Little note - Forks, Wa doesn't have fairgrounds. For the sake of this story, we're pretending they do. Okay? Okay lol.
Bella grinned excitedly at the countless canopies, rides, and games as they made their way through the crowd. Wide, grass-covered paths twined between the numerous attractions. Soft breezes rushed past them from the spinning rides as a live band performed on a stage in the center of the chaos.
Multiple food stalls and mouth-watering smells had Leah and Jacob seeking out a hotdog stand immediately. Reagan and Bella sat down to battle each other at one of the many shooting games. After three rounds, each walked away with a small stuffed animal and gave them to some nearby children. As Bella crouched to return a hug from a little boy, she heard her name called.
"There she is!"
A high-pitched squeal was followed by, "Oh my God! Bella?"
Bella spun at the familiar voices and greeted Mike with a dazzling smile. Four others followed him, and only one she recognized.
Jessica Stanley squealed again and nearly plowed Bella over as she threw her arms around her. Bella hugged her back eagerly. The friends had not parted on the best of terms, but that did not seem to damper their enthusiasm. Jessica was thinner than she had been in school and sported a shaggy bob with bangs. Heavy, dark makeup dramatized her features and matched her striped romper.
Bella could not help but now feel self-conscious about her own clothing in front of her glamorous old friend. She said, "Jess, you look stunning."
Jessica grinned and teasingly curtsied to her. She reached over to touch Bella's hair and said, "I love it straight."
Bella said, "It's a change, for sure. My step-sister kind of forced me into it."
Bella gasped in surprise as she recognized Tyler Crowley next to Mike. Tyler had nearly killed her in the Forks High parking lot their Junior Year. Had it not been for Edward, Bella would have been a human hamburger patty under the van. After the accident, Tyler had chased Bella around for weeks, attempting to get her to go out with him. Once buzzed hair was now long, braided, and pulled back into a ponytail. The muscle he had acquired in the last five years could easily rival Seth or Embry.
"Ho-oly Crow," Bella said for old time sake, inducing a barking laugh from Tyler, the same as it always had.
"My girl," Tyler said and held his arms open to her. Bella shook her head, laughing as she moved to hug him. Tyler lifted Bella and spun with her once before setting her carefully back on her feet.
He has not changed much, Bella thought as he took the liberty of kissing her cheek. In her peripheral vision, Bella spotted Jacob and Leah returning and alerted Reagan by nodding toward them.
"God," Leah nearly yelled, "There is nothing like carnival food, I swear." She took a bite of her hotdog, looked up, and froze as her eyes went wide. It took a moment before she turned away from them to chew and choke the bite down. Bella stepped in front of her as Leah took a deep breath.
Jacob greeted Mike and Jessica cheerfully. He introduced himself and Reagan to the others as a slight diversion while Bella asked if Leah was alright.
"Oh, I am super. It's an awesome way to meet super hot guys, Bells. Deepthroating a footlong. It makes a great impression," Leah whispered in embarrassment. She looked down at her food hatefully and then took another bite. "Stupid tasty hotdog."
Bella tried not to laugh and said, "You think they are hot, huh?"
Leah whispered, "Which one is Mike?"
"Well, we are just about to introduce everyone," Bella said and grabbed her free hand to turn Leah back around. Her sister forced a smile at them as she waited.
Jacob said, "Guys, this is my cousin, Leah Clearwater." She greeted them shyly, and Bella grinned at the rare sight. Leah stared in silence, her eyes glued to a tall male behind Mike with the same honey-blonde hair, olive-green eyes, and a tan that screamed he lived somewhere much sunnier. He pushed Mike out of his way and held his hand up to greet her.
His deep, velvety voice made Leah shiver as he said, "Leah? Hey. Dean Newton." When she took his hand to shake it, he held on. Like a moth to a flame, he led Leah a few paces away and started asking her about herself.
Bewildered, Mike said, "Uh, yeah, That is my older brother, Dean. He was in college when you lived here before, Bella."
"Uh, Mikey?" Dean grinned at his younger brother and said, "I'm gonna have Leah here show me where that hotdog stand is."
"Uh-huh," Mike said sarcastically and laughed. "Eat safely, bro. Use condiments."
Leah's eyes went wide, and her cheeks turned pink from the collective laughter around them.
Oh, this bitch is not blushing, Bella thought, grinning as Leah gave a highly amused Jacob the finger. Bella turned to Mike as they walked away and said, "Your brother just stole my date."
Jessica said, "Well, that's Dean for you. He is quite the charmer."
Mike tugged the final person in their group forward and introduced him. Dean's best friend and roommate, Nick, was taller than Mike and Tyler. Sharp, Italian features strangely complimented his roman nose. Shaggy black hair hung over the sides of a bandana in artful disarray. His sleeveless t-shirt showed off tanned, olive-toned skin littered with tattoos, including an unfinished full-sleeve. Nick had a clear, commanding voice when he spoke. He began their greeting by complimenting her shirt and asked if Bella remembered sunblock.
She asked, "What is that supposed to mean?"
He smiled as she glared at him, pulled a small vial of sunscreen from his jeans pocket, and she released an awkward laugh as he handed it to her without a word.
"I thought you were going to give me shit about being so pale," she said, handing it back. "I have some on, trust me. I lived in Florida for the last five years and Arizona before that. I get shit for my complexion a lot."
Jacob nudged Bella and asked, "Bella, why are you so white?"
Leah caught on to the reference and said, "Oh my god, Jacob. You can't just ask people why they're white." The rest of her friends chuckled as Bella and Nick looked at each other in confusion. Leah asked, "Oh Lord. Has neither of you seen Mean Girls?"
Jessica laughed and said, "Bella is not a chick flick girl. Or at least she didn't use to be. I tried to get her to go to the movies with me a few times."
Bella shrugged and shook her head. "What can I say? I like ax murderers, vengeful ghosts, and seeing people get blown up.
Dean and Nick exchanged a glance and a smile that brought back the wariness she had felt just a few minutes before.
"So, Jacob," Reagan said, "I didn't know you were into chick flicks."
"That was my fault," Leah said. "I made him watch that movie probably twenty times. White Chicks, too."
The first half of the evening went well besides the odd vibes Bella was getting from Nick. She had no worries about Mike hitting on her or assuming they were on a date. He was too busy with his arms around Jessica, attempting to rekindle their old flame. From what Bella could see, the feeling was mutual as the two flirted incessantly. Jacob and Reagan were just as bad, but his happiness soothed some of the anxiety Bella was feeling.
Leah spent half the evening with stars in her eyes. Bella didn't have the heart to complain about her rash abandonment. The she-wolf deserved some happiness, even if only for one night. It had been ages since Leah had gone on a date, let alone had such an instantaneous connection.
As it turned out, Bella had no shortage of people to go on rides with. Leah, Dean, Reagan, Nick, and Tyler all braved a few of them as Jacob, Mike, and Jessica watched from the ground in amusement. Bella had tried to tempt Jessica into rides, but the other woman flat out refused. As vocal and uncouth as ever, Jessica claimed she feared anything too wild would leave her flashing the crowd. Bella rolled her eyes in understanding and adjusted her tube top while Nick brazenly stared. When he realized she caught him gawking, he simply wagged his eyebrows at her and smirked.
Irritated, Bella had the overwhelming need for a few minutes alone. Well, mostly alone. Away from Nick and his weird vibes.
Spotting the Funhouse in the distance and slightly concerned with her safety, Bella apologized before snagging Leah's hand to drag her along.
Leah asked, "Where are we going?"
Bella said, "I need a breather."
Leah snickered as she glanced behind them. "Dean and Nick are following," she said.
Bella turned to see them about twenty paces behind, whispering amongst themselves. She huffed in aggravation and picked up her pace. "Come on. We gotta lose them for a minute." Still holding Leah's hand, they darted into the Funhouse.
Skipping over the odd attractions inside, Bella searched for a dark corner to hide. An opening behind a false wall revealed a small room holding excess lighting and equipment. Ignoring the keep-out sign, Bella slipped into the space and pulled her vape from her pocket.
"Ah, I see," Leah said as she slipped in next to her. "Anxiety kicking in?"
Bella nodded as she held in her smoke for a moment. She leaned against the facade and closed her eyes as she slowly exhaled. Bella was surprised as the vape was jerked from her hand and looked up as Leah took a drag from it. Leah grinned as she handed it back and then tried not to laugh through her resulting coughing fit.
"Smaller hits, Sis," Bella teased before taking another hit from her vape.
"Well, well, well," a deep, sultry voice rang out as Dean peeked around the wall and spotted them. He and Nick were both grinning as Dean pulled a vape from his pocket and took a drag while walking toward them. Dean held it over his shoulder for Nick to take it as he reached Leah and snaked his arm around her waist. Bella blushed as Nick stared at her intently, and she couldn't repress the shudder that went through her. God, what is it that bothers you so much? Besides the staring, he hasn't actually done anything wrong.
Leah asked, "You okay, Bells?"
"Yeah. Cold chill," Bella lied, looking around the darkened space.
Leah said, "It is kind of chilly in here."
A set of mirrors gained his attention as Dean peeked around the facade. He darted out of the space to stand in front of one and laughed. "Leah, come here," Dean beckoned. "You gotta stand here for a second."
Leah reached for her hand and asked, "You coming Bells?"
"Mm-mnn," Bella hummed, shaking her head no. "In a minute. I just need a bit. Don't go far, though?"
Leah gave her an affectionate grin and walked over to where Dean waited. The besotted look on his face made Bella smile. She was glad Leah was having a good time but also starting to wish she had not agreed to the after-party.
Nick continued to stare at Bella as he leaned against an opposite wall. She closed her eyes as she took another hit, attempting to shut them all out while waiting to feel calm. Her eyes fluttered open to the sound of childish giggles while a group of teens rushed past them in search of better attractions. As the quiet returned, Nick stepped over to stand at her side.
"So, how long have you been smoking?"
"A year or so," Bella admitted. "I have anxiety attacks in big crowds. I just needed a minute."
"I can understand that," Nick said, giving her a genuine smile for the first time all afternoon. "I can skedaddle if you would like."
Despite her uneasiness with him, his presence provided a modicum of safety. Leah and Dean were no longer in sight, and it wasn't safe for her to be alone.
Bella said, "You're okay for now."
He chuckled and said, "Cool." He took another drag from Dean's vape as Bella stuffed hers back into the safety of her pocket. She giggled as a fog machine went off, rolling more smoke into the room.
"Well, that could not have been better timing," Nick said, grinning at her.
"I guess we should go find the others," Bella said as she snuck out of their hiding place and searched for Leah. A laugh caught her attention, and Bella backed up to peek down a walkway. She gasped as her back slammed into someone solid and nearly stumbled over her feet.
Attempting to keep Bella upright, his hand slid into the shredded material of her shirt as Nick wrapped his arm around her waist. The warmth of his hand palming her flesh was almost as startling as the initial impact as she squirmed to move away from him.
He laughed and said, "Hang on. Hang on."
"Let go," Bella snapped at him as she tried not to panic.
Nick held still and said, "Look, I was just trying to stop you from falling, and my hand kind of..." He grinned sheepishly and finished, "It was an accident. I'm really sorry. If you relax for a second, I'll move, okay?"
Bella took a deep breath and held still so he could remove his hand from the tangle of her shirt. His watch caught on a fringe of fabric and tugged. Bella instinctively moved with him and said, "Stop! We're stuck." She carefully tried to separate his watch from the material but could barely see it in the dark space.
Nick smirked down at her as she huffed in aggravation. He asked, "Why do I get the feeling you don't like me very much?"
"What?" Have I made it that obvious? She said, "Why would I dislike you? I don't know you." You make me nervous as fuck, though.
He said, "It is just a feeling I get."
Her pulse raced as Bella felt his other hand gently encircle her waist. She continued working on the snag and sucked in a sharp breath as his hand gently trailed up her back to her shoulder.
Breathing out slowly, she asked, "Is that necessary?"
"What's that?"
"What you are doing," she said shakily.
Nick chuckled again. "And what am I doing?"
"I think you know what you're doing precisely," she said as his fingers slid up to cup the side of her neck. Blood rushed through her veins, pounding in her ears while involuntarily heating up her face and elsewhere.
Hell, he creeps you out, and you're getting turned on. Something is seriously wrong with you. Bella groaned in aggravation, silently cursing his lovely, expensive, overly adorned, and therefore nuisance of a watch.
Moving her hair aside, Nick asked, "Bella?"
She turned her head to look up at Nick impatiently. Her aggravation rose as he chuckled again. "You're cute when you're mad," he said.
Bella scoffed as she refocused and asked, "What the hell was in that vape of yours?"
He laughed outright at her response. Bella tried to bite back a smile as she glanced at him again. His smile was genuine, and his laugh was surprisingly soothing, even if it was at her expense. Bella was confused by this stranger, somehow amused yet annoyed with him simultaneously.
"Ahem."
Bella and Nick turned their heads to find Leah and Dean watching them from a few feet away. "It's not what it looks like," Bella said.
Leah grinned at her wickedly and shook her head. She asked, "Yeah? So, Nick, why is your hand up my little sister's shirt?"
"Lee?"
"Yes, sister dear?"
Bella grumbled, "Either come help me with your eagle eyes or go fuck a funnel cake, okay?"
Leah snorted as she stepped forward to help untangle his watch. Finally free, Bella stepped away from him and began searching for daylight. She made her way out of the Funhouse and scampered over to their group. Jacob held his right arm out and tucked Bella under it.
He leaned down and whispered, "Are you okay? You fee- look anxious." His eyes darted to a distracted Reagan and back over his near slip. Not knowing about the imprint meant not knowing that Jacob could feel what Bella was feeling. He said, "You were in there a long time. I didn't look for you because Leah was with you. If you take off that long again, I will."
"Please do," Bella whispered. Jacob harrumphed as he looked toward the Funhouse, watching Leah, Dean, and Nick come toward them. Jacob leaned down to inhale her scent. A flash of anger crossed his face as he recognized more than just the discomfort she projected. Hints of lust and fear from Bella were the surest way to awaken his wolf, especially when surrounded by another male's scent.
Bella hoped no one noticed the difference in his voice as Jacob whispered, "Did he?"
"Awkward situation," Bella interrupted. She looked away from him, silently begging for him to drop it and calm down. Hoping to remove the wolf-driven scowl from his face, Bella offered, "I'll tell you about it tomorrow. I promise I'm okay."
Jacob nodded silently and squeezed her against his side for a moment. A shiver went through him as Jacob flexed his free hand. The wolf's protective instincts were now on alert, and Bella began kneading his back with one hand to calm him.
Reagan turned to look them over and grinned. "Best hugs ever, right?" Bella nodded in agreement, hoping Reagan had not noticed the slight change in the color of his irises.
Bella convinced Jacob and Reagan to go with her to get something to eat. Leah excused herself from Dean's side to follow them, reminding Bella that she promised funnel cakes.
"I should only buy you one for that crap back there," Bella teased her.
Leah said, "Well, I'm not going to fuck the funnel cake, Bella. Sorry to disappoint you."
Jacob turned to look at them in confusion and promptly walked forehead first into a low-hanging wooden sign. The loud smack drew attention from the crowd around them, and Bella tried her best to ignore it as she stared at Jacob.
Rubbing his head, Jacob ducked in time to stop the sign from hitting him on the return swing. Reagan tried not to laugh as Bella snorted. Leah cackled, drawing more attention to them.
Jacob teased, "Just wait, Leelee."
She wiped tears from her lashes as she beamed at him, still laughing. "What are you going to do, cousin? Beat me up?"
"Maybe," he joked and rubbed his forehead again. "I need some ice cream now."
Leah mocked, "Poor wittle baby got hurt and needs hi-keem?"
"Poor baby needs a brain freeze to counteract the headache," Jacob said and laughed.
"I don't think that's how it works, baby," Reagan said.
"It is today." Jacob grinned at her and reached for her hand.
They rejoined the others after eating, finding them in the pavilion next to the beer tent. The group grew somewhat after dark as they mingled with other drinkers. Mike seemed to be as popular in the area as ever, with numerous people greeting him happily and inquiring about his after-party. Bella learned that the house Mike occupied had also belonged to his grandfather. Dean and Nick planned to stay with Mike for the month while their apartment in Nevada got renovated.
Mike assured everyone there was plenty of space for anyone who preferred to stay over rather than drive home. After too many showed interest in leaving the carnival, Mike decided it was time to go to the house.
Bella's truck was the third car in line as a trail of them left the fairgrounds. Within twenty minutes, Mike's house party was in full swing as a crowd of close to thirty drifted in and out of the house.
Mike, Jessica, and Tyler drug Bella into the kitchen for shots before giving her a beer. Bella snuck away to find her people and discovered them coupled up on opposite couches in the living room. Reagan sat directly in Jacob's lap, looking like she had always belonged there. They were beautiful together. Dean was trying to ply Leah with alcohol, and she seemed to be taking the challenge. Bella sighed in disappointment, currently wanting to be anywhere but nested between a room full of couples alone. She went back into the kitchen for another shot before heading outside.
Bella sat in a lawn chair and checked the time on her phone, wondering if Paul was home from patrol yet. Not talking to him for a few days had given her a lot of time to think about their situation. Bella hit her vape again before following it with a long swig of her beer and becoming lost in her thoughts.
Leah's revelation the day before had shaken Bella somewhat.
Why does he stop every time the atmosphere changes between us in the slightest? Why did I have to kiss him first? What if the wolf complicates things? If Paul met someone else and imprinted, would I get left behind like Leah? Why did Paul choose to sleep with Shari after rushing away from me that morning? Paul admitted he was sexually attracted to me but couldn't tell me he felt more than that? Every time I make up my mind about him, something happens that shakes my resolve. I already agreed to see Alex again.
Sometimes Bella hated her brain with its frequent indecision and constant questions.
"Hey, there."
Bella looked up as Nick crossed the back patio toward her and quickly away. "Hey," she returned, attempting to disguise the anxiety in her voice before she took another long drink from her beer.
"Damn," Nick said as he sat down. "It's a shame you seem so nervous around me. From all I have seen, it looks like we could have a good time hanging out."
Snarkier than intended, she asked, "What exactly constitutes a good time for you?"
Nick laughed and said, "Mike and Tyler warned us you have a mouth."
"Did they?" Bella glared at him mischievously and asked, "What else did they say about me?"
"That you're like a kitten that thinks it is an alley cat," he said, smirking.
"Funny," Bella admitted. "Jacob says something similar."
Nick asked, "That's your best friend, right? The guy canoodling the blonde girl all day?" Bella laughed, nodding. He asked, "And Leah is your sister?"
"Step-sister," Bella said. "Or soon-to-be, anyway."
Openly staring at her, Nick pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and lit one. Bella asked, "Is there something on my face? You have been staring at me all night."
Nick shook his head no. "I'm trying to figure out your heritage."
"My heritage? I'm not Italian if you were wondering," she said. "A little bit Irish, though."
Nick raised one eyebrow and grinned, looking interested. He leaned toward the open patio door and yelled, "Hey, Dean?"
Bella giggled as Dean screamed back, "What?"
Nick yelled, "She's part Irish."
Dean yelled back, "Hit on her, you pussy!"
Nick and Bella each turned pink from the collective laughter, and the music turned up. There would be no yelling across the space now, and Bella silently thanked whoever was responsible.
Tyler suddenly appeared at the door, beckoning her to come with him. Bella followed him to the kitchen and spotted numerous rows of shots lined up on the counter.
Bella leaned out the kitchen doorway to peek at her people. Leah and Dean were lost in their own little world, kissing on their corner of a couch.
Jacob caught Bella's eye and nodded toward Leah, grinning. It had been his opinion for some time that her biggest problem was needing to get laid. Bella raised her beer at him in cheers and harrumphed.
Sarcastically, she thought, Hell. Get some for me too, Lee. After that damn shower with Paul, Bella felt like her hormones had gone haywire. She and Jacob were determined to respect boundaries, but Bella was missing casual sex with him. The imprint connection did not make that any easier.
The music lowered, and Tyler hollered for attention. Once quiet finally reigned, Tyler yelled, "We need all the single people in the kitchen. We're playing a drinking game. Get in here!"
Mike grinned as he leaned around Bella and whistled for Dean's attention. One hand cupping Leah's face, Dean yelled, "What?" Leah snickered at the aggravation in his voice.
Mike asked, "You two coming in here?"
Dean stroked her cheek, refusing to look away from Leah as he said, "I ain't single tonight, little brother." Mike laughed as he resumed his spot next to the counter and turned up the music.
Bella's memories from the evening became somewhat hazy after that. A few rounds of Never Have I Ever twisted into some odd form of Truth or Dare. Soon, an empty vodka bottle lay on its side, and Jessica somehow added Spin The Bottle to their game. Bella swallowed nervously as Mike's spin landed on her.
Mike said, "Never have I ever had sex in my parent's house." Bella rolled her eyes as she lifted another shot to her mouth, and Jessica cackled. "Truth or Dare, Bella?"
Bella laughed as she wiped vodka off her chin with her thumb and asked, "Isn't this whole Never Have I Ever process already a little revealing?"
"Oh, come on, Bella. We're all old friends here. No one is judging," Jessica said.
"Fine," Bella huffed as she glanced around the room full of strangers. Old friends. Whatever you say. "Dare, I guess."
Mike rubbed his hands together excitedly and told Jessica, "I really thought she would choose Truth."
Bella asked, "Well, where is the fun in that?" Bella wanted to have fun. It had been a long time since she had done anything ridiculous, and the alcohol in her veins boosted her confidence.
Mike said, "This is probably an asshole move, but-"
"Tread carefully," Bella said as worry flashed across Jessica's face.
Mike said, "I dare you to let someone do a body shot off you."
Bella and Jessica glanced toward each other and laughed in relief. "I thought you would say something totally different," Bella said. "I'll do it. Pick a volunteer without cooties, will you?"
Someone began moving items off the kitchen table to make a space for her to lie down. Bella tried not to squirm as tequila poured into her navel and salt was sprinkled on her chest. Tyler gave her a wide grin as he held up a lime wedge.
"Wait," Jessica said. "If Bella is doing the dare, she should get to pick the person that… you know? Has to lick her?" Even Bella laughed as she flushed with embarrassment.
"Lick her and kiss her," Tyler teased.
Bella said, "I don't have to kiss for someone to take that piece of lime, Ty."
"Well, if you pick me, you will be," Tyler boasted proudly, earning catcalls from others in the room.
"Oh Lord, give me strength," Bella teased.
Mike grinned at Bella wickedly and asked, "Bella, who in this house would you find most comfortable and most uncomfortable at the same time?"
"Jesus, don't tell me Edward Cullen's ass is here," Bella said sarcastically. Not that she would be comfortable around her vampire ex. His compulsion ability would fix that quickly enough, however. Bella scowled at the thought of Edward's easy manipulation.
As her old school pals roared with laughter at the comment, Bella tried to look down at the salt on her chest. "Guys, I'm getting sticky over here. Can we hurry this along?"
"Can we please?" Tyler bounced on the balls of his feet and said, "'Cos if Bella keeps talking about getting sticky and calling out to god, I'm gonna-"
Jessica backhanded Tyler across the ribs, abruptly ending his lewd commentary. Bella smiled, knowing who she both trusted and distrusted in the room most."
"I pick Jess," Bella said. Mike cackled as Jessica blushed. "I swear, it's like we are back in high school," Bella grumbled as Mike leaned into the living room and yelled for Jacob. Bella groaned.
Tyler said, "More like making up for the shit we should have done in high school."
Bella tilted her head back to see the look on his face as Jacob strode into the kitchen. He laughed in disbelief and asked, "Bells, what the hell are you doing?"
"Well hell, Jake, I gotta get some action somewhere," she joked.
Jacob snorted and waved his hands for them to proceed. "Please, let me see her first body shot," he said through laughter.
Bella looked over his bloodshot eyes and goofy grin. His shirt was half unbuttoned, exposing his chest. "Jacob, are you drunk?"
"I'm a little drunk," he admitted.
"You are supposed to be the desi, you dickwad," Bella yelled. "Way to screw the pooch. Jess, get over here and lick me so I can knock the shit out of the Bestie."
Laughter erupted throughout the house, and Bella groaned again as she realized the music had stopped. Those who were not watching were now listening to their ridiculous scene. Reagan and Leah had somehow squeezed into the kitchen and whispered amongst themselves as they watched.
"Bella, I'm sorry, I ca-can't" Jessica choked out through a fit of laughter. She reached for a napkin to dab the tears from her eyes as her giggles continued.
"Jake, then," Mike suggested.
Immediately worried about her reaction, Bella asked, "Uh, Reagan?"
Reagan scoffed and said, "I don't give a shit."
Cheers of encouragement earned an anxious glance from Jacob. Still, the wolf wouldn't let him turn down a challenge nor pass up the opportunity to lick his imprint. Staring her in the eyes, she watched his irises lighten as the wolf surfaced, and he said, "Give me that Lime."
Please be careful, she thought. It would be a disaster if the wolf became too demanding right now.
He grinned and said, "It's gonna get weird."
Her eyes went wide as he squeezed the lime wedge over Bella, dripping juice from the top of her cleavage to her neck. Jacob gently placed the rest of it between her teeth. Bella sent him a warning glance as she noticed his trembling hands.
Without another word, Jacob bent down and ran his tongue along the trail of juice. His hand shot out to snatch a handful of her hair. Jacob tugged, tilting her head back as he licked over the salt and up her neck before latching onto her skin and sucking hard. Bella responded instantly and held her breath as she tried to hold still.
Jacob moved down to suck the tequila from her navel, swirling the tip of his tongue around it. He playfully kissed the end of her nose before plucking the lime from her mouth with his teeth. Jacob stepped back from her, laughing as she released a deep breath and people cheered around them.
One glance at Reagan was all Bella needed for guilt to take hold. Her smile was forced and hurt flashed across her face as she looked away from Bella. Leah, however, just appeared dumbfounded by the display.
Bella chuckled awkwardly and said, "Uh, yeah, Jake. That was super weird."
Everyone laughed again, oblivious to the tension rolling off Reagan in waves. Bella was helped off the table as Jacob walked over to put his arm around Reagan.
"I'm going to find the bathroom around here," Reagan said, retaining her fake smile.
Jacob asked, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Reagan lied, shooting Bella a fleeting glance. "Aside from the pee dance, anyway." She fled the kitchen quickly as Bella grabbed another beer for herself.
Bella wanted to follow Reagan to reassure her somehow, but the awkward guilt she felt held her back. If you go after her looking guilty of some wrong-doing, she will think you are guilty. A person would have to be blind to have missed the sexual charge that slammed her when Jacob had briefly latched onto her neck. Bella excused herself from the room and bolted for the patio door.
Bella reclaimed the same chair she had occupied earlier and hissed as her bare back touched the cold surface. Bella vaguely remembered someone helping her peel off the top shirt before she laid down on the table. She didn't have a clue who it was.
"So, that was fucking awkward," Leah said as she walked outside with Dean and Nick. "You know Reagan shouldn't have agreed if she was just gonna freak out."
"Fuck," Bella grumbled as she rubbed her temples. "I knew that shit was going to happen." She sighed and asked, "Should I go talk to her?"
"Jacob is trying to talk to her about it now," Leah whispered, peering into the house. "I gotta admit, Bells, you two looked awfully familiar."
Bella said, "Yeah, and Reagan knows we have been best friends since we were toddlers. I have no intention of snatching her man. Neither of us wants a relationship with the other, trust me." Bella flushed again as she caught Nick watching her, appearing more interested than ever.
Bella silently cursed Mike Newton for even suggesting Jacob and wondered if it had been some kind of fucked up payback for junior year.
The loud music suddenly resumed as numerous lights went out in the house. Bella suspected the evening was turning into a full-blown makeout party inside, perfectly matching the earlier high school-ish atmosphere.
Bella was ready to go home, but none were in any shape to drive. She followed Leah into the kitchen and searched for bottled water. Tyler coaxed her into dancing for a while, providing her a welcome distraction as she sobered.
It was nearly three in the morning when they finally got home. Leah had insisted on staying behind, insisting she wasn't drunk and could take care of herself. Jacob told her to take care of herself with a condom and cackled as she walked away red-faced.
Reagan chose to spend the night with Jacob. Bella could not help but worry that it was only to make sure nothing happened between her and Jacob - and Bella was grateful for it. Wolf came too close to the surface twice the previous evening and drunk Jacob - Well, she thought. Judging by the sounds coming from his room, Bella suspected that Reagan was making her significance known. The pettiness behind her exaggerated cries stung somewhat, but Bella could not blame Reagan. If the roles reversed, she couldn't say she wouldn't have done the same. Paul wasn't even hers, but Shari had made her blood boil.
As they often did, thoughts of Paul plagued her once she was alone. Bella took a sleepy-eyed selfie to show him her straightened hair. She had no clue where her altered shirt had gone.
I hope your night has gone well. Still on for Saturday? Bella attached the image and sent it to Paul.
Despite the early hour, his answer was immediate. I wouldn't miss it.
After a hot shower to wash the sweat, spit, and tequila away, she was dead on her feet. Bella sighed as she slipped into Paul's hoodie and crawled into bed. She put her earbuds in to block out the noises in Jacob's room and wished Saturday would hurry along.
Your thoughts, questions, and critiques aren't just welcome - they're needed. Let me know your thoughts on this story, please. I'm really struggling with inspiration, guys.
