Page 62 of The Fallen Ones

And with Caleb?

It pained me to think I’d risk our friendship just to experience him. What would he even say to me if I voiced my thoughts? We’d known each other since we were young. The very real memory of him pinning me to the wall surfaced, making me blush.

“Lil Bit?” Caleb’s voice cut through my heated thoughts.

I blinked rapidly at him. “Hey.”

“You OK?” He reached out and cradled my face for a moment sending the butterflies scattering through out my belly and chest.

How could someone’s touch set me off like that? And why was it happening after all these years?

“Y-Yeah. I’m fine.” I backed out of his reach so he could come in, his hand falling away in the process. Emptiness filled me, making me sad.

“You seem upset,” Caleb commented as he stepped into my small apartment.

“I’m fine. Just tired, I guess. Been a long day.”

“Don’t I know it,” he mumbled, going to my couch and flopping down on it. I went into the kitchen and grabbed us both cans of soda and returned, handing him his. He flashed me a quick grin, bringing the butterflies back to life.

“Olivia called,” I said, clearing my throat.

He raised his brows at me as he cracked open his drink and took a sip. “Yeah?”

I nodded. “She said she saw you getting pizza with Damien and Jace,” my voice wobbled. I was confused about why Caleb would be seen with either of them since he hated both, and I knew they didn’t like him.

He sighed and rubbed his eyes. “They paid me to write a couple papers for them.”

I groaned. “Caleb, why would you do that?”

“Money’s tight, Lil. Thought if I made a little extra, I could fix up the house or something.”

“Your house is fine,” I said gently.

He scoffed and looked away. “You never want to hang out there.”

“I-I…” my words faltered on my lips.

“You don’t need to explain yourself. I get it.” He offered me a quick smile. “I’m just trying to get ahead is all. I have quite a lot of money saved from bartending and figured a few more dollars wouldn’t hurt. Besides, it’s Jace and Damien. They’re good for the money.”

I said nothing. He was right. They were both loaded.

Caleb shifted on the couch. “Lil? Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Was it the money? Is that why you dated Jace and-and never considered anyone else…” his voice trailed off, his cheeks tinting pink.

“It was never the money,” I said sharply. “You know me, Caleb. I don’t care about that stuff.”

He said nothing, opting to stare at his now clasped hands as he rested his elbows on his knees while sitting forward on the couch, his drink on the coffee table.

“Sorry, I don’t even know why I asked that,” he mumbled.

I reached out and rested my hand over his, noting how twitchy he seemed tonight. It was completely out of character for him.

“Are you OK?” I asked.

He looked over at me and offered a smile that didn’t quite reach his pretty eyes.

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