Unbreak Me

by EJ Logan

  Yes, I had another dream about her last night. It's driving me insane; this has to stop. Just watching her hold Aiden's hand and walk out the door with him, made me angry. I had never felt jealousy before she came into my life. I don't like the way it feels either. It makes me mad, worried, anxious, and a little sad that it's not my hand she's holding.

  I need to let her go. I can't let her know how I feel. She would only get hurt in the end. We both would. Like my dad always told me. Love always dies. He would tell me how all the love he had with my mom, didn't make up for the pain he had when we lost her and my sister.

  Why am I letting myself think about this? I know he's right, and I am not willing to let myself feel that pain again. I don't want to turn into the cold-hearted man my dad did, from losing someone I loved so much. When my mom and sister passed, I lost my dad too. He has never been the same man he once was.

  At one, fifty-six Ari walked back into the office. She stuck her head in my door. "Hey Caleb, just wanted to let you know I'm back,”

  “Okay, put your stuff away, and then come check out these plans and let me know what you think,”

  She smiled big.

  "Okay, I'll be right back,” She said excitedly. She is so freaking adorable.

  We spent about a couple hours talking about the plans, and she gave me some brilliant ideas. She is a very smart girl, with a great eye for this. At five, we packed up and went home. After she made dinner, and we watched a movie, we went to bed. I could only pray my dreams would stay dry and Ari free tonight. I don't know how much more of this I can take.

  CHAPTERfourteen

  Ari

  The next few days went by pretty similar to the previous. Aiden had taken me to lunch again on Tuesday, and on Wednesday he came over after work and had dinner with us. It has been casual between us, which I'm thankful for, I'm not even sure if I want this between us to be anything more. I know I'm not ready for it yet. I do like Aiden. He's a sweetheart and fine as hell, but….

  I don't get a spark from him, and he doesn't ignite the flame. He gives me more of a safe vibe. Sometimes I think maybe that's what I need, then I'll read one of my romance novels and think I want that, you know that all-consuming love, where just a mere touch from him causes sparks. I know I know good luck with that right.

  The thing is, there is someone who causes those sparks, but I know I can never have him that way. That's the problem with going further with Aiden, I feel like I'm just settling for him. Because I can't have the one I really want. Uhhh! It's so damn frustrating; Caleb's been great too. He's stayed home all week. We usually just curl up on the couch together, and he'll either will massage my feet or neck. It's so freaking awesome. Today's Friday though and we told Aiden we'd go with him to watch this band he is looking to sign. I'm a little nervous because I haven't been out since the night I tried to get Caleb into bed. I'll just have to limit my drinks tonight.

  After work, I made dinner, and Tess and Jake joined us, when we were done Tess, and I went to my room and got ready we had to leave at seven thirty to meet Aiden at the club, so we didn't have a lot of time.

  Once we were ready, we took off in separate cars. We were at the club in about twenty minutes. Walking in I located Aiden at a round booth near the stage. He saw us and waved us over, standing to greet us as we arrived at his table.

  He gave me a sexy smile. “Hey beautiful, you look amazing tonight,” He said hugging me to him.

  “Thanks, you look pretty good yourself,” I replied.

  We all sat in the booth and of course I was between Aiden and Caleb with Caleb at the end of the booth. As soon as we sat Aiden took my hand in his and placed them on his thigh. I looked over at him giving him a small smile. I can do this; I mean Aiden is like the perfect guy, why can’t I just give him a real chance?

  The band playing was great they have the whole One Republic feel, and I absolutely love One Republic. After a couple drinks, Aiden asked me to dance, and though I hesitated at first I accepted and we went out to join Tess and Jake, who were already out there dancing. I felt bad leaving Caleb by himself, but he hadn't even been talking to me. Most of the night he was focused on the band playing. I almost felt like he was trying to ignore me.

  We danced about three songs, then went back to the table, I wasn't too surprised to find some chick on Caleb's lap but was surprised to see she wasn't blond this time. She was a very attractive brunette; her hair was so dark it was practically black, and she had eyes to match. She did still have the model figure; Caleb usually went for. Tall probably near six foot, and as slim as a twig. This one looked natural, no fake boobs or lips so that's a plus I guess.

  I still felt that usual pang of hurt I got every time I saw or even thought of Caleb with another woman, but I just pushed it to the back of my head so I wouldn't think about it. Instead, I put a bright smile on my face "Hi, I'm Ari,” I said extending my hand to the woman.

  Instead of greeting me back, she had the audacity to look me over and give me a sneer. Really? Who does this chick think she is? I looked over to Tess at the sound of her scoff. “Caleb is this the best you could do for tonight?" She asked.

  My eyes went wide at her comment. The girl got up out of Caleb's lap, glaring at Tess. "Uh, I don't know who you are bitch, but you need to back off my man,” The chick said to Tess. I couldn't help but laugh at this girl. Did she really think Caleb is hers? Before anyone could respond, she turned towards me. "You too whore. Don't think I didn't see you checking him out,” This chick just met Caleb; she must be totally drunk. Who gets possessive over a guy in like fifteen minutes?

  I looked over at Caleb raising an eyebrow. He shrugged and shook his head. I was about to tell this bitch where she could stick it, but Caleb beat me to it. "Excuse me uh… Hannah was it?" He asked.

  She looked at him squinting her eyes "Really Caleb, its Haley,” She spat.

  Caleb rolled his eyes “Whatever, look your name doesn’t matter. I don’t know what your deal is, but I sure the hell do not belong to you. Also, no one talks to my friends like you did. You need to fucking apologize. Then you can take your skanky ass back to wherever it is you came from,”

  If this chick was mad before, she was freaking pissed now. She huffed “I sure as hell won't be apologizing to these whores. This is your loss Caleb there are plenty of hot guys who would love to have me on their arm,”

  Caleb shrugged “I think I’ll be okay without you. So see ya,” He said giving her a little wave, as she took off with a huff.

  The rest of us just stood there silent for a moment. "Well that was fun," Jake said breaking the silence, making all of us to laugh.

  “I need another drink anyone else want one?” Caleb asked as he stood to go to the bar.

  Everyone wanted another drink so I decided to go with him to help carry everything back.

  “So Haley seemed… interesting,” I said once we made it to the bar.

  Caleb laughed “Yeah, interesting wasn’t the word I was thinking, that’s for sure. I was thinking more in the line of loon, crazy, psycho so many words come to mind at the thought of that chick, but definitely not interesting,”

  I laughed as well “I guess you’re right. She was pretty though,” I said

  That made him start laughing. Once the drinks came we carried them back to the table, where we all chilled for a while, just listening to the band. They really were superb.

  I watched as Jake and Tess got up to go dance again. “Hey babe, dance with me,” Caleb said while nudging me in the shoulder.

  I looked up at him, to see him staring back at me with uncertainty in his eyes. I could tell he was nervous to ask. Like he was scared, I would actually say no or something. I stood up and grabbed his hand. Then crouched down towards Aiden to tell him. “Hey Aid, Caleb and I are going to go dance,”

  Aiden looked between the two of us for a second and then nodded. “Okay well, have fun,” I could tell he wasn’t really cool with this. I’m not sure why, he can’t really be jealous o
f Caleb. I mean I live with the man for one and Aiden and I are really nothing more than friends anyways.

  I just smiled at him and let Caleb lead me to the dance floor. Of course, as soon as we hit the floor a slow song comes on. The band had been playing covers all night and right now they were playing more Than This by One Direction. The way they played it was amazing. Caleb grabbed my waist pulling me closer to him. And my hands that were on his chest made their way around his neck. This just felt right. It feels so natural to be in his arms. I could feel his breath in my ear and then with his amazing voice he started singing along with the lyrics.

  As always it felt like the words were meant just for me. God the sound of his voice singing in my ear was sexy as hell. He had shivers going down my spine. When I lifted my head to look at him, my breath caught. He was looking right at me and I could see genuine pain in his eyes and something else something resembling love. What was I thinking? He’s just caught up in the moment. His stare was so intense I had to look away, but he continued singing to me.

  I continued to sway in his arms listening to him sing. It was so beautiful. He was so amazingly talented. I looked up to him and he still held that intense look in his eyes. I smiled at him. “Your voice is amazing Caleb,”

  He shook his head and cleared his throat. "Thanks," he said smiling back at me. He grabbed my hand and started to lead me back to the table, where I could see Aiden watching us intensely.

  "Hey beautiful," Aiden said standing to let us into the booth. "I got us some more drinks,”

  I gladly took the drink, downing it in seconds. These guys were too intense sometimes. “Slowdown beautiful” Aiden laughed.

  I shrugged "sorry; I was thirsty,”

  When Jake and Tess came back to the table, they also brought a tray of drinks. Again I took mine and downed it quickly. I was starting to get a nice buzz now and knew it was time to slow down.

  I stood “Hey I’m going to go use the restroom, can I get out?” I asked Aiden. He moved out of the way for me and I made my way to the bathroom.

  I had just started down the dimly lit hall when I felt someone grab my wrist. I was expecting to see Aiden or even Caleb, but not just some random guy. I mean he was definitely attractive, but my fear kicked in and I pulled my arm from his grasp.

  “What’s wrong sexy?” The guy asked coming closer to me. “I’ve been watching you all night and I would really love a dance,”

  I continued to back away from him. "Sorry, but I'm here with someone," I told him.

  He nodded “Yeah, but I also saw you dancing with some other guy, so it looks like your man doesn’t mind. What’s one dance?” he asked

  When my back hit the wall, I started to panic and everything I had learned in self-defense left my head. I couldn’t think, shit I could barely breathe. He continued to come towards me until we were chest to chest and he had me pressed to the wall. Memories of that day with Kyle came flooding through my head. I could feel the tears start to form in my eyes. This can’t be happening again.

  “Thanks for the offer, but I’m not really up for another dance. If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the restroom,” I squeaked out.

  He pressed into me more moving his knee in between my legs. “Come on sweetheart, I really want this. I want to rub my hands down your sweet curves,”

  That’s when it really hit me. Just that one word “sweetheart” and I lost it. Tears started streaming down my face. “Please just leave me alone,” I cried

  The guy looked like he came out of his drunken fog. His eyes widened and his breath caught. He pulled his knee from between my legs, then cupped my face “Oh sweetheart, I didn’t mean to make you…” but before he could finish his sentence, he was flung away from me.

  “What the fuck are you doing” Caleb growled. “Does she look like she wants your dirty hands anywhere near her?” He asked the guy while punching him in the jaw.

  “If I find out you hurt her in any way I will find you and I will fucking kill you,” Caleb growled to the guy, it was so quiet that I could barely hear him.

  The guy looked at me, “I’m sorry sweetheart, and I didn’t mean to upset you,” There’s that word again, causing me to cry harder.

  “Get the hell out of here” Caleb yelled. The guy had given me one last apologetic glance before he stormed away.

  Caleb

  Dancing with Ari was amazing. It just felt right to have her in my arms. Her mere touch sent chills through my entire body. What is it about her that does this to me?

  I don’t know why I started singing to her, but the song was perfect. Though I would never tell her, that's exactly how I feel. Seeing her in Aiden’s arms, holding his hand, those things kill me.

  When she looked up into my eyes, I think my heart literally stopped. What I saw in her eyes made me want to hold her and never let go. Pain, hurt, trust, lust and something very close to love. I need to stop doing this to her. Sending her these mixed signals because I know she saw all those same emotions reflected in my eyes. I can’t show her how I really feel and I can’t let her continue to fall for me. I will let her go. She needs and deserves so much more than I could ever give her.

  Ari had gone about fifteen minutes, and I was starting to get a little concerned. Nobody else seemed to even notice she was gone. They were all too busy listening to the band play. I excused myself and went towards the restroom. What I saw had me seeing red. Some guy had Ari pinned to the wall and she did not seem to be enjoying it. She was fucking crying. The guy lets her go cupping her cheeks and apologizing, but I didn’t care. I was pissed, no one fucks with my girl. I grabbed the guy by his neck and threw him towards the opposite wall yelling I don‘t even know what at him.

  I punched him in the jaw and gave him a threat. He again tried to apologize, but I pushed him away and pulled my girl into my arms. I’m not even going to think about the whole my girl thing right now.

  I’m just so pissed that she has to feel like this. She was so terrified and upset that she is shaking hysterically. I held her tight to my chest and let her cry. “It’s okay baby girl. You're safe now my love,” I whispered to her.

  She wrapped her arms around my neck and put her face in the crook of my neck. I needed to get her home. I sent a text to Jake. I just told him there was an incident that upset Ari and I was taking her home.

  I put my arm under her legs and carried her to the door. The bouncer at the exit stopped me concerned for the girl in my arms. “Is everything okay miss?” He asked her. She looked up and nodded, still with tears in her eyes.

  "If you're concerned for the safety of the women in there, you should probably have more security inside. Some punk had my girl up against the wall near the bathroom trying to take advantage of her,” I spat at him

  “Okay man, calm down. I’m sorry this happened to your girl, but we can’t have security everywhere. Do you happen to know who this guy was so we can take care of this matter?” he asked.

  I shook my head “No, but he will be in there with ice on his jaw or a big bruise starting to form,” I told him. He nodded and then relayed the information over his radio.

  I walked away with Ari still in my arms. After placing her in the car I headed for home. We drove in silence, except for the sniffling coming from Ari. God I was pissed. I wanted to destroy that prick; I don’t care how drunk he was. You never treat a woman that way.

  Once we were home Ari jumped out of the car and went straight to her room. A moment later I heard the shower running. I know what she was thinking and it wasn’t about tonight. It was about the things that had happened to her those many months ago.

  I went to my room and jumped in the shower myself. I wish there was something I could do to help her forget those memories, but what?

  I was still standing in my room wearing only my pajama pants, when there was a knock on my bedroom door. I swung it open to see Ari. She looked so hot. Her hair was still wet thrown up in a messy bun, and she was wearing a little tank and shorts combo. Damn she
had no idea how she affected me.

  “Hey babe, you okay,” I asked her.

  She nodded “Yeah, I’m okay. I wanted to say thank you. I’m not sure if he would have stopped if you hadn’t shown up,”

  I could tell she was about to cry again, so I pulled her into my chest resting my chin on top of her head. "Oh, babe I wish I could do more for you,” I told her honestly.

  She looked up into my eyes and smiled. "Maybe you can" she whispered.

  I smiled back “Anything baby girl. Just ask,”

  Before I knew what was happening, we were kissing. She had control of this, and I let her keep it. She needed that control. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and then bit my lower lip, causing me to gasp. She took advantage of this thrusting her tongue in and exploring everywhere. I met her thrust for thrust, our tongues finding a rhythm of their own.

  She moved away, we were both working to catch our breath, when she grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the bed. She pushed me back when my legs hit the side. "Make me forget,” She had said before her lips crashed back into mine.

  CHAPTERfifteen

  Caleb

  I couldn't help but moan when Ari climbed on top of me straddling my legs as she began kissing down my neck. Nipping and licking as she made her way down my chest. Her lips felt so soft as she traced the outline of my abs down to the waist of my pajama pants. Slowly she untied them and started to pull them down when…

  I woke breathlessly. Looking around I noticed I'd fallen asleep on the couch again. I've been doing that a lot since Ari moved in. "Ari" I whispered touching my lips. It was just a dream, how could that be a dream? It felt so real. I can still feel her luscious curves in my hands, her soft lips on my skin. I can still hear her sweet voice asking me to make her forget. It was all a dream though, and here I am getting hard at just the memory.