Young Love

by Alyson Santos

  “Jace, what do you want?”

  He glances over at me, surprised. “What do you mean?”

  “From life. What do you want for your future?”

  “We’ve talked about this.”

  “No. We talked about why you can’t have what you want. I get that now, but in a perfect world, what is it that you want?”

  His jaw tightens, eyes fixed back on the road.

  I tense as well, irritated. “You insist on helping me dream. You won’t let me talk about can’t, so now it’s your turn. You’re too young not to dream.”

  His expression finally softens. “You love doing that, don’t you?”

  “What, being right all the time?”

  This time a genuine laugh flows out, and my heart fills before it breaks.

  “That too. No, I meant, turning my words back on me.”

  “They’re great words. You should follow them.”

  His mouth is still spread into a grin when he shakes his head and squints through the windshield.

  “It’s a perfect world, Jace Beckett. Aiden is grown and a happy, productive member of society. You have everything you need and no responsibilities. What are you doing?”

  “Hmm.”

  Could he really never have thought about this?

  Wait, have I?

  You’re thirty-eight years old, Sienna Porter. You have everything you need and no responsibilities. What are you doing with your life?

  “Yeah, I guess I’d take my sensei test and teach. Maybe actually get around to recording more of our songs as well?”

  Now, I’m the one with a goofy grin on my face. “You’d be amazing at that, and I’d totally buy all your albums.”

  He laughs. “You’re a little biased.”

  “Maybe. But after seeing you in class tonight, so’s everyone else at your school. You should see the way those kids look up to you.”

  “Thanks, but—”

  “No buts. That’s just a fact, babe.”

  His smile widens. “I like that.”

  “What?”

  “Babe.”

  He reaches over and takes my hand. I wrap it in both of mine.

  Jace pulls into a space at Ricky’s Bar & Grille fifteen minutes after leaving his house.

  “Ooh fancy,” I joke, climbing from the vehicle and scanning the rustic exterior of “Ricky’s” fine establishment.

  “Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. This place is killer.”

  “Yeah? E coli? Salmonella? What’s the weapon?”

  “Hilarious,” he says, tucking his arm around my neck. “Keep walking, smartass.”

  I laugh and let him pull me to the entrance. A pretty hostess greets us with a smile bigger than her shorts. “Why, Jace Beckett. Long time, no see.”

  “’Sup, Lily. Can we have a table tonight?”

  “Of course.”

  I don’t miss the curious appraisal I get from Miss Hot Pants. Seriously, every line of her body is on display in that outfit. I also don’t miss the thick, flirty lashes that keep flapping back at Jace.

  “This okay, sweetie?” she asks him.

  Sweetie?

  “Perfect.”

  Another glare for me, and she leaves us alone with the menus.

  “Ex-girlfriend?” I ask, pretending to read the draft list. I’ve never ordered a draft in my life.

  “Who, Lily?”

  I nod and glance back. She’s now in deep discussion with another young woman who joins the stare-battle with our table.

  “Nah. We went out once or twice. That’s it.”

  Not sure she thinks so. Yep, definitely getting a hostile vibe from that side of the bar.

  “Jace!” Another intruder interrupts, but this one’s at least male. My date brightens and stands for some secret handshake thing I don’t follow.

  “Dude, you hardly ever come around anymore,” the guy continues.

  Jace shrugs. “Yeah, been busy.”

  His friend looks at me and a smile creeps over his face. “I can see that.”

  Jace laughs. “Right, sorry. Sienna, this is Colin. Colin, my girlfriend Sienna.”

  “Girlfriend, huh?” Colin crosses his arms and raises a brow. “You mean, there’s a woman good enough to tame the Jace Beckett?”

  “Ha! Whatever. You’re such a dick.”

  “Maybe, but at least I know how to use it.”

  Jace shoves him, and Colin snickers.

  “Kidding. Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Sienna. You snagged a good one.”

  “I know,” I say. Jace smiles over at me.

  “You’re brave to bring her here with Lily on the prowl.”

  “What do you mean?” Jace asks.

  I’m with Colin on the duh look he gives Jace. “Dude, she’s still hung up on you.”

  “We went on two dates.”

  “Well, they must have been good because she’s convinced there will be more.”

  “Well, there won’t.”

  He shrugs. “Don’t kill the messenger.”

  “Whatever, man. She needs to move on.”

  “Not arguing that. Shit! I’m ruining your date. Sorry. Have a good time. When are you guys playing here again?”

  “Not sure. I’ll give Rod a call and see what he’s got open.”

  “Sweet.”

  They exchange some more hand motions and fist collisions before Colin returns to the backside of the bar. Ah, now it starts to make sense.

  “You’re a regular here, huh?” I ask.

  “Used to be. Not as much anymore. We play for Friday Night Live once or twice a month.”

  “Really? I’d love to see you play.”

  “I’d love for you to come.”

  My attention shifts back to the hostess stand, and yep, still a cloud of hate over there.

  “Two dates. Really?”

  There’s a number I don’t believe.

  He shrugs. “Maybe it was three. I dunno. Depends on your definition.” He focuses back on the menu. “You should try the burger. It’s awesome.”

  A server beams on her way to our table and graces us with the most hospitality I’ve ever experienced in a dive bar. I try to wait patiently as she fawns over my date, but it’s impossible when she asks twelve more questions than necessary to take our drink order. He thanks her by name, and she squeezes his shoulder with his second “Sweetie” of the night.

  “Wow,” I say, watching her retreat with an extra sway of her ass.

  “What?”

  “What?” I echo with a laugh.

  Caribbean eyes lift to me. Damn, can he really be so clueless about his effect on women? “That girl was totally flirting with you.”

  “Meagan? No way.”

  I roll my eyes. “Uh-huh.”

  “What? That one I never dated, I swear.”

  With a raised brow, I nod and pretend to study the menu. God, he’s adorable right now.

  “I didn’t!” he says. “I mean, we’ve hung out, but we never hooked up.”

  I clear my throat, still not budging, until I can’t contain my humor anymore.

  “Okay, you’re not mad.” He visibly relaxes into his chair.

  “No, I’m not mad,” I laugh. “Just one of the perils of dating a ridiculously hot guy, I guess.”

  He waves off my compliment with his own unique brand of self-assured humility. Really, I’m just glad he’s finally smiling again after that uncomfortable visit with his parents. Maybe now it’s safer to ask about the confrontation with Louis? Lead him in with your own awkward parental encounter?

  I swallow, my mood chilling as I recall the strange conversation with his mother. “Hey, so your mom mentioned something interesting while you were in the house.”

  He stills, wary gaze flickering to me across the table. “Yeah? What did she say?”

  “That today is your birthday. She also said if I was going to marry you I should know about that.”

  “Huh, okay,” he says with a thoughtful nod. No flinc
h or exclamation at the bizarre comment.

  “Is it true?”

  “I mean, we can if you want. It’s kinda early in the relationship though,” he responds in a dry tone. I snort a laugh, and he breaks into a grin. Married to Jace Beckett. Why isn’t that notion as ridiculous as it should be?

  “I mean the birthday part, smartass.”

  His smile remains as he plays with the edge of a napkin. “It’s true. Actually, surprised she remembered.”

  I stare at him. “Um… you didn’t think to tell me?”

  “You didn’t tell me when your birthday was.”

  “Yeah, because it’s eight months away!”

  “Okay, well.” He reaches across the table and takes my hands. “Sienna Porter, today is my birthday.”

  I laugh again and tug away. “Don’t be a jerk. I’m serious! Why didn’t you say something? We should celebrate. When we get back I’ll—”

  He shakes his head. “No. I don’t want to celebrate. I’m surprised she didn’t tell you that too.”

  I tilt my head, studying his sudden withdrawal. “Actually, she did.” I sense more there but hesitate to push. “So you’re officially twenty-four,” I say instead.

  He nods.

  “You’re catching up.”

  The smile returns, and I’m reminded of lazy afternoons on white sand beaches when his gaze meets mine. Now I know why I don’t want to date him. Evenings alone on my couch, in my bed, anywhere away from intruding eyes will always be my first choice. I can’t bring myself to break the mood again and let Louis slide once more.

  The server with a crush returns to take our order, and I start my new favorite number game: counting the seconds until we can be alone.

  I excuse myself for the restroom, and you know what? No, I’m not surprised when an angry, tiny Barbie doll follows me in.

  “Hey, I’m Lily,” she says.

  “Hi. Sienna.”

  She nods, and I’m not sure on the etiquette here. Am I free to use a stall during this faceoff?

  “I see you’re here with Jace.”

  Okay, nope.

  “Yes.”

  “You his aunt or something? His boss?”

  “Girlfriend, actually.” Lily Barbie knew that. I’m not sure why she insisted on hearing it out loud.

  Her perfect face scrunches up in a scowl. “That’s hilarious.”

  “Well, it’s also true. You mind?” I ask, motioning toward a stall. “Nice meeting you.”

  “You too, Sienna.”

  What is it about my name that makes people say it with such dramatic inflection lately?

  I enter the stall and wait for Lily to leave. And wait. And wait. Is she waiting for me? Great, first official date, and I’m already stuck in a pee standoff with an ex. Is this a literal pissing contest? Oh wait, not an ex according to one of them. Thing is, I kind of expected this. I bet Jace has a lot of hovering non-exes obsessing over him. Just wish they didn’t insist on doing it in a public bathroom.

  Still no action outside the door. Girl’s got stamina—I’ll give her that—but it’s time to fight back.

  I put my phone on speaker for a dramatic symphony of dialing. Are you really going to do this? Heat climbs up my neck. Defensive stance, Sienna.

  “Hey, baby. I know I’m just in the bathroom, but I miss you so much… Aww, I know. I love you too. Hey, you want to get out of here when I’m finished… I know, but I need you naked, like, right now. I can’t stop thinking about that thing you did last night.”

  The exit door slams.

  Thank god.

  “You okay?” Jace asks when I get back.

  I’m probably still grinning like an idiot, but come on. That was epic.

  “Fine.”

  “You were in there for a while.”

  “Yeah, well, your non-ex-girlfriend Lily followed me.”

  He straightens, that automatic concern I so love sweeping over his face. “Really? Shit. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine. I handled it.”

  He looks over at the stand, and his own smile breaks. “Apparently. She looks pissed.”

  “She’s jealous. You’re a god in bed.”

  He snorts a laugh. “Do I want to know?”

  “Probably not,” I say with a grin.

  He shakes his head, still smiling, and focuses back on his food. “You’re amazing. Hey, I’m sorry, though. Colin was right, it was stupid to bring you here. Next date you pick the place.”

  “You mean, there will be a second date?”

  Ah. There’s the duh look I’ve come to expect.

  I feel like a teenager again, sneaking upstairs with my boyfriend to avoid my sleeping mother.

  Jace snickers at my clandestine movements. “Past curfew?”

  “Hey, you don’t wake the sleeping dragon.” I send him a silent warning and shove him into my room.

  “Did you just call your mom a dragon?”

  My smile slips out. “She’d love that title.”

  He laughs and moves toward my bathroom. “You mind if I take a quick shower?” he asks, stripping off his uniform polo. Slowly. So slowly the fabric moves. Up, over, exposing each perfect angle inch by inch. Well, in my head anyway. To me the effect of everything he does right now is heightened. A strange slow-motion angle that my body seems to interpret with exaggerated heat.

  “Um...”

  Questions. Words. Two things I forget as I watch his muscles move in ways that make a girl lose focus. Black uniform pants hang low on his hips, framing the deep lines of his back. His shoulders flex and ripple with even the smallest movement. He’s too beautiful to disturb, and I lower myself to the bed to keep from following him.

  He nods back an acknowledgement, and I pull in a deep breath as he strips the rest of the way. I study him. He lets me, taking his time with the water temperature, arranging the towel. His body is mine to explore from afar, and a slight smirk flickers over his lips when he catches me hypnotized. Heat rushes up my neck. Embarrassment, sure, but something else. Something instinctive. Covetous. Want and need all wrapped in a painful blaze of desire. And he knows it. Sees it. Feeds it with a smile that challenges me from across the room as he steps into the water.

  The clear glass fogs just enough to stoke the fire in my belly. Water cascades over the ridges and valleys of contoured muscle. His face tilts up into the stream, catching the torrent before it slicks back over his head. Toned biceps bulge with the effort of clearing water from his face and hair. He wipes away a streak of steam from the glass, his gaze attracting mine through the charged space between us. He could have closed the door. I could have asked to join him. But we have a tacit agreement. I’m the voyeur. He’s my tormentor. We’re both addicted to the promise of what comes next.

  I finally find the strength to tear my gaze away and begin my own preparations. After stripping down to my underwear, I enter the bathroom. Opaque with steam, the mirror provides a safe backdrop for my scrutiny while I brush my teeth and blister under the heat of his attention from behind the glass. I can’t stop a hidden smile. The thrill of being admired and wanted. It’s an addiction, this power to hold another person captive. Jace owns me, but with one brief glimpse when the water goes silent, I see how much I own him.

  We face each other now, still separated by glass and the thin fabric of my lingerie. My eyes travel over his body, from the top of his dripping hair and down his slick chest. Down again to the tight skin stretched over his abs and hips. He’s ready, I’m desperate, and the games are done. I yank open the shower door, sink to my knees, and shove him against the tile wall. Then I take. Everything. Give. Everything. Let go. Of everything.

  “Damn, what’s gotten into you?” His grin is so sexy when it’s my fault. I return it, reaching up to trace his cheek as I cuddle against him on my sheets. Sated? If that’s even possible with Jace Beckett in your bed, I’ll say this is as close as it gets.

  “Stay tonight?” I ask.

  “You know I’d love nothing more.”
/>
  “But?”

  “I can’t, Sienna.”

  “Oh right. It probably wouldn’t look good if you were here when Louis shows up tomorrow morning.”

  His jaw hardens. “No.”

  “Can we talk about what happened with your confrontation?”

  “It’s all worked out.”

  Well, there’s a deflection I don’t buy for a second. “Really… Just like that. He’s okay with our relationship?”

  “He’s taking me off the project, obviously. He’ll be sending one of his other guys tomorrow.”

  A stab of disappointment slices through me. Of course he’d do that. Maybe I’d do the same thing, but it still hurts to lose that extra connection with Jace.

  “So that’s it? He’s just taking you off the project?”

  His eyes shift again. “I told you I worked it out.”

  “Well, excuse me if the way you work things out doesn’t always put my mind at ease.”

  He smiles and pulls me in for a kiss. “I’ll be over as soon as I can tomorrow.”

  “After Aiden’s in bed?”

  There goes that ill-timed pause again. “Maybe earlier. I’ll call you.”

  Chapter 0 – 9 = -9

  For someone who’s spent the last year living alone, it’s strange feeling an empty house with three others under my roof. Mom has never been much for companionship, and as far as I’m concerned, can take her pouting back to Florida as soon as possible. As for Louis and Tim, I’m ready to leave the second-floor bathroom half-finished by the end of the day. Louis has been barely polite, almost cold. Respectful enough, I guess, since he still needs my money for the project.

  After locking myself in the office all morning, I’m surprised when Mom wants to “do lunch.”

  We decide on a nearby café since I know she won’t appreciate the new food experiences of my usual favorites. There’s zero suspense when she orders an ice water and Caesar salad. I do the same just to preserve this rare bonding session as long as possible.