Caleb:we r going out tonite. Be ready by 8. See u then
I smile at the text. With him assuming our plans, we in the couple category—internal girlish giggles ensue.
Me:k…where?
Caleb:country bar
Back at my apartment after a quick workout, I take my time dressing while listening to my country playlist. I am just about to slide my boots on when there’s a knock on the door. I drop my boot to open the door and am greeted by a fine sight. Caleb has the perfect balance of a preppy/country look with worn boots, a pair of faded-in-all-the-right-places jeans, and a vintage snap-button shirt, which is un-ironed and untucked.
He walks in, sliding his hands around my waist, leaning in close to my ear, and whispering, “Well, hello there.” Shivers explode up and down my back.
“Hello yourself.” I slide my hand down the buttons of his shirt. “Let me put on my boots, and I’m ready.”
“You look great…but…” He leaves his statement hanging.
“What’s wrong?” Insecurity is like a punch to the gut.
“No, nothing’s wrong with how you look. You look wonderful, but…”
“Just spill it already.” My self-conscious tendencies are screaming.
“It’s just that…the skirt is reallyshort,” he blurts out.
I giggle, relieved. “Not really, you should see when Bree wears it. She’s a few inches taller than me. Now that’s short!” I slip my boots on and walk up to him. “Ready?”
“Yeah, okay,” he mumbles, but he seems put off.
“What’s wrong?” I stand in front of him and slide my hands down his arms to interlace our fingers.
“Nothing… You look great. I just know how sleazy guys can be, and I'm going to be afraid to let you out of my sight.”
I’m momentarily stunned because I have never thought of myself as a girl who turns heads. I love this outfit, but a small doubt appears on my choice of clothes.
“It’s what everyone wears. I’m sure there will be many, many scantily clad girls there for the boys to ogle.” I take my hands out of his, placing them around his neck. I rise up on my toes and pull him in closer for a soft, slow kiss. “I’m with you,” I whisper against his lips and go back in for another.
His arm wraps around my lower back as his other hand slides up my back, then cradles my neck. Soft and slow turns hard and passionate, but too quickly, he pulls away. He kisses from the corner of my mouth down my neck, where he pauses and keeps his head in the crook of my neck, catching his breath.
“We need to go.” He lets me go, walking to the door.
In the club,Caleb leads me to an area on the side of the dance floor, where bar tables and stools are scattered about. Jason and Wes are with a few other guys and girls, including Emily. He introduces me to everyone before walking away with Jason to get a round of drinks at the bar.
When Caleb gets back, he takes me out on the dance floor, and we two-step our way around. He knows how to dance, but only basic steps, unlike my friends back home. After a couple of songs, we are back at the table laughing and talking. Emily ignores me, but everyone else is welcoming.
I am basking in his attention—holding my hand, laying his hand on my thigh, or draping his arm on the back of my chair. I lean into him, the effect of the rum and diets I have been consuming hitting hard.
The girls scream with excitement when the music changes from country to pop. They head for the dance floor, and one grabs my hand, pulling me behind her. After a few songs I head back to the table and let Caleb know I’m going to the ladies’ room.
Walking back to the table, I see Emily being led to the dance floor by Caleb. A pang of jealousy hits, but I swallow it down as I take my seat.
Jason grabs my hand and says with a huge grin, “You’re my next victim.”
“I’m ready, if you can handle me!” I laugh.
Jason is a much better dancer than Caleb, exuding confidence, grace, and natural ease while leading me in very difficult spins and twirls. I am having so much fun dancing with him. Another fast-paced song begins, and we stay on the floor. After the second song, Jason leads me back to the table.
I reach for Caleb’s hand as I sit next to him, and he slides it away without looking in my direction. Confused by his behavior, I play it off, grabbing my drink, downing the remainder, and listening to everyone’s conversations. That’s when I notice Emily looking in our direction, smirking. My blood begins to boil, so I quickly turn my focus to the conversation and try my best to mask my feelings.
As a new song begins, Emily walks up to Caleb. She extends her hand, asking him to dance. Caleb takes it, stands up, and turns to me. “I’ll be—”