Page 60 of Broken

Before they turn away, Phoenix looks over at me. He isn’t smiling anymore. I can’t help but think he is trying to figure me out. Nor do I miss the concern on his face as he looks from me to where Garrett is standing, then back again.

I resist the urge to turn away from him as he holds on tight to the fidgeting, giggling woman in his arms. When Lucky yells for him to take her to the club, he grins at her and obliges. Leaving me to trudge after them, trying to work out what it all means.

Garrett didn’t say a single word about what I told him.

Am I disappointed in that, or relieved?

“Crap,” I mutter as I drop my satchel on the floor outside my apartment door.

Trying to juggle my bike, helmet and bag all at once was not the best idea.

“Here, let me help you.”

The voice scares the shit out of me. The bike pedal turns and cracks me right in the shin. Damn it. That is going to leave a mark. I’ve had more bike related injuries in the last month than I’ve had… ever.

Caleb approaches me. I haven’t seen him since Garrett was here. And I haven’t forgotten how Garrett reacted to him.

“I’m okay. Thanks though,” I tell him, resisting the urge to bend over and rub my leg.

Instead of trying to grab the satchel, I move the bike out into the hall and set it against the wall. Caleb is on the other side of me and leans down to grab the bag, even after me telling him I’m good. Hooking the helmet over the bars, I reach over to take the satchel.

For a moment, he hesitates. Then gives me a smile and passes it to me. What was that? Did he want to carry it for me? That’s weird. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it.

“Are you going out for a ride?”

“Yes,” I plaster on a smile.

“God, that was a stupid question. Of course you are,” he shakes his head at himself. “Here, let me,” he hurries ahead and calls the elevator. “I’m going to work, which sucks.”

“We all have to do it,” I smile, not sure what else to say that won’t encourage more questions.

“I have classes all day, a really hectic schedule.”

“At least your day should go quickly.”

“There is that. Nothing worse than being bored or twiddling your thumbs.”

“Exactly.”

For the first time, I wish I had stored my bike downstairs. I’m not sure what it is about Caleb that is making me uneasy. We’re making small talk, but I’ve never felt like this around him before.

He waits as I wheel the bike toward the elevator. He is watching me, not staring in a creepy way, but he hasn’t averted his eyes once.

Making a snap decision about someone isn’t how I usually work. At the same time, following my gut is something I’m becoming more attuned to. Caleb unsettles me. Using the bike as a barrier between us, I hit the ground floor button.

He doesn’t actually need to use the elevator, and it is a tight fit. Not that I thought that when Garrett was with me. And he is a lot bigger than Caleb. Luckily, we’re only on the second floor so the ride is over quickly.

Caleb offers for me to get out first, so I hurry ahead. “Here I can get the door.”

“Oh, that’s okay, I need to pick up my mail and make a quick call first.”

Caleb reminds me of Jared, with his blondish hair and clean-cut look. He’s not wearing a suit, which Jared did most days, but he is wearing chinos and a smart shirt. Everything about him screams preppy. These days, this look does nothing for me. Nope, my type apparently is tattooed, grumps who fuck like it’s their mission in life, and ask probing questions.

“Well, it was nice to see you. Maybe we could catch up sometime.”

“Sure, when we run into each in the hall.”

Was that diplomatic, or too much of a brush off? One thing is for sure, I do not want to go out with this guy. Not because of Garrett, who there is nothing going on with. Besides sexual attraction and, well, the sex.

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