This book is dedicated to everyone who has ever picked up and read Wanted or Broken and fell in love with these amazing families. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.
“Family is like music. Some high notes, some low notes, but always a beautiful song.”
Taylor
July—Paris, France
I stood frozen as I stared at the Mona Lisa while everyone around me went on about some café we were headed to after this. Doing my best, I tried to ignore the fact that Jase kept staring at me. It was our sixth and final day in France and I had somehow avoided him successfully the entire trip. Of course, the fact that Cammie never left his side was another reason I had successfully kept my distance.
“Qu'en pensez-vous? Elle est belle, est-elle pas?”
With a quick look to my left, I saw my French professor standing next to me.
“I think it’s amazing and yes she is beautiful,” I beamed.
“As is your French, Taylor. Please don’t lose it.”
Glancing down, I nodded my head. I’d been taking French since high school and loved it. At one point I thought I wanted to move to France, until my father told me I’d break my mother’s heart and put him in an early grave if I followed such a dream.
“We’re going to be headed out for lunch after this.”
With a weak smile, I nodded my head and replied, “I’m not feeling that great, Professor Beaumont. I’m going to head back to the hotel and rest.”
Her hand immediately touched my forehead as she frowned. “You don’t feel hot.”
“No, I think I’m tired and in need of some alone time. I have a book I’m ready to crawl into bed with.”
She frowned as she said, “I know you’re staying on a few extra days along with a few other students, but this is our last day out as a group. Are you sure you’re not feeling up to it?”
My eyes shot over to where Jase was. He was standing in a small group of people, but his stare caught mine. His angelic blue eyes stood out even more against his dark hair.
Professor Beaumont’s voice pulled my attention away from Jase. I gave her a pleasant smile and replied, “I’m positive. With me staying on a few extra days, I think it’s best if I rest up a bit.”
With a sad expression, she nodded her head, turned, and headed over to the group.
“Okay, listen up. I know you’re all adults and some of you have opted to stay on a few days after the tour ends this evening. Taylor is not feeling well and will be heading back to the hotel, so if you’re not staying the extra days or going to dinner tonight, and you want to say goodbye to her . . . now is the time.”
My mouth dropped open as all eyes were now pinned on me.
“You’re going back to your hotel?” Jase asked as I shot Professor Beaumont a dirty look.
Clearing my throat, I gave my best smile and said, “I am. I’ll see y’all for dinner though; I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Ugh. The last thing I wanted to do was sit through dinner and have to listen to some of the pompous classmates I’d been forced to deal with the last few years. Especially Cammie North, who currently wore a smile so big she could light up the entire Paris skyline at night. She had been trying like hell to get Jase to spend time with her the entire trip.
After the tour, everyone decided to head back to the hotel to change before heading to lunch. Sitting down on the bed, I dropped back and let out a moan. Every time I stole a peek at Jase he was watching me. I loved it and hated it at the same time. With him I didn’t know whether I was coming or goin
g. Did he like me? Did he not like me?
Sighing, I tried to wipe all things Jase Morris from my mind.
The knock on the door had me sitting up quickly. “Damn it,” I whispered as I got up and headed to the door.
Throwing it open, I started talking. “Professor Beaumont, I really don’t—”
Jase stood in front of me with a grin that showcased both dimples, and eyes that sparkled like diamonds.
“Jase? Wh-what are you doing here?”
“I wasn’t hungry.”
My eyes narrowed as I gave him an uncertain look. “So you thought you’d come to my room? Why?”
He took a few steps closer to me, causing me to back into the room. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you.”
With a heavy heartbeat, I stood tall and in my place. I was not going to let him see how his words affected me. “Jase, I’m not going to play games with you. This push and pull thing has gotten old and honestly, I’m done playing it.”
His eyes fell to the floor as he took in a slow deep breath. My breathing was so labored I was sure he noticed.
“I’ve been an asshole and I know it.” He pierced me with his blue eyes. “I want so badly to be the perfect guy for you because perfect is what you deserve, Taylor. If I was half the man my father raised me to be, I’d walk away from you forever.”
I slowly shook my head. “Why do you think you’re not good enough for me? You’ve never even given us a chance.”
A wicked smile spread over his face while his eyes turned dark. “When I think about you all I can think about is taking your innocence. I want to bury myself so deep inside of you I forget everything and everyone around me until I’m consumed by only you.”
My breath hitched as I reached out for something to hold on to. “I thought you weren’t interested in me and that’s why you moved on.”
His gruff laugh felt like a slap. “Moved on? You think I’ve moved on?”
Anger quickly engulfed my body. “Yes, I think you’ve moved on. You act like you want me, Jase. Then the next thing I know you’re out with different women and not even looking twice at me. It’s as if I don’t even exist to you. And I’m sorry, but I think I deserve someone who wants me.”
His brows pinched together. “You think I don’t want you?”