Ch 6: The Party

~Bella's POV~

Part of me still couldn't believe what happened.

I had not only agreed to be Edward's girlfriend, well close enough, but I had kissed him.

I don't know what came over me.

Maybe it was the adrenaline. It felt wrong, but seeing Edward get that angry had been such a turn on.

His muscles bulging, the fire in his eyes.

I paused brushing my hair to take a deep breath as I remembered it all.

And knowing that he did it for me.

That he was willing to stand up for me.

I mean I could handle myself; I was prepared to fight. But the fact I didn't have to was just so freaking nice.

Edward was to thank for that.

And now I could do something for him.

If I was being honest, dating Edward was too appealing. I worried I'd get wrapped up in him again, and not be able to let go this time.

Sighing, I gave myself a once over in the mirror.

I had gently curled my hair and added just a smidge of mascara. Just because we were 'dating' didn't mean I was going to stop being me. This was as dressed up as I was used to getting.

I eyed my denim jeans and plaid shirt.

It was simple.

But it was me.

Checking my phone, I wished I could call Angela to tell her everything that was going on. We hadn't had a chance to talk about mine and Edward's situation yet, but she was going on her first date tonight and I didn't want to bother her with my problems.

Noting the time and not wanting to keep Edward waiting, I took a deep breath and mentally checked to make sure I had everything.

Walking downstairs, I paused at the living room. Dad wasn't home, but then he usually wasn't at this time. I considered texting him to let him know I was leaving the house but opted for a note instead. I doubted he would have read it anyways.

Satisfied, I walked over to Edwards.

Before I had even knocked on the door he was coming out of the house.

"Oh. Hi."

I really needed to get better at greetings.

He looked surprised to see me and I didn't miss the appreciative glance he gave my choice of attire. He looked good as ever.

Grey shirt that clung to every muscle, and jeans that accented his fabulous ass. Not to mention the wild tousled look his hair always seemed to have.

It was gonna be hard not to stare.

"You're," he looked at his phone, brows raised, "on time." It was just a few minutes to five.

"Should I not be?"

He shook his head.

"No, you're good. I just got off the phone with Tye. You mind if we make a pit stop to grab chips and shit?"

"Not at all."

Nodding, he walked towards his car. It was a shiny silver Volvo. It practically gleamed as you walked by. He must wash and wax it regularly.

Getting in the passenger side, I was pleasantly surprised to find the inside was immaculate as well.

Edward was fastidious, I would give him that.

We rode in comfortable silence to the only grocery store in our one-horse town. I wondered who was working today. Probably Rhonda.

"You can put on whatever."

The statement brought me out of my head.

"Hmm?"

His eyes were delightfully green looking at me with interest.

"The radio, you can change it to whatever." He clarified with a smile.

It took me a moment to register soft rock was playing in the background.

"Oh, that's okay. This is good." I wasn't picky. Not to mention I rarely noticed music anyways. It's not like I didn't enjoy listening to music, but I often found myself in my own head and would forget to pay attention.

"You worried about something?"

The question took me by surprise.

"No, why?"

He gave me a careful glance.

"You're quieter than usual."

I almost laughed.

"Am I?"

Thinking on it, I recognized there once was a time when I was much more boisterous. Full of life and laughter, where every second was its own little adventure.

Not that I didn't enjoy energy and excitement, but the urge to be that level of carefree just wasn't there like it used to be.

I didn't think it was such a bad thing. I could enjoy solitude now in a way that I never appreciated before. But maybe I had lost a little too much of the old Bella. The one that approached life without any hesitation, jumping with both feet in.

Perhaps I would never be completely her again, but I could bring a little bit of that back.

I turned in my seat to look at Edward. It had been too long since I last trusted anyone with the power to hurt me. And while that prospect was terrifying, I gathered that was part of life that made it more worth living. Even though it was likely to bite me in the butt later, maybe it was time to make some risks.

The biggest one sitting right beside me.

"I was wondering about our pretend relationship." I started. Obviously intrigued, he glanced my way. "Since you're going to have free reign over me, does that mean I have some rights in return?"

The widening of his eyes was not lost on me.

I understood that regardless of how we might have felt about each other in the past, there was a certain charged energy between us now. My body reacted to him in ways I hadn't felt in some time. I was sure he felt the same way about me, thought it was no secret he took his pleasures as he pleased. Why deny what was so freely offered?

Interestingly, the thought didn't bother me.

It was hard to be jealous when it came to Edward. He might have slept with many girls, but he didn't keep any of them. No one lasted more than a week or two. And even if that was ultimately to be my fate as well, why not get a little something more out of it. Memories I could hold on to even after the bottom falls out.

"You want to have free access to me?" A smug look crossed his face.

I didn't let myself be embarrassed. It was time to do things that I wanted for a change.

"Well I figure since I'm doing you a favor and all, I might as well get some of the usual girlfriend perks." I was teasing him, testing to see what would happen next.

"What sort of perks would those be?" He dared me to answer.

"Hmm," I tapped my chin playfully. "If we're in public, you have to hold my hand. I get piggy-back rides upon request. And I'm allowed cutesy nicknames, to be used in front of friends solely with the intention of embarrassing you."

His genuine smile had my stomach fluttering.

"I think I can work with that." He chuckled slightly. "Any other demands, Bella Boo?"

I laughed at his turn about.

"Touché sweet cheeks." This was actually going to be fun. "No, I don't have any other demands…yet." He rolled his eyes at me.

We had just pulled up to the store, when some of Edward's friends slid into the space next to us.

"Yo, E!" I smiled slightly at the booming voice of Emmett McCarty as he and his girlfriend, Rosalie, came over to speak.

"Hey Em, Rose." Edward returned at a fraction of the volume.

"So, it is true." Emmett announced giving us a once over. "Didn't think you'd ever have the-" Rose elbowed him in the ribs cutting off whatever he was about to say. I noticed Edward tensed slightly at the exchange.

"Rude." She told him, before giving me a smile. "Hey Bella. Just ignore him. He enjoys making people uncomfortable."

I laughed lightly not bothered in the slightest.

"It's all good. What are y'all up too?" I wondered if they would be at the party tonight.

"Getting some stuff for Tye's." Emmett told me unravelling that mystery pretty quickly.

"You'd think after all the parties he's thrown he wouldn't leave shit for the last minute." Rose announced with an eye roll. Emmett and Edward shrugged.

"Yeah well it was a close call this time. He wasn't sure if his parents were actually leaving town or not."

I considered for moment that I didn't know much about Tye. I wondered how often his parents left town, and if they were at all aware their son threw parties while they were away.

"You'd think they wouldn't trust him after all the times he's gotten caught," Rose mentioned laughing.

Emmett shook his head.

"They don't really care. I think they kinda like it. The whole 'my son is popular and I'm proud of that' sort of thing."

"Wow, an insightful comment. I didn't think he was capable Rose." Edward joked. Emmett rolled his eyes, turning a mischievous look towards me.

"So what are y'all doing here? Getting lube?" Emmett asked wiggling his brows.

Edward's body snapped taught, and Rose smacked the shit out of Emmett's arm.

I was surprised enough to just laugh.

"What? You mean there's something else besides Vaseline?" I joked in a feigned affronted voice. Emmett barked a laugh while Rose giggled. I felt the tension ease from Edward's body. I could see he was going to have a lot to learn if he thought Emmett could embarrass me. "Naw, just came to grab some chippies, then we're gonna head over to Tye's."

Rose gave me an appreciative glance. I had heard she was hard to get along with, but I couldn't say I was getting that vibe now.

"You got a quick mouth Bella." Emmett was still laughing.

"Ohh, but I can make it go oh so slow too," I winked.

Emmett gave me loud pat on the back.

"You're alright." I grinned feeling nice at getting approval from two of Edward's friends already. "We'll we gotta run before Jimmy leaves. See y'all at the party in a bit."

As they walked away, I noticed they were going to the package shop rather than the grocery store. It figures they would be the ones to do the liquor run. Emmett had been held back a year in elementary school due to an illness, so technically he was a year older than the rest of us though we were all in same grade.

He was still underage, but it was a known fact you could get the goods from Jimmy Duvall. How he'd never been arrested for selling to minors was beyond me though.

I looked up to Edward seeing if he was ready. He was eyeing me with quiet fascination.

"You okay?"

He nodded.

"Thanks for being cool with Em. He can be a lot sometimes."

I laughed.

"He was fine. I'm really not that delicate Edward." With that I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the store. "Now let's get some chips!"

We were in and out pretty quickly, though I couldn't help myself when we walked by the family planning isle.

"Hey, what do ya know, they do have lube."

Seeing Edward's surprised slightly blushing face was totally worth it.

I think he rushed us out before I had the chance to do anything else embarrassing.

Now we were at Tyler's hanging out as people slowly started filtering in.

I thought more people would be surprised that Edward and I were together, but apart from the occasional 'Oh', most people rolled with it. I wasn't sure if that was because the rumor had already spread so much at school, or if it really was that believable.

I was enjoying myself immensely either way.

Normally Friday nights were for Angie and I to hang out and plan our futures in getting away from this town. But tonight, I saw its appeal. Kids were laughing, just being carefree. Letting themselves live in the moment. Beer had been passed out; some people were well on their way to getting plastered.

I held a red solo cup of some pale ale myself, but it was all for show. I hadn't actually tasted it. Tye had shoved it in my hand about an hour ago. Normally I would have politely declined, but I didn't see the point in arguing this time.

So I just held the cup. At least now people had stopped asking if I wanted anything.

Edward had given it an odd glance a few times. I wondered if he knew I didn't drink or was just confused that I still had liquid in my cup.

Now I watched as bodies started making their way to the dance floor, I longed to join in.

Dancing was another one of those things I loved to do but didn't have many opportunities for. Most parties I attended weren't quite this level, and I hadn't ever gone to any school dances. Still, like any other teenager I found dancing to be incredibly fun. The way you could just get so hyped then turn right around and relax into a slow song after. The fluidity of movement from beat to beat.

I felt myself swaying on the sidelines, watching everyone else have fun.

"Wanna dance?" The whispered voice in my ear sent chills down my spine. I turned my head slightly to see Edward's eyes looking at me hungrily. I nodded slightly.

Wordlessly, he set down my cup and guided me to the floor.

The song was hot, not slow or fast, but pulsing.

Hands on my waist, he pulled me forward. Bringing my hands to his neck, I rolled my hips into him gently. He rocked his hips in return meeting me for every move.

Slowly he slid his leg between my knees allowing our bodies to come even closer. And as we danced, his hands moved lower until they were gripping my ass pushing me firmly against him.

I let myself go enjoying the way our bodies fit together. The pressure building between my legs was incredible.

"Do you like that Bella?" His sultry whisper in my ear.

I could feel the fire in my eyes as I looked at him. I chose to let my body respond rather than speak. Letting my hands slide down over every delicious curve, I gripped his butt and pulled him in more tightly.

I heard his groan as I connected with a very large swell in his pants. Not even trying to be subtle, I pushed my hips perfectly against the spot letting him know I was very aware of his situation.

His hands tightened on my ass and gripped me harder. In the back of my mind, I knew I'd have bruises later. But right now, it just felt too good to stop.

"I think you like it Edward."

"I'd like fucking you more," he whispered back huskily.

A thrill shuttered through me at the thought of grinding my hips into Edward in a different kind of way. Although the thought was tempting, I wasn't quite ready to make that leap.

"Haven't you heard patience is a virtue?" I replied steadily working my hips against him.

"Must be why I'm no saint," he smirked keeping pace with me.

I laughed letting my head fall back slightly.

"I'm not so sure impatience is the major concern for your lack of sainthood."

He threw a hand over his heart in pretend offense.

"And what exactly is?"

I raised one brow.

"Hmm… lust maybe?"

He grinned.

"Eh, wearing a halo all the time seems kinda hard. How's yours feeling tonight?" he teased, pulling one of my curls lightly.

My smile was immediate.

"I wouldn't know, I left it hanging on my bed." I told him with an innocent shrug.

His laugh was wonderful.

"I think you'll have to give it an extra polish after dancing with me tonight." He leaned in to whisper in my ear. I couldn't stop the shiver it sent coursing through me.

He definitely noticed.

"Cold? And here I thought you were nice and toasty."

His hands roamed up and down my arms causing more goose bumps to form.

I really needed to get a handle on my body.

Unable to speak, I simply stared into his eyes as his hands roved from my hips, up my sides to my neck. One arm around my waist, he pulled me in while tipping my chin up with his free hand.

I watched as he dipped down, stopping just above my lips.

His eyes were glinting with mischief. In that moment he knew he had me. I waited, body nearly trembling with anticipation.

When his lips finally descended down, they were firm and all encompassing. The kiss was hot, hard, and full of passion that ruptured forth. He commanded me. My mouth opened to him, and he filled it without hesitation.

His scent and taste absorbed me completely. I hardly knew what was happening for the pounding in my ears.

And when he pulled away, I was dazed. Thoroughly, exhaustively. My body begging for more even as my lungs screamed for air.

I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves and calming my mind.

"Well played Cullen." I breathed out when I'd finally caught my breath. His eyes were watchful, careful. And totally unreadable. "Well I haven't been kissed like that since summer camp." I joked trying to bring a lightheartedness back.

His smile was slow, but it came eventually.

"You're gonna have to tell me more about this camp of yours."

And just like that the tension was gone, and it was easy and playful again.

"I might be convinced, for a price," I teased.

Delighted curiosity showed on his face.

"What might that be?"

I laughed shaking my head.

"You'll just have to wait to find out."

With that I tried to pull away. Edward frowned and gripped me to him.

"And where do you think you're going?" His perfect brow arched with sass.

"Well unless you want me to pee on your leg, the bathroom." I sassed back.

He laughed giving my ass a final squeeze before releasing me.

I shook my head and walked away.

Even though I did have to go, I was really just using this as an excuse to level my head. A mini Edward detox as it were.

Thankfully there was no line, a minor miracle really.

When I walked in, I caught a glance of myself in the mirror.

My hair had gone a little wild, eyes were bright, cheeks rosy.

And my smile was big.

I looked… happy.

Happier than I had in a while.

Staring at the foreign sight before me, I realized how much I just enjoyed being around Edward. The thought was exciting and troubling.

I was already getting so wrapped up in him. Nothing felt pretend.

The way he kissed and looked at me.

As if I was the only girl in existence.

Try as I might, the warnings in my head, that this was all make believe, were falling on deaf ears.

I would be fine.

I wouldn't get caught up.

I could walk away heart intact.

I was a liar.

AN: Thanks for all the comments, follows, and favs I've been receiving! I'm super stoked y'all are enjoying my story so far. Did you enjoy this update? Want more tension between our love birds? Let me know!