Twilight isn't mine!

WitFit Prompts:

Dec 7: Reluctant

Dec 8: Automatic

Highline

Chapter 13

Moments after Edward took my hands in his, I drifted off into a deep sleep. I was full blown exhausted, but so completely grateful for his offer to share his bed with me.

While I was glad for his warmth, I was reluctant to get too close. Just before my eyes closed, he'd pulled me in just a little closer to his chest, his fingers keeping a firm grip on mine. I felt so at home, yet like a stranger. While we were obviously growing closer, I didn't know where we stood. I wanted to wrap my limbs in his, steal the heat from every part of him, but I couldn't bring myself to do it and Edward didn't push.

I was gently shaken awake by a fully dressed Edward the next morning. It turned out that everyone had slept in – clearly needing it after the events of the day before. Peeking out from the tent, I could see that the rain had slowed to a light sprinkle and the sun was emerging at last.

I got some curious looks from Jacob when he saw me and Edward emerging from my tent at the same time. He didn't say anything, but kept unusually quiet during breakfast. Rose and Emmett were late to join us, but we were ready to make the journey over Quartz Ridge on schedule anyway – protein bars were all we had left for breakfast food, and eating them took no time at all.

Although the trails were slippery, they were much easier to navigate when you weren't being pelted by sleet. We arrived at the Howard Douglas Campground a short time later, and followed Emmett's lead to the food drop box.

"See that?" He said, pointing out a series of metal boxes. "That's our grub!"

"There's not much here for a campground, hey?" I said, taking a quick look around. There were a few gravel covered spots for tents, what looked to be a cooking shelter and a set of outhouses. The scenery at the campground made up for the lack of amenities in a big way though – mountains and rolling valleys surrounded us from every angle.

"Why don't we go get cleaned up, Bella?" Rose asked me. "Let these guys cook us up something warm? I need you to help me fix my hair."

She was already making an automatic beeline for the outhouses. I grabbed my toothbrush, my canteen and a facecloth from my pack and quickly caught up to her. I was glad to see a toilet – even if it didn't flush. Peeing in the bush off the side of a trail was getting old fast, but being in thick bear country Emmett advised we stay close to the guys at all times.

I helped Rose with her ponytail, listened to the details of her late night encounters with Emmett and followed her back to the cooking station. I was really surprised to see the guys talking to three other men who I'd never seen before.

"Who are they?" Rose whispered to me, stopping in her path. "Is it normal for people to just appear around here?"

"No clue." I said, trying to hear what it was they were all laughing about. A man dressed in bright trail clothing with a thick accent that I couldn't quite identify was gesturing wildly, in the middle of a story.

""That one time – you just stopped mid-trail, pitched the tent for you and, uh – what was her name?" he chuckled, slapping Edward on the shoulder. "I had to lead the group the rest of the way up that summit by myself. And when they showed up – her hair was all over the place, and his pants were inside out!"

The other men he was with laughed loudly with him, but none of the guys we were with seemed as impressed by his tale.

"You still up to those tricks?" The loud guy asked Edward. I glanced over at Rose and she nodded back at me – it was time to make our presence known.

"What'd we miss?" Rose called out at the group. I hung back a little bit. The story about Edward had left me all kinds of unsettled.

"Rose, Bella – this is Laurent, James and Riley." Emmett introduced them. "Laurent worked for us a few years ago." Laurent was the storyteller. I noticed that both Edward and Emmett had grown tense. I could tell just by their posture that they were bothered by the presence of these guys.

"I hope these boys are treating you well." Laurent said to us as James snickered behind him. I instantly got a sleazy vibe off of them. "We have plenty of room with us if not."

"We're more than ok." Rose replied. "In fact, we're just leaving." She looked over in Emmett's direction, gave him a stern look, and marched off with him hot on her heels.

"Well, enjoy your trip, Bella." He said to me with a wink, barely acknowledging Rose's disappearance. "You fellows be good to this one."

xoxoxoxo

We ate our beans and bread once our "visitors" had left and Rose and Emmett had rejoined us, but the atmosphere among us had changed.

We hiked Citadel Pass and descended into the breathtaking Golden Valley, stopping for pictures and breaks along the way.

Things were still tense in the afternoon as we made it to the Valley of the Rocks. Emmett and Rose had stuck together for the most part, and Jacob was still quiet. Edward had tried striking up conversation and explained that the jagged rocks - which looked like miniature volcanoes all over the place - were a result of a massive avalanche, but I just wasn't into any of it.

I couldn't help but be disgusted with the way Laurent talked about Edward, and even more so by the way he spoke to Rose and I. The story he told hurt. I had seen such a different side of Edward – he was caring, professional, smart – the guy Laurent spoke of seemed a lot more like the Edward I met when we first arrived.

I tried reminding myself that Emmett had said Laurent worked for them years ago – meaning that incident would've happened long ago, but it still bugged me anyway. The rational part of me knew that it was silly to get upset over it – whatever Edward did in his past was none of my concern – but the emotional part of me was sad that it put a stain on the perfect picture I had been painting of him in my head.

Og Lake Campground was our final destination for the night, and I was relieved to see that the rain had completely stopped at our site. It was hard to believe that there were only three nights left in the wilderness. Once everything was set up for the evening, I ventured off on my own, finding a comfy spot on a large, flat boulder.

I tossed stones in the lake, my wind wandering to Charlie and what he would be doing if he were here with me. I could hear his, "Now, Bells…" voice in my head, telling me exactly how to hold my rock to maximize its skipping potential. I missed him terribly, but as my journey went on I knew that I was making him proud.

I returned to my tent just as the sun was setting. The others were gathered on a sleep mat outside playing a game of cards by flashlight. I was glad that they gave me some time to myself – I needed it to clear my head. I wished everyone goodnight and headed to my tent alone.

It wasn't long before Edward's head peeked through my door flap.

"Can I come in?" he asked, unsure of himself. I'd already set my bed all up for myself. I was so conflicted.

"I don't know." I said softy.

"Is it because of what Laurent said today?" he asked, picking at the end of his flashlight.

"Partly."

"That was years ago, Bella." He said with a defeated sigh. "I was a stupid kid. It's not fair to hold it against me."

"I only said partly." I replied, swallowing hard. I knew that this conversation wasn't going to be easy. "It's just - I don't just cozy up with anyone, and I don't even really know you, you know? I'm just so…confused?"

"You and me both, then." He said softly, not meeting my eyes. It was some consolation that his head was also a mess. It also gave me some hope that he was returning the feelings I was developing for him.

Sitting in the doorway of my tent, Edward looked sad, his shoulders slumped forward and his head hanging low. His hair was a mess, and his fleece jacket had moss stuck to the back of it that he probably didn't even notice. I wanted to hug him – conflicted, yet again.

"What even is this?" I asked him. "With us?"

"I can leave Bella. I don't want you to be uncomfortable or -"

"That's just it! I don't think I want you to leave, but I just – ugh!" I flopped back down on my bed with a frustrated groan, covering my eyes with my palms.

"I'd rather stay here, for what it's worth."

"You would?" I asked.

"I like you, Bella." He began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I screwed up once already – please don't let stupid Laurent ruin this. I want to get to know you – I thought that was going good."

"I think I might like you too." It was lame, but it was all I could offer. My tongue was tied. "Stay."

xoxoxoxo

I helped Edward set up our bed the same way as the night before.

He stripped down to his boxers again, and this time I paid closer attention. Now that we'd crossed a little hill of our own regarding feelings, I felt like it was fair game. I admired his thin, muscular build. He wasn't bulky like Emmett, but years of an active lifestyle had left him fit and toned from head to toe.

Once under the covers, Edward grabbed my hands like he had the night before. "You're not as cold tonight." He said, giving my fingers a gentle squeeze.

"No, I don't think I've ever been as cold as I was yesterday." I could feel his breath on my forehead. My eyes were getting heavy – his fingertips running over my knuckles were melting stress away with every pass.

"Speaking of cold - remind me tomorrow to tell you about that time I did an ice climb on Mt. Andromeda in January. I thought I was going to die." He chuckled. "I could've used you there to warm my bed."

"Well, I'm here now." I murmured, completely content.

"I'm glad." Edward shifted slightly, lightly pressing his forehead to mine. His hand slipped over my waist, resting firm on the small of my back. I felt dizzy and warm, surprised by the increased contact.

I returned his affection by sliding a stray piece of his hair from his forehead, taking a moment to run my fingers along his jaw that I'd admired so many times before.

He rolled me over gently to my back and brought his lips to my cheek, his breath all I could hear in the silence of the night. It felt like time was crawling by – I knew what he wanted to do, that he was waiting for my move.

I turned my face, bringing our lips together. He kissed me softly first, then deeper – his lips slightly rough from the elements, but perfect against my own. His hands slid up and down my sides, over my waist – everywhere. I kept my arms wrapped around his shoulders, anchoring me to him as he trailed his mouth down my neck and over my collarbone before finding my lips again.

He guided me back to my side, facing towards him before pulling away slightly. "If we don't stop this now, Bella, I…" he paused, his breathing deep, "We should sleep." He wore a big grin, and I was certain I had one to match.

"Good idea." I sighed, curling into him. I didn't want him to stop, but he made the right call – we needed rest and needed time. "Sweet dreams, Edward."

A/N Thank you for reading! Sorry this is late – it's a big chapter with two word prompts instead. Tomorrow is my reflection day, so I'll see you again on Monday. Reviews are lovely –huge thanks to those who've been leaving them! xoxo