Unbreak Me

by EJ Logan

  To my surprise Caleb was the first to drink, and that confused me because he always said he had never been in love. Hesitantly I picked up my shot and drank it. I could see Tess smile and wink at Caleb, but he just shook his head.

  No one said anything or asked for us to explain and as much as I wanted to hear Caleb's I was glad not to have to reveal mine. After that, we cleaned everything up to the best of our drunken ability and Caleb, and I finally put our clothes back on. I couldn't believe we sat there half naked that whole time.

  Minutes later we were landing in beautiful Hawaii, where another limo was waiting to drive us to our hotel. The drive to the resort wasn't far, and it was gorgeous.

  They had everything ready for us, and we were headed to our rooms in no time. The resort had multiple buildings but everyone coming to the wedding would all be in one tower. They were huge suits some one-bedroom and some two.

  To my surprise, Tess booked Caleb and me both two-bedroom suites right next to each other and they had an adjoining door. She explained that I would share my suit with Callie and Caleb would share his with Aiden. If that doesn't spell set up, I don't know what does.

  “Really Tess?” I asked when we were alone in my room. I had asked her to come in for a minute.

  "Hey, what's the big deal, you guys live together,” She stated

  "Yeah, I know, but for some reason this feels like a big set up,”

  She just shrugged and walked to the door.

  “Maybe it is,” she said wagging her eyebrows “Now I need to go enjoy my soon to be husband in our honeymoon suite,” She said as she ran out the door, leaving me alone to figure out what she meant.

  I had just got out of the shower still in a towel when there was a knock at the door. It took me a second to realize it was coming for our adjoining door and not the main door. I thought about throwing on some clothes until I heard the knock again.

  I opened the door to see a shirtless Caleb. He just stood there for a moment looking me up and down before clearing his throat. “I... Ah, I came to say goodnight and see how you like your room,” He stuttered still looking at my towel clad body. I mean come on this guy has seen a hundred girls naked including myself what's the big deal.

  "Yeah, the place is great, the view is amazing, and what about you how is your room?" I asked letting him into my room.

  "It's good, a little quiet right now but I'm sure that will change when Aiden and Callie get here tomorrow. Is it just me or does this room setup seem a little odd?"

  "No, it's not just you I asked Tess about it too but she just shrugged it off. Little twerps,” That caused him to laugh

  “So, I feel like this is the first time we've been alone together in forever,” he said shyly looking away.

  "Yeah, I know," I sighed "Does it bother you that Aiden and Brent come over all the time?" I asked

  He shook his head "No it's okay, though I do miss our movie time,”

  “We still watch movies all the time, what are you talking about?” Though I knew what he meant, before anything happened between us that was our time.

  “You know what I mean, it used to be just us curled up on the couch. I don't think I've sat on my own couch in months,”

  "I'm sorry, I know I messed everything up. I wish I could take back that night, and we could just go back to the way we were, but maybe we could try now. Would you like to watch a movie?" I asked gesturing to the living room.

  "Ari don't ever say you're sorry if anyone messed everything up it was me. I... I love I um I mean yeah I would love to watch a movie,” He said looking at anything but me.

  "Okay well, why don't you find something while I go get dressed?" I said looking down at my still towel clad body.

  He smirked “You know you don't have to. I'm fine with what you have on,”

  I smacked his arm and then made my way to my room “Perv,” I called as I shut the door behind me. I was sure he was about to say he loved me. Was I just imagining that? It's just the way he was looking at me, it felt like he wanted to say a lot more.

  After getting dressed I walked out to see Caleb on one side of the couch with a blanket sprawled across it. I sat on the other end and pulled the blanket over me. I saw him press play and sucked in a breath as the Notebook came on the screen. I looked over at him my eyes starting to water a bit. “Is this okay?' he asked.

  I nodded “Y...yeah it's perfect,” I choked out. Smiling he reached down and pulled my feet into his lap as he began to rub them like old times.

  "I miss this babe,” He said not even looking to me.

  “Me too,” I whispered

  “Aw babe come here,” He said pulling me into his lap. I hid my head in the crook of his neck as he stroked my head. "Don't ever push me away again. Before anything else you are my friend and no matter what I don't want to lose that. We need to talk soon though. Not tonight but soon. I have a lot to say, and I think you do too,” He whispered to me.

  All I could do was nod. I sat that way for a while before turning in his arms where I spent the rest of the night watching our movie.

  CHAPTERtwentyseven

  Ari

  I was awoken to the sound of knocking at the door. "What the hell?" I murmured. Opening my eyes the first thing I saw were a pair of sleepy, beautiful green eyes staring at me.

  "Morning babe, I think you have company. Here let me up I'll get it,” He said sliding out from under me and heading to the door. I couldn't help but admire his sculpted shirtless back as he moved. Then it hit me; Caleb is about to open my door shirtless, I can already hear the questions from whoever is on the other side of that door.

  I started to get up to stop him but was too late. "Well, good morning to you too,” I heard Callie laugh as Caleb looked out the door. "Hey, Aid I think we have the wrong rooms, this looks to be yours,”

  "Oh, that's weird, yo man did you guys switch?" I heard Aiden ask. Looking over I saw Caleb shake his head and open the door wider, not saying a word.

  They both looked in, seeing me curled up on the couch. I just gave them a shy smile and small wave. "Hey," I said.

  Callie pushed past Caleb, giving me a stern look. I know what she's thinking. I got up and met her as she pulled me into a big hug. "Please tell me you didn't have sex with him. I know you love him, but until he can love you back you have to stand your ground, or you will just continue to get hurt,” She whispered so only I could hear.

  "Nothing happened we fell asleep watching a movie that's it,” I whispered back shrugging like it was no big deal. Though for some reason to me it really did feel like a big deal. Also, there was that question of what he meant by us needing to talk.

  "So how was the flight?" I asked trying to get off the subject of Caleb and Me.

  "Hmm, the flight was..,” Callie started, but Aiden interrupted.

  “Amazing,” He said with a big smile. I looked from him to a blushing Callie.

  "Okay, I don't think we need any more details,” Caleb said seeing the look of embarrassment on Callie's face.

  "I'm sorry Callie," Aiden said but he still had a goofy grin on his face. Oh my god, they totally did it on the plane, and they were on a commercial flight, not a private plane like Caleb has.

  Shaking my head, I made my way over to Aiden, giving him a big hug. We've become good friends these past couple months wallowing in our misery of unrequited love together.

  "Hey beautiful, you okay?" he whispered into my ear. I just nodded and gave him a small smile.

  Lifting my head and looking at him, I asked, "You?" He just smiled that goofy smile he's been wearing since he walked in.

  "All right, so what's the plan for today? You made me fly at god awful hours to be here this morning, and I find you still asleep, not right love,” Callie said giving me a glare. She was far from a morning person, if she didn't have to be up she wasn't, at least not till after ten.

  "Well let's all get showers and then meet down in the restaurant. I'll call Tess too. We have to go by and check on thing
s at the party venue. Also, tonight Caleb and I will enter right before Tess and Jake so I will need the two of you to fill in as host until we get there, are you guys cool with that?" I asked looking to both Callie and Aiden. They both nodded in agreement. I couldn't help but notice the look they shared though. I wish Callie would just give the boy a real chance.

  After that the guys left to their room and Callie and I went to get ready. I had just walked out of my room when Callie bounded up to me. “Sooooo, give me the news. Did you guys talk? Did you tell him you lied about your feelings? Has he grown up and realized you're worth it?”

  I just shook my head. "No nothing happened, all we really said was how we missed each other, then he pulled me into his lap and said never to push him away again, because above everything else we were friends,” I said shrugging

  "Wait that's it friends? I see the way the boy looks at you. Yes, there's the lust but it's more than that, I can see he truly adores you. I'm about ninety-nine percent sure he's in love with you, I just don't get it. He didn't say anything else? Neither of you did?" She asked looking a bit concerned.

  "Um, he said we needed to talk. He said not now but soon, and that's it,” I said shrugging. How I wish she and everyone else were right. They all say he is head over heels in love with me, but I just don't know. I don't see what they do.

  A few minutes later we headed downstairs to meet with Caleb, Aiden, Tess and Jake for breakfast even though it was already almost eleven. We didn't talk a lot during breakfast and afterward we split up the guys going to the club to check on things while we girls went to the spa to get beautified as Tess put it.

  Four hours later the three of us walked out of the spa after getting the full treatment done. Callie and I went to our room while Tess went to get her dress and bring it down to our room since we decided we would all get ready together.

  Tess was at our room in minutes and since we still had a couple hours to spare we decided to put on a movie. Callie went to put something in but stopped when she took out the movie that was already in. “Awe you guys watched the Notebook how cute,” She said sarcastically.

  I rolled my eyes "Yeah, yeah it's kind of a joke. It was the first movie we ever watched together,” I said shrugging.

  "Hmm," Tess said looking at Callie “So my cuz brought it?" she asked. I nodded. "He brought your movie, one of the most romantic movies of all time and you just shrug it off? God you two drive me nuts,”

  “Guys you're just looking too much into this. It's just a joke, because I made fun of him for watching it the first time,” I told them

  "Yeah, okay Ari,” Callie said

  They decide to watch it since there wasn't much selection. The movie was just starting when a knock came at the door. I started to get up, but Tess beat me to it. "Hey honey" I heard her say, turning I saw all three guys walk in.

  “Whatcha girls doing?” Jake asked

  "Were about to watch a movie since we still have a couple hours until we need to start getting ready. You guys want to join?" Tess asked.

  "Yeah, sure why not,” Aiden said as he took a seat between Callie and me on the couch.

  Tess sat on Jake’s lap in the chair, leaving nowhere for Caleb to sit. I thought he would just take a seat on the floor but instead he walked up to me, effortlessly picked me up and sat in my spot, bringing me down on his lap.

  “You know you could have just asked me to scoot over,” I said trying to move off of him, but he held me in his arms.

  "Yeah, but you know how much I like to be under you babe,” He whispered into my ear causing my whole body to shiver. "Mmm and if I remember you seemed always to enjoy being on top too,” He practically breathed into my neck.

  “In your dreams” I retorted before elbowing him in the gut. He just chuckled and pulled me back into him. Man I really missed this with him.

  “So what were you girls watching?” Aiden asked

  “The notebook” Callie replied with a little laugh as both Aiden and Jake groaned.

  “What, how could you watch our movie without me?” Caleb whined. Tess and Callie both looked at me and snickered. I just shook my head.

  We turned the movie back on, and I just laid back enjoying being in Caleb's arms once more.

  As soon as the movie was over, we ushered all the guys out so we could get ready. An hour later Aiden came to get Callie and about an hour after that Caleb and Jake came knocking at our door.

  I answered the door to Caleb looking good enough to eat in the outfit I had picked for him. I looked to Jake and had to say he looked almost as hot, but he definitely wasn't Caleb. "Hey," I breathed as I watched Caleb's eyes widen as he took in my dress.

  I loved this dress it is a purple high low dress, which shows all my best curves to their fullest. Which seemed to have Caleb transfixed at the moment.

  "Hey," I said again, causing Caleb finally to look up and meet my eyes, which I rolled at him before walking back into the room.

  “Um... you look, amazing Ari,” Caleb finally spoke.

  I ducked my head for some reason feeling a bit shy at the amount of attention he was showing me “thanks” I mumbled

  Seconds later Jake walked in just as Tess came out of my room “Wow! You look hot hon,” He said to Tess, and she did in a short strapless dress that fluffed out at the bottom barely covering her you know what, but showing off her amazingly long legs. Her dress was also purple but the shade was lighter than mine and on both of our dresses the tops were covered in rhinestones making us both shine.

  After Tess and I had gushed at the way each other looked for about five minutes, the guys led us down to our awaiting ride. The drive was pretty quiet mostly Tess, and I talking while Caleb and Jake just watched us.

  .Having Caleb watch me so intently made me feel both good and a little insecure. I'm not sure why, I mean he's seen me looking pretty rough before, but something about tonight just felt different.

  Once we arrived we headed to the entrance where you could hear the music blaring. The music suddenly stopped, and I heard the DJ talking "Sorry for the interruption but your wedding party has just arrived so without further ado the best man and maid of honor Caleb Carter and Ariana Berkley. That was our cue, and we walked into all our friends and family. There was clapping, whistling and a few cat calls from the guys as we made our way up to the stage to await Tess and Jake.

  "Hey babe, you okay?" Caleb whispered to me once we had stopped walking. I just smiled up at him nodding. Looking around the room, I found Callie, Aiden and Brent I gave them a little wave and they all waved back. I noticed my mom and Christian next to them, and I had to laugh as she gave Caleb, a glare. Shit I forgot she was a little upset that he hurt her baby girl. I should probably let him kno...

  “Um babe why is your mom glaring at me? Shit she knows about us. Should I avoid her tonight? Is she going to have my head?” He asked looking a bit nervous.

  I couldn't help but giggle at this. My mom is tiny. Smaller than me, she stands at about five foot two and weighs about a hundred pounds.

  “It's not funny” he whined

  I just shook my head as the DJ announced Jake and Tess. They looked perfect as they made their way to the stage. Again tons of clapping and whistling. They both were wearing the biggest stupid grins I had ever seen, on either of their faces. I was so happy Tess was getting her happily ever after.

  Tess grabbed the mic. "Hey, everyone Jake and I want to thank you all for coming to our pre-wedding party. Please drink, dance and have a great time. NOW ENOUGH OF THIS, DJ LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" She yelled pulling Jake off the stage and to the dance floor.

  I went and joined Callie and the rest of my friends, but Caleb didn't follow. I think he was afraid to get too close to my mom. "Mom, you know you have Caleb scared shitless. You can stop glaring at him. We are good now, just let it go at least for now okay?”

  She sighed, “Okay but if he ever does something to hurt my girl again, I can't make any promises,”

  I just nod
ded and followed Callie, Aiden and Brent to the dance floor.

  We spent what felt like hours dancing, sometimes just the four of us, but some of the guys would come dance up on me and Callie, and Jake and Tess would dance with us as they made their rounds. Even mom and Christian joined us for a couple songs, but the one person I wanted to dance with me never did. I would see him here or there talking with people. I saw him dance with Tess and her mom, he danced with a couple of her other friends, but never came close to us, which was annoying. I thought we had made progress, and then he does this.

  I was about to take a break when the DJ started to talk. "I have a request here, by our best man, here ya go. Good luck man,” The DJ said nodding towards Caleb, who was at the side of the dance floor. The music began to play, and I instantly recognized the song as Life Houses "Whatever it Takes,”

  An instant later I felt a tap on my shoulder, “May I have this dance?” I heard Caleb ask.

  I looked up into his beautiful green eyes and gave him a nod. He quickly pulled me into his arms, and I put my head against his chest as we began to move around the dance floor. God why did it have to be this song? These words would mean so much if he meant them.

  At that thought, Caleb lifted my chin, so I was looking at him as he sang the chorus.

  What the hell does this mean? Is he saying, no he couldn't be could he? I just continued to stare at him as he quietly sang the rest of the song to me. As the song ended, he leaned down and captured my lips with his. I couldn't help but kiss him back, bringing my hands up to run in his hair as he pulled me closer. I was lost in this kiss and Caleb's touch, and I would have stayed that way too if the cat calls hadn't started. I quickly pulled away to see everyone watching us.

  What was I doing, just freaking asking for another heartbreak is what. I touched my still tingling swollen lips and looked up to Caleb as tears started in my eyes. I can't do this now, I thought, before turning and running out the doors.

  CHAPTERtwentyeight