Page 26 of Changing Caleb
“But you do want her back, don’t you?”
“Always did.”
“Jesus,” he mutters. “It used to be entertaining to watch the two of you bicker back and forth. Now, not so much.”
“I love her, man. I tried moving on. Didn’t happen.”
“Well, apparently, she couldn’t move on either.”
We finish up for the day a few hours later, none of my crew feeling like they got anything done and pissed that they have to work tomorrow. We like our Saturdays off, but with the way this job is going, we have to work overtime to be on schedule for our next job. Brady tells us to shut up and stop complaining, and Iback him up. We’re getting paid for the job, so let’s just fucking do it.
“I guess I’ll see you at ten?” Brady asks when I reach his house to drop him off.
“Ten?”
“It’s Jade and Madden’s party tonight. Why do you think the guys are pissed about working tomorrow?” he explains. “There won’t be any strippers, but my mom cooked for it, so we’ll have some kickass good food. You may have quit drinking, but I’ll definitely be getting my drink on tonight. Hangover be damned.”
I had forgotten all about the bachelor/bachelorette party Jade and Madden are having. I thought the bride and groom were supposed to have separate parties, but apparently, these two decided against that. I have no clue whose idea that was. Probably the city boy.
“You know I love your mama’s cooking,” I say. “I’ll come just for that.”
30
Casey
Iwalk into Marlene’s place, smelling the delicious food she’s prepared. The party is out back, and it’s already going. The music is practically vibrating the walls. I go through the living room, and a photo catches my eye.
It’s me, Caleb, Jade, and Brady. We took a trip out to the state lake. A big group of us. I got so angry with Caleb for throwing me into the water. Then, we fucked like rabbits in the tent to make up.
Good Lord. It’s been way too long since I’ve been fucked like that. My nipples perk up just thinking about it.
I put the photo back onto the shelf and go outside. Everyone is dancing, including Marlene, who tries to rope Landon in. He’s on his cell phone, which isn’t unusual. He’s all business, no play.
“You made it!” Jade exclaims, throwing her arms around me in a hug. “And I’m already drunk!”
“I can see that.”
She offers me a shot glass, and I accept, downing the liquid in one gulp. I cough a little and she thrusts another one intomy hand. What the hell. It’s been way too long since I’ve gotten drunk too.
A few shots in, and I’m ready to dance. I saunter over to the guys. “Who’s dancing with me?”
“I got you, girl,” Tate answers before anyone else has the opportunity.
He grabs my hand and pulls me against him. He’s good-looking, but I never really noticed him. I was always too caught up in Caleb.
“Heard you were single,” he says over the music.
“Good news travels fast, huh?”
He laughs and spins me around. This is fun. He’s a friend, nothing more, and I deserve to have a good time tonight. Of course, that all comes crashing down when the song changes.
Our song.
Tate slows down his pace, gripping my hips. I politely shake my head and take a step back, turning him down. I can’t dance with another man to this song. I turn around, figuring I’ll go grab some food, and Caleb is there. Without saying a word, I step into his arms.
“It’s our song,” he says into my ear.
“I remember.”
