Caleb
Girls were my weakness.
I knew this, but I had never broken my rules for any girl before.
Until last night.
Sweat trickled down my face as I gripped the ball in my hands, raised my arms, took my shot. Cursed under my breath when I missed the second time.
What the hell was I thinking?
I already decided I'd give her money so she could rent her own place, but the second I saw her this morning, the defiance in her dark eyes, but most of all, the sadness she tried so hard to hide, my plans disappeared like a puff of smoke.
I caught the fresh towel Cameron threw at me on the way back to the lockers, wiping my face with it. I was distracted, and practice had been brutal.
Justin appeared in front of me, jogging backwards. "Did your mommy forget to breastfeed you this morning, Lockhart? Your game sucked, dude."
I threw the towel at his face.
"Where'd you go last night?" Cameron asked, ignoring the whiny complaints from Justin.
"Yeah. I saw you talking to that hot piece of ass at the club. Did you score?"
Why did I feel like punching his face? Justin always talked like his mouth came from a garbage dump. It didn't bother me before, but I found that I didn't like it when he talked that way about her.
I took off my shirt that was soaked in sweat, crumpled it in my hands and, without guilt, threw it again at Justin's face.
"What the fuck, dude!"
Cameron laughed, but he sobered as he turned to me. I always thought he had one of the eeriest blue eyes I'd seen in a human being.
"Everything good?" he asked.
Opening my locker, I reached for my bag and straddled the bench to rummage for a fresh shirt and jeans.
"Yeah. Just need to get laid."
Justin snorted. "Like you'd have a problem in that department."
If he knew how hard I was shut down last night, he'd laugh his ass off.
I was heading for the showers when my phone burped a text.
SANDRA BODELLI: Hey, handsome. Want to come over? My roommate won't be here tonight.
I frowned. "Who's Sandra Bodelli?"
Justin sneaked behind me to look at my phone. "Damn. You're the man, Cal. Remember the girl from Engineering who came to practice last week?"
I looked at him blankly.
e, big eyes—" he cupped his chest with his hands, "—beautiful ass...ets?"
I shrugged. "I'll take it."
Justin roared like a maniac. I ignored him and sent a text to Sandra I'd meet her in an hour.
I'd forget Red tonight.
Slightly drunk and running on fumes, I stumbled back home at two in the morning. It was dark, but I didn't bother turning the lights on as I carelessly stripped out of my clothes in the living room.
Opening the fridge, I grabbed a carton of orange juice and— because I heard my mom's voice in my head telling me not to drink from the carton— grabbed a glass from the cupboard and poured. I let out a loud burp after chugging three glasses.
Ready to pass out, I headed to my bedroom.
"Owww! What the fuck?"
The lights turned on, blinding me as I crumpled to the floor in pain.
"Good God!" Red screamed, covering her eyes. "You're naked!"
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I yelled, shooting her a murderous look. She was gripping my baseball bat in her hands.
I knew it. She was a murderer, an assassin hired by some psycho to kill me.
"I'm so sorry! I thought you were a thief!" she yelled back.
A thief. In my own home?
Everything hurt. My head, back, arms, legs. Moaning, I laid on my stomach on the cold floor.
"You better put that baseball bat down or I swear I will paddle your ass black and blue," I threatened.
She must not have taken my threat seriously because I heard her move around. A moment later, a cloth landed on my bare ass. I was sure I'd find the humor in this once pain left my body.
I felt her kneel beside me, breathing down my neck. "I'm sorry, Caleb. I really thought... hey, are you okay?"
When she placed her hand on my shoulder, I flinched. She quickly retrieved it. It wasn't because her touch repelled me. It was because it felt so damn good.
"Do I look okay?" My voice sounded harsher than I meant. "Why don't you just shoot me and get it over with?"
I could feel her glare drilling a hole in my head. "If you turned the lights on like a normal person, I wouldn't have hit you."
I had enough strength to lift my head and frown at her, but when I saw what she was wearing, I forgot my mad. She had on an oversized white shirt with a picture of a fat orange cat drinking a margarita.
"Where'd you get the fat cat?" I asked. I couldn't help but grin.
She blinked. "What?"
"I don't think I own that shirt." I paused. "Do I?"
"It will probably gain you some respect from me if you did, but no. I stowed whatever I have left in the campus locker and went there to get my stuff while you were out today."
Something must be wrong with me because Sandra didn't turn me on in her lingerie. Red's shapeless shirt did. Or maybe it was just Red. I had to make up a lame excuse so I could leave Sandra and ended up spending the night drinking with Cameron instead.
"Why are you smiling now? I swear there's something wrong with your head."
Was I smiling? I didn't even notice. Laying my cheek on the floor, I closed my eyes and breathed in her scent. I could smell the strawberry shampoo she'd used.
I decided strawberries were my favorite from now on.
She was still sitting beside me, close enough for me to grab and pull on top of me. Something told me that would get me a kick in the balls so I stayed where I was, happily breathing her in.
"I'm sorry, Caleb," she murmured after a while.
My God. This girl would be the death of me. One moment she was snarling like a wounded tiger, and soft and sweet as a kitten next.
"It's okay, Red. I think I have a few more limbs left for you to abuse. But just no more tonight, alright?"
I wiggled my fingers and feet for effect but that got no reaction from her.
Pulling her legs to her chest, she rested her cheek on top of her knees and a lock of dark hair fell on her face. I had the strongest urge to tuck it behind her ear.
"Why call me Red? If you haven't noticed, my hair is dark."
My eyes felt heavy and I was about to close them when I noticed her toenails. She'd painted them a sexy red. And she wondered why I called her Red.
"You were wearing this hot red dress last night. And your lips. Your lips made me think of... I don't think you'd care to hear my thoughts about that."
She totally ignored my comment and got up from the floor.
"It's late. Do you need help getting back to your room?" It sounded like she wanted me to say no.
"You know I'm naked, right?" I looked up at her. She was glaring at me. "This towel you covered my ass with isn't big enough to cover what's on my front."
What the hell did I just say? I expected her to stomp off this time, but she surprised me. She laughed instead. It was a big bold laugh that was so unguarded it brought a smile to my face. I wanted her to keep laughing, but I was so exhausted I couldn't think of anything to make her laugh again.
"I can always get you a body bag," she offered. I could hear the smile in her voice.
"You're so creepy," I chuckled.
"Not as creepy as you."
I closed my eyes, grinning like a fool. "Are you flirting with me now, Red?"
If she replied, I missed it because the next thing I knew, I was waking up to the smell of bacon. I was still on the floor, but she had placed a pillow under my head and a blanket to cover me.
Groggy, I sat up and noticed my clothes weren't scattered on the floor anymore. She must have picked them up while I was asleep. I headed to the kitchen and spotted her in front of the stove.
Warmth filled my chest. She was cooking breakfast.
For me.
I had to remind myself that she was just holding up her end of the bargain. Still it made me happy.
I leaned back against the wall, enjoying the view. There was something sweet and cozy watching a girl cook breakfast for you. The smells, the sounds... the girl.
She'd tied her hair in a messy knot on top of her head and tendrils had escaped, curling on the delicate line of her neck. The grace and fluidity of her movements reminded me that she was a fantastic dancer.
"Hey there, stranger," I greeted as she turned around.
She squealed in surprise and almost dropped the plate.
"Are you always so jumpy in the morning?" I asked.
She gave me a half-hearted smile. I figured there was more to it than she was letting on, but I let it go.
"Why don't you get dressed then you can eat your breakfast?" she suggested.
I tucked my tongue in my cheek. "You mean get undressed and eat you for breakfast?"
Sometimes I wondered if my mother dropped me when I was a child. Even I thought my mouth needed to be soaped from the things that came out of it. She must be getting used to me because she only shook her head.
I padded back to my bedroom, brushed my teeth, put on jeans. By the time I headed back to the kitchen, she had two plates balanced on one arm. How the hell did she do that?
Watching her expertly put the plates on the counter, I took a seat.
"Three out of four shelves in your fridge are stocked with cartons of orange juice," she commented, her brows raised curiously.
"Yeah. Can you tell I hate the stuff? Where'd you learn how to cook?"
It took a moment before she answered. "My mom had three jobs when I was growing up so I was by myself a lot. I had to learn how to cook or eat peanut butter and toast for the rest of my life."
I paused, thinking. "You like peanut butter?"
There was something about her smile that triggered a memory, but it was gone before I could catch it. "It's my favorite."
"Okay, I'll get some then."
"You don't have to," she said quickly.
"I know." And because I knew she'd argue if I said grass was green, I changed the subject. "Hey, I have an idea how we can make this meal fun."
She looked at me dryly as she placed a glass of orange juice beside my plate.
"You know those sexy French maid outfits?" I continued, scooping eggs, bacon and toast to my plate. "Small black skirt, white apron, lacy headband? Of course you'd have to have the white stockings and high heels too. Oui, Monsieur Lockhart, I'll get that for you. Oui, Monsieur Lockhart, you look fantastique today. Fantastique."
"I have a question for you," she started, standing in front of me with her hands on her hips. "What exactly do you want to do if you grow up?"
With that, she turned around and left.
What the hell did I do now?
Bummed out, I put my fork down, leaned back against the chair, rubbed my face.
I wanted her to eat breakfast with me.
I wanted her company.
What the hell was happening to me?
I felt like a dog, begging for attention.
I was Caleb Lockhart. I never begged for a girl's attention. They were the ones who flocked around me, wanting my company.
I realized that I had been spoiled, and that this girl was very, very different.
Looked like I got my wish after all.
Veronica
My heart was pounding by the time I locked the bedroom door behind me. Still gripping the doorknob, I leaned my forehead against the wood and closed my eyes.
Did Caleb have to walk around half naked all the time?
The guy was a walking poster boy. It was hard to pretend he didn't affect me. Sooner or later he'd see right through my facade.
Caleb walked with an air of relaxed self-confidence, too aware of his appeal and effect to the female population, and very comfortable with it. He was exactly the type of guy I stayed away from.
Wasn't it ironic I was living under the same roof with him now?
Pushing away from the door, I glanced at my watch. The campus library should be open now. I needed to use the computer there to apply jobs online and print copies of my resume so I could submit as much as I could to businesses downtown. I had done this a few times before to no avail, but I had to keep trying.
The economy in the city of Green Pine Manitoba had not recovered fully after the recession. It was harder to find jobs now more than ever, especially one that would not conflict with my classes. I didn't know if I could even afford to finish my courses now.
Maybe it was time to move to a different province where jobs were plenty, but I loved being surrounded by the lakes of Manitoba, appreciated the friendliness of small towns, the diversity of cultures and social practices. Besides, it wasn't like I could afford to move again.
I wondered where I'd be if Caleb didn't offer to live at his place. I owed him and I'd find a way to pay him back somehow.
Gathering my books, I opened the drawer on my bedside table to store them in and shrieked. The drawer was brimming with condoms!
Good God. Was this room where Lockhart slept with his groupies? I could only hope that he changed the sheets. What if he didn't? Eek! Stripping the bed covers, I decided to wash them later. Maybe sanitize the whole room too.
I took a shower, got ready for the day. My hair was still damp as I headed out and crashed against a very solid and wet body.
"Ow!" I cried out, rubbing my forehead.
"Hey, Red."
I looked up. And was rendered speechless.
Caleb was shirtless again, his unbelievable chest gleaming with sweat. His hands held the ends of the white towel around his neck. There were Band-aids on his fingers and I could see calluses on his hands.
Did the guy work out every day?
"Going somewhere?" he asked, green eyes twinkling, like he was up to no good.
I cleared my throat and nodded, refusing to look below his neck. "Work."
"Ah. I see." He paused. "Always so serious."
The heat emanating from his body was beginning to bother me. A lot. The way his vibrant green eyes studied me wasn't helping either. I took a step back.
There was a naughty gleam in his eyes as he asked, "Wanna see something?"
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "Not really."
His smile widened before he shamelessly stretched his arms to his sides, flexing his impressive biceps. The lines and curves on his arms were tight, his skin tan and healthy.
"Watch this." With a naughty grin, he turned to his side so that I could get a view of his butt. It was noticeably round and firm and... This was getting out of hand.
"Note the butt pop," he winked. "I'm popping it, popping it just for you. Keep your eyes on me. I haven't shown you the best part yet."
He started moving the muscles on his chest. It looked like there were little bugs twitching under his skin. It was creepy. I started laughing so hard I had to wrap my arms around my stomach. This boy was insane.
"What do you think, girl? I got it good, huh? I got it really good."
I shook my head. "The only thing you got going good for you is that no one has picked you up yet for the zoo. Your cage is waiting. I'm sure you can showcase yourself among your species there."
He batted his eyelashes. "You'd pay to see me. Admit it. Hey, Red?" His face turned serious all of a sudden as he asked in a low, deep voice, "Want a strip dance?"
We both jumped when we heard the intercom.
Rubbing his face with his hand, he muttered, "Damn. I forgot I'm supposed to go to a charity event with my mother today. Can you hide in your bedroom for a few minutes? Be really, really quiet."
"Scared of mommy?"
"Hell yeah. It might be awkward to explain why you're staying here with me. Just give me a few minutes. Half hour tops then you can go."
If his mom didn't want me to stay here with him, then I'd better find another place to stay as soon as possible. I needed to find a job today.
I let out a frustrated sigh. "I need to leave, Caleb. I have a lot of things to do today. I can tell her I'm housekeeping."
"No! You don't even have a broom with you. Trust me. I'll get rid of her soon then you can go."
"Fine."
Listening to the sounds outside the bedroom, I heard a soft voice of an older woman's, followed by Caleb's deeper tones. Twenty minutes later, I heard a gentle rap on the door.
Cautious, I stayed where I was and waited. The door slowly opened an inch. "Red?"
I walked to the door and stood behind it. "I'm here," I said.
"I have to go. So... I'll see you tonight?"
We both stood on each side of the door, whispering like kids sharing secrets to one another.
"Sure," I answered.
"Are you going to miss me?"
I paused. "Sure, Caleb."
He cleared his throat. "Later, Red," he said softly, closing the door.
"Later, Caleb," I whispered to no one.
*
A/N: Hi, lovely readers! I had so much fun writing this chapter :) Please vote and comment if you like this story :)
P.S. YOUR COMMENTS ARE LIKE CRACK TO ME SO PLEASE GO BAT SHIT CRAY CRAY! Ta-ta! :) Love, Isabelle (what's with the crack jokes already...haha I swear I'm not a drug addict. Lol Maybe a fiction character addict. I fall in love with fiction characters... is that bad? Yeah, it's bad, eh? *sighs* oh well...)