Rumor
By Momma2Fan
Summary: The town of Forks and LaPush all think there is something going on with the Chief of police’s daughter and her quiet construction worker friend. Are they in denial? Or are they trying to keep things under wraps? Rumors always have a little bit of truth…right?
Rumor
Stepping out of his bathroom after shaving and putting on some cologne, he pulled on his black jeans and a grey henley, the soft material stretching across his broad chest. After putting his watch on his wrist and grabbing his wallet, he headed out to the living room where his best friends were waiting for him.
“It’s about time, bro,” Sam joked when he walked in. “We’re keeping the girls waiting.”
“Your girls maybe,” he grinned as he tossed back the shot he was handed. “I’m still single.”
Embry scoffed, “Not according to half the population of Forks and LaPush.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Oh, please, like you haven’t heard the rumors,” Quil chuckled.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. What rumors?”
“The rumors that you and Bella are a thing but hiding it,” Jake piped in.
“Are you fucking serious?” Jared questioned. “We’ve been friends forever, there’s nothing going on.”
“Methinks thou dost protest too much,” Paul laughed and slapped his friend on the back.
Shaking his head, he grabbed the keys to his truck off the table by the door and turned back to his friends, “Are we going?” The six of them piled into two vehicles and headed for the bar on the edge of town.
Blacks was the local watering hole the younger crowd from Forks and LaPush had established as their hangout since they were all old enough to drink. Owned by Jake’s dad, he always gave them half price drinks which didn’t hurt their wallets as bad as the high end club in Port Angeles would. Although, none of the older patrons knew about that discount. It wasn’t like Billy was losing money either, they always tipped generously and kept the rowdy crowd under control.
When he parked his truck, the lot was already full. Now that his friends had filled him in on what people were saying about him, he wondered what the night would bring. Sure, he’d thought about what it would be like if he and Bella were more than friends, but it was only an errant thought. They’d known each other since they were kids and all of them had grown up together. Wasn’t that too many years to mess with?
***Rumor***
Bella wiggled in her painted on jeans as she pulled on the black crop top her sister had thrown at her. Her hair was down, flowing like a chocolate river down her back, the ends brushing her waist. Laying on the bed for her still to put on, was a red and black checked flannel shirt.
“Leah, where did that come from?”
Kim and Emily immediately started giggling, hiding their faces in each other’s shoulders.
“The flannel?” Leah asked her sister innocently. “I stole it from one of the guys.”
“Which one?” Bella asked, as she tugged on her black boots.
“I don’t remember,” Leah swatted at Emily and Kim in an effort to shut them up.
“Have you guys been hearing anything about me around town lately?” Bella asked as she shrugged into the shirt.
Kim finally sobered, “Like what, Bells?”
“I don’t know.” Bella faced her friends, “You know how Newton is always asking me out? Sometimes even Yorkie?”
“Yeah, but you always tell them no.” Emily commented as she smeared some gloss on her lips.
“They’ve been suspiciously silent lately. I’m almost concerned.”
“Maybe they think you and Jared finally stopped dancing around each other,” Jessica commented as she walked in the room. “Sorry, I’m late.”
Bella gulped as she looked at the newcomer, “Jared and I what?”
“Oh, come on, Bella,” Claire commented as she sauntered in. “Quil says everyone can see the way you two look at each other. I think some folks are taking bets on when you’ll get together.”
“But…no…what do you…” she sputtered. “Jared and I have been friends since we were kids. There’s nothing more than friendship there.”
“If you say so, sis.” Leah chuckled and passed around the bottle of Patron. “Knock it back and we can go.”
Bella grabbed the bottle and took a large swallow. She was obviously going to need some liquid courage if she was going to shut down the rumors. Why would the town suspect anything was going on with her and Jared?
“Let’s roll,” Emily said as they all left Bella’s house, the six of them piling into two cars and making their way to Blacks.
***Rumor***
The girls walked into the bar and looked around for the guys. They spotted them at the biggest table in the corner closest to the dance floor. There were already empty shot glasses and beer pitchers littering the table. They were laughing loudly at something Jake was saying when they walked up.
“I see you started without us,” Leah commented as they stopped beside the table.
“Sorry, babe,” Jake apologized as he stood to greet his girlfriend.
The guys all moved around, making room for the girls, leaving the only empty chair for Bella beside Jared. The pair of them didn’t think anything of it, they always ended up sitting together on their group outings. Neither one of them noticed the stares they were getting from the other bar patrons.
Jared got a good look at Bella after everyone was settled and noticed what she was wearing. “Hey, is that my shirt?”
Bella snapped her head over to Leah as the blush spread across her cheeks. “Sorry, Jay, I wasn’t aware. Leah gave it to me. I thought it was dad’s.” She turned and looked at him. “I’ll wash it and give it back.”
“Just keep it, Bells. You have plenty of my shirts anyway.” The table laughed at her as her blush deepened.
“Thanks.” She grinned at him despite her embarrassment.
Paul and Jared went up to the bar and grabbed another couple pitchers for the table. While they waited for them to be filled, Wallon Forge hollered at Jared from his perch on a stool.
“Hey, Cameron, when’re you gonna make an honest woman of the Chief’s girl?”
Shaking his head, Jared cursed under his breath. “Probably about the same time you quit drinking, Wallon. I guess that means never.”
“Ignore him, Jared,” Joy said from behind the bar as she pushed the four pitchers toward him. “He’s drunk.”
“Thanks, Joy.” Jared and Paul grabbed the clean glasses she handed them along with the beers and made their way back to the table.
“Where’re the girls?” Paul asked as everything was passed around.
“They hit the dance floor,” Sam nodded in the direction of the flashing lights and crowd of bodies..
When the gang first started patronizing Blacks, there was just a tiny wooden floor area that made up a dance floor. When more money started coming in, Billy had expanded it and employed a DJ on the weekends who played different genres every Saturday. That night just happened to be the end of the month, so he was playing a mix of everything. Just then a song by Lauren Alaina came on and the guys watched as the girls cheered.
Jared’s eyes were glued to Bella as she moved her hips to the beat of the music. Her arms were above her head as she swayed, eyes closed and mouthing the lyrics.
I thought I knew you from somewhere
Right when you walked through the door
So, please forgive me for staring
It’s driving me crazy where I’ve seen you before
Maybe it’s the white t-shirt that you’re wearing
And the danger in your eyes or your fingers in your hair
It’s a pretty small town, it’s coming to me now, woah
I just figured it out
You look a lot like my next boyfriend
I can’t believe how much you act like him
You and me, we’d be unbelievable, and I’m available
No, I don’t think it’s a coincidence
I put it all together, it makes sense
Boy, you ain’t no fling or a could’ve been
You look a lot like my next boyfriend
As he listened to the lyrics and watched her move, he started thinking things that had never crossed his mind before. Maybe it was the talk happening around town or Wallon’s drunken question, but he was suddenly wondering
what if.
When the song changed, the girls beckoned all the guys to the floor. It had taken Leah and Kim a week to teach the guys the line dance for Ed Sheeran’s Shiver, but it was one of their favorites. Especially when the lady’s rolled their hips in time with the music. At one point in the song, the guys and girls ended up face to face. Jared smiled at the flush gracing Bella’s cheeks. As he watched her, again some of the lyrics hit him in the chest.
I wanna be that guy, I wanna kiss your eyes
I wanna drink that smile, I wanna feel like I’m
Like my soul’s on fire, I wanna stay up all day and all night
Yeah, you got me singin’ like
Ooh, I love it when you do it like that
And when you’re close up, give me the shivers
Oh baby, you wanna dance ’til the sunlight cracks
And when they say the party’s over, then we’ll bring it right back
And we’ll say, ooh, I love it when you do it like that
And when you’re close up, give me the shivers
Oh baby, you wanna dance ’til the sunlight cracks
And when they say the party’s over, then we’ll bring it right back
When the song was over, the DJ put on a slow song, so most of their group went back to the table to get a drink and cool off. Jared was praying that his new thoughts weren’t displayed on his face.
***Rumor***
Bella excused herself from the table and went to the restroom. She needed to splash some cold water on her face. Jared was sending her some smoldering looks and she didn’t know how to react.
“Bella? You in here?” Emily’s voice called out.
“Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Are you okay, sweetie?” Kim asked.
Bella stepped out of the stall and went to the sink to wash her hands. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”
“Honey, are you still in denial?” Leah asked at the same time Jessica asked.
“Can you not see the way he’s looking at you?”
Bella sighed, “I think I’m seeing something. He’s never looked at me quite like he’s been doing tonight. I don’t know what to think.” She ran her hands through her hair. “I just know how it’s making me feel.”
“And how’s that?” Claire asked.
Bella blushed, “Butterflies in my stomach. My heart is racing.”
“Bella, you love him.” Emily smiled.
“But that’s just it,” she started. “I’ve always loved him. Jared has been one of my best friends since we were kids. I mean…when did the way he saw me change?”
“According to Embry, they’ve seen it slowly progressing over the last year.” Jessica explained. “I’m thinking Jared is just as unaware of it as you are.”
“Sometimes the greatest love can sneak up on you. It can show up in the most unexpected places, with the one person who has always been there for you. That’s how it was with me and Jake,” Leah smiled at her sister. “Just let your heart guide you.”
“I hope you’re right, Leah. I’d really hate to put myself out there only to be rejected.”
“Let’s get back out there. Have a drink or two and dance with the man,” Emily encouraged.
“Bella, you’re a twenty-six year old woman. This could be the one.” Jessica smiled.
The six of them left the restroom and found Paul standing by the door. He held his hand out and grinned.
“Come dance with me, Bells.”
Placing her hand in his, she let him pull her to the dance floor, where an upbeat song just started. Paul was a very hands on dancer, slow or fast, he had to be touching his partner. This time he had an ulterior motive and lucky for him, Bella was an excellent dancer. Time to give Jared a kick in the pants.
***Rumor***
Jared was nursing his beer when he caught sight of Paul leading Bella to the dance floor. Watching his best friend run his hands over the body of the girl he was fairly certain owned his heart was torture. He wanted nothing more than to go out there and yank him away from her, but he wasn’t about to cause a scene. He watched as one by one, each of his friends took a turn out on the dance floor with her and it was maddening.
“Just go ask her to dance, bro.” Jake commented as he nursed a beer.
“Maybe on the next one.”
Sam leaned closer and spoke in a voice so that only Jared could hear him. “We can all see that it’s bothering you when we dance with her. That was part of Paul’s plan. Get your girl, Jared, before the night is over.”
Just as Sam finished his sentence, the DJ called last call for drinks. “Grab yourself a girl and get on the dance floor. This is the last one for the night.”
Embry was leading Bella off the dance floor as the rest of the guys were standing up with their girls and heading to finish out the night. Bella had just picked up her glass and was downing her beer when he decided to take a chance.
“Dance with me?” Jared held his hand out to her.
Bella smiled and placed her hand in his just as the music started, Jared almost laughed at the irony when he recognized the song. He pulled her into his arms, resting his hand at her waist and curling their fingers together over his heart. Bella rested her head on his chest, as his cheek pressed to the top of her head.
There’s a rumor goin’ round, about me and you
Stirrin’ up our little town, the last week or two
So tell me why we even, tryin’ to deny this feelin’
I feel, don’t you feel it too?
There’s a rumor goin’ round, and round, and round
What d’you say we make it true, baby?
Oh be honest girl now
Do you want to do this or not?
Should we keep them talkin’, girl
Or should we just make ’em stop?
As the song continued, he finally whispered over her head. “I know you’ve heard them tonight, Bella.”
“Heard what, who?”
“Apparently the whole damn town is talking about us. They think we’re hiding something.”
Lifting her head, she looked him in the eyes. “I’ve heard them. It would almost be laughable, but I don’t think it’s funny. Is there any truth to the rumors? If there is, what do we do?”
“I”m not going to lie to you, Bella, there is some truth. We can do whatever you want. You just have to let me know.”
Bella sighed and rested her forehead against his chin. “We’ve been friends half our lives, Jared. I can’t lose you if we change our lives to fit the rumors going on in this town.”
Jared moved his head and pressed his lips to her forehead, keeping them there as he spoke. “What this town thinks doesn’t matter to me, Bella, you do. They can all go to hell for all I care. Even if our relationship changes, you will never lose me.”
Raising her eyes up to look into his, she smiled softly. “I need time to think. I’m not saying what they’re saying about us isn’t true. I just need some time.”
“Take all you need,” Jared whispered.
***Rumor***
Bella stood under the hot spray of her shower, trying to ease the tension in her shoulders and thoughts in her mind. She needed to relax, she needed to sleep. When the water finally ran cold, she got out and toweled off. She padded softly to her bedroom, pulled on her sleep shorts and an old t-shirt of Jared’s. She curled up on her window seat and stared out into the night sky. She wasn’t sure how long she stared at the stars, but the buzzing of her phone startled her from her thoughts.
Are you okay? -J
She smiled, of course he was concerned about her. He was always the one she talked to when her mind was troubled.
I’m just thinking. -B
About? -J
You, me…us. -B
Do you want there to be an us? -J
Do you? -B
She watched as the typing bubbles appeared and stopped, only to pick back up and stop again. When they didn’t reappear again, she set her phone down. She wasn’t sure what that meant, but she was afraid to find out. Jared was too important to her to lose over some unrequited feelings.
She picked up her phone, preparing to type another message, when her doorbell rang. There was only one person who would be at her door and she flew down the stairs. Opening the door, she wasn’t surprised to see Jared standing there.
“Yes, Bella. Yes, I want there to be an us. I didn’t realize just how much I wanted that until tonight.”
“Jared…” Bella’s voice was breathless as she heard the emotion in his voice and saw it in his eyes. Reaching out her hand, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him inside, closing and locking the door behind him.
“Why am I always seeing you in my clothes, Bella?”
Looking down, she giggled and then shrugged. “Your shirts are roomy.”
Chuckling, he reached for her and pulled her to him. “I need to know if you want this too.”
Bella reached her hand up, tracing the line of his jaw and his lower lip. “I do.”
That was all he needed to hear before he closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers.
The beeping of her alarm clock roused Bella from her dream state. She slammed her hand down on the offending noise maker, groaning at the time. Six in the morning was too early, especially after the sleepless nights she’d been having for the last couple of weeks.
“You’ve got to stop this,” she whispered to her subconscious.
Sitting up, she knew she needed to get her day going, starting with a shower to wake her up. She was also going to need copious amounts of caffeine.
An hour and a half later, she was walking into Blacks and heading toward the office. Billy had left everything on his desk she would need to go over the books. Being the only accountant in Forks and LaPush was busy work, but she enjoyed it. She had her own office, but she still made ‘house calls’ to the businesses of many of her clients. She was up to her elbows in receipts when Billy walked back and set a cup of coffee in front of her.
“Take a break, Bells, I wanna talk to you.” Billy sat in the lone chair to the side of his desk.
Pulling off her glasses, Bella looked at her godfather. “What’s up, Uncle Billy?”
“Things are good, right? With the business?”
“From what I’m seeing, yes, for the most part. Why?”
“I want to expand. Things are slower during the week and I want to try something new.”
“Okay, what’s on your mind?”
For the next hour, Billy outlined what he wanted to do to expand Blacks. Listening to him talk, Bella could envision the changes and the potential business growth. Black’s wasn’t struggling, but things could definitely be better. She also knew he would need to get a prospectus written up to present to the bank so he could get a loan for the renovations.
“You’ll need to talk to a contractor and the bank, Billy. You have enough coming in to make the payments for a loan, but it would also mean closing temporarily in order to do the add on.”
Nodding, Billy smiled at her, “I’ve already talked to Jared. He thinks they can do the work and make sure I can remain open at the same time.”
“Well if you’re going with CU Construction, then I’m sure they’ll give you a deal on the work as well.” Cameron Uley Construction was Jared and Sam’s business and they made it a point to help out the locals. Cutting a deal for Billy wouldn’t hurt them at all. They were the most successful construction company in the area. They were also the busiest. “Are they going to have time with all of their other jobs?”
“Jared and Sam both said it wouldn’t be a problem. They also said it would take less than two months to make the changes I’m wanting.”
“Then go to the bank, Uncle Billy. I see only good things for this expansion.”
***Rumor***
Jared was standing at the bed of his truck, nursing a cup of coffee and looking at the plans for the current project Sam and their crew were currently finishing up.
“I think if we can knock the roof out today, we should be done with this one by the end of the week, Sam.”
“Good,” Sam chuckled as he looked over at Paul and Embry fighting over who was going to go up the ladder first. “Knock it off you two!” Looking back at Jared, he stared at the day old scruff and dark circles under his friends eyes. “Rough night?”
“Huh?” Jared looked up at his friend and business partner. “Oh, yeah. Haven’t gotten much sleep the last couple of nights.”
“What’s going on, Jared?”
Before Jared could answer, his phone vibrated with a text. Pulling it from his pocket he groaned when he saw it.
“Problem?”
Sighing, Jared put his phone down without answering. “Remember that chick from six months ago?”
“Yeah, she was a clingy bitch for a one night stand.”
“Still is. She’s been texting me nonstop for the last couple of weeks, at all hours of the night.”
“Geez. Have you told her to fuck off?”
Draining his coffee cup, he turned to Sam. “Several times. She’s not the only one keeping me up though.”
“Bella?”
Jared shrugged, “Now that I’ve started thinking about it, I can’t stop. We could be so good together.”
“Yeah, man, you could.” Sam leaned his arms over the side of the truck. “What’s going on?”
“She said she needed time,” Jared shrugged. “She was worried that if we take that step, that if it goes wrong, she will lose me. I get that, but damn, I haven’t wanted someone like this in a long time.”
“You’ve just got to wait her out, bro. She’ll come around.”
Jared’s phone chimed again, this time it was Bella.
Hey, I can’t come to the office today. Billy wants me to go with him to the bank. -B
“Well, damn.”
“What’s up?” Sam looked over Jared’s shoulder and read the text. “Well that sucks. Does she know we will be in Port A tomorrow looking at a prospective job?”
“No, I haven’t told her.”
“Probably ought to. Our books will have to wait until next week if that’s the case.”
We won’t be in the office tomorrow. We have an appointment in Port A. -J
Oh, okay. I’m booked all next week. Hmm…I’ll figure something out. -B
“Can she work on them this evening? I’d be happy to take everything to her.” Sam asked, hating to make her work on a Friday night, but they needed to reconcile their books so they could pay their crew.
Sam asked if you would be willing to work on them tonight? The only reason we ask is because we have to pay the guys. -J
I can do that. Will someone be at the office long enough for me to grab everything? -B
One of us will be there. Thanks, Bella. -J
“She’s gonna come by the office and pick everything up.” Jared looked at Sam. “I’ll wait for her, you can go home to Em.”
“You just want to see her.”
Jared grinned at his friend, “Well, yeah.”
Sam chuckled and walked over to the house they were working on. “You love her,” he called over his shoulder.
Jared laughed and put their plans away, shutting up the bed of the truck and getting back to work. It was going to be a long day knowing he was going to see her later.
***Rumor***
Bella pulled up to CU Construction a little after six and prayed that someone was still there. It had taken longer at the bank than she thought and she was almost late for her other appointment of the day. Luckily it was at Newtons and Karen was so busy she hadn’t noticed.
Getting out of her car, she walked up to the door and pulled it open. All the lights except a small one at the reception desk and one in the back office were off. The back office which happened to be Jared’s.
“Jared?”
“Hey,” came softly from behind her.
Bella squealed and spun around, her hand on her heart. “Dammit, Jared,” she smacked his arm.
Jared laughed, but still gave her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, I thought you saw me.”
“Jerk,” she smirked at him.
“Come on, I have everything ready for you.” He led her down the hall to his office and picked up a couple bags and showed her a box that needed to go to.
“Wow, you guys have been busy. This might take me a while.”
Jared looked at all the receipts and then looked at Bella with a guilty expression. “Yeah, sorry.”
“Hey,” she put her hand on his arm, “Don’t apologize for being successful, Jay. This is a good thing.”
Jared helped her carry everything to her car. After he locked up the office he stopped her before she could drive off.
“Why don’t I stop and get some Chinese, then come over to help you with this mess?”
“It’s Friday night, Jay, don’t you have a date?” She couldn’t help the way her stomach clenched at the idea of him going out with someone else.
Stepping closer to her, he leaned down until he was almost in her car. “You know better than that, Bella. I don’t want anyone else.”
Bella’s breath hitched and couldn’t tear her eyes from his. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, Bella.” Leaning in without giving her a chance to protest, he pecked her softly on the lips. “I’ll be at your place in twenty minutes.” After shutting her door, he walked over to his truck, waving as he backed out.
Shaking off her shock, Bella pulled out behind him and drove to her house. After she got everything inside and on her kitchen table, she went up to her room to change out of her work clothes. Once she was comfortable in a pair of leggings and an oversize shirt which fell off her shoulder, she pulled her hair up in a messy bun and got to work.
She was so absorbed in her work, she didn’t hear the door or notice Jared was in the kitchen until he placed a plate in front of her, along with a beer.
Looking up she smiled, “Thanks. I didn’t even hear you come in.”
“You were focused. Is it bad?” He sat down beside her with his own plate of food and drink.
After swallowing and taking a drink of her beer, she shook her head. “No, you guys are doing great. How many projects do you have coming up?”
The pair of them talked while they ate, then Jared cleaned everything up while Bella got back to going over their books. When he was done, he noticed her rolling her neck on her shoulders and rubbing a spot with her fingers.
“Neck sore?”
Nodding, Bella removed her glasses and hung her head, digging both hands into her shoulders. “Yeah, I haven’t been sleeping well and today has been busy.”
“Let me help,” Jared moved behind her and placed his hands over hers.
When she moved her hands and sat back a little, he started working the kinks and soreness out of her neck and shoulders. Bella moaned, feeling his calloused fingers working over her skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake.
Jared, trying to distract himself from her moans, began asking her questions. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”
“Mmm…why aren’t you? Don’t think I haven’t noticed the circles under your eyes.” She leaned her head back, looking up at him behind her, reaching up to run her fingers over his stubbled jawline. “It’s not like you not to be clean shaven.”
Deciding the last couple of weeks had been hard enough, he made the choice to let her know where his head was. Sitting back down beside her, he spun her chair to face him. “You are keeping me up, Bella.”
“What—” Bella started to protest.
Jared interrupted her, “Don’t. I get it, honey, you’re scared, so am I. You’re right, we’ve been friends since we were seven and six years old. Twenty years is a long time to risk. But I want to risk it, Bella. Don’t you think we deserve the chance to see if the feelings we have are strong enough to make something that’ll last? Don’t think about what the town wants and is saying. Don’t think about what I want. What do you want?”
Bella stared into his eyes, those beautiful hazel eyes that have been haunting her dreams for the last two weeks. “You’re right. I’m terrified that if I give in to everything that I’m feeling, something will go wrong and I will lose one of the most important people in my life. I’ve let fear keep me from being happy for a while.”
“Bella,” Jared choked out her name. “I need you to spell it out for me, baby.”
Getting up, Bella closed the small distance between them. She straddled his thighs and grasped his face in her palms. “I am crazy in love with you, Jared Cameron.”
“I love you, Isabella Swan.” With the words finally out, he pressed his lips to hers, finally allowing the love and passion he felt for her free.
It would have been so easy to take her upstairs to her room, strip her down and make love to her the whole night, but Jared wanted to do things right with her. Reluctantly, he slowed their kiss and pulled back after giving her another sweet peck.
“I want nothing more than to take you upstairs and have you writhing beneath me, but I want to do this right, Bella. You’re not some cheap hookup, you’re the woman I love.”
Bella smiled and softly kissed his lips, “I love you even more for that, Jay.”
Giving her a sly smirk, “I do have an idea though.”
“What’s that?”
“Let’s keep this from the others, at least until after Saturday.”
Bella giggled, “Fine, but you better plan on staying the night that night.”
“Done, baby.”
With one last kiss, the pair of them finished up the books for CU Construction and then separated for the night.
I wish you were still here. -B
His response was immediate. Me too. -J
Soon. xxB
Yep, Jared thought, soon. Saturday couldn’t get there quick enough. It was long past time for him to get the girl.
***Rumor***
Saturday evening started as it normally did, the girls hanging at Bella’s and getting ready together and the guys at Jared’s giving him more shit about not making a move.
“Come on, man!” Paul groaned. “You’ve gotta have the biggest case of blue balls of all time.”
“Jesus, Paul,” Sam chuckled.
“Bella means more to him than a quick fuck, Paul.” Jake slapped their friend upside the head.
“Dude!” Paul growled at Jake as he rubbed the back of his head. “I know that, I’m just saying.”
Jared laughed at their antics. “Look, I am not going to allow this town to dictate my relationship status. If Bella and I feel anything for each other, that’s our business.”
“We just want you to be happy, bro.” Sam commented, as they all gathered near the door.
Jared just nodded, his thoughts turning to the woman who would be his by the end of the night. He’d packed a duffle bag and hidden it in his truck earlier in the day, ready to make Bella his in every way.
Bella was laughing at Emily and Kim as they danced around her living room. They were singing an old children’s song about her and Jared kissing in a tree.
“Knock it off you two,” Leah threw a pillow at the pair of them. “Are we ready to get our drink on?” A chorus of yeses rang out and they all piled into two vehicles.
Unbeknownst to Bella and Jared, their friends had a plan to give the pair of them an extra push that evening. They had all decided that they were perfect for each other and it was time for them to stop denying it. Too bad their machinations would be unnecessary.
***Rumor***
The bar was hopping when the girls arrived, but as usual the guys had beaten them there and grabbed their normal table in the back corner. Once again it was littered with empty shot glasses and half empty pitchers of beer. The DJ was pumping out country music and the dance floor was covered in dancing bodies.
“Starting without us again?” Bella commented as they stopped next to the table.
“Hey, if you girls would be on time it wouldn’t be a problem,” Jake laughed even as he ducked the slap Leah aimed toward his head.
Bella plopped into the empty seat beside Jared, sitting close enough she could feel the heat radiating from him as her leg touched his.
Drinks were passed around and laughter ensued as the group fell into their old routines. Once again, other bar patrons were surreptitiously eyeing Bella and Jared, wondering when the couple would admit their feelings. No one noticed that Jared had his arm casually swung across the back of Bella’s chair or they way his thumb was lightly caressing her shoulder under her hair.
The DJ started playing a song that had Leah jumping up and grabbing Bella by the hand, dragging her to the dance floor. The guys watched as the girls moved to the beat of the music and mouthed the lyrics, laughing when they heard them.
Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clappin’
I got a real good feelin’ somethin’ bad about to happen
The drinks keep comin’, throw my head back laughin’
Wake up in the mornin’, don’t know what happened
Whoa, somethin’ bad
Whoa, somethin’ bad
They left the dance floor when a slow song started, deciding to get a drink before they drug their guys out to dance with them. However, the next song the DJ played had the guys groaning and the women racing back out, moving with the music.
The dancing and drinking continued until a slow song came on, one which caused a problem for the guys who were overprotective of their ladies and some visiting out of towners.
“Let me go,” Bella screamed at the man who had her wrist gripped in his hand.
Jared got up and walked to the floor before anyone could stop him, as the others put their girls behind them.
“I believe the lady told you to let her go,” Jared growled.
“Nah, man, this chit has been teasing me all night. She’s gonna dance with me,” the stranger slurred his words and tried pulling Bella to him.
Reaching out, Jared grabbed the guy by his wrist and squeezed, forcing him to drop Bella’s arm. Rubbing her wrist, Bella immediately moved behind Jared’s back and grabbed a fistful of his shirt.
“Let it go, Jay, he’s drunk.”
Just as he was turning to look at her, the guy mumbled under his breath. “Fuckin’ tease.”
Before she could stop him, Jared swung back around and clocked the guy in the jaw, sending him sprawling to the floor. His buddies moved in to defend their friend, but took one look at the six guys standing rigid behind Jared and changed their minds. Picking up their inebriated friend, they drug his limp form out of the bar without looking back.
Jared looked at Bella, “You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Their group sat around their table, the tension dissipating with each joke and drink. The DJ took a small break and put on some tunes that didn’t entice them to the dance floor, so they all just hung out and talked. When Jared and Paul went to the bar to get more beer, Bella and Leah went to the restroom.
“Are you sure you’re okay, Bells?”
Bella smiled at her sister, “I’m fine. No harm done.”
“Jared was really protective of you,” she commented.
“Just like any of the guys would be.”
Leah sighed, “Come on, Bella. Just admit that maybe there’s more than friendship there.”
Bella turned and faced her sister. “Maybe there is, but the steps I choose to take with that knowledge is my business. Can you leave it at that?”
Leah nodded, “Sure. Admitting it to yourself is the hardest part. Once I realized I loved Jake, it didn’t take me long to tell him.”
“Thanks, Leah. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Waiting until Leah left the bathroom, Bella snuck out herself. She located the DJ in the back getting ready to head back to the booth and handed him a folded up piece of paper, requesting the last song of the night. She and Jared had agreed they wouldn’t hide after tonight, but she wanted something to help things along. She knew it would put them in the limelight, but it couldn’t be any worse than it already was.
After finishing off their beers and listening to the guys try to outdo each other with shitty jokes, the DJ tapped his mic. “Last dance of the night gents. Grab your girl and twirl her around the floor. Here’s a slow one by request.” When the first chords reverberated around the bar, they all got up and entered the floor.
Jared looked at Bella and held out his hand. “Ready to do this?”
“More than,” Bella placed her hand in his and let him lead her out on the dancefloor.
Keeping their hands over his heart, the pair of them swayed to the music. “I don’t recognize this song,” Jared commented.
Looking up at him, Bella met his eyes with a soft smile on her face. “I was searching for something that would tell you and the rest of the town how I feel. This was the perfect fit.”
I look into your eyes
And my heart starts dancing
Even when we fight
I can’t stay mad
‘Cause you make me laugh
Until this day it’s nothing different
Not that it’s a competition, but…
I love you more than any storm that’s coming
Let the sky keep falling, yeah, the world’s got nothing on us
You won’t scare me away, so bring on the rain
I love you more than any tide that’s turning
Let the sun keep burning, no it won’t be perfect but
On the worst of our days, that’s what I mean when I say
I love you more
As the lyrics washed over him, he couldn’t help smiling at her. “Definitely not a competition, baby,” he whispered. “I love you, Bella.”
“I love you, too.”
With the music still swirling around them, Jared lowered his mouth to hers, connecting their lips and revealing what the whole town thought and what their friends knew. They ignored the gasps and applause, as they deepened their kiss, letting their tongues tangle together. They only broke apart when their friends came over, encircling them.
“It’s about time!” Paul shouted above the din.
Laughing, Jared wrapped his arms around Bella’s waist as they faced their friend.
“Girl, when?” Emily wanted to know.
Bella smiled, “It’s only been a few days. We wanted to wait until tonight to tell you guys.”
“Yeah, and now that you know, we are going to leave and spend some time together.”
They all waved and clapped as Bella and Jared climbed into his truck and drove off.
***Rumor***
“Did you pack a bag?” Bella asked as Jared pulled into her driveway.
“Yeah, it’s in the back.”
While Jared grabbed his bag, Bella went to open the door. She had barely put her keys in the bowl on the side table, before her back was pressed to the door and Jared’s mouth was on hers, causing her to moan.
His hands gripping her waist, the pair of them made their way to the living room, where Bella pushed Jared onto the couch before moving to straddle him. She could feel his hardness pressing against her and couldn’t resist rolling her hips over him.
“Mmm…baby, you better stop that or this will be over before I get inside you,” Jared’s breath hitched when she did it again. “Bella,” his voice rang out as a warning.
Bella leaned back, pressing her hands to his chest. “I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not. You already feel so good, I need more.”
“I need you in your bedroom, Bella. I need more space to do what I want to do with you.” Grasping her waist, he stood up with her still in his arms, causing her to squeak and wrap her legs around his waist.
Once they were in her room, Jared felt her slide down his body as he steadied her on her feet. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her lower lip and sucking it into his mouth, before deepening the kiss. He let his tongue tangle with hers as Bella’s hands ran through his hair. When they needed to breathe, he pulled his mouth from hers, kissing down her neck to suck on her pulse point.
Bella moaned as he nipped and sucked at her skin, feeling his hands run down the length of her torso, to the bottom of her t-shirt before pushing it up. She jolted when his hand brushed over the skin of her stomach up to her lace covered breast.
Jared groaned at the sight of her breasts covered in red lace. “Jesus,” he groaned before dipping down and attaching his lips to her cloth covered nipple.
“Jared,” Bella moaned, taking his head in her hands and pressing him closer.
Reaching behind her, he unclasped her bra, gently pulling it from her shoulders as his eyes met hers. Without breaking his stare, he cupped her breasts in his hands, his thumbs sweeping across the hardening peaks, eliciting a groan from her.
Bella ran her hands down the plains of his chest, feeling his muscles ripple at her touch as she pushed his t-shirt over his head. She took the opportunity to run her hands over his exposed muscles and leaned forward to take one of his nipples between her teeth before soothing the sting with her tongue. She continued her path down, following the trail leading from his bellybutton to the top of his pants and down inside.
Dropping to her knees, she reached for his belt, pulling it from the clasp. She looked up and met his gaze as she unbuttoned his jeans and slowly slid the zipper down. Brushing her hand over his arousal, she felt him jolt beneath her hand.
“Bella, as much as I want to feel your lips around my cock, I need to be inside you.” He gently pulled her up and led her over to the bed, pressing her down and following her with his body. He claimed her mouth once more, before trailing his lips over her cheek and down her neck, slowly making his way toward her full breasts.
She shuddered when she felt his lips close around her exposed nipple, gently sucking and biting her flesh. Leaving her breasts after giving both the same attention, he kissed his way down her belly, stopping where her jeans rested at her hips. Looking up at her, she nodded, running her fingers through his hair as he grasped her pants, yanking them as well as her panties from her body.
Jared growled when spying the evidence of her arousal on her thighs, “You’re so wet for me, baby.” Parting her legs gently, he ran his nose through her slit, peaking his tongue out to have a taste. “Mmm, you taste amazing.”
“Jared…please,” Bella begged, wanting more, her body on fire from his touch.
“You like that, baby?” Looking into her eyes, he smirked, as he ran his tongue over her folds. Diving in, Jared worked his tongue and fingers over her, pressing one inside and feeling her squeeze his digit. She was so tight, he knew once his cock was inside her, he wouldn’t last long. He needed her to come before he did.
Bella was writhing on the bed from the sensations his tongue was causing. She could feel herself growing wetter and felt the waves of pleasure building inside her, waiting to explode. “Jared, I’m so close….” she moaned as the pressure built.
“Come on, baby, let go.” Jared pushed another finger inside her and curled it, finding that special spot, while sucking her clit into his mouth.
Bella’s back arched off the bed as she clenched her thighs around Jared’s head. She saw stars light up behind her eyelids from the force of her orgasm. Jared kept licking and sucking at her until she came down from the heights of pleasure.
Removing his mouth, he swiped a hand over his face before moving up her body, settling between her open legs. Bella could feel his cock, hard and heavy pressing against her and tried to move so he would slip inside.
Leaning down, Jared captured a rosy nipple between his teeth, as Bella continued undulating her hips. “So greedy,” he chuckled as he raised his head.
Staring into her eyes, Jared reached down and lined himself up with her opening, pushing his engorged length inside her soaking channel. When he was fully seated inside her, he stilled, pressing his forehead to hers.
“Fuck, Bella, you feel so good.”
“Oh, God, Jared, you need to move, baby. Please…” she whimpered, feeling so full and needing the friction.
Jared pulled out slowly and pressed back in. She was so tight and warm around him, he knew he wouldn’t last long. He kept his strokes long and slow, wanting to make it last since it was their first time together.
“Jared,” she moaned against his shoulder, her teeth nipping at his flesh. “Faster, baby, please. I need it faster…harder.”
“Fuck,” Jared pulled back and slammed into her. “Is this what you need, baby?”
“Yes!” Bella screamed. “Fuck, more. Jared, I’m so close.”
“Come on, Bella, come for me.” Jared thrust into her at a rapid pace, feeling his own release approaching. Reaching between them, he pinched her clit causing her to tighten around him like a vice.
“Jared!” She came around him, milking his cock and bringing forth his own orgasm..
“Fuck, Bella!” He roared as he released deep inside her.
Jared didn’t move, he kept his body propped up on his elbows as he rained kisses over her neck, cheeks and mouth. He could feel her twitch with leftover tremors from her pleasure.
“God, Jared, that was amazing.” She pressed her lips to his and wrapped her legs tighter around his waist, loving the feel of him on top of her.
Not wanting to crush her, he rolled to his back, bringing her with him without losing their connection. “Are you okay? I wasn’t too rough with you?”
Sitting up, Bella felt him twitch from where he was still seated inside her. “No. I feel amazing.” She moved her hips slightly just to see what he would do, and how fast his recovery time was. When she felt him lengthen and harden inside her, she knew it wasn’t long.
“Fuck, Bella….I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.” He thrust his hips up, pushing his now hard cock further inside her.
Bracing her hands on his chest, she moved her hips over him, her clit hitting his pelvic bone with every motion.
Jared held her hips as she rode him, watching as her eyes closed and her head fell back. He thought she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen and couldn’t believe she was his. Reaching down, he moved his thumb over her clit as she rotated her hips over him.
“I need you to come for me, Bella. I’m so close, baby.”
Combined with his thumb and her hip movements, she was soon screaming his name again as he thrust up and filled her one more time. She collapsed onto his chest, the momentum causing him to slip from her body. Bella slid to his side, her head resting on his chest.
Jared ran his fingers lightly down her back, while she made circles over his heart with hers.
“I love you, Bella,” he murmured in the silence.
“I love you, too, Jared.”
As the pair drifted off to sleep, both of them were thankful the rumors they heard made them face what they were fighting. True love from true friendship…a foundation that will last.
Songs:
Next Boyfriend – Lauren Alaina
Shiver – Ed Sheeran
Rumor – Lee Brice
Something Bad – Carrie Underwood/Miranda Lambert
I Love You More – Avery Anna
Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction 
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