A/N: First off, everyone needs to give a big thanks to my beta who is usually a awesome person, but even more so because she did this while on vacation because so many people wanted an update.. so HUGE thanks to Ereeen. Make sure you check out her fic What a Horror.
Songs that I was listening to while writing this.. Chasing Pavement and Best for Last by Adele
Thanks for all the review, you all are to much. Chapter 6 has already started and should be done in a day or two. I must state again for those worried.. this is a Edward and Bella story. I don't do any other kind.. so yes, it may be hard now, but it is going in the right direction.. I PROMISE!
As always, I still don't own these characters.. but owning Robert Pattinson would make me SOOO beyond stoked!
Carry on
"You rang?" Jacob asked with a brilliant smile.
"I…um..I," I stuttered loudly. I couldn't get past his brilliant white teeth. I shook my head and squeezed my eyes shot to stop them from further blinding me. "Yes sorry…umm…I was wondering if your offer for dinner was still open? It seems like my plans were cancelled."
Jake leaned into my open window and rested his arms on the car door.
"Ah, so let me guess; he's out celebrating the shoot with Tanya?"
"Yeah…how did you know that?"
"I told you, Tanya gets what Tanya wants. She isn't very original when it comes to how she goes about it."
" Well, That's just great." I felt my stomach twist.
"Well, your friend can't be too picky if he fell for it."
"You don't know anything about him," I spat at him, suddenly feeling very defensive.
"You're a little defensive considering how your best friend just blew you off for a piece of ass." He saw straight through me.
"You know what? I think I am just going to go home. Calling you was a bad idea." I stated through grinding teeth.
I turned the key in the ignition to start the car, and went to roll up the window. Jacob stopped me.
"Alright, I'm sorry. You're right. I don't know anything about Edward, and I shouldn't have assumed. Just come to dinner with me. You have to eat." Jacob's expression turned soft and a look of pleading crossed through his eyes.
At the mention of food my stomach growled, and he was right; I was hungry.
"Fine, but mind your manners." I snarled. He laughed in response.
We picked a place to go eat and, I followed in my car. Once we parked, he came up to my door and opened it for me. I rolled my eyes. Was he seriously trying to be romantic?
"Oh, how gentlemanly of you." I said sarcastically.
"It's been known to happen." He shot back with his own sarcastic smile.
We walked in silence to the restaurant entrance. Jacob opened the door for me, and I brushed past him quickly with a quiet, "humph." I heard a deep chuckle from behind me as we met the hostess.
"Hello, how many?" she asked as she started to reach for menus.
"Two, please." said Jake.
The hostess grabbed two menus, and beckoned us to follow her. She found us a booth toward the back and placed the menus on the table.
"Your waitress's name is Amanda, and she will be with you in a moment." The hostess then left us to fiend for ourselves.
We stared at each other for a beat.
"So," I began awkwardly.
"So" he responded with a smirk.
"Are you always so cocky?" I asked before I fully thought out what I was saying. Jake raised an amused eyebrow.
"What do you mean, cocky?"
"You just seem cocky. You have a permanent smirk on your face."
"Is that what makes me cocky in your eyes?" Jacob asked as he leaned forward slightly.
I didn't know how to respond to that. When he noticed I had no reply, he continued.
"Well, it isn't me being cocky. I happen to be smiling because I find you to be beautiful, and I'm just happy that you decided to come out to dinner with me."
"Oh, thanks…I guess." I smiled slightly and felt the familiar heat of a blush warming my cheeks. A wide smile splayed across Jake's lips.
Just then, the waitress came and took our drink orders. Once she left, he started again.
"You act as though no one has called you beautiful before." he stated lightly.
"It's not something that comes up." I replied and adverted my gaze to the table, tracing the patterns with my eyes.
"Well it should, because it's true."
Again, the waitress had perfect timing, and she handed us our drinks. She asked us if we were ready to order. Truth was, we hadn't even looked at our menus. We took a moment to look it over, and I went with a simple burger and fries. Jake chose the loaded nachos. Amanda took our menus and left again.
After a bit of an awkward silence, Jake spoke again.
"So what's the deal with you and Edward, then?" he asked while taking a sip from his drink
"What do you mean? He has been my best friend since birth. Not really much to tell." I said as I stabbed my straw into my drink.
He wasn't buying it.
"He doesn't know your in love with him?"
"No, because I'm not,"
Jacob shook his head in disagreement.
"Bella, I'm not stupid. I could see it today, and I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be for you. Then, to have him break a date to be with her…" he trailed off, and shook his head again, "why do you put up with it?"
"What am I supposed to do? He's my best friend; he's my life. I can't just give up on everything we have because I went and fell in love with him. If this is the price that I have to pay to keep him in my life, it's what I'll do."
"Wow, you love him that much," Jake mused sarcastically, "I wonder if he would do the same for you?"
"Oh course he would. You don't know him like I do." I felt my nostrils flare slightly. Jacob just knew how to press all the perfect buttons, didn't he?
"True, I don't know him. But, I do know that he can't be very smart to see what is right in front of him."
"There's nothing to see."
"You're wrong," His tone was light again. I danced around it, acting like I hadn't notice the difference in his tone.
"Jake, you don't know him, and you don't know the situation."
"Are you in love with him?" Jake asked simply.
"Why does that matter to you?" I really wanted to stop talking about this.
"Because, you seem like such an amazing person. You should spend time with someone who appreciates that. Someone who can see only you…So are you in love with him." he asked again.
"Yes, but it doesn't matter."
"It matters to you."
"What matters to me is that I keep my friend; nothing else. I want him to be happy and if he is happy with Tanya, then that is all that matters in the end."
It was true, I did want him happy. Jacob shook his head again.
"But, what about your happiness? Doesn't that matter to you as well?"
Of course it matters! how could he think it didn't? It didn't matter though, I can't make someone love me.
"Of course I want to be happy," I answered finally.
"Well then, why not focus on you first? He's a big boy, so he can take care of himself."
"I know that."
Just then, the waitress came with our food. We continued to chat about random things. He asked about my life, family, and school. I asked him about things as well, but mainly about how he became a photographer. It was nice talking to someone new. I had to be honest, Jake was very attractive, smart, and very sweet.
Once we were done eating, we continued to talk. I hadn't sat with someone and talked about things that didn't involve Edward and me in a long time. Jake might have brought it up in the beginning of the dinner, but he didn't harp on about it. He seemed more interested in wanting to know about me.
It was oddly nice. And surprisingly refreshing.
Eventually, we noticed that we were the only ones left in the place and decided to it was time to go. I went to get money for my meal out of my wallet, but Jake stopped me.
" I wanted to take you out Bella; I'm paying." He said and slipped his card in the waitresses hand, then turned to me to smiled.
"I can pay for my own meal Jake," I said quietly as I stuffed my money back into my purse.
"I know, but let someone take care of you for a change." I looked away from my purse and saw the slightest hint of a smile of Jake's lips. I looked down and rummaged through my purse in hopes of looking busy.
Thankfully, the waitress reappeared with his card and a slip for him to sign. Once she was gone, Jake stood and extended his hand to me to help me up. We left the restaurant, and he walked with me to my car. Once we reached my car, I turned to look at him.
"Thanks for taking me to dinner tonight. It was really nice of you…it was really nice to have someone to talk to."
"It was my pleasure, Bella. You make for really good company." he smiled. I blushed.
"Well, I guess I should be going then. Thanks again for tonight," I turned and went to open my door. But, before my hand was on the handle, I felt a large, warm hand on mine.
"Bella, would you do me a favor?" Jake asked as he turned my body to face him.
"D-depends," I stuttered and felt another blush grace my cheeks.
"I like you, Bella. I would like to see you again, and get to know you better. Maybe go out and have some fun."
I couldn't understand how he could like me or want to spend time with me. He was a beautiful, well-know photographer, who spent all day with beautiful people. He knew that I was in love with another man, and didn't plan on getting over that anytime soon. But he still wanted to hang out with me.
I didn't get it.
"Jake, I don't think that's such a good idea."
"And why not?" he pushed.
"You're such a sweet guy. You deserve someone who isn't messed up at the moment; someone who isn't lusting after her best friend. Someone who wants you, and only you."
"As do you Bella, and I am that man for you. I want you, and only you." Jake said softly. I felt his warm hand leave mine, then cupped my cheek against it. I closed my eyes and felt my heart skip a beat.
"You don't even know me really…" I said in an exhale of breath.
"And I would love to get to know you better. What I already know, I like. I want to know more."
"Jake…"
"Bella, let someone chase you… try it out. See how you like it. Go for someone who likes you; who wants you."
"But I'm in love with someone else-" he cut me off by wrapping his other arm around my waist. The feeling was delicious. I felt heat radiate from his arm to the center of my body. I felt my eyelids close in response.
"That's my problem, I can handle it." he whispered.
Jake took a step closer to me and I froze. My breathing hitched, and I wasn't sure what he was going to do.
"Bella, you are way too beautiful and kind to be in pain."
He unwrapped his arm from my waist, and brought his hand up to my face to brush a loose piece of hair behind my ear. His touch caused me to shiver.
"I noticed, Bella. From the moment you walked into the studio today, I noticed."
He placed his other hand around my waist, and the hand he used to brush the strand of hair out of my face was now cupping my cheek. My body had gone numb. No one had ever talked to me like this before.
"You deserve to be noticed Bella,"
He leaned in, and in the moment, it felt nice to be the center of someone's attention; someone's affection. So I let him. I felt his lips press against mine in a very sweet, very chaste kiss. I had closed my eyes tight, and my lips were on fire. I felt him pull away and I couldn't open my eyes.
"Bella?"
"Hmm," was all I could get out.
I heard him give a light chuckle and I opened my eyes.
"Why are you laughing?" I asked.
"You're just so adorable." Jake pushed another lock of hair behind my ear.
I felt the blush rise, and I ducked my head and looked at the ground. I felt my face being lifted up by one of Jake's fingers under my chin. He waited until I would look him in the eyes before speaking.
"I like adorable Bella. And the blush… It is beautiful on you." he whispered as he looked into my eyes intently.
That caused me to turn a brighter shade of red, and caused him to laugh a little bit more.
"Ok," I said. "You can call me, and we can hang out. But Jake, I don't want to hurt you because I can't promise you anything. You are going into this knowing that I am in love with someone else."
"I know what I'm getting myself into, Bella. I think it's worth it."
"Alright then."
"Thank you, Bella. I should let you get home. I will call you tomorrow. Have a great night and drive safe."
"You too, Jake. Thanks for taking me out."
With that, I got into my car and drove towards home, smiling the whole way. Something about Jake made me smile. The things he said to me, the way he treated me. All those things were somewhat new. No one, other then friends or family, had ever told me I was beautiful. Not in the way Jake had.
I pulled up to the house, and noticed it was dark. I looked at the clock on my dashboard, and it was midnight. Maybe Edward was sleeping already.
I parked the car and made my way to the door and tried to be quite as I went in. I didn't want to wake Edward. When I got in, I threw my keys on the table. I noticed Edward's door was open and his bed empty. All the happiness I had been feeling from the night was gone as my imagination ran wild.
Where was he? What is he doing?
I didn't even want to know.
I let out a sigh, and I felt my shoulders slump. I headed to my room to get ready for bed. I was so stupid to think that I would be able to not let this bother me.
Once ready for bed, I pulled the covers back and slipped in. I tried to sleep but it was impossible. I kept watching the clock waiting to hear the front door open, but I never did.
By four in the morning, my body decided it had had enough and sleep over came me.
I was deep in sleep when I was pulled out by someone shaking me awake. It took me a few moments to fully come to, but when I did, I noticed I was laying next to Edward. His green eyes piercing mine.
"Gah! What the hell are you doing in my bed?" I whined loudly.
"Well good morning to you too, Princess."
"What are doing in my bed Edward?" I asked in a bitter tone. I was not a morning person.
"Well, I just came home, " He is just now getting home, nice. "And I found a rather large floral arrangement by the front door. To my shock, they are addressed to you, not me."
"What?!" I shrieked. Who would send me flowers?
"Someone sent you flowers, Bella. They're in the kitchen."
I pushed the covers back on the bed, and jumped out hurrying towards the kitchen.
When Edward said large, he wasn't kidding. There was a huge bouquet of the most beautiful, and fragrant flowers I had ever seen. I searched all over for a card, and finally found it buried deep inside. I pulled it from the tiny white envelope and was shocked.
Had an amazing time with you…
Looking forward to the chase,
Definitely worth it.
-Jake
I felt the corners of my mouth pull into a smile, and my heart swooned. It was unbelievable. No one had ever sent me flowers before. I was pulled from my swooning state by Edward.
"So, who are the flowers from?" Edward asked trying to peak over my shoulder at the card.
"Huh? Oh, from no one." I pulled the card close to my chest.
"Oh, does Bella have a boyfriend?" he asked in a teasing tone.
"Why? Is it such a shock that a guy would actually like me? Am I that bad looking? Thanks Edward." I grabbed my flowers and stomped towards my room.
"Bella!" Edward ran after me, "I didn't mean it like that, Bella. Come on, don't be like that." he pleaded.
"Whatever, Edward. I have to set up your trip. You still want to go, right?" I asked nastily, ignoring his pleading.
"Bella…please, I'm sorry."
"It's fine. I'll talk to you later. I have to shower." I closed the door to my room. I walked over to my desk and set the flowers down. I wasn't going to let him ruin this for me.
I gathered some clothes, and headed to the bathroom. I turned on the shower, and let the water adjust while I undressed. Once the water was just right, I stepped in and started to get myself cleaned up. I couldn't help the mix of emotions I was feeling. Edward didn't come home until this morning, which meant knowing him, he slept with Tanya last night. I guess I should just be thankful that he didn't bring her here and do it. That I didn't have to walk in on it. On the other hand, I was super happy about my flowers. I think I was fighting so hard not to like Jake; to not complicate things even further in my life. But he was right. I deserved to be happy, too. I obviously wasn't good enough in Edward's eyes to date.
Why did this have to be so difficult?
I finished up my shower, relaxing a bit. I had to plan the vacation Edward had planned.
I got out of the shower and toweled off, then dressed.
With the obvious new relationship brewing between Tanya and Edward, I wasn't sure if I was still making reservations for six of us, or if I was now making reservations for seven. I wasn't sure that I wanted the answer to that. If that was the case, then I wasn't sure if I would even want to go.
I walked out of the room to find Edward, dreading his answer.
He was sitting on the couch flipping through channels on the television. When I entered the room, his head snapped up and he started to stand and apologize to me again.
"Edward, stop. Just forget about it. I didn't come out here for this. It's obvious that you have something going on with Tanya, and I am making the arrangements for the trip and I need to know how many there are going to be" I held my breath waiting for an answer.
"No, she isn't coming with us, Bella. She is going to be out of town." Edward answered quietly.
"So, you are dating her?"
"Kind of, I guess. It just started."
"Well, you're already spending the night with her, Edward. So, it must be a little more then just started." I snapped.
"We've been on a few dates," he started cautiously.
"When?" I was in shock. "How did I not know this?"
"It's new, I didn't want to say anything if nothing came from it."
"Were you dating her the night we went to the club?" oh god was he?
"Yes."
"Oh…" I felt a sharp pain rip through my chest.
"What's wrong with you? Why are you upset?" he asked, confused.
"It's nothing. I just didn't realize we kept things from each other now."
"It wasn't like that Bella, I just didn't want to bring it up if it was nothing."
"It's fine, Edward."
Suddenly, my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID, and saw that it was Jake. I smiled. Edward noticed, and gave me a questioning look.
I turned my back to him and answered.
"Hey…" I practically cooed into the phone.
"Hey, beautiful." Jake replied warmly. Boy, was he laying it on thick.
"I got your flowers. they were beautiful, thank you."
"Well, I'm glad you liked them. I was hoping that you would like to go out with me tonight?"
"I don't know, I have plans with Edward," I glanced over my shoulder and saw Edward staring up at the ceiling. I turned around quickly. "What did you have in mind?"
"Dinner and Dancing?"
"Oh, you may want to reconsider the dancing." I said, laughing slightly.
"Why?"
"You haven't seen me dance. It isn't something I do well."
"Bella, I highly doubt that's true. You seem like you would be good at everything you do."
I could feel my face becoming hot.
"Fine, but it's your feet."
"I think my feet can handle it."
"Then it's a date?"
I had plans with Edward, but he broke our date for another girl; I guess I could too.
"Yes, it's a date."
"Good, I'll pick you up at eight."
I smiled, and gave him the address. Once I was done and had hung up the phone, I turned to see that Edward was still in the room.
"Oh!"
"Did you just make a date for tonight?"
"Yes,"
"But, we had plans tonight," Edward said. I saw a small frown form.
"And?"
"What is that supposed to mean?" he looked taken aback.
"Umm, I recall us having plans yesterday, and you didn't give me a thought when you cancelled on me for your secret girlfriend. Don't be a hypocrite, Edward."
"What the hell is wrong with you, Bella? You have never acted like this." he looked shocked at my tone.
"Edward, someone wants to take me out. He is nice and I like him. I watched all my friends have happy, loving relationships, and I watch you bring home girl after girl. I need some form of companionship, as well." I myself becoming pissed.
Why was everyone else allowed to be happy, and I wasn't?
"I'm not saying that, Bella. I just don't understand why you're so angry."
Of course you don't, you ignorant asshole.
"I just don't like double standards. You broke our date yesterday for a girl, and I have a chance to go out with someone who likes me so I am taking it."
"Fine. I didn't mean to upset you."
"It's fine, Edward. I have to finish booking our trip. We can hang out tomorrow if you want."
"Fine. I guess I'll see you later," Edward sounded pissed.
When he left, I took a deep breath trying to get rid of the annoyed feeling growing in my chest, and finished planning our weekend. I had booked us three rooms at the new luxury Hotel, Andalucia, It was located in the heart of historic downtown, Santa Barbara. Edward and I would share a room; something that I normally would be excited about. But with everything going on now, I wasn't so sure.
I was just glad that I wouldn't have to deal with Tanya.
I spent the rest of my day in the room filing things away for Edward, and cleaning up. I couldn't go out there and face him. The fact that he didn't tell me he was seeing someone, when he had never hid anything from me before, was eating away at me. Why would he start now? I wondered if he had been seeing her the day we kissed. I felt sick just thinking of it.
Maybe Jake was right. I don't think I'm hideous. Why is everyone else better then me in his eyes. Had the thought of me and him ever crossed his mind. I mean, I knew him, before he was famous. Wouldn't he want someone who loved him for him and not his name or celebrity? What was so wrong with me, that he didn't see me like that?
I couldn't keep thinking about this.
There was someone who was interested. Granted, it wasn't Edward, but is that such a bad thing? I just didn't want to lead Jake on. At the moment- no matter what-my heart belonged to Edward. Even if he didn't know it.
But my heart was also being ripped to shreds by Edward, and it was a relief to have someone who wanted to focus on only me.
I didn't know what to do.
I started to get ready for my date. I didn't know where Jake would be taking me, so I went a little dressy, but casual. I put on a pair of black skinny jeans, and a turquoise empire waist shirt that came a little below the waist, and topped it off with black heels. I left my hair down, and just threw on some tinted lip gloss and mascara. I wasn't one for a face load of make-up.
I heard the door bell ,and looked at the clock. I hadn't realized that it was so late. I ran to grab my purse and phone, and stole one last look in the mirror before running out of my room to get the door.
I was too late, though. Edward had answered the door, and by the look on his face I could tell he was a little shocked at who my date was.
"Bella, you look amazing," said Jake, walking past Edward to give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He then whispered in my ear. "I think Edward there is a little jealous, guess I was wrong about him being blind." I felt his breath caress my ear as he chuckled. My heart warmed.
"What?" I looked at Edward, and I couldn't help but notice that he didn't look too pleased. Once he saw me looking at him, he put on his best happy face and spoke.
"Wow, so I didn't know you guys knew each other well enough to go out."
"Well, I had to talk her into it. But I mean, who could see this beautiful woman and not want to try and get a date?" Jake smiled. "I just couldn't believe my luck when I found out she was single. I mean, she is so smart and funny and one of the nicest people I have ever met; I was sure someone would have snatched her up."
Now he really was laying it on thick.
I was blushing all the way to my ears. I appreciated Jake so much for trying to talk me up.
"Yea, she is one of a kind." Edward said quietly.
"Well, I'm just lucky that she has decided to go out with me." Jake smiled as he ran a hand across my cheek.
"Well, I hope you both have fun tonight. I guess I will see you later then ,Bella?"
"Yea, I'll see you later." I said in a dismissive air. Jake took my hand and lead me out to his car.
He opened the door for me and helped me in the car. I watched as he walked around and climbed into the driver's side before I spoke.
"So, what was that in there?" I asked.
"What are you talking about?" he said with a smug smile.
"You know very well what I'm talking about."
"Well, as much as I like you and would love to have you for myself, I want you to be happy. If it be with me, great. If not, I would love to help you make that fool realize what a catch you are. You know the saying, 'you never really know what you have until it's gone'? Maybe that will be Edward."
I was shocked. I couldn't believe he would do that for me.
"But Jake, I don't want to play games with him or you. You're a sweet guy. I don't want to hurt you."
"Bella, I like you. I know right now your heart is with him. If I can help you be happy with him, that's fine. But maybe you will find there are better fish out there. Either way, I get to spend time with you."
I couldn't believe him.
"You're too much Jake. Thanks for being such a sweet guy."
"Your welcome Bella."
With that, we drove off.
That night, Jake took me to an amazing restaurant where we ate out on a beautiful terrace. He then took me to a club where we danced until the late hours of the night. Being with Jake at the club was great. I knew there were no chances of blondes popping out of the woodwork to whisk him away. He really did only have eyes for me. For once, someone noticed only me.
He took me home and walked me to the door, and even all the drama I was dealing with on the inside, in that moment I wanted to kiss him. I leaned up on the tips of my toes, and wrapped my arms around his neck. He looked into my eyes deeper, and I could tell what a sweet and honest man he was. He really did just want me to be happy. He leaned down, and our lips met for the second time in two nights.
This first kiss had been very sweet and innocent, but the way he treated me and made me feel struck a nerve, and I wanted to give him more. I started to move my lips faster against his, not breaking the kiss. I felt his start to respond moving with mine. I deepened the kiss a bit and he followed suit. I felt my back being pushed directly into the door and I moaned in response. His hands tightened around my waist, and he pulled me closer to his warm body. It was an amazing feeling to be kissing someone because they wanted, not because of a dare. I broke the kiss finally, needing to breath.
"Wow," he stated huskily. We were both out of breath.
"Yeah…" was all my mind could come up with.
"I think we better call it a night. I don't think I could take much more of that and not have you right here." Jake said with a suggestive smile
That caused me to laugh out loud.
"You think I'm kidding? You are far to sexy for your own good, Bella Swan." He placed a sweet kiss onto my nose.
"Thanks for a great night, Jake." I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Call me soon."
"Have a great night, Bella."
I went inside and headed straight for my room. The house was dark, and I noticed Edward's door was shut. He would be asleep by now, and I was glad. I had to get my emotions in check if I was going to be spending the weekend with him in Santa Barbara in a room.
I couldn't believe that I had a night this week where it hadn't ended in me crying over Edward. Maybe this was a start of a good thing.
I dressed for bed, and let my mind wander to the upcoming weekend. I turned on my side and stared at the flowers Jake sent me and smiled. Slowly, my lids grew heavy and I was immediately in one of the most sound and peaceful sleeps I had in a long time.
All because of Jake.
A/N: So... Good? Bad? Make you wanna sleep? let me know.