A/N: All info located in chapter "Over" posting.
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Stephenie Meyer, the creator of Twilight.
Bella laid her bags down in the trunk of her car, shut it and made her way in to help Rose with dinner.
All in all, their trip had been very successful.
Bella had gotten a few new things at Victoria's Secret that she felt she needed.
Of course, Bella had tried to stick to the safe zone, looking at slips she only felt comfortable wearing.
Rose had pushed her to be more daring, more adventurous. This was going to be a fun trip. Why not make it even more so?
They met somewhere in the middle and Bella bought things she would never have had the guts to try on and buy alone if Rose hadn't been there to talk her into it.
When the saleswoman at the register stated the amount, Bella pulled out her wallet and then a huge wad of cash, counting it out and handing it to the lady.
She turned to find Rose's brows arched at her.
Bella shrugged.
"Jake always told me if there was something I needed to buy that I didn't want known, to either use his card or pay with cash. So, cash it is."
Rose nodded.
She couldn't really argue with that logic.
Bella was surprised to find how easy it was to be with Rose.
They had talked and laughed and just had basic girl time.
Bella was also surprised to find that was something she really needed.
Something she had been lacking in for a while.
It definitely made her miss Alice more.
But she was a lot freer with Rose. She could just be. Rose knew about Jake so that naturally opened the floodgates between them.
She even felt comfortable enough to ask Rose for some advice.
"Um, Rose?"
Rose looked over at her from the rack of bathing suits they had been looking through.
"Yeah?"
Bella blushed a little and fidgeted with the suit in front of her.
"I was wondering. I'm not-" She took a deep breath. "I'm not really good with this sort of thing."
Rose turned to face her completely.
"Okay. Just spit it out, Bella. The embarrassment will be over that much faster and then I can assure you you're not as big a fool as you think you're being."
Bella smiled meekly.
Good old Rose.
"Well..." Bella cleared her throat and looked around. She then leaned in a little closer. "I was wondering, I've never been able to...ask anyone about it. Um-"
Rose stared at her expectantly, waving a hand in the air, urging her to hurry.
Bella blushed more.
She leaned in closer and whispered after doing a quick scan around them.
"I was wondering about..." She did one more quick scan and leaned in closer. "Bikini waxing."
Rose's eyes went wide and then she laughed.
Bella was now tomato red.
"Oh, Bella. That's what you were so embarrassed about?"
Bella bit her lip and nodded, looking down.
"Sweetie, that's nothing to be ashamed of. Women talk about that type of stuff all the time."
Bella shrugged.
"Oh. Well, I've never been able to...well, I've never...had it done. And I was thinking-"
"Wait. You've never had it done?"
Bella's eyes flickered up to hers and she bit her lip harder, looking away.
"No?"
"Okay, here."
Rose pulled out a bathing suit and thrust it at her.
Bella stared at her questioningly.
Rose pointed to the dressing rooms.
"Get your ass in that dressing room right now and try that on quick. And Bella, if it looks okay, you're buying it. No ifs, ands or buts about this one."
Bella glanced down at the suit. There was barely anything to the two-piece she was holding.
"But it's-"
"Bella! Now!"
"Yes, ma'am."
Bella walked into the dressing room, hurriedly tried the suit on, opened the door a crack and gestured for Rose to come in. Rose capitulated, rolling her eyes.
"Okay, Bella. That's the one. Get dressed and let's go. We've got a lot to do and only a short time to do it. So let's go."
Bella bit her lip, looking worriedly at herself in the mirror. It was just like tiny pieces of fabric being held together by mere strings, dental floss.
Rose rolled her eyes again and sighed.
"Bella, you know I don't give out compliments easily but I'm telling you right now. You look fucking sexy as hell in that color with that cut. If Jakes sees you in that, he's gonna bust a nut right there. Guaranteed."
Bella's mouth dropped open.
"Really?"
She turned sideways.
She just couldn't see it.
"Yes. Just as long as we get you that wax. Now, get dressed. You have exactly two minutes to be out there to buy this suit before I come in here and drag you out, dressed or not."
Bella smiled sheepishly and nodded. She didn't need to be told twice.
That was another thing she liked about Rose.
The girl liked to shop but she didn't do overkill like Alice. They'd only been here for an hour and already Bella had everything she needed.
Bella was well out the door before the two minute limit. She rushed up to the counter and bought the suit. Rose was on her phone.
They walked outside the door. Rose closed her phone and turned to Bella.
"Alright. We're heading to the salon quick. Good thing I have connections or else you'd be shit out of luck right about now. So, let's go."
Bella nodded.
Rose watched her walk for a minute and then rolled her eyes, grabbing her arm and making her walk faster than she had before.
The girl did not waste any time, that was for sure.
Bella winced at the memory.
That should be considered a form of cruel and unusual punishment.
If women have to get that, men should have to as well.
What the hell?
She shook it off and walked into the house.
Rose smiled at her.
"Okay, we've got another half hour before the guys get home. How are you for make-up?"
Bella bit her lip.
"Um, you know, I have the basics. Mascara, foundation, things like that."
Rose rolled her eyes in an exaggerated motion.
"Upstairs. Now."
Bella cringed but did as she was told.
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
Rose had given her a few things, although, Bella wasn't entirely convinced she would need them.
Rose had sighed in exasperation.
"Bella. Promise me when you get back, you'll give me at least one day to work with you. That's all I'm asking for. One day. And one day is really too little but I'm being generous. I don't want to torture you too much upon your return."
Bella had nodded her consent, biting her lip and blushing.
Rose had fixed her make-up and her hair.
Somehow, by the time Bella looked in the mirror, she looked cute and yet sexy.
Rose had enhanced her curls to be large, soft and flowing down her back.
Her face, although having the "natural look", looked quite pretty if Bella did say so herself.
So much better than Bella was ever able to do.
"And here."
Rose had thrust a dress to Bella's chest.
Then she pointed at the bedroom.
"Go change."
Bella did and then glanced in the full-length mirror by the dresser.
It was a cute little summer dress and she looked actually quite pretty in it.
Rose came in from the bathroom.
"Like it?"
Bella nodded.
"Yes. It's nice."
"Good. You're wearing it the rest of the night. At least while you're here. I don't care what you wear at home, but while you're here, that's staying on. Got it?"
Bella chuckled.
"Rose, I don't know how to thank you for everything you're doing. But,"
She looked up at Rose in the mirror and smiled.
"Thank you."
Rose smiled and shrugged.
"It's not a big deal. I'm a model. What kind of woman would I be if I didn't share my secrets with those who clearly need it?"
Bella winced.
Rose laughed.
"Oh, Bella, relax. I'm not insulting you. I'm merely speaking the truth. Don't you look better, feel better about yourself right now? A little more feminine, if you will?"
Bella smiled and nodded.
"You do have a point."
Rose rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"Yep. So, listen. Here's the light sweater that goes over that when you get chilly. And here are the sandals. Okay?"
Bella turned and smiled wider.
"Okay. Thanks again, Rose. For everything."
Rose shrugged again and smiled.
"Anytime."
Bella's mouth dropped open and her eyes widened in shock.
"Wait, what about dinner? Oh no, we've been up here and-"
Rose snickered.
"Bella, I don't cook. I order take-out. A skill which comes in quite handy right about now, I'd say."
Bella closed her mouth.
"Oh."
Rose shook her head.
"I'm gonna order Italian which should be here in the next 30 minutes. And that's perfect 'cause the guys will be home and showered by that time, ready to eat. So, I'm gonna get a grilled chicken salad. Anything you want in particular?"
Bella shrugged, placing some hair behind her ear.
"I'm fine with anything you choose."
Rose grinned.
"Good. And stop fidgeting with your hair. Let it be."
Bella removed her hair from behind her ear upon instruction.
Then they heard the loud voices of two very boisterous men piercing the air along with laughter.
Bella beamed.
Jake was here.
She grabbed the sweater off the bed and put it on, amidst Rose's eye rolling and hands on her hips.
Bella gave her an apologetic smile.
"Um, is there anything I can help you with, Rose?"
Rose laughed and dismissed her with a wave of her hand.
"Go. Tell Em I'll be down in a minute."
Bella grinned.
"Thank you."
"But do not let him mess up your make-up. I just spent a lot of time doing it. Let it last for at least fifteen minutes."
Bella called over her shoulder.
"I won't!"
Bella flew down the stairs, seeing the back of Jake's head and Emmett's huge smile upon seeing her.
"Bella!"
"Hi, Em!"
Jake barely had time to turn around before she attacked him, jumping up in his arms and hugging him close.
Jake laughed and hugged her back just as tightly.
"Miss me?"
Bella closed her eyes and inhaled his scent, burying her nose into his neck.
"Always."
He turned and kissed her head.
"I missed you, too."
Bella smiled against his neck.
"Don't I get a hug, too?"
Bella laughed, kissed Jake's neck quickly and climbed off of him.
"Of course, Em. Come here."
She lunged at him and he caught her in a great big bear hug.
"How's my Bella?"
Bella giggled when he swung her around.
"Good!"
"That's what I like to hear."
He came to a stop and lowered Bella to her feet, grinning down at her.
"Rose said she'd be down in a minute."
Emmett nodded, kissing her forehead.
"Actually, I'm gonna head up there real quick. Be right back, sweetie."
He passed Jake on his way.
"Hey man, head on up whenever you're ready. You know where the room is."
Jake nodded.
"Thanks."
"Yep."
Jake turned back around to be assaulted by a beaming Bella, jumping back up in his arms and kissing him all over.
His laugh echoed off the walls, seeping into her skin, making her warm all over as she kissed down his cheek to his neck.
"This is kind of nice to come home to. You must've really missed me, huh?"
"Mmm, I always miss you."
She pulled back to look at him, smiling.
"How was your day?"
He smirked at her.
"Like you don't know."
She playfully frowned at him.
"It's not like I was with you the whole day."
He chuckled, shaking his head before he leaned in to kiss her.
"Just a typical day at the shop, babe. Nothing special."
"Really? So when I called you before and you were changing brake-pins? How did that go?"
"Brake pads, Bells."
She waved a hand dismissively. "Same thing."
His brows arched at her. "Hardly."
"Whatever. So, how'd it go?"
He grinned at her.
"Do you really want to talk about all the cars I worked on today or do you want to talk about how gorgeous you look? God, baby, you're so beautiful." He began to stroke her hair softly.
She blushed, smiled and then glared at him.
"So wait, are you saying I only look beautiful now because of what Rose did?"
"Blondie did that to you? Huh, not bad."
She smacked him in the chest.
"Jacob Black, you're avoiding the question."
"Yeah, because it's a stupid question."
"It is not!"
"Please. You know I think you're beautiful whether you're in sweat pants or this dress. Speaking of which. This is a nice dress. I think you should wear dresses more often. They look good on you."
Bella removed her arms from around his neck and crossed them.
"Why, thank you, Mr. Blackwell. Glad I have your approval. And the answer to your question is yes, I'd like to hear about your day. I like to listen to you talk about it."
He laughed.
"Bella, no one likes to listen me talk about it. Especially you. It's boring. Trust me."
She pouted.
"I do. I like to listen you talk about the things that matter to you."
"Oh. So you wanna hear me talk about the '06 Civic I had to change both front and rear brake pads on and then turn around and do a valve job. Not to mention replacing the alternator on a '98 Focus. Changing fuel filters, flushing cooling systems, and replacing batteries left and right."
Bella's eyes were wide.
"The which what-a?"
Jake rolled his eyes.
"Exactly. Come on."
He lowered her down gently, chuckling at her pout, and slung his bag over his shoulder.
He took her hand and began to lead her up the stairs.
"I gotta take a quick shower, babe. Wanna wait in my room while I do?"
She followed him but gave him a mock glare.
"This is just a scheme so you can walk around in a towel, teasing me. Isn't it?"
He turned and gave her a quick smile.
"Who said anything about a towel?"
She rolled her eyes, shaking her head, and his laughter could be heard all the way up the stairs.
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
Jake had jumped in the shower just like he said he would.
Not before he teased the crap out of Bella, though.
He had left the bathroom door open, wriggling his eyebrow at her, telling her to feel free to join him if she wanted. After all, showering together couldn't really be considered breaking the no-sex rule, could it? People needed to get clean.
He had disappeared, laughing, when he saw her shaking her head and narrowing her eyes at him, smiling.
"And I'm the tease?"
"Yep!"
Then she heard the shower start.
She glanced around the room.
Very nice.
It was comfortable.
Spacious.
Great...
Big...
Bed.
Bella groaned and fell back on the bed.
Oh, how she wanted to be in there with him.
But being in Emmett's and Rose's house and having them right down the hall, she just felt too self-conscious.
Even though they were all adults and Em and Rose clearly knew what was going on between her and Jake, if she was ever caught in a-compromising-situation with him by them, she would be completely mortified for the rest of her life.
Thank God neither Em nor Rose had caught them yet.
Especially with her and Jake being unable to keep their hands off each other as of late.
But still.
She just couldn't take the chance without worrying about it.
Not to mention, Bella was pretty sure that after today, the no-sex rule wasn't going to remain intact if she ended up joining him for that shower.
She had already rescinded it once.
She knew she wouldn't have an ounce of resolve left should he test her again.
And she'd beg him for it.
Worse than she had today.
Right when his erection had been pressed up against her core, pushing roughly, her body screaming for it to somehow magically break through its constraints and hers and slip inside her.
She bit her lip and closed her eyes...
Absofuckinglutely.
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
The next thing she knew, she felt light kisses being pressed to her neck.
"Wake up, honey."
And then she felt warm lips begin moving against hers.
His tongue took advantage of her parted lips in her REM cycle and entered her mouth, tenderly stroking her unmoving tongue.
She moaned softly and his tongue forged further, moving a little more passionately.
She brought her hands up to tangle in his damp hair.
Before she could pull him closer, she felt his weight on her and felt him lean down into her more.
He lifted her dress up a little and settled himself in between her legs.
She gasped when she could feel him right up against her in nothing more than a towel.
He pulled back and she opened her eyes to find him right up above her.
"I really missed you today."
He had whispered it to her.
She stared up at him, wanting to kiss him with everything she felt for him and yet continue gazing into those dark depths that seemed to steal bits of her heart, one small piece at a time, with the mystical magnetic force that always seemed to pull her in.
She settled for putting a hand on his cheek.
"I missed you, too."
He smiled down at her.
"Yeah, I could tell. If I could come home and have you greet me like that every day, Bells, I'd die a happy man."
She smiled back at him.
His smile melted away and her own dimmed a bit.
He seemed...sad.
She could see it in his eyes.
Why?
His thumb brushed lightly over her lips.
He sighed, leaned down and kissed her chastely.
Then he lifted himself up and got off the bed.
Bella sat up, puzzled.
Normally, she would have been drooling over the sight in front of her.
A towel-clad, dripping wet Jacob.
But not now.
He had his back to her as he squatted and bent over his bag, looking through it.
Bella shivered. She felt cold.
"Jake?"
"Yeah, babe?"
He didn't turn around to look at her.
"Is everything...okay?"
He nodded.
"Yeah, honey. Of course, it is. Why wouldn't it be?"
She lowered her eyes to the floor.
She was going to ask him what had made him so sad just a second ago.
Something that had made him pull away from her and not just physically.
He was keeping her at arm's length.
Whatever it was, he didn't want to let her in on it.
And she had a faint idea she knew exactly what it had to do with.
She let her eyes wander to the two golden bands resting on her left hand.
She leaned forward, resting her right elbow on her knee and placed her forehead in her right hand, closing her eyes tiredly.
There was a heavy knocking on the door.
Bella was so tired she didn't even open her eyes at the sound.
"Hey guys! Food's here! Stop humping one another and get down there!"
Jake chuckled.
"Yeah, okay, Em! Thanks! Be down in a minute!"
And then she heard Jake sigh again.
She felt him sit down next to her on the bed and place a hand on her knee.
"Babe?"
Her head shot up and she looked at him tiredly.
"Hmm?"
He stared at her worriedly.
"You okay?"
She searched his eyes for the sadness she had seen there before but couldn't find it.
Now all she saw was concern.
And love.
Always love.
Why hadn't she seen it before?
It had always been there.
Ever since that day in his car.
Since he had held her as she cried, unable to comprehend how this man was able to break down her defenses in an hour when her own husband couldn't in over a year.
Since he had first kissed her.
Since he had first made love to her.
Since he had first told her he loved her.
Since she had told him she loved him.
And every time afterwards.
The way he had looked at her this morning when thanking her.
The way he had looked at her when she had greeted him downstairs before.
It had always been there.
So why hadn't she seen it before?
Before she had gotten in so deep she could never imagine herself getting back out?
She gave him a timid smile.
"Yeah. Just a little tired."
His hand gripped her knee a little tighter.
"You sure, honey?"
She covered his hand with hers.
She smiled a little wider and nodded.
"Yep."
He smiled.
His other hand reached up and brushed her hair behind her shoulder.
He leaned in and kissed her.
"I love you, Bells."
She smiled in response and leaned in to kiss him again.
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
Bella had never laughed so hard in her life.
The banter between Emmett and Jake was hysterical.
Not to mention Rose's utter disgust with Jake and his antagonizing her.
Emmett leaned towards Bella across the table.
"So, Bella, I have a feeling Jake's about to get an ass whooping by my gorgeous girl over here. Care to make a wager on that?"
Bella's brows arched as she stared at Rose (who glared over at Jake) and Jake (who grinned wickedly at Bella). Her head swiveled back and forth as she tried to make a decision.
"I-I can't, Em. I'm neutral, I'm not picking sides. I think they're both equally dangerous."
Emmett guffawed loudly and Rose turned her glare on Bella.
Bella gave her a small sheepish smile.
Jake laughed and leaned over to kiss Bella's cheek.
"That's my girl."
Bella blushed but smiled warmly, turning to lean into him.
He put his arm around her and held her close.
It warmed her.
She loved having his arm around her.
And she loved it even more when he rubbed her back, just like he was doing now.
Jake and Em were now discussing sports again, it sounded like.
Rose had rolled her eyes and exited to the kitchen long ago.
Just like she had a couple of days ago in the car, Bella loved to listen to Jake talk.
He was just so passionate and very knowledgeable and laid back in his conversations.
She had no idea what the hell he was talking about.
But she loved listening to him talk about it.
She smiled up at him, watching him laugh and shake his head at something Emmett had said.
This...this was nice.
It almost felt like she had somehow stepped out of her life and stepped into someone else's.
Almost like she had stepped into Ness'.
Well...Ness' as Jake's wife, anyway.
Well, no, not wife. But as the woman he loved. And was allowed to love. And she was allowed to be loved by him and love him in return.
No hiding, no rushing, no lies, no covering up.
Just being.
Together.
And she loved it.
She smiled bigger and laid her head down on his shoulder.
He turned and kissed her forehead, still rubbing her back, not breaking the flow of his conversation once. As if it was almost a subconscious action on his part. Just something...natural.
She closed her eyes and breathed him in.
Yes.
This was definitely very nice.
Just then, Emmett's house phone rang.
A minute later, Rose appeared in the room.
"Em, you've got a call."
He laughed at something Jake had said and turned to look at her, smiling.
"Babe, do you mind telling 'em I'll call 'em back later?"
Rose shook her head.
"You're going to want to take this one."
Emmett sighed and got up.
"Be right back, guys. Jake, may I suggest you brush up on your history of the NFL while I'm gone?"
Jake smirked.
"No need, Em. I'll just square you away when you get back."
Emmett laughed all the way into the kitchen behind Rose.
Bella heard Jake's echoing laughter rumbling in his chest.
Besides his heartbeat, it was one of the best sounds she had ever heard.
She hugged him tighter, opened her eyes and looked up at him.
"I love you."
He smiled and leaned down to kiss her.
"I love you, honey."
She smiled wider.
"This is nice."
He grinned.
"Yeah. They're pretty great."
"No. I mean, yeah, they are. But I meant...us. This is nice."
His eyes lit up and he gazed down at her, still smiling.
"Yeah. This is nice."
He placed his forehead against hers and kissed her nose.
"I hope we have many more nights like this, Bells."
She kissed his nose in return.
"Me, too."
They grinned at each other.
"Jake."
Both turned to see Emmett striding into the dining room.
"What's up, Em?"
Bella frowned.
Emmett looked a little...perturbed.
A complete contradiction to how he had left the room only a couple of minutes earlier.
"Listen, why don't you get Bella out of here for a while? Take her for a drive or something? In her car?"
Bella's brows mashed together.
Oh no, had they been too intimate in front of them?
But they had seen it before.
Oh no.
Had Emmett finally had enough?
She looked back up to Jake and then at Emmett.
They seemed to be having a silent conversation that she just could not figure out for the life of her.
Then she saw Jake's jaw clench and heard him scoff.
"Yeah, alright. Let me just get something real quick and then I'll take her."
He kissed Bella's forehead and then stood up and left the room, Bella watching him go in puzzlement.
"Em, what's going on? Were we-did we upset you?"
She knew Emmett had every reason to feel uncomfortable around them, knowing what she now knew about him and Rose and their history.
But they had never given any indication that Bella and Jake's closeness had bothered them before.
Emmett gave her a smile. But it was a tight smile. Bella's heart fell a little.
"Of course not, Bella. I just think you and Jake should get out of here for a little while. Have some time for yourselves. Jake told me he had to reschedule your flight for tomorrow and that he's not gonna see you all morning so I thought maybe you guys should spend some time. That's all."
Bella nodded, not believing it completely.
Something was bothering him.
She could tell that much.
She didn't have time to press him further, though.
Jake appeared in the room, holding out his hand to her.
"Ready to go, Bells?"
He seemed a little more relaxed than before.
She smiled and took it.
They walked through the kitchen and into the foyer.
Jake grabbed her keys off the table.
Emmett gave them a smirk.
"Alright. You two kids have fun, now. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Bella narrowed her eyes at him.
He laughed and kissed her forehead.
"See you in a bit, Bella."
"See you soon, Em."
Jake turned to her.
"Babe, I unlocked the car. Meet me there?"
She stared up at him in confusion.
He smiled down at her.
"I'll be right behind you."
She nodded, turned and walked out the door.
Jake closed the door quietly and Bella started to walk down the steps but stopped when she heard him talking.
"How long?"
She heard Emmett sigh.
"I don't know. He sounds pretty bad."
"Em, it's only fucking nine o'clock."
"I know. But, you know how this all is. You know how he gets."
"Yeah, I do. And it's fucking pissing me off. This is bullshit. Can't I just get one fucking night? Just one?"
Emmett sighed again.
"Man, you will. Focus on that. Listen, keep your phone on you, go spend some time with Bella, and when I take care of this, I'll call you."
"This is fucking horseshit, Em."
"I know it is, man. I know. I'm pretty pissed myself."
Then Jake sighed sadly.
"It's just-tonight-was the first-I thought-I mean, it seemed-arrrrrggghh! I hate this shit!"
"I know. I know, man."
Bella walked down the sidewalk a bit, slowly, her arms crossed, hearing Jake's frustrated groans fade as she got further and further away.
She contemplated everything she had heard.
Someone was coming here, that much was obvious.
Someone Jake and Em didn't want her to see and didn't want to tell her about.
Someone Rose obviously knew about because of the way she had urged Emmett to take that call.
The call of the someone they didn't want her to know about.
Someone who was making Jake very upset.
So upset that Em was hoping she could help calm him by spending some time with him alone.
She wondered if she should ask Jake about it.
Something was clearly going on that he didn't want her to know.
And that bothered her.
What the hell was going on that was so important, so secretive, he couldn't tell her?
No. Not couldn't.
Wouldn't.
Well, she'd see about that.
And then Jake appeared beside her, smiling.
"Hey, Bells. You trying to be the tortoise in this scenario or something?"
It felt that way.
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Are you mocking me, Mr. Black?"
He got that twinkle in his eyes and his smile twisted into a smirk.
"It would appear that I am."
She laughed and shook her head.
"One of these days, Mr. Black. One of these days..."
"Please let that be a threat turning into a promise."
She grinned impishly at him.
"We'll see."
He chuckled and put his arm around her, kissing her forehead.
"You're too much, Bells."
He led her down the driveway to her car and dropped his arm as he went to get in the driver's seat.
She stood there, not getting in, watching him. She loved this man. She didn't know why but right then, she felt the urge to tell him.
Jake stopped and looked over at her questioningly.
"Bells?"
She sighed and smiled.
And then she whispered it.
"I love you, Jacob. So much. So much sometimes it scares the crap out of me. But in a good way. Like I can't imagine my life without you in it."
A warm smile broke across his face like the sun dawning on a new day.
And then he leaned over the roof of the car towards her and whispered back to her.
"I love you, too, Bella. You have no idea how much."
She gave him a meek smile.
He stared at her, still smiling himself.
"Now, let's go make out."
She laughed loudly at his whisper, her head leaning back, grinning.
"Yeah, let's."
He laughed in response and went to get in.
She opened her door.
"Belllllaa?"
Bella's head whipped around at the sound of her name.
And then her stomach clenched painfully and her heart leapt into her throat.
No.
It couldn't be.
Edward was standing, gaping at her, with the back door to a cab wide open.
Her mouth dropped open in shock.
"E-E-Edward?"
He gave her that crooked smile of his although it seemed a little off.
Then he shut the door, waved at the cabbie and started towards her.
She noticed his wobbling right away.
Fuck.
He was drunk.
He stumbled his way over to her, almost falling into her.
He leaned forward unsteadily for a kiss.
"Hellllo Bellllla, myy loooove."
The heavy slur rung out in every word and the alcohol from his breath was overwhelming.
She started to turn away in disgust but he grabbed her face and pushed his lips to hers, falling and pinning her against the car. She gathered all her strength and pushed him off of her, making him stumble once again.
"Edward!"
Jake was by her side in a flash, his hand on Edward's chest, pushing back lightly when Edward went to kiss her again.
"Hey, man, why don't you take it easy there for a second? Give her some room to breathe?"
Bella heard him speak through gritted teeth but she couldn't worry about that right now.
Right now she had other things to deal with.
It's not like she wanted him to kiss her.
Edward looked over at Jake in disgust.
"I'll kiss my damn wife whenever I want to. What business is it of yours? What the hell are you even doing here?"
Jake didn't answer, just glared at him.
Bella took a deep breath.
"Edward! Stop! You're drunk! I'm glad to see you didn't drive but I thought you said you were working late tonight."
Edward laughed darkly and swayed with the movement.
"Yeah. So did I. Oh well!"
He laughed again.
Bella noticed Jake move in a way to step in front of her a bit and she stepped next to him, brushing him with her shoulder so he would look down. When he did, she shook her head slightly. He glared murderously at her but stepped back.
"What are you talking about, Edward?"
Edward opened his arms to the sky.
"I quit, Bella! I'm free! Finally free! And you know why, Bella? Because I chose you! Because I love you! You and only you! I want to be with you! I want us to be happy again!"
Bella's jaw dropped open at his ramble. She felt Jake stiffen at her side. She knew Edward was drunk but she didn't think he would say any of this in front of anyone, never mind Jake or any other man.
"Wait, Edward? What do you mean, you quit?"
Edward looked at her, stumbled forward, Jake putting out a hand to stop him. Edward swayed again, not caring that Jake was hindering his progress to get to Bella.
"I quit that fucking piece of shit God-forsaken cocksucking job! I quit it and I'm done with it! I want my life back. And my life is you, Bella! I want you back!"
Bella swallowed quietly.
She wasn't sure what to say.
Never mind what to do.
Jake was angry and tense at her side.
Edward was drunk and raving in front of her, declaring his love for her.
And she had no idea what the fuck to do.
Then Emmett saved her.
"Edward! What the fuck, man? I thought you said you were calling from the bar, about to leave, not in the cab already on your fucking way!"
Edward turned to his friend, grinning.
"Em! I fucking love you, you know that! I mean, you're my best friend and I fucking love you! I did it, man! I quit! That fucking bitch-"
Bella felt Jake tense even more beside her. Shit.
She didn't know what to do. Edward was talking about Ness, Jake was pissed and she didn't know what to do. She couldn't even touch Jake's arm right now without Edward seeing. Fuck.
"That fucking bitch! She told me to choose! And I did! I chose my Bella! My beautiful, intelligent, big-hearted, sexy-ass perfect wife of mine! MY BELLA!"
He turned to Bella grinning.
"My wife! My love! My heart! My soul! My Bella!"
Bella struggled to breathe.
This was bad. Very bad.
Here her husband was, shouting his love for her openly, saying he quit his job for her and all she could think of was how the hell she and Jake were gonna be able to get away now.
She felt guilty but at the same time she was pissed, confused and anxious.
And most of all, scared.
Scared that the need to make a choice was hovering over her right now, forcing her hand a lot sooner than she intended.
Scared that she might lose Jake.
Or Edward.
Or both.
And she couldn't lose either one.
Not now.
As selfish and unfair as it was, she couldn't.
"Jake, maybe you should get Bella home. I'll bring Edward by a little later and pick you up all in the same swoop. I need to talk to him for a bit."
Jake nodded at Emmett and turned to walk away when Edward spoke.
"I don't want that piece of shit anywhere near my Bella. Knowing him, he'll try to fuck her in the car first chance he gets. Just like he did with all the others. I don't want her anywhere near him."
Bella didn't even know what happened next.
Jake began to charge towards him as did Emmett, but to protect Edward from Jake, not attack him.
And then a slap echoed in the air, making them all freeze.
Bella's hand stung and she looked down at it questioningly.
She looked back up to find Edward holding his cheek, staring down at her in shock.
When had she moved over to him?
"Don't you ever talk like that in front of me EVER again, Edward Cullen! You understand me?! And to talk so disrespectfully about someone you don't even know?! I will NOT tolerate it! Apologize!"
Bella didn't even recognize the voice that was screaming.
She looked around to see where it had come from but all she could see were the three men, staring at her in shock.
Wait...was that coming from...her?
And then Edward got angry.
"Do you have any idea what I gave up for you today, Bella? Any fucking idea? ANY FUCKING CLUE?! All this fucking time I've been trying to make it right between us, to fix what YOU fucking broke?!"
Bella held a hand to her mouth.
No.
He did not just say that.
"It wasn't MY fault, Bella! But you act like it is! Like I did something! I didn't! YOU did this! Not ME!"
Emmett leaned away from Jake and near to Edward.
"Edward, you may be my friend. But I swear to God, if you don't shut your fucking mouth right now, I will lay you out! YOU FUCKING UNDERSTAND ME?!"
Edward winced at Emmett's booming voice.
Bella couldn't breathe.
The pain roared inside her chest.
She swallowed, trying to pull in air.
It wasn't working.
She was suffocating.
She stared down at the ground.
She swallowed again.
She needed to run.
Get out of here.
Disappear.
Go anywhere to get away from the pain that was consuming her again.
"Bella!"
Bella looked up to meet Emmett's angry but concerned gaze.
"Bella, look at me. Focus on me, sweetie. He's drunk. He doesn't know what he's talking about. He's not making any sense. Don't pay any attention to him. Just focus on me. Just me. I need you to breathe, Bella. Breathe."
Bella shook her head.
"N-N-No. I-" She wheezed, the pain crushing her lungs, refusing to let them fill back up with the oxygen they so desperately needed. "N-"
"Bella. Sweetheart."
Emmett started walking towards her but she held her hand up, backing away.
"Emmett, what the fuck is going on? What's happening to her?"
Bella backed up another step, not reacting to the angry worry she heard in Jake's voice.
"Jake, relax. Let me handle this. Just make sure Dickhead doesn't follow me. Bella, look at me. I need you to stay with me, sweetie. Come on. It's just me. Emmett. Your Emmett."
Bella backed up again.
God, would this pain never end?
"Bella, I'm so sorry. I-"
"Shut the fuck up, Edward, if you know what's good for you!"
Bella winced at Emmett's angry yell.
She just needed to get the hell out of here!
"Bells."
She didn't look.
She couldn't.
"Jake, I told you to stay by Edward! You're only gonna make it worse."
"Bells."
The voice was closer now, to her left.
She swallowed, still struggling to breathe, and turned to her left.
Jake was two feet away from her, his hand out as if to steady her.
He moved in a foot closer and turned to Emmett.
"Distract him."
He whispered it but Emmett heard it and turned around to do just that.
"Edward! I'm gonna kick your fucking ass! What the-"
That voice tuned them out.
"Baby."
Bella cringed and pulled away from him, shaking her head.
"D-D-Don't. J-Just leave me alone. D-on't."
She saw his arm drop but he didn't turn away, didn't leave.
"Bells, look at me."
She reluctantly brought her eyes to his.
"Honey, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here."
She shook her head.
No.
She just needed to get away.
"K-Keys."
She held out a shaking hand.
He glanced at it and took a deep breath.
"I'll take you home. If that's where you want to go, I'll take you."
Bella shook her head.
"N-No."
She held her hand higher and it shook even more.
Jake was about to say something when Edward cut him off.
"Get the fuck away from my wife, Black! Can't you see she obviously doesn't want your disgusting whoring diseased dick anywhere near her? You filth! I took care of that piece of shit Newton! I'll take care of you, too! She's mine!"
Bella winced but didn't say anything.
She couldn't.
She was numb.
She wasn't even entirely sure she was alive right now. Conscious. Present. Nope, not sure.
The pain surged through her at the memory of those cutting words when Edward spoke.
"To fix what YOU fucking broke" "YOU did this!"
Shockingly, Jake didn't even turn to respond. It was almost as if he didn't hear Edward. His eyes remained glued to hers.
"Jake. I gotta get him laid down somewhere. But I don't want to leave her alone. Take her home. I'll be by later."
Jake nodded.
"Bella, sweetie. Jake's gonna drive you home. You're gonna be okay. I'm gonna be by to check on you later, okay?"
Bella dropped her hand in defeat, staring at the ground.
"NO FUCKING WAY! SHE'S MY WIFE, EMMETT! NOT YOURS! NOT BLACK'S! NOT ANYONE ELSE'S! MINE! YOU GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER, BLACK! I DON'T FUCKING THINK SO!"
Emmett smacked Edward in the back of the head.
"Shut up! What I say goes around here. Now, let's go. You and I are going to have a little chat."
Edward started throwing a fit but Emmett held him in a vise grip as he dragged him to the house.
Once the door closed and muffled Edward's yells, Jake took a step closer, holding his hand out.
Bella took a step back, still unsure.
"Bells, it's just me, sweetheart. Can I take you home?"
Bella looked up at him, warring with herself, fighting every urge to run and yet battling against every instinct telling her to trust him, to take comfort in him, to know she was safe with him.
She nodded slowly.
Jake lowered his hand and walked to the door of her car, opening it for her.
He smiled gently at her and inclined his head.
She took a hesitant step, watching him watch her, and then another. When she saw that he didn't make a move towards her, she walked quickly to the car and got in. He shut the door for her and walked over to the other side. He opened the door and got in, making Bella inch a bit closer to the door, keeping her hands on her lap.
Jake sighed and started the car.
"Let's go."
And then he backed out of the driveway.
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
For the most part, Jake had been good during the whole ride.
He didn't push her.
To talk, to feel, or anything.
He let her be.
Only once did his hand hesitantly rest next to hers, brushing her pinky with his for a split second. She jerked at the touch and snatched her hand away as if she had been burned.
Jake frowned and pulled his hand away but didn't say anything.
He just kept staring ahead.
Bella stared out the window.
When they got to her house, he pulled into the driveway, shut off the car and turned to her.
"Bells."
She shut her eyes.
She did not want to do this.
Not right now.
"I just need to know one thing."
She let out a breath.
She hadn't even noticed she had been able to breathe again once she was away from that place. Away from Edward and his horrid accusations that cut deep into her soul like a serrated blade, hacking it to shreds.
Reluctantly, she turned to him.
He had her keys in his hand.
"Which one's the house key?"
She wanted to laugh but couldn't.
That was Jake.
Her Jake.
Always trying to make her feel better.
Always trying to make her laugh.
Too bad she couldn't.
So she did her best to give him a tiny smile instead.
It wasn't full of warmth.
But it was a start.
It must have been enough for him because he smiled in return and he didn't hold back.
He gave her the full smile she wanted to give him but couldn't.
She pointed at the right key and he nodded.
She stared at her hand before dropping it.
She wasn't shaking anymore.
When did that happen?
He flashed the smile again and got out.
She turned and let herself out, seeing Jake halfway to the door.
He didn't look back to see if she was following or not.
How odd.
Yet how...perfect.
No pressure to follow.
No pressure to try to make others feel better.
No pressure to have to act one way or another.
No pressure at all.
Perfect.
She slowly made the pathway up to the door which was open for her.
She walked in and closed it, seeing Jake in the kitchen, turning a few lights on.
He turned the minimal on, lighting the room up so they could see each other but not completely. Too bright a light would have just made her shy away and cling to the darkness. Somehow he seemed to know that. And she was grateful for it.
"I don't know about you, Bells, but I want some ice cream. Got any in this huge fancy freezer of yours?"
She didn't answer and he didn't wait for one.
He opened it and dug through it, searching, until he found what he was looking for.
"Ahh, mint chocolate chip. My favorite. Good job shopping, Bells. You get a gold star for that one."
He turned and grabbed a bowl out of the cabinet.
"So, you want some?"
He searched through the drawers for an ice cream scoop.
Jake glanced up at her and she shook her head.
"No? Sweet. More for me."
The corners of her mouth twitched and began to pull upward.
She couldn't help it.
He scooped out some ice cream into a bowl, then rinsed the scoop in the sink and then placed it in the dishwasher. He put the ice cream back in the freezer and then began searching through the cabinets.
"Nope. Nope. Ah, no. Uh uh. What? Definitely not. Uck. Nope."
Then he moved to the refrigerator.
"Ugh. No hot fudge, Bells? Seriously? I'm taking that gold star back. Chocolate syrup it is, I guess. Cold chocolate syrup. Yay."
He squirted the syrup out over the ice cream, wincing every time it made a fart-like sound.
"That...is just...wrong."
His face looked like he was in so much pain.
Bella couldn't help it.
She let out a full-on smile.
It got past the wall she had successfully built over the last year and a half.
A stone or two loosened and crumbled to the ground.
Then a small portal of light shone through, temporarily blinding her with its brightness.
And dizzying her with its warmth.
He turned back to the fridge, putting the container back on the shelf where he'd found it.
Then he began to look through the cabinets once more.
"Bells, don't tell me you don't even have sprinkles."
A laugh escaped Bella's throat, shocking her and him at the same time.
Her hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened.
Jake turned and smiled at her.
"There she is. Alright. Now, Bells. I refuse to believe that there are no sprinkles or some sort of confectionery goodness to arrange on top of my sundae here. Any suggestions?"
She didn't answer.
"Okay, I see how it is. You're maintaining military silence. I respect that. I do. But, beware, Bells. Those sprinkles won't stay safely hidden much longer. I'll find 'em."
He turned back, speeding through the cabinets.
"Man, talk about torturing a guy. My ice cream's melting for God's sake. They better be rainbow, that's all I gotta say."
Her instincts won.
She rushed over to him and wrapped her arms loosely around him from behind.
She laid her head against his back and closed her eyes.
He stopped moving, staying still as a statue.
"I'm sorry."
She could only whisper it to him.
But it was enough.
He placed his hands hesitantly over hers. And then he intertwined their fingers.
"You have nothing to be sorry for."
He had whispered it back to her and she hugged him tighter.
He slowly turned around and when she didn't back away, he held her to his chest.
He placed a gentle kiss to her head.
"I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. I promise."
She slowly nodded.
"Thank you."
He kissed her head again.
She sighed and let the tears that had been wanting to break free before but couldn't seem to, roll down her cheek. She sniffled.
"Thank you."
He placed his chin on top of her head and sighed himself.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, his arms holding her, protecting her, keeping her safe.
"You know what would be a great way to thank me?"
She pulled back to look at him.
He gave her a devilish smirk.
She glared at him.
"How?"
His smirk got wider.
He leaned down and she was about to push him away.
Was he seriously trying to make a move on her right now?
He stopped a few inches from her face and whispered.
"By telling me where those damn sprinkles are."
She laughed and laid her head back down on his chest, right above his heart, making her smile.
"Bottom right corner cabinet. Third shelf. All the way in the back."
"I knew it! The last place I was gonna look. Third shelf. All the way in the back. I knew it!"
She laughed again and burrowed her head further in his chest.
The thumping in her ear resounded each promise she knew in her own heart to be true.
She was loved.
She was warm.
And she was safe.
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
Around 11:30 or so, Jake's phone rang, making Bella stir in Jake's arms.
She had become sleepy, the weight of everything from that evening crashing down on her, so Jake had lifted her in his arms and carried her up the stairs to the guest room.
"Yeah?"
Jake was whispering but it didn't matter.
She was awake now.
"Alright, you'll be here in ten?"
What?
Who would be here in ten?
"Okay. See you in a bit."
Jake closed his phone and turned to find Bella staring at him worriedly.
He kissed her forehead and smiled.
"Sorry, honey. I didn't mean to wake you up."
"Who was that?"
"Just Emmett. He said he's gonna be here in ten minutes."
Bella gulped and gripped his shirt a little tighter.
"A-Alone?"
Jake stroked her hair.
"Yeah."
Bella nodded, biting her lip and looking down.
"Is that-Is that okay?"
She nodded again.
"Yeah, I don't think I want to see him right now. I just-can't."
Her eyes started to well up with the memory of his hurtful words from earlier.
She took a deep breath and laid down on Jake's chest, hearing the familiar beat in her ear.
She closed her eyes.
"Bells."
She felt his fingers pulling through her hair, massaging her scalp. Now she understood why he liked it so much when she did it to him.
"Hmm?"
"Honey, I'm not trying to pry. I know it's not really my place to ask and I certainly don't want to push you if you're not ready but...are you ever gonna tell me what happened out there tonight?"
Bella began to gently scratch his chest down to his stomach. She heard a slight pleasure-filled rumble beneath her. But it didn't even register as she kept repeating the motion. She was too pre-occupied with the memories threatening to torment her should she try to relive them, never mind let them in even a bit.
She clung tightly to him.
"Jake, if one day I can without falling completely apart, I will. But right now, I can't talk about it. I don't want to talk about it."
Jake kissed her head.
"Okay, honey."
And that was it.
Just like he said, he didn't push.
She let out a breath of relief.
How odd that was in her world.
The only person who didn't push her was Emmett.
But Emmett couldn't keep everyone and everything away.
As much as he tried his best, he couldn't.
But somehow, here in Jake's arms, Bella knew he could.
And she loved him even more for it.
The doorbell rang, breaking into her thoughts.
Jake sighed and began to get up, gently breaking free of her grip.
"I'll be right back, babe."
"You will?"
He smiled.
"I will. Promise."
He kissed her forehead, then climbed out of bed and made his way out of the room.
She heard him head down the stairs.
He was only gone for a second and already, she was missing him as if he had been gone for hours.
As if he was far, far away and not just down the stairs.
She sighed sadly and buried herself deeper into the pillows.
She caught his scent off the one he had been laying on and she buried her face into it, inhaling.
She then laid her head down on it, relaxing, letting the calm wash over her that came with his scent automatically.
And soon she was being gently shaken awake.
"Bells? Wake up, honey. Just for a minute. I know you're tired."
Bella struggled to open her eyes fully, taking in Jake bending down over her and Emmett standing on his left.
She yawned and forced herself to sit up with Jake's help.
"Hi, Emmett."
"Hey sweetie. How are you?"
Jake sat down on the bed next to her and she leaned her head back against his shoulder.
"Better. Sorry about before. I just-"
Emmett held a hand up.
"Beautiful, you worry too much. I know you still love me. How could you not? I mean, really?"
She chuckled and Emmett smiled at her.
"Listen, kiddo. I don't want you stressing about anything right now. I'm taking care of everything. You need a break."
Bella's brows mashed together in confusion. Jake began to rub her back.
"What do you mean?"
Emmett stuck his hands in his pockets and shrugged.
"I think some time away would do you some good. You've been working hard, nonstop. You've been going through...a lot. And I just think it would be best for you."
Bella stared down at the bed.
"How can I, though? Edward quit his job which means that he's not going on the business trip anymore. Which means I can't go away now. And plus, he saw me and Jake tonight. He may have been drunk but he knows. And if not, he's suspicious and after tonight, he'll be even more suspicious and I'm gonna be practically living at the store just to be able to get some time to myself. You know how this is gonna go."
Her voice caught at the end and the tears started to fall. Jake kissed her head and whispered in her ear.
"Shh. It'll all be okay. We'll work it out, honey. I promise it'll be okay. Shh."
More tears fell.
He had begged her to go on this trip, fought for it even. He had been so excited when she agreed to go. And even more excited yesterday when he found out she was still going to go. And yet, as she sat here stating how she wouldn't be able to go after all, he only focused on taking care of her, making sure she was okay, reassuring her. He was so good to her. She really didn't deserve him.
Emmett sighed and sat down on the bed, facing away from them.
"Bella, that's not the case. Listen to me for a minute, okay? I don't want to...get you upset...more than you already are. But I have to get this out. What Edward said to you tonight...I don't think he meant it the way you think he did."
Bella's mouth dropped open.
"Are you kidding me, Em? Then exactly what the fuck did he mean?"
Emmett winced.
"I think he just meant the state of your marriage. The fact that you guys have grown apart. The fact that he still loves you and wants to keep trying. That sort of thing. It's killing him, Bella."
Bella expected to feel Jake stiffen against her but he didn't. He just held her, brushing his lips on her hair every so often, completely focused on her. God, she loved him.
"And...I think...and I'm not defending him or excusing his behavior in any way...but I think he was angry. He didn't like you slapping him or yelling at him in front of us the way you did. I-"
"Tough shit. He was out of line."
Emmett sighed again.
"I know that, Bella. I do. I'm just saying that I think he would never have said anything remotely close to what he said tonight if he wasn't drunk. And then, pissed off on top of it. Plus, he just quit the company and he had a big fight with Ness..."
Now she felt Jake stiffen. She didn't know why but that bothered her.
"What do you mean, a fight? If he wanted to quit, then why didn't she just let him? Isn't that the thing about businesses? Everyone's expendable? Everyone can always be replaced? Especially, a big firm like that?"
Emmett looked up at her, pleading for her understanding.
"Edward's put a lot of time into that account we just got, Bella. He's very valuable to Ness' team."
She heard Jake snort in her ear and then he whispered.
"Guess he was enough. Fucking bitch."
She turned and looked at him sadly, placing a hand on his cheek.
"Don't."
He stared at her in disbelief and then lowered his eyes, biting his lip.
"Sorry. I shouldn't have said that about him."
She shook her head and leaned closer.
"No. Not that. What you're thinking. What made you say that. Don't do that, Jake. Fuck her. You're more than enough and you know it. If she can't see that, well...her loss is my gain." She smiled tentatively at him, stroking his cheek.
He smiled back and kissed her nose and then her forehead.
"I love you, Bells. I really, truly, honest to God love you. So damn much."
She smiled and closed her eyes, letting him hold her as his lips lingered on her forehead.
Emmett cleared his throat loudly.
Bella opened her eyes and looked over at Em, who was staring at them in annoyance.
She couldn't help but laugh.
"As much as I hate to break up this love fest, I'd like to get out what I came here to tell you tonight."
Bella gave him a sheepish smile.
"Sorry. Continue."
Jake kissed her forehead again, making her smile wider.
Emmett rolled his eyes but grinned.
"Anyway, I think the fight happened before he quit. Causing him to quit actually. I just think this was all building and building and he just exploded. You know him as well as I do, Bella. He's not always the best at dealing directly with things sometimes. Like I said, doesn't excuse anything. What he said or the way he acted tonight. He's clearly in the wrong here and he has a lot of apologizing and groveling to do. And that is why I came here. Besides checking up on you, making sure you were okay."
Bella shrugged and covered Jake's hand on her waist with her own.
"I'm with Jake. I'm fine."
Emmett chuckled and rolled his eyes again good-naturedly.
"Yeah. I bet. Anyway,"
He grinned when he saw Bella's glare directed at him.
"Without realizing it, Edward has totally given you the upper hand. By doing what he did tonight, he's on the bottom of the totem pole completely. Now, enough about him. I'm gonna handle him. I'll take care of it all. Back to you. You're gonna go away. You're not gonna worry about lying about some girls only trip or some shit. I'm gonna take care of all that. All I want you to do is relax and try to forget all this crap for a while, alright?"
"Em, what are you-"
He pulled some papers out of his back pocket and handed them to Jake.
"Your morning flight's back on, just a little earlier. And you guys are upgraded to first class. I brought a suitcase for you to use, Jake. It's in my trunk. I'll get it before I leave. And I hope you don't get pissed at me, man, but I upgraded your..." He looked at Bella for a second. "Accommodations. Same place, just bigger, uh, rooms...for the, uh, first...part. But everything you paid for still's the same so you won't spend a dollar more. Rose and I took care of the upgrades. And there's a car service picking you up tomorrow around 9:45 at your shop, Jake. I hope you don't mind. But I figured it was easiest. Here is too risky and now my house is obviously not an option, so...I think that about covers it."
Bella's and Jake's jaws were both on the bed.
Bella was flustered.
"E-Em. No. I mean, t-thank you. But that's too much. No. I-"
Emmett held up a hand, silencing her.
"Bella. I wasn't kidding when I said I think you need a break. You do. Listen, the store's a good distraction for you but you need some time to rest. Have a little bit of fun, even. I've told you, Jake's a good guy. He's the only other person I would allow to take care of you if I couldn't be around to do it myself. I trust him completely. So, go. Have fun. And take a breather from all of this drama bullshit. Who needs it? And as far as the upgrades go, don't even start giving me crap about spending money. I've got connections and Rose makes up whatever I lack in. If anything, we just schmoozed our way to get you guys those upgrades. So, I don't want to hear it. Understood?"
Bella smiled so wide and crawled out of Jake's arms and over to Emmett, throwing her arms around him.
She sniffled.
"Thank you, Emmett. Thank you so much."
He chuckled and hugged her tightly.
"Ah, Beautiful. You never have to thank me. You're my girl, my Bella. And I want nothing but the best for my girl. I'm always gonna look out for you, sweetie."
He let her go and stood up.
"Edward's sleeping it off at my place. I'm gonna take the morning off tomorrow, keep him there until you guys leave. So don't worry about him. You can shut your phone off for the next four days if you want, Bella. It's up to you. Like I said, you have the upper hand. Not him. And the rest, I'll take care of. But just get some rest, okay?"
Bella nodded, tears in her eyes.
"You're the best, Emmett."
He grinned at her and then winked.
"I know."
She laughed, shaking her head.
Jake stood up, stammering.
"I-I-Em I-"
"Jake, I swear to God if you're gonna try and crawl into my lap next, I'm knocking your ass to the ground and getting the fuck out of here A.S.A.P."
Bella and Jake both laughed.
"Thank you, Em."
"Yeah, yeah. Don't mention it. Now, come get your shit out of my car please so I can go home and see my other girl. She's a little miffed because of the drunk currently snoring away down the hall. By the way, Bella. She says she's sorry she didn't get to say goodbye to you but that if you need her for anything, to call her. Whatever it is."
Bella bit her lip, nodding, avoiding his gaze.
"Please tell her I said thank you, as well."
Emmett smiled.
"Sure thing. Alright, Bella, be good. I'll see you when you get back."
He leaned down and kissed her head, giving her one last bear hug.
"Love you."
She sighed and hugged him just as tight.
"Love you, too."
He kissed her head one more time and then let go of her.
"Alright, kiddo, be safe. See you soon."
She smiled and so did he.
And then he walked out of the room with Jake following.
"Be right back, babe."
She nodded.
He winked at her and then left the room.
Bella got back into bed, laying flat on her back, staring straight up at the ceiling.
Wow.
Rose and Emmett were helping her and Jake.
Again.
They were really too good to them.
To her.
She owed them so much.
One thing she was certain of, though.
She would take these four days.
She owed them to Jake.
And Emmett was right.
She owed them to herself.
And so she would take them.
She smiled at the thought of being so free to just be able to go off with Jake now and not worry about anything.
It was so liberating and peaceful and exhilarating all at the same time.
She was just starting to drift off when she felt Jake climb back into bed.
She turned into him, laying her head on his chest, hearing that all-too-familiar comforting sound.
"I love you, Bells. I can't wait to leave tomorrow. I can't wait to spend these four days with you."
He began to rub her back.
"Me neither."
He chuckled at her sleepy mumble.
He kissed her head lovingly.
"Get some sleep, honey. Dream of me."
She smiled at the familiar memory.
"I always do."
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
Emmett kept true to his word.
It was 9:15 and Edward had yet to show up.
Bella let out a sigh of relief.
She would forever be indebted to Emmett and Rose for giving her this time alone with Jake.
Not just the trip.
But last night, too.
Last night being the first night she ever spent in his arms.
And honestly?
It was one of the best nights she had had in a long time.
She had slept soundly, at peace, listening to his heart and breathing.
Even his light snoring seemed like a softly tuned lullaby all on its own, created just for her.
Each time she rolled away from him because she got too hot or she moved in her sleep, not a second would pass before he followed her.
If she moved to face the other side of the bed on her side, a moment later he would roll to his side, wrapping his arms around her from behind and pulling her into him.
If she rolled onto her stomach, away from him, his arm then laid loosely across her back.
It seemed as long as they were touching, somehow staying connected, he would stop moving and she would sleep much better than she had in the last year.
For once, the nightmares didn't assault her.
And that in itself was an exceptional change that couldn't be ignored.
Normally, such...clinginess...would bother her. Anytime Edward had tried it with her when he was still awake, she would only get annoyed. Not that she didn't want to be held by him, she did, but sometimes, especially in the last year, it was a bit too much. Too...clingy. He didn't just hold her to reassure her. He expected the same in return. And as selfish as she knew it to be, it was something she couldn't give.
But with Jake, it was different. There were no expectations. Just comfort and reassurance. Just what she needed. And he selflessly and subconsciously gave it.
Her heart wrenched painfully when the past year played throughout her mind, reminding her of how she had willfully pushed Edward away, kept him at arm's length, never letting him in. She twisted her wedding ring round and round on her finger as she replayed everything from the last year, wincing when appropriate.
How had Jake managed to get in where Edward couldn't?
Even though Edward had been with her through everything? And Jake hadn't?
Would she grow to resent him too, over time?
She closed her eyes and let out a breath. She couldn't imagine it, she didn't want to, but she couldn't deny what had happened last night.
She had pushed him away.
She had done her usual.
Became ice all throughout and kept everyone away.
But she didn't resent him.
Not yet.
She took another deep breath and rubbed her forehead.
No, she needed to stop thinking about all of this.
That's what Emmett had said, right?
To relax and enjoy her time away?
Not to worry about anything?
That's why he was taking care of everything. Sparing her the lies and details over the next four days.
She nodded slowly.
He was right.
She would do that.
"Save the thinking for later."
She opened her eyes, looked down at her left hand and slipped her ring off. She placed it inside a box, next to the engagement ring she put inside there a few minutes earlier.
She closed the box and put it into her nightstand drawer, closing it.
She knew there was a slight chance Edward might find that during her trip but she couldn't think about that right now.
She'd deal with it all when she got home.
The guilt consumed her when she realized she was leaving without saying a word to him.
Just disappearing into the night, pretty much.
Regardless of how he had acted, what he had said, that seemed wrong on every level.
He was still her husband and she should at least tell him she was leaving.
And last night, although it had hurt her deeply, she knew Emmett was right.
That wasn't Edward.
He would never in a thousand years have said those things to her.
Never.
Em was right.
It had been a combination of the alcohol and the day he had had and the stress of the past year and the fragile state their marriage was in and seeing her with Jake-
She closed her eyes.
She didn't know how much he knew, how much he had seen or heard.
She prayed it wasn't much.
She knew Emmett would work tirelessly to counteract whatever it was her and Jake had let slip.
She also knew Edward would be miring in self-hatred for the next four days, beating himself up for what Emmett was going to remind him of today.
His face in agony tugged at her heart and made the decision she had been going back and forth on all morning.
She picked up the phone and dialed before she could rethink it and put the phone back down.
She had blocked the number, making it impossible to tell she was calling.
She knew he'd push it to voicemail if he was awake.
It went straight to the voicemail prompt.
She shook her head.
His phone was off so he must still be asleep.
His greeting played out and then the automated message told her to leave a message after the beep.
She did.
Once the beep sounded, she took a deep breath.
"Edward. It's...me. I just wanted you to know I'm...going away...for a bit."
She didn't really elaborate, not sure if Emmett's story would still include her trip with Angela or not.
"I'm...sorry...for last night. I just..."
She sighed heavily.
"Look, I...just need to...get out of here for a bit. I..."
Another sigh. She just needed to spit it out.
"I don't want you blaming yourself for everything. I know you, Edward. That's what you're gonna do when I'm gone and I don't want that. Regardless of everything, we're still married, you're still my husband, and I...I love you. So please, don't do that while I'm gone. We'll talk when I get back. I promise. I love you, Edward. I'll see you soon."
She turned the phone off quickly before she could stop herself from hitting the button to erase the message.
She took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose before opening her eyes to see Jake standing there, leaning in the doorway, staring at her.
Bella dropped her hand.
Great.
Now she was going to have to deal with his being pissed at her on top of everything else.
Great.
But he didn't look pissed.
As a matter of fact, his face was unreadable.
He pushed off the doorway and walked over to her.
Bella's heart started pounding.
Please don't let him be mad. I can't handle that right now. Please.
He knelt down before her and lifted a hand to her face, stroking her cheek gently.
"Are you sure you want to go?"
Her eyes widened.
"I would understand if you didn't."
She stared at him in disbelief.
"Why wouldn't I want to go?"
Why? Because she tried to do some shred of the right thing by not completely leaving Edward behind without a single form of goodbye? By not allowing him to torture himself over what he had said to her over the next four days?
He grabbed her right hand and kissed it.
"I'm not saying you don't, sweetheart. I just don't want you to be unhappy at all. You've been through a lot these last couple of days and I don't want to add to that by making you feel obligated to go on this trip with me."
She pulled her hand out of his grip.
"That's what you think? I feel 'obligated'? And that's why I'm going? Not because maybe I just want to spend some time with you and get away from all of this shit? To be with you and just you?"
The tears were slowly streaming down her face.
The hand on her cheek wiped them away softly.
"No, sweetheart. I didn't mean it like that. I just want you to be okay. That's all."
He leaned forward and kissed her nose, placing his forehead against hers.
"That's all I want."
She sniffled.
"Get me out of here, Jake, and I will be."
He nodded.
"Okay, sweetheart. Okay."
He kissed her nose one more time and then stood up, holding his hand out to her.
She took it and stood up.
She waited for him to move and when he didn't, she looked at him and realized what the holdup was.
Without realizing it, she had given him her left hand.
He was staring down at it in his, not saying a word.
Shit.
"Jake?"
He looked back up at her and again she couldn't read him.
He nodded and entangled their fingers, kissing her forehead and then turning to lead them downstairs.
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
They had left the house and made their way to his garage by 9:35.
Jake had unloaded their luggage and Seth came over to talk to him about some last minute things.
Seth had smiled and said hello to her.
She had given him a small smile and nodded to him.
She clung to Jake's side, her hand still in his.
Great. Now she was being clingy.
She just didn't feel as confident as she had yesterday.
Even when the rest of the guys came over to say a final goodbye to Jake and wish them a nice vacation, cracking dirty jokes (Jake was hitting the back of Paul's head repeatedly with his free hand) and laughing, Bella stayed mute. Nodding and smiling and turning into Jake's side even more. She just didn't feel like the same Bella who had made out with Jake in the backseat of Jared's car yesterday while the three of them sat up front. The same Bella who had practically fought Seth to get to Jake yesterday when Ness had ripped him apart. The same Bella period. She was nowhere to be found. Even though, Bella now had what she had wanted most this whole time, this trip alone with Jake, she never resurfaced.
Jake squeezed her hand intermittently, smiling down at her every now and then.
A few minutes later, the town car they had been waiting for pulled into the lot.
The driver parked beside them and got out.
"Mr. Black?"
Jake nodded and let go of Bella's hand for a minute.
"That's me."
"Hi. My name is Tom and I'll be your driver this morning. Is this all the luggage we're taking with us?"
Jake nodded again and moved to grab a bag.
"Yeah. Let me help you with that."
Tom shook his head.
"It's fine, Mr. Black. You and Mrs. Black can get in the car and relax. I'll take care of everything."
Bella didn't wince at the mistake the man made. But it didn't make her smile, either. Not like it would have a day ago.
She didn't even bother to look at Jake, not sure she'd want to see the expression there.
Tom walked over to the car and opened the back door, motioning for them to get inside.
Jake grabbed her hand and squeezed, looking down at her.
"Ready to go, babe?"
Bella nodded and he smiled.
He led her over to the car and the guys called out their goodbyes, making catcalls and laughing.
Jake glared at them.
"Seth, find Paul the crappiest jobs you can find."
"Hey!"
Seth laughed.
"You got it, man."
Bella smiled when Paul shook his head, giving Jake a scowl.
Tom smiled at her and offered his hand.
She reluctantly took it and he helped her into the back.
Jake followed right after her and Tom shut the door.
"You alright, honey?"
Bella smiled and nodded, then cuddled up to him and laid her head on his shoulder.
He reached down and tenderly removed her sandals and then swung her bare legs over his lap.
He kissed her forehead and rubbed her back.
He smiled down at her.
"I like your dress, by the way. Very pretty. You had all the guys drooling. I thought I was gonna have to kick Paul in the 'nads pretty soon just to get him to stop staring at you."
Rose had lent Bella a few outfits through Emmett. Bella was surprised to come downstairs this morning to find a small bag with a note attached in Rose's perfect handwriting.
"Bella,
Enclosed are a few outfits for your trip. Put them on and don't make a fuss. They're all labeled accordingly. Have a nice trip. Call me if you need anything.
Rose"
And Rose was true to her word. Every outfit had been bagged separately and labeled. This dress and sweater had been labeled 'Travel'.
Surprisingly, the color somewhat coordinated with Jake's black fitted t-shirt and jeans.
Bella wondered if Rose had coordinated his wardrobe as well.
And then she realized that this was Rose and Jake she was thinking about.
She shook her head, smiling up at Jake.
She grabbed his hand and held it to her cheek after placing a soft kiss to it.
Then she wriggled closer to him, laying her head down on his chest, right under his chin.
She sighed contentedly.
"I love you, Jake."
He laid his cheek on top of her head.
"I love you, Bells."
He rubbed her back soothingly.
Tom closed the trunk and got in, smiling at them in the rearview mirror.
"To the airport, Mr. Black?"
Jake nodded.
"To the airport."
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
They had gotten to the airport relatively quickly.
Tom had unloaded the luggage for them and helped them with curb-side check-in.
Then he smiled, wished them a nice trip and drove away.
Jake grabbed Bella's hand and pulled her into the terminal.
They went through the annoying process of security, removing their shoes, placing everything in bins and going through the metal detectors. An aggravating process but a necessary one like Jake said once they were clear. That alone makes you shut up and just do it, not minding or complaining about the time it takes. As long as everyone is safe. Bella agreed.
He held her hand and walked them past the stores.
Jake looked at the watch on his left wrist.
"Bells, we have a little bit before we gotta board. Anything you want for the plane? Anything you need?"
"No. I'm okay."
He smiled at her and pulled her in to kiss her forehead.
"Okay. Well, let's head in here quick, see if there's anything to read. I don't have my copy of Wuthering Heights on me."
He winked at her and she laughed.
He kissed her forehead once more and then led them into the store.
Sure enough, Jake made a beeline for the papers, checking out the sports sections.
Bella shook her head, smiling, and headed over to the magazines.
She grabbed an ESPN magazine she saw and the latest issue of Maxim, some hot young actress on the cover posing sexily in a scrap of clothing.
She walked back over to Jake and thrust them to his chest.
He looked down at them in confusion and then took them from her.
He smiled at the ESPN one and his eyes bugged at the Maxim.
"Seriously, Bells? You're actually allowing me to buy that?"
She gave him a mock glare.
"Oh, so you are going to buy it?"
She saw Jake's adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed.
"Not if you don't want me to."
She rolled her eyes and leaned up and kissed his throat.
"Jake. I handed it to you, you idiot. Of course, you can buy it. I don't care. Don't get so worried."
She then leaned up and whispered into his ear.
"Besides, I hear they have great articles in there that we can both enjoy."
She heard Jake gulp again and she shook her head, leaning down, smirking up at him.
"You know, you're right. Thanks, Bells. I think I'll get this after all."
She shook her head again and kissed his shoulder, chuckling.
"Sure, sure."
He grinned and gathered up everything.
He turned to head towards the register and then detoured to the magazine rack.
Bella stared after him in confusion.
She then saw him pick up an issue of Cosmopolitan and then walk back to her.
She arched her brows questioningly.
Jake smirked.
"You know. For both of us."
She laughed and grabbed his hand, leading him to the counter.
"Alright. Let's go. Before you find any other magazines that I have to hide in my purse."
Jake's laugh echoed throughout the store.
~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~
Jake held her hand and walked them to the gate they were leaving from.
In his other hand, he carried the bag from the store.
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.
"I'm happy we're going, sweetheart."
She smiled warmly at him.
"Me, too."
He smiled back at her.
They turned into a waiting area and sat down.
Bella scanned the board quickly and gasped.
"Seattle, Jake? What's in Seattle?"
Jake shrugged and smiled.
She shook her head.
"Maintaining 'military silence', are we?"
Jake shrugged again.
She laughed and laid her head on his shoulder, holding his arm.
"You're too much, Jake."
His hand began rubbing her shoulder as he kissed her head, letting his lips linger there.
"Um-hmm."
Eventually, they boarded the plane and were brought to the first class area, the flight attendants working to make them as comfortable as possible.
Bella sat near the window and Jake took the aisle seat.
"Would you like something to drink, sir?"
"Maybe some coffee, please?"
The flight attendant nodded.
"How would you like it, sir?"
"Black, two sugars, thanks."
Bella smiled and grabbed his hand.
"Anything for you, ma'am?"
"Some water, please."
"Sparkling or bottled?"
"Bottled, please. Thank you."
The flight attendant nodded again, smiled and left.
Jake turned to Bella and grinned.
"Water? You're in first class and you order water?"
Bella frowned.
"What? I'm thirsty."
Jake laughed.
"Uh huh."
Bella stuck her tongue out at him, making him laugh again.
He shook his head, staring ahead.
"I love you, Bells."
Bella smiled and leaned in, kissing his cheek.
"I love you, too, Jake. I really do."
She hugged him and laid her head on his shoulder.
His free hand reached up and grabbed her left hand.
He rubbed the bare spot on her hand with his thumb.
He turned to look at her and held her hand up to his lips.
"I know."
He kissed it and then leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
"Thank you."
He whispered it to her hairline, making her smile and close her eyes.
And for a split second, she felt it.
This was where she belonged.
Right here.
In his arms.