DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Technically I don't even OWN this plot, but I like to think I'm responsible for the outcome of this story. Everything else actually does belong to S. Meyer.

A/N: Super duper sorry for the delay folks. I definitely lost my jumpdrive in the USB port of my college's bookstore because that's the only place anyone can print papers out on the entire campus and I'm dumb and forgot it there. So, this is NOT the original. I do apologize thought because I got a lot of reviews while I was writing this (I had to redo it completely :[) and I would like to thank so many people it's not even funny. You know who you are.

I got my final boost for finishing this chapter from the New Moon premiere, because I liked this movie better than the last, soooo, I wanted to get this out on the 20th, but figured that would make it rushed and such.

So, here it is.

Review, rate, whatever. I love the feedback. =]


Bella

"No way!" I kept my eyes turned down, my chin resting on my bent knee in the swivel chair I had claimed as my own behind the register. It was cold in the bookstore today but my skin was burning with a blush that had become very apparent as soon as I'd told Angela what happened that morning between Jacob and me.

"Isabella Marie Swan! You didn't!" I kept my face down, ignoring her taunting. I was regretting letting her in on what took place at this point; Angela seemed to be taking it a little louder than I intended the conversation to go.

"I didn't actually DO anything Ange," I started, my voice stern enough that my brunette counterpart wiped the smirk off her face immediately, "I just forgot to close my door while showering. It could have happened to anyone." By the end of my excuse, I was smirking as well because we both knew that was a lie. I fully intended on Jacob getting a show, and his actions afterwards confirmed my suspicions that he had.

Angela snorted as I waggled my eyebrows in her direction, having turned my back to the register so as to give her my most intimidating look. She glanced behind me and snorted again, so of course I turned as well. I don't think my blush could have gotten any darker as I took in the view of the very tall and very dark Quil Ateara.

My eyes grew wide and I felt my body immediately cool off in a flush of embarrassment. I really needed to stop talking in public. It would eventually get me in trouble. I took a deep breath and I felt my shoulders try to loosen as I ignored that Quil probably heard every single word out of my mouth.

He would, after all, go on and tell Jacob everything I said; they were very close friends, basically brothers.

"Hey Quil. How ya doing today?" I asked, trying to shrug off the curiously intense look he was giving me. I kept my eyes down and rang up the items he brought to the counter. The bookstore was also a sort of school supply and convenient store, the only place on campus where you could buy books and chocolate at the same time. While ringing up his items, I vaguely heard him reply "Oh my day just got better."

I stole a glance up at the tall boy with dark hair and seemingly even darker eyes. He definitely had some Native background, just like Jacob, but Quil's inheritance had made him lighter-skinned than Jacob, but still just as tall. The two worked at the same station and often rode in the same truck, so they talked…a lot. I really hoped Quil wouldn't go and blab to Jacob.

When I caught his eyes, Quil was still staring at me, even as I told him his total. I stood there, not knowing what to do until finally he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small wad of cash. He broke his gaze. I felt exhausted from the intensity.

"You really shouldn't play games with the guy, Bella" he finally spoke. I had let my eyes wander away from him but they shot back and focused on his eyes, which were back on me, "Eventually he won't believe it's a game anymore." I handed him back his change with an open mouth. Turning back and looking at Angela, I saw her jaw had gone slack as well.

I turned back. "There isn't any game Quil, I swear." I furrowed my eyebrows together and focused on Quil's hands organizing his change. He just nodded and hummed an "Mmmhmm" like he didn't believe me.

Hearing him sarcastically call my fib made me slam my fist down from its position a couple inches in the air onto the counter with enough force to shake a rack of small energy drink shots on the countertop. I sighed and looked back up at the man who was harassing me. I almost opened my mouth to give him a piece of my mind, he was always harassing me about Jacob, but he beat me to it as he took a few steps backwards and started heading out the door, "Don't get so defensive, Bella. Anger doesn't look that good on you." I shut my mouth as he left the store and I sat back down in my chair.

"Next time why don't you warn me?" I didn't want to snap at Angela, but Quil had made me so mad in so few words that I just couldn't hold it in. Plus she hadn't helped at all while I sat there and suffered.

"Oh don't you blame this on me sister! You're the one who feels like sharing every dirty thing she does to get her roommates attention while at work, in front of customers." She had a point; I was being way too open about the whole thing. What happened at my apartment with my roommate was no one else's business but mine and Jacob's. It was just so hard not to talk to anyone about it; I was thinking about another man while my boyfriend was away at college for crying out loud!

I huffed once more and turned away from Angela. She understood that her words had reached me and knew I was letting it all sink in. I didn't want to seem like one of those sleazy girls who toyed with guys just for attention. I knew girls like that and they were trashy to me. I'm an adult, I should be able to sift through my emotional problems and face reality, not toy around with fantasies.

The rest of the day went by slowly, it being Friday, the only day of the week no one signed up for classes on. Everyone wanted to be out at the beach or they had jobs to fulfill other than school, so Friday was always the day we would close up early and take off.

Usually I didn't mind getting home early, but throughout the day, after contemplating my actions, I was completely embarrassed that I was so brash and bold that morning. Normal Bella wouldn't parade around her apartment without clothes on. Normal Bella wouldn't flirt with her best friend and roommate openly. I was nervous about going home that night, nervous about what Jacob would say, or even worse, not say. He had the habit of keeping to himself if he wanted to, but sometimes his silence was unnerving. I was so used to him being open and witty and wild that his quiet phases were sometimes too much for me to handle and I ended up thinking the worst possible things.

My mind had a very wild imagination sometimes.

I didn't have to worry, however, because when I got home half an hour later, I found that Jacob wasn't even there. Setting my stuff down, I glanced at the note he had left me on my closed door.

Bells,

Went in to do a couple hours at Munroe. Should get off around midnight. You don't have to wait up for me.

-Jacob

Because he had his EMT/Firefighting license, Jacob could go in the hospital and work as a patient care technician. Currently he picked up shifts in the Emergency Department so as to make some extra money. Plus he got extra experience so when he decided to go back to school for whatever it was he wanted to go back for, he would have an easier load than others.

Neither one of us had texting abilities on our cell phones nor did I ever answer mine while at work, so we'd grown to leaving notes for one another. It was actually sort of sweet that he took the time to write out what was going on; it was much better than sitting in the dark and not knowing if he was okay.

I glanced at the clock. It was only seven so I decided to make myself something to eat. It didn't make sense to make more than I would eat; Jacob wouldn't be home for another five hours or so, but I made extra anyways.

Settling into the couch and watching TV was how I spent the rest of my night. I tried to call Edward, but got his voicemail for the fourth time in a row, so I set my phone on the coffee table and lay down. That's where Jacob found me when he got home.

I woke a little when I heard the lock clunk in its place as Jacob came in beside my head, but didn't stir because I was so tired I could have slept on the comfy couch all night. He stroked my bangs off my face and went to set his stuff down on the dining room table. When I heard his footsteps come back towards me, I was anticipating his touch but still jumped when he rubbed my shoulder. I opened my eyes and let them readjust to the dim light.

Jacob's eyebrows were cinched together and he had this glint in his eye that made me uneasy.

"What's wrong Jake?" I asked, sitting up on my elbows. His face held more than just a tired expression. Something was bothering him.

Jake kneeled down next to my head so we were face to face. He glanced down his nose and stared at my hand on the couch. He picked it up and said ever so sweetly, "I just wanted to tell you," he took a moment to sigh before he continued, "that you don't have to walk around naked to get my attention." Jacob stared into my eyes as a smirk toyed at his lips and my mouth fell open for what felt like the hundredth time today.

When the smile he was holding back fell through and I started to laugh a little I shoved his shoulders and he was sent onto his ass laughing. I stood up quickly and tried to walk away because I was embarrassed, but ended up tripping over my own feet and falling flat on my stomach. The wind was knocked out of me so I turned on my back to try and catch my breath.

Jacob was still chuckling as he crawled over to me. My knees stung along with my forearms as the cool air in the for once cold apartment swept across my bare skin, the two spots taking the brute of the fall. He tried to catch his breath as I did the same thing, lying on his stomach with his hands clasped out in front of his, holding his form up on his forearms. He looked so playful and young when he was laughing that I didn't want him to stop.

"You're such a jerk." I stated as I regained the use of my lungs.

"Nah," he replied, shaking his head, "I'd be a jerk if I told you it didn't get my attention." He waggled his eyebrows at me and my heart shot up into my throat. The familiar warmth burned up to the surface of my cheeks and down my neck. I didn't think I'd ever stop blushing around him. It was even worse that he was still staring into my eyes.

The dim light from the standing lamp in the corner spread harsh shadows along Jacob's face, only one half of it in the soft glow. I wanted to reach up and cup his face, but held my hand still over my ribs. I'd been rubbing the sore bones when I rolled over.

I didn't know what to say, speechless as always when my nerves were pushed to the edge. Right now they were hanging off the cliff with only their fingertips holding on. My eyes raced back and forth between his eyes and lips, which seemed to get closer and closer as the seconds passed in silence. I could've sworn my eyes were as big as saucers and my heart was on turbo, pounding blood through my ears.

Jacob stopped merely inches away from my face, so close that I could smell his faded cologne faintly. Suddenly I felt like I was about to explode out of my own skin. This proximity was going to kill me. My neck was straining to keep my head from turning away; I wasn't going to back out now.

His pants were now touching my bare legs, his long legs extended right next to mine. The silence still stretched out, the two of us just staring at each other. Suddenly, a phone went off on the table, causing me to jump and gasp, which in turn caused Jacob to smile a crooked grin. He went to push himself up, but before he could actually push up, I grabbed his shirt collar.

The smile left Jacob's face faster than I could see, and I never blinked. His arms were tensed in a push-up, the valleys between his biceps taunting me. "Can I help you?" he tried to lighten the suddenly thick environment.

My mind wasn't working the way it should have. I had a boyfriend, the same one I'd had for the last two years. We'd said we loved each other since the second month we'd been dating. I lost my virginity to him in the third month. He was the only experience I had, and here I was, clutching the shirt of my best friend, contemplating on how I would get out of this situation.

I wanted to kiss him; that much was clear to me. The fact that I didn't know how to go about it without feeling like I was betraying Edward was the problem. No matter what I was betraying him. This infatuation with Jacob was tearing my relationship to pieces. I couldn't kiss him.

But I had to.

I repositioned my hand to behind his neck, bringing his mouth closer to mine. I met him halfway, our noses touching. "Please don't think less of me." I whispered, going in for his lips. Jacob grabbed my wrist, enough pressure to make me pause for a second, enough time for him to escape my grip.

Realization hit and I averted my gaze, the blush returning to my face and neck. It was suffocating me, this feeling of rejection. He rejected me. I had to get away.

"Bella, wait." But I was already up and headed to my room. I closed the door right before he got to me, locking it and sitting on my bedspread, still in a mess from the morning. I felt like an idiot. He was just messing with me, just some silly way he interacted with girls. But he was Jacob. He wouldn't, shouldn't, couldn't do that to me.

It wasn't fair.

There was a slow, heavy knock at my door. I ignored him. It was childish but it yielded me from the wave of embarrassment that was slowly creeping away. "Bella, you're phone was going off."

Jacob sounded almost tired, but I didn't care. I ignored him again. "It was Edward that called."

I stood up, knowing I should call him back, especially after this. Maybe hearing his voice would take my mind off of Jacob. That seemed almost impossible to me at the time. Not even Edward could shield me from my wandering mind. But it was worth a try.

I heard a "Fine" before I stepped towards my door, taking a deep breath and preparing myself from meeting his intense stare again. I didn't have to worry about the stare once I opened the door because his door directly across my mine was slamming shut. I glanced down and found my phone at my feet. Picking it up, I looked at Jacob's door again, my heart sinking once again.

I had to call Edward back.

After what seemed like an eternity of ringing, Edward finally picked up his phone.

"Yeah?" He yelled into the phone, but it was still drowned out by the music that was blaring around him. I had to move the phone away from my ear for a few seconds to prevent damage.

"Hey, Edward, it's me." I tried to be quiet, but with the noise in his background I ended up almost yelling as well. I felt stupid.

"Yeah, what do you need Bella?" He sounded annoyed.

"Nothing," I shot back quickly, just as easily becoming annoyed as well, "Just wanted to say hi, how ya doing? How's your trip? But nevermind; I guess I'll talk to you later." I hung up.

He didn't call back. Eventually I fell asleep. So that didn't help my problem with Jacob, it only made me want him more, but I knew that wouldn't happen. He'd just rejected me and I hadn't done anything too serious. Suddenly I hated the male species.

My dreams didn't help me keep that hate. Another dream like the ones I'd been having played throughout my sleep. Scratch the hate of men; I hated life.

Jacob

Bella avoided me for the rest of the weekend. Well, not exactly flat out avoided me, but she wasn't the way she was before that night, before I'd been an idiot and presented her in a situation that I knew she wouldn't be able to talk herself out of. I knew she would comply with whatever I wanted because I was her Jacob and she couldn't deny me anything.

I was selfish. But I felt like a scheming jerk as soon as she reciprocated just like I knew she would. That's why I stopped her; it wasn't because I didn't want to kiss her. Lord knows I wanted to do that and then some, but after the original intention of coercion, I felt sick with myself.

And I deserved everything I got in return.

But after six full days of no conversation, no real human contact with one another, I was sick of it. I needed Bella to get over what happened the week before.

So I showed up at the book store when I thought they were closing down, but ended up waiting outside for two hours in my truck, air conditioning blasting. I'd called Angela that morning and told her my plans and that I wanted her to keep her mouth shut about them. She promised she wouldn't say a word and that she would try to get her out of the store early; she'd been staying later because she knew I'd be at the apartment.

Finally, after I contemplated going in there to drag her out, Bella exited the store with Angela in tow. Angela found me in the parking lot and shrugged, mouthing 'Sorry'. I waved it off. I'd sit through an Antarctic blizzard naked for Bella to accept my apologies.

I got out of the truck and headed towards the two girls. When Bella noticed me coming towards her she tried to walk away but Angela stopped her enough or me to catch up. "Bella! Stop, please." I shouted and she halted, almost like I'd actually forced her to. Angela had her hands on Bella's shoulders, holding her in place, though I thought she didn't have the necessity now. She gave Bella a pointed look before smiling at me and walking away, calling back with a "Have fun you too!" before waving us off and heading towards her own car.

I owed her big time.

"Bells, I know I'm the last person you want to see right now, and I can understand that, but you can't just ignore me and everyone else-" she cut me off.

"I'm not ignoring everyone Jacob, just you." That stung. Her eyes were narrowed at me and her hands were on her hips, looking as cute pissed off as she did happy.

"Well then you can ignore me at-" she cut me off again.

"At Quil's party, right?" Bella cocked her eyebrow up at me. I was confused. She was totally shutting down my entire plan. "Fine. Let's go then." Bella started heading towards my truck, but I stood my place. How did she know? Just as if she were reading my thoughts, Bella called back at me, "Ange told me."

Damnit. She found everything out.

Because Bella got out of work late, we were one of the last ones at Quil's house. Almost everyone had a drink in their hand, and I'm sure it wasn't their first or second one. The ride over had been a quiet one, with conversation being limited to how work was and who we thought was going to be at Quil's.

"Thanks for the ride, Jacob. I guess I'll see you later." Bella took off from me and headed for the kitchen, but I let her go. Her animosity was growing; she was embarrassed beyond anything I'd ever seen and being around me wasn't helping.

"Dude, you look like shit," Quil came up and clapped me on the shoulder, making me grimace but hide it before he saw my face.

"Thanks," I replied sarcastically, turning to face Quil. He was obviously inebriated, his eyes lost in his own little world at that point in the night. "You look wonderful by the way." I had to laugh when Quil looked himself over and smiled a toothy smile before nodding his head like I had just told the truth. In all reality he looked close to passing out. I checked my watch; it was way too early for his level of drunk.

When Quil left my side, I went looking for Bella but couldn't find her. I did find Leah, my old high school sweetheart, but now close annoyance, trying to catch my eye from her position on the couch. I complied and headed towards her, instantly regretting it once her mouth opened. "So how's it with your pursue of Bella? Still itching to get in her pants?" She barked out a laugh and glanced behind me, following something with her eyes. I turned to find Bella fleeing the room, head ducked and trying to be unnoticed.

I followed, swerving bodies and open cups. I hated this party now. Bella darted up the stairs and I followed, closing the distance between us by taking two stairs at a time. She went to enter a bedroom and close the door, but I was close enough that I stuck my foot in the door, immediately feeling the slam of the hard wood on my foot. I winced and cursed out loud when the door bounced off my foot.

Bella's face was filled with shock as she realized what happened. "Oh jeez! I'm sorry Jake! Gosh I'm sorry!" she clapped her hands over her mouth but then reached out for me with one hand, pulling me in the room. I hobbled to the bed, covered in a light purple quilt, and sat down, crossing my ankle over my knee and kneading the pain out of my foot. Bella flipped the light switch on and closed the door, shutting out the noises that were travelling upstairs. I hadn't realized how loud it was in the house until she shut it all out with that simple action.

I lifted my head, my hands still massaging my foot through my shoe, not very effectively might I add, and watched as she stood in her spot staring at the ground. She chewed on her lip and crossed her arms over her chest.

When the silence got too evident, Bella glanced up at me from under her bangs, the brown fringe making her eyes look exotic. "You really need to stop slamming doors, Bells." The left side of my mouth lifted in a smile as she giggled for a moment. I stood slowly, thinking about what I should say next; I didn't want to push her away.

So, instead of opening my mouth and ruining my chances, I took the few steps to get to the door and her and stopped in front of her. She stared at my shoes until I lifted her chin, making her look at me. Her eyes were wide and bright, looking all the more innocent. "Bells," I started, keeping my voice low, "I just, I just have to try something." The words were fighting their way out of my mouth, one by one, almost methodically.

Bella nodded after a few moments of me debating whether to just go for it or back off. Before I knew what was happening, my mouth was connected with hers, eyes closed, my lips forming a soft unbreakable seal with hers. When we broke apart after a few seconds, a let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Her eyes were still closed, brow furrowed and I wanted to know if it was a bad thing.

She had kissed me. I wasn't the instigator tonight. She leaned in and kissed me. The thought made me smile. But then I had to press my hand behind her neck and pull her back in to me. Her hands rested on my chest, clutching at my shirt. She pulled so hard that I took a step closer, pressing into her. My hands cupped her jaw, my thumbs rubbing her cheek bones.

It felt like something was exploding in my chest, like a balloon was filled to the max with helium in my chest and my ribs popped it open. I was flying.

Somehow Bella ended up pressed against the door, her body closer than it had ever been to mine. Our mouths moved fluidly against one another, hot breath brushing against each other's cheeks. She was warm and soft and perfect in every way. I slid one hand down her neck and over her shoulder, down her arm that led to her fingers that were hooked in my belt loop. Our fingers intertwined and I pressed it into the door. She gripped it so tight that I thought she was clinging on for dear life.

The kisses were rough and fast, like too much hurry was put in them, so I slowed them down, taking my hand on her neck as a holding device. My breath was harsh through my nose and Bella was close to gasping for breath so I removed my mouth form hers. She tilted her head back in aggravation, giving me ample room to graze her neck with my tongue. I quickly found out the point where her neck blended into her shoulder was very sensitive, and every time I touched it with my mouth she would shiver.

"Jake," I heard above my head. Bella's voice was low and sultry, deeper than it normally was and an electric shock to my groin. I grazed my teeth over her exposed collar bone and she moaned. The sound of it flying through her throat right by my ear made me sigh into her neck.

She lifted my head from its position and stared into my eyes as if she could read some kind of answer to an unasked question. I waited and wondered what she was thinking; perfectly content with how we were standing. My hands rested on her hips that were pressed out against mine. I rubbed circles over the exposed skin that peaked out from under her shirt, feeling the flushed skin with my fingertips. She wiggled from my grasp and pulled me with her, finally sitting down on the bed and leaving me to stand in front of her.

Bella scooted back on the bed, reaching the massive amount of pillows and keeping my gaze as she slowly unbuttoned the top button of her shirt. The long plaid sleeves that she'd rolled to her elbows were unfurling, making her look like she'd just romped around with her top on. I wanted to give her that look again, over and over again, outfit after outfit.

As her fingers fiddled with the second button, never dropping my gaze, I clasped my hands behind my head, pulling my elbows forward in a protective casing. I let out the breath I was holding slowly, taking in another breath just as slowly. She was killing me slowly.

By the fifth button, my eyes had begun to wander down the sliver of skin Bella was slowly revealing. I licked my lips that had dried during my breathing exercise. Finally the last button was unhooked, allowing Bella to slip the shirt over her shoulders. When she was no longer tangled up in the fabric, Bella balled it up and threw it at me, laughing a little. I couldn't help but chuckle as well when the blue green plaid hit my stomach.

She crossed her ankles and leaned against her hands, speaking for the first time in what felt like forever. "Take off your shirt Jake." She pointed to the shirt I was wearing and I willingly complied, pulling the fabric over my head. The air conditioner made my skin prickle in the cold, or was it the effect of the 'come hither' look Bella gave me that made my skin crawl in the most amazing way?

I knelt on the bed and crawled up Bella's body, eliciting a shaky breath when her cool hands sidled up my abs and over my nipple. Her fingers tangled in my hair and brought my mouth to hers again, but this time taking control over the speed of our mouths. She caught my bottom lip between her teeth and slid the tip of her tongue along the inside of it. My hands twisted in the quilt before one rested under her head and the other trailed down her ribs and waist.

Bella tugged my shoulders until I was lying halfway on her, one leg between hers. My hand slid up her skin, the slow movement making Bella moan into my mouth. Instinctively I clenched my hands, and it just so happens that my hand was just under her breast. The realization of how close I was to her gave me another jolt of electricity and her realization made her arch her back, pressing those amazing bra covered breasts into me.

I pressed my hips into Bella's thigh, showing her just how turned on I was. She groaned and replied with her own hips, snaking her leg around my waist. Her thigh pulled down the waistband of my jeans and before I could register it, Bella's hands were fiddling with the skin that was freshly exposed. Her fingers grazed across my stomach, dipping below the waist band, making me gasp as she touched the sensitive skin that stretched across the exact middle of my pelvis.

"Bella," I breathed out, breaking away from her mouth and ravaging her throat and neck, finding the soft skin of her chest sweet when I made my way down. Her fingers were still tangled in my hair and I'd need to put it up when this was over.

"Hmm?" she hummed, lifting her hips to mine when her fingers left their roaming at my belt.

"What do you expect from this?" I paused, realizing how rude that sounded. I meant what she expected for me to do with her now. Was I supposed to go ahead until she stopped me or was she doing this for me? Did I somehow unintentionally coerce her into this situation without her wanting it? I was saved from my own torturous thoughts when she replied, saving my ass and understanding what I meant without my explanation.

"Whatever happens, happens, okay Jake?" she stared into my eyes once more, holding my face in place with her hands, giving me a look that was trying to relay a message. Only I couldn't decode it. I pushed myself up with my arms, letting all my weight be placed on my hips and arms. Bella shut her eyes and threw her head back, breathing heavily. I was making her react this way?

That made me feel like a God. It was as if something clicked in my head and a beast came out. I brought my mouth back to her arched chest, licking, breathing, nipping, and doing whatever I could to get a response. Everything I did only made Bella antsier. Her leg wrapped around my waist again and with enough force to move a semi, she flipped us over.

Shocked more than anything that she flipped me over, I was still as she bent and began to kiss my neck and shoulders, my hands roaming over her bare back. She was straddled over my lap, in the sexiest way ever known to man. Her hair fell over my neck and face, the exotic flower scent overpowering my senses. I loved her hair, more now than ever. It was soft and luxurious and tickled my skin as she kissed farther down my stomach, only stopping when she couldn't bend anymore.

I sat up, pushing her hair out of her face, her legs naturally wrapping around me and locking in place. My hand was sprawled across the small of her back and I couldn't help from pulling her lower half into me. The feeling of rubbing against her, even through the thickness of our pants, erupted a whole load of shock waves that travelled up my stomach and down my back.

Once again Bella sighed, but this time it was in time with me. It was like music to my ears, our breaths melting together in the quiet room. With her in my lap, Bella's breasts were right in front of my mouth and I buried my face between them, releasing another moan when she ground into me again.

It seemed like years worth of tension was being relieved as we sat in the bedroom groping each other. I'd harbored sexual and emotional feelings towards Bella since she and Edward had started dating. Maybe it was the male complex where a guy wants what he can't have, but I had her now; she was like putty in my hands, and I still wanted her.

"Jacob." Bella was tugging at my hair, trying to get me to look up at her face. Maybe she wasn't putty, not that I would use that to my advantage, but it felt good to know I had such an effect on one girl.

"Yes, Bella," I watched her face and the smile that was fighting its way past her lips.

Finally she smiled, "Take off your pants."

My jaw dropped. Bella laughed and ran her fingers through my hair, leaning down and growling in my ear, "I said take off your pants." If that didn't make a guy almost lose it, I didn't know what would.

I didn't deny Bella her request. Turning us over, I stood from the bed and unhooked the button of my jeans, unzipping the fly and watching Bella's reaction. I gulped when I saw her own fingers toying with the button of her shorts. I glanced up at the ceiling, asking God if this was really happening, and pushed the rough material of my jeans down my legs.

Bella's eyes immediately glanced down for a moment, but shot back up to my face after the shortest millisecond. Her face blushed again and I laughed. I felt naked at the moment, standing there in my boxer briefs completely sober in a room that I wasn't familiar with in front of the girl I'd been crushing on since I was eighteen. But, surprisingly, I didn't quite care enough to cover myself up.

The brunette lying before me unhooked the top button of her shorts and leant back on her forearms. Her hair was a little tasseled at the top, but all together she looked like the epitome of a wet dream, only this wasn't a dream, or so I thought. I smiled the entire time I crawled up her legs, her eyes suddenly wavering from mine as I grew closer and closer.

She was trying to hold back her own smile, but failed miserably as my mouth caught hers and our tongues danced against one another. Bella's hands ran down my bare back which ultimately brought my body closer to hers. The bulge in my underwear pressed into her shorts and I couldn't help but bark out a laugh to keep myself from moaning. I probably sounded like a teeny bopper with no experience when it came to girls, like this was my first run around the track.

"Bella, I don't think this would be the best place to do this." I pushed myself up on my hands with my knees on either side of her body, watching her face to see if she agreed.

"Jake, why must you always turn me down?" Her face held evident rejection. My heart dropped.

"God, no, Bella, jeez no. I want this, I swear to God. But, Quil's house? It's not my ideal location; not with you." I went back to lying on my forearms and pushed Bella's bangs off her forehead. There was a small crease between her brows and I pressed my fingers to it, massaging the line out of her features. Her face softened as she slowly came to terms with what I'd said.

"Fine, but hurry up and let's go." Bella pushed on my chest and squirmed from underneath me. I laughed at her energy boost and rolled over to sit up. I scooted to the edge of the bed, now creased with where we'd been lying, and watched as Bella buttoned her shorts and looked around for her shirt. She kicked me my jeans and I stood to put them on.

Suddenly, the door swung open and a dark head peered in. "Dude, you've been up here for like five minutes. You finished already? Pathetic." Leah.

"Fuck off Leah," I barked at her, moving to shut the door on her judgmental stare.

"Whatever Jacob." I closed the door again but still heard Leah talking through the door. "She's just gunna play you. Don't forget about her perfect little Cullen." I looked up at Bella who was buttoning the top buttons of her shirt. Her eyes were wide and glassy from the distance and she was staring at the door like she could see through it to Leah.

I slipped my jeans on and scooped my shirt off the floor, holding my hand out for Bella to take. She did and we stepped out of the room to find Leah was gone, probably back to the party downstairs.

"Let's take the backdoor out of here," I heard Bella say, letting me lead us down the stairs and through the kitchen. We made it outside and through a gate and into my truck once again.

Bella twiddled with her thumbs in her lap, her long hair falling over her shoulders and around her chin. I reached over to put my hand over hers and she looked up at me when she felt my warmth on her skin.

"Jake, I don't know what came over me back there, but…" she trailed off and the knife that was constantly growing larger and sharper pierced through my heart.

I squeezed her hands, maybe a little tighter than what I meant to, before shaking my head and mumbling an "I understand. Don't worry about it." I inhaled and tried to calm my speeding heartbeat, removing my hand from Bella and placing it back on the steering wheel.

We didn't speak the entire ride back to the apartment, or when we walked up the stairs, me always four steps ahead of her. We didn't say a word to each other when I opened the door, when I grabbed a beer out of the fridge, or when I passed by her still standing in the entryway on my way into my room.

Even when he wasn't around, Edward Cullen ruined my night.