24. Casey
Casey
T wo days ago, I kissed Caleb. Well, technically he kissed me.
The point is, it’s been two days, and I can still feel him all over me, deep inside of every part of me.
His calloused hands on my skin. His hungry mouth on my lips.
And then I’ll see Derek’s sweet na?ve face, thinking he’s lucky to be with me.
The guilt is eating me alive.
I was tempted to tell him on the way home, but I couldn’t bring myself to ruin his mood. He had a really good time. Finding out what happened between Caleb and me would’ve changed that. I haven’t even told him about the baby. If I didn’t tell Jade, I sure as hell wasn’t telling anyone else.
I’ll get past this. I don’t have a choice.
If I sincerely want to try and make things work with Derek, I have to move on.
Forget those promises Caleb’s word held.
Forget him. That is easier said than done.
Especially since he just walked in looking like sex on a fucking stick.
His shirt collar is wet with sweat, and his hair is mussed.
Something about him being all dirty and sweaty from hard labor is a total turn-on for me.
Maybe I shouldn’t have faked that headache the other night.
“Marlene,” I ask, peeking through the window at the kitchen. “The boys are here. You think you can take them? I don’t feel too good.”
Shit, I’m a fucking mess. All I can think about is that kiss, which makes me think about our other kisses, which makes me think about everything else.
Sex. That’s what I need. Thing is, sex with Derek isn’t mind-blowing like it was with Caleb.
“Sure, sweetie.”
I thank her and head into the storage room.
Aside from the bathroom, it’s the only space in here with some privacy.
Of course, I can’t stay in here until they leave.
That could be over an hour. I just need some time to get my shit together.
I let out a frustrated scream, not loud enough for anyone to hear me.
“You can’t avoid me forever.”
I startle at the sound of Caleb’s voice. The door is closed behind him. I didn’t even hear him come in.
“I’m not avoiding you.”
“Good,” he replies. “I’m going to need you to stop running too.”
“Why are you doing this Caleb? Why come back here in the first place?”
“Because Hollis is my home, and so are you,” he answers. “I’ve changed, Case. So much. I didn’t deserve you before, and hell, I don’t deserve you now, but this isn’t over between us. You and I both know that.”
“I can’t do this anymore.”
“I promised you before that I was keeping you forever. That hasn’t changed.”
But doesn’t he understand? Everything has changed.