Chapter Five

Being punctual as I remembered all of the Cullens being, Jasper was at my front door at nine o'clock sharp the very next morning. Clad in black board-shorts and a wife beater undershirt. I of course let my eyes wonder over the perfection that is Jasper and was rewarded with a chuckle and my words thrown right back at me.

“Really Bella, my eyes are up here hon.” he smirked.

My face flamed and I punched his shoulder. “Good morning to you too. Now, I just need to grab my bag, the cookies and my keys then I will be ready to go.”

Jasper followed me inside while I picked up my oversized purse and my keyring from the bowl by the door, grabbing the over flowing plate of sugar cookies off the table. I started to head out only to be alone. Jasper was standing beside my fireplace, looking at my photos. The one he held in his hand was a picture from right after they had left Forks. I was at the beach for my first bonfire after I had figured out about the wolves. Slowly he ran his finger over the glass of the picture. I wasn't sure what he was doing.

I placed my hand on his forearm, making him jump slightly. Holy crap I just scared a vampire. Er, well.. I scared Jasper and that is definitely a first. “Is something wrong?”

When he finally looked at me, his eyes were pained. Glistening with tears and so full of hurt. “We killed you when we left.” he whispered.

“I wasn't in great shape over it, no. But I am very much alive and I am a happy person now. I have my two best friends, my second family back...” I grabbed his free hand and squeezed it. “And I have you. My newest best friend that I wouldn't know where I was right now, [mentally] if you hadn't taken the time to talk with me. Now, I want you to stop all of those thoughts right this instant. Its suppose to be a fun day remember? You promised me fun so that is what we are going to be having.”

Jasper attempted to smile at me but it didn't reach his beautiful eyes. He wasn't going to let it go. Well, I would just have to make him see just how happy I am now. That quickly became my goal for the day.

We drove for over an hour in complete silence, not uncomfortable at all. He had handed me his iPod when we first got in and told me to pick whatever I wanted to listen to. We shared a lot of similar tastes in music. He like the classic rock songs as well as some of the newer heavier rock music that I have come to loved over the past couple of years. I had laughed at one point, coming across a playlist that read 'Emmett – Car Trips'. It was full of upbeat pop and hip-hop songs, including a lot of the Jonas Brothers stuff. Jasper had turned toward me giving me a questioning look but I held the device up for him to read the screen and he gave his own hearty laugh.

Finally pulling up to a rot-iron gate, the entire property looked to be surrounds but an at least eight foot stone wall. Jasper pushed a button of the sun visor and the gates opened. Driving down the brick drive way, we passed a lot of trees, there was a full garden of vegetables on the left. To the right there was a rather large opening that was fenced in and four beautiful horses and a colt were trotting about. We pulled up in front of a large white house that looked like something you would see in a civil war movie. The plantation owner's homes. It was beautiful.

Jasper had already come around my side of the car and had the door open. Holding his hand out to me. Taking his hand, Jasper pulled me to my feet and reached around me to grab the plate of cookies from backseat through the open rear window. Holding a firm grip on the cookie plate, Jasper held his other hand on the small of my back and lead me toward the large white double front doors. Behind we even reached it, it was thrown open and out came a beautiful, yet tiny, women with dirty blond colored hair and deeply tanned skin. A small was plastered on her face as she bounded towards us and without any warning I was wrapped into her lean arms and pulled into a fierce embrace.

I shot Jasper a stunned look over her shoulder and he chuckled silently. “Bella, this is my friend and dear sister, Charlotte.”

“It is so good to finally be able to meet the Bella! I never thought this would happen!” she squealed in a very Alice like manner.

The panicked look that must have been on my face was enough to get Jasper to intervene. “Alight Char, I would appreciate it if you didn't run Bella off the first time that I get you to come to one of these.”

Charlotte held me out at arms length, before turning to glare at Jasper. “How the hell is my hugging her going to scare her off? If I remember correctly, she was the only human girl I have ever heard of to willingly hang around vampires while she knew what they truly were.” Turning to me she gave a wide eyed, disbelieving look. “Shit, girl, if I knew vampires excised when I were human before and they were close to me. You can bet your sweet ass that my ass would have hightailed it the fuck outta there.”

I couldn't help but chuckle at her. She was definitely the type that said what she thought without a care in the world and I knew that I was going to love her.

“Come along, Bella! I will show you around the house and then I will take you to one of the guest rooms so you can change into you bathing suit.” Though she took my hand, she shoot a look at Jasper. “And you, Mr. Whitlock, need to go fetch some more beer and wine from the cooler. Please and thank you!”

Jasper groaned, calling after our retreating forms. “Get your husband to do that, I'm not your slave!”

***

I had taken my time changing into my swim suit. After being a waitress in certain bars over my college years and being forced into skimpy outfits by Jasmine for parties, I was surprising feeling self-conscious about walking out of this room and into the backyard were my second family and their friends were. I took a few calming breaths, oh suck it up Swan! My mind was screaming at me because I was being a complete pussy about this. Its just the Cullen family and two of their friends. Of course Jasper is out there and Emmett and the gorgeous Rosalie that I could never compete against. Hell, even Charlotte is beyond gorgeous. I gave myself I good smack on the side of my head. I was being stupid. They have never judged me by my looks before. I just need to suck it up!

Turning the door knob, I stepped out and was met by Charlotte that was holding a giant beach towel draped over her arm. Her smile grew wider as well as her eyes as she took in my appearance. She hummed to herself for a moment, spinning me in a circle before speaking. “Well Bella, if you were looking to grabbed Jasper's attention.. Jesus girl, he wont be able to keep his hands off of you.”

My face flushed instantly. “N-no that was n-not my intentions.” She gave me a pointed look that clearly told me to stop lying to myself.

“That suit just screams 'look at me' and I noticed the way you were looking at Jasper when you guys arrived. I maybe be old honey, but I am definitely not blind.” She smirked.

“I have no idea what you are talking about Charlotte.” I quickly said before we reached the back doors.

“Of course you don't Bella. Of course you don't.”

***

I was actually enjoying myself. Us girls spent the first few hours laying in the lounge chairs under the canopy with baby Gavin. Rose was still afraid to get him into the sun too much. I had to admit, he was very fair skinned and I was even worried that he could get a bit of a sun burn from the little time that Emmett carried him around in the pool playing with him. It was adorable to watch Emmett with his son. Him being a giant sized kid himself. But, he was so gentle and caring towards the child. Always making sure he hand his hands right behind Gavin's head and careful not to jerk him or jar him in anyway. The baby talk was the cutest thing I have ever witnessed of my big brother doing. Rubbing his nose against Gavin's and cooing.

It was a beautiful sight.

Around three the guys called us over to get our food. Jasper held onto my plate and loaded in down with double the amount that any normal person would eat themselves. He took it back to my lounge chair and asked if I wanted a beer and took off when he received my nod. I had sat back down on my chair and started in on my cheeseburger when Jasper came back with two beers. He sat on the opposite side of the plate on the foot of the chair and took the other burger from the plate.

I noticed that all the other couples were sitting the very same way and I couldn't help but to think of what it would be like if Jasper and I had a relationship similar to our friends and family members. I took another bite of my burger and gave a soft sigh. It was a lovely thought, to think of me and Jasper as more than friends. But, I knew that would never happen. Sure there was that natural tension between us. Sexual tension! Relieve it Bella! Yet again that little voice in my head was speaking what I truly wanted to think. Jasper raised his eyebrows at me when I sighed but I just shook my head and gave him a bright smile. He returned it with a lazy grin.

After hours of all of us talking, including me retelling my story to the raise of the family what had happened after they had left. Emmett was upset that I had been hanging out with werewolves, Carlisle wasn't even looking in my direction when I was finished, Esme was on the verge of tears, Rosalie and Jasper looked as if they could kill someone, Peter was sitting quietly off to the side and Charlotte had me wrapped in her arms when she noticed I had tears rolling down my cheeks. It was hard to think about everything. Even harder to talk about it. Especially when I got to the part about Jacob.

The talk with the family took a lot out of me and after that, it when the drinking had started. First it was just me wanting to get that familiar buzzed feeling so I could ignore the heartache that decided to try and ruin my family time. After three games of chicken, Jasper and me Vs. Peter and Charlotte then Emmett and Rosalie, which we won neither because the other always cheated. Getting questions about my sex life thrown at me, by none other than Rosalie Hale herself, she even said she was proud when she found out that the bartender at Ladymen's was one of my firsts to get with. Ryan of course. She said I had good taste in men. I had to roll my eyes at her and yet she still managed to drag things out of me that I hadn't even told Jasmine before.

By the time Esme and Carlisle announced they needed to head home and Gavin giving out his screams saying it was past bedtime, Emmett and Rosalie left as well. Leaving Jasper and I with Peter and Charlotte. I hadn't ever really played drinking games except for once or twice in my first year of college, but damnit, Peter can being really persuasive. It ended up being the game I Never.

“Since Bella seems to be the drinking game virgin here,” Peter chuckled at me sticking my tongue out at him. “She gets to go first.”

I looked around our little circle before smirking. “I never drank blood.” They all groaned and started to protest. “Of suck it up and take your shots.”

Downing their shots, Jasper poured more rounds before taking his turn. “I never gave head.”

Charlotte and I downed our drinks and I got a surprised look from Jasper. “What? I am not as innocent as you think, Jazzy.” I giggled and patted his cheek.

He composed his featured and turned to Charlotte. She gave a smirk and raised a brow at me. “I never ate a girl out.”

I sighed and took a drink along with both of the guys. Again I got the same look from Jasper and he got the exact same response from me.

“I never masturbated in public.” Peter chuckled.

Charlotte was the only one that took a drink and grumbled. “Since when are we playing the dirty version of I Never?”

“Since Jasper started it. Are thou complaining oh wife of mine?”

“Oh, shut up.” she whined

We spent a good few hours playing the stupid game and with every statement the stupid they got as we consumed more alcohol. When Jasper and Peter started to play wrestle, Charlotte and I snuck out for one last quick swim. I floated across the top of the water, enjoying the cool water in the humid Texas night air. I felt Charlotte stop moving beside me in the water and I stood up to look at her. She had a soft smile on her face and she pulled me into a hug before I could react. I lost my balance and we both went under for a moment. Coming up laugh she apologized.

“Don't be sorry. Just blame my normal klutziness and the alcohol on me losing balance.” I laughed and she joined in for only a moment before that soft smile was back.

“I just wanted to say that I am happy to have you in my life Bella. I was never close to Alice, hell, she made a point to keep Jasper away from us and the few times that Jasper actually got her to come down here to visit she treated me like a caged animal and I could snap at anytime. Its nice to actually feel like I have a sister now.”

I pulled her into a hug this time. “I feel the same way, Char. I couldn't ask for a better sister than you.”

She smiled again but this time it was a devilish grin and I was kinda scared. “So, you and Jasper? What's going on there dear sister?”

“We are friends. Besides, he would never see me as anything more than a sister.”

Charlotte rolled her eyes at me. “If my brother looked at me the way Jasper looks at you, that would be just plain.. ew.” I rolled my eyes this time. “I'm serious, Bella. I've never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Just promise me... if you do give him a chance, don't break him. Please, he is just now getting back to the old Jasper and I don't think he could survive heartbreak again.”

“I would never hurt him. I couldn't. It would hurt me too much.” I whispered. “I know this sounds crazy cause I have only just gotten to know him recently but I just have these feelings for him already...”

“Tell him.”

“I'm scared.” I whispered.

“Why?”

“Because every time I love someone, they rip me apart then leave me.”

“Jasper wouldn't do that to you. He's better than Edward and that dog. When Jasper loves someone, its true and he loves them with everything he has. Just trust him.”

***

Charlotte showed me to a guest room because it was getting late and I didn't want to make Jasper drive home this late and end up having an accident because of me. Peter and Charlotte offered their guest rooms to us for as long as we wanted them because 'that is what families do'. I had showered and Char let some sweats and a t-shirt on the bed for me to sleep in. I had my towel wrapped around me and slid on my underwear and tank top, bending down to dry off my legs and feet. When I noticed there was someone else in the room.

I turned to find a froze Jasper in my doorway.

“Jazz?” I questioned.

He didn't say anything but slowly walked towards me. I myself was now frozen. When he was so close that his chest was brushing mine, he stopped. Just looking deeply into my eyes. Like he could see into my soul. It sent a shiver down my spine and that was all it took. He smashed his lips against mine. His hands holding onto the exposed skin of my waist and my arms instantly around his neck. Moving his hands lower, he grabbed a firm hold onto my backside and lifted me up until my legs went instinctively around his hips, giving his hands the freedom to roam. Running them down my back and then up my spine, making a deep moan to pour out of my mouth and into his.

With the advantage of my slightly parted his, he slide his tongue into my mouth. His hot tongue glided across mine gently before exploring every one of my teeth and ever ridge of the roof of my mouth. I took the opportunity to suck on his tongue, and I wasn't being gentle about it, earning a delicious groan and a buck of his hips against mine. Before I knew it, we were on the bed, him hovering over me. His lips still attached to mine but now he was rubbing the very obvious bulge against my core.

He broke the kiss to breathe but trailed his pillow-soft lips down my throat. Kissing my exposed collarbone, nipping at it lightly. I buried my hands in his soft golden curls and pulled his face back to mine. His normal gray-blue eyes now were dark, like clouds during a spring thunderstorm. He nuzzled his nose against mine, placing a kiss against the corner of my mouth then burying his face in my neck. He started to rub himself against my core again and all I could do was let out small mewing sounds and moans. All coherent thoughts were lost to me and I was relishing in the feel of Jasper.

Placing repeated kisses against my throat, he continued his actions.

“Oh god, more. Please don't stop.” I moan, feeling that bubble in my lower stomach growing.

But he did stop. Pushing up, he held himself off of me. His once stormy colored eyes were back to their normal gray-blue. He quickly rolled off of me and stood up, raking a hand through his messy blond curls. He didn't look at me at first. Kept his back facing me but when he turned all I could focus on was the regret in his eyes.

I bite down on my bottom lip to keep it from trembling.

“I'm sorry, Bella. I shouldn't.. I didn't mean to..” he stuttered.

Rejection. How is it possible to be rejected by every guy that seems to show interest in me? Fuck it.

“Don't. Please just.. I get it. You don't have to say it Jasper. I understand.” my voice shook. “Just forget about it Jasper. Pretend like nothing happened, its okay. I just want to go to bed now. Good night Jasper.”

Sliding under the covers, I turned away from his stunned looking expression. I didn't want him to see me cry. It would just show him that the weak pathetic girl from Forks is still buried inside. So I just closed my eyes and prayed that sleep would take me.

“Bella.” he spoke after a long silence. I ignored him.

“Bella.” he said more forcefully. And again. I ignored him.

“Damnit Bella. Will you just look at me!?” he nearly shouted.

Sighing, I turned over facing him. My eyes were wet and my cheeks were too. His face softened as he took this in. slowly he sat down on the bed and pulled me into his lap. “Bella I didn't mean it that way, darlin'.” This time he sighed. His long fingers were running softly up and down my back as we just sat there. “What I mean was I shouldn't have kissed you like that. I didn't mean to all but shove my tongue down your throat or dry hump you in Peter's guest room. Fuck. I have been trying to figure out a way of asking you all day and I decided to talk to you after your shower. I wasn't expecting to find you in such a position.” He groaned.

“What did you want to ask me Jasper?” I whispered.

“I was going to ask to kiss you but.. that didn't work so well. I have been nervous about how you would react but after seeing you like that and after spending the entire day with you and you in that tiny red bikini. God, I couldn't control myself. I was a possessed man and I wasn't being the gentlemen that I was brought up to be. When you finally spoke, my mind cleared and I realized that I was treating you without respect. Please forgive me Bella.”

I sat up in his lap and cupped his face in my hands. “You have done nothing wrong. I forgive you though because I know you wont smile again until I say it. So I forgive you. But, know this. If you want to ask me something, don't ever feel like you cant or that it would offend me in some way. I love you Jasper. You're my best friend and somehow in this short amount of time, my feelings for you have grown to more than just friendship.”

“W-what do you mean?” he whispered.

I smiled and looked into his beautiful eyes. “I am falling for you Jasper Whitlock.”

Jasper's face lit up and I didn't think he could smile as wide as he did. He started to lean forward but stopped and gave me a small smile. “Maybe I kiss you Isabella?”

I nodded my head and he captured my lips in a gentle but passionate kiss. It only lasted for a few moments before he pulled away. “I am falling for you too Miss Swan. Please, say you will be mine?”

“I'm already yours.” I whispered against his lips.