Once again, my betas ROCK! Thank you ladies. And as for my readers, I apologize for the delay. Have you ever been 'derailed' from a project? I have. Sucks. I hope you enjoy! XOXO
That Summer
Chapter Ten
There is a charm about a man who is wild. Don't fall for it.
Meanwhile... back in Forks...
"I don't know. How about goin' to the movies?"
"Will we be going as a group?"
"Do you want to go as a group, Embry? I was hoping to spend some quiet time with you today."
"We don't have to go as a group. I was just thinking that maybe you'd like to have your friends come along."
"Are you afraid to be alone with me Em?"
He cleared his throat, "No. I'm not afraid Bella. I just thought that it would be nice to go with a group of friends is all. The more the merrier kind of thing, ya know?"
"To be truthful Em, I don't really like to hang with my friends anymore. All they do is look at me with pity in their eyes and say 'I told you so' because of what Edward did to me. Makes me feel inferior, used."
"I'm sure that they don't mean to make you feel that way Bella, and besides, that girl that you introduced to me a few weeks ago seemed nice enough. She surely wouldn't rub an 'I told you so' in your nose, would she?"
"Who Angie? No, I guess not. She is the exception to the rule, but I still don't have anyone except you Em."
"Bella. Yes, you do. You have Angie and Quil and Jacob..."
"Don't you include Jacob in that group. He hasn't called or e-mailed me in over two weeks." She was seething at the sound of his name.
"Bella. We have been over this a thousand times. He didn't leave you. He took a job that is going to help insure that he gets into college. Since neither you nor I have ever worked on a ranch before, how can we judge how often he can call us? Be reasonable Bella. He will call you. I promise."
"Embry, please just come pick me up so we can hang out. Dad and Billy have invited some other friends over to watch the baseball game on TV and if I have to listen to all of that whooping and hollering along with all the belching and farting, I swear, I'll just scream."
"Not much of a sports fan Bella?" Embry was soft but chiding.
"No Em. Remember? Ginormous klutz here. I just want to spend some quite time away from the house. I haven't left the house in a week." She did not want to admit that she had stayed home tending to the daily chores in hope that, on the off chance, Jacob would call and she would be there to answer the phone.
"Alright. I'll be over in half an hour maybe forty five at the most. Ok?"
"Thanks Em. See you soon." She felt the anger at Jacob begin to leave her being. She closed her cell phone, tossed it on her bed and began to get ready for her date with Embry. At least that is what she had in her head as to what was going on. He, on the other hand, had other ideas.
Embry scrolled down his contact list and punched send when he came to the right name. He waited as the call connected. Three rings later, "Hello?"
"Hey Leah. It's Embry."
"Embry who?"
"How many Embry's do you know Leah? Embry, Embry Call, Seth's friend."
"Seth has friends? Since when?"
"Since he was a freshman at school Leah. Is he around? Can I talk to him?" Embry was getting frustrated with Seth's sister. She could be such a cold fish when she wanted to be.
"Yeah. Just a minute. I think I saw him out back. Not sure what he's doing. Hang on for a sec." She dropped the receiver to the counter with an unceremonious thunk and the next thing Embry heard was Leah calling out at the top of her lungs, "Seth! Phone!" And then he heard her walking away. He waited what seemed to be hours but was really just a minute or two. No other sounds could be heard. "Hello? Seth? Hellloooo? Anybody there?" Embry called into the phone as if someone walking by might hear his voice. He then heard the back door creak as it opened and then slammed shut as footsteps came closer to the phone on the counter.
"Hello? Is there someone there?" Seth's boyish voice came across the line.
"Seth! It's Embry, dude. You had me worried that you wouldn't pick up."
"Embry! What's up Bud?"
"Seth, I was just wondering if you had anything to do this afternoon?"
"Nothing set in stone, why? You bored? I was outside playing with my new radio controlled plane that Dad bought for me. You can come over and fly it for a while if you want." The eagerness in Seth's voice was addictive. Embry couldn't help but smile at the boy's enthusiasm.
"Maybe some other time Seth. I was just wondering if you would like to go to the movies today. With some friends. I can swing by to pick you up in five minutes if you want."
"Dude! That sounds like a plan! I'll tell Mom what we're going to do and meet you out front in five!" Seth hung up the phone before Embry could say good bye.
Embry knew that by taking Seth along, Bella wouldn't be so inclined to be quite so forward with him. She was constantly trying to hold his hand or sneek a kiss or two when she thought that no one was looking. Quil was still holding strong to his theory that she was fair game. It just so happened to work out that Quil had to work today at his parent's store. That was one set of wandering hands that Embry didn't have to worry about. Seth's presence should squelch Bella's. At least he hoped it would.
Embry pulled up in front of the Clearwater's place just as Seth burst through the door. Seth ran to the passenger side of the truck, yanked on the door and jumped in the seat in one smooth motion. The smile on his face went from ear to ear. Embry patted Seth on the shoulder in a brotherly fashion, returning the smile. They then headed towards Forks.
Bella was putting the finishing touches to her appearance when she heard Charlie holler up the stairs. "Hey Bells. Someone's here to pick you up!"
"Thanks Dad!" She shouted through the closed door. She ran her hands over her hair one more time to settle any unruly strands. She leaned into the mirror to give a close inspection of her make up. She didn't use much. A little mascara and lip gloss. She was of the 'less is more' mind set. She cupped both boobs on the sides and pushed them together in an effort to maximize her cleavage in the shirt she was wearing. She tugged the shirt down to help with the effort. When she was done primping for her non-date with Embry, she bounded down the stairs as fast as she dared so that she didn't break a leg on the way down. She walked around the corner to enter the living room where the group of adults had gathered for the Mariners game and stopped in her tracks. She knew her dad was entertaining a few of the other officers from his office and Billy had invited several mutual friends from the reservation, but she wasn't expecting there to be any women in the group.
"Bella!" Came the cheery voice of Tami, the receptionist at the police station. "So nice to see you again!"
"Um, thanks Tami. Nice to see you again too." Bella's eyes began to scan the room looking for Embry.
"So I hear that ya'll are headed to the movies? Sounds like fun!" Her sweet accent shining through.
"Yeah, I'm going with Embry Call. I thought that he was here to get me already." Bella was concerned that she hadn't found him yet even though Charlie said that he was here.
"I do believe he is Bella. He's just lost in deep conversation with your Dad and his friend Billy in the kitchen. I can get them for you Darlin' if you'd like." Tami was radiating sunshine.
"Ahh, no thanks Tami. I'll go. You enjoy that game Girl! Are they at least winning?" Bella fained interest.
"So far Sugarplum. But it is only the third inning so there can always be an upset. Ya never know, do ya?" Tami giggled some. At that time Charlie, Billy, Harry, Seth and Embry came out of the kitchen. Seth was pushing Billy's chair back to the normal place where he had the best viewing of the TV. Everyone else was carrying bowls of snack foods, chips, dip, pretzels, nachos, popcorn. Bella's eyes went wide when Billy pulled his chair closer to where Tami was sitting and then he gently took her hand in his and gave it a sweet peck on the back of her knuckles. She blushed and giggled like a school girl. Still holding hands, she drew their connected hands to her lips and placed the same sweet kiss to the back of his hand.
"Make sure that Seth gets home at a decent time Embry. He still has chores to get done around the house." Harry's voice boomed. At that point, Bella's eyes broke from the hand holding scene to notice that Embry was walking towards her with Seth following.
"You bet Mr. Clearwater. I'll make sure he gets home safe." Embry was confident.
"Bella too, Embry." Charlie added.
"You know that I will sir."
"Sir? Leave that for 'Chief Swan' Embry. Right now I'm just Charlie."
"Charlie." Embry gave a quick nod towards Billy as well. He then glanced at Bella, raised his eyebrows with an unspoken question of her readiness and started walking towards the door. Bella responded with a quick nod. She, Embry and Seth all hopped into the truck with her sitting in the middle.
They arrived at the cineplex with more than a half hour to spare before the movie was to begin. They bought some snacks while they were waiting. Bella's eyes grew wide as she took note of the massive amount of junk food those two Quileutes thought that they could pack away. She just smiled softly and laughed under her breath. While she was having fun tossing popcorn at each of the boys, seeing who could catch the most with their mouth, she caught motion out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head to notice a group of three men walk into the lobby of the movie theater. Embry noticed where her focus had shifted to, and turned his head as well. He sat up straighter and his body tensed when he recognized who the three men were. He studied Sam, Jared and Paul for a moment only because he noticed that Bella's attention was still diverted to them.
"Who are those guys Em?" She kept watching them as they talked about which movie to see.
"Those are some of the older guys from the rez Bella. The taller one is Sam."
"He's supposed to be my sister's boyfriend but rumor has it, he's been dating our cousin from the Makah rez." Seth added with disdain in his voice. The look on his face was so stern that Bella actually swore to never make Seth mad at her for fear that he would use that look on her. It was scary to see such an angry, hurt look on someone so young and kind.
"Well Seth," Bella tried to ease the situation, "he doesn't look like he's with anyone else right now. Except for those other guys. Is that something to be worried about?"
"The only one in that group that anyone should worry about is Paul. He is the reservation's Don Juan. He is the 'player extraordinaire'. He's made great sport out of taking from women and then leaving them wanting more." Embry thought about his first real crush and how she didn't even know that he existed once she laid eyes on Paul. He felt himself let out a low growl as his eyes settled on Paul.
"I just hope that Sam doesn't turn out to be just like him." Seth said before he took a long pull on his soda.
"They're just a bunch of loser dickwads if you ask me." Embry stated. His gaze still turned on the three men who seemed oblivious to the trio that were studying them.
"Which one is that? The one with the earring." Bella's curiosity was about to kill the cat.
"That's Paul, Bella. Stay away from him." Embry's response was guarded.
"I wasn't planning on meeting with him Em. I was just trying to figure out who was who over there, that's all." As she said that, she noticed a slender female enter the lobby. As the girl came in, the three older Quileutes turned and the one that Bella was told was Paul walked over and gave the girl a hug. Bella sucked in a sharp breath as soon as she recognized who that girl was. Angela.
"Is that Angie?" Embry's voice rose an octave.
"Yeah it is Em. I wonder why she's here with them?" Bella jumped to her feet and walked briskly over to the one female friend that she still had. "Hey Ang! I didn't know that you were going to come to the movies today. You are more than welcome to hang with me, Embry and Seth if you want." Her voice was pleasant.
"Bella! Hi!" Angie reached out and gave Bella a gentle squeeze. Neither was aware of the attention that they were garnering. "I'm here with some new friends. I met them at the car wash last week. I was washing my car when they pulled into the bay right behind me." Angie's face was beeming with delight.
"I'm here with Embry Call. You remember meeting him don't you?" Bella's eyes shifted to the group of men. "We also have another friend with us. His name is Seth Clearwater. He's hanging with us today." Bella noticed Sam's posture change when he heard Seth's name. He tossed a look over in the young boy's direction and then looked away as if he were interested in the movie posters that were posted all over the lobby. Bella looked back at Embry and Seth, then she waved her hand in a gesture indicating that she wanted them to come over and join in the conversation.
"What the hell is she doing?" Embry spoke softly. Seth just shrugged his shoulders and took another swig of his soda.
"I don't know Dude. Let's go find out." Seth's enthusiasm was something Embry was not ready for. He approached the group with caution.
"Angela, why don't you introduce us to your friend?" Paul's voice was smooth as glass in Bella's ears.
"Oh sure! I almost forgot! How rude." She giggled. "Everyone, this is Bella Swan. Bella, this here is Paul, Sam and Jared."
"Hey there little lady, how's about you ditch those losers you're hanging with and spend the afternoon with some real men?" Jared was looking her up and down.
"Fuck you Jared! Just because I'm younger doesn't make me less than you!" Embry barked.
"Settle down guys. He didn't mean no harm Embry" Sam piped in.
"Why aren't you out with Leah, Sam? She's been real bitchy lately because of you." Seth's words came out angrier than he meant.
"What goes on between your sister and me is just that Sethie, between her and me. She takes time to go out with her friends and so do I. We don't have to be with each other every waking moment of every day ya know." Sam was stern but kind to the young boy who was only looking out for his sister.
"Embry! Nice to meet you again." Angela was truly happy at the reacquainting.
"Angela." Embry nodded and smiled at her. When she returned the smile, he noticed her big brown eyes behind her glasses. He swore that his heart stopped beating. The sparkle that he could see was enchanting.
"What movie were you all coming to see?" Bella asked of Angela.
"I think we were planning on seeing the Terminator marathon. At least that is what they told me. I am a little bummed that Jessica and Rosalie bailed on me though." Angie turned her head and began looking over at the three older men. "I didn't know that I was going to be the only female hanging with those guys until I got here. I was never more happy to see a friend in all my life!" She reached over and gave Bella's hand a firm squeeze. Bella's eyes also travelled over the three hulking forms that stood to the side from where she and Angie were. The men seemed to be lost in conversation with each other.
"Well you're in luck Angie. We were just waiting for the theater to start seating for the marathon. Apparently you and your, um, friends are going to see the same movies as we are. Why don't you sit with me? It would be nice to have a girlfriend to sit with while the boys all get gooey eyed over Linda Hamilton."
"Sounds like a plan to me!" Angie's voice was cheery. "I just need to buy my ticket." She was reaching into the front pocket of her capri shorts for the money to pay.
"I got that." Jared's hand shot out and stopped Angie's hand from pulling out the bills. Angie's head lifted to peer into Jared's milk chocolate eyes. He smiled that 'adorable little boy' smile that he has. She blushed at the chivalrous gesture.
"Thanks Jared. You don't have to do that, really. I can pay my way."
"Now what kind of a gentleman would I be to let you do that? My momma raised me better than that." He winked. Bella was watching with rapt attention. Oh, to have a man look at her like that. She thought back to the way Edward used to look at her. He had passion in his eyes but not like that. Was what she was seeing in Jared's eyes passion or was it something more powerful? What could be more powerful than passion? The only thing that came to her mind was lust. Pure unadulterated lust. She wanted a man to look at her with that kind of intensity. She began to wonder if there was something wrong with her that no man had ever looked at her with hunger in his eyes like that.
Angie politely thanked Jared for the purchase of her ticket to get inside and promptly went to the concession stand to buy the snacks before Jared could register a protest with her. She smiled triumphantly at the three men that she came in with as she picked up the tab for the drinks and eats. Her attention was occupied by the concessionaire filling the drinks.
"Bella. They're letting people in the theater now. Let's go get our seats." Embry spoke with his mouth close to her ear. His sudden string of words popped her out of her daydream of men with hungry eyes. She sucked in a sharp breath from being startled, jumped sideways just a bit as she turned her head. As she looked up into Embry's soft eyes, she wished that maybe he might have that look of hunger for her. Before she even thought about it further, she slid a hand behind his neck and planted a soft but firm kiss on his lips. He pulled back slowly as she released her hold on his neck. She looked deep into his eyes. Was that lust in his eyes? Looked more like - confusion. Damn. Not the reaction that she was going for.
"Ok Em. Is it alright if Angie and her friends sit with us as well?"
"It's a free world Bella. They can sit wherever they like." Embry's gaze went towards Angie and the others. She was handing out drinks to each one. He drew in a slow, deep breath and let out a silent sigh as he put his hand in the small of Bella's back to guide her into the seating. They walked into the slightly darker theater along with Seth.
Angie felt a warm hand on her back, guiding her to the seating as well. When she turned to see who it was, she was surprised to see that Paul was the one being gentlemanly. He flashed her his teeth in a sexy smile. His eyebrows raised just a bit causing his face to open up. He had such a kind, friendly look on his face when he did that. She got a good whiff of his aftershave, Old Spice she thought. She had an all consuming wave of trembles move over her. She could not explain why she was shaking. Paul noticed the slight trembles, shucked off his light jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. Now she was completely surrounded by his scent. Angie tipped her head ever so slightly so she could take a covert sniff of the collar. It smelled like heaven.
All seven of them filed in and found seats towards the back. They all got settled, with Bella and Angie in the middle. Embry shifted in his seat several times before he was comfortable. He really didn't like watching Paul or Jared sitting with Angie. She seemed too sweet, too innocent to be hanging with the likes of them. He had heard the rumors about those two. Paul was definitely the player of the tribe but Jared had been rumored to join in on occasion with Paul. The thought of those two users taking Angie started to make Embry's blood boil. He was snapped out of his hard thoughts when he realized that Seth was talking to him.
"- kick some ass!" Seth's face was beaming in the reflection of the light off of the big screen.
"Huh, what?"
"I said that I can't wait for the movies to get started because I want to watch John Conner kick some ass."
"John Conner doesn't show up until the second movie you dipshit."
"So. Just the thought of his existance is what the whole first movie is about. John Conner, the killer of cyborgs. The leader of the underground revolution to save the human race. Totally cool."
Seth took a mouthful of Milk Duds and chewed while looking at Embry as if to challenge a reply.
Embry chuckled at Seth's comments. "Yeah, totally cool. I still like the idea of being John Conner's dad because at least he gets the chance to have hot, kinky sex with Linda Hamilton before he dies. And, he's the father of the guy who saves the human race. Makes him kinda important don't it?" Embry shoved a handful of popcorn into his mouth and chewed. Seth just shrugged his shoulders. They both laughed at each other.
The lights went dark and the promos began on the big screen. Everyone settled into their seats and focused on the screen. There was a reminder on the screen that all electronics needed to be turned off during the duration of the film. Almost in a choreographed move, all seven pulled their phones from their pockets and turned them off. As time ticked on and the movie proceeded, the theater was filled with the sounds from the featured film as well as the whispered conversations and the not so whispered comments throughout.
As the credits began to roll from the first film, Bella and Angie both decided that they needed to hit the restroom during the intermission. As they entered the ladies room, Bella pulled her phone from her hip pocket and turned it on to check for messages. There weren't any. With a half hearted sigh, she turned the phone off again and tucked it back into her jeans.
"How long have you known Embry?" Angie stepped out of the bathroom stall and went to the sink to wash her hands.
"Um, let me think. I met him shortly after I moved here. Jacob introduced me. It's been maybe two years, give or take a few months I guess. Why?" Bella asked as she went into the stall.
"I was just curious if he's seeing anyone at the moment." Angie was almost shy in her statement.
"Not that I am aware of Ang. Do you want me to help get him to ask you out?" Bella was not happy with that thought but, since Embry had not been returning her advances like she thought he would, maybe it was time to move on.
"You would do that for me Bella?"
"Sure, sure. Why not. Em is a good guy Ang. I'm positive that he will treat you right." Bella came out of the stall and washed her hands and then reapplied some lip gloss to freshen up. "When we head back in for 'Terminator 2', why don't you go ahead and sit next to him. That will be a good place to start, hmm?"
"You're good with that? I don't want to step on your toes or anything Bella. Your friendship means to much to me to lose it over a guy."
"No. I'm good. Em and I are just real good friends Ang. He doesn't look at me like dating material, believe me." She rolled her eyes at that last part. "He thinks that I am supposed to wait for Jacob to return, to resume dating again. I didn't wait for Jake when I dated Edward. I really don't know why Em thinks I should wait for Jake now. Jacob is just like Embry to me. He and I are good friends. Nothing more."
"So you won't mind me asking Embry out for next weekend?" Angie was still not very confident.
"Go for it Angie. You two deserve a chance at being happy. Just because Edward made me miserable doesn't mean that you need to wallow in the mud with me. I'll be happy knowing that you're happy. Does that make sense?" Bella started out the bathroom door with Angie following. As she cleared the doors and stepped into the hallway, her eyes locked with a pair of eyes, milk chocolate colored, from across the hall. "Hey Ang. Why don't you go on in and sit with Embry and see how things go between you two? I'll be right in, in just a few, ok?"
"Uh, yeah sure thing Bella. Please don't be long though. I'm not comfortable being with those older guys by myself. I really should give Jessica and Rosalie a piece of my mind, ditching me like that. See you in just a few Bella." Angie almost skipped back into the theater knowing that she would get to spend some time with Embry.
Bella took in a deep breath, and blew it out slowly in an effort to gather her confidence. She walked right over to the handsome young man who had caught her eye a moment earlier. "Hey. You still staying for the second movie?"
"I don't know Bella. I've seen these movies like a million times and while the intrigue of them never dims for me, I can think of several other things that I would rather be doing right now." He was looking at Bella with the intensity that she had hoped that Embry would have done for her. She gasped a quick breath of air when the strength of his stare struck her. Her whole body began to tingle. He was lusting for her. This she was sure of. She felt positively electrified. He took a finger and moved a small amount of hair from her face and placed it behind her ear. "Can I ask you something Bella?"
"Yeah, sure. What?" She was hoping that her nerves didn't show in her voice.
"Why are you here with a loser like Embry Call? Where is the attraction with him? He's nothing but a Junior in high school. You could surely do better than him Bella. So please tell me why a beautiful, young woman like yourself, would be hanging out with little boys like Embry and Seth?"
"You think I'm beautiful? I think you need your eyes checked Jared." She blushed.
"See. Look at you this very minute. That blush is just the cutest thing I've seen all week." He schmoozed. "I think you need to hang with men your own age instead of babysitting those two punks. I know a place that we can go to just hang for a while. I can get some beer if you would like. We can sit and talk. You can tell me all about yourself and I can tell you all about how I like listening to you telling me all about yourself." He let out a quick laugh.
"I don't know if I should leave without Embry, Jared. He's my ride after all."
"Why is he your ride?'
"My truck broke down almost a month ago and it still isn't repaired yet. I was hoping that Jacob would do the repairs because I trust him, but he left town, so now my truck is in a different repair shop, untouched as of yet. So I am at the mercy of friends to chauffer me around. I hate it."
"I bet you do. You seem to be the independant type Bella." He paused like he was deep in thought. "Jacob? Jacob Black, I'm guessing? I think you are better off having someone else working on your truck instead of Jacob Black. He's ok for minor stuff, but if your truck is as broken as I'm reading from your voice and posture, Jacob won't be able to help you. He's a good kid with a lot of try but he always seems to fall short." Jared felt the need to change the subject quickly. "I would be honored to take you home whenever you want Bella. I've got my car here today. We would have to take Paul along with us as I'm his ride for the day. If you don't mind that is." He wiggled his eyebrows at her in a way that said, "say yes, say yes" without saying a word.
"I think that we need to get in to see the start of the next movie Jared." She was unsure about the feelings that were coursing through her body. Excitement warred with common sense. Jared had a look in his eye that said that he wanted her in no uncertain terms and even though she had just met him, she was toying with the thought that she might just be a little impetuous for the first time in her life. She may just say to hell with everybody elses' thoughts as to how she was supposed to live her life. Do her own thing. "Well, we should at least let everyone else know that we're leaving."
"You're right Beautiful, we should get Paul, tell the others we're going and then hit the road. I've got to tell you, it's all I can do, not to haul you over close to me right now and kiss your brains out." He smiled one of the most charming smiles Bella had ever seen. He literally took her breath away. He was saying all the right things. Doing all the right things. He wanted her in more than a friendly way and she was ok with that. It made her feel like a woman again, not a used shell of a person. Edward didn't want her anymore. Jacob didn't want her. Embry didn't want her. But Jared did. This couldn't be wrong, could it?
She cleared her throat, "Ok. We can do that and... you want to kiss me? Why?"
He did not hesitate to answer her question. He did not speak to answer her question. He just closed the distance between them, placed a large, warm hand to the back of her head and pulled her face to his. He placed a soft peck to her lips at first. Then another one. Then he went for broke. His mouth devoured hers in a most delicious way. All Bella could think about at that very moment was how good he smelled, how good he tasted and how good he felt. She wanted, no, she needed, to be wanted again. His driving kisses went right to her soul as their tongues battled. All she could hear in her head was, 'He wants me, he wants me!' She placed her hands on his ribs to help hold herself steady.
Jared was the one that broke the kisses by moving on down to her jawline and neck with delicate openmouthed kisses all along. He hummed as he went along. As she was gasping for air, it occured to her that they were still in the hallway of the movie theater. She let Jared go with a quick, soft shove and stood there for a moment thinking about what had just transpired between the two of them. She ran her tongue over her lips to savor the taste left behind.
"I'll go get Paul. You can just wait here and I'll be right back, ok?"
She was trying to recover a normal breathing pattern when she came upon the voice in her head that was warning her about Paul and Jared. "Players" is what it was screaming. It sounded like Embry's voice. "I think we both should go in and watch the movie for a bit Jared. After an hour or so, we can make a polite exit and then we can go hang for a while."
"Um, ok. What just happened Bella? I could have sworn that you were as ready to leave here as I was not two seconds ago."
"I was. Or I think I was. I don't know." Her head hung from her drooped shoulders. "I don't know what I want to do Jared. I got my heart hurt badly, the same day as my truck broke down. I just don't trust my instincts when it comes to men right now. Maybe that's why I hang with Embry. He's safe. He won't try to take advantage of me while I'm down." She lightly kicked a popped kernal of corn that had fallen onto the floor over to the side so that it didn't get stepped on. Jared gently cupped her chin with his hand and lifted her face so that he could look her directly in the eyes.
"Not a problem Bella. Like you suggested, we'll watch the movie for a while and then, if you're comfortable, we can go hang out. Sound like a plan?" His milk chocolate eyes moved back and forth, looking into her eyes. "No pressure. I promise. I do apologize if I moved to soon for you, ya know, kissing you like that. I meant no harm. I just couldn't stand to wonder what it would feel like to take your lips with mine one second longer. Can I tell you that if I die right now, I die a happy man."
"Jared, I think you're laying it on a little thick is my response to that last statement." She smirked.
"I meant every word Bella. I don't know how you've been around Forks and La Push and yet I've never seen you before now." His sweet smile and warm eyes looking back and forth into her eyes. She blushed again.
"Let's get back in there before they send out a search party for us." She turned and started towards the seats. Before she took two steps away, Jared reached out and grabbed her arm tugging her back to his chest. When she turned with a slight surprised look on her face, wondering what he was doing, he planted another volley of kisses on her. Some soft, delicate touches, others were anything but delicate. Deep, lustful, powerful. He pulled away slowly and spoke in a soft whisper, "If I have to wait through a movie before I can kiss you again, I just had to stock up on them now." He winked at her, placed his hand into the small of her back and led her back to the seats.