Chapter 12: A Rainy Kiss

Disclaimer: SM owns Twilight.

Coach Masen

The first few weeks of school flew by, and I never knew teaching would be so much fun. That is, until Bella came along. During class, I kept finding myself glancing over to Bella's classroom, watching her lecture the kids. She was beautiful, graceful, and definitely lived up to the hot teacher persona. The glasses Bella wore to school made me want her more than ever.

And the clothes, I mean, the pajamas she wore were so fucking sexy that I could feel my cock begin to harden instantly. Yes, Bella was wearing pajamas. It was homecoming week and throughout the week there were special things planned to celebrate. Monday was pajama day. Tuesday was cap day. Wednesday was crazy hair day. Thursday was crazy sock day. Friday was Spartan day, which meant we all wore the school's colors. Some of the things were really stupid, but pajama day was by far my favorite. Even plaid pajamas looked sexy on Bella… anything did.

All of the young men at school were obsessed with her, constantly whispering back and forth about how "fuck hot" she was, which was inappropriate for them to be talking about a teacher that way. Plus, she was mine.

Yes, Bella was mine, even if she didn't realize it yet.

It was Bella's twenty seventh birthday today and I had something special planned, even though she hated surprises. During lunch, I had all the kids sing happy birthday to her, which made her blush furiously. She was so beautiful.

I was leaving school early because I had to go pick up Bella's birthday present and I needed to go change out of my pajamas. I sent Bella a quick text, reminding her to go to my house right after school. We were going to Carlisle and Esme's house for dinner and a small birthday gathering that Esme insisted on having later that evening, so I wanted plenty of time to show her what I got.

The drive to Port Angeles to pick up the present was a quick one. I drove quickly, hoping to make it back to my house in time to set up everything.

I bought Bella a puppy. She loved Herkie so much, and I knew she would love to have a dog to keep her company at night if Seth was out, though I hoped she would call me if she needed someone.

The puppy was a German Shepherd, just like Herkie, and I found her through a friend of a friend. She was only two months old and so fucking cute. Bella would love her.

I stopped by Home Depot and picked up the materials for a doggy door, in case Bella wanted one. After I had already paid for the puppy, which was a few weeks prior because I was waiting for the puppy to be weaned from her mother, I started to worry that this might be too much for Bella. I was putting a big responsibility on her. What if she really didn't have time for a puppy?

My next stop was at PetsMart where I got a dog house, a dog carrier, food, toys, and a collar with a pink bow on it.

After a quick stop by the breeder's home, I had Bella's cute puppy sitting on my lap as I drove back to Forks. I made it back just after four and prayed Bella was still at the school. Once I got to my house, relieved that Bella wasn't there yet, I parked my truck in the garage, hiding all the things I bought at the pet store, except for one thing. The pink collar. I put the collar on the small puppy, who was shaking, probably from nervousness, but also because it was starting to get chilly as the season was quickly changing.

Just changed out of my pjs… Can I come over now? –B

Her little text had me smiling like an idiot.

Yes, I'm ready for you. –E

I sat on the floor of my living room, playing with the puppy and watching Herkie sniff her with an odd look on his face. He was pretty much pacing back and forth, trying to figure out what that puppy was.

As soon as I heard tires running over the gravel in my driveway, I quickly placed the puppy in her carrier and ran out to meet Bella on the porch. I took in Bella's appearance as she stepped out of her car with a big smile on her face, still unable to believe that I was lucky enough to spend time with this woman. Her hair was pulled up into a pony tail, the sexy glasses she once wore were pushed back, holding a few strands of hair back on the top of her head.

"Hi," Bella said anxiously as she stepped onto the porch.

"Hi, Bella."

"So…" Bella wrung her hands together, her face blushing a slight pink color. "Give me my present, coach."

Silently, I stepped around Bella and placed one of my ties over her eyes, tying it loosely but securely so she couldn't see.

"Edward…" Bella groaned. "I'm going to fall… you know how clumsy I am!"

I stood behind Bella and wrapped my arms around her torso, hugging her against my chest. "I won't let you fall, Bell."

I had to be careful to make sure that my fucking erection didn't poke her. It was a constant reminder of how much I wanted Bella. It desperately needed some attention from Bella, not my hand anymore, as nothing was relieving that pressure.

I kissed the back of her head as I led her into the house. Almost immediately, her puppy started barking, which sounded more like a small whine. Herkie was barking, still going crazy from the new addition. Bella giggled as he licked her hand, excited to see her just like I was; however, I didn't get the pleasure of licking parts of Bella like he did. Bastard.

Edward Masen… jealous of a fucking dog. Pathetic.

"Okay… now if you don't like it or feel too overwhelmed to handle it, don't worry… I will help you or you can just give it to me and I can handle it."

"Edward, I'll love whatever it is… can we take this blindfold off now? Please?"

"Stand right here." I released her from my arms and hurried over to the carrier to grab the puppy. Standing in front of Bella, I held the puppy in my arms. "Okay, you can take it off now."

Bella flicked the blindfold off and opened her big brown eyes as soon as the words left my mouth. A big smile spread across her face and she blinked a few times.

"You got me a puppy?"

"Yeah…" I replied hesitantly. "And Bella, if you can't handle her or-"

"Edward!" Bella exclaimed, lunging towards me, hugging me but being careful not to crush the puppy. "I love her!"

Bella held on to me so tight, but pulled back slightly and kissed the side of my face. "You are the sweetest man I have ever known."

"Well… I try…" I said cockily. "Do you wanna hold her?"

Bella nodded eagerly, holding her arms out. I placed the puppy in her arms and she pulled her to her chest and kissed the top of her head. "I'm going to name her Harley."

"That's a cute name… had it picked out a while, I guess?" I asked with a chuckle. I didn't expect her to come with a name so fast. Women were usually indecisive about that kind of stuff.

"Not really… but Herkie and Harley sounds cute together…."

I took Bella out to the garage and showed her everything I bought that Harley might need. Bella insisted on paying for some of it, but it was her birthday present, so I did not budge at all. I made plans to install the doggy door over the weekend since we had so much to do during the week.

I followed Bella to her house a little while later so that we could drop off everything. Bella brought Harley to Emse and Carlisle's house to show her off. Everyone, including Seth, loved Harley.

Esme cooked a chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole, as it was Bella's favorite meal. We had birthday cake and laughed for a while, hearing old stories about Bella, Alice, and Emmett growing up together.

I never even knew Bella back then, but I felt like I had missed out on so much. I knew my life would be extremely different now if I had met Bella before my football days. There was no doubt in my mind that we would have been together. I'm definitely turning into a sap, but it's completely true. Isabella Swan meant more to me than any other woman ever had.

Bella rode with me over to Esme and Carlisle's, so I drove her home after dinner. Seth beat us home and was already in his room, finishing up some homework when we arrived. I carried Harley's things to the back yard and set up the pet "taxi" in Bella's bedroom. She was going to keep Harley in there while we were at school. We planned to run over to Bella's house during the lunch hour to let Harley out since it was just down the road from the school… and I would be able to go over there throughout the day because I didn't have classes all day long.

Bella was sitting outside on her back porch on my last run to the truck. I had one thing left to give to Bella. I ordered a special cupcake from the local bakery and had it decorated with several icing shaped flowers. Once I placed the single candle in the cupcake, I lit it with the lighter I borrowed from Esme's house, as I completely forgot to get one.

I quietly walked over to Bella, holding the cupcake, hoping that she would think it was more romantic than friendly. Over the months, I had slowly eased my way into Bella's life, and now I wanted more.

"Happy birthday," I said with a low voice.

Bella looked up at me, smiling hugely as she stood. "You… I…" Her words were jumbled and she let out a small huff of frustration as she couldn't figure out what to say.

"I just wanted this to be a special birthday for you…"

"It's more than special, Edward. I am so lucky to have someone like you… don't tell Alice and the others, but you're the best friend I've ever had."

Friend. We were still at that fucking stage. It wasn't about the sex because God knows how badly I wanted that with her, but it was so much more. I had never felt this way for another woman. Ever. And as much as I hated to admit it, I would gladly wait for her… as long as it took for her to realize we could be much more than friends, I would wait.

"You're welcome," I said hoarsely. I handed the cupcake to Bella and she blew out the candle, closing her eyes afterwards to make a wish.

"Thank you, Edward… for everything." Bella placed the cupcake on the porch railing and stepped forward, closing the distance between us. Her arms wrapped around my neck as I wrapped mine around her small frame, both of us holding onto one another tightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Well, you don't have to worry about that… I'll always be here for you." I didn't know if she would take my words seriously, but I was being more truthful than I had ever been. I could never let go of her.

Bella shifted her head and placed a small kiss near my jaw line, her lips lingered there for a few seconds. I had to leave before our situation became unbearable.

"I better get going… it's late and we've both got school, bright and early," I explained as I reluctantly released her from my arms.

"Yeah," Bella replied, letting out a small yawn as she stepped away from me. "Thanks again for everything, Edward."

"You're welcome." I squeezed her hand that I didn't even realize I was holding until that moment. "Sleep well."

"I will… and will you text me when you get home? So I know you got there okay?"

I chuckled, nodding my head. "Okay."

I beat myself up the entire way home. What would it hurt if I came clean with Bella? Let her know that I wanted her since the day I met her? Told her that I wanted more than a friendship with her? Well, it could cause me to lose her… and that was not a risk I was willing to take.

Ms. Swan

It was now Wednesday and I was utterly exhausted, since I had to get up extra early to fix my hair for crazy hair day. All of the teachers were required to participate, encouraging all of the kids to get involved as well. I called Edward after I was finished with my hair to see if he needed any help and to make sure he was actually going through with it, messing up his perfect hair, but he said he had the situation handled on his own.

Normally it wouldn't bother me if he turned down my help or whatever, but since Monday night, he had been acting strange. We usually had lunch together in the cafeteria, but he went to his office in the athletic building, saying that he had several things to prepare for Friday night's homecoming game. Not only that, but usually throughout the day he would glance over at me from his classroom and smile or wink, causing my heart to feel as though it was beating out of my chest. He hadn't been doing that since Monday night, either.

By lunchtime on Wednesday, I was fully prepared to go confront him to see what was going on. I walked with Jasper to the cafeteria, but turned back just before entering, making up a lame excuse to get away. My feet moved faster to Edward's room, which didn't allow my stupid brain to think through what I was going to say to him. Was this going to be it? Would I finally confess my feelings for him?

Standing outside his classroom, I took a deep breath. The door was cracked and that's when I heard Mrs. Cope talking to Edward, telling him something that completely broke me.

"Edward, I would just really appreciate it if you would take Jane out… just this once. She is new in town and doesn't know her way around. If you don't want to make it a date, then don't, but she is a sweet girl and just needs someone to talk to."

Jane was Mrs. Cope's niece that had just graduated from college. It was her first year of teaching. I didn't know her very well as she was one of the first grade teachers in the building next to us.

"I'm really not looking for anyone to date right now… so it wouldn't be anything more than that. I can help her get around, though."

Edward was nice to everyone. Would he be a friend to Jane like he was to me? Would he get drunk and kiss her? Would he… God, I couldn't even fathom him spending time with another woman. It was me he wanted to be with. I heard him from his porch that day as he thought he was alone.

I was jealous.

"I know that… but maybe you could just take her to the bookstore in Port Angeles tomorrow night? Maybe dinner? Just get to know her Edward… she just wants a friend…. But please don't let her know I approached you with this. She's shy and that's the only reason I'm doing this."

"I understand."

"Okay… but this won't cause any problems for you and Ms. Swan, I presume?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I see you two together and… well, I didn't know if you two were exclusive or-"

"We're just friends, ma'am. Very good friends, but we're not dating."

No matter how true his words were, it killed me to hear them. Tears formed in my eyes as I quietly stepped away from his door and over to my classroom. I shut the door and sat down at my desk, trying to calm myself down. Edward was going to take another woman, as a friend, to dinner. It was a simple gesture, but the thought of another woman with him made me want to throw up.

He wasn't mine.

Because I couldn't be honest.

Because I was a fucking idiot when it came to expressing my feelings.

The lunch period passed by all too quickly and I found myself feeling so sick that I knew teaching a classroom full of kids was not an option. I only had one class left and the rest of the time was my conference time, so I went to Mrs. Cope and explained my situation, making up a fake stomach virus. Jasper had his class watching a movie about Indians for his history class, and Mrs. Cope thought it would be okay if my class went over to his to join in on a historical lecture.

"Are you okay, Bella?" Jasper asked worriedly as he felt my forehead with the back of his hand.

"I'm fine… I just think something disagreed with me… I think I just need to rest."

"Okay, but you'll call us if you need anything?"

"Yes, but I'll be fine. Could you tell Seth that I'm going home early? He's in Edward's class right now."

"Okay… Alice will be calling you later, so you better answer unless you want everyone at your house," Jasper warned as I walked down the hallway.

I couldn't help but laugh because he was speaking the truth. Alice would freak out if I was at home sick and didn't answer my phone. "I will."

Once I got home, I stripped out of my work clothes and into my pajamas before crawling into bed. I hated crying over guys and rarely let that happen, even when I found my ex in a rather compromising position with his boyfriend. And now I was crying over Edward, when I couldn't even call him mine. I knew he had feelings for me, but he never pursued those feelings, so did he really feel that way? So many times I would hug him or kiss him a little longer than a friend would, praying he would make a move or do something to show me that he wanted more than just being friends, but he didn't.

I slept for a while and was awakened by Seth's loud voice booming from downstairs. I hollered at him, letting him know that I was in my bedroom and when he opened the door to my room, I put a fake smile on my face so he didn't worry.

"What's wrong, Bell?" Seth asked as he sat down on my bed beside me.

"Nothing," I lied.

"Whatever…" Seth groaned. He moved to lay down beside me, lying on his side to face me. "I know I'm your little brother… but you can talk to me."

I choked back the sob that tried to escape. "I'm just… frustrated."

"About…?"

"I like someone," I admitted, feeling so stupid for telling my little brother this.

"Edward," Seth stated.

"How did you-"

"Bella, it's so obvious… and he feels the same about you. I swear, for two adults, you two really are retarded sometimes."

"He doesn't feel-"

"Yes he does… you should see the way he looks at you. I mean, if it was anyone else I might have to kick their ass for looking at my sister that way… but it's Edward and he's a good guy." I smiled at his protectiveness over me. "And when Jasper came into my class to give me the note saying you had left… Edward pulled me out into the hall, freaking the fuck out because he was worried about you. In fact, he's downstairs right now… sitting in the living room because you never replied to his texts."

I shuffled through my covers and found my phone. I had six texts, all from Edward.

Jasper said you were sick. What's wrong? –E

I'm worried about you… call me when you can. –E

I'm bringing soup to you after school. What's your favorite? –E

Okay, you aren't responding to me, so I'll just get several kinds for you to sample. –E

I'm at the diner right now, picking up a selection of soups for you and dinner for Seth. –E

I'm really worried about you. –E

I wiped the tears from my eyes and smiled. "Wow."

"Yeah… so give the guy a chance, Bella."

"He's going out with Ms. Andrews… Mrs. Cope's niece that just moved here. I heard Mrs. Cope ask him to take her out during lunch today."

"So…? Did Edward knowingly go ask the woman on a date?" I shook my head. "No, he didn't. Does he spend time with you every night?" I nodded. "Okay then… it wasn't his idea and I'm pretty fucking sure he'd rather be spending time with you, so let him in, Bella. He isn't going to treat you badly and he definitely will not be caught in bed with another fucking guy… or girl."

We both laughed together for a few more minutes until Seth left the room to go get Edward. I heard a light knock on my door before Edward entered and, once he did, every bad feeling I had drifted away.

"I told you I'd be here to take care of you the next time you were sick…" Edward said with a grin, holding a paper bag from the diner. "And I have soup… tons of it actually."

"Thank you," I said as I sat up in my bed and leaned against the headboard. "I'm really okay… I just fell asleep when I got home and ended up sleeping on my phone, which is why I didn't get your texts."

"It's okay… I was just worried about you, but I'm glad you're okay. What was wrong anyway? Allergies again?"

I shook my head as Edward began unloading Styrofoam containers from the bag. "I just felt sick to my stomach…"

"Cafeteria food will do that to ya," Edward chuckled.

"I didn't eat in the cafeteria. I went back to my classroom during lunch because I felt sick… I was going to come by and say hi, but Mrs. Cope was in your room, so I didn't want to disturb you."

Edward's eyes widened, which worried me even more. If he kept it from me then maybe he really did want to get out and date women, which would be normal for a guy his age; however, if he did tell me, then it really didn't mean anything.

"Yeah," Edward groaned, rubbing the back of his neck as he sat down beside me. "She wants me to show her niece around… Jane Andrews, she's a first grade teacher that just moved here. I guess she doesn't have a lot of friends and Mrs. Cope thought I might-"

"You don't have to explain," I said, feeling so relieved that he was telling me the truth.

"I do, Bella… because-" Edward paused, shifting on the bed to face me. As much as I wanted to take my eyes off of him, I couldn't. "Hey… have you been crying?" Edward asked, lightly running his fingertips under my eyes.

"No."

"Don't lie to me, Bella."

"I'm not."

"You are. You can't even look at me when you lie."

I made myself look directly into his eyes, and when I did I felt all the emotions coming back. "Fine… I just don't feel good. It's been a crappy day."

I couldn't even breathe as Edward moved closer to me. He lowered his face to mine and softly kissed below my right eye, then moved to my left, placing another kiss there. "Let me be here for you, Bella…"

Nodding my head was the only thing I could do.

"So… anyway, Mrs. Cope wants me to take her niece to dinner and I don't really want it to be like a date, so we're all going out tomorrow. Em, Rose, Alice, Jasper and you…"

"Edward, I can't do that, I mean-"

"Yes, you can, and you will. I'll carry you out of here if I have to."

I could never say no to his demands.

We spent the rest of the night in my bed, talking about the homecoming dance on Saturday. Edward signed both of us up to be chaperones. He told me that he would come by to pick me up that evening so we could ride together, but I was going to go home with Seth to make sure he and his friends got home safely.

It was almost going to be like a date.

I could tell something else was bothering Edward, so I nagged him until he finally came clean.

"Okay... My agent called this morning and the guys from Dallas want me to meet with them. Not this weekend, but the next. They're flying me to Dallas, which works out perfectly because we have a three day weekend..."

"That's great!" I said, probably a little too loudly, considering I was inches away from Edward's ear. I honestly was happy for him, but wanted to curl up in a ball and cry all over again. I wasn't ready to lose him.

"Yeah..." Edward grinned. "It's pretty crazy and I hate to admit that I'm really excited about it..."

I reached out and squeezed his hand as I rested my head on his shoulder. "So... What's wrong?"

Edward let out a long sigh and grasped my hand a little tighter. "Same stuff as before... But I was wondering if you and Seth would like to go with me? Please?"

"Edward... I-"

"I know I'm asking a lot, but you mean a lot to me Bella and it would-"

"Okay," I blurted out quickly. "Of course, I will. I just don't want to get in the way."

Edward let go of my hand and wrapped his arm around me, holding me close against his side. "You'll never be in the way, Bella."

Edward left later that night and I felt so much better about everything, even with the new developments. Developments that could not only affect his future, but mine, as well. I wasn't sure he realized how much he affected me, but he still wanted to spend time with me. He didn't feel like he was missing out on dating someone. And he needed me...

The next day at school, things were back to normal. Edward talked to me throughout the day and even picked up some lunch for us because he didn't want the cafeteria food to disagree with me.

On our way out of the school, we ran into Jane. Edward told her about his plans, casually inviting her to hang out with him and his friends so she could get to know some other people. I might have picked up on some disappointment in her eyes, but I didn't know if it was just my own jealousy seeping through or not.

Edward picked me up around five, looking so handsome. He wore a light blue polo shirt and jeans. It was a simple outfit, but on him it was so much more than simple. That, plus his sex hair… he was breathtaking.

On our way to Port Angeles, Alice called to let me know that they were already at the restaurant and Jasper spotted Jane. They had a table already and were just waiting on us to arrive.

Edward and I were quiet on our way there and it felt like we were changing so much. After spending the summer together almost every day, I think we had both had enough of the games.

Once we arrived at the restaurant, Edward led me to the table, his hand on the small of my back. Jasper introduced me to Jane and I swear that woman pretty much squealed when she officially met Edward. Like everyone from around our town, they all knew of Edward Masen. Plus, he was insanely hot, so of course she would be excited. Also, Edward had mentioned she just graduated from college, and she definitely seemed to be sort of… immature? Once again, my jealousy or competitive side was killing me.

After dinner, Edward excused himself to go to the restroom, leaving Jane to talk to us.

"So… is he seeing anyone?" Jane asked, looking over to me.

My eyes went wide as I stared at Alice.

"Yeah… he is seeing someone," Rose said. "He just doesn't talk about it often, so I wouldn't really bring that up… but he's unavailable, unfortunately."

My cheeks flushed.

Rose and Alice both knew how I felt about Edward. They wanted me to be happy, but they also knew I was shy when it came to my feelings about him.

"Dang… he is hot!" Jane frowned.

Edward returned and sat back down, his side touching mine. I almost gasped when I felt his hand graze my thigh, resting it there, which drove me absolutely insane. I turned to look at him with a shocked look on my face. Edward had a crooked grin on his face as he shrugged his shoulders.

The conversation after dinner was spent talking about sports – football in particular. High school, college, and pro. Edward hadn't mentioned to everyone else that he was offered a position for one of the most recognized football teams, so I of course didn't say anything.

Jane had the audacity to ask for Edward's phone number even though she was told that he was in a relationship. She said she might need it in case she ever needs help with something… whatever.

When Edward dropped me off at my house, he walked me to the door, which wasn't unusual as he did that most of the time. However, this time he held my hand, holding me close to his side.

"So… I'll be pretty busy tomorrow… but I just wanted to make sure we're still on for Saturday night?"

I smiled dumbly, like some wide eyed teenager, finally being asked out by the guy of her dreams. "Yeah…"

"Okay, well, I'll pick you up at six. Is that okay?"

"That sounds good to me."

Edward kissed my forehead before walking back to his truck, leaving me wanting more.

Friday was definitely a busy day. Edward and I spoke briefly throughout the day, which I expected since he had warned me already. I literally squealed when I found a homecoming mum sitting on my desk. It said 'To B, From E'. I wore it proudly.

Good god, how stupid I felt… Since when did I turn into the girl that had a horrible crush on a guy that I couldn't even open up to and tell him how I felt?

After the game on Friday night, which we won, Edward and I joined the team at the diner to celebrate. His arm was wrapped around my shoulder all night as he laughed and talked to his team. I was tired and almost falling asleep all too soon, so Edward followed me home and made sure I got in safely.

Saturday was spent getting ready for the homecoming dance. Alice and Rose came over and it felt like I was in high school all over again. After being silent for most of the summer, Alice and Rose lectured me all day. I was told that if I didn't make my fucking move, I would get my ass kicked by both of them, including Jasper and Emmett. Yeah.

I had to push Alice and Rose out of my house so that they weren't there when Edward arrived. I must have checked myself over in the mirror fifty times before I sat down in the living room. I heard Edward's truck pull up and my heart started racing as it always did when he when was around me, but this time it was different. I had to let him know how I felt.

"Hi," Edward grinned as I opened the door.

My face flushed as Edward's eyes roamed up and down my body. "Hi."

I suddenly felt so exposed and uncomfortable. I was wearing the dress that I bought with Edward in Seattle.

"Well, I must say I am pleased that I get to take you out… wearing that dress," Edward said, waving his finger up and down towards me. "You look gorgeous."

It was a simple dress, but it fit me perfectly and made me feel… sexy. It was a black strapless dress that ended just above my knee. I usually didn't wear something so revealing, as this dress definitely showed all of my curves, but I knew those faithful workouts of mine would pay off someday.

"Thanks," I said shyly.

After I got over my initial shyness, I was finally able to focus on how sexy Edward looked. Black slacks and a dark gray button up shirt never looked so good. I probably stared at him longer than I should have before finally inviting him in.

Edward went to the kitchen to get some water while I went upstairs to slip my heels on and check my hair. I nervously shoved my hair behind my ears, wishing I would stop blushing. And for the love of God, why did even my ears turn slightly pink when I blushed?

After putting on my small silver hoop earrings, I waved my hands up and down, fanning my face, trying to cool myself down when I saw Edward's reflection in the mirror.

"What's the matter?" Edward asked, his face full of genuine concern.

"I have no idea…" I grumbled.

"Trying to impress those high school guys, huh?" Edward chuckled as he leaned against the door frame.

"Oh yea…" I giggled.

"Well, you look beautiful, Bella… so no worries there." Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the bathroom, ushering me out of the house. I grabbed my sweater as I was dragged out to his truck, laughing the entire time.

When we arrived at the dance, I took my place at the entrance, holding the door open for all of the kids. I received many compliments, especially from Jake. Perv.

Edward mingled with the students, joking and playing around with all of them. He was definitely the "cool" teacher that everyone loved. I was too, I heard, but Edward was a guy and since he was an extremely attractive guy, the girls were in love with him.

"Dance with me," Edward stated simply, standing behind me, his warm breath tickling my ear. All of the students had arrived and our principal had now taken her place at the entrance, checking to see who was leaving. Once the kids left, they couldn't come back in. Stupid rule, but oh well.

I turned around to face Edward, and almost gasped as I saw how close he was to me. Edward looked down and winked at me as he pulled me out to the dance floor. After receiving several whistles from the loud students, Edward pulled me against his chest, swaying us back and forth to the beat of the music.

We didn't say anything as we danced.

I noticed Jane walk in, gazing around the room, probably looking for Edward. And that reminded me of what I needed to do. Not because of jealousy, but because he had to know I didn't want him as just my friend anymore.

"Edward… can we go outside and talk?"

"Sure… everything okay?"

I nodded, but pulled away from him. I walked towards the exit with Edward following close behind me. Once I was outside, I turned around and took a deep breath. Edward had his hands shoved in his pockets, his face full of worry.

"Bella, did I do something to-"

"No!" I said, cutting him off. "I just… I can't do this anymore. I can't keep pretending that we're just friends. This," I waved my hand between us, "is not just a friendly relationship… and I'm so tired of holding back how I-"

I was cut off as Edward placed his hands on my hips, pulling me towards him. His lips pressed against mine, stopping my rant that was basically going nowhere. The kiss started out frantic as we were both breathing nervously, but ended up as a slow, soft kiss. My body molded against his, my arms wrapped around his neck, holding him close to me. His hands never left my body, gripping me tightly.

I pictured that kiss in my head for so long, but it was so much more amazing than my dreams.

I may have stumbled or lost my footing as Edward broke contact, but only to place soft kisses down my neck. An involuntary moan escaped me as I felt his mouth against the sensitive skin near my collarbone, only this time he was sober and definitely knew what he was doing. Just as Edward moved his mouth upwards, heading towards my mouth again, a loud thunder roared as a heavy downpour of rain started.

We broke apart and as soon as I glanced over to my side, I found Jake and Seth, along with their dates, gaping at us. Seth already knew how I felt about Edward, so I knew what just happened wouldn't surprise him… however, I wasn't used to the whole PDA thing. With Edward… it didn't matter.

"I'm sorry, Bella," Edward said, backing away from me. I stared at him, so confused because why would he apologize for something like that? "I've… I'm going home."

And before I knew it, Edward walked hurriedly to his truck, driving away before I even had the chance to figure out what exactly went wrong.

There was no way I could stay at that dance and act as though nothing had happened. Seth knew I needed to get away and I felt so awful for ruining his time, even though he assured me I didn't. Seth and Jake both said they were ready to leave, so I drove their dates home and when I got to my house the guys went to Jake's. Seth said he was staying over there and promised not to get into any trouble. He took Harley with him so she wouldn't be alone during the storm. I didn't want her to get scared.

I didn't allow the unshed tears to fall as I stripped out of my dress. I threw on a pair of pajama pants, a t-shirt and my tennis shoes before running out of my house. I had to confront him. I couldn't just let him walk away with no explanation.

I had to know if he felt the same way I did.

**reposting - no changes to the original story

thanks for reading!