40

I was back home and there few lights on meaning that my parents were gone already. I walked into the kitchen and decided to cook some salmon and mixed vegetables. After the kiss with Jonathan, we talked for a bit. I was trying to ignore the fact that he had just kissed me. He was my first kiss. Growing up I thought that my first kiss would be with my mate. I wasn't disappointed but it didn't feel how I thought it would. I heard a door open upstairs and footsteps. I was really hoping that it wasn't Amber. "Where did you go?" Vincent asked me sitting at the bar. "I had to get rid of some rage." He just nodded at me. "I'm sorry about Amber, she shouldn't have said that to you." I just continued to cut the squash and carrots. "You were with someone? I can smell him on you." I decided to stay quiet, I didn't know how to answer that without him getting upset. "Yeah. A friend." I grabbed broccoli and started to cut that in half too. "I meant what I said earlier. You are the one that I want. I know you won't believe me unless I show you but I will." He got up and walked around the bar and put his hand on mine and stopped me from cooking. Those unfamiliar sparks shot up my arm and I turned to look at up him.

"I want to believe you." I looked down at my feet trying to fight back the tears. "I promise you, I am going to earn your love Bell." Then he did something I least expected he pulled me to him and gave me a soft kiss on my forehead. I closed my eyes and stood there enjoying the feeling going through my body. He pulled away too soon. I liked being around him, even though I hated that I wanted us so bad. The door opened upstairs again, meaning Amber was on her way down and Vincent walked away from me and sat back down. I put my chopped veggies in the pan to steam and started to sear my salmon. "There you are, I was waiting." Amber came in and sat down next to him. "Are you cooking for everyone B?" She asked me, I just glared at her. "No." I turned and stirred the veggies more. "Oh, rude." Amber got up and walked to the fridge and looked for something to eat. "Vincent do you know how to cook? I can't. How about we just go out tonight?" She said to him. "Umm, sure." Wow, a great way to win me back Vincent. I rolled my eyes but neither of them saw.

"Okay yay! I will go get dressed." She went to give him a quick peck on the cheek and walked out. I heard him sigh and get out of the chair. "I'll be back soon. We can talk later?" It was more of a question than a statement. I just shrugged my shoulders at him and hoping he would leave already. I took the salmon from the pan and put it on a plate with my veggies. I grabbed a glass of water and headed up to my room. Today has been a long and stressful day and after I eat I am going to bed and not waking up until I have to leave for school.

******

My alarm went off and I got up and started my day. The bruising was slowly fading and I wasn't in as much pain anymore. I decided on a pair of light wash skinny jeans and a plain white t-shirt. I let my hair flow naturally down and then grabbed a pair of white converse. I grabbed my backpack and keys and headed to the kitchen. Unfortunately, I ran into Vincent, and he looked nice as always. He wore a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and a light blue t-shirt. "Morning, Bell." He said giving me his signature grin. I just walked past him and continued to the kitchen. I grabbed a granola bar and coffee and was about to leave but he stopped me. "I was thinking that maybe we drive together today? Spend some time together?" He asked me. His eyes were basically begging me to stay and go with him. Part of me didn't want to and just wanted to drive myself, but there was a part of me that wanted to go with him. "Please?" I sighed and slightly nodded my head giving in.

He gave me a huge smile and walked up to me and pulled me into a hug. His scent invaded my nose and I just stood there. I didn't hug him back, though I had to resist the urge to. I pulled away and walked to the front door and headed to his car. I got in the front seat and kept my eyes forward. He got in and started driving. It was awkward at first, both of us silent and neither of us making a move to talk to each other. "Bell, I am trying here. I want this to work." He said gripping the steering wheel. "Yeah, because going to dinner with Amber is 'trying'" I rolled my eyes and looked out the window. I could see the pain in his eyes as he looked at me. "Look, your speech and all is cool But, you know nothing about me. And it seems like you aren't even trying to." I shrugged at him. My phone kept buzzing and I knew it had to be Jonathan after last night. "I don't know you? I don't know you?" He yelled and I turned to look at him. "I know the only time you eat beef is when we go out to dinner and you get medium-rare. Your favorite color is a baby pink. You only like shrimp when it's fried. Your coffee order is pumpkin spice latte at all seasons of the year. You love the fall and reading romantic novels. Your favorite movie is 10 things I hate about you. I know that you love thunderstorms and snowstorms." I just stayed there looking at him in awe. "I also know that you are the most caring person I know. You are so sweet and before this mess happened you were the funniest and most outgoing person I ever knew."

I just sat there not knowing what to say. I didn't think he cared this much. I don't know how to feel about what he said to me. There was no way I was just going to forgive him and forget everything. And now there is Jonathan in the picture and I guess I have feelings for him? But I don't really know. We made it to the school and we were sitting in the school parking lot. Neither of us moving. "Are you staying tonight?" He asked me. "I don't know." I looked at him and then got out of the car. I couldn't say that I would stay, because I have Jonathan to deal with now. And I think what's best is to have some time away and just figure out my feelings. I walked in and went to my locker and I could smell Jonathan walking toward me.

"Bellamy, I have been trying to call you all day." He said leaning against the locker next to me. "I know, this morning has been interesting," I said grabbing my books. "Okay, I get it. I was just thinking that tonight we can go to Mrs. P's? Get homework done and just spend some time together." He gave me a small smile and my heat squeezed slightly. "I can't tonight. I was planning on going to Taylor's. I haven't hung out with her in a while and I just miss her." The last part was true, I did miss her. "I understand, well then another time." I smiled at him and walked to my class. He caught up and walked next to me in silence. I found myself leaning into him as we walked, it was comforting. I guess what I like about Jonathan is that he knows me now, and doesn't compare me to before. He accepts me for who I am now and that's all I could ask for...or am I just settling?

*****

I was currently laying down on Taylor's bed and I had just explained to her everything that happened to me in the last 24 hours. "I can't believe you're telling me this now." I know Taylor was mad at me, I usually tell her everything I do right after it happens. "I know I'm such a bad friend. But I need your help, just tell me what I should do." I said to her. "Hmm." She said leaning up and looking at me. "Tell them about each other." I shot up so quickly and looked at her. "That is probably the worst idea you have ever had," I told her honestly. "Hear me out. If you tell them about each other then they know that you aren't just theirs. That they actually have to try, like with Vincent, this way he won't be able to date Amber anymore. It would make them take action." Is she crazy? "Are you crazy?" I asked her. "No, you are for not thinking about it earlier. This is a legit love triangle, and remember you are the prize." Taylor said. I took a minute and processed what she was saying and it actually made sense.

"Okay, fine. Jonathan already knows that Vincent is my mate. But Vincent doesn't know about Jonathan, and I don't know how he will take it." I sighed and laid back on the bed. "This is going to be a rough night, but you're right I need action." I smiled at her and looked up at the ceiling. Part of me knew telling Vincent was the right thing to do, but I knew it was going to break his heart just like mine is. And I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy.

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I made it home and walked through the front door and the smell of food hit my nose. Was Vincent cooking? I closed the behind me, I set my bag in the living room and walked to the kitchen. Vincent was there and he was wearing black sweatpants and they were hanging low on his hips, and he was shirtless. I haven't seen him shirtless in years and my jaw almost dropped. He has been working out, I will say that. I saw his back muscles flew as he stirred whatever was in the pot. "I thought you couldn't cook." He jumped slightly and turned around and I regret saying anything. His chest was on display and my heart started beating faster. He was chiseled, like a freaking greek god. He had a strong 8 pack and a magic v-line and I hate myself for saying that. "Bell, you scared me." He walked and grabbed a shirt from the counter and put it on. Bummer. "But yeah, I cook. I just told Amber that so she won't ask me to." He chuckled and continued to cook whatever it was. I sat at the island chair and watched. "What are you cooking?" I asked him. "Just some spaghetti, did you want some?" He asked me. "Sure, I will see if it's good."

He put the spaghetti in bowls and handed me one. I took a bite and it was actually pretty good. "It's good but not as good as mine." I chuckled and we both ate in silence. "I need to tell you something," I said to him. "Okay. What is it?" He looked scared. "I know you said you were going to try but I want you to know that there is someone else. And he has made it clear that he is interested. He even kissed me." He was silent, like deadly silent. I was kind of scared. "He kissed you? Did you kiss him back?" He said through gritted teeth. "Yeah." Vincent jumped up from his chair and was by my side in seconds. He pulled the chair out was stood in front of me. "How was it?" He was dangerously close to my face and my heart started beating terribly fast. "It was fine. I mean it was my first kiss so I don't know how it is supposed to feel." I shrugged and I could feel his breath on my face and it was driving me insane. His eyes flashed to black and before I knew his hands were on my face and smashed his lips onto mine.

It was electric, the heat went through my entire body. His lips were rough and it felt amazing. He licked my bottom lip for entrance and I wasn't thinking and I let him have it. His tongue invaded my mouth and caused my body to shiver. It was sensual and slow and made my toes curl and I wanted more. He pulled away to soon and left me flustered. He rested his forehead on mine and we both sat there breathing heavily. "That's how it's supposed to feel." I looked into his eyes and I saw something happen that I never thought I would see. His eyes were watering and tears fell down his cheek. I hurt him and that was the last thing I ever wanted to do. He pulled back and walked out of the kitchen. What have I done?

******

I had just gotten out of the shower and had only a towel wrapped around me. I was looking through my closet trying to find something decent to wear. After the kiss with Vincent, the one that left me breathless, it was a very awkward night. He was in his room all night and didn't come out to talk to me. Jonathan was calling all night and I felt guilty so I didn't answer. I just texted him saying that I was busy with Taylor watching a movie. I was confused, I mean things right now seemed to be going great with Vincent but what happens when our parents come back? Everything could change and I don't want my heart broken again.

I decided on a pair of authentic Levi dark wash mom jeans, a black bralette, and a baby pink lace cami. I let my hair stay in its natural curls and put mousse in it to contain the curls. I put on mascara and lipgloss. And put on a pair of white Filas. I grabbed my backpack and my car keys and walked out of my room and Vincent walked out of his the same time. He looked great as always. "Morning," I said to him, he just ignores me and walked away. I followed him downstairs to the kitchen and he was grabbing fruit. "I said morning." He just walked past me, ignoring me again. And I was fed up. "Look, I get me kissing another guy is upsetting to you. But you don't get to be rude and ignore me. Don't you think I wanted to be your first kiss? Don't you think that I wanted to be your first time too? Yes, I did, but now all that was taken from me and you gave it all to Amber. So yeah I'm sorry your feelings are hurt. But trust me you'll get over it just like I did." I walked past him and headed to the front door. "Bell." I slammed the door before he could finish what he was saying. No, I didn't feel guilty anymore and I wasn't going to from this point on. I deserve to be happy and fall in love too. I am going to have my firsts whether they are with him or not.

I made it to the school and was at my locker getting my books and just like clockwork Jonathan showed up by me. "Good morning beautiful." A blush rose onto my cheeks and he smiled. I can't remember the last time a guy ever called me beautiful. "Good morning, how was your night? I'm sorry I wasn't responding to your calls." I said to him and I closed my locker leaning against it. "Is there something going on that I don't know about B?" I was scared to tell him, I didn't want him to stop feeling the way he does towards me because of Vincent. "Actually yes. Vincent is trying to make it work between us. He says he wants to try and wants to be mates." I could tell he was disappointed. "Oh. What did you say?" He asked me. "I told him that there was someone else and that I wasn't going to just believe him and trust him," I told him and a huge smile appeared on his face. My heart jumped a little that I made him so happy. "Would you go on a date with me?" He asked me out of the blue but I was happy he asked. "Yes, I would love to." I smiled at him. "Okay good, I already asked for the reservations for tonight and if you said no I would have asked my mom to come with me. But I will pick you up at 6:30 then, wear something sexy." He winked at me and we both started walking to class. Date night baby.

*****

I was freaking out and I had no idea what to wear. I know he was joking when he said to wear something sexy but part of me wanted to now. I found a satin champagne color midi dress and it was a perfect mix between sexy and elegant. I put my hair into a high bun and put on a pair of hoops and did my full face of makeup that I don't really do that often, only special occasions. I put on a pair of black strap heels. I grabbed my clutch and took one last look in the mirror and I looked drool-worthy. This was the first time I have been on a date and I am extremely excited. I walked out of my room and walked downstairs and Vincent was sitting in the living room. He heard me walking down the stairs and he saw me and he stood up quickly. His eyes were huge and his mouth parted open slightly. He walked towards me and we were just a few feet away from each other. "Where are you going?" He asked me. "Jonathan asked me on a date today," I told him honestly. My heart broke when I saw his eyes start to tear up again. "And you said yes." We stood there in silence just staring at each other.

"Bell, don't go. Stay with me please?" He was begging me to stay and I wanted to, I really wanted to. "Just stay with me, don't go." His voice was barely a whisper. "Vincent, I deserve to be happy. I deserve to be in love just like you. And you haven't even broken up with Amber yet, so why would I stay?" My phone started ringing and I knew it was Jonathan. I answered the phone and he told me he was outside. "Okay, I am on my way." I hung and started to walk to the door. VIncent grabbed my arm and brought my body to his. He rested his forehead on mine. He brought his hand to my chin and lifted my face to look at his. "I hope he gets his fill of you tonight because he is never going to see you like this again. You are mine, and you belong to me. We were made for each other and trust me when I say I know you will come back to me, always." He then stroked my cheek softly and walked away and left me there speechless. Terrible start to date night, baby.