Chapter Three

Bella

The next morning when I got up it was warm but overcast as I hunted out breakfast, Alice had filled the cupboards ready for my stay although they were suspiciously overfull as if she knew I would be staying longer, which made me wonder what she was up to.

"Do you ride a bike?"

I looked up from my cereal to see Jasper standing in the doorway,

"I haven't ridden a bike for years but yes, why?"

"I thought we might try the Cherry Creek Bike Path"

"Sure why not?"

We rented bikes and had a wonderful day, the scenery was beautiful and I was delighted at all the squirrels we saw. Jasper got off his bike near two that were tasting a discarded sandwich and sat very still as only a vampire can. Within a few minutes the squirrels were climbing on him, perched on his shoulder while I snapped a few photographs. It was a great way to see down town Denver too and we stopped off for lunch before heading back home.

"Thank you Jasper. I had a lovely day"

I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek and this time the tingling was far stronger and my mouth went so dry I could hardly speak so to cover my embarrassment at such forward an action I fled into the bathroom berating myself as I went.

What the hell made you do that Bella? Great move, now he's gong to want at least a wall between you and him. I had enjoyed the day though and fell into bed exhausted, muscles aching I didn't even know existed in my body!

The next day he appeared as the day before but it wasn't a cycle ride this time but the Forney Transportation Museum as it was sunny and we couldn't explore outside. I wasn't sure about this but I was glad I'd agreed because again we had a wonderful day. Vintage cars and motorcycles, a steam tractor, and the cab of the largest successful steam locomotive. Jasper pointed out two cars similar to one's he had owned years ago. Then we went for lunch before heading back to the apartment so I could get my breath before a visit to the public library to collect some books Jasper had reserved. I lost myself for a couple of hours among the shelves while he did some research then we met up for dinner.

"Are you tired or would you like to go out this evening?"

"I don't want to monopolize your time Jasper"

"I have plenty and I'd like to share it with you, unless you'd rather not?"

I shook my head,

"I'd love to go out with you again, did you have somewhere special in mind?"

"As a matter of fact I do. The Adams Mystery Playhouse"

"It sounds intriguing, OK."

I haven't laughed so much as I did that night especially as it was Zombie Murder and the others thought Jasper had dressed up especially, I think they meant the pale skin but he took it all in good part even dragging me into the story at one point. Our table solved the murder and received souvenir prizes although what I would do with a zombie doll I had no idea. We walked back to the car arm in arm laughing all the way and it seemed quite natural to kiss Jasper on the cheek in gratitude,

"Thank you Jasper. I had a wonderful time tonight and I enjoyed seeing you pretend to eat at the buffet. When they find your hidden plate of food they're going to think there really was a Zombie in the place."

The next day Alice phoned again, more delay and I felt guilty taking all Jaspers time up so I insisted on going out by myself sightseeing so he could work. It wasn't much fun though and I was just thinking about making my way back when I got a call from Edward, he wasn't happy.

"I just spoke to Alice. Why didn't you tell me she hadn't been there when you arrived?"

"I didn't think it mattered Edward. Jasper has been showing me around in her place."

"I don't want you there alone with him. Get a flight back and Esme will pick you up in Seattle."

"Why? Are you coming home early?"

"No I can't, that's why Esme will be picking you up"

"Then why do I need to go back to Forks? I'm enjoying myself Edward."

"Really? With Jasper? You are a married woman so I suggest you act like one"

"Meaning what exactly?"

"It's not right you staying in the apartment with just Jasper there"

"He's my brother-in-law for goodness sake."

"Well, as your husband I don't like it and I want you home"

"As the saying goes Edward you can't always get what you want. You're enjoying yourself in Boston and I'm enjoying myself in Denver. When we both get home well have plenty to talk about won't we?"

"So you refuse to come home?"

"I guess so, yes."

"You don't seem to care how I feel Bella"

"Edward I care more than you do, you were the one who organised a holiday with Carlisle, you could have taken me with you. Why didn't you?"

"It's a scientific institute Bella, a little over your head I would have thought."

"Of course, I forgot I'm just a simple human. Edward I'm getting a little tired of being treated like a pet. I'll be home next week and I hope your scientific lectures or whatever are interesting. Now I have to go, its time for lunch"

I shut my phone feeling really angry. Why Edward was treating me like this I had no idea, Why he preferred spending time with Carlisle I didn't know either but there was no way I was going back to Forks to wait like a good little wife. All my high hopes of a romantic marriage were crashing down with Edwards actions and it wasn't fair. I'd kept my side of the bargain but now he'd got me it seemed he wasn't so keen on keeping his side!

When I got back I was still annoyed and Jasper picked up on it,

"Trouble Bella?"

I nodded with a sigh,

"Can I talk to you Jasper, in confidence?"

"Of course Bella come and sit down.

He pushed his paperwork on the floor to make room for me by his side on the couch,

"It might be easier to talk if you aren't looking directly at me."

He was right of course,

"Edward rang me this morning"

"To say I love you or to check up on you?"

I laughed,

"You know your brother well. He'd spoken to Alice and wasn't happy I was here alone with you"

"Why?"

"No idea but he wanted me to go home. He'd already arranged for Esme to pick me up in Seattle."

"Is he home already? I thought you said he was away for two weeks?"

"He is, he won't be there, he just doesn't want me here with you."

"I see"

"Well I don't. You are my brother-in-law, you have a mate of your own, and you wouldn't try anything"

"You know me that well?"

I turned to look him in the face,

"Yes I do."