Chapter 8

Shana

I watch the door slam shut behind Caleb and stand there dripping on the carpet, stunned. Why did he just leave like that when I was making it clear I wanted another night like the last one?

Maybe he didn't, though, and didn't want to hurt my feelings. We had such a great day, but we always have the most fun when we're together. This is different. He seemed to enjoy himself plenty last night, but then again, maybe he just did it so I wouldn't feel too guilty for making him rescue me.

I don't know how to feel. I can't get angry at him, because now more than ever, I know I'd have hated being with anyone other than him. Did I do something wrong? What if I just didn't stack up against the more experienced women I know he's been with? A couple times a month he has to go to California or Texas for business. Now that I think about all the beautiful women who've pounced on my man, I want to be sick.

Except, he's not really my man, is he? He's just Caleb, my best friend, and it seems like he might want to go back to that. Or, he could just be worried about what's waiting for him back home. He can try to hide it all he wants, but I know things are bad—really bad. And it's all my fault.

I get my pajamas on, too exhausted to chase him down to the bar, and I know him well enough to know that's not what he wants right now. And for some reason, it's extremely important to me to give him what he wants. And not just because I want to make things up to him.

Oh God, do I love Caleb?

Of course I do, always have. But this is different. Not just best friends love, but real love. That's why I got so excited about running away to start a whole new life with him. He's all I need to be happy. I could give everything up as long as he was around.

"He's always been enough," I say, staring in the mirror while I dab night cream on my face.

Caleb has always been there for me. This isn't the first time he's bailed me out of trouble; this is just the biggest mess I've ever gotten into. And like always, he was right there without being asked. Even when I yelled at him and told him I didn't need help, he stayed. And when I was wrong and really needed help, after all, he trashed his whole life for me. He's always been enough, and I was too silly to tell him.

Feeling sick, I curl up in bed to wait for him to return. More than anything, I want to tell him how I feel, but I fear he'll laugh in my face. I'm honestly lucky he still wants to be my friend after what I put him through, and maybe he's just putting up with me until I'm safely back home. The way he ran out of here tells me he's not interested in me romantically, and that makes my chest feel like his old pickup truck is parked on it. But the thought of losing him as a friend, not having him in my life anymore at all makes me want to tear off my skin.

That's not an option. I have to make things right.

I sit up like I've been struck with lightning, and I have been struck with a thought that might fix everything. I'm not a virgin anymore; but the other women at the club weren't, and they said they still made a killing. A few of them were regulars, saying they were saving up for mansions and exotic vacations.

Except the damn auction is only once a month and Caleb is so honest he won't put off facing Leo and trying to make things right for that long. Still, I have to try.

Jumping off the bed, I rummage through my luggage until I find the slinkiest club dress I brought with me. I toss it on, put on some makeup and head out to The Black Door to beg for a chance to make the money Caleb needs to repair his life. He stole for me and I can't let him face the consequences of my actions all alone. I have one chance to redeem myself with Caleb, save our friendship, and show him how much I love him.

As I sneak past the bar next to the lobby, I see Caleb sitting alone at a booth with his head in his hands. My steps slow, and my body yearns to go to him. He looks absolutely miserable, which only fuels me to keep going. I'm making the right decision. He's been sacrificing for me his whole life out of friendship and now I'm going to do the same, but this time, for love.