Chapter 14: You Make Me Want To…
Thank you to all my lovely reviewers as well as everyone who has put this story on their favs and alerts. Every e-mail I get just makes me smile.
I don't own Twilight, Animal House, or the song Shout.
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EPOV
I pulled at the sheet covering my body. How did I ever let Emmet convince me to host a toga party? Granted he always knew how to get a major event under way – but this? A bunch of drunken college kids reveling in various degrees of linens was just a touch cliché. However, I had always allowed him to plan the frat parties and now our annual Halloween party was known as the biggest blowout of the year.
I was just placing the gold leaf headpiece on when I heard my brother's booming voice along with a steady beat on my door.
"Toga… toga… toga. Eddie are you ready to toga?"
I opened the door to Emmett in his sheet and his own green laurel headdress. He had also added a loose knotted tie to the ensemble.
"Nice touch Em." I said as I gave the tie a short tug.
"In the movie Animal House, Otter wore a tie and he wound up fucking the dean's cougar wife, so I felt it only fitting that I should follow in his footsteps."
I let out a loud snort. "Well good luck with that. Dean Greer's wife is about eighty years old and has boobs that hang down to her knees. I am sure she will love being seduced by you."
"Very funny, shit head. The only person I am looking forward to seducing is my Rosie and I am ready, willing and able." He lifted his sheet to show me that he had decided to go to commando.
"Good Lord, Emmett, my eyes." I shouted. "Please go put some underwear on." I heard a tentative knock as Jasper pushed open the door.
"Everyone decent? I heard something about Emmett putting on his underwear and that is one sight I do not want to see." He had on a sheet similar to mine but he had added his cowboy boots and hat as well as belting his toga with a large gold buckle.
"Yeah, just trying to convince Emmett he may want to don some underwear. Is everything ready to go downstairs?"
"Yep. There is already a pretty decent crowd so I suggest we get going."
"Are the girls here yet?"
"No, they should be here in a little bit. Alice said something about wanting to make an entrance."
Emmett clasped his hands and started ringing them like an evil genius. I half expected a MUAHAHAAHAHAHAHA to come from his mouth.
"Sexy women in short sheets, you boys are going to be kissing my ass for this genius idea. Especially you little bro, Rose said they have been at the spa all day long and Bella is looking Fine!"
"Bella always looks beautiful. I doubt anyone could improve on her."
"Well there is only one way to find out. Let's get downstairs and get this party started."
An hour later the party was in full swing. The entire house was full of people wearing togas in various degrees of inebriation. Jasper, Emmett and I were all lounging behind the bar still wondering when the girls would arrive.
"I told you this party would be off the hook didn't I?" Em said with a smug smile on his face.
"I admit it. This is the best one we have thrown so far. I have never seen so many people in the house." I agreed as I threw back a shot of jagermeister. The liquid burned my throat as it went down. No wonder I don't drink this anymore, it's horrible.
"So little bro, should I break out the beer funnel?"
"You really are going old school on this aren't you? And no, I am through drinking for the night. You know at least one of us needs to be sober to handle the crowds. There is no way with all these people we are not going to have some trouble."
"Lighten up and stop worrying, I'm not going to leave you in the lurch. Besides I have all kinds of crazy things planned for tonight."
"Like what?" I asked my curiosity already peaked at what he might have in store.
"Just some old fashioned shit. I figured we would put everyone's names in a hat and then draw for different games.
"What kind of games are you talking about?"
"Suck and blow, spin the bottle, seven minutes in heaven, just lots of stupid stuff like that."
"You are not serious? Next thing you are going to tell me is you've got mud wrestling."
"Nope. Mud is so passé. I used chocolate pudding. I've got a whole kid size swimming pool full. I emptied out the local Costco." He turned and gave Jasper a high five. Only Em…
We set about collecting everyone's names and then put Eric at the door to collect the ones from the people just arriving.
I was beginning to wonder if the girls were ever going to show up when I heard Em's phone beep. He flipped it open and read the message.
"They're here."
I watched as the sea of party goers seemed to magically part like Moses and the Red Sea. There walking towards us were the three most beautiful creatures I had ever seen. I heard Jasper take a sharp gasp of air as Emmett let out a low whistle. I tried to form a coherent thought but I couldn't seem to get my mouth to work. Finally I was able to utter one syllable.
"Ho…"
"Ly…" Jasper chimed in.
"Shit!" Emmett finished. "I am a fucking genius!!"
For once I had no witty remark to throw back at him. Rose, Alice and Bella looked like true Grecian goddesses, a fact that was not lost on any of the males in the room. It was like you could feel the testosterone levels increasing with each step they took.
I watched as they slowly made their way to where we were standing. Just as she was fixing to reach me Bella's clumsiness reared its head and she stumbled slightly. I reached out to steady her and I saw her trademark blush rise to her cheeks.
"Sorry, Edward. I should have known even these tiny heels would give me problems."
She stuck out one long leg to show me her shoe and it took all my self control to not run my hand up and down her smooth leg.
"See Bells, I told you some handsome guy would catch you if you tripped. " Alice told her. The blush on her cheeks darkened even further.
"Well, I doubt Edward is going to want to look after me all night. Right, Edward?" She looked up into my eyes and there was something there that that made my knees go weak and my boxers start to tighten.
"I honestly don't know if I can let you out of my sight. You are breathtaking tonight." I told her.
"Damn Eddie, can you get any more cheese ball?" Emmett chuckled.
"Shut it Em or I am not going to show you what I have under my toga." Rose threatened as she gave his head a resounding smack.
"I'll show you mine if you show me yours."
"Rose, don't answer that if you know what's good for you. Edward has already seen what he's got under there. It ain't pretty!" Jasper added with a low chuckle.
"Enough children. We did not come here to bicker, we came to party. So let's get started." Alice said as she grabbed a jello shot off the bar. "Umm, tasty. Here have one Bells."
I watched as she threw her head back and swallowed the shot. Her pink little tongue came out and flicked across her lips as I felt myself become more uncomfortable.
"Wow, those really are good." She said as she grabbed another.
"Careful those will sneak up on you."
"Yeah, the last thing I want is a repeat of Carlos and Charlies. Come on Alice let's go dance." She grabbed Alice's hand and led her to the make shift dance floor.
I stood in awe of the sight before me until I felt Jasper put a hand on my shoulder.
"I don't know about you but it has to be more fun out there" He gestured towards the girls. "Than standing over here watching. Come on let's go join them."
The next hour or so was spent either dancing or drinking. We were standing around the bar watching Emmet try to do his best Tom Cruise Cocktail impression when I saw Jessica and Lauren coming towards us. They both stopped behind Bella as Jessica tapped her on the shoulder. It was apparent they were both more than a little drunk.
"Well, well, well, Cinderbella. Don't you clean up nice when you aren't covered in ash?"
"Uh… thanks Jessica. You both look nice too."
"Having fllllun?" Lauren slurred.
"Sure. Are you?" It made me sick to watch her be so nice to such spiteful bitches.
"Of course. Although it does surprise me that they just let anybody attend these parties." She narrowed her eyes and shot Bella a hateful look. I moved to position myself in front of her but Bella gently grabbed my arm and gave her head a small shake.
"Don't, please." I noticed a smug look cross Jessica's face. In all my twenty- one years I had never once had the desire to hit a girl - until that moment. Well maybe once…
"Ladies," I said almost choking on the word. "Why don't you let Emmett here get you a drink and then you can go find your dates. I am sure they are wondering where you are."
They both gave me a look of alcohol induced lust and I felt myself wanting to gag.
"I'll have a red wine spritzer." Lauren said. Emmett handed her the drink and I saw an evil glint in her eyes as she gave a short, silent nod to Jessica.
"I guess we'll see you at home Bella. Unless of course you decide to put out again. We all know what alcohol does to you."
"You little bitch…" Alice snapped and I could see the hatred coursing through her veins.
"Alice, please it's not worth it." Bella pleaded. "And yes, I'll see you at home."
They turned to go and I watched in horror as Jessica's hand came up and knocked Lauren's glass- spilling red wine all down the front of Bella's white dress.
"Oops, how clumsy of me. I am so sorry Bella. I guess living with you has made me accident prone - like you."
I saw the tears start to well up in Bella's eyes. She took a moment to steady herself and then turned to face both girls.
"I think I'll go try and clean myself up. I hope you both have a good time tonight." I couldn't believe my ears. No cursing or shouting, she was completely cool and collected. She was so unlike most of the girls I knew.
"We'll help you. Some white wine should neutralize that stain. Are you coming Rose?" Alice asked as she grabbed a bottle from behind the bar.
"Go ahead. I have something I need to take care of first."
I watched as Alice and Bella made their way to the bathroom. It was then that I noticed out of the corner of my eye Rose whispering something in Emmett's ear. Both Jessica and Lauren were still standing in front of me as though they were expecting me to comment on what had happened.
Out of the blue Em came and put a large arm around each of the girls' waists.
"Come on chickies; let's see if we can find your guys." They both looked up at him with unabashed desire. You could almost feel them swooning under his glare. "I'll give you the grand tour while we're at it. We just got a new swimming pool." He led them off and turned to give us a sly wink.
"Do I want to know what all that was about?" I asked Rose.
She let out a small giggle. "Let's just say they are going to take a little swim."
Five minutes later Bella and Alice were back and it was clear Alice knew what she was talking
about because the stain was virtually nonexistent.
"Are you okay Bella?"
"Of course, no sense crying over spilt wine, besides Ali got it out. I hope you didn't say anything about it. They have done worse than that before."
"Well, I was going to but Em whisked them away. Something about showing them around the house.
"Really, that's weird…"
Suddenly two high pitched screams came from the other room. We all turned to see where it was coming from as Jessica and Lauren both came streaking through the crowd covered in chocolate pudding.
They stopped right in front of us.
"You…you…you…" Jessica stuttered to Bella obviously struggling to find the right words.
"Ladies, I am not sure what happened but Bella has been in the bathroom trying to get wine out her dress. Surely, you don't believe she had anything to do with this." I told them.
Em came barreling through the room a look of concern on his face.
"I am so sorry girls. I guess I'm just clumsy tonight too. Here let me help you." He proceeded to smear the pudding into their hair as he feigned an attempt at helping.
"Get your hand off me you moron!" Lauren screamed.
"We'll deal with this later Bella." Jessica said as she scooped a blob of chocolate off her face.
Rose stepped in front of them and I could tell she had fire burning in her eyes.
"I don't think there is anything to discuss later. It was an accident- just like the wine you spilled. I suggest we chalk all of this up to bad luck tonight – don't you?"
Both girls shrunk from the intensity of her stare. Rose could be even more intimidating than Emmett when she was mad.
"Now Jasper why don't you escort them outside and I'll go find their dates."
"Oh no. We're leaving. The last thing we want is to be around any of you people." Jessica spat at me.
We waited until they were out the front door and then we all erupted into laughter.
"How did you manage that Emmett?" Alice asked.
"Just showing them around and lost my balance. I guess it was lucky we were by the pool I had filled for wrestling or they would have wound up on the floor. You know Bells, I think your clumsiness is contagious." He gave her a wink and a nudge with his elbow.
"Yeah, they are going to start thinking twice about being anywhere near food with me around. First spaghetti, then pudding…" She trailed off as she let out a little snort.
"Well here's to the war fought with edible artillery." Jasper said as he passed everyone a drink.
We all took a sip and I looked down to adjust my toga when I heard Bella let out a squeak.
There covering her eyes with his massive hands was none other than Jacob Black.
She turned and gave him a tight hug and I felt my blood start to boil.
"Jake, you came. I didn't think you would make it."
"How could I turn down an offer from you, Bells? Seth is here too. In fact I think he has already found him a hottie to dance with. Man, you look unbelievable."
I loudly cleared my throat. I could not believe he would have the fucking nerve to show up at my frat house.
"Hey guys." He said to everyone else standing there. "Cullen, nice party."
"Black." I said curtly. "Would have never thought about you showing up here."
"Well, Bella invited me. Said she had a surprise for me. How could I turn down an invitation like that?" He shot me a smug look and I felt the strong desire to connect my fist with his face.
Bella looked between the two of us and it was evident on her face she could fell the hatred radiating between us.
"How about a dance Jake?"
"How about my surprise?" He answered while running his eyes up and down her body.
"Not yet. I'll tell you in a bit. Now come on." She grabbed his hand and led him out into the crowd of people. He looked over his shoulder at me and gave me bright grin.
Ass. I turned to Jasper who was going through a pile of CD's for the DJ to play.
"Tell him that if he plays a slow song, I'll rip his head off."
"Yes sir, boss man." He took a disc and handed it to the DJ and I automatically noticed the song.
Well.....................
You know you make me want to (SHOUT)
Kick my heels up and (SHOUT)
Throw my hands up and (SHOUT)
Throw my head back and (SHOUT)
Come on now (SHOUT)
Don't forget to say you will
Don't forget to say-yay-ay-ay-ay (SAY YOU WILL)
Say it right now baby (SAY YOU WILL)
Come On, Come On (SAY YOU WILL)
Say that a youoooo (SAY YOU WILL)
I watched as the entire crowd started to work itself into frenzy.
"Come on guys, we can't miss this song, it's a classic." Emmett said as he grabbed Alice and Rose both by the hand. Jasper took one more drink and grabbed Alice's other hand.
"Are you coming Edward?"
"No, "I'll just wait here."
"Don't be an asswipe Eddie. Let's go!" Emmett said as he tried to grab my arm.
"No! I'll be damned if I am going out there with him. Did you know he was coming?" I asked.
"Bells mentioned she invited him. Come on, give it a rest. It has been years. Jake's an alright guy."
"Whatever, take his side. I never could understand your lack of loyalty in the first place."
"Listen little bro, we tried to explain but you are so fucking pigheaded you wouldn't listen. So sit here and wallow while everyone else has a good time. You kind of relish in it anyway." He stormed off with the rest of my family in tow as I grabbed the bottle of Jack Daniels from behind the bar. If I was going to have to deal with Jacob Black hitting on Bella all night I needed more alcohol in my system.
I looked to where they were dancing, throwing up their hands in time to the music.
(SAY) Say that you love me (SAY) Say that you need me
(SAY) Say that you want me (SAY) You wanna please me (SAY)
Come on now (SAY)
Bella looked over and gestured for me to join them. I gave her a slight smile and shook my head. No way was I going anywhere near her and Black.
I still remember, when you used to be 9 years old, yeah
I was a fool for you from the bottom of my soul, yeah-yeah
And now that you've grown up , and old enough to know yeah-yeah
You want to leave me-You want to let me go-
I watched in horror as he put his hands on her waist as they twisted to the music. He caught me looking and gave me another smug grin.
I want you to know, I said I want you to now right now
You've been good to me baby, Better than I've been to myself, hey-hey
And if you ever leave me, I don't want nobody else hey hey
I said I want you to know, I said I want you to know right now
You know you make me want to (SHOUT)
Yeah, yeah-Yeah, yeah, yeah alright alright
Come on now, Come on now yeah yeah
Oh all right, Oh all right
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Everyone in the house was getting wild. I watched as Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rose all danced and shouted with the music. And it crossed my mind that once again I was the odd man out. I took one more long drink and made my way to where Bella was dancing.
Now wait a minute- I feel a~l~l~l~l~l~l~l right-
Now that I've got my woman- I feel -hey -a~l~l~l~l~l~l~l right-
you been so good to me, you been so good to me)
You know you make me want to (SHOUT)
Lift my hands up and (SHOUT)
Throw my hands back and (SHOUT)
Come on now, Come on now (SHOUT)
Come on now, Come on now (SHOUT)
Take it easy(SHOUT),Take it easy(SHOUT)
Take it easy(SHOUT),Take it easy(SHOUT
I took Bella and pulled her close to me. She gave me a bright smile as she threw her hands up in time to the song.
A little bit softer now .. A little bit softer now .. A little bit softer now .. A little bit softer now ..
Everyone was twisting their way to floor as the singing got softer and softer. I watched as Jake twirled her around so she was facing him, placing his hands on her waist.
A little bit louder now .... A little bit louder now .... A little bit louder now .... A little bit louder now...
We were all twisting our way back up and I took the opportunity to pull her close again and give her a little twirl.
HEY EY HEY YA!
Jake snatched her back. Prick
HEY EY HEY YA!
I pulled her to me and ran my hands down her side.
HEY EY HEY YA!
He spun her into him and lowered her into a small dip. Dickhead
HEY EY HEY YA!
I took hold of her and lifted her hair as I ground into her backside.
HEY EY HEY YA!
He picked her up bridal style and swung her through the air. Mother Fucker!
HEY EY HEY YA!
I finally grabbed her into my arms and placed a long searing kiss on her lips.
She let out a small gasp as she looked into my eyes. I turned and shot Jacob an arrogant smile as I wrapped my arm around her waist. Clearly the look was not wasted on Bella as she disentangled herself from my grasp.
"Enough you two! I don't know what the hell your problem is but leave me out of your pissing contest. I need a drink!" She turned on her heel, almost tripping in the process, and stormed off to the bar.
"Smooth Cullen."
"Shut up Black!"
"So do you actually like her or is it just the fact she may like me? Because if I remember correctly you…"
"I am not having this discussion with you. Bella is my friend, she deserves better than you." It was taking all my will power not to throttle him right there in the middle of the dance floor.
"Like you I suppose."
"Guys break it up. This is supposed to be a party. I think it is about time to get the games going." Emmet said as he stepped in between the two of us.
"Sure Em, in fact I should go find Seth." I watched as his hulking form made way to the next room.
"Thanks Emmett. I don't know what is up with that guy. Did you see the way he was all over Bella?"
"Actually, I saw both of you. You know you can't lay claim to Bells like that. She's not your girlfriend. If you don't want her than let her be with someone who does."
I knew he was right. I had no right to get jealous over her dancing with someone else. I sidled up beside her and she turned her back to me.
"I'm sorry Bella. I acted like a complete ass out there." She turned around and gave me a sweet smile.
"I forgive you, jackass. I hope one day you will trust me enough to let me know what happened between the two of you. Now, I have to go get Jacob's surprise."
"Now? But I thought…" I desperately wanted to hold her close to me and stroke her soft hair.
"Yes, now. It finally got here." She made her way to the door and grabbed the hand of a familiar bronze haired girl – Nessie."
"Nessie, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"Bella invited me. She said there was just someone I had to meet. So where is this gorgeous Native American man you have been telling me about? I didn't get dressed up in this sheet for nothing, you know."
"Come on, let's go find him." I watched as the two walked off arm in arm to where Jake and Seth were standing. Bella was animatedly talking to them and within just a few minutes Jacob and Nessie were headed to the dance floor. She sauntered back over, a mischievous smile on her face.
"That was the surprise?"
"Yep. I have been talking to both of them the last few weeks about getting together for her history project and I knew they would be perfect for each other. Now I know you don't care for him but will you please just try and keep your nose out of it?"
"But earlier with the dancing…"
"Edward, Jacob is my friend. Period."
I felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest. She wasn't interested in him; in fact, she was setting him up with someone else.
"Well if we are done with all the stupid drama shit can we get back to the party?" Emmett asked as he grabbed the two bags full of names. "I am ready to get crazy!"
The entire house got involved as Emmett passed around the bags. Each guy got a girl's name and then at the beginning of a game a guy's name was pulled and whichever girl's slip he was holding became his partner.
I fiddled around with the slip in my hand – Anna Marie. A decent girl although she had a tendency to talk as much with her hands as she did with her mouth. I secretly wondered who had pulled Bella's name, praying it was someone decent and not one of the horny drunk guys that had been eyeing her all night.
We had just finished with a game of suck and blow when Emmett bellowed out the name of the next one.
"Okay party goers – here is one you may all remember from your Junior High days – seven minutes in heaven. For any of you who don't know what I am talking about, one guy, one girl, seven minutes in the supply closet, whatever is consensual. And our first contestant is- our own Edward Cullen.
I felt my stomach turn. I really did not want to spend seven minutes alone with Anna Marie anywhere, especially a supply closet.
"So Eddie boy, hand me that slip and let's see who the lucky lady is." I passed him the piece of paper and he took a quick glance at it. "It seems your partner is Miss Bella Swan. Come on you two- off you go."
I looked as Alice was dragging Bella through the crowd of people. She seemed to have a mixture of happiness and fear on her face.
"Em," I whispered furiously "what are you doing? I didn't get Bella's name."
"I am doing you a favor. You didn't actually think I would put any of our girls' names in there did you?
"But I … I can't…I…" I stuttered.
"Listen, it is time you grew some nuts. Sink or swim, fish or cut bait. You are denying yourself the chance to be happy because of one mistake. And if you want that for yourself, fine. But Bella has feelings for you and I will not let you keep stringing her along for nothing. So go in that closet and make a decision."
We wound up in front of the house supply closet and Emmett and Alice pushed us both in and shut the door. I could hear Em's booming voice on the other side.
"Kay everybody let's go draw for the next game. This may turn into longer than seven minutes!"
I heard the collective roar from the crowd outside and noticed Bella's bright blush. She was obviously embarrassed.
"You know we aren't going to do anything right? Em's just egging everyone on."
I noticed the look of embarrassment turn to one of what I thought had a slight tint of disappointment.
"Of course Edward. So what do you want to do for the next seven minutes? It seems kind of odd you drew my name."
"Emmett. He didn't want any of you with the guys here. So…"
"So?"
"So how are Jake and Nessie getting along?"
"Perfect, just like I knew they would. I hope it works out. Everyone deserves someone to love."
I inched closer to her and she took a step back until she was pushed up against the wall.
"Everyone, including you?"
"I hope so one day."
"Do you have anyone in mind?" I took another step until I was just a few inches away from her. She turned her face up and looked at me from underneath her long lashes.
"Maybe."
I pushed one long trendle of hair behind her ear and noticed the sparkling stud. I leaned in and whispered in her ear.
"You got your ears pierced."
She let out a quiet breath and cocked her head so I could get closer.
"I can't believe you would notice something like that?"
"I notice everything about you, Bella." I ran my hands down her arms and noticed the goose bumps that had formed.
"Are you cold?"
"No." She hesitated. "It's you - you do this to me."
I felt a smile form on my lips. She gently snaked her hand around my neck and pulled me close.
"You know, I never did go to parties when I was in school. This is my first time to play seven minutes in heaven."
I looked into her deep brown eyes and felt myself began to fall under her spell. Nothing in the world mattered at that moment besides the two of us.
"Well then, you should get the full experience."
I leaned down and placed my lips to hers. Her soft mouth moved in time with mind and she let out a small moan as I ran my tongue across hers. I pulled her to me as I deepened the kiss. Suddenly my mind raced through a million thoughts.
Me…her…together…making love to her…marriage…children. I stepped back and looked into her eyes. This, this was what I wanted. I knew it was time to tell her the truth.
"Edward, what? Is something wrong? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, love. You did everything right. I want this Bella. But there is something I have to tell you. Some things I have to take care of. Not here though, not in this closet. Will you come with me, away from the party? I want to tell you everything."
"Of course I will. I want you Edward, since the first moment I ran over you." She let out a small giggle and I grabbed her hand and put a small kiss on her knuckles.
"Come on, we have a lot to talk about. It's not all going to be pleasant and I hope you will understand."
I grabbed the knob and pushed the door open noticing there was not much resistance. I opened the door the rest of the way and that is when I saw her, holding the knob on the other side.
"Hello Edward. I was wondering where you were at?"
I turned around and saw the look of confusion on Bella's face.
"Well hello there. You must be Bella, Edward's student?" She held out a perfectly manicured hand to Bella.
"Uh… yes… and you are?"
"How silly of me, I'm Tanya- Edward's girlfriend."
Oh yes I did go there. Now put your torches and pitchforks away- there is a very good reason why Edward has a girlfriend. He is not a lowly cheat.
Don't forget voting is underway for the SMC contest. I have an entry in there called Bells and Angel Wings that I am pretty proud of. It is a twilight version of It's a Wonderful Life.
Also the story I am co-authoring with mischief-maker1 called To Walk a Mile In My Shoes. It is a hoot!
Happy Reading!
This chapter is dedicated to TwiObsession who actually PM'd me about an update. Thanks for liking it enough to want more.