~Basically, I got lots of feedback last update. Some of you are pissed at one or both characters or maybe even me, but I write stories and problems that can't be solved in one chapter. It's a process and that's my favorite part. Anyway, I appreciate anyone taking the time to type a review or comment. Shall I continue?
Dedicated to teamjacob0729 because of word count. Holla!
Chapter 9: Daze
The next few days were miserable, but busy. I was pissed off and the guys knew not to cross me with even a weird look. I had a mini-tirade out in the bay about a torque wrench one of them screwed with. It was my tool and they weren't supposed to fuck with the calibrations. No one would admit it at first until, I didn't let up. Then every damn one of them changed their story and they all confessed which made me even madder because I knew damn well it was Embry. He was the one that always lifted my tools because he was too lazy to keep his in order.
I slammed the door to my office and stared at my computer screen. I needed to do orders but couldn't concentrate. Emily told me it was her last day, she was too uncomfortable and the doctor figured she would deliver over the weekend. I was going to have to do her job plus mine on the days I couldn't get Seth to come in. He was busy with school and extra curricula activities starting Monday. I didn't want the pups that still had to deal with school to miss out on anything. They had relaxed patrol schedules unless there was an emergency.
Of course, both Charlie and Mom gave me a huge inquisition why Bella and I were so friendly and then not so friendly in a short amount of time. Apparently, she told them, we had different interests. I concurred and Mom figured she was finally hit with her first wave of homesickness. It wasn't like she was mean or we were fighting. It was just like she saw through me. She would offer me a plate of food or a drink, but there was no emotion in her voice. I cleaned up the kitchen with her last night in absolute silence. I might as well be a stranger. I accomplished that huge turnabout with my special talk. I wanted to take it back every time I recounted what happened, but I kept telling myself it was for the best. We were on the verge of something combustive and I had to stop it before it actually started. She was right, I initiated everything. I was the one to blame and it was a dick move to turn it around on her.
A soft tapping was going on outside my door. I guess they'd never learned.
"Go away and stop knocking if you wanna keep that hand."
My doorknob started to turn. Oh, it was on, no one walked in my office without permission.
I jumped up, ready for a confrontation. I jerked the door and a very timid, but extremely sexy looking female stood in the opening.
"Shit, Bella. I'm sorry. I thought one of the guys was asking for trouble. What are you doing here? I mean, please, come in." I looked passed her and saw Quil, Embry, and Paul act like they weren't staring but they were. Emily had a huge smile plastered on her face. I roared, "Get back to work!"
I walked in my office. Bella had already taken a seat on the sofa in there. She looked so good. Her hair was up and she had on those jeans I loved so dearly. She wore a black and white flannel opened up to reveal a fitted white tank underneath. My eyes were good enough to spot the bra she wore was black. Was she purposely trying to kill me?
"Bad day? I guess I shouldn't have come."
"No, no way. It's just those slackers get on my nerves sometimes, especially towards the end of the week. They're thinking ahead to the weekend. How are you? How'd you get here?"
"Dad sent a ride for me."
"Who?"
"A lady from his work."
"Oh," I felt better knowing it was a lady and not one of his deputies. I still didn't want another male getting too close to her. "But why?"
She said she had a long talk with Charlie over breakfast and he asked her to consider helping me out temporarily. He thought it was the right thing since she semi-committed to helping but then abruptly changed her mind.
"He's right. I usually keep my word. I was pouting about what happened, but I really do want my own spending money and if you need the help, I'm here to work. Of course, that's if you still want me. Family's supposed to take care of each other, right?"
Did I still want her? Man, that was a loaded question. I wanted her in every way possible. I toned down my response, "Sure, sure you came at the perfect time. It's Emily's last day. She can teach you the ropes. Can you stay? I kinda need you here today, tomorrow and Saturday."
"Yes, but remember Monday I'll start school and I also put in an inquiry at the fitness place. I think teaching a yoga class would be a challenge and I swore to myself and Mom I was going to try new things this year. We're only talking about part-time. I don't want a lot of hours."
I tried not to sit there and stew over the fact she might encounter a host of pervs at the fitness center. I couldn't tell her what to do. Maybe I could make my job for her so rewarding, she wouldn't want to go. She and Mom had already done yoga in the living room. Of course, I got the hell out of there when I saw, but why did Bella need to do it elsewhere?
She was waiting for a response, so I finally assured her, "Yeah, that's fine, between you and Seth, we'll work something out. We can manage until the afternoons."
"Okay, that's fair." She held out her hand. "Looks like you have a new employee, Mr. Black."
I shook her hand. "Welcome aboard."
She stood up to head out into the bay so she could receive instructions from Emily. I stopped her.
"Hey, I'm really sorry about everything. I was a total ass. Things don't have to be weird between us. I hope they're not."
"I know. You're right. We owe Charlie more respect. It was just a silly, girlish whim. Let's start over..." she waited a second before finishing her train of thought, "the right way."
I shook my head in agreement.
She headed outside and I went back to the desk. I finally felt like I had the right frame of mind to work. I got all the orders in. Sometimes, I heard Bella's sweet laughter echo through the walls. I wanted to be out there with her, but I needed to keep my distance for now.
I thought about what she said. Was it only a whim? That's what I wanted, wasn't it? I didn't want her to have some type of feelings for me, but every time, I replayed her words, I felt twinges of disappointment. I must be developing some type of mental disorder. I pushed the keyboard back under the desk and rested my forehead on the wood. Eventually, I started banging my head up and down hoping to knock some sense in there.
The intercom came on, "Jacob, got a minute?"
I pressed the button, "Sure Em, come on in."
I lifted my head before Emily came in the office.
She waddled in and shut the door. She pointed to her head and then to mine, "What's going on there? You look all red."
I rubbed my hand over the region and acted like it was nothing. "Oh, guess I had an itch. What's up? How's the training going?"
"Simple, we're practically done. She's good. You're going to be pleased. I like her. Bella is sharp. She takes notes on her phone and she catches on quick. I've already let her take some calls. She has a great phone voice. I just wanted to let you know. I can maybe come tomorrow if that would ease your mind."
"No, if Bella's got it down, that won't be necessary. You're about to have your hands full at home. Get some rest."
"Easier said than done. The boys keep me going."
"Yeah, not sure how you handle all that, but I'm happy for you and Mario. How's Leah been acting?"
"She's been great. I know she's a little sad still, but she doesn't know for sure. I keep telling her to have hope."
Leah was certain that she couldn't have kids and she and Emily were like sisters, cousins and best friends all wrapped into one. I think she felt a pang of jealousy every time Emily had a kid. Technically, we never planned to tell Emily about the wolves, but she was visiting when it happened to Leah. They were always together, so she knew and she protected our secret. It's why I allowed her to work so closely with us.
I had thought about the implications of having Bella work so closely with us. My other sisters didn't know. I saw no reason to tell her either, but the guys were going to have to watch their mouths around her. Everyone had good control so it wasn't like someone would lose their shit and phase in front of her like happened to Emily. I kinda liked Bella not knowing those truths about me. I didn't want her to see me in a different, possibly unflattering light. Mainly, I didn't want her to fear me.
"Anything else, before we finish up today?"
"No, I'm waiting on Mario. He's picking me up. You might want to go rescue Bella though. Jared and Sam showed up to talk and she's practically surrounded by all five of their wagging tails. I swear she's like a brand new toy for them. You might have to speak to them or she'll never get any work done."
I felt a low growl rumbling in my chest. You're damn right, I was having a talk to lay some ground rules, but I had to act as Bella's older brother. I needed to cut the jealous wanna be lover behavior, so I wouldn't give them a clue what was actually taking place. I opened the door and saw her giggling in the middle of a semi-circle they made around her with their large bodies. Each and everyone of them was trying to make an impression and vie for her attention. Even Sam was enjoying her company and he was as taken as he could get with Leah. I was jealous as hell.
"So all the cars are done and the shop's closed for the day?"
They all snapped to attention at the sound of my voice. The excuses started rolling off them all at once. Paul tossed his hand on my shoulder. "Easy boss, we're on our break, just trying to make Ms. Bella feel like one of the bunch. You're welcome."
"I don't recall thanking you. Since when does everyone take a break at the same time?" They scattered like roaches after I said that. I nodded at Jared. "What brings you two over?" Jared and Sam worked construction, not for me.
"I just wanted you to know we had some jobs finish up. I sent a crew over to the house. I thought you might want to join us after you close up the shop."
"Sounds good, how much are they going to be able to work?"
"As much as you pay them to, tightwad. They'll work hard, but you have to commit. Face facts, the house is never getting finished if you don't hire out more work."
Bella was watching our conversation out of the corner of her eye. I didn't want her to think I was a total cheapskate or worse. I told Jared of course, I'd pay whatever his crew's normal rate was. He knew I wanted my hands involved as much as possible but the garage was taking up more time. I lowered my voice and said we'd work something out as soon as I got over.
Sam told Bella Leah was anxious to meet her tomorrow. She said she'd be there for the bonfire which I was happy to hear. I was worried she was canceling since I'd made her mad. There was also the little problem Charlie might create. He was trying to make the bonfire all about her and I swore it wouldn't be. I remembered the pinky swear and how I almost dug my own grave afterwards, massaging her thigh just like I would...
Nevermind, I shook that thought out of my head.
Mom backed me up. He wanted her to make a giant banner with Bella's name on it, but she told him if Bella didn't like to be the center of attention, that was too much. He ordered a huge cake from the bakery though and he refused to tell them to change his Welcome home, Bella message.
I didn't want her to think I couldn't be trusted on top of my ability to act like a real jerk. Everyone was occupied for once, so I walked over to the counter to check on Bella. "If they bother you too much, I can put one of those loud horns under the register. You blow it once and it's guaranteed to make their ears bleed."
She smiled and shook her head side to side. "I doubt that's necessary. They're all great. It must be nice, all of you working together and being such great friends as well."
"Yeah, but sometimes they think they can play the friendship card and get away with shit."
"For some reason, I highly doubt anyone gets away with things on your watch." She bit her lip just like I was used to by now when she wasn't sure if she should keep talking or stop.
"You know me already."
"I think I might."
I winked at her then asked if she heard I was going out to the house. I needed to find her ride back home.
"It's fine, Emily said I could ride with her when her husband gets here."
"I'm bringing the Chevy home tomorrow before the bonfire."
"Great, now I just need the lessons."
"Bella, I can still help some with that unless you don't want to practice me."
"No, I will but it's obvious you're very busy. Besides, all three of them volunteered to take me riding."
She looked out into the bay. One of them dropped a tool. They were eavesdropping. I hit the volume up on our music. I whispered, "Not Quil though."
She lowered her voice as well, "Why not?"
"Because he has a suspended license and he wrecked his last car."
He piped up, "It was the other guy's fault and Charlies getting my license reinstated. Stop spreading lies about me, fucker."
Just like that, we were back to normal. She was comfortable and relaxed and we were joking with each other. I vowed to myself never to screw that up ever again. I went back to the office with great reluctance. I didn't have a particular vehicle to work on and it was nearing closing time. After hearing a few customers outside the door, I decided to make sure they were pleased. I tried to touch base with all our customers when I could.
Mario had also arrived. Their sons were running around Emily's legs. I meant it, I didn't know how she was going to handle three under five years old, but the newest was a girl. Maybe she'd be calmer. Martin, the youngest discovered Bella. She was kneeling down to get on his level. She was good with him. I had no idea she knew anything about kids. He reached his arms up and Bella lifted him. She looked really happy and told him how handsome he was.
I heard it, clear as day. My wolf eyeing Bella with a little one caused him to voice his opinion to me. "Mine."
What the hell was that? I'd never said or thought anything remotely close to claiming a female was mine. That was some archaic shit, but he meant it. I didn't know what I thought about it either. I felt like asking Sam since he was the only taken one in the pack. All the others were content with the single life. I was still in that group up until a couple of weeks ago.
The bonfire was already underway. I was late since I drove Bella's truck home. I had to phase and head back through the woods to the garage for my truck. I'd taken my stuff in the morning, so I took a quick shower at the garage and got ready. I anticipated what she'd have on for the party. Her outfits never ceased to amaze me. She had a way of taking simple items and transforming them into something unique. She wasn't fancy or girly, but I couldn't consider her to be a tomboy either. I didn't know any other girl that dressed the way she did, nor had I ever cared too much before.
The tribe took it hard when we lost the money to keep the res school going. This annual bonfire had been a special way to take care of the kids that were in school. There were several daytime activities for younger ones and the bonfire was a chance for the older teens to have music, dancing and food with their friends. We didn't exclude anyone, lots of Forks kids showed up as well. There was a committee appointed by the tribe that organized it all down to every last detail. I signed off on it and paid for most of the party out of the tribe's account.
I searched the crowd for my family. I found Mom and Charlie quickly, they were with the Clearwaters. Old Quil was telling tales like only he could to a small group. I finally saw her, next to Seth. She had met Seth, that was good. They should have lots in common. I was counting on him, Brady and Collin when Bella started school. She was sure to meet lots of new people, but I wanted to make sure the guys treated her with respect and those crazy vamps didn't interact with her. I never planned that they would. A few of them had taken Mom's art class in the past, but Edward withdrew when he found himself in it last year. He knew he made me angry, worse than the others. He didn't want to cause a conflict allowing my mother to be his instructor.
I was walking towards the group when I spotted an incoming bottle. Only Quil would be stupid enough to throw a beer bottle at me, but I caught it. Most of the kids had their parents in attendance, so we never had a problem with underage drinking at these things. I hired security just in case. I twisted the cap off and took a long swig.
"Hey, Bro. Glad you decided to grace us with your presence."
"Well, someone had to close up. You all left me hanging."
Quil nudged me, "Hey look at that." He was aiming his attention at Bella and Seth. "I think you found the solution to your problem. Bella's into Seth now."
I rolled my eyes. "I doubt she's into him. They just met."
"I know, but I have a certain intuition about these things. It's good, right? They're the same age and we know Seth's trustworthy."
I did think Seth was fairly trustworthy, but he was a teenage boy and I'd seen his dirty thoughts before about girls. He didn't act on it as badly as Collin and Brady, but that didn't mean I wanted to see him ever think about Bella like that.
I really wanted to go over and talk to both of them, maybe casually sit down in between them and keep him from getting too close, but fate was a bitch. I was her apparently her unloved step-child.
"Jakey, hey over here." I looked up and saw Evette. She was already looking a little toasted. Damn, who in the hell invited her?
I heard a chuckle and turned the other way to catch Paul laughing it up. Mystery solved. I frowned at him. He flipped me off and headed over to the food table with Alicia.
I had no plans to talk to Evette but she caught up to me. She grabbed me and pulled me towards the logs we had set up for seating.
"I can't believe you're still ignoring me. Man, you're stubborn. Lucky for you I forgive easily."
"I told you we didn't have anything else to say. You shouldn't even be here."
She pouted and stuck her lip out, "You're really hurting my feelings lately, Jake. Besides, I promised Alicia. She wanted to see Paul."
"Then those two can hook up on their own. We don't have to be involved. Bye." I tried to stand, but she grabbed my arm. I easily pulled away and she followed. Evette was on my heels. She put her hand on my back, then the wacko bitch tried to hug me from behind in front of everyone. I saw my mother's look of disapproval. She never liked Evette in the least.
It wasn't my mom that I worried about. I really didn't want Bella to see and get the wrong idea.
Too late, because my ears picked up on her asking Seth who the woman with Jacob was. Leave it to that little twerp to answer honestly.
"Oh no, she's not his girlfriend. She's just a friend, you know the special kind some people have?"
Bella looked at me. My eyes met hers. It had gotten dark fast and I could see the reflection of the fire in her eyes. She wasn't pleased.
"Like a benefits thing or whatever people call it?"
"Yeah." Seth laughed about it, but I felt sick and ashamed.
Bella wasn't laughing. "Oh."
She excused herself, told Seth she needed to find the restroom. He gave her directions. I turned around to get Evette's hands off of me for the last damn time.
"Leave me alone. Unless you want to be humiliated in front of all these people, don't come around me again tonight."
She stormed off in the sand in search of another drink, she obviously didn't need. I looked for Bella, but couldn't find her. Mom shoved a big plate of food in my hands.
"I thought you weren't seeing that trashy girl anymore."
"I'm not."
"Well, she seems very cozy with you. I don't like her. She has a reputation, Jake."
"Mom, stop. I'm a grown man."
"I know, but still."
"Forget it. I told her off. Where's Bella? Did she see the cake?"
"Yes and she was a little shy about it, but she seemed happy as well. Charlie swore he wouldn't sing."
"That's good news for all of us, but did she eat? Is she having fun?"
"I'm not sure, son. Why don't you use your special senses and find her."
I did just that. I scarfed down a burger in a few bites and finished my beer. I followed her trail to the restrooms. Then I tracked her by searching the footprints and the sweet smell of strawberries.
She was wandering off down the beach, all alone in the dark. I picked up the pace to try and locate her. Bella was sitting down a long driftwood log. She was staring out towards the ocean.
"Hey Bella, whatcha doing?"
"Nothing, there were so many people. I wanted to take a break. I think I'm ready to go, but Dad and Sarah aren't."
"Are you sure? Did you eat? What about your cake?"
"I had some food earlier, but I guess I should stay at least until the cake's cut since it bears my name in large letters."
"Charlie's not singing, so it won't be too bad."
She tried to laugh but it wasn't very convincing.
"You don't have to babysit me Jacob. I know your friends are here." She put a heavy accent on the word friends.
"Bella, I know you saw Evette, and I think you've got the wrong idea."
"I didn't think anything about her, so run along. She looked pretty needy."
We had gotten along so well the past two days. Why did I keep screwing up? "It's over. She and I were over a long time ago."
"Stop explaining things to me, please. I never asked." She was trying to be casual but she sounded frustrated.
I sat down beside her. "Can I be honest?"She didn't respond, but I hate to see any sort of hurt in her eyes. It shouldn't matter that I had a sleazy arrangement with Evette. I didn't even know Bella then, but we were both upset. "I'm not perfect and I made a series of bad decisions a few years ago. I'm not proud of it but sometimes guys do stupid stuff, myself included. I'm different now." She was still quiet with her hands in her lap. I picked up one of her hands and closed mine around hers. She didn't pull away. "Please don't think bad about me. I don't think I could take that."
"I don't."
"You swear?"
"Yes. She's a very beautiful woman, Jacob. I know why you're attracted to her and I guess she's your age too."
"She's a couple of years younger and she's not that great."
"Liar, her boobs alone make her a 10."
"I'm not lying. You didn't see her up close. She's so fake."
"Oh, and you're into real girls?"
"Not exactly. I'm just into one girl and I shouldn't be."
She looked up and we were having a meeting of the minds. Neither of us said what needed to be said out loud. I had fought the attraction and it wasn't working. I was only making things worse. Maybe, if we were honest, and took things one day at a time, I might start accepting this wasn't something entirely terrible. I knew I wanted to be her friend, but it was plain to see, we both wanted more, but then again maybe it was only me. Bella had done her best at playing her role as step-sister/pal pretty convincingly. I really never had a real girlfriend and that was a damn shame. I was sowing wild oats in high school like most of my buddies. Then the wolf thing happened and we can't just trust anyone because of that. I kept women at arms length and now my fucking arms were tired. I wanted something real for a while now but hadn't found anyone that caught my eye until she stepped out onto Charlie's front lawn. What if we took things slow and kept it between us for the time being?
Then I thought about her starting high school. I shouldn't keep her from enjoying that special time. It was senior year. I had to be the adult and do what was best for her.
Bella's fingers completely intertwined with mine and it felt so good, so right. She broke the silence again. "We keep getting confused, don't we?"
"Um, maybe."
"I don't want to mess up, Jake."
"Neither do I."
Slowly but surely we were gravitating a little closer. If we kissed, we couldn't go back. I was so divided. Should I keep it strictly platonic or see if there was something we had to get out of our systems? I was worried that I might not be satisfied with only a kiss. She wasn't even 18, no matter how close that day was.
I didn't think I could hold back any longer. I was just going to go for it and damn the consequences, but then old faithful surfaced from the void.
"Yo, Jake. Did you find Sis? Charlie's ready for cake. He wants her there." I stood up fast, so Quil wouldn't see us holding hands about to kiss for a second time.
Bella stood up as well and started walking towards the sound of Quil's annoying voice. I felt like putting a dog collar on him with a bell. I usually sensed invaders better, but Bella got me so distracted, I only heard, smelled or saw her. I did not want a single member of my pack to know about this little secret.
Bella linked her arm with Quil's and he marched her back to the bonfire like he was her escort. Charlie made Bella stand with the cake for pictures. We both had a piece and then she announced she was headed back home, that I was giving her a lift. Charlie said they were leaving soon also. I watched Bella give Seth a big hug. He was a little smitten, it was all over his face.
She followed me. I helped her into the passenger side. We drove back home with barely a word. None of that previous sexual tension existed and I missed it. It was charged and made me feel vibrant. Bella said she was changing for bed. I wanted to talk more but she was obviously so over it and my talks had never gotten us anywhere.
Instead, I yelled up, "Hey, I'm popping some popcorn. Wanna watch some South Park with me?"
"Sure, I've never seen it."
"You're kidding?"
"Nope, it's funny right?"
"Yeah, really funny in somewhat of an inappropriate way."
She changed, while I made us each a bowl of popcorn. I handed her a can of soda. She curled up underneath a blanket. I sat in the recliner. Charlie and Mom came in less than hour later. They both smiled. Mom knew I used to watch South Park with the twins. She was probably thinking it was a brother thing. After they went to bed, I thought about moving to the couch next to her or possibly pulling her into my lap in the over-sized recliner. We would be so snug in that chair together, but then I thought Charlie's chair. Nope, better not.
She was acting very buddy-like. I think that's how she wanted it even though she held my hand on the beach briefly. She was clearly jealous of Evette, but maybe Quil was right for a change and she saw potential with Seth. I was the one with a problem. My crush was ten times bigger if she even had one on me at all. A whim. That's what she called it.
Bella said she was up for one more episode. She laughed like crazy at the three we watched, but I saw ten minutes into the fourth, she was out. I cleaned up our snacks, switched off the TV and lifted her up. At first, she was dead weight but she finally realized I was carrying her and she grabbed onto my neck. I took her to bed. She was out of it, but mumbled. "Jake."
I covered her up and leaned over to kiss her forehead. It was the first time my mouth had touched any part of her and I craved so much more.
"Goodnight, Bells. Sweet dreams."
She rolled over but kept sleeping. Bella must be a sleep talker because she said my name again. Only difference was she said, "Ummm, Jake." Her voice was smooth and silky.
Oh man, her dreams were already going. I couldn't hide the smirk. Bella dreams about me and moans.
I needed to go to my own bed since we had work in the morning, but first stop was the shower. I had a date... bourbon strawberries and vanilla, here I come.
~Thanks for reading
Love to hear your thoughts. So Bella came to her senses or is Jacob being played?
