A/N: All info located in chapter "Over" posting.
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Stephenie Meyer, the creator of Twilight.
Jake wasn't kidding. Ness literally was all over him, his every move, never letting him out of her sight.
Bella could see he was annoyed. Rose could see it. Hell, everyone could see it. Even Ness herself. But that didn't stop her.
If he said he was going to head to the bathroom, she would follow him down the hall and wait a ways outside the door until he came out. If he said he was going to go outside for some fresh air, she said she would accompany him and did. She hung on his arm, turned into him, kissed his cheek every so often. It was sickening to watch, and not just for Bella. Everyone else seemed just as disgusted as she was. Ness just smiled at them and threw Jake's arm around her body.
Bella had finally had enough and ran upstairs to change. She knew that Jake was just keeping up the charade. She knew that, so it wasn't his behavior that was making her nauseous. No. Ness' possessiveness was inducing dry heaves all on its own.
Bella threw her bathing suit on underneath a pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt. She put her hair up in a loose messy ponytail. She then grabbed a towel and then went back downstairs. Emmett was flipping through the channels, waiting for the football game to come on. He caught sight of Bella and whistled low.
"Damn, Bella. You keep changing your clothes and each outfit looks sexier than the last. Is it all for me?"
He wiggled an eyebrow at her and she laughed, making her way over to him.
"Always for you, Emmett dear. Always for you."
He grinned and she leaned down to kiss his cheek.
"C'mere, you."
He grabbed her and flipped her on her back into his lap, her shrieking the whole time.
And then he grinned wider and began tickling her all over.
She was laughing so hard, yelling for him to stop in between breaths.
"Emmett! Y-You-need-t-to-st-stop!-P-Pl-Please!"
He stopped and she struggled to catch her breath. She coughed and looked up at him.
Emmett winked and then turned to address Edward who, along with everyone else, had run in to see what all the racket was about.
"You know, Edward, I'm changing things around. Rose, how do you feel about Wife #2 moving in with us?"
Rose gave him a mock glare. Bella was surprised but yes, it was actually a mock glare, not a real one. Wow.
"I don't know, Emmett. Depends. Can she cook? Clean?"
Bella frowned.
"Is that all I'd be good for, Rose? Cooking and cleaning?"
Emmett turned to Bella and gave her that sly grin. "Oh no, Bella. You'd definitely be good for more than that."
She smacked his arm. "You are disgusting!"
Emmett smiled wider and leaned in. "Yeah, but you love me."
She leaned back, narrowing her eyes at him. "Emmett..."
He leaned in more. "Bella..."
She pointed a finger at him. "Don't...you...dare."
He arched a brow at her.
"Oh, I think I will."
He leaned in even closer.
"Emmett, if you do, I swear..."
He leaned in more like he was going to kiss her and then began tickling her sides.
She bucked and giggled. "S-Stop!"
"Oh I don't think so, Bella."
She tried to wriggle away from him but to no avail. He tickled her more and more.
"Stop!-Pl-Please!"
"Not a chance."
In between laughing, Bella managed to yell out.
"I-I'm w-warning you!"
Emmett laughed. "Right." And he tickled her more.
Bella gasped and turned into him, getting ready.
"Y-You-asked for-it!"
And then she sat up quickly, lunging at him and began tickling him back.
She had known him long enough to know where his spots were.
And sure enough, his laughing didn't stop.
"B-Bella come on! S-Stop! R-Rose! Help!"
Rose's laughter could be heard in conjunction with their own.
Bella grinned. "Oh, does the big strong man need his girlfriend to help him? Who's the little bitch now?"
Everyone was laughing watching the amusing display.
"Say it!"
Emmett couldn't stop laughing. He was turning and twisting away from Bella but she didn't let up.
"I-I am! Come on! B-Bella!"
She grinned. "That's right."
She tickled him a little more and then jumped up and ran to the other side of the room, hiding behind Rose, gasping for breath.
Emmett struggled for breath on his own, his chest heaving in and out. "O-Oh, you are so gonna get it."
Bella gripped Rose's shoulders. "Rose, don't let him."
Rose laughed. "It seems like you poked the bear with a stick all on your own, Bella. I can't help you there."
Bella watched Emmett warily who now had a wicked smile on his face. He stood up, looking like he was getting ready to move over towards them.
Bella gulped.
"Now, Emmett, you wouldn't. It was only fair. You were tickling me!"
His smile got wider.
"Emmett, don't!"
It got even wider and she could see a gleam in his eyes.
She turned to Edward who was watching everything with an amused smirk on his face.
"Edward. You'll protect me, won't you?"
Edward laughed. "Sorry, Bella. I know better than to get in Emmett's way when he has that look on his face."
She scowled at him and then grimaced. She turned her head to the other side towards Jake and Ness.
"Guys?"
They both shook their heads, clearly entertained with the whole show.
Bella muttered under her breath.
"Shit."
She turned back to Emmett who was crouched now, smile so wide she was sure it must've hurt, ready to spring.
"E-Emmett. Be n-nice."
He didn't move.
Bella gulped again.
He then jerked forward and she shrieked and ran out of the room, through the kitchen and outside onto the patio. Just as she stepped outside, Emmett lifted her into his arms.
"Emmett! Let me go! Don't even think about it! Emmett!"
He ignored her and walked them down to the pool and then promptly threw her in.
The water was FREEZING!
She resurfaced, pushing a little wet hair off of her face.
"E-E-Emmett!"
"B-B-Bella!" His voice sounded just as whiny as hers.
She glared at him and then splashed some water towards him.
He dodged out of the way, laughing.
Bella grumbled but ducked under the water to remove her shirt.
She resurfaced, drenched t-shirt in hand and walked over to the side of the pool, plopping it down on the concrete.
She continued to glare at Emmett and the rest who had followed outside to witness his revenge.
She shimmed out of her shorts and pulled them off her legs, holding onto the wall, and then threw them next to the shirt. She pulled the sopping wet hair tie out and then ducked underwater to smooth her hair back. She stuck her tongue out at Emmett and the rest of them, making Emmett guffaw, and then swam to the other end of the pool.
Before she even reached it, she heard a gigantic splash behind her.
She turned around to find Emmett resurface, grinning goofily and swimming towards her. She glared at him but he grabbed her and held her to him. She clasped her arms around his neck and held on as he moved them around the pool silently.
Bella looked up to find Edward and Rose smiling, Ness gaping and Jake nowhere to be found.
"Hey Rose, would you mind getting me a beer, babe?"
She narrowed her eyes at him and Emmett smiled.
"I'll give you a foot rub later."
He winked.
Rose smiled wickedly. "You've got yourself a deal, McCarty."
She turned to leave when someone to the left of Bella and Emmett spoke up.
"That sounds good. Can I get one, too, Blondie?"
Jake was standing near the diving board, shirt off and smiling sweetly at his Rose.
Rose scowled at him and he gave her the puppy dog face.
Rose groaned. "Fine. But this one time only."
Ness piped up. "That's okay, Rose. I'll get it for him. Jacob, she's here to enjoy herself, not to wait on you hand and foot."
He smirked. "No, but that's your job, though. Right, hun?"
Ness narrowed her eyes at him.
He arched his brows in challenge.
She gave him a tight-lipped smile. "Of course, I'll grab it for you, honey. I'll be right back."
She turned on her heel and marched towards the house, Rose struggling to keep up.
Jake smiled triumphantly.
Emmett yelled out.
"Looking good, Hale! Shake it, baby, shake it!"
They all heard Rose's laughter.
Edward shook his head at Jake and sighed in annoyance. He then turned and gave Bella a smile.
"Anything I can get for you, love?"
She smiled back.
"No, I'm okay, thanks."
Emmett spoke up.
"Actually, Edward, if you wouldn't mind, can you please tell Rose I would really love some chips and maybe some dip while she's at it?"
Edward gave him an exasperated look.
Emmett smirked. "What? Better coming from you than me. If she gets pissed, at least it'll be you she'll kill and not me." He smiled sweetly.
Edward chuckled and shook his head. "Anything else, Em?"
Emmett leaned back into the wall with Bella and scratched his head with his free hand.
"Ah...no, I think I'm good. Tell you what, if I need anything else, I'll let you know." Emmett tilted his head up and smiled.
Edward laughed. "Okay then."
Then he turned to Bella. "Love, I'll get you a towel and some dry clothes."
She gave him a small smile. "Thank you."
He smiled back and then turned and headed towards the house.
She felt the familiar pangs of guilt. He was so good to her.
Bella sighed and laid her head down on Emmett's shoulder. "Ah, Em. What's wrong with me?"
Emmett smirked. "Many things, Bella. But, then again, we all knew that." He winked at her and she smiled. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.
Then she heard a splash.
She turned to see that Jake was, once again, nowhere to be found. She watched the middle of the pool, waiting for him to resurface, when she felt a tug on her left leg. It caught her by surprise and she jumped a little, making Emmett laugh.
Then Jake slowly resurfaced, grinning at her.
"Hey."
She smiled back.
"Hey."
She was watching the water flowing down his chest in rivulets. She could feel herself yearning to taste his chest, to have her tongue trail down the skin in the same path the water was making. She felt her breathing pick up.
He smiled wider at her.
"Make it quick, Jake. I'm gonna start charging you for this shit."
Emmett began to pull away from Bella.
Jake never took his eyes off of her. "I'd gladly pay whatever you want."
Bella smiled wider and so did he.
"Yeah, yeah. Just don't take too long and remember, stay low. They can still see from inside the house. So, don't fuck up."
Emmett then swam to the other side of the pool, watching the house.
Jake crouched down and moved closer to her. Bella could feel her heart racing with every inch he covered until he was right next to her.
His hands grabbed her sides and pulled her to him until they were face to face, literally.
She clasped her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around him. He embraced her with one arm behind her back, holding her tightly. His free hand rested behind the back of her neck, pulling her closer.
His eyes dropped to her lips and he licked his own. Bella's breath sped up faster.
He pulled her closer and closer.
Bella began to shut her eyes in anticipation.
Right as their lips were about to meet, Emmett's voice could be heard urgently.
"Shit! Back off! Back off!"
Jake frowned but pulled away as did Bella. She moved back to the wall and Jake swam near to where Emmett had been. Emmett was currently working his way back towards Bella.
"Ness is on her way out here and she looks fucking pissed, Jake."
Jake groaned. He looked back at Bella.
Bella was freaking out. Had she seen them?
Jake gave her a small smile. "Baby, relax. I'll handle it. Smile. I love you."
She tried to give him a smile in return but it only came out as a grimace. She nodded and clung to Emmett who held onto her tightly. She laid her head against his chest.
Jake nodded and turned back to face Ness who was getting closer and closer with each stomp.
Emmett picked Bella up and moved them toward the middle of the pool. "Come on."
"Jacob!"
Bella winced at the high pitched yell and clung tighter to Emmett.
Crap. She had seen them. Shit.
Ness stopped right at the edge of the pool and glared at Jake who was grinning good-naturedly.
"Yes, dear?"
She scowled at him. She seemed completely unaware of Bella's and Emmett's presence.
"What was that?"
Jake feigned a look of confusion.
"What are you talking about, hon?"
Ness crossed her arms.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about!"
Bella winced again. Shit. Ness was downright scary!
Jake sighed. "No, I don't, Ness. Why don't you spell it out for me? You always do."
Ness opened her mouth to speak but then somehow noticed there were two other people in the pool watching her. She glared at them which shocked Bella.
Shit. Yep. She had definitely seen them. Fuck.
Bella's fingers dug into Emmett's skin and he held her tighter but didn't say anything.
Jake snapped his fingers at Ness. "Hey! Over here! You're pissed at me about what this time, Ness?"
Ness glared even more at him. She spoke quietly but with even more menace.
"Come with me for a minute, please."
She turned and stormed over to the pool shed, disappearing behind it.
Jake sighed loudly and lifted himself up out of the pool. Before leaving, he turned and gave Bella a wink. He mouthed 'Love you'. Regardless of the fragile state her nerves were in, she smiled at him. He smiled in return and then followed Ness' path behind the pool shed.
"You okay, Bella?
Bella looked up at Emmett who looked extremely pissed off.
She almost flinched at the sight of that look on his face.
"Yeah, Em. I'm okay. Sorry."
He snorted. "What do you have to be sorry for, sweetheart?"
Bella sighed heavily and closed her eyes, placing her forehead against his cheek.
"A lot, Em. If she saw us, I mean, then-"
"Listen to me, Bella."
She opened her eyes at his venomous tone.
His glare had intensified. Oh shit, he was pissed at her.
"Ness is the last person who should be playing the aggrieved wife. Don't let that little bitch get to you."
Bella nodded, surprised at his anger which shockingly didn't seem to be directed at her like it should have.
"But Edward-"
Emmett rubbed his face with his free hand.
"Edward's a big boy, Bella. He'll just have to deal. If Jake is what you want and you're what Jake wants, you love each other, he'll just have to accept it and move on. That's life."
He stared off into the water in front of them.
Bella knew she shouldn't ask this but she couldn't help it. She just had to know.
"Em,"
He turned and looked at her, the anger still there but much softer than before.
"Why is it that you're okay with all of this? That you don't hate me for doing this to Edward? That you won't tell him? That you and Rose are helping me and Jake?"
He just stared at her.
Bella bit her lip and lowered her eyes. "I mean, I know you told me that I matter to you more than anyone in this situation. I know. But, how can I?"
She glanced up to find him narrowing his eyes at her and she bit her lip harder.
"I mean, I'm doing something wrong here, Em. I love Jake, I do, but I'm also cheating on my husband. Who just happens to be your best friend. And I can't understand why you wouldn't hate me for that."
He stared at her for another minute and then looked away, sighing.
"Bella, there is absolutely nothing you could do that would make me hate you. Ever. We've been through a lot together. And regardless of what you think," He turned to look at her earnestly. "You are a good person." He held up a hand to cut her off. "Don't even try it. I know you. A lot happened this past year that was difficult for both you and Edward."
Bella grimaced and looked down.
"And you're both coping with it in your own ways. Edward's burying himself at work and you're keeping him at a distance." She winced. "I don't judge either of you for it. I love you both. That will never change. And I know that you both still love each other just about as much as you did when you got married." Bella nodded. That was true for the most part. Just because she loved Jake didn't mean that she still didn't love Edward. Even Jake knew that.
Emmett sighed again. "Honey, it's not my business who you decide to take up with. I mean, I'm always gonna look out for you, I'm always gonna be here for you, take care of you. Maybe Rose and I aren't doing the right thing by helping, I don't know. But, Rose and I have a sort of...understanding...of your situation." Bella narrowed her eyes at him. Understanding?
Emmett smiled at her. "Just trust me, Bella. We get it a lot more than you think. And as far as Edward goes, yes, he's my best friend. That hasn't changed but..." He looked away for a minute, trailing off. Then he turned back to her. "But my loyalty is to you first. You're my best friend, too. And if I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place, I choose you. Every time, kiddo."
Bella smiled at him.
"Let's just leave it at that, okay?"
Bella nodded. Emmett kissed her forehead. "Besides, this doesn't mean that you're definitely getting a divorce yet." She winced and he squeezed her in reassurance. "And even if you did, that wouldn't change how I feel about either of you."
She bit her lip and nodded.
Emmett smiled at her. "And...Jake's a good guy, Bella. I mean, he fucks up a lot and I do mean a lot." He winked at her and she laughed. "But he tries. And he loves you. And that's all I need to know. You could do worse, kid." He winked at her again and she smiled.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and then hugged him tight, closing her eyes.
"Thank you, Em."
He chuckled. "You're welcome."
They stayed like that for a minute or two, just quiet and comfortable in each other's embrace.
"Emmett, would you like me to go get Rose for you?"
Bella's eyes opened and she turned back in the direction of the sneering voice.
Ness was standing there, glaring at them. They hadn't even heard her return.
Jake was behind her, shaking his head, looking pissed.
Emmett smirked.
"Nah, Ness. She'll be out here when she's good and ready. I'm not someone who needs to be all over my girlfriend every minute."
Bella flinched and Jake was shaking with silent laughter, picking up his shirt from the chair he had tossed it on before and started rubbing his head dry with it.
Ness' glare intensified. "Maybe you should be. That way you wouldn't be so easily distracted."
Bella looked up at her in confusion. What the fuck was she talking about?
She turned to look at Emmett who now looked murderous.
"And you would know all about that, wouldn't you, Ness?"
Jake's jaw dropped as did Bella's. Holy shit!
Ness' face contorted in such a way it was frightening to watch. She looked like she was about to explode and then she smiled. A smile that reminded Bella of that old witch in the Hansel and Gretel story read to children at bedtime. She shivered.
"I'll just send Rose out to you when I go back in. I'll make sure she brings out a six-pack, that way she won't have to keep running back to get you more beer and she can stay right here with you."
She turned on her heel and walked quickly back to the house.
Bella was still in shock. She heard Emmett yell. "How thoughtful of you."
And then he muttered under his breath.
"Fucking bitch."
Jake stared after Ness and then turned back to them, shaking his head.
"Em, I'm sorry. I don't know what the fuck's gotten into her."
Emmett shrugged but the angry expression didn't leave his face. "Whatever. No biggie. So, what's the deal? Am I going to have a stampeding, fire-breathing Edward to deal with in a minute or what?"
Jake shook his head and then stepped into the pool, making his way down the stairs and into the water, headed towards them. "Possibly, but not why you think."
Bella frowned. What?
Emmett frowned, too. "What the hell does that mean, Jake?"
Jake swam over to them and sat low in the water. "I'll tell you in a second. Let me just talk to her first for a minute."
Emmett nodded and let Bella go. She didn't move, though, just stared at Jake with wide eyes.
He smiled softly. "Baby, relax. We're gonna head near the diving board so in case they come back out, I can duck down and swim away, okay? Now, come here."
He reached out his hand and she took it. He led her to the deep end and right underneath the board as he had said.
She held onto the wall and he squeezed her hand before letting go and then placing both hands on the board above them.
"Did she see us, Jake?"
Jake shook his head. "No. She didn't. So I don't want you worrying about that, okay?"
She nodded. "But then, why is she-"
He sighed and then began subconsciously lifting himself out of the water and lowering back down, over and over again, bobbing a little.
"She does think I'm having an affair. We both knew that."
Bella's brows mashed together. "Right. You said that before. So then why is she pissed off now all of a sudden?"
He stopped moving and sighed, looking down into the water between them.
"She thinks you and Emmett are having an affair."
Bella laughed out loud, causing Emmett to turn and look at them for a second. Bella smiled sheepishly at him and turned back to Jake. "Are you serious?"
Jake nodded. "Um-hmm."
Bella shook her head as if to clear it. "Wow. Okay. Well, if she thinks that, then why is she pissed at you about it?"
He sighed once more and bit his lip. "She thinks because of that, Rose and I are having an affair."
Bella's jaw dropped.
He stared at her worriedly. "Babe, you know I'm not."
She shut her mouth. "No, I know that. You don't have to tell me. Why would you even think I would believe that?"
He bit his lip harder and looked down, sighing. "I don't. But after everything, I just want to make sure-"
She reached her hand out to his cheek, not caring in the least who saw at that moment.
"Jake, I know we've been through a lot this weekend. But, come on. You may have to reassure that incredibly insane wife of yours but not me. I mean, me and Em? You and Rose? I mean, it's ridiculous."
He leaned into her touch, his eyes closed. "I know. It is pretty crazy."
She stroked his cheek with her thumb.
He opened his eyes and glanced towards the house. Then he turned back to her, let go of the board and grabbed her hand, grinning. "Come on."
He led her to the corner of the pool that was least likely to be seen from the house. He backed her against the wall gently and lowered them down a bit. Then without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her.
He pulled away a little bit, but not much. His eyes were still closed and he was smiling. "I love you, you know that?"
Bella smirked. "I have a vague notion."
His eyes opened and his smile got wider.
"'A vague notion'? Really?"
She shrugged and he shook his head at her.
"Where do you come up with this crap, Bells?"
She went to smack him on the chest but he caught her arm and pulled her in for another kiss. This time he placed his forehead against hers, his eyes closed once again.
"Two more days of this bullshit. Two more fucking days."
She kissed his nose. "Two days."
He opened his eyes and smiled, kissing her nose in return.
"I miss you, Bells. Today had to be one of the worst days. I don't like not even being able to look at you when I want to without having to worry if she's gonna see it. This just sucks."
She smiled and brought her hand up to his scalp, massaging it. "I know it does. But we'll be out of here before you know it. And Jake?"
He opened his eyes half-lidded. She knew how much he loved it when she did that.
"Hmm?"
"If you're taking me back down the shore this week, I'll fucking kill you."
He laughed and so did she. He looked up at the house and then looked back at her. He leaned in and kissed her once more. "I love you."
She placed her forehead back against his. "I love you, too."
He smiled and kissed her nose. Then he pulled her hand out of his hair and kissed it before turning them back towards Emmett whose back was to them, watching the house.
"Hey, Em."
Emmett turned at the sound of his name.
"Come here for a sec. Let me tell you what we're dealing with."
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
After much guffawing by Emmett and laughs thrown in by Jake and Bella, the absurdity of Ness' conclusions was forgotten. Well, not forgotten, but easily pushed aside. Although, Bella was secretly grateful that she hadn't figured out the real affair Jake was having.
Eventually, the patio door opened and Rose came out with a tray. Emmett jumped out of the pool to go help her. Bella glanced over at Jake. They had long since separated, not wanting to risk it any further now that Ness seemed a little too close to the truth for her own good. Jake gave her a warm smile. She smiled in return and looked back towards Emmett who was kissing a laughing Rose. She sighed sadly. Sometimes she wished she and Jake could be that free. Well, two more days and they would be.
She closed her eyes briefly. Two more days...
She opened her eyes back up and her guilt was tenfold.
Edward appeared out of the door with a towel and fresh clothes in hand, as promised.
She gulped quietly.
How could she be thinking like that when she had this wonderful amazing husband who loved her beyond all reason? Who was so good to her? Who was busy looking for her things to make her more comfortable as she kissed another man out here in this pool and told him she loved him?
God, what was wrong with her?
Edward came closer wearing her favorite crooked smile. Her smile. Her heart wrenched painfully. Fuck.
She ducked under the water, seriously considering not coming back up for a minute and then resurfaced, smoothing her hair back.
Edward was kneeling down at the edge of the pool in front of her, still smiling.
"Love, I brought you a towel. Would you like to get out now?"
Bella looked towards Emmett and Rose behind Edward on his left and saw Emmett's arm around her. Sometimes she wished she and Edward could be like that again.
A little farther on their left, Jake stood, drying off, a morose expression on his face, not looking towards her or Edward.
Her heart fell.
How could she be in love with two men at one time? How could she be pulled in both directions, back and forth, back and forth? There has to be a pill for this kind of thing.
Her eyes immediately flickered back to Edward, realizing she had yet to answer him.
She nodded and smiled.
He stood up and she made her way to the stairs. As she got out of the pool, Edward held out the towel to her and she stepped into it and turned around. He wrapped it around her and pulled her into him for a hug. He kissed her left temple and rubbed her upper arms gently.
She didn't move, just kept her eyes down.
He whispered into her ear.
"I love you, Bella."
She squeezed her eyes shut.
She wanted to cry but instead she whispered back to him.
"I-I love you, too, Edward."
He hugged her tighter and kissed her cheek. He then kissed his way down to her jawline. She felt horrible yet confused. Edward wasn't usually this affectionate in front of other people. What was the reason behind his change now?
Bella didn't need to look up at Jake to know he wasn't happy. He had asked her not to do anything in front of him, say anything in front of him that he didn't need to see or hear. And especially after all they had been through last night and this morning, she knew he would be doubly pissed. But this wasn't her. What could she do? If she pushed Edward away or didn't return his sentiments, that would cause even more problems. He could understand that...couldn't he?
One glance up at him told her he couldn't.
But he was trying.
She could see his anger, his jaw clenched, but he was looking down, biting his lip.
She wished she could walk over to him and place her hand on his cheek, reassure him.
She wished she could tangle her fingers in his hair, gently massaging his scalp.
And most of all, she wished she could kiss his nose and tell him that it would be okay. They would figure this out. Even if she didn't really believe it herself.
She hadn't even noticed that Edward had moved from her jawline down to her neck. He lifted her wet hair away from her skin and resumed his kisses.
Bella closed her eyes tightly once more. She wished she could freeze time and make it stop, make it all stop. Why couldn't she make it stop?
Edward's lips were rough and almost cold. They felt wrong, so wrong, against her skin. And she hated feeling that, hated herself for thinking that. Yet she couldn't help the inward cringe she felt each time his lips pressed against her neck.
She hated herself for wishing that Jake was the one kissing her.
And not him.
She heard a gasp next to her, forcing her eyes to open and look back at Edward. His hand was poking and prodding a certain spot on her neck, making it hurt.
The shock was evident on his face.
"Bella, what the hell happened? What is this?"
Bella stared at him in confusion, wincing when his inspections became more forceful, making her attempt to jerk her head out of his grasp yet he held her fast.
"Is that-Is that a bite mark, Bella?"
Bella's eyes widened. Oh shit. She had completely forgotten about that. She looked at her husband fearfully.
"B-Bite mark, Edward?"
Shit. Her voice had a tremble in it. Fuck. Good job, Bella. He definitely knows now. Way to go.
Edward looked angry at her, his loving smile from before now gone. His tone was even more so, rising in volume.
"Yes, Bella. A bite mark. Where did you get it from?"
She winced at the venom in his tone.
"I-I don't-"
"Yeah, you do. Where did you get it from?"
His eyes were dark. He was pissed!
Oh God, there was no way of getting out of this one. Fuck, how could she have been so stupid?
"I-"
"Are you fucking around on me, Bella?"
Her mouth dropped. He barely ever cursed, especially around her. Sure, they had had their fights and he got angry, but for the most part, he always remained civil and polite, respectful and loving. She was the one who dropped the F-bombs whenever she was pissed. Not him. And this just frightened her even more. She felt paralyzed with fear, like one of those animals on the Discovery Channel watching a predator that's just cornered them, knowing they're about to get eaten and there's no escape.
Her heart started to pound its way out of her chest and she tried to make words come out but couldn't. She tried to get her head to shake its refusal and yet she couldn't get it to move.
His face went from scary to downright horrifying, his eyes even blacker than before.
He dropped his hand from her and stepped back.
He shook his head at her.
"I never thought...you of all people, Bella. How-How could you do this? To me? To us?"
Bella felt a hot tear make its way down her cheek. She tried to speak but the words still wouldn't come out.
Edward shook his head again.
The anger melted off his face and gave way to hurt.
"I knew that things were...strained...between us. But I never thought-"
His voice broke at the end and he lowered his face into his hands.
The tears were flowing faster now down Bella's face.
She didn't know what to say. She couldn't say anything even if she did.
Edward lifted his head and stared hard at her.
"I can't even-I don't-" He sighed. "I don't think I'll be coming home tonight, Bella."
Bella looked down, unable to look at him through the tears blurring her vision.
Edward sighed again. "I'm sorry. I just can't-I can't-I need time. I just-need to sort this all out. I can't-I can't even be here right now."
Bella nodded, never looking up at him.
She saw his feet turn to walk away when she heard Emmett's voice.
"Edward! Man, chill the fuck out. Stop making my girl cry."
She felt Emmett wrap his arms around her and hold her tightly to him.
Why had she asked Jake to bite her last night? Why?
She saw Edward's feet turn back around and face them.
"Are you kidding me, Emmett? 'Chill out'? Have you seen that thing on her neck?"
Bella winced.
Emmett kissed the side of her head.
"Look man, this is all a misunderstanding. Easy to explain. Stop being such a fucking drama queen."
Bella held onto Emmett. She closed her eyes, not wanting to see anything or anyone anymore. She suddenly felt...tired...and cold. Empty.
"Drama queen?! My wife has a hickey, a love bite on her damn neck, one that I didn't give to her, and you're telling me to 'chill out'? Explain that, Em!"
She winced again at the increasing volume of his voice.
Emmett chuckled. She held him tighter. Was he suicidal or just plain crazy?
"Man, calm down. I will explain it if you let me. Listen, I don't want to embarrass Bella any more than you already have. If you take a quick walk with me, I'll tell you all about it."
Bella's eyes flipped open and she looked up at Emmett. He was staring at Edward, a smirk on his face.
"Well, thank you, Emmett. But I think my wife is the one who needs to explain. Not you. You can't fight this one for her."
She didn't take her eyes off of Emmett. It was the calm in the storm for her right now, the face of her friend.
And just like that, the calm went from reassuring to angry and deadly in the next.
"You're right, Edward. I can't fight this one for her. But it seems to me that you're being a bit unfair here. Quick to judge, aren't we? I thought you might be understanding and more willing to listen than this. Something tells me you wouldn't like it if the shoe were on the other foot."
She narrowed her eyes at Emmett. He looked so pissed. What had she ever done to deserve someone like him? Here he was, defending her against her husband for suspecting an affair that she really was having, her husband being Emmett's best friend, an affair that Emmett clearly knew was going on, and yet he stood by her side, protecting her, like he'd always done. She laid her head against his arm.
"Right?"
Edward still didn't respond. She glanced over at him tentatively and saw that he was staring harshly at Emmett. She wished he wouldn't be so mad at Em. She was the one in the wrong here, not him.
Edward's jaw clenched and he gave a curt nod. His eyes flickered to Bella's and he looked...sad...beaten. He closed his eyes and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Okay."
"Alright. Head down to the beach. I'll meet you there in a second."
Edward opened his eyes, nodded briefly again and stared at Bella. He looked like he was in so much pain; she almost leapt out of Emmett's arms and ran to him to try to assuage it. Her heart wrenched with guilt as she realized she was responsible for making this man hurt.
He then lowered his eyes, turned around and walked away, towards the stairs leading to the beach.
She let out a breath she forgot she'd been holding.
She looked up at Emmett with tears in her eyes. "Emmett, I'm so sorry."
He smiled down at her and kissed her forehead. "For what, kiddo? This? Don't worry about it. I've got it covered." He winked at her, making her smile regardless of the tears streaming down her face. "Besides, sweetie. That's my job. I take care of you. I'm your hero, remember?" He winked again, making her smile wider.
She wiped her cheeks, sniffling. "My hero, huh? My hero that's gonna go lie to my husband for me about the affair I'm really having?"
He shrugged, grinning at her. "It's in the job description."
She laughed. "Em, I don't deserve you."
He kissed her forehead again. "Yeah, you do. And you deserve a lot more, Beautiful. Now listen, relax, I'll take care of it. Just, do me a favor?"
She nodded. She would do anything for him.
"Don't be alone with him until I get back." He inclined his head back towards Jake. Oh shit, she hadn't even looked at him or thought of him during this whole ordeal. In all honesty, she was afraid to. Emmett had stepped up where he hadn't. And that...pissed her off. For all his talk of protecting her, not caring what their spouses thought, how much he loved her...yeah right.
She narrowed her eyes at Emmett. "You don't have to worry about that. Done."
Emmett nodded approvingly.
"Secondly, do not talk to Edward until I've had a chance to talk to you first. Okay?"
Bella nodded mutely.
He smiled at her. "Okay, good. I'll be back. Hang in there, kiddo."
He kissed her forehead once more and then jogged down to the steps.
As he passed Rose, he called out to her.
"Be right back, babe."
Rose nodded.
"Okay, babe. Be careful."
Emmett gave her a wink and a smile.
He disappeared down the steps.
And then Bella noticed Jake was standing next to Rose. He was staring at Bella, Rose's hand on his chest in almost a restraining gesture.
His eyes were angry, tight, yet pleading with her. He looked worried and pissed all in one. She glared at him.
"Bella."
She turned her attention on Rose, lightening her expression somewhat.
"Yes, Rose?"
Rose smiled softly at her.
"Don't be mad at him. It took everything I had to keep him from rushing over to you and attacking Edward. He wasn't willing to let Emmett handle it but I told him it would be best. So...be nice."
Bella narrowed her eyes at the blonde.
Rose rolled hers.
Bella's eyes drifted back to Jake's. He looked like he was in pain.
Shit.
What was it about her, that she seemed to be causing both men in her life that she loved, pain all the time? Why? What the hell was wrong with her?
She sighed and softened her expression.
Jake went to move and Rose's hand kept him from doing so.
"Jake, wait a minute. Em and I will give you some time to see her before we leave. We will. But be patient. It's too risky right now."
Jake's face looked even more pained but he nodded. He bit his lip and looked down.
Bella's heart twisted. She'd do anything to take the pain away.
She bit her own lip and looked away, wrapping the towel tight around her, making sure to move her hair to cover the offending mark.
In actuality, Jake and Rose were only about twenty feet away from her. She could easily move a little closer and talk to him without arousing any suspicion due to Rose's presence.
She took a deep breath and slowly turned, making her way to a chair that was only a few feet away from them. Amidst Rose's warning glance, Bella sat down and looked up at Jake. He still hadn't torn his eyes from the ground.
Bella leaned forward, making sure to talk quietly.
"I'm sorry, Jake."
His eyes shot up to hers, incredulous.
"What the hell for, Bells?"
And then he looked worried.
She shook her head.
"I should have been smarter than that. I wasn't thinking."
Jake let out an exasperated breath.
"Bells. This isn't your fault. It just happened. If anything, it's my fault."
Bella's eyes widened.
"Your fault? How is it your fault?"
He stared down at the ground.
"I shouldn't have...bitten you...so hard. I should've known that would leave a mark for days. I'm sorry."
Her mouth hung open.
"Jake, I asked you to bite me."
Rose's presence was long forgotten in their exchange.
Jake looked up at Bella, his eyes pleading once more.
"Yeah, but I should have...thought of the consequences. That was my fault and I'm sorry."
She stared at Jake.
"Jacob, you're an idiot."
He stared back at her worriedly.
She smiled and shook her head.
"The biggest idiot I know."
He bit his lip and looked down.
"But...I love you."
His head jerked up, the shock evident on his face.
She smiled wider, trying to reassure him.
He smiled warmly in return.
"I love you, too."
He whispered it. A whisper that worked its way into her heart, her soul, and took root.
They stayed like that, smiling like...well...idiots at each other, the rest of the world lost in the background.
His smile dimmed a bit.
"Are you okay?"
She shrugged, her smile dimming a bit, too.
"I'm not really sure, to be honest. I don't think everything's hit me yet."
He went to move forward but was stopped by Rose again. He turned to look at her.
"Please."
Rose looked back and forth between them and sighed in annoyance. "Fine. But remember, you're being watched. Don't fuck it up."
Jake nodded.
"Thank you."
Rose nodded and sat down in the chair nearest to her, facing away from them, trying to give them some semblance of privacy.
Jake made his way over to Bella, passed her and discreetly trailed his fingers along her arm, making her shiver, and sat down opposite her at the table.
He leaned forward a little.
"Sweetheart, I love you. Everything will be okay. I promise you."
Bella nodded.
"I know, I love you, too. It's just..."
He started to reach his hand out to her but thought better of it and pulled it back.
"Just what, baby?"
She looked directly at him.
"I'm just scared. I don't know what to think or do or say. I'm just really scared, Jake."
"Baby, don't be. Everything's gonna work out. You'll see. It's-"
Bella felt the tears start up again and stream down her face once more.
"It's not that simple, Jake. And you know it. I mean, I love you, I do, but I still love him, too. You know that. It kills me to keep hurting him."
Jake's face fell and he looked down at his hands.
Bella sniffled and wiped her eyes.
"But it kills me to keep hurting you, too. I'm not being fair to either one of you."
He slowly lifted his eyes to hers.
"I'm not sure how much longer this can go on for, how much more I can put you both through, put myself through."
His hand snaked out and grabbed hers, clasping it gently, this time obviously not caring who saw.
"I get what you're saying, babe. I do. But...do not give up on us. Not now."
He squeezed her hand in soft reassurance.
"Please."
She sighed and entwined her fingers with his.
"Jake..."
"Bells, don't. If you do..."
He lowered his eyes to their joined hands and whispered.
"That'll kill me."
She felt a stray tear trail down her right cheek.
His eyes rose to her face.
"Babe, please."
She sniffled.
"Don't."
She stared down at their hands.
She swallowed thickly and sniffled once more.
She whispered back to him.
"Okay."
He squeezed her hand again.
"I love you, honey. So much."
She brought her free hand to theirs on the table and played with their fingers, sniffling.
"I love you, too."
She knew he should remove his hand, that they should stop touching, but she couldn't let him go. He was keeping her calm right now, somewhat sane in the craziness that was this weekend from hell in their lives.
"Jake?"
"Yes, baby?"
"What if we can't go away like we planned? What if we can't make it these two days?"
She didn't look up at him. She couldn't. She didn't want to see the expression he now wore.
His free hand joined the others and grasped each of hers firmly in the tangled mess of fingers.
"We will make it these two days, baby. And we will go away. I'll make sure of it."
She slowly looked up at him.
"How?"
He stared at her meaningfully.
"I'll take care of it. We will have that time to ourselves, Bella. I promise you. We will."
Just then, Rose's phone rang, making Bella jump and jerk her hands out of his.
Rose picked it up.
"Yeah, Em?"
Bella turned back to find Jake smiling at her. She grabbed his hands and interlaced their fingers once more. And sure enough, his warm touch calmed her. He massaged the skin of her left hand with his thumb, creating slow circles of magic that spread throughout her body, making her feel warm and loved and...safe.
Jake stared at her.
"I don't think I can ever tell you just how much I'm in love with you."
Bella stared back at him, mystified.
She blushed. She couldn't help it.
"I love it when you blush."
She blushed more and looked down, biting her lip, fighting back a smile.
How is it that he could make her feel this incredible, this calm and at peace after only a short time ago, her world was crashing down around her?
"I'd give anything to kiss you right now."
It was only a whisper but she looked up at him and noticed that light in his dark eyes.
His eyes flickered down to her mouth and didn't move.
Her heart started beating faster and her breaths sped up.
Oh God, how she wished he could kiss her right now, too.
And so she whispered it to him.
"I wish you could kiss me, too."
His lips parted and he started to massage her hand a little more fervently.
She noticed his chest beginning to heave up and down.
"Ahem."
Bella jumped again.
Rose was standing in front of their table, a smirk on her perfect complexion.
Bella and Jake slowly untangled their fingers and retracted their hands.
"Bella, Em's on his way up. He wants to talk to you."
Bella looked at her sheepishly.
"Okay, Rose. Thanks."
Rose's smirk got wider. She turned to Jake, arched an eyebrow at him and turned and walked away.
Jake sighed and leaned back, looking down.
Bella sat back, too, keeping her eyes on Jake.
They didn't say anything for a minute.
"Bells."
He lifted his head up and looked at her.
"Just promise me one thing."
She nodded.
"Hang in there. Don't throw in the towel just yet, okay? Remember what I told you yesterday. I'll do anything you want. I love you. I will do whatever it takes to keep us together. You go along with whatever Emmett says and I'll worry about the rest. Okay?"
Bella bit her lip and nodded.
"Promise me, Bells. Promise me that you're not gonna give up on me. On us. Promise me."
She stared at him and gave him one brief nod.
"I promise."
He smiled at her and she smiled back.
His smile dropped and then so did hers.
"And if you need me, you call me. Regardless of what Em and Rose tell you. If you want me there, I'm there. What happened before will not happen again."
He turned and glared in Rose's direction.
"They had a good point, but..."
He turned back to look at her.
"I don't like not being there when you need me. I told you I'd be there, I'd take care of you. And if that means I have to face him, then so be it."
The very thought of Jake and Edward fighting at all made her shudder. She didn't want either of them getting hurt, physically or emotionally, least of all because of her.
"Bells."
She looked up at him, not even realizing her gaze had dropped to the table.
He looked at her pointedly now, trying to convey the meaning of his words.
"You need me, you call me. You want me there, you call me. No matter what. Promise?"
She looked straight at him.
"Promise."
He smiled again at her.
"Good."
This time she didn't smile in return. Her nerves wouldn't let her. She didn't know if she was quite ready to face this. She wasn't even sure what this was yet.
"Are you gonna be okay, Bells?"
Bella nodded.
"Um, yeah, I think so. Just...whatever. I'll just do what Emmett says."
She shrugged nonchalantly but inside she was freaking out.
She wished Jake could be the invisible man for the next half hour or so. That way he could go with her and hold her hand throughout the ordeal, keeping her calm and grounded, whispering 'I love you' in her ear every few seconds. But no amount of wishing was going to make that happen. Nope. She would have to be a big girl and face this one on her own.
"Babe?"
She looked back at him.
"I love you."
She smiled meekly at him and lowered her eyes to the table.
Just then, Emmett came jogging up the steps.
"Hey, babe."
Rose kissed him hello.
"Everything okay?"
He smirked at her.
"It will be."
He then made his way to the table where Bella and Jake sat, pulling up a chair next to them.
"Okay guys, so here's the deal. Bella, don't kill me for this but I had to think fast and it was the first thing that came to mind."
Bella nodded. "Okay. Where's Edward?"
His smirk faded. "Still walking on the beach. I gave him a lot to think about. He's gonna be a while."
Bella's heart dropped.
"Crap."
Emmett leaned forward and laid a hand on her arm.
"Relax, Bella. It's not that bad. Trust me."
She looked to Jake. He smiled and nodded. Okay, Jake was here with her and so were Emmett and Rose. It couldn't be that bad, just like Emmett said.
She turned back to Emmett. "Okay. Tell me, what did you say to him?"
Emmett smirked. "I am a master. You're about to have him begging for your forgiveness and eating out of the palm of your hand."
Bella rolled her eyes and shook her head, smiling.
"God, Em. You make me sound like such a horrible bitch sometimes."
Emmett's smirk grew wider.
"Nah, you're not that horrible."
She smacked his arm and he laughed.
"Listen, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. I told you that."
She rolled her eyes again.
"So, what did you tell him?"
Emmett cracked his knuckles. "This is where yours truly had to work his awesome improvisational skills."
Bella arched her eyebrows and looked at Jake.
He was grinning at both of them.
She shook her head and turned back to Emmett.
"'Awesome improvisational skills?'"
Emmett nodded enthusiastically.
"That's right. Awesome. Ready for it?"
Bella shook her head in disbelief.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Emmett leaned forward eagerly.
"Alright, listen up."
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
Bella stared down at the table in incredulity.
Her mouth was twisted to the side in thought.
Her arms were crossed and she was sitting back, thinking everything over.
Rose had since joined them, keeping a close watch on the stairs from where she was sitting while Jake watched the house.
"Wow."
Emmett laughed.
"Bella, you've been saying that for the last five minutes. I know I'm that good but seriously, don't you have anything else to say?"
Bella didn't look up.
"So let me get this straight. Not only am I an alkie and can't be trusted near a bar or anywhere within a five mile radius of vodka, but now I can't be trusted near Mike Newton either?"
She glanced up at Emmett.
"Oh come on, Bella. It's not you that can't be trusted, it's him! Didn't you listen when I told you the story?"
"Yes, and I think it's way worse than the one you gave me this morning."
Emmett shrugged. "It's not like you're giving me a lot to work with here, kid. I'm trying. I had no idea you had that mark on your neck. You could warn a guy." He looked back up to meet Bella's glare. He held up his hands in defense. "Just saying."
Damn him. He had a point. And he was putting himself out there to protect her.
She glanced towards Jake and saw him biting his lip, looking ashamedly at her.
She sighed and dropped her face into her hands.
"Okay, so, explain this to me again. I had too much to drink, as per usual apparently, and after I left Edward, I went out for some air, obviously not able to see or think straight. Mike caught up with me, led me over to the pool shed and started to make out with me? Is that right?"
Emmett grinned and nodded.
"Yeah."
"And I didn't know what was happening because I was shit-faced. He was kissing my neck and apparently bit me?"
Emmett nodded again.
"You came out to look for me because Rose told you she couldn't find me. You found Mike all over me, pulled him off me, punched him once or twice, threatened him and sent him on his way, yelled at me and asked me what I was doing, made me cry and run back to the house, where you guys later found me, feeling guilty and overcome with regret at what I'd done? Is that about right?"
Emmett nodded once more.
"Like I said, worst one yet."
Emmett opened his mouth to protest but she cut him off. "I know, I know. It's not your fault. It's mine. I fucked up. I know that. I'm sorry. It's not that I'm ungrateful, Em. It's just..."
She sighed and looked to Jake. He looked right back at her.
"Is this what we're coming to? Telling far out unbelievable stories like this and throwing innocent people into the mix? What are we doing, Jake?"
He sighed in return and leaned forward. "Babe, I understand it's far-fetched. And Mike is far from innocent, trust me."
Emmett cut in. "Amen, brother."
Jake continued, pleading with her.
"But this...this is what we have to do right now. I fucked up and if I could deal with this and not have you worry about it, I would. I told you, I'll do whatever you want. I don't want to lose you, Bells. But I know...you don't want to...choose...right now. And if that means that we have to go along with this...story...then that's what we gotta do. Right?"
Bella leaned her head back and took a deep breath. She was starting to get a headache, a bad one.
"Two days, Bells. Two days."
She jerked her head back towards him.
He gave her that smile and her worries melted into smaller ones.
How did he do that?
"Okay. I'll go along with it and I'll do my best not to screw it up. But guys,"
They all turned to look at her.
"How are you going to get Mike to not refute that? If Edward goes and says something to him, he's not gonna just not say anything. I mean, he's gonna tell him it's all a lie and he saw me with you, Jake. Don't you think that can create more problems for us?"
Jake nodded. "Yes, but-"
"Mike's not gonna say anything."
They both turned to look at Emmett as he sat back in his chair.
"What do you mean, Em? How do you know?"
Emmett laughed. "Trust me, Bella. I had a word with him while you were dancing with Jake. Well, if you could call that dancing." He smirked at her but she didn't feel like smiling.
"A word?"
Emmett winked at her. "Besides, I told Edward I handled the situation so I highly doubt he's going to try anything himself. And if he does, Mike will already be pissing his pants too much to worry about whether anyone's telling the truth or not. Like I said, trust me."
Bella sighed.
"But what-"
"Okay, you know what? I've had enough of this crap."
All shocked eyes flew to Rose. She looked livid.
"Bella, Emmett is trying to help you. Just shut your pretty little mouth and say thank you. You're the one choosing to have an affair outside of your marriage. You're the one who chose to fuck Jake last night at the party and have him bite the shit out of your neck. You're the one who's responsible for your actions. Not Emmett, not me, hell, not even Jake. I understand you're shaken up and worried but guess what? You got caught. Deal with it. You knew it was gonna happen sooner or later the longer you chose to have Jake around. It's not like you guys have been exactly discreet these past two fucking days. Emmett and I have been running cover for you guys all fucking weekend. More than we should have but we did it. For you. So stop your bitching and fucking deal with it for Christ's sake!"
Rose then lifted herself out of her chair and stormed off to the house.
Bella was in shock.
She hadn't expected that outburst. Bitching? She wasn't trying to bitch. She just wanted to make sure everything was going to be okay. Was that such a crime?
She looked over at Jake and his mouth was hanging open, clearly in as much shock as she was.
Emmett cleared his throat. "Sorry, Bella. She's just...a little upset about what I told her earlier on the phone. I was filling her in on the whole Ness thing."
Bella nodded.
"But, she does have a point."
Bella's eyes snapped to his as did Jake's.
"We're only trying to help you. We have been all weekend. She may not have...said it in the best way but she's right. You have to deal with this, hon. You can't run away from it, you can't sidestep it, you can't ignore it. I can only do so much for you, sweetie. Even Jake here can only do so much. But ultimately, it's on you. Jake has to deal with Ness on his own just like you have to deal with Edward. And you guys do need to be more careful if you continue...this." He gestured between her and Jake with his hand. "I don't know exactly what you guys are planning with this whole two days, three days thing but I have a feeling that Edward's going to be clinging to you a little more right now, Bella. If anyone's shaken up right now, it's him. He knows something's up. He might swallow the story I gave him but he's not a stupid guy. He will figure it out, if he hasn't already. I told you, he already suspects Jake, but right now thinks it's only one-sided. It's only a matter of time."
Bella put her head in her hands.
Jake's hand moved across the table and touched her arm gently.
"Bells, we'll figure this out. Relax, baby."
She shook her head, Rose's words echoing in her brain.
"I don't want to think about anything else right now."
Jake swallowed thickly.
"Bells..."
"Don't worry, Jake. I promised you and I'm gonna keep that promise. But right now, I've gotta deal with this."
She took a deep breath and dropped her hands, lifting her head up to look at him. He looked scared. His eyes tugged at her heart strings.
She sighed and lifted his hand to her and kissed it.
"It'll be okay. I'll be okay."
She gave him a smile and he reluctantly returned it.
"Okay."
She stood up out of her chair and looked down at Emmett.
"Where is he?"