Bella POV

He stood in front of the barista, staring up at the menu. "Um … what's chai tea again?" he asked.

The barista rolled her eyes and patiently began her explanation again. The line was beginning to get long, and the grumbling was getting louder.

"There should be an express line for people who know what they want and how to order it."

"How can you consider yourself a citizen of the United States and not know how to order a latte at Starbucks?"

"Seriously, what rock have these people been living under?"

While his skin was a deep tawny color, I thought I could detect a faint blush. "Right, I'll just take a medium … I mean, grande coffee," he stuttered. He waited for his change and continued to stand at the front of the line. Finally, the woman standing behind him tapped him on the shoulder with her umbrella.

"Your drink will show up over there – now if you'll excuse me, the rest of the city needs our caffeine fix and you're in the way," she snarled.

His face turned an even deeper red. "Sorry," he muttered toward the line of people that is now weaving around the building and shuffles toward the bar.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for him – I mean, seriously, I was him three months ago. I glance down at my watch, silently apologize to my body for what I'm about to do, and step out of line before walking over toward the bar.

"Don't take it personally – you're staring at a long line of caffeine addicts - all of whom are waiting for their first fix of the day. They're not even human right now. It isn't until their third or fourth cup that they're able to turn into normal functioning adults."

He turned to give me a weak smile, but as he stared into my eyes, his lips dropped into a surprised "o." A look of shock crossed his face, and he shook his head as if clearing a stray thought. Just as quickly as the look appeared, it was gone, and the weak smile returned.

"All my friends are always saying how great Starbucks is, so I thought I would stop in before I went to work. I guess I won't be welcome back here any time soon!"

"Grande coffee!" the barista called out, and he grabbed his beverage thankfully.

"For the record, Starbucks at 7:30 is not for the faint of heart – it's certainly not for newbies. I wouldn't worry about coming back here – most of these people are so out of it from the lack of caffeine that they won't even remember this little incident in twenty minutes. See, look," I said and pointed toward the line of people.

The line has wrapped itself out the door, and each person wears the same glazed, slightly angry look. The building is silent except for beverage orders and the sigh of relief that follows each patron's first sip of their drink.

As he stared at the line of zombies, he chuckled. "I suppose you're right. Thanks, I know you sacrificed your fix to come talk to me. Can I make it up to you? Buy you a cup some afternoon?"

"That would be nice. I'm Bella," I said and reach out my hand.

"Jacob," he replied with a smile and shook my hand. "Would this afternoon be too soon?"

"Not at all. How's 3:30 sound?"

"Great. I'll see you then." He smiled again and walked out the door.

I stared after him for a moment and then glanced down at my watch, swearing silently as I realized I only have 15 minutes for the cross-town trip to class.

Jacob POV

"What the fuck …" I cursed quietly to myself. I rifled through my pocket until I found the familiar metal rectangle, and pulled out my cell phone.

"What's up Jake?" came Sam's gruff voice.

"You aren't going to believe what just happened. I think…I think I just imprinted," I hissed the last word quietly, so that the other Starbuck's patrons wouldn't hear me. I shouldn't have worried – they were all too comatose without their coffee to hear what I was satubg, let alone understand what I was talking about.

Sam let out a low grunt. "I'll be there in an hour," he replied.

I shook my head, and then remembered I was on the phone. "Don't bother. We're having coffee this afternoon… not sure how I convinced her to see me again, but I'll figure this out somehow. I'll come by tonight, after we have coffee. Tell Em?"

Sam chuckled. "She'll have lots of extra lasagna ready for you, Jake, not to worry." "Thanks, man. See ya later." I closed the phone and stuck it back into my pocket.

I began my walk toward the garage and tried to process everything that happened this morning. I was walking by the Starbucks and suddenly felt this overwhelming urge to walk in, even though I had never been there before. As I stood waiting in line, I began to feel warm, even for me. And then I felt her hand on my arm – her perfect, soft, small hand. Her voice was a soft, lyrical, music that filled my ears. And then I looked into her eyes, and my world exploded. As if I were floating above the world, and this woman, this perfect, beautiful woman, and I were alone. My heart floated into my throat, and I had trouble speaking. All I could see was her, and my only thought was how I was going to get to see her again.

Why she had agreed to have coffee with me this afternoon I didn't know, but I was thankful. As I walked away from the direction she had headed, my stomach tugged at me back, telling me to follow her. It took all my willpower to keep walking towards the garage, and not run after her and follow her around all afternoon. I didn't know anything about her, yet I knew my life had been irrevocably changed.

Bella POV

"One of these days I'm going to become one of those people whose punctual," I promised myself as I glanced down at my watch. It's only five minutes after I was supposed to meet Jacob, but I was still at least five blocks away. And since we hadn't exchange phone numbers, I had no way to call and let him know that I was on my way. After sprinting down the last block, I grabbed the handle and pulled. Please still be here … I pray silently as I go to open the door, only to have it open in my face.

"Watch it!" I shouted as I moved to avoid having my nose broken.

"Oh my God! I am so sorry! I didn't see you standing there. I wasn't even paying attention … Bella?" I looked up to see Jacob standing apologetically at the door.

"Well, I suppose I can forgive you for almost giving me a black eye if you can forgive me for being ten minutes late," I said with a smile.

He smiled back. "I thought you stood me up. I was just leaving."

"Yeah, I was worried that you might've already left, otherwise I would've been paying closer attention myself. I should explain. I suffer from 'Inability-To-Arrive-On-Time' syndrome, meaning I'm chronically five to ten minutes late to just about everything. I've tried everything; I'm a hopeless cause. But I regularly promise myself to become punctual."

"Okay, I suppose I can let you off the hook, especially if you're going to forgive me for the whole 'near broken nose fiasco.' Do you want go get some coffee?" he asked.

I smiled up at him. "Yes … think you can handle ordering, or should I do it?"

Jacob rolled his eyes. "No time to learn like the present, right?"

"Sure. Let's go look and you can decide what you want." I walk over to the barista. Luckily, the Starbucks is nearly empty as Jacob stares at the menu in concentration. "I'll have a grande non-fat iced caramel macchiato," I ordered quickly. "Make a decision yet?"

"Yes. I'm going to have … a latte … grande … with milk and sugar." Jacob looked at me. "Did I do that right?"

"Close enough. You did good, grasshopper," I replied and winked at him.

Jacob shook his head and pulled out his wallet to pay for our drinks. Then we stepped over to the counter where the drinks would appear shortly. Jacob looked around the store, carefully studying the details that make up most Starbucks. I, however, chose to study the man I met this morning. It had been early, and I walked over to him because I felt sorry for him. But now, as I studied him carefully, I realized that he was beyond handsome. He had warm brown eyes that burned with intensity as he took in his surroundings. His long brown hair was pulled back in a low-ponytail, and I found myself jealous of how shiny it was. As I took in his chiseled cheekbones and the shy smile that played on the corners of his lips, I felt a sudden twinge in my stomach, pulling me toward this stranger. I shook my head, and the feeling disappeared.

Finally our drinks appeared and Jacob grabbed both of them and led us toward a table. "So Bella … what do you do that has you standing in line at Starbucks at 7:30 every morning?"

"I am actually a student … I'm in my last year of a master's program in British literature."

"Wow," Jacob said, clearly impressed.

While I wanted to ask him about whatever brought him to the Seattle, I knew there was something else I needed to tell him.

"Jacob … " I began tentatively.

"Please, call me Jake," he replied with another easy smile.

"Okay, Jake. There's something I need to tell you. This morning, when I tried to help you, I was just being nice. You should know … I'm … I'm involved with someone." I stared down at my hands and bit my lip, unable to keep the blush from creeping up my cheeks. "I know I'm assuming something here, but … well, I just wanted to be honest with you," I finished lamely.

Jake smiled again before he reached across the table and patted my hand, a gesture that indicated we were far closer than two strangers who just met. Surprisingly, I found I didn't mind.

"It's fine, Bella. It's just that I'm new to Seattle, and you were the first friendly face I've seen in quite some time. If it's all right with you, I'm just looking for friendship," Jake replied.

I could feel my blush deepen as I realized what an ass I made of myself. I shook my head and tried to pull my hand back. "God, Jake, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I ..."

Jake squeezed my hand, not letting me go. "Bella, stop. It's completely fine. And while I'm not going to lie and tell you that I wish you weren't seeing someone … it wasn't all I was after when I asked you to have coffee with me today," he finished, with another reassuring squeeze.

I looked up at him, and seeing his sweet smile, couldn't help but smile back at him. "So what brings you to Seattle, Jake?" I asked.

Jake finally let go of my hand as he began to talk animatedly. "I got a job managing a vintage car body shop … I'm a total car geek, and when this offer came up, I jumped at the chance."

I smiled back, about to reply, when I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out and stared at the name in block letters. "Crap," I said under my breath. I looked up at Jake's quizzical eyes. "I'm so sorry, Jake …" I began, but he cut me off.

"You have to go? "No problem. It was nice to meet you, Bella. Perhaps I'll see you again some morning?" he asked.

"I'm here just about every morning at 7:30 … so perhaps you will see me. Good-bye, Jake," I replied with a smile.

Jake's eyes met mine, and there was a long pause. But finally, all he said was, "Good-bye, Bella."

I stood up and started for the door. With my hand on the handle, I glanced back, and he was still sitting at the table, watching me as I walked away. I gave him a small wave, and started hustling back uptown.

My phone buzzed again, and this time, I answered it. "I'm on my way. I'm sorry. I stopped at Starbucks and got a coffee after class and lost track of time. I'll be there shortly. I'm getting in a cab right now," I said quickly.

"Bella, relax. I'm not calling to check in on you. I just wanted to let you know that Alice and Jasper are in town and will be staying with us for a few weeks. Is that all right with you?" Edward's slow, melodic voice filled my ear, and I could feel my heart pound a little faster.

"Of course! I can't wait to see them! When are they getting in?" I asked excitedly.

"This evening, around 7:30. I'll see you soon, love?" he asked.

"I can't wait," I replied and closed the phone.

I quickly flagged down a cab and slid into the back. After giving the driver the address, I rested my head back. "What the hell am I doing?" I muttered to myself as I replayed my conversation with Jacob.

Jacob POV

Waiting for Bella had been pure torture. I sat in the uncomfortable chair, tapping my foot and staring at the clock. The minutes inched by … 3:31 … 3:32 … 3:33 …

She's standing me up! my brain screamed at me. But what the fuck was I going to do? I had watched the other guys go nuts when they were unable to see their imprint, but at least they lived in the same zip code. I knew nothing about this girl, other than how the thought of her chocolate brown eyes made my heart flip-flop.

With a mind of their own, my feet stood up and walked toward the door. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I had to find her. I reached for the door just as a petite brunette came flying through it.

"Watch it!" she yelled and looked up at me, and as I stared into those eyes, my equilibrium returned.

As we sat there, drinking coffee and talking, it had been heaven. Everything about her enchanted me, and I felt like I could listen to her speak for hours. Her blush was so innocent and alluring when she stammered about being involved with someone. And while that information caused my stomach to twist in a knot that was somewhat uncomfortable, I instinctively knew she needed reassurance. Without thinking about it, I reached out and taken her hand, and I could instantly feel her relax. It was like nothing I had ever experienced – it was as if I could look at her and know what would make her happy without any effort. It must be the imprint.

Watching her scurry out of the Starbucks and into a cab felt like torture all over again. The only thing that kept me from phasing and galloping after the cab was the knowledge that she would reappear the next morning for her usual caffeine fix. And I planned to be here waiting for her.

I grabbed my phone and headed out the door. I jogged the ten blocks to the body shop, hopped onto my Harley, and headed for La Push.

As I exited Seattle's busy city streets, I felt a weight lift from my chest. The city was where I needed to be for my career, but my heart was in the wild. I could feel the wind through my hair, and I felt free again. The three-hour ride flew by, and I finally arrived at Sam's house just before 8 o'clock. He, Embry, and Quil were sitting on the porch, waiting for me.

I parked the bike and walked slowly up to where the guys sat. I gave them a nod before my face broke into a wide smile. Seeing my brothers made the trip home complete. They jumped up and slapped me on the back, returning my grin.

"Jacob Black, get in here. You must be starving," I heard a family voice call from the doorway, and there stood Emily Uley, Sam's wife.

I jogged up the steps and swept her into a quick hug. "Thanks, Em. You're the best," I said and kissed her on the cheek.

She hit me in the arm. "Get in here, boys. Dinner's on!" Emily called out and we all walked into the house.

As usual, Emily had outdone herself yet again. The table practically sagged under the weight of the amount of food she cooked, and the four of us quickly dug in. Finally, the feeding frenzy subsided, and I could feel four pairs of eyes staring at me intently.

"Yeah, it finally happened," I said quietly, leaning back in my chair.

"How'd it happen?"

"Who is she?"

"What are you going to do?"

Embry and Quil fired questions at me, while Sam and Emily just stared at me thoughtfully.

I stared back, unsure of where to begin.

"I was standing in Starbucks … and all of a sudden, she appeared. It felt like my heart had lifted and I was floating above that stupid coffee shop, watching two people meet for the first time. When I finally came down, I had the sense to ask her to meet me for coffee this afternoon, and for some unknown reason, she agreed," I finished.

Sam nodded thoughtfully before asking, "How was this afternoon?"

"Wonderful. She's amazing – she's a grad student and goes to that Starbucks every morning. She's 'involved' with someone - as she put it … It was sweet. She was so honest, trying to spare my feelings," I frowned. "I lied to her, though. I told her I was new in town, and that's why I asked her for coffee … because I didn't know anyone yet…not sure how that's going to pan out, but I didn't know what else to say to reassure her that I was comfortable with whatever relationship she wanted to have."

This time it was Emily's turn to nod. "So I take it you didn't tell her about the imprint?"

I rolled my eyes. "No, I wasn't really sure there was a good way to work that into the conversation. 'Hi, I'm a werewolf, and I just imprinted on you! So, can we have lots of babies? Great!' didn't really seem like a good way of being able to see her again," I finished with another eye roll.

"Don't be rude, Jake," Sam said shortly. "She was asking a reasonable question. I understand why you didn't tell her. But how are you going to ensure you see her every day? You know what can happen if you don't … " his words trailed off in a warning.

Now it was my turn to nod. "Yeah … well, luckily, it seems she goes to this particular Starbucks every morning at 7:30. So I'll just plan on being there until I can actually develop a real friendship with her…get her phone number, actually hang out … I guess we'll see. And when the time seems right, I'll let her know all of my dirty little secrets," I said, thinking about the future.

All three stared at me as I spoke, listening intently.

Finally, Sam broke the silence. "Sounds like you've got a good plan."

I nodded and glanced down at my watch. It was already 10:00.

"You guys doing a patrol tonight?" I asked.

Embry and Quil nodded at the same time. "You want in?" they asked in unison and then punched each other in the shoulder.

I shook my head at their nonsense. "Yeah, a run would do me good. Let's go," I said and standing up.

As we walked out the door, I turned around. "Thanks for dinner, Emily … " My voice trailed off, and I knew there was more I wanted to say, but I couldn't find the words.

Emily came forward and touched my cheek. "Don't worry, Jake. We'll all be here to help you through all of this. It's going to be okay."

Sam came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her slender waist. "It'll work itself out, Jake. It always does," he said in his quiet, contemplative voice.

I nodded and headed out into the dark night. There was nothing like the feel of running as a wolf, and then I would need to return to Seattle to await a 7:30 coffee fix and my future.