A Young Adult Romance Collection

by Victorine E. Lieske

  “He’s not what everyone thinks.”

  Trudy narrowed her eyes. “Do you hear yourself? He’s a bad influence on you. Is he going to college? What’s he going to do with his life? Where will you be if you stay with him?”

  The bell rang, saving Jessica from having to answer Trudy’s questions. The truth was, she didn’t know the answers, and it bothered her. “See you later,” she said, gripping her books.

  Trudy grabbed her arm. “Just think about it, okay?”

  Jessica nodded, her mouth going dry. “I will.”

  As she walked to class, she tried to shake off what Trudy had said. Christian wasn’t a bad kid. He was tender and kind. But she had to admit, she didn’t think he was passing his classes. He probably wouldn’t graduate. She wasn’t even sure if they would finish their project together.

  Where would she be if she kept seeing him? Pinpricks touched the back of her throat when she thought about it. She honestly didn’t know.

  As she rounded the corner, someone pulled her out of the throng of people and into a darkened classroom. Christian. Her heart pounded and she wrapped her arms around him. All worries that he wasn’t good for her vanished as she felt the warmth of his embrace. “You’re here.”

  She snuggled into his chest. He smelled of fabric softener and masculine power.

  “How are you?” he asked.

  “I’m fine. Dad’s installing bars on my windows today.”

  He kissed her neck. “I’m sorry. That’s my fault.”

  She looked into his chocolate brown eyes. “It was worth it.”

  His eyebrow quirked up. “Worth it, huh?” He leaned down close to her lips. “Worth it, how?”

  “You’re such a tease.”

  He kissed her, then pulled back and sobered. “You should get to class.” The crowd was thinning as students made their way into the classrooms.

  “What about you?” The words just came out. She hadn’t meant to say them. They sounded so accusatory.

  He brushed the backs of his fingers down the side of her cheek. “I don’t care about class.”

  Trudy’s words plagued her. Is he even going to graduate? “I know, but you should.”

  He chuckled, but there was no mirth behind it. “I’m just trying to survive, blondie.”

  His mouth quirked up in a half-smile, which for some reason made her angry. What was wrong with him? Why was he treating this so lightly? This was his future. “School’s not a joke, Christian. Stop treating it like one.”

  He held up his hands. “Hey, I’m here, aren’t I?”

  “Are you going to class?”

  “Of course.”

  Relief washed over her. She took his hands in hers. “Good.”

  He stared at her. “What’s wrong?”

  She balked under his scrutiny. “Nothing.”

  “Something’s bothering you.”

  The second bell sounded and Jessica jumped. She was late. She stood on her toes and gave him a quick kiss. “I’ve got to go.” She turned and rushed off before he could say anything else.

  As she sat in class, her emotions and thoughts jumbled inside of her. Was Trudy right? Was Christian a bad influence on her? And if so, what was she going to do about it?

  She felt bad for reprimanding him about going to class. That was stupid. She wasn’t that kind of a person. Why was she acting like that? He was doing the best he could. And yet, a part of her worried that Trudy was right.

  At lunch Jessica scanned the cafeteria, looking for him. When she didn’t see him, she joined Trudy at their usual table. Eli was sitting there again. Lane came and sat next to Trudy. He leaned over and gave her a lingering kiss.

  “Stop it,” Jessica said when the kiss didn’t end.

  Trudy slapped her thigh. “Where’s your man?”

  “Wait, Jessica has a man?” Lane looked confused. “Why didn’t I know this?”

  Eli raised his eyebrows, ready to get in on the gossip.

  “Oops.” Trudy put her hand up to her mouth. “Sorry.”

  “A secret man? Oh, this is good. Tell me. Who is he?” Lane said.

  Jessica tossed Trudy a scowl. “I don’t have a man.”

  Eli chuckled and pointed at Jessica. “You’re a bad liar.”

  “Right? It’s written all over her face. She’s totally in love.” Trudy picked up her pizza and took a bite. Jessica ignored the tantalizing smell of cheese and dough and grabbed her apple.

  Christian walked into the cafeteria and Jessica’s pulse jumped. She couldn’t help it. Her eyes were drawn to him. She watched him walk across the room and join the line.

  “Oh, no. Tell me it isn’t that guy.” Lane frowned. “Isn’t he the one that went to juvie?”

  Eli leaned forward. “Whoa, seriously?”

  Jessica tore her eyes away from him, but it was too late. She could feel her cheeks heating, and she knew she was blushing.

  “Yes. He is,” Trudy said. “And I keep telling her he’s bad news, but she ignores me.”

  Jessica laid her head in her arms on the table and moaned. “I can’t help it.”

  “Why? He’s not that good-looking,” Lane said.

  “Well…” Trudy got a funny look on her face.

  Lane nudged Trudy. “You think he’s hot?”

  Jessica sat back up in her chair. “He’s totally hot, Lane.”

  “Doesn’t matter how hot he is if he’s a loser.” Trudy glanced at Christian again.

  Aggravation swept through Jessica. “He’s not a loser,” she said, leaning closer so she didn’t have to talk loud over the chatter of the lunchroom. “He’s just been dealt a bad hand in life.”

  Trudy’s gaze softened. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop saying he’s a loser. I can tell you really like him.”

  “I do. But I’ve been forbidden to see him. So I don’t know that it matters anymore. If my father finds out we’re still seeing each other, he might ship me off to live with my mother on the road.”

  “Wait, how did your dad find out about the two of you?” Trudy asked. “I thought our phone plan was working.”

  Jessica cringed. “He caught me and Christian in my bedroom.”

  “Dude, that sucks,” Eli said at the same time Trudy said, “Wait, what? Girl, you can’t hold out on me like that. When did that happen?”

  “Last night. And I didn’t tell you because I know you don’t like him.”

  Trudy placed her hand on Jessica’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I’ve been terrible. I should have been supportive instead of judgy.” She leaned closer. “What exactly were you doing in your bedroom?”

  “We were kissing.”

  “And your dad caught you?” Trudy’s eyes widened. “Man, that had to be awkward.”

  “Yes. Especially since he’d climbed in from the bedroom window.”

  Trudy laughed. “You’re kidding.”

  Eli jabbed Lane in the side with his elbow and mouthed, “Wow.”

  “Nope. The window was open, the screen against the wall. Talk about embarrassing. I’m getting bars on my windows today.”

  “Holy crap,” Lane said.

  “That about sums it up,” Jessica muttered. She ate the rest of her apple as she tried not to glance at Christian, eating alone at a table in the corner.

  Chapter 14

  Jessica sat on her bed and strummed her guitar as she tried to figure out the last few lines of her song. It was almost done, and she couldn’t wait to finish it. She picked up her paper and scribbled down another lyric.

  Her father came into her bedroom. He held out her phone to her. “Your mother wants to talk to you.”

  Jessica took the phone. “Hey, Mom.”

  “Sweetie. Are you doing okay? Your dad told me what happened.”

  “I’m fine, Mom.” Jessica gave her father a pointed look and he left the room to give her privacy.

  “I’m sorry if your father over-reacted. You know he’s just worried about you.”

  Jessica pressed h
er fingers into the strings on her guitar. “I know.”

  “Tell me about this boy. Are you dating him?”

  She hesitated. What exactly should she say? If she knew her father, he was listening from down the hallway. “Not anymore.”

  “Your father forgets what it’s like to be young and in love.”

  An intense desire to have her mother home overcame her. “Can you cut your tour short?”

  “I’m sorry, I can’t. But I can talk to your father. Try to get him to lighten up a bit.”

  Jessica blinked back tears. She didn’t think her mother would react that way. “Thank you.”

  “Now, about this boy. How long have you known him?”

  “Not long. But he’s…kind. And caring. And he is so misunderstood.”

  Her mother laughed. “Did you know when I was dating your father he wasn’t allowed on our property?”

  Jessica’s mouth dropped open. “What? Why not?”

  “My father wouldn’t allow a Republican in our home. He was livid when we eloped.”

  “I never knew that.”

  Her mother laughed, a tinkling sound that came through the phone. “Listen, I know it’s hard, but try to understand. He’s just trying to do what’s best for you.”

  “Yeah.”

  “I trust you. You wouldn’t get yourself into trouble.”

  Jessica pressed her lips together, glad she had at least one person on her side. “Thanks, Mom.”

  “I love you, sweetheart.”

  “I love you, too.”

  She hung up the phone and went back to her song. Her father came in the room a little later and awkwardly picked up her phone. He stood there for a moment while she pretended he wasn’t there. “Listen,” he said.

  She looked up at him. He seemed frazzled. “I don’t want you to hate me.”

  Jessica blinked. Yes, she was mad at him, but that was all. “I don’t hate you.”

  “Your mother thinks I’m wrong.”

  “So do I.”

  He sighed and sat on the edge of her bed. “Maybe after you’re no longer grounded, we can talk more about it.”

  She couldn’t believe it. It wasn’t an admission that he was wrong, but it was a step in the right direction. “Okay.”

  He held out her phone. “You can have this back.”

  Her heart leapt and she grabbed the phone. “Seriously?”

  “Yeah.” He stood and walked toward the door. “And I like your song.”

  “Thanks.” After he left, her mood lightened. Maybe dating Christian wouldn’t be impossible after all.

  Chapter 15

  Jessica parked her car in the nearly empty school parking lot. She was early to arrive, but before school was the only time she got to spend with Christian. It was Friday and since she was still grounded, she wouldn’t get to see him all weekend. She entered the quiet school building and walked toward the empty science lab.

  When she entered the room, Christian stepped out from the shadows. “Hey.” He snaked his arms around her.

  She snuggled into him. “How are things at home? I feel like I never get to talk to you.”

  He pressed his lips to the top of her head for a moment. “We haven’t had much time. You’re right. We need to talk.”

  Jessica felt the gravity of his words. “What’s going on?”

  “I want to spend the day with you. Come with me today. Let’s blow off school.”

  Jessica shook her head, Trudy’s warnings playing in her mind. “I can’t.”

  Christian hooked his finger under her chin. “It’s just one day. I swear. That’s all. I won’t ask you to skip any other days. I just need you today.” He kissed her lips and her head swam.

  What would it hurt to miss one day? Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. She could have her dad call her in sick. It wouldn’t be a big deal, right? She took in a breath. “I guess one day wouldn’t matter. I’ll call my dad at work and tell him I’m not feeling well.”

  “Will he suspect something?”

  “I don’t get sick often. He won’t question me. It will be better than the school calling him tonight saying I missed all my classes.”

  He nodded. “All right.”

  After Jessica had convinced her father she wasn’t feeling well, she hopped on the back of Christian’s bike and they took off, dropping her phone off at her house because her father still hadn’t taken off that app.

  Christian followed the river for a few miles. Then he pulled off the road by the bike trail and parked his motorcycle in a small parking lot where joggers and bikers left their cars. The lot was empty.

  Jessica took off the bike helmet and hung it on one of his handlebars. The smells of dried leaves and crisp air filled her lungs. Halloween would be coming soon, her favorite holiday.

  Christian took her hand and they started down the trail. She loved the warmth his touch sent through her. “What did you want to talk about?” she asked.

  “Let’s just enjoy spending time together for a while.”

  A sour feeling crept into her stomach. Something was wrong, and he wasn’t telling her. She didn’t like that. She looked at him. “Tell me what’s going on.”

  “You first.” His thumb grazed the side of her hand. “What’s been going on with you?”

  She didn’t feel like starting an argument, so she let the fact that he wasn’t talking go. “I finished my song.”

  He smiled at her, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “That’s great. I want to hear it.”

  “I’ll play it for you. Soon.” She didn’t want to tell him about what her mother had said. Didn’t want to get his hopes up that they would be able to be together soon. She didn’t even want to get her own hopes up.

  “Sing it for me. Now.” He leaned down and kissed her temple.

  She scoffed. “I need my guitar.”

  He stopped and she faced him. He brushed his thumb down her cheek, sending tingles through her. “No, you don’t,” he said, his voice low.

  She closed her eyes. She’d never sung for anyone without her guitar. Nerves pricked through her, but she nodded. She continued down the walkway, her gaze darting down the trail. No one else was around.

  She sang the song, opening up a part of her she’d never uncovered for anyone. He held her hand and listened. After she finished, she looked up at him, feeling exposed.

  “That was beautiful.” His voice was heavy with emotion. The feeling in the air shifted and Jessica nestled into his side while Christian put his arm around her.

  “Why do you want to go to Juilliard?” He spoke so softly she barely heard him.

  “It’s the best music school in the country.”

  “I know. But people make it in the music industry all the time without going to Juilliard, right?”

  She studied him. “What are you saying?”

  “I just think you could make it without Juilliard, that’s all.”

  Jessica bristled. Give up her life-long dream? How could he think that was a good idea? “I’m not giving up on Juilliard. I know it’s hard to get in, but I’ve wanted to go there for as long as I can remember.”

  Christian shifted and looked into her eyes. “So you could please your mother?”

  “No.” She took a breath and realized that might not be the full truth. “Okay, maybe when I was younger, I was only doing it to gain attention from her. But music is in me now. I can’t let it go. And getting into the best school in the country is a huge part of my plans for the future.”

  He nodded, not saying anything else. She didn’t like what he was implying. “Why are you talking about my plans like they don’t matter?”

  “They do matter.” He was silent for a moment and she looked up at him. He worked his jaw. “Let’s talk about something else.”

  “What do you want to talk about?”

  “Where do you see yourself in ten years?”

  That was an interesting question. “I’d love to be a performer. But I also want a family. It’s hard with
my mother gone a lot, but she makes it work.” Jessica stepped over a puddle of water. It must have rained last night. She turned to him. “What about you? Where do you see yourself?”

  “A stable job. A stable life. But I’m not a white picket fence kind of guy.”

  “What kind of guy are you, then?”

  He walked with her, slowly, as he thought about it. “I’d love to live in a glass house.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope. I’d love to live in the middle of nature.” As if on cue, a crane flew into view, dipping low over the water, then landing on a rock along the other side of the bank. They both stopped to watch it.

  “Makes sense.”

  “What about you? What’s your dream home?”

  If he’d have asked her ten minutes ago, she would have said a mansion in Santa Cruz. She might be super jealous of Eli’s past life. But now the glass house in the middle of nature sounded like a dream. She wasn’t going to say that, though. “Anything I don’t have to clean.”

  He smiled, but there was still something hidden behind it. A sadness she couldn’t pinpoint. “Good one.”

  “What other favorites do you want to know?”

  “I already know what music you like.”

  Jessica nudged him. “How do you know that? I didn’t tell you yet.”

  He got that look on his face and she sighed. “Let me guess. You’re observant.”

  “Yep. You like classic rock.”

  “And what gave that away?”

  “Your song you wrote. And the songs you picked for our workout. Plus I saw a few CDs in your room.”

  “Cheater.”

  His mouth fell open. “What? Hardly.”

  “All right, then. Two can play that game. I know what music you prefer as well.”

  His lips twitched. “Okay. Tell me.”

  “You’re a metalhead.”

  He seemed surprised. “What gave it away?”

  “You sometimes wear that metal band T-shirt. And I saw your playlists when I was programming your phone.”

  He laughed. “Okay. You win. You’re observant, too.”

  A cyclist breezed by them. She stopped and turned to him, tired of the weirdness between them. “Thanks for admitting it. Right now I’m observing that you’re not telling me something.”