AN: Happy New Year from the Whitlocks

Chapter twelve: Happy New Year

Jasper, December, 2010...

She kissed me! It was only on the cheek, but I couldn't stop saying it over and over again in my head. She kissed me!

It has been hours since I last saw Bella and her smile, reminding me of the kiss she gave me on Christmas. That simple peck on the cheek had made my body tingle from just the touch of her gentle lips. Her kiss had been like liquid fire seeping into my pores and igniting me.

It was nothing but a simple peck, but everything in me wanted it to be so much more.

Since then, I couldn't sleep. I tossed and I turned at nights, hating to be away from Bella. I would stay in the room next to hers, my old bedroom, but it was now being occupied by my nosy cousin Tanya who has been keeping a close eye on me since she got here over the holidays.

"I don't want you to get hurt again," was her reason and I wanted to agree, except Bella couldn't hurt me. The only thing hurt truly me was that because of James, I couldn't be open and honest with Bella about my developing feelings for her that surpassed friendship without running the risk of scaring her away.

That fucking bastard! I wanted to rip his throat out for what he'd done to Bella.

So instead of sleeping soundly, all I could stay up and think about was, is Bella okay? Was she thinking about the kiss too? Was she sorry she did it? I know she figured out Peter's prank but did she regret going to that length to beat him at his own game?

I didn't. But did she?

I tossed, turned and agonized over my over thinking. Damn, my brain sometimes. I had to overanalyze everything.

It was four in the morning the last time I glanced at my clock and I had to just give up. I got out of bed, forgetting sleep and made it while trying to block my mind from Bella and the impending desirable thoughts that would arise while I was in the shower.

I couldn't help them anymore. Every day she was improving and while her confidence was growing so was Bella's body into a healthy, attractive frame. I couldn't get over the dangerous curves she was getting or how hot her little ass looked in jeans. I tried not to, I really did, but I wanted her. God knows, I wanted Bella Swan.

When I couldn't avoid it anymore, I went into my adjoining bathroom, stripping down and getting under the warm spray only to be assaulted by thoughts of Bella in there with me.

Her supple breasts pressed up against my back while nimble fingers slowly ran down my chest. Her warm little breath on me, making me shiver, as she wrapped her hand around my cock, pumping me. My own hand fueled my fantasy as I stroked myself to an orgasm while thinking about dream Bella commanding me to cum.

My eyes snapped open in time to see my essence slipping down the drain as I washed off again and got out of the shower, more exhausted than I had gone in.

While I got dressed, I thought all I wanted to do today. It was New Year's Eve and I got the day to myself. I wouldn't be heading to the hospital and while I would be glad about that, seeing as I would get to see Bella, I was less than incline to deal with Paul.

I hated that we had to have an emergency meeting today with him and Uncle Joshua. But Paul needed reminding that my last name was 'Whitlock' not his. He couldn't bring deals to myself, Mom, and Rose and try to force them down our throats. I didn't like to be dictated to.

Plus, Paul had way too many skeletons in his closet to be arguing with me and I needed to remind him of that.

When I walked out of my room, I took the steps slowly while thinking about how good I would feel if Bella were living here instead of the main house. I just wanted her close. I wanted to see that smile. I loved her smile and wanted it to be the first thing I see every morning.

If Bella and I had met under different circumstances, and she allowed me to, I would give her the world. Anything she wanted, would be hers. I would be hers.

I shook the dangerous thoughts away because all Bella needed was a friend and she would be so disappointed in me if she knew how her friend was thinking about her a couple of minutes ago in the shower.

I walked into the kitchen, and headed straight for the coffeemaker. I needed a strong cup of coffee before I head out on the ranch. A few chores would clear my mind.

"Your cup is already set out for you," Aunt Esme said, making me jump sky high.

"Fuck!"

"Language," she warned.

"You scared me," I countered.

"I'll give you that," she said, looking at my mug and then me. "Bella really takes care of you." I didn't answer, because I liked Bella taking care of me and my aunt was about to psychoanalyze that. "When I got down here, it was the only mug set out. She anticipates your move."

"Yes," I said warily.

"Hmm," Esme sighed.

"What is it?"

"It's nothing, Jasper," she smiled, but I wasn't reassured.

"You think she still fears me."

"I think she's relating to James when preparing things for you, but I think there is something there between the two of you that is refreshing and healing in a sense."

"But still unhealthy?"

Esme looked at me, long and hard. "If Bella will truly ever be healthy remains to be seen. But I would like her to grow the backbone she so craves."

"She already has," I said, defending Bella.

"Not just with you," Esme commented. "Bella is learning to separate you and James, but I need more."

"No co-dependent, no wanting to please anyone, especially a man," I surmised.

"Not just that, Jasper," Esme said. "I want Bella think, make decisions, and love herself no matter what. Most of all, I want her to be brave."

"So do I."

We had our coffee in silent. And I wondered if I should keep more of a distance from Bella.

No. I couldn't do it. That decision came almost instantly. I wanted to watch her grow into the woman it looked like she was destined to be.

I left my aunt after having my coffee, and spent the morning on the ranch with the guys. Emmett and Peter joined me out there and we had a blast with the ranch hands while we all reined the animals in. I saw Bella once as she went over to my place and I sighed at the beauty walking toward my house. Her mahogany hair swishing at her waistline, I'd heard Mama saying something about a makeover for Bella but I don't know when she and Rose would do it. But I hoped Bella keep the hair. I loved it.

"You've got it bad," Peter said, and I rolled my eyes.

I did, but I didn't want to admit it to him. "I'm just watching her walk over there."

"Sure, you are," he said smugly. "Jasper, get over your damn self and admit that you want the damn girl. She's nice; she's beautiful, what's not to want?"

"Bella, isn't ready for anything that resembles a relationship outside of friendship," I told him.

"I don't know much about her," Emmett added. "But I don't think you need to be making decisions for Bells She's a smart girl. Let her decide."

I couldn't answer. I nodded. Maybe Emmett was right. I have to let Bella decide what was good for her. In a way, Esme was right. Bella would definitely grow more if I let her make her own decisions.

Bella was already coming into her own though and I got to see that the other day when we had lunch together; after I had conveniently forgotten one of my phones and didn't bother to come back for it until lunch time. Bella saw right through me and called me out on it, surprising me how she was in her statement. I told her I missed her and she blushed crimson making my heart flutter.

Our lunch was a success. We talked quite a bit. And when the conversation moved to our fathers, I could see her love and gratitude for the man who she called her stepfather, Phil.

"He helped me leave," she said with a sad smile. "He told me that I can never go back, but sometimes, I miss him because he was the only dad I have ever known."

"What about your real dad, Charlie?" It was too late, but Bella didn't mind my snooping around.

She laughed. "I figured you'd be checking up on me."

"Yeah, and James…" She froze at his name. "I want to keep you safe."

"So you're hiding me?" Bella teased.

"Yes," I told her. "You're more than worth the trouble."

Bella smiled a teary smile and a tear slid from her eye. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"What about your dad?" she asked.

I hadn't really spoken about my dad of recent. It hurt too much, because I still missed him.

"What about him?" I didn't want to talk about him. I feared how I would react. I couldn't blame my dad for dying. It was sickness. Death had been inevitable.

But Bella was pulling it out of me. She made me want to talk about him. "What was he like?" she asked.

I smiled as I felt tears pooled in my eyes at a memory of my dad when I was a kid. I remembered his strong laugh as he and I played in the mud. I was just a child and he and Mom were my world. "He was a great guy, real nice, he was very kind and he thought of people as equal," I shared with her. "To my father, the man on the corner was just as important as the man behind the desk at a bank. He loved equality. We may have been rich, but it was no reason to be assholes in his book."

Bella laughed. "He sounds wonderful."

"He was."

We continued to talk and Bella told me her aspiration of seeing Charlie again someday and then she asked about the time I spent with my dad. So I told her about our hunting trips and our love for Star Wars. Bella laughed at me as expected and told me she didn't believe that I was that much of a geek.

"Oh, but I was, Bella," I said, feeling a little better that I spoke about my dad with her. "I was."

We laughed together.

I smiled at the memory as I strolled up my porch and walked through the front door. The house was empty. Bella must have already left. She was working with Sue today. Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle had already left too. They were having lunch together. They would be returning to their home tomorrow. Everyone would be going home tomorrow.

I took another shower; this one more relaxing than the first. Maybe because I was exhausted from all the chores I did. Afterward, I got dressed and went down to my office, calling Jenks. I wanted an update on things. Renee, Bella's mom, had to have already visited Charlie and I wanted to know how it went.

Jenks answered on the second ring. "Hello, Mr. Whitlock."

"Hello, Jenks."

"Sir, all went well with Chief Swan," Jenks said. "He was a pro. Ms. Higginbotham didn't get a thing out of him."

"That's good," I replied. "I suppose knowing your child is safe did wonders for him."

"Yes, Sir," Jenks commented.

"What about James?"

"He's been making moves to search for Bella, but I have my team destroying his efforts at every turn," Jenks said; you could hear the pride in his voice.

"That's great news. Keep me updated on that." That bastard wasn't getting anywhere near Bella.

After Jenks had gotten me more of Bella's family information over Christmas, I shared it with those who already knew, and then we got on the phones.

Mom took up the task of contacting Phil, and while he was glad to hear that Bella was okay.

Rose called Phil's son, Micah, letting him know that Bella was fine and we would work a time when she could speak to them. He thanked Rose.

I took on the task of calling Charlie. And I had never been so nervous in my life.

The phone rang about three times before it was picked up. "Hello?" The gruff voice on the other end sounded strong.

"Hello, Sir," I greeted him. "My name is Jasper Whitlock."

"And?" he commented. I liked his attitude. He could protect if Bella she wanted to go to him. He didn't sound like he easily trusted anyone.

"Your daughter, Bella, has been staying with my family," I told him.

"Bella? Is she okay?" The father in him took over, and worry was laced in his voice.

"Yes, Sir."

"Call me Charlie."

"Charlie, she's fine," I said. "She's been here on my family's ranch since before Christmas. My mother met her when someone stole her car at a gas station."

That got him angry. "Did those bastards touch her? If they did, I swear to God, I'll come down to wherever the hell you are , I'll find them, and I'll rip them to pieces!"

I loved the anger in his voice. Again, I was convinced that he could protect Bella. "We didn't bother to look for them, Sir, because…"

"You don't want to risk reporting it and have that son of a bitch find her, I understand," he grumbled. Then, his voice got light again. "But, Bells is okay, right?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Where are you?" he asked.

"Henderson, Texas." I could tell him that because all our lines were secure. James wouldn't be finding out about these calls or what was said even if he tried.

"Her mom called me," Charlie stated.

"I figured she would," I said. "Listen, Charlie, I want you to understand something. I'm a very powerful man, from a very powerful family."

"Jasper Whitlock, heir to the Whitlock fortune, one of the wealthiest families in Texas," Charlie said. "You're a doctor, as well as a rancher. You're estimated to be worth billions."

"I see you're googling me." I heard the clicking on the computer.

"Of course," Charlie said smugly. "I haven't trusted anyone since Renee stole my daughter from me."

"That's good because I need you to do something for me, Charlie."

"Anything if it has to do with my daughter," he said.

"Help me keep her safe."

"Charlie and I came to an understanding so he won't say anything, but keep those bodyguards on him," I told Jenks.

"Yes, sir, I don't trust James either." We talked some more and then disconnected the call, leaving me with a moment to think.

I didn't know what James had planned, but if by some miracle he got close enough, it will be his last day on this Earth.

~~abt~~

I rolled my eyes at the length of this pointless meeting. I wasn't about to say 'yes' to this deal. Uncle Joshua knew it as did my mom and Rose. But Paul, he was being an ass. A know it all and I wanted to shove my fist down his throat for more reasons than one.

Grandpa Whitlock's will be upheld. There will be no more drilling on the Whitlock land. While oil has been the foundation of our family business for many years, I was hell-bent on keeping the 'no drilling' rule. Our businesses were doing fine, our projections and monetary investments would keep us living comfortably for years to come.

But Paul couldn't understand that we didn't want this deal and I was about to drop him on his ass if he made one more wisecrack.

"I'm telling you, Jasper, 30 million is not a bad price," Paul stated, tapping his pen on the table in frustration.

"Yet, my answer is still no," I replied in a calm tone, which only proved to infuriate Paul.

"Why the hell not?!" He slammed his fist down on the table, making me smile at his absurd attitude.

"Because, I'm the boss here, and I said no," I said; again using that calm tone to drive him crazy.

"You're being unreasonable," he argued and I scoffed.

Paul was a hothead, and I was not about to break my family's tradition for his ass so that he could make a quick buck. I hated his style at these meetings. He was always challenging me and it was not a good route if he knew what I knew.

I was not to be fucked with.

My uncle Joshua has tried to warn Paul on more than one occasion, but he has yet to heed those warnings. He saw my uncle as being afraid of me. But my uncle didn't fear me. He was just a very smart man.

"You're being stubborn, Whitlock," Paul insisted as my anger started to get the best of me. But the fool went on, "Thirty million dollars and you want to pass that up, for what?"

A knock came at the door and it slightly opened just as I sprang up and slammed my fist down on the table, making everyone jump. "Damn it, Paul!" I shouted, "If I say no, then it's a goddamn NO!"

The room was quiet. It was as still as a morgue when my fiery eyes met Bella's scared ones. She stood by the door, trembling with the tray and I immediately regretted my reaction to Paul. Not because he got me angry, but because the one person, I didn't want to see this side of me, just did.

Mom ran over to her, taking the tray and whispering something to Bella, who quickly let go of the tray and practically ran from the door.

Rose looked at me disappointedly.

"Fuck," I said softly, throwing myself down in my chair. I ran a hand over my face roughly, and then through my hair, pulling at the ends. "Fuck," I cursed again.

When I looked up, my eyes met Paul's curious ones while he glanced at the door and smirked as Mom put the tray carrying a pitcher of sweet tea and glasses down. She looked as angry as I felt but also as disappointed as Rose seemed to be when she took her seat beside me.

However, Paul held my curiosity and fury. "What?" I seethed. "Say what you want to say." You could see it, the snide comment or question that was dancing on his tongue.

"I don't think you'd like my question," he admitted, smiling at his own little inside joke.

"Doesn't matter; I still want to hear it."

"Really?" he said, incredulously.

"Really."

"Fine, who is she?" he said. "Do you know anything about her? Why does she look like someone who should be in some rehab somewhere?" Mom's chair scarped against the floor, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see Rose whispering something to her.

Paul noticed this. "You see? I ask questions about this…Bella, and ya'll look like you want to rip me apart," he commented.

"Doesn't change the fact that I want to know what you're thinking," I said, not denying that I wanted to kick his ass.

"Well, how do you know her and where does she come from?" Paul smirked.

"Bella is a daughter of a family friend and we are helping her out of a bad situation," I told him. I could feel Uncle Joshua, Mom and Rose's eyes on me, but I kept my focus on Paul. Uncle Joshua had been scantily filled in about Bella's past. He knew a few contacts in Federal department just in case Bella ever wanted to disappear.

"A friend of the family's?" Paul scoffed, showing that he didn't believe me.

"You think you know everyone we know?" I questioned. "Or is the fact that you work for our legal team makes you think you know every single thing about us?" I asked him, watching the doubt rise in his eyes.

"No, I didn't say that," he argued. "But the way you act and how I hear my wife talk about her, I thought you were mixing a little business with pleasure," he smirked.

Rose's chair moved this time and Mom calmed her down.

Uncle Joshua shook his head and looked like he wanted out of this room right now.

But the fact that Paul used the term 'mix business with pleasure', gave me my in. "Mix business with pleasure, huh?"

"Yes," he chuckled. "Even at Christmas dinner we all saw it," He went on. "It's the way you look at her. Everyone knows you want her. So if you haven't already, why don't you go for it? I'm sure her family would be very happy to know that she was sleeping with a billionaire."

If he kept talking like this, I would be in jail by the end of the day.

I braced my elbows against the table, drawing closer to him, making sure he held my glare, "You see, Paul, I don't think like you. If I like Bella, then it's my prerogative and my fucking business. I am the boss, aren't I?"

"Yes, but it's our job as your attorneys to ensure that your decisions don't hurt you," he countered.

"Hurt me?" I chuckled. "Bella can't hurt me. She doesn't have the power to, as you just stated, 'with me being a billionaire and all'. I, on the other hand, can hurt her, can't I?"

"Yes, but…" he started before I cut him off.

"You doubt I'll do that because I haven't fucked her yet, right?"

"Jasper..." Uncle Joshua tried but I cut him off too.

"No, this needs to be said. What or how Bella has come to live and work here is and will continue to be my problem. It is none of your concern."

"And if your legal team is needed?" Paul countered with a challenging glare.

"Then I will choose who to work with," I snarled. "What I want to do is none of your business, but working for us, makes what you do, our concern."

"What's that suppose to mean?" he asked, his voice steadily rising.

But I don't answer that. I went on, "And the fact that you're married to my cousin, Tanya, makes your life my playground."

"Excuse me?" He sprang up and shouted.

I could feel everyone's eyes jumping between us. I could almost hear the questions and I was about to answer the unspoken sentences.

Paul looked worried and I laugh out. "Why the hell are you laughing?" he sneered.

"I think you know." He looked terrified. He eyed my mom, but she didn't know about this.

This was between me and Tanya. She called me and asked for my help, and I was more than willing to do it.

"Jasper, what do you mean?" Rose asked. She didn't know either.

I didn't answer my sister. I kept my eyes on Paul. "I think Paul knows, and he's gonna return to Dallas and either STOP! Or pack up and leave."

He paled. He looked like he was about to throw up. I sat down in my chair, and Paul collapsed in his.

"What you think, I don't check up on my family?" I said in a triumphant tone. "I know everything, you asshole. Now you've got some decisions to make and a very short time to make 'em. This meeting is adjourned."

I was up and out of my seat and heading to the door without a second glance. Bella was the only thing on my mind. I wanted to find her and apologize. I wanted her to know I was the same friend. The same funny guy she was getting to know. I wasn't that beast she had just witnessed; at least not all the time.

But Mom stopped me on the way. We walked downstairs together while Rose only stopped me long enough to ask if Tanya knew about Paul.

"Yes," I told her and watched her go off in search of her cousin to comfort her.

I turned to Mom. "What is it? I want to find Bella."

"And yet, you need to give her some space," Mom said. "Let her sort this out. She knows you're not angry at her. But she needs a moment to gather herself. She's never seen you like that before."

I hated it, but I resigned, "Okay," and watched my mom head into the kitchen where Bella was undoubtedly was.

I stayed out of Bella's way all day. I gave her space. I wanted her to see that I wouldn't hover. And when I got the chance, I would apologize for scaring her.

In the evening, Bella made me sigh in relief when she sat beside me for the last big family dinner. Paul kept his distance, throwing sour looks my way, while Tanya stayed close to Rose and Emmett.

"Are you okay?" Bella whispered to me over dessert.

"I'm much better now." I took her hand and she wrapped her fingers around mine, smiling that she didn't flinch away.

After dinner, we all idly chat and I stuck close to Bella while she interacted with Esme, Carlisle, Char and Peter.

Peter came her laughing and I almost kissed my cousin in thanks. I loved hearing Bella's sweet little laugh.

As the hours ticked away, rapidly approaching that inevitable midnight so that we could ring in a new year, I could think of all I was thankful for during this past year, especially the arrival of Bella Swan.

She was a beautiful mystery. A woman who wanted to finally live the life she had intended to live, and be happy.

Almost at the hour of twelve, the family gathered outside. I lost Bella to Rose and my mom long ago and I loved watching them together. It warmed my heart to see the three of them huddled together and laughing.

"Alright, everyone, it's time!" Peter shouted.

Ten!

Looking around, I thanked God for another year with my family. Over the last couple of years, we'd loved and lost and while it pained my heart to know that Dad wasn't here anymore with his arm around Mom, we had to push on.

Nine!

Bella came into view; she was wearing a wide smile on her lovely face and chuckled like I liked her to when I cocked my head to the side, looking at her like a curious puppy. I didn't think she was entirely aware of how beautiful she was, but slowly I wanted to show her through our friendship. Bella deserved a great friend, and I would be him.

Eight!

I watched her say something to my mom and Mom winked at me as Bella made her way over to me; coming to stand at my side. It was wonderful that day by day the timid girl I had met that first day when she fainted at the sight of me was slowly fading into the background and leaving this remarkable woman in her wake. The New Year would be Bella's year of redemption.

Seven!

Mom and almost every woman in my family were all glancing at Bella and I in some way or form, and smiling. I could almost feel their happiness that it wasn't Alice by my side this year. Alice was my past now. She wasn't what I thought she was. Or at the very least, what I hoped she could have become. I have moved on.

Six!

Bella laced her hand in mine and my body sang.

Five!

Her little hand was the warmest thing. And as I wrapped my fingers more securely around hers I swore to protect her from harm. I would be here for Bella in any way she needed me to be.

Four!

I could hardly take my eyes off of her. When I finally did, I looked around, loving the sight and feeling of the love I could feel. Bella would always have a place in this family.

Three!

She gripped my hand tighter in anticipation and I smiled. James would never be allowed to hurt her again. I would see to it.

Two!

She shivered and I instinctively threw an arm around her. She didn't jump away and my aunt Esme smiled. It made my spirit soar to have Bella close.

"One, Happy New Year!" Peter shouted as the fireworks went off and Bella screamed excitedly, astounding me when she started to jump up and down in my arms.

She was all smiles as I told her, "Happy New Year, Bella."

"Happy New Year, Jasper," she said, kissing my cheek.

We stared at each other as the sky colored with the fireworks and the laughter of my family made me smile while the beauty of Bella made my heart sing.

"Beautiful," she whispered, as she stood still for a second and stared into my eyes.

"Yes, you are." She laughed and ducked her head into my chest and then looked up at the fireworks while I tightened my hold on her.

And what I couldn't say out loud just yet, I whispered in my thoughts, "I wish you could stay forever, Bella Swan."