Author's Note: I'm so in love with Jasper in this fic that it's crazy. He's my perfect man *le sigh* Just to clarify, Jasper is a sweet gentlemanly-type guy but he *is* a guy! He does have dude thoughts and that's where the cursing comes in! He would never swear or get angry with Bella, but in his mind and around his friends, he's typical Jasper the dude. Thanks to all you wonderful reader's out there in ffnet land who have added CL to your favorites or story alerts or have actually reviewed th story, you all make me smile, especially after a long, hard day at work!

Gotta get my shout out's in: I've gotta thank the whole crew.

Thanks to my amazing friend Tiffaninichole for pre-reading this and giving me insight into future chapters. You rock me hard core girly! Honestly folks, if you haven't read her stuff yet, skip on over and do it! I can't stress enough how much more awesome she is than I am, plus her Jasper is uber sexy :)

Thanks to the best beta and most awesome friend *EVAH* Coachlady1! She makes this stuff readable and I'm so glad she doesn't kill me everytime while i'm fighting with the commas :) She is the best for realz y'all, so get over to her page and read her stuff too! If there were a true writing competition, she would school me everytime! She blows my mind, that's how good she is! Plus, she gave me the idea for Jasper's fuckhawt car in this chapter!

One new addition to my thank yous goes to my BFF Iceprincess747 for listening to me ramble on day after day about my plot ideas and helping me sort the good from the crap. She's my official idea-bouncer-offer and she helps me add to the plot! I love you girly!

Now that I got those thank you's out of the way, enjoy this next chapter and please don't forget to review!

Chapter 4: A Growing Friendship

"Shhhh..." I whispered as I stroked her hair. "It's okay, Bella. Let's go inside."

As I helped her up off the floor, the look of pain in her eyes broke my heart. I quickly unlocked the door to the apartment and accompanied her inside. We made our way over to the couch and sat down.

"So, what's going on, darlin'?" I asked, trying to figure out what was making the angel in front of me cry.

"I went back home, to Edward's place, and found him..." she paused as the sobs ripped out of her chest again loudly, "in bed with his best friend." Jesus fucking Christ, this guy has to be the most moronic asshole on the fucking planet.

"Oh no, Bella, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed. "He's a damn idiot to do this to you. I don't know how anyone could hurt such an amazing person." She was still crying, but her lips faintly worked their way into a brief smile.

"What did I do wrong, Jasper? I thought he loved me. I've always had this suspicion deep down that something more was going on between them, but he always assured me that there wasn't. Why am I not good enough for him?" she asked, sniffling. Fuck! Why is he doing this to her? Can't he see how perfect she is? Idiot!

"Bella, you are perfect! There's absolutely nothing wrong with you, why would you think it's you? He's the biggest moron on the planet to lose such a wonderful person," I assured her. "Honestly, you are too good for him, sweetie. He is the one who doesn't deserve you, but don't you think it's better that you find out now, then when you are married with his children?" I felt the anger rising in my chest at the thought of Bella having children with anyone else. Possessive much? Christ you are such a pussy!

"I loved him, I mean, I still love him. I gave him everything I had to give and it still wasn't enough." She sniffled again and I became enraged at this point. How in the hell doesn't she see it?

"Bella, believe me, I used to know about love and he doesn't love you. There is no way he can love you and then do what he did to you. You have to let go of him. I know it's hard to do and you won't be able to stop loving him right away, but you have to move on. You have to quit letting him dictate how you feel. How can you not see what I see? You are such a smart, beautiful girl and I wish you could see it, understand it, and believe it about yourself. I haven't even known you for an entire day yet and I see it," I ranted to her, willing her to get it.

The look in her eyes after my outburst made me feel a little better. It was a cross between "I give up" and "I'm trying to believe you" and that was good enough for me. "Jasper, why are you being so good to me? You don't even know me, yet you gave up your bed for me last night after you stopped in the middle of something I initiated—which I'm still really sorry for by the way, and now you're sitting here trying to cheer me up after I unintentionally caused you to have a panic attack earlier today. I don't get it, what makes you think I'm worth the trouble?" she asked me, seeming genuinely confused. Fuck. That bastard ex of hers is gonna get it if I ever see him.

"Bella, I can't explain it any more clearly than I already have. I just know that you are, it's a gut feeling and I'm going with it. So tell me what happened, did you actually break up with him this time?" I asked, hoping for the right response.

"Well, I went home and headed directly to the spare room to change, since that's where most of my clothes are located. After that, I heard some noise coming from our bedroom so I knew Edward was home. I made my way quietly to the bedroom so I wouldn't startle him and just as I went to open the door I heard those noises. I threw the door open to see Edward pounding her from behind.

"I stood there watching it happen like a train wreck, I couldn't drag my eyes away and the tears just started flowing down my face. Once he finally noticed me in the doorway, he looked at me with that 'deer in the headlights' face and started scrambling for his clothes. I turned around and began to run down the stairs, headed for my car but he had wrapped himself in a sheet and was running after me.

"He caught up with me faster because my vision was blurry and he grabbed my arm, spinning me around. He said 'Bella, baby, I'm so sorry. You weren't supposed to see that. Where are you going?' I told him I had no idea where I was going, but it was far away from his lying, cheating ass. Then she came to the top of the stairs and I yelled at her that she could have him, I wasn't dealing with it anymore. He tried to protest but I told him to take his disgusting hands off of me and that I was done with him. I left and just drove around for awhile, pondering what to do next and I ended up here."

She made it through the story without bursting into tears, so I took that as a good sign. But what motherfucking, cock sucking, piece of shit idiot would need anything other than Bella? She's perfect...

I smiled to myself. "I'm glad you came back, Bella. I was hoping to see you again anyway, just under better circumstances."

"I wish it were under happier circumstances, too, but since I'm here, do you wanna hang out?" she asked, forcing out a half-chuckle.

"Yes, I would love to. What would you like to do today? We have all afternoon to do whatever you want," I told her.

"Really? You want me to pick what we do?" she asked, a little surprised.

"Yes ma'am, you're the lady, and it's almost always ladies choice. Why do you seem so surprised?" I asked, curious for the answer.

"I never get to do what I want to do, it was never my choice," she said quietly. That little maggot.

"That's really sad, Bella, and that changes today. What would you like to do?"

"Can we go bowling?" she asked in a small voice.

"We can absolutely go bowling, but I have one condition."

Her face fell when she heard that, apparently she really wasn't used to getting to do what she wanted. "What's the condition?"

"No more being sad, the rest of the day is all about having fun, is it a deal?" I asked, reaching out my hand for hers, smiling like a fool.

She looked extremely relieved as I revealed my one condition and excitedly stuck her hand out to shake mine. "It's a deal!" she squealed happily, her grin matching mine.

"Great, let's go!" I suggested, as we took off toward the apartment parking garage.

"So, who was that guy you were with coming off the elevator?" Bella asked me as we walked towards my car.

"That's Jake, my best friend type person, for all intents and purposes," I answered as we stopped at my car and I unlocked the passenger door.

Her jaw dropped and she just stared at me for a moment. Then she slowly dragged her eyes away from me toward the car and then back at me again. "Are you serious, Jasper? This is your car?" she said, apparently shocked.

"Yup, this is my car." More like it's my baby, the closest to loving something I've come in four years.

"Jasper," she whispered, running her finger along the edge of the roof, "this car is beautiful."

"I know, she's my baby," I laughed, patting my car lightly on the hood. "Aren't ya, girl?" I added, talking to the car.

That made Bella laugh and it was like music to my ears. "What exactly is this beauty?"

"It's a 2006 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. Silver is my favorite color, so, of course, this is the sexy girl I choose," I explained, over-exaggerating my love for the car by planting a kiss on the door that I held open for Bella." Yeah right, over-exaggerating my ass. You know you're hopelessly in love with this car.

"Is it bad that I'm already jealous over your affection for this car?" she giggled, stepping lightly into the passenger side.

"Nah, everyone should be jealous of my girl here," I said, chuckling to myself as I climbed into the driver's seat. Is it weird for me to be happy that she's jealous of my car?

"So, you don't exactly strike me as a flashy person, Jasper. What makes you want this car so much?"

Oh, I can be flashy, just you wait. "It's simple really, I'm a dude and I enjoy fast cars. This car is the crème de le crème of cars. I'm not a flashy person, honestly. I enjoy the simple things in life, like good food or a good movie, but this car is my passion. I'd been saving up for quite a long time to get her when my father decided to help me out. Normally, I don't like taking money from my parents, I like to do things for myself, but how could I resist having this baby in my possession as fast as possible?"

I backed out of the parking spot and headed toward my favorite bowling alley in town.

"Well, that makes sense. What do your parents do for a living? They must be pretty well off if they were able to help you out with this car, it has to be expensive," she asked, looking at me intently as if to gauge my response to her personal question.

I knew it was coming and I only hesitated slightly before I told began to divulge some of the more personal details of my life. "I don't normally go around telling people about my parents because I don't want them to think that I'm just some spoiled rich kid who lives off of Mommy and Daddy's money. Yes, my parents are very 'well off' as you put it. My father is a very successful investment banker and my mother owns a high-end jewelry store with her partner. They also own the apartment building that I live in."

"Wow, that must be nice," she sighed, almost sounding disappointed.

"Don't get me wrong, Bella, my parents have worked hard their entire lives to get to the point that they are at now and they don't expect anything less of me. I have always worked for what I have. Yes, my parents paid for my college education and I don't have to pay rent living where I do, but I work for my money and I pay my own bills," I explained. Please, don't let her think I'm a rich jerk now.

"Oh, I see."

"Bella, what's wrong? You were fine just a few minutes ago and now you're all sad again." I may never understand women and their mood swings.

She sighed loudly and thought about her words for a moment. "I don't know, Jasper, all of a sudden I feel out of place in your company. I'm pretty much just a broke college student, here from Forks on scholarship. My father is the chief of police and doesn't make a lot of money himself; it's just a bit overwhelming I guess."

It was at that moment that we pulled into Madsen's parking lot. I shut the car off and turned to Bella, taking her hand in mine. "Bella, did you ever, for even one second, feel out of place with me before you found out about my parents?" I asked, cautious not to start sounding angry. THIS is why I should never tell people about my mother and father, why don't I trust my instincts? Damn it!

"No, I've felt extremely comfortable with you. I don't even know how to explain it, I should feel really weird with the strange guy who's bed I woke up in this morning, but I don't."

"Then you shouldn't start feeling weird now. I'm the same person now that I was this morning when you woke up and this afternoon when you came back to my apartment. This is why I don't like people knowing about my parents, but I trust you with that information, Bella. Please don't feel differently just because you know it now, okay?"

"Alright, I'm good. Shall we go bowling now?" she asked, flashing me that infectious smile of hers. And we're back...

"Yes, I think we should," I agreed, getting out of the car and walking over to open her door for her.

Bella giggled and stepped out onto the pavement, curtseying in a playful grand gesture. "Thank you, Mr. Whitlock, sir," she said in her best 'pretentious snotty rich people' imitation.

I offered her my elbow and we practically skipped into the bowling alley acting silly. After we had gotten our shoes and bowling balls, I entered our names into the computer and went to get a couple beers from the bar. We began to bowl and it was a lot of fun.

I loved the game, but couldn't brag about being too great at it. I was average at best, happy when my score landed in the 120's. Bella, on the other hand, was fantastic at it. When she went up for her first turn, I sure as hell wasn't expecting to witness what I did. Her form was flawless and her body looked amazing as she effortlessly tossed the ball down the lane toward the pins waiting at the end to be knocked down. They weren't disappointed by any means. She knocked them all down on the first shot and proceeded to bowl five more strikes in the first game, scoring well over 200 points.

We teased each other back and forth about who was going to win, although I was positive that I was going to lose hardcore. The conversation flowed very easily and I learned more about Bella's personality. She was extremely fun to be around when she was letting loose. Don't forget to mention the ogling you did while she was bowling, that was some view you got from behind. Her ass looked amazing in those jeans.

"So, Mr. Whitlock, how does it feel to lose to a girl three times in a row?" she teased me after our games were over, hanging her arm over my shoulder.

"Well, Miss Swan, I have to say that normally I'd be upset right now but today I had a great time, so it doesn't even matter. I'm just glad you were able to let loose and have a good time."

She giggled again and I felt my stomach twitch at that sound, it was magical and it made my body crave it. I found myself acting extremely silly in hopes of hearing her giggle one more time.

"I did have a good time; it was fun doing something I love to do so much. Thank you for coming bowling with me."

"I'm glad you suggested it. I haven't been bowling in a long time. Not since the last time Jake and I came here. It's nice to have female company for once," I told her. "Hey, are you hungry? All this physical activity is making me hungry!" I'm always fucking hungry, wonder why that is?

"Yes, I am hungry. I haven't eaten since you made me breakfast this morning. What do you suggest?" she asked, shyly.

"Fazolis, have you ever eaten there?"

"Yeah, a couple times. It does sound really good right now," she agreed.

"Okay, let's go then. I just have to pay for the games," I responded, heading toward the counter with both pairs of shoes.

"But..." Bella started to protest, and I cut her off.

"No buts, I am supposed to be cheering you up today and, therefore, I get to pay. End of story." I handed the man my card and he swiped it quickly, handing it back to me. After I punched in the pin number, I got my receipt and we left.

We headed to Fazolis and ate. I had the baked ziti and Bella ordered a ham and cheese submarino sandwich. We ate in relative silence and as we were leaving, I could tell something was bothering her again.

"What's going on in that pretty little head of yours, Bella?" I asked as I opened her door and she got back into the car.

After I was seated on my side and we were heading out of the parking lot, she finally spoke. "I had the best time with you today, Jasper. It was nice to get my mind off of everything, but reality just came crashing back down on me. I don't have anywhere to stay anymore. I was living in the dorms before school ended, but since I'm not taking summer classes, I don't have a dorm till fall. Edward told me I could just stay at his house for the summer since I had been practically living there anyway. Now that I've left him, I don't know where I'm I gonna go. I don't have the money to fly back to Forks for the summer or for a hotel."

Silent tears began to slip from her eyes and my heart was breaking for her. I could see that she had put so much of her trust in Edward to be there for her and he let her down in a big way. "He really let you down didn't he?" I asked softly, rubbing the back of her hand. What a buffoon.

She just nodded slowly, not uttering a word. I had been there before and knew better than to push the subject. "You'll stay with me until we figure something out," I said confidently.

"No, Jasper, I can't. You've already been more than wonderful to me and I can't impose on you anymore. You've done way too much already," she told me, refusing my offer.

"Well, what if I told you that I enjoy your company and you would actually be doing me a favor by staying with me. I get so lonely living alone and it's nice to have a friend," I told her, putting my psychology skills to use, hoping to get her to agree. Who are you trying to kid? You know you just don't want her to leave because you are falling for her like a fucking fool. At least be honest with yourself about it.

"What about that guy from the elevator? Jake, I think you said his name was. Isn't he your friend?" she asked.

"Yeah, he's the closest person I have to a best friend, but his companionship just isn't the same as yours." Yup, because he's not nearly as easy on the eyes as you are and he doesn't make me wanna bend him over the couch.

"Are you sure, Jasper? I really feel bad intruding on your life," she whispered.

"I'm positive."

"Alright then, I'll stay until I figure something out," she agreed, that beautiful smile reappearing on her face.

I was so excited that I almost forgot about the speed limit on the way back to the apartment. It took my radar detector going off to remind me to slow down. Once we made it back to the parking garage, I let us out of the car and set the alarm.

"I have one condition to you letting me stay here, Jasper," Bella blurted out randomly, stopping suddenly in the middle of the garage and turning to me.

"Oh, yeah?" I chuckled at her, thinking about what condition she could possibly be trying to come up with. "What's that, darlin'?" She's so cute when she's trying to be forceful.

She looked as if she was trying to muster up all the courage she had to tell me this and I began to worry. What could she possibly be scared to say? God, that douche bag has really done a number on her. "I'm sleeping on the couch. I refuse to take your bed away from you again."

I sighed in relief at her ridiculous condition. "Absolutely not. That couch is not comfortable. You will sleep in the bed."

My muscles immediately began protesting at the thought of sleeping on the couch again. "I won't take your bed away from you, Jasper. I'll sleep on the floor then." Her voice was getting more confident as she made her intentions clear. Maybe she's really becoming more comfortable around you and realizes that you aren't anything like the idiotfuck she wasted the last nine months with.

We were finally in the elevator, making our way up to my floor. "No, I'm sorry, but ladies do not sleep on the floor. I'll figure something out; you get the bed, end of story."

I unlocked the apartment once we got to it and we went inside. "Do you wanna watch a movie?" I asked, knowing it was getting late but not wanting this day to end.

"Yes, I would like that, but if it's not too much trouble could I take a shower first?" she asked hesitantly.

"Of course, the bathroom is down the hall, second door on the right next to the bedroom," I instructed.

"Oh no!" she cried out, scaring the crap out of me at the sudden decibel increase in her voice.

"What is it?"

"All of my stuff is still at Edward's."

"That's okay, you can use my shower stuff and there's a new toothbrush in the medicine cabinet. I'll get you some of my pajamas and we'll go get your stuff tomorrow okay?" I assured her, pulling her into my arms, craving the skin-to-skin contact.

"Thanks," she murmured into my chest, inhaling deeply and letting me hold her close for a moment. "You smell so good, Jasper."

I reluctantly let her go and she followed me into my bedroom, where I gathered a t-shirt and pair of flannel sleep pants. She took them and headed into the bathroom.

Once I heard the shower going, I called Jake.

"Hey bud, what's going on? How did things go today?" he asked and I knew he was curiously waiting for details on the day.

"Well, Bella caught Edward sleeping with his best friend so she came back here. We hung out all day but since she doesn't have anywhere else to go, I offered to let her stay here for a few days until we can figure something out."

"I'm glad you got things figured out," he said. "Did you have fun today?"

"Yeah, I really did. She's even more amazing than I thought she would be, man. Listen, do you still have that air mattress that you use when you go camping?" I asked, hoping he did.

"Sure, sure. Do you want to borrow it?" he offered, knowing me well. Hallelujah! Thank God for having an outdoorsy type friend.

"Yes, that would be great. I can't sleep on that couch again or my muscles are gonna mutiny. I imagine that air mattress would be a lot more comfortable."

"It will be. I'll bring it over in just a few minutes."

"Thanks, man. You're a lifesaver. See ya in a few!" I hung up the phone and went to wait for Jacob.

A few minutes later, true to his word, he was knocking on the front door. I let him in and grabbed the air pump from him.

"Let's air this up on the floor in the bedroom," I suggested and Jake followed me into my room.

Just as we were almost done, Bella finished her shower and walked into the bedroom. My jaw dropped instantly. I didn't think it was possible for Bella to get any sexier than she already was, but seeing her fresh out of the shower in my night clothes proved that theory to be wrong.

"What's going on in here?" she asked shyly, eyeing Jake and smiling at me.

"This, my dear, is my new bed. I won't be sleeping on the floor or the couch, and you will still be sleeping in the bed. Does that make you feel any better?" I asked, hoping it would satisfy her.

"Yeah, that makes me feel a little better, although I still think you should sleeping in your bed."

"Well that's just too bad!" I laughed. "Oh, Bella, this is Jacob Black." I motioned toward Jake with my hand. "Jake, this is Bella Swan," I told him, motioning to Bella the same way.

Jake smiled and extended his hand to shake hers. "It's nice to meet you, Bella."

Bella met his hand with her own, "Nice to meet you too, Jacob!"

"Please, just call me Jake," he asked.

"Okay, I will, Jake," she giggled. Music to my ears.

Jake just looked at me while I was staring all goo-goo eyed at her. "Jasper, I'm gonna head on home now, okay?"

"Yeah, thank for the mattress, man. I appreciate it a lot," I told him, patting him on the back.

I walked him to the door and he just gave me the two thumbs up sign, before he said goodnight and walked out the door. I knew I'd be getting his full opinion later. I locked the door and headed back into the bedroom.

Bella was already snuggled up in bed with the television turned on. I took a quick shower and joined her on the bed for a movie. We sat up against the headboard and watched Anchorman, one of my favorite movies. I was shocked to find out that she knew most of the words herself. She looped her arm through mine, holding my hand, and rested her head on my shoulder halfway through the movie and the contact made my heart race.

I stopped paying much attention to the movie and began the internal debate on whether or not I was ready for what I'd already gotten myself into. I could tell that she'd already wormed her way into a place in my heart that hadn't been occupied in a very long time, but was I ready to give into my feelings and hit this full force? Would it be better to work my way back into the dating world slowly, step by step, like you would if you were trying to get used to a cold swimming pool? I didn't know what I was going to do. You're gonna stop being a pussy and put that wall back up. We had a good time today, I admit, but you know what happens when you trust someone else with your emotions. Look at what happened to Bella and how hurt she is right now; don't let that happen to you again.

I glanced down at Bella's face and there was one solitary tear slipping down her cheek. I softly swiped it away as the movie ended. I leaned down and whispered, "You should get some sleep. It's been a long day for you. I'll be right down there on the floor if you need me. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything, okay darlin'?" I squeezed her hand softly and she squeezed back in acknowledgment.

"Thank you, Jasper. Just thank you for everything." She closed her eyes and I didn't push it, I could tell she didn't want to cry again.

I climbed down off the bed and eased under the blanket on the air mattress. I slipped off into dreamland, longing to be up in the bed next to Bella, but knowing that I didn't have the restraint to take it slowly if I were to be up there.

I was startled awake by something and I looked at the alarm clock, it read three o'clock. "Bella?" I questioned softly.

I felt her body crawl up close to mine on the air mattress as she wrapped herself around my body. "Yeah, it's me. I'm sorry Jasper; I just can't sleep alone right now. I need you, I'm more comfortable with you," she whispered.

"It's okay, I'm here for you." I wrapped my arms around her waist and held her close to me. I couldn't hear it, but I knew she was crying again because I felt the warm tears soaking into my shirt. I just kissed her on the forehead and drifted back into a peaceful sleep. This is good; I think I could get used to this again. Damn it...

So, what did ya think? I'm gonna post a picture of the '06 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish baby girl that Jasper is so in love with on my profile so if you want that visual, just hop on to the main profile to see it! Isn't Jasper soooo sweet? He makes me swoon! lol Go on ahead and click that review button to let me know what you think, since you've already made it this far =)