A/N: Thanks for all of the love, you have given me for this story. I finally found my inspiration again after losing almost a whole chapter due to computer fail. So here it is. I hope you like it and if you do please read and review.

Thanks to my speedy beta Lacym3 I love her long time.

Whiskey Kisses 3

~~Jasper's POV~~

I showed Bella all the best parts about small town living. I didn't know why, but I had a feeling that she was important. My friend Peter had what I liked to call a sixth sense about these sorts of things. I had never bought into that sort of stuff until the day I tried to keep my parents from getting on that plane, and failed to do so. Since then I had done my best to listen to my gut feelings more often. That is why I had approached Bella in the first place. When she walked into the bar I knew I needed to be with her.

I had not had a one night stand since college, I didn't know the protocols, should I stop bugging her? Was I supposed to be emotionless? I couldn't help the fact that I felt drawn to Bella; I wasn't sure I wanted to try to stop. I decided to keep doing what I was doing. I hoped she didn't mind hanging out with me.

"So where are you going after this?" I asked her, attempting to sound nonchalant.

"Well my plan was to spend another week just visiting Texas; however I lost quite a bit of time waiting for my car to be fixed. So I'm planning on leaving here and going straight to the gulf. I may do some more exploring on my way back through because I don't have anywhere to be afterward."

"Oh, so you have a reservation at a hotel? What are your plans while there?" I tried not to sound completely disappointed. I knew she had to leave eventually. She was only passing through and I needed to remember that.

"I do have reservations, but my only plans involve lying in the sun and drinking mixed drinks all day." She sighed and sounded wistful.

"That sounds like it will be fun. I am sure you will have plenty of time to enjoy the coast and maybe even get in a few fun things while you are there. They have banana boat rides which are really fun and para sailing."

"I might, you never know." She shot me a playful grin and I felt my resolve to stay devoid of emotion begin to falter.

"So what would you like to do the rest of the day? I was hoping you wouldn't be opposed to checking out of your room and spending the rest of your stay at my place." I gave her a tentative look.

"Oh, are you sure? That wouldn't be weird for you or anything would it? I would hate for you to do that just because you feel sorry for me." A faint blush crept up her neck.

"Trust me darlin, feeling sorry for you has nothing to do with it. If I only have a few more days with you I want to spend every second I have worshipping your body." I put all of the heat I could muster into my voice so that she would know I was telling the truth.

"In that case, what girl in her right mind would say no to that? Especially if you are going to keep making me breakfast."

"If that's settled let's grab your gear and get back to the ranch. We can even go for a ride if you want." I asked the question without asking.

"Oh I'd love to go for a ride. I haven't been on a horse since I was a teenager. My hip wouldn't allow me to for a while and I haven't had the opportunity since it has healed."

I felt my heart dip a little in my chest. Every time I thought of Bella laying trapped in a car holding on to life by a thread, some instinct in me kicked in and I wanted to wrap my arms around her and protect her from all harm. It was irrational and scared the hell out of me. I decided right then that I would enjoy the time had with Bella and I would send her on her way without bothering her.

We finished up in town and got Bella's things from the hotel. She asked if she could use my laundry room to get her clothes washed, so I showed her to it before going out to the stables to saddle up two horses.

I'd like to say that I spent the next two days doing everything in my power to convince her to stay. I'd like to say that our mind blowing sex was enough to keep her in my small town in Texas, but that would be a lie. Tuesday morning came too soon, and I woke to Bella kissing my forehead gently.

"Good morning Jasper. Ready to take me to pick up my car?" She looked at me with sleepy eyes.

"No, I'm not, but I will." I grumbled before pulling her down on top of me and kissing her fiercely. It was the one attempt I made at letting her know how I felt. I kissed her with every ounce of passion in me, and I slid into her easily as she straddled me. I slowed my movements to savor the last few moments I had with her.

She pulled away and we locked eyes as we leisurely brought each other closer to orgasm. I grasped her hip tightly and screamed her name as I fell into the abyss. Bella followed closely behind me and I nearly came undone as I heard my name fall from her lips repeatedly like a mantra. I wrapped my arms around her tightly and kissed her one last time before pulling out. We both moved the shower in silence.

"Thank you for everything Jasper. These past three days have been amazing. You have been amazing. I am lucky to have met you. I hope we can remain in touch." She looked up from under dark lashes.

"Thank you for spending this time with me. Maybe you'll make your way through the exact middle of Texas some other time? My door is always open if you ever need anything and I certainly won't let you leave without all my numbers. I'm just a phone call away darlin." I couldn't let myself turn 3 days of fun into something more. She would think I was crazy, and I wanted her to at least leave feeling good about me.

"I'll remember that." We finished our shower and dressed slowly. She had packed the night before while I made dinner, so I drove her to the shop and gave her a hug goodbye. She waved as she drove off and I couldn't help but feel disappointed that she seemed to have no trouble leaving.

~~Bella's POV~~

I drove away from Jasper and refused to examine the sudden sadness that crept up. The three days I had spent on Jasper's farm had been seriously magical. I had been able to ride almost every day and learned more about Jasper. I learned about how he went away for college only to move back home just a few months before his parents passed away. We had talked about everything it seemed and it was hard to believe we had just met.

I passed the drive by listening to some of my favorite music; and the CD Jasper had made me of his band. The scenery blurred together and I didn't stop to do any sightseeing. My reservation was for the following day and I called the hotel to inform them that I might be a little later than planned. My mind never strayed very far from a certain crooked grin; however I did my best not to dwell on it.

As I finally reached the hotel I heaved a sigh of relief. Perhaps after a few days in the sun drinking as much alcohol as my "all inclusive" status allowed, I would be able to put Jasper Whitlock out of my mind completely. I doubted it, but was willing to give it the "old college try". I refused to let my hormones run amok simply because I wasn't used to loving and leaving.

I checked in and made my way to the wonderfully plush room I had booked. The place was absolutely everything I had imagined when I booked it. My king sized bed was top of the line and the air condition was cranked up allowing me to use the down comforter despite the heat outside. I checked out the mini fridge and the bathroom then quickly pulled on my bathing suit. It was a specially ordered one piece which had a short bottom like the fifties and sixties suits. It covered all of my scars and allowed me to feel comfortable out by the pool.

I made my way poolside with a book and a towel and found a lounge chair to settle in for the day. It wasn't long after I got there that one of the waiters came over to ask if I wanted anything to drink. I ordered a daiquiri and lay back enjoying the sun. When he made his way back over he offered to put lotion on me. I laughed and told him I could do that myself. He made a few remarks about being available should I need anything at all. It was hard to miss his double meaning and I laughed it off before starting my romance novel.

Over the course of the day I drank only a few drinks and enjoyed sometime in the pool, which was how I had done most of my exercise after the accident. I felt comfortable in the water and enjoyed the feeling of floating with the hot sun on me. I dried off and headed back inside to eat lunch at the buffet. I decided to get dressed and go to one of the open markets nearby. When I went into the room I found that I had a text message from Jasper.

I smiled to myself as I pictured my own personal cowboy. My own personal cowboy? Where the hell did that come from? I shook my head swiftly to dislodge the image of him cooking breakfast while singing and dancing from my mind. I sent him a brief reply and slid the phone into my hand bag. At the front desk I found out that they had shuttle buses running to and from the largest market every 30 minutes and I waited the few minutes to catch one. Once at the market I was overwhelmed by the size and diversity there. I began at the first stall and made my way through the maze looking for nothing in particular. I found a gorgeous black and white photo that reminded me of the farm I had just left and I laughed at myself.

I was worse than a school girl crushing on some pop star. I had spent three days in the man's bed; I should have him out of my system. I groaned at the thought of being in his bed, and I bought the picture hoping it would shut that part of me up. Clearly I wasn't trying hard enough to forget those blond curls and that dangerous smirk. I wasted the rest of the day looking at trinkets and eating an ice-cream. I caught the last bus back to the resort and I made my way to one of the restaurants. I ate dinner in silence and thought about how very different my adventure across Texas had already been from what I imagined when I embarked upon graduation.

After my dinner I walked along the beach. The warm air brought me peace as I walked slowly through the water and sand. I looked up at the huge sky and allowed myself happiness. I deserved happiness; I allowed myself to admit it surrounded by unfamiliar landscape. I had spent so much time trying to find a purpose after my accident. I had pushed myself to top grades in high school. I had gotten into ASU and worked hard to receive a double major in 4 years instead of the normal 5 years. I thought that since I had been given a second chance at life I had to live it to the fullest, but perhaps I had only done things that were of little importance in the grand scheme of things.

I made a promise to myself on the beach that night. I would spend the week I had there doing everything I could to enjoy life. I would para sail and explore without worrying about what it would add to the value of my life. Just living and having fun was worthwhile. I tried not to think of Jasper as I made this vow to myself.