The Imperfect Imprint {Jakeward}

Chapter 14: Staying away

This smile is for you, Jake thought. Wish I could show it. And I couldn't help the grin the spread across my own face in response. Good thing Bella wasn't looking at me.

"Hey Jake!" Bella called with a wave.

"Hey Bells," he said easily.

Before she went any farther she turned to me with a sympathetic smile, wrapping her arms around me. I hugged her back, looking at Jake the whole time. I couldn't help myself- my eyes were immediately drawn to him.

Four more days. He thought longingly, and I nodded imperceptibly.

"I'll see you tonight," Bella murmured her eye lids sliding shut as she laid a kiss on my lips. She tried to deepen it and I glanced up to see Jake watching us, his expression envious. That should be me, I heard him think. I felt a pang in my chest and pulled away quickly. Thank god my pulling away from deeper kisses with her was a normal response for me- she wouldn't know the difference. But he knew I didn't mean it right? Bella didn't notice the exchange, as Jake quickly gained control of his expression before she headed towards him.

Get it together Jake! If Bella finds out before the time is right, you'll really hurt her. Edward didn't mean it. I heard in his mind.

I mouthed 'I'm sorry' to him as she walked away- hoping it would make him feel a little better than I knew he was.

Its okay, he thought with a sigh. He gave Bella a big hug, but it wasn't like all of the other hugs. It didn't come accompanied with thoughts of Bella, nor did he touch her as much as he usually would. His thoughts were of me instead. He was thinking about my smile and my eyes. It was a brotherly hug this time. As he released her, she gave him an odd look. Maybe she had noticed it too. But Jake just smiled and opened her door for her. I sat in the drivers seat of my car and watched Jake's movements as he made his way to the other side of the rabbit. The graceful way he walked, the way his tight jeans fit over his- He glanced back at me and shot me a shy smile. See you later tonight? I'll wait up this time. He thought hopefully.

"Yes," I answered, loud enough that he would hear me but Bella wouldn't. His smile widened before he slammed his door shut.

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As soon as I stepped into the rabbit, Bella started with the questions- like I knew she would. This was the whole reason she was making me hang out tonight... so that I could answer her questions about my absence. Though she would never admit that. I tried to focus on her words instead of my thoughts of Edward. It wasn't easy.

"Are you okay Jake? Where did you go? Why did you need some time away? Why did you take off the way you did? Did I do something wrong?" She asked rapidly. I sighed and smiled at her.

"Whoa! Slow down. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm great Bells! Never been better. I just needed to get away for a little bit," I answered.

"But why?" She wondered, narrowing her eyes at me.

"No reason really... I just needed some breathing room," I said, still smiling to reinforce my point. Actually, I imprinted on your vampire boyfriend and panicked. But that totally doesn't matter, I thought sarcastically.

"Well alright," she huffed, clearly not happy with my answers but willing to let it go for now.

"So? What do you wanna do?" I asked. I wanna be snuggling in bed with Edward, I thought in answer to my own question. Or just looking at him smile.

"Why don't we take our bikes for a ride?" Bella grinned. I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah! Cuz that went so well last time," I laughed. "But seriously- Edward would kill me if he found out."

"That's never stopped you before," she observed, quirking a brow. Yeah- because I didn't care what he thought before. I eyed her for a moment skeptically. "Aw, come on Jake!"

"Sure, sure," I sighed.

I pulled in at my house just as dad was wheeling himself out the front door. He spotted Bella in the passenger seat and shot me a questioning look before smiling at her kindly. Yeah, I'm not too sure what I'm doing either. I thought. All I could think about was Edward- her boyfriend- and here I am hanging out with her instead. Ugh. We climbed out of the car and Bella waved.

"Hi Billy!" She called happily.

"Well Hello Bella," he smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"Just spendin' some time with Jake," she winked. "We're gonna go out on the bikes!" She said excitedly.

"Just be careful," Dad warned, eyeing Bella pointedly.

"Always," I chimed in. He huffed and continued down the ramp as Harry pulled in to pick him up. We gave them both a wave and went around to get our bikes from the garage. In the past I would have taken the opportunity to grab Bella's hand. This time I didn't.

"You sure about this Bella?" I asked as we approached the bikes.

"Positive. What Edward doesn't know won't kill him," she assured.

"Yeah but he might kill me," I said under my breath.

"What was that?" She asked suspiciously.

"Nothing!" I mumbled quickly.

She eyeballed me for a few more seconds but I ignored it as I wheeled my bike out. She followed suit a few moments later. I flicked the stand out for my bike and walked over to Bella's as she climbed on. I steadied the bike by placing my hands on the handlebars- careful not to touch hers.

"Okay. Do you remember how to do this?" I asked as she placed her helmet on her head. I had bought it after the last incident in case she talked me in to taking the bikes out again... which was a wise move apparently.

"Uhh- I think so?" She answered, making it sound like a question. I just rolled my eyes and put her hands on the controls.

"Clutch to shift, brake, gas," I said, moving her hands over the controls to demonstrate. She nodded along, but gave me a strange look when I released her immediately after she showed that she understood. "Now start the bike," I instructed.

She jumped, placing all her weight on the pedal as it roared to life. Bella gave me a triumphant grin and I yelled over the engine, "We go slow this time!" She nodded her agreement and I ran to my bike, starting it quickly and pulling my own helmet over my head. I motioned for her to go first- I wanted to be able to see her at all times. I may not love her anymore- but I would always protect her and make sure she was safe. She slowly started forward, heading down the road towards la push beach- our usual hangout spot when we weren't in the garage. I watched her movements and the bike beneath her- pleased with her control and speed. I was sure there wouldn't be any injuries this time.

I let my mind wander to my favourite beautiful vampire, feeling the wind whipping past and keeping my eyes on the girl in front of me. I couldn't wait to take Edward out on the bikes... he would love the speed and freedom. I sighed contently when I realized just how similar the two of us really are. Common interests wouldn't be an issue in our relationship. Our relationship. I smiled at the idea that would soon become a reality.

Four more days.