

  Then it was my turn, I didn't even give Ari a chance to protest before I pulled her close and smashed my lips to hers. Damn, I didn't know a kiss could be so amazing. This girl makes me crazy. I knew kissing her would be a mistake, but I've wanted this since, before she even got here. I thought maybe it was one of those want what you can't have but even after getting to kiss her I still wanted more. Shit, this is bad. All the guys started yelling rude comments so reluctantly, I let the kiss end. After the kiss, we stood there looking into each other’s eyes. I could see all the different emotions in Ari's eye's lust, fear, confusion, but it was the last that made me make a stupid joke to lighten the mood. It was hope and as much as I really like Ari, I didn't want her to get any ideas about something more. I didn't want to hurt her, and that was all I would ever do.

  Ari quickly took off with the other girls, leaving me behind with the guys. They were all looking at me in awe and confusion. I know they've never seen me react to a chick like that that's because I never have. Shit I can't even explain this to myself let alone them. So before anyone could ask, I took off into the house.

  I was planning to go to my room, but one of the girls I hookup with sometimes, grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor. "Hey Caleb, will you dance with me," she pouted. Sighing I grabbed her waist and started grinding with her. Maybe this will help me stop thinking about that kiss. I mean she was hot, tall, and skinny, with blond hair and grey eyes. But she was missing Ari's curves and soft hazel eyes, man what the hell.

  I looked up and speak of the devil there she was dancing with Drew. At least he was a good guy, I guess. She looked at me and then to Melanie, who was grinding her ass all on me. I could see her face frown with disappointment. Ugh what does she expect from me, this is who I am.

  Yeah, I did just have the best kiss of my life ten minutes ago, but damn it was just a kiss. Not even a real kiss it was a fucking bet. Yeah, keep telling yourself that Caleb, maybe you'll believe it one day.

  She quickly turned her back to me and started to sway her hips with Drew. I continued to watch them, and only a few minutes later Aiden came up to her, and she was dancing fucking sandwiched between the two guys, really Ari. That was all I could watch. I leaned into Melanie's ear. "Hey, baby with all your grinding, I could use some attention, if you know what I mean.

  She turned around to facing me, excitement unmista
kable on her face. “I thought you’d never ask,”

  I took her hand and pulled her towards my office. I might have run into Aiden just a bit, pushing him into Ari. Okay, so maybe I was acting a bit childishly, but I was feeling so annoyed tonight.

  When we were in the room Melanie tried to kiss me, but I could still taste Ari's lips and didn't want to lose that. Shaking my head no, I undid my pants. She quickly got down and started to take care of me. I had to keep my eyes open and on her to not picture Ari down there. God I think I need help.

  Once Melanie had finished, I pulled up my pants and started for the door. "Caleb, what about me,” She whined

  “Sorry sweetheart, but I’ve got something to do. Thanks though,” I said with a wink.

  “You guys are all the same,” She laughed. “Whatever, I’m leaving. I’ll see ya around Caleb,”

  "See ya," I said as she headed out the door.

  “Hey Caleb, you done in there? I heard Aiden say. I stopped in my tracks scared to face him, afraid I would see him bringing Ari back here. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding when I saw him with Candice. She's one of Melanie’s friends and Aiden's regular girls. I don’t know what I would have done if he had been with Ari.

  "Ya man it’s all yours, I didn't even use the couch," I said as I walked past him.

  He winked "Desk Huh,”

  “Nah, I just let her take care of my needs and sent her on her way,” I said with a smirk.

  "Ah, Melanie seems to like that shit,” I know it probably seems weird that we share chicks, but we've been doing it since high school.

  I made my way back out and almost ran right into Ari, who was watching Drew and Kelly making out on the dance floor. Drew and Kelly! Shit! It's a good thing Dan already left. I wrapped my arms around her waist. "Oh, they look so cute," I said in a mock girly voice.

  Ari pushed my arms off and gave me a disgusted look. What did I do? I wondered. She turned from me, so I grabbed her face making her look at me. "What's wrong babe? I asked.

  She just pushed my hands off her face and looked at me with even more disgust if that was possible.

  "Please don't touch me, I mean seriously. You were just in the other room with one of the groupies. It makes me cringe, thinking where your hands just were, and then you touch my face. I think I might be sick,” She said shuddering after. Knowing she felt disgusted with me hurt, I actually felt a sharp pain in my chest when she first shoved me away.

  "Ari baby, please don't look at me like that. I never touched her, so you don't have to worry. I didn't even kiss her. I won't lie; I let her go down on me, but I didn't touch her at all. So my hands are clean. See,” I said holding up my hands, trying for humor.

  That got a small laugh from her. “Whatever, you’re still gross. Where’s Aiden, by the way?” She asked. For some reason that one question sent my blood boiling.

  “Why do you want to find Aiden?” I asked her

  "Well, not that it's any of your business, but I gave my room to your cousin and Jake, so I'll be sleeping in the living room. I just wanted to give him a warning that I was taking over his couch,” Yeah, right there's no way I'm leaving them alone all night. Hell no!

  "Well, sorry babe, he probably won't be out for a while, he just took one of what did you call them groupies. Yeah, that's what it was, so he took a groupie to the office,” I said like it was no biggie. I watched as the disgust came back to her features. That was what I was going for. "Oh shit, sorry Ari. I know you have a thing for him; you were probably hoping it was you in there instead of the bimbo,” I said with a tone showing I could care less if it upsets her. God I can be such a dick sometimes, but the thought of her and Aiden makes me fucking crazy.

  The look she gave me had me regretting my words instantly, but it was her words that made me feel like the biggest ass on the planet. "What are you talking about; I don't have a thing for Aiden. I barely even know him. Yeah, he's hot, and he seems pretty cool most of the time, but I'm not looking to have a thing for anyone. Knowing what you do about me, about what happened to me. I'd think you'd know how hard it's will be for me ever to be intimate with anyone again,” She snapped at me.

  “Shit I’m sorry babe, I’m a little drunk and I don’t know maybe a little jealous,” I told her. She just looked at me with confusion. I shook my head. Why did I say jealous?

  I decided to change the subject. "Let's just forget it. Did you get anything to sleep in before you let my little cuz takeover your room?"

  “No, I didn’t even think about it,” she said

  Grabbing her by the hand I pulled her to my room. "Don't worry about it you can wear one of my shirts or something,” She just mumbled thanks. I threw her one of my larger t-shirts, and she took it into the bathroom with no word. While she was gone, I got some pjs out for myself. I had just finished unbuttoning my shirt when she walked back into my room

  I saw her checking me out, and as much as I wanted to tease her about it, I knew she would need to feel comfortable if I wanted her to agree to what I said next. "Hey, so I'm going to go jump in the shower, why don't you just crash on my bed. I promise to be good,” I said with a little smirk at the fact she had used those exact words on me only a week ago.

  I went in and took a nice long shower making sure to wash any of Melanie's perfume that might still be lingering on me from when we danced. Once I was out, dried and dressed, I climbed into bed next to her. She was already out cold, so I just cuddled up to her spooning her from behind. Hey, I've never slept in bed with a chick before, I'm gonna do it right. I thought laughing to myself.

  Aiden

  I walked out of Caleb's office right behind Candice. We've hooked up a few times; she always seeks me out when she knows I'm in town. She's okay, good in the sack, not too clingy, and always an easy lay when I need it. I gave her a little tap on the ass, sending her on her way. "See ya later Aiden, Call me,” She said.

  I just nodded and shut the door behind her. Everyone had left or went to bed, Shit I really messed up with Ari. I planned to show her and Caleb that I could do more than a one-night stand. What do I do though; I go and have a one-night stand while she's right in the other room. I know I only met Ari a day ago, but I like her, and I think we could have something if she would give me a chance. The funny thing about it is unlike every other girl chasing after me, Ari practically pushes me away.

  Tonight with the game of chicken I had to look away while Caleb kissed her, my ass he doesn't have feelings for her. I gave him a chance to tell me how he feels though and he denied it. So I feel she's fair game now. Later when I saw her dancing with Drew, I just wanted to pull her away to dance with only me. What does she do though? She pushes another girl at me, Kelly at that. I know Kelly's had a crush on me for years, but I've never seen her as anything but a little sis. She just isn't my type.

  I went to the kitchen for some water, and Jake walked in while I was in there. Huh, I thought, everyone left. "Hey, man where did you come from?" I asked I hadn’t seen anyone in the living room when I passed by.

  "Oh, Ari's room, she let Tess, and I sleep in there tonight," he said shrugging.

  Hmm “Then where's Ari sleeping?” I asked.

  “Well, she said she was going to sleep on the couch,”

  Where could she be? "Well, she's not in there,”

  Jake shrugged “Maybe she crashed in Caleb’s room,”

  I must have had a pretty pissy facial expression because Jake took a step back. "Whoa man, I don't mean she would be with him sexually, just sleeping in his bed. You know Caleb doesn't hookup in his room. What's up? Why are you so upset about it anyways?"

  I shook my head "I'm not. Okay, maybe I would be, not that I have any right. I barely even know her, but I think I could like her. I asked Caleb last night if he had any feelings for her and he said no, but I'm not sure I believe him. I don't know man; I need to not worry about it and let the pieces fall where they may,"

  "Yeah man, Ari went through some fucked up shit
with her ex, so I don't know if she would even be interested in anything with anyone right now,”

  “What do you mean, what happened?” I asked this is the second time someone has mentioned something like this.

  "Sorry man, but it's not my place to say. Hey, I'm going to head back to bed before Tess wakes up,”

  "All right goodnight man,”

  “Night,”

  Once Jake was back in the room. I snuck down the hall and opened Caleb's door. I told myself I was just checking to make sure she was okay, but I know, I wanted see if anything happened between them.

  When I looked in I saw her and Caleb spooning and yes he didn’t have a shirt on, but at least they weren’t naked. I quietly shut the door and went to the couch to sleep the rest of the night, well morning away.

  CHAPTERtwelve

  Ari

  I woke up to a girl's voice "Caleb Carter, tell me you didn't" She yelled. I opened my eyes to see Caleb's face right in front of mine. His arm was wrapped around my waist, and our legs were tangled together. Caleb opened his eyes then too. "Morning babe," He said smiling while he pushed some hair out of my face.

  I couldn't help but smile back at him. "Hey," I whispered.

  “Caleb, Arianna, What the hell happened last night. Why are you in his bed?” I now recognized the voice to be Tess.

  “Uh, Can you please lower your voice, I have a slight headache,” I said still not turning to look at her. I winked and smiled at Caleb before, I said. “Oh and as for Caleb and I, we slept together, what’s it look like?” I asked

  Caleb shook his head at me and mouthed "your bad,”

  I shrugged “hey I didn’t lie,”

  I noticed Tess hadn’t responded. I turned to face the door, just as she walked back in with a groggy looking Jake and an annoyed looking Aiden. “Please tell me why you want us to kick Caleb’s ass again,” Jake asked yawning.

  "Look he… they… they hooked up,” She stuttered. I felt Caleb hide his face in my back, trying to cover up a laugh. I was having a hard time myself.