Chapter 24 – Mr. July (cont'd)
"Well, that was one way to lose my modelling virginity," quipped Jacob, now fully clothed, as he jumped out of the back of the van to help Edward load up the motorcycle.
"The first time's always awkward," joked Edward, as he easily heaved the front of the bike up through the double doors. Bella was surprised at how strong he was, until she remembered the hint of muscle she'd seen beneath his t-shirt on Dirty Scrabble night. She found herself wondering what Edward might look like without his shirt, and quickly quashed the thought.
"I'm just glad it was Bella popping my cherry," said Jacob with a wink, momentarily 'forgetting' he was supposed to be holding the back of the bike and causing Edward to nearly drop it.
"Hey, watch it, man!" scowled Edward. Bella was starting to think more and more that he was jealous of Jacob flirting with her. Now the thought was in her mind, everything he did just seemed to confirm it. What's more, Jacob had apparently noticed it too and was purposely trying to wind Edward up. His flirtatious comments seemed to be just as much directed at Edward as they were Bella. She shook her head in wonder. Two guys fighting over her – this was a new experience. And one she didn't completely hate.
The bike now loaded, Bella climbed into the back with Jacob. He'd pushed the bike to one side, so it was blocking one of the benches running along the inside of the van. Bella had a sneaking suspicion he'd done this on purpose so they would have to sit side by side. She squeezed onto the other bench next to Jacob, their thighs almost touching.
"Sorry about earlier, Jacob. We probably should have found a more secluded spot. I didn't even think we'd be interrupted by hikers." Bella felt partly responsible for the embarrassing scene.
"Hey, don't worry about it. My naked body's going to be plastered over the walls of thousands of Eclipse magazine readers in the New Year – so what if a few old grannies got a sneak preview." Jacob's easy smile was back, his earlier mortification apparently forgotten.
"Have you warmed up yet?" asked Bella, as Edward started the engine.
"Of course. I told you, I'm a hot blooded animal." He cupped his hand gently against Bella's cheek to prove it, his brown eyes locking with hers. "Oh my god, Bella you're, like, ice cold!"
"I think I've caught a bit of chill. I'm sure I'll warm up once we get going," she answered through chattering teeth. "E-Edward, can you turn the heat up please?"
"You got it, boss," Edward called back from the front seat. "It'll take a while to warm up though. We'll need to have the engine running for a bit."
"We can stop for coffee, too," added Alice. "We just have to get back to civilisation first."
"I can warm you up in the meantime," said Jacob, his arms open wide. "Come here."
"Oh no, Jacob, I'll be f-fine. R-really." Bella pulled her jacket closer around herself and tried to stop shivering.
"Bella, please, you're practically turning blue! Let Jacob warm you up." It was Alice, looking back at Bella with a wicked smile and a meaningful raising of her eyebrows.
"Alice, hadn't you better turn and face the front so you don't get car sick?" said Bella crossly, at once annoyed at her friend's interference and a little pleased that she was being pushed into the inviting warmth of Jacob's embrace. "Okay, fine. I am pretty cold." She leaned forward to rest her head on Jacob's broad chest, while he wrapped his big arms around her and pulled her close. She could feel the heat from his body seeping through the thin material of his t-shirt. It felt safe, comforting. And really fucking good. She hadn't been held like this since… since Edward had hugged when she first told him about Mike's affair.
The thought of Edward sent a shot of guilt through her heart. If he was jealous of Jacob, this wouldn't be helping matters. She could almost picture his golden eyes staring angrily at Jacob via the rearview mirror.
Oh, what the hell, said the devil on her shoulder. Maybe a healthy dose of jealousy will help him step out of the Friend Zone. Bella was surprised at her own sub-conscious. Was that what she really wanted? For Edward to make a move on her? Despite her growing awareness of her feelings for Edward, she was still startled to find that she did.
Both pleased and excited by her latest admission to herself, she snuggled closer into Jacob's chest, hungrily soaking up his body heat. She could feel her eyelids growing heavy, and before long the gentle hum of the engine and the steady beat of Jacob's heart had lulled Bella to sleep.
oOoOo
She woke as the van pulled to a standstill, her head still resting on the pillow of Jacob's pecs. Groggily rubbing her eyes, she sat up at looked out of the window. They were already back outside her studio and apartment building. "Are we home already?" she asked through a yawn.
"We sure are, Sleeping Beauty," said Jacob, who was looking very pleased with himself for some reason. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you snored the whole journey."
"Oh my god, no!" Bella was horrified. How embarrassing!
"Joke! It was a joke, Bella. Chillax!" laughed Jacob, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
Edward had got out of the front seat and opened the back doors of the van for Bella and Jacob to get out. "Jacob, I would offer you a ride home but I've got to get the van back to Eric for this evening. Sorry man." You don't sound it, thought Bella.
"Sure, sure," said Jacob. "No worries, I can make my own way home. Besides, it'll give me a chance to say goodbye to Bella… Oh, and Alice." He smiled sweetly at Edward.
"Okay, cool." He didn't sound 'cool.' "Bella, I'll text you later," Edward added with a glance at Jacob to make sure he'd heard. "You'll have to let me know how my photos turned out." Edward adjusted his glasses in the nervous way Bella had come to know and - dare she say it - love.
"I'm sure they'll be great, Edward," smiled Bella, as she waved him off. She was pleased she had an excuse to speak to him again this evening.
Edward sped away in the van leaving Bella standing on the sidewalk with Alice and Jacob. She was well overdue for a proper catch-up with Alice, so she'd promised to cook her dinner that evening. Jacob didn't look like he was about to leave any time soon and Bella was worried he might invite himself along too. He was such a cocky guy, she wouldn't put it past him.
"So Bella, before I go, I was wondering if I could get your phone number?" he asked. She knew he'd been loitering for something. "I mean, I'm still new to this whole modelling thing so it would be great to get a few more shots for my portfolio. And, uh, I thought maybe we could, you know, go out sometime…."
"She'd love to," said Alice, before Bella could catch her breath. She'd fished one of Bella's business cards out of her handbag and was holding it out to Jacob. He took the card and looked to Bella with his eyebrows raised in question, seeking her approval.
Bella sighed. "Okay. Sure. Why not?" It wasn't like she had a better offer.
"Great," grinned Jacob, looking like the cat that got the cream. "I'll call you soon, then. Thanks for today, both of you. It was fun. See you around!" With that, he turned on his heel and practically skipped down the road.
"Oh my god!" squealed Alice as soon as Jacob was out of earshot. "Bella, he is sooooo cute!" Bella knew she should be pleased – Jacob was gorgeous, after all – but she couldn't help feeling a sense of guilt. It must have shown on her face. "What's wrong, Bells? Aren't you happy?"
"I don't know, Alice. You know I've given up on this whole challenge thing."
"Come on, Bella. This is different. You know I didn't think trying to get laid was the best way to get over Mike. And I know you don't feel ready for another relationship just yet. But Jacob seems like a really sweet guy. He wants to ask you out. It's only a date. It doesn't have to be anything more. Give me one good reason why you shouldn't go out with him."
I think I might be crushing on Edward Cullen, thought Bella. She couldn't bring herself to say it out loud. Alice was her oldest friend; she could usually tell her anything. But this felt too new, too strange. Bella was worried if she told someone else it would suddenly become real, and there'd be no turning back. She stayed silent.
"See?" said Alice, triumphantly. "It's a no-brainer. What could possibly go wrong?"
A/N: What could possibly go wrong, indeed? With Bella's track record, I dread to think! I hope you're all pleased she is finally admitting her feelings for Edward though. It's been a long time coming!
So who has been your favourite Calendar Guy so far? And who would you like to see in the future? Let me know in your reviews!
Thanks for reading, Poppy xx
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight