AN: Sorry. I have been so busy (bloody Christmas) barely had time to write.

Thanks to everyone for reading / adding etc.

Teri – Still not flooded? This weather is re-donk-u-lous. At least Christmas is going to be nice – for once.

Berdb – I wonder if Laurent and James are the ones across the street. I asked Laurent the other day and he wouldn't tell me, he is so good at his job. I actually don't like Alice all that much, I have always seen her as a stickynose – so I am glad that's the way she is coming across.

Lauren – Please don't castrate anyone! A little suspense is good for you – keeps you on the edge of your seat. I'd like to say that you will find out what is going on soon – but that would be a lie haha.

Thanks as always to the Number 1 Beta – Jess. After reading this chapter she has called me evil…so enjoy (insert evil grin)

I have a week off between xmas and new year so if the weather isn't great I will be able to get a shit load of writing done, if the weather is good I will be at the beach so 0 writing will be done – sorry.

I am halfway through a chapter so I am hoping to get that done before xmas.

Anyway that is enough from me.

Disclaimer – don't own Twilight. Totally watched the special features of Eclipse the other day though. If anyone else has how hysterical is R-Patz in the fight training and how fuck off hot is Jackson with his hair in a pony tail? I am developing an unhealthy love for that man, he is going to replace R-Patz. Know what I'm sayin?


Ch 7 Reaction

Reaction
noun

a reverse movement or tendency; an action in a reverse direction or manner. movement in the direction of political conservatism or extreme rightism. action in response to some influence, event, etc.: the nation's reaction to the President's speech. Physiology . action in response to a stimulus, as of the system or of a nerve, muscle, etc.

Again, I spent the week trying to avoid Edward, psychically I only saw him twice which was great, the dreams and the amount of time spent day dreaming about him…not so great. I even began zoning out in class and thinking about him, or more often than not reliving the extremely erotic dream from the previous night. Most of the classes I taught didn't even notice, the seniors however certainly did.

One of the boys, Tyler, asked if I felt alright because I was turning bright red, he asked if I need a drink or fresh air to calm myself down or perhaps a trip to the toilet to freshen up…smart ass. Its Friday lunch time and I don't have any more classes for the day, so I decide to go and visit my favourite bookstore. I haven't had a chance all week and I really want to see Jake…I miss him. The sad thing is that I haven't see him for 6 days and I miss him more than my "friends" and "family" back home, in actual fact I don't miss them at all, I am rather relieved that I don't have to put up with their idle shit anymore. In this town I am surrounded by real people with real lives and I am beginning to fall in love with it and them.

"Well thank god! I was just about to demote you from number 1 customer! Now, I am sorry but I won't be able to chat today, I am flat out." I look at Jake sitting on the counter, with a coffee in his hand reading a magazine, and then I take a look around the store…dead quiet, not a single soul.

"I'm sorry to bother you; I will just go to the other book store then. I hear they have this great looking guy there, who always has time for his customers." I tease, which makes Jake laugh and jump down from the counter and begin making my coffee. While he is doing that I check out a couple of the books on display and decide to purchase a few, I place them on the counter, grab my coffee from Jake and take a seat.

"So to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" He asks sitting opposite me and putting his feat up on the coffee table.

"Oh, I didn't come to see you, I need more books and you just happen to make really good coffee." I joke.

"Can I say something honestly?" He asks a little hesitantly.

"I have come to expect that of you Jake." This makes him smile.

"Bella, in the past week you have changed drastically. The first time you came in here, you were a bit bewildered and seemed really lost. Today you are witty and far more relaxed, I like it." He says patting my knee with his hand.

"I feel more relaxed, but that is to be expected isn't it, aren't small towns known for their laid back and go slow way of life?"

"True, true. So date number 2 tonight?" He asks with a childish smirk on his face.

"I thought you promised not to harp on about that anymore? You seem to break a lot of promises Mr. Black."

"I didn't harp; I merely enquired about your social activities this evening." I laugh nearly spitting my coffee at him.

"Edward and I are going out, as friends, to see a band tonight."

"Interesting."

"What is so interesting about two friends going to see a band tonight?"

"Nothing, just playing with ya. So how was your first full week of work?"

"Great, I really like the kids here, they are so polite and kind…well most of them."

"Do you want kids of your own?" There is a part of me that loves how abrasive Jacob is, I think it is the new Bella part of me, while the other old part of me hates it and finds it completely inappropriate.

"Definitely." This was a big issue in my old life. There were certain people who thought that kids would kill a career. "Do you?"

"We did. I can't though."

"Oh god, Jake, I am so sorry." His honesty and transparency is truly one of the most beautiful things that I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

"Thanks. I have tried to convince Leah to use donor sperm so that she can still at least have children, but she refuses. She says that she wants children with me or not at all. At the moment we are in the middle of the adoption process."

"You are very lucky to have found someone that loves you so much Jake."

"Don't I know it. She is my entire world." I can't prevent a smile from spreading across my face at the big softy sitting opposite me, why didn't I find a Jake in high school?

"What you have is rare Jake. A lot of people just settle."

"It's not that rare. Emily and Sam have it, Alice and Jasper, Em and Rose, Jared and Kim. They all have the same thing. It's usually right in front of you people just refuse to see it. Did you settle Bella?" I can see what he is doing, he is trying to trick answers from me.

"I haven't had a great love, if that's what you're asking."

"Well don't feel bad, some of your students were in the other day and they seemed to think that you are their great love." My face burns crimson before he even finishes the sentence.

"No way. You're not being serious. Who? Actually, I don't want to know." Jake laughs taking my empty cup from me.

"Hadn't you better go? You have a band to catch with a friend."

"Shit, your right. Thanks again Jake. Tell Leah I say hi." I wrap my arms around Jakes torso and press my face to his chest; he wraps his arms around me hugging me back. I think that I have fallen completely in friendship love with Jacob Black. I have never really loved someone as a friend before but it feels great.

"Alright, get going before I break up with Leah and we run away together." He jokes, letting go of me and handing me the books.

"See ya Jake." I say tossing a 20 at him

To say that as I drove home I had butterflies is an understatement. I could barely concentrate on the road. After the dreams I've been having, to see him face to face…all night, is going to be a true test of my character and strength.

I have never been so thankful for the decision to pack my college clothes in an attempt to fit in more with small town people. I chucked on a pair of skinny leg black jeans, my old Motorhead t-shirt and converse chucks. Being back in these clothes again makes me feel 19, before my life in New York started, before I had any commitments, back when I still had dreams of backpacking around the world and living in a foreign country. Back when I still knew who I was.

Perhaps it isn't too late to get all that back. Perhaps I could walk away from New York forever. As much as the idea of that excites me, I can't do it. I have commitments and responsibilities, people depending on me. Speaking of people depending on me a knock at the door signifies that Edward is here. I give myself the once over, decide that I am dressed appropriately and most of all feel comfortable.

"Wow, you look beautiful." Edward gushes as I open the door. I can't explain how it feels to know that someone thinks that I look beautiful when I am wearing just jeans and t-shirt. A part of me just fell forbiddingly in love with Edward. He is wearing a pair of ripped jeans and a plain white t-shirt and he looks amazing, the most amazing I have seen him.

"Thank you. Ready?" Edward nods; I lock the house and follow him to his car. I quickly glance up at Laurent's place and wonder if he is still judging me and my activities. I am certain that they are watching so I give them a quick wave.

"Looking forward to camp next week?" Edward asks as we turn onto the highway.

"Yes and no. You?" Carlisle had asked me last week if I would be interested on going on one of the camps. Initially I was a little scared and hesitant but after Laurent got a job as the school's bus driver, I figured that there really wasn't any reason why I couldn't.

"Yeah, I really like camps; they are one of my favourite parts of this job. It's great seeing the kids out of their comfort zones. Watching them overcome tasks and obstacles that they haven't faced before. Watching them bond with people that they normally avoid or ignore, it's brilliant." The way Edward beams as he talks about his students is truly touching, to see a man openly passionate is an incredibly beautiful thing.

We chatted then entire time there, Edward telling me stories of the previous camps he has been on, so before I knew it we were parking the car. The venue was exactly what I had imagined and hoped. The bar where the band is performing is downstairs in the basement underneath the main cafe, it is dark and smells of damp wood and beer and it is noisy and cramped.

We each grab a drink and listen to the last of the sound check. The band walks on stage and Edward grabs my hand pulling me through the crowd closer to the stage. I am faintly aware that the band has started because all I can concentrate on is my hand in Edwards, the feeling of his long fingers around mine. Edward finds a spot for us right in front of the stage, pressed against the barriers.

During the second song, I start getting pushed around a bit so Edward steps behind me and put his arms either side of me against the rails creating a shelter of sorts. By the end of the song Edward is pressed right into me, I can feel chest against my back.

The band is amazing, the crowd is getting right into it, and this is why I love live music. The feel of the bass reverberating through your chest, the buzz of the electric guitar deep inside your ear, the thrill of the first few chords of a new song that you haven't heard before but instantly fall in love with. I close my eyes and let the sound wash over my body. I lean back into Edward and let the music take me a million miles away, away from New York, away from my responsibilities, away from the people that rule my life.

All too quickly the band says good night and the music leaves the room, the sound of praise from the crowd replacing it.

"Did you enjoy that?" Edward whispers into my ear. I turn to face him, my nose almost touching his chest; I look up into his eyes and completely forget everything he just said to me. His eyes are completely alive; it's like looking into a green lake with the sun shining through it.

"Bella? Did you like them?" He asks again.

"I loved them. I really want to buy their CD now."

"I can put it onto your I-pod if you like."

"Oh, I don't have an I-pod." Edward looks at me quizzically for a moment.

"Ok, I'll burn you a copy of their CD then." He says smiling brightly. Edward takes my hand in his, even though the crowd has dissipated now and there really isn't any need, and leads me back out to the car. As we step out into the fresh night air, I realise how tired I am and try and stifle a yawn. We get back into Edwards car and the last thing I remember is exiting the car park.

"Bella, wake up, love. We are home." Edwards's voice coaxes me awake, I rub my eyes and open then to realise that we are indeed back at my place. I step out of the car and Edward follows me, I should stop him but I just can't bring myself to do so. I put the keys into the lock and open the door. I hold the door open for him and then close and lock it again once we are both inside.

Just as I finish locking it and turn towards Edward, he steps forward with inhuman speed, lifting me and pressing my back into the door. We stare into each other's eyes before he slowly inches forward closing the distance between our mouths. With only millimetres I take a deep breath, Edward pauses perhaps misreading the deep breath, so lean forward and close the gap. Our lips touch, my brain turns to complete mush, I can think no coherent thoughts other than the fact that his lips are touching mine. I run my hands up into his hair and pull him in closer to me, at the same time a part my lips slightly.

I am going to blame the clothes for the shameless college style making out that is taking place. Tongues, lips, teeth everywhere. He runs his tongue along my bottom lip and into my mouth immediately I suck on it. A groan escapes from his mouth to mine, the sound causing me to dampen. I move my hands from his hair to the hem of his shirt and begin pulling it up. He breaks the kiss to look into my eyes, whatever he saw there must have given him the green light because his shirt was on the ground and lips back on mine in a split second.

He wraps his arms around me, holding me to him as he turns and begins walking up the stairs, I take this opportunity to remove my top and fling it over the balustrade. Edward's lips attach my neck and I giggle at not only the sensation but also at seeing Edward and my clothing scattered on the floor. As we reach my room Edward throws me down onto the bed, a thrill runs through my body, seeing him standing there above with a look of animalistic lust in his eyes, I have never been so turned on.

He slowly stalks towards me, his eyes never leaving mine, reminiscent of a monster stalking its prey, the only difference is this prey doesn't want to escape. He crawls up the bed towards me, still his eyes never leaving mine. Even though my heart is about to beat its way through my chest, looking into his eyes gives me a great sense of reassurance.

He leans forward and reaches the waist of my jeans, with a flick of his wrist he undoes the buttons he then grabs the heel of the jeans and with one quick pull they are off and lying on the ground. I usually hate my body but under Edwards gaze I feel beautiful and sexy. I try to sit up so that I can kiss him, but he blocks me, pressing me back down into the mattress. Beginning at my toe he runs his tongue slowly higher, higher, higher, still not taking his eyes from mine. Goosebumps break out across my body as his tongue reaches the top of my thigh.

He pauses hovering above my now soaking underwear, using his thumbs he removes them, slowly inching them down my legs. He leaves them at my ankles and his hands retrace their path. As he reaches the very top of my leg he leans into my core and lightly blows on my clit. My entire body shudders at the sensation, which makes him giggle. I try to sit up again, with the same success as the previous attempt.

Tiny kisses are placed along my pubic bone and I thank Christ that I got a wax before leaving New York. As the words New York float around my mind I feel no guilt or sin, the only thing I can feel is Edwards lips on my skin and that all that I care about. Speaking of, he edges closer and closer until his tongue flicks at my clit, again my body writhing into the bed.

He looks up at me from underneath his eyelashes awaiting my go ahead, I nod, to afraid to say something entirely inappropriate and completely ruin the moment. He uses his hands to spread my legs open further. Excitement courses through my body as I become fully exposed to him. In the past I have hated being this exposed in front of anyone, but here with Edward it feels exhilarating.

Edwards tongue flicks out again at me, I grab his hair between my fingers and throw my head back into the pillow. His tongue begins to work faster and faster against the sensitive bundle, my toes flexing back and forth. Suddenly I feel pressure at my opening, his fingers swirling around and around the outside; the sensation combined with his tongue forces his name to be whispered from my lips.

With one swift movement he plunges his fingers inside me; I yell his name out into the empty house. His long, thin, strong, piano fingers start moving in and out of me, faster and faster and faster, my breathing mimicking it.

My muscles start to tense and spasm, my back arching, Edward senses that I am close and sucks my clit into his mouth. I scream his name as my body stiffens and I allow the orgasm to pulsate through me, his name being screamed from my mouth.

"Bella!"

"Oh my god." I whisper.

"Bella!, Bella wake up." I force my eyes open violently and look into Edward's amused eyes. My face burns hotter than I have ever felt it before. I want to say something to end the awkward silence but the only thing I can think of are Edward's lips on my skin. My eyes dart to said lips and instantly I force myself to look away. I grab my handbag, remove my seatbelt and exit the car.

"I'm really sorry; I didn't mean to fall asleep." I say to Edward who is somewhere behind me, as I walk up the stairs.

"You don't have to apologise for falling asleep." He replies sweetly.

"I had a really great night Edward, thank you. That band was awesome." I open the door, still not looking at him.

"Bella." God damn it. I slowly I turn and look at Edward. "Thanks for coming with me tonight." He seems so sincere, why wouldn't I go with him?

"No problems at all. Have a great weekend." I look into his eyes and smile. He really is just the most beautiful man.

"You too, Bella." I stand and watch as he walks back to his car and drives up the street. Movement across the street catches my eye and I notice one of the bedroom curtains is moving. The thought of someone watching me 24/7 gives me the creeps however the alternative is unthinkable. I guess it is just something that I have to live with.


AN: Please, please, please review.

Thanks for reading! It is greatly appreciated.

If by chance I don't get to finish the next chapter in time. I wish everyone a very merry and safe Christmas.

Much, much, much love
Court
xox