BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER

“I really think we should get back to the party now, Kaleb”

Kaleb watched her for a second before he stood up. He wanted to kiss her again, but he didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable… OrOr worse, scared. He wasn’t a caveman and he’d never take a woman who wasn’t willing. So he stood up and faced her.

“I’m sorry” he said, “I shouldn’t have done that, and you’re right. We should go back to the party”

Sasha almost winced. Sorry? She didn’t want him to be sorry because she’d love that kiss. She just thought that stopping was the right thing to do, but she masked her feelings quickly and stood up straight.

“Yeah, we should go,” she agreed.

They left and walked in silence, but the kiss refused to leave Sasha’s lips. Amatory blushes kept flushing on her cheeks at the mere remembrance of Kaleb’s mouth taking charge of destroying her any possible resolution to keep herself sexually uninvolved as she’d been for the past few years.

Oh no, this wasn’t healthy! Sasha shook her head to do these thoughts away. “Kaleb is just an alluring little beast who’s nothing but one hell terrific kisser who wants you to fall for his stupid charms that’s not going to work,” she was telling to herself, her thoughts over Kaleb restless. .

They got back to the party, and they were suddenly joined by Tilly, Samson and another lady Sasha didn’t recognize. Tilly moved forward,” Where the hell have you two been?” she questioned, before she turned to Kaleb, “And you… Did you forget that this is your party?”

Kaleb remained silent, and Sasha felt too guilty to think of anything to say. The other lady who had arrived with them wrapped her arm around Kaleb’s and Sasha firmed her eyes at both Kaleb and the woman without a word. She also noticed that Kaleb’s eyes couldn’t leave hers.

“Hi, I’m Claire.” the lady said to her smiling “Kaleb’s girlfriend”

Sasha smiled back and introduced herself too, but her eyes were on Kaleb, who was staring back at her blankly, his face like a desert.

Why don’t we all go get something to drink?” Samson said, but Sasha shook her head slowly. No, she wasn’t going to spend another minute with the guy who kissed her knowing he had a girlfriend. What a jerk! She thought.

“I’m sorry, Samson, but I’m afraid I have to go,” she said urgently. “I just remembered that I have this test I need to study for and I’ve been so busy with the food truck that I haven’t read anything at all.”

“What?” Samson frowned, foiled. “The party just started”

“I’m sorry,” Sasha mouthed at him, beseechingly.

“What a shame, huh?” Claire remarked. “We’d have loved to have some drinks… I want to get to know all of Kaleb’s friends.”

“Oh… Kaleb is Mr popular” said Samson jokingly, “It will take a while before you get to know all of his friends”

“Well, I intend to,” said Claire cheerfully.

However, Kaleb’s disposition wasn’t as sassy as theirs, upon Claire’s insinuation. His lips twitched.

“Seriously, can’t you stay, Sasha?” Claire insisted.

“Maybe some other time.” Sasha smiled tightly.

Claire seemed persistent. “Are you sure? It won’t-”

“She said she has things to do!” Kaleb snorted. “Are we going to spend the rest of our lives discussing this? Because I don’t think I want to do that. This is still a party right?”

Fucker! Sasha cursed inwardly.

“He’s right,” she uttered, glaring at him gravely. “Enjoy your party, and it was a pleasure meeting you,” she told Claire and turned around. “Jerk,” muttered as she walked past Kaleb.

And he heard it clearly enough.

———-

It was pouring heavily later that night. Unable to get a sleep, Sasha walked out of her bed and dropped on the comfy couch near the window. Sighing, her mind went back to that moment when Claire introduced herself as Kaleb’s girlfriend. She couldn’t let it go no matter how much she wanted to and it pissed her off.

“Cut it out, Sasha! It’s not like you love him or something,” she breathed, wondering why she was getting invested into that jerk. Could it be due to his rude manners? Or his personality changes since he’d returned; sometimes warm, sometimes cold? She couldn’t quite understand a thing, but it was a clear fact that she was affected by him.

Kaleb had a girlfriend, she made a mental reminder, and it only drove her crazy. Why did she have to let him kiss her? It all started with that stupid kiss, she snapped inwardly. At least when it was just a crush, she could handle herself quite well. Thinking of him, she stretched her hand and unplugged her phone from its charger. She stared at it thoughtfully for a while, pondering. What was she doing? Her heart pounded fast.

“No, Sasha. You’ll only get hurt.” She could hear the voice telling her but her body had a mind of its own. She sent Kaleb a text.

‘You sleeping?’

She placed the phone aside, for she wasn’t really expecting any reply. However, she was surprised to hear the beep a few seconds later. She grabbed the phone quickly and his reply was

‘Not yet’.

Sasha smiled. Wasn’t this crazy yet exciting? Was the hell was she looking for? Trouble? She paused, thinking, pondering hard, and suddenly there was an incoming call . . . From him.

“Kaleb?” she muttered, eyes on the screen, and carefully picked up. “Hello,” she breathed.

“Were you waiting for my call?” Kaleb asked, his voice calm.

“Why would I? I just happened to have my phone close, that’s why,” Sasha argued, sitting straight.

Kaleb chuckled. “Why are you still awake?” he quizzed.

“I think I’m developing insomnia.” Sasha said and rolled her eyes.

“Really? I’m also a victim so maybe I should recommend you to my therapist.” His tone was provoking, his words smooth. “Shall I send you her address?”

“Another lady of yours? No thank you!” Sasha scoffed.

“But why? I promise she is the best.” Kaleb was definitely smiling right now, she could imagine, and the sight was still arresting. Fuck, couldn’t she throw him out of her mind! Sasha sighed frustrated.