Questionable Love (A Love Beyond Labels #2)

by Danielle Rocco

  “Jules, we were like fifteen, and you made it so obvious.”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “Yes, you did. You were such a delinquent teen,” I tease.

  “I was far from a delinquent. Having you as a best friend completely squashed any chance of me having horror stories to look back on.”

  I roll my eyes. “You should be thanking me you don’t have regrets to look back on. Did you want to be that girl in high school that slept with half of the football team?”

  “I haven’t slept with anyone, Shay!” she stresses. “Now, I’m going to be inexperienced with a man, not a boy. I could have given my virginity to a stupid, horny teenage boy that had no idea what he was doing, and now you’ve forced me to look stupid in front of a man with skills. You and Jace got to experience ‘first times’ together, and you are all each other will ever know, and I’m stuck in a sea of sex-crazed men ready to rip my virtue away from me. Seriously, Shay, we have nothing to cry about when we’re old, not even one little skeleton in our closet. No guy will ever be worthy of my closet of regret.” She shakes her head back and forth with a huff. “I always loved that part in Titanic when the old lady says, ‘every woman has skeletons in her closet.’ And because of you, I have no skeletons, Shay.”

  I let out a little giggle. “You never get that quote right. She doesn’t say that. She says, ‘a woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets,’” I correct her. Jules’s eyes widen when I tell her the proper quote.

  “Why do I always forget that?”

  “Because you aren’t romantic, Jules. You only remember quotes from superficial shows like Gossip Girl.”

  “Oh, I forget. You’re the romantic. I guess when you have sex for the first time with the boy of your dreams, under the moon and stars on the beach, you kind of remember quotes that pertain to the ocean.” She sighs. “Poor Jace.”

  “Why do you say ‘poor Jace’?” I ask her.

  “If your boy saw how hot you looked right now, he would want to be deep inside your ocean right now.”

  “Oh my God, Jules,” I say, looking around to see if anyone heard her. She just laughs and takes another drink of her champagne.

  “Let’s watch Titanic tonight when we get home. I want to swim in a sea of Leonardo for a couple of hours. I wish he was here tonight, but instead, we get Beau Stark for stargazing, and who the hell wants to stare at your brother all night?”

  “Be nice, Jules.”

  “I’m always nice, Starkie.”

  “Who’s Starkie?” Hunter Daniels asks, walking up to Jules and me. He stops the fiery redhead as she walks by us. She smiles brightly at the movie star slash pop star standing in front her. “Can you just set your tray here?” He points to the thick wooden ledge alongside the wall we are standing next to. The light warm breeze filters in from the open terrace, and I swear he leans in and breathes me in.

  “Of course,” the server says, setting down her silver tray full of champagne flutes and walking away. Jules’s eyes light up when she sees the buzz she’s been chasing sitting in front of her, just waiting.

  “There, now we don’t have to chase someone down for another drink,” Hunter says, draining his flute full of bubbles. The rush of warm air passes through us again as another person walks in through the terrace. “You smell really good.”

  “You always smell so good, baby,” invades my mind as Hunter Daniels invades my personal space. I think I can safely say Jace would not be happy about Hunter’s close proximity, and with Jules mouthing “prison break” while Hunter takes another glass off the silver tray, I’m reminded of what I already know. Jace would break out of those prison walls if he could, and that’s the last thing I want. Just the thought of him getting into another fight has me ready to go straight home and curl up with a book. My boy is protective by nature when it comes to me, and even though my physical strength could never match his, my inner strength is fierce with protectiveness for him, and I won’t ever lose him again.

  “So, who’s Starkie?” he repeats, bringing his glass to his lips.

  “Starkie’s a nickname Shay got from one of our friends growing up.”

  “One of our old friends,” I correct her.

  “I’m lost.” Hunter looks between us.

  “Don’t let that alarm you. Most guys are in our presence,” Jules says with a sexy smirk.

  I see Beau roll his eyes as he walks up beside us. “More like most guys are trying to get lost in your presence.” Jules turns slowly toward him.

  “Your next movie should be a comedy since you’re such a comedian, Beau,” she says, giving him the evil eye.

  “Don’t do that with your eyes, Julia. You might start getting premature wrinkles.”

  “Oh my God, I’m going to talk to someone actually worth my time.” She throws him another dirty look, gives him a once-over, and strides away with a sway of her perfect hips.

  “She’s such a drama queen,” Beau says, walking over to the bar where a few of his cast members linger.

  “I take it they aren’t too fond of each other,” Hunter says, bringing his eyes back to me.

  “It appears that way.” I look into the crowd. “Aren’t you going to mingle with the cast?” I ask him.

  “I kind of like the company I’m in right now,” he answers, staring intently at me. I start to play with my hair nervously when sweet reminders whisper into my ear, “I don’t like the idea of some movie star talking to my girl.” Jace’s strong, steady voice surrounds me, and my heart beats fast. I love my boy’s voice, and the way his eyes have always held mine when he talks to me so lovingly. I want pale blue eyes and jet-black hair, not dark brown eyes and dirty blond hair standing in front of me. But, right now, I can’t get what I want. Laughter in the distance and pretty people around me bring a vision of Jace sitting in a cold dark room. This room is filled with happiness and hopefulness, and I’m standing in the middle of it all feeling lonely and lost with an ache in my heart for the only boy I want standing next to me, the only boy I want to share my laughter and happiness with. I tip my head back and bring the glass to my mouth to finish my drink. When I swallow the warm liquid, I force a smile to my wary face as my stomach starts to feel queasy.

  “That’s good champagne,” I say as a tiny hiccup passes through my lips.

  “You’re very pretty,” Hunter says, making that queasiness start to rumble. My fingers find my charm bracelet, and I hold on to love’s reminder that he’s always here with me. “Why are you so nervous?”

  “I’m not nervous.”

  “Yes, you are. Your eyes are everywhere but on me. I’m not as bad as the tabloids portray me.”

  I bring my eyes to Hunter’s. “I don’t read the tabloids, so I have no idea how bad you are,” I tell him, trying to keep eye contact. My heart is hurting because all I want is my sweet boy, whom I know is thinking about me and what I’m doing. I know I’m doing the one thing that would hurt his heart—what I don’t ever want to do. Talking to a Hollywood guy would hurt Jace, and I’m seriously uneasy, but I don’t want to be rude, so as soon as I get Jules’s attention, I’m going to tell her it’s time to leave.

  “A Hollywood girl that doesn’t look at tabloid magazines?”

  “Just because I grew up in Hollywood doesn’t mean I’m shallow,” I say, earning a nod of approval.

  “I like that. A beautiful girl that isn’t into all the hype.”

  I notice he’s loosened his tie and undone a couple of buttons on his dress shirt since we met at the premiere. I wish he’d stop staring at me. He smiles, and I look away into the crowd of people.

  “So, what do you like better, Hunter—movies or music?” Jules asks, sauntering back over to us.

  “I like making movies, but music is still my passion.”

  Jules smiles, checking him out with a tilt of her head. “Music is Shay’s passion, too.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, she’s a singer-songwriter. And, she’s a guitar teacher.“

&
nbsp; He looks at me. “Is she your publicist?”

  I swallow my champagne slowly and shake my head no. Jules laughs.

  “I’m a clothing designer in the making, your producer’s daughter, and Shay’s best friend.”

  “Wow. You talk fast.” He chuckles.

  I finally find my voice. “She does when she’s excited.”

  “I’m not excited right now,” Jules says. I roll my eyes playfully at her.

  “A guitar teacher, huh?” Hunter says, rubbing his jaw.

  “Well, I don’t have any clients yet,” I tell him.

  “Maybe I can change that.”

  I see Jules smile from the corner of my eye.

  “I can play.” He continues, “Just not as well as I’d like, and I’ve been working on a song that I really think would be great with an acoustic sound.”

  “Well, you know, I’m new at teaching…”

  “Shay, you have been playing since elementary school.” Jules looks at Hunter. “She’s really good.”

  “I’d like to be your first client then.”

  “When would you like to come to the studio, Hunter? I will pencil you in,” Jules says before I can even say a word.

  “Jules.”

  “What, you need clients, Shay.”

  Hunter chuckles. “I’ll be a really good student.” He slides over to me with a sly tone.

  “Okay, but don’t feel like you need to stick with me if you don’t think I’m up to par,” I tell him with just a bit of apprehension. I’m confident in teaching guitar, so that’s not the issue. What most concerns me is his flirtatious tone, his lingering eyes, and the boy I’m promised to who can’t be by my side right now.

  “I’m sure we’ll work really well together,” Hunter says nonchalantly. I give him a tight smile. “So, I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never heard of you musically.”

  “I haven’t recorded anything yet,” I say quietly. He reaches up with his hand and rubs his cleanly shaven jaw. His eyebrows come together, and he squints his eyes as a camera flashes our way. He glances at the picture taker and gives a side smile before bringing his gaze back to me. He looks annoyed.

  “Why haven’t you recorded?”

  “I’m waiting.”

  “Why would you wait to record?”

  “I guess you could say I’m not ready yet,” I say. His eyes dart to a voice coming our way, and his jaw tightens. I look over my shoulder, and a pretty blonde is smiling our way. “Looks like you have an admirer.” I brush my hair over my shoulder, looking back at Hunter. He completely ignores her when she walks past, slowly giving Hunter every opportunity to check her out. His actions remind me of the boy that has given me every bit of his attention since he was thirteen years old. “I only ever see you, baby,” grips tightly to my heart and rips at my soul. Jace always keeps his eyes on me, and I feel every bit of our connection through them. That’s kind of what soul mates do, and brown eyes and a dimpled cheek can’t ever break that connection. That bond was formed with chapped lips and sweaty foreheads, with a football and the blackest, messiest head of hair I’ve ever seen. The Earth shook for a reason that day. A forever love was bonded and rooted, never to be broken. I think that’s what happens when an earthquake takes place. It’s the galaxy’s way of telling us another soul has found its mate. Jace James is my forever earthquake.

  “I think your admirer wants your attention. Don’t feel like you have to occupy me.”

  “I’m admiring what I have in front of me right now,” Hunter says as the blonde brushes past him again. “I’d really like to start those guitar lessons tomorrow. Is that too soon for you?” he says, completely blowing off the girl vying for his attention.

  “No, that should be fine,” I say, a little bit excited to tell Jace I already have my first official client. Popped dimple and a hand to his pocket, he retrieves his cell phone from his black dress pants.

  “Can I have your cell number to get in touch with you?”

  “You can call the studio if you can’t make the lesson. That’s not a problem.”

  “I prefer to have the personal number of the people I work with. Sometimes it can be a hassle going through others,” he says, looking down at his phone. I quietly recite my number, and he quickly stores it into his phone and looks up. I reach up and remove a strand of hair sticking to my glossed lips. His eyes follow me, and he glances at my wrist. “Pretty bracelet.”

  “Thank you,” I say, looking up with a genuine smile.

  “That looks like something special.” He takes my wrist in his hand to look at the bracelet closer. I just nod and gently pull my wrist out of his grasp. He shakes his head and chuckles. “A singer-songwriter teaching me guitar. I’m really looking forward to this. I bet you write sweet songs, too.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “You have a really soft voice. I can tell you have a romantic vibe, and I think we could make really great music together.”

  I take a step back and lose my balance. “We make the best music, baby,” whispers against my skin. Hunter reaches for me with his free hand, tightly pulling my waist into his side before I almost fall for the second time tonight. Jace always tells me he doesn’t forget a single moment we’ve shared, and I don’t forget anything either. My boy loves making music with me, and he’s been denied his kind of music for quite a while. Hunter’s hand on my waist is very inappropriate. My body belongs to one boy. I get my bearings and steady myself out of his hold.

  “I think you like falling into me.”

  “I have a boyfriend, Hunter.”

  “I think you just broke my heart a little.” He licks his full lips.

  “Oh, please,” I say, brushing him off.

  “This boyfriend won’t have a problem with me spending time with his girl, will he?”

  Jace’s reminder of denied visits comes to mind. “I’m doing what’s best for us, baby. Please try to understand.” I swallow down disappointment.

  “He’ll understand. We’re very supportive of each other.”

  CHILDHOOD INSECURITIES SMACK ME IN THE FACE

  “OF COURSE, I SUPPORT YOU,” I say through tight eyes. Her excitement for our future makes a hurting heart beat.

  Hunter Fucking Daniels. How could I ever compare with that? My neck starts tightening, and my palms start sweating.

  “Jace?”

  “Yeah, baby, I’m here.”

  “If you’re not okay with it, I won’t do it.”

  “This is what you were meant to do. I want you to do it. You need to have people to teach, Shay.”

  “It’s just…it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come along everyday. It probably won’t be anything more than a lesson,” she says.

  “It’s a great opportunity, and it will be something. He’s famous, which means he could bring you a lot of other people in the business. That’s a good thing.”

  “Jace, I’m not that great.”

  “You’re the best.” I rub the knot in my neck with my hand that is desperate to be in hers.

  “I love you,” she says softly into the phone, making my heart beat with purpose.

  “I love you, too, baby.”

  “Please, let me come see you.”

  “Shay, you know how much I want to see you.”

  “Then let me come.”

  “That guy and I are not friendly, and I’m not risking it.” I close my eyes from the emotion that is gripping me, threatening to show all over my face. I can’t be weak in here, but her sweet, soft voice is my undoing. I miss her so fucking much I can’t stand it. This girl is my only reason, and I deny her over and over again.

  “Please, Jace, I want to kiss my boy.”

  “Don’t say things like that to me. You have no idea how much I long for your pouty lips.”

  “I miss you so much,” she says with a sadness that clings to my soul.

  “I can’t even find the right words to describe how hard I’m missing you. This Hollywood boy knows you’re taken, doesn’t h
e?”

  “Of course, he does, jealous boy.”

  I bite down hard on my lip. Jealous. She has no idea how jealous I am. She is mine, and I don’t like the thought of my girl hanging out with another guy, at all. If I could break out of these fucking walls, I would do it. But, I can’t. I hate that my actions put us in this situation. I open my eyes I’ve held shut and look at my hand clutching my knee to relieve the pressure. “What time is his lesson?”

  “Later this afternoon.”

  “Is your dad going to be with you?”

  “He will most likely be at the studio, but probably not in the actual room with us, unless he wants to hear us.”

  “I’d rather he was in there with you.”

  “Jace, I’ll be fine. Don’t you always remind me that you’re a big boy? I can be a big girl, too, you know.”

  “I know you can be, and I don’t care how big you try to be. I want this guy professional with you.”

  “He will be, or I won’t consider working with him.”

  I breathe in deep when I see the line of guys forming behind me. I want to turn around and tell them all to get lost so I can stay on the phone with her. God, I hate this. “I have a line of guys behind me getting impatient. As much as I want to keep talking to you, I can’t.” She groans into the phone, and I grip it tighter, holding on to her voice. “You are my everything, Shay. I’m so proud of you, and I’m sending you so much heart-shaped love through this phone right now. Have fun, and show that Hollywood boy what my girl is made of.”

  “I will,” she whispers. “Jace?”

  “Yeah, baby?”

  “I just thought of when you surprised me and showed up to see me cheer during my school’s football game. My heart felt like it would burst out of my chest when I saw you make your way through the crowd. I just want you to know how much that meant to me. I love you so much.”

  I bite down on my lip so hard to suppress the ache that is pushing on my chest.

  “Do you love me, baby?” I say, reminding her of what I said that night. It was the first time I really saw her in her own element, away from the community center where she spent the majority of her time. I took two buses through the city just to see her one time in her cheer uniform. I hated that she had Cole’s number painted on her face, and I hated that he got time with her that I didn’t get. And, now, I’m completely out of reach as this Hunter guy gets to spend time with her.