by Amanda Perry
I try explaining myself, but it turns into a jumbled mess. “I know it’s kind of weird timing. Last night, I was afraid you were going to murder me, and I thought I trusted you completely, but I guess I still have some things to work through with that. Even with all of that, I don’t want to end up like Romeo and Juliet,” I explain. “I don’t want to never be able to tell you how I feel about you. I thought about it a lot since you told me the other day. I wasn’t ready to tell you then—it was just so shocking to hear it. Then, I was told I might not make it through this fight that’s coming, and it scares me. I need you to know how I feel, even if it sounds crazy.”
I let out a shaky sigh while he remains frozen and silent. “I never thought anyone would love me, especially someone as amazing as you. Even though the past few days have been a big ball of crazy, my feelings for you have only grown. I think I knew I loved you from the moment you said it to me, I just didn’t know how to react. After what happened yesterday, I was worried you changed your mind. I know people can fall out of love just as easily as they fall into it. You could easily decide you’re done with me, and you can’t deal with me anymore. It doesn’t mean I won’t feel the same about you, though. I wasn’t sure if I even knew what love was. It took the incident yesterday and a talk with Cassie to truly understand what love is. At least, I think I know now.”
Without a word, Caleb raises a brow, a silent gesture for me to elaborate.
With a deep breath, I desperately attempt to speak slower and clearer. “I think love is caring more about another person than you care about yourself. It’s working out your differences with that person. It’s being there for that person no matter what. It means protecting the person you love from everything. Love means not being able to imagine your life without that person in it forever. That’s how I feel about you,” I finish on a whisper.
“Baby girl,” he finally whispers. He didn’t say a single word through my entire confession, and my heart jumps to my throat in anticipation. He surprises me by pulling me into his arms and holding me tightly. “I was worried I would never hear you say it. I love you so damn much. I’ll love you forever, baby.”
“I’ll love you longer,” I say, unable to control the goofy smile mixed with happy tears.
Caleb will probably change his mind about me one day, but for now, he loves me. And I love him. It’s more than I ever thought I’d have in my life, and I refuse to do anything but cherish every second with him.
Caleb puts his arms around my waist and pulls me onto his lap. I squeal in surprise when he gently pushes me down onto my back on the couch. His body covers mine, and he chuckles at my wide-eyed shock.
“You’re so perfect.” He grins, leans down, then kisses me with more fervor than ever before.
I’m stunned for a split-second before I respond to his kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him as close to me as physically possible. His body against mine is heaven, and I can’t help but sigh into the kiss. This spurs a little growl from his chest. He deepens the kiss, one of his hands tangling with my hair while the other runs down my side to grip my hip. I arch into his touch, needing more from him. His skin heats and it triggers my own fiery response.
“Well, this is progress.” Cassie’s voice pulls us both from our own little world.
Caleb jumps up like the couch is on fire instead of us, his stance fully shielding me.
I didn’t even hear Cassie enter the room and, clearly, neither did Caleb. Idly, I wonder how she got a key, but dismiss my curiosity. It’s Cassie, she has her ways.
“Don’t stop on my account.” I peek around him to see Cassie grinning. “Though, I would prefer it if you weren’t my brother.”
“Can’t you two just hold hands? That’s my little sister, dude.” Jaxon stands behind Cassie with a scowl.
Caleb relaxes his tense posture and scoffs, “Yeah, and that is my little sister.” He points to Cassie. “Do you know how annoying it is to see you two all over each other? It’s creepy and really fucking gross. So, if I have to deal with your lovey-dovey shit, then you have to deal with ours.”
“Whatever.” Cassie rolls her eyes with a smirk. “We came to ask how the play was, but clearly, it was a good night. We should probably leave you two alone.”
“No,” Jaxon barks, then takes a deep breath. He crosses the room and sits on the opposite couch. “I mean, why not hang out?”
“Jaxon.” Cassie joins him. “You’re impossible.”
“I just want to hang out with my best friend and little sister.” Innocently, Jaxon turns to us and tactically changes the subject. “Are you guys excited to be going home tomorrow? I can’t wait to sleep in my bed.”
“I am.” I shift on the couch to sit cross-legged. Jaxon’s strange behavior has me on edge. It’s one of the reasons I’m skeptical he’s forgiven me. On the one hand, he’s hesitant to leave my side at all, even if I’m not alone. He subtly trailed behind me through our shopping excursion earlier and fished for an invite to the play. On the other hand, he won’t look directly at me or talk straight to me, but he isn’t yelling or cursing. I can’t figure out what it means. Still, I follow along with the conversation and try to pretend nothing bothers me. “I like it here, but home feels so much nicer.”
“I can’t wait to get the training started.” Jaxon grins. He means my training, but his attention remains fixed on Caleb. “That way I can teach her to fend off anyone who gets too close.” He gives Caleb a wicked smirk.
I don’t say anything in return. I’m terrified to start my training, but it seems to be a big deal to my brother. He talked to Dad about it earlier, how he gets to teach me to fight. I don’t like the idea of learning how to hurt people. If Jaxon trains me, it means I may need to try and hit him, and I don’t think I could do that.
Caleb’s laughter pulls me from my internal panic. “I’m a lover, not a fighter. Isn’t that right, baby?” He shoots a wink my way.
My cheeks heat, even though I know what he means, and I know we haven’t gone that far with our relationship yet.
“You’re an ass.” Jaxon glares, grabbing at Caleb and instigating another one of their play fights.
“I had fun today, but when do we get to have another girls’ day together?” Cassie pouts, taking my attention away from the guys.
“I’m not sure what more we could shop for,” I tell Cassie. She’s dragged me all over the past few months, purchasing an entire new wardrobe of clothing, shoes, and accessories for me. I hate the idea of spending more money, and I honestly don’t know what else she could possibly want to buy—she has everything. It’ll make gift giving difficult.
An idea hits me, and I perk up. “Maybe there’s a used bookstore around the house. The bookcase upstairs doesn’t have many in it I haven’t read yet.”
“We can find one.” She shrugs, nonchalantly eyeing the guys as they call a draw and drop back into their seats to catch their breath.
“Is that such a good idea with so much going on and so many people after Riley?” Caleb shifts nervously. “Maybe we should go with you two if you want to go out.”
“No way in hell,” Cassie growls. “We are having a girls’ day, and you two will stay the hell away from us. We can handle ourselves. I’ll give you some time to train her to fight before we go out, but then we’re going, alone.”
“God, you’re so bossy.” Jaxon snickers, earning him a smack on the arm from Cassie.
“Let’s watch a movie before we go to bed,” I suggest, trying to think of something we could all do together that doesn’t involve talking about me and my training.
“Can it be Fifty Shades?” Cassie tries to hold back her laughter.
“No!” Jaxon and Caleb yell at the same time, causing Cassie to fall into a fit of giggles.
“I’m going to make popcorn.” Caleb walks to the kitchen.
“I’m going to pick a PG-rated movie.” Jaxon heads to the TV stand and opens the cabinet the hotel keeps stocked with a variety of DVDs.
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Jaxon picks an older comedy, assuring us it’s hilarious, and we’ll love it. Caleb comes back with a few drinks and a bowl of popcorn.
“I need to change into my pajamas.” I stand and stretch. “You guys don’t have to wait for me, though.”
“Actually, I’m ready to get out of these jeans.” Caleb falls into step behind me as I make my way to the bedroom. “We’ll be right back. Wait for us.”
Jaxon sends Caleb a hard stare before we leave the room. I don’t quite understand why he keeps glaring at Caleb, so I decide to bring it up while we’re away from him.
“Why is Jaxon mad at you?” I gather my sleep shorts and one of Caleb’s shirts.
“He isn’t. Why would you think that?” Caleb lifts an eyebrow in confusion.
Does he really not notice? “He keeps glaring at you.”
He chuckles and grabs a pair of sweats and a plain black shirt. “He’s just warning me.”
I shake my head. “Warning you about what?”
“You,” he states simply with a shrug. “He’s making sure I know I need to take care of you and treat you right. It’s the big brother thing to do. I did it with Cassie, too. It was easier for me, though, since I had known Jaxon my whole life. I knew how he would be with her. I also knew how she would be with him, and he’s the only one in the world who could handle Cassie and her crazy antics. Jaxon knows you’re inexperienced, and he worries about us together.”
“You said you’d never hurt me,” I remind him. “Anyway, why would he worry now? Why not when we were back home?”
“I did say that, and it’s still true.” He strides to me and wraps me in a tight hug, kissing the top of my head. “You’re Blessed now. That’s one step closer to our bond being fully complete, and unfortunately, Jaxon knows what the last step of that is. He’s just doing his brotherly duty. As long as it doesn’t bother you, it doesn’t bother me. We can just let him get it out of his system, and soon, he’ll give it up and leave us alone. Realistically, he knew how things would go from the very start. I think he’s trying to squeeze seventeen years of being a big brother into a tiny bit of time.”
“It doesn’t really bother me, I guess.” I shrug.
I decide against bringing up the fact Jaxon won’t even look at me. Jaxon and Caleb were best friends long before I came along, and I don’t want to do anything to cause a wedge between them.
Instead, I drop the subject and go to the bathroom to change. While I have a few minutes, I wash my face and throw my hair into a messy ponytail. The curls stayed really well throughout the day and now hang down my back in the ponytail. After finally changing into my comfortable clothes, I go into the bedroom to find Caleb waiting for me. He takes my hand, and we make our way back to the living room.
For the next few hours, the four of us laugh at the movie Jaxon chose for us. He was right; it’s hilarious. Once the movie ends, we’re all tired and ready to get some sleep. We can look forward to a long trip tomorrow, and I don’t want Caleb to be too tired to drive. If I had my license, I’d offer to do some of the driving, but unfortunately, it all falls on him.
When Cassie and Jaxon finally say their good nights and Cassie drags my brother to their room, Caleb and I curl up in our bed. It won’t take long for me to fall asleep tonight, and by the way he can’t stop yawning, Caleb won’t have trouble either.
“Thank you for an amazing date,” I say as we get settled under the covers.
“Anytime, baby.” Caleb pulls me close to his side. I lay my cheek on his chest, and he kisses the top of my head. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” I grin against his chest, relieved I can finally tell him how I feel. I only hope he doesn’t change his mind about loving me back.
Chapter 11
One minute, Caleb and I cuddle under the covers together, deep asleep, and the next, our blankets are ripped off. The cool air hits me. I gasp and cling to Caleb, afraid Samael found me and is here to try and take me away. Caleb sits up quickly, pushing me behind him. Heat instantly emits from him as he readies to set something, or someone, on fire.
“What the fuck are you two doing?” Jaxon bellows, looking down at Caleb and me.
“Jax.” Caleb plops back down in the bed and runs his hands down his face. “Get the hell out of here, man.”
“No fucking way!” Jaxon shouts. “Why are you naked in bed with my sister?”
I frown and glance at Caleb. “He isn’t naked. He’s in his boxers.” I point to Caleb’s gray boxers for emphasis.
“Jaxon, I think after all the shit you and my sister have done, you have no room to talk,” Caleb growls.
“Jaxon Micheal Sullivan!” Cassie’s voice rings through the suite. The chances of getting a bit more sleep quickly slip away. “What the hell do you think you’re doing in here?”
“Sweetheart,” Jaxon says, his tone suddenly soothing and calm. Not that I blame him for trying to calm an irate Cassie as she storms into our room. “I just wanted to check up on my sister. I wasn’t doing anything wrong.”
“Are you insane? What if she had been naked, too? Do you even think through your half-assed plans before you go do stupid crap?” she yells, gesturing wildly. “You will leave them alone right now, or else.”
“Or else what?” Jaxon smirks.
Caleb hisses through his teeth at Jaxon’s retort.
However Jaxon was supposed to respond, that wasn’t it, and I don’t think Cassie’s happy about it. My thoughts are proven correct not thirty seconds later when Jaxon is soaked from head to toe. The water came from the kitchen sink, even though the faucet was turned off. Cassie managed to channel her element and pull the water from pretty far away. I wish I could do the same. Then again, I haven’t tried that specific move before.
“Cassie”—Jaxon’s voice is deceptively soft— “did you really just do that?”
“You bet your stupid ass I did.” She grins back.
“You get a three-second head start, sweetheart,” Jaxon tells her.
Her eyes grow wide, and she bolts from the suite.
“Why did my soul mate have to have an affinity for water?” Jaxon heads toward the door. “Get up you two, breakfast downstairs in two hours. Make sure you pack your shit.”
“Yes, Father.” Caleb rolls his eyes.
“No fucking around, and put some damn clothes on, Caleb. No one wants to see that,” Jaxon calls from the front room.
“Don’t worry, Jax, I won’t do anything with my girlfriend that you wouldn’t do with yours.” Caleb chuckles as the suite door slams shut. “We’ll be barricading the bedroom door at home.” Caleb kisses my forehead as he slides out of the bed. “I’m going to shower, I’ll be back.”
“Caleb?” I say to gain his attention.
He pauses and glances at me over his shoulder. “Yeah, baby?”
“I love you.” I grin as my heart flutters. I can say it to him whenever I want to now.
“I love you more.” He winks, then saunters into the bathroom. I can’t help but watch the way the muscles in his back and shoulders flex as he walks. Jaxon’s wrong about no one wanting to see Caleb in only his boxers—it’s one of my favorite sights.
As soon as Caleb closes the bathroom door, I hop out of bed and rush to my suitcase for some clothes. When I open it, it’s nearly empty, and I realize Caleb and I have a bunch of stuff that needs to be packed. Rather than getting dressed right away, I lay out my clothes for the day, then go about packing up our things. It doesn’t take me long to get Caleb’s things together. He packed his bags and only brought the essentials.
Cassie took over packing my things, so I have twice as much as he does. At least, I managed to convince her to cut it down from four bags to two. It takes me a bit longer, but I finally get my things packed while Caleb finishes in the shower. As I lay the last folded shirt in the suitcase, I glance around the room to double-check I packed everything. The only things that need to be put in our bags are our bathroom items, and I can’t exactly get thos
e yet, so I leave the bags open for now.
With everything ready, I pull Caleb’s shirt over my head and take off my cotton sleep shorts. I slide on my lacy blue bra and matching panties, then search for the gray shirt I picked out for the day.
I freeze when the bathroom door opens, revealing Caleb. He wears a towel hanging low on his hips, and nothing else. I can’t seem to breathe or blink as I take in the sight of him. Caleb in his boxers is one thing, but a wet Caleb in a towel might put me into cardiac arrest.
He stands in the doorway of the bathroom, watching me while his eyes darken. I don’t understand why he’s looking at me like that until I remember I’m in nothing but my bra and panties. I want to cover myself, but I can’t convince my limbs to move.
“Sorry.” I try to control my burning cheeks. “I thought you would be in the shower longer.”
“I think I need a cold shower now,” Caleb grits out, turning back to the bathroom and adjusting his towel.
“Didn’t you just take a shower?” I call after him.
“Yep.” He closes the door softly.
At first, I don’t understand why he needs a second shower. Then, it registers he said he needed a cold shower, and my entire body blushes. I realize what he means now, and I just might die of embarrassment.
Not wanting to get caught in my undies again, I grab my clothes and dress quickly. Caleb comes out of the bathroom a few moments later, still in only a towel. He quickly grabs the clothes I laid on the end of the bed for him. I take the chance to silently slip into the bathroom to brush my teeth and comb my hair. While in the bathroom, I collect the rest of our stuff and double-check we didn’t forget anything.
When I come back out, Caleb is fully dressed. He watches me as I stuff our things into the suitcases and zip them closed. When I stand, he strides over to me, and I smile up at him. He places his hands on my hips and kisses my lips softly. His breath is minty and fresh and mingles perfectly with his body wash.
