{Look After You} *SEQUEL AUDITIONS!*

[socrbritney]

This is my first fan fiction. I love to write and I've had this idea for a while, so I thought I'd take a crack at it. This story is titled after the fray's "Look after you" Download it, it's an amazing song.

***Discalimer: You know the jist, I don't own the jonas brothers or anything to do with them. I only own the other character. HAPPY READING!

Look After You: A Joe Jonas FanFiction

Chapter One

"There now, steady love
so few come and don't go
will you, won't you
be the one i always know
when i'm losing control, the city spins around
you're the only one who knows
you slow it down"


******************
Jenna hated interviews.

After four years of college, two more at graduate school, and plenty of headaches later, she was sitting in a stuffy room. Waiting to be interviewed for a job she really didn't know too much about. She had heard about it through her advisor at UCLA.

"It's perfect for you," she gushed. "It's in the entertainment industry, and it involves alot of writing!"

That was two weeks ago. Finally, at age 23, she was ready to join the real world.

Now she wasn't so sure about the real world. Jenna looked down at her gray, pin-striped suit and tugged at the sleeves.

I'd much rather be in sweatpants, she thought to herself.

She glanced at her reflection in the two way mirror at the back of the room. She pulled the clip holding her hair back and shook it out, running a hand quickly through her shoulder length blonde hair. She sighed impatiently and glanced again at the clock.

"How much longer? Sweet jesus, I need to get out of this suit." she muttered to herself.

The air conditioning was clearly broken in the room, and Jenna felt her back start to moisten with sweat. She rummaged through her briefcase and pulled out her notes on the job description. She had jotted them down as her advisor shot off everything she knew about the job. Now the words on the paper looked confusing and vague.

Media relations.

Pop Band-three boys.

Writing blogs for them, writing and releasing press statements on the band.

Touring. Music. Long days and long nights.

Jenna sighed again. I should just leave, she decided.

Jenna stood up when suddenly the door burst open. A older man with glasses and round, friendly face hurried over to her.

"You must be Jenna! Sorry to keep you waiting, it's madness trying to get this tour together. I'm Kevin Jonas Sr. The dad-slash-manager of The Jonas Brothers."

Jenna stood and shook his hand, giving her best "hire me" smile.

"Hello, it's so nice to meet you. I didn't get much on the job description, but I have heard of your boys." she mused. "They seem really talented, my niece is so in love with them."

Mr. Jonas laughed. "Yes, most of the girls are. Well, why don't we have a seat and I'll try and get to the point."

Jenna quicky sat down and waiting eagerly for him to continue.

"Basically, we have alot of media exposure, and we want someone to kind of control anything that goes out about us to the press. We do a myspace blog, we give statements to the magazines, hold press conferences, you know, the usual. I need someone young, plugged in, with writing talents obviously, to handle all this. Whenever something happens or whenever we have a big project coming up, I need you to write about it and make sure it gets released to the public."

Jenna nodded. "I have alot of experience with Public Relations. I was an intern at ABC/Disney doing their PR work."

Mr. Jonas nodded and looked down at what she assumed was her resume in his hand.

"I mean, everything looks great here, Jenna. Obviously, you're going to being spending alot of time with the boys. Their great kids, you'll meet them soon. We like to keep the fans informed on everything their doing and what's coming next. So the Myspace blog will be a priority, and you can interview the boys and send out special statements every once in awhile. I also want you there for interviews with other magazines, TV stations, radio stations, and press conferences. Like I said, I just want you to control what goes out there. The boys are usually very well-spoken, but they are still pretty young so I wanted a proffessional to make sure no one can twist their words around." Mr. Jonas leaned back in his chair and waited for her response.

"This all sounds great," Jenna said. "I've seen the boys interviewed a couple times and they seem very articulate. You've done a great job with them."

Mr. Jonas nodded again and stood up.

"I think you'll work out great. We're leaving for tour in a couple weeks, so your first job will be to handle the Myspace converage of the preperation. Are you ready for life on the road?" He smirked at her.

"I can adjust. As long as I don't have to sleep on the floor." Jenna joked.

Mr. Jonas headed towards the door, chuckling.

"No, ma'am. You'll be given a seperate bus to share with our Personal Assistant, Felicia. She's been with us for awhile, you'll love her." He opened the door and stopped and turned back. "I'm excited about this. I think you'll be a nice addition to our family. I'll send the boys in to meet you after their done with their rehersal." And with that, he left and shut the door.

Jenna's heart swelled. "...nice addition to our family." She liked the sound of that.

____________________________________________________________________

Kevin Jonas leaned back in his chair. The three boys had just watched the interview between their dad and their new Media Rep through the two-way mirror.

"I like her." Nick, the youngest, said from his position in the back of the room. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, focused on the woman in the room across from the.

"Me too, she seems pretty smart. I hope she can handle our schedule, though. It gets pretty brutal. We don't want Joe's morning mood to scare her away." Kevin shot a look to the middle brother, who was seated at the table, his head resting in his hands, looking bored.

"Bite me, Kevin. I won't scare her away if you won't scare her away with your mile-a-minute talking. It's too fast for normal people." Joe looked through the glass and watched Jenna gather her papers and get up and stretch.

"Well, I was just sending Dad mental messages to hire her. She's pretty cute." Joe said.

"Easy, killer." Nick scolded. "I think she might be too old for you, dude."

Kevin laughed. "And by that, he means completely too mature for you."

Joe rolled his eyes and walked over to stand in front of the mirror. He watched her walk slowly around the room, looking around. She finally walked to the mirror, and peered through the glass. Joe laughed, knowing she couldn't see them. He did a little dance.

"Woo-hoo, look at me pretty girl! You. can't. see. me. Haha, I wish we had these things everywhere we went." Joe stopped dancing and stood right in front of where Jenna was standing. He leaned closer.

Jenna put her face right up to the glass. She seemed to look right at Joe. He studied her face, open and friendly. She reached up to brush a strand of blonde hair out of her eyes. Joe's breath caught in his throat as she widened her green eyes to study her reflection.

Wow, Joe thought as he sucked in a deep breath.

The door to the room flew open, and Big Rob entered with their Dad trailing behind. Nick exchanged a fist bump with Rob.

"So, Dad, what's the verdict on the new girl?" Kevin wondered.

Joe turned away from the glass, and shook his head as if to shake the haze Jenna's eyes seem to put him in.

Mr. Jonas sat down and motioned for the guys to sit too. They pulled out chairs and sat down.

"I hired her. She seems smart. She's young enough to be plugged in and speak to the younger crowds, but she's old enough to keep tabs on you guys without me worrying that you'll chase after her." He eyed Joe.

Joe mocked suprise. "WHAT? I would never chase a pretty girl. Worry about Kevin, he's the oldest. How old is she?" He asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Kevin checked his papers. "She's 23. She just graduated from UCLA with a Masters in Media Relations. I think she'll be a great fit. Do you guys wanna meet her?"

Joe jumped up, trying not to seem eager. He followed the rest of the gang out the door to meet her. Rob stopped him before he left the room.

"Jenna's fine, ain't she?" Rob smiled knowingly at Joe. "She's too old for ya, man. Remember that."

Joe grinned up at Rob. "You know what they say, man. Age ain't nothin' but a nuuuumber", he sang.

Rob laughed and pushed him playfully out the door.

[Anna]

i love it!
very well written, too.
post more soon!

[socrbritney]

"You like me, yeah, I know it
You're so transparent
How you stumble 'round those words so well
You like me, there I said it
Don't need a dictionary helping me
Cause I can spell"

-Natasha Bedingfield "Stumble"





Jenna stepped away from the glass and sat down. She arched back and started gathering her hair into a ponytail. Now that she had the job, she felt more relaxed. She felt even excited, her body tingling with anticipation.



This is going to be so fantastic, she thought. She smiled to herself. She knew moving to Los Angeles was a great idea. And she was finally getting the opprotunities she deserved.



The door to the little room opened as Mr. Jonas once again entered.



“Jenna, meet my boys.” He gestured behind him. No one was there. Mr. Jonas peered out the doorway and down the hall.



“Boys?” He yelled. No response. Mr. Jonas looked sheepishly back at Jenna.



"Um, I'll be right back. They might have wandered off. Their not usually so, um, ditzy." Mr. Jonas darted into the hallway.



"If you boys don't get your butts to this room, I will take away any and all video game systems you have!" Mr. Jonas yelled as he walked down the hall.



Jenna walked to the door and slowly poked her head out into the hallway, expecting to see an empty hallway. What she did see was a chest smacking right into her forehead. A shot of pain thundered in her ears, and she flew backwards.



"Ouch. Son of a..." Jenna rubbed her forehead and a surge of anger passed through her. She quickly pulled herself off the ground and brushed her suit off. She felt a hand on her shoulder.



"Wow, I'm sorry. Apparently I don't know how to brake well." a voice said. Jenna looked up and felt her face flush. A pair of chocolate brown eyes peered worriedly into hers, as she stared at a young and handsome face with dark locks of hair falling over his forehead.



"I'm Joe. I'm sorry again. I just heard Dad yelling about video games and I came a'runnin. Are you ok? Man, I hit you pretty hard, didn't I?" Joe was rambling.



"Um, no it's fine. I understand, I played Legend of Zelda pretty much any chance I got all through college so, I know the feeling. I'm Jenna. Your new media rep." Jenna held out her hand and glanced at Joe's hand still grasping her shoulder. Her skin felt warm under his hold.



Joe immediately shot his hand away from her shoulder and shook her outstretched palm.



"Nice to meet you. The rest of the guys should get here soon..." As if on cue, two more curly haired boys walked into the room. Joe stepped aside to let them introduce themselves.



"Hi, I'm Kevin. This is Nick. I see you already met, Joe." Kevin glanced suspiciously at Joe, who put his hands up in defense.



"Hey, she ran into me!" he claimed. He smirked at Jenna. She glared back.



"Yes, because clearly I was the one sprinting in here in fear of losing my video games."



Joe grinned even wider. Jenna blushed and mentally scolded herself. She focused on the two other boys in front of her.



"It's so nice to meet all three of you. My niece is a huge fan, so I've been exposed to your music for quite some time," she said.



Nick laughed. His curls seemed to shake as a little smile stretched across his handsome, baby face. "Exposed? That sounds like our music is some type of virus."



"I didn't mean it like that. But, with the way you got the girls screaming, we could call it a disease of some kind." she joked.



"Our dad just raved about you. You must be so excited to spend so much time with us, huh?" Kevin asked. He scratched at his sideburns.



"Well, I'm very excited to get to know you guys. I won't have anyone in the media saying bad things, you can count on that. I have to admit, I haven't see you guys perform yet, but I'm sure they'll be plenty of that when the tour starts." Jenna said.



"Well, believe me. I've seen them perform a thousand times and it never gets old," Mr. Jonas said as he walked back into the room. "Speaking of getting to know each other, since we have the day off tomorrow, I was thinking of getting you guys together for some fun. You know, so Jenna can get used to you guys before she's stuck with us for a couple months." Mr. Jonas winked at her.



Big Rob came in and started discussing security matters for the next day with Mr. Jonas. Jenna let her gaze fall on each of the boys. It was her habit to study different people, to try and get to know them just by looking at them.



She looked at the youngest first, Nick, who was listening intently at what his dad was saying. Though his face clearly showed he was the youngest, everything else about him showed maturity beyond his age. His focused face, his lean, athletic body in an upright stance, and especially when he spoke. Which wasn't too often, she mentally noted.



Next she let herself focus on Kevin, the oldest. His friendly face was full of expression as he nodded along to Rob's discussion with his dad. His tight curls seemed to hold alot of personality all their own, and he seemed to fidget with alot of energy. He seems pretty spunky, she thought as he threw his head back to laugh at something Rob said.



Finally, she glanced over at Joe. She was shocked to see him staring right back at her. His eyes glowed from underneath his newsboy cap, and he gave her a sideways smile. She looked away, embarrassed. He seemed to know he was having some type of effect on her.



Jenna, he's at least four years younger than you. Settle down. She shook herself of those thoughts and tried to focus on what Mr. Jonas was saying, but she found her gaze wandering back over to Joe. Thankfully, this time he wasn't looking back at her. She seemed to blush whenever he looked at her, and it was frustrating. She studied his chiseled features and laid back stance. He seemed older than he probably was, which was typical of teen celebrites. His locks of dark hair were so perfectly out of place, and when he folded his arms across his chest, she saw his fore arm muscles felx and then relax. Only one thought came to mind.



Wow.



"Ok then! It's settled!" Mr. Jonas's voice brought her back to reality. "Jenna and the boys will spend the day at the amusement park across town. I think we'll be able to swing a private day so the fans won't maul Jenna or the boys. Sound good everyone?"



The boys all nodded eagerly.



"Alright Jenna, if you could meet us back here around 9am, we'll just all go together." Mr. Jonas shook her hand one more time and motioned for the boys to follow him.



"C'mon fellows, we got a little more rehearsal to do before I let you loose tomorrow. Mr. Jonas said.



Rob stepped forward, his massive body seemingly casting a shadow over her. She peered up at him. He gave a big smile.



"I'm Big Rob, the security around here. These are a great bunch of guys, you'll see. That is if they don't drive you nuts first," he cracked.



"If you need anything or have any questions, here is my card. That number on the back is important if you think the boys are in any danger. Remember that. I don 't think you'll be using it though, but just in case. Alright, guys. Get your butts in gear and follow your dad!" Rob's voice bellowed and echoed off the walls. Jenna could tell he loved the boys, and she smiled affectionatly at the four of them together.



The boys came and shook Jenna's hand one more time before leaving the room behind Big Rob. Joe smiled at her when he put his hand in hers, giving it a little squeeze. Jenna felt her face get hot.



"I'll be seeing you," he murmured, his voice raspy. With that, he turned and walked from the room.



Jenna stared after him in shock.



Great, she thought. Looks like it'll take some time to get used to that one.

[socrbritney]

Chapter Three


I'm taking pictures in my mind
So I can save them for a rainy day
It's hard to make conversation
When he's taking my breath away

Taylor Swfit-"Stay Beautiful"



“I don’t think you’re ready for this, Jenna.”



Jenna felt the warm breath tickle her ear. A hand grasped hers firmly. She looked over at the guy sitting next to her.



"I hate you," she snarled. Suddenly, she was falling. Faster. Faster still. She screamed, held nothing back. She felt like she would never stop falling. She gripped the hand tighter and screamed until she ran out of air. With a jolt, the falling stopped.



The boys laughed gleefully as the ride came to a stop. They started to unstrap themselves from their seats. Except for Jenna.



Jenna sat like a scared little bunny, refusing to let go of the hand she was now clutching for dear life.



"Um, Jenna?" Kevin asked meekly. "Can you let go of my hand? I kinda need it to play guitar and well, you're breaking it."



Jenna pried herself out of the chair and shakily stood up. As Kevin stood up, she gave him a little push.



"You buttmunch! You said that ride wasn't scary!" Jenna angirly stormed to the exit.



"Buttmunch? I haven't heard that phrase since fourth grade," Nick said.



"And that was, what? Two weeks ago? I'm sorry, I have to censor my name calling now that I'm surrounded by you guys." Jenna teased.



The guys laughed, and Jenna once again thought to herself how much fun she was having.



She had been nervous in the morning, as she got ready to meet the guys to spend the day with them. She couldn't pinpoint what she was nervous about, her new job or the way she reacted around Joe. But she did notice how she payed particular attention to how she looked that morning. She straightned her hair just so, and picked her favorite straight legged jeans. Of course, hours later, it didn't matter. As her hair was wild from all the roller-coasters, and her face was flushed from all the laughing she had been doing.



As the day went on, she fell into a comfortable friendship with all the boys. She was right about Nick, he was mature way beyond his years. He spoke so passionately about his music and how much he loved to perform. She loved to hear his sharp, scarcastic comments on whatever his brothers did. She found herself sharing private laughs with him more than once through-out the day.



Kevin was a ball of energy, and he spoke so fast and so often she barely could get a word in edgewise. But he was so much fun to converse with, she seemed to get energy just from his stories and gestures. As they walked around the park, Kevin asked her plenty of questions, and he made her feel very comfortable.



It was Joe that suprised her most. She had come expecting to be jumpy and uncomfortable the whole time around him. While she was still always taken aback by his good looks, she finally relaxed when she realized they shared the same sense of humor. He had already cracked her up too many times to count, and each time she threw her head back to laugh at something he said or did, he met her eyes with a big grin. She was flattered that he seemed to enjoy making her laugh.



The park was empty, with just the four of them plus Big Rob. She had Rob had also bonded over the fact that they both loved R&B music, and had vacationed in the same spots. She was so moved by how much he seemed to care about the boys, it was hard not to love Rob. Jenna felt so at ease, knowing her new job was going to be amazing.



"Ooo! A haunted house!" Kevin pointed and immediately grabbed Jenna's hand to start pulling her towards the next ride.



"Kevin, you're going to rip my arm off. Then I'll have to beat you with it." she said as she struggled to slow him down. Nick started walking ahead, studying the haunted house.



"It looks like a walk-through haunted house. What do you say, guys? One more thing before we leave?" Nick didn't wait for an answer as he jogged to the entrance. Kevin ran ahead to catch up with him.



Joe fell in step next to her, bumping her playfully. She looked up at him, studying her reflection in his big, red framed sunglasses. She was amazed at how happy she looked looking up at him. She saw her smile in the reflection of his shades.



I am happy, she thought.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joe loved to watch her laugh. If he could do it all day, every day. He would.



Whenever she laughed, she did not hold back. She threw her head back and let her laugh come out loud. She had an infectious laugh, and he often heard it even when he was way behind them walking with Big Rob. Her eyes danced as she smiled at the boys every time they said something funny. She had so much expression in her face, it was hard not to feel at ease when talking to her.



Joe loved the feeling he got when she laughed at something he said. He was used to making girls laugh, he did it all the time. But the way she looked at him when she finally composed herself made his heart beat faster.



As they raced toward the haunted house, Joe relished the opprotunity to walk alone with her. While he loved his brothers and spending time with them, he wanted to be able to talk to her alone. Even if it was for a minute.



"So, are you having a good time?" he asked her. Giving her another nudge with his shoulder.



Jenna grinned up at him. "Yes, you guys are so much fun. I can't believe it's my job to hang out with you."



Joe smiled at this. "Well, we're lucky to have someone so cool to represent us. And it's also nice to see someone laughing at Kevin's jokes. That poor kid, barely gets a laugh."



"Hey, be nice," she playfully scolded. "I guess you are so used to girls laughing at everything you say to impress you, it's hard to see the others guys getting laughs, huh?"



Joe took his sunglasses off and placed them on top of his wavy hair. He gave her a knowing look.



"So, when you laugh at me, you're trying to impress me?" he asked curiously.



Jenna laughed and took the sunglasses off his head, putting them on herself. She started to jog ahead to catch up with the others. She turned back for a second.



"Joe, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're flirting with me." she threw a smile over her shoulder. "C'mon, Rob. I need you to protect me in there!" she yelled back before dissapearing into the haunted house.



"I'd say she needs protecting from you," Rob said as he passed Joe to follow Jenna into the house.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He was flirting with me, she said to herself. Another thought jumped into her head.



And you were flirting right back, she mentally scolded herself. She couldn't risk losing this job over flirtation. She knew she could do this job well, and with an amazing group of people.



Don't lose it over a pretty face, Jenna reminded herself.



Inside the haunted house, it was cool. The breeze felt good on her hot face. She was all alone in the main entrance. It was pitch black except for the glow of the light shining in from the doorway behind her.



"Guys?" she called out hesitantly. She followed the walkway to another dark room. No one.



"Real funny, guys. C'mon, let's walk through the creepy house together. I'm just a helpless little woman!" Jenna didn't mind a good scare, but this was ridiculous. She half ran into the next room. More blackness.



"Great, I'm going to get lost in a haunted house and they'll leave me here," Jenna said out loud.



"Never." a voice behind her said. She whipped around, ready to attack.



"Easy kung-fu panda. It's just me." The shadow stepped forward, and she recognized Joe's face in the dim light. His brown eyes seemed almost black now, dancing with amusement at how easily she got scared.



She slapped him playfully. "Where did you guys go? Not that I mind, I just thought Nick might need protection. From Kevin that is." she joked.



Joe laughed, his eyes locking onto hers again. She blushed.

Dang. I gotta learn to control that, she thought.

Joe reached out his hand. She looked at it and hesitated.

Joe stepped closer to her.

"C'mon, I'll show you the way." He didn't wait for a response, he grabbed her hand and started leading her toward another room. She heard the other guys voices up ahead.

Of course all she was thinking about was how nice and safe she felt holding Joe's hand as he led her out of the dark

[socrbritney]

Chapter Four

"If only I had the guts to feel this way

If only you’d look at me and want to stay

If only I’d take you in my arms and say

I won’t go cause I need you"

“If Only”-Hanson

Jenna sat hunched over her laptop, pouring over her notes she had scribbled after her series of interviews with the crew, tour managers, and of course, the boys about the upcoming tour. She had a busy week ahead of her, and she had to get this statement released to the press by midnight tonight. Every time she tried to write, she lost focus.

It had been two weeks since she was hired. She had been spending every day with everyone on the tour, trying to get a feel of the family on the road. There were lighting specialist, pyro technicians, the band, the costume people, the truck drivers, the bus drivers, security…her mind just melted at the thought of that many people working together to make one show.

She leaned back in her chair, taking a glance at her apartment. Her empty apartment, that is. Most of the stuff was packed away in storage, as she was going to be gone for the next four months. She was all packed, ready to leave for the tour tomorrow morning at 6am. Their opening concert was merely a day away. The tour was kicking off right there in L.A., and she was looking forward to seeing the boys perform. Jenna looked at the framed photo on her desk and smiled.

Mr. Jonas had given her the photo as a kind of “Welcome to the family” gift. It was a photo taken in a moment of spontaneity while she was hanging out with the boys. They had just finished a round of interviews for the tour, and they were hanging out in the green room. Kevin was looking right at the camera, giving a cheesy smile. He had his arm slung around Nick, who was smiling at something off camera. Jenna was leaning against Nick, her face in the middle of a laugher burst. And she knew exactly who was making her laugh. She was looking right at Joe, who was smiling right back at her on the couch.

Jenna covered up Nick and Kevin with her fingers, and focused on how she and Joe were looking at each other. She had finally gotten used to effect Joe had on her, but she had not gotten used to the way he smiled at her. While she had kept a professional distance between her and the boys, she always seemed to turn into a sixteen year old girl around him. Blushing, stuttering, and looking down at the ground. She had told herself weeks ago nothing was worth losing this job. But her intense attraction to Joe often fogged her memory.

It’s just a crush. Of course you’re attracted to him. But he’s a boy, and it’ll fade in time, she thought to herself for what seemed like the tenth time.

Jenna put the picture frame down and set back to work on her writing. She glanced at the clock. 11:11 p.m. She smiled.
And made a wish.

I wish for this to be the best summer ever.
_________________________________________

“It’s a call I’ll never get…”

The song finished with a flurry of drums and guitar rifts. Nick took the earpiece out of his ear and looked on to his dad, who was watching the rehearsal from the seats.

“Sounds great, boys! I think we can call it a night.” Mr. Jonas started gathering his papers and made his way towards the stage to go over last minute notes with the band. Nick and Kevin sighed with relief and started taking off their guitars.

Joe slowly climbed down the stage stairs and collapsed in a seat. They were doing late minute rehearsals so they didn’t have to tomorrow. They had a press conference tomorrow, which would be the official kick off of their summer tour. Joe closed his eyes and leaned his head against the back of the seat. He let his hair fall over his eyes.

Four months of playing music, he thought with a smile.

Four months of very little sleep, he thought with disdain.

Four months of Jenna.

The last thought made his blood rush a little faster. Joe didn’t know what to think about his feelings for Jenna. After the trip to the amusement park, he only saw her when they did interviews or when they all had meetings with their Dad. But now that they were leaving for tour, she was going to be around a lot more.

Joe wishes he could get inside her head when she was looking at him. Did she see him as a kid? As a musician? As a man? Or just another part of the job? There were times, like when she brought back his favorite flavored water from a trip to the vending machine, or when she laughed so hard at something he said she doubled over, or especially when she would talk to him about nothing at all, eager to share her thoughts with him…those were the times when he thought there was something special between them.

But then there were other times, when she merely shook his hand goodbye. Or discussed only business when they were all together. Or the worst, when she saw her talking and laughing with older members of the crew, that he thought she would never see him as mature enough for her.

Joe stood up, shaking his head of those thoughts. It was tour time, and he needed all the focus he needed. He can’t be distracted by his feelings, or whatever he was experiencing when he looked at her.

“C’mon, Danger. Let’s get to bed. We got a big day tomorrow!” his Dad shouted from somewhere on stage.

Joe jogged backstage, throwing one last glance back at the stage. He looked up at the still moving stop lights. He closed his eyes.

I wish for this summer to be the best ever.
_________________________________________

“Alright guys. Their going to be asking pretty routine questions: how do you feel about touring, what’s your favorite part about the tour, how is life on the road. Things like that. Of course they’ll ask personal questions, which I know you just love,” Jenna said.

The guys groaned. They were about to start their press conference, and Jenna was giving last minute details on how to answer questions and what to except. Not that they needed much of help, they were used to answering questions very intelligently. She looked down at her notes again.

“Ok, so if they ask relationship questions, just tell them you’re single and that right now you all are focusing on your career. And Joe, don’t tell them you’re dating Jessica Alba. People might take that seriously.” Jenna looked at him with eyebrows raised.

Joe laughed. “Alright, I promise to say I’m dating someone a little more low profile.” Kevin elbowed him.

“We got it, Jenna. Thanks.” Nick nodded at her appreciatively as they all stared throwing on their blazers and got ready to face the cameras and questions.

“One last thing. I’ll be out there, too. In case someone steps out of line with a question. Not that I think you guys will say something wrong, but these people are vultures. They want juicy gossip, and they’ll do anything to create drama. Just think of me as your safety net,” she said.

“So, if I fall, you’ll be there to catch me?” Joe asked her. He gave a little smirk as he pushed a lock of dark hair off his forehead.

“Um, of course. I’d catch any of you guys,” she said, blushing. “Now get out there. Be the sweet, funny guys you are and there will be no problems,” Jenna rushed them through the door, watching as they made their way to the table where the microphones were set up. They waved as the flashbulbs went off, smiling to the crowd of reporters. Jenna waited for them to get seated and introduce themselves before she came out and took her seat off to the side.

“Thanks for being here guys. I’m Jenna, I’m the Media representative for the Jonas Brothers. We’ll take your questions now.” The reporters put their hands up, waving pens and tape recorders in the air. She pointed out one older looking woman in the front row.

“Hello boys. Could you tell us what kind of things we’ll expect on this tour?” she asked standing up. Jenna gave a last reassuring smile to the boys.

“Well, this tour is going to be bigger and better. I think the fans are in for a huge surprise…” Kevin explained. As he continued, the reporters jotted down notes and laughed at the jokes the boys made.

Most of the questions were pretty standard, with some personal ones thrown in here and there. The boys handled all of them gracefully, with each boy taking the lead on different questions. Joe peppered the answers with some humor, while Kevin and Nick worked off his jokes.

“Ok, we have time for one more questions. These boys gotta eat before they hit the stage!” Jenna teased. She pointed on a man from the back. He stood up, a frown on his face. Jenna’s stomach turned. She recognized him from the media circuit. He worked for a popular gossip website that focused on celebrity scandal. She leaned forward, ready to intervene if she needed to.

“Yeah, I just have a couple questions about the purity rings and this “vow” to stay pure until marriage,” he stated sarcastically.
“Um, we actually prefer to not discuss that in public, but we’ll be more than happy to answer any other questions about the tour,” Nick said. Jenna watched Joe’s face tighten.

“Why don’t you want to talk about it? You guys are supposed to be role models? I just find it a little hard to believe that you have millions of girls screaming for you and you guys still claim to want to wait?” The man snarled as he spat out the last sentence. Jenna’s face burned with anger. She was very fond of these boys, and she wasn’t about to let them be subjected to this.

“It’s just our personal choice, and it’s really none of your business. Believe what you want, sir.” Joe said. He said “sir” like it was an insult. Jenna leaned forward to put an end to the conference. The man stood standing.

“Quit lying to your fans! You can’t expect the public to believe all these things! C’mon, show some dignity and tell the truth.” The man folded his arms across his chest, a pleased smile on his face.

Oh, heck no, Jenna thought.

“I’m sorry, sir. What was your name?” Jenna asked, her voice booming across the room through the microphone.

The man turned his attention to Jenna and glared at her. “Steve, from HotGossip.com,” he said, matter-of-factly.

“Well, Steve. I’m not sure if you’re aware of this. But these boys came here to discuss what they loved to do. Now I understand what you love to do is try and create drama to get hits on your websites, but that is your own pathetic issue to deal with. These guys have more dignity and more class at this age than you’ll ever find in your lifetime. If they do no want to talk about their own personal values or beliefs, then you should respect them. Next time you want to attend a press conference, make sure you check to see if they allow snakes in the room. I guess we thought you were a legitimate member of the media, but I guess all we’ve discovered today is that these boys are mature, and you SIR are just a snake.” Jenna finished her rant and took a deep breath. The man glared at her for a couple more seconds, than slowly sat down. She smiled at the rest of the group, who was chuckling quietly.

“Many thanks to the rest of you who showed respect to this great group of guys. We appreciate it. We’ll see you out on the road!” Jenna got up and motioned for the boys to stand up too. They gave one last smile for the cameras, and slowly walked out the side door. As Joe passed her, he stared right at her.

Thank you, he mouthed to her. She smiled back at him and followed him out the door.

“Wow, Jenna. You sure told him! Now I know not to mess with you.” Kevin joked.

“Thanks for doing that, Jenna. I hate when they get like that.” Nick added. He threw his arm around her, giving her a quick hug.

“Hey, I told you. Safety net. I’ll never let you guys fall. Now, go get some food,” Jenna mock ordered. Nick and Kevin happily bounded out of the room, discussing the events of the conference as they left. Jenna started gathering her papers and stuffing them in her bag.

“You are amazing.” Joe said. She turned, startled.

“Joe! You scared me. I thought you left.” She felt her face flush up again. “Well, I don’t know if that was amazing what I did. But I’m just looking out for you."

Joe grinned, and stepped closer to her. Jenna wanted to step back, to put more space between them. But her legs weren’t moving.

“Well, yeah. That was amazing. But what I mean was, you. You are amazing.” Joe’s face turned serious, his eyes studied hers. As if he was looking for a reaction from her. She swallowed hard. Her mind grew fuzzy under his gaze.

“Joe, I would never let anyone hurt you. I will always look catch you.” Jenna challenged his gaze right back, studying his handsome face intently. She realized she shouldn’t be saying those things or standing that close to him, but she was unable to think logically while those brown eyes of his were on her.
Joe gave one last lingering look, and then took a step back. All intensity in his face was replaced with good humor and a smile.

“Well, you know. One of these days I’m gonna have to look after you. You know, just to pay you back for that.” He slapped her shoulder playfully, and turned on his heels to walk out the door after his brothers.

Jenna watched him go. She realized she was holding her breath. She let it out, sighing loudly as she did.

__________________________________________
Joe walked slowly down the hall, in no hurry to catch up with his brothers. Jenna’s words echoed in his ears.

“I will always catch you.”

He smiled to himself.

“I hope one day I can just left myself fall.” He said out loud. He spotted his brothers up ahead and jogged to catch up, his mind racing the entire way.

[socrbritney]

Thanks for reading guys! I am enjoying writing this very much, so let me know what you think of the story!!!


Chapter Five: Performance Anxiety

You look at me
I look at you
Neither of us know what to do

-"Shiver", Maroon five

*******************************

"Shhhhhhh. Be very, very quiet." Kevin whispered. Nick and Jenna tried in vain to muffle their giggles as they made their way to the back of the bus. Where the bunks were. Where Joe's bunk was, to be exact.

The Jonas Brothers had been on tour for the past two weeks, and although she wasn't sure who started it, a full out prank war had been raging between the three boys. She was of course, their partner in crime whenever a new prank was planned. In fact, it was her idea for the latest one on Joe.

Yesterday, Joe had hid Kevin's hair gel, and he refused to reveal where it was until after the show. Kevin had gone on stage with his hair wilder than she had ever seen it, with the curls sticking out everywhere. Turns out the hiding place of the hair gel was behind the drums, and Kevin had found it during "When you look me in the eyes". He had rushed backstage to where Jenna was standing, watching the concert. He threw the bottle at her and she had done a quick make-over to try and control his curls. She laughed the whole time, while Kevin ranted about getting Joe back. The time was now.

Nick tripped over a shoe laying in the aisle, and Kevin looked back and put his finger to his lips. It was taking every ounce of what she had to not burst out laughing. But she couldn't wait to pull this prank.

They approached Joe's bunk, where she could hear him snoring quietly. Kevin pulled back the curtain, and Jenna stared down at Joe's sleeping figure with a smile. Joe's mouth was open, his hand slung over his face, shoes still on. His hair was fanned out on his pillow, dark locks going every which way. He had crashed after sound check, announcing he needed a nap while walking off stage. His bright yellow shirt was pulled up a bit, and Jenna could see the skin of his stomach, smooth and a rich tan color. Jenna forced her eyes back towards Kevin.

Not the time, Jenna. Focus on the task at hand, Jenna thought. She motioned for Nick. He slowly took Joe's hand in his own and ever so carefully, sprayed a little mountain of shaving cream into Joe's palm. Kevin kept the curtain pulled back and met Jenna's eyes.

"Ready," he told Jenna. Jenna nodded and leaned over Joe's sleeping body. She placed the feather she was holding over his nose and slowly brushed it over his face. Joe wrinkled his nose in response, but did not move. The three of them giggled. Jenna moved the feather down to his face again, and wiggled it faster over Joe's nose.

Joe brought his hand to his nose to brush the feather away, and smashed his palm-full of shaving cream right into his face. Joe jumped up in surprise.

"What the..." he looked around, still sleepy and confused. He looked down at his hand, felt the shaving cream on his face, and finally looked up at the three faces who were laughing wildly above him.

"You idiots! I swear to God..." Jenna didn't hear the last part of that sentence, she immediately took off running down the aisle to the bus door. She didn't get very far, as Joe had leapt up from his bed and grabbed her by the arm as she tried to make her escape.


"Joe! Don't! I swear, it was all them!" Jenna yelled helplessly as Joe dragged her to the ground with all his force.

"It was her idea, man. Don't look at us!" Nick held his hands up in innocence, and Kevin just laughed at Jenna and Joe on the floor.

"You traitors! That's the last time I help you guys!" Jenna screamed at the two. Joe had pounced on top of her, and his hands went right for her ribs. He knew her tickling weakness.

"No! No! No! Joe, don't! I'll get your parents. Please, stop!" Jenna kicked at him, giggling uncontrollably as he tickled her without mercy. Joe laughed right along, barely able to see straight.

"Whose the big tough prankster now? Huh? I won't stop tickling until you say, "Joe, you're the most wonderful person I've ever met." Say it, Jenna! SAY IT!" Joe started tickling harder, and Jenna's face turned red with pain, laughter, and sheer exhaustion. The shaving cream from Joe's face was getting all over her.

"Joe, you. You're the most. You're the most wonderful person..." She couldn't get the words out, she was breathing too hard. Joe stopped tickling her. He looked down at her, his hands still on her hips. Jenna stopped laughing and composed herself. She looked up at Joe curiously.

"Say it, Jenna." Joe said, his voice deep. Jenna felt her face grow hot. She searched for her voice.

"You're the most wonderful person I've ever met," she whispered to him. He grinned at her. He got up off the floor, helping her up in the process.

"Why thank you, Jbomb. I do appreciate that. I always knew you were fond of me," he said, using his special nick name for her. She rolled her eyes and pushed him away.

"I didn't mean it, Joey Joe," she insisted, using the nickname she had for him. She knew he hated it. His nose wrinkled when he heard it. She turned behind her and glared at Kevin and Nick.

"You two are in for a world of pain when I get through with you," she threatened. She smiled evilly. Nick hid behind Kevin in mock fear. Kevin pointed out the bus windows.

"Is that Justin Timberlake?" he yelled. Jenna turned toward the windows.

"WHERE?" she yelped. Kevin took off running, dragging Nick behind him. Jenna tried to grab on to Nick's plaid shirt as he passed her, but Joe held her back.

"Easy there, little girl. Don't be messin with my brothers," he said. Jenna gave up struggling and settled into the couch. Joe grabbed a towel from the counter and threw Jenna one. They both wiped their faces off.

"So, are you going to be watching the concert from the front row this time, or stay backstage like you always do? You know, it's not the same when you watch it from there. You need the full Jo Bros experience," Joe insisted. Jenna laughed at the term "Jo Bros."

"Um, I'll be backstage again. I have to do a couple live blogs from the concert. Sorry." Jenna shrugged her shoulders in apology. Joe leaned down towards her face. Jenna froze. What was he doing? she thought, panicked.

Joe reached up and gently brushed her hair off her forehead. She often wore her blonde hair in a side bang that covered half her face. Joe complained how he could only see one of her eyes when she wore it like that. I want to see both of them, he had said.

Now he was looking into both of them. Jenna held her breath. Joe took his other hand and wiped his thumb across her forehead.

"Shaving cream," he explained. Jenna remembered to breathe. She shuddered at his touch.

"Yeah, so um. Won't be in the front tonight. Sorry." she said rapidly. Joe stood back up, the spell broken.

"Well, maybe next time then." Joe gave her one last smile and bounded down the stairs. Jenna watched him from the window walk slowly towards the arena to get ready for the show.

She felt bad. He had asked her every single day before show time if she'd be in the front row. She never could say yes, due to all the work she had to do. Oh well, she thought, I'll be able to watch the show one of these days.

Mr. Jonas walked into the bus, clearly looking for Jenna.

"There you are. I see the prank war is still on." He smiled at her. Jenna ducked her head, embarrassed.

"Yeah, it's hard not to turn into a little kid around these boys. But most of the time their asking for it," she said.

Mr. Jonas laughed. "Yeah, I hear ya. Well I just came to say that no live blogs tonight, we're moving it to tomorrow, since the audience will be bigger. Now you have to see the show from the front row for the first time. I won't take no for an answer." Mr. Jonas folded his arms and waited for her response. Jenna grinned.


"Absolutely. I can't wait. Um, do me a favor. Don't tell the boys I'll be in the audience tonight. I kind of want it to be a surprise," she said. He nodded and she followed him off the bus.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"...hold onnnnnnnnn." Joe finished the last note and held his hand up in the air. The crowd screamed as the lights went dark. They rushed offstage to grab their guitars and take a quick drink of water.

The show was going amazing, with every song getting more of a reaction than the last. Joe buzzed with energy.

I will never get sick of this, he thought happily. He took one last sip of water, and walked back onstage. The crowd roared as the three boys made their way down the center aisle. Joe grabbed a stool as they made it to the center circle.


"Alright, we're gonna slow things down just a bit. So let's see those cell phones in the air." Joe yelled. He nodded at Kevin.

Kevin began strumming the opening notes. The audience screamed in recognition. Joe looked down at the waves of hands below him in the front rows. His eyes landed on girl in a simple white tank top. Blonde hair curling softly over her shoulders. Glittering green eyes. Knowing smile.

Jenna.

Joe froze on his stool, his microphone in his hand at his hip. He stared at her. She looked back expectantly. She smiled wider, giving him a wave and a wink.

Nick bumped Joe discreetly. He was forgetting to sing. Kevin didn't miss a beat, he started the opening chords all over again.

Joe regained his composure and brought the microphone to his lips.


"Every time I think I'm closer to the heart
Of what it means to know just who I am
I think I've finally found a better place to start
But no one ever seems to understand..."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jenna watched Joe launch passionately into the song. She felt bad, she hoped his stall wasn't because of her. But a nagging feeling inside told her she was happy that she had an effect on him. She watched as he played the crowd, closed his eyes on the tough notes, and waved to the girls around him.


Jenna had been on her feet dancing through-out the whole concert. She had never felt so much energy or had so much fun at a concert before. She knew these boys were talented, but she was absolutely blown away. The singing, the acrobatics, and the way they put every ounce of themselves in each song was nothing short of incredible.


Watching Joe up there was particularly entertaining. She loved the reaction he got from the crowed. The screams he got when he took off his shirt to reveal a sleeveless one underneath was especially funny. But that didn't stop Jenna from noticing herself how amazing his arms looked.


Now Joe was placing his hand on his chest, singing out to the crowd. Jenna looked up at him in awe. She loved watching him sing. Suddenly he looked down and zeroed in on Jenna. She looked back at him, locked in his gaze. He gave a little smirk, and continued singing.

"Been feeling lost
Cant find the words to say
Spendin' all my time stuck in yesterday
Where you are is where I wanna be
Oh next to you, and you next to me..."

As he sang that part, Joe's eyes never left hers. Jenna stopped swaying to the music and was transfixed by his voice. Singing to her. Looking at her.


"You’re the missing piece I need
The song inside of me
I need to find you
I gotta find you
Yeaeaahhh
I gotta find you... "


The boys finished the song as the crowd screamed for more. Joe stayed sitting for a moment longer, watching Jenna. Jenna's stomach dropped. She finally brought her hands together, clapping with the rest of the crowd. Joe finally broke his gaze and looked out at the crowd. He blew a kiss and ran off stage.


The sound of the screaming crowd was pushed from Jenna's mind. She could only hear her heart beat in her ears. She took a couple shallow breaths, trying to get her heart to stop beating so fast. It was no use. She closed her eyes and metanlly cursed herself. Then Joe. She asked herself one question.


Why did he have to be so amazing?

[socrbritney]

Chapter Six: Snapshot


But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find


-"Fall For You", Secondhand Serenade


"Day off! Dayyyy off! DAYYYYY OFFFFF! YOWWWWWW!!" Joe sang at the top of his lungs as he ran back and forth on the bus. It was 7am, and they were just pulling in to Indianapolis, and they had today to themselves. They would be performing the next night, and then it was off to St. Louis for another show.


"Joe. I'm confused. Are you excited?" Kevin asked sarcastically from the couch where he had been sleeping. Joe laughed and jumped on top of him.


"Ugh, get off me. What are you so excited about? I'm going to punch you." Kevin pushed Joe off of him and stood up, rubbing his eyes.


"I am excited to have a day off, obviously. Get some shopping in, see the city...”


"Hang out with Jenna?" Nick had come out when Joe started singing. He grinned knowingly at Joe.


Joe stopped jumping around and tried not to smile.


"Well, I mean, she can come too. I don't care. I mean, it is her hometown," he said.


"It is?" Nick asked. Nick and Kevin were now sprawled on the couches, trying to wake up while Joe continued to pace.


"Yeah, it is. Remember? She wears that Colts hoodie all the time? And she told the story about her first apartment here? She's on the phone with her sister all the time because she lives out here? Remember?" Joe asked.


Nick and Kevin looked at each other.


"Wow, Joe. How do you remember all these things?" Kevin asked, knowing the answer already.


"I dunno, I just have a good memory. Like a steel trap! WAH!" Joe yelled as he did an impromptu karate kick. Nick laughed. Kevin continued to look serious.


"In all seriousness man, how do you feel about Jenna? We see the way you look at her, and you talk about her all the time. Be straight with us." Kevin stared at Joe, waiting for the answer.


Joe looked down at his feet and racked his mind for an answer to that question. How do I feel about her? he wondered.


"I don't know, man. In all honesty, I...I can't get her out of my head. Her laugh just drives me nuts and she's so freaking' smart…it's unreal. She gives the best advice. She really listens to me, you know? And you can tell she cares about us. I mean, I wake up every day and I can't wait to see her." Joe confessed.


Nick looked thoughtful. "She is a terrific person. Are you sure you just aren't really attracted to her? She is gorgeous. Even Kevin admits it."


Kevin nodded. "Yeah, it might just be an attraction thing. More importantly, do you think she likes you?" he asked.


"Ha. I ask myself that every day. This is so stupid! Am I even allowed to have feelings for her? There are so many complications. She works for us, she's older than me...for all I know I'm just a silly little boy to her. With a crush. A serious, serious crush," Joe mused.


"Well, my advice is to just leave it be. You don't even know how you feel about her. And you're right; she might just look at you as just part of the job. Don't stress out about it. Just be happy to be friends with her for now," Nick said.


Joe thought about this. "Yeah, you're right. It's under control. No worries. Thanks for listening guys." The bus came to a stop at the hotel. Joe grabbed his bag and made his way to the door.


"So, we're hitting the mall around noon, yeah?" he asked the other two as they picked up their bags.


"Yep, meet in the lobby," Kevin said. His bag felt surprisingly light. He looked at Nick, who was noticing the same thing. They both looked at each other, than at Joe.


"Oh! Forgot to mention, I took your clothes out of your bags and hid them while you were sleeping. Later!" Joe yelled as he ran off the bus. Nick and Kevin shook their heads, and then started searching for their clothes.




"Favorite fruit?" Jenna asked.


Joe leaned back on the bench and thought. "Banana. Hands down. My turn...um, favorite flowers?" He looked at Jenna, who was sitting next to him on the bench.


"Easy one. Yellow roses," she replied.


Joe and Jenna were relaxing on the bench next to the fountain in the middle of the mall. Nick and Kevin were waiting in line to pay for something at Pac Sun, so Joe and Jenna decided to continue their on-going game of "favorite things". It was their little ritual, whenever they had down time together.


Jenna watched as Joe rummaged through his bags to look over his purchases. She had never seen three guys so into shopping. She was more than happy to tag-along with them. After all, she was a girl. And she needed a dress for the upcoming benefit dinner for the American Diabetes Association next week in Los Angeles.


She was glad to be taking a break. It was hard to keep up with these boys, especially in her heels. What she found herself enjoying even more was sitting closely to Joe on the bench as they sat in the warm sunlight streaming in from the skylight above. The crowds were light, the sales were plentiful, and Jenna could not remember a time when she was this content.


"So, where to next? I know you need to find a dress," Joe asked. Jenna turned to smile at him.


"Now, how did you know that?" she said. Joe fidgeted with his tie.


"I know things, JBomb. I know things. Well, if those two divas could finish buying their mountains of shoes, we could go find one for you." Kevin and Nick finally emerged from the store, bags in hand.


"Sorry it took so long; Kevin wouldn't leave until he found shoes shiny enough to see his sideburns in." Nick muttered unhappily.


"Hey! I resent that. But I did find shoes like that." Kevin grinned and help up his bag in victory.


"Well, I need to find a dress. Which one of you girls is coming with me?" Jenna asked in a teasing voice.


Kevin and Nick made a face. "We'll pass, we want to check out F.Y.E. before we leave. How about you two go and we'll meet up here in like, 45 minutes. Sound good?" Nick asked. He grabbed Kevin's hand and dragged him away before Joe and Jenna could answer. Joe stood up and looked down at Jenna, offering his hand.


"Shall we, my lady?" he asked in a British accent. Jenna smiled at him and let him help her up.


"We shall, good sir." They walked towards Charlotte Russe shoulder to shoulder, giggling the whole way.




Joe sat in a plush chair outside the dressing room as he waited for Jenna to come out. They had been in there for half an hour, while Jenna went through a pile of dresses, refusing to come out to show him until she found the perfect one. Joe sighed impatiently.


"Jenna, I'm sure you look amazing in all of them. Can I just see one? I'll be honest, I promise," he assured her.


"Ok, I think this is the one. Tell me the truth, ok?" Jenna's voice came muffled from behind the curtain. Joe sat forward in his chair, waiting.


The curtain opened and Jenna stepped out. Joe's mouth fell open and he felt his throat go dry at the sight of her.


She was wearing a blue dress that draped her body in an elegant way. It was simple, but beautiful. The color was perfect for her tan skin, and with her blonde halo of hair, she looked like some type of Greek goddess.


"Joe? What's wrong with it? You're not saying anything." She looked at him, worried. "Does it look bad with this hairstyle? I'll probably pull it up so you can see the back." Jenna turned around and piled her blonde hair on top of her head. Joe's mouth dropped down even wider.


The back of the dress was open, with a chain of loops holding it up in a line up her back. Some pieces of her hair fell out of her hands on top of her head, and they tickled her back. She looked back at him, waiting for a response.


"Joe?" she said softly, finally turning around.


Joe finally found his voice. He cleared his throat.


"You look beautiful." His voice came out shakier than he planned. Jenna blushed and looked down at her feet.


"Then I guess I'll take this one," she said shyly to him. She walked back into the dressing room to change.


Joe put his head in his hands.


Yep, just a "crush", he thought bitterly. Yeah, right.


Joe and Jenna walked slowly through the mall together, continuing their favorite things game. Jenna felt a rush of excitement coursing through her ever since she stepped out of the dressing room and saw Joe's astonished reaction. She was hoping to do that to him.


Bad thoughts, Jenna.


“Do you know what my favorite thing to do in the mall?” Joe asked suddenly.


“That's not how you play the game. You can't offer your favorite things. I have to ask.” Jenna reminded. Joe smiled at her and then pointed down the walkway towards the game room. Jenna turned her head and looked to where he was pointing.


“Photo booth,” Joe said gleefully. He grabbed her hand and yanked her towards it. Jenna laughed and struggled to hold him back.


“Joe, we don't have time. We have to meet your brothers in like five minutes,” Jenna pleaded.


I can't be alone with him in that small of a space. I'll lose my mind, she thought with dread. But she found herself being dragged along anyway.


“Oh, come on. It won't take two seconds. Besides, you always complain to me how you don't have a bookmark. I know you're my little book worm, and you would love a bookmark that represents you and your favorite person in the whole world!” Joe insisted. They got to the photo booth and Joe pulled back the curtain for her. He motioned for her to get in.


“I won't bite, I promise,” Joe said, wiggling his eyebrows. Jenna took a deep breath. Every common sense part of her brain was screaming at her not to get in there. But she found herself ducking in, with Joe climbing in next to her.


“Wow, this is fancy. Let's see, gimme two bucks,” Jenna held out her hand. Joe dug for his wallet and slapped some bills in her hands. She put the money in and then stared at all the buttons on the screen in front of her.


“I'll take care of this, I'm experienced in the area of photo booths,” Joe boasted.


“Let's see, two copies. Obviously. Oo, you can touch the random button and it tells you what kind of picture to take. Let's do that!” Joe pushed the button without a word from Jenna and waited.


The word SILLY came up on the screen. Joe immediately crossed his eyes and stuck his tongue out. Jenna puffed her cheeks out like a monkey.


*FLASH*


Joe and Jenna laughed and waited for the next word.


Model. Joe turned serious and put his hand to his chin in a dramatic pose. Jenna put both hands to her hair and pouted her lips.


*FLASH*


Cheesy. Joe pressed his cheek against Jenna and smiled as wide as he could. Jenna couldn't help herself. She laughed loud and hard.


*FLASH*


Kiss Kiss!


Jenna stopped laughing immediately. She knew this was dangerous territory. She looked over at Joe.


Joe was staring right at her, as if he was expecting that phrase to come up on the screen. His eyes burned into hers. She didn't look away.


*FLASH*


Jenna didn't even notice the flash. Joe's eyes were hesitant. He bit his lip and let his gaze fall on her mouth. Her heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. Joe leaned towards her. She didn't lean away. She sat there, unmoving. When Joe saw that she didn't pull her face back, he closed the distance between their lips.


Jenna put her hands on his chest to push him away, but as she felt the softness of his lips on hers, she gave in. Her hands bunched the fabric of his shirt to pull him closer. Joe let her pull him closer, his body pushing her against the side of the photo booth.


She let him take her mouth hostage. His kisses grew deeper and deeper, and her skin tingled with every second. Her legs went numb. Her breath came in short bursts. She pulled him closer, closer still. She couldn't get him close enough. Finally, she was giving in to the past month of feelings.


Joe's hands moved to cup her face. Just then, she felt a vibration against her leg. They both pulled apart, gasping for air.


“Whoa. What the…” Joe fumbled in his pocket, finally pulling out his cell phone which was buzzing. Buzzing as if accusing them of doing something wrong. Joe flipped it open, his eyes on Jenna.


“Nick? Yeah, we're coming. Um, Jenna couldn't find shoes to go with her dress. Right, be there soon.” He shut the phone, stuffing it back into his pocket. Jenna looked at him, studying his face. His mouth was swollen, his cheeks red. His eyes were liquid with intensity.


“Oh my God. Joe…what…” Jenna never finished the sentence. She threw back the curtain and lunged out of the photo booth. Her legs felt like jell-o, and she was struggling to catch her breath. She raced away from Joe.


She heard him calling her name, but she didn't slow down.


Joe watched Jenna walk away from him. He wasn't sure what was causing him more pain: not kissing her anymore, or watching her walk away after he did.


He didn't chase her. He didn't know what to feel. Shame. Happiness. Urge. Regret.


He heard a whirring noise. He looked down at the hole at the bottom of the photo booth, watching the pictures slide out. He reached down to pick them up.


He stared at the photos, searching for proof of what just happened. The first three made him smile. Jenna laughing, them goofing off together. Her beautiful face taking up half the frame. He looked at the last frame.


Their faces were turned toward each other, their noses almost touching. The look in his eyes in that picture told him that what just happened was exactly what he wanted. When he looked over at Jenna's face in the picture, he felt a surge of hope.


Her face couldn't lie.


He saw the same look in her eyes as he saw in his own.


Smiling, he stuck both copies in his back pocket and walked off to meet his brothers.

*************************************************

Wow, it's about time-I say! Comments are my happiness. Also, in case you readers are wondering..below is the link to the dress Jenna bought. I know you all love visuals.


Keep your eyes peeled for Chapter Seven. What will the aftermath of the kiss be???


www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3163888&cp=2843536.2744998&page =2&pageBucket=0&parentPage=family

[socrbritney]

Chapter Seven: Love In This Club

He doesn’t want her out there
And alone now
He knows she’s movin it
Knows she’s using it
Now he’s losing it
She don’t care

Everybody put up your hands
Say I don’t wanna be in love

-“I don’t wanna be in love”, Good Charlotte

He kissed me. I kissed him. We kissed. We were kissing?

Jenna paced back and forth in her hotel room, trying to get her bearings. She had avoided all eye contact with Joe the whole ride home, but she noticed him looking back at her more than once. Kevin and Nick didn’t notice, of course. They were too busy showing off the goodies they just bought. She just stared out the window, watching the city of Indianapolis go by. Things were a lot less confusing when she used to lived there.

Now, in her fancy hotel room overlooking the downtown area of the city she loved, Jenna was close to pulling her hair out over the situation she was in. She needed to think out loud.

“Ok, so no worries. You just shared a kiss with a guy you worked with. No big deal. An amazing kiss. With an amazing guy. Who you can’t stop thinking about. Whose four years younger than you. ARGH!” Jenna threw herself on the bed and glanced at the digital clock next to her. 8:37 p.m.

I need to get outta here. Hang out with people my own age. Do grown up things. Yeah, that’s it. I’ll call Katie. We’ll go out, Jenna thought.

Jenna picked up her blackberry and hurriedly dialed her best friend’s number. She had told Katie she was going to be in town soon, but she never said when. I need a big drink at a loud club. Forget about Joe, she demanded herself.

“Was sup my BABY?!?!” Katie’s happy voice filled Jenna’s ears.

“Thank God you answered. I’m in town with the tour and lucky for you, I’m in the mood to just get crazy tonight. What do you say, best friend?” Jenna asked.

“Yes! I am so down for that. I can tell you need a break from those lame, Mickey Mouse ear wearing, afro curled adolescents.” Katie joked. Jenna felt a wave of protective anger surge through her.

“They are not lame, Katie.” Jenna seethed into the phone.

“Oh, sorry hon. I didn’t mean to offend you. Look, let’s go out and have some fun. How about I meet you at the hotel and we can drive together? We’ll go to Peppers, our favorite bar. Sound good?” Katie asked.

“Sounds perfect. I’ll be ready in an hour. Can’t wait! Love you.” Jenna hung up and threw the phone on the bed and went to her suitcase. She rummaged through her it looking for an outfit. She pulled out a green tunic dress and black leggings.

Joe would love me in this color, she thought wistfully. Jenna groaned. She threw the outfit back down. I need to be in something that won’t remind me of him. Something…not me. I just wanna feel not like myself for one night. Away from it all, she thought.

Jenna sighed unhappily and jumped in the shower.

*******

Joe turned down the treadmill as he slowed his sprint. His lungs were burning, and the All-American Rejects were screaming in his ears through his ipod. He slowed to a walk as he struggled to catch his breath. He finally felt satisfied and turned off the treadmill. He hopped down, pulling the ipod buds from his ears.

As soon as he did that, Jenna’s face took over his mind. He pictured her lips, her smile, the way it felt to hold her, even if it was only for a second. Joe pinched his eyes shut, trying to banish her from his mind. It was no use.

Joe usually ran when he was having troubled thoughts. And for those moments he was running, his mind was clear and he always felt better afterwards. But not today. While he forgot about Jenna while he was running, everything came flooding back into his mind. The kiss. Her running away. The quiet car ride back.

Joe wiped his face down with a towel and pulled off his sticky white t-shirt. He threw the shirt over his shoulder. I just need a shower and a good nights rest. I’ll talk to her tomorrow, he decided. He pushed through the glass doorway of the hotel’s gym room and headed through the lobby. What he saw coming out of the elevator stopped in his tracks.

Jenna. But she looked, like someone he’d never seen before. She was wearing short yellow shorts with thick wedge heels on her feet. Her black top had a plunging neckline and the material hugged her torso. Her blonde hair, usually worn softly around her shoulders, was pulled back off her face in a tight up-do. Her eyes were lined with thick black liner, and her lips were stained red with lipstick.

Joe’s eyes widened. Why is she dressed like that? he wondered. That’s not her.

She was talking to someone on the cell phone, but when she saw Joe, she mumbled into the mouth piece and hung up. She strode purposely towards him. She stopped right in front of him, a hand on her hip. Joe looked her over, from her heels, up her long legs, stopping briefly at her cleavage and finally into her eyes. Her beautiful green eyes that only hours ago were looking at him with passion. Now they were looking at him without emotion.

The perfume she was wearing wafted into his nostrils. He wrinkled his nose. It was different, stronger. She usually only wore Lucky perfume, her signature scent, she had told him. What was she doing? Joe asked himself.

Jenna narrowed her eyes at him. “Look, today was just a mistake. I’m sorry that it came to that. I wasn’t thinking,” she said.

Joe felt like he had been punched in the stomach. “What are you talking about? You wanted it as much as I did, I saw it. Don’t play it off like some type of moment we got caught up in.” Jenna’s eyes darted around the room. She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the elevator. She punched in the highest number. The doors closed and they started moving.

“Joe. We cannot do this. I can’t do this. You are my client, and I am much, much older than you. This…this can’t happen anymore. I’m sorry if you’re making this out to be some huge deal, but it’s not. So, just forget it ever happened,” Jenna said. She turned away from him and watched the numbers on the elevator go up.

Now Joe was mad. “Do you want to forget about it?” he demanded. She still didn’t look at him. Joe reached over and pressed the stop button. They elevator came to a stop with a jolt.

“What are you doing? I’m meeting my friend downstairs! Are you nuts?” Jenna went to press the lobby button, but Joe grabbed her hand. He grabbed the other one at the wrist and pushed her against the wall. He pinned of his hands on either side of her. She was stuck.

“Let me go.” she said through clenched teeth. Joe didn’t move. She shut her eyes and turned her face away from his.

“Jenna, you can pretend all you want that there is nothing between us. You can dress up like something you’re not and go out and get drunk and run away from this. But you can’t run from me. You can’t run from us. And you know it. Stop running, Jenna.” He gently moved her head so that she was looking at him.

“Hey,” he said softly. “Stop running.” He moved down to kiss her.

Jenna ducked under his arms and moved across the elevator. She glared at him.

“I have to run, Joe. This is my job. I care about it and I want to keep doing it. I can’t have little flings with cute boys and ruin my professional life!” she yelled in exasperation. She jabbed the lobby button with her finger, refusing to meet his gaze.

Joe threw his arms up in the air. “Fine! Forget about the past month and everything we mean to each other. You’re right, just a fling.” Joe said bitterly. He reached into the pocket of his sweatpants and pulled something out. Without a word, he grabbed her hand and slapped the object into it. Then he pushed the door open button.

“I’ll take the stairs,” he said angrily as the doors opened. And with that, he walked out of the elevator and away from Jenna.

*****

Jenna watched the doors close. She looked down at what Joe had put in her hand. It was the photo booth picture. She studied each frame carefully, looking at her happy face, Joe’s smile, and finally, the undeniable spark in her eyes that showed in the last picture.

She hadn’t meant to hurt him. But when she saw him standing there with his shirt off, looking sexily disheveled and so alarmingly handsome and staring at her, she lost it. She just couldn’t take the emotion she felt for him. And now she had pushed him away. She felt an aching pain in her chest. When she thought about how hurt he looked when she had yelled at him, the pain burned stronger.

Jenna looked at her reflection in the elevator doors. She blinked back tears. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She flipped it open and saw a text message from Katie.

Downstairs. Let’s do it up tonight! -K

Jenna took a deep breath, wiped her eyes and walked out of the elevator, and out of the glass doors of the hotel.


******
The bass was pounding through the club as Jenna leaned against the bar, waiting for the

bartender to bring her another drink. The lights swayed over the dance floor, as bodies moved together to Janet Jackson’s “Feedback”. The club was packed, and Jenna had to push through people to get back to the couch her and Katie had been sitting at all night.

Jenna fell clumsily next to Katie, and then burst out laughing.

“Oopsie,” she slurred. Jenna took a big sip of her long island iced tea as she looked at the people in their area. I’m drunk, she thought hazily.

“Um, another drink? Don’t you think you should slow down?” Katie asked as she reached to take the drink away from her. Jenna brushed her off.

“No, I need sedation from my pain,” Jenna said bitterly.

“What pain? A hot guy likes you, shares an amazing kiss with you, and you are in pain? You must be outside your pretty little mind!” Katie shouted. Jenna had shared the situation with her on the car ride over. But now Jenna wished she hadn’t.

“Whatever. I don’t wanna talk about it anymore. I’m gonna find a cute guy. One my age that doesn’t have 15 year old girls screaming at him.” Jenna downed the last of her drink, and walked towards the dance floor. The song changed to Britney Spears’ “Toy Soldier” as Jenna grabbed the first guy she saw and started dancing with him. She didn’t care what he looked like, didn’t care who it was. She just wanted to be numb.

Three songs later, and the guy had slowly moved closer to Jenna. She was wrapped up in him, enjoying the feel of the booze clouding her mind. She swayed to the music, and all thoughts of Joe, the feel of his lips, the way she shivered under his touch slowly drifted away.

She turned around to face her dance partner. He was cute, with wavy blonde hair and all-American good looks. He smiled at her and took her hands to wrap them around her neck. She obliged, looking up into his eyes. His blue eyes. Jenna stopped dancing.

Blue eyes. Not brown eyes. Not Joe’s eyes, she thought. She suddenly felt sick. She untangled herself from him and stepped back.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m doing. I have to go,” she said. The guy looked at her with a surprised look on his face.

“C’mon baby. You’re my dance partner. At least let me drive you home,” he said, winking. He tried to wrap his arms around her. She shook him off.

“No, it’s ok. I’ll just walk home. Sorry,” Jenna said as she walked away. The guy yelled something after her, but she didn’t slow down. Jenna hurried through the crowd and grabbed her purse off the couch. Katie looked at her, eyebrows raised.

“You wanna leave? Ok, let me just pay my tab and we’ll go.” Katie started gathering her things. Jenna shook her head.

“Actually, I’m gonna walk back to the hotel. It’s not far. I just…I gotta get out of here,” Jenna said as she moved toward the exit.

“Wait! Jenna, don’t walk alone!” Katie started chasing after her, but Jenna quickly lost her in the crowd. She felt the tears starting to come.

Jenna finally made it out of the club just as the first tear fell down her cheek. She wiped it away as she started walking down the street. She turned the corner, stumbling at a bit. She knew she was drunk, but she just wanted to get back to the hotel. She turned another corner, finding herself in an alley.

“Hey, wait up beautiful!” a voice called after her. Jenna spun around, finding the guy she had been dancing with walking fast towards her.

“No, I have to get back,” Jenna said as she turned to walk faster down the street. She turned another corner. And another. She heard his footsteps come closer and closer. Suddenly, she felt his hand roughly grab her arm and spin her around. She let out a gasp of surprise.

“Don’t be a tease, girl. You can’t show up dressed like that and expect me to just let you walk away. I know you want to come home with me,” he said in a low voice. Jenna struggled to get out of his grasp.

“Get away from me, creep!” She tried to hit him, but he was much stronger than she was, especially in her drunken state. He laughed at her attempts and gripped her harder. She tried to wiggle away, but he just tossed her onto the hard ground.

“Oh!” she yelped as she fell to the street. Pain thundered through her body. She watched his looming figure step closer to her. He was right over her now. She shut her eyes, giving up.

Joe…she thought helplessly.

Suddenly, she heard the smack of fist against face. She watched as the man hit the ground, holding his nose.

“Oh God! You broke it! My nose is broken! You little punk…” the man got up off the ground, blood streaming from his nose. Jenna watched as the other shadow hit him again, this time connecting with his jaw. Then she felt strong hands help her up and lead her down the street.

She leaned against the man helping her walk towards an awaiting car. She looked up and saw Joe’s face in the moonlight. She closed her eyes, completely giving in to his steady hold on her. Without a word, he threw his arm around her shoulder, the other under her legs and swiftly lifted her up into his arms.

“Joe. I’m sorry,” she mumbled into his chest, her tears staining his t-shirt. She inhaled the smell of his skin, feeling calmer with each breath. He gently laid her into the backseat of the car, getting in next to her. Jenna squinted at the driver. Big Rob.

“Drive,” Joe said to him. Big Rob nodded and pulled away from the curb, heading towards the hotel. Jenna was curled up in the corner, crying softly. Joe reached for her, pulling her into his arms.

“Don’t cry, Jenna. I’m right here,” he whispered to her. She looked up at him, and he smiled as he wiped away the tears rolling down her cheeks. Jenna pressed herself against him harder, feeling grateful for his comforting hold on her.

“I told you, I’ll look after you. Didn’t I, Jenna? I’ll look after you…” Joe softly whispered into her hair.

With that phrase repeating in her mind, Jenna drifted off to sleep.

---

Well, there you have it! My favorite chapter to write by far…what did you guys think? Like where everything is going? What do you think should happen? Reviews are appreciated…thanks for reading!

[socrbritney]

I hope you guys love this next chapter, I sure loved writing it!

As always, let me know what you think!

Peace. Love. Jonas.

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Chapter Eight: Last Chance

What a feeling in my soul
Love burns brighter than sunshine
Brighter than sunshine
Let the rain fall, I don't care
I'm yours and suddenly you're mine
Suddenly you're mine
And it's brighter than sunshine

-“Brighter Than Sunshine”, Aqualung

Jenna watched the rain fall in heavy sheets against the bus window. The sound of the rain pounding on the bus was deafening. She sighed heavily.

It had been one week since Joe had come to her rescue.

One week since she had shown a moment of weakness.

One week since she had let someone else catch her.

She closed here eyes, remembering back to that night as Joe had helped her up to her room…


Big Rob held Jenna’s hotel room door open as Joe carefully carried Jenna in. Rob followed them in, closing the door softly behind him. Joe laid Jenna down on the bed, and moved to take off her shoes. Rob watched him, shaking his head.

“That was by far the stupidest thing you’ve ever done,” he said to Joe. Joe ignored him as he sat down next to Jenna. He watched her breathe in and out.

“That dude could have leveled you. You would’ve been a bloody mess on the sidewalk. The press would catch on, and then I have to explain to your parents why I took you to some club in the middle of the night because for some odd reason, you thought you might be able to find her!” Rob raised his voice as he ranted.

“Shhhh!” Joe spat at him. “You took me anyway, right? She was there, wasn’t she? Sure, we had to drive up and down the streets a couple times, but thank God we did! Do you know what could have happened to her? If I hadn’t of showed up…” his voice cracked as he trailed off, refusing to finish that thought.

Rob got up and walked to the door. He turned back, his expression softening as he looked at Joe.

“Look man, I care about her too. I’m glad she’s alright. But you’ve got to fix this. I don’t know exactly what’s goin on with you two, but this can’t happen again. She’s employed by your parents, and this can’t be easy for her. Whatever this is between the two of you, work it out so that no one faces any real consequences. You feel me?” Rob didn’t wait for Joe to answer. He opened the door and slipped out, leaving Joe alone in the dark.

Joe sat in the chair next to Jenna. He put his head in his hands. He wasn’t going to go after her after the fight they had in the elevator. But something nagged him, long after he had tried to go to sleep. He didn’t want to do anything to make her lose her job. He was falling for her, and he was pretty sure she was falling for him too. Those thoughts kept him awake. Finally, on a whim, he had called Rob, waking him up and dragging him out to the rental car to find where she went.

They were just about to give up when Joe had peered down a dark alley and seen a glimpse of something yellow being tossed around like a rag doll. Joe didn’t wait for Rob to stop the car. He got out and sprinted down the street, not stopping until his fist connected with the man’s face. He threw every ounce of anger and rage he felt at that moment into his punches. And he didn’t feel the rage settle until Jenna was safe in his arms.

Now, Joe stared out the window of the hotel room, wondering if this day would ever end.

“Joe?” a voice murmured from the bed. Joe looked over and saw Jenna’s eyes slowly opening. Her make up was streaked with her tears, and she has a little swelling above her left eye. He felt another stab of anger at the sight of it. How could someone hurt her?

“Joe…” she said again. This time it came out as a happy sigh. He moved to the bed and sat next to her. She reached out a hand from under the covers and moved it to cup his face. His anger melted under her touch. She smiled sleepily at him.

“You saved me.” she said simply. He grabbed her hand that was holding his cheek and kissed her palm. She closed her eyes, smiling. Moments later, she was asleep.

************

The bus pulling to a stop jolted Jenna out of her daydream. She tried to look out the window to see why they had stopped. They were at huge gas station. She peered at the sign looming over head.

Last Chance.

Jenna chuckled bitterly at the irony in the name of the gas station. She got up from the couch and stretched as Felicia, her bus roommate came out from the back.

“We’re stopping for gas?” she asked Jenna.

Jenna nodded. “Yeah, and it’ll probably be awhile,” she said in a bored voice.

Felicia sighed and picked up her purse. “Well, might as well find some corny trinkets in the shop they have in there. Should entertain me while we wait. Do you wanna come?”

Jenna laughed and shook her head. “No thank you on that one, Fe. Maybe next time,” she said. Fe shrugged her shoulders.

“Suit yourself,” she said as she went down the stairs of the bus. Jenna watched her run through the pouring rain to the front of the store.

Jenna pressed her forehead against the window.

Last chance, she thought to herself. How fitting.

**************

Joe watched his brothers finish their video game, not really having the energy to join them. With a yell of victory from Kevin, Nick threw down his controller.
“Dude, you totally cheated!” Nick accused. Kevin rolled his eyes.

“I can’t help it if you suck. Try practicing more often,” Kevin suggested.

“Whatever. Let’s get off this bus, I need to stretch and walk around,” Nick said as he made his way to the front of the bus. He slapped Joe’s knee as he passed him on the couch.

“You coming? I’ll buy you something special for your birthday. The big 1-9!” Nick clapped a hand hard on Joe’s shoulder in excitement. Joe just looked up at him.

“C’mon, man. I know this whole Jenna thing is bumming you out. But it’s your birthday and you should be happy. Just give her time to sort things out. You’ll see, it’s gonna work out,” Nick said. Joe stood up fast, startling him.

“Give her time? I have given her time! She’s barely spoken to me since Indianapolis. She didn’t even remember my birthday was today! I’m sick of giving her space! I’m sick of wondering what she’s thinking, what she’s doing, or if she’s thinking of me!” Joe yelled as he walked angrily back toward his bunk.

Kevin looked at Nick and smiled. “Oh, my. Well, at least we’ll get some good songs out of him,” he said. Nick just laughed and followed him off the bus.

Joe heard the bus doors closed and sighed with relief. He just wanted to be alone.

His mind was a mess of emotion. On one hand, he felt bad that he seemed to put Jenna in a miserable position, and he understood why she avoided him. On the other hand, he was tired of pretending that nothing happened between them. Every time he saw her, he wanted to throw his arms around her. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to make her laugh again. He just wanted her.

Joe picked a guitar up off the floor next to Nick’s bunk. He sat down on the bed and started plucking chords. He hummed along, thinking about the past couple weeks. He started to sing.

“This is my last chance for you
My last chance to be happy
I want you, I’ve wanted you
Since the day you smiled at me

So talk to me, and laugh for me
Put your hand in mine
I can’t give up this feeling I have
This is my last chance...”

Joe put the guitar back down and went to his bunk for his song book. He pulled back the curtain and froze. Sitting on his pillow was a small, square box wrapped in shiny black paper with a silver bow on top. A small note was taped on top. Joe picked up the boxed and opened the note.

Joe-

Happy Birthday. You deserve all the happiness in the world.

Love,
Jenna

Joe sat down on his bed in shock. She remembered, he thought happily.

He tore off the wrapper, being careful to save the note. It was a jewelry box of some sort. He lifted the lid.

Inside was a small black and diamond encrusted cross on a delicate chain. The cross was the exact design of the cross on his purity ring. He thought back to a couple weeks ago, when she had slipped it off his finger and studied it while they were hanging out backstage before their concert.

It’s so beautiful, she had said.

Joe smiled and turned the cross over. It was engraved. He rubbed his thumb over the inscription. In elegant script, the word Believe. His birth date was written underneath it.

Joe put the necklace on and tucked in under his shirt. He felt the cool metal against his bare chest. He pressed it closer to his heart. He took a deep breath.

And stood up.

And walked off the bus into the rain.

************


Jenna stood in the back room of her bus, trying to find a t-shirt to throw over her sports bra. She was wearing a pair of sweatpants that Kevin had loaned her after he had spilled chocolate syrup all over her jeans. Another prank war gone wrong. The sweatpants hung low on her hips. She yanked them up with one hand while grabbing a wife beater off the ground with the other. She did not hear someone come up behind her.

“You remembered my birthday,” a voice said softly. She turned around, covering herself with the white tank top. It was Joe. She cleared her throat.

“Well, of course. I ordered it weeks ago. Do you like it?” she asked meekly.

Joe smiled and pulled it out from under his shirt.

“I love it,” he said simply. “Thank you.” He tucked it back under his shirt.

Jenna nodded silently. “I’m glad you like it,” she said, turning away from him to throw the tank top over her head. Joe took a step towards her.

“I’m gonna say something. And I just want you to listen,” he said. Jenna didn’t turn around. She kept her back to him as he talked. She was afraid of what her face would reveal.

“I miss you. I’ve missed you so much this past week. And I know it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have put you in this position. I know this job is important to you and the last thing you need is me messing it up. You’re probably confused about how you feel and I don’t want to make you upset anymore. But I want you to know that even if we can only be friends, or even if we can only be just people who work together, I never meant to cause you pain. You mean so much to me, even if I will never mean that much to you.” Joe finished talking and quickly turned to walk off the bus.

Jenna waited until she heard him walk down the steps before she turned around. She was speechless.

She wanted to call after him, to stop him. But she was frozen. Her heart was beating so loudly, it drowned out the sound of the rain, which was coming down harder now. She felt the tears sting the corners of her eyes. Don’t cry, she commanded herself. It was no use. She felt the tears slip down her cheeks. So many thoughts were running through her head. She heard his voice as thoughts of him filled her mind.

She thought about his sly smile after he had run into her that first day.

“I’ll be seeing you.”

She thought about how happy and light headed she had felt laughing with him at the amusement park.

"So, when you laugh at me, you're trying to impress me?"

She thought about how safe he had made her feel just by holding her hand through the haunted house.

"C'mon, I'll show you the way."

She thought about how proud she felt when he was at the press conference, and how protective she got when Steve had insulted him.

“So, if I fall, you’ll be there to catch me?”

She thought about how he looked onstage, singing to her. How his voice captured her heart.

"You're the missing piece I need…”

She thought about the kiss. How his body felt pressed against hers in the photo booth. How right it felt to give in.

She thought about his lips on hers.

“You wanted it as much as I did, I saw it.”

She thought about the hurt look on his face when she had told him it didn’t mean anything. She thought about the pain and remorse she felt when the elevator doors closed.

“You can’t run from us. And you know it. Stop running, Jenna.”

She thought about the rage in his eyes when he punched that guy out for her. And how she was so willing to let him rescue her.

“I told you, I’ll look after you.”

She thought about his smile. His eyes. The way he looked at her.

She thought about how happy she used to be. How happy she could be.

Thunder cracked in the sky, startling her. Jenna stopped crying. She looked out the window at Joe’s figure walking slowly back to his bus. Jenna glanced up. And saw the sign.

Last chance.

“Last chance,” she said out loud.

She ran off the bus and into the rain. It was coming down in waves, and she was soaked instantly. She didn’t care. She ran. She watched Joe walk around the side of his bus. She called out to him.

“Joe!” she yelled after him. He didn’t hear her. A rumble of thunder filled the sky. But she kept running towards him.

“JOE!” she yelled again, desperately. He heard her this time. He turned around, watching her run towards him. By the time she caught up with him, they were on the side of the bus facing away from the gas station. She was breathing hard. She bent over, trying to catch her breath. After a few deep gulps of air, she stood up straight.

He was looking at her, his hair wet from the rain. It hung in loose curls over his forehead, and rain drops dripped down his neck. The rain had soaked through his t-shirt, and it clung to his stomach and chest. Jenna saw the outline of the necklace she had given him through the wet material. Joe pushed the hair out of his eyes, waiting for her to speak.

Jenna ran both hands through her hair and wiped her face. The tears had been washed away by the rain, and the chill that the storm brought invigorated her.

“Is that what you think, Joe? That I’m confused by my feelings for you?” she asked in amazement. Joe opened his mouth, but nothing came out. She had to practically shout over the sound of the rain.

“I know exactly how I feel about you Joe. And it scares me. I am terrified by my feelings for you. I can’t breathe when I’m around you. I blush constantly. I can’t stop smiling when I see you. You make me feel like a teenager again. Every time something funny or interesting happens to me, I want to tell you first. I dream about you. When you kissed me, I didn’t want you to stop. When you held me that night in the car, it felt so right I could’ve stayed that way forever. That’s how I feel about you. So don’t you dare accuse me of being confused,” Jenna finished her rant with a finger pointing at Joe, who was staring at her with widened eyes.

Jenna kept going. “But I can’t feel this way. You can’t feel this way. Do you even know if you’re feelings are real? For all you know, you just like the chase. Or want to get in my pants. How can I trust that your feelings for me are anything more than a crazy crush?” she asked through the rain.

Joe stepped closer to her. He grabbed both of her hands and held them over his heart. He looked deep into her eyes.

“Jenna, if I could see your smile every day, I would do anything. I would give up my music, my success, my money if it meant that I could make you laugh every day. If it meant that I could hold you every day. If it meant that I could kiss you without stopping ever again,” Joe said. Jenna closed her eyes, letting his words get through.

“You are the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. Everything about you makes me fall harder every day. And I mean everything,” Joe laughed.

“You can’t dance. You’re stubborn. Your taste in music is horrible. You know all the lines to every movie, and you repeat them, even when I beg you to stop. You sing Britney Spears at the top of your lungs when you have writers block. Your laugh is so loud, people actually stop and stare. You have the greatest smile, the most genuine heart, and a face that I wish I could see every morning when I wake up and every night before I go to bed. Don’t you see, Jenna? Now that I know you, I can’t not be with you,” he finished.

Jenna opened her eyes. She looked at Joe’s handsome face and shuddered. She was breathless.

The rain soaked them through and through. Joe took his finger and traced a line down her jaw bone, across her cheek, and finally, he brought his finger to her mouth, slowly touching her lower lip. Jenna took a deep breath.

“I don’t want to run anymore,” she breathed, her lips just inches from his. Joe smiled before softly placing his lips over hers.

He was hesitant at first, as if he expected for her to pull away. She didn’t. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and kissed him back. He brought his hands up and tangled them in her wet hair. She let her body collapse into his, deepening the kiss.

She held nothing back.

And the rain poured down.

[hayleyheartsyou]

Oh my gosh.
Amazing.
Post more!.