Chapter 11
Caleb
The sun is rising when I bring the boat to shore. Neither of us have slept more than an hour, and I’m not complaining. It was worth it.
Now that we’re both dressed again, I’ve come to the realization that this encounter is officially over. She’s not acting clingy like other chicks have done in the past. It’s almost like we had a business agreement. We fucked like animals, and are supposed to walk away like two passing ships in the night. I’m not even sure if a goodbye kiss is permitted, so I’m going to wait and see if she initiates one.
We kept small talk to a minimum, and because of that I’m not sure what to say. By now my past hookups would have left, and if for some reason they didn’t, I’d find a reason to vacate before things got awkward.
Without asking, I’ve come to believe Kadence is familiar with being on the water. I know she lives near the ocean, but that doesn’t prove she can maneuver a watercraft. While driving back to shore, she uses nautical terms and prepares the ropes for docking without being asked. If I had to guess, I’d say she probably took sail boating courses in the fancy school she mentioned attending. With the exception of her shitty choice of friends, that’s all I know about the woman.
When the boat is back in its slip, we secure it with the rope. I offer my hand for her to take when she exits, and a smile tells me she’s thankful.
Then it’s how I suspected. We’re just standing there, having to both walk in the same direction to go home. “Mind if I walk with you?”
She snickers. “Why would I mind?”
“I don’t know. Just being considerate.”
“I’m hungry,” she admits. “I’m going to have breakfast. I saw the menu at the diner last night and want some pancakes.”
My stomach growls as she says it. “The food is great.”
“You’re welcome to join me. I’ll treat.”
“You don’t have to keep paying me. I feel like a whore.”
Her laughter tells me she takes it as the joke I mean it to be. “That’s not what this is. I’m inviting you, so I’ll pay.”
“I’ll buy you breakfast. It’s cool. I get a discount.” We walk in silence for a few long minutes. “You think you’ll ever come back to the island?”
She shrugs. “Not sure. I’d like to. There’s so much I haven’t seen.”
“When do you leave?”
“This weekend coming up. Why?”
“I was going to give you the tour.” When she gives me an accusatory look, I feel the need to reiterate my invitation. “Not a date or anything. Just being friendly.”
“Caleb, last night was great. It was fun and I really needed it. That being said, you don’t have to be nice to me or offer to cater to me.”
“I’m not.”
She turns to face me, stopping me in my tracks. Her hands come up on my chest and stay there. “Let’s not be weird. We’ll have breakfast and then go our separate ways. Don’t get sensitive on me now.”
“Sensitive?” I repeat while shocked that’s the word she used to describe me. “I’m not sensitive. I’m the least sensitive person you’ll ever meet.”
“You’re trying to cater to me and it’s not necessary. I’m good. We’re good.”
“Kadence, maybe where you’re from guys walk out without a thanks, but here we tend to at least be courteous. I’m only offering things I’d do for anyone.” I can sense she’s putting up invisible walls. Since I know nothing about her, I can’t understand the reasoning behind it. This chick doesn’t want to let anyone in. For whatever reason, she’s determined to walk away like nothing ever happened.
I, on the other hand, am finally getting a taste of what I do to other women. It’s tough to comes to terms with. I feel like a dick, and there’s not a damn thing I can do to shut off my mind. “Look, it’s cool. Go have your breakfast. I’ll head home and shower. I can’t be late to work two days in a row anyway. Thanks again for last night, Kadence. If you’re ever back in town, come find me.”
I skirt away before she can respond. Taking a longer route home, I leave her standing on the main road into town; the one that leads to the diner.
The fact that this person has gotten under my skin irritates me. She’s just another chick. Sure, she’s beautiful and smart, and knows what she wants, but she’s still just another chick visiting the island. I shouldn’t give a shit if we part ways. I shouldn’t even continue thinking about it.
My cell phone has one bar of battery left. In order to make myself feel better, I shoot Evie a text. If anyone can take my mind off of Kadence, it’s her.
Little do I know, I won’t have to wait long to speak with her. As soon as I walk into the apartment I know there’s been a party. My sister is face down on the couch, a bag of chips sticks to her cheek. Stepping over throw pillows strewn across the floor, I walk by my brother’s door to get to mine and see something that turns my stomach.
Three people are passed out on his bed. He’s in the middle, in the buff, while two naked females sleep on either side. One of them is the chick from the bar that I couldn’t place. The other is Evie.
I lose my shit.
Now, I’m no fool. I know if I make a scene it will only prove my jealousy and cause problems for everyone involved. Instead of beating my twin brother to a pulp for breaking our promise to never mess with each other’s conquests, I decide to leave and wait until we’re alone. Evie’s just another chick. She’s not someone I actually care about, not in a way where it will actually hurt me. It’s Coop that I’m pissed at.
He’s the one who knows I’ve never done that to him, and I wouldn’t.
With little sleep, no shower, and a pounding hangover, I walk to work with my foul mood only intensifying. I’m not sure if I’m going to last all day, but I need something to occupy my mind. Everything feels wrong. I’m sick to my stomach, and the only thing that brings a smile to my face is thinking about my night with Kadence.