Beyond Doubt (Beyond Love Series #2)

by Bolton, Karice

  “Do you know him?” Aaron asked, taking my bag from me.

  “Not for the life of me that I can remember,” I said, my voice on the verge of hiccupping. “He just went off on me, and I don’t know why.”

  “A lot of help your classmates are,” Aaron’s voice was gruff.

  “They’re all wannabe attorneys so any kind of criminal blemish that could result in—”

  “That’s not comforting,” he interrupted. “You having to defend yourself with a group of people only watching…”

  “I could have taken him,” I teased, glancing at Aaron. His expression softened, and he pulled me into him as we walked down the sidewalk toward my condo.

  “I’m so sorry you had to get involved,” I said.

  “Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong.” The harshness reappeared in his voice.

  We arrived at my building and I glanced at the pizza place across the street.

  “I don’t feel much like cooking anymore. Would pizza be okay?” I asked.

  Aaron looked down at me and nodded. “Are you all right?”

  I drew in a breath as everything settled and shook my head. We walked into my building, but a lingering feeling of being watched stayed with me. I looked up at Aaron as we stood in the elevator and wondered what all I should tell him, if anything. This night wasn’t turning out anything like I’d imagined.

  The elevator stopped on my floor and we walked to the door, but my hands were now trembling.

  “Why do I get the feeling you aren’t telling me everything?” he asked, his voice full of concern.

  I opened the door and threw my keys onto the table.

  “You know when I asked you if you sent me flowers?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, I still don’t know who did, and then I came home to a box of chocolates outside our door.”

  “Could those be from any ex-boyfriends?” he asked.

  “You might be pleased to know that I don’t have that many, but no. I’ve also been getting weird text messages and voicemails.”

  “Can I see them?” he asked.

  “I’ve deleted quite a few of the texts because in the beginning I thought it was just a mistake.”

  “We can get them back if we need to,” Aaron replied. His demeanor had completely changed.

  I handed him my phone and he went through the texts before listening to what few voicemails I kept. He handed me the phone and we walked toward the family room. I followed behind, my heart pounding but not for the reason I had hoped.

  “Those aren’t random messages.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “They’re code.”

  “What do you mean code? Like for software?”

  He nodded and sat down on the couch, quietly thinking as his gaze was fastened to the floor. “It looks like source code. Jason knows more about that than I do, but I think that’s what it is.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “Are you sure you don’t know who that guy was?”

  I sat next to Aaron and shook my head. “I honestly can’t remember him. Not from college…high school. I just really don’t. But he mentioned my two brothers, and I don’t know how he would know about them. Our class profiles are listed on the law school blog, but I didn’t list my brothers on there.”

  Fear began to spread as I thought about just how much this guy might know and how he found out the information or how he found me.

  “I’ll have you copy everything over for me, and I’ll see what Jason or I can come up with.”

  I nodded and grabbed the remote for the fire, suddenly chilled with the new information.

  “This wasn’t how I wanted tonight to go.”

  His eyes connected with mine. “What did you have planned?”

  The familiar smirk replaced concern as he scooted closer. He was still wearing his jacket and I motioned for him to take it off. I flipped on the television, wanting background noise to make me forget about the run in at the coffee shop.

  “I was hoping to pick up where we left off on Friday or Saturday,” I said, smiling.

  “Purely platonic, of course.” His brows rose as the smug expression settled on his features.

  “Obviously,” I said, running my hand over his chest. “I’ve got a surprise for you, but I can’t tell you until I’m all done.”

  His brows shot up and he laughed. “And when will you be done?”

  “In a couple weeks.” I curled into him on the couch and placed my head on his shoulder.

  I felt his warm breath ruffling the hairs on top of my head, and I imagined how wonderful it would be staying like this all night, curled in his arms.

  “I could get used to this,” I murmured, feeling the stress of the earlier events begin to dissipate.

  “I try to take good care of my friends,” he mumbled, as his hand slid down my arm.

  “You don’t let Jason curl up like this, do you?”

  Aaron started laughing, and I couldn’t shake the image of the two snuggled together on the couch.

  “Only when it’s cold outside.”

  “That’s something I’d like to see.”

  “Is that so?”

  I started laughing uncontrollably and felt him pull me onto his lap.

  “You know, I never really thanked you for helping me to get over one of my fears.”

  “The Jet Ski?”

  I nodded. “I didn’t actually think about how many things I don’t like doing because I’m scared. I just manage my life so that I don’t encounter them.”

  “I have to thank you for something as well.”

  “What’s that?” I asked, looking into his eyes.

  “Busting my balls.”

  “When did I do that?”

  “That morning I wanted to talk to you about Gabby, you told me to grow a pair.”

  “I totally forgot about that,” I chuckled and shook my head. “No one messes with my Gabby.”

  “I gathered that.” He grinned. “But that was something I needed to hear.”

  “Glad I could help.”

  Now kiss me please!

  “So what is it about this surprise or—”

  “Nice try. I’m not saying a word, but it has to do with the whole fear thing.”

  “I thought you weren’t saying a word?”

  “I don’t keep secrets well. They eat me alive.”

  His lips were so close to mine, and when his gaze fell to my mouth I closed my eyes, expecting to feel the softness of his lips. But I didn’t. Instead, I opened my eyes only to have him smiling at me, studying me.

  “You’re a hard one to figure out.”

  “I don’t mean to be.”

  “I don’t doubt it. I just think you’re wired that way.”

  “Possibly.” I shrugged and a thought occurred to me.

  “My parents are celebrating their anniversary by going to Ireland, but my brothers and I are throwing them a surprise party before they leave.”

  “Yeah?” he asked.

  “Would you maybe want to go with me and just hang out?” I asked, suddenly uncertain why in the world I brought that up to him. We weren’t dating yet, and that was probably the equivalent of dragging him to a wedding.

  “I’d love to come with you and meet the two people who could spawn such an odd creature.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded.

  “You don’t even know when it is.”

  “I’ll make sure to be available.” He picked up my hand and kissed it gently. The feeling of his warm, wet lips against my skin sent my world spinning, and I secretly begged him to be kissed elsewhere. Instead, my prayers were answered by a text.

  My cell buzzed, nearly jolting me out of my own skin, and Aaron picked it up and handed it to me. I looked down hoping it wasn’t anything that would add to the night’s drama.

  “Oh my god. Gabby’s on her way up. She doesn’t have her keys, but she left her medicine here and needs it. You’
ve got to hide,” I said, hopping up.

  Aaron started laughing and grabbed his coat.

  “If we’re just friends, what does it matter?” He shrugged his shoulders.

  “My room,” I said, quickly pushing him toward the bedroom.

  “Wait. Would it be so bad if…” His eyes sparkled as I managed to wrestle him in there.

  “Go to the closet,” I said. “There should be plenty of room. You’re not supposed to be here until tomorrow, and she can read me like nobody’s business. She’d know if I was lying to her.”

  The knock on the front door rattled me even though I was expecting it. I glanced around the family room and down the hall, making sure there weren’t any clues left around.

  “Hurry up. Jason’s waiting downstairs and we don’t want to miss the ferry,” she said, through the door.

  “Okay. Okay.” I opened the door and laughed as I saw her flushed cheeks and huge smile. She was in a pair of jeans and a tight black shirt. “You’re just lucky I’m home from the study group.”

  “My lifesaver, yet again,” she said, pushing her way past me as she headed to her room. “How was the study group?”

  “Not what I expected,” I said, not wanting to slow her down. “But I’m sure it will come in handy. I’ll fill you in when you have more time.”

  She reappeared with her little baggy of pill bottles that rattled as she shook them at me. “Got ‘em. I’ve got some pretty big news. I can’t wait to tell you,” she gushed.

  “Thanks for leaving me hanging,” I teased.

  Gabby gave me a quick hug and walked out the door. I was left with an uncomfortable feeling as I realized what all I was hiding from my best friend. After locking the door, I leaned up against it for a few seconds to calm my nerves and heard Aaron walking down the hall.

  “All clear?” he asked, his eyes twinkling.

  I nodded slowly as the guilt flooded through me. He stood in front of me, pulling my body into his as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

  “What’s wrong? Why are you so quiet?” he asked.

  “I don’t think we should do this,” I said quietly. “It’s not fair to Gabby.”

  The playful expression fell from Aaron’s face, and his arms unlocked from my waist.

  “Do what, exactly?” His eyes focusing on mine.

  “This.” I motioned to us both. “I can’t just be friends with you, and I don’t want to sneak around.”

  “So don’t. Let’s tell her,” he said, his voice restrained.

  “I just…”

  “Is this what you did all through college? Played games?” he asked, his voice rising.

  “I’m not playing games.”

  “You are. We’ve been on a handful of dates, and we keep circling around to the same problem. A problem you’re creating.” His gaze pierced through me as I allowed his words to sink in.

  “I’m trying not to hurt your sister.”

  “Hurt my sister? Who said she’d care one way or the other. There’s something else that’s making you do this. And I think you might want to figure out what it is before we get in any deeper.” His jaw tensed, and I watched his gaze land on the door behind me.

  I backed against the door, shaking my head.

  “Please don’t leave. We should talk about it.”

  His fingers wrapped around my upper arms and moved me aside like I was a cabbage patch doll.

  “There’s nothing to talk about. You need to decide what you want to do. The ball is in your court. Remember to keep the door locked with that weirdo.”

  And that was it. He slipped through my fingers just like that. I felt the first of many tears trail down my cheeks.

  It had been two full weeks of silence from Aaron. The first week I didn’t attempt to reach out. I felt foolish and absolutely childish, and I never liked to admit when someone else was right, especially if it highlighted that I might be wrong. Hopefully that would pay off in my chosen profession, but it didn’t bode well for my personal life. It was a trait I was going to work on.

  By the second week, I had my apology to Aaron all worked out, and I even wrote a letter to Gabby about my feelings for her brother. It stayed in my jewelry box until the time was right. Or now I should say if the time would ever be right. I had left several messages on Aaron’s voicemail, sent texts, and emails, and he didn’t respond to any of them. Of course, that pulled me to the wonderful interwebs where I searched and searched to see if any new images of him with someone else were posted online. Thankfully there weren’t any, but that didn’t mean anything necessarily. I think he had plenty on quick dial. The thought made me queasy.

  But I had to get in the zone because today was my final driving class on the motorcycle, followed by my endorsement test, and it was the first time I’d be using the bike that Jason built for me. It wasn’t anything fancy. I wanted a basic bike to learn on, and I felt the safest knowing Jason rebuilt it for me. It felt odd going through the motions when the person I started to do it for might possibly not be in the equation any longer or maybe he never was.

  My phone buzzed and it was Jason, right on time. He was downstairs waiting to show me my new two-wheeled wonder. Shaking the disappointment away, I took off for the elevator and hoped it would put me in better spirits.

  When I made it downstairs, Jason was standing on the curb with a plate of baked goods.

  “Is this what she’s been up to?” I asked, giving Jason a big hug.

  “Indeed. Hopefully, you have someone to share them with.”

  My insides twisted at the realization that I actually didn’t have anyone to share them with, and why wouldn’t Jason know that? Did I become that inconsequential?

  “I’ll put these on the seat until you go upstairs. Now let’s check this baby out. I can tell you Gabby is absolutely going to flip when she finds out you’ve learned to ride. And Aaron. Hell. He’s going to think he died and went to heaven.”

  A lump formed in the back of my throat and my gaze fell to the sidewalk. Please not now, not in front of him.

  “Brandy, you okay?”

  My movement went from a slight nodding gesture to completely shaking my head. The tears began to spill down my cheeks and the embarrassment of the situation was almost as stifling. I mean I knew Jason but not that well and here I was bawling in front of him. He took me into his arms and hugged me.

  “Whatever’s going on…It’s going to be okay,” he said, stroking my hair.

  “I don’t think it is. I think I blew it with Aaron before it even had a chance to go anywhere.” I sniffed into his chest.

  “Aaron doesn’t like complication. He’s a smart guy, but he doesn’t seem to understand that’s what relationships are made of—complication. Lots of tiny bits of emotion, history, and dreams all bundled into one big complicated mass that’s a ticking time bomb of great passion or great heartache.”

  “So he didn’t tell you anything?” I asked, stepping back and trying to regroup.

  “He didn’t. He usually keeps to himself when it comes to relationships. I was surprised he even told me what he had about you. He’s really struck by you. Frustrated, definitely—but completely enamored. I’ve never seen him cut himself off from options, if you know what I mean.”

  “Unfortunately, I know exactly what you mean, more like who, but I think that might not be the case any longer. He’s not answering my emails, texts, calls.”

  “Listen. Don’t give up on him. He’s a good guy… a really good guy and once you peel back the layers, you’ll see that he’s worth fighting for. But he’s not used to the relationship thing. You might just have to be persistent and patient.”

  I drew in a deep breath. “I’m nothing if not persistent. Now let’s see that bike so I can get to my last class.” I attempted a smile and Jason patted my shoulder before unlocking the trailer.

  “Also, we’ve just about cracked the code on all of those text messages. Once we do, he or I will let you know what we find out. But it’s looking re
ally strange so far so be extra vigilant.”

  “Thanks. Hopefully, it was a fluke. I haven’t had anything weird happen for a while.”

  “Well, just be careful. Things aren’t sitting right.”

  He pulled out the ramp and climbed in. Seconds later he backed out a rebuilt motorcycle, completely fitting what I was looking for.

  “It’s a 1964 Honda CB 160. We completely tore it apart and rebuilt her from the ground up. She’s better than most new bikes and the perfect size for a beginner.”

  “It’s gorgeous,” I said, as he backed the beautiful red bike into place.

  “You want to take it around the block?” he asked, handing me the matching helmet.

  Nodding, I slipped the helmet over my head and fastened the buckle.

  “You ready?” he asked.

  “I am.” I lifted my leg over the seat and settled right onto the leather. “This is really comfortable. Way better than the ones at class.”

  Jason started laughing. “I bet.”

  Feeling the lift of exhilaration that I was beginning to enjoy here and there, I flipped the ignition and nodded at Jason as I began to take off. The traffic was light, and I managed to sneak right into the lane as the wind began to beat against my body. There really was something freeing about being so out in the open and connected with the road. I turned toward the water and watched the many admiring eyes as I rode past all the wandering tourists and Seattleites. I felt an itch to keep going, but knew I needed to get to class and felt comfortable enough to ride there on it. Taking the last right to meet back with Jason, I felt a wave of excitement at what I was about to accomplish.

  Jason was waving as I pulled up behind him. I was grinning so much, the muscles in my cheeks hurt.

  “You’re doing amazing. It’s like you’ve ridden for years.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Totally. You’ll get your endorsement no sweat.”

  “Can I ask a favor? I know you’ve done a lot for me already…”

  He nodded.

  “Can you give me Aaron’s address?”

  Jason’s expression fell as he thought about what I was asking. He knew his friend better than anyone, and he knew as well as I did that showing up out of the blue might really blow up in my face.