Renee gave them two hours to settle in. That was enough time for a nap and some long-awaited alone time. Paul and Bella found themselves by her mother's pool. Soaking up the much-needed sun. it was a drastic change from the cold grey climate of forks. "so how ya doing? Sorry if my mom asks too many questions." Bella said
"don't worry I've had worse. Its nice to be out here. Away from the pack, no prying ears or eyes." Paul responded with his eyes closed. He took in all the new scents but mainly Bella's. His wolf purred in contentment. Why hadn't he noticed her before? His wolf did but he the man hadn't really paid attention, he was too angry with his life. His fingers lightly sat on top of hers. He had to ask her now, he didn't want any missed signal's or missed communication.
"bell?" he asked
"hmm?"
"what are we? I mean what are we doing? I know were friends and all but I gotta know, is this leading to something else?" he asked a little nervous.
Bella felt her mouth go dry. What were they? Yes, they were friends but was there more? Was this too fast?
"I-well, I – I like you. I do but I don't want to rush into anything I-"Bella didn't get to finish before Renee called them in.
The first two nights were great and eventually they all got into routine. At the end of the night, they would split into groups. Renee, sue and Bella and then Phil Charlie and Paul. Everyone got along. it was peaceful Stories were told and laughter was shared. It was the fifth night, when Renee kicked Bella and Paul out. Gave them the car keys to her jaguar, a two hundred dollars in cash and told them to beat it.
"so! Where do you want to go? "she asked him
"somewhere quiet, where we can talk and then we can go have fun." He told her
"ok, I know the perfect place."
It took thirty mutes to get to wherever they were going. Bella parked and they both hopped out the car.
"where are we?" he asked
"Piestewa Peak" Bella told him. The y walked in silence until Bella stopped. They were on a short cliff that over looked the valley."this is beautiful." Paul told her.
"I know. I used to come out here all the time when I was kid. Look Paul. I wont lie to you. I learned my lesson the hard way. I truly do like you. Your different from anyone ive every dated and ive only dated one person. And I made that one person my world. I closed myself off from everyone around me and became obsessed with him. And then theirs Jacob, I loved him like a brother but when that wasn't enough he hated me for it. I don't want that to be you. Hate me because or cut me off because im not giving you enough of me. And truthfully, I'm afraid. Afraid to love someone with a fresh start."
Paul turned Bella to face him. "I'm not going to promise you something If I can't keep it. And I'm not going to manipulate you. Bella, I want to try this out. It will be just us. Not the pack, not our families. I want to try for us. Look, these past few months have been so different for me. And my wolf likes you ...calm him. you calm me. And you won't have to worry about Jacob anymore. He imprinted, I know he told you about that and before you go, doubting me and wonder if ill imprint I won't. You know with, because I'm the only one who can communicate with their wolf. I have fully accepted my wolf and he speaks to me . and I him and he wont imprint. He refuses to. He wants you and so do i. just give me a chance. I'm not Edward and I'm not Jacob. That's an unfair comparison."
Bella had a million thoughts running through her mind. She didn't know what to say.
" I kiss you?" he asked gently
Bella with a million things going through her mind. Nodded yes. And when he did, it want forced like Jacob's. Wasn't restrained like Edwards it was...Paul. Completely and utterly Paul There was spark, a flame that whispered for more behind it. So much more. Maybe bella could give them a chance. Give Paul a chance. Who knows what could happen.