Thank you, Lauren (Leckadams), for buying these boys. 3
Sorry for the wait. I can always tell when some of you become impatient while waiting for an update, because I get a whole lot of hits, alerts, etc. on my OTHER stories. LOL. Every time I see one of these in my inbox I'm saying…"I know, I know…I'm trying people!" But thank you for reading my other stories!
If you get antsy waiting for the next update, now would be a good time to go back and read through this story, because the next two chapters are going to reveal some things that you may not remember or didn't catch from previous chapters. Js
Finally, the 'Summer It All Began' contest is still going on. You have just under two weeks to get your fic's in. It's MY TURN to read your stuff! The first and second place winners in both judges, and reader polls get paid, among other gifts. It doesn't hurt to try…right? – And it just means that we all have more slash to read, and who doesn't love that?
Layne Faire, you're one awesome chick. Hugs, during this rough patch, and thanks again for everything you do for me.
Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or any of it's characters.
Chapter 14 -
Without words, Jasper concedes, allowing me to pull him through the darkness of the backyard without too much resistance. The wind howls around us as if saying 'welcome back old friend'. Goose bumps rise along the back of my neck, and I smile into the billowy shadows, receiving its familiar eeriness with deep regard.
Entering the inn through the back door, laughter is heard coming from the basement. Once Jasper realizes I'm heading toward the merriment, he plants his feet stubbornly. I tug on his arm, but he doesn't budge. I flash him a look – pleading for him to bear with me, which only causes him to level me with an expression of supreme impatience, but his legs start to move forward anyway.
A card game is in progress, actually three different card games are running simultaneously. I recall the mention of a Euchre tournament earlier, when my mind had been preoccupied, and if I'm not mistaken, upon a unanimous decision, a dozen of Rosalie's assorted muffins are at stake. It never takes long for her guests to recognize the value of such a prize.
With his wife's baked goods on the line, Emmett barely notices our entry. The stern set of his jaw, and the determination etched in his forehead while he mulls over his cards, shows he's in it to win it.
"I think we can do it Rosie. What the hell…I'm callin' it spa –" Emmett looks at Rosalie, finally noticing her shocked expression is geared elsewhere. His grin is massive and mischievous when he glances at our hands, which happen to be linked together. He's the first to speak, his tone teasing, "Hey guys, what's up?"
Taking a deep breath, I smile, glancing at Jasper.
But he's not looking at me…and he's not smiling.
His eyes are fixated on the newest guest – Alice. I'm not sure if he's aware of it, but his hand twitches in mine, his grip – tight then loose, tight then loose.
He watches her like a hawk – seriously intense, as she stands up slowly, making her way toward us. Stopping a few feet away, she meets Jasper's stare – both assessing one another. His eyes flicker to mine – and that quick flash of humbled thankfulness, undiluted pride, and admiration in his gaze, lets me know he's registered the importance of this visit.
His appreciation sparks a deep seeded need to protect and love him – be everything he'll ever need.
They'd met once before…a long time ago, and I don't want to assume that Jasper remembers Alice, even though the air has an undercurrent that no one in the room is able to deny – a dead giveaway that this is no joke. He knows exactly who she is – and why she's here.
This is serious.
This is the step that crosses the line from merely living…surviving, to having a life – a great life.
"Jasper, this is my sister Alice. Alice, this is Jasper; the man that I've told you about." I hesitate slightly, the words lodged in my throat – but not out of fear, only out of pure emotion. "This is the man I love with all my heart." My declaration is somber, yet loud enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly.
It hadn't been as hard as I'd imagined it would be – easy, even. It came naturally and flowed from my lips. I don't pay much attention to the others, focusing on the tension between Jasper and my sister.
"Well, Jasper, it's very nice to finally meet. I've heard so much about you," she says quietly, a soft smile on her face. They both appear to have snapped out of their appraisals of one another when she extends her hand in greeting. But instead of a handshake, Jasper brings her hand up to his lips for a chaste peck.
"Pleasure to meet you ma'am." His southern voice is heavy with feelings, and I think Alice actually blushed. First time ever!
"Jasper?" Rosalie stands – the card game all but forgotten, while she eyes her brother with curiosity and surprise. A relieved smile spreads across her face when she recovers from the initial shock that her brother is here, with me…and seems to be happy about it.
Squeezing his hand, I let him know that I'm not going anywhere, and to go see his sister. A small, grateful smile graces his lips before he heads toward Rosalie. I hear him say a quiet "I'm sorry" before I turn away to give them their privacy.
Alice squeals quietly as I pick her up and hug her tightly. "Can you believe it Alice?" I whisper in her hair.
"Everything is good?"
"Better than good," I confirm. "But we definitely have to talk."
She nods, appreciatively. "I'm so proud of you Edward. And so, so happy."
We both turn to the object of my affection, desires, and fantasies just as he's swiveling around. The smile on his face takes my breath away.
He's very pleased indeed, and I'm hoping that any remaining doubts he may have harbored regarding my intentions are gone.
We find ourselves drawn to each other as various houseguests engage us in conversation. We linger for just a few minutes before I become antsy, needing to be alone with Jasper.
"Well guys, why don't you pull up a couple of chairs, and play a couple of rounds with us." I could kill my sister at the moment, for asking us to join in. What is she thinking?
Jasper looks pained, and I'm trying to figure out the best way for us to get out of this without hurting anyone's feelings.
I guess that means 'hell no' is out of the question.
Son of a bitch.
Never known for being quick on my feet, no reply comes readily. Thoroughly exasperated, and obviously showing signs of it, Alice breaks out into laughter.
"Jesus, I was just teasing. Get the hell out of here." She smiles slyly. "Jasper can take me out to lunch tomorrow."
This time, it's Jasper that blushes. Cutest thing ever.
XXXXX
A million things are running through my head as the events of the day finally bear down on me. Jasper leads us through the murk adeptly, while I struggle to see a hand in front of my face. My equilibrium sucks out here, and his strides are long and purposeful, making it even harder to keep up. The heat from our joined hands keeps me grounded…reminding me that I'm not in some dream; this is real.
I'm stoked – awed, completely overwhelmed, and raw. I require an outlet just as much as Jasper, and that scares me. Who's going to referee this storm? Who's going to make sure we don't tear each other apart? And how can I be sane enough to evaluate this situation accurately, without being able to stop it from actually happening? One of us has always maintained somewhat of a level head in our previous encounters, but I don't think either one of us is up for that role tonight.
I'd thought the side trip to the inn would've cooled our ardor somewhat, but for me it's worse. Voicing my feelings about him to the others… seeing him with Alice… made my need for him skyrocket, and right now I'm flying in outer space, trying to figure out how to land without crashing.
Sixteen days. Too long. Much, much too long.
I release Jasper's hand so he's able to unlock his front door. I hear keys jingling in his hand – a pause, then more jingling. The door doesn't open, and he backs up a step. I look at him, confused.
Frustration – plain and simple. "Jesus Christ, I can't even open the fuckin' door," he growls.
He stands, glaring at the door, shifting from one foot to the other.
Impatience wins out. Grabbing the keys from him I slide one in the lock, happy that there are only three to choose from.
"Edward – we should probably talk –" Thankfully, the first key works, and I push open the door.
Hauling him through the entrance I basically attack him, as expected – with arms and legs, teeth and nails – so desperate to feel every inch of him. He holds me close, but avoids my searching lips.
"Fuck Edward…please, just give me a minute," he gasps.
"What?"
He sets me away from him. "Go on up - I'll be there in a second." Really?
I don't know whether to be happy or disappointed that he's able to keep his bearings when I feel so out of control.
"O-okay…"
Perplexed, I climb the steep stairs to his loft, but I turn before I reach the top. I spy Jasper in the kitchen area, downing a glass of water. I watch while he puts the glass down, staring out the small, darkened window just above the sink. His hands grip the ledge of the counter – even from the distance I can see his knuckles are white.
Worried, and more lucid – I take a closer look at my surroundings. The kitchen is spotless, but the living room is a mess of pillows, cushions and sheets. With a strong sense of foreboding, I turn slowly, making my way up the final step. I try to swallow past the sudden nervous lump that's taken up residence in my throat, but practically choke on it when I look around his bedroom.
No. no. no!
Everything is exactly the same.
Exactly how we'd left it sixteen days ago.
The clothes I'd removed from his body lie in the same heap on the floor. The sheets and pillows are still mussed from our lovemaking. The lube still lies on the bed and the condom wrapper right there on the floor where I'd watched him toss it.
What has he been going through these past weeks?
I'd thought I had it bad – but I knew I was coming back.
He didn't.
I hadn't given him the luxury of having that information.
Fuck.
Jumping into action, I scramble about the space, picking up the evidence, and cleansing the room from our last encounter.
So fucking selfish.
Lost in my anger and self-hatred I don't notice him behind me until I feel his arms circle my waist. "Don't," he whispers, hugging my back against his chest tightly.
With one strong hand, he tries to yank the blanket from my grip, but my hold is relentless, toughened by a stalwart determination to fix this wrong.
As if making the bed will atone for all the sins I've committed against him.
Caught off guard by realizing the futility of such a task, Jasper finally manages to wrest the fabric away from my grasp gently – but sternly.
"Jas – I'm so fucking sorry. You didn't deserve this." I'm choked up, my eyes stinging with the bitterness of my choices. How could I have been so uncaring?
"Don't…" He sounds choked up too…anguished almost, and I can't bear it. He clears his throat before continuing, his voice is firm, and in control. "I wish I could have told you that I took it like a man, Edward…you leaving..."
He sighs, and I try to turn in his arms, but he holds me in place. "But I didn't. I haven't been sober in more than two weeks, and you can probably see that I haven't been able to sleep in my bed since you left."
"I shouldn't have- God…," I cry out. "I'm so sorry."
"I'm sorry too," he whispers.
"For what?"
"For lots of things…," he murmurs. Hands resting on my shoulders, he applies a subtle pressure – his way of telling me to stay put, then lifts the hem of my shirt up and over my head. "I should have told you about him…Alec, I mean." His tone is despondent, and I want to comfort him so badly, but as hard as it is, I remain rooted to the floor, like he wants.
His soft lips ghost from one shoulder to the other, peppering tiny wet pecks along the expanse – a reward for complying with his silent request.
"He messed with me…dicked me around for a long time. He'd ignore me in public, but I let it go because I knew he was just afraid to come out. He snubbed me one to many times and we fought about it… he broke it off after that. I was pissed and I'm not gonna lie – it hurt," Jasper admits.
Sliding his arms around my midsection, he deftly unhooks my belt, and pops the top button of my jeans. "I thought I was in love with him – but I've begun to realize that maybe I was just invested…y'know? Because it doesn't measure… to this." My belt slips through each loop, as he tugs on one end, letting it fall to the floor with a loud clank. "I know better now. I know Edward."
"You know what?" I whisper.
He turns me in his arms, staring directly into my eyes. "That it didn't work with Alec for a reason – I've been waitin' for you." Warm hands slide up my chest, cupping my neck so that his thumbs brush against my jaw. "I love you, Edward and I'll do whatever it takes to be with you. We'll make this work."
"I-I have to tell you about my job. It's-"
"Shh," he interrupts, pressing his thumb over my lips. "Please…let me finish. It's my turn to talk." Reminding me of my audacity at the bar causes heat to rise in my cheeks, but he doesn't notice as he focuses on his thumb brushing over my lips again and again. When he lifts his eyes they're darker, with a desperate edge – something visceral… and goddammit, it makes my body tremble with love – and fear.
Fear of a desire that knows no boundaries, or accepts no compromises. I want him in every way…forever.
"I promised myself back then that I'd never fall in love again, but I've been stupid, because I've loved you…all along, I think," he confesses, shamefaced. "I didn't realize it right away, but I knew the extent of my feelings before you left, and I was just too fucking scared to tell ya. I should've. And I should've fought harder for you. Worse yet, I ran away, lettin' you walk out of my life without tellin' you how I felt."
Directing me backward, Jasper urges me to take a few steps until my calves brush against his bedspread. Dropping my jeans and boxers mid-thigh, he pushes me lightly back onto the mattress.
He kneels in front of me, and proceeds to remove my shoes and socks methodically, lost in a troubled thought. "I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I never got the chance to tell you. I'd like to think I'd eventually have found the balls to come to you, but I thank you so fuckin' much for coming back here and doing what I couldn't." He looks up - his eyes shining with pride and love. "You fought for us…and I love you so much more for that."
With a half-smile, he divests me of the remainder of my clothing. "I'm never gonna be good with words. I might screw up sometimes, because I don't know always know what to say, or when to say it, but I'm tellin' you now that I don't want to live without you…ever. You're it for me – you're my everything, Edward."
At first, his lips are tentative when they search for mine, but after a few safe kisses, they're more demanding – and seconds later, we're biting, writhing, and touching as much of each other as possible. Clothes are discarded as mouths crush, slant, and consume.
Breathlessly, Jasper pulls away and not wasting any time, strips out of his clothes. I lay back on the bed, watching him as he crawls over top of me.
"Please tell me this happening – that you're really here." His eyes are haunted and vulnerable, while his hands and lips roam reverently over every inch of my naked, quivering skin.
"Jas…I'm here…I'm not going anywhere," I pant into his hair. My fingers trace up the sinew of his arms, tangling in his mass of blond curls. Growling, his open mouth brands a hot, wet trail across my collarbone and down my chest. He latches onto one pebbled nipple with his teeth, causing my back arch off the bed. "God Jasper, please…I need to be with you again."
Our kiss is passionate – tongues and lips fuse into a perfect mold, as our need to reclaim each other escalates epically.
He pulls up for air, "Edward…,"
"Yes?" I answer, breathless from our bout of kissing and the passion simmering in his gaze.
"Can I make love to you?"
"Yes," I gasp.
Stretching out on his side next to me, Jasper spits into his palm and reaches down, grasping my hardness in his wet fist.
Eyes clamped shut, teeth grinding – my whole body is wired so fucking tight, as sounds of him jacking me off fill the room.
Willing myself to ease up and breathe for God's sake, I groan, rising up on my elbows, so I can watch while he plants sizzling kisses down my stomach, his tongue swirling over each hipbone…flicking along the edge of my shortened pubes.
I can't keep my hips still, pumping up and down in small pleading thrusts. Cum froths from my swollen slit, coating my head with a creamy glaze – which he wastes no time devouring. Sucking my cock deep down his throat, the muscle constricts around my head, causing me to cry out from the exquisite pressure.
Under long, thick lashes, a blue gaze stares back. He dives down on my shaft, the slickened length disappearing between his rosy lips again and again, my eyes blurring from the white hot pleasure he bestows so freely unto me.
I fight the urge to stop him until it becomes too much, and I'm ready to shoot my load. "Babe, please…I need you so badly. I'm not gonna be able to hang on."
Knowing full well that he'd rather be inside me when I cum, Jasper yields to my plea. He relents, but not before his soft tongue sweeps slowly around the rim, smiling when my cock leaps from his teasing attention.
Reaching for the nightstand, he looms over me. The tip of his dick brushes across my chest, already hard and wanting - flushed and seeping.
The sight is too tempting – by far.
I shimmy down the sheets to take his erection into my mouth. Squeezing his supple posterior, my tongue follows every ridge and vein, sucking and slurping, like I've been sucking cock my whole life. Jasper tosses the necessities onto the bed, digging his fists into the mattress on either side of my head, while his hips roll seductively over my face. I'm drowning in the satisfaction of my lovers gaze, as he watches me swallow his length over and over.
"I love seein' my cock in your mouth," he grinds out.
Delighted by his reaction, I redouble my efforts, finding a rhythm that matches his movements. He grunts, and his thrusts become more erratic as the salty flavor of his precum spills onto my tongue.
Just when I start to wonder if he'll be able to stop – he does. Slowly pulling away, he winces when his hard cock pops out of my mouth.
"Jesus, darlin'," he gasps.
Between my legs, he sits back on his heels, gazing over my body hungrily. He grasps onto the underside of my thighs and pushes forward and out – spreading me wide and waiting. I don't feel vulnerable under his hot gaze, but opposite – I feel powerful and in charge.
"So beautiful," he utters, pecking the inside of my knee, before leaning over my body to give me a sweet kiss. Our mouths capture moans and swear words while our erections grind insistently against one another.
"Please Jas…" He's up, preparing us before I can finish begging.
Picking up the gel, he squeezes it over my rigid shaft. "Touch yourself," he commands, softly. I do as I'm ordered, while Jasper strokes his own cock and his amply gelled fingers enter me slowly.
By the time he inserts the third finger I'm on the brink of insanity. "Mmmm, no more…enough, please…," I beseech.
But he continues to tease me, diving in and out, switching positions inside of me. I push back into his hand, riding high on the sensations firing throughout my body. His fingers go deep, touching my sweet spot, and it's a close call. My dick stiffens even more at the brief contact. I'm shaking my head back and forth, making no sense at all – mumbling for him to keep going and to stop at the same time.
"Jesus Christ, can we fuck now?" I grit out.
Quickly sheathing his cock, he lines up, but just before he enters, I deny access.
I need to do this for him.
"Let me give you you're fantasy," I explain.
I don't know if he remembers, but when we'd gone to the drive-in Jasper admitted that he got off fantasizing about me being on top, and I'd like to try that.
"I want to be on top." Just in case my words aren't clear, I make a flipping gesture with my hand so he won't be confused by my request – because I'm not ready to be a top. I'm not sure if I'll ever be.
There's no need to worry – Jasper understands, swiftly reversing our positions in a jumble of frantic, and downright giddy, clumsiness. I'd have laughed if I weren't in a state of hardcore sexual deprivation. As it is, any sane thoughts take a back seat to a nut that's motivated to bust with even coincidental contact.
He stacks the pillows against the headboard, leaning back against them in a half-sitting, half-laying down, position.
Waiting for me, Jasper is a picture of resplendent beauty. I know I should be doing…God, something, but instead I sit between his muscled thighs, stock-still, gawping like a teenager looking at his first centerfold.
Idly stroking his cock, Jasper smiles. "Climb on, darlin'."
I crawl over top of him. Grabbing my balls and the base of my cock, I lower myself onto him. With his dick in position, he spreads my ass cheeks, pushing up while I drop gradually onto him. I impale myself on his thick shaft, my body quivering from the fullness of each steepled inch I take.
It's a few seconds before I'm fully seated – the pain of being stretched is definitely there, but once my ass makes contact with the top of his thighs I automatically begin to raise. Jasper stops me, latching onto my hips, and holding me in place.
His eyes are squeezed shut like he's in agony, but he chuckles. "Hold up Ed…shit, so fuckin' tight…gimme just a second." His voice is strained, and when he opens his eyes, they're the bluest I've ever seen them. Wrapping a hand around the nape of my neck, he pulls me in for a scorching kiss, and for several moments, his lips and tongue are hot and savage as they plunder my mouth greedily.
Tearing my throbbing lips away, I try to advise him that I can't sit still for one more second, but I'm too breathless. Instead I tell him with my eyes that I'm ready, and that he has to be, too.
After a few awkward movements, while I figure out the best way to do this, I find a pattern that suits us both. I reach behind Jasper, grabbing ahold of the headboard to keep steady while I bounce. It's a heady feeling being above him, the dominant one…watching Jasper underneath me, writhing and weakened with the pleasure I'm giving him.
"Oh God, just like that…yeah," Jasper pants and grunts, while his hands roam over my entire torso, front and back.
Rising and falling, rising and falling, too soon the tightness in the pit of my stomach enfolds me, trapping me in its burning vice. Knowing that this night will not include my best display of stamina, knowing this is going to be over before its barely started, but most of all knowing that this isn't the last time I'll be in this position, I relinquish control to the all-consuming need that's been building since I left here sixteen days ago.
One touch, and my fevered cock goes up in flames, catapulting me into an ether world that only focuses on one goal…relief. Selfishly, I move in ways that give me the most pleasure, finding that one spot deep inside me that makes my toes curl. Faintly, I hear Jasper's curse words mingled with moans and grunts, letting me know he's reaching the very same conclusion.
Thankfully, I don't have to manage a tempo for my hand – each powerful thrust drives my cock through my slickened fist. A few twists and flicks, and I'm spurting rows of hot cum all over his chest, while spasms of raw ecstasy surge through me in tidal waves of indescribable bliss.
"Ah, God… shit..." Feeling Jasper's cock pulse within me, I open my eyes just in time to see him shatter – his body arching, wracked with tremors. Never have I seen anything more sublime.
Tired from my orgasm, from this crazy day, from the last two weeks, my head falls onto Jasper's shoulder. He embraces me, and his spent, sexy scent lulls me into a comatose state.
"Are you gonna stay awake 'til I can get you cleaned up?"
"Yeah…," I answer, sleepily. He mumbles something about 'betting me' as he makes his way to the bathroom. I want to ask him what he wants me to bet against, but my mouth won't cooperate.
A vague memory of something I forgot to tell him scratches at the surface of my consciousness, but it'll have to wait until tomorrow as I succumb to utter exhaustion.
XXXXX
The morning is spent in bed, exploring each other's bodies while maintaining easy conversation, and light-hearted banter – both of us merely enjoying the physical and emotional contact. Everything between us is so effortless. I can honestly say that I've never felt this connected…this content…this comfortable, this – sated, and utterly in love – ever, and it feels so normal and natural that I don't remember what life was like before I met Jasper.
It's amazing that in the span of a couple of summer months, under a sultry Louisiana sky, he managed to erase all the years of my discontent, failures, and unhappiness.
The feeling is un-fucking-believably-out-of-this-world-phenomenal. I'm pretty sure that Jasper is of like mind, if his wide smile is any indication.
I'd immediately remembered what I'd forgotten to tell him last night, but I've been waiting, not wanting to burst this bubble we're in.
A small part of me worries he'll be disappointed I've taken a job here – that I'm moving here. Maybe he'd prefer the distance – a time-out, between visits. I know it's a longshot, but I've never had a short supply of insecurity, so my mind continues to dwell on that possibility.
His phone beeps on the bedside table, disturbing us from our morning make-out session. He groans but reaches for it, smiling when he reads the message left for him. I wait patiently, feigning disinterest, but I can't help but wonder who it's from. As if reading my thoughts, he tilts the phone in my direction.
'I told u he'd come back ya big baby.'
"It's from Peter. I texted him late last night to let him know what happened." Sighing, Jasper explains, "He and Embry came down the last few weekends…y'know to…anyway, I figured he wouldn't get the message 'til mornin' but I thought I owed him the peace of mind."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, I owe him a pretty big apology – oh, and by the way, he may or may not kick your ass the next time he sees you."
I smile, but it's a little wistful…and plenty regretful. "I'd deserve it if he did. We'll have to make a trip up there soon, so I can find out my fate."
There's a bit of silence before Jasper blurts, "I kissed Jacob."
I knew this already, so it didn't come as a surprise, but it still hurts to hear. "Yeah, Jacob told me. I don't blame you –"
"That's it though…just the kiss," Jasper interrupts. "I couldn't go through with anything else, and I didn't want to."
"Okay," I respond quietly, with a small smile, not sure what else I should say.
I don't feel obligated to tell him that I would've forgiven him for anything he'd done. It's a moot point, and not worth much stock when there really isn't anything to test it against. But I would've – and it makes me infinitely happy to see that I won't be required to prove it.
"I just don't want there to be any secrets between us."
"Me either, and I guess I should reassure you that I didn't…uh, meet anyone either. But I do have one secret – um, about my job…"
Recognition dawns and his smile turns into a frown. "I'm so sorry, with everything else goin' on…," he explains, scrubbing his hands over his face in frustration, but he shakes it off fast enough, grinning. "So, I'm assumin' you got your dream job."
"I did," I answer, looking at him for any reservations, and finding none. Jasper would never deny me my dream, even if it meant maintaining a long distance relationship in order to have it.
"Congratulations darlin'," he says brightly, nothing but pride and happiness shining in his eyes.
"Thank you, Jas." Never being one to accept compliments or praise easily, I duck my chin to hide my flushed cheeks.
He has none of that, hooking his finger under my chin, and lifting my face. "Don't hide that beautiful blush from me. So when do you start?"
"Monday."
"Monday? Wow…," He expels a gush of breath. "That doesn't give us much time. Will you stay here with me until you have to go home?" He's trying to preserve his smile, but sadness is creeping in, and I can't go on letting him think I'm leaving.
"Well there is one detail that I haven't mentioned yet…my new job…it isn't in Chicago, it's here. I'm the new music teacher at Bon Terre Elementary."
In a heartbeat I'm lying flat on my back with Jasper looming over me – a dangerous expression on his face. "You'd never joke about something like that, would you?"
My palms cradle his stubbled jaw, while I stare into those desperately, hopeful blue eyes. "Of course not, baby. I'm moving here. This is my home now."
"You're home? Here?" he asks, still not ready to believe.
"Yeah, now why don't you let me up so we can go tell the others? I'm pretty sure Alice is dying to know."
"You haven't told anyone? Even Alice?"
"No, baby, you're always gonna be the first to know from now on."
This kiss starts out soft and sweet, but quickly turns primal and needy...
We wouldn't make it back to the inn until almost suppertime, when our need for nourishment could no longer be ignored.
And, as luck would have it, Rosalie's guests had departed for the evening, electing to eat dinner on the dock, leaving Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, Jasper, and I to spend a quiet dinner together. Over an excellent meal, we're able to share the good news about my job, while Rosalie and Emmett finally have a chance to share their good news.
Rosalie is twelve-weeks pregnant.
XXXXX
Stay Still by Edward M. Cullen - cont'd
Victoria's funeral is small and quiet. Jeremy only attends the ceremony to show his deep respect for James, who took the life of his spouse to save his own. He owes a debt to the man, but he'll never get the opportunity to repay it.
Shamed by his wife's actions, James resigned from his position, and is moving back home to Colorado. He won't even need a reference from Jeremy since he's leaving law enforcement altogether – deciding to co-run his dad's hardware store instead.
James had pulled out all the bells and whistles for his wife's final arrangements, but it didn't escape anyone's notice that he'll be leaving three states between him and her remains.
After the service, her body lowered into the ground – safe to never hurt anyone again – Jeremy turns to see Tony leaning against a faraway tree.
It pains him to see the man who will never again be his friend. Like James, Tony is also leaving Halfway. Even though he'd been released of all charges, his reputation in this small community would forever be blemished.
Jeremy takes a direct route to the man, knowing things need to be said.
"Thanks for not giving up on the case, and finding the real killer," Tony states quickly, looking over Jeremy's shoulder.
"I-I knew – I just know you could…never- "
"I was in love with you, y'know?" Tony asks, sharp green eyes piercing his. Jeremy notices the use of past tense and the twinge of bitterness in his voice. He'd only recently realized Tony's feelings for him might have extended beyond friendship.
And as Jeremy had felt the cold steel of Victoria's needle penetrate his skin, he'd finally recognized his own feelings for the man standing in front of him. Images of Tony had swept through his mind, and in those seconds before he'd blacked out, his heart had ached with what could have been. Just as it did now. Because although he loves Tony too, their love can't sustain the fact that Jeremy had accused him of murder – charged him with the crime.
Jeremy's eyes remain dry, but his heart weeps for the love…the passion, they will never share – a priceless love failing to endure one costly mistake.
"Yes," Jeremy admits, wanting to say so much more – repeat the sentiment, but recognizing the futility and the impracticality stops him from speaking the words. With one quick nod, Tony turns on his heel, and walks out of Jeremy's life.
XXXXX
The next day, Jasper takes Alice to lunch, while I make the arrangements with a packing company to have my possessions boxed. They'll make sure everything is prepared, then Jasper and I will head up to Chicago with a moving truck to haul everything back here. The rent on my apartment is paid through the end of September, so I have a little over a month to retrieve my belongings.
Jasper and I had a long talk last night and decided that I'd stay at Rosalie's inn until we found a house that suited both our needs, then we'd move into it together. Until then, I'll store my things in his workshop.
To keep busy until Jasper and Alice get back from lunch, Rosalie and I bond while making cookies, which turns out to be a blast. Now that she knows Jasper and I are a couple, she spills on all the good stuff from his childhood, like when he took his sixth-grade class picture with his shirt inside out – and backwards, or how he had a hard-on in church for two-months straight because he had a crush on the altar boy, and how he cried after he kissed his first boy – which happened to be said altar boy, three months later.
I'm setting a platter of peanut butter cookies on the dining room table when I hear a familiar voice on the front porch.
"Why d'ya have to use that?" I smile, hearing the curious little boy.
"It stops the door from creakin'," Jasper explains, with his never-ending patience.
He's back!
Sprinting to the door, I witness Jasper leaning over Billy, while Billy sprays the squeaky hinge, or thereabouts, with some WD-40.
"You gotta get a little higher," Jasper instructs lightly, when Billy's attention span wanders away from the task. He's going to make a great dad someday.
"Mr. Edward!" Billy yells, noticing me standing there.
Jasper straightens up, staring unabashedly, before his eyes fall away shyly, and a blush covers his cheeks.
Yeah, I'm happy to see you too.
"Hey, kiddo!" I say approaching the two of them. For Billy's sake I just brush my fingertips along Jasper's arm in greeting. "How was lunch?"
"It was good."
"Where's Alice?"
He hitches his thumb behind him, and I peer out the door to see her talking to a shirtless guy, spreading fresh gravel along Rosalie's driveway.
Figures.
It's a gorgeous day, full sun, with a late summer breeze. I'd say it's a great day for a bike ride.
"How about that bike ride you promised me, Billy?"
"Yeah!" He exclaims, fist-pumping. "Gonna go tell ma…be right back!" he yells, already half way down the path.
Jasper's gaze is inquiring, and I'm glad Billy didn't tell him about the house in town up for sale. I want him to be surprised. "C'mon," I urge, taking his hand and ushering him down the porch steps. "So, are you gonna tell me what you and Alice talked about at lunch?" I say, kissing his cheek, and linking our arms together, while we walk to the shed where the bikes are located.
"Nope."
"Probably don't want to know, anyway," I surmise.
He laughs. "Probably not."
XXXXX
Friday rolls around and we say goodbye to Alice, who has to return to work, and her life in Chicago. Alice enjoyed her visit, but I can't see her living the small town life – she's a big city girl – 110%. The cab whisks her away with promises of returning for Rosalie's Thanksgiving feast.
Later that evening, Jasper and I head to the island for some dancing, and to inform the guys about my new job.
In the depths of the bayou the mood is light and fun, for once. We're out in the middle of nowhere, but we whisper our words and laughter, consciously respectful of the territory and its inhabitants.
I watch Jasper steer through the trenches, his eyes sparkling, while the moonlight shines down on his perfect face. He catches me staring, a glorious, uneven smile spreading across his face. I feel my own mouth stretch into a humongous smile.
Who knew someone could be this happy? Me…of all people?
At the island a celebration ensues, and drinks flow in a steady stream. Before long, I'm three sheets to the wind, and as high as a kite. Seth and I are topless on the dance floor, acting silly – trying to entice our men to come play with us. After chugging another beer both Jasper and Garrett doff their shirts to join us.
Seth and I are face-to-face, with the guys grinding behind us. Seth's getting frisky, waggling his eyebrows, like he's trying to tell me something, while running his hands along my abdomen.
The drinks have definitely lowered my inhibitions but I'm not into Seth, and I don't want him to think otherwise. I'm about to back off when I notice his eyes flash over my shoulder, realizing that he's merely looking for a rise out of Jasper, and maybe Garrett too. I decide I'm game – just wanting to tease Jasper a little… so I act like I'm all into Seth. I even do some exploring of my own, running my hand over his smooth, olive chest.
Although I'm petting down an attractive man, every drunken brain cell is just wondering how Jasper is reacting to all of this. It turns me all horny and shit thinking about Jasper becoming all possessive and jealous.
With like minds, Seth and I giggle like school girls, and for some odd reason, I have just enough sense to know that I'm probably gonna facepalm about this later.
And that reason comes swiftly.
"Do you know what happens when you play with fire?" Jasper whispers harshly in my ear, pushing me flush with Seth.
I attempt to remove my hands from Seth's chest, but they're wedged between us. It's awkward to say the least, and that discomfort rises tenfold when our erections mush together.
Seth's eyes widen, and he blushes profusely.
I'm kind of mortified myself.
"So sorry…," he says, sounding contrite.
"No…uh, me too…fuck," I swear as my cock makes another connection with Seth's, and I have to grit my teeth so I don't scream out. I lean in so he can hear me, "Uh…so, that's not for you."
"Oh yeah, um – mine neither."
Jasper frees my hands from between Seth and my locked bodies, raising them over my head. Garrett looks at Jasper, before his hazel eyes fall on me. His hands come around Seth to touch me. I cry out when his fingertips run over my sensitive nipples at the same time that Jasper bites my neck.
"Does that feel good, Edward? You want Seth? Garrett too?"
"I want you, Jas," I beg.
Turning in his embrace, our chests collide, lips assault, and rock-hard cocks smash. I kiss him with everything in me, needing to show him he'll be the only one I ever want.
Maybe making him jealous wasn't my best idea, because I feel really awful about it.
He breaks away, asking breathlessly, "So…what happens when you play with fire?"
"You get burned," I answer, quietly. Lesson learned.
He brushes the hair away from my face, staring into my eyes, rocking back and forth to a slow, soulful beat. "Are you gonna be able to wait 'til I can get you home to take care of this?" he questions, palming my cock.
"Hell yeah…can we go now?" My enthusiasm returns, full force.
Barely saying goodbye to the guys, I stumble out the door, making a beeline for the motorboat, but Jasper has other ideas.
"Wait, darlin'," he implores, steering me over to a far corner of the bonfire. It's Friday, so the party is on outside. Jasper stands behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist, while we take in the sight before us.
The two guys 'working', are complete opposites, one is fair-haired and skinned while the other is midnight black – both of them striking in their own respects.
"Watch – they're almost done."
I hear whispers amongst the crowd, of a 'James' and a 'Laurent' – obviously, the pair, center stage, that has everyone's rapt attention.
Apparently, from the hearsay, they're a real-life couple – and it's Laurent on top, filling his boyfriend with his thick cock. My dick jumps as James nears his completion. He pumps his shaft feverishly, while my gut twists with that familiar need.
Jasper's hand finds it way inside my jeans, and is mirroring James rabid movements. "You want to see him cum, baby? You gonna cum with him?"
"God…," I gasp. I couldn't stop him if I wanted to, and I don't. I'm too close, and I need him to finish the job. "Please."
Knowing James is close, Laurent stutters in his movements, maximizing his lover's pleasure – but not without a cost. Laurent's biceps flex, his teeth gnash, his control stretched under the strain of holding back for his boyfriend's sake.
James suddenly cries out, large ribbons of cum shooting from his cock, and I can't breathe, waiting for the grand finale. I try to delay my orgasm, I really do, but when Laurent pulls out his cock, swirling his slickened fingers over the crown, I feel my control slip, and when he throws his head back with a feral roar, I can't help it – I lose it – lost behind a curtain of white hot sparks.
"Wow…," I exclaim, swiveling in Jasper's arms. It's amazing to think that this island of debauchery is mine now, too.
"Yeah…," he says, his eyes roving over my flushed cheeks and parted mouth "…wow."
His gazes travels a path to my groin area, "Well, it looks like you couldn't wait 'til we got home, after all."
"Why? You think I'm done?…'cause baby, I haven't even started yet."
AN: Well, another chapter with lots going on...
The bayou boys are almost finished telling you their story. I hope you've enjoyed it so far. Let me know what you thought, and I'll give you a little of what's coming up in the next chapter.
IMPORTANT! Due to the fanfiction rating restrictions many authors/readers are abandoning the site for ones that allow MA fics. I intend to finish out Sinner's Island on fanfiction ONLY if the readership remains stable. I have already noticed that hit and review count is way down. If this continues to be the trend I'll be forced to move my fics where they'll be read. It's unfortunate that it's come to this, but if I do move my stories to a different site I'll be posting that information on my profile page. Thanks for reading.