Disclaimer:***I own nothing***
Running on Fumes
By: ejjcullen
Crunch…crunch…crunch…
The sound of the gravel beneath my feet propelled me further down the shaded, tree lined trail. I had yet to run this far down the trail before, but the thought of starting my senior year tomorrow morning was enough to fuel my frustration leading me to run a little harder, a little further.
When I approached the small clearing I came to a halt, bending over to lean on my knees gasping for breath. My lungs burned with each cool breath I forced into my expanding chest.
I pulled on my ear buds, as the throbbing in my head rang out loud and clear through my ears. I had no clue why I even wore my ear buds, my Ipod which was strapped to my upper arm was never even turned on as I started my run this morning.
As my gasping breaths slowed I stood up and raised my arms to rest on my head expanding my lungs to allow each breath to go deeper as I took in my surroundings. It was still early and the fog that had lifted on the main road had yet to leave the tree covered sanctuary casting everything into a slight glow.
It was absolutely beautiful at this hour. Each tree was damp from the constant collection of moisture in the atmosphere that is Forks, Washington, and the colors resembled that of a paint palate displaying the various greens and browns of the forest.
I took a few moments to stretch my legs now that my breathing was under control. I sat on the cold, moist ground with my legs out in front of me and leaned forward to grasp my toes and felt my hamstrings pull.
I counted to thirty in my head as I relished the calm and quiet that encircled me. Suddenly the sound of approaching footsteps brought me out of my thoughts. As the footsteps got louder I glanced over my shoulder and saw the blur of a man as he ran past me.
My eyes followed the blur of black running shoes as they slowly rose to see tight, toned exposed calf muscles, black running shorts, a long sleeved black shirt, to the mess of bronze hair atop the runner that blazed past.
I had never seen another person in this area before, and certainly not at 6 am on a Sunday morning. I finished my stretches and decided to cut my exploration short and head back home. I was not in the mind set to even give the nod of acknowledgement that runners exchange when they pass each other.
I replaced my ear buds and decided to actually play my Ipod on my return home. I was about a mile from home when I felt the strain in my right hamstring. I pressed pause as I slowed to a jog for another half mile. I heard the mystery runner's footsteps approaching quickly and decided to ignore the pain in my leg and simply sprint the last stretch of my run home to avoid any interaction. I could hear my panting breaths mix with his as he got closer. The pain in my hamstring was becoming unbearable and affecting my stride, making me favor my right leg and beginning to limp.
I could see my driveway just ahead. I tried to push a little further to end my agony, but the burning sensation shooting through my muscle was too much and I hobbled off to the side of the main road and onto the beginning of the front lawn of my new neighbors. There was only 1 driveway separating me from my destination.
"You didn't have to hurt yourself just to avoid me" a velvety smooth voice said from just behind me. I felt his hand on my back as I bent to the side to massage my hamstring. I was gasping for breath and as I turned my head to speak to this mystery runner I took in his face for the first time. He was absolutely stunning – perhaps even more so with tiny beads of sweat dripping down his face and neck.
"I…I wasn't," I stuttered.
"Really Bella?" he said, "you're a terrible liar."
"How do you know my name?" I asked, shocked that this stranger seemed to already have a handle on who I was, when I obviously had no idea who he was.
"The chief told me," he said, as if that was the logical explanation. "I'm Edward," he continued as if I should already know who he was. His surprised expression seemed to clue him in as to the fact that I didn't know who he was.
"I'm your new neighbor," he said and pointed to the house in front of us as if to clarify his explanation.
"Oh," I said, at a loss for words. "Welcome to Forks." I attempted to straighten up and walk off his yard to my own, when the pain in my hamstring actually caused my right leg to buckle under my weight. Edward grabbed me around the waist just in time to prevent me from going face down into his immaculately manicured lawn.
"Whoa, easy" he said, "I think you pulled your hamstring. "Here, sit down and lets see if we can stretch it out." He carefully let me down into a seated position and then kneeled down in front of me. I was suddenly self conscious as he raised my right leg a few inches off the ground and then onto his thigh. He pulled me forward slowly by my shoulder to stretch the muscle until I grimaced a little.
"Too much?" he asked, indicating that he had pulled me forward to far into the stretch.
"A little" I admitted leaning back slightly. He smelled absolutely delicious even after having just run several miles. He ran his hand slowly from my calf up to the middle of my hamstring where he tenderly began to massage the muscle.
I inadvertently moaned slightly at the gesture and quickly flushed with embarrassment. Luckily, my face already felt hot and I presumed pink from my run so it was easily covered up. Upon hearing my moan, he smirked slightly but quickly tried to cover it up as he continued his assault on my leg.
"This will be better if you lay back" he said as he slowly pushed my shoulder back until I was flat on my back in the plush grass. He ran his hand back down to my ankle and then raised it until my foot lay on his shoulder. My dark gray Nike's were a stark contrast to his bronze mop of hair. He pushed forward with his hips against my leg creating enough of a stretch to ease some of the pain.
To the outside observer the positions we were in would seem intimate and inappropriate at best. I heard a car door slam and was brought out of my thoughts and looked up to see my father placing a gym bag into the back of the cruiser. I quickly pulled away from Edward as my father looked over and saw us, waved and then began walking our way.
"Hey guys," my father said as he reached us. "Gees Bells, what did you do this time?"
"Hi dad," I said pulling away completely from Edward and getting up to my feet. "I pulled my hamstring."
"Yikes, you ok kiddo? Do I need to take you to the clinic?"
"Nah, I should be fine. Nothing a good stretch and some rest couldn't cure," I said trying to brush off my injury.
"Alright, well, take it easy today Bells. How you doing Edward?" He asked.
"Doing well sir," Edward said, "just getting back from a run myself when I came across this damsel in distress." He threw a thumb in my direction to aid in his description of me as the "damsel".
Clearly my father and Edward have met. I wonder when this transpired. Clearly it had to have been recent as the house that Edward and his family currently live in has been empty and on the market until just the other day. I had seen the moving van come and go, but had yet to see a living soul on the property.
My father and Edward continued to exchange pleasantries as I stood to the side not knowing how to leave the conversation without drawing attention to myself.
"Well Edward, say hi to your Mom and Dad for us," My father said as he turned and headed back to the cruiser. I turned to go with him as Edward called my name out making me stop and turn back to him while my father continued on.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Make sure you really do take it easy and ice that, it would suck to be limping around on the first day of school," he said with a wink.
"Uh, yeah," I said dumbly. "So I guess you're a new member of Forks High?"
"Yeah, I have to head into town a little later to pick up my uniform." He said.
"Oh, I have to pick mine up today too," I said remembering that it was on my to do list for the day. "If you need a ride, let me know and I can bring you into town." I made the offer before my mind could tell me to shut up.
"Thanks that would be great. I have to get cleaned up and do some unpacking before I can, so if its ok, I can come by your house around 11?" he asked, a look of hope on his face.
"Yeah, that will work. I need to clean up and rest my leg a bit anyway."
"So I will see you later Bella," Edward said as he backed away headed in the direction of his house before turning completely around and walking up the front stoop and disappearing completely into the house.
I stood for a moment stunned. I couldn't decide if my hamstring was burning from the pull of my muscle or the sensation of Edwards hand from his impromptu massage. I also could not get the scent of him out of my head as I turned and headed home a little dazed from my first encounter with him.
I wasted no time at all stripping of my sweaty clothes and heading into the bathroom to shower. I twisted the knob to get the right temperature of the water then turned to grab a fresh towel out of the closet off to the side of the vanity. As I turned back to the shower I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. Ugh, I thought, not much has changed this summer other than the addition of tan lines thanks to most days laying out by the pool. I was still the plain old Bella – boring straight, brown hair, dull chocolate brown eyes, pouty lips, and a fit physique that was not very note worthy. I developed slightly over the past few years, but in my mind haven't seen any real change – slightly curvy hips, a flat stomach, breasts that were no more than a handful and I was certainly no J Lo when it came to my behind.
In the shower my thoughts returned to my encounter with Edward. He was devilishly good looking and based on the little interaction that we had clearly knew it. He obviously kept in good shape – and it was his tight build that was currently staring in my daydream. I imagined that our short run in was not interrupted by my father and that his hand had not only massaged my leg, but continued further up to the apex of my legs as he whispered sweet words into my ear. I was getting seriously worked up and could almost feel his breath on my neck and ear when the water started to cool making me realize just how long I had spent in the shower.
By the time I had finished up, dressed and did my hair and make up it was just about 9am. I sent a quick text to my dad letting him know my plans for the day and headed down to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat.
Our kitchen has not changed since my mother left when I was eight. The cabinets were a pale yellow that matched the outdated curtains, the island was centered in the room with four stools that helped to served as our table, and the sliding glass door looked out into the backyard.
I grabbed a bowl and spoon as well as some cereal and milk then headed out the sliding glass door to sit on the side of the pool and dangle my legs into the cool water. The small amount of sun reflected off the water ripples created by my legs slowly moving back and forth.
I finished my breakfast and put my empty bowl off to the side on the cement and leaned back on my hands trying to bask in the last day of summer. I must have lost track of time because I was brought to reality by a throat clearing from just behind me. I saw his shadow grow larger as he approached me.
"You didn't answer the door, so I just let myself in through the side gate, are you ready to go?" Edward asked.
"Yeah, might as well get this over with," I grumbled, earning a questioning look from Edward. "I hate our uniform. The girls have to wear skirts and just in case you didn't know this already, it gets wicked cold here. Not exactly comfortable school attire."
"That does suck," he agreed as his gaze lowered to get a look at my legs. My shorts were pushed up a little so they wouldn't get wet from the pool water so Edward was getting a good show. I went to get up and grimaced a little as I put some weight onto my right leg. Edward quickly offered his hand to assist me which I gladly took. We walked around the side of the house to my car that was sitting in the driveway.
"Nice ride," he commented taking in the silver Volvo.
"Thanks," I said, "it's a consolation prize from my non-existent mother." It came out a lot feistier than I had intended. I hadn't seen my mother in almost 9 years, but I would receive the occasional outrageous gift come birthdays and Christmas each year to some how make up for her absence. My father, Charlie, and I would often laugh when they arrived. No gift would make up for a lack of mother, but then again, if Renee stayed she wouldn't exactly be a great female figure in my life. I was perfectly happy just Charlie and me – we had a close relationship and often spent weekends together fishing or watching baseball on the big screen. Although our weekends together had become fewer and fewer as he took on the role of Chief of Police.
"Sorry, I didn't realize," Edward apologized.
"No, no. It's totally ok. Renee is off gallivanting with her latest conquest and I am perfectly content receiving her offerings." I explained. He seemed to accept my explanation and the subject of Renee was effectively dropped.
"So tell me about your folks," I said as we got in the car and started off into town.
"Well…my mom works from home as a design consultant for a firm based out of Seattle, and my dad just started as the new chief of medicine at Forks Medical."
"Wow, impressive," I said. Edward just gave a slight nod and looked out the window gazing at the thinning tree line.
"What time does this place close?" he asked referring to the uniform store.
"4 o'clock I think, why?"
"What do you say about taking a slight detour?" he asked, turning to look at me and giving me the full effect of his piercing green eyed stare.
"What did you have in mind?" I asked.
"Pull over and park off to the side up ahead." I did as asked and pulled over onto a patch of gravel off to the side of the main road. I put the car in park and Edward quickly exited the car with me just a step behind.
"Come on, let's go a little further in."
"OK" I said following him into the plot of trees. We continued on for about a quarter mile until we could no longer hear the passing cars down on the main road. Edward took a seat on a patch of grass and lean up against a tree as he pulled a small, gray pouch out of the inside of his jacket pocket.
"Have a seat," he instructed, patting the ground beside him. I quickly obliged wondering what exactly he was up to. My curiosity didn't last long as he pulled out a lighter, a pack of papers and a small baggie of weed.
"Seriously?" I asked a little shocked that this is what he had in mind for a detour.
"What's wrong Bella, never got high before?" he asked raising his eyebrow at me in a sort of challenge.
"My dad's the chief of police," I said matter-of-factly.
"Aw, come on. I promise it will be fun. Besides it will take the edge off when it comes time to try on that uniform." I debated briefly before succumbing to the peer pressure and nodding my head. How bad could it be? I mean I really dreaded going to get my school uniform, and this might actually make the chore enjoyable.
Edward wasted no time rolling a joint then taking a hit before holding it out for me. This was my first time smoking pot, and I was a little apprehensive about doing it wrong and making a fool out of myself in front of Edward. He must have picked up on my apprehension, because he told me that it wasn't a big deal and to just relax and enjoy.
I grabbed the joint and took a small pull off of it. I could quickly feel the burn of the smoke hitting my lungs. I swallowed the need to cough and exhaled slowly as I passed the joint back to Edward.
We passed the joint back and forth and the interaction between us quickly relaxed as we fell into an easy conversation as we exchanged questions to get to know each other better. By the time the joint was finished I knew that Edward was from Chicago and had moved out here against his wishes when his dad got the job at Forks Medical, he was interested in the medical field himself and had aspirations to attend an ivy league school before going to medical school, he was a senior and enrolled in almost all honor classes, ran every morning except for Saturdays when he would sleep in, was an only child, and was extremely jealous that I had a pool in my backyard.
I had shared my dislike for small towns and the need to escape to a big city for college preferably with a lot of sunshine, that I wanted to focus on something generic like liberal arts or English in college, that I too was enrolled in most honor classes, that I enjoyed the occasional run but it wasn't an everyday habit, I was an only child as well and I even somehow agreed to drive Edward to school each morning until his dad got around to buying him a car. He promised to make up for all the rides when he finally got a car of his own.
I was high as a kite and enjoying this more than I thought I would. I giggled frequently and blushed scarlet red when Edward told me that he thought my laugh was cute. As our question exchange continued our bodies began to gradually gravitate towards one another. We were presently sitting should to shoulder as we leaned against the tree.
"So," Edward began, "do you have like a boyfriend or something?"
"No, I'm not exactly girlfriend material in these parts." I said with a hint of sadness in my voice.
"And why the hell not, I mean your hot as hell," he said with a smirk.
"I'm the daughter of the chief of police Edward, the guys around here are a little frightened of my dear old dad." I explained, feeling my heart skip a beat with his comment.
"Well, I met the chief, and he isn't that scary."
"Thanks," I said, looking away not knowing how to move the conversation to another topic.
"How's your hamstring?" Edward asked.
"Ugh, it still hurts a bit, but I guess I'll live."
"Here," he said, patting his lap "let me massage it."
"That's really not necessary," I said as my body made up its own mind as my leg somehow found its way into Edwards lap. He laughed lightly as he pulled me closer to him so that our foreheads were practically touching as he began to rub the muscle of my right leg.
I moaned slightly at the sensation of Edwards hands running up and down the back of my leg. Every time his hands would rise up close to my behind I could feel flutters in my stomach. He looked up when he heard my moan and we stared into each others eyes – just inches separated him from me.
"Does that feel good Bella" he practically growled my name.
"Yeah" I whispered and unconsciously licked my lips. Edwards's eyes zeroed in on the action and he too licked his lips. His hands let up on massaging and quickly found purchase on my hips pulling me across his legs until I was straddling him.
Within moments our lips were on each others and we frantically pulled one another impossibly closer. Another moan escaped my lips as Edward tightened his hold on my hips bringing me flush against his allowing me to feel exactly how he felt in this moment. I felt his tongue run across my lower lip seeking entrance and I gladly opened to him meeting his tongue with my own. Our kiss deepened as he began to rock me back and forth on his erection. His right hand slowly lifted from my hip to drag across the hem of my shirt before disappearing underneath as his fingers ghosted my flat stomach on its way towards my chest.
I silently thanked myself for wearing a cute baby blue bra underneath my t-shirt this morning, as Edward cupped my left breast. I pulled back slightly to catch my breath as I arched my back into his touch. His eyes were laced with desire, no doubt mirroring my own. His hand briefly left my chest as he lifted my t-shirt up and off as I did the same with his. I ran my hands up and down his toned chest and rock hard abs as he unclasped my bra and kissed down my neck.
Soft moans and deep breaths were exchanged as he began to bathe my chest with his tongue and mouth. I could feel moisture begin to pool between my legs as the fluttering in my stomach continued full force. As he nipped and licked my nipple his hands lowered to the top of my jeans. This was all new to me and I have experienced more physically with Edward today than I had with anyone else in the past, but my mind was having a hard time putting a limit on what Edward was able to do with me. I felt him undo my jeans as he bit my nipple playfully alternating attention between my left and right breast.
"Your tits are amazing," he moaned as he lifted me slightly in order to reach his hand into my pants. All I could manage in response was a few moans of approval as he toyed with the top of my thong. I leaned forward to kiss Edwards neck and shoulder as his fingers pulled away the fabric in order to fully reach between my legs.
I jumped slightly when his fingers rubbed along my folds. It felt absolutely amazing to be touched my him.
"Ugh, your so wet," he purred, "is that for me Bella".
"Ohh yes," I whimpered into his ear as I bit down lightly on the lobe earning a hiss.
"You like this don't you?" he groaned as he smiled against my chest.
"Ugh, yes," I gasped. The feel of his fingers running back and forth between my folds and hitting my clit on each pass was turning me into a mess.
"Tell me you like it," he teased as he thrust a finger into me.
"Ohhh," I moaned. Not able to form coherent words at the moment.
"I said tell me you like it," he said more forcefully as he began pumping his finger in and out of me.
"I like it," I gasped as I started rocking my hips to meet his fingers.
"Do you like the way I make you feel Bella," he whispered into my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
"Yeah," I panted feeling the coil in the pit of my stomach begin to tighten.
"I can do so many things to you Bella, you would absolutely love it." he purred. "Let me own your body and take you to places you have never dreamed of going to." He began to pump faster and deeper as I gasped for breath. "Tell me your mine."
"Ohh, ohhh," I panted on the brink of my orgasm.
"Tell me," he growled as he pushed another finger into me.
"I'm yours, I'm yours," I practically screamed as I felt myself explode around his fingers.
"That's it baby," he said as I rode out my orgasm by slowly rocking my hips on his fingers.
As I began to catch my breath and come down from my high I suddenly felt self-conscious about what just transpired. This was not typical Bella behavior. In fact, I never do this. I couldn't meet Edwards eyes as he pulled his hand from my pants and I quickly did them back up and located my bra and t-shirt.
I could feel Edward's stare burning a whole into my back as he watched me carefully reattach my bra and pull my shirt over my head. I slowly turned to see Edward gradually bring his fingers to his mouth and suck my juices off that were left behind. He closed his eyes and moaned around his fingers as he slowly pulled them back out of his mouth.
"I knew you would taste sweet, just like candy." He said opening his eyes and meeting my shocked ones. "I meant what I said Bella, I plan on exploring every inch of that body of yours." His eyes scanned me from head to toe as I stood there with my jaw dropped at his words. "You better close that mouth baby, before I find something else for you to do with it instead." I quickly closed my mouth earning a chuckle from Edward.
"You're so sweet, so innocent," he said as he stalked over to me and grabbed my chin, tilting it up so that I was looking directly in his eyes. "I plan on changing that." With that he dropped his hand and started back in the direction of the car. I stood dumbfounded for a moment before following a step or two behind.
The entire walk back to the car I kept asking myself what I was doing. I had never done anything like this; I barely knew this person and yet somehow had made a promise to him that I know I couldn't keep. I would laugh this off later and keep my distance from Edward. I could easily come up with excuses for leaving early in the morning to avoid giving him a ride to school, and I would just keep my interactions with him to a minimum and definitely with others around. Those eyes of his could get me to do anything he asked, so if there were people around I am sure I could escape his stare. As I got back into the car, I no longer felt uneasy about Edward. I could do this, I would do this.
