DISCLAIMER: The characters within my story, Careless Whisper, belong to Stephenie Meyer. Copyright infringement NOT intended.

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Chapter 2: LEAD YOU

I woke up that morning alone in bed, the alarm clock flashing 11:00 AM right before my eyes. Edward had already left for work again and wouldn't be back until ten tonight. I hated when he worked double shifts.

Luckily I had enough things to do today to keep me from getting bored. It was the first day of the spring semester and I had a Philosophy class to attend later. It wasn't my most anticipated class but it wasn't until the evening... and that was always a plus.

I headed into the bathroom needing a hot shower, especially after last night. I plugged my iPod into the bathroom's dock stereo and put John Mayer on full blast. After about twenty minutes of washing my hair and shaving my legs I dried off. I put on a blouse with a matching scarf and some skinnies before slipping into my favorite flats.

I looked over myself in the mirror. My pale, imperfect complexion stared back at me with a blank expression as my wet hair began to soak the shirt I had just put on. My hair was going to be a lost cause without the hair iron Alice was borrowing so I put it back in its usual ponytail. I tried to put on a little make up to freshen up my face and for the most part it did the job.

When I emerged from the bedroom I immediately met Carlisle, Edward's father, in the kitchen.

"Good morning Bella, did you sleep well?"

"Yea, thanks. You?"

"Very good. I was just making myself some eggs. If you want some I've left the pan on the stove." It was his usual response. He always made eggs for himself and left the empty pan on the stove in case I wanted to use it. He never actually made me eggs. It was always something I found humorous with Carlisle.

"Thanks but I actually have to get going. I need some supplies for school and I'm meeting up with Alice for lunch. I should be back after dinner." I slung my purse over my shoulder and started heading for the door with the keys in my hand.

"Alright, have a good day and could you let my daughter know that it'd be nice to see her home sometime" he called from the dining room.

"Ok, no problem... you too!"

He was always very polite to me. Even though I spent almost every night sleeping over in his son's bed, he never appeared bothered by it. It surprised me because Edward and I had never really asked for his permission. I couldn't count how many times Edward had to reassure me that his father didn't mind.

Carlisle was a retired doctor but you could never tell by looking at him. Forty five was fairly young to even be considered a retiree. Carlisle doing things differently than the average person wasn't exactly unusual for him though. When he wasn't buying or playing with expensive pieces of technology, he was still taking care of patients. While he was retired, it didn't keep him from volunteering at a local shelter for abused mothers and children.

I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket as I reached my car in the driveway. The name "Alice" flashed across the screen forcing me to roll my eyes. She thought I was going to be late as usual. I touched the screen of my phone to answer her call.

"Let me guess, you're just now getting out of the shower?" Ha. She was so sure of herself.

I replied as I put the keys into the ignition and started the civic up. "Actually, I'm just pulling out of the driveway now."

"Wow Bella, I am shocked you could even pull yourself out of bed with Edward to meet me on time."

It always amazed me how comfortable she was with making suggestions of me having sex with her brother. "It wasn't hard at all."

"Oh I see now, he had to work an early shift didn't he?" She knew me all too well.

"Like you're one to talk. You wouldn't have even had to ask if YOU actually slept home instead of with Jasper in his bed."

"Excuse me for spending our 6 year anniversary with him."

Shit. I completely forgot about that. "I'm so sorry Alice, I completely forgot!"

"Bella, it's really not a big deal. It's not like I know you and Edward have been together for, oh 4 years now."

I laughed in response. Of course she would know… our anniversary was on her birthday after all.

"I'm getting ready to get on the highway. I have to drive now Alice." Ever since Rose's accident I never liked to talk on my phone while driving on major roads. Driving was dangerous enough without people using their phones.

I was sitting at the light, waiting to turn into the Bistro parking lot where Alice was waiting, when my phone notified me of a test message alert.

It wasn't until I parked that I got to look at the text. I carelessly sat in my car opening up the message to see that it was from Jake.

"You're still texting him?" I jumped at her sudden appearance as I got out of the car. "You're living dangerously Miss Bella Swan."

"Yea, well there's not much I can do if he sends me a text message." I rolled my eyes as we headed to the doors of the Bistro.

Alice shrugged nonchalance "You could just block his number."

My temper flared "I'm not just going to delete someone who's been in my life for a decade Alice."

"Will you relax Bella? One... we're in a public place with NOSEY people..." she emphasized the last part to a group of girls gathering behind us in line. "And two... I was just teasing. I know he's a good friend of yours."

"Thank you. I just wish Edward..."

She cut me off before I could even finish my sentence "Edward has his reasons to be suspicious of Jacob although I may not agree with how he handles it."

This wasn't a conversation I really wanted to get into right now. "It doesn't matter anyway. Jacob has a girlfriend now so I don't understand why Edward is still so worried."

"He's a guy Bella, that's what they do. They get jealous and possessive over nothing sometimes."

"Yea, I know. That's what I keep telling myself. Edward's cute when he's angry anyway. It's not all that bad"

Alice rolled her eyes at me and approached the counter to order her food. I scanned over the board until it was my turn to order.

A girl by the name of Angela looked over her glasses at me and asked me for my order.

"Ugh, I'll have the half Turkey Club with a Caesar salad."

"Would you like to try one of our new refreshing mimosas?"

Alcohol in the middle of the day… that might be fun. It was as if Alice had read my thoughts because she immediately ordered us each one. It was times like these I was thankful that I was 22 and above the legal drinking age.

Alice and I grabbed an outside table seated directly in the sun. Florida was probably one of the only places you could do that in January. It wasn't warm by any means, but with a light jacket and the sun kissing your skin it was perfectly comfortable.

"So are you going to read the text Jacob sent you?" She looked at me impatiently. Sometimes it felt as if Alice didn't mind my friendship with Jake. He wasn't her favorite person by any means especially with his smart ass remarks. I understood why Alice never came right out and said it though. She was being a supportive sister to Edward. And I could never object to anyone doing anything genuinely kind towards Edward.

"Can't we just enjoy our mimosas? It was your idea to get them" I tried to avoid the question. I didn't know what the text was going to be about or whether it was good or bad. I knew there was a good chance that he was carrying his anger over from last night and Alice wouldn't appreciate the attitude on his end.

"Yea and like you weren't even considering ordering one. Don't try avoiding my question, just look at the text. You don't have to tell me what it says Bella, I'm not Edward" she winked at me with that last bit teasing me. I rolled my eyes at her in response.

I grabbed the phone from my pocket and looked for the message in my inbox.

Hey Bells sorry about last night. I'm an ass. Not that you didn't already know that.-JacAss

I smiled involuntary at his signature because it was his way of trying to get me to laugh. It would've worked if it wasn't for Alice watching me. I looked up from the phone in time to see her not so smoothly look away.

"You know you are really not that slick. I saw you watching me."

"Bella, I can't help it that I'm your best friend and you can't even trust me with one little text message" She pouted for unnecessary emphasis. I wasn't telling her what the text said, not now. It would only lead to more questions like "What did that asshole do to you that he's actually apologizing". She'd never believe that it really wasn't a big deal and he was just stressed out. Alice would eventually let it slip to Jasper and then Jasper would inform Edward. Another situation I would want to avoid at all cost.

"Nice try and nice work using the best friend card. Talk about playing fair." I turned my attention back to my phone to reply to Jake's text.

Don't worry about it. You seemed stress anyways. How are you feeling today?

I sent the text just as I receive another incoming one. This time, from Edward.

Hey babe. Just thought you should know that I can't stop thinking about you :) It wasn't often that I got a cute text from Edward so it always lifted my mood when he did send one.

I immediately replied to him. I can't wait to see you at my house later ;)

Just a little reminder of the promise he had made to me recently. I had been spending so much time at his house that I felt like I was abandoning my own dad. I had talked to Edward about it and he agreed reluctantly. The deal was that for every three nights I spent at his house, he had to spend one at my house. If he was going to refuse to spend a night away from me, he had to at least compromise with me about this.

"Geez Bella! What the hell is Jacob saying that's making you smile like that?"

"Actually, it was a text from Edward if you must know." I turned my attention back to my sandwich and mimosa. We ate the rest of our meal in silence until I looked up and saw Alice looking at me apologetically.

"I'm sorry Bella. It wasn't right of me to jump to conclusions like that. It's just that..."

"I know Alice, you're Edward's sister. I'd expect you to look out for him."

"Yea but you're my best friend too. I care about you as well and I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted." I smiled at her warmly to reassure her that my feelings really weren't hurt.

We grabbed our things and headed for our cars. I was following Alice when she reached her car and turned around to face me."Lunch was fun, we should do this every week. Mimosa Mondays!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her "Very witty of you."

"You know I'm a genius." She flashed a smile at me while tapping her finger against her temple.

"Mimosa Mondays sound like a plan. I'll see you tomorrow."

I went to walk towards my car but was stopped by Alice before I could walk past hers.

"You're not sleeping home with Edward tonight? I was hoping to have some company while the boys played their stupid video games."

"One, they're not stupid just because you're bad at them. Maybe if you had some of my talent you might think differently. Two, Edward and I are sleeping at my house for once."

Alice looked at me in confusion. "Just because you're one of the few girls who actually like playing that angel game..."

I erupted into laughter completely cutting her sentence off. She had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. I guessed that she was referring to the futuristic alien first person shooter Halo... which was far from anything heavenly.

The look on her face immediately clued me into the fact that she did not find it funny at all.

"Anyways, back to what I was trying to say before I was so rudely interrupted, the guys had all made plans to play video games tonight at my house. Jasper had told me on the phone when I talked to him on my way here."

I tried to contain my temper which immediately flared. Alice would only ask more questions and the only person I wanted to talk to right now was Edward.

"Oh ok, well I'll see you at your house later. I'll text you when I get out of class around 8." I gave her a quick hug before walking over to my car and immediately pulling out my phone to call Edward. He answered on the third ring.

"Hey babe"

"Hey I was just wondering when you were going to tell me that you weren't sleeping at my house tonight?"

He hesitated before responding "I've been working all day Bella and I just really want to sleep in my own bed."

"But you promised you would Edward. I don't get to see my dad as often anymore and I'm the only one he has left."

"I really don't feel like sleeping at your house tonight. Why is this such a big deal?"

"Well for one you promised and another it may not matter to you, but it does to me. Whatever, I'll sleep home alone then," I knew he wouldn't believe my threat, he knows I hate sleeping away from him and I was always the one to cave first.

"Don't be ridiculous, just come sleep at my house tonight. Just go hang out with your dad tonight and we'll sleep there tomorrow night. Promise"

"Yea that's what you said last time, remember? I'll talk to you later, bye."

"Be safe Bella."

I hung up the phone and tossed it across to the passenger seat as I got into my car. Tears stung my eyes as my anger spilled over. I didn't understand how Edward could break a promise to me so easily.

I was a really easy going girlfriend. I didn't mind him playing video games through all hours of the night, and most of the time I even joined him. He could easily go out with the guys without any problems from me. I didn't go out like most girls my age. The least he could do was make little sacrifices like sleeping at my house right?

While I sat there trying to calm down I tried to reason it all in my head. I guess I could understand Edward's reasoning. He was working a long shift today so I could understand him wanting to sleep in his own bed. But he had also known that he would be working that shift when he agreed to sleepover. Was it possible that he agreed on purpose, knowing he had a reason that could get him out of it?

I immediately shook the thought from my head. Edward loved me. He would never do anything knowing it could hurt me. I decided it would be pointless to let it bother me and just settled for him sleeping over at my house tomorrow. It would be nice to have some more time with Alice and play some video games with the boys.

The rest of the afternoon sailed by quick and uneventfully. Jake never texted me back, but I didn't think twice about it. Instead I spent my time in the stores shopping for some supplies for class and texting Edward whenever I got the chance. By the time I finished my shopping and organized a notebook it was already 5 and time to head to Philosophy.

I walked into the classroom 15 minutes early to find only 3 other students that I didn't recognize from around campus, despite how small this college was. I took a seat in the second to last row wanting to be able to blend in with the crowd. Wanting to pass the time until class started, I pulled out my phone and flipped through facebook.

There were only a couple minutes until class started when an incoming text message lit up my phone's screen.

It was from Jake.

Sorry I didn't text you back earlier. I'm doing better today.

I quickly typed in a response wanting to end the conversation before class started. No worries. I'm glad to hear that. Are things better now?

His response was almost instant. You know, you really shouldn't be on your phone in class. You might miss something.

That was weird. I didn't remember telling him my class schedule. How'd you know I was in class... and what would I miss if it hasn't even started yet?

I was completely shocked by what he wrote next.

Turn around ;)

I hesitated for a moment, not really sure what to expect. When I did turn around I immediately noticed the proud smiling boy sitting behind me.

"Jake? What are you doing here?" I talked in a hush voice to avoid unwanted attention.

"Just checking out the view." He said with a mischievous grin.

I felt my cheeks instantly warm and tried to control myself. He always said things like that just to get a reaction out of me.

"Seriously Jake, what are you doing here?"

"I'm taking Philosophy Bells, same reason you're here. I would've been excited to come to class if I'd have known you'd be here too. We haven't had a class together since high school." I smiled in response before turning back around. I couldn't deny the fact that I was happy to have Jake here. We always had fun when we were around each other and I felt like this was the best of both worlds. I could have my friendship with Jake and Edward couldn't be mad because we had class together.

He couldn't expect me to just ignore him while I was here.

I was lucky that the teacher didn't actually teach anything that class because my mind couldn't stop thinking about the idea of seeing Jacob so often now. We had always been able to stay close even though we rarely saw each other. So the idea that we could actually see each other weekly excited me.

When class was over, Jake followed me out to my car. He propped himself up unto my trunk and motioned for me to join him.

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing? We're hanging out." He looked at me like it was obvious.

"Here in the middle of the parking lot?"

"Yes here. It's not like we can go where ever we want. I don't want Edward getting mad at you."

"Jake."

"Chill Bells, I'm just teasing but seriously, I don't want to cause any problems for you. Promise." He held up two fingers as a scouts honor.

"How cliché of you, Jacob." I sat up on the trunk with him and nudge him with my shoulder. "Is Leah going to mind that you're here with me?" I felt ridiculous even saying that but I didn't want to cause any trouble for him either.

Why was it such a big deal that Jacob and I be friends? It just didn't make any sense to me.

"No we're ugh, having some troubles still. That's sort of why I wanted to talk to you." He looked guilty as he admitted it but I instantly felt less guilty in that confession. Talking about his girlfriend was definitely safe territory.

"Ok. What's going on?"

Jacob explained to me everything that had been happening between him and Leah. Apparently Claire's father, Paul, had made an appearance at a recent outing. Things got out of hand. Paul had made some rude remarks about Leah and Jacob let his anger get the best of him. He ended up giving Paul a bloody nose right in front of Claire. Even though he had been standing up for her, Leah was pissed at Jake for causing a scene and scaring Claire.

She wasn't answering his calls anymore and he hadn't been able to talk to Claire since the incident. I could see the anguish on his face as he talked about how worried he was that Claire would be terrified of him now. It broke my heart just to even think about it. I knew how much that little girl meant to him and I could tell how bad he felt.

We sat silent for a couple minutes, neither one of us knowing what to say. Jacob was the first to break the silence.

"I've never fought for a fucking relationship before." He looked at me and I could see his eyes filled with emotion. "I need your help, you've always been good with them Bella."

What was I supposed to tell him? Leave her and tell her it's her loss? Bang on her door and beg her to speak to him? Send her emails? Keep calling her?

"I really don't know what to tell you Jake. I've never been in that situation before. I don't want to give you advice and have it back fire."

He let out a long sigh and grabbed two fists full of his hair. I could tell that he was getting more frustrated so I tried my best to help him.

"When did this happen?"

"Yesterday, why does that matter?" The tone in his voice alerted me to his even further rising temper.

I spoke quickly. "Because it's only been a day Jake. Give Leah some space. I know it's killing you but after what you did... regardless of your intentions... she AND Claire deserve sometime alone. Leah is just being protective of her daughter right now and is trying to look out for her. Wait a couple more days and then try to call her. If anything, leave a voice mail apologizing her something. That way she knows that you're making an honest attempt to fix your mistake."

I took in a deep breath having realized I hadn't breathed that entire speech. Jacob sat bent over, hanging his head between his knees. I felt so bad for him. I wanted to make him feel better.

I tentatively lifted my hand to gently rub his back. I immediately thought better of it though and snatched my hand back. Jacob must have noticed the movement because he looked at me with his eyebrows raised. I just rolled my eyes at him and jumped down from my car.

Jacob followed me and reached for the keys in his pocket.

"Thank you Bells. I think you're right. I've been a little pushy so I'll just back off for a bit. It was good talking to you. One of these nights we'll have to actually hang out after class and not talk about relationship problems. Deal?"

Jacob must have caught my hesitation because he just rolled his eyes at me and started walking away. He waved over his shoulder and said he'd see me next week.

I jumped into my car and turned on the heat. The cold from the night was catching up to me and the warmth now spreading through the car was heavenly.

I rested my head back against the seat, letting the warm air wash over me. I panicked when I caught a glimpse of the time. I had been talking to Jacob for over an hour. I pulled my phone out and immediately cursed myself for forgetting that I left it on silent.

I had 5 missed calls, one from Alice and four from Edward.

Shit.

I quickly opened the messages one by one. Edward had sent three in a row.

Guess who got out of work early…

I can't wait for you to get home from class. I miss you… all of you.

Where are you? Alice told me your class got out at 8.

The guilt from staying after class with Jacob was creeping up on me. If there was nothing wrong with being friends with him… then why did I feel bad about staying after class to talk to him?

My head was filled with conflicting thoughts. I couldn't make any sense of it.

I continued to look at the messages. Alice's only text was the next one.

Bella? Where the hell are you? You were supposed to be home over an hour ago?

I was afraid to look at the last text from Edward. I was becoming paranoid now. I didn't know what I was going to tell him. I had planned on telling him that Jacob was in my class, but if he knew that he'd only assume the worse about tonight. Edward would be furious if he knew I was late because I was talking to Jacob.

What if someone had told him that's what I was doing before I got the chance to?

After a couple minutes of debating I finally decided not to be a wimp and just face it. I unlocked my phone and went into my messages to read the final one from Edward.

Why aren't you answering any of my text? I thought we settled everything earlier. If anything at least text Alice and let her know where you are. I'm worried.

My paranoia instantly changed back into guilt. I was worried about nothing… he was worried about me. I had been here for an hour talking to a man that Edward hated while he sat at home waiting for me and worrying.

I put my phone down and put the car in reverse backing out of the spot before pulling out of the school's parking lot. I waited until I reached the next stop light before I called Edward. He answered after the first ring.

"Bella? Are you ok?" His voice was strained and I could tell he was trying to disguise his panic.

"Yea I'm fine. I'm sorry. I got held up talking to a friend after class." I knew it was wrong. I was going to tell Edward the truth but telling him that I was talking to Jacob wasn't going to help anything right now.

"Alright. Are you still coming over to my house?" The uncertainty in his voice was clear. He was afraid I was still angry.

"I'm on my way now. Edward I'm over the fight we had earlier. I get why you want to sleep home tonight and you promised to sleep over tomorrow night. Everything's settled."

"Bella we weren't fighting…" I couldn't stifle the laugh that escaped me in time. According to Edward, we had never been in a fight. We had only ever had disagreements. If we had never fought before, then I didn't want to know what it would be like when one actually did occur.

"Oh of course, forgive me. I meant the disagreement we had earlier. Is that better for you Edward?" I teased.

"Are you teasing me Miss Swan? You already have so much to make up for with keeping me waiting." His voice was low and full of lust. It caused my skin to grow goose bumps and I could only imagine how red my cheeks were from the way that they burned.

"Speechless are we? I'll see you soon love."

"See ya" was all I could manage. My mind was too busy running different scenarios for me to say anything more.

What did he have planned? Would he lock us away from everyone in his room? But weren't Jasper and Emmett coming over? Oh God. I hoped they didn't hear him talking to me before. Surely we wouldn't do anything where they could hear? Would we?

My mind went to kinkier scenarios but they didn't last for long. Edward was never experimental with sex. We didn't need any toys. We were always enough for each other.

I pulled into the driveway fifteen minutes later. I noticed the cars in the driveway to be Emmet's and Jasper's meaning they had probably been here when he was on the phone. I blushed at the thought.

I reached for the doorknob but before I even placed a finger on it, the door opened.

Edward was standing on the other side. His lips formed a smile that thankfully reached his eyes. I couldn't help but smile in response to his. My eyes did their usual scan of him as I took him in. He was just wearing jeans and white tee. His hair was disheveled, probably from running his fingers through it while worrying before.

"Look who decided to finally show up." He motioned for me to stay outside as he closed the door behind him and stood right in front of me. I hadn't realized how much I missed him until he was standing so close to me. His body heat kept me warm despite the cool air around us.

I looked at him in confusion as he held me hand and led me to the driveway. "Are we going somewhere?"

He stopped to turn around and face me.

"I guess you could say that." His look changed in that moment and his mouth curved in a mischievous, crooked grin.

"Edward?" I reflexively took a step back from him but I was too slow. Before I could even react he scooped me up over his shoulder and slapped my ass as it was forced into the air.

"EDWARD! Put me down!" He laughed as I struggled on top of his shoulder.

"Seriously Edward, you're going to drop me!"

"You think so?" He responded as he pretended to drop me on to the floor. He laughed at me as a squealed from the movement.

I wrapped my arms around the best I could, hanging upside down, afraid of falling to the ground.

"Where… are... you... taking me?" I laughed as he broke into a light job breaking up my words. All I could see was the grass I had no sense of direction in this position.

"The tree house, Emmett and Jasper are over." He said it so matter-of-factly that I felt like I was missing the obvious.

The tree house was a few yards into the woods behind his house. It wasn't your average tree house because it didn't sit in a tree, it was just surrounded by them. It was also large enough for us to stand in and Carlisle had electricity ran to it so Edward and Alice could have sleepovers there when they were younger.

"Why are we going there? It's cold out and..."

Before I could even finish my sentence I felt a hand run along the flesh of my inner thigh, my skin immediately heating up from his touch.

"Where else can I take you, alone?"

A big thank you to my beta MABS for all of the help and support.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Reviews fuel me to write more… just saying ;)

Thanks for reading!