Singing Softly Chapter 6, a twilight fanfic

I know what you're thinking, "HOLY COW another new chapter already?" Yep that's right. Bella and Edward were awfully talkative and they just wouldn't take no for an answer, so here ya go.

Song in this chapter is Animal by Neon Trees, if you haven't heard it then you're missing out.

Stephenie Meyer is the genius behind Twilight, I just like to make the characters do my bidding.

I dropped Rose off at the airport with a tearful goodbye right before I had to go to work at Eclipse. Emmett had said his goodbyes to her earlier. It was very sweet. They were bound and determined to make this work, which meant taking things slow. I was happy about this, Rose had slept with guys relatively early into the relationship and it just ended badly. I could tell already that that wouldn't be an issue with them, but better safe than sorry.

"Hey Bella! I heard you rocked at it at Requiem's on Saturday. I'm sorry I missed it." Angela had come up to the stage as she usually does when I first got there.

"Oh yeah, I guess. You can come to the next show Ang." I continued setting up as we talked about the show and everything that went down. I told her I'd fill her in on the whole Edward/Jasper thing later since it was getting late and it was almost time to open up. She gave me a wave and headed to the bar to get ready for the customers.

Twenty minutes later the place was packed and I started with my regular schpeel telling everyone how karaoke worked, blah, blah, blah. Jasper wasn't coming tonight, he had some patient who needed to see him last minute and I expected Emmett to be at home moping or here getting shitfaced. The music in the club was playing as I waited for requests when I saw Edward stroll in with a guy I'd never seen before. When he noticed me staring at him he smiled and waved, I returned the gesture before getting back to work. A couple people turned in requests so it was time to start things up. The night was turning out to be so much fun. All the singers were rocking their songs, even if they couldn't sing a note they owned the song up there. Edward or his friend had yet to come up with a request, I kept my eye on him the entire time, when he caught me looking at him he smirked but went back to his conversation with his friend. The lull that usually comes during the night was upon me so it was now my turn to sing. I was pumped from all the good energy from the other singers. I punched in the song onto the machine and took the stage.

Here we go again
I kinda wanna be more than friends
So take it easy on me
I'm afraid you're never satisfied.
Here we go again
we're sick like animals
we play pretend
you're just a cannibal
and I'm afraid I wont get out alive
no I won't sleep tonight.

Oh, oh
I want some more
Oh, oh
what are you waiting for?
Take a bite of my heart tonight.
Oh, oh
I want some more
Oh, oh Here we go again
I kinda wanna be more than friends
So take it easy on me
I'm afraid you're never satisfied.
Here we go again
we're sick like animals
we play pretend
you're just a cannibal
and I'm afraid I wont get out alive
no I won't sleep tonight.
what are you waiting for?
what are you waiting for?
Say goodbye to my heart tonight.

Here we are again
I feel the chemicals kicking in
it's getting heavier
I wanna run and hide
I wanna run and hide.
I do it every time
you're killing me now
and I won't be denied by you
the animal inside of you.

Hush hush the world is quiet
hush hush we both can't fight it
It's us that made this mess
why can't you understand?
Woah I won't sleep tonight.
I won't sleep tonight.

I looked everywhere but at Edward during the entire song, afraid of seeing the recognition in his eyes. The applause died down as I went back to the request table. Sitting right one top was a note. I picked it up and put it my pocket for later and got back to work. There were quite a few more songs that had been requested. When I saw Edward's name on one I smiled at the song he chose, it was a perfect choice for his voice and I couldn't wait to hear him sing it.

"Next up is Keith!" I said excitedly in the mic. A tall burly guy who looked 3 sheets to the wind already bounded up the steps to get onto the stage. Once the music got started he was a little off on the timing and stayed that way. They guys was shit faced, and he practically fell over off the stage a few times. The bar was unusually silent as he butchered Break on Through, it was the first time all night that the energy just died, I hoped we could get it back after Keith got off stage. He was finally finished with his song and staggered back to me with the mic in his hands screaming loudly, not even noticing that the bar was silent.

"You know pretty lady, I saw that fella kiss you on stage here last week. I assume that's something you do with all the guys who sing up here, so come 'ere." He grabbed me by the wrist and forcefully pulled me toward him, it fucking hurt, I'm sure I was going to have a bruise by tomorrow. I tried to wiggle my wrist free from his iron grip, but he just held on tighter. I could hear all the different groups of people talking loudly so I wasn't sure if anyone would hear me if I screamed for help. His free hand grabbed my hip roughly, great more bruises. My body was smashed into his large frame and I could feel his breath coming in pants as it came closer to me. "LOOK AT ME GIRL!" He yelled at me, the conversations in the bar just seemed to get louder. He pulled my face up with the hand that was no longer around my wrist so that I was looking at him. I squirmed and cried in horror at what was about to happen, granted he couldn't do much, but we were behind a curtain and nobody could see what was going on. Surely Angela would come back here soon to see what was the hold up, wouldn't she? I squeezed my eyes shut as I waited, unable to do anything.

"Bella, is everything…LET GO OF HER ASSHOLE!" I heard his velvety voice turn menacing in a matter of seconds. Oh thank you God, thank you!

"Edward! Help me." I cried.

"DAD!" Edward yelled out. Dad? He brought his dad here? Suddenly Keith was being pulled away from me and I was enveloped in warmth. I inhaled taking the scent of Edward in and it helped me relax a bit. The bouncer had come over and roughly escorted the man out. Angela was at the mic telling everyone that karaoke was over for the night. Someone was talking to Edward but I couldn't tell what he was saying, the sounds were muffled by my own sobs. Edward's hands rubbed my back and he told me everything would be okay.

"Bella, shh baby. Everything will be okay. He's gone; the bouncer kicked his sorry ass out. I'm so sorry I didn't get here sooner. I'm so, so sorry." His voice was so torn up; I could tell he was blaming himself for not getting to me sooner.

"It's not your fault Edward. If you hadn't gotten back here when you did who knows what that creep would have done. Thank you for helping me." I looked into his eyes, hoping to convey how truly grateful I was that he came back here, then his lips were on mine, hard and demanding. I responded by licking his bottom lip, his mouth opened for me and our tongues seemed to dance with each other. I know it sounds cheesy but there's no other way to describe it. His arms tightened around me, his hand moving down to cup my ass and I moaned into his mouth.

"Edward." An unfamiliar voice broke me out of my Edward induced haze and I pulled away from him, my lips still tingling from the best kiss of my whole damn life.

"Sorry dad. I'll be right there." He said to the man. I turned to get a look at him and I could tell right away where Edward got his good looks. The man looked more like one of Edward's friends then his dad, not appearing to be more than 30. He was graying slightly at his temples, but it was hard to see since his hair was a fair blonde color.

"Hi there. I'm Carlisle Cullen, Edward's father. You must excuse my son's manners; I know my wife and I taught him better than that." He held his hand out to me, so I placed my hand to his. I was shocked when he brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it. Holy hell! I think I may need to sit down.

"Um, hi. I'm Bella." I replied lamely. These two men have effectively turned my mind to mush.

"Hello there Bella. I've heard quite a bit about you already from my son here, but I must say his description of you didn't do you justice. You are absolutely breathtaking my dear." And cue the swooning. My eloquent response to that was to giggle. You'd think after being traumatized that I wouldn't have the capacity to act like a silly little school girl, apparently that would be wrong.

"Dad, quite trying to charm the pants off the poor girl." Edward admonished. His arms were still around me, not that I minded at all. "Bella, let me look at your wrist?" I held out my wrist for him, he poked his finger around the bruised area, twisting it and that's when the pain hit me. I cried out as he twisted it to the left. "It's already bruising, but it looks like that asshole sprained your wrist. You're going to need a brace. You'll also want to ice that to keep the swelling down. Let me go ask the bartender if they have a wrap for you. I'll be back okay?" I nodded in awe of how well he was taking care of me.

"My son is rather taken with you Bella." Carlisle said, pulling me from watching Edward's retreating form.

"What?" I asked. Why would he be taken with me? He could have any girl he wanted, I'm plain, boring and also dating one of his best friends.

"Edward, I can tell how much my son likes you. I understand you are dating Jasper though, is that right?"

"Yes. Jasper's a great guy; we're having a lot of fun together." I told him honestly, trying to figure out where this conversation was going.

"I have to ask and you can tell me it's none of my business, but…" He stopped for a moment, trying to figure out how to say whatever was about to come next. "I can see that you feel something for my son, so I wonder why you two aren't together. Don't misunderstand me, I think very highly of Jasper, he's like a son to me, but I guess I am just confused Bella." I gawked at him, wondering where this guy came from and why the hell does everyone and their mothers continue to ask me what I'm doing with Jasper. Jesus this was getting annoying. How many times do I need to explain myself? "I'm sorry Bella; it's none of my business. I just want to see my son happy."

"No, it's fine sir." I tried gathering my thoughts, I needed a way to explain this without letting him in on the fact that his son was whoring around with everything with tits and I wasn't about to put myself in that situation. I'm sorry sir, but you're son is an ass and screws anything with big tits and I just have more respect for myself than to be one of his conquests. Sorry. Yeah, that would go over real well.

"Please call me Carlisle. Sir makes me feel ancient."

"Well, Carlisle, I can't deny being attracted to Edward, I mean you saw us kissing, but…" I was cut off by Edward coming back with an ice pack and what looked like an Ace bandage.

"Here you go. Let's sit you down and put some ice on that, then I'll wrap it up for you before you go home." He was so sweet and gentle I had a hard time putting the two pieces of him together. Maybe he was just acting this way because his father was here, or I guess it was entirely possible that's this is how he really is and he puts up a front to keep people away from him. "I forgot your water for your aspirin. I'm sorry Bella. I'll be back really quickly." He got up but before her left he kissed me on the forehead. It was very intimate and to anyone looking who didn't know any better they would for sure think we were a couple.

Once he was out of ear shot Carlisle spoke up again.

"I know Edward's reputation." I looked at him with wide eyes, how could he possibly know about that unless Edward told him. "I can tell you in no uncertain terms that things are not always as they seem. If you feel something for him, talk to him. It could be quite eye opening for you." This man was something else; every conversation with him so far has left me reeling. Edward came back with a bottle of water and some Tylenol so the conversation with his dad was over. I had a lot of thinking to do. Was he right? Did he really not do anything with all those girls? Who in their right mind would make it seem like they were leaving with skanky girls and not actually follow through with it just when they were out of sight? A crazy person, that's who. Was he just trying to make someone jealous? Was it me he was trying to make jealous. It just didn't seem feasible. I decided that his father was wrong. I know what I saw.

"Are you okay Bella?" Edward's voice broke me from my inner monologue and I snapped my attention back to him and his father.

"Yeah, just thinking. Sorry." A knowing smirk crossed Carlisle's face, I was a little annoyed.

"Here, take off the ice and let me see." He was so gentle with me, his touch was like a feather, had I not been watching I never would have thought he touched me, and well there was also the electricity that seemed to flow between us whenever he was touching me. "Looks good. I think we can wrap it now. Dad, what do you think?"

"Yes, it appears the swelling as gone down; wrapping it should be fine now. Remember to ice that when you get home though Bella and in the morning take two more Tylenol to help with the pain." I looked at him perplexed; I thought Edward was the doctor, why was he looking to his father for his opinion? "I'm a doctor as well Bella." Oh.

"Oh, okay." It was really all I had. The events of the day, Edward's proximity, the kiss, not to mention his father's words to me rendered me stupid.

Angela walked up to us, concern evident on her face as she took me in, I must have looked like hell. "Hey Bella. I'm going to pack up the karaoke equipment for you and take it to your car. I need your keys though." I fished through my purse for my keys, once I had them I handed them over to Angela, grateful for her help.

"I'll help you Angela." Edward said, leaving me alone again with his father. I wondered what other pearls of wisdom were going to come from him now that Edward wasn't in earshot.

"Edward tells me that you sing and write your own songs Bella. He says you're very talented."

"Uh, yes, I do. I wouldn't say I was talented though, mediocre at best." I told him. I really didn't see the bi g deal.

"That's not how Edward tells it and he's very particular when it comes to music, I'm actually surprised the he comes here." He said, looking around the room at all the drunken people talking to each other.

"Why is that?" He comes here twice a week, if he didn't enjoy it then why come at all?

"Edward is sort of a music snob I guess you could say. He started playing piano at the age of three and feels like the music that is popular now isn't really music."

"He seems to like Maroon 5." I said with a chuckle. Those songs were all sexually charged so I guessed that's why he liked them so much.

"Who?" His father asked, he hadn't heard of Maroon 5? I guess he was his dad after all. Huh!

"It's just this band. He sings their songs a lot."

"Hm, I'll have to check them out sometime. If Edward likes them, then they must be good." The thought of Carlisle listening to Maroon 5 was amusing. I wondered what his reaction would be to a song like Kiwi. The thought actually made me laugh out loud; Carlisle looked at me like I'd lost my mind. "You alright there?"

"Yeah. I'm good. Just thought of something funny is all." I hoped he didn't ask me what I was thinking because I didn't know if I could come up with anything that was even remotely funny to cover for my actual thoughts.

"Glad to see you laughing Bella. Are you ready to go?" When did Edward get back? "Dad, I'm going to take Bella home, here are my keys, can you follow us to her place?"

"Wait, what?" Why was he driving me home? I was fully capable of driving myself home.

"I'm driving you home Bella. My dad will follow us in my car and I'll go as soon as you're safely inside your apartment." He extended his hand to me, once mine was placed in his he helped me up out of the chair I was sitting in. When I got to my feet I was so close to him, I could feel his breath on me. I couldn't imagine what being in the close quarters of a car would be like with him, I was seriously going to lose it. "Come on." His hand went to the small of my back as we headed outside to my car.

"You know you don't have to drive me home. I think I can manage." I got into the passenger seat, fully relenting to him doing this for me even though my words said otherwise.

"Nonsense. You hurt your wrist, and I can tell you're a little shaken up, let me help you Bella. Besides Jasper would never forgive me if I left you to drive yourself home." Jasper, right. The thoughts of him kissing me earlier flooded my brain and suddenly I got mad, really fucking mad. We were already pulling out of the parking lot headed towards home when I figured I might as well lay it all out there.

"Were you thinking of Jasper when you were kissing me back there at the club?" I spat at him. He tensed, straightening his posture, eyebrows furrowed and lips pressed in a tight line. Looks like I hit a nerve.

"Were you? I didn't see you stopping it Bella." His voice filled with regret and venom at the same time.

"That's not the point and you know it. So what is it Edward? Is it the fact that I'm off limits, it's that what this is all about?"

"You have been flirting with me for months, don't try and act like this is all just one sided here." I huffed angrily. "Look I admit that I fucked up here, I should have asked you out a long time ago, but I was…"

"Too busy fucking every girl that saddled up to you at the bar?" I finished for him. I wanted to know why he went off with all those women if he wanted to ask me out all this time. It didn't make any sense.

"I didn't fuck those women."

"HA! Yeah right. I saw you leaving with them. They had their hands all over you. Do you really think I'm that stupid?" I was getting more and more infuriated with every word he spoke. He was clearly lying to me, but for what reason? To get into my pants? Well that was not happening anytime soon. I was happy with Jasper, a great guy who respected me.

"WOULD YOU LISTEN?" He yelled. He pinched the bridge of his nose, seemingly trying to calm himself before he spoke again. I just looked at him with my eyes wide and mouth agape. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I know what it looked like, but I can assure you Bella that I can count my sexual partners on one hand."

"Like I'm going to believe that. Actions speak louder than words Edward." We were almost back to my apartment and I couldn't wait to be out of the car with him, he was just so…so…UGH!

"I know. I don't know why I left with all those women, but I'm telling you the truth. I never slept with any of them, hell I could have had them any way I wanted, but every time one of them even tried to kiss me all I could think of was you so I stopped them." What? He thought of me?

"But you just kept doing it, night after night I'd see you leave with some new skank and…it killed me." The last three words were whispered. My head was down, looking at my wringing hands in my lap so I'm not even sure he heard the last part, not until his hands were on my face, urging me to look at him. We had stopped and were parking in front of my building; I hadn't even realized we got there. When I finally relented and looked at him what I saw made my anger melt. He looked so hopeful, but sad. I didn't want him to be sad so I gave him a slight smile, which he returned.

"I know. I'm a fucking idiot, but believe me when I say that ever since I walked into Eclipse two months ago and saw you I was done for. I guess the only reason I can think for me to leave with all those women was to see how you reacted. I know it was stupid, but I thought if I saw you get jealous I would know if I even had a shot, but you never seemed to care so I just kept on doing it, kept on seeing you there, flirting with you. I know it doesn't excuse anything and I know you're dating Jasper now and I'll respect that, but when you figure out that Jasper isn't the one for you…I'll be waiting for you." Edward pulled me to him and as our lips met I sighed in contentment. This is where I was supposed to be, I could feel it in my bones, and the only problem was that I wasn't sure if I believed him or not.

"I need to think. Jasper is an amazing guy and I can't hurt him. I'll think about what you said, but I am going to be honest with you, I'm not sure I believe you." His only response was to nod solemnly. If he could prove to me that he wasn't what I thought then maybe there was hope for us to at least be friends. He got out of the car and just as I was about to open my door he was there helping me out of the car.

"I'll see you on Thursday Bella. Goodnight." He kissed my forehead before handing me my keys and getting into his own car with his dad. I gave a slight wave and walked into my building. I felt weighed down with all this new information and I just wanted to crawl into bed and get some sleep. In the elevator I slumped against the wall lost in thought. When I walked out Tay was at my door leaving me a note.

"Oh thank God you're here. Angela called me and told me what happened. Are you okay?" Her small frame was suddenly flung at me, gripping me tightly.

"I'm fine. My wrist is sprained, and I am pretty sure I have bruises forming on my hip, but other than that I am fine." She released me only to look me over and check my wrist. I winced when she grabbed it, yeah that was going to hurt for a while.

"Sorry B. It was a good thing that Edward was there I guess. Angela told me that he pulled the guy off you just in time."

"He did. He also took care of my wrist and drove me home." I knew that little bit of information was going to have her on me for days, but she'd find out eventually anyway then I'd really be in for it.

"He did, did he? That's interesting."

"Tay, can we please talk about this tomorrow? I am emotionally and physically exhausted and all I want to do is take a shower and go to bed. I promise to tell you all the sorted details later, okay?" She seemed a bit upset that we couldn't talk about it now, but gave me hug telling me that she understood.

"Night B! I'll come by tomorrow to check up on you."

"Tanya! Baby, leave Bella alone and come take care of your husband. I want to see you in that little purple number again." Demetri's voice boomed down the hall. He was so loud and now I'm sure the whole building knew that he and Tay were about to have sex. Lucky girl.

"I'll be right there." She called out. "Night Bella."

"Night Tay. Have a good time." I winked at her then walked into my apartment. It was so quiet, one of the perks of living on your own, but then I thought about the fact that in a couple of weeks Alice would be here and Rose would be living with me. The light on my answering machine was blinking so I walked over to it and pressed play.

"Bella, it's Jasper. Edward called me and told me what happened. I'm so sorry I wasn't there sweetheart. I should have been there to protect you, but I am grateful that Edward took such good care of you and brought you home safely. Get some rest and call me in the morning. I'll be thinking of you beautiful." Just when I thought he had hung up he spoke again. "Oh, and I called your cell, but Angela picked it up, said you left it at the club and she wanted me to tell you. Okay, goodnight my sweet girl. I'll talk to you later." The machine gave a beep indicating that he had hung up. I immediately felt guilty at the sound of his voice. He had no idea that Edward and I had kissed and I felt as though I was betraying him, which I guess I had kissing Edward the way I had tonight.

I took a shower and got into bed, falling asleep quickly, my dreams were plagued with the kiss I shared with Edward. Even in my dream my body was on fire.

The rest of the week passed quickly. I had lessons with Peter again, went back to Eclipse and did the karaoke night, Edward wasn't there. For the first time in over 2 months he actually wasn't there and I have to say that I felt off. Emmett and Jasper came, said Edward had to go on a trip last minute so he couldn't make it tonight. It made me feel a little bit better to know he wasn't avoiding me, not that I should care. You're dating Jasper, You're dating Jasper, You're dating Jasper. It was my mantra all week as I went over Edwards words from Tuesday night. For some reason I was feeling like he was being honest with me and although it made me almost giddy at the thought of him wanting something with me I had to keep reminding myself that I was in fact dating Jasper. You're dating Jasper, You're dating Jasper, You're dating Jasper. Like I said, it had become my mantra all week.

Jasper and I had gone out a lot and he was still leaving me at the door with kisses that made me breathless. They weren't the same as Edward's kisses, his made my knees weak. Why am I thinking about this? You're dating Jasper, You're dating Jasper, You're dating Jasper. It was Monday night and oddly enough Jas and I were supposed to be going out again. I was just putting on my mascara when there was a knock on my door. I ran over to it, fully expecting to see my date standing there, but was surprised to see Jake instead.

"Bella, I need your help." Never one for formality he just barged into my apartment and made himself comfortable on the sofa.

"Come on in Jake. So nice to see you too." I said sarcastically.

"Yeah, yeah. Hi and all that. Look I need some help." He seemed almost frantic, had I not known him I would have been concerned, but this was Jake, he was usually frantic.

"So you said." I took a seat next to him, waiting for the words to spill from his mouth. Jasper was supposed to be here soon, not that I wanted to rush my friend; they all knew I was there for them.

"You know Paul's and my anniversary is next week, right?" I nodded, this is something they tell everyone upon meeting them, and then we are reminded ad nauseam weeks before said event. "Well, I'm having trouble finding something to get him. He has everything, I'm at a loss here B. Help me, please?" He asked me, batting his unusually long lashes at me. The man had freakishly long lashes, to the point that Tay and I were convinced he was using one of those eyelash booster serums, you know like Latisse.

"I don't know why you are asking me for shopping advice Jake; you know that's more Tay's territory." Shopping is like an Olympic sport to that girl, she could find exactly what she wanted in a ten mile radius for half the price. He gave me a look, the kind of look that told you you were absolutely insane, you know the one. "What? It's true. Jake I hate shopping."

"I can't go to Tay, she'll just tell me to get him some sexy underwear and to wrap myself up as a present and although I am not opposed to that idea, it's our anniversary. I need a gift that says 'I Love You'. You're more the sentimental type B."

"Jacob. I haven't been in a normal relationship in a very long time." He pulled out the big guns this time, the pouty lip mixed with the batting of the lashes. "How about this, I'll call Alice tomorrow and get some ideas from her. She's the shopper and she's got more of a romantic side than Tay."

He leapt towards me and hugged me fiercely saying thank you repeatedly. The knock on the door made him let me go, for which I was grateful since my air supply was rapidly dwindling.

"Thanks B. I'll let you get to Jas now." We both walked to the door, I opened it and sure enough there was Jas looking handsome as ever in black jeans and a forest green polo shirt. Jake gave me another hug; this one was less bone crushing and a kiss on the cheek before he left.

"Should I be jealous?" Jasper asked me with a quirked eyebrow. I just started laughing like it was the funniest thing I'd ever heard.

"Hardly. He came over looking for advice on what to get Paul for their anniversary."

"And he asked you?" In the short amount of time that we had been dating he was made aware of my hatred of all things shopping.

"Ha Ha! I told him I'd call Alice."

"I see, probably a smart idea. Ready to go sweetheart?" I love it when he calls me that.

"Sure am. Let me just grab my purse and coat. Where are we going anyway?"

"Dinner and I heard about this show at Benaroya Music Hall. It's supposed to be really good."

"That sounds absolutely perfect Jas." He always planned the best dates. He's a true romantic. Whoever snatches him up for the long term is going to be one lucky girl. Why am I thinking about him being with someone else long term?

"Shall we then my lady?" He extended his elbow to me so I could slip my hand through the crook of his arm. I took it graciously, laughing at his antics. He's too damn cute for his own good sometimes.

"So cheesy." I told him as he led me out to his car.

"It's all part of my charm sweet Bella."

The night was amazing. During dinner we talked about anything and everything, there was never a lull in the conversation. He made me smile and laugh the entire evening. The concert was better than I could have expected. He held my hand throughout the entire thing, giving me soft kisses on my temple, neck and lips. It was really sweet, he's really sweet.

Jasper was walking me up to my apartment, holding my hand and talking animatedly about learning to play the guitar. It seems he bought a really nice acoustic for his lessons.

"You know you didn't need to get top of the line, you probably should have gotten something cheaper in case you hate it." I didn't get a good guitar until I was a year into my lessons with Peter, even then it wasn't top of the line.

"Don't be ridiculous. How could I possibly not like playing the guitar? Think of all the chicks I'll get with that skill. And don't try to talk me out of the guitar, I already love it." I smacked his chest lightly for the picking up chicks comment, and we both started laughing.

"Thanks for tonight Jas, I had a great time." I told him once we reached my door. I unlocked it, standing seductively in the doorway. I was ready for more than just hot kisses at the door. "Would you like to come in? Maybe have a glass of wine?"

"Sure, that sounds great Bella." He looked a little surprised, but happy to be coming into my apartment. We hadn't spent much time in here together, but I was on a mission to rectify that.

After dropping my things on the hallway table I took off my shoes and wandered into the kitchen, Jasper was right behind me. I handed him the corkscrew and bottle of wine while I searched for my wine glasses. I hadn't used them in a while so they were in the back of the cabinet. I was standing on my tip toes and still couldn't reach them. "Shit." I muttered to myself. Jasper must have noticed my dilemma or heard me curse, because he was suddenly pressing himself right up behind me.

"What seems to be the problem Bella?" He breathed into my ear. I could feel every inch of him pressed into my back. I wanted nothing more than to arch back into him, but I didn't think it was a good idea since I wanted to take things slow with him.

"I can't…reach the glasses." My breathing was starting to pick up as well as my heart rate. I was certain he could hear it although he said nothing. He just reached up and got the two glasses I was looking for. "Thank you."

"No problem sweetheart." He crooned. Yes he actually crooned and normally I would find that ridiculous, but it just worked for Jasper. He backed up a bit to grab the wine. I held up the two glasses as he filled them with the amber liquid, and then took a glass for himself. My free hand found its way to his and intertwined our fingers before leading him to the sofa. We just sat and stared at each other as we sipped our wine. Not one word was spoken, but the tension was growing. He grabbed my glass and set it down on the table along with his. When he turned back to me his lips were on mine almost instantly. His hands were on both sides of my face, gently caressing my cheeks. The kiss started out sweet but the intensity grew in no time. His tongue peeked out and licked my lips gently. I parted my lips for him eagerly awaiting his tongue to massage my own and when it finally did I moaned at the feeling. He tasted like wine and cinnamon. I moved my hands to rub his chest, he hummed which only spurred me on to do more, so I slowly moved my hands up his chest, neck and finally rested in his shaggy blonde locks. His hands had moved to my waist and around my back, pulling me closer to him. I didn't think I could get close enough. In a bold move, very unlike me, I moved onto his lap. I could feel his smile on my lips as we kissed. I couldn't tell you how long we sat there making out, but what I can tell you was that it felt absolutely amazing. After Jamie I was afraid that I'd never be able to let anyone in, but here I was sitting on Jasper's lap making out like a couple of horny teenagers. Our kisses eventually slowed, making way for light caresses as we stared at each other, our foreheads touching. "I should go." Jasper said, I could tell he didn't want to go, I felt the same but it was too early for us to spend the night together.

"Yeah. Okay." I moved to get off his lap, but he just held me tighter. "You need to let me up if you want to get out the door." I giggled.

"Maybe I don't want to get out the door." He said honestly.

"I know, but I don't…I'm not.." I stuttered. His grip loosened allowing me to move, so I got up, extending my hand to him to help him up.

"I know Bella. Okay. I guess I'll talk to you later. Thank you for a great evening." He hugged me while we stood in front of the door, placing small kisses on my neck, chin, cheeks and nose.

"Thank you. Drive safely Jasper." He was out the door waving at me, even blew me a kiss for good measure. He was just too damn cute. Sighing against my now closed door I started walking to my bedroom to change into pajamas. I heard my phone go off, alerting me that I had a text message. Assuming it was Jasper I ran over to it, opening it quickly, but it wasn't from Jasper.

Bella, I just wanted to make sure you were still doing alright, I know that sometimes, well never mind, I just want to make sure your wrist is healing, but I suppose I shall see for myself tomorrow night. Sweet dreams beautiful. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. – E

He's been texting me every night to make sure I was okay. It was sweet actually, but the fact that he kept implying that I was going to lose it eventually because of the attack was making me feel like I was a ticking time bomb. To be honest I think I probably would have broken already if it weren't for the fact that I've been going to my therapist since the night of the attack, not to mention having a psychiatrist for a boyfriend, I've talked out my fears. Thursday night when I entered Eclipse I was a little weirded out and didn't want to go on stage, but Jasper and Emmett were both there, security had been beefed up a bit, from one bouncer to two, not much, but it made everyone feel slightly more at ease and the owner of the bar actually implemented a no tolerance policy for patrons who got out of hand. They would be held in one of the offices until the police came and charges would be pressed by the bar. I knew that man would never be allowed back in Eclipse and that helped too.

I decided to type out a quick reply to Edward thanking him for caring and then go straight to bed. A girl needs her beauty sleep.

E-Thanks for your concern, yes I am fine. I've talked to my therapist a couple of times about the incident and I don't think I'll be jumping off a cliff any time soon. I'm hoping tomorrow night goes better than Thursday did and I really think it will, I'm a lot less nervous about it than I was on Wednesday. Thank you again for coming to my rescue. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night Edward, sweet dreams. – B

I drifted off to sleep as soon as I snuggled into my covers, not stressing out about what tomorrow held.

A/N: Okay, I know, I cockblocked you. You all probably thought that Bella and Jasper were going to have some sexy time, but Bella, she's just not ready for that, with anyone. Next chapter will have more of her back story with Jamie (I hope). Let's just say he did a number on our poor Bella, but I think she came out pretty damn good all things considered. She's strong but cautious with men.

Good night all my lovely readers, it's time for me to get some beauty sleep as well. Review, please. I'm not above begging.