I knew he'd want to find me at some point, but I hadn't guessed he'd come here of all places. The chanting, cheering camaraderie of school and families certainly doesn't seem to fit his type of enjoyment. In fact, I'd bet this is the first football game he's ever attended. And he's brought back-up with him.

My hands start to sweat around my pom-poms as I stare up at the three boys sitting at the corner of the stadium. Embry gives me a small wave that I can't return as I continue my best to keep up with the dance. I try to smile back, but my eyes focus on Jake, who's leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and one smug eyebrow raised that says, "Did you think you were safe here? I said you couldn't avoid me. I'll always find you. I'm that badass."

Okay, maybe that's just what I think he's saying. In all reality, he could just be thinking, I want some nachos, but I doubt it. He's still angry, not that I can blame him for that. I know I'm the one who screwed up. I shouldn't have led him on only to stand him up. And that's exactly how Jake's going to see it, but honestly, I was just afraid. Do I really need to be penalized for that? What I did was wrong; I can admit that. But in my defense, meeting him would've been wrong too.

We could've been caught. I could've been suspended from the cheerleading squad and probably school. Not to mention, I would've actively been cheating on Edward again - not that that should even matter anymore considering how many times I've already done it.

The song suddenly stops. I've been so focused on my thoughts and staring at Jake I hardly realized I was still dancing on autopilot. I snap my gaze back to the front so quickly that I actually stumble on my last step. My cheeks feel ten degrees hotter as I think about everyone who just witnessed me trip (especially Jake).

I glance up at Alice. If I just made a total fool of myself, she'd be the one to tell me. She places her flute on her lap, raises a quizzical brow, and turns to look in the top right corner of the stadium, where my focus has been occupied for the last few minutes. I almost want to shout, No! Don't look! even though I know it's a lost cause.

Alice's mouth drops open in a small gasp. She turns back to me with her eyes wide. I bite my lip and shrug in response. I'm honestly at a loss right now. I don't know what Alice is thinking, but I'm betting she's starting to come to the conclusion that Jake's my stalker. This doesn't sit well with me. Knowing Alice, she'll probably try to intervene somehow - save me from the 'scary boy.'

Angela giggles beside me, bringing my attention to her. She's listening to Jessica prattling on about Mike, and that's when I realize how tight of a situation I'm in. They met Jake, Embry, and Quil last week. What are they going to think when they see the three boys sitting in the stands? It was one thing to run into them on the beach on their reservation, but this is our territory. (Yes, I realize that sounds like a line from The Outsiders, which I'm probably only referencing because it's what we read in class today, but my point remains the same.) It doesn't make sense for them to be here. They're not exactly showing their Forks High spirit considering only one of them actually attends this school, and even then, it's debatable on whether or not he's a "true Spartan."

Anyone who sees them is going to be asking why they're here, and if Jake's still as angry with me as I think he is, he's not going to be stealthy about confronting me. As I look back up at the stands, everything seems to freeze. Mrs. Brandon is poised ready to snap a picture. Mr. Brandon and my dad clap for our team in slow motion. Mr. and Mrs. Cullen are shouting at the coaches, but their voices are drawn out and deep while the seconds tick by like hours. Familiar faces are spread throughout the crowd; a hundred neighbors, parents, and classmates surround me. I realize it's not only my friends that I have to worry about: we're surrounded by potential witnesses.

Jake can't confront me here! And I'm about ninety-five percent sure that's what he's going to do. The other five percent is still clinging to the nachos idea.

The last time he was angry with me was at the beach, when I inadvertently gave him the impression that my relationship with Edward had grown physical. I was lucky then because he was too far away to expose us. He followed me to the bathrooms to confront me and, well, assault me with a fierce kiss behind the wall. I wonder if this confrontation will hold the same punishment? I can't even pretend I'm not excited about the prospect of it. The memory of that kiss is so different from all our others. It was angry, revengeful, and intensely passionate. Will he kiss me like that again? Will he pull me tight against his body and grab onto a fistful of my hair as he slams his lips to mine, forcing the emotions he's feeling onto me?

Focus Bella, my inner voice shouts.

Fighting off a flush, I train my eyes on Alice to keep from looking in the top right corner of the stadium. There has to be a way that I can talk to Jake tonight without our exchange becoming suspicious. I don't want to avoid him anymore, and any attempt to do so would be futile anyway. Besides, I owe him an apology. I have to explain what happened in class this morning – why I couldn't just skip class and follow him out the door.

My gaze flickers up to him, and my stomach twists with nerves. God, why couldn't I just follow him out the door? What would've happened if I'd snuck out of that classroom? Would Jake really have taken me to the janitor's closet? It sounds so cliché yet tantalizing. What would have happened behind that closed door? I'm afraid I'll never know, and I'm astounded by how much that disappoints me. If I could go back in time and do it all again…

Our captain claps and starts off another cheer. I join in on cue, plastering a fake smile onto my face. Throughout the first quarter, I try not to watch in my peripheral vision as Quil gets up from his seat and wanders down the bleachers. I force myself to focus on Mrs. Brandon as she snaps another picture of me on the track, instead of on the two boys intently watching me from their perch high in the stands.

I'm only granted small reprieves when we break and turn our backs on the crowd to watch minutes of the game. I always search for Edward's number immediately. Whether I do so consciously or out of habit, I honestly don't know. He skirts around several Sequim players until he's standing alone near the ten-yard line. Ben tosses him the ball, and Edward jumps, catching it right before he's tackled.

The crowd screams, and we turn around to join them, jumping and cheering. With everyone distracted, I chance a glance at Jacob. The smile on my face evaporates as I see Quil's back, accompanied by four girls - three brunettes and one blonde. Two sit themselves on the end of the row next to Jake, one sits next to Quil, and the fourth (the blonde one, of course) squeezes herself in the two-inch space between Embry and Jake. And that's not even the worst part: they're wearing Sequim Wolves shirts!

I'm immediately disgusted. They look like some kind of a slutty-wolf fan club, all throwing themselves at the boys on our side! They may be wearing their team's colors, but they wouldn't know school spirit if it was shoved up their asses.

I'm irritated, and I know I shouldn't be staring anymore, but its hard not to. The blonde places one hand on Embry's arm and the other on Jake's knee. Embry shifts in his seat as if he's trying to get further away from her, but Jake's not doing anything about the touch. In fact, he acts as though he's not even paying attention. His gaze is locked on something else. I follow it to the area in front of me, trying to figure out what's captured his attention, but instead, I catch my dad walking down the aisle.

As Charlie walks toward the stairs, I glance back up at Jacob, only to see that his eyes are on my father's retreating figure. The four girls start giggling, and the brunette on Jake's right touches his thigh. Jake gives her a sideways glance, leans back, and crosses his arms as if he's bored.

Good. I hope the slutty-wolf fan club can take a hint and go back to their own side. I feel like screaming, They're not interested! but figure that'd be kind of detrimental to the whole situation.

Instead, I just bite the inside of my cheek and try to ignore them. I do a horrible job, of course. Every few seconds, I take a glance, gritting my teeth more each time.

The brunette's scooting closer, pressing her breasts to Jake's arm and talking in his ear. I look away.

Jake smirks at the girl next to him. I look away.

The blonde uses her brunette friend as an excuse to lean across Jake's lap. I look away, scowling.

I want to run up there and yank those girls away from him by their hair.

Violent much? My rude voice asks, and I roll my eyes at it.

When I check again, Jake's pushing the blonde back and sitting up straighter. I'm so pleased that he moved her off him that it takes me a moment to notice his focus is on the front stands. I look, too, and see my dad ascending the stairs and walking toward me with two steaming cups in his hands. Jake is watching my father as he makes his way to me. I'm hoping that seeing my dad made him think of me and that's why he shoved the blonde away. Though, that may just be wishful thinking.

Charlie holds a cup out to me, and I rush up to the wall to take it from him.

"It's getting kinda chilly. I thought you could use some hot chocolate."

"Thank you, Daddy."

He winks at me. "No problem, Kiddo. You're doing a great job out there."

I smile and thank him again. He doesn't know anything about cheerleading, but he's sweet to compliment me.

Setting the cup down, I quickly get back to my place in formation just in time to see Jake nod at Embry. The boys stand and start to descend the stands, the four girls following closely.

I don't know where they're going, but I highly doubt they're leaving.

It's almost half time, which means Alice will be on the field with the rest of the band, and the dance team will perform too, giving us break. It'll be my best opportunity to talk to Jake. A little flutter of nerves forms in my stomach. I just have to make sure that when I find him (or he finds me) no one is around to hear our conversation.

Now that he's no longer in the stands to distract me, I can fully concentrate on cheering. But now I can't tell what's worse: trying not to watch when girls are throwing themselves at him or not being able to see him at all.

-~~BoM~~-

"Bella, are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Angela doesn't look at all appeased. Turns out that my odd behavior during the first half hasn't gone unnoticed.

"I'm just tired. I think I'm going to go say hello to Edward's parents. You know, be the good girlfriend and all."

Ha! The good girlfriend? My rude inner voice uses sarcasm like there's no tomorrow.

I smile, and even though I can't see it, I'm sure it looks about ten different kinds of fake. But Angela just nods and says okay before looping her arm through Jessica's and heading off to the concession stand. I can't tell if she really believes me or if she's just too sweet to push the issue.

I barely wait for them to disappear into the crowd before I'm joining it and searching for Jake. Halftime couldn't come soon enough, and now that it's here, I wish I had more time to think. But I don't. At the most, I have twenty minutes before I have to be back on the field. This is hardly enough time for a real heart-to-heart.

Luckily, I spot Embry quickly. He's still surrounded by members of the slutty-wolf fan club, clearly flirting with them. I rush closer, noticing that Quil's standing next to him with his arm hung around the only blonde's shoulders, and that's when I take count of them. One brunette is missing.

And so is Jake.

The previous five percent of me expands to 99, I suddenly want him to be at the concession stand getting nachos for a whole new reason.

Embry catches sight of me a moment before I reach them. He turns his back on the two girls, dropping all pretenses of flirting, and smiles widely at me.

"Sweetheart!" He holds his arms open, enveloping me in a hug. "Did you come to give me my check up? My eye is healing nicely, all thanks to your nursing."

Placing my fingers under his chin, I tilt his head slightly and bring his bruised eye into better light. "Oh, Embry, it does look better."

Don't think I'm not noticing the dirty looks the slutty-wolf fan club is giving me. "So where's Jake? Getting nachos?"

Don't think I'm not noticing the smug looks the girls are sharing with each other now either.

Embry's eyes darken slightly, his jaw twitches, and he looks away, scratching the back of his neck. "He's, uh, around here somewhere. He should be coming back soon."

"Hopefully not too soon," one of the sluts says, causing the others to giggle. Embry throws a dark glance over his shoulder at her, and even though I'm not entirely sure what she means, a small ball of dread rolls in my stomach.

I look to Embry for clarification, but all he does is shake his head. "Why don't you hang out with me for a bit?" He throws his arm around my shoulders. "I'll buy you a Snickers or something."

"Thanks, but I don't have a lot of time and I really need to find Jake."

"You're hurting my feelings, Sweetheart. What does he have that I don't?"

I roll my eyes at his teasing.

"A motorcycle? Cause I can get one, but I'll tell you right now my momma won't like it."

"I'd hate to upset your momma."

"Me too. She'd-"

"Bella!" I twist around at the sound of my name, dropping Embry's arm from around my shoulders.

"Speaking of parents…" I mutter as my father comes barreling through the clusters of people.

His eyes narrow and flicker between Embry and myself. When he finally reaches me, he places his hand on my back and guff's out a short, "'S'cuse us."

"Dad!" I whine, my cheeks burning bright with embarrassment as my father drags me several feet away. I'm sure the slutty wolf fan club is just loving this.

"I didn't know you and Edward broke up."

"We didn't."

He pointedly looks to the left, where I see Edward's parents walking across the track. "Then I doubt the Cullens care to see their son's girlfriend flirting with strangers. I know I don't."

I try not to roll my eyes and cross my arms like a petulant child. It kind of sucks knowing my dad's right, especially after I just told Angela a lie about being the 'good girlfriend.' I already know I'm the worst possible girlfriend ever; I don't want to be reminded of it.

"They're not strangers." I feel the need to add, "Edward knows them too."

That catches his attention, and not in such a positive way. "What do you mean? How do you know them?"

"We met them last week at the beach." Technically, I met them at the garage first, but I really don't think now's the time to explain the Mustang breaking down and Jake being my 'savior.' "Why?"

"I don't want to see you associating with those boys anymore."

"What?" Is he serious?

"They're delinquents, Bella. You're the chief's daughter, and Edward's the son of the most well-respected doctor in this town. I expect the two of you to hold higher standards when it comes to choosing your friends."

I can't believe he just said that. I don't even have a response. I just openly gape back at him.

"You might not always like it, but you're my daughter and you have a responsibility to…"

I know he's about to go into his normal spiel about how I'm an example to all the teenagers in this town and how I should take that into consideration before doing anything foolish. I've heard it all before, so I'm tuning him out now before I have to hear it all again. Besides, after the shock of it, I'm actually a bit pissed about his comments.

But something he said did catch my attention. I look past Charlie to Embry and Quil. They're not delinquents. Are they? Sure, they've all acted a bit suspiciously about their 'job,' and the conversations between them have been odd, but that doesn't mean they're doing anything illegal. Right?

I don't dwell on it any further because, at that moment, I see the missing brunette joining them. I hungrily take in every inch of her appearance, looking for a hair out of place, disheveled clothing, even the slightest swelling of her lips. I wish I were closer so I could examine her every detail like the CSI.

I vaguely note that my dad is still talking to me as I scan the area behind him for Jake. Has he been with the brunette? He didn't walk back to the group with her if he was. I don't see him anywhere. But if he was with her, where did they go? And more importantly, what did they do?

"I expect you to tell Edward this too. Do you hear me?"

I nod, and that seems to satisfy him enough as he gives a grunt of acknowledgement.

Patting me on the arm, he says, "I love you, kiddo. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I know, Dad. I love you too."

I stand still, waiting for Charlie to walk far enough away that I can resume my search for Jake. Pivoting around to go the opposite direction of my father, I catch sight of Jake. He's leaning against the fence, no more than ten away, his arms are crossed over his chest and his eyes trained on me.

Quickly making sure no one's watching, I run to the gate's entrance and tilt my head in a follow me fashion. Slipping through, I turn and trail the back wall of the stadium, continuing to the far end, where I know the storage unit is located. The space between the stadium and the school is dark, and although it's wide, it still reminds me of a dark alley. The stadium stands tall enough that it completely shadows the area, making it seem eerie and cold. Completing the look are a couple of dumpsters next to the school's doors. I can hear Jake's footfalls behind me as I cross to the storage unit and round the corner. Pressing my back against the door, my hand finds the doorknob, and I wait, perfectly poised for Jake as he comes around to face me.

He doesn't look as angry as before, and if it weren't for the hard set of his jaw, I'd almost say that he looks unamused or bored.

"What are we doing here, Princess?"

"I want to apologize for standing you up today. I won't do that again; I promise."

He crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow. "You're not gonna listen to your father's warning?"

My expression switches from contrite to confused. I'm not sure what he means.

He smirks and shakes his head. "You weren't listening to a thing he said, were you?"

"Not really."

"You should've."

"He doesn't know you guys. He's just basing his opinions on appearance."

"Are you sure, Princess?"

No.

"He might be right."

"Is he?"

He chuckles darkly. "I'm not good. I'll only cause you trouble and pain. You should run while you still can."

Okay, I should probably do as he says. If he's giving me an out, the smartest thing is to take it. All the cheating, the lies, and the emotional turmoil I've gone through since the first day I met him flashes through my mind.

But it doesn't seem to matter.

"You already cause me trouble and pain, but I don't want to run."

He leans over me, his forearm resting on the door, his face inches from mine. He whispers, "Last chance."

I don't know how he expects me to think when he's standing so close to me. My mind is muddled, I can feel his breath on my lips, and all I want is to kiss him.

"I'm still here."

That's all it takes. His mouth is on mine, and his body presses me harder against the door. He kisses me like he's trying to force me to change my mind and at the same time asking me not to go. He bites down on my bottom lip, painfully hard. His hold on my hip grows tighter, his fingers curling into the fabric of my uniform and pulling me forward. He thrusts himself into me, but is he demanding more or just trying to scare me away?

My fingers loosen their grip on the doorknob, their every intention to thread their way into Jake's hair, when I realize why they were there in the first place.

Turning my head and pushing against his chest, I let out a breathless, "Wait."

Opening the door, I stumble back, momentarily unable to hold myself up without the support of it behind me. I grope blindly for the light string; it's a single bulb that barely glows, casting long shadows off the track equipment stacked inside.

Jake shuts the door behind him and gives me his wolfish grin that looks all too menacing in this poorly lit space. My good idea to hide out in here and talk suddenly feels like a very, very bad one.

"Is this the rest of your apology? You think fucking around in here is gonna make up for earlier?"

I blush; I hadn't thought of it that way. He must take my blush as confirmation because he stalks slowly forward. My legs automatically take a few steps back until they're bumping into a pile of hurdles, causing me to lose my balance and almost fall back. I twist around to catch myself and straighten back up only to find that he's an inch away from me. The toes of his boots are nearly flush to those of my sneakers.

"You're gonna have to do better, Princess. I waited in that closet for a long fucking time."

My mouth opens; I want to apologize again, but Jake's hand comes out and splays across my ribs, effectively stopping any words from forming in my mind.

"…thinking…" He roughly tugs me forward while I pull my shoulders back, arching away from him. His hungry eyes fall straight to my chest. "…of all things I was going to do to you."

I try to swallow, but my mouth has suddenly gone dry. My cheeks burn. Every inch of our lower halves are touching.

"I waited longer for you than I've ever waited for another girl."

"Jake, I-"

His eyes flash in warning as he cuts me off. "Let me guess: you had an attack of conscience? Ever the good girl, aren't you?"

"You don't und-"

"Was it worth it?"

I bite my lip and look up at him from under my lashes.

He laughs knowingly. "No, it wasn't. It was boring. And now you can't stop thinking about what you missed out on."

I don't really want to admit it, but he's right. I've imagined what could've happened in that closet a thousand times, though my imagination could never compete with the real thing.

"It's fucking torture, isn't it?" The soft timber of his voice and the feel of his fingers ghosting across my jaw have me instinctively leaning into his touch. My eyes drift closed as he bows his head closer to mine. "Not knowing…constantly wondering… thinking that if you have to wait one more minute you'll go fucking insane."

His fingers slide along my neck as he brushes my hair back, exposing the skin to his lips. His warm breath elicits a shiver from me as he whispers, "That's how you make me feel, Princess, and still, you let me wait for you."

He pulls back, and I immediately feel the loss of him. My fingers grip tightly into his jacket in an attempt to hold him to me.

"No," I whimper, "I'm sorry. Please…" I don't know what I'm asking for, but I need something.

"You want to know what I had planned for us?"

Yes. I enthusiastically nod.

"Say you want to." His hands move slowly around my waist as he dips his head down to kiss and nip my collarbone. He brushes his nose up the column of my neck. "Say the word, and maybe I'll show you everything you missed out on."

My breath catches as one of his hands slopes down, almost to my rear. The other moves slowly up my rib cage and back down to my skirt, dangerously close to the areas I shouldn't want them to be but desperately do.

"C'mon, Princess, tell me you've been thinking about this all day."

Think? Who can think when he's running his hands all over my body, tantalizing me by ignoring all the places I want them to go?

"Tell me you want me."

His hand slides down to my bare thigh, his hot fingers wrapping around it and hiking it up to his hip.

"I…yes." Anything to stop this torment.

He growls as his mouth attacks mine. His grip on my thigh grows stronger, and he picks me up higher. I let out a small squeak as I'm lifted off the ground. I have little choice but to wrap my legs around his waist while he turns us around. The next thing I know, we're falling onto the thick pole-vaulting mats piled up in the corner.

Practically tearing off his jacket, he tosses it to the side and thrusts his hand into my hair, his lips closing back onto mine. He tilts my head back the way he wants it, kissing me with wild abandon, and I can't get enough of it. My fingers curl into his hair, pulling him toward me with equal desire. Within seconds, my cheer top is scrunched up as high as it'll go, barely above my navel. I can sense his frustration as he's helpless to shove it up anymore.

He growls. "How the fuck do you even get this thing on?"

"Getting it on isn't the hard part. I usually need help to get it off though."

"Holy fuck," he groans, vigorously slamming his lips back on mine. I'm not sure what I said to illicit such a reaction from him. I'm being completely serious. Too many times, I've walked around the locker room begging for help with my arms stuck straight in the air with my top caught around my head and shoulders.

His teeth tug at my lip, effectively bringing my thoughts to a halt on anything other than him. I allow my passion to guide me as I trail kisses along his jaw, his stubble scraping deliciously against my lips. He sighs into my ear as his hand on my thigh slides beneath my skirt.

I could stop him. I probably should, but for some completely unknown reason, I don't want to.

Jake was right: I've obsessed about what I missed all day, and now that I'm finally able to find out, I'm nervous, I'm excited, and more than anything, I'm anxious for what happens next.

By the time his fingers reach the hem of my bloomers, I'm panting. He grips onto my upper thigh tightly, his body rocking slightly against mine as he kisses my pulse. My heart is pounding so hard in my chest I'm sure he can feel it, while my hands are clutching at his shirt with nervous anticipation. I feel like if he doesn't do something soon I'm going to cry. Then, in the most subtle way, his thumb lifts away from my inner thigh and brushes against my center. My eyes widen, and I let out a loud gasp as a sensation that I've never felt before rushes forward, sending tingles throughout my entire body.

What in the world was that? He barely even touched me!

He presses a little harder, and this time, it's more than just his thumb. His fingers rub against my most sensitive and private area, and it's causing the best (and strangest) reaction within me. I don't think it's possible for me to squeeze onto his arm any tighter than I already am, but as I feel him hook a single finger under the hem of my bloomers, I swear I could crush steel.

Jake pulls back, his finger barely sliding up and down between two pieces of fabric. "What's this? Are you wearing two pairs of underwear?"

I laugh. It sounds slightly hysterical, but it feels so good to relieve some of my nervous energy.

"I have to wear bloomers with my uniform. They go on over…" I'm not sure that I feel comfortable saying the word panties to him, especially since we're talking about the pair that his finger is currently touching.

He gives me a knavish smile as he quickly twists the fabric, his finger diving beneath both bloomers and panties and causing me to gasp at the sudden skin on skin contact.

My eyes are wide and my teeth digging into my bottom lip while he smirks down at me. His finger makes a slow track up and down, and I fist my hands in his shirt again, my body going slightly tense but at the same time feeling ridiculously light.

When the pad of his finger touches the wetness, I mentally cringe. Does he think it's gross to touch? It seems gross to me.

It feels weird and not necessarily good as he slides his now wet finger up and touches – oh.

My eyes close automatically, and my lips part. He kisses me lightly, and I feel his breath on my lips as he adds a few more fingers beneath my panties.

My thoughts are overruled by the intense sensations flowing through me. My head falls back, and Jake begins to kiss my elongated neck while my breathing becomes labored. I start to moan, but I try to hold it in because I feel like that would be too wanton. I end up whimpering instead. I momentarily think that I should be embarrassed about the noise, but then something happens deep within me. My muscles are tightening, and there's a coiling sensation building inside and waiting to burst. My thighs start shaking. Why are my thighs shaking?

He kisses beneath my ear and whispers so quietly I'm not sure I'm supposed to hear, "You're so fucking beautiful."

Then it happens: my every muscle tenses as something explodes inside me, sending shockwave after shockwave of sheer pleasure throughout my entire body.

My hands fall to my sides. I feel boneless and elated. I can't seem to stop myself from giggling. That was amazing. Why haven't I ever done it before now?

Jake runs the tip of his thumb over my forehead and down the side of me cheek as he hovers over me, a small smile playing at his lips.

"What'd you think, Princess?"

"That was…wow."

He laughs at my answer, and my cheeks flame. Seriously? I'm blushing now?

He kisses me softly on the cheek. "I keep my promises."

A loud buzzer goes off in the distance, and I'm instantly slapped back into the reality of what goes on outside of this little shed.

"Oh my God, the game! I'm late!" I bolt upright, shoving Jake off me as I stand up and straighten my clothes. "Miss Davenport is going to kill me!"

My hand is on the door when an arm wraps around my waist and a warm body presses against my back, holding me prisoner in a solid embrace. Something hard pushes against my lower back, and I wonder if it's the pocketknife I've seen him use before. Jake's lips move against my ear, and I can't help but melt into him.

"You're running out on me? After everything we just shared?" He tsks, while I know he's teasing, I still feel bad for leaving.

"I have to."

"You're already late; what's a few more minutes?"

"The longer I'm gone, the more trouble I'll be in. I need to go." I say it, but I make no move to actually leave.

"I think you're using me for your own pleasure."

He's goading me, and even though I can't see him, I know he's smiling. He'll never let me forget this. Not that I want to anyway; it was unbelievable.

I turn in his arms, my hands coming up to rest on his shoulders as I mischievously ask, "Is that a problem?"

"Fuck no."

Stretching up, I brush my lips against his as a brief good-bye, though he'll have none of it. He pulls me in tighter, pressing our bodies closer together as he deepens the kiss to his liking. He's taking his time, leisurely sweeping his tongue over mine. I think he's doing it on purpose, trying to see how long it'll take before I pull away and run back to the game. I give him a few more seconds before doing just that.

Halfway out the door, I turn my head back to look at him and smile.

"Don't forget, Princess. I always keep my promises. Your second orgasm belongs to me."

A thrill shoots through me as the memory comes back. You'll experience your first orgasm at my hands…your second on my tongue.

He winks just as he did last week, and I'm out the door running before I can think about the implications of it. Racing around the shed and down the dark corridor, I'm about to turn the corner of the stadium, right outside of the gate, when a petite figure flies out, nearly crashing into me.

"Bella!" Alice shouts at me, her feathered shako tucked beneath one arm. "Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you! The second half already started!"

"I- uh…I had to-"

"Is that Jacob Black?" she asks, looking past me. I don't need to look back to know it's him. I can imagine him sauntering around the corner of the shed. I'm immediately thankful that Alice didn't catch me coming out of there first. For appearances' sake, I try to look confused and start to glance back, but Alice grabs my arm.

"Nevermind, let's go!"

-~BoM~-

Angela's squeezing my hand, both of us bouncing on our toes with excitement and nerves. Our team is on the three-yard line with only seconds left on the clock. We're sure they'll be able to push through Sequim's defenses, but, along with the crowd, we're on the edge of our seat (figuratively speaking, that is). The purple and gold jerseys collide together, and I don't even know or care who makes the touchdown because when the referee raises his arms over his head, we're sprinting out onto the field.

I run straight into Edward's arms to congratulate him. His gear is solid as a rock, covered in grass stains and soaked with his sweat, but none of that matters when he lifts me up and spins us around.

Tucking me into his side, he joins his team in the end zone. Circled together, they lift their helmets into the air and chant the school fight song. I'm smiling and yelling along with them. Ever since I came back from half time, I've had an extra bounce in my step. I've felt lighter and happier - almost giddy. It isn't until I glance up and see Edward lovingly grinning down at me that a jolt of guilt shoots through me.

I spend the next twenty minutes worrying if anyone can tell what I did with Jake. Is it written all over my face? I had an orgasm.

My cheeks redden at the thought. Great, if they couldn't read me before, they'll be able to now. Way to make yourself obvious, Bella!

When I joined the girls in formation ten minutes late, I gave the flimsiest excuse that I unexpectedly started my monthly cycle and had to run out to my car to get feminine products. To which Jessica responded, That explains your mood swings. I shrugged her off, thankful that none of them realized the biggest flaw in my lie: I didn't drive.

Sometimes, I'm amazed at how easily everyone believes me.

So far, I've successfully evaded Miss Davenport. I know she'd never reprimand me in front of an audience, so I stay close to Edward, fake-smiling to everyone who pats him on the back to congratulate him and trying my hardest not to think about what I did in the shed with someone who wasn't him. I can only deal with one guilt trip at a time, and right now, I think cheating trumps tardiness. Miss Davenport will just have to wait until Monday to give me a lecture.

Nearly everyone has left except Edward's parents and Charlie. The other football players went back to the locker rooms to change about ten minutes ago. I try to ignore the knot in my stomach, my hands anxiously wringing together as Mrs. Cullen tells me how great I was during the cheerleading routine. I'm extremely grateful when Charlie interrupts us, asking if I plan on riding with Edward. Nodding, I tell him that we'll be meeting our friends for pizza and I'll be home by curfew.

Our parents finally leave, and Edward wastes no times in monopolizing our first moment alone by kissing me soundly. It's soft, sweet, and gentle.

It makes me want to cry.

Gently, I push him back. "All right, go wash up. I'll wait for you by the car."

"I'll hurry." He quickly pecks my lips once more before we go our separate ways.

The parking lot is virtually empty, and aside from a few cars left over, there's no one else around. Dropping my cheer bag at my feet, I close my eyes, wrap my arms tighter around myself, and lean against Edward's Volvo. The night has gotten colder, and now that I'm not running around, the chill is starting to get to me.

"Cold, Sweetheart?"

I instantly jump upright and turn toward the voice. Embry, Jake, and Quil are stalking toward me. My eyes shift straight to Jake's. My heart pounds away in my chest as color fills my cheeks.

Jake, of course, smirks at my reaction. "I'm sure I could warm you up if you're cold, Princess."

"No!" I nearly shout. Embry's lips curve up, and Jake's eyebrows furrow. "I mean, I'm fine."

"What are you doing out here by yourself, Sweetheart? Do you need a ride?"

Jake cuts an angry look at Embry. "If she needs a ride, I'll be the one to give it to her."

Quil snorts a laugh, and then the other two boys start to smile. I have no idea what's so funny.

"Um, no. I'm just waiting for Edward."

Jake retorts, "Ditch him. Come out with us."

"What? No, I can't do that."

"Could if you wanted to."

A thought strikes me. I wonder if they have a 'job' tonight. "Where are you going?"

"Change your mind?"

"Well, how do I know if I want to go with you if I don't know where you're going?"

Embry answers, "We'll probably end up back at the garage. Don't think my eye's healed up enough to take on another party."

"So…no job tonight?"

Quil darts a look at his friends, Embry shifts his weight uncomfortably, and Jake stands perfectly still.

"Nah, Princess, we don't work late every weekend."

I want to make some sarcastic reply, but I think better of it. The reaction from Quil and Embry is enough to know that I shouldn't have asked in the first place.

"Uh oh," Quil snickers, "the boyfriend's coming. He looks angry."

Oh no.

Edward walks swiftly up to me, immediately dropping his duffle bag and sliding his arm around my waist. He offers a curt nod and hello as he pulls me in closer. I have to brace my hand on his chest to keep myself centered.

Jake's expression hardens, and his hands form fists at his sides.

Embry eyes Edward speculatively while sarcasm tones his words. "Better hang on to her tight. She might get away."

Edward cups my hand on his chest. "Seems to me like this is where she wants to be."

"She just doesn't know her options yet." Embry shoots me a smile, and I'm honestly a little startled. What does that mean?

"She's got all the options she needs," Jake snaps back.

"I think it's safe to say that Bella is perfectly happy with me." Edward squeezes my hand. "She knows that I'd do anything to please her."

"What do you think, Princess?" I don't like the expression on Jake's face as he leers at me. "Can he please you like I can?"

My heart feels like it's stopped, and even though I want to scream at him for what he said, I'm unable to form any words that aren't strictly name-calling.

Edward continues to glare at Jake as he unwraps my arms from around him and pushes me gently towards the Volvo. "Get in the car, Bella. We're leaving."

"Worried she'll agree with me?"

"She's not interested in being your one night stand."

"Maybe not tonight."

Edward lunges forward. His instinctive reaction is to defend me; mine is to latch onto his arm quickly and hold him back. I'm not strong enough to physically keep him, but my presence is enough. He stops, though every muscle in his body remains tightly wound.

"You will never have her."

"I bet that I will." Jake takes a step closer, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "I'm already closer to having her than you are. She-"

"Stop!" I scream at him before he can say anything else. I have this horrible feeling that Jake's about to give us away, which leads to the image of Edward taking a swing, a fight breaking out, and worst of all, Edward leaving me.

Pushing myself between the two boys, I place both hands on Edward's chest and plead into his eyes. "Let's go. Please? I want to go."

Just as he said, Edward will never deny me anything. He allows me to push him back toward the driver's side door but doesn't get in. He tosses our bags into the back and watches carefully as I round to the other side. My heart hurts, and my hand is shaking as it reaches for the door handle, a hundred questions racing through my mind. Did Edward catch the hidden meanings behind Jake's careless words? Did Jake mean what he said? Does he only see me as a conquest? Am I just another number to him? My gaze lifts to Quil first then Embry. I'm hesitant to find Jake's eyes, afraid of finding the answers to my questions there. So I don't; I lock my eyes on his friend instead.

"Good bye, Embry, Quil."

Quil gives me a half wave, but Embry gives me a sympathetic look. "Take care of yourself, Sweetheart."

Nodding, I open the door, and I hear Edward doing the same. The next thing I know, Jake's hand is on the doorframe, holding it open at the same time the slam of the driver's side echoes through the quiet night. I throw Edward a look, asking him to stay there – telling him that I can handle this. Though I'm not sure that I can.

Jake's voice is low, not loud enough for anyone but me to hear. "Not gonna say goodbye to me, Princess?"

"Goodbye, Jake."

"Offer still stands. You can ditch him - stay with me."

My heart clenches as I shake my head. "I won't do that to him. He deserves so much more from me."

He scoffs.

"I'll see you at school."

Sliding into my seat, I avoid looking at Jake even as I hear him swear and slam my door shut. As we drive away, Edward slips his hand into mine, and I hold onto it tightly. With him, I know I'm not a one night stand, a conquest, or a bet. With Edward, I'm wanted – I'm loved for simply being me.

I don't know any of that with Jake.

A/N:I apologize that it takes me so long to update, but as always, I promise that I will not give up on this story. I know exactly where I want it to go and plan on getting us there eventually. Also, I want to let you know that I greatly appreciate all of you who leave reviews, send messages, and otherwise let me know how much you enjoy BoM. I may not always get the chance to reply but I give you many, many hugs! :-)

So, let me know what you think. Do you think Jake did anything with that Sequim girl? Did you swoon over Embry? Love and hate Charlie? Feel badly for Edward? And how about that confrontational ending?

As always HUGE thanks to Jkane180 for her amazing beta skills and her extreme patience with me. (I'm positive that I"m annoying regardless of how many times she tells me differently.) Great big hugs also go to Evermine for prereading and helping me sort out my thoughts. Love you ladies!

*hugs*