Chapter 14

We found a space among the dancers and Jacob slid his hand around my waist, pulling me gently towards him. We weren't quite touching, but I could feel the heat of his body in stark contrast to the cool breeze blowing on my back.

The music was melodic and soothing and I looked down at our feet to mimic Jacob's movements.

"You don't have to look at your feet the whole time, Bella."

I looked up into his handsome face, returning his smile. "I'm really bad at dancing, Jacob, you have no idea."

The hand resting on the small of my back pressed more firmly against me as he pulled me a little closer. My throat constricted and I swallowed hard when his chest came into contact with mine. He seemed to be unaware of my nervous reaction and continued to move. I tried to focus on the music to help me relax. It was strangely unnerving to be this close to him.

"You okay?" he murmured, stooping until his lips were close to my ear.

His hold on me loosened as soon as he felt me stiffen, indicating that he had picked up on my tension. When I looked up into his face, the concern and confusion in his expression increased my guilt. "I'm sorry," I whispered, trying to disentangle myself from his hold.

He restrained me but not in a forceful way. "Wait," he pleaded gently. "I'm sorry if I'm moving too fast for you." He removed his hand from around my back and placed it on the side of my waist, creating more distance between us. I knew we probably looked oddly formal compared to the other dancers, but it felt better.

"It's me." I sighed, wondering how I could explain it to him. "I'm not–"

"Much of a dancer?" he interjected, giving me an easy way out, which I appreciated more than he could know.

I nodded in agreement, feeling foolish, but squeezed his hand in a silent thank you.

He didn't say anything further while we danced. When the song finished, he didn't let go of my hand as we made our way back to our chairs. It was a surprise to see Edward was sitting at the table when we arrived. I caught his quick glance at our hands, but it was Jacob he spoke to when he looked up.

"I brought the guitars out," he told him, inclining his head towards two acoustic guitars propped against the table.

Jacob let go of my hand and began to rub his fingers across the back of his neck. "I don't know, man, everybody's having a good time. I don't want to kill the buzz."

Edward laughed, but it sounded oddly brittle. "Most of them are too loaded to care." He thrust a guitar into Jacob's reluctant grip. "Come on, Alice is disconnecting the outside speakers. The music will still be on in the house, so if nobody likes us they can go inside." He turned to me. "You don't mind if I steal him away for a little while, do you?"

I frowned at him, confused by his phrasing and short manner. He quirked an eyebrow expectantly. "No," I said.

Jacob sighed when Edward pushed him towards the grass.

They sat in the corner of the garden and started tuning the guitars. I drained my glass and went inside to get more wine. Grabbing the first bottle of wine that came to hand, I turned to go back outside but met Jasper in the doorway.

"You having fun?" he asked.

"Sure," I replied, distracted by the fact that Alice, Emmett, Lauren and Rosalie were now sitting at the table.

I turned back towards the house, telling Jasper I needed to find a cork screw.

"Alice tells me Edward is bringing you to the Cullen's charity ball on Thursday," Jasper said, following me to the kitchen.

"Yes, he is," I said, only half listening because I'd just realised the bottle had a screw cap. "I'm really looking forward to it."

With sudden purpose that took my by surprise, he cupped my elbow and guided me past the kitchen and into the small utility room beside it.

"Look," he said, closing the door behind us and flicking on the light. "I get all that you're trying to do Bella, and I want to support you. I want to see you happy, but don't get sucked in by Edward Cullen." He was swaying slightly and I realised he was a little drunk.

I rolled my eyes. "He's taking me to the ball as a friend. It would be much the same as if you were taking me."

"Yeah, but I wouldn't be trying to get into your panties."

I gasped, and he at least had the good grace to look sheepish.

"I'm sorry," he said. "That was uncalled for."

"Yes it was," I snapped. "I'm having a nice time today Jazz. Let's not get into this again; there really is no big drama. It's two friends going on a night out."

"So you're friends now?"

"Of course, he's my roommate. We could hardly be enemies."

"Yeah, well I've been watching him today and he doesn't seem to like you spending so much time with Jacob."

"What are you talking about? He's the one who is encouraging me to go out with Jacob."

Jasper's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

I realised how that might sound, and cursed myself for slipping up. "I guess, like you, he just wants to support me and he seems to think that Jacob and I would get along."

"And are you?"

"Yes." I nodded, relieved to be speaking the truth. "We don't have very much in common but he's good company."

He rubbed his hands through his hair. "I just want you to be happy Bella, but I want you to be careful too. I still think Edward has ulterior motives."

The accusation irked me. I was the one making all the demands and Edward had been nothing but kind and patient with me.

"Maybe people who don't know anything about our relationship could say the same about you." I touched his arm. "I know you care about me Jazz. But I'm a big girl now, and I'm capable of making my own decisions."

"I know," he conceded. "But promise me if you need anything, or even someone to talk to, you'll come to me."

"You'll be my first point of contact," I lied.

My heart dropped in my chest. I could already feel the difference in our relationship. Not so long ago I wouldn't have had to lie to Jasper, he would have been the first person I would turn to for anything. Until now, I hadn't realised how much I'd changed in the last few months. I was proud of myself, but at the same time, I didn't like keeping things from Jasper.

He wrapped me in his arms, placing a light kiss on my cheek. "Okay, let's go out and listen to your friends sing."

I swatted his arm playfully to mask my sadness.

We made our way back outside to the table. Alice stood up, allowing Jasper to slide into her seat and pull her down onto his lap. She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. It seemed they were both a little tipsy. I put my wine bottle on the table, retrieved my glass and poured, before turning to Lauren who was sitting on the other side of me.

"Wine?" I asked, holding the bottle up.

She turned, and to my surprise her lips spread into a smile. "Thanks," she said, holding her glass out. It was the first time she'd smiled at me and I wondered how drunk she was.

Rosalie declined, without even looking at me.

"I saw you dancing with Jacob," Lauren said, still facing him and Edward. "He's really hot, isn't he?"

I thought about how hot his skin had been when we were dancing, but I knew that wasn't what she was referring to. "He's very good looking," I said.

Her smile was genuine when she touched her glass to mine. "Here's to hot guys," she said and turned back to them.

I was surprised by her friendliness, but didn't get a chance to question it. My attention was diverted when Jacob and Edward began to strum. People were still talking around us, but gradually the conversation lulled as people turned their attention to the music. By the time Jacob started to sing, he had the attention of everyone in the garden.

His voice was strong and clear, and he sang with passion as he strummed forcefully on the guitar. Edward didn't sing, but his eyes were closed and he seemed lost in the music too. I sipped my wine and alternated between watching Jacob and watching Edward. When the song finished, the garden erupted into enthusiastic applause and whistles.

They launched into a second song but this one was much slower and they were plucking the strings rather than strumming them. Lauren picked up the bottle of wine and refilled both our glasses. "I can't wait till Edward sings," she whispered, leaning in close. "You could get off on his voice alone."

Her words bothered me, but I tried to ignore them and chose to concentrate on Jacob's song instead. It was so sweet and moving it brought a lump to my throat, and I watched him over the rim of my glass as he sung with his eyes closed. I stole a glance at Edward, and almost dropped my glass when I saw he was looking at me. Even from this far away, I could see how intense his eyes looked.

Lauren leaned close again. "Jesus," she hissed. My eyes jerked away and focussed on Lauren. She was smiling, no leering, at Edward. "He's so fucking hot. He's never looked at me like that before."

I glanced back at Edward to see if he really had been looking at Lauren and not me, but he was looking down at his fingers now, and seemed to be as absorbed in the music as Jacob was.

"Does he ever mention me?" Lauren asked after a few more moments spent staring at Edward. I could tell by the way she slurred her words slightly that she was becoming very drunk. "I really thought he wasn't interested anymore, but fuck! That look." Her eyelids were a little droopy when she looked at me. "Just makes you want to fuck his brains out." She bit her lip and sighed, clearly reliving a memory I didn't want to contemplate.

Balking at her crudeness, I grabbed my wine glass and took a long drink in an effort to hide my reaction. I was sure Edward been looking at me, but seeing the blatant arousal on Lauren's face suddenly made me feel sick.

"I need to go to the bathroom." I muttered, scrambling out of my seat and almost tripping over her legs. She was too far gone to notice.

Surprisingly, even though the yard was crowded, the house seemed to be even more crowded than earlier, and I had to force my way through to the stairs. I scurried up them, just making it to the bathroom in time to throw up.

I grimaced and flushed the toilet before turning on the faucet and scooping some water into my mouth to rinse it. I opened the vanity drawer, knowing Alice kept a supply of new toothbrushes, but the first thing I saw was a box of condoms.

Just makes you want to fuck his brains out.

My heart fell into my stomach as I thought of Lauren's reaction to Edward compared to how I'd reacted in Jacob's arms. It seemed to underline the massive gulf between me and a normal girl like Lauren. I turned and threw up into the bowl again, sinking to my knees.

Eventually, I became aware of the sound of singing coming through the open window. I could tell it wasn't Jacob singing. I went to the window and opened it a little wider to look out. If I had been blindfolded, I would never have connected that singing voice to Edward.

He sang in thick smoky tones, raw with emotion, and heavily seductive. He was playing alone, Jacob wasn't in sight. I listened for a while, but the horrible taste in my mouth rendered my need to brush my teeth stronger than my need to listen to Edward.

I was cleaning my teeth when there was a light tap at the door. Glancing at the bowl, I made sure I hadn't left any telltale mess before calling out, "Yes?"

"Bella?" Jacob's response was muffled through the door. My eyes widened in alarm and I spat out the toothpaste and rinsed the brush before wiping my mouth. "I have to leave now. I just wanted to say goodbye." When I opened the door he frowned. "Are you okay?"

"Too much wine," I admitted.

He pressed his lips together in a small sympathetic smile. "I wish I could stay, but I gotta go and help my dad with some stuff," he said ruefully.

"Oh right," I said, standing awkwardly in the doorway. I wasn't really sure what to do, and wondered if I should shake his hand or kiss his cheek or something.

He turned to leave.

"You were very good," I blurted. He stopped and turned to face me again, quirking an eyebrow. "Your singing. It was great," I elaborated.

I was vaguely aware of the sound of applause coming from the garden while Jacob stepped closer. He raised his arms up and gripped the top of the doorframe. I was rooted to the spot. "I had a nice time today," he said quietly, and his body seemed to take up far too much space around me.

I didn't feel as intimidated as I had when we danced, but it was still a little disconcerting. "Me too," I said, finally looking into his eyes.

"I'd like to take you out on a date... and not an imaginary one this time," he said, teasing me lightly. Despite the show of masculinity in his stance, the vulnerability evident in his eyes was extremely endearing. "If you'd like to?"

"Yes, I'd like that."

He blew out a long breath as if he'd been holding it in and dropped his hands to his sides. "Great."

I blushed at his enthusiasm.

He lifted his hand and touched my shoulder before leaning in. I turned my cheek to him and he kissed it lightly. "I'll call you," he murmured, his face still millimetres from mine. "Bye."

I turned, intending to watch him walk away, but instead I saw Edward walking towards us.

"I gotta go," Jacob said to him, grabbing his hand to shake it.

Edward clapped Jacob on the shoulder. "The guitars are in your car," he told him.

Jacob thanked him before disappearing down the stairs.

"You missed my singing," Edward said with a smile that seemed forced. "I'm offended." He placed a hand on his heart in mock hurt.

"Sorry, I felt a bit sick," I explained.

"You've really been knocking back the wine all day. I'm surprised you lasted this long."

"How would you know?" I asked, failing to keep the bitter edge out of my voice. "I've hardly seen you all day."

"Yeah, well you had Jacob to keep you company."

"He just asked me out, so it looks like your mission has been accomplished!" I snapped.

I put my hands on his chest, intending to push him away, but as soon as I touched him his hands gripped my shoulders, preventing me from leaving. "How was it?" he asked, his eyes suddenly boring into mine. "Dancing with him? Touching him?"

I stared up into his eyes, stunned by their dark intensity. The muscle in his jaw that Emmett had pointed out earlier began to twitch. His fingers curled around my shoulders, pulling me closer until I felt his breath on my face. Like a moth to a flame, I rose on my tiptoes to bring my mouth closer to his.

"God! I really need to take a piss!"A woman came scurrying down the hall, looking at us enquiringly. "Is there a line?"

Edward released his grip on my shoulders and I rocked back onto my heels, before turning to respond to the woman.

"No," I shook my head and stood away from the open door. "It's free, go ahead."

She smiled gratefully and ducked in, closing the door behind her. Edward stood staring at me with a conflicted look on his face. I wanted to ask him what he was thinking but I was afraid what his answer might be. Eventually he looked away from me.

"I should get back downstairs," I said, turning away. He'd hurt me earlier with his comment about last night, and I didn't want to hang around to let him cheapen it any further.

He tried to grab my arm but I evaded his grasp. I heard him sigh as he followed me downstairs.

Someone had re-connected the outside speakers, and through the open patio doors I could see people dancing. When I stepped back out into the garden, Alice was still perched on Jasper's knee and Emmett and Rosalie were dancing. Lauren was passed out on the chair.

"There you are," Jasper called. It was clear he very drunk. "We were just going to send out a search party for you."

Edward came out behind me and handed me a soda. I thanked him without looking up.

"Where's Jacob?" Jasper asked, craning his neck to look behind us.

"He had to go home."

I noticed that Edward hadn't followed me to the table, but had stopped to talk to a group of people on the patio. I sat down in Emmett's seat.

"So did he ask you out on another date?" Alice asked when I turned to face them.

"Yeah."

"That's good isn't it?" she said, making me realise that my response had been less than enthusiastic.

At the sound of footsteps, I turned to see Edward coming towards us. "Yes of course it is," I said to Alice, trying to inject a little more enthusiasm into my tone.

"I think you'll be fine with him, Bella," Jasper slurred. "He's a really cool dude."

I sniggered. "A cool dude? You've been sitting with Emmett too long."

He shifted in his seat, trying to lean forward. Alice scooted off his lap, opting to sit in the chair beside him.

"No I mean it. I'm sorry about all that shit earlier," Jasper went on, leaning closer to me and taking my hand. I glanced nervously at Alice, but she didn't seem concerned at all. "I worry about you, I really do. Of course you know that already... ha, everybody knows that already." He hiccupped loudly. "But I want you to be happy." He grabbed Alice's hand and pulled it into his grip beside mine. "I want you to be as happy as me and Alice."

Alice smirked knowingly when he kissed both our hands. He looked up and caught her. "No, no, I'm being serious Alice. Bella deserves the best. If she's found true love then I'm happy for her."

"It's only a date, Jasper," I pointed out, stealing a glance at Edward. He was busying himself, trying to pry the half full wine glance out of Lauren's hands without waking her.

"It's your second date," he said, reminding me of my lie. "That's gotta count for something, and he's really cool, he brought Alice flowers." He was rambling now. "Who does that? I'll tell you who... nice guys... nice guys do that!" He looked pointedly at Edward, and there was such obvious disdain in his eyes that I was glad Edward was otherwise occupied.

After his warnings against Edward earlier, I was annoyed by his overzealous approval of Jacob. Having heard enough, I removed my hand from Jasper's grip and stood up. "Listen, I've got work in the morning, I'm going to go home."

Edward looked up. "You can't walk home alone. Emmett will drop us off." He glanced over at Emmett and Rosalie who were still dancing. "If you don't mind waiting till he's done dancing."

I had no particular desire to walk home alone at this late hour, so I shrugged my shoulders and sat back down.

"I'll walk you home," Jasper said, trying to get up out of his seat.

"Don't be ridiculous," Alice said, circling her arms around his waist when he swayed on his feet. "Emmett passes their way anyway." She steadied him by looping his arm around her shoulder. "Let's get you up to bed."

He leered at her. "Yes please."

Alice shook her head and mouthed an apology before leading him away. He started rambling again about how nice Jacob was as Alice pulled him towards the house.

"Well, looks like you've got his seal of approval," Edward commented, dropping into the seat next to mine.

"I don't need anybody's approval," I insisted.

I sat sipping my soda, watching Rosalie and Emmett dance. I was just beginning to relax again when Lauren suddenly lurched forward, and threw up all over her shoes.

"Great," Edward hissed, leaping to his feet. "Rosalie!"

Emmett followed Rosalie when she rushed over to help, and grimaced at the mess while helping her pull Lauren out of the chair. Alice stepped out into the garden, but dashed back inside as soon as she spotted the mess. A few moments later, she returned with a bucket of soapy water and instructed Edward and I to move the table so she could clean up.

"Looks like the party's over," she groaned.

~*AE*~

Edward turned his key and swung the door open, motioning for me to enter the apartment first. I stepped inside and flicked on the lights, before taking off my shoes and jacket and dumping them at the coat stand.

"God, it's been a long day," I said, sighing wearily. "You know I'm actually glad I threw up earlier, or I'd probably be in the same state Lauren is in now."

Edward closed the door and followed me. "Yep, I'm so glad I wasn't taking her home."

His words reminded me of Lauren's behaviour earlier, and a bolt of jealousy shot through me. "It's not like you haven't taken her home before."

His brow furrowed.

"I'm sorry," I said, following him into the living room. "I don't know where that came from."

He sat down heavily on the sofa, kicking off his shoes. "I told you I wouldn't do that until this is over." He motioned his finger between us. "I guess that won't be too long now."

"Don't start with the Jacob stuff again. I'm going on one date with him. Why is everyone trying to marry us off already?" I slid on to the sofa beside him.

"This is what you want," he pointed out. "To start dating, and he's a n–"

"A nice guy. I know. You said that a million times already." I leaned back on the sofa and tilted my head to look at him. He was resting backwards with his eyes closed. "Why did you ask me how it felt dancing with him earlier?"

His eyes opened and he turned to look down at me. "I was just curious to know how you thought it went today," he explained. "Did it feel okay when he danced with you?"

"I was a little tense."

"What about when he kissed your cheek?"

Something in the timbre of his voice bothered me, but maybe not in a bad way. He sounded just a little too interested. "It kind of felt like when my dad kisses my cheek." I snorted. "I mean, a kiss on the cheek is just a kiss on the cheek no matter who gives it, right?"

"I guess."

"Unless you want to disprove that statement." I was only half joking but his instant frown disappointed me. "What?" I asked turning so I was fully facing him.

"You're getting all flirty," he accused lightly.

"And not doing a very good job of it apparently," I huffed.

"It doesn't feel right," he said softly. "Not when you've spent the day with Jacob, and he's probably at home now going over it in his mind and looking forward to the date." He stared at me intently. "Do you understand what I'm getting at?"

I stood up. "Yep, you paint quite the picture. I feel totally guilty now. But for the record, I wasn't flirting with him today."

He grasped my hand when I tried to walk away. "He's a friend, this isn't easy for me." His eyes were soft and imploring. "I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. I'm just saying maybe this doesn't feel right anymore."

"We made an agreement before Jacob came on the scene. I haven't even been out with him yet. It's not like we're cheating." He stood up and I took a step towards him. "We're not doing anything wrong. We're just two people sticking to an agreement."

He pulled me close, and I looked up into his eyes when he dipped his head. I waited for his lips to reach mine, but they didn't. His hand snaked up my neck to cup my face gently. He smiled seductively and slowly turned my head to the right.

His warm breath fanned my face, tickling my neck as his fingers caressed it. When his lips finally made contact it was on my cheek and not my mouth. They were soft and warm and sent a delicious current rippling beneath my skin. He parted his lips slightly, and felt the faintest flick of his tongue before his lips closed and the soft swell of my cheek was sucked gently into his mouth. It was the kind of kiss that made me want more and I tried to turn my mouth towards his.

He held me in place, brushing his thumbs over my cheekbones, while his mouth stayed on my cheek. With a final soft suck, he brushed his lips softly over my skin and pulled back to look at me. He lifted one eyebrow.

"You just love proving me wrong," I griped, trying desperately to hide the effect his kiss had had on me.

He wasn't smug like I might've expected. His expression was serious. "I'm sorry I didn't spend much time with you today," he murmured. "I'll make it up to you next week when we go on our date. I'll be the perfect gentleman, I promise."