by Brie Paisley
He’s my one.
My only one.
I wasn’t lying, when I said I never knew what love was, before Caleb, but I’m so very glad he’s shown me how to open up. He’s shown me how to trust fully and completely in him. I can never express how grateful I am for getting this second chance with him. As his hands start to roam up my back, making their way to my breasts, I lose my breath. God, I can’t wait to have his hands all over me, loving me, and continuing to show me how much he loves me with his actions. Breaking away for a moment, I suck in a breath, giving him full access to my neck. His kisses make me want to fall on the floor, and let him devour me however he pleases. Even more so, as he uses his tongue to lick behind my earlobe. “I’ve missed the way you taste, Bet,” he whispers, and my core clenches with need.
Just as I start to reach for his shirt to take it off, someone knocks on the door. We instantly stop, as if we’re teenagers about to get caught, making out. “Caleb? Beth? Y’all in there?”
Hearing Caden’s voice, I cover my mouth, trying to hold back a laugh, as Caleb whispers, “Maybe, he’ll go away, if we’re quiet.”
Caden knocks again, a little louder than the first time, as he asks, “Y’all back together for real now? Because I’ve got to say, y’all are a cute couple. Makes sense, too, since nerds tend to stick together.”
I frown, as I hear Caden holler out in pain, and then I hear Cason’s voice. “Would you knock it off, and leave them alone.”
“Stop it, Cas. I’m just checkin’ on them. Gah, just go and glare over there.” Shaking my head, I’m starting to think it might not have been such a good idea to rent an apartment across from Caden. Who knows how many times this is going to happen. “For reals though, guys. If you’re in there, I hope I’m not interruptin’ any hanky panky.” He stops to giggle, and then says, “Anyway, if y’all are doin’ it, don’t forget the rubber.”
“Caden!” Savannah yells, and I can’t hold back the laugh that escapes.
Caleb signals for me to be quiet, as Caden states, “Small fry, I’m comin’, alright. I’m just gonna give Caleb this, and then I’m comin.” A few minutes pass, as Caleb and I wait for whatever Caden is doing. Lord only knows with that one.
“Oh, my God,” I whisper, as Caden slides a condom through the crack of the door.
“Now, y’all are protected. Don’t forget to use it, baby bro.”
Caleb shakes his head, as he walks over, grabbing the condom and looks through the peep hole. After a moment, he turns back to me. “He’s finally gone.” He glances down at the condom, as he says, “I can’t believe he gave us a condom.” I try to hold back my laugh, but I epically fail. Caleb laughs right along with me, and then says, “Only Caden would do somethin’ like this.”
“It was thoughtful,” I counter. Yes, Caden can be a bit much at times, but he only does it, because that’s his way of showing how much he cares. Walking over to Caleb, I take the condom out of his hand, tossing it aside. “He shouldn’t have bothered, though.”
“Why is that?” He asks, curiosity laced in his voice.
“Because gettin’ this apartment, isn’t all that I did, while we were takin’ a break.” With his confused gaze, I add, “I got on the pill, so we don’t need condoms, unless you want to use them.”
His eyes widen, only for a second, and then I’m suddenly being picked up. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I let out a giggle, seeing his big grin. “I’m totally okay with not usin’ a condom. And if I’m not mistaken, makeup sex is supposedly pretty good.”
My hands find his hair, as I ask, “Wanna go find out for sure?” With his exaggerated nod, he takes me to my room.
As he lays me down on the bed, he brushes my hair out of my face, gazing at me with those gorgeous, brown eyes. “I love you, Bethany.”
Cupping his cheek, I smile, as I say, “I love you, Caleb.” His grin makes my stomach fill with a million butterflies, as my heart starts to race.
Only Caleb has the power to do that.
With just one look.
And then, we find out that makeup sex, is indeed, really good.
“Thunder” by Imagine Dragons plays through my headphones, as I start a new line on the wall. I’ve been working on painting the spare bedroom for two weeks now, and it’s finally starting to come together. Technically, I’m not supposed to paint, but then again, I know the landlord, so she said I could, as long as I paint the walls back white, if I move. Caleb has even helped me a lot, when he’s not working on his new software program. He told me his parents gave him some starter money, and he’s been working so hard to get the program off the ground. I’m so proud of him, and I know once he’s finished, he’ll have so many investors. He’s already had a few show interest, so I know he’ll do great.
Standing back, I admire the work I’ve done for the day. It’s probably my best work so far, and I’m pleased it’s turning out so well. Each wall has its own theme, but with this last wall, it’ll tie all of them together, making it whole. I never thought I would’ve wanted to paint like I have recently, but I know it’s because of Caleb. He’s given me more inspiration to dig deep, and find that potential I always knew was there hiding.
Just as I start to dip my brush into the black paint, I feel him, gazing at me. Turning around with a smile, I take out my earbuds. “How long have you been standin’ there?” I ask Caleb, as he leans against the doorframe.
“Not too long. I don’t want to stop you, since I really love watchin’ you paint. Especially, like you did the other night.”
My face flushes, remembering what he means. He had this bright idea to watch me paint naked, and it was fun. However, I didn’t get much painting done. “Behave,” I say, trying to sound firm. “Your brothers will be here soon, so we can’t.”
“I think we could get a quickie in,” he counters.
Shaking my head, I place my brush down on the table, walking over to him. Reaching up on my toes, I kiss him, as I say, “I’ve created a monster.”
He chuckles, a sound I really love to hear, as he states, “It’s just you, Bet.” I sigh, as he cups my cheek, caressing my face. “I can’t help but be addicted to you.”
“I know the feelin’. It’s hard not to call Shelby and tell—”
“Y’all decent? I’m comin’ in, and I really, and I can’t express that enough, don’t want to see any naked asses.”
“Caden’s here,” Caleb says with a bit of annoyance and humor in his voice.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have given Savannah a key.”
Caleb takes me by the hand, leading me to the living room, as he says, “I think no matter what, he would’ve found a way in here, so at least, we don’t have to worry about him breakin’ down the door.”
“Hmm, good point.” We reach the living room, and I can only shake my head, as Caden sits on the couch, stuffing his face with Doritos.
“Cas and small fry will be here in a bit. They’re closin’ up the gym now.” I’d forgotten that Savannah told me a week ago that she’s still working part-time at Cason’s gym, while she starts up her photography studio. “Want some?” Caden asks, as he holds out the big bag of chips.
“We ordered pizza,” Caleb states.
“Good thing because I’m starvin’. I’m a growin’ boy,” Caden tacks on, and I shake my head. He’s so ridiculous.
Hearing a knock at the door, I start to go answer it, as Caleb claims, “You’re gettin’ crumbs all over the place.”
“No, I’m not,” Caden argues.
“Yes, you are. Why are you such a pig?”
“That’s not very nice, Caleb.”
Stopping at the door, I turn back to them. “Can y’all cool it for five seconds, please?”
“He started it,” they both say at the same time.
Shaking my head, I don’t know who is worse. Caden and Cas, or Caden and Caleb. Ignoring the children behind me, I open the door. “Oh, wow.” Glancing away, I ask, “Do y’all need a few more minutes?” Carter
and Shelby quickly break away, but I catch the dreamy look in Shelby’s eyes. It’s still a little weird, seeing them lip locked, mostly because I’ve never seen Carter with anyone else. Sure, he dated, while he and Shelby were separated, but it never lasted for him. Thinking about it, I realize why it never seemed to work out with Carter and every other girl. It’s because his one wasn’t there. Now that I have Caleb, I know I’ll never find anyone else to fill my heart the way he does.
I hope he knows he’s stuck with me.
Shelby giggles, as Carter says, “Sorry. I brought beer,” he claims, as he holds up a six pack.
“You do realize there are like, what, eight people that are gonna be here, right?”
“I’m not drinkin, Caden,” Shelby explains, as Carter says the same.
“Okay, but the math still doesn’t make up for six beers. We’re what? Supposed to only have half a beer each?”
Carter and Shelby walk in, and I shut the door. “I have beer in the fridge, Caden. It’s alright, don’t have a meltdown on us.” Taking the beer from Carter, I put it in the fridge.
Walking back into the living room, Caden says, “Well, I’m glad you’re here to save game night. Lord knows, I’m gonna need all the help to win.”
Sitting on Caleb’s lap, I get comfortable. His hands are instantly around me, and I glance at him, saying, “Remind me to forget to invite Caden to the next game night.”
“Hey!”
“Done,” Caleb agrees, interrupting his brother.
Carter and Shelby laugh, as they take the spot on the other side of Caden. Carter pushes him over some, and of course, Caden has to make a big deal out of it. “Why am I always the one gettin’ picked on?”
“Oh, Caden,” Shelby starts. “Stop bein’ such a drama queen.”
Before he can comment back, a knock sounds at the door. “Why don’t you make yourself useful, and go answer the door,” Caleb tells him. Caden gets up, and he of course, makes a big ordeal out of it. I can’t help but laugh at his antics. He’s always so full of himself, but you can’t help but love having him around. He definitely makes things interesting.
As Clark walks inside, I feel Caleb tense. We’ve talked a few times about Clark, and how worried Caleb is about his brother. The entire Harlow clan is worried about him, but just like me, we have no idea what to do to help him. Clark seems okay on the outside, but if you look closely, you can see the hidden demons in his eyes. Rubbing Caleb’s hand, I lean in to whisper, “It’s okay. He seems good today.” And Clark does seem better today, than he did the last time we saw him. I can only hope that means all those therapy sessions are finally paying off.
He waves to everyone, as he finds a spot on the love seat against the far wall. Just as Caden starts to make his way back to his spot on the couch, another knock sounds. “I’ll get it,” Caden sings. I don’t have to see Savannah to know it’s her and Cas at the door. All I have to do is watch Caden’s face light up, like a kid who got every single thing they wanted at Christmas. That and the fact he literally yells out, “There’s my woman!”
Cas shakes his head, as he squeezes by them and takes a seat by Clark. “Whose bright idea was it to have game night again?” Cason asks everyone.
“Don’t hate, Cas,” Carter says.
“It’s fun,” Shelby adds.
“I already want to go home,” Clark admits, as he watches Caden and Savannah make out.
“Can you two cool it? For fucks sake, y’all act like y’all haven’t seen each other in years,” Cason scolds. “They freakin’ live together, and they act like this. All. The. Time.”
“I think it’s sweet,” Shelby says.
“Try livin’ with that,” Cas claims, as he points to Caden and Savannah.
Leaning back against Caleb, I smile, loving how it feels like old times. Well, minus me wanting Carter. Finally, Caden and Savannah part, and they take a seat on the floor, since there isn’t room for them on either of the couches. “Just so you know,” Caden says, looking right at his twin. “The reason you complain so much is because you want a woman of your own.”
“No, I don’t.” Cas disagrees in a serious tone of voice.
Caden shrugs his shoulders, as he says, “You’ll think differently, once you find the one.”
“No, I won’t.”
“At least, when Clark and Cason find their one, then we can play in couples,” Shelby claims, in an excited voice.
“Please, don’t put me in this,” Clark pleads.
“Y’all just wait,” Carter chimes in. “It’s gonna happen sooner or later, so you might as well get over it.”
Cason shakes his head, as if the chances of him finding someone is utterly insane. Clark stares off into space, and I stand up to distract everyone. “How about we start the game?”
“Good idea.” Thankfully, Caleb catches onto what I’m trying to do, and he gets up to grab Pictionary. Shelby helps me lay out pens, and Carter decides to help with putting up the large sketch pads for us to use to draw on. “Okay, do we need to go over the rules, or are we good to pick teams?”
“Caden needs to be reminded not to cheat,” Cason says to everyone.
Holding up a hand, before Caden can comment, I quickly go over the rules. “Caden, I’m not sayin’ you cheat, but please don’t cheat.”
“I do not cheat!”
“You do cheat, babe,” Savannah says to him.
“Unbelievable. Y’all have corrupted my small fry.”
“You can’t corrupt someone who knows you cheat,” Cason butts in.
Glancing over to Caleb, he gives me a look, and I know exactly what he’s thinking. “Alright, you two,” he says, interrupting their soon to be fight. “Carter and I will pick teams, since Clark and Caden went last time.”
“Well, don’t pick me, if you’re pickin’ sour britches over there,” Caden sarcastically states, as he leans back on his hands.
“Finally,” Cason says with a huff. “Somethin’ we can agree on.”
“Can we pick our teams now?” Carter asks the twins. With their nod, Carter chooses Shelby, Clark, and Cason. Which means Caleb, Caden, Savannah, and I are the other team.
Savannah and Caden give each other high fives, knowing they’re on the same team, as everyone else moves around to accommodate the new arrangement. We quickly decide who is going first on each team, and I’m glad Caleb picked me. I don’t mind having Caden on our team, but he’s the world’s worst drawer. Right as I’m about to get up, Caleb grabs me by the hand, pulling me back to him. I fall onto him, laughing as I do so. “You forgot somethin’,” he huskily says, and I have to remind myself that his brothers and their better halves are here.
“And here we go with those two,” Cason complains, as Caden whistles at us. “Carter and Shelby, y’all might as well get all this lovey-dovey crap out of the way, too.”
Ignoring Cas, I lean down, kissing Caleb, like no one else is around. Honestly, even if I know everyone is here, all I see is him anyway. He’s all I’m ever going to see, so Cas can get over it. “See, Cas. You claim Savvy and I are bad, but they’re worse.”
Hearing what Caden says, I break our kiss, gazing into Caleb’s eyes. “We probably are worse.”
Holding his gaze, he brushes my hair behind my ear, as he says, “Yeah, but I don’t care. At least, we can control ourselves. Mostly.”
“I’m not so sure about that. I sort of want to tell everyone to go home, so we can have the apartment to ourselves.”
“Um, hello. We all can hear you,” Caden states, as if that’s going to break our connection.
“Leave them be, Caden,” Savannah scolds.
Caleb hasn’t once looked away, and my heart begins to race, feeling our connection growing. It still surprises me how all he has to do is look at me, and everything else around us fades away. “You’re givin’ me a look, like you wanna tell me somethin’.”
“Just that I love you.”
His smiles, letting me know he still loves hearing me say
it. Even if I tell him multiple times a day, it’s like I’m always saying it for the first time. “I love you too, Bet.”
“Okay, now can we play? And where is this pizza you were talkin’ about earlier? I’m so hungry.”
I shake my head, letting out a laugh, as Caleb says, “Let’s start the game, before someone drives everyone else crazy.” Giving him one more quick kiss, I walk over to the sketch pad, as Carter does the same.
Glancing over to my best friend, I ask, “Ready to lose, old man?”
“Oh, you’re so gonna regret that, Beth.”
“Bring. It. On.” I tease, as I reach for a card. Carter narrows his eyes at me, but he grins and shakes his head, knowing how competitive I am.
As we start the game, I can’t help but be happy that I not only have Carter back in my life, but I also found the love of my life. It’s funny how not that long ago, I thought no one would ever want me. I was dead set that I would never find someone to care for me, or love me like I needed.
But then, I met Caleb.
And he changed everything.
Maybe, it was fate that brought him into my life, or maybe, it was something else. Either way, I’ll never take this chance for granted. I intend on showing Caleb just how much I love him for the rest of my life.
And maybe in the afterlife, too.
“Bet? Babe, we got to go, or we’re gonna be late. You know how much Mama hates it, when we’re late.” Standing by the front door, I frown, wondering why Bethany has yet to answer me. “Bethany?” Setting my truck keys down on the table by the door, I decide to go find her. There aren’t many places she could be, since her apartment is so small. “Bet, are you in here?” I call out, walking into the bedroom and stop suddenly. Clothes are flying out of the closet, and I duck, when a shoe comes flying out. Taking a peek, I see Bethany in there, going through her clothes. “Um, Bet? I don’t think this is the right time to be cleanin’ out your closet.”
