Be with me(Wait for Me #2)
by J. Lynn
We first meet Jase, in Wait for You/Trust in Me. Jase was invaluable in helping Cam, his best
friend, survive a devastating life-altering crisis. With Jase’s unwavering
support, advice, and “tough love”, Cam successfully overcomes his personal
demons and returns to college, whereby, he meets Avery, the reclusive, reticent
redhead.
Be with me, the next
installment of the Wait for You series, is Jase and Tess’s story…
Jase, brooding, intense, enigmatic, and secretive is one
gorgeous “hott” guy. He attracts all the ladies on campus. He’s ELF, funny,
flirty, seductive, with no strings attached. A BMOC, a respected member of his frat, Jase enjoys a good
time. Just don’t expect anything long-term or serious. He’s complicated and…a
mess! He’s attracted to Tess…but, oh, wait! She’s Cam’s little sister and
definitely, off limits! Besides, Jase has more pressing concerns and
responsibilities that deter him from developing any long-term romantic
relationship or emotional commitments. Therefore, Jase tries to avoid Tess,
tries to ignore this attraction, albeit unsuccessfully.
And Tess…
She “crushed on” Jase the first time he crossed her
threshold to visit her brother, Cam.Obsessed over a stolen kiss, Tess’s infatuation with Jase
grows; she definitely wants him!
However, she does not know if Jase has similar feelings. Does he regard her
only as Cam’s little sister, or did the kiss have a special meaning for him as well, a precursor
for something deeper and more substantial. Healing from an injury, Tess places
her dance career on hold and attends the same college as Cam and Jase. Her
initial encounters with Jase are awkward and painful. How can he ignore their
special moment? He’s indifferent and distant. On the other hand, he can’t seem
to stay away from her. He flirts, teases, and then apologizes for his
“inappropriate” attraction. Sooo frustrating!
Life becomes
more complicated as Tess and Jase, each, face an uncertain future; Tess has a
debilitating injury, a torn ACL that may affect her dance career, and Jase,
faces the responsibility of being a father. “You are planning on leaving, Tess.
You aren’t thinking about sticking around. And I’ll be damned if that boy gets
hurt…(Jase)”
In addition, Tess needs to contend with her past; a sordid
relationship with her abusive, violent boyfriend, Jeremy. The “Jeremy”
situation caused immense anguish for her family and Cam, in particular. Once revealed, Cam explodes, confronts
Jeremy, and let’s just say, the situation ends badly! Cam’s violent actions
negatively affect his future; specifically, sentenced to house arrest and
mandatory counseling. Tess feels guilty for “being stupid” and for being the
cause of distress for her brother and family. However, circumstances (as they
may) lead Tess to become roommates with Debbie, another girl who suffers from
an abusive relationship. Can she help Debbie by sharing her personal
experience, and by offering advice and support? More importantly, can Tess
overcome her own guilt? Jase helps. With each other’s support, comfort, and
encouragement, Tess and Jase’s relationship deepens.
Do I like Jase? Sometimes. He’s baffling, frustrating, but I
gotta love him!
“I’m sorry--- (Jase)”
This seems to be his mantra. Throughout the book, he continually
apologizes to Tess. Yes, Jase suffers emotional turmoil and angst. Similar to
many tortured heroes, he’s considerate, perceptive, and protective; and yet, he
can be distant, caustic, and abrasive. Jase wants to follow his heart, but he
feels he must listen to his mind. He must decide what is best for his son. His
son is his top priority and concern, and everything and everyone else is
secondary. His heart shattered by the death of his high school sweetheart, his
son’s mother; Jase harbors a deep-seated fear of becoming emotionally intimate,
of losing another loved one. His scars have not healed. He wants Tess, but “ he
cannot have her”. His
indecisive on/again/off /again attitude, just makes him more exasperating. Jase
apologizes for his actions, his attraction, and sexual innuendos. He flirts,
teases, comforts; then, pulls away...
“I’m not attracted to you, not like that…(Jase)
What…what are
you doing here, Jase... (Tess)
I shouldn’t have said the sh** that I said to you earlier.
It wasn’t right and I was lying. (Jase)”
Overall, Be with me
is a good read as Jase and Tess are worth meeting!
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