All Characters as well as all things Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer

A/N I apologize for the delay in updating. I got a wee bit tied up in the Olympics. I was hoping to update over the weekend but I got more than a bit tied up in Olympic hockey. Being Canadian is my only defence!

I so need to thank my beta, Georgia Dawgette for her help with this chapter. I had a mini meltdown and completely blanked on how to finish this chapter. Without her it would have probably been another week wait for this one. Thank you again to everyone who continues to review, they inspire me to keep writing. Also thanks to those that have added this story to their favorites and alerts.

BPOV

One moment we were at the bottom of the stairs, the next I was being dumped, rather unceremoniously onto Jasper's expansive mattress, the blankets still a rumpled mess from this morning. A deep chuckle emanated from the culprit, where he stared down at me from the foot of the bed.

"Such a romantic you are Jazz." I leaned back amongst the tangle of blankets and pillows, propped on my elbows. A glare on my face, yet I was unable to keep the amusement out of my voice. "The whole caveman routine is quite seductive." I rolled my eyes for effect.

"So it's romance you want huh? To be seduced?" One long leg bent at the knee rose to kneel on the bed, followed slowly by the other; the mattress dipped under his dense weight. Jasper's tawny eyes locked onto mine as he knelt at my feet, and he ever so gently raised them to rest atop his muscular thighs. "Why didn't you say so darlin'?"

A feeling of anticipation coiled tightly in my belly, my desire for him reaching a fever pitch. I was quite aware that this time we would not be interrupted and I couldn't help but wonder if we had finally gotten to the point where he would fully make me his. I was quite aware that he was cognizant of my response to his touch, his voice; and all it implied. My heart beat at a rapid pace, my breaths becoming short little puffs, nevermind the waves of wanton desire most likely spiralling from me to him. Part of me was disconcerted that he was able to feel even the minutest change in me whether it be physical or emotional. However, the majority of my being was grateful that I did not have to spell things out for him, no fear of miscommunication as to what I wanted.

"Baby you are so warm, so soft." His strong, cold hands encasing my denim clad legs as he ever so lightly ran them up and down the length of my calves. The contrast of his alabaster skin against the dark denim mesmerized me as I watched his hands move from my ankles to my knees, his thumbs barely brushing against my inner thigh just above my knee; before retreating back to my bare ankles.

.

Careful of placing any of his weight on me, he stealthily, with an almost feline grace inched his way up my legs; only to settle himself back on his heels over my knees. His hands continued to illicit responses from me as he ran his flattened palms over the tops of my thighs, around to my hips; his straying thumbs ever so gently grazing over my hip bones.

Jasper's face remained impassive, nearly impossible to read. The only proof that he was as affected by his action as I, was the darkening of his once tawny eyes, and the deep breaths he drew. I, on the other hand, was a near trembling mess by the time his hands began to skate under the hem of my shirt to trace over the bare skin of my abdomen. Jasper's long fingers spanned my waist as he moved his hands up my torso to just below my lace covered breasts. His teasing touches were enough to nearly drive me mad. The icy coolness of his fingers setting off sparks on my skin, a seductive companion to the throbbing ache between my thighs.

"Jasper." I moaned breathlessly "Please."

"Please what darlin?" A throaty chuckle accompanied his enquiry.

"Touch me." My hands rested on his rock hard thighs, fingers curled, nails digging into denim that was stretched over unrelenting marble.

"Oh but sweetheart, I am touching you." His tone was teasing and seductive. "Or did you have some place particular in mind?"

Fluidly Jasper arranged our bodies so that we were kneeling, our knees grazing against each other. Dipping his head, his long fingers brushed the blanket of my hair aside as he lowered his lips to nuzzle at my neck "Like here?" His icy breath puffing against the sensitive skin of my throat caused a shiver to race up my spine. Jasper's lips glided to my ear, his tongue swirling around the lobe before he whispered, "Or here?"

I groaned my impatience, the sound a mixture of yearning and frustration as he continued to torture me with feather light kisses along my jaw; his strong hands lightly grasping my hips. Curling my fingers around the hem of his shirt I tugged up, hoping to impart the need I had to feel the coolness of his skin against the heat of my own.

"Patience Bella." Jasper whispered as his strong hands, which had been resting on my hips, glided upwards ever so slowly divesting me of my own shirt. "We have plenty of ......." A piercing ring from Jasper's pocket interrupted his words. "Shit!" Reaching into his pocket he gave me an apologetic look before explaining. "It's Alice sweetheart, I have to answer. It could be important."

"Sure, I understand." I said over the lump of disappointment that was lodged in my throat. Part of me was crushed that our attempts at being intimate had been foiled, while another part longed to have contact with the culprit responsible for the interruption. With as much grace as I could muster I climbed off the bed, needing to distance myself while he spoke to Alice. Retrieving my shirt from the floor, where Jasper had unceremoniously tossed it, I padded to the bathroom. The click of the door shutting blocked out Jasper's greeting as he answered the phone.

Bracing my hands on the vanity I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Flushed cheeks, dishevelled hair. Guilt spiked through me. While Jasper had assured me that Alice was beyond ecstatic that we'd found each other, I couldn't help but feel as though I was taking something from her. Until I could hear from Alice that we had her blessing, I did not think anything would be able to convince me that I hadn't in some way wronged my best friend, my sister.

As for once again having our lovemaking interrupted, I was starting to believe that the fates had a hand in it. Jasper had reiterated to me how Alice had been adamant that the road would not be clear for us until I faced and resolved things once and for all with Edward. Maybe this was fates way of backing her up. It was either that or Jasper and I just had terrible luck. Either way, the earlier mood had been broken. All I truly felt up to now was a shower, hoping the hot water could soothe some of my insecurities and frustrations away.

JPOV

Hearing the click of the bathroom door I felt Bella's absence immediately. Where moments ago her warmth had surrounded me I now felt........bereft. Sighing I flipped open my phone, the ring tone already giving away who would be on the other end. "Alice this better fucking be good." I hissed.

"Whoa Jazz, why so hostile?" The little all seeing pixie on the other end of the line not convincing me that she wasn't aware of what she'd interrupted. I was nearly overcome by the urge to toss the offending phone away and go after Bella. The only thing that stopped me was my paranoia that something could be wrong. Although Alice and I still spoke fairly regularly, never twice in two days.

"Don't feed me that shit Alice. I know you watch my future." There wasn't anyone that knew Alice better than I.

"Jazz for obvious reasons there are certain hmm, visions I make a point of blocking. As happy as I am for you and Bella, I don't need details." She explained. Alice and I always had a way of communicating without having to spell everything out. Therefore it was not the least bit surprising that she'd picked up on exactly what event in my life I had assumed she had foreseen, and effectively ground to a halt.

I knew Alice did not have a vindictive bone in her body, but I was having a hard time reigning in my emotions, especially with the image of Bella looking almost entirely dejected imprinted on my mind. The disappointment that had radiated from her as she'd left the room, combined with the feelings of guilt and frustration flowing from beyond the bathroom door, were not lending any strength to my emotional stability.

"I apologize Alice, it's just somewhat of an emotional minefield around here at the moment." I knew it was no excuse for snapping at her, however, knowing Alice she would understand.

"It's fine Jazz, no harm done. Now as for what I called about." She chirped, my harsh words apparently already forgiven. "I'm flying out of Fairbanks at seven tomorrow morning and I'll be arriving in New Orleans at 9:23 tomorrow night."

"You're what?" This was not something I'd been expecting, not so soon anyway. Then again, I shouldn't have been at all shocked seeing as how Alice thrived on surprises.

"I'm coming there." She stated simply. "It's getting increasingly difficult to keep Edward out of my head. Even I only have so many items in my wardrobe that I can take inventory of, and as soon as I begin translating anything into a foreign language he gets suspicious. Besides, Bella needs me."

"Bella needs you?" I questioned.

"She does. Let me guess." She began much to my amusement. Something Alice never had to do was guess. "You're being bombarded with feelings of guilt from the bathroom?"

"I thought you blocked these visions out Alice." I growled, now doubting her earlier declaration that visions of mine and Bella's more intimate moments were blocked.

"Don't be so obtuse Jazz, of course I block those ones out. This is different. Bella is in pain and I cannot ignore it any longer. I spent years doing that and I'm done. She needs me, so I'm coming."

"Why do you think it's you she needs Alice?" I cringed, hoping the way I'd phrased my enquiry wouldn't offend her.

"For someone so attuned to the feelings of others you are still such a man Jasper Whitlock!" She admonished. "Bella is feeling guilty because she thinks she's betraying me by being with you."

"That's ridiculous; I told her we had your blessing." I assured my former wife who was beginning to grate upon my last nerve.

"She needs to hear it from me Jazz. Please take my word for it. It's going to eat at her until I tell her myself just how okay I am with this turn of events. Besides, she misses me; and I her." I had no doubt Alice was telling me the truth. If there was one thing I could be certain of, it was that she would never steer me wrong or purposely deceive me to get her own way.

I sighed, quite aware that this was a battle I was not going to win. Truth be told I wasn't sure I wanted to. Bella's longing to see Alice had been quite obvious to me, and realistically there was very little I would be able to deny her. "Alright Alice, you win. Will you need me to pick you up from the airport?"

"Of course not silly. I've already arranged for a rental and I know my way to Char and Peter's." She giggled, her excitement over the imminent reunion with Bella apparent in her voice.

"I'll prepare Bella, we both know how well surprises go over with her." I stifled a groan, the image of an angry Bella crossing my mind.

"Alright Jazz, now go cheer her up and I'll see you both tomorrow." Alice's lilting voice a welcome interruption to the pissed off human I was currently imagining.

"Alright Ali, til' tomorrow." I heard the click in my ear as she hung up.

Sitting on the end of the bed I was torn over whether to join Bella in the bathroom, or wait for her to come to me. Hearing the shower turn on, fully aware that it meant Bella was only feet away from me wet and naked did absolutely nothing for my control. Making a split second decision I rapidly disposed of my clothing before entering the steam filled bathroom.

Even through the haze it took no effort with my eyesight to make out Bella's alluring form behind the frosted glass of the shower doors. Her curvy silhouette, legs so long for someone so petite, dark mantle of hair flowing down her back in wet curls; she was perfection. The aroma of her strawberry shampoo combined with her own unique scent was tantalizing. Rather than the jolt of desire I anticipated feeling, I was instead struck with a tug of tenderness as I looked upon the amazing creature that was Bella.

There had been no shift in her emotions since I'd entered the room, making it obvious that she didn't know I was there. Gingerly I slid open the shower door and stepped in behind Bella. Resting my hands on the silky skin of her shoulders I dipped my head to place a chaste kiss against the back of her neck. "Thought you might like some company." I murmured hoping my presence wouldn't upset her more. My comment was met with silence, though I could feel no anger coming from her.

Bella showed no reaction, no emotion whatsoever to my presence. Her eyes were open but she didn't seem to recognize that I was even there with her.

"I'm sorry darlin'. Please don't shut me out." I pleaded with her. Panic gripped me, a sense of dread settling in my stomach, fearing that Bella had possibly been pushed to far this time. Of all the mistakes I'd made in my existence, this I was certain would be the only one that could destroy me if I didn't fix it.

BPOV

I felt Jasper's body stiffen behind me and sensed something else.........anxiousness, panic. Both were strong enough to crack the shell I'd wrapped myself in, needing to block out the negative feelings threatening to overshadow all my newfound happiness. It was a defense mechanism I'd perfected after Edward had left me. I'd over time gotten to the point that I was able to block out the pain that had for so long continually tried to drag me down, often for days at a time. The downside however was that same shell also kept anything good out, essentially cutting me off from the world around me.

The emotions projecting off of Jasper had been enough to pull me out of myself. A desire to ease his worries far surpassing the need to bury things I didn't want to feel. Turning to face Jasper, unconcerned with my nudity I wrapped my arms around his waist. "I'm not angry Jasper." I mumbled into his broad chest.

With his index finger under my chin he lifted my face. The sight of his eyes, filled with emotion, was nearly my undoing. I was hit with the realization that I was hurting him.

"Bella, please do not ever shut me out." Jasper's voice was tortured.

"I-I'm sorry." I stammered, lowering my eyes.

"You have nothing to apologize for darlin'. I just want you to know you don't have to do it all on your own all the time. Let me be here for you Bella."

I nodded my head, tears threatening to overwhelm me. It had been so long since I'd felt like I was a part of something. Jasper's words made me feel as though we truly were a team, and that we'd face everything that would come our way together. There was one thing however that he couldn't give me, for that I needed Alice. But that was a discussion that could wait for later. With our water slicked bodies flush against each other, I refocused my attention on the specimen of perfection who was currently feathering his fingertips lightly up and down my arms. I was torn, I so badly wanted Alice's blessing but I craved his touch.

Jasper reached for my bath sponge and shower gel that I had set on one of the built-in shower shelves. Pouring a generous amount of the strawberry scented liquid onto the sponge he created a lather between his hands. Almost as if he could read my mind as well as he read my emotions, he swiped the foam covered sponge gently across my still too tense shoulders. Without a word he continued to lather my body with the sweet smelling foam, massaging my taut muscles with what I was sure was just the slightest bit of pressure; only a small fraction of what he was truly capable of. As comforting and relaxing as it was to have the puffy pink sponge massage the tension out of me under Jasper's guiding hand, it wasn't what my body was truly yearning for.

Watching rivulets of water trail down Jasper's chest I was nearly mesmerized. Raising my face to look up into his I was a little taken aback to see that his face was completely relaxed, eyes closed, his lips just slightly parted. He appeared so peaceful, which was one expression I wasn't sure I'd ever seen grace his beautiful features. With a sigh I rested my cheek against his hard body, a sense of contentment I'd never before felt washing over me.

"My Bella." I heard Jasper softly murmur before I felt his lips against the top of my head. With those two simple words all the earlier doubts and insecurities took a back seat to the swell of love that consumed me.

JPOV

Bella and I had easily drained the contents of my overly large hot water tank with the length of time we'd spent in the shower. It had been tender and sensuous however, not overtly sexual in any way. We had held each other, while intermittently exchanging soft caresses and lingering kisses. By the time the rapidly cooling water had forced us out of our sanctuary Bella's emotions had improved immensely. We or rather I had then been distracted by a rumbling that was most obviously Bella's stomach voicing its hunger. Bella though had merely giggled over my distress that I'd forgotten her need for food, before assuring me she was indeed a big girl and quite capable taking care of her human needs. I was definitely not in my element, the self assuredness that was second nature for me was almost non-existent when it came to Bella. The predilection I had to treat her with kid gloves would have to cease, as it was increasing my stress level exponentially. Besides, I was quite sure Bella did not appreciate it; although she was much too kind to call me out on it.

Perched on the ledge of one of the dark granite countertops in my kitchen, I watched Bella as she ate a sandwich she'd thrown together for herself. I silently mused about how long I would be able to put off the conversation I knew couldn't be avoided. Not only had I yet to inform Bella of Alice's impending visit, we hadn't spoken at all about why or even how she'd been able to almost entirely close her emotions off from me. I had also sensed that there was something Bella wanted to tell me, although it was impossible to pinpoint exactly what it could be. There wasn't going to be any easy way to start this conversation, so now was as good a time as any to test taking off those kid gloves.

"Bella, about the call from Alice....." I started

"Jazz, I need to see her, talk to her, something." She interrupted before I could let her in on the details.

"I know." Sliding off the counter I took my time walking to where Bella was standing across the room.

"But how?' The confused look on her beautiful face, a match to what I felt from her.

"Alice told me." What I didn't tell Bella was how it goaded me that Alice had been correct when she'd told me of Bella's need for her.

"Of course she did." Bella nodded, as though it all made sense now.

Taking a deep breath that I didn't require, I said the words that she'd either loathe or love. I was betting on the latter considering her confession about needing to see or talk to Alice. "She's coming here Bella." I could sense disbelief.

"W-what?" She stammered.

"Alice will be here in the morning darlin'."

A/N Due to the number of stories being removed from this site and knowing the future content of this story I've begun posting this story at The Writer's Coffee Shop as well. I've put a link on my profile.