Chapter 35

Hot Bubblegum by SoapyMayhem

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

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0. . . oO•.o.Hot Bubblegum.o.•Oo . . .0

Chapter 35 

*~Bella Swan~*

"So, I take it you figured out my dirty little secret," I said dryly, motioning toward the cardboard cutout.

"It wasn't much of a secret if you ask me," he teased, eyes still wary but filled with mirth.

"You were just the last to know," I countered.

"I was," he agreed, still holding my gaze. I didn't dare look away.

"Does it bother you?" My tone was wary laced with a slight edge of hope.

"Does it bother you?" He pressed back, evading my attempt at clearing the cloud of awkwardness that threatened to stifle us both.

My mouth formed a hard line as I held back my anger.

"I told you I quit all that, didn't I?" I snapped. "Look, if you don't want me... just... tell me, and I can get my tattoo and get the fuck out of here."

"Hey, I was just... I didn't mean to upset you..." he replied remorsefully. "All of this is... a bit overwhelming."

"Yeah, I'm sure you didn't expect so much drama from a one night stand," I replied, staring at the floor, my body reflecting the unease I felt.

"If you recall, I wasn't the one who wanted a one night stand."

"What we did... It wasn't fair to you - I needed you to know who I was. I just... I didn't know how to tell you," I explained, hoping he'd understand my actions. "You can't imagine how it felt to be with someone who was interested in me, not my fame, or money, or what they'd gain by being with me."

"You can't imagine how relieved I was to learn that you weren't a porn star," he replied with a sheepish grin.

I sucked in a harsh breath.

He thought I was a fucking porn star?

I wasn't sure whether to be offended or proud.

Obviously he appreciated my skills when we were together, but was I really that good?

"I... you thought that?" I whispered, his obvious embarrassment showing through. Somehow that small bit of vulnerability made me feel immensely better.

" I also thought you were still with that Douche-Newton prick, but I did a little fact checking there before I made an even bigger ass out of myself. Pretty stupid, huh?" he admitted, his cheeks turning the most surprisingly attractive shade of pink.

Suddenly, our moment was interrupted by howling laughter. At the same time, Edward and I both stiffened, realizing we had an audience.

"You thought she was a fucking porn star? You fuck-nut," Jake laughed, making it obvious he and and the blonde were eavesdropping.

"Fuck you, Jake," he shouted, turning toward his nosey friends.

"Rose was laughing too," Jake shouted from the back, laughing boisterously until I heard the sound of a loud pop and his subsequent howl of pain.

"Let's take this conversation somewhere private," he insisted gently before lacing our fingers together and pulling me toward the back room.

Knowing, I'd need it, I bit my lip in an effort not to gasp in response to how right it felt having his hand envelope mine.

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