Hey, hey, my lovelies!
Thank you to all who wished me luck in my exams, they went well so I thank you! :D But they're over now so I'll be able to concentrate on these stories now. I've only got three more weeks of college and then I'm all yours for 9 weeks of summer from 6th July! :DDDDD YAY!
This is Paul and Billie's day out together, on their own :)
there's a polyvore for this chapter so go check it out if you want to :D
A huge shout out to TEAMCULLEN1600! She's awesome! :D
Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN TWILIGHT! UNFORTUNATELY... D:
Without further ado...Enjoy!
Chapter 28
Creativity
Billie's Point of View
Feeling Paul's arms around me in the morning when I woke up set me in a deep peace that could have lasted me the whole day. The thought of spending that whole day with the man that held me in his arms made me grin into my pillow, inhaling a huge dose of Paul. Throughout the night, we had shifted to a spooning position on his side of the king size bed. It felt like heaven and I'd be a very happy girl if I could spend the rest of my life exactly where I was, with him softly snoring in my ear as his warm, tantalising breaths cascade and tickle the sensitive skin of my neck, face and shoulder.
I didn't want to move, not an inch but there was one, or maybe two minor problems. One, I was scorching. Paul's body temperature made me hot enough without the warm Seattle morning and thick hotel duvet that we shared being added to the problem. I felt like I was about to go into heat stroke and I tried to shift from him but he mumbled incoherently before tightening his arms around my waist, effectively pinning me to his chest. He nuzzled my neck, which I admit made it worth the heat and I suppressed a shiver and moan at his actions, turning slightly to tell him to let go.
That was my intention but I was struck dumb by the peaceful and utterly content expression on his face. I brimmed with pride at the thought of me being the reason for such an expression to grace his face but I pushed it down when I thought that there might be plenty of other reasons why he looked that way. It pained me to think that I might not be one of them reasons at all. I sighed, hating to wake him up but the my second reason for wanting to get up was building in pressure, reminding me that I really, really needed to pee!
Moving my hand from his forearm to his face, turning to face him completely (about the only movement I could manage) I stroked his face, smiling lovingly as his small, content smile turned into a full blown grin, though he was still asleep, I think. I leaned in, kissing the corner of his mouth lightly before opening my mouth to say something but I was cut off by his groggy, low voice.
"Billie, Baby, you missed." he told me, sleepily as he grinned slyly. I frowned in confusion.
"What-" I began but was again cut off by him, only this time it was the over powering sensation f his soft, plump lips pressing against mine, passionately. I gasped into his mouth, not expecting it at all and he took complete advantage of my shock, slipping his tongue into the seam of my lips so it could mingle slowly and sensually with mine. My breath hitched as his taste bombarded my senses, catching me completely off guard as I let a soft, pleasurable moan escape my lips and flow right into his open, ready mouth.
He moaned in return as his hand s roamed my back and sides, brushing the sides of my breasts. I mewled and he pushed me back to the mattress, taking complete control. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me as he deepened the kiss even more. He groaned, pulling away from my lips to trail kisses down my jaw, to my neck before making his way back up to my ear. I gasped and moaned again as he nipped at my earlobe, pulling it into his mouth.
I knew what we were doing wasn't right, though it felt completely right but my parents, or even brothers could walk in any minute and I actually think he may still be sleeping. Was that a light snore? Still, he continued his assault on my ear and neck, making me putty in his hands but I knew I had to stop it.
"P-Paul, you n-need to stop." I gasped, breathlessly. He only groaned, biting down on my lobe. My eyes rolled back and I tried again, stronger. "Paul Meraz, get off me now."
He jumped, pulling away from me with his eyes dazed but wide as he peered around us in confusion. I was breathing heavily underneath him, knowing now that he actually was asleep and he had no idea what he was doing to me. Pain struck my heart but I kept it off my face as he peered back at me, his eyes widening even more as he took in our...uh, predicament. Then he proceeded to jump off me and the bed as if both if us were on fire, the look of pure panic crossing his face as he started to curse under his breath, pulling at his hair whilst glancing cautiously at the door. His behaviour baffled me but also hurt.
I bit my lip, looking away from him and out of the wall length windows. I vaguely heard his cursing stop and felt the tell-tale tingling on my skin, telling me that he was looking at me and intensely too. I stayed silent, looking out the window as I wondered what his next move was going to be. I heard him approach the bed but not get back up. Was he disgusted by his actions? Did he hate me for not stopping them sooner?
Finally, he climbed up onto the bed slowly, still leaving some space between us as he laid back down next to me, looking up at the ceiling. I swallowed hard when he began to speak.
"Billie...Beautiful, I'm so sorry." he breathed, sounding ashamed of himself. I took a deep breath to fight down the pain and disappointment growing within me as I turned to look at his frowning face with a smile. I shrugged.
"Don't worry about it, Paul. You were asleep. It's not like you knew what you were doing right?" I asked, smiling. For some unknown reason, he blushed scarlet, only appearing faintly under his darkened skin as he briefly glanced away from me, nodding. Well, that was interesting...he only looked away and avoided eye contact when he was...lying. I shook my head, telling myself that it was for another reason. Maybe he felt uncomfortable?
"Yeah, right. Of course not." he agreed, quickly. I frowned before sighing, sitting up on the bed. He followed my lead, glancing at me, shyly. "So, uh...my actions haven't, erm, made you change your mind about today, has it?"
he looked so worried and frightened that it had that I had to shake my head to reassure him, even though I was sure I wanted to spend the day with him still. "Of course not, Paul. When do we leave?" I asked, smiling. He beamed and hopped off the bed, acting like what had just happened, didn't as he moved over to his suitcase, excitedly.
"Well, that all depends on how fast you get ready. I've got some cool stuff for us to do today, places to see. I'm sure you love it...i hope you will." he mumbled that last part, not expecting me to hear.
"I'm sure I will." I told him, making him grin over at me before heading over to the en-suite bathroom. I watched him go, finding myself lost in the way his upper body swayed with his movements slightly and how his bare back rippled with every breath that he took. I blushed scarlet when he turned at the last minute as he reached the door, smirking as he watched me watching him before shaking his head with a chuckle. He entered the bathroom, leaving me feeling like a dirty little girl who has just perved on a guy that was not only twice her age but also out of reach. I sighed, flopping back on my pillows and covering my face with my forearms for a minute. God, I was such a silly girl! He probably went in there just to get away from me!
Regardless of his reasoning, I had a day to get ready for so I hopped off the bed, making a beeline for my suitcase. I had no idea what to wear, mostly because I had no idea what this day was to him. Was it a date? Was it simply a day out as best friends, or even worse, siblings? I haven't seen Paul as a sibling for nearly three years. A best friend, yes but not a brother. It felt too wrong and...restricting. I mean, you could never go anywhere with a brother but...best friends fall in love all the time right? What was I even thinking? I was seriously going to need someone to talk to otherwise I was going to scream.
I shoved all the thoughts of what today could mean to the back of my head and just went with my gut instincts. It actually turned out quite alright for me as I slipped into my light denim skinny jeans and a crème white tank top that flared out a little at my hips. I decided to paint my nails a light blue colour so that they matched the same blue accessories and sandals I put on to complete my out fit. As I was getting ready, I vaguely wondered what was taking Paul so long but I pushed him to the back of my mind, which was hard for me, and finished getting ready.
I curled my hair and pulled it back into a loose, high pony tail, allowing them to fall around my head naturally. I decided to go light with the make-up for two reasons. One, I couldn't really be bothered with the whole malarkey and two, Paul genuinely hated it when I wore make-up and voiced his opinion every time he saw it on my face. I think if he thought he could get away with it, he'd scrub it from my face himself. As it were, he knew he wouldn't be able to get away with that shit and so puts up with it when I refused to remove it myself.
I was half aware that the bathroom door opened behind me but I was concentrating on applying my lip gloss so I didn't bother turning around. I felt him watching me and then stop short, dropping whatever he had in his hands. It sounded like fabric so I think it was his sleep pants, maybe. I tried to keep the smirk off my face at his reaction and finished my make up, ruffling my curly pony tail a little as I stood up from the stool. With one last glance in the mirror, I turned to see Paul standing in the open doorway to the bathroom, his jaw slack and eyes roaming up and down my body like he freaking owned it. It made me feel powerful and oh so wanted and I blushed under his intense, critical gaze. I also took his temporary freeze to check out his outfit and my decision to be sexy casual was quite accurate.
He was wearing a tight, long sleeved tee that showcased his muscular body beneath it perfectly. I fought the urge to run my hands down his torso and moved on with his outfit. His legs were clad with not tight but certainly comfortable looking dark denim jeans and he had on his black, high top Vans. He looked god damn sexy. He'd styled his hair into a subtle spiky Mohawk and that must have been the reason why he'd taken so long. It looked styled to perfection. He was wearing the necklace I'd brought him for his birthday earlier this year. It was a black fang with two silver bands across it. He loved it and has never taken it off since he got it, or at least, not that I've known. Perhaps he takes it off for patrol but he always keeps it on his person, which was something I took pride in.
I stopped looking at his body at the exact moment he snapped out of his funk and we connected gazes. I melted beneath his and smiled, shyly, biting my lip as I glanced away from him. He grinned, sexily and picked up the fabric he'd dropped at his feet, looking embarrassed that he had as he walked over to his case. I watched him, wondering if he was going to say anything but he didn't for a time. I was disappointed a little and swallowed hard, fiddling with the bracelet that Daddy had brought me all those years ago.
"You look gorgeous." his deep, husky voice called to me from across the room and I looked over at him to see his gaze back on me, intense as ever. I smiled and blushed scarlet.
"Thanks. You don't look half bad yourself." I replied, grinning. He rolled his eyes, smiling as he approached me but frowned when he neared. I frowned as a reflex, wondering what the problem was but knew when he fingered the corner of my lips.
"You're wearing make-up." he sighed, frowning deeper. I rolled my eyes and lightly pushed his finger away.
"Not much." I retorted, silently loving the fact that he liked my 'natural beauty' as he always called it.
"Too much." he replied, looking at me pointedly. I sighed and he brushed my blushed cheek with the back of his fingertips. I fought the urge to close my eyes and lean into his touch.
"You know it hate it. You don't need it." he murmured softly, watching his hand against my face,m seeming to be in a daze. I swallowed hard and cleared my throat, making him snap out of it and smile brightly. "You'll see it my way, sooner or later, Beautiful. Either that or I throw away every inch of make up you own as well as all of it you'll buy in the future."
I scowled at him playfully and shook my head "Yeah? Well then I'll never bake for you ever again, how's that?" I replied, cocking an eyebrow and he actually looked horrified.
"What? Why go to such drastic measures? No baking is like...is like...no air! I mean, it's to die for!" he exclaimed, pouting. I rolled my eyes but loved that he adored my baking. I'd bake for him for the rest of his days if he wanted.
I rolled my eyes. "You're so melodramatic, Paul. Seriously." I laughed, pushing past him playfully to get my bag. He huffed, pouting.
"Seriously, no cookies?" he asked, giving me those damn puppy dog eyes. The ones that I had no hope to resist. I caved instantly and smiled.
"Yes Paul, you can have cookies."
"And muffins? Oh, and your chocolate cake?" he asked, excitedly. I laughed and pouted playfully.
"I'm getting the vibe that you only love me for my baking." I teased, sniffling slightly. His eyes widened and then he grinned, pulling me closer to him. I gasped and looked up into his face, shocked by his forthrightness.
"Oh, trust me, Beautiful, that's not all I love you for. £H whispered in my ear before pulling away with a smirk on his face. It only grew as he watched the scarlet blush on my face spread down my neck and chest. "But certainly one of the main reasons."
he vanished so fast that I was momentarily stunned before I gaped in shock and laughed. "Hey!" I shouted, hearing his booming laughter from the living room, followed by other quieter ones. I rolled my eyes and joined everyone in the living room. Harry must still be asleep because he wasn't here but Dyl hopped up and gave me a big hug and kiss.
"You look nice. You off out with Paul today?" he asked, pouting slightly. I smiled.
"Don't worry Dyl, I'm riding with you later so we can have a snuggle on the way home, okay?" I offered and he grinned, kissing my cheek once more before going back over to Dad, who was switching between watching the game and talking to Paul, quietly. His expression was harder than I was used to so I knew they were talking about something that he didn't like. Paul said one last thing angrily before heading back over to me, Dad scowling at his back all the while. I frowned at the pair of them and he took my hand with a reassuring smile, leading me towards the door.
"Why does dad always scowl and glare at you nowadays?" I asked, confused. He sighed as he helped me into the rental car that he'd rented for the day. Damon was using his and neither of us particularly wanted to drive around in a mini van. I smiled in thanks as he helped me in, shutting the door behind me before circling to the drivers' side. He hopped in, gracefully (something that has always baffled me since he had a rather large frame) before igniting the engine. Smiling at me, he buckled his belt, telling me to do the same and then we were cruising through the streets of Seattle Downtown.
"Does he have something against you spending time with me or something?" I asked after a while when he didn't answer my first question. It appeared to be that way but I wanted him to tell me so I had it right. He sighed, glancing at me.
"He's just being protective, Beautiful. Don't mind him." he told me, smiling. I frowned.
"Does he have a reason to be protective?" I asked before I could stop myself and a blush crept up my face like fire. He turned to look at me, driving all the while and I swallowed hard, determined for him to answer but feeling my insides clench at his potential answers, both of them.
If he said yes, it would be like telling me that he felt something for me, cared for me deeply. My insides vibrated with the possibility but then dropped again when the other possibility. He could say no and all hope would be lost. I'd feel very uncomfortable in this car with him and very fast if that was the case and I prayed that he didn't answer at all if it was because I really wanted to spend this day with him.
Finally after a few minutes of look me over, intensely might I add, he just shrugged, smirking to himself as he replied, "If I had a daughter who was half as beautiful as you, I'd be protective as well. He's just filling his role as Dad, looking out for the rotten eggs that are a threat against his little girl."
I stared at him, trying to figure out if he'd been saying yes or no. he paid me a direct compliment, something I was still flushed over but then he spoke about other guys and not himself. Maybe he'd meant to do that and was indirectly telling me no? Damn, I was so confused. He eventually turned back to the road, still smirking to himself, which only confused me further and I shook my head of the thoughts plaguing it, looking out my window.
We sat in silence for a few minutes until he quiet but strong voice broke through. "Hey, so what did you want to do? I haven't got plans for us until about two o'clock so whatever you want to do before then is totally up to you." he told me, smiling. I cocked an eyebrow.
"And what exactly are we doing at two?" I asked, suspicious and excited. He grinned, tapping the side of his nose.
"That's for me to know and you to find out at two o'clock, Beautiful." he teased, laughing at my pout. I smiled through it and slapped his arm, lightly, making him chuckle harder. "No, seriously, it's a surprise and would really love it if you let me keep it that way. We both know I'll tell you if you really asked me but please don't?"
I stared at him for a minute or two before smiling, shrugging one shoulder. He smiled. "Sure, sure. Whatever. I'll find out eventually right?" I asked. He nodded. "Okay so our morning is in my hands?"
"Sure is. I'm completely at your service until two o'clock." he replied, grinning. The sight sent my heart off and blushed when his grin widened, and I knew then that he could hear everything that was about my body. I took a deep breath, glancing out the window slightly before saying, "Okay, so we'll go shopping. Is that alright? I still have some money left on that credit card from Alice and I really don't want her to buy my clothes for me, you know?"
He smiled and nodded, turning his next right towards the Seattle department store. "Of course that's fine. Wherever you go, I'll follow." he vowed, looking over at me with a slightly more serious expression than the situation needed and knew that he was saying the words with a double timbre. I blushed and smiled, turning to get out the car as he parked in a spot near the door. Before I could even get it open though, he beat me to it, holding out a hand to help me out. Blushing even more, I took it, smiling in thanks as I stood tall beside him and he shut the door again.
I was hyper-aware that he hadn't let go of my hand as we made towards the revolving doors and my heart hammered against my ribcage at the thought of him actually wanting to hold it. Nevertheless, I wasn't about to let it go so I took all the time I could get with holding his hand. The only time he allowed me to let go was to try something on or go to the restroom one time. Even then, he stood outside the changing room or bathroom doors, waiting to retake my hand. That also told em that he intended not to let go of my hand that first time and my heart glowed at the revelation. Some time during the shopping visit, he'd even intertwined our fingers, which had me smiling the entire time when I actually realised he had. People all around us were either looking at us in awe, me in lust or envy and Paul with anger and lust also.
I couldn't tell by his expression if he like the attention our hands were getting from these total strangers but if his smirk was anything to go by then I think he actually liked it. He seemed to love the anger and jealousy he received from the guys but totally ignored the lust in the girls' eyes, though I saw anger on his face when a couple of girls whispered something to each other, knowing that it was about me and he didn't like what they'd said. As for me, I was simply blushing and even though I hated the attention, I loved that they thought Paul and I were together. Even thinking about it felt right, sounded right.
"So...Do you think they have a Vicky's here?" he asked, peering down at me with his panty-dropping smirking. Mirth shined in his eyes and I blushed scarlet, turning away with a small, nervous chuckle. He laughed at my reaction and squeezed my hand, gently. "Hey, I was kidding. Are you done?"
I chanced a glance back at him and saw actually disappointment on his face. I frowned slightly in confusion at seeing it but shook it off, smiling. "Yep. There's just one thing I need to get before we head back to the car, okay?" he nodded and allowed me to lead him towards a shop I knew he knew I'd never personally shop at.
In front of the shop, he frowned up at the sign and then down at me, cocking an eyebrow in confusion and question. I giggled, shaking my head as I pulled him inside by his huge bicep. He followed willingly, though he still looked like an adorable confused puppy. No pun intended.
"Seriously, Beautiful, what are we doing in here?" he asked, utterly perplexed in my choice of shop. I saw a couple close to us look up as he spoke. The woman had the look of awe on her face and knew that it was her response to him calling me 'Beautiful. The man was smirking, mumbling something about young love. I blushed and he chuckled, making his wife or whatever tap his chest and smile warmly at me. I smiled hesitantly back before turning towards Paul, who was grinning, having hear and seen the whole interaction.
"I wanted to buy something." I told him, shrugging as I scanned the shelves for something in particular. Where the hell was it? I guess it would help if I could remember what the hell it was called.
"In a game shop? You're not into video games." he noted, obviously. I rolled my eyes and remained silent, wracking my brain for the name of the damn game!
"I know." I replied simply. He frowned at me but then shrugged, going off to look at games for himself whilst I still scanned through the X-Box 360 games for the game that he's wanted since it was announced a few weeks ago. I glanced around to see where he was in the shop and saw his bulky form only one isle over, his back to me. I cleared my throat and asked innocently, "Hey, Paul?"
"Mm, yeah, beautiful?" he asked, distractedly. I smiled.
"You know the other week when you were flicking through a game magazine whilst I was doing my homework?" I asked.
"Yeah."
"What was that game you said you wanted?" I asked, lightly. I prayed that he wouldn't kick up a fuss but knowing who I was dealing with, he probably would.
"Fifa Soccer 12?" he answered as a question, though he was still being distracted by something. I was silently glad for that fact as I located that exact game and made a bee line for the counter to pay for it before he could realise why I'd asked.
The young games clerk smiled at me from behind the counter as he rang up my item. I was half tempted to shout at him to go faster but thought that it'd be a little rude. I just prayed that he finished it up before Paul came around. He bagged it, typing some stuff on the till and asked for my credit card, as he already knew that my form of payment. I was just about to hand it over when a large, hot hand pushed my hand and the credit card down to the counter top. I cringed and looked up to Paul's glaring face. The clerk was eyeing us warily but didn't say anything. I smiled sheepishly up at the nearly 7' wolf above me but continued to try hand the clerk the card. He growled lowly so that only I could hear and I bot my lip, still smiling.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, lowly. I shrugged, nonchalantly.
"Buying a game. Is that a crime?" I asked, innocently. He glared harder at me and then the game sitting in the bag next to the clerk.
"And since when were you into soccer?" he asked, calmer this time. I shrugged.
"I figured I'd give it a try." I replied, lying my ass off and he knew it because he scowled.
"And why would you have to buy a new and latest Fifa to do that? Why not ask any of the guys for theirs?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow and folding his arms across his chest. He knew he'd caught me but I didn't care.
"I dunno." I replied, lamely. He sighed, shaking his head.
"You better not be buying this game for me. It's $74! I cannot let you spend that much on a game, let alone for me!" he exclaimed, adamantly. I huffed, snatching my hand from under his and giving the clerk my credit card before he could react. He growled, trying to take the card back from his hands but I slapped his hand down to the counter, angrily. He glared at the clerk, who looked just about ready to faint or mess his pants. I'd have laughed if it weren't for the situation. "Give me the card."
"No, don't. Run it." I ordered, looking the clerk in the eye. He nodded, hesitantly but Paul slammed his hand down on the counter, making both him and me jump.
"Give me the damn card!" he almost shouted. The clerk stepped forwards, about to hand it over but I shoved his hand away as gently but as fast as I could because I wasn't angry with him. I was angry with the man currently shooting daggers into the side of my head. I looked at the clerk.
"Hi, I'm Billie. Your name?" I asked, politely. The clerk blinked, surprised.
"Uh...Dylan." he replied, making me beam.
"Cool, my little brother's called Dylan. We call him Dyl. Can I call you Dyl?" he nodded with a shrug. I smiled. "Well, Dyl, I'd really appreciate it if you could run the credit card and finish my purchase. You see this man behind me? Yeah, he's harmless so just ignore him. He's all bark and no bite so please..." I asked, smiling sweetly and fluttering my eyelashes a tiny bit. He seemed stunned for the minute but nodded his head, a smile playing on the edges of his lips.
Despite his anger, Paul chuckled softly behind me, making me glance at him. He was still glaring but looking equally amused by my tactics as well as amused and pissed by the guy's reaction. Was that jealousy I saw just then, Mr. Meraz? I stored that away for later.
When he disappeared into the back, Paul and I stood silently. I knew he was still angry with me but I didn't give a damn. He got to buy me stuff all the time, even when it wasn't my birthday. The only times I was allowed to buy stuff for him was his birthday and Christmas. It was hardly fair and I thought that this was a perfect way to get my own back. When he reappeared, he looked like he was grinning, whilst glancing at me a few times as he printed out my receipt. This alone made Paul growl again but I ignored him, smiling as he gave me my card and receipt back to me, along with the game bag.
"Thanks for shoppin'. Come again soon, yeah?" he tried to flirt and I smiled, amused whilst Paul growled behind me, grabbing my free hand and marching me out of the shop. I followed obediently, giggling.
"Did you think that was funny, huh?" he asked as he opened my car door and helped me in. I was still giggling and had been on our way out the department store. "Did you like get a rise out of me, huh?"
He didn't give me time to answer as he shut my door, circling the car to hop in the other side, a scowl still set on his face as he started the engine. I was still giggling. I just couldn't stop. I could see a small smirk appearing on his lips as I continued on and soon, he was full on grinning at m, shaking his head in amusement.
"I have a good mind to go back in there and tear that guy a new one for flirting with you." he growled, pulling out the department store parking lot. I rolled my eyes as my giggles finally slowed down.
"No, you wouldn't have because that would have mad me sad and you'd never do anything to make me so." I told him, smugly. He glared at me but it held nothing behind it. We both knew I was right.
"Still, you shouldn't have bought the damn game! It's too much!" he protested, half-heartedly. I knew he wanted the game and now it was purchased, he really didn't want me to take it back. I teased him anyway, digging into the bag for the receipt.
"Here then, let's go back and I'll hand it in for a refund." I told him, smirking as he glanced nervously at the receipt with reluctance. After a minute, I giggled and whooped. He huffed, knowing I'd won. "There. You want it. You're just being stubborn."
"Yeah, well...thanks. You really shouldn't have." he replied, looking at me meaningfully but I didn't take any notice, smiling.
"You're welcome." I replied, proudly. He smiled, shaking his and letting a small chuckle out after a minute or two.
"Damn, did you see the guy's face when you smiled that sweet smile and flirted?" he laughed, shaking his head. I joined in, blushing.
"Yeah...It got me the game so whatever." I played it off but really, that was the first time I'd ever used my 'cuteness' and 'beauty' as Paul called them, to my advantage. Apparently it worked for me, which genuinely surprised me.
"I was just about ready to tear his eyes out though." he told me, seriously. I rolled my eyes and then smirked.
"If I didn't stand corrected Paul, I'd say you were a tiny bit jealous." I teased, grinning. He laughed, shaking his head
"Oh, Baby Girl, I wouldn't say just a tiny bit." he replied, grinning mischievously as he peered over at me with a wicked glint in his eyes. My heart skipped and spluttered at his words, my breath catching as my eyes widened enormously. My reaction obviously amused him because he burst out laughing. We pulled into a café and I was still struck dumb when he got out to get my door. I didn't move so he grabbed my hand and coaxed me out, grinning. "You alright there, Beautiful?"
We were so close and I could feel his breath on my face. I looked up at him and his eyes softened, though they still held that wicked glint. I gulped and nodded, slowly. He smiled and glanced down at my lips, his hand coming up to stroke my cheek gently. I closed my eyes and smiled at his touch. I loved it. It was perfect. He sighed into my face, sending my mind into an even bigger daze as he touched his forehead to mine. I didn't dare open my eyes but a minute later, he pulled away, stroking my cheek one last time before stepping away slightly, not too far, and taking my hand with his. He intertwined our fingers again with a small grin and gestured his head towards the café. I nodded, smiling and let him lead me over there.
"You get a table, okay? I'll place the order and no, I'm not getting you a salad." he added before I could even say. I scowled at him and knew that he was serious. I was only trying to watch my weight. What was wrong with that? He was acting like I'd said I was on a full blown diet. I watched as he approached the counter, smiling politely at the young girl behind it but never letting his gaze linger too long on her like she was doing to him.
I watched in jealousy (I admit it) as she flirted with my Paul and he took it, though he didn't give it. His order took a lot longer to place with her acting that way and I was half minded to get up and slap her. Finally, he nodded once more and came back to the table looking crossed between annoyed and amused. I smiled at him and he smiled back, sheepishly.
"Sorry...the chicks dig me." he mocked, smirking slightly as he half-shrugged. I rolled my eyes and threw a napkin at him, my mood brightening slightly at the thought of him not liking her advances. "Not my type though."
My heart breathed a sigh of relief at his words. Okay, so blonde, big boobed girls weren't his type. Good to know. Really. I smiled genuinely and nodded. He seemed to relax at my obvious ease and we engaged in comfortable phatic talk as we waited for our 'brunches' to arrive. When they finally did, I breathed a sigh of relief when he hadn't ordered me totally greasy foods. I smiled at him in approval as I unwrapped my char-grilled chicken burger (which had salad in it) and took a bite. I watched as he also unwrapped one of his many cheeseburgers and practically inhaled half of it in one bite. I chuckled and shook my head as he smiled at me around his burger.
We ate in companionable silence, stealing glances from each other every one in a while. It wasn't lost on my that our hands were touching in the middle of the table or the fact that our legs were intertwined beneath it either. Being here with Paul was one of the easiest things I've ever had to do in my life. It was so right and I was always smiling in his presence. I wondered vaguely why it was just him. Why was it that I only felt this way around him? Did he do it on purpose or was it something that he was never aware of? Whatever it was, I liked it and never wanted him to stop.
He'd finished his food long before I did, event hough he'd had a ton more so I pushed my fries over at him. He smiled sheepishly as he took a few, shoving them in his mouth with a thankful smile. I rolled my eyes and smiled.
"You're a garbage can." I laughed. He joined in and threw a fry at me. I gasped and threw a piece of lettuce. I giggled as he picked it from his arm with a disgusted face and threw it back at me from between two fingers, like it was diseased. I picked it up off the table and wagged it at him.
"Don't worry, Paulie, it's only lettuce. It's not alive, nor is it poisoned. You're safe." I teased in a baby voice and he scowled at me, playfully before sticking out his tongue. I took my chance and threw it, laughing as it landed on the tip of his tongue he gagged and spat it out, glaring at me.
"You'll pay for that, Billie-Bear. You just won't see it coming." he threatened, darkly and I'd be lying if I said it didn't do things to my body. I swallowed hard and he smiled, triumphantly.
"We'll see, Paulie, we'll see." I bantered back, smiling. He glared one last time before getting up from his seat to put our trash into the trash can, turning to take my hand before leading me out the café.
"It's a nice day. You wanna walk for a bit?" he asked, peering down at me. I smiled and nodded and leaned into his side as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, holding me close as we made our way through a heavy forested park.
We walked in silence but not uncomfortable. Being where I was, under Paul's protective arm, was somewhere I always wanted to be. It felt right, as I've said before but never more so than now. I could hear his heartbeat in his chest against my ear and if we were more comfortable, I had no doubt that I'd be asleep by now. Instead, I looked over all the other people here in the park, playing with their kids or doing exactly what we were doing – taking a pleasurable stroll. I even saw some dog walkers and stroller pushers. I chuckled to myself as I relieved that it looked like a total park cliché, something you read about in a book or see in a movie. Paul peered down at me, curiously but I just chuckled again, shaking my head.
A few minutes later, we decided to stop in a little park that was deserted. I had no idea why. It looked like a child's haven, especially on a day like this but selfishly, I loved that we were alone in this park. He sat us both on a bench and pulled me tighter in his arms, sighing in contentment. I sat there for some time, relishing in the touch and attention from him but something was still plaguing my mind and has been for the entire day.
"Paul...?"
"Mmm?"
I sighed, knowing our calm and peaceful atmosphere was about to be broken. "What was last night about? I mean, why did Dad kick off like that? And Jennie? You're keeping something from me, you all are. I know it. I just...don't know why you would." I whispered, looking down at the ground, shyly. As soon as I'd brought last night up, he'd frozen up, going ridged next to me and I sighed. There was no helping that though.
"Billie..." he hesitated, pulling away from me slightly and something in me snapped. I yanked myself away from him, knowing that I was overreacting but not quite able to get a grip of myself. I glared at him, not caring how remorseful or fearful he looked.
"No, don't 'Billie...' me. I know you're hiding something from me. You, Dad, Mom and Jennie. I wouldn't put it past you to include all the other wolves too since you all seem to do that so well. Why can't you just tell me? Why? Is it...is that you don't trust me or...?" my voice cracked and trailed off at the end and all the fight left me as I wrapped my arms around myself. He shot off the bench, wrapping me up in his arms as he breathed in my scent as if to calm himself. I waited to see if he was going to say anything and for a time, he didn't. I sighed, leaning against him because there was no doubting what he still did to me, not matter what the heel was bothering me or what we were talking about. That would never change.
"You know what I said last night? About telling you everything today?" he asked after a while, his voice so low and strained that I had to look up to see if he was okay. He looked pained, as much as his voice sounded. I frowned and brought my hands up to touch his face in comfort. I nodded.
"Yeah...you still haven't." I pointed out, dropping my gaze to his chest. He sighed heavily.
"I know...but I will, later, I promise but...for now, can we just enjoy being us? Enjoy this time together?" he pleaded, lifting my chin so I'd look at him. His pleading eyes were hard to deny so I nodded, sighing. He looked relieved but still wary. "...Are you going to be able to?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused. He sighed.
"Well, you're not mad that I won't tell you know, are you?" he asked, timidly. I truly had to think about it but I knew that I wasn't. I think I'd wait a long time for him to tell me in his own time. It's just that I had a feeling that this thing he needed to tell me had everything to do with me and it was driving me crazy not knowing.
"No, I'm not." I replied simply with a small smile on my face as I turned to walked towards the swing set. Glancing back at him again, smiling brighter, I climbed up onto the swing, standing as I swung with my whole body. My back was to him but I could feel him watching me.
The tell-tale tingling over my skin was all I needed to feel to know he was. It was a sensation that I've grown to love and maybe...even to depend on. It told me that he was there, watching me and protecting me. I felt safe when that tingling overtook my body and I loved it. All I've wanted was to feel safe... He made me feel that way with his mere gaze. Even on this swing, standing tall as I built up momentum and the threat of falling off loomed over me and was a possibility, I felt invincible. All because that tingling grew from one mere spot he was looking at one my body, spreading to every inch in seconds.
I'd been swinging for quite a while and had built up so much momentum that I was beginning to feel that I had to slow down so that I really didn't fall off if I went horizontal. The only problem was, with nothing to put anywhere to create some friction to slow down, I had no way of doing so. I was just constantly swinging until I felt something collide with my back and what felt like two hard but soft steel girders wrap around my body. I squealed, thinking was being abducted but a mere second later, his scent bombarded my senses and knew that I was the safest I was ever going to be. My squeal turned to a laugh as the momentum from the swing threw us both backwards, Paul breaking my fall with his chest as we hit the ground.
His breath left him with a whoosh as I landed on top of him and fear and worry instantly gripped me. Frowning, I rolled over to the side of him, peering down into his face to see that he had a pained but smiling expression on his face and his eyes were closed. I touched his face, worriedly and he opened his eyes. His smile widened into a grin and he laughed. I scowled down at him and hit his shoulder for making me worry.
"You evil man! I thought I hurt you!" I scolded, fighting off my smile. He kept laughing but rolled over to that I was the one under him with him peering down. My heart stuttered but kept my expression the same. He calmed down and shook his head with a chuckle.
"Hurt me? Beautiful, you barely weigh 115 pounds. You could hardly hurt me. I, however, could easily hurt you, hence why I broke your fall." he told me, matter-of-factly. I continued to scowl.
"But you were out of breath." I pointed out. He sighed, shaking his head with a smile.
"From the impact with the ground. I regained it for a second. Don't worry so much, makes you sound like you care." he teased but I could see a glint in his eyes. Hopefulness? Longing? I stared at him, assessing the glint and smiled when I was sure it was one of the two.
"Do you want me to care about your health and well being?" I asked, softly. His eyes softened as he peered down at me and his head dropped only slightly. It was enough to send my heart into frenzy and my head into a tail spin. My throat dried instantly and my bodily reactions were ignited as I truly took stock of our proximity.
"Oh, Beautiful...I know you care. You care for people with your whole heart so I'm not worried. The question is – will you let me care about yours?" he asked, his eyes shining with something that I didn't want or even couldn't identify.
"Of...Of course you can." I breathed, quietly. He pulled me closer to him, our chests now flush against each other and his face was so close to mine that we were sharing each other's breaths. His nose tickled mine and I closed my eyes with the sensation.
Just kiss me already...I pleaded in my head.
My eyes popped open wide as he did just that, as if he'd read my mind, pressing his lips to mine softly. My hands fisted his shirt as sparks building from deep in the pit of my stomach ignited into a full blown electric current, spanning the vast expanse of my body and flowing directly into him. I moaned as my eyes closed again when he stroke my bottom lip with his tongue, tantalisingly. The feeling was weird but I didn't pull back. It took me a minute that to realise that he was requesting entrance to my mouth and with another moan, I granted it. He groaned as my tongue mingled with his and he tightened his arms around me, deepening the kiss even further.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I weaved my fingers into his hair and scratched his scalp, to which response was to growl into my mouth before pulling away, panting. I felt like I'd just ran a marathon, my breathing was so hard and my whole body was still on fire. I doubt that the whole of Seattle's fire department could put me out. Paul's grip on me tightened exponentially for a split second before he was pulling away, sitting us both up. My arms were still around his neck so I stayed close. His eyes connected with mine and in them held so much desire that I almost fainted.
"Damn..." he breathed, closing his eyes briefly before connecting them back to mine with a new glint in his eyes. A wide grin erupted on his face and as if he couldn't resist, he leaned in again, pecking me once, twice, three times more on the lips before pulling away completely.
"Yeah..." I agreed, totally at a loss for words. I was still confused but more over the moon than anything. I never wanted this feeling to end.
As we stood from the ground, he pulled me into a back breaking hug before pulling back slightly to wrap my jaw and neck up with his hands. Forcing em to look at him in the eyes, which held a soft tenderness that was unusual for his eyes as he was always so abrasive and hard headed, he leaned in and kissed me once more, lingering for a long time before leaning back again. I swallowed hard, bringing my hands to rest on his on my face as my eyes remained closed.
"I want to be there for you, Beautiful...I want you to let me be there and care for your health and well being because I do, Billie, I care so, so much." he whispered in my ear, skimming his nose across my earlobe. My breath hitched as my eyes opened wide.
"Wh-What?" I gasped, shocked. Had I really just hear them words come from his mouth? Did I hear right or was my mind playing tricks on me? This was too good to be true for all my wishes to be granted.
"Hey, hey, take a breath for me, Beautiful. A deep one, come on." he crooned, stroking my face. I frowned; I hadn't even realised I'd held my breath and let it out with a whoosh, swallowing hard. He continued to stroke my cheeks until I calmed down entirely and then I looked at him, right in the eyes.
"Y-You care for me?" I asked, quietly. He chuckled, shaking his head.
"Such a silly girl. Of course I do. Who couldn't?" he asked, softly. I swallowed, shaking my head. "Don't think so much on it, okay? Just know that I do and know that I'll be here whenever you need me, even if it's in the middle of the night. Just call and I'll come running. If you need someone to talk to, to hug you, to make you laugh; I'm your man." he vowed, resting his head against mine. I took a deep breath, absorbing his words and taking them with trepidation. Was he for real or was this a joke on the little, naive girl? Somehow, I didn't see Paul as being one of those guys who'd do that but surely, this was too good to be true?
"O-Okay...Thank you." I whispered (what else could I say?) as a small smile spread across my face, growing into a wide grin as I shyly peered up into his face. He grinned back and pecked my lips again before letting go of my face and taking a hold of my hand. He intertwined our fingers again and I grinned even wider.
"Right, well, it's two and we're officially starting on my planned portion of your day. So, follow me, m'lady." he told me in a proper, posh tone whilst bowing exaggeratedly. I giggled and walked ahead of him towards the car. He laughed, jogging up beside me and holding my hand again. We walked with energy that didn't seem to have been there before the park and we couldn't stop smiling at each other. It got that silly that I had to giggle and rest my head against his bicep, just to get me to stop.
I kept asking him where we were going after we'd climbed back into the car but he remained silent, laughing silently to himself the whole way to...wherever. I sat back in my chair and pretended to sulk but we both knew I was messing around. My eyes widened and I turned to Paul with a gaping mouth when we pulled up to Seattle Art Museum. I grinned widely and practically flew out the car. I've wanted to come here forever since I've been into art. True, I haven't been doing that a lot lately but just being on these premises made me want to take it up again. I still had half the fixings that Caleb had bought me for my birthday a few years ago and I was going to have to dig them out again before next week was out.
I heard Paul laughing behind me as I sprinted up the stone steps without falling, thankfully and he had to jog to keep up with me as I'd already gotten a head start. He caught up with me just as I entered the building and I stopped to look around in wonder. People had briefly turned to see my excited entrance before they once again became transfixed with the paintings and art work showcased before their eyes. Paul wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder as he grinned at me from the corner of his eyes.
"Happy?" he asked, knowing full well that I was. I giggled and nodded. "Good. That's what I love to see – that smile gracing your beautiful face."
I blushed but my smile got bigger. He chuckled and grasped my hand, pulling me over to view some art. I knew that Paul didn't particularly have an interest for art but he seemed to love to watch the reactions on my face as I viewed the spectacular talent of the U.S.A. He'd smile when I smile or frown when I frown, though that was only because I couldn't make an interpretation of some of the paintings. Some held such a complex amount of emotion and meanings that it was hard to settle on which it showed more.
One painting that struck me simply because of the subject was on hanging between an intricate weave of colours and a huge woman nursing a child. It was simple, only a painting of a black horse with his face turned away from the painter as if shy or ashamed. The delicate brush strokes almost showed how...fragile the horse was, not physically but emotionally. I thought it was beautiful and had spent a lot of time looking at it before moving on.
The second painting that struck me was that of a simple, orange flower. So simple but made me feel all sorts of things. The simple colour of orange was eye popping and meanings of the colour flashed through my head. Power, desire, healing, a new start, warmth, life and even creativity and curiosity crept to mind as I peered at the flower. I gazed at it so long that Paul wrapped his arms around my waist once again, brushing his cheek against mine as he whispered,
"What's so fascinating about this picture? You've been staring at it for about 35 minutes now." Wow, 35 minutes? Obviously it invoked a lot more out of me than I'd thought. "What're you thinking?"
"That it's warmth and life. It makes me feel creative. This whole building makes me feel creative. I feel like I want to start drawing and painting as soon as I get home. I never realised how much I missed it until you brought m here. Mommy used to love watching me draw. I forgot that. Thank you for bringing me here." I whispered back to him, turning to smile at him. He grinned back and unabashedly brushed his lips against mine. The feeling was still so new, at least where he'd do it without thought, that I had to blush and turn away, smiling. With one last glance at the painting, I sighed and led Paul by the hand through the gallery.
He followed obediently, smiling with me as I continued to make my way through the gallery. People around us were smiling at my enthusiasm but I couldn't bring myself to care. I felt happier than I've ever been right now and I never wanted the feeling to go away. Walking past one picture in particular, I froze as I huge amount of amusement coursed through me. In the picture, it might as well have been Uncle Sam, Paul and Leah howling at the moon, with a backdrop of trees behind them. It made me beam and Paul chuckled behind me.
"Figured you'd find this one amusing." he murmured into my ear as he, again, wrapped his arms around my waist. He was being so open today with his affection towards me and I wondered, in the back of my mind, if it had anything to do with what he had to tell me later. "I saw it on the website when I was scouting for things to do with you today and thought that you'd love to come and see it."
"It's amazing. They might as well have just painted you guys from life. It's cool." I commented, smiling. He chuckled as he pecked my cheek, grasping my hand as he led me away from it.
"You hungry?" he asked after we walked around for a while. I smiled up at him, amused.
"You mean 'can we go eat because I'm hungry?'" I retorted, smirking. He blushed but laughed, nodding. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head as I smiled fondly.
"Sure, let's go feed the giant." I teased, pulling him towards the exit.
"I don't mind if you want to stay a little longer. I can wait." he offered, though his stomach gave a loud protest at precisely the right time. I giggled as he blushed harder.
"Okay, sure, you can wait but the monster residing in your stomach can't. So let's not anger him anymore. I'd hate for him to eat me instead." I laughed. He joined in and poked my side gently. I yelped in surprise and slapped his arm. He chuckled.
"I'd hate that too. I'd be at war with myself over that one." he replied, grinning. I rolled my eyes, smiling.
"So, where do you want to eat? There's a nice café around the corner. How about-"
"Can we have a picnic? Go somewhere quiet so we can...talk?" he hesitated, glancing away from me before smiling at me. My heart flipped as the word 'talk' came from his mouth. Did he mean talk talk about what he wanted to tell me? Suddenly I wasn't hungry but I knew that he wouldn't not let me eat so I nodded, slowly. He smiled, taking my hand and leading me towards the café I'd mentioned before.
I watched as he ordered a bunch of stuff that I hardly caught whilst watching him and the other patrons in the room. Girls leered at him; guys sneered at him. It was rather funny. What was funnier was that he was totally oblivious. Seriously, he hardly gave the girls a parting glance as he made his way over to me with three bags in his hands. I cocked an eyebrow and he shrugged, smirking.
"I'm a growing wolf, what can I say?" he laughed and I rolled my eyes, leading the way out of the café. I was about to ask him where we were going when he pulled me in the opposite direction we were walking, claiming that we needed a couple of blankets. I didn't question him, as usual and followed him into the fabric store. He picked up any two blankets he could get his hands on first and went to the counter to pay.
I peered around the store, a few pieces catching my eye but nothing elaborate. I stopped at the baby clothes in the corner, glancing at Paul who was still in the queue before shrugging and strolling over there. I've always found baby clothes cute. They were so tiny and had the most cutest designs. I smiled as I fingered a little pink onesie with 'Daddy's little angel' on the front and then another blue onesie with 'Mommy's little devil' written across the chest. I giggled, shaking my head before moving on, stopping with a gasp as my eyes caught on a blanket to my right.
I walked over, mesmerised by the simply fabric. It was woollen and so, so soft. I closed my eyes, rubbing it across my cheek and sighing. I opened my eyes to finger the embroidered wolves in the fabric. Grey and silver wolves dominated but there was spots of brown and black ones too. It made me think of Uncle Sam, Uncle Embry and Paul, even Leah. I vowed to keep this shop in mind whenever I was to fall pregnant in the future, the very far off future at that but still, I hoped that they had something like this closer to the time. It would have been perfect.
"Something I should know?" Paul's voice inquired softly behind me and I was only just aware of his heat pressed against my back. I gasped and dropped the blanket, my face flaming at his question. I spun around to look up at him and saw his eyes smouldering.
"Um...no, no of course not." I laughed embarrassed. He chuckled.
"I know. I would have otherwise." he told me, confusing me. He chuckled again. "When your mom was pregnant with Harry, all us wolves could hear his heartbeat from within her. Perks of being a wolf."
"Oh...that's pretty cool, actually." I smiled. He nodded, looking at me with deep thought.
"What you doing over here?" he asked, quietly. Again, my face flamed.
"Oh, well, I just...wanted to look. I've, um, always found them cute, you know." I told him, hesitantly. He smiled and nodded.
"What were you looking at?" he asked, gesturing to the blanket. I smiled and picked it back up, handing it to him. He grinned as soon as he saw it, fingering the wolves as I had. "Wow, that's...kinda perfect."
I laughed. "I know right? The wolves remind me of you, Leah and my uncles. Look, I found these too." I told him, pointing to the onesies. He laughed, fingering the blue one.
He looked thoughtful at the onesie, glancing at me almost shyly as he asked, "Was that something you wanted in the future? Kids, I mean?" he added just to clarify. I blushed and looked away.
"Well...it depends." I told him, cryptically. His interest and curiosity piqued and he turned to look at me, fully. I smiled up at him.
"On what?" he asked, cocking his head to the side on a wolf-like gesture.
On what you want. I thought to myself but answered, "On circumstances. Timing. Resources...the father." I added, shyly, looking back down at the onesie in his hands. They fisted around it when the words escaped my mouth and I hated to see his expression. I heard him take a deep breath and mumbled something to himself that I couldn't catch.
"And...who might that be? The father I mean?" he asked, lowly. I shrugged, still not meeting his gaze.
"Haven't decided yet." I replied, taking the blankets that he'd just purchased from his arm and heading to the door. He followed sometime later and took my hand. I smiled up at him and he grinned back, swinging our hands between us as we headed to the car.
He was unusually quiet as we drove to some place he wouldn't tell me about. I was curious as to that and where we were going. I'd called Dad saying that we'd be home in an hour or so, depending on how long and how much Paul had to talk about and he seemed very tense and angry, like he wanted to say something but wasn't allowed. He seemed standoffish and rebellious but then, why would he be? Did it have anything to do with what Paul was going to be telling me or for an entirely different reason? I was just...confused.
Hopefully, whatever Paul had to say would clear up and few things for me and I'll be able to look at my life with a little more clarity and ambition.
Who knows?
I do! I do! You will in the next chapter :D
Please, leave a review if you'd like. I'd love it if you did!
There's a polyvore to accompany this chapter so please, check it out if you want a visual of what they wore on their day out.
Who loved Paul in this? I did. :)
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love,
MrsWolfPack
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