“I get that completely. Does Chip not give you a storybook romance?”
“We haven’t been together that long, so no. Then again, I don’t think he’ll ever be that guy. He’s dependable, popular, and he makes me laugh, but I don’t see myself ever having his undying love. He doesn’t show his feelings either. I guess no guy does.”
“Excuse me, but I’m a guy. I would like to think I’m capable of loving someone with all of me.”
“You’re not a guy. You’re my best friend,” Emma teased.
“Thanks a lot,” Jasper said sarcastically.
“Don’t look that way. It’s just hard for me to view you the same because of everything we’ve been through. You were my childhood friend, my first love, and then we turned into best friends. We know too much about each other for me to ever look at you like some normal guy. For the record, though, I think Sadie’s really lucky to be getting a shot with you. My best friend happens to be a great example of what a guy should be.”
“Really? Then why aren’t you going after him?” Jasper flirted.
“I’ve got a boyfriend, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to risk ruining our friendship. Besides, Sadie is a lot prettier than me.”
“I know that’s not possible. Chip’s a lucky guy. He better shape up, or someone might just give you exactly the type of love you see in the movies.”
Emma didn’t know what to say. She could tell that Jasper still liked her. In truth, she still had feelings for him, too, but the timing was wrong. She was with the person every girl in their town wanted, and she felt like she had to give him a fair shot. Plus, she really was worried about their friendship. The last time they dated, it was painful when things fell apart because of the distance between them. It took a long time to get over Jasper, and even after that, it was awkward when they talked for a while. They didn’t know how to act around each other. When they finally decided to be friends, everything fell into place. Changing the dynamic of their relationship could ruin everything.
“Well, I have to go to bed. I can’t wait for you to meet Sadie. I think you’re going to backtrack about that comment when you see her,” Emma said.
As she walked to her room and shut the door, Emma had to catch her breath. It was harder than she thought to live with Jasper. She loved having him there, but when he said someone might just give her what she saw in the movies, she wanted to tell Jasper to prove it. Emma wanted him to make a move, and she knew that was wrong. She lay back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She was in trouble now. Emma was dating one of the best looking and most popular people at their school, and the only person she could think about was the boy who first taught her to love. Introducing him to Sadie wouldn’t make things easier either. Emma was about to learn exactly what it meant to be jealous.
Chapter 2
Love?
The following morning, Jasper and Emma got up and went to class. It was their first day of college, and everything was new and exciting. Even if they didn’t do much on their first day, they both loved their classes. There was something so refreshing about college. In high school, they were treated like children, but the whole culture was different here. For once, they were in a classroom because they wanted to be there and not because someone was forcing them to.
When their classes were finished, Emma met back up with Jasper and asked him if he was ready for the date.
“Now?” Jasper asked in surprise.
“Yeah. Chip wanted us to meet him out on the beach. He figured we could have a picnic and catch a few waves.”
“You surf?”
“No, but he does. I already talked to Sadie, and she’s up for it. What do you think?”
“That’s fine. I’ll have to go home to get some trunks.”
“I know. I’ll have to get a bathing suit, too, but our house is on the way, so it’s not a big deal. How was your first day, by the way?”
“I loved it. I think I’m going to learn a lot here,” Jasper said enthusiastically.
“Wow. I never knew Biology could be so interesting,” Emma said sarcastically.
“What does that mean?”
“That science is incredibly boring, and you might be a little bit of a nerd,” Emma said as they got into the car.
“And marketing is so much better,” Jasper said sarcastically.
“It is. If you can influence people, then you can pretty much get whatever you want out of life. My Aunt Trish taught me that.”
“And you can influence people?”
“Yeah, and I’ll prove it. I’m about to sell you on Sadie before you even meet her. She’s in school for something that’s right up your alley. She’s going to be a marine biologist. Sadie also has the bluest eyes you’ll ever see. She’s beautiful, and the university actually wanted her to be a cheerleader, but she gave that up to study harder. Basically, she’s a really hot nerd who is one of the best friends you can find. She’s pretty much perfect,” Emma said before wondering why she was even trying to sell Jasper on someone when she might still love him.
“She sounds perfect enough, but there’s one problem. I’m looking for someone a little different than that.”
“What are you looking for?”
“The girl I’m looking for has blonde hair and deep green eyes. She’s really smart, but she doesn’t like science or math as much as me. I think she should probably be a marketing major. She also likes sappy love stories, and this girl has the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen,” Jasper said while taking note of her features.
This was Emma’s time to choose. Jasper was clearly saying that his dream girl was her. She could tell him that she loved him or end any chance of them being together there. At that point in her life, Emma always did the right thing. It seemed wrong to tell Jasper that she might love him when she had a boyfriend. Emma knew what she had to do, even if she didn’t like it.
“Jasper, we need to talk. You’re my best friend, and any girl would be lucky to be with you, but what we had is in the past. I’m with someone right now. I really want you to be happy, though. Sadie is better for you in every way. Give her a shot, and please don’t take what I just said in the wrong way. I think you’re the best guy I’ll ever meet, but I have a boyfriend. I’m not the type of girl to cheat on someone or let someone else come between me and my boyfriend. I’m sorry,” Emma said as they pulled into the driveway.
“I’m the one who should be sorry. I was kind of joking, but part of me was serious, too. You were my first love, so I’m always going to love you. I don’t want to make things weird, though. I can manage with just being your best friend and roommate, if that’s what you really want. Can you forgive me for making things a little weird and forget I ever said anything?”
“Thanks, Jasper. I’ve forgotten already. Now, let’s get ready for the beach. I think you’re going to love meeting Chip and Sadie.”
Jasper had his doubts about that. Meeting her boyfriend right after Emma had rejected him sounded like a terrible idea. Coming to Hawaii was starting to look like a complete bust. For the first time, Jasper was starting to consider meeting someone else. Even if his heart belonged to Emma, she didn’t want it. Why not try to have fun with someone new until she realized what she had in him?
When they got to the beach, Chip was already there. He was surfing. As Jasper looked at his competition, he felt a little nervous. Chip didn’t have an ounce of fat on his body. His toned physique and strong jaw made him look like the perfect guy. Then there was the fact that he was a world-class athlete. It was in that moment when Jasper started to feel like he didn’t stand a chance. This was probably the guy Emma was going to end up with.
“Hey, I’m Chip. It’s nice to meet you,” he said as he got out of the water and walked to them.
“I’ve heard of you. It’s nice to meet you, too. I didn’t think my best friend would be dating a celebrity,” Jasper said.
“I’m not famous yet. I’m getting there, though. Emma tells me you’re going to
be living with her through school. Just a friendly warning, but I can get pretty jealous when it comes to this girl. If I ever read things wrong, just tell me to back off,” Chip joked and wrapped his arm around Emma.
In truth, he was feeling Jasper out. He wanted to know if he was a threat, and bringing up his jealousy in a joking way was an easy way to figure out where they stood.
“No worries there. I’m her friend, and that’s all. You’re pretty lucky, though. Emma’s the best girl I’ve ever met. Don’t let her get away from you.”
“I know how lucky I am. I wasn’t really worried either. You’re about to meet Sadie. I think you’ll really like her. As a matter of fact, there she is now,” Chip said and pointed at a girl walking toward them.
When Jasper turned around, he saw that Emma wasn’t lying when she said Sadie was beautiful. Her long brown hair and deep blue eyes mixed with the perfect lips were enough to drive any man wild. Then there were her long bronzed legs. This girl was almost perfect. There was just one problem. She wasn’t the girl he loved.
“Let me give you a heads up real quickly. Sadie doesn’t date much. She’s gorgeous, but she has really high standards. I talked you up, though. Just be you, and I know she’ll love you,” Emma said.
Emma introduced them, and then she and Chip walked away to give them some time to get to know each other. Jasper couldn’t help but stare as Emma walked away hand in hand with Chip. Sadie immediately noticed. She had been friends with Emma for years, and she had heard all about their past together. Emma didn’t know it, but every time she mentioned Jasper, her eyes lit up. Judging by how troubled Jasper looked when Emma walked away with another guy, Sadie was guessing that he felt the same way as her.
“So how long have you loved her?” Sadie asked.
“What are you talking about? I’m her friend, and I’m here with you,” Jasper said.
“You don’t have to lie. I’ve known that Emma loves you for a long time. Every time she mentions you, her eyes light up. That doesn’t happen when she talks about Chip. I don’t know what she’s doing with that guy.”
“He’s going to be an Olympic athlete, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to make more money in the next five years than I’ll make in my whole life.”
“There’s more to life than money. I don’t get why she set us up when you both clearly love each other.”
“I don’t love her. I just . . .”
“Don’t lie. You’re clearly jealous of Chip.”
“Why would I be jealous? I’m talking to you right now. From what I hear, we’re very similar, and you look really nice.”
“Thanks for the compliment, but I can tell you like her as more than a friend. You can lie to me, and we can pretend that there might be something between us one day, or you can tell the truth, and I can help you with Emma.”
“Okay. I love her. I have since I was a kid. Why would you help me, though?”
“I don’t like Chip. I haven’t since the day I met him. He’s spoiled, he has a temper, Emma doesn’t love him, and to me he’s the worst kind of person. I want someone great for my friend. I don’t know how great you are, but I know she thinks you’re the best guy on the planet.”
“How can I get her away from someone like him, though? They seem pretty attached to each other.”
“You’re jealous right now. Jealousy is a very powerful emotion. I’ll help you make her jealous of us, and in return, you can help me study this semester since we’re probably taking similar classes. Who knows? We might end up being friends.”
“It’s a deal. How do we make her jealous, though?”
“That’s simple. Just hang out with me for a while, and go with whatever I do. Before you know it, we’ll have her jumping through hoops to be with you. Emma already loves you. She just needs to know you’re not going to wait around forever.”
Throughout the day, Jasper and Sadie got to know each other better. He had to admit that she was pleasant to be around. He didn’t have romantic feelings for her, but he got why Emma was such good friends with her. Sadie was intelligent and funny. The only reason she was still single was because she didn’t feel like she had time to date.
Eventually, it was time to eat. When Emma and Chip were making their way back to them, Sadie pulled Jasper close.
“Just go with this. It’ll drive her wild,” she said and kissed him.
Her tongue never actually went into his mouth, but the way they kissed made it look like they were sharing something very passionate. Emma was stunned. Sadie never dated anyone, and she certainly didn’t expect her to be kissing Jasper after only knowing him for an hour. She was angry, but she didn’t know where to place that anger. Emma was the one who rejected Jasper and introduced them.
“Well, I see you two are getting along,” Chip said as they walked up.
“You were right, Emma. Jasper and I have a lot in common. I’ve got to get out of here before it gets too late. I would love to stay for dinner, but I’ve got some studying to do. If you want, I can take you home, Jasper. That would give us some more time to talk and Emma and Chip some time alone,” Sadie said.
“That sounds perfect,” Jasper said.
“You guys should stay,” Emma quickly said.
“I wish I could, but I’ve got some stuff to look over. I’ll see you tomorrow, though.”
As Jasper and Sadie left, they could tell it was tearing Emma up inside to see them walking away hand in hand. Jasper was happy in a way because it seemed like their plan was working. He was also sad, though. He hated hurting Emma, even if it was to get her back.
“I would say that went well. There’s only one more thing we have to do to really get her attention,” Sadie said as they drove away.
“What’s that?”
“This,” Sadie said and reached into the console and got some perfume. Then she sprayed it on him.
“What are you doing?”
“You need to take one of my hair barrettes in with you and put it on the couch. That’ll give the impression that I came inside, and you’ll smell just like me. It’s going to make her crazy.”
“Yeah, and if she does love me, it might just make her hate you.”
“No, it won’t. We’ll explain everything to her one day after she’s away from that guy.”
“All right, if you say so. Let me ask you something, though. What do you have against him? You’re going to an awful lot of trouble to get Chip away from Emma.”
“That’s complicated.”
“You can trust me.”
“Let’s just say I lied about the reason I don’t date.”
“What’s the real reason then?”
“Forget I said anything. I like you, Jasper, but we don’t know each other well enough to be talking about this. Maybe I’ll tell you the full story one day, but just know this. Chip Wake is bad news. I don’t care if you end up being the guy for Emma. If you love her at all, just make sure she gets away from him.”
Jasper didn’t understand, but the underlying message was clear. Chip wasn’t as great as he seemed, and if he didn’t get Emma away from him, she might just get hurt. Once they got back to the house, Sadie handed Jasper her hair barrette, and he thanked her again for helping him. After he was inside, he placed the barrette where Emma normally sat on the couch and watched television until she got home.
“I’m so sunburned right now. I’m exhausted,” she said and flopped down on the couch beside him.
As she did, she landed on the barrette. She grabbed it and examined it for a minute. Then she smelled perfume. The pieces were starting to add up. She leaned over and smelled of his shirt.
“What are you doing?” Jasper asked.
“Oh, my God! What did you two do here?” Emma asked louder than she meant to.
“What are you talking about?”
“You were making out at the beach, you smell just like her, and I just found her hair barrette which means she came inside. I’m not one to judge, and I’m glad you like her, Ja
sper, but aren’t you guys moving a little fast for two people who just met?”
“She came in for a minute, and yeah, she sat close to me. That’s probably why I smell like her. Nothing like what you’re thinking happened, though.”
“Sure,” Emma said and rolled her eyes.
“I’m serious.”
“It’s funny how quickly things can change. You’re certainly not worried about a blonde haired girl with green eyes anymore,” Emma pouted.
“Hey, I would take that girl over anyone. She doesn’t want me, though.”
“What if she did?”
“Does she?”
“I don’t know. All I know is that seeing you kiss Sadie made me crazy. Maybe it’s because of our history, or maybe . . .” Emma managed to say before Jasper interrupted her with a kiss.
She didn’t pull away. Emma knew it was wrong, but it felt so right. With Chip, she was always faking everything. She acted like she loved their kisses and his jokes, but it wasn’t real. Jasper could instantly set her heart on fire with just a touch, though.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stop? You and Sadie seemed pretty into each other,” Emma said as he pulled back.
“Are you really asking that question right now? You’ve always been the only one I loved, and that was the best kiss I’ve had in years. If you feel half of what I feel for you, then it won’t even be a question. Whatever’s going on between us right now can’t be a mistake.”
“Okay, but before we go any further, what really happened with Sadie?”
“Nothing. I promise.”
Emma knew Jasper, and she could always tell when he was lying. He seemed truthful, and he wasn’t wrong. Their kiss had been amazing. She didn’t hesitate any longer. She kissed him again and got on top of him. As Jasper ran his hands down to her hips, however, she stopped.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I love this, but can we slow down? I’ve never . . .”
“I get it. We don’t have to, you know.”
Emma's Story Page 2