Disclaimer: Not my characters, they're all Stephenie Meyers'.
Chapter 3
BPOV
I couldn't believe it. Here I am walking next to a stranger, at night, in a place that he could easily just kidnap me and take me away to do what ever he pleases. And with that being the case, why do I not care?
I wake up to this guy standing over me and at first it freaked me out a little. It wasn't until I heard his velvety voice and felt his strong arms around me that I realized something was different about him. When his hands touched my waist they felt warm, shockingly warm and like electric. As if there is a static charge between us. When I looked into those green eyes, they held so much depth and a lifetime of emotion. I could stare into his eyes forever and never look away or blink. His face was handsome, no that's not right, he was beautiful. His lips were full with a tint of pink in them. God they looked so kissable. And he had the perfect nose and cheekbones.
I have never felt like this before, I mean he's a stranger and all's I want is for him to touch me again to see if the spark is still there and to tell me everything about his life. I need to know everything about him but I knew it was going to be hard. He was stuttering and acting really nervous? Why is he nervous? I'm the one who's nervous. I can't even bring myself to look him in the eyes again afraid that I might throw myself at him. I had to introduce myself and then make an exit before I couldn't control my hands or my lips.
Just as I turned and started walking away I heard him call my name and god it was so sexy to hear my name coming from his lips. I stopped and turned to him hoping that my blush wouldn't give away my thoughts. He looked so sweet as he offered to walk me back to camp. After some silent walking I figured I better find out where he was camping and by his response I could tell that he wasn't sure. I couldn't help but laugh at first but then I figured it would give me a chance to spend some more time with him while I helped look for his site.
As we walked along the sounds of the park took over my senses. I could hear the crickets humming all around me and smell the water and forest in the night air. I could hear Edward's steady breathing and the light sound of his footsteps over the leaves and grass. I couldn't help but let a smile creep across my face when I chanced a glance up at him. The sounds and smells were so tranquil. I was surprised to see him looking at me. He flashed me that crooked smile again as he ran his fingers through his hair and I felt my breath hitch and my cheeks turning red. I quickly looked away and wished my blush to disappear before I had to look at him again.
Edward cleared his throat before he spoke, "So you camp here often huh? It's seems like a nice place, it's pretty big." I let his words take full meaning and giggled through my response, "Yeah it is pretty big. When I was younger I used to get lost here quite a bit, that's when my parents enforced the buddy system on me. Don't worry though, it get's easier every time you come here." As I said the words it hit me. What if this is the last time I see him? I have no clue where he's from or even if we'll run into each other again after tonight. I decided at that point to take the long way back to my site. I had to know as much about him as possible.
I made a quick left onto the biker's trail figuring it would give me at least another twenty minutes alone with Edward. Under the cover of the trees I felt a shiver rip through my body. It was so much cooler on the trail and my short sleeve shirt and shorts didn't prevent the colder hair from chilling me. Edward must have noticed because he grabbed for my quilt, "Allow me" was all he said as he unfolded it and wrapped it around my shoulders. God, he was so sweet!
As we walked the conversation picked up and it seemed like talking to someone I've known for years. "So your friends went hiking today and you didn't want to go?" He asked. "Yeah, hiking isn't one of my favorite to-do's while camping. Last year I tripped on a tree root and twisted my ankle. Jacob felt like he had to carry me everywhere, I felt like a such a burden for the rest of our stay." As I said Jacob's name Edward's eyebrows shot up and he looked a little disappointed. "Oh yeah, well Jacob is my best guy friend. We've known each other for years, he's actually like a brother." I spurted out hoping to make it clear that I Jacob and I were strictly friends and nothing more. His face seemed to relax at my statement so I took the chance to ask the one question I was dying to know, "So are you here with your girlfriend?" I mean come on, he was hot, he had to have a girlfriend.
"No" he chuckled "I wouldn't call the guys I'm camping with girlfriend material and besides, I don't have a girlfriend. My family and I just moved to a little town, not to far from here. My neighbor invited me to come and meet the "pack." "The pack, what is that?" I asked wondering what the hell he was talking about. "Well I guess that's what they call themselves. It's just a bunch of sixteen year old guys that hang out a lot." He said rolling his eyes. "At first I wasn't going to come but now I'm glad that I did."
I looked up at him with questioning eyes "And why is that?" I asked. "Well….." He started running his fingers through his bronze hair and diverted his eyes from mine to the ground. "If I wouldn't of come I would have never met you." My heart literally stopped in my chest. Did he really just say that? He looked even more nervous as he waited for my response. "Well I'm really happy that you came." I told him while the butterflies in my stomach grew more intense.
We both stopped walking and I glanced back at him. He wore a sexy smirk on his lips and his eyes were glistening in the moon light. As I bit down on my bottom lip and tried to hide my blush he suddenly started reaching for me. I realized that he was reaching for my hand so I started to extend mine to his. As our finger tips touched I felt that electric charge run through us and I could tell he could feel it to. I released my lip from my teeth and let a smile start to form. Just as our hands were almost completely in each other's I heard a loud cat call coming from a few yards away.
As soon as the whistling sound met my ears, I dropped my hand to my side and made it into a fist. I was so embarrassed and totally pissed that someone interrupted a possible perfect moment. I turned my head toward the direction the sound came from to see someone running toward us shouting, "Uh, Uh! Guys come over here, it looks like Edward found some summer slammin' already." I couldn't believe my ears. I felt my face grow hot and turn red from embarrassment. I was so bitching out whoever it was that just ruined our moment when he finally came into view. He stood not three feet from me with a look of shock and regret on his face, scratching the back of his neck. "Bella, what the hell…..I mean, I'm sorry I didn't realize it was you. I would have never said that…………shit…………..wow, this is really awkward!"
"Seth, what are you doing here?" I asked while relief spread across my face. I didn't have to show Edward my bitchy side now that I knew who it was. I really didn't want to scare him away before I got to know him. "Wait a second, You guys know each other?" Edward looked so confused as he just looked from me to Seth and then back to me. Seth answered before I could even speak. "Oh yeah, I know Bella. We were banging buddies for quite a while." Leave it to Seth to be the perverted jokester in our circle of friends. "You wish Seth, keep dreaming!" I giggled at him while jabbing him in the stomach with my fists. "Oh don't worry Bella, I've had plenty of dreams that have involved you, me, and….." "Hold that thought Seth, I really don't want to know." We were both laughing while I attempted gagging noices that sounded more like a dieing cat.
I turned back to Edward to see him just standing there looking down at the ground kicking the soil with his shoes. "Edward" I said while stepping a little closer to him. "I've known Seth forever. He doesn't live to far from me. He goes to my school back in Ashland." Edward tilted his head up to me and a look of pure joy crossed his lips and eyes. I was kind of knocked breathless for a minute, he was so gorgeous. I just stared at his lips while he started speaking. "Bella are you going to be a senior this year?"
"Yes" I stated while never looking away from his moving mouth.
"And you said that you don't live far from Seth?" His smile was starting to turn up more with each question he asked.
"I only live a few blocks away, why?" I asked getting a little confused.
"Well, I just moved in the house next to Seth and will be spending my senior year at Ashland High." He said with a full blown grin across his lips. He seemed excited and relieved at his last statement.
It took me a moment to realize just what he was saying. He moved next door to Seth, must be in Sam Uley's house. He was a senior and going to Ashland High School. OH MY GOD. This is to good to be true. Edward was going to my school and only lived five minutes from my house. I would see him everyday in school and walk by his house anytime I wanted and could sneak a peak at this hottie. I couldn't help but jump up and squeal in my excitement and revelation. It wasn't until I heard Seth laughing that I snapped back to reality and realized what I did in front of both of them. I quickly looked away hiding my blushing face and twisting my fingers in front of me. "So I guess that means we're kind of neighbors then." I squeaked out. Holy Shit, what was I thinking…..I squealed…… this is so embarrassing. I covered my eyes with my hands and wanted to just die in that moment.
"I guess we are Bella." Edward stated with enthusiasm in his voice. I looked up to see him smiling and staring right at me. "OK, love birds, let's go see the guys before I puke from all the lovey dovey crap going on here." Seth started walking back towards the camp laughing. I couldn't even look at Edward after Seth's comment. Was I that easy to read? Oh shit, if Seth noticed my attraction to Edward then I know that Edward could sense it to. God, I am such an idiot, what is the matter with me? He probably doesn't even like me. I have never acted like this before. Of course I have never met anyone like Edward before either.
While I was pondering my thoughts I felt a tingly sensation on the small of my back. "Don't worry Bella, I feel the same way." I looked up to see Edward inches from my face. I froze while I gazed into his green orbs. What does he mean he feels the same way? I'm feeling so much right now, embarrassment, excitement, attraction, and like butter the way he's so close and looking at me with that amazing smile. I had to break my eyes from his before I did something even more stupid but I couldn't. I just stood there dazzled by his eyes, his mouth, and his hand grazing my lower back. I was inching closer with out even realizing it not knowing what I was going to do when I heard Seth hollering "Come on guys, quite eye fucking each other and get over here!" We both snapped our heads in Seth's direction before looking back to each other. I knew my face was beaming red but was a little shocked when I noticed Edward's was as well. We both kind of chuckled and made our way over to camp.
There they were, Seth, Embry, Quil, and Paul, the pack. Why hadn't I thought of these guys when Edward said he was here with the pack? I guess I never thought he would actually be living anywhere near me. As I made my way over to the fire I laid my book and blanket on the picnic table before sitting on the foldout chair. "So what are you guys doing here?" I was curious to why they came here when they knew we were all camping here this week.
"Well" Embry started "We knew that Leah would never let us tag along so we thought we would come on our own and thought we would run into you guys sooner or later." Just the mention of Leah's name and I knew what I had to do. "Well guys, it's your lucky day. Our camp is just through that thicket of trees over there and I know that everyone would love to see you." Leah was going to be so pissed when she saw Seth here. It made my day to think that I could present her little brother to her. She hates the fact that all of my friends including Jacob just loves these guys. They are hilarious and so perverted. Seth is like a mini Emmett when it came to his mouth. They know how to lighten a mood when it gets to serious.
"Well I think we should go over and see if their back from their hike yet. Let me go first and I'll call to ya when I'm ready." I started to stand when Seth asked "Bella, what the hell are you up to?" "Oh nothing, I'm just going to make Leah's night is all." I looked to Seth and saw and evil smile creep across his face, he knew what I was talking about. I was about to walk away when I thought of Edward. 'Hey Edward, would you like to come over with me?" That did it. "Ohhhhh…..Bella wants Edward's cock. Go bang her before I do Eddie!" I could just kill Seth. I mean I'm used to his perverted comments he uses on everyone but, I knew Edward wasn't. I turned to look at him and saw him scratching his neck and looking a little awkward and embarrassed. "Never mind Edward, I'll holler over when I'm ready for everyone." I started walking away feeling really damn pissed at Seth when I heard footsteps behind me. I glanced back and saw Edward swiftly walking to catch up. I smiled to myself thinking that maybe he was feeling the same way as me.
I took a deep breath to calm my butterflies and the excitement I knew would be in my voice when I spoke. "Sorry about Seth, he runs off at the mouth sometimes before he thinks it through." He just looked at me and smiled as he said "Well I've only know Seth for a couple weeks and I've already gotten to know him pretty well. I guess I should have expected that. I just don't know if I like him talking about you that way." He was so honest as a spoke and the way he sounded a little irritated was totally sexy. I flashed him a smile "Seth is harmless, trust me when I say that I'm used to it. I don't mind his comments most of the time, he can be pretty funny. He can read people pretty good and then he cracks on them based on what he see's."
"So what your saying is that he was right?" He slurred through his cocky and sexy grin. At that moment I realized what he was talking about, Bella wants Edward's cock. Oh shit! I immediately turned away knowing my face was the brightest shade of red possible. I guess Seth wasn't the only one who didn't think before he spoke. I felt Edward's hand pulling my face up to meet his. He was looking me right in the eyes as he spoke. "Don't look away Bella, your blush is beautiful and it gave me the answer I was hoping for."
I closed my eyes and basked in his soft and tender touch. I knew that this feeling I was having was something new and exciting. I didn't quite know what to do next. I definitely did not want to ruin the moment. I felt his hand leave my face and I began to open my eyes. I gave him the warmest smile I could give and started to walk toward my site. We walked side by side in a comfortable silence. I was so close to him that I could feel the electric and warmth pouring out of him. I could feel my hand twitching and aching as I thought about clasping it in his. But, I quickly thought against it, not wanting him to feel like I was throwing myself at him to fast.
We made our way through the trees and I noticed everyone was around the fire except for Jacob. It seemed my friends were having a serious discussion as Jacob was pacing back and forth. I looked to Edward and he seemed a little nervous so I gave him a reassuring smile as we made our way closer to the group. "Hey guys, when did you get back?" As soon as I spoke everyone's heads quickly turned toward us with relieved looks on their faces. Jacob ran over to me and picked me up of the ground in a massive hug. "Jake, your going to squeeze me to death, put me down." I tried to scream out. He placed me back on my feet and then hugged me again, this time not as crushing. "Bella, I was so worried. We came back and you weren't here. I walked everywhere I thought you would go but you weren't there. I was starting to panic thinking you fell and cracked your skull open or you were lost. Damn it Bella, don't do that to me again." Jacob looked so scared and so happy at the same time. "Jake, I'm fine. Edward and I took the bike path back to camp. You don't have to freak every time I'm not in your eye site." I hugged him again to help him relax "you don't have to be so protective of me all the time, I'm a big girl ya know." My statement seemed to work and he relaxed before looking over to Edward. "I'm Jacob, how do you know my Bella?" I slapped Jake on his chest before stepping back toward Edward. "Edward and I met at the lake, he's camping here with some friends."
Just as I was speaking everyone made their way over to us. I introduced him to everyone as he shook their hands. They all seemed surprised that I brought someone back to camp with me except for Alice. She was beaming as she pulled Edward in for a hug. She didn't even know him and yet she hugged him like she's done it a million times before. That was Alice for you. "So nice to meet you Edward, you're perfect for Bella." I about choked when she said it. I have been embarrassed more tonight than I ever have in my entire life. Edward just smiled and said "well thank you, I think Bella is perfect as well." Alice turned to me and gave me a thumbs up while Jacob glared at Edward. I'm glad Edward wasn't paying attention and thankful for Jasper making conversation with him so he didn't see the invincible daggers shooting at his head from Jacob. What was Jacob's problem anyways? I turned my face up and gave Jacob the we'll talk about this later look. He nodded his head and turned to walk away.
"Hey guys, where's Leah?" Rose looked a little shocked by my question. "I'm going to get her, she's in our tent." Jacob mumbled as he was walking away. After a few minutes Jacob and Leah emerged from their tent and made their way back over to us. "So Bella, I hear you were looking for me?" She asked in a cocky voice. I glanced at Edward and he was looking at her in disgust. I never thought to ask if he met Leah since they live next to each other. I wonder what his problem with her is? I strolled over to him and said "Leah, have you met Edward?" She looked him up and down, lingering a little longer on his body more then I would have liked and responded "No, but you look familiar. Have I seen you somewhere before." He just looked at her with an empty expression on his face "I don't know, have you?" God he was so sexy. I loved the fact that he was short and cocky with her. By his tone and expressions I could tell he didn't care for her either. I smiled at him and then looked to her "I have a surprise for you Leah" She looked shocked at my words. "Come on over guys" I hollered towards the trees.
Not thirty seconds later Seth and the pack made their way over to our camp. If looks could kill I would be dead, Leah's expression was priceless. I started giggling and so didn't Edward as we watched her look from me to Seth and back again. Everyone started saying their hello's and asking their questions. Emmett and Jacob just beamed at having the extra company. I guess they don't want us girls to out number them.
"Hey sissy, I bet your surprised to see me here?" Seth said in an amusing tone. "What the hell are you guys doing here?" She was pissed and I was estatic. "Well we thought we'd go camping. What are you doing here sissy?" he asked while crossing his arms over his chest and smirking. Her face grew red and her hands were made into fists at her sides. "Quit fucking calling me that you shit head. What are you doing following me around? Does Mom and Dad know where your at? I'm calling them right now you little asshole." With that she turned to make her way to the office to use the phone.
"Oh sissy, don't worry about Mom and Dad. They know I'm here, hell they paid for the trip. They wanted me to keep my eye on you and tell you to not fuck around and get knocked up." We all started laughing. Seth was a trip and I was loving his remarks to his sister. She turned and started running at her brother, fists flailing in the air ready to strike. Jacob grabbed her by her waist and pulled her to him.
"Jesus Christ Leah, I'm just messing with ya. Take a fuckin' chill pill." He said through his laughter. She pushed away from Jacob "You're not staying over here. Get your ass back to your own site and don't come back for the rest of our stay."
"Oh Leah" I said trying to be serious. "I invited them over. They're going to stay and eat with us." I couldn't help but be a bitch, she deserved it. She stormed off to her tent and we didn't see her for the rest of the night. After Miss drama made her exit I turned to the pack and Edward "would you guys like to join us for dinner?" Everyone started busting up again at the realization that I only said that to make Leah pisser. "Why Bella, that is very thoughtful of you. We would love to." Embry stated through his chuckling.
I wandered over to the coolers to start dinner while everyone was chatting and planning out the rest of our stay. "Could you use some help?" I turned toward the soft velvet voice and smiled. "Sure, burgers and toss salad sound good?" Edward rubbed his stomach and licked his lips "absolutely". Oh god, did he just lick his lips. I stood there half bent over the cooler gaping at his mouth and thinking how delicious he would taste. Get your mind out of the gutter Bella. I quickly grabbed the ingredients I needed and turned to start the patties.
Edward came up beside me and took the meat and seasonings. "Mind if I make the patties? I know a few secrets." I looked up at his glowing eyes "you like to cook?" It was more of a statement than a question. "Mmmmmm, love to cook." I could tell by the way he was smiling and adding everything in the bowl that he's done this before. I sat back and watched as he added an egg and a splash of milk to the meat mixture. "It keeps it moist and holds it together better." He claimed as he mixed it all together. I couldn't believe that he liked to cook. I cooked almost all the meals at home. My Mom could burn boiling water, that's how horrible she is at cooking. As I watched him finish up I pictured Edward and I in my kitchen cooking dinner together. Me feeding him a taste of sauce and then leaning in to lick the drop that dripped on his chin. I was starting to daydream again so I reached in and helped form the burgers and then went over and placed them on the rack above the fire. We got the salad and chips around just as the burgers were done. I called for everyone to grab a seat and fix their plates.
It was so nice to sit there surrounded by my closest friends and eat the delicious meal that Edward and I prepared. We received many praises and Emmett's hmmmmm and mmmm the whole time he was eating.
As we devoured our food I couldn't help but notice that Mike and Jessica seemed to be hitting it off pretty good. I leaned over and whispered to Alice "so what's going on with Mike and Jess?" She turned to me all giddy, probably because she loves gossip. "They were hanging all over each other on our hike today. We decided to rest and each lunch once we made it to the top of the mountain but they weren't with us. I'm not really sure when we lost them and didn't really care either, but Emmett and Jasper went to look for them. About half an hour later they returned with a very proud Mike and embarrassed Jessica." "Why was she embarrassed?" I couldn't help but be nosey. "Well the guys decided to veer off the trail a little ways down the mountain and found Mike leaning against a tree and Jessica with a mouthful if you know what I mean." She started giggling as shock screwed across my face. Mike and Jess hooked up. "Thank God" I blurted out. "I'm hopefully free of molester Mike for a while." We both sat there laughing for the rest of our meal. After Alice and Rose insisted on cleaning up we all just lounged around the camp fire listening about their day of hiking.
I was all comfy and about falling asleep next to Edward on the double fold out chair when Jacob come up to whisper in my ear "hey Bells, can I talk to you for a minute?". I started to stand and didn't quite have my balance yet when I toppled over and my face landed in Edward's lap. "Christ you two, get a damn room. I don't wanna see that shit!" Emmett yelled across the fire. I was so embarrassed as I lifted my head to meet Edward's gaze. "I am so sorry Edward….I didn't…I mean…..you have very muscular legs…..Oh shit." I couldn't even talk I was so flustered. Everyone started laughing. But Edward looked so sincere when he said "Bella, you can fall onto me anytime you want, I don't mind. Actually I prefer you landing on me instead of the ground." I just dazed at him while he smiled and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. It wasn't until Jacob cleared his throat that I noticed I was still clutching onto Edward's firm thighs. I quickly pulled my hands away and thanked Edward before I made my way over to my Jacob.
"What's up Jake? Your not acting like yourself tonight." I asked.
"Bella, what the hell are you doing? You don't even know this guy and you two are hanging all over each other and acting all googley eyed. I don't like it." He said through gritted teeth.
"Jake, I'm not doing anything. I just met him. And no I don't know him but I would like to. I feel something there Jake. I can't explain it. I've never felt anything like it before. There's like a connection between us and I'm pretty sure he's feeling it to." He was looking down at the ground as I spoke "Jake look at me. It's a good thing, I can feel it."
He pulled me into a hug and rubbed my back. "Just be careful Bella. I don't want to see you get hurt and until I get to know him I'll be keeping my eye out. Just promise me that you'll take it slow and make sure he's for you before you do anything drastic. I don't want to have to hurt anyone while I'm on vacation."
"Oh Dad, don't worry about me. I'll be careful, scouts honor." I claimed holding up my hand. We both started laughing while we hugged each other.
"My Bella" he whispered.
"My Jacob" I whispered back.
It was around eleven thirty when we all decided to call it a night. I hugged Alice and promised her for the tenth time that I would spill my guts in the morning before her and Jasper went in for the night. I said goodbye to the pack as Edward walked me to my tent. "Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked. I was so hoping he was going to say he wanted to see me again. "Sure" was all I managed to get out as he reached for my face and stroked my cheek lightly with his thumb. "Goodnight Isabella" I was like putty under his hand. I closed my eyes and whispered "Goodnight Edward." He never stopped stoking my face until my eyes opened. He flashed his crooked smile at me before turning to walk away.
I watched as he made his way through the trees before running into my tent. I was so tired from all the events of the day but yet so excited and hyper. I needed to clear my mind and get some sleep so I could get up early and head to the showers before I saw Edward. I defiantly didn't want my wild bed head scaring him off.
I threw on a pair of cut off sweats and a dark blue tank top before crawling in my sleeping bag. I only had one thing on my mind as I closed my eyes. Edward. I started thinking about everything I learned about him and the way he looked and smelled. The way his touch felt on my skin and the sound of his velvety voice. I let my thoughts carry me into sleep wishing and praying he would meet me in my dreams.
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A/N Another chapter down. Sorry for the wait. I've already got chapter four planned out so it won't take as long as this one. I love reviews……so leave me some good ones!
