by EJ Logan
As he was walking to his car, I thought of his earlier words. Oh god, he just said he thought Callie was the one. "Hey, Aiden just be careful,”
He gave me a questioning look but just nodded and got in his car and left. Maybe I should have told him Callie doesn't do relationships and not to come on too strong because that will just push her further away. Well, too late now maybe it will be different this time, for Aiden's sake I can only hope.
CHAPTERninteen
Caleb
Hearing the doorbell I was expecting it to be Callie getting here early to take us to the airport. What I wasn't expecting was to walk out and see Ari and Aiden making out. Shit, what the hell? After the last couple of nights? We even said that for the duration of this trip, she was mine, and I was her's, so why the hell was she making out with Aiden.
Walking back to my room I sat down on the bed with my head in my hands "ugg" Hell she knew I was in the next room did she really just not give a shit? This is why I don't like having these feelings. I don't want to get pissed like this. I don't like thinking about running back in there and punching my best friend in the jaw.
I mean really she was his first, and he should probably be punching me but...
I started to hear voices and then a few minutes later I heard the door shut. Well, this trip is gonna suck, definitely not going to go the way I had planned.
Getting up off the bed, I grabbed my bags and made my way into the living room. The room was empty, so I assumed Ari went back to her room to finish packing. I had only been out front for about a minute when the doorbell rang again.
Praying to god it wasn't Aiden looking for more action, I opened the door to a very tired looking Callie. “Long night?” I asked
She just answered with a nod and pushed past me to the kitchen “I need more coffee and do you have any aspirin? My head is fucking pounding,”
Laughing a little, I moved past her and started her coffee. Then pulled out the aspirin and handed her the bottle. "There's water in the fridge,”
I watched as she downed the pills and then handed her the coffee. “So what's up with you and Ari?” she asked
I just furrowed my eyebrows and stared at her. It wasn't my place to say and if Ari wanted to tell her, she would. So instead I just shrugged my shoulders and didn't say anything.
My luck was with me because she didn't ask anymore; she just nodded and continued to drink her coffee.
We sat in silence for another few minutes, when Ari finally made her way into the room. "Hey guys, have you been waiting long? I just had to finish getting ready. Aiden stopped by earlier and held me up for a little bit,” She said giving Callie, a funny look.
Is she really going to talk about this with me? I'm out of here I don't want to hear this shit. "Where's your bags?" I asked Ari harshly.
She furrowed her brow at me but then just shook her head “I set them by the door,” she replied
"All right can I get your keys Callie I'm going to load our shit,” Callie pulled them out of her pocket and tossed them to me. I was out of there in seconds not wanting to hear about her make out session with dear ole Aiden.
Fifteen minutes later we were all loaded in the car and on our way to the airport. Luckily we rode in almost complete silence with only the sound of the radio breaking up the awkwardness I was feeling.
I don't know why I was letting this shit bother me, but I was.
After directing Callie through the airport, to where the private planes board, we were now parked in front of the C.C. Designs private jet.
As soon as the car rolled to a stop I was opening my door. “Thanks, Callie it was nice meeting you. I'm sure we will see more of each other in the future,”
"It was nice to finally meet you too Caleb, You take care of my girl,” She said with a smirk. Oh, she must know. I didn't think Ari would tell anyone.
I looked over to Ari, and she gave me a shy smile before looking away, "Of course, I will" I replied.
When I got out, I was met by one of the staff members who assisted in getting our larger bags to the plane. I then waited for Ari by the entrance while she said her goodbyes.
Once she had made her way to me, she gave me a big smile. I didn't want to be mad at her, and I know I have no reason to be, but... I am.
Giving her a small smile and a nod of the head, I lead us up the steps and into the jet. I loved this Jet she was my baby, and she looked as beautiful as ever.
When you walked in, of course, the cockpit was to your left, and there was a small galley right in front of you. Then to your right there were two seats on each side that faced each other, a small bathroom behind them and behind that was a small curtained off area that held a pull out sofa and small closet area.
Yeah, it wasn't huge but it was mine. It's not like I'm Donald Trump or anything. I didn't need anything bigger than this and I loved it.
I pointed Ari to the seating area and then said hello to the pilot and co-pilot who told me we would be taking off in about fifteen.
I proceeded to make myself a drink I needed one or maybe six so I could get the thought of those two out of my head. "Hey, Ari do you want a drink?" I yelled back to her.
“Sure I’ll take a water if you don't mind,” Grabbing a water and my bourbon I headed back out to the seating area.
After handing Ari her water, I proceeded to sit in the seat across the aisle from her. I could see her give me a funny look, but I just ignored it and sat down.
Quickly downing my drink I looked straight ahead as Ari watched me. “So how long of a flight is it?” she asked.
Looking over at her I could tell she was upset but I didn't let it bother me like I usually would. I got up and started back to the galley before answering her “It will be about four hours or so,” I said pouring myself another drink.
As I walked back in she looked up from her book, and I could tell she was about to say something but I spoke before she could “Hey so I'm going to head to the back and lie down,”
"Oh okay, do you want any company?" she asked giving me a sweet smile, god was I tempted to forget everything and say yes, but I just needed some time to myself.
"No, I am going to lie down I have a headache and just need some rest,” I told her before turning to head to the back.
"Okay well, I hope you feel better,”
I feel bad giving her the cold shoulder, but she's with Aiden. I thought whatever was between them was done but after this morning I now know I was wrong, and I'm not going to continue to fuck around with my best friend’s girl. Okay, okay I won't deny I am also a little pissed and maybe a little jealous about seeing them together too. After shutting the curtain, I laid down on the couch and was out in minutes.
Ari
I was getting annoyed with Caleb's attitude. I mean what the hell was his problem, okay you have a headache that doesn't mean you have to ignore me and treat me like I'm nothing to you.
Uhh it is bugging me. Is he regretting what happened? I mean I thought if he was going to have regrets it would be the day after. Not after two nights, two amazing nights at that.
He's the one who asked to continue this whatever it is the duration of our trip, so why now is he acting like there's nothing between us at all?
I am so done thinking about this shit. Going to the TV, I found the DVD's and put in Meet the Millers. I could use a good laugh.
I must have fallen asleep because I woke up to the sound of the captain announcing are decent. Soon after, Caleb walked out from the back, and he didn't look like he had gotten much sleep. It looked more like he had drunk a whole bottle of bourbon and it sure as hell smelled like it.
"Hey, babe you ready?" He slurred. Coming up and slinging his arm over my shoulder.
“Damn Caleb, how much did you drink?” I asked pulling away from him.
He shrugged "Just a few drinks. I'm good babe, now come here and give me some love,” He said before pulling me to him and kissing me hard. Damn it was a hot kiss, but I wasn't going to do
this. He can't treat me like shit one minute and then try and get some the next.
"Uh yeah, I don't think so,” I said pulling out of his grasp again.
“Phh whatever, what was I thinking? I forgot I’m not good enough for you, got it were good,” He said before stumbling to the exit where one of the airport attendants helped him down and into a waiting car.
Really what the hell is his problem? Even drunk how could he think that? If anything I should be the one thinking that, with the way he's been treating me. Ugh I am so tired of this shit. I was looking forward to this trip, and now I just want to go home.
I followed behind and then into the waiting car. I could see him watching me, but I didn't give him any reaction. The car ride to the hotel felt like it took forever. We had planned to clean up and then go for dinner, but I guess that's not going to happen.
After checking in Caleb went straight to the restaurant bar, and I went straight to our room. After putting all of mine and yes Caleb's things away, I was starting to get pretty hungry.
I decided to go down to the bar and see how Caleb was doing. Walking in I realized this was a bad idea, when I saw him at the bar with some blonde bimbo. She was fucking all over him.
I tried to ignore them as best I could, heading to the opposite side of the bar. I decided to place my food order to go and sat down with a drink while I waited.
I could feel someone watching me and when I looked up Caleb was staring directly at me and completely ignoring his company. I gave him a small smile and saw him start to remove himself from the blonde. Shit now he was going to come over here.
"Hi what is such a lovely lady like yourself doing sitting all by yourself,” A deep masculine voice asked.
When I turned to look at him, I had to suck in a breath, he was gorgeous. With black hair and beautiful hazel eyes framed with the longest eyelashes. Oh and those dimples.
Realizing I had just been checking him out for the last couple minutes, I brought my eyes back to his. "Uh, hi and I'm just waiting on my dinner,” I told him not knowing what else to say.
"Yeah, me too. I'm Nick, by the way,” He said extending his hand.
I only hesitated for a moment before taking it. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ari,”
“So are you from around here?” He asked
I was about to answer when an arm was slung over my shoulder, and all I could smell was alcohol and cheap perfume. "No, she's not and she isn't interested. So back the fuck off" Is he freaking serious?
“What the hell Caleb? Get off,” I said pushing his arm off of me.
“I'm just looking out for you babe,” He spat. God he was trashed.
"I know Caleb, and I appreciate it but I'm fine. You can go back to your...date. Nick and I were just talking,”
“We'll I don't want my girl talking to some douche. Let’s go up to the room,” He whinnied
I almost gave in, if he didn't smell like a cheap whore I probably would have. “Seriously Caleb I don't think so. Please just go back to your friend and give me some space,” I spat.
I felt a little sorry when I saw both the hurt and anger that reflected on his face, but what did he expect in this situation. Leaning in so close, his mouth brushed my ear he whispered just loud enough that Nick could still hear him. “Don’t even think about taking this douche back to our room,”
That was the final straw. I have had more than enough of his shit for one day. Grabbing him by his collar I pulled him away. "Seriously Caleb, what the hell is your problem? Do you even realize who you're talking to? Do you really think I am going to take some guy I just met back to my room? God I really hate you right now. I don't know why you're acting like such a jerk but for the rest of the night just LEAVE. ME. THE. HELL. ALONE,”
His face paled at my outburst, and I could tell he felt sorry but I didn't give him the time even to apologize. Turning on my heel, I made my way back to the bar and to where Nick still stood.
“I'm sorry about that,” I told him not knowing what else to say.
“Um it’s okay. Boyfriend I assume?” He asked
Oh, how under normal circumstances I would wish that were true but not tonight. Tonight I wanted nothing to do with Caleb.
Shaking my head, I answered "Uh no! My best friend’s cousin, my roommate and my boss but not my boyfriend,”
"Well, I'm not sure he feels the same way," he said looking in what I assume was Caleb's direction.
Turning I found him at a booth with blondie in his lap rubbing herself all over him, but he wasn't paying her any attention. No, his eyes were focused only on me.
We had made eye contact for a moment before I heard the bartender call my name. After paying for my order, I turned back to Nick. "Well, it was nice to meet you. Thanks for keeping me company and sorry for all the drama,”
He gave me a small smile "It was a pleasure to meet you too. I wish you were from around here I would have liked to take you out and get to know you a little better,”
"Well, who knows maybe we'll see each other around again? You take care Nick,” I told him before walking out of the bar.
When I was back in my room, I devoured my dinner. Then I made my way to the bathroom for a hot shower. Once I was done with my nightly routine, I put on a pair of yoga shorts and a tank top and settled into bed for a little reading.
Around midnight, I just couldn't stay awake any longer. I knew I was waiting up for Caleb but for all I knew he wouldn't even show up tonight, so I finally let myself drift off to sleep.
I was awoken suddenly to the sound of banging. It took me a minute to remember where I was and what the noise was. Looking out the peephole on the door, I wasn't surprised to see a swaying Caleb on the other side.
As soon as I opened the door Caleb pulled me into him, and all I could smell was the alcohol and cheap perfume. "Mmm, I missed you baby, god it feels so good having you in my arms,” He whispered into my ear.
Is he fucking serious? Pushing him away, I gave him a stern look. “What the hell Caleb, You smell like a brothel,”
"Ah, come on baby, I want you so bad it hurts, I can't get you out of my mind. Don't be this way. Come to bed with me, I want to feel you,”
“Did you use that same line on your little whore downstairs? Just go take a shower Caleb this..,” I said gesturing between us. "Is not happening,”
"Baby nothing happened with that chick. Yeah, she was all over me but I wanted nothing to do with her, all I want is you,”
Man If only he would say that to me when he was sober. "I don't know what you want me to say. All I know is you smell like alcohol and cheap perfume, so please go take a shower, and we'll talk when you get out.
He just nodded and made his way to the shower. I went back to the bed and laid down. Hoping I could fall asleep before he was done, and he would just leave me alone.
Of course, that didn't happen, so instead I stayed still and pretended I was asleep. I watched from the corner of my eye as he dried off his immaculate body and then proceeded to climb into bed completely naked. God he was making this hard to resist. “Are you asleep babe?” He whispered. I just stayed still trying to keep my breathing even. I could tell just from that one question that the shower helped to sober him up a bit. That’s good.
"Oh, baby girl, I'm so sorry. I was such an ass to you today and all because I was jealous. Man I'm messed up in the head. I just... I don't know how to deal with this. I think I'm falling in love with you and it is scaring the living shit out of me,” He said before kissing my cheek and wrapping me up in his arms. Did he really just say that? Is he really falling for me? With that thought in my head, I snuggled in closer to him and drifted back to sleep.
CHAPTERtwenty
Caleb
I woke to the sound of beeping and something moving around under me. Blinking my eyes I was finally able to see it was Ari squirming under me trying to get to her phone, where the alarm was going off.
Instead of letting her up I reached over her and turned it off. That's whe
n I noticed I was butt ass naked, and my head was pounding like crazy. Flopping down with my head on her chest, I mumbled "What the hell happened last night? Why am I naked and you’re not?"
"Well, I don't know what happened last night. We weren't talking and before you came here banging on the door at one am you were down in the bar with some blonde girl. So if you want answers you might want to ask her,” she quietly spoke.
"Ummm no, I'm good right here,” I said trying to bury my face even more into her chest. "I'm sorry babe. I'm sorry for being such an ass to you. I'm just so messed up, and when I saw you with him, I just felt like such a tool,” I blurted out not even thinking about it.
"What are you talking about? When you saw me talking to Nick at the bar? Yeah, you were an ass but you were treating me like shit long before that,” She snapped back at me.
"No, not that douche at the bar. I saw you and Aiden making out this morning. I felt so stupid, I thought whatever you guys had was over. If I knew you were still seeing him I would have never hooked up with you. He's my best friend; I can't be messing around with his girl. Shit I feel like such an ass,”
Ari's facial expression wasn't what I was expecting. I was expecting shock that I saw them or guilt for messing with both of us but no, first I saw a bit of confusion and then she just broke out laughing.
Now I was the one wearing a confused expression.
"Is it really that funny? I've been driving myself crazy and drinking half my weight in liquor over this. You can't mess around on Aiden. How would you feel if he was out sleeping with your best friend?"
At my comment, she started to laugh even harder. "He...he is," she fumbled between laughs. What the hell does that mean? She must have read the confusion on my face because she finally composed herself and answered my unspoken question.
“He and Callie hooked up all weekend. I can't believe you didn't see it,”
"Then why were you guys going at it in the living room yesterday?" Okay, so maybe that was a little exaggerated but whatever.