Love Beyond Opposites

By Molly E. Lee

If high school has taught mathlete Jade Aaron anything, it's that nerds never get the guy.

So when rock star Lennon Pryor starts pursuing her, It's not rocket science. This doesn't add up.

I mean, sure, he's hot.

And charming.

And a god on the guitar...

But he's also the world's biggest player. Being with him would be a bigger mistake than 2+2=5.

Until graduation night, when a reckless moment leads to a reckless kiss. And now Jade's falling for the one guy destined to break her heart.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains one epic party, complete with every high-schoolers-gone-bad shenanigan, and two opposites with nothing in common and nothing to lose...except their hearts.

Each book in the Grad Night series is STANDALONE:
* Love in the Friend Zone
* Love Between Enemies
* Love Beyond Opposites

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: May 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781640635586

Book preview

Table of Contents

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Discover more of Entangled Teen Crush’s books…

The Rules of Rebellion

The Dating Debate

The Sweetheart Sham

The Heartbreak Cure

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2018 by Molly E. Lee. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

Entangled Publishing, LLC

2614 South Timberline Road

Suite 105, PMB 159

Fort Collins, CO 80525

[e-mail]

Crush is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC.

Edited by Stacy Abrams and Stephen Morgan

Cover design by April Martinez

Cover photography from iStock

ISBN 978-1-64063-558-6

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition May 2018

To the Hill boys. Thanks for lending me your names when I needed the coolest ones I could find!

Prologue

Lennon

Freshman Year

My fingers absently strummed the strings of Cash—my black acoustic guitar—while I sat on my unmade bed, waiting. Black filled the backs of my closed eyes as I allowed myself to sink deeper into the music, into the muscle memory mixing with instinct to create a new sound. Something different. Something just for me.

The bedroom disappeared. Thoughts of the past week—the first week of my freshman year in high school—faded into nothing. I was the sound of the chords, the vibrations against my callused fingertips, the rich intrinsic sound that melted every thought.

Something warm pulsed in the center of my chest. A new sensation I couldn’t quite place, and in an effort to capture that within the chords, I focused. The concentration killed the loose, free-play moment, grounding me back to the present.

In my bedroom.

Where I could now feel I was no longer alone.

I peeled back my eyelids, gathering myself internally to switch back on from decompress mode.

The air knocked from my lungs like I’d been hit with a baseball bat.

The most beautiful girl I’d ever seen stood in my open doorway, wringing her hands, her black-rimmed glasses slightly askew. Her bright pink lips popped open and shut, clearly struggling for something to say.

I trailed my eyes down her body, taking in her Rubik’s Cube T-shirt, her ripped up jeans, and her worn-out Vans. Long strands of blond hair hung around her shoulders, half of it pulled from her face in a super messy knot secured by colored pencils.

Holy gorgeous.

That warmth? The thing that pulsed and thrived and begged to be acknowledged?

It was her presence. The mere sight of this girl was enough to trigger something inside me I’d never felt before—something I couldn’t possibly describe but instantly wanted to hold onto forever.

I finally swallowed the rock in my throat and loosened my grip on Cash, only now realizing I’d been clutching it against my chest. A barrier holding me to reality as the sight of her spun me into orbit.

Hi? I meant to say something cooler, smoother. But that’s what I came up with. I resisted the urge to punch myself in the face.

Her bright-green eyes widened before blinking several times behind those adorable glasses. Jade. She paired the blurted word with an awkward wave.

A full-on smile shaped my lips, totally uncontrollable. Amethyst.

What? The crinkle that formed in between her eyebrows was almost as cute as the way she took a small step inside the room, like the physical nearness would help her understand what I’d said.

I spun the guitar in my hands and hefted myself off the bed to set it on its stand next to the others gathered in the corner. I took a breath, wondering why the hell it was so shaky when I turned back around to face her.

You said Jade. I pointed at her, then pressed my hands against my chest. I said amethyst. I shrugged, shoving my hands into my jeans pockets to keep them from doing anything stupid, like trying to shake her hand just to feel her skin. I thought we were telling each other our birthstones.

She laughed so hard her nose wrinkled, and my knees damn near buckled. The sound was sweeter than the music I’d been lost in moments ago. She reeled it in, sucking in a sharp breath, but the laugh left those green eyes glistening.

No, she said. I’m Jade.

Lennon.

I know. She fiddled with the ends of her hair.

I arched a brow at her. Jade?

Yeah?

What are you doing in my house? I asked, flashing her a wolfish grin when she jolted at the question. Not that I’m not stoked you’re in my room. And damn if that wasn’t the truth.

She pressed her fingers against her forehead before motioning over her shoulder toward my open door. I’m… Mr. Pryor is my Mathlete coach. I just made the team.

Mathlete.

That meant she’d be practicing here up to three times a week for as long as she was on the team. I swallowed hard, remembering the discussion my dad and I had had earlier in the week. He’d cleared it with the school board, since our house was centrally located. He, a teacher’s assistant, and the team would practice here.

Congratulations, I finally said.

Thanks! Her smile was genuine and intriguing and something I knew without a doubt I’d never get tired of staring at. It was beautiful, she said.

I furrowed my brow. I’m not sure I’ve ever thought of crunching numbers as beautiful, but I’m glad it’s your jam.

She chuckled again, and I swear a firework went off in my chest. No. She pointed behind me, to Cash. What you were playing earlier.

Ah, I said, nodding. Thanks.

She pointed at the guitar next to my acoustic. I love that one, she said, her voice cracking slightly. It’s like one big, red glitter bomb. She instantly clenched her eyes shut, shaking her head.

A big, rumbly laugh burst from my chest as I glanced at my red Fender. It did have a glitter detail.

This girl. Damn.

I didn’t know how I’d missed spotting her all week at school, but I was instantly ready to remedy that fact.

Jade, would you—

Lennon? My dad’s voice cut me off, and he traipsed into the room. Jade jolted, spinning around to face him.

Sorry, Mr. Pryor! she blurted, heading toward the door. Is break over? I didn’t mean to hold us up.

My dad’s eyes jumped between us, but he gave her a smile. No, you’ve still got a few minutes. He nodded toward me. Just coming in here to tell Lennon that a… He tilted his head like he was trying to remember. Jessica is here asking for you?

I hissed, my eyes shutting as I raked my fingers through my long hair.

Shit. My date.

I’d totally forgotten I’d told the girl from my art class to meet me here tonight. That I’d take her to a movie.

Jade had made me forget everything outside of her smile, her laugh, the way she smelled like sugar and violets and something that made my mouth water.

Right, I managed to say, finally looking behind my dad and locking eyes with Jade. Something shifted behind her glasses—a mixture of understanding and disappointment.

Nice meeting you, she said. A finality shaped her features as she nodded, almost to herself, and waved to me before she turned out the door.

I watched her walk until she disappeared around the corner, a tug in my chest begging me to follow her.

Lennon? Dad used the tone. The one that he saved for special occasions, like when I stayed out after curfew or accidentally busted a brand-new instrument.

Yeah? I asked, finally returning my focus to him.

Don’t.

I scrunched my eyebrows together. Don’t what?

He motioned toward the open doorway. Not her.

My lips parted, but no words came out.

Son, she’s a good girl. She’s not a girl you date for a week or even a month, or someone you date while dating someone else.

I rolled my eyes. Dad, I—

I’m serious. He looked down at me before glancing at the guitars in the corner. You have every right to play the field, rock star. But not her. She doesn’t deserve to have her heart broken.

My shoulders dropped, my stomach sinking to the floor. Damn, Dad. You act like that’s all I do.

He gripped my shoulder. I’ve seen too many girls crying in classrooms over you.

I gaped at him. That’s not my fault! They know I’m not boyfriend material.

And that truth hit me over the head. I wasn’t. I made sure of it. Because I knew the second I graduated high school, I would be on the first ride out. Anywhere that would take me to a stage. On the road. Wherever. The last thing I needed was something holding me back. The girls I dated…they knew that. I made sure they did.

I know, kid. And that’s fine. You don’t have to be. But Jade Aaron is already becoming my favorite student. She doesn’t need a distraction or a broken heart. Could you imagine? I mean, she’ll be practicing here for the next four years.

I get it. My voice was cold, hollow.

I got it.

I wasn’t good enough for her.

I would only break her heart in the end.

Thanks for understanding, he said, patting my shoulder before heading to the door. He paused, glancing back at me. You’re a great performer, he said. And an even better son.

I gave him a fake smile, pretending like he hadn’t just crushed my soul. Not that I had any reason to be crushed…but damn it if Jade Aaron hadn’t captured my attention like a shooting star crashing into my atmosphere.

But even though I hated to admit it, Dad was right. Anyone could see from a single look in Jade’s beautiful eyes that she was a gentle, quiet soul. One who’d easily be torn to shreds dating someone like me—someone who dated often and practiced with the band even more. I’d never have enough time to give a girl like Jade what she really needed—a solid boyfriend who took care of her and put her first before everything else. Even music.

Just because I couldn’t pursue her didn’t mean I couldn’t admire her from afar. I’d keep my distance, but there was nothing to stop me from innocently befriending the girl who made my blood sizzle and my heart race with just the sight of her.

The sensation stormed my senses. I knew Jessica was still waiting for me, but I snatched up a pen and wrote the feeling down—a song, inspired by the green-eyed girl who’d stolen my breath.

Chapter One

Lennon

‘Liquid Poetry’ or ‘Bring on the Night’? I asked Hendrix as I ran my fingers through his coarse, black fur. He leaned against my right leg as I sat on my bed with my laptop, considering the set list. Which one should I open with?

He perked his head up and snort-sighed at my momentary lapse in petting him.

You’re no help at all, I said, scratching his ear.

I’d never agonized over a show this much before, and I’d played my fair share of gigs—from bowling alleys to seedy bars that hosted teen nights. Anywhere that would book us. We’d even done a few sweet-sixteen parties.

This performance would be different.

Rachel, a producer from LockedIn Records, was coming to decide if she wanted to sign us for an album. The tour contract was already signed for a three-month stint, but a record deal depended on how well we performed at tomorrow’s grad-night party. And, if we nailed this final show plus landed the record deal, then Rachel would likely extend our tour contract. We could go from being on a small tour to quite possibly a year-long one.

It would change everything.

Plus, it was the last gig my band Ignited Hearts would play together before going on tour as an opening act for the BlackHats. It would be the last time I had control over anything—the song order, the pace, the length of the concert; hell, I wasn’t sure I’d be allowed to choose my own threads once we were being directed by the BlackHats’ road manager.

Not that I wasn’t wicked-thrilled they’d brought us on board, but I’d been doing things my own way since I was two and belted out Queen right alongside my dad while he cleaned up the kitchen.

I shifted against my headboard, the thought of Dad twisting my gut. I hated that I couldn’t split myself in half and give him and Mom both equal time, but damn, they hadn’t exactly made it easy since they divorced two years ago. Another reason—besides the stellar experience and cred it would give my career—I leaped at the chance to be an opening act…I would be on the road all summer. Plenty of distance between me and the parental units who fought whenever they were within earshot.

That would make for a fun encounter tomorrow—they were bound to run into each other during the graduation ceremony. Not that I was dying to attend, but it was sort of mandatory.

I didn’t hate school, I was pretty good at it actually, but I had other aspirations. I never felt as alive as I did with a microphone in my hand, and the rush on stage was something I absolutely lived for. I was born to entertain, to move people with the lyrics I spent months handcrafting, and nailing tomorrow’s show and going on tour were the only options for me to get my foot in the business and gain some recognition.

College wouldn’t do that for me.

Though that was the only thing Mom and Dad ever agreed on. They both had cornered me numerous times since senior year started, pleading their cases on why after the summer tour I should go to school. Life experience and all that. Well, all the experience I needed was on this tour and I prayed it would lead to another one once it ended.

Hendrix rolled over, exposing his smooth belly for proper rubs.

You’re so pathetic, I said, chuckling as I took a break from wracking my brain over tomorrow night’s show—which I intended to make my best performance to date. I could practically taste the record deal, and it would be amazing to have a professionally produced album verses our independent ones. Also, the entire senior class would be there, plus half of the community college that my older sister, Liv, attended.

Lennon? my mom called from behind my closed door.

It’s open! Hendrix groaned when I stopped tickling his belly, so I used both hands on him until his leg twitched. He may have been a goofy lump, but he was mine. The one solid entity I could count on when my family life had crumbled beneath my feet. I’d seen the divorce coming, but thinking it would happen and watching it happen were two very different things.

Hey, Mom said as she walked into my room. She leaned against my wooden desk covered with records I couldn’t resist picking up from every antique shop or garage sale I happened upon. How’s it going?

I shrugged. All good here.

You nervous about tomorrow? She crossed her arms over her chest, more like she was trying

Reviews for Love Beyond Opposites

[beckymmoe_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love Beyond Opposites is a fitting series finale!Told from the alternating perspectives of Lennon (future rock star and host of the epic lake grad night party at which a good chunk of the series drama happens) and Jade (aspiring graphic novelist and mathlete), Opposites gives us yet another look at what was going on behind the scenes at the party of the year. Once again the story takes place concurrently with the other two books and could be read as a standalone, though the epilogue features all of the series main characters--seven months later--and therefore will have a bit more meaning for those who've read all three.Still, if you're starting with this one? Not exactly a hardship. ;)Once again Ms. Lee has given us two MCs here who are easy to root for, the rock star and the mathlete who have harbored secret crushes on each other all through high school and who actually have way more in common than they appear to at first glance. Their grad night experience is truly epic, including some light B&E and near death by turkey and possibly even a minor run-in with the law. As fun as it was to read, I'm super glad most of my nights don't involve a tenth of the drama as this one did!As much as I enjoyed the grand gesture here, I do have to admit that solving their problems seemed a bit too easy--seven months in and everything is all hunky-dory for them (not that they don't deserve it, but still...) I also have to wonder at the chances that all of their respective colleges will have spring break at exactly the same time...? Still, this series was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Lee has in store for us next.Rating: 4 stars / BI voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[swibells · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love Beyond Opposites is a real story. A beautiful story. 


I loved both Lennon and Jade. I loved how determined they were to work for their dreams. I have seen so many of my friends bury their aspirations and dreams because they wanted to make their parents proud of themselves, and I loved seeing these two fight for their dreams. 


Lennon and Jade were so cute together, and their friendship was as beautiful (Maybe even more beautiful) as their love. 


Love Beyond Opposites was a real story, with its own ups and downs. The characters were awesome, the storyline sweet. 


Overall, it was a package of feels, and it left me smiling from ear to ear.