Here we go you guys! Chapter 20! Phew, it's been a long time coming, and it's nowhere near finished. I am hopeful to make it to the end, but reviews keep me motivated to continue, whether you really enjoy it or if you've got some constructive criticism to share. Much appreciation to everyone!
A special shoutout to lazygirl89 for your review- I read your comment and wrote in something special just for you this chapter!
Chapter 20
"He seems nice. I can tell he really loves you." Jasper commented and I nodded absentmindedly in response. I know he was sensing my mood and trying to distract me.
"Yeah. I'll miss him. By now he knows my timeclock has run out for good. On a lighter note, at least he didn't come at you with a pitchfork or try to give you the condom speech. Talk about an embarrassment! Now if only I knew what to say to Bella. I know she will take it personally." Jasper recovered from his temporary shock.
"We'll get back to that first thing in a second Darlin', but first off, her reaction shouldn't upset you. I wouldn't worry too much. Trust me when I say she'll be more relieved in the end. Your uncle unnerved her quite a bit."
"He has that affect on people quite often. For Uncle Brian, he was remarkably well behaved. I'm honestly shocked he didn't bother tormenting Edward, unless he did before we were aware of it." I mused. "Actually, I'm sure that's what he did, even if he wasn't aware of it." Jasper's eye held humor and his half smirk at the prospect of Edward dealing with my godfather.
"Yeah, the man can change at the drop of a hat. I wouldn't be surprised if he made you uncomfortable as well. Despite being undead, you're totally his type. We both have a weakness for blondes with soulful eyes that have the power to destroy us with a single phrase."
"Huh. That explains the occasional spike of lust. Mainly he was just concerned for you though. So back to the beginning now?"
"Apparently he thinks you can just proposition me and I'll hop into bed with you without a single thought of safety. I don't know much about the mating pull, but I know it's stronger for you and typically in humans we don't feel the full effects until after we consummate it. At least, that's what I have heard. I know there are legends, and that anything is possible." I had my eyes locked on him, looking to gauge every reaction.
"If I were to proposition you, just out of curiosity, are you telling me you'd be a willing participant then?"
"I should think you'd know the answer to that. But, for the record Casanova, I'm not that easy!" He smirked.
"I never said you were. Still, it's nice to hear every now and then. Perhaps I should apologize for that kiss earlier. I know you wanted to take things slow."
"There are many things I wanted, but few I've received. I think that's for the better." I smiled, then continued "You definitely should apologize, but only for the fact you did it once. I personally wouldn't have minded a repeat. It's a shame about the tree. I don't think it could withstand round two. Had it not been for that boulder and you pulling away at the last moment, it wouldn't have survived the first round!" I teased him, seeing relief and mischief dancing in his amber colored eyes.
"Ah yes. That poor tree. Not my best moment. Had I been in better control, I'd preferred to make it romantic- or at least on a softer surface." Jasper's hands were gripping the wheel loosely up until now. He made a slight wide turn onto an unfamiliar road. "Your tank is almost empty and you're about to have your light go off- one of the tires is low. There's a gas station up ahead."
We had just stopped when my phone began to ring. It was Uncle Charlie. I picked up and immediately got bombarded.
"Thank god Lily! Where are you? Do you have any idea how worried I was to get a call from Brian saying that plans had changed and you'd gone all the way to Seattle and I get several calls in about the violence up there and the fact there's yet another bear attack? This one was bad. Please tell me you're alright and you didn't go alone. It's almost completely dark out."
"No worries! I'm not sure quite where we are, but Jasper Hale is with me. I had left my jacket at the airport when we got back and was there when Uncle Brian got the call. He offered to come with me. We're getting gas now and should be home in about an hour or so."
"Lily…" His voice had taken a harder edge, almost in warning.
"Yes?" I answered back.
"You know how I feel about Edward. I don't like that with his family around again he might hurt Bella again. I can't stop her from being with him, but it worries me."
"Well, yes. I understand. Do you think all of them are like that though? Grouping them in a lump sum seems a tad rash. Besides, he's a gentleman. He even made an impression on Uncle Brian, which is a hard feat."
"I know it isn't fair. Dr. Cullen is a wonderful man, and overall his kids are good. I just don't want either of you hurt. Will you put the Hale boy on the phone?" Jasper had just finished pumping gas, so I put the phone on speaker.
"Yes sir?"
"Make sure to get her back safely please. Not too late, and then I want you to get home. No funny business! Though speaking of going home, I didn't notice a car when I pulled up. Don't tell me you rode on a death trap or something?"
"No. My sister, Alice, said she would come get me. She had to drive my car since hers is being worked on right now. Carlisle was able to have us re-enroll in school to finish our senior years out, so she wanted to do some shopping. We ran into a little bit of traffic on our way back, so with your permission, I would like to take Lily to get something to eat before we go back. It would only add about an hour or so to our trip; things will be closing down soon."
"Well, that's up to her. Thank you for asking though. Make sure you get her home in one piece." Uncle Charlie seemed to be losing his steam.
"No worries! I'll be sure to get home safe and keep him in line on the road! I'll send you a text when we leave the restaurant. Bye!" I hung up quickly and let out a breath. "Well we just bought a couple of extra hours. Plenty of things we could get up to." Jasper laughed.
"There are, but priorities. Food first, then whatever you have planned. Speaking of, what are you in the mood for?"
"Breakfast food! Didn't we pass a diner about a mile ago?" My eyes lit up in excitement at the prospect. Jasper nodded, and we headed that way.
The diner was everything you'd see off an old movie set, and for a moment, reminded me of home. It even had an old jukebox in the corner. Jasper was moving slower than usual and he seemed to be drinking in the sight. It wasn't packed given the hour, and there were only three people seated. One of whom I recognized. I dragged Jasper by the hand over to where he sat.
"Lucas! It appears this will be a regular thing now." I smiled and he got up to hug me.
"The sun sets and she appears. I was just thinking about you."
"And I you. So was there a rose this year?"
"Oddly enough, there was more than that. I tried to get in contact with you but you were in Italy apparently. I guess you and Bella ran into some trouble after all?" Lucas sent a curious glance toward Jasper. I laughed and pulled Jasper into the booth with me across from him.
"Something like that, yeah. But if you ask me, the prize was definitely worth it." He grinned at me.
"I can see that. My name is Lucas, by the way." He stuck his hand out to Jasper, who took it hesitantly.
"Jasper." He muttered, but made no move to shake hands.
"If I've overstepped, I apologize, but if you're just worried about how I will react to the cold, it doesn't bother me. We were all there with my brother and his… companion. Jim was my older brother. We were Irish twins. Bought gave my dad a heart attack." Lucas smirked bemused, as he remembered some of the hell they raised. Jasper visibly relaxed, and I rubbed my hand lightly on his thigh under the table.
"So do you… I mean.. are you..?" Jasper trailed off as the waitress brought him a coffee. She promptly asked for our orders, and I'd swear she was hitting on Jasper. I'd be jealous if I didn't find it quite so amusing. "Oh nothing for me thank you, but my girlfriend here might want something." The waitress was taken aback slightly and then took my order. She left shortly after. Both men looked visibly relieved.
"I don't know if I'm hurt or flattered that she hit on both of us." Lucas muttered, his frustration evident. I switched the subject.
"So how are things with you and Luna?"
"Shop wise or relationship?"
"Both." I said simply.
"Surprisingly good. Not quite like how I want or imagined, but I really like and respect her. Honestly, I can't believe she'd even consider me. I feel like such a dork around her. We're going on our first date Friday. Since she loves horror movies, I was thinking of taking that old projector and hooking it up to make it have that drive in movie old school feel while being at home." Lucas confessed. I was really happy for him. He may have been cocky, but he would always be like my little brother and it was so nice to see him actually go out of his way for a girl he was interested in. It's crazy how much will change in a year.
"That sounds awesome. Just don't point out the historical or anatomical inaccuracies though. We don't want them catching onto us, especially since you decided long ago to have nothing to do with the lifestyle choices your brother and I chose. Nor do we want to scare the poor girl." I grinned.
We talked a bit more while Jasper was content to listen mostly. The evening continued much the same until the waitress brought our checks. Before either Lucas or I could make a move, Jasper made sure to hand her cash for both of them and a generous tip. Lucas blinked in surprise and went to speak but Jasper waved him off. We said our final goodbyes in the parking lot, and went our separate ways. Jasper finally broke the silence.
"I met Alice in a diner very similar to this. It brought back a lot of memories." He kept his hands gripped on the steering wheel. "I apologize for my actions tonight. It's not easy carryin' a conversation with a stranger, especially when I'm trying to put aside my jealousy." I was surprised.
"Suddenly the world makes sense. I guess once we can stop somewhere I'll have to show you how you can make it up to me then." He caught the meaning of my words and turned off on a dirt road, that shortly became a clearing with many stars.
"What did you have in mind?" He cocked a brow in confusion as I got out.
"Some of us aren't graceful with good reflexes. I may not be as accident prone as Bella, but I know I can't pull off climbing seats." I huffed, and waited for him to join me. I didn't have to wait long.
Pulling him close to me, I pressed my lips to his gently and trailed my hands under his shirt. He let me lead at first. Gently positioning himself so he didn't put any weight on me, the kiss deepened. Somehow gentle, but with a passion building just as the first had, and soon we were battling for dominance. His tongue traced my lips, begging me silently to part them. I obliged, letting him explore which lead to an exploration of my own. The desire and tension swirled around us, dizzying and exhilarating. Jasper's cool hand buried itself in my hair, then trailed down to hover just under the hem of my shirt.
"So soft…" He growled, teasing me with the barest hint of contact. I could feel his arousal against me as he shifted. In that instant he pulled away as much as the car allowed and ran a hand through his honey locks. "No.. Not here. As tempting as it would be to give in, we need to get you home."
"Tease." I replied petulantly, while knowing he was also correct. I'd swear he did this on purpose. He just smiled and pulled me closely.
"Look up. Since you've been here, have you taken in the stars? I noticed you had many of the constellations painted on your ceiling last night." Had it really only been last night?
"Yeah, my mom was the better painter. Uncle Charlie thought it would feel more like home that way. I love stargazing. It makes me feel rather melancholy. I don't know how to describe it. But this is definitely not something you get in the city. Oh, in case I didn't make this clear, you're forgiven for this evening. And I hope I made it clear that you're mine." Jasper smiled softly.
"And you're mine." He affirmed. "Come on, before you catch a cold and your uncle worries about you more than he already is."
