by EJ Logan
I'm pretty sure he smelt my hair before pulling back and looking into my eyes. "Ari are you sure this is how you feel?" He asked again.
"Caleb you're hot, but you’re not all that," I said trying to lighten the mood.
“Well, you may be wrong about that but I just want the truth whatever that may be,”
I looked down not able to lie to his face anymore. “I'm sure Caleb. I just want us to go back to the way things were. I want my movie and workout buddy back,” I said looking up and giving him a smile so he would believe I was fine.
After that I decided to call it a night, this had been one emotional roller coaster of a day.
Caleb
I was so confused by the time Ari was done with her speech. I just didn't get it. I saw the emotion in her eye’s that night. Yeah, she may have been a little tipsy but she wasn't drunk, so why would she lie? A part of me thought maybe she lied tonight to try and make things right, but surely when I looked her in the eye's and asked for the truth she would have been truthful, right? Ah girls are so fucking confusing.
So what do I do now? Again I have this plan to reveal how I feel, and I don't, should I tell her anyway? I just don't know. Deciding to let it go for now, I went to my room and pulled out my guitar. If this is my only way to express these feelings than I guess, it will have to do. At least for now.
I played a few songs and then finally put the guitar away for the night. I went to bed thinking about everything she said tonight. I know I don't want to lose her completely but will I ever be okay with just being 'friends' again? I just don't think it's possible.
CHAPTERtwentysix
Caleb
It's been almost two months since Ari told me she didn't really love me. A very long frustrating two months. The day after our talk she tried to act like the previous week never happened, like she had never said those words or made love to me multiple times. It felt like she was just trying to forget what was the best week of my life. A week that no matter how hard I try, I would never be able to forget.
To top it off the following day we came home from work to Aiden sprawled out on the couch and other than to go to his place for bed or the one weekend he spent in LA, he really hasn't left. Oh and don't get me started on good ole Brent he's here almost as much as Aiden. If one of them isn't here then she's somewhere with them. I don't think I've been alone with her since that night. Well, except when we're asleep.
I've debated and debated if I should tell her everything I feel. Even with both Tess and Aiden saying she lied to fix things, I still have this fear that she will just reject me the way I did her. Sure maybe she did love me, but what if those feelings are completely gone. The way I see her with Brent, how they're always laughing or cuddled on the couch when watching a movie. Yep, he's taken my spot on the couch if I'm in there with them I get pushed to one of the chairs. I can't help but wonder if they are more than friends.
Right now I'm home alone. Ari went with Tess to go pick up their clothes for the pre-wedding party. I guess the dresses for the wedding along with our tux' have already been sent to the hotel in Hawaii. That's right my little cousin and my best friend will be married in only a few days. We leave in a few short hours to fly over there. I planned it that Tess, Jake, Ari and I would ride in my jet a day early, just the four of us. You know, 'the wedding party.' I was surprised to find out they didn't want anyone else in the wedding but happy because that meant more time alone with Ari.
Yep, that's me I've turned into a lovesick sap. The girl is all I can think about. I sit in my room every night playing sad love songs about loss and unrequited feelings; I am such a loser. I haven't gone to a bar or club unless Ari was there. We haven't had a single party. The guys have asked, but I always say I'm just not up for it. Luckily they don't push any more than that. I haven't even had sex in two months. Two fucking months, I think the longest I had ever gone before meeting Ari was like a week.
I had just started to make my way to the kitchen when I heard the front door open. Turning to look I couldn't help but smile. She looked so cute. She was trying to close the door while carrying what looked to be five bags and a large box.
Turning towards me, she blew the hair that had fallen into her eyes away. "Is this comical? You big lug, you know instead of standing there amused you could be a gentleman and come help a girl out,”
Quickly I made my way to her and grabbed all the bags, “Sorry babe,” yep I've started to call her babe again. “Where do you want these?”
"Just go throw them on my bed. I have a few more things in the car,” Since she had to go back out I grabbed the box from her too and made my way to her room. I had been pondering something for months. Ever since Tess told me Ari still had my letter, unopened, I have been debating on taking it back. Tess even told me where it is, but I know it's not right.
After setting everything on the bed, I went and opened her night stand and yep right on top was my unopened letter. A very crumpled possibly even cried on letter, but there it was. I heard the front door close, and I made my decision. I grabbed it shoving it in my pocket, shutting the drawer and walking out of her room just as she was walking in.
We did a little dance both trying to go through or let the other through. Finally, I stepped aside and let her in. "So I thought you and Tess went to get a dress. Not the entire store,” I said gesturing to the piles of bags and two boxes on her bed.
"Yeah well, we bought a few extras. Oh and this is for you,” She said handing me the smaller of the two boxes. I looked at the box then looked at her confused.
“Open it, it's your outfit for the party. Tess wants the four of us to match in some way. I picked it out, I hope you like it,” She said with a smile.
I open up the box to find a pair of black slacks and a black V-neck t-shirt. I was expecting a whole suit or something knowing Tess, but this was something I would actually pick out myself to wear to a club.
I looked to Ari a smile growing on my face. "Yeah, Tess definitely didn't pick this out,”
"No, she wanted you and Jake in full on suits but I was able to talk her into something a bit more casual. I even got her to get a cute fun party dress. We are all in black and purple, Jake has the same outfit as you but a purple shirt and Tess and I are both wearing purple and black dresses,” She said with a shrug.
My girl knew me so well. She knows how much I hate to wear suits if I don't have to. “Thanks, babe, I would have been miserable all night wearing a suit,” I said as I set the box down and pulled her into a hug. As soon as my arms were around her I heard her breath hitch and looked down just as she was looking up to me. God how I wanted to kiss her. Fighting the urge, I leaned down as she closed her eyes and gave her a small kiss on the forehead.
Looking back at her she stood there for a moment keeping her eyes closed, opening them she gave me a small smile “Your welcome Caleb,” she breathed before stepping out of my arms and turning back to her bags on the bed.
"Uh, okay well I better go pack this and let you finish, we leave in two hours,” I said grabbing the box and heading towards the door. I saw her nod, but she still didn't look at me. Did I do something wrong? Make her uncomfortable? I always find a way to mess things up with her, and I don't even know how.
Ari
What was that? I have tried so hard to get over him for the past couple months spending every waking moment with friends. I haven't exactly been ignoring Caleb, but I haven't been engaging him in any way either. That hug though, the way he was looking at me and that sweet kiss on my forehead. I had to turn away before he saw the tears in my eyes. Will I ever get over this? I wonder every day if I had made the right decision lying to him about my feelings.
I had everything packed and was ready to go, when I heard the doorbell ring. Walking out of my room I ran right into Caleb as he was leaving his room. I felt tingles where his hand touched my bare hip steadying me. I looked up at him but ducked my head quickly as a blush grew at the intense way Caleb was looking at me. What w
as that about? “Thanks” I mumbled making my way to the door.
I opened the door to a glowing Tess; she looked so happy “Hey beautiful bride to be, you ready for this?" I asked
She jumped at me, hugging me. "I am so ready; I can't believe we will be married in only a few days," she squealed. I was so happy for them.
Jake came trudging up the walk with their bags only a few minutes later. Also wearing a huge grin. "Hey Ari,”
"Hey Jake,” I said giving him a small hug. It reminded me of when I first moved here, and I could barely even shake his hand. It feels like a lifetime ago.
Caleb said hi to them and then went to grab our bags. The car pulled up only moments later, and the boy's loaded our bags while Tess and I got in the car, well actually a hummer limo. Caleb wanted the happy couple to ride in style, he said.
The whole ride Tess talked about the wedding and all the things we still needed to do. We were just pulling into the airport when Jake’s question caught me off guard bringing back memories of our Houston trip. “So man do you think my soon to be wife and I can use the planes bedroom? We would both like to join the mile high club,” He said laughing as Tess elbowed him.
I looked at Tess and saw her blush. Then I looked at Caleb, who was looking at me with a smile on his face. "I don't know man that's my private room it's like you getting it on in my bedroom,” Caleb told him, but I knew he was just messing with him by the smile on his face.
"Aw come on man it's not like you will be using it this trip, and I'm sure you have been a member of that club for years multiple times over,”
Caleb stopped smiling and looked back to me. "Actually, I just became a member about two months ago and have only been with one girl in the air,”
“Not what I was expecting from you, but come on man just let us use it,”
“Whatever have at it I was just messing with you anyway?”
“Thanks this will be the best flight ever. So how is it, was it any better than on the ground?” Jake asked
I couldn't believe he was asking that. Did he really not know it was with me? I don't think he does. I was afraid to hear this answer I didn't want to hear it's no different or something. I want to believe he felt the time we were together was better than any of his one nighters.
Tess looked at me and could probably figure everything out by my worried expression. “You don't have to answer that Caleb,” She said sternly.
"No, it's cool I don't mind. I can honestly say that the time on the plane was one of the best times of my life, but I don't think it was the plane as much as it was who I was with, because anytime with her was better than anytime with anyone else,” He said looking up at me.
I gave him a sad smile, as my eyes met his. "Oh shit, I am so stupid. It was you Ari. Sorry guys that was probably an awkward conversation. I didn't mean to bring shit up. Okay, I'm just gonna shut my mouth but thanks again man,” Jake said before giving me an apologetic look. Well, this is awkward, but his words. Why does he have to say things like that? He just keeps me falling and falling.
Once we were all loaded on the plane. Jake practically dragged Tess back to the private cabin. "Hey, Ari you want a drink?" Caleb asked from the galley.
“Um sure can you just grab me a beer or something?” Caleb came out a moment later but not with beer. Instead, he was carrying in a bottle of tequila and two cans of sprite. "What happened, out of beer?" I asked raising an eyebrow in confusion at his drink choice. He didn't even have cups well two-shot glasses, but I couldn't mix a drink in that.
"Well, I thought we have five plus hours to kill, and they will probably be back there for a while, so why don't we kill some time playing a game?" He said smirking.
Again I looked at him confused “And what game is it you would like to play, involving tequila?”
"Since I am such a gentleman, I will let you choose. There is my top choice of strip poker" He said pulling a stack of cards out of his pocket "Or we could play a kid game like never have I ever, that could be fun,”
“So pretty much you either want to get me naked or learn all my deep dark secrets. The thing is you know just about everything about me Caleb. You got any other game choices?”
“Yes I know a lot about you, but I have a feeling there are a few things to still learn the truth about,”
The way he said that and looked at me I just knew that comment had to do with the whole confessing of my love. Why is he still bringing this up?
Not ready to confess and ruin things again I opted for choice number one. “I'll go with poker,” I said smiling. He's never seen me play before. My dad taught me pretty well.
"Hmm interesting, I guess I was right about there being more to learn about you. Okay, babe strip poker it is. I must warn you I'm pretty good. So no crying to quit when I have you down to your pretty little panties,” He said giving me a wink.
Deciding to mess with him, I gave him an innocent smile "Who said I was wearing any,” His eyes instantly grew, and he gulped loudly looking at me.
"Aw now you’re just trying to get me distracted to throw me off my game. Not fair babe,” He said shaking his head as he started to deal out the cards. "Okay, we're going to play good old Texas hold-em. Do you need me to go over anything or do you know the gist of it?"
"I'm good Caleb, let's just get this game started," I said looking down at my pocket kings. We decided for the bets it would be a drink, and then every loosing hand had to take off an article of clothes and drink however many shots were bet. This was going to get interesting.
“I bet one shot,” I stated looking to Caleb
He picked up his cards and looked at them for a second. I saw a little smile play on his lips, but he tried hard to hide it. "I'll call that,” He said before laying down the flop. There it was a pair of kings and an eight.
I decided to let him bet this hand checking mine. "Hmm, not as confident now with those two big boys down there huh?"
I shrugged “Why don't you quit talking smack and either bet or check?” Man how I missed this just the back and forth and subtle flirting we used to always do.
"Okay, babe I bet two shots" Damn we were going to get smashed with this game.
I bit my lip and looked at my cards “Okay I call you” I said hesitantly.
I saw him raise his eyebrow in surprise at my call. He turned the next card and again I checked a two, he did the same. On the last card, he laid down a six, and I saw his smile grow even more. He must have a full house, but my four of a kind has him trumped poor boy.
"Well, what's one more shot right?" I said making the bet four shots.
"Damn girl, you're looking to get drunk huh,” I just shrugged. "Okay, I'll call you what do you have," He asked I dropped my kings on the table and watched as his jaw dropped.
“Read em and weep baby, four of a kind. Now drink up,” I said laughing.
“That's not fair you played the whole innocent card, making me think you had nothing,” He pouted but took the bottle and poured himself shot after shot before pulling his shirt over his head. Now who was the distracted one?
After that, we decided to do a two-shot max per hand. We were having a lot of fun joking and laughing I miss my Caleb time.
Half a bottle of tequila later, Tess and Jake walked out to see me in just a bra and jeans and Caleb wearing just his boxer briefs and both of us buzzing pretty good. “Um did we miss something?” Jake asked looking between us.
We both laughed “Just an intense game of strip poker that I was losing,” He whined.
Tess came and gave me a high five and Jake grabbed the bottle and took a large swig. "Well, what can we play now? We still have about what two more hours?" he asked
We both nodded "Well my other game suggestion was never have I ever, but Ari didn't want to tell me her deep dark secrets,”
"Hey, I never said that. I just chose to play poker instead. I'm an open book,”
"Okay let’s play, though I think we all already know a lot about each other,” T
ess cheered as she sat next to me.
"Hey, Ari do you mind switching seats? I don't feel comfortable sitting next to a half-naked guy, even if he is my best friend,” Jake said. Reluctantly I moved over next to Caleb
The game was going pretty well; all the questions were easy. Though it was pretty funny when Jake asked, "Never have I ever made out with my best friend" and we all four drank and then looked at each other.
"Wait you guys made out?" Tess screeched gesturing between Caleb and Jake.
“What hell no, I was referring to Ari, because I consider her one of my best friends,” Caleb stated, causing me to have to hide the smile that brought on.
“I was drinking to you my best friend in the world honey, who were you drinking too?” He asked her.
“I ah, well you of course,” She stuttered.
"Oh no, no, no you are not getting off that easily,” Jake said. I knew who she was drinking too. Our first year at school I walked in on a drunk Tess and our good friend Kelsey lip locked. They said they just wanted to try it out and from what I know it never happened again.
"Well, I may have kissed a girl in college. Just a drunken experiment,” She shrugged, and both guys looked at me.
I put my hands up "Not me; I was drinking to Caleb here,” I said clearing that up.
"Aw babe,” Caleb slurred leaning into me. So badly I wanted to let him take this were I knew he was going with it. I wanted him to kiss me, but I couldn't we were both pretty drunk, and I didn't want to have this to regret in the morning. So I turned my head and gave him a half hug. "Well, it's true you have become one of my best friends,” I said like it was no big deal. I could see a little disappointment flash through his eyes, but he covered it up quickly.
After that, it was Tess' turn, and we had decided it would be the last because the plane would be landing in about fifteen minutes. "Never have I ever lied about or hid my feelings for someone I was in love with,” I instantly looked up and glared at her. Even drunk I knew what she was doing.