Suicide Notes

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Caleb-

My lips were attached to hers before we even hit the mattress and suddenly it was as if everything inside me had broken free. I didn't care about anything but her; and it was exactly what I wanted and needed—to lose myself completely.

"Anna," I moaned her name as I trailed my mouth over her skin, sinking against her neck, licking and sucking. Hands trailing lower, I fumbled with locating the hem of her shirt, my hand slipping beneath. Soft, silky skin met my fingers and I couldn't help the groan that escaped me as I moved higher, wishing all her clothes would magically disappear so I could see everything, touch everything.

Her hands locked around my neck, dragging me back to her mouth and I responded eagerly, plunging my tongue inside. She tasted so sweet, much better than anything I'd tasted lately, yet I found myself feeling nearly as drunk—but with passion, instead of alcohol.

Surprise flooded me when she pushed me away, holding me back at arm's length. "We have to stop, Caleb," she said breathlessly.

"Why?" I asked; dread filling me as I waited for her answer.

"I lied," she replied a bit sheepishly and grimaced.

I set back on my knees. "Lied? About what?" Maybe I'd read everything all wrong. Maybe she didn't want to be here.

"About the guys. They didn't go to dinner. They're in the basement waiting for us to come practice."

A frustrated sigh escaped me and I shook my head. "Why didn't you just say so?"

"Because I knew you'd use it as an excuse not to talk to me. I couldn't take the silence between us anymore."

"Anna, I'm sorry. I've been a jerk and you've been forced to take the brunt of it. I haven't intentionally been trying to hurt you. Things have just been confusing for me right now." Memories of Jessi and why I'd chosen to avoid Anna pricked at my conscience.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" The sympathy and concern were back in her eyes.

"Maybe someday," I replied, knowing it was a lie. I'd never tell her what was tearing me apart inside.

"That's good enough for me."

Instantly, the guilt stabbed at me stronger. I simply nodded.

The sound of the front door opening interrupted us and I climbed off the bed as Rick appeared.

"Um . . . You two gonna join us any time soon?" he asked, glancing back and forth between us.

"We were just about to head down," Anna replied with a smile, climbing off the bed. "I needed to have a small talk with Caleb real quick first."

Rick grinned as he stared between the bed and me. "Talking. Is that what they're calling it these days, bro?" He arched an eyebrow before turning to head out again, his chuckle echoing back.

Glancing at Anna, I saw she was blushing furiously. "You ready for this? You know he'll tell the others. They're going to tease us unmercifully."

"What is this, exactly?"

Sighing, I ran my hands through my longish hair, considering what I could actually commit to at the moment. "This," I paused, "is an experiment."

"An experiment?" She looked confused, her brow furrowing. "What kind of experiment?"

Moving closer, I reached for her hand and pulled her against me. "I want to see if love really can conquer all." My lips lightly brushed her forehead as she formed an "oh" with her mouth.