Jasper Hale Love Story

Chapter - 100

I'm not sure that's a good -- said Jacob.

Bella quickly rises and hops back on.

Guess we're going again said Jacob.

Now what are you going to do with the clutch? asked Bella.

Release it. Slowly said Jacob as he nods then kick-starts the bike again. She releases the clutch and moves forward. Slowly at first – Edward reappears at her side, glowering.

She keeps going, a little faster. Edward appears on her left now; she passes him. He reappears ahead; she passes. She gathers speed... and for a moment, experiences pure freedom, exhilaration... then she sees Edward standing at the curve in the road ahead, and realizes --.

I don't -- how do I turn!? asked Bella.

Bank it! Bank - hit the brake! said Jacob.

Jacob races toward her. She reaches the turn, doesn't bank, goes straight... and flies right into a wall of trees. As she lies on the ground dazed, Jacob hurries up.

What, are you training for the X-games? asked Jacob.

She looks around for Edward. He's gone.

I want to go again said Bella.

Forget it. I'm revoking your motorcycle privileges. Man, look at your head said Jacob.

Indeed, blood drips down her forehead. He pulls off his shirt to mop it up. She shrinks away --

God, I'm sorry said Bella.

You're apologizing for bleeding? asked Jacob.

It doesn't... bother you? asked Bella.

It's just blood, Bella said Jacob.

He bends over her, carefully tending her head. She finds herself looking at him. His dark eyes, his bare chest and smooth skin. He glances at her.

What are you staring at? asked Jacob.

Just, you're actually... good looking said Bella.

He's surprised; there's a moment between them. He smiles.

How hard did you hit your head? asked Jacob.

Oh I - yeah said Bella.

He offers her a hand, helps her up. She holds onto it alarmed.

Jake, you're hot said Bella touching his forehead.

Upgraded from good looking? asked Jacob.

He takes her hand from his forehead and Holds it. She tries to pull it away.

I can't hold your hand? asked Jacob.

It just... means something else to you than it does to me said Bella.

One, that's my problem. But two... we have fun, you think I'm hot - said Jacob.

And Good looking said Bella.

I know you like me said Jacob.

What? More than anyone. But... that's all said Bella.

Because of Cullen? asked Jacob.

The name stings her.

He takes both her hands now and said Look, I know what he did to you. I can see it in your face every time his name comes up. But you need to know - I would never, ever do that to you. I promise I will never hurt you. You can count on me.

I already do. You don't know how much. You're my best friend but... I don't think my feelings will change said Bella.

He takes this in, it's hard. A wave of something sweeps over him. He sits back. Closes his eyes, takes a breath.

I'm sorry. I should've said something right from the start -- said Bella.

No. That's not -- I just feel...weird said Jacob.

I told you, you have a fever. Probably that flu everyone has said Bella.

It doesn't... feel like flu. I don't know what it is said Jacob.