A Kiss Like This (Kiss and Make Up #3)(78)

Shit, she’s kind of scary.





~ Abby ~

I wish I could tell you that before leaving Lone Ranger’s tonight, Caleb and I had the courage to talk.

That I had the courage apologize.

That I had the courage to look at him.

But I didn’t.





CHAPTER 31

Caleb

I stand in the dark, surrounded by thick, overgrown hedges that rise to my waist, and study the window before me. Flashlight app illuminated on my phone, I shine it directly on the eyelevel casement window.

Somehow, before I can swing it open, I’ll have to lift the pane until it’s off the lock. Only then will I have access to the dark room inside.

I dig into the pocket of my track pants for my pocketknife, flip open the bottle opener, and wedge it securely into a crack at the base of the pane, giving the knife a firm tug.

Only the echo of splintered wood and rustling bushes fill the quiet void in this space of yard I occupy.

Ignoring the recognizable cracking sound, I make a mental note to come back and calk it, my deft fingers grab hold of the window base, and I push up. The pane gives a loud creak, then a moan, and I hear the telltale give of the lock coming undone before the crank moves the window forward.

Grunting, I pull, and the window eases opens. A tad too accessible for my comfort level, but I’ll have to deal with that later.

Once I have the glass all the way open, I close the pocketknife and stuff it back in my pocket, along with my phone, and crack my knuckles. Bracing both hands on either side of the window, I stiffen my arms and upper torso, then bounce on my heels, warming up my body and preparing to hoist myself five feet off the ground and up into the window from a stand.

The curtains inside billow and wrap around my face when my waist is jackknifed over the side, half in, half out. I grunt, pulling myself forward, and fall into the dark room, bringing the curtains, curtain rod, and tiebacks crashing down with me in the process.

“What the f*ck!” A loud screech comes from the dark recesses, followed by fumbling, banging, and a light being thrown on.

“What the f*ck are you doing?” A voice that is most certainly not Abby’s shouts down at me from my position on the ground, and I stiffen as angry footsteps approach from the other side of the room.

Did I mention it’s a room that is most certainly not Abby’s?

Shit, f*ck, shit.

“Caleb?”

I look up into Jenna’s shocked face.

“Um. Yeah?”

“What the hell are you doing? God, you’re such a jackass.” She throws her arm out and reaches for my hand. “Get up, you idiot.”

“Sorry.” I take her hand and she helps pull me up, but I stumble, my ankles wrapped in a heap of twisted curtains. “Shit, sorry.” Bending, I push down the gauzy purple fabric, yanking from under my feet and stepping out of the tangled chaos.

“You’re so lucky I didn’t shoot your sorry ass.” Jenna props her foot out, and my eyes flicker up and down her body; she’s only wearing thong underwear and a tight, sheer half tank. Fuck.

“You have a gun?” I spit out in a near screech, incredulously, averting my eyes.

“I have a Taser. But it’s hot pink and I’ve been dying to shoot someone with it. Bummer that’s it’s only you.”

“Sorry.”

“Yeah, so you keep saying.” Throwing on a short leopard-print robe that reaches her thighs, she ties the belt into a knot and turns to face me, arms crossed. “You really, seriously suck at this relationship crap, do you know that?”

Like I needed a reminder.

She continues. “Honestly, I’ve never seen such a bumbling mess.”

“Thanks.” Because really, what else is there to say?

“But it’s actually kind of sweet.”

My ears perk up.

“Even if you’re a little old to be so clueless.”

My shoulders sag.

“It’s a good thing we’re dealing with Abby here and not someone more sophisticated. She eats this shit up.”

Right. Okay, then. “Do you want me to help you with this?” I turn, bending to grab some of the curtains from the carpet.

“Dear God, no. Just go. Get the hell out of here.”

I gesture back and forth from the door to the window uncertainly. “Do you think I should…?”

Jenna rolls her eyes skyward. “Yes, go back out the window. If you knock on her door from the hallway it won’t be as romantic. Trust me.” She walks over and grabs the curtains out of my hands. “But take that stupid hat and hoodie off. She’s going to think she’s about to be raped.”

“Thanks for the tip.”

“Um, excuse me, was that sarcasm?” Jenna narrows her eyes. “You want me to Taser your ass?”

Wait. What? Panicking, my hands go up in a surrender. “No! I’m going. Jesus, stop trying to find an excuse to Taser me. I’m going.”





***

Abby: I THINK THERE’S SOMEONE OUTSIDE MY WINDOW!

Cecelia: Do you want us to come over?????!!! Call 9-1-1

Abby: This is FREAKING ME THE F OUT.

Abby: Know what? I’m just going to yell for Jenna. She just bought that Taser gun from some guy in an alley downtown.