Thanks to leckadams for buying this story. She just received the chapter on Saturday, and she is letting me post today.

Thanks to Layne Faire for beta-ing. I appreciate your services immensely.

So, I asked last week which story you'd like me to continue while I'm on break, and I'm thinking that may have backfired on me. I guess I thought it was going to be unanimous. I didn't know which one that would be picked, but I thought it'd be a landslide. Including the many PM's that I received I have over 40 requests and they are almost evenly split between three stories (1st story: 15votes, 2nd story: 14votes, 3rd story: 12votes, 4th story: 4votes), which means that I'm guaranteed to piss almost 2/3 of you off. I've decided to wait one more week, and give you one last chance to make a request. If you have an opinion please just add it to the bottom of a review you were already intending to give, and if you aren't reviewing, just send me a PM. But if you think your favorite story is going to end up on top. Don't.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters.

Chapter 6

"Maria, that was fabulous. Thank you." Jeremy praises. Maria blushes shyly, while Tony observes the interaction with apprehension. Maria had been acting awfully strange around the new Sherriff lately. With one last tentative smile in Jeremy's direction, she clears the dessert plates from the table, carrying them into the kitchen.

Once the door swings shut behind her, Jeremy sighs heavily, staring wearily into his coffee cup.

Tony presses his warm palm over Jeremy's cold hand lying listless on the table. "You look tired." The physical connection lingers as if Tony forgets where his hand is. When he realizes it, he pulls away quickly. Jeremy stops him, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze, one that implies 'I understand' and that his concern is appreciated.

"James and I have been up until dawn every night this week, analyzing every aspect of all six cases. The murderer is immaculate and precise with each killing. He leaves no details behind – except the ones he wants to leave." I shudder at the reminder of our latest evidence.

"He's taunting me, Tony." Jeremy whispers. The latest girl had been discovered in the direct path of his regular morning jog. The asshole had begun leaving little messages for Jeremy. The fifth girl found had a smiley face drawn on her chest, the sixth-a sad face.

"Sick fuck." Tony mutters.

"He's getting cocky." Jeremy pulls on his blond locks, frustration and exhaustion visible in every move.

"But that's when they start making mistakes, Jere."

Jeremy lets Tony's words sink in, and for the first time in weeks he doesn't feel like his smile is forced.

Jasper drags hard on his cigarette, watching me narrowly, like he's trying to figure out what my game is. I hate to break it to him, but I have no game…or plan…or tactic. I don't know what I'm doing, or what I'm going to say. I don't know how to seduce or to flirt. I only know how I feel, and if that's my game, then I can only hope Jasper will succeed soon.

With Jasper's concentration on me, the boat seems to have a mind of its own, steering us through the lush environment, guiding us toward our forbidden destination. I can't seem to steal my eyes away from him, either. In the darkness, he's barely visible, even from the short length of the boat.

Just a few feet away, cloaked in a black, long-sleeved tee and black jeans, he's a tantalizing apparition. His blond waves are the only element about him distinct from the blackness surrounding us.

He's spectacular, and all male.

How am I to persuade this marvelous man to be mine?

That remains the formidable question as we draw nearer to the island. I have no concrete strategy, but I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words, so my only plan of attack is to show him how I feel, instead of telling him. After that, I'll see which way the wind blows, reevaluating the approach if necessary.

He tosses the fiery butt of his cigarette into a rusted canister that looks as ancient as the boat itself. He starts the engine, sitting astride the wooden seat, guiding us through the breezy evening.

I'd been so dazed, I hadn't realized how close we are.

My nerves mount in the span of seconds, stealing my breath away. My knee bounces anxiously, while my mind spews a vile mixture of second thoughts and misgivings. Was it really such a great idea for me to come back here so soon after I'd just accepted such a life-altering oracle?

I haven't seen Jasper for two weeks. Is this the ideal place for me to inform him of my latest epiphany, for us to have the heart-to-heart conversation we so desperately need?

It's too late to back out now.

We're here.

I totter on the swaying boardwalk, my legs quivering from an overdose of adrenaline. The bonfire, intimidating in and of itself, is a raging inferno, illuminating the entire beach in its enormity. The heat from the flames can be felt all the way to the dock. My clothes, just moments ago warming me from the unseasonal coolness, are now smothering me.

While we advance toward the fire, I can't prevent my eyes from wandering about the blaze. I can't stop this keen desire to seek out the men that had been here last time; the men that had demonstrated one stunning lesson of flawless technique in the art of sexual pleasure.

Rationally, I know most of the population here has a penchant for the same sex, but I still attempt to scour the beach covertly, not wanting anyone to discover what I'm begging to be a witness to again.

My eyes fall on two women. They're not the same girls from the last time, but they dance a similar tango, with lips, and tongues, and roving hands. I have no interest in their nudity or flagrant display of affection. My body responds as I expect, and I cringe as a shudder of bare-naked contempt rolls down my spine.

How had I never known? The question is inconsequential, basically moot at this point, but I have to shake my head at such a monumental case of denial in the extreme; one that had been overlooked for way too many years.

My eyes continue to cover the area, my search becoming obvious in my desperation to be an eager deponent of their culmination.

A group of on-lookers scatter, causing a gap to open wide enough that it brings the men I've been searching for into full view. They're the same two men from before. They share a beach blanket, lying on their sides, opposite of each other, in a sixty-nine position.

Fuck.

I continue walking, but my gait slows considerably, as my greedy eyes never leave the sight before me. I watch while they suck each other's cock, their lips vacuumed tightly around substantial girth. I grow hard as the men's glistening rods slide in and out of their hungry mouths, and the ache in my jeans is a reminder of why I'm here tonight.

I want to do that with Jasper.

Jasper is almost to the entrance, and I have to jog to catch up to him. Once I reach him, I automatically grasp onto his hand. He turns around with a glare, so I bestow him with a "What? You're the one who said…" look, the guise complete with the innocence of doe eyes.

I wait for him to see through the pretense and shake my hand loose, but he doesn't. In fact, my heart hammers when he actually intertwines his fingers with mine, gripping tightly.

He pushes through the squeaky screen door, and I'm assaulted by the memorable scent of alcohol, sweat, and arousal. It's not as crowded as it had been on my last visit, but we still have to maneuver our way to the bar, bumping and rubbing against horny, shirtless men.

Hands roam over exposed torsos, while they gyrate and grind on one another to a slow, seductive beat. I watch a guy's hands grab the ass of his partner, squeezing the soft globes, before he raises and pulls them roughly against his own hips. I look up, over the shoulder of his partner to see the man's eyes on me. He winks, lasciviously, and a shiver runs through me, but I don't look away.

I'm so preoccupied, I don't realize Jasper has stilled in front of me. Our joined hands run into my crotch, the back of his hand pressing firmly into my erection. I'm not able to discern which one of us moans the loudest, but I'm tempted to hold his hand there until he gets the message.

Unfortunately, he pulls his hand back as if it's caught fire and turns away from me, toward the bar. While he waits for the attention of the bartender, his fingers dive harshly into his hair, grabbing and pulling as they comb through the loose curls. I really wish I could see his face right now, but I smile, wondering what he'd thought of my hardness.

Jasper orders the drinks, and while we wait, he turns around, his eyes roaming the bar. I try not to let it get me down, knowing he's looking for someone else to be with.

"So, um…the…people outside…Do you…y'know…" I trail off lamely.

Jasper turns his full attention to me, smiling impishly. "Do I what? Do I watch them?"

"No," I whisper. "D-Do you ever do…that?"

He looks perplexed. "Have sex?"

"Outside," I squeak.

He laughs …he laughs loud and hard. I feel like a total moron, my face heating when his endless mirth continues. I'm glad he thinks I'm so funny.

When his laughter finally dies down, he's able to find the air in his lungs to answer my question. "No, Edward. I don't have sex in front of other people. Those guys and gals get paid for that. They're employees of the bar," he explains between chuckles.

"They only 'perform' on Saturday's durin' the summer, or when there's a special event, like when a ship comes in. A boat came in the night you were here. That's why it was so packed."

"Is this how busy it normally is?"

He looks around, and I watch while his eyes rove again, cursing internally at my foolishness in reminding him that he's not here just to entertain me.

"Yeah…this is." He says quietly. His eyes fall back on me, then quickly divert to the floor.

Look at me. See how much I want you.

"Jasper…" His eyes dart up, and I'm arrested by the intensity, and the wistfulness of his bright blue gaze. We stare at each other, and anything I was about to say is gone when I become lost in his stare.

The moment is interrupted when our drinks arrive. I'm perturbed for the disturbance, but become grateful when I see that Jasper ordered me a beer instead of the shots he supplied with me last time. I recall the piercing headache and the churning stomach, and I wasn't looking forward to a repeat.

Not only did he order me a beer, but he also chose the brand that I'd been drinking at the party earlier in the evening. It thrills me that he cared enough to pay attention to my preferences.

He passes me the bottle, smirking ruefully when he realizes I've made the distinction. I smile shyly, taking the bottle from his hand, making sure to brush his fingers with mine when I do. His eyes flash to the bottle and he swallows thickly; I'm mesmerized as I watch his Adam's apple bob deliciously.

I definitely have to touch him more.

Jasper and I share a couple of rounds. Conversation picks up while we discuss what we've been up to the last couple of weeks. The atmosphere is light and fun. As Jasper lets his guard down, we get along fantastically. We smile, laugh and communicate. We don't communicate in the manner in which I'd like, but we're getting there.

I'm touching him as often as possible. Some of the contact is inconspicuous, like an innocent bumping of elbows, and then there are more deliberate touches.

At one point, I clutch onto his forearm where it rested on the bar, while I relay a funny story about a run-in I'd had with a goat visiting one of the neighbor's farms.

And each time he hands me a beer, I always make sure my fingers brush his.

He's not immune. Every time I touch him, he pauses when he's speaking, or he watches our fingers mingle. I think he's beginning to wonder what to make of all this.

I can tell that he's trying to brush it off, but as the evening wears it appears he's starting to instigate some of the contact.

In fact, the bartender placed this latest beer close enough for me to pick up myself, but Jasper intercepts it before I can get my hands on it, and I'm sure he does it only to see if I'd touch him again. What other reason could there be?

More importantly, Jasper ceased looking for someone else long ago, and he's inched closer now, allowing our elbows to press together. This last round, though, he's been lost in thought…or battle, and I realize it's time to make my feelings known, and hopefully put an end to both of our misery.

"So, Rosalie says you have a workshop next to your cabin, where you do all your woodworking."

"Did she now?" He still seems distracted. He glimpses at me quickly, then takes a rapt interest in the label of one of my empty bottles.

He looks confused, and I'm getting the impression that maybe he wants to make a move, but doesn't know if it'll be welcome. I want to encourage him and I'm granted the opportunity when an unruly lock of his hair falls in front of his eye.

"I'd really like to see some of the pieces you're working on, if you don't mind. I think you have amazing talent, Jasper," I say his name softly, as my eyes probe his.

"I'm sure you wouldn't…" His breathless statement comes to a complete halt when I raise my hand, slowly pushing the silky strand of hair away from his face. I linger just a split second too long for it to be unintentional, my fingertips grazing his temple and cheek, before my hand falls back to my side.

He gapes at me in obvious conflict. His lips part, and his breathing is labored…just like mine.

"Ed…" He says huskily. His hand lifts, then stops in midair, and it looks like he changing his mind, as his arm drops slightly, but then changes course once again and continues to move up, toward me…

Finally.

"Bonjou Jasper." My eyes flicker from Jasper to a dark, handsome man who sidles into his side. I'm forced to back up, to give this intruder room to rudely insert himself between us. He kisses Jasper on the cheek. "I heard you've been looking for me chéri. Mo chagren, I had some business out of town that lasted way too long, but I'm here for you now."

There's no doubt in my mind that this is exactly who Jasper has been attempting to hunt down this evening.

How can I compete with this? With him?

He's not overly tall, maybe an inch or so shorter than my height, and built superbly. His skin is a golden russet, and his eyes are as dark as the silky black hair that cascades just over his shoulders. The accent and timbre in his voice could have been dipped in molten sex.

If this is the type of guy Jasper is into, I don't stand a chance.

I'm his polar opposite.

I'm pale, too thin…plain looking. It's like a pail of ice cold water has just been poured over me.

Jesus, what was I thinking? I'm way out of Jasper's league. The idea that I could steal him away from this creature is devastatingly laughable.

Jasper stares at me, as if he's waiting for me to do something…or say something, but what is there for me to say? I look toward the bar, toward the dance floor, anywhere but at these two lovers.

I promised him.

It galls me, and I wish like hell I could take it back, but I promised him that if he found what he was looking for I wouldn't stand in his way.

I finally meet his perplexed gaze.

"Go ahead. I'll be fine here." I strive to sound strong, unfazed, but fail when my voice cracks.

He looks stunned, like I've slapped him or something…and then, his face distorts into a look of pure disdain.

And we are officially back to square one.

"Are you going to introduce me to your friend, Jasper?" The man has finally acknowledged me.

Jasper twists around to the bar, guzzling the amber liquid remaining in his glass, and then slamming it down onto the bar. There's a long pause before he turns back to us, and when he does his face is blank, and his sky-blue orbs are empty, focusing on something…probably anything, over my shoulder. "Jacob this is Edward, he's stayin' at Rosalie's for the summer. Edward this is Jacob, he's a friend of mine," he states, tiredly.

Jacob wraps one arm around Jasper's waist, while his other hand massages his chest in a comforting, yet very intimate way. "Pleased to meet you Edward. I hope you're enjoying your stay here in Bon Terre."

I was before you showed up.

I can't find my voice, so I smile weakly, and give a supporting nod.

His pearly white smile falls back to Jasper. "Come dance with me chéri. I've missed you so."

Jasper continues to evade my gaze. He brushes my chest, when he hurries past, "I'll be back," he mutters.

"Yeah," I whisper, but he never hears. He's already gone.

I should face the bar…drown my sorrows in an abundance of liquor and sad regret, but I can't tear my eyes away while Jasper is led out onto the dance floor. Unfortunately, they don't go deep enough into the crowd, and I'm given a perfect view.

I'd rather gouge my eyes out than watch him with another, but looking away from the beauty that is Jasper has always been a fruitless endeavor, and to my dismay this time is no exception.

Jasper wraps his arms around Jacob's slender waist, while Jacob drapes his arms lazily over Jasper's shoulders. Jasper pulls him closer, so that their hips are joined.

Jealousy rips through me, shredding my heart with its bitter strength.

To think that I'd thought I'd have a chance to be with someone like Jasper. My body screams in outrage at my pathetic notions. Grave doses of mortification threaten to destroy me, while I bear witness to my greatest humiliation.

Watching the scene in front of me is justice for such foolhardiness.

They rock back and forth against each other, as the thump, thump, thumping of the music filters through the speaker system. Jacob lowers his hands, toying with the hem of Jasper's shirt, then graces him with a mischievous smile. Jasper hesitates, looking undecided for a moment…

Don't do it.

But it's a fit punishment when he raises his arms gradually up over his head so Jacob can remove his shirt. Once it's halfway up, Jacob leans in to pepper kisses along Jasper's splendidly formed pecs. Once the shirt is doffed, Jasper quickly turns Jacob around, pressing his lover's bronzed back against his chest in a crushing embrace, while burying his face in crook of his neck.

Jacob bends slightly, pushing his ass back into Jasper's crotch. Jasper grinds on him, hard and needy, emulating the act of passion. His actions are emphatic, and soulful, allowing me insight on how wonderful of a lover he would be - something I'd already suspected.

Jacob lifts his own shirt over his head, then stuffs both of their tops in his jeans pocket. One of Jasper's hands rests at Jacob's low-riding waistband, and I follow the other hand as it skims over his chiseled abs and pebbled nipples. When I look back up at Jasper, his heated eyes are on me.

How much more can I take?

I feel a fire in my eyes when tears begin to sting, and I fight to keep them in. I can't possibly embarrass myself more than I already have. Will I leave this place with any dignity at all?

Jacob turns in Jasper's arms, kissing him for all he's worth. "Oh, God…no…" I whimper. I turn to face the bar, not able to handle anymore, and practically run right into the guy that approached me the last time I was here…Seth.

Now, he had wanted me.

"Hey." I say feebly, beaten and numb.

"Hey there sweetness. I'm sorry, but I didn't get to learn your name the last time you visited."

"It's Edward," I choke out, still affected by Jasper and Jacob's public displays of affection.

"You look like you could use a drink," he surmises. Without waiting for a response, he signals for the bartender. While Seth waits for the man's attention, I seize the opportunity to really look at him.

With different eyes this time. With gay eyes.

He's actually really good looking, fit…and those gorgeous eyes, but he just isn't what my heart had been hoping for.

"I see you've met Jacob," he notes, catching me gawking at the couple on the dance floor, their faces buried in each other's necks. "Or Jasper's other half," he adds, almost resentfully.

I glance at Seth, confused by the moroseness I hear in his voice. "I thought they were just friends." It sounds stupid to my own ears, because even I know better than that.

"Friends with bens. Have been for years," he verifies.

"Why aren't they together?" I don't like gossip, but I want…no, I need to hear the details, no matter how horrid they may be.

"Well, I can't tell you anything that isn't already common knowledge, but they aren't 'together-together' because neither of them is into relationships. They both have the same objective…physical pleasure. Jasper had a boyfriend a few years back. He was in love," He draws out the last two words, as if being in love is just a myth.

"I don't know the all the deets, but it boiled down to Alec, his ex, being too afraid to come out of the closet. He kept promising Jasper he would, but he never did. Alec ended up shunning him in front the townsfolk one night, pretending like he didn't even know him."

"What an asshole," I hiss, thoroughly insulted on Jasper's behalf.

"Jasper was pissed, but he was in love. He'd have given him a second chance, but Alec decided he didn't want one. He broke it off with Jasper and ended up marrying a woman six months later. Apparently, come to find out later, he'd been seeing the chick on the side the entire time. Jasper never showed weakness, though. You couldn't even tell he was hurting, but he's never let anyone else in…not like he had with Alec. He and his wife live in a town not far from here. I hear Jasper still runs into the dickhead on occasion," he sighs, running a hand through his short black hair.

"Now, Jacob, he travels a lot, and if he's in town you'll most likely find him at the wharf loading or unloading cargo. He imports products by boat to and from Bon Terre. He's gone for days, weeks, and sometimes months at a time, depending on what he's transporting."

He pauses, and we both look to see Jasper's blond hair disappear as he's being tugged toward the back of the bar. I don't need a lot of imagination to know what they'll be doing now, and it causes the fissures in my heart to rupture.

When I look back at Seth, he's still watching their retreating figures. "Jacob doesn't make it a secret that he sees other men while he's gone sailing, and Jasper…well, he's been with a few other's over the years, but it's very rare for him. He and Jacob are close, and it would be mighty hard to break that bond, if it's even possible. They don't have any claim on each other, but they have some kind of understanding. When Jacob's here, Jasper doesn't see anyone else, and vice-versa."

This most likely means that Jasper hasn't been with anyone since I arrived, but I didn't want to have that clarified…just in case my assumption isn't true.

"Why does he go to others if he has Jacob?"

"As far as I know, it's been a real long time since Jasper's been with someone else, but Jacob only bottoms, which works out well since he's a top. However, the few times I've seen him with someone else he's with another top, so it leads me to believe that Jasper occasionally likes to catch."

I'm almost sure I'm a bottom.

I've only ever been a top, and that's just been disastrous, but if I knew that Jasper was going to stray in order to be fucked, I would top him in a heartbeat.

If circumstances were different…if he actually wanted me, if he wasn't on a completely different scale, and if I lived here, I'd make sure he never required the company of anyone else.

"Oh honey." Seth cups my cheek, peering at me with green eyes full of sympathy. "This isn't doing anyone any good." His thumb glides underneath my eye, stealing away a tear that had escaped.

"I don't know much about you, but I have great instincts about people. I can tell you're a good man, and God knows you're absolutely gorgeous. If Jasper doesn't see that, then it's his loss. Don't stare at someone who doesn't want you. Look around, Edward. You'll be amazed to see how many other people are out there waiting for a chance to be with you." His thumb strokes my cheekbone, his eyes are fixed on my lips.

He wants me.

"I'm not saying this just because I want to hook up with you. 'Cause I do. I really do. I just hate to see someone so beautiful hurting so."

He moves closer, preparing to kiss me.

He wants me.

I should try this. I need to prove that this is who I really am. I've been anxious for my first male kiss. I wanted so badly for it to be Jasper, but that's just not in the cards for me. So, when Seth's lips descend, my eyes shut.

I feel his hot breath, right before his soft lips cover mine. They're warm and moist, spawning an instant fluttering in the pit of my stomach. He presses lightly once, twice, then, by the third, he holds the kiss for a little longer. He captures my top lip in between his own, and then my bottom, sucking them lightly into his mouth. My lips part in invitation, and he slips his tongue inside my mouth. The contact feels so foreign; it's been so long.

My arms are still at my sides, but they're itching to touch him. He has a shirt on today, but I remember the piercing he has, and I wonder if it'd be okay to touch it through the thin fabric of his tee.

His hands lay gently on my hips, not forcing anything on me, letting it happen naturally. I tilt my head, my tongue venturing deeper into his mouth...

Until, suddenly…it's not.

I'm confused, and I don't understand why he's pulled away from me. I open my eyes to see a beautifully disheveled, and very livid, Jasper bearing down on Seth. "Do you have any idea how much he's had to drink?" He bellows.

He looks dangerous, and so shamefully magnificent.

He eyes me with undisguised derision. "I can't leave you alone for five fuckin' minutes. It's time to go back." Jasper's t-shirt is back on, but his fly is open, displaying a wedge of tantalizing, hairless flesh.

Commando, and shaved.

Kill me now, because Jasper is surely going to be the death of me.

He sees me eyeing the opening in his pants, looking down he quickly zips and buttons up.

Before I can even look back at Seth to say 'thank you' or 'goodbye' Jasper grabs my arm, hauling ass out of there, and dragging me behind him down the beach.

On my way out, I can't help but feel eyes burning into my head. I look around, my search coming to a halt when I find Jacob - giving me a look that could kill.

Jasper's face is flushed, his eyes are dark and furious, and there's a hardness to his jaw that tells me he hasn't found the relief he'd been searching for tonight.

I feel really bad that I'm ecstatic about that.

"What the fuck were you doin' in there? Did you happen to forget you aren't gay, Edward?" He rants.

"But, I am gay."

"No, you're not. You're drunk," he says, disgustedly.

We board the boat and I'm barely seated before the motor roars to life. He sits silently, brooding while he steers the boat into the darkness.

I watch as the island disappears from sight, allowing my thoughts to inevitably land on the kiss Seth and I shared. I touch my lips, still feeling a tingly sensation. It was nice, pleasant…definitely arousing. I wouldn't say it was earth shattering or anything, but it was a hell of a lot nicer than kissing Bella.

"You were married, for fuck's sake! You just don't start kissin' boys!" He explodes. I pull my hand away from my lips, knowing that my actions more than likely set off his short temper.

"I've always been gay," I inform him - so ineloquently, at exactly the wrong time - and in exactly the wrong place.

How come things never go the way I envision them? This is, quite possibly, the worst scenario for this.

"You're wasted, Edward," he says, condescendingly, like I don't know my own fucking mind.

"You don't understand!" I shout. "You don't understand what it's like to be with women and not know why you can't satisfy them. Why after sex, the tension never leaves your body. You don't understand what it's like to be married, but be so fucking lonely. It never felt good. It never felt right. I needed to know, Jasper. I don't have any feelings for Seth, but that kiss…felt…right," I cry out, the hidden pains of my past pouring from me in a torrent.

He huffs, but doesn't say anything else.

One thing did turn out exactly how I'd imagined; Jasper doesn't believe me.

XXXXX

The bayou, like always, brings with it an inexplicable peacefulness. I sit back, allowing the languid calmness to buzz pleasantly through my veins. In the middle of the wetlands, it'd be easy to believe Jasper and I are the only two people in the world.

Oh, if it were only the case…

Then, he'd want me.

We have approximately five more minutes before we dock and there is no way that I can leave it like this. Because, I know, as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, if I don't fix this somehow…someway, I won't see Jasper again for weeks. After tonight's revelations, I don't know if I'd survive another disappearance.

I need to try one more time. I need him to tell me straight to my face he doesn't want me. I may be crushed, I may not come out of my room for a couple of days, I may not even make it out of bed…

But he's worth the risk.

I want him.

I want to spend the rest of my days in Bon Terre learning everything there is to know about him. I want to know his favorite color, his favorite movie, which shoe he puts on first. I want to take trips to the bayou during the day, go on dates, watch movies…just talk, touch and kiss, and at night…Jesus, at night I want to lay with him.

I want Jasper to be my first, and when I leave, I'll depart this place knowing what it's like to really be in love. The heart pounding, thrill seeking, earth shattering kind of love. There's no doubt Jasper can give me that, even if he can't feel the same for me in return.

It kills me that Alec ruined Jasper for anyone else. I can't imagine having Jasper's love and devotion, only to throw it away. I know if I were given that precious gift, I'd never let it go.

It's just as well Jasper's not able to relinquish his heart.

It doesn't even matter that, in a month's time, I'll leave this quaint town, the mystery of the bayou, the seductive island…Jasper. I'm like a moth to the flame. I can't stay away from the danger.

I'd be lying to myself if I said Jasper doesn't already hold my heart in the palm of his hand. Being my first real love, he'll always be a standard I fear no other man will ever live up to.

"You didn't get what you went for," I surmise, my voice full of tenderness. Even though it pleases me that Jasper didn't finish the deed with Jacob tonight, I still don't delight in seeing him frustrated or troubled.

He snorts, "How the hell was that going to happen when I have to baby-sit you?"

"I told you I'd be fine."

"Yeah, you did, didn't you?" He retorts, disgustedly.

"So, you can't blame it on me."

"But I can, Edward, since you are very much the reason I'm in the state that I'm in."

Hope bursts in my chest. There is no mistaking the true meaning of his words.

Oh God, please…

"If I'm the reason, then come to me, Jasper. I'll give you what you need," I promise.

He spins angrily, wrapping the rope around the platform, before exiting the boat as if it's on fire. "Don't say things like that. You're drunk."

I chase after him. "Don't try to tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I've wanted you from the first moment I saw you. I didn't understand it at first, but now I do."

"Stop!" He yells, pulling at his hair.

I draw up behind him, placing my hand on his shoulder, but he jumps away. He turns, watching me warily, expecting me to lunge at any moment.

"Please…I want you so badly." I go for broke, letting my heart hang out on a limb…a very ragged, twisted, battered limb.

I didn't want it to go this far, I didn't want it to boil down to me throwing myself at him, but I won't back down now. I've come too far not to finish what I've started. If I walk away now, this will be the last time I see him - guaranteed.

"Shut up Edward," he warns in a low, threatening voice.

"I want you to make love to me, Jasper," I whisper.

"I said to shut – the – fuck - up." He's latched onto my shirt, and with each word he's pushing me, not stopping until my back collides with a tree. Our lips crash together, our mouths opening instantaneously.

Passion and lust ignite, the long anticipated kiss turning brutal. Needing too much, for too long, I do my part to ravage his mouth, plundering, biting and drawing blood. My imagination has been out of control this week, when, time after time, climax after striking climax, I envisioned Jasper and I in similar situations, but just kissing him outweighs even the most primitive visuals I'd conjured.

The turmoil building in my abdomen, the chaos wreaking complete mayhem in my chest, the intense heat and throb in my groin; none of it could ever have been fantasized accurately by someone so immature in the art of sexual gratification as I am.

What a first kiss.

This kiss signifies all that I'd discovered about Jasper: his strength, his passion, his intensity, fervor and power. It's all present in this blistering, mind-numbing kiss.

I'm not sure how it happened, but my outer, button-down shirt is lying at our feet, and Jasper's hands are working their way up my t-shirt, roaming urgently over my stomach and chest.

I'm breathless, and unbelievably overwhelmed, but I wouldn't stop this for anything in the world. My hands grasp and claw at his back, hanging on for dear life, while his lips assault my neck; sucking hard, licking, scraping and nipping at my skin until it feels raw and awakened.

He can't get enough, and I'm about to combust.

I buck into him, letting him feel my need, hissing when I feel his in return. Jasper growls, stopping his ministrations on my nipples, to chuck my t-shirt. He cups my ass roughly, pushing our erections against each other once again. The full-fledged sensory overload causes my legs to almost collapse beneath me.

Safely anchored between Jasper and the tree, I wrap my legs around his midsection, locking them at the ankles. My steely erection nuzzles into the softness of his stomach, but he grips my waist, pushing down until our dicks are aligned perfectly.

His hips rock hardcore into mine over and over, driving me senseless. I thrash against the tree, the heady feeling I always get back here consumes me. This time, though, it is so much more fucking intense…because this is Jasper.

He lowers his hot, sexy mouth, flicking my nipple with his tongue, and I cry out. My head lulls back when he takes the bud between his lips.

He sips at the nub, then pulls away quickly. "Fuck Ed…" he grates. I open my eyes, but I don't lift my head from the tree, staring at him from under my lashes.

"So, fuck…gorgeous." His last word is only mouthed.

Clutching at the back of Jasper's shirt, I rip it over his head, flinging it to the forest's floor. I pull him closer, my belly rolling in a wave of unadulterated desire when our naked chests finally meet.

Skin against skin, heat upon heat, I cling to him with helpless abandon.

My mouth searches for his, and he opens his lips to me willingly. I lap at his flavor, loving the textures, and the taste.

He rubs kiss, upon scorching kiss against my lips, diving in deep, searching for hidden treasures.

"God, Edward. You taste so fuckin' good. I knew it…I knew you would," he exclaims against my lips. He's panting for breath, just as I am.

He groans, as if he's in pain. "I-I just can't…get enough." He returns for more, his mouth ravishing mine once again.

After long moments, we break apart, suffocating…gasping for breath. We stare at each other while hands never cease their tireless exploration and hips undulate sinuously, smashing our swollen cocks together in a rhythm older than time.

The wind suddenly begins howling, creating a tempest of leaves and twigs to rustle around us as I fall apart in his arms.

I'm so very close, every touch is electric, every look and kiss tearing fatal holes into my diminishing resistance. I struggle desperately to hold on to what's left of my stamina. I don't want this to end…ever.

I press his face in between my hands in total awe of his beauty and strength. "You're so beautiful, Jas," I croak.

His eyes roll, and with renewed vigor, he props me up higher, before splaying his hands across my chest. We both watch his movements, while he drags his open palms from collarbone to hipbone.

Reaching the waistband of my jeans, he pops the button.

"Oh, God," I pray.

"Can I touch you, Edward?" He breathes.

"God…fuck, yes!" I cry. I'll die right here if he doesn't.

With deft fingers, his hand delves into my jeans and boxers, freeing my straining member. "Oh no…Oh my God…I-I…"

My back arches when he engulfs my rigid length in his hot fist, and we both watch when he begins to jack me off. I'm whimpering, moaning, and I think I might even weep a little, while he pumps my shaft in a sick tempo.

"You look so hot like this, Edward. Cum for me, goddammit."

Each time he passes it, he squeezes my engorged head, grazing the moist tip with his thumb, all the while shoving his rock hard dick into my cloth covered ass, pressing against me in just the right spot.

I'm spiraling out of control, my orgasm rushing forward like a freight train in the middle of the desert. With no other choice but to succumb to the promising unparalleled bliss, I don't just let go into the best orgasm of my existence…

I free-fall.

When I come back down from my high, I'm a quivery, trembling mess. I lift my lids to find Jasper watching me with wide, feral eyes…two fingers hanging from his mouth.

Fuck, I missed him eating my cum.

"Jesus, Edward,…you're exquisite…when you cum…oh, my God…," Jasper rasps, while his momentum picks up, and he hammers against my ass. His breath is choppy, his legs beginning to shake from exertion.

"Is this where you want me? Do you want my dick in your ass?"

"Yes, Jasper. Yes, I want you to fuck me…just like this…" I pant, loving the sensations of his rod poking and prodding against my ass, stimulating my semi-hard cock into making a comeback.

His head falls back, and his eyes flare wide before clenching shut. He roars, stiffening against me, riding out his ecstasy.

And it's the most glorious thing I've ever witnessed.

He falls against me, leaning into the tree and me, gasping while we wait for our breathing to even out. Once it does, he pulls away slowly, allowing me time to drop my cramped legs from his waist.

Suddenly, he becomes shy and fidgety. He picks up our shirts, handing me mine.

"You better go in now, there's a storm comin'," he predicts. I look up through the dense trees and there isn't a cloud to be found, but I concede.

"Okay."

He half turns to walk away, but I want a proper goodbye, so I lay my hand on his arm. "Jas?"

He turns back around, and without voicing my need, we come together into a heart-melting kiss.

I pull away by fractions. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah…sure."

I watch him walk until he disappears into the darkness. I practically skip into the inn, excited for what's to come.

I take off my shoes, heading straight to my window.

I don't know how he knew, but while the thunder rumbles, lightning strikes, and heavy raindrops blur my view, my eyes never stray from the spot under the tall oak tree where I had the most gratifying sexual encounter of my existence.

So first of all…what did you think? Holy moly.

Secondly, did you honestly think it's going to be that easy? Can you already envision all of the potential roadblocks ahead for these two? Between Jacob, Seth, Alec, and the distance…not to mention Jasper's unrelenting stubbornness and Edward's naivety it'll be a miracle if these two can make this work. Which do you think is going to be their biggest hurdle?

Thirdly, don't forget: BM, LS, FF, or XG