Chapter 2 - here we go! This is a dual perspective chapter. I will try to stay in Jasper's POV for most of the story - I just like stories from guy's perspectives more. Hopefully you enjoy it, I am really into this one so far.

Obviously, I don't own anything and all belongs to SM. Enjoy.

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Chapter 2

JPOV

My workout was intense. I started with free weights today, ended with some stretching and my own personalized ab routine. Staying active was really the only thing that I had continued doing, besides work, since Alice. At least I can say I look better now than I did when she left. I wonder if that was my subconscious reason for working so hard.

The experience with my beautiful neighbor this morning allowed me to look up today for the first time in a long time. I saw other people filing into the gym at 5:00: older corporate men, young women dressed up way too much for just a visit to the gym, and one physical trainer that arrived for a workout before starting their shift. The young women eyed each other up, comparing the others with themselves. The young physical trainer was immediately surrounded by two of the young women and the corporate men kept their eyes to the ground.

After my I allowed the burning sensation in my abs subside, I stood up and grabbed my sweatshirt that I had taken off earlier. My shoulders, arms, stomach and legs were all weak – just the way I like them after a good exercise. I was looking good; I was lean with just enough bulk to fill out my clothes perfectly.

I walked slowly east toward my home. The sky was lit up in beautiful pinks and purples, darkening gradually toward the west. I felt myself smile, appreciating the moment.

"Awesome," I sighed.

A body appeared between my sidewalk and me. I smiled as I heard her speak, "Thanks, unless you weren't talking about me…" Bella turned toward the sunrise. She was wearing a deep blue coat with a white knit scarf wrapped around her neck intricately. The coat stopped above her knees and met her black tights and black suede wedge boots. Her thick hair cascaded down in waves over her scarf, hitting the middle of her back

A booming laugh came from deep within me, "Actually I wasn't talking about you otherwise I would have used a different word."

"What word would you use, cowboy?" she rocked onto her tiptoes and raised both eyebrows. She turned back to me and smiled. Her smile was warm, inviting. Bella was absolutely…

"Captivating," I said seriously. The blush crept up her cheeks again. I would never get tired of that. She looked down at her feet and fidgeted with her hands. "So…you headed to work?"

"Yeah," Bella locked eyes with mine again. "I am a receptionist for a law office downtown. I have a degree in journalism, but the job market is so horrible that I couldn't find anything but this when I got out of college. For a receptionist gig, it pays pretty damn well so I'm not complaining. What do you do, Jasper?"

"I own a couple different construction companies. They are based out of Louisiana and Texas, thus the accent. They do well and the guys do a great job. I only have to go down there a couple times a year for business so I really have a lot of free time." I explained.

The free time was the part that I hoped she picked up on. Please pick up on that…

"Wow, good for you. How old are you, anyways?" She seemed impressed. There was nothing to be impressed of really. My dad did all of the work and I just maintained it.

"Twenty-seven. I could ask you the same question, but I was taught to never ask a lady her age." I smiled.

"I'm twenty-four," she said immediately and took a deep breath, "and I'm running late. Jasper, I hope we unexpectedly meet again soon." Bella turned on her heal and halted, looking over her shoulder. She smiled at me again and I smirked back at her.

"God I hope so," I exhaled. I walked into my house and checked my phone. There was a message from last night that I had neglected to read from my sister, Rosalie.

Time 2 come out of your hole and play. Tomorrow night is my big night and your ass better be there. Bring someone with you 2, loser.

Rosalie's fashion show – shit, I forgot that it was tonight. And who the hell would I bring, anyway? Until a thought dawned on me…

What the hell?

I sprinted to the door and yelled, "Bella, wait!"

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BPOV

What a morning it's been so far. My workout was great, I was having a great hair day and it was Friday. How could it be any better? Oh yes, the handsome mystery neighbor encounter. That certainly took it over the edge from great to outstanding. My impression of him was that he was reclusive and strong, but I never would have imagined he would be that way because he was hurt. Whether he would ever admit it or not, he was sobbing. What would cause him to be so broken?

The better question would certainly be who would hurt him. He seemed so…

The vibrating in my jacket pocket and my name being yelled out simultaneously distracted my thoughts. I felt somewhat overwhelmed as I tried to determine which to respond to first until I turned to see him calling my name. Jasper ran towards me in his sweats and a cut-off t-shirt revealing his strong, perfectly defined arms. His muscular chest heaved while he tried to catch his breath. He was an ideal male specimen if I did say so myself.

"Bella," he exhaled again. Saying my name in the winded fashion that he was certainly was my favorite thus far. I thought of other ways to get him to sigh my name again while trying to catch his breath until he so rudely interrupted my daydreaming. "Bella, I am sorry for following you. I don't usually do this, but my sister has her fashion line debuting this evening and I am without a date. I know that you don't know me well yet, but I was…"

"Yes. I will go with you." I smiled at him. He seemed to glow back at me, grinning widely. Something about him made me feel at ease; with the short amount of time that I've known him so far, being near him allowed me to feel comfortable. For once, I felt like this is someone that I could feel like myself around. Jacob never made me feel that way…

"Great. The show starts at 9 o'clock. What time can I pick you up?" Jasper stepped towards me and I looked up at him. I hadn't realized how much taller than me that he was. My heels did not help, either.

"Come and get me whenever you are ready," I whispered. He lifted his eyebrow and smirked. My hand was instantaneously warm as he took it in both of his hands. His touch started a frenzy in my body and I felt a blush betray my nonchalant answer. Jake's hands were calloused and coarse and were incapable of a soft touch. Jasper's hands were strong and rough, but slid over my skin so effortlessly leaving me wanting more.

He bent lower and whispered in a low voice, allowing his accent to take over my entire reality, "I'll be at your door at 8:30." My hand was raised up higher so that it was level with his mouth.

Oh my, his mouth…

I watched the whole moment unfold in slow motion. Jasper licked his lips and brought my hand to his mouth, kissing my hand softly and slowly. His eyes burned through mine and I met his gaze with equal interest. My chest rose as I remembered that breathing was important and that I hadn't taken in oxygen for a good couple of seconds. He smiled; he knew the effect that he had on me. Two can play at that game, but that will have to wait until tonight.

"Until tonight, then?" He held my gaze as he returned my hand to its original place. I missed his touch already.

"Until tonight, Bella," Jasper said in that same, low voice. It oozed sexuality.

Jasper inhaled deeply and turned towards his house again. He ran a hand through his mess of dark blonde hair and I noticed that he was smiling.

Just wait until tonight, Mr. Whitlock. I will certainly give you something to smile about.

I turned again and walked toward my work again. It was only four blocks from my house so I never found the need to drive. Besides that, my old truck was the same one that I had in high school. Living downtown, I got glares from all of the people that drive their Smart Cars and Priuses. I admit that the truck isn't very eco-friendly.

My hand slipped into my pocket to retrieve my phone. There was a text from Jake:

I'm sorry – please let me see you. I don't want it to end this way. Please…

Ugh. My fingers moved quickly – options, delete message, Confirm Deleted Message – yes or no?

Yes. Click.