Forever and Always

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

I finished reading my college acceptance letter and basically jumped on Caleb. He was holding most of my weight and I said, "I love you," before kissing him. I didn't really plan on stopping. Caleb clumsily walked over to the couch and sat down. His arms were wrapped around my waist and my hands were in his hair. 

Caleb pulled back from me and I started to pout, but he gently put his hand under my chin, pecked my lips, and said, "Come on, let's go to the beach."

I smiled and went to change into my bikini. Caleb had changed into his swimsuit and had grabbed two towels. The beach was only a short walk from our house and by the time we got there, I was ready to get in the water. I ditched my shorts, tank top, and flip flops and walked down to the water's edge.

The clear blue water was cold and refreshing. I let the waves wash over my feet, adjusting to the coolness of the water. All of a sudden, Caleb came up behind me and scooped me up, carrying me into the ocean. I giggled and by the time Caleb set me down, the water was well over my waist.

"I hate you," I laughed, splashing Caleb.

"I don't think you do," he smirked.

"Oh I do," I said returning the smirk. Caleb dipped under the surface of the water and I couldn't tell where he was. "Shit," I murmured. 

I felt his arms wrap around my waist all of a sudden and I screamed. Caleb was standing behind me, laughing and not releasing his grip on my waist. I turned around and smacked his arm.

"Tell me you love me," he smirked.

"Now why would I lie to you?" I asked.

"Say it," he demanded jokingly.

"Make me." Caleb started to tickle my sides and stomach and I burst out laughing. "Stop," I managed to say.

"Not until you tell me you love me."

"Okay, okay, I love you."

"I love you too." Caleb quit tickling me, but wouldn't let go of me until after he had the chance to kiss me.

We spent the rest of the day at the beach and then headed home. I got in the shower to wash all of the salt water out of my hair, and when I got out, Caleb had laid out a new blouse and skirt for me to wear. It was a simple black pencil skirt and I tucked the pale pink blouse into the skirt and loosened it. After adding silver studs and a silver bracelet, I walked out into the living room. Caleb stood up from where he was sitting on the couch and he had khakis and a button down on.

"Happy Birthday Charlie," he smiled. "Do you like the blouse and skirt?"

"Caleb, they're perfect. You're the best," I said, kissing his cheek and hugging him.

"Well you look perfect."

Caleb walked me out to the car, his hand on my back, and we went to dinner. 

After dinner, we ditched our shoes at the car and took a walk on the beach. Caleb had his arm wrapped around my waist and the cool ocean water was washing over our feet.

"Have you looked at wedding dresses yet?" he asked.

"Yes, but you don't get to know anything about it."

"Please?" he asked.

"No, you have to wait."

"Fine," he smirked. I knew he was going to do something, but I couldn't react in time. Caleb threw me over his shoulder and started walking back towards the car.

"Caleb, put me down," I giggled.

"Only if you want to tell me about the dress."

"Have fun carrying me all the way back to the car." I don't know how, but he carried me all the way back to the car. Caleb opened my car door, put me in the car, buckled my seat belt, and kissed my cheek. I wouldn't let him hold my hand though. I wanted to mess with him a little longer.

We pulled into the driveway and Caleb asked, "Are you going to tell me now?"

I crossed my arms and ignored his question. Caleb sighed and walked around to my side of the car. Caleb picked me up and carried me into the house. Closing the door, he asked, "Are you going to tell me now?"

"Nope," I replied simply.

Caleb carried me into our bedroom and laid me down on our bed. He climbed on top of me, but kept his weight off of me.

"Tell me," he demanded.

"I think I'll pass."

Caleb brought his lips down to mine and I tangled my hands in his hair. I gently bit his bottom lip before he slipped his tongue into my mouth.I slid my hands out of his hair and down to the top button on his button down. Before I could even begin to unbutton the first one, Caleb grabbed my hands and pulled out of the kiss. He looked at me, but didn't say anything. Instead, he got up and walked into the bathroom. I heard the shower turn on, so I changed into pajamas and left the room to think. 

CALEB'S POV:

I know that getting up and leaving Charlie was a dick move, especially on her birthday, but I had to cool down before we got any further. If I hadn't stopped her, then she might end up pregnant again because I wouldn't have been able to stop myself.

When I got out of the shower, I saw that Charlie had changed and left. I'm such an asshole. I put on sweatpants and a t-shirt and went to find Charlie.

She wasn't in the living room or kitchen, so I walked out onto the front porch. She was in one of the rockers with her knees pulled up to her chest. I sighed and closed the door. I sat down on the porch in front of her, but she completely ignored me. "Charlie, please." She glanced at me and I could see the silent tears rolling down her face. 'Charlie, I know that I'm an asshole. I mess up a lot. I say stupid things and do stupid things, but do you really think I wouldn't want to? Charlie, I love you and you have absolutely no idea how much you turn me on. I shouldn't have just up and left you though. I should have talked with you about it, but if I hadn't stopped you where I did, I wouldn't have been able to say no. Charlie, I just want to wait until we are married, okay? Besides, you were pregnant not even a week ago. Please forgive me."

She looked at me and wiped her eyes. "I'm not mad, just emotional."

Her voice was hoarse and I felt like even more of an ass. I helped Charlie up and we went into our room. She turned on the TV and climbed in bed while I ditched my sweatpants and t-shirt because it's too warm for them.

As I was pulling my shirt off, Charlie asked, "So you can take your shirt off, but I can't? I see how it is Caleb."

I was about to apologize again, but Charlie started laughing. I got in bed and started tickling her for messing with me. I finally quit "punishing" her and she curled up against me. I heard Charlie yawn and I kissed the top of her head before we both drifted off.