A/N Thank you reviewers and readers! Are you ready to dance?! Just a warning that some of the songs I mention have both explicit and clean versions. I've only listened to the clean versions.
Chapter 14
BPOV
I felt nervous energy as Jacob and I entered the gym. The lights were dimmed with colored lights circling, briefly illuminating couples as they passed by. Muse's Supermassive Black Hole throbbed in the air. Bodies moved in all different styles and skill levels. My eyes searched for Edward. I pulled in a rugged breath as I took in his tousled bronze hair, black button down shirt rakishly unbuttoned at the collar, and form fitting black slacks. He looked every bit the lithe dark angel of my dreams. Tanya was dancing close by wearing a striking green velvet dress.
The Sparks/Brown song, "No Air," started, and Tanya clung to Edward. Swallowing my heart, I turned to Jacob and smiled brightly, "Shall we?"
Given that neither Jacob nor I could dance, we basically hugged each other and swayed to the music.
"So you got a thing for the messy haired guy, do ya?" Jacob asked cheerfully.
I groaned, "Am I that obvious?"
"Pretty much. Sucks bad, huh? He chuckled knowingly.
"Yeah," I sighed, but quickly changed the subject. I didn't want to ruin Jacob's evening.
As the night progressed, Jacob and I learned that we were even worse at fast dancing but had a blast. He kept me laughing with jokes and funny stories. We often chatted on the side of the dance floor. I tried to avoid looking at Edward, but the pull was too great. Years of soccer had made him strong, quick, and graceful. Wistfully, I wondered what it would be like to dance with him.
Right Said Fred's "I'm too Sexy" started, and Emmett asked me to dance. He was a riot pantomiming along with the song. Then he took my hands and spun me around in circles. I laughed nervously, wondering if I was going to end up on the floor or the emergency room. As the music approached its end, Emmett steadied me. I looked up to see Edward right next us. I gulped in air.
"My turn." His voice black velvet smooth, his hand extended out for mine. I quickly thanked Emmett and placed my hand in Edward's. "Finally" by Fergie started, and my heart pounded as Edward placed his other hand at the base of my back and pulled me closer. We moved together with incredible ease. Edward chuckled softly at my puzzled expression. "It's all in the leading," he answered my unspoken thought.
"So what's up with you and this Jacob guy? He's been dancing so close, it's almost indecent." he muttered darkly.
Did he really think that?
"Honestly, Edward. Jake and I are just friends. And you're one to talk. Tanya's been stuck to you like super glue." I retorted tartly.
"Touché" he murmured, a devastating half smile on his face. He drew me closer, my head naturally resting at his shoulder. I closed my eyes, feeling the pure joy of being nestled against him. My body tingled at every point of contact. His arms were so strong yet gentle. Lord, he smelled good. I liked that he chose not to wear cologne. Instead I breathed in the faint scents of shaving gel and soap.
"Finally" is such an incredibly beautiful song. I found myself start to hum along, only to stop short with a laugh as Edward started humming at the same time. He pulled back a little, and I looked up into his emerald eyes, sure that all my feelings were there for him to read. I bit my lip as this was uncharted territory. His eyes were liquid fire as they slipped from my eyes to my mouth. The hand at the small of my back pulled me closer as his head came down, claiming my lips. The kiss was soft and sweet. I sighed, thrilled to my very soul. He made a growly sound, and the kiss deepened. So this is what heaven was like.
Wolf whistles and clapping suddenly broke into my consciousness. Blushing beet red, I remembered where I was. I pulled out of Edward's arms and started running for the gym's exit.
Edward called after me, but I kept going, only stopping when I got to the front hallway of the school. Jake caught up to me a few minutes later as I paced back and forth, caught up in feelings of extreme embarrassment and the shock of that soul searing kiss.
He put his arm around my shoulders, "Ready to go home?" he asked gently.
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
"Well, Bella, you were right. I haven't had this much excitement in a long time," he said, dodging my half hearted punch to his arm.
Later in the privacy of my room, tears flowed down my cheeks. I had lived a dream but would pay for it by being the laughing stock of the entire school and the target of Tanya's wrath. I touched my lips in confusion, remembering the kiss. What did it mean?
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APOV
Rosalie, Emmett, Tanya, Edward, Jasper and I were taking a break at the side of the dance floor. Reflecting on the evening so far, I just couldn't believe Bella and Edward. They were obviously miserable without each other yet unaware that the other felt the same way.
I nodded to Rose. It was time to put our plan into motion.
"Hey, Emmett, why don't you go ask Bella to dance?" I suggested.
"Yeah, Em-Bear, that would give me a chance to powder my nose and chat with Tanya." Rose agreed.
Tanya looked pleasantly surprised as Rose hooked arms with her, leading her off to the bathroom. Emmett wandered off for Bella. Taking Jasper by the hand, I danced us over to the DJ. Slipping him a twenty dollar bill I said, "Make the next one slow and good."
He smiled broadly and nodded.
Jasper and I returned to dancing to the fun beat. I watched Edward, whose eyes were glued on Emmett and Bella. I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. Thank goodness my brother was so predictable.
Right on queue, he strode up purposely to Emmett and Bella as the song ended. "Finally" kicked in, and I nodded in satisfaction. Excellent job, Mr. DJ.
For awhile I focused on dancing with my sweetheart, but couldn't resist peeking at Edward and Bella again. Goodness! That was some major kissing! Jasper snickered after he noticed too. Maybe Edward had a few surprises in him after all…
Others noticed too, and started whistling and clapping. Rose and I were going to have to chew out some people tomorrow.
Bella took off running. Edward followed, calling her name. Jacob blocked his path, his stance solid, his arms crossed.
"Back off, man. Let the lady get some air." Jacob said protectively.
Edward sized him up and stepped forward, clearly intending to plow through him.
I placed my hand on his forearm. "Edward, now is not the time. You have other things to deal with first," nodding toward Tanya who was glaring daggers from the side of the dance floor.
Edward sighed and dug his hand through his hair. Shooting Jacob a final hard look, he returned to Tanya. I couldn't hear what was said, but they soon left the gym.
Jacob had already left to find Bella.
Jasper and I started dancing again. My mind was focused on how I could help my friend.
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EPOV
Tonight was pure hell. Tanya apparently thought my going to the dance with her gave her the right to drape herself on my body at all times. I pushed her away as gently as I could to provide some semblance of personal space. I was starting to feel like a piece of meat.
I looked over and watched Bella. She looked like an angel. Her ethereal white dress and pale skin was in stark contrast with Jacob's exotic dark looks. They were an attractive couple I admitted to myself, my heart constricting.
I'd been watching them at times throughout the night. They seemed to be having a good time, laughing at their awkward dancing and talking privately off the dance floor.
I finally got some relief from Tanya as Rose led her to the bathroom for some girl time. I didn't quite understand this ritual but was glad for the break.
Emmett was dancing with Bella. He goofed along with the music, and then was twirled her around holding her hands. Laughter and apprehension were both apparent on her face. Protective and jealous feelings emerged. Get a hold of yourself. He's your brother for Pete's sake.
As I watched them dance, I concluded that if Emmett could dance with Bella then so could I. I approached as the song was coming to end, wanting to reach her before Jacob did.
Emmett stopped twirling her in circles and helped her regain her equilibrium. She looked up at me with surprise. I held out my hand, and said my voice husky with emotion, "My turn."
She graciously thanked Emmett for the dance and placed her small hand in mine. I prayed that the next song would be a slow one. "Finally" began playing. Ah, luck was with me.
I took Bella in my arms, savoring her closeness. I looked down at her slightly bemused expression as we moved perfectly in sync. I chuckled, "It's all in the leading."
I tried to stop the jealous words before they left my mouth but I couldn't help myself.
"So what's up with you and this Jacob guy? He's been dancing so close to you, that it's almost indecent."
I knew these words were neither fair nor true. Jacob was being a complete gentleman. Good thing too, I thought darkly.
Bella retorted, "Honestly, Edward. Jake and I are just friends. And you're one to talk. Tanya's been stuck to you like super glue."
"Touché" I grinned warily at the sad truth. I pulled her closer. I breathed in the scent of strawberries in her hair. She was intoxicating. With every part of me conscious of her soft body, I did what I often did when I was happy. I started to hum. Bella had started too, but stopped with a laugh. I began to realize how unconsciously attune we were to each other. I pulled back slightly wanting to see her beautiful face. The light shining in the depths of her eyes caused hope and joy to surge through me.
She bit her lip, drawing my gaze down. I pulled her closer again and softly pressed my lips to hers. She responded sweetly and then sighed contentedly against my lips. I moaned and deepened the kiss.
Bella and I came up for air to the sounds of whistles and clapping. Damn it, what was I thinking?
Bella pulled away and ran towards the exit. Feeling horrible, I followed after, calling her name.
Jacob stepped in my way, assuming a defensive stance with his arms folded across his chest.
"Back off, man. Let the lady get some air." He growled, dark eyes snapping.
Bella thinks you're just a friend, Jake. Is that what you want to be?
I moved closer, planning to go through him by whatever means necessary.
A small hand appeared on my arm. I looked down at Alice.
"Edward, now is not the time. You have other things to deal with first," nodding toward Tanya who was glaring daggers from the side of the dance floor.
She was right. I couldn't fix things with Bella until I cleared up my non-relationship with Tanya. I sighed and raked my hand through my hair. I glared at Jacob one last time and went back to Tanya. She looked pouty, with anger in her eyes.
I asked her to go out into the hall with me where I explained politely yet firmly that while I had attended the dance with her, I wasn't interested in spending more time with her. She merely asked me to take her home. I was thankful for the silent car ride to her house.
I made sure that she went inside safely and then returned to my car. I flipped through my CD case looking for a specific disc. Finding it, I slipped it into the player. I selected Linkin Park's "What I've Done" and set the player to repeat continuously. I cranked up the volume, blasting the opening piano notes as I swung out onto the deserted rural road. I was doing 80 by the time the guitars kicked in.
I let the beat and the lyrics pound into me.
I smacked the top of the stirring wheel with the heel of my hand. How could I be such a stupid jerk? I ignored Bella for months because of my selfish needs. Then I kissed her in front a gym full of our classmates. The memory of that sensational kiss was taunted by my self loathing.
I will make this up to her. I'll tell that I'm an idiot, that I care for her, and that I'm not interested in Tanya. I'll stand by her side if she'll have me. And if she rejected me, I'd rather feel pain than continuing this lie.
God, I loved her.