A/N This is a short chapter, but I wanted to get it up today, and I had a limited time frame. I'll post again on Friday.

Rated M, don't read if you're under 18

Stephanie Meyer owns twilight

This is a slash story, don't like, don't read.

Chapter 5 – Down in Texas

Edward came completely undone as he stared at the man in front of him. He thought sweaty Jasper was sexy, and he was, but then Edward had seen suit Jasper at the party and he'd nearly been blown away. Edward actually thought his brain might be melting as he took in fucking cowboy Jasper. God, what if Jasper rode horses? Would Edward ever be able to watch that and not get hard? Not judging by the uncomfortable tightness in his pants.

Jasper started to grow uncomfortable as Edward stared. The younger man was incredibly hot in street clothes. The dark green shirt hugged him in all the right places, and the flesh peaking out of the open collar hinted at the muscled torso beneath. Jasper willed Edward to listen. If he could just have 5 minutes, he could try to explain, "I didn't know if you had a ride from the airport." Edward blinked.

"Huh? … I'm here with the cowboy, err… camera crew." Edward blushed, but Jasper chose to ignore the slip.

"Is there any chance you'd let me explain? apologize?" Edward's brain was stuck on a mantra: must not have sex in public, no public sex. His body was having quite a different opinion and he wasn't sure which would win. He decided it would be better to avoid having to wait for the war to finish.

While he didn't want to cause a public scene, he was also relatively certain that he couldn't physically distance himself from Jasper until he was more under control. Edward was great at snap decisions. He decided the only reasonable course of action would be to go with Jasper. Everything would be fine.

"Talking, yeah… Let's go." Jasper was shocked that Edward was being so agreeable, "Do you have a car?" Jasper grinned.

"I have a truck." Edward almost moaned, but stopped himself at the last moment, "You can't pull a horse trailer safely with a car, so I had to go with the truck, or I would have no way to attend rodeo events." Jasper had figured out that the effect his outfit had on Edward was well beyond what he expected or hoped for, perhaps he could get Edward to jump him again.

"Huuu… Rodeo?" the question came out half strangled and Edward quickly looked away from the blond, trying not to envision the powerful cowboy straddling a raging… he failed.

They reached Jasper's truck and Edward waited for the other man to unlock the doors. Jasper popped the locks and Edward pulled open the cab. He stepped up to the seat, but hesitated as he realized there was something sitting on the passenger's side seat. It was a belt buckle the shape of Texas, it said "Everything's Bigger in Texas." Jasper saw the belt buckle on Edward's seat a split second later. He grabbed it and threw it in the back. His face tinged with red. He hadn't known whether the reaction to the belt buckle would make him seem like some sort of sex monster to Edward, so he'd opted to forgo it until after the talk.

"You wanted to talk to me?" Edward's voice was high pitched and frantic. He was trying to do anything but focus on whether or not Jasper would be bigger in Texas. Edward hoped he would.

"Um yeah… I, uh… I talked with Emmett, and I found out a little about what he's told y'all about me." Oh god, his accent was thicker in Texas. Edward squirmed on his seat, immensely glad for the backpack on his lap. They both closed their doors and Jasper started the truck, pulling out of the parking space, "I just wanted to set the record straight about that, and then apologize for a couple things."

Edward traced circles on the door, not wanting to have any more mental images of Jasper gripping things, Jasper in the cowboy outfit, Jasper in a truck. Edward needed to control himself. Jasper just wanted to defend himself; he wasn't trying to start something.

"First of all, I'm gay." Edward's head snapped around so quickly he worried he might have given himself whiplash. Jasper's eyes were on the road, but he was obviously serious. Edward didn't have the guts to say anything. He would probably blurt nonsense if he opened his mouth at this point. Either that or propose something dirty.

"I asked Emmett to keep it a secret from your family, because I was young and I didn't want anyone to hold more crap against me." By 'anyone' Jasper obviously meant Esme. Edward was almost tempted to tell him Esme had virtually forgiven him and thought rather highly of his successes. There was the brain melt situation, though, so Edward saved that for later.

"I don't just go around hooking up with everyone I meet. I've been in exactly 7 relationships in my life, and I've never once had a one night stand." Jasper fidgeted, "well, aside from the night you left." He didn't want to make Edward uncomfortable, but he needed the lead in to the next part of his explanation.

He needn't have worried. Edward was freaking out about how stupid it was to walk out on the sexy cowboy. He was worried that Jasper had only slept with him to calm him down or keep him from driving. Oh god, it was a pity fuck. Edward had been reduced to a pity fuck.

"I want to apologize for a couple things, Edward, if you'll let me." Edward nodded glumly, face red with embarrassment and his perfectly torturous arousal, "I'm sorry I didn't call you the next day. I thought you snuck out because you were embarrassed to be around me. I should have called anyway. I'm really sorry about the auction. I fucked up entirely. I wasn't thinking, I just wanted to get back at you. I'm sorry I've been stalking you for the past week. I just needed to get this out there, and I thought it would be easier in Seattle. I never intended to make things this hard."

Edward groaned as Jasper's words mind fucked all rational thought away. Jasper misinterpreted the groan and hastened to clarify, "I don't expect you to forgive me. I wanted to get it all out there, explain myself, and tell you that I don't regret what happened, I only regret how it happened." Edward was pretty sure the last words he'd said were lust-induced dementia. He wasn't sure if he could actually string words together to form a sentence. After Jasper stopped introducing images into his head, Edward slowly recovered from his addled state. Jasper waited patiently for Edward to either accept his apology or reject him. They still had a few minutes until they reached the site.

"You… don't regret sleeping with me?" Edward squirmed a little in his seat. Jasper looked at him sidelong.

"No."

Edward processed this. Was it possible that Jasper wanted him? Had there been signs? Edward never remembered Jasper paying him much attention, but he'd only been around a couple times and Edward had always been worried that Jasper would get him worked up, so Edward had avoided the other man whenever possible.

"I didn't intend to take advantage of you, Edward. I wasn't thinking clearly, and I should have stopped. You were drunk, and I've…" Jasper paused, not sure if he should complete the thought. Edward's breath hitched. Jasper didn't want to fuck anything up, so he had to be completely honest.

"I've thought about you ever since you came into Emmett's room with no shirt when you were 16. I like you Edward, and I want to get to know you."

Edward had not expected anything close to this level of candor. He wasn't sure how to process what Jasper had just said. Apparently, Jasper had liked Edward for almost as long Edward had liked Jasper. It was only weeks before the incident in Emmett's room that Edward saw Jasper lounging next to the pool, tan and muscled and perfect. Edward had always been fascinated by Jasper, but it was only then that he realized it went deeper than curiosity. He started to have fantasies about Jasper, and so he tried to distance himself, avoiding the other man whenever possible. He realized how it must have seemed to Jasper.

"Oh…" Edward said softly, "Jasper, you didn't take advantage of me. I was drunk, but I wanted you. I've wanted you for so long, and I knew you wouldn't ever be interested. I shouldn't have left. Can we start over?"

"Sure thing, darlin'" Edward resisted the urge to molest Jasper, looking out the window as emotion welled up. His eyes prickled and he had the goofiest grin on his face. Suddenly a thought struck him.

"Jasper, why are you here, in Texas?"

"I have some work to do. I heard you were coming in and I knew where the site was, so I thought I could give you a ride. I'm just glad you're not still avoiding me." Jasper gave Edward a significant look and Edward blushed.

"I.. erm… I didn't want to… to lose control. I wasn't mad. I was… erm… horny?" Jasper wanted nothing more than to stop the truck and make Edward lose control, but he remembered what Emmett said about taking things slowly. He gripped the steering wheel tighter.

"Edward, I don't want to seem horribly forward, but… would you go on a date with me?" He gave the younger man a lopsided grin. Edward considered it for a moment.

"You want to… date me?" Edward was hopeful, but confused.

"Edward, I don't want you to freak out on me, can you promise that you'll listen to everything I have to say before you react?" Edward narrowed his eyes, happy feelings evaporating. He nodded his head, "After you talked with Emmett last week, he was worried. He thought your reaction to me was odd, so he tracked down one of your friends," Edward stiffened. He tried to keep his cool, but his face started to heat, "Edward, I don't know what they told him, but he let me know that you've been hurt." Edward opened his mouth to shout at Jasper, but Jasper touched his face gently and Edward stopped, momentarily stunned by the tenderness.

"Edward, he didn't tell me what he knows. He only said that people you dated in the past treated you wrongly, and I don't want to be that guy. I'm not asking you to share your life history, just try not to freak out."

"Emmett had no right—" Edward began hotly, Jasper stroked his cheek.

"Edward, he was worried about you, he's your brother."

"That doesn't mean that he should sneak around my back," Edward said sullenly, "He could have just asked."

Jasper looked at him, "Are you suggesting that you would have shared? From what Emmett told me, you haven't volunteered any information to your family about any of your relationships." Edward sat back.

"Edward, if it was Emmett who had been hurt, or Alice… what would you do?"

Edward's eyes widened as he considered what he might do if he found out someone had treated his siblings like James and Felix treated him, "I'd fucking kill someone." He said truthfully. Jasper caught one of Edward's hands in his own.

"I won't ever push you, Edward. I want to be a good guy, and I want to show you how you deserve to be treated. I want to make you giddy and happy. You're worth all the time it takes for me to redeem myself."

Edward was contemplating how he could answer Jasper, set the record straight, but just then they pulled up to a construction site.

"We're here." Edward looked out dubiously, noting several news vans.

"Time to face the music," he sighed, "I hate media."

"I'm sorry." Jasper squeezed Edward's hand. Edward threw him a dirty look.

"Just because I agreed to a date doesn't mean you get off the hook for the auction stunt with a simple apology, Whitlock," Jasper gulped, "I'll get you back, just wait." Edward went to hop out of the truck, but realized his shoes were not suitable. He'd also lost his belt and hard hat in the luggage snafu.

"Shit." He muttered under his breath, Jasper hopped out and turned back to the truck.

"Something wrong, darling'?" he drawled, hooking his thumbs into his belt loops. Edward looked at him then swallowed, sexy cowboy images danced through his mind.

"I lost my luggage," he explained, "I left my work boots in my bag, and I'm wearing sneakers." Jasper smiled lazily.

"What size shoe are you?"

"11," Edward answered.

"I just so happen to have another pair of boots. They're not technically work boots, though they're just as protective. Your size, too." Jasper's smile turned into a grin. He pulled out a pair of brown cowboy boots and Edward gulped. He wasn't sure he was ready to be swapping clothes with Jasper, but the alternative was to go in sneaker feet. He didn't want to crush toes or step on nails. He took the boots with a rough 'thanks.' Edward bent over to untie his shoes, presenting his ass to Jasper. The blond groaned throatily, and Edward straightened, throwing a guilty look over his shoulder.

"Don't tease me, Edward," Jasper said thickly, "I'm tryin' to be a gentleman." Edward marveled that he had any sort of effect on Jasper. He hopped up in the truck to untie his shoes. He pulled on the boots and hopped out of the truck once more. He slammed the door and Jasper grabbed his belt and one other item before closing his own door behind him. He slipped the belt on and fastened it, then turned to find Edward.

Edward leaned against the hood of the truck, hoping the press wouldn't notice him so he could have a couple more seconds of reprieve, "How do I look, Cowboy?" he asked Jasper in a terrible drawl. Jasper looked him up and down, taking in his dark jeans, deep green shirt and the cowboy boots. He shrugged nonchalantly.

"Your accent is atrocious, and there's somethin' missin'…" He made a slow circle around the front of the truck. Edward stayed where he was, and Jasper came up behind him. Edward resisted the temptation to turn around or press himself back into Jasper's hard body. He tingled with anticipation. Jasper tipped his hat back and swiftly kissed the side of Edward's neck before pulling away and plopping a hat on the younger man's head.

Edward looked positively sinful from behind, then he turned around, a blinding smile on his face, and Jasper's heart skipped a beat. Edward was so beautiful. He also seemed completely unaware of his own beauty, which only served to enhance it.

"Perfect," Jasper said quietly.

Edward gave Jasper the same once over, then his eyes rested on the belt and widened. Jasper grinned shyly, "I wasn't sure if I should wear it to meet you. Didn't want to send the wrong message if you were still mad."

Edward let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding, "No crossed wires here, Jasper." He stepped toward Jasper, reaching out his hands to draw the blond into a kiss, but Jasper stepped away, hands behind his back. Edward frowned at him, but Jasper was looking over the redhead's shoulder.

"Your public awaits, Edward. Unless you intend on giving them a show…" he trailed off, and Edward thought about just that, but he didn't want to get ahead of himself, not like he had with James and Felix. He was older now, but no more experienced, and his self-confidence had never really recovered from the assholes he'd dated previously. He nodded and let his hands drop.

Edward composed himself and turned to face the cameras, publicity mask on. He was accosted by 5 reporters from various local network stations, and the documentary crew trailed after them, though they didn't ask any questions. Edward answered a few basic questions as he made his way to the frame of the building they were to construct. It was little more than a foundation, but already there were several people cobbling together what would become a functional shelter in a little under a month. Once he reached the building, he attempted to extricate himself from the press. They kept asking questions, but he refused to answer, hoping they would back off. Finally an older man in worn work clothes came out and shouted for silence.

"This is a construction area." He called out, "Anyone not volunteering on this here house needs to skedaddle. It's not safe to have that equipment in here, and all you people are just going to get in the way." The reporters grumbled, but Edward turned to them.

"You all know I'm here to work. I can't help out if I'm constantly answering questions. I'll only speak with the press before 7 am or after 5 pm for the duration of this project. If you don't respect the spirit of this charitable endeavor, I will inform your supervisors and the authorities and have you forcibly removed. This is for the safety of you, the press, as well as for the safety of every volunteer. I refuse to be responsible for hindering this project. If you can't handle these rules, speak up now."

Edward was happy he'd developed such a thick skin. He was doubly satisfied when nobody protested. He turned to the man and held out a hand, "I apologize for their behavior, I'm Edward Cullen, and I'm here to work."

"I'm Joe," he said, and gave Edward a quick once-over, grimacing at the hat and the shirt, "You need a hard hat, don't suppose you brought one…" Edward frowned a little.

"My luggage was lost on the way here. I hope to have it by tomorrow, but my hat was in it, as were all the rest of my clothes." The man nodded, face clearing a bit.

"You need to wear an undershirt. That monstrosity is going to be a furnace." He gestured to Edward's Henley, "Remember that for tomorrow. White undershirt with some sort of over-shirt to wear until the temperature rises. If you have a getup like that, you'll get heatstroke by the middle of the day. For today, you can go shirtless, I suppose, but an undershirt is safer. You don't have to worry about the sun, but they're light enough that you don't overheat." Edward nodded, annoyed that I hadn't listened to Alice's wardrobe advice. The hat was unavoidable, but he should have taken her word for the undershirt and flannel. It was still relatively cool, so he didn't immediately remove his shirt, but he took off the hat. Edward realized that he didn't know where Jasper was working while he was down here. Maybe he could get Jasper's number from Emmett and call him. Edward also realized he hadn't given Jasper his number. Jasper had no way to call Edward for their date.

Edward apologized to Joe, "I need to return the hat to its owner, I'll be right back." He headed to the parking lot, hoping that Jasper hadn't left yet. He was in luck. Jasper's truck was still in the lot. Edward saw no sign of the blond, but put the hat in the front seat. He also found a sheet of paper and scribbled down his cell phone number, letting Jasper know when he would be free from working on the shelter. Jasper hadn't returned by the time Jasper finished, and he set the paper on the driver's seat and shut the door.

Edward returned quickly to the construction site. He found a table with hard hats and swiped one, placing it firmly on his head. He looked around for Joe and found the older man quickly. Joe was shaping some wood for a railing, "Are you in charge here, Joe?" Edward asked, "I need something to do." Joe shook his head and paused in his task for a moment.

"You need to talk to the foreman. I'm not sure if he's arrived yet. Until he comes down to the site, you can start by hauling boards from out front. I need 3 of the twelve foot lengths of 2x6s." Edward nodded; glad he'd learned a little about lumber from his father. He trotted off to procure the correct boards. Edward found out that Joe was one of 3 skilled laborers provided by the contracting company. He was the carpenter, and there was also an electrician and an architect. Joe kept him running around for the next fifteen minutes before the two found out that the foreman was already on site. Apparently he was speaking with the electrician and would be by to talk to Joe in a few minutes.

The sun was starting to warm up, so Edward peeled off the Henley that was damp with sweat. He continued to run errands for Joe for a few more minutes, finding the fetching and carrying satisfying in its simplicity. He enjoyed the physical labor, maybe he'd even develop some muscle mass.

Edward kept himself in shape, but he'd never been bulky, he was slim and toned. He thought of Jasper's chest and arms enviously. Edward felt his cock begin to stiffen and pushed thoughts of Jasper away. Hopefully the blond would call Edward tonight, and then they could go on a date. Edward would wait until he had the real thing in front of him, he didn't need fantasies.

Edward dropped off the latest load of lumber; sure he'd carried half a forest in from the yard outside. Joe didn't even check to make sure he'd gotten the right kind.

"Foreman just stopped by; he wants to see you in the kitchen." Joe gestured to one door frame that led to the correct room. Edward nodded and walked through the door, traversing the incomplete hallway toward the foreman. He hoped he wasn't too much of a disappointment. Edward entered the empty kitchen and looked around, not seeing anyone.

"…and tell the supplier we need the shingles by next week. There's supposed to be a storm brewing, and I want to get the roof finished quickly so that we can…" Edward heard a familiar voice approaching and as it broke into the open room, it trailed off with an intake of breath.

Jasper didn't expect Edward to be sweaty and shirtless. His cock sprang to attention as he took in the body he'd been fantasizing about for almost a month. The look on Edward's face was somewhere between surprise and embarrassment, and his body flushed down past his neck as Jasper devoured him with a searing gaze.

"Great…" Edward said, "I suppose you're the foreman?"

Jasper reined in his raging hormones and grinned, "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cullen, I'm Jasper Whitlock. I'll be in charge for the next 3 weeks."