Page 76 of Playing Pretend

“It was difficult not to. You were late to the party and when I saw her at your place she was dressed in your shirt, fresh from a shower.”

“Fuck.” Caleb rubbed his hands down his face in obvious frustration.

“I understand,” I added quietly. I didn’t like it, but I understood.

Caleb shook his head. “No, you don’t. I never asked her to stay, and nothing happened this afternoon. I have to give her a chance because she’s Braelynn’s mother, but the only woman I want at my side is you, Kadence. I thought you were finally starting to see that, that you were finally starting to trust me.”

“It’s difficult to do that when everything we have is built on a charade. I agreed to help you, but somewhere along the way I fell in love with you, and Brae. I never planned on feeling more for you but...” I trailed off, and when Caleb didn’t say anything in response, I could hear my heart hitting the floor, piece-by-piece. I wiped my face, and pulled myself together. I had to do what was best for me, and staying with Caleb when he obviously didn’t feel the same way about me certainly wasn’t it.

“I’m going to spend a few days with my Mom, but when I get back on Tuesday I will get the rest of my things. I think it’s time I got my own place.”

“I don't want you to,” replied Caleb. “I want you with me, and Brae.”

“What, so we can fuck like rabbits every night?” Someone gasped behind me but I didn't care. I was hurt, and in my eyes, all propriety had flown right out the fucking window. “Right now, that’s not enough Caleb. I need to know I’m more to you than just a bed warmer.”

“You are,” he retorted quickly. “I told you I won’t define what we are, and you said that you were okay with that.”

“That was before your ex showed up.”

“Natalia doesn’t have to be a problem.” Caleb held onto my upper arms, only this time his touch burned in a way that made me flinch.

“She’s the mother of your child,” I said. “It would be what’s best for Braelynn, to have her mother close by.”

“But what about what’s best for you and me?”

I exhaled loudly, feeling every ounce of energy leave my body.

“We both know we don’t matter, Caleb. Braelynn comes first, always.”

“I was wrong. I also deserve to be happy with whoever I choose, and I choose you.”

“If only it were that simple.”

They called my flight number, and when I looked back at Caleb he looked slightly panicked.

“I have to go, but I’ll be back on Tuesday. I’d appreciate it if you’d box my stuff up for me and hang onto it until then.”

Caleb took my face in his hands, his eyes pleading. “You can’t go.”

I squeezed my eyes closed and whispered, “I have to.” When I opened my eyes again I could see the storm swirling angrily in the depths of his blue eyes. “I’m glad that Braelynn will have her mother back in her life, but I need time to work through some stuff.” I tilted my head and placed a light kiss on his cheek. “I’ll see you when I get back.”