Bella
I think horseback riding on the beach may be my new favorite thing. Granted it is if I don't have to do it and I can sit and watch Jasper while he does. He looked so fucking sexy astride that horse that I couldn't even really think straight. If he had even attempted to take off his shirt or anything, I'd have been done and attacked the man then and there. Actually I probably wouldn't have, but whatever I can dream.The past couple of weeks since we admitted our feelings to each other, I've thought a lot on the physical aspects of our relationship. When I say I think about it it's usually the whole drive to and from work or while I'm at work. I mean. Other than that I try to keep it out of my head because it's really not something I want Jasper to pick up on since he's not mentioned it either. That's not really a conversation I look forward to having. Don't get me wrong I really would like to do that it's just I don't want to have to hear him say no. Edward's rejection hurt and usually ended up frustrating me beyond belief, but Jasper's would crush me."Bella. Earth to Bella." I jerked out of my silent thoughts to find Sarah snapping her fingers in front of my face."Sorry.""It's okay. Where did you go?""Just thinking about number 7.""Oh, what was it?""Horseback riding on the beach.""Damn girl that man is making it tough on all the other men out there.""That's okay. I don't want anybody else.""I know." She said giving me a smile.Sarah had been so happy when I came back to work and told her about Jasper and I after number 6. She'd squealed so loud it had brought Nathan running only to find us jumping around like two thirteen year olds and not twenty-something year olds. He'd just shaken his head with a smile and walked away leaving us to our giggling talk."Any idea when the next one is?" She asked."No. He never tells me, but there is usually a week or two in between.""I wonder what the next one is.""Me too. I mean we've done so much already. What more can there be?""There is no telling with him. He's already come up with stuff I'd never have thought about.""That is so true."We talked for a few more minutes shooting out ideas on what could be coming next before we both went back to work helping customers like we should have been doing instead of just standing there.I finished out the last two hours of my shift and headed to the back to clock out and throw a goodbye to Nathan. As I walked out the backroom door onto the sales floor I was digging into my bag for my keys and didn't notice someone standing in front of me until I slammed into their chest.Glancing up to mutter a quick apology I came face to face with Jasper, holding out a tulip to me. I smiled taking it from him before stepping forward and pressing my lips to his.Pulling back after a few seconds I asked, "What are you doing here?"He took my hand and as we walked out of the building he explained, "Well as I sat at home today I thought back on all our list items and it got me to thinking that everything we'd done so far could, to an outsider not in the know, be considered as dates instead of just two friends having fun. And as I thought about that I realized that we could also from now on consider that last three items on the list as dates. However, number 8 won't be until the middle of June and I don't really want to wait that long for a date.""Okay," I said. "Did you figure something out so that doesn't happen?""I'm so glad you asked me that because I did come up with something. Miss Swan would you be my date for this evening?"Leaning against the front of my truck I heaved a sigh, "I don't know. You see it is such short notice and I have this really hot man waiting for me at home, who I love very much."He growled a sexy ass growl and placed his hands on the hood, trapping me in place. Not that I minded at all.Pressing closer he whispered by my ear, "I have it on good authority he's not even there and he would not mind in the least. He even offered to pay for our night.""He did and here I thought he loved me.""0h he does very much so. Shall I show you just how much?""I guess you can and then I'll make a decision." I said and was immediately hit with Jasper's love. My eyes closed with the feeling and I sighed sending all mine back to him.Before I could open them back up his lips were pressed to mine with his arms around my waist pulling me closer.When we finally broke apart he rested his forehead against mine and asked, "So is that a yes or a no?""Yes, always yes." I answered earning me a smile from his gorgeous face and another kiss.Stepping back he pulled me around to the passenger side of my truck and helped me in before going around to the driver's side and sliding in.Once he got my truck started and pulled out of the parking lot he reached over taking my hand. "So how was your day beautiful?""Good, much better now though.""I'm glad I could be of service."I shot him a smile before asking, "So where are we going?""Um…I don't know. Since I don't eat why don't you just point when you see something you like and then we can go to the movies.""Okay," I said looking out the window.We drove down the main street through Port Angeles and a couple side roads before I pointed to the Wildfire Grill. I'd wanted to try it for lunch, but Sarah and I had never gotten around to it so it would be perfect.Jasper pulled into the parking lot and we quickly exited the vehicle. When I met him in the front of the truck he wrapped his arm around my waist, leading me toward the front door. As we walked in we were met by an overly happy hostess who after giving me a cursory glance couldn't keep her damn eyes off of Jasper."May I help you sir?" She purred sounding more like a cat with his tail caught in a door than the sex kitten she was going for causing me to snort a laugh. Not really lady like, but neither was stabbing her in the head with all the toothpicks in the bowl on the podium behind her, so I went with the lesser of two evils.Jasper chuckled at what I assumed was the jealousy he could feel from me, but then he leaned down and whispered in my ear so only I could hear, "Is it just me or did she sound like a dying cat?"I made that god awful snort again and succeeded in pissing off the girl before us more than I apparently already was by just being with Jasper.She gave me another once over and let a smirk cross her face while turning back to Jasper."Do you need a table for two for you and your sister or will others be joining you?"Really? What is her fucking problem? If I had a brother I would not be wrapped around him like I was Jasper. Stupid bitch.Jasper shot me a smile before kissing my forehead and stepping away from me. I huffed crossing my arms across my chest as he leaned forward to whisper in the girl's ear.She was watching me with a little smile on her face, that I wanted to seriously knock off when whatever he was saying registered with her and she looked as pissed off as I was.I smiled slightly as she jerked away, grabbing two menus and walking toward a table without waiting for us.Jasper reached behind him so I could take his hand and he pulled me forward, sitting me in a chair before taking the one beside me and taking my hand again."So," I said picking up a menu. "What did you say to her?"He laughed quietly before answering. "Well first I told her that the way I kiss you was no where close to how a brother should kiss his sister, then it was even if I wasn't with you she would hold no interest for me ever, and last I said that if she wanted to keep her fucking job and not have her ass beat by my girlfriend she would get us a table and not say another word."I snorted again and clapped my hand over my mouth because really why did I keep doing that?Sliding closer Jasper took my hand away and replaced it with his lips. With his mouth barely brushing against mine he said, "And that sound so sexy."I made it again because I was already a lost cause with that shit tonight. He laughed, kissing me again and sitting back up in his chair as the waitress walked up. Either the hostess had said something to her or she was just really smart and kept her eyes on her little tablet pad thingy when she asked for our drink order because I was around silverware now and I would probably have stabbed her with my fork and spoon and maybe both of Jasper's, he wouldn't need it anyway, if she hadn't.We both ordered a coke and then we ordered the Caesar salad and Cajun Flatbread when she brought them to the table. As I waited for my food we talked for a little bit about what movies were playing and what they were about finally deciding on Avatar.When our food came I laughed as Jasper kept sneaking lettuce and croutons into my bowl all the while asking why I could possible eat dressing that smelled worse than most human food. By the time I was finished his bowl could have passed for him eating as well. Granted the flatbread had not been touch and there was no way it was getting eaten tonight, I was too full from both salads.The waitress came back over and asked, "Was the food not right?""Oh yes it is fine I'm sure. We're just going to the movies and we both have to save room for popcorn." I answered with a little eye roll."I do that too." She said smiling. "Would you like a box?""Please."She shot us another smile and disappeared for a few seconds returning with the check and a to-go box. While she was gone Jasper said, "Nice little while lie there.""I do have my moments."After he'd paid and left the waitress a very nice tip he took my hand and pulled me to my feet. "Okay beautiful lets go watch blue people for three hours."For some reason that comment was hilarious to me and it may have been just the whole night so far, but whatever it was I laughed all the way out the door. Jasper finally joined me in laughter as well and we probably looked like two idiots walking across the parking lot, however I think he was projecting also since a couple walking toward the building started laughing too.By the time we'd made it the theater we'd calmed down. I excused myself quickly to go to the restroom and coming out I found Jasper standing at the concession stand."What are you doing? I can't eat anything else.""I know, but it seems kind of wrong to come to the movies and not get popcorn, plus with the length of it you may want it later.""Fine."He gave me that heart stopping smile and ordered a small drink and popcorn with extra butter.Getting into the theater we took the back row. Jasper raised the arm in between us, sliding his arm around my shoulder and hugging me close."I love you Bella. Thank you for coming on a date with me.""I love you too. Thank you for asking me."He took his other hand and used his fingers to tilt my chin so he could press our lips together, sweeping his tongue across my bottom lip. I opened immediately and we kissed until I needed to breathe. Once he pulled back he took a hold of my hand and settled them in his lap, constantly running his thumb across the back of it.The theater soon filled up and the movie started. It was actually pretty good and the CGI was amazing. About halfway through I did munch on the popcorn. Jasper laughed quietly when I asked him to hand it over, but instead of doing what I asked he pulled me into his lap and fed it to me. We kissed quiet a bit as well, I mean we were in the back row and I seriously think it's a written law or something to do that.When the movie was over I had to go to the bathroom again, since I'd downed the soda too. Coming out Jasper was leaning against the wall across from the door, his knee bent with his boot propped on the wall, his hands shoved in the pocket of his jeans and giving me that smile of his. Fuck I didn't think after seeing him on a horse he could get any hotter, but standing there he was just fucking…ugh.Hearing a throat clear behind me I glanced quickly over my shoulder, taking in the little old woman behind me and I realized I was blocking the entrance of the bathroom."Sorry," I muttered stepping forward."That's okay honey," She said her eyes drifting to Jasper. "I'd stop and stare at him too.""I get to do it all the time." I whispered even though I knew he would be able to hear me."Lucky girl." She said patting my arm and moving off to an older man standing a few feet away.I watched them walk away hand in hand before I felt Jasper's arms come around my waist and his chin rest on my shoulder."That's good to feel.""What?" I questioned."Their love. It's so strong and drowns out almost every other emotion in the building. The only thing it can't top is my love for you.""I love you too." I said and was reward with a kiss."You ready?" He asked pulling back.I nodded and we walked toward the exit.Over the next few weeks Jasper and I had a few more dates. He always surprised me at work with a flower before asking me out and of course I agreed each time. We'd seen Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakral, which was really cute and Youth in Revolt, fucking funny as hell.I thought about what was coming with number 8 a lot, but I really had no hope of figuring it out.Today though I couldn't think about anything else, but where I was going. It was Father's Day and I was going to see dad. It didn't hurt like the last times though because today there would be different words spoken than before, today I could tell him that he'd finally gotten his wish and that I was happy.Going down the stairs after I'd showered and dressed I found Jasper waiting on me at the bottom of them. He was holding the Forget-Me-Nots he'd picked up from the florist this morning for me.Putting his arms around me he whispered, "I'll be waiting with open arms when you get back."Looking up into his eyes, I asked, "Will you come with me today?""Yes, if you want me too."I nodded.Taking my hand we walked out to the truck.Arriving at the cemetery, I got out and started walking toward my dad's grave. Halfway there I realized Jasper wasn't following behind me.Walking back over to him, I didn't say a word as I reached for his hand and returned to my walk.Kneeling when we got to the grave I placed the flowers down and said…Happy Father's Day dad.Guess what?I kept my promise.You wouldn't believe how happy I am now.So much more so than I ever was.The tears finally worked there way out, but they weren't sad ones this time. Before I could continue I felt Jasper kneel down beside me. He kissed my temple softly and I whispered.This is Jasper, dad and he's the one that brought me back.I don't think you ever actually met him before, but I know you would have liked him.He's given me all those new experiences you wanted me to have and has taught me to live again.I wish you could have seen everything I've done, maybe you have, but everything was amazing.I love him so much.So please don't worry anymore I'm finally where I'm supposed to be…I trailed off as more tears fell from my eyes. Jasper didn't say anything, as he moved back a little and pulled me into his lap and held on to me, letting me cry. He didn't use his power to calm me down, just kissed my forehead or my hair and ran his hand up and down my back. I couldn't have loved him more.As the tears slowly subsided I looked up into his golden eyes and whispered, "Thank you for coming with me.""Thank you for asking me." He said before lowering his mouth to mine for a chaste kiss.We sat there a few more minutes before I pulled away to stand up. Pressing my fingers to my mouth I kissed them and then placed them on the top of my dad's name whispering an "I love you daddy."I went to take Jasper's hand, but he stopped me with the look that came over his face."Are you okay?" I asked."Yeah, but can you give me a minute?"I nodded confused.He gave me a smile and said, "I just want to talk to your dad for a minute.""Okay. I'll be at the truck."He smiled again and gave me a kiss. Still a little confused I started for the parking lot.JasperI watched my beautiful girl walk back to her truck before I turned to the headstone at my feet. Squatting down I let the words I needed him to hear come…Chief Swan.I just want to say thank you, sir.You have the most amazing daughter in the world.Thank you for being there when she needed you and for keeping her safe until I got here.I know she made you a promise and has fulfilled it. I'm going to make a few to you as well.I promise that I will continue to make her as happy as she is now.I promise that I'll protect her and keep her safe just like you did.And I promise to love her with everything I have.As I finished what I wanted to say I glanced over my shoulder. Bella was leaning against the hood of her truck watching me and offered me a smiled as I caught her eye.Turning completely I started to walk forward. Bella pushed off the truck as I got closer and wrapped her arms around my waist."Thank you." She whispered. "I don't need to know what you said, but thank you."I cupped her face with my hands and used my thumbs to tilt her face up. "You never have to thank me for speaking the truth. I love you so much Bella Swan.""I love you too Jasper Hale." She pushed up on her toes bringing her mouth to mine.When I pulled back I said, "Let's go home."She smiled with a nod and went to walk around the truck to the passenger side, but I took her hand stirring her to the driver's side. Opening the door I helped her up into the middle of the truck and keeping her hand in mine I drove us back to the house.Once we were in the driveway I slid out and swept her up in my arms, her hands coming around my neck. I carried her into the house and up the stairs.Getting to Bella's room I sat her on the bed, giving her another kiss before moving into the bathroom and starting a tub of water.She hadn't spoken since we'd gotten in the truck, and although her emotions didn't have the normal amount of sadness she usually had after a trip to the cemetery there was still a little bit there along with a little bit of conflict that I didn't understand. I wanted to ask what it was about, but decided she needed to relax first and while she ate lunch after her bath I would bring it up.As the tub filled I poured some of Bella's bubble bath in it and lit the candles she had sitting around. Turning the water off when it was full I went back to the bedroom. Bella was still sitting in the same spot I'd left her in. Giving her a smile I went to her dresser and grabbed her favorite pajamas out of them. It was only a little after lunch time, but we weren't going anywhere else today and she would be comfortable in them.Once I had them in hand I picked her up off the bed again, taking her to the bathroom and setting her on the counter along with her pajamas.Taking her face in my hands I said, "Take a bath. I'll be downstairs waiting with lunch when you're finished.""Okay," She whispered. "I love you.""I love you too Beautiful. Call if you need anything."I gave her a kiss and started for the door the conflict she was feeling getting stronger. I didn't even make it to the stairs before she was calling me back."Jasper.""Yes?" I asked coming back into the bathroom.She looked up at me and then back to her hands that were sitting in her lap I didn't say anything else, waiting for her to say what she needed too. It took a few minutes before she spoke and if I hadn't been in the room even being a vampire I wouldn't have heard her. It was only one word that passed her lips, but it was one that held so much meaning behind it."Stay."I watched her just for a moment. I knew what she was asking without her having to say the actual words and even though it was something I wanted as well I wanted to be sure that she wouldn't regret it come tomorrow.I waited to long in those few short seconds though and I watched a tear slip down her face. Her body tensed with the rejection she thought would be coming.Stepping forward I picked her up and only said two words, "Not here," before walking back down the hall to her bedroom.
