And The Beat Goes On Read Online Free PDF Page A

you.”
    “Why?”
    Why was that so preposterous? Jasper was gorgeous but he didn’t need to be conceited about it. “I’m just not.” I took a step back.
    “Wait,” he said firmly. “I’ve been trying to ask you out but you keep blocking me at every turn.”
    “Because I don’t want to,” I said bluntly. “Why is that so hard to believe?”
    Jasper didn’t have a response to that. He just stared at me. “You went out with me once. Why won’t you go out with me now?”
    Did he seriously not know? “Last time we went out, we had a great time. And I really liked you. But you didn’t return my phone calls, and you ignored me anytime I ran into you. Then you went out with someone else because I wouldn’t put out. I’m not the right girl for you.”
    He ran his fingers through his hair, clearly nervous. “I…I assumed you didn’t like me.”
    “Why?”
    “Because you didn’t want to sleep with me.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Just because I didn’t sleep with you didn’t mean I disliked you.”
    “Well, it seemed that way.”
    Jasper and I were practically from different planets. “You and I don’t go well together.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “I like to be in a relationship before I sleep with someone. I don’t like one-night stands. I’m not your girl.”
    “Well, give me a chance and we’ll see where it goes.”
    Was he being serious? “I—I don’t think so.”
    “Why not? Are you seeing anyone?” I immediately thought of my teacher, but I had no idea why. “No. But I’m perfectly happy being single.”
    “Go on a date with me—a real one. And I won’t expect anything in return.”
    You better not.
    I remembered how much he hurt me when we dated. I was cast aside for someone better. That feeling would never go away. “I’m not the right girl for you. Find someone that’s more to your liking.”
    “But you are the right girl for me,” Jasper said. “You’re beautiful, smart…funny.”
    “You don’t even know me,” I snapped. Now I was getting suspicious. Why was he so interested in me? Perhaps I was being paranoid, but I wondered if he just wanted to add me to his collection then never talk to me again, like it was a challenge.
    “Then let me get to know you.”
    “Jasper, you can have any girl you want. Why are you suddenly so interested in me? We already went out once and you didn’t like me then. That isn’t going to change with another date.”
    “But I’ve changed,” he said firmly.
    I found that hard to believe. Our date was only a month ago. I doubt he changed that quickly. “I really need to go. I’ll see you around.”
    He sighed in frustration but didn’t stop me.
    I turned around to avoid his look and headed to the road. When I finally got into a cab, I let the air leave my lungs. Every guy I’d ever been with screwed it up then asked for forgiveness later. Why couldn’t I be with someone that got it right the first time? I had a feeling that would never happen.
    ♫
    I took a shower to wash all the rainwater from my hair and skin. I hated the cold, but I loved it as soon as I stepped into a warm shower. I knew water was scarce and I shouldn’t waste it, but I loved standing under the hot water.
    The whales would get over it.
    After I dried my hair, I made myself a cup of coffee then sat on my couch. My blank canvas was on the table, and my paintings were stacked in the corner. I had to find something to submit for the auction. It would be nice to earn a few extra pounds. I might be able to buy new art supplies for it.
    When a knock sounded on my door, I sighed in annoyance. I treasured my alone time and hated to be interrupted. And if it was Jasper, I’d throw a fit.
    But it was my brother. “Ken?” I asked when I opened the door.
    “Hey,” he said sadly. His bag was over his shoulder and his hair was wet.
    My brother and I weren’t very close, and we never have been. It seemed like he was trying to get away from me most of the time. I