Unbreak Me

by EJ Logan

  “Sweetie, first I think you’ve got it wrong, because we all know Caleb doesn’t have sex in his room. Second if they had hooked up, that would be their decision, well unless he took advantage of her…,” Jake trailed off realizing what he said. He looked at me with worry in his eyes.

  Sure when he said it my head went straight to Kyle, but I was okay. I could handle it. "Jake, it’s cool, don't worry,”

  Caleb pulled me back into him hugging me and Tess looked shocked, then smacked Jake’s arm. Aiden just looked between us. “Did I miss something?” He asked

  I looked at him, then to everyone else. “Look Yes, Caleb and I slept together, but just in the same bed. Nothing and I mean nothing happened between us. Okay?” I asked directing the question mainly at Tess.

  “Okay, I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions, I just want to protect you,”

  I smiled at her. “I do sweetie and I love you for it,” I told her.

  “I love you too Ari,” She said.

  I then looked at Aiden “As for what you missed I will tell you soon, but I need a shower right now. Is my room good for me to use?” I asked

  "Yeah, clean sheets and the others are washing as we speak. Thanks again, by the way,”

  I rolled my eyes but smiled “no problem,”

  After everyone had left the room, I went to get out of the bed, but Caleb grabbed my hand pulling me back down. "Hey, don't I get a thank you for letting you stay in my bed. You know you are the first girl, I've ever let in my bed,” He said with a smirk.

  “Aw, well thank you Caleb,” I said before leaning in and kissing his cheek. “I feel so privileged to be the lucky girl to get you to change your rule,”

  He smiled “Only you babe,”

  I shook my head and got up “Whatever I’m going to go shower,”

  "Do you want some company?" He asked.

  I turned gaping at him "And here you go ruining the sweet moment we were having,” He started laughing, and I couldn't help but laugh too.

  After a nice long shower, I dressed and headed out to the living room. Everyone was in there watching some show. I went to the kitchen made myself some coffee and toast and took it out on the patio. I went back in and up to Aiden, "Hey, can you come and talk to me for a minute?" I asked

  He looked confused but nodded and got up following me outside. “What’s up beautiful?” he asked sitting down at the table I had set my coffee on.

  "Well, I want to tell you what you were missing this morning,” He nodded. I told him everything about Kyle, from how we met, started dating, our time apart during college and all the way to the very end. I also told him about my fear of being around guys, and how Caleb was the first guy I felt comfortable around.

  He sat and listened, nodding here and there. Looking like he wanted to kill someone when I told him what Kyle had done. When I was finished, he pulled me into a hug but pulled away quickly. “Wait do I make you feel uncomfortable?” He asked.

  I shook my head “No you don’t, from the day we met, I’ve felt… okay around you. So don’t worry I’m not going to freak if you hug me,”

  He smiled big “Good cause I really like hugging you,” He said while pulling me into another hug. I smiled back. I think I’m starting to like his hugs too.

  For the rest of the day, we all spent time watching movies and talking. Around five, the rest of the guys Kelly and Lizzy showed up. While the guys hung out by the bar, we girls hung out by the pool. "Sooo Kelly, Drew huh?” I asked her causing her face to turn a little pink from her blush.

  She quickly looked down. When she finally looked back up at us, she bit her lip and nodded. We all giggled.

  “What about Aiden? I always thought you had a crush on him. Oh and does Dan know?” Tess asked.

  "I have always had a crush on him, but I realized last night that it was nothing more than physical attraction for me. I also know he never saw me as more than a little sister. When he kissed me last night, that's what it felt like. Like I was kissing my big brother. I've always thought Drew was hot too, but he was always kind of shy around me. Last night though when you left us on the dance floor, he told me how beautiful I looked and then confessed that he had always had a little crush on me,”

  She shrugged. "As for Dan, no he doesn't know yet. We're going to see where this goes before we tell him,” We all nodded

  "Well, I think you guys looked so cute together last night. So did Caleb,” I said, giving her a big smile. They do make such a cute couple. I hope they workout.

  Her eyes widened. "You don't think anyone will say anything do you? Dan cannot find out from someone else,” She said sounding concerned.

  “No, I think the only ones who saw you guys together were Ari and Caleb, and he won’t say anything,” Tess told her.

  "Phew. That's good,” You could physically see her relax. Not completely but some. We sat and talked for a while before Jake said dinner was ready.

  After dinner, we all just hung around the fire pit talking. After a while, Caleb pulled out his guitar and started to play some songs. I had to admit he was good, and had a sexy voice.

  It wasn't until he started playing Two is better than one by Boys like Girls that I started to pay attention. The song caught my attention for two reasons, one being it was one of my favorite songs and two because almost the entire time he sang the song, he was looking at me. Luckily most everyone had been drinking and weren't paying attention, or I would have been embarrassed. I love this song, but I couldn't understand why he would make it seem like he was singing it to me.

  Is he starting to have some feelings for me? I mean I know we have an attraction to each other, and we flirt a lot. Oh and there is definitely some sexual tension between us especially since that kiss, but this song is about more than an attraction. I decided just to let it be; I'm probably just overthinking it. So I quit thinking so much and just listen to him play.

  When he finished the song, he made sure to look right into my eyes and give me a shy smile. I smiled back, but then quickly looked away.

  Around nine everyone started to leave, I heard Dan ask Caleb if he wanted to go out to the bar with them. As much as I told myself I didn't care what he did, I felt my stomach drop a little when he looked at me for second, before turning back to Dan. "Sure man, I could use to go out and clear my head,” How the hell is getting drunk and hooking up with some random bimbo considered clearing your head, I thought.

  To my surprise when they asked Aiden, he declined saying he felt like chilling here tonight. I know Aiden likes me, and he's hot as hell, but for some reason I've been trying to avoid him all weekend. It's like my head says to get to know him better, but my heart says to wait.

  Once everyone left Aiden, and I put on our pj's and curled up on the couch to watch a movie. I decided to take a chance on getting to know him better, so instead of sitting on the opposite end of the couch I curled up next to him and lay my head on his shoulder. He smiled over at me and put his arm around me. “Is this okay?” He asked. I nodded, and we sat in silence the rest of the night watching a movie.

  When it was over, I stood up "I'm going to go to bed, goodnight,”

  He stood too and then cupped one of my cheeks. He leaned in towards me and this time I didn't back away. I closed my eyes anticipating the feel his lips on mine. Instead, I felt them lightly brush across my cheek, "Goodnight beautiful,” He whispered.

  I smiled before turning away and going to my room. Aiden is so sweet to me, but I just don't feel like I should let this go anywhere. I just don't see myself with him that way. Is it because I know what a player he can be. I mean he freaking hooked up with one of those girls last night. I don't know maybe we can just be friends and get to know each other for a while. Maybe I will start to feel something in time. Uh and why can't I stop thinking about Caleb, when I think about seeing where things could go with Aiden?

  Because you like him, my subconscious tells me. Why did I let myself fall for Caleb, he warned me from the beginning. But here
I am practically swooning for the damn guy. I just can't stop thinking about that kiss yesterday. That was by far the most amazing kiss I have ever had.

  Not that I have had much experience. I mean before….Kyle. It’s even hard to think his name still. As much as I hate what he did to me, I hate what he did to himself more. He just needed help. He had been a part of my life since I was ten; I had loved him since I was sixteen. It’s just so hard to know he’s gone forever.

  Why did I even start thinking about him? I always get so depressed when I do. Oh yeah, kissing right. He was the only guy I had ever kissed, so yeah, I haven't had much experience.

  I couldn't fall asleep, so I decided to go make myself a cup of chamomile tea. When I walked by the living room, I saw Aiden sound asleep on the couch. He looked cute all curled up under the blankets.

  I had just finished stirring some honey in my tea, when I heard the door open. Only a moment later and Caleb stumbled into the kitchen. When he saw me, he smirked. "Did you wait up for me babe?" he asked, walking up to me and placed his hands on either side, completely blocking me in.

  "Uh…no. I couldn't sleep; I was getting some tea,” I said lifting my cup to show him. He took my cup from my hand, bringing it to his lips and taking a sip.

  "Mmm, honey," he said then set my cup on the counter next to us.

  He grabbed my hips and pulled me into him. I could smell the strong scent of alcohol on him, and I started to get a little uncomfortable. "How much did you drink? Did you drive home?" I asked suddenly worried.

  He shook his head “No I got a cab, cause I had a lot to drink. It still wasn’t enough though,” He said

  “What wasn’t enough?” I asked confused.

  He groaned and put his forehead against mine. “What are you doing to me?” He asked. I just continued to look into his eyes. I could ask him the same question. He kissed my forehead, and then pulled away.

  "I have to go to bed; I want you to bad right now,” I just nodded. Walking away, he went straight to his room, closing the door behind him.

  I picked up my tea taking a sip. I shook my head trying to clear it. “What the hell” I mumbled. What was that? I finished my drink and went to my room, finally feeling tired enough to sleep.

  I woke up pretty early the next morning throwing on my exercise clothes. I skipped my workout yesterday, so I needed to do a little extra today. Before I left for a jog, I put a water bottle and some Advil, onto Caleb's night stand, just paying him back for when he had done it for me.

  After a long jog, I went to the gym room and spent some time beating the shit out of the bags. Everyone was still asleep when I came out. So I snuck back in my room to shower and change.

  When I came back out, I made some coffee, eggs and toast and sat down to enjoy it. Aiden walked in getting himself a cup of coffee and leaning against the counter across from me. “Do you know if Caleb made it in last night?” He asked

  I nodded “Yeah around one I think. I couldn’t sleep and was having a cup of tea when he got in,” I told him.

  “Good, I just wanted to make sure he was okay,” He said.

  “Yeah, he took a cab. He was freaking plastered when he got here. He's going to be hurting when he wakes up,”

  Aiden furrowed his brow. “What?” I asked.

  He shook his head “It’s just not like him; he’s not the type to get that drunk,” I just shrugged. I wasn’t going to tell him about Caleb saying he was trying to clear his head.

  Aiden left to shower, so I went to my room to make some phone calls. “Hey Baby. How are things?” She asked answering the phone.

  “Hey, mom it's great, I made some new friends,” I told her about Lizzy and Kelly and all the guys, including Aiden.

  “Well, he sounds like a nice boy, is there something between you two?” She questioned. I know she just wants to see me happy again, but I wish she wouldn’t try to push me towards men.

  Shaking my head "No mom were just friends, but I can't say that it won't be more in the future. He is a great guy, but I'm not looking for anything more than friendship right now,” I told her

  “I know you’re not ready honey, I just want you to be happy. I am a little surprised, the way you and they Caleb would talk every night before you left, I thought something would come from that,”

  “Oh, no we are good friends, but Caleb doesn't do relationships, and I don't think a one-night stand is a good idea with my boss and roommate,”

  He laughed a little “Yeah that’s probably a good idea,”

  We talked for a few more minutes. She told me about this guy she had started dating, she seemed to really like him, and I was glad she was happy. After we hung up I called Callie. "Hey Ari!” Callie squealed when she answered.

  I laughed “I Miss you too,” I told her.

  “I’m Mad at you; I haven’t talked to you in like a week. Did you just leave and forget about your best friend,” She whined

  I rolled my eyes she could be such a drama queen sometimes. “No, I've just been busy, I guess. Hey, you could always call me you know,”

  She sighed “I know I’ve been busy too, sorry. Oh hey I was thinking about coming to visit in two weeks. Do you think that would be okay? It will probably just be a long weekend though,”

  “Yeah, I can’t wait, but we don’t have a spare room here, you can always sleep on the couch or with me,” I told her.

  “Oh no, no, no I’ll get a room at a hotel. I might need my privacy, you know me,”

  I laughed “That I do love, that I do,” I wouldn’t call Callie a slut exactly, but she liked to have fun.

  “So tell me about this roommate. Is he hot?" she asked. Always about the guys. No, how's the new job or how do you like the house. Nope, with Callie it's always about a guy.

  “Of course, you would ask that, but the answer would be yes, he's gorgeous. Oh and he has seven close friends who are just as hot. Three have girlfriends, but the rest are single,”

  I knew she would be excited about eight hot guys. “So is there anyone you might have your eye on?” she asked.

  “Well, I'm not ready for that, and right now I'm not sure if I ever will be, but I have made friends with this guy Aiden. And of course Caleb. Oh and CalebandIkissed,”I blurted too fast for her to understand.

  “What was that? Did I hear you right? Did you say you and Caleb kissed?” She asked sounding a little too amused. I know she knew I was blushing.

  “Well… Uh… He won a game we were playing, and his prize was a kiss from whoever he wanted, and he chose me,”

  “Oh my god. How was it?" She asked sounding way too excited.

  “It was…a…it was amazing Callie, the best kiss ever,” I told her thinking about how amazing that kiss was. I swear we sound like a couple high school girls.

  “Aww” she squealed “ I had a feeling, about you two, the way you guys would talk every night before you moved there…“

  I interrupted before she could go on. “Call there is nothing between us. We are friends, and that's all, Caleb doesn't do girlfriends, he has never once had a girlfriend. He just does hookups,”

  “Oh," was all she said.

  I decided to change the subject. “So when will you be coming again?” I asked I just wasn’t ready to talk or even think about Caleb right now. He just confuses me so much.

  “Um… the Thursday after next, I’ll leave right after work. Do you think you could look into a hotel close to you, but also in walking distance to maybe a club we could hang at?”

  “Okay, I'll let Caleb know and if there is nothing going on I should be able to get Friday off to hang with you,”

  We continued to talk for another thirty minutes. Okay, mainly she talked, about the guys she's met and about her job. She's an elementary school teacher and has been getting her class ready for the new school year. This is her first year so I could tell she was both excited and maybe a little nervous.

  We finally said goodbye and I couldn't wait for when she came, I really do miss her.
If she hadn't been around when everything happened, I don't know how I would have gotten through it. She was my rock for those months afterward.

  I had just set my phone down, when there was a knock at my door. “Come In,” I said

  “Hey beautiful, my dad just called saying the condo is all mine, so I’m taking off,” Aiden said.

  I smiled at him; he looked so cute when he was shy. "Okay, so how long are you in town?" I asked.

  He looked up smiling. “About a month, I have a few local bands, I’m looking at. So I'll be around to check them out and possibly get them to sign,”

  "Okay, that's cool I'm sure we'll see each other around. It was nice to meet you and I had a lot of fun hanging with you this weekend,” I told him giving a shy smile.

  His smile grew. "I've had a great time this weekend and with seeing each other around, I was hoping I could take you out sometime this week,” I smiled back. I wasn't ready to date, but we were just friends, so this wasn't dating.

  "I would like that, here give me your phone and I'll put in my number,” He handed it to me, and I put it in under beautiful, since that was what he always called me. I guess I was also feeling a little bold today

  Once I handed it back, he looked at it and then chuckled “beautiful, I love it,”

  I shrugged “well I wasn’t sure if you remember my real name, since all you ever call me is beautiful,”

  He laughed again "Of course, I remember your name Ari. It’s just when I look at you the first word that comes to mind is beautiful,” He said with a wink.

  I knew I was completely red now. “Whatever, such a charmer. Now get out of my house,” I said pushing him from my room as he continued laughing.

  I walked with him out front, and he leaned in hugging me. "So I'll call you and we'll hang out soon okay,”

  I nodded “Yeah that sounds good, see you,”

  “See ya, oh tell Caleb to call me sometime after he finally gets up,” I nodded laughing a little.

  “I can’t believe he's still sleeping, he must have been pretty trashed last night. It still seems weird for him, but maybe he just needed a night of fun,” he said shrugging.