Bella's POV
That was definitely a site that my eyes never wanted to see. My dad and Skankalicious Barbie. And her timing! I know Jasper was about to kiss me… I had to shake my head to rid myself of the imagery. It's not like I never expected Charlie to date, but I don't think anyone would have expected that pairing.
"So, this might make school weird, huh?" Jasper said. I squinted at him in confusion as he helped me hop off the bike.
"How?"
"Well, your dad and Tanya. That's all sorts of weird, considering you and James…" he grinned at me.
"What does James have to do-" I cut off. Oh, fuck me. "That's… his mom?" I choked out.
"Yup." He popped the "P", walking with me towards the front door, "And I happen to know that Tanya's going to want marriage someday. She's been eyeing Charlie for years. Didn't know they were together though, or I would've warned you."
"Married?" I felt lightheaded. He nodded.
"Bella… have you ever read 'Flowers in the Attic'?" He raised his light eyebrows playfully. I scowled at him, but couldn't help but snort at the absurdity.
"Shut the fuck up. Even if they do get married, and that's a big if, James isn't my biological brother."
"Still, the role-playing opportunities…" he continued teasing me. I elbowed him in the side as I took a real look around the house he had led me to. It was huge. The entry hall had thick indoor pillars, and I couldn't even see up to where the staircase led. He caught my offending arm and quickly snaked his fingers through mine. I smiled at him.
"Smooth." I teased, holding up our joined hands. He shrugged, leading me down what seemed to be one of many hallways.
"Kitchen," he nodded towards a gigantic, shining room almost the size of my entire ground floor at home. Modern appliances were gleaming on every surface. I gaped as he continued to pull me through the hallway to another adjoining room. "Living room." He muttered, allowing me to glance into the warm room with gigantic leather sofas before tugging on my arm once more. I stumbled behind him, laughing.
"Hale, your tour-guiding skills could use improvement," I said, obnoxious but not caring. He was showing me his house like it was some sort of race. Is he nervous? I planted my feet to the marble floor, causing him to turn his head in question.
"Where are we going?" I asked playfully. He said nothing, but traced his thumb over my hand in a slow circle. His house was still dark, and his eyes looked a deeper blue in this light.
I breathed in a ragged breath, my breath coming quicker at the look he was giving me. Fuck. I had no idea what I was doing. Sure, I was attracted to Jasper, but I also wanted to piss Edward off. It isn't fair to Jasper… my mind whispered. Yeah, but Jasper is a teenage boy. As far as you know, he just wants your body. Don't feel guilty until you know otherwise.
What did I want? I sure as hell didn't know. I was all for irritating Cullen. The bastard had hurt me so badly that he deserved anything I threw at him. But playing with Jasper felt different. I was so at ease around guys like James. I was my usual, confident self. But around Jasper that façade seemed to crumble. Did he notice? The slightest touch seemed to set off such strong reactions. It was ridiculous.
True, Rosalie and Alice had suggested cozying up to Jasper. It would be a blow to Edward's ego, for sure. Tonight was evidence of that. But what about how I felt? I liked him. He apologized for being Edward's lapdog when we were kids, but I also liked his personality. He was so chill about everything. So laid back. I admired it.
He made me feel… things. I was familiar with the pangs of desire, but Jasper evoked new feelings that I didn't even want to try to name. There was a dash of camaraderie and friendship, just like what made me adore Laurent. But Jasper made me nervous, which I didn't like. Nervous Bella was stumbling, bumbling Bella. The Bella that had been tortured by Cullen. The Bella who let anyone and everyone walk all over her. The Bella that I swore would never surface again.
Jasper started to lead me upstairs, and I bit my lip to keep from sighing. It's been a day since you got back, and he's trying to get you in his bed. Disappointment flooded me, and I wondered why. It wasn't unusual for boys to try to bed a girl they're attracted to. I thought he'd be different. I ignored the bit of sadness that threatened to ruin this night for me. How silly for me to think that Jasper wanted more than a quick fuck. He's probably just thrilled that he'll beat Edward at something.
Well, was I ever a hypocrite. What was I doing? I probably wouldn't even be here if it weren't for Jasper's relationship with Edward. I guess it worked out. Jasper was trying to use me, just like any other boy. Which made this safe, familiar territory. After all, he wasn't the only one with ulterior motives. Imagining the look on Cullen's face if he found out I'd fooled around with Jasper made me feel ridiculously smug. Still… if Jasper does like you, you're just as bad as Edward.
The thought echoed in my head and I almost tripped on the last stair. Jasper turned around, a questioning look in his eyes. I shrugged and granted him a small smile, and he grinned before turning around, presumably leading toward his room. Well, I'd find out, wouldn't I? If Jasper was a normal guy, he'd have his fun and go on his merry way. If he wanted more, like… a relationship more, then it was time to reconsider.
Would having a boyfriend like him be so bad?
I almost started shaking at the thought as he led me down the upstairs hallway. I'd never had a boyfriend. Not a real one. I'd had crushes, infatuations, flings, but no romantic relationships. I'd never wanted one, mostly because I'd never encountered a guy that would be worth the effort. Too lost in my thoughts, I almost collided with the doorframe as Jasper led me into a room. He flicked on the lights, and I admired the warm, honey-colored walls. It was his room; it had to be. It was simple and sparsely decorated with a huge bed, and old vinyl record-covers lining the wall.
"So… home sweet home." He declared, letting go of my hand to sit on the edge of his bed. I nodded tersely, trying to force myself to relax. I moved to sit next to him on the bed. His mouth opened slightly, as if he was surprised. I suppressed a smile. A master seducing artist wouldn't do that. Or he's an exceptional actor. I wanted to see what he would do. If he would make the first move.
"Where are your parents?" I asked casually, admiring the album covers as I leaned back with my elbows propping me up. Blondie, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles. He's too perfect. There has to be something wrong with him.
…Besides being Cullen's friend.
He cleared his throat, "My mom's almost always out of town. I'm usually here alone." I tilted my head towards him.
Jasper's POV
She looked so right there. In my room. In my bed. I'd debated on whether to take her up here. Whenever I had "company", I always kept everything limited to the living room downstairs. My room was my sanctuary, and I didn't like the idea of the airheads I usually bring home leaving anything behind in my room. Not even their scent.
Bella was obviously put on this earth to break every rule that I made for myself.
After I told her about my mom, I expected one of two responses I get every time I share that piece of information. One being pity- "I'm so sorry, that must be lonely", and two being awe- "I wish I could get the fuck away from my parents, you're so lucky." She gave me neither, just a small smile as she tilted her face a little towards mine.
I'd wanted to kiss her so badly back at her house, but I was afraid to. I wasn't stupid. I knew that she probably wanted to get under Edward's skin, and I was the perfect way to do that. But there was a way she looked at me, like in class. Like she let her real personality show, just a little and just for me. I knew that she was a strong woman now, but her blushes and little imperfections drew me to her like a moth to a flame.
Of course I wanted her… who wouldn't? But I hadn't brought her up here for sex. I'd wanted her to see my room. To see me.
She may have fooled the rest of the school, but I still remembered her as she was. Alone, scared and isolated. There was no way she'd fully recovered from it, and I still felt responsible. I had let Edward be a little prick because I didn't want to rock the boat. So if she was using me, I'd let her. I just knew I wanted to get to know her and be around her. She intrigued me like no other girl ever did. I didn't want her to go away, and I wasn't sure what would happen if I gave into my instincts and slept with her. Would she wipe her hands of me? Mission accomplished, Edward's pissed? The thought made my breath catch in my throat.
I'd never grown attached to a girl in that way. To miss her when she was gone. I'd been depressed when the Maria fiasco ended, but felt nothing near the slice of anger and pain that came up just thinking about Bella wanting nothing to do with me.
Overwhelmed, I glanced down to find her face a little closer to mind. She was eyeing me with curiosity and what looked to be a small amount of confusion. I must've looked like an idiot, close enough to kiss her but looking out into space. Before I could restrain myself, I quickly closed the gap and pressed my lips to hers.
No cliché's did it justice. My body was buzzing with lust as soon as her lips moved against mine. She was kissing me gently. Letting me set the pace. She tasted wonderful, like nothing else I'd ever encountered. Mint and honey. I trailed my tongue lightly on her bottom lip, unable to resist another taste. I couldn't suppress a guttural moan when she licked me softly, her tongue entwining against mine. Before I'd even realized it, I had one arm wrapped around her waist and I rolled on top of her, propping myself up on one arm as I kissed her breathless.
I was familiar with lust. I wasn't familiar with this pure, unfiltered need.
Her small hands moved from my face to the nape of my neck, twisting my hair roughly in her fingers. I moaned into her mouth, keeping one hand at her waist and allowing the other to trail under her shirt. She shuddered as my hand traced up her bare stomach, pausing at her navel before reaching to lightly palm one breast. She "mmm'd" into my mouth, bucking slightly against me as she moved one hand down my arm, scratching lightly.
"Hope I'm not interrupting."
Bella growled in displeasure and my eyes opened as I turned at the intrusion. Edward Cullen, standing in the doorway. Smirking and trying to look fucking aloof. Too bad I knew him so well. I could see the anger and resentment as his jaw ticked.
"Actually, you are." I muttered, looking down at Bella. She just rolled her eyes before getting up. She straightened out her shirt and stood up, all without one look at Edward.
"Bathroom?" she asked. I wordlessly pointed to the right. She moved to walk past Edward, and he called after her.
"What's wrong, Swan?" he asked, patronizingly. Trying to embarrass her. My fists clenched.
"Nothing." I heard her calm voice purr as she clicked the door closed to the bathroom, "Your friend just got me a little… worked up."
Edward's face turned green and I bit back a smile.
"So…" I tried to remain as calm as possible, but I still wanted to throttle the bastard, "Care to explain why you're playing cockblock extraordinaire tonight?"
He dangled my house key from his key ring. "You didn't answer your cell." I cursed, looking in my pocket to see that I did have a missed call from the asshole.
"So, what'd you wanna talk about?" I asked snidely. In a way I was thankful for an interruption- I'd let the situation get out of control- but Edward was definitely not the interruption I wanted.
He shrugged, "Life." He approached me, eyeing my disturbed comforter with disdain, "I want to make sure you know what you're getting into."
"Ah." I said, comprehension dawning, "Well, explain it to me, Edward."
"I'm not sure if you know, but Swan is just using you for her own jollies. Hell, she'd even hook up with Collich, and he's a dirty mother fucker. I just don't want you to… catch anything." He smiled at me, like he was being a true pal. What a dick.
"Thanks for your concern, Eddie." I said, patting him on the back, "But I know exactly what I'm doing. And Bella isn't a skank just because she doesn't want your junk." I left my room, walking towards the bathroom to wait for Bella to come out.
"How do you know she doesn't?" He called out. I turned sharply, frowning at him. He grinned, happy at bothering me as he approached the steps. "See you tomorrow, bud." He waved as he descended the stairs. I scowled. He was so obviously trying to fucking manipulate me. Did he think I was stupid?
Maybe you are. You've done nothing but be his bitch for all intents and purposes for years.
Bella opened the bathroom door, peeking at me. I smiled despite my gloomy thoughts.
"It's safe, he's gone."
She nodded and emerged from the bathroom. Her cheeks were red and her hair was wet.
"I think I should go home now." She said quietly.
"Bella, don't listen to Edward, he's-" I began. She took two steps toward me and pressed a finger over my lips. I paused, amazingly turned on once again. Don't bite the finger, don't suck the finger, don't kiss the finger. You're in enough fucking trouble.
"It's not him. I just… you-" she seemed to be struggling with what to say, "I can't control myself around you." She said, withdrawing her finger lightly from my lips.
"So we can't…" I trailed off, dread building in my stomach.
"Jasper, I think I like you." She said, furrowing her brow as if the thought of liking anyone was ludicrous. I smiled lightly, feeling relieved.
"I like you, too." The words sounded so juvenile and stupid, but her face lit up and a light blush covered her cheeks. She bit her lip and glanced at the ground.
"Can you take me home? I'd like to confront Charlie sooner rather than later on his new bedfellow." She changed the subject, and I was torn between being amused and disappointed. I let the subject drop… for now.
"Sure." I extended my hand, and she took it.
Bella's POV
The engine of his bike roared to life, and he kissed the back of my hand lightly before tearing off into the night. I stood still for a moment before grudgingly walking towards the front door. I'd wanted to stay. I'd wanted to let him ravish me over and over.
I didn't want him to like me, and I sure as hell didn't want to like him. So why was there a spring in my step, and why couldn't I stop smiling?
This is dangerous. Don't get your hopes up, or his for that matter.
I sighed, tentatively opening the door. The house was dark, and I couldn't hear anything. Charlie must've gone to bed. I climbed the stairs and shut myself in my room before collapsing on the bed.
I liked him. The way he kissed me so urgently, like I may disappear at any second. His hands making me shiver in delight that I'd never felt before.
Yet he'd stopped when Edward came in. Rationally, I knew why. It's not like we could continue our foreplay fiesta if Cullen was being a perv in the doorway. But was there another reason? My mind swam with the possibilities. I knew Edward would stop at nothing if his pride was hurt, and Jasper getting to me first was most definitely an injury.
I laid down, placing a pillow over my head as the one question I couldn't answer plagued my thoughts.
If Jasper had to choose between us, who would he choose?
I couldn't sleep. I thrashed around, my dreams a hectic swirling of Jasper and Edward laughing together at me. "Fuck this." I groaned, reaching for my cell. I dialed the number by heart and sighed in relief when he answered.
"Please come to Forks," I practically begged him. "I need you."
