Later that afternoon, while Carlisle and I were sitting on the porch swing, I inquired, "Carlisle? Have you ever...dated another woman besides me?"
He chuckled. "Yes, I have dated a few over the years, but the relationships weren't very serious and they didn't last long. Besides, I didn't want to run the risk of exposing what I am to them," he replied after a long moment. He kissed my forehead. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," I murmured, flushing pink.
Carlisle grinned and peered at me intently. "You are a terrible liar, Isabella. Tell me the real reason why you asked me this. You know that you can tell me anything."
My face tingled even more. "I only asked because I wanted to know if...if I was your first."
"Ah. Yes, you are. I wanted to save myself for someone special. Of course, it wasn't easy to do so, especially after I had met you. You have no idea how many times I had fantasized about you."
I was taken aback by this statement. "You used to fantasize about me?"
He nodded. "Oh yes. I was lucky that Edward had never found out about it when you two were together, or else he would have taken my head off."
Scoffing, I remarked, "He tried to do just that after he found us naked in your bed."
"Mmm," Carlisle agreed dejectedly. "I didn't intend for him to see that at all. He would have found out about it eventually, of course, but I regret that he had the way he did."
"Do you think that that's why he left? Because he caught us, I mean?"
"If that wasn't the reason, then it was definitely because he realized how much I love you. It made him feel very jealous, I think. Before we started to fight, I revealed how I felt about you. It was clearly too hard for him to handle. In addition to that, I believe that your deciding not to go back to him caused him a tremendous shock. I think I had it in his mind that he could get you to take him back."
I snorted. "He should have known that I wouldn't after he cheated on me. That was unforgivable. In all honesty, I'm glad that I didn't take him back. He always tried to control everything I did. I know that he only did it for my safety, but he never let me make my own decisions about anything else either. Everything was centered around him and what he wanted. I almost never had a say in anything," I remarked.
Carlisle was upset. "That was very selfish of him. He treated you no better than a naive, unintelligent child, when in fact you are not," he stated.
I kissed him on the lips. "That's one of the reasons why I love you so much. You respect me, and you let me do almost anything I want even if you don't agree with it. Such as if I decided to visit Jacob."
He buried his face in my hair. "Jacob is your best friend, sweetheart. I wouldn't try to keep you from seeing him unless I thought it was absolutely necessary. And of course, I don't see that happening too often. I may not like the fact that he is a werewolf, but Jacob has never harmed you. I know that he wouldn't intentionally harm you either. He's a good person. He helped you with your depression after we had left months ago. And above all else, you trust him. Besides, I like knowing that you are happy and that you are enjoying yourself by doing the things that you like to do. Of course, I like knowing that you are safe and staying out of danger all the same."
This man was just too perfect for words. He was as selfless as I was, attractive, charming, intelligent, mature, thoughtful, understanding, and he cared about my opinions and how I felt about everything.
Carlisle was all that wanted in a person and more.
And it scared me. I had never loved another guy as much or as strongly as I loved him. Never. Was it possible that this was what Alice meant all those weeks ago?
It was a definite possibility.
"You're amazing, Carlisle," I whispered softly.
He gave a low chuckle and pressed his lips to my cheek. "Not any more than you are, ma Belle. You are very special to me," he murmured.
I smiled and snuggled more closely into his side. "I'm glad that you are my first."
"And I'm glad that you are mine."
We sat in silence for a while.
"Isabella?" Carlisle whispered.
"Mmm?" I grunted in response.
"Why did you ask if I was your first?"
I could feel my cheeks reddening again. "Because you were really good on our first time," I admitted. "How do you know so much?"
Carlisle shifted and took his time answering my question. "What would you say...if I told you that I watch pornography and read the Kama Sutra?" he queried.
He seemed nervous about my response, so I quickly reassured him. "I don't care. A lot of people do, including myself," I admitted truthfully with a shrug.
Carlisle sighed in relief. "I was afraid that you would think that I was a dirty old man."
I chortled. "Why would I? You're not a dirty person at all. To be honest, you're one of the most kindest, well-mannered people I know. Besides, it's good to be dirty some of the time, isn't it?" I winked at him mischievously.
"Yes, of course," Carlisle laughed. "Isabella, you are one of a kind." He kissed me lingeringly on the lips.
A moment later I peered at my watch. "I have to go home for a little bit. I have to fix Charlie his dinner. I'll try to find a way to come back."
"Already taken care of," Alice proclaimed, walking out of the house. "I called him for you and asked if you could spend the night."
"I'm surprised that he's letting me," I remarked.
Alice frowned. "Why wouldn't he? You're eighteen. You're out of high school now. You could live here if you wanted to."
I made a face. "I don't think Charlie would me to move out right now. He would want me to wait a few months because he knows I'm dating Carlisle."
"Oh, come on, Bella! Charlie's fine with you going out with him. Besides, if you don't go to college in September, you'll be living here anyway. I bet if you asked him next month to move in with us, there would be a good chance of him letting you. Charlie trusts Carlisle."
"I know. Well, I'll be right back as soon as I finish cooking Charlie's dinner then. See you soon."
I gave Carlisle another kiss and hugged Alice before getting in my truck and driving home. Charlie was sitting in the kitchen when I arrived.
"Hey," I greeted.
"Hi," Charlie mumbled.
I pulled a few pans out of the cabinet. "Alice told me that she called you," I said matter-of-factly.
He nodded. "Yeah."
"You don't mind, do you? I can just tell Alice that you changed your mind..."
"No, no, it's okay. I just want you to be careful while you're over there. But I know that you will. You're almost nineteen, and I trust you to be responsible in whatever you do."
I was taken aback by this unexpected statement, but didn't comment on it. I didn't know what to say anyhow.
I fried some fish for Charlie before going to my room to pack some clothes. Then I left, saying good-bye.
"Have fun. And be careful," Charlie added before I closed the door, wagging his finger.
I turned away and rolled my eyes. "I will."
Carlisle was still on the porch swing when I pulled up in the driveway. He gave a tiny grin as I approached.
"What are you still doing here?" I inquired, teasing him a little as I perched on the seat next to him.
He stroked my hair. "Just waiting for you to come back so that I can have someone to talk to."
I scoffed. "You didn't have to wait for me. Besides, you're not alone. You have your family."
"Granted. But I like talking to you too."
"I've noticed."
Carlisle chuckled. "Is there anything in particular that you want to do this evening? Anywhere that you would like to go?"
I shook my head. "Not that I can think of. Why? Did you have something in mind?"
"Not really, but if it's not sunny or rainy tomorrow, I would like to go sailing with you on the ocean since I have the day off. That is, if you don't mind going."
I thought about it. "It sounds fun, but I've never went sailing before. And with my luck, I'll probably fall out of the boat," I murmured ruefully.
Kissing my forehead, Carlisle whispered, "You won't have to worry about that, baby. I intend to keep both eyes on you."
I smiled. "Then I guess we'll go sailing then."
We stayed on the porch until nightfall, then went inside. I played games with Emmett and Jasper while Carlisle went upstairs to his room. Alice and Rosalie joined us.
After a few hours had passed, I was ready to go to bed.
"Good-night, guys," I yawned.
"Night, Bella," everyone but Rosalie chorused, who gave me a curt nod.
"Enjoy the rest of your evening," Alice declared with a sly wink. The others snickered.
I blushed with embarrassment. "Shut up," I hissed, making them laugh even more.
I climbed up to the third floor. When I opened the door to Carlisle's room, I saw that he was reading a book. As I walked in, however, he turned to look at me.
"Hello again, my dear," he murmured, patting the spot next to him.
I laid down close to him. "Hey."
Carlisle placed his book on the side-table drawer before wrapping his arms around me. "So...ready for round two before you go to sleep?"
I giggled. "Sure, but if you don't mind, I would like to be in charge this time."
"I can't say no to that," he purred. He kissed me deeply while slowly pulling off my shirt.
"CARLISLE, WE'RE GOING HUNTING! SEE YOU TOMORROW!" Alice yelled from downstairs.
He smiled widely. "Thanks, kids," he called to them.
"YOU'RE WELCOME, CARLISLE...EMMETT! GET AWAY FROM THAT DOOR, YOU PERVERT!" Alice shouted, causing Carlisle and I to howl with laughter.
"Thanks again!" Carlisle stated.
"Aww, Alice! Why do you always have to ruin my fun?" Emmett whined.
"Because you're a tactless pain in the ass!"
"Watch your language, please!" Carlisle yelled with a stern voice. Everyone else chortled, including me.
Emmett's voice faded as he and Alice got into a playful argument. Seconds later, they were gone.
I turned to Carlisle. "Now. Where were we?" I asked in what I hoped was a seductive voice.
He wrapped his arms around my waist. "Right here," he whispered. He kissed me again before taking my shirt off completely.
I pushed him onto the bed and straddled his lap while unbuttoning his shirt. I bent over and kissed his muscular torso and abs, murmuring "I love you" occasionally.
When I came to the waistband of his jeans, I undid them and pulled them down along with his boxers. After Carlisle kicked them off, I slid my tongue teasingly up his shaft and around the head. Carlisle threw his head back and moaned when I finally took him in my mouth. He tasted so good, like vanilla and cream.
"Yes, Isabella," he hissed as I bobbed up and down.
I was able to take half of his cock in my mouth. I stroked the other half and his sack with my hand, adding to his pleasure.
"God, Isabella...so good..." Carlisle breathed minutes later. "I don't t-think that...I can hold on...much longer...fuck!"
His cold, delicious seed spurted into my mouth as his back arched. I swallowed every last drop of him.
Carlisle smiled at me as I crawled over him. "You have one talented mouth, darling."
I grinned back in relief. I was afraid that I had ruined the experience for him. "Thank you."
"Now, let's get these off," he said gently, reaching up to unclasp my bra. "Those beautiful breasts," he whispered, brushing his thumbs across my perky nipples. He took one of them in his mouth and suckled it, causing me to moan. Then he unbuttoned my jeans and tugged them off with my panties.
Once they were removed, I tentatively slid onto him.
"You look nervous, my dear," Carlisle observed.
"I've never done this before. I don't want to mess it up," I explained.
Carlisle rubbed my back comfortingly. "Don't worry about messing anything up. Just take your time. Follow your instincts."
I smiled once more and kissed him again before fully seating myself on him.
We moaned as I rode him slowly. As I gradually became used to the position, I started to quicken my pace.
Carlisle held my hips. "Yes, Isabella. Just like that...now fuck me faster, baby..."
I obeyed every command until I was pounding him so hard that it would leave bruises on my skin. But I didn't care. The pleasure was just too good.
"Ohhhhhhhh fuuucckkkk," I moaned. I felt myself edging closer to my orgasm.
"Fuck, Isabella! I can't get enough of you!" Carlisle grunted.
I slammed onto him. "Shut up, bitch!" I growled before riding him faster.
Carlisle bit his lip and moaned.
"You like me fucking you like this, don't you?"
He didn't respond; it seemed as if he was deeply immersed in ecstasy.
I slammed onto him again. "Answer me when I ask you a question, bitch!" I shouted.
"Yes, baby, I love it when you fuck me hard!"
"Are you ready to cum with me?"
"Ohhhh yes."
"Good."
With several more thrusts, we flew into our orgasms at the same time. We yelled so loud that the windows damn near shattered.
Once I had rode out our orgasms, I laid next to him on the bed.
He slid his arm around me. "You were phenomenal, considering that that was your first time riding someone. You're a natural."
I grinned softly. "Thanks," I murmured.
Carlisle reached down and pulled the blanket over me. "Get some sleep. We have a big day ahead of us. I love you." He kissed me on the lips.
I ran my fingers through his silky-smooth hair. "I love you too, Carlisle."
And seconds later, I was knocked out.
(Next morning)
When I woke up the next day, Carlisle was sitting in his armchair by the window instead of lying beside me on the bed, covered in a black robe. He was staring at the cloudy sky, but turned to gaze at me as I sat up and yawned.
"Good morning, angel," he smiled.
"Morning," I replied, returning his grin.
I was in the middle of stretching when I realized how much my muscles were aching. I winced a little, and Carlisle noticed.
"Are you feeling all right?" he queried. He got up from his chair to sit next to me.
I nodded. "Yeah. I guess I just overdid myself last night, that's all." I untangled myself from the blanket that was wrapped around me. "I'm going to wash up and get dressed."
While I was taking my shower, I found bruises on my thighs. I smiled in amusement. I really had been working very hard the previous evening.
When I was finished, Carlisle took one as well. I was barely half dressed when he came back to the room and put on his clothes.
I had just finished putting on my jeans when my cell phone rang. Jacob was calling. Every since I started dating Carlisle, I hadn't visited him much. Jacob didn't know that I was, and I didn't know how to tell him. I knew that if I did, it would make him angry, not to mention terribly envious, so I didn't bring it up at all. I felt guilty about it, but I didn't know how I would explain it to him.
"Hey, Jake!" I greeted brightly.
"Hi Bella!" Jacob responded. "What are you up to today? Would you like to watch me rebuild Sam's Chrysler?"
I made a face. "Oh, man. I wish I could, but not today. I'm hanging out with Alice," I lied. "How about tomorrow?"
Jacob was silent before he stated dejectedly, "Oh, okay. That's fine, I guess. I'll see you then."
"Yeah."
"Bye, Bella."
"See you, Jacob."
Carlisle was watching me. "Jacob wanted you to visit again?"
I nodded. "He's rebuilding Sam's car."
After a moment, Carlisle and I went downstairs and he fixed a lunch for me. Once we were ready, we left the house and stepped into his Mercedes.
"Excited?" Carlisle inquired as we sped through the long driveway.
"Yeah. I can't wait," I responded enthusiastically.
The ride to the shore took a half an hour. After Carlisle parked the car, he opened the door for me and walked along the beach. Pretty soon, we arrived at the docks.
"Here we are," Carlisle announced, pointing to a large white sailboat. On the side of it, it read Stregone Benefico.
My jaw dropped in sudden realization. "This is yours?"
Carlisle nodded with a smile. "Yes. I bought it sometime after I moved back here and had my nickname painted on it. Do you like it?"
"I love it."
"I'm pleased that you do."
We stood there quietly for a moment before Carlisle clapped his hands together. "Well...let's have an adventure!" he proclaimed.
He climbed onto the boat, lifted me up, and set me down next to him. Then he untied the boat from a pole and we drifted out to sea.
Carlisle placed a pillow and few blankets on the bottom of the boat. "Relax. Make yourself comfortable."
I laid down and Carlisle pulled my feet onto his lap while he steered the boat further away from the docks. A moderate breeze tugged at the sails.
"You sure did pick a good day for this. Feel that wind. It's strong," I remarked.
"Yes, it is," Carlisle agreed.
I put my arms behind my head. "Do you go sailing often in the summer?"
Carlisle nodded. "Most of the time I do this by myself, but I occasionally bring my family along."
I frowned in bewilderment. "How come? They don't like sailing much?"
"Oh, they do. Besides, they all have their own sailboats."
"Really!"
"Yes. But they usually do the things that they normally like to do anyway. Like shopping and playing games all day," he joked.
We chuckled.
"How come you've never went sailing before?" he queried a short while later.
"Because I'm too clumsy and accident-prone," I responded. "I guess you could say that I was trying to keep myself from danger."
Carlisle laughed. "It's really too bad. You don't know what you're missing. Sailing is a very diverting activity. You get to see whales and dolphins up close, if you're lucky. And if it is particular windy, it seems like you're wind-surfing. Sometimes my family and I have races. Boat rocking is even more fun."
I grinned. "Oh, I'm sure," I stated, noting the double-meaning behind his words.
"It is. I'm afraid that that is why Alice doesn't go sailing much. Emmett always manages to get her in the water."
"I bet that it makes her really angry."
"Oh yes. Jasper has had to keep her from tearing him limb from limb many a time."
"I can imagine."
Carlisle took control of the boat for several minutes longer, then settled himself next to me.
"We're not going to drift farther into the Pacific Ocean and end up in Hawaii or Guam, are we?" I inquired tensely.
He smiled faintly. "Of course not, darling," he assured me. He wrapped an arm around me and held me close.
The sailboat rocked gently on the waves, swaying this way and that from time to time. There were a few moments when I checked to make sure we didn't go too far out, but Carlisle told me not to worry. He would know how to get us back to the docks if something happened.
So I calmed down and relaxed in his arms once again. This time the boat's languid movement was hypnotizing, making me drowsy even though I had a good night's sleep. The air smelled fresh and salty.
"Mmm," I whispered in content. "This is so peaceful. I could do this all day."
I felt Carlisle kiss my forehead. "If that is what you wish, we can," he murmured.
I shrugged. "Fine with me, but only you want to."
"I don't mind at all. I just want you to enjoy yourself and have fun."
I smiled again and cuddled into his side. I took one of his hands in mine when I suddenly experienced an electric shock, causing me to jump.
What the hell? I said to myself. I looked up to see that Carlisle was just as puzzled as I was.
"You felt it too?" I asked.
He nodded.
I gazed at our clasped hands. "Huh. That was bizarre," I commented.
"Very," Carlisle agreed.
After reflecting on it for a moment longer, I decided to just brush the whole thing off. Carlisle appeared to had done the same, because he didn't mention it either.
He was taking charge of the boat again when he nudged me. "Look at that whale over there," he announced, gesturing southward.
I sat up and looked around. "Where?"
"There."
I slightly leaned over the edge of the boat to look in the direction he was pointing, but I still didn't see anything.
Suddenly, the boat swayed, dipped, and then I was splashing into the ocean. Luckily, I had grabbed the edge of it before falling in, so I was able hoist myself back onto it.
Carlisle was snickering quietly.
"I'm glad that you find this so fucking hilarious because I don't!" I shouted at him, picking up one of the blankets and aiming for his head. I couldn't believe that he tricked into a game of "Rock the Boat." "I'M SOAKING WET, YOU CRAZY-ASS BASTARD!"
He dodged it easily, continuing to laugh, unperturbed by the name-calling. "Come on, ma Belle. Where's your sense of fun?" he questioned.
I raised my eyebrows. "Oh, this is about fun, is it?" I demanded with an evil grin. I reached over to tip over the boat, but it wouldn't move on any of my attempts. Carlisle chuckled.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'll get you back for this. I don't know when, but I will."
"It will be surprising, I'm sure."
Oooh! It made me so mad that he didn't take me seriously! But that was okay. When I strike, he will know that he had underestimated me.
The rest of the day passed by without any more drama. When night fell, Carlisle tied the boat to the dock and we went back to Forks.
"That was a lot of fun, Carlisle," I said to him when he pulled up in my driveway. "Maybe we can go again if you don't make me fall in the ocean again."
"Sure. Whenever you like. I'll see you on Monday. Have fun watching Jacob rebuilding Sam's car. And I'm glad that you aren't mad at me anymore."
"How could I stay mad at you? I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
We kissed each other for a long time before saying good-bye.
Charlie was sitting in the kitchen when I walked in the house. "Hey, Bella. Did you have fun with Carlisle?"
"Yeah. We went sailing."
"He didn't force you to do anything, did he?"
"No, Dad. He's not the type of person to do something like that."
He nodded, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Good. Are you going to see him again tomorrow?"
I said no. "I'm hanging out with Jake tomorrow."
Charlie gave a crinkly-eyed smile. "That's great. You should visit him more often. I know he misses you."
"Yeah," I mumbled before going to my room.
(Next day)
When I arrived at Jacob's house, it was almost noon. I knocked on the door and Billy, Jacob's father, answered it a minute later.
"Hi Bella, how are you?" he greeted with a smile.
I returned it. "Hey, Billy, I'm fine. Is Jacob here?"
"No, he's in the garage. He's been in there since early this morning."
"Oh, okay. I guess I'll see you later then."
"Have fun."
I strolled through the trees leading to garage and called out to Jacob several times.
He shouted a response right away. "In here!"
I grinned at him as I stepped into the garage. "Hey."
Jacob looked up from what he was doing. "Hey, Bella!" he exclaimed. He pointed to crate. "Have a seat, I'll be with you in a sec. I just have to finish fixing this here."
I sat where he indicated and crossed my leg. "What's up? What's been going on lately, besides rebuilding Sam's car?"
Jacob shook his head. "Not much. Just tending to my duties as a protector really, nothing else. Of course, nothing dangerous has turned up. How have you been? Have you heard from...him lately?"
"I've been great, and no, there's no news on Edward. Alice still can't see him. This is beginning to really worry her; it's been almost six weeks."
"How's Charlie doing? I haven't heard from him for a few days."
"Charlie's fine. He told me to say hello to you."
"That's good. Tell him I said hi back. Did...did you have fun with...Alice...yesterday?"
"Yeah, we had a good time," I lied.
We continued to talk while he continued working. When he was finally done, he came over to where I was and embraced me tightly, rocking us back and forth.
Then he sniffed deeply and winced. "Hmm. That's strange. I never smelled this scent on you before."
Oh no, I thought. I quickly pretended to be oblivious. "What scent?" Thank God my voice didn't tremble. I was becoming a little better at lying.
Jacob sniffed again. "The one I smell on you right now. It smells like..." He blinked and scowled, drawing back a little.
I just stared at him blankly, pretending to be confused.
"...like Dr. Cullen," he concluded.
"I told you that I was hanging out with Alice, so I eventually crossed paths with him," I pointed out.
He frowned again. "Bella, I don't smell her scent on you at all. Just his, and it's still strong," he remarked, his voice becoming louder.
Shit! How was I going to keep this from him now?
Jacob's expression changed from perplexity to dawning fear and rage the longer he gaped at me. "Bella...what's going on?"
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
Abruptly, his face turned reddish-green, just like a McIntosh apple. He looked furious, hurt, and ill at the same time.
"No...tell me you're not..." he babbled, shaking his head. "Is there something going on between you two?"
I was almost too scared to nod. Even when I did, it was a small one.
But it was enough for Jacob. His arms began to shake. I moved slowly away from him, out of the garage.
"Seriously, Bella! His father? You're...you're going out with him? That's just sick! You just had to pick the next vampire you could find, didn't you? What are you thinking? How could you do something like that? How come I'm never good enough for you? Why can't you ever pick me?!" he demanded, jealousy burning in his eyes.
"Jake...!" I gasped out, reaching for his arm.
He backed away. "DON'T TOUCH ME!" he yelled. "Why, Bella? Why?"
"Jacob...I love him..." I whispered.
"I LOVE YOU!" Jacob bellowed insistently, jabbing his forefinger into his chest several times.
Tears welled up in my eyes. I hated myself for causing him this pain, this sadness, this anger. "I know that. And you know I love you too, but like I told you weeks ago, I don't love you the way you want me to."
Jacob reached out and shook my shoulders vigorously. "But you can try! Please, Bella! You may love Dr. Cullen, but I don't think that he loves you. He's probably just using you! What would Charlie say about this?"
My jaw dropped in disbelief. I wanted to slap him. "How could you say that! He was there for me when Edward after cheated on me! If he wanted to use me, he would have done so and ditched me a long time ago! And for your information, Charlie does know about us, and he doesn't care as long as Carlisle makes me happy and never harms me. You're supposed to be my friend! Why can't you be happy that I'm happy?" I shrugged out of his grasp. "I'm leaving. When you want to be more reasonable, call me."
"No! Bella, don't go!" Jacob pleaded. "I'm sorry! Please don't go!"
"I said I'm leaving. It will be best for the both of us. We need some time away from each other."
With that, I headed for my truck. Jacob shouted my name again, but I ignored him, even when I heard an ear-splitting roar crashing through the forest. I was too upset to keep talking to him.
Once I climbed in my Chevrolet, I drove out of La Push, blinded by tears.
I didn't even realize where I was going until I was in front of the mansion. I parked my truck in the garage and stormed into the house.
"Isabella?" I heard a soft voice call to me.
I turned to see Carlisle standing nearby. He was home for his lunch break.
Peering at me closely, he inquired, "What the matter, baby? You look as if you had just lost your best friend."
"Funny you should say that," I sniffed, and told him everything that happened at Jacob's.
When I finished my story, he embraced me. "It will be all right, sweetheart. Just let the news soak in his head for a while, and he'll come around. If he still wants to remain your friend, then hopefully he will accept everything, look past his feelings for you, and focus on yours."
"Yes. I don't want to lose him. If I do, I don't know how I would stand it. He's my best friend, and I love him like a brother."
"I know, il mio piccola bella. I know. But everything will be fine. You'll see."
I hoped that he was right. I truly hoped so.
(A/N: PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW, ANY SUGGESTIONS, ETC. Getting them makes you as happy as when you eat your favorite food.)
