"It's okay," Caleb said wrapping his arms around me. "It's just thunder and lightning."
"We're supposed to be in California," I sighed. "There aren't storms here."
"Yeah there are," Caleb laughed. "Look outside."
Another bolt struck paired with a loud thunderous sound. I jumped letting out a quiet scream.
"Come on," Caleb said taking my hand.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"Just come," he said grabbing two pillows and a blanket off the bed. I followed him to the huge walk in closet where he laid down the blanket and pillows.
"What are you doing?" I asked him.
"There aren't any windows in here," he replied. "It's virtually soundproof."
"Will you stay with me?" I asked.
"Yeah," he breathed. "Sure."
I woke up in a dark room. I was covered in a thick blanket and Caleb's arms were wrapped tightly around me. I could feel his hot breath on my ear. I rolled over and slid out of the blanket feeling my way around the closet.
"Good morning," Caleb smiled opening his eyes.
"I didn't know you were awake," I said.
"I wasn't," he replied.
"Sorry," I breathed.
"It's okay," he told me. He reached behind him and propped open the door letting in some light. He turned to me. "How did you sleep?"
"Not bad," I teased, "considering I slept on the floor of a closet. That's where shoes sleep."
"Shoes don't sleep, Princess," he replied.
"Come on," I said getting up and pulling him up behind me. "Let's get some coffee."
"Is Spencer making it?" he asked panicked.
"If she is," I told him, "I'll spring for Starbucks."
We walked into the kitchen to find Spencer filling the coffee filter with her wake the dead formula. I cringed and caught Caleb's eye. We both turned on our heels and tried to make a run for it.
"Hey guys!" Spencer said catching sight of us. "I'm making coffee."
"We were going to eat breakfast at the beach," I said.
"Okay," she smiled. "Don't forget. We have a boat trip planned for noon. My treat!"
"Thanks!" I smiled before I grabbed Caleb's hand. We ran back to my room to change and were out the door in five minutes.
"I think I saw a cafe on Ocean Avenue," Caleb said leading us away from the water. "Is that good?"
"Anything is better than Spencer's java," I laughed. I followed him to the tiny bistro along Wilshire and we took a seat on the patio. The waiter came and we ordered quickly.
"It's beautiful here," Caleb said looking around.
"I know," I smiled. "I love it."
"Hey," he said quickly, "did you know Aria was dating Fitz?"
"Um...yeah," I laughed. "Kind of weird, huh?"
"I kind of knew something was up," he replied, "and I rarely even made it to English."
"I guess it's not really our business, though," I said. "They look happy together."
"We used to be happy together," Caleb looked in my eyes. "What happened to that?"
"You know what happened," I replied.
"Do you think that there's maybe a chance for you to forgive me?" Caleb asked.
"You did save my life," I smiled. Then I gave him my serious face. "I really want to but you hurt me and it sucked. I just don't know if I can put myself in that position again."
"Hanna," he breathed, "I would never do anything to hurt you. I love you."
"How do I know that?" I asked. "I don't even trust you to be in the same state when I wake up in the morning."
"I know," he sighed. "I know."
"It's beautiful up here," Aria said sitting at the bow of the boat with me.
"I know," I smiled. I turned to her. "How's everything with you and Ezra?"
"It's nice," she smiled. "We went for a walk today and then we stopped in a bookshop. It was kind of awesome."
"I'm glad you guys are having fun," I told her. "It's not weird that all of us used to be his students or anything, right?"
"He's been cool so far," she replied. "I think it helps that he only taught at Rosewood for a few months. He and Toby are actually bonding. They read the same books."
"Weird," I laughed.
"I better go," Aria said turning to the rear of the boat. I stared ahead for a while until a cool breeze hit the boat. I shivered and then felt a warm arm around me.
"Where did you...?" I saw Caleb keeping me warm.
"I thought you might be cold," he said handing me a sweater.
"Thanks," I smiled.
I leaned my head into his chest. I was so comfortable there and it just felt right. I looked up into his eyes and bit my lip. Then I put a hand on his cheek and pulled him closer. I pressed my lips to his lightly and felt his arms strengthen their hold around my waist.
"I want you," I breathed coming up for air. Suddenly the boat jolted forward an came to a stop. "What the...?"
"We're stopping," he told me. "Everyone's getting off to go swimming."
"Seriously?" I asked. "We have the boat to ourselves."
Caleb nodded. We watched as everyone jumped off the boat diving in headfirst. I grabbed Caleb's hand and led him to the lower cabin where our bedroom was. I pulled Caleb onto the bed with me and we rolled in the bedsheets kissing every part of each other. Caleb pulled at my top so I was lying in just my bikini. He kissed in the crevice between my breasts and tugged at the skinny strings.
"Wait," I said getting up. "I don't think we should..."
"I know," he groaned rolling onto his side.
"I'm sorry," I breathed, "but I'm just not ready for this. I shouldn't have rushed it."
"I get it," he sighed.
"Maybe we should go back with everyone," I told him.
"You go," he replied. "I'll meet you in a minute."
"Oh," I tried not to laugh. I grabbed my top and ran back to the deck. I was about to jump in when something grabbed hold of me and I let out a loud squeal!