A/N

I don't own the characters, just an unhealthy obsession.

Chapter 14

Never Going to Give You Up

EPOV

Total fuck up. So close to her that I could inhale her luscious scent, and I sent her running from the class. Why the hell couldn't I do anything right where this girl was concerned?

I jogged to class because I was freaking late after my latest foray into humiliation. I changed into my PE clothes and started my warm-ups with a vengeance. I looked for Bella across the gym. Great. There was Mike hanging all over Bella waiting to pick up the pieces. Now cue Tyler eye fucking my girl while she bent over. I kicked the basketball across the gym. Oops. "My bad, Ty," I sneered as Tyler rubbed the back of his head. Fucktard.

I had to endure the sight of her getting stared at by most of the guys in the gym. I couldn't blame them; I was staring at her long legs in her tiny PE shorts, too. If I had some balls I'd have claimed her right now. Too bad I feared another rejection. After subjecting myself to 50 minutes of that shit, I drove Jasper home completely pissed off. He almost smacked me for being such a dick.

"Damn, Mopeward. I'm glad I'm not driving with you tonight. You're bringing me down. My Alice high is almost gone," Jasper complained.

"Yeah, well is your girl going on a date with a self-proclaimed player?" I challenged. He said nothing. "That's what I thought." That motherfucker should have a little more sympathy for his best friend.

I went through the motions of setting up for the pep rally. Why we were having it outside was a mystery to me. I was amazed that we scheduled a bonfire since we lived in the rainiest place in the U.S. I think our student government advisor watched the movie Grease a few too many times. Seriously, she made us watch it so we could set up just like the movie. Lucky for her, we had a day without rain, or that would have been a sad 'bonfire' in the gym—a space heater inside a portable fire pit . . .pathetic.

It was also part of my job as class president to introduce everyone. Which meant I wouldn't be able to watch Bella from the podium, and it drove me nuts.

I saw Mike Newton setting up some light and sound equipment and made a decision.

"Hey, Mike, what's up?"

"Uh, hi Edward," he said hesitantly.

"I have a favor to ask you. You know Bella has a date with Tyler tonight, right?"

"Yeah," he said angrily. "That asshole. How could she date that dick?"

"Well, I feel the same way. I was wondering if you could keep an eye on her tonight. I don't want her alone with that dirtbag, but I have a lot of duties with the pep rally."

"You want me to watch her?" he asked with surprise in his voice. "That's a little weird."

"Tyler's not a nice guy when it comes to girls, Mike. She's too sweet and innocent for him. I need to protect her."

"So why aren't you going out with her?"

"I'm working on it."

"Seriously, Ed, if I looked like you I don't think that it would be that hard to get a chick."

Was Mike trying to suggest that I don't have any game? Damn, that kid was a genius.

People started to arrive, and I waited nervously for Tyler and Bella. Would I be able to watch them on their date without kicking his ass? The odds weren't good.

Tyler arrived right before the pep rally started, but she still wasn't there. The cheerleaders were jiggling their way through a god-awful routine to some mind numbing top forty hit when I saw her. Apparently Tyler did too, because he practically ran to her side. I almost crushed the microphone I held in my hands. Good thing that sucker was off so the string of profanities that escaped my mouth was not broadcast over the speakers. I might've gotten some shit from the principal over that.

She looked amazing as always. Tight jeans covering her perfect bottom. Her coat was open, so I could see her skimpy shirt emphasizing her ample boobage. And, oh shit she was wearing the boots. I was so screwed. How could I stay away from her?

I noticed the strange expression on her face. She looked pained, like she was going to get a root canal, not go on a date. I could tell she didn't really want this. Then she looked at me. Stared. Right into my eyes. Her brown eyes held my green, and I was a goner. My heart swelled, and I could feel the shit-eating grin spread across my face. In that second I made up my mind. I would do whatever it took to get her. I grinned wider and gave her wink.

Her eyes widened and she quickly glanced around. Did she think that was meant for someone else? Of course I meant you, baby. She blushed as she realized I was looking at her. Bella tilted her head down for an instant, but suddenly she gave me a blazing look that took my breath away. I nearly lost it when she shyly returned the wink. Fuck, Tyler noticed she was looking my way. He just gave me the 'back off she's mine' look. He put his arm around her and smirked at me. Ok, it's on. I got up quickly to go kick his ass and then I realized it was time to announce the football team because the cheerleaders had finished. I had to introduce the captain. . . Tyler. So I turned my angry frame towards the podium and did my job.

"Thank you varsity cheerleaders for that…um, performance. Now I'd like to introduce the captain of the Forks High Football team. You all know him, especially the girls, right cheerleaders?" They blew him kisses. Ha, take that man- whore. Tyler smiled widely and Bella looked even more uncomfortable. Clueless asshat doesn't realize what he has in front of him. "Hopefully the football team can improve upon last year's dismal season. So here he is. . .Tyler Crowley," my voice dripped with venom. They might impeach me as president after that shitty speech.

Tyler walked confidently up to the podium, gave Bella a wink and me a dirty look. He said some nonsense about the game tomorrow and his team, which sounded like the adults' voices in a Peanuts cartoon- wa wah wah wah waah. I just stared at Bella the entire time.

BPOV

Alice dressed me is the smallest blouse possible. I had doll clothes that were bigger. Seriously. James and Alice both nodded their approval at the finished product, and we drove to the school.

"So Alice, Jasper is meeting you there?" I asked.

"Yes," she said dreamily. "Then we're going for a romantic dinner."

"What about you. James?"

"I em meeting my new beau. 'e eez a total hunk."

"So who is this beau-hunk? Is he on the down-low?" Alice asked as she drove.

"Ze down-low?" he asked, obviously confused.

"Yeah, like, is it a secret?"

"Oh, no," he chuckled. "I thought zat was a sexual position." We all cracked up.

We made small talk during the ride, but I was distracted. I kept thinking about what happened earlier today with Edward. His proximity to me had left me completely dazzled. I could still smell him. Mmm. I felt like he wanted to tell me something after he said he didn't want to be friends, but I couldn't handle all of the emotions and I ran away. Again. And I hate running. I just became a self-conscious mess whenever I was around him.

We got to school quickly because Alice drove like she was in a high-speed chase. I guess someone was eager to see a certain blond hottie. I couldn't blame her. If I had a date with Edward I'd do the same thing. Instead, I was trying to think of a serious illness I could fake to get out of this 'date' with Tyler. Hmm, diarrhea? No, not that desperate.

Alice and James flew out of the car with lightning speed, leaving me to trudge over to the field by myself. The pep rally had already started, so I wandered over to where the crowd had gathered. And there he was in all his green-eyed, muscled hotness. Edward. Sigh. Ah, shit. Here comes Tyler. He looks freaking thrilled. That makes one of us. I rolled my eyes and grimaced when he smirked at some of his friends as he made his way over to me.

My eyes flashed toward Edward. I just couldn't help myself. I was met by an intense stare that gave me goose bumps. Our eyes locked, and I gasped. I felt an unfamiliar heat flame through my body. He broke into a devastatingly beautiful smile, and then he winked. In shock, I looked around to see if he was actually meant me. The heat that smoldered within me spread across my face as I realized he was smiling at me. He was flirting, and he didn't care if Tyler knew. So, I winked back. I felt Tyler's arm around me and I stiffened at his touch.

Edward's voice boomed through the speakers announcing Tyler. The cheerleaders were flirting with him and giving me dirty looks. Go ahead girls, he's all yours. I'll take the perfection at the podium. I kept my eyes on Edward now that I was free from Tyler's grasp. Our eyes locked, and I could feel an intense connection with him. Would it be in bad taste to ditch Tyler and jump Edward's bones? Hmm.

I spent the rest of the pep rally making surreptitious glances at Edward, and trying not to lead on Tyler. Towards the end, I made my way to the restroom hoping that Tyler would give up. I had spent the night brushing off Tyler's advances and I was ready to go home. My phone chimed in my purse.

Can you meet me after the pep rally? -Edward

Holy hell. What does he want?

Why? -B

Need to see u –E

He stared all night. He needs another look?

We're not friends according to u –B

Take that.

I want to be so much more. Please. Parking lot in 10 minutes. – E

Gahhh. I did a little happy dance in the restroom. He said please. He wanted me. Me. Finally. I hurried out of the restroom only to be stopped by a pair of hands that gripped me from behind. "There you are," he whispered in my ear. I cringed at the sound. Wrong voice. Razor blades, not velvet. I squirmed in his grasp, only to be grabbed tighter. "Stop fighting it, baby. Your hard-to-get routine worked."

"Let go, Tyler." I tried to shove him off. "I'm not interested."

"You don't mean that. I know exactly what you need." He kissed the side of my neck, and I tried to loosen his grip.

"Leave me alone, Tyler," I demanded. He persisted with his pawing of me and I thought about ways I could kick him in the gonads.

Suddenly I was released, and I heard a yelp. Tyler was grabbling his balls and . . . crying? A sheepish-looking Mike stood there next to the whimpering Tyler.

"Oh my god, Mike. Thank you so much. He wouldn't take no for an answer."

"I know. I was watching. I'm so sorry for what happened."

"What did you do to him?" I asked in amazement.

"Vulcan nerve pinch. Then I kicked him in the balls." His face split into a proud grin.

Tyler started to limp away, muttering something about a ' frigid bitch' and 'fucking geek.' I turned and said, "That fucking geek just kicked your ass. You're lucky I didn't call my dad to arrest you." I walked over and slapped Tyler across his face. "Don't ever speak to me again." He shut his mouth and continued on his way.

I turned to Mike. "You are a genius. How can I thank you?" I reached out to hug him, and he sighed.

While I was thanking him for saving me, I heard someone say, "Those guys that jumped Tyler should be around here somewhere."

The voices continued, "Hey geek, get your hands off the Swan. You don't belong with her." Mike blanched and tried to step away from me. I didn't let him go. Those idiots from the football team continued to make fun of him.

"Loser." That was it.

I got so angry when they said those mean things; I did something completely out of character. I kissed Mike and said, "Thanks, Heartbreaker, for kicking Tyler's ass for me." I emphasized these words loudly so those guys could hear. "Here's something to remember me by."

Then I unhooked my bra, pulled it out from under my top, and handed it to Mike. He was bewildered for a second, and then seemed to catch on to what I was doing. The look on the jocks' faces was priceless. Mike gazed at me with such appreciation I wasn't even embarrassed about what I had done.

"Son of a bitch. . . did you see that?" one jock said.

"Bye, Mike, you stud." I waved and blew a kiss to him. I left them completely dumbstruck and Mike with a wide smile.

"Hey Bella, wait." He ran over and whispered in my ear, "Thanks for helping me. You should know that Edward was the reason I was here. He asked me to watch you because he couldn't. He really cares about you." He backed up and said loudly, "So don't cry about it baby. You'll get over me and learn to love again."

I heard someone say, "You kicked Tyler's ass?"

I smiled and left. So it was Edward who wanted to protect me. He did warn me earlier about Tyler. He must care about me. He. Likes Me. I walked faster to towards the parking lot. I could see the smoldering remains of the bonfire. Most people had already left. I looked frantically for Edward. Then I saw him. He was leaning against his Volvo, scanning the parking lot. He must be looking for me.

His eyes locked on mine, and he gave me a breathtaking smile. He closed the distance between us, walking quickly towards me.

"Edward."

"Bella." We spoke at the same time.

I continued. "So you wanted to talk to me?" Wow, smooth. He stepped closer to me so that we were inches apart. He slowly took my hand and held it carefully in both of his.

"I wanted to see you and make sure you were ok." He seemed to be choosing his words carefully. "I feel very . . . protective of you. I – I really care about you, Bella. I just wish you believed me. I know I've done and said everything wrong, like this afternoon. But, you need to know—I want to be with you." He exhaled loudly and gazed at me with his sparkling green eyes framed by impossibly long lashes. His thumb caressed my palm. He waited for my response.

"Edward. . . I feel the sa-" We were interrupted by a loud yell before I could finish.

"Dude! You're not going to fucking believe this shit!" Jasper and Alice were running over to us. Edward looked at me desperately wanting to know what I was going to say. I mouthed 'later' to him and kissed his hand.

"Damn it, Jasper, can't you see I'm in the middle of something here?" Edward was livid.

"Listen, Grouchward. I'm trying to save your ass. Do you know that Tan-"

"Don't say that name," Alice and I warned.

"Ok, um- " Jasper struggled for another term.

"Bellatrix Le Skank?" Alice offered. Jasper and I smiled.

"So, she invited the whole school to our house for an after party. Someone just forwarded me a mass text she sent to everyone. It's already out of control over there. Sorry, bro."

"Fuck! She told me she would get back at me somehow. Now she's going to ruin my house." Edward looked murderous. He scrubbed his face with his hands.

"Call the police to kick everybody out," Jasper suggested.

"I can't. Bella's dad will think I'm some sort of drinking loser who parties all the time. And he'll tell my mom and dad. They'd never let me see Bella." He looked at me with his eyes shining. "I can't let anyone keep me away from her." I inhaled sharply, and bit back a whimper. We were now staring at each other, each with unspoken feelings bubbling at the surface.

"Damn, the electricity between you two is palpable. I just got a jolt of it," laughed Jasper. "So, let's go dude before your house is in ruins. Alice is going to drive Bella home."

"I can't believe this shit," Edward fumed. He turned to face me. "Bella, we'll continue this conversation later, ok? It's extremely important to me. You're extremely important." He leaned in and kissed me softly on my cheek. I nearly burst into flames at the feel of his lips on my skin. He brushed a wisp of hair out of my face and my knees felt weak. He leaned in and said, "This weekend I'll share everything with you. Bye, Bella." He kissed my forehead and left with Jasper.

I stood there completely dazed by everything that had just happened. Then I realized what I was doing this weekend. "The wedding!" I exclaimed. "I can't see Edward this weekend." Damned Rosalie. She ruined my birthday, now she ruined my love life.

A/N

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