Page 27 of Naive in Love

“First when y’all were talking about Caleb, it frustrated me because I’ve never said shit about the guys y’all have dated, even if they weren’t my favorites. It hurt my feelings. Then I got even more frustrated when Caleb called and got mad at the pictures Paige posted. It’s like he just confirmed what y’all were saying about him.”

“You know Preston is very protective of you. He always has been. He was telling Ethan about Caleb. We weren’t really saying anything. Not to throw Preston under the bus, but he worries about you,” Paige says. “I wish he would worry about Bree and I like that. But for whatever reason, you became his baby sister, and it won’t stop.”

I smile at her words because I know it is true. Just then Preston, Ethan, and his drummer, Mike, pull out chairs and sit down.

* * *

Preston,Ethan, and Mike arrive as we are finishing dressing, so they don’t have to wait on us too long. Ethan leads me to his Range Rover with Lena and Mike, while Paige and Briana head to Preston’s truck.

Ethan opens the front passenger door for me to get in, and I quickly say, “Mike can sit up front. I can sit in the back.”

Ethan shakes his head, smiling. “Just get in. Mike is fine in the back.”

The drive to the restaurant is filled with laughter and conversation.

The restaurant is a casual, loud establishment catering to tourists. Briana lets the hostess know we have arrived. While we wait to be seated Ethan excuses himself to the men's room.

Caleb and his roommates arrive, and as I’m introducing everyone, a pair of arms come around my middle and Ethan whispers in my ear, "So which one is he?"

I’m confused why he would do that, until I look up and see Preston smirking in Caleb's direction. I pull away from Ethan's embrace and turn to Caleb, watching him carefully control his reaction.

"Caleb, this is Ethan Hayes, Preston's cousin. And Ethan, this is my boyfriend, Caleb Martin." I watch as they size each other up.

Having them here together is a surreal experience. I was so taken by Caleb when we first met, with his boy-next door-good looks, but seeing him standing next to Ethan, there is no competition. Ethan is in a class all by himself. His clear hazel eyes are mesmerizing. He’s got a tall, muscular build, and his bad-boy edginess is panty dropping.

Later, after everyone has finished their meal, the waiter comes out with a small chocolate cake with candles and sets it down in front of me. All my friends begin to sing “Happy Birthday,” and at the end, they wait for me to make my wish and blow out the candles. Caleb leans into me saying “Happy Birthday,” and kisses my neck.

Thankfully, dinner ends peacefully. I can tell Caleb isn’t happy with the guys around, but he is keeping his cool. Thankfully Jason and Wes kept the table talking and laughing with their natural ease and sense of humor.

We walk a couple of blocks to a piano bar Ethan suggested. The energy of the room is contagious. There is a small dance floor in front of the pianos. On each side of the large room is a long bar with several bartenders, and there are tables everywhere. Everyone is singing along to “American Pie,” dancing and waving their hands.

The guys go to the bar for drinks as we scan the place for a table. Briana notices people starting to leave, and we rush over to snag their spot. Caleb hands me my drink and turns to Wes behind him, grabbing a tray full of shots.

Wes yells over the music. “Happy Birthday, Sophia!”

Wes takes the shots off the tray for Caleb and hands them out. He places his glass in the middle, waiting for everyone to join. Everyone clinks glasses and taps the table before slamming them down. My eyes shoot open when I swallow. It tasted fruity and sweet, but I’m breathing alcohol out of my nose.

We are singing and enjoying the music when they begin to play “I Will Survive.” Lena jumps out of her seat, pulling each of the girls to the dance floor. We squeeze our way to the small, crowded floor full of drunken girls singing at the top of their lungs.

After the song ends, we go back to the table, and Caleb grabs my hand, pulling me onto his lap. I turn to kiss him, feeling the alcohol flow through my system. He has his hand is on my thigh and slowly begins to slide it up my leg, stroking under my skirt. I turn to him, about to mouthbehave, but he isn’t paying attention to me. He is glaring at Ethan, goading him. Ethan’s jaw is ticking, and he has a fist tightly clenched on the table. I immediately stand, announcing I’m going to the ladies’ room. I grab Lena’s hand, pulling her with me.

I rush toward the restrooms, weaving around all the people and dragging Lena behind me. We reach the ladies’ room, where we are greeted by a line out the door. We head to the back, and then I turn to Lena.

“Do you know what Caleb was doing?” I look at her, my eyes wide. Not waiting for a response, I continue, “He was rubbing all up in my business right in front of Ethan, giving him an ‘I dare you’ look.”

“Oh no, he wasn’t?!” Lena exclaims.

“Oh yes, he was. First, he doesn’t want me to look like a slut, but he can make me look like one shoving his hand up my dress to make sure another guy sees. What the hell!”

“I don’t know what to tell you, but I wish I’d seen that exchange. I’ve noticed how protective Preston is of you, and you have known him forever. Ethan seems to be just as protective, and he has only known you a day. You have such a juicy life!!” she says while giggling.

“This is so NOT funny.” I say, trying to hold a serious expression, but a smile quickly shows through, and I roll my eyes at her, shaking my head.

“Oh yes, it is! BUT… I have to admit, I am in love with your bestie! He is hot, so sweet, and did I say HOT?!” Her face is glowing.

“Yes, he is all of that. If you like him, go for it.” My lips pull out knowingly.

We return to the table, and Caleb tries to pull me back onto his lap, but I move to sit in the chair next to him. He glares at me but doesn’t say anything.

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