Chapter One

My finger hovered over the shutter release button waiting for the right shot. The wind was really irritating me today and I wanted to get this right. In case you hadn't figured it out, I'm a photographer. Not just any old, photographer, but a celebrity photographer. I'm Isabella Swan. But I go by Bella.

I mostly shoot famous people, and as a freelance photographer I go wherever a client asks. It was pure coincidence that I had the opportunity to photograph celebrities. I was called by fluke to fill in for a photographer who cancelled on a shoot at the last minute. Unbeknown to him that the subject was Hollywood's hottest couple who happened to be visiting my hometown of Nashville. The photos I had taken were syndicated to every Vogue magazine across the world. Like I said, total fluke.

Today I was exceptionally lucky to be photographing the sexiest Formula One driver on the current circuit. Jacob Black, lead driver for the Jaguar racing team. He was painfully good looking, and the nicest man I've had the pleasure of meeting. He was playful, cheeky and had so much sex appeal that it nearly scorched my camera lens. I'd gotten to know him quite well over the last few days and his charming personality was easy to fall in love with. I was almost sad that I'd be going back to my place in New York tomorrow night.

The wind kicked up again sending wisps of dust everywhere, including all over the beautiful 1952 black and red Jaguar that Jake was lying in. He looked mouth watering in a white button down and black jeans. He was lying in the vintage convertible, his legs hanging over the side and his arms above his head. I was standing above him on a step ladder. The wind swirled more dust around the car and I sighed, irritated to the point of screaming.

"That's it! Someone tell the wind to take a hike!" I feigned anger and a few of the crew laughed at my insane little outburst. I looked up to the sky which loomed with dark clouds and was annoyed that my final day of shooting would be marred by rain. And then, like the evil hand of fate touching me the skies opened up and brought a torrential downpour with it. I screamed into the rain and was interrupted by Jake laughing at me. He was out of the car and standing beside the ladder looking up at me. Some of the crew made a mad dash for the equipment tent while the others secured the car. I ran my hand through my soaked hair and racked my brain for a way that I could save this awful day.

"I'm glad this is so amusing for you." I scowled, descending the ladder. Two rungs down my foot slipped on the rain-slicked metal and I completely lost my balance. I closed my eyes, held onto my camera and braced myself for the fall that was surely going to hurt. But I didn't hit the ground. When I opened my eyes I was looking at Jake's wet chest. I pulled my head back a little and saw his twinkling brown eyes.

"Are you alright?" he asked as his arms tightened around me. When I managed to find my voice I answered,

"I...yes..."

He chuckled softly. "Falling for me already Swan?" His smile was deliciously cheeky and full of promise. It made my mouth go dry. I had to take control of this situation and quick.

"Are you going to let go of me or continue feeling me up like a perverted teenager?" I asked raising an eyebrow at him. I felt his hand slide up my wet shirt to feel the skin at the small of my back. It burned at his touch.

"I'm all for continuing to feeling you up." He whispered. My mouth fell open at his comment.

"Well Mr. Black, where I come from, we don't take well to that kind of treatment." He placed me back onto my feet and gripped my hips to steady me. God, did he have to smell so good? I shook my head as though it would to be enough to shake him from my senses. I turned abruptly his hands still clutching my waist.

"How long can we have the car out in the open?" I asked the one of the guys.

"I'd say about five minutes tops. Otherwise the rain is going to completely ruin the interior," he answered. I groaned in frustration again trying to come up with a way for this to work. And suddenly it hit me like a baseball bat to the back of my head.

"Put the covers up on the car. Open the hood. Someone put Jacob in a tank. And fix his hair so it's not flat." One of the crew dragged Jake away from me, I felt his hands slid off my hips as I frantically clipped the rain cover to my camera and snapped a few test shots. Lighting wasn't perfect. "Turn on the light boxes. And get Jacob in here..."

"Bella, don't get your panties in a twist I'm coming." Jake's deep voice interrupting me.

"Stop talking about my panties and get under that hood will you? This has to be done quick." He stepped over to the front of the car and leaned over.

"Lean in closer like you're working on the car. Someone smear grease on him." I knew I was talking a mile a minute, but I wanted to make sure it was right. I snapped a few pictures and looked at the LCD screen. He looked amazing. A wet Jacob Black was certainly a sight to behold. The rain clung to his dark skin and made him look even hotter. These shots were going to be incredible.

"Jake, look at me and put one hand in the engine." He did as he was told and grinned, I wipe the rain out of my eyes. "No, don't grin at me you idiot. You need to look sexy. You don't look sexy when you are grinning." I must have looked as crazy as I sounded because he threw his head back and laughed at me. I snapped a few images, not wanting to waste this very natural Jake moment.

"Could you try to be an adult?" I admonished as I wiped more droplets out of my eyes.

"Okay Swan, what do you want me to do?" I scowled at him and then lowered my camera.

"He needs a tool. Someone give him a wrench." A wrench emerged and he used it to scratch the back of his head. I snapped a picture, loving those candid moments. I walked over to him and took some grease from his shirt and smeared it across his cheek. I had to stop myself from groaning out loud as my fingers raked across his stubble. I took a few more shots of him working on the car and then was about to call the end of the shoot when another brainwave hit me as my eyes skittered over to the lake not far away.

"Okay Baz, last shots I promise." I called over to my assistant. He nodded waiting for directions. "Move it to the water now. But just change Jake's shirt, and bring the shade okay?" He nodded his head once and scurried off to complete the tasks. I walked over to Jacob in the tent as he was slipping on a navy button down. We walked in silence to the bank of the lake. The rain was falling steadily and his shirt was instantly soaked and clinging to his hard muscles. I leaned down and removed my socks and chucks before rolling up my jeans. As I took a tentative step towards the water, the rain seemed to stop. I silently thanked God while taking the rain cover off my camera.

"I'm sorry about making you get into the water. Do you mind?" He shot me that delicious smile of his. I searched his green-flecked eyes hoping he wouldn't. God he was handsome, his high cheekbones and perfect teeth. It made my stomach flutter a little.

"I don't mind Bella, as long as you're in with me?" He picked me up around the waist and carried me into the water.

"Don't you dare!" I shrieked. He just laughed and took a few more steps towards the water. "Jake! Put me down right now! This camera is worth thousands of dollars!" He let me slip from his grasp a little and I shrieked again. "Jacob Black, put me down right now or so help me I'll tell the Paps where you live." He laughed again.

"Your threats don't scare me Swan." He stepped knee deep into the water. "Fuck this water is freezing Bella!" He lowered me into the water and I squealed as the cold seeped through my jeans. I shoved him back and he fell under causing a small wave that splashed up to my thighs. I inhaled deeply trying to get used to the freezing temperature. Jake broke to the surface and raked his jet-black hair from his forehead.

"Stop! Stop!" I said. "Don't move." He laughed at me, his hands still in his hair. I flicked a few settings on my camera and clicked a test shot before looking at it in the display screen. Not satisfied with the settings I adjusted them again and clicked a few more shots.

"Baz, bring the shade over here." I said motioning to one of the crew. "And get his hair sorted, it's flattened again." I allowed the crew to fix Jake's hair and get into position with the shade while I adjusted a few more settings on the camera.

"Come on Swan, get your ass into gear, my nuts are frozen." I chuckled and replied,

"Quit your whining! Now, unbutton your shirt." I ordered pointing at his shirt. He complied opening all the buttons. But before he could pull the shirt off I stopped him. "Nope, just leave it open." I waded over to him balancing my camera in one hand while I peeled his soaking shirt off one of his shoulders to expose his delicious bronzed skin. When I'd gotten it in the right spot I ordered him not to move and then began shooting. I noticed the grease smear on his cheek, I waded over again and wiped it off with my hand before wiping my hand down the front of his wet shirt.

"Copping a nice feel there Bella?" He asked cockily. I raised an eyebrow.

"I bet you say that to all the girls Black." I retorted.

"Only the hot ones." He said with a smirk. I laughed at his ridiculous comment.

"Could you put your smart mouth away for a few more minutes? You're supposed to look sexy and you just don't when it's moving."

"Is that a fact Swan? How about I show you what my mouth can really do before you make comments like that?" I snapped a few shots of his desire filled gaze, my eyes firmly hidden behind the viewfinder. Checking the LCD screen, I almost shivered at the look on his face. I was afraid to look at him for real. Chancing a look, I had to restrain a gasp at how scorching he was. I hid behind the viewfinder again taking more shots. I'd made him change his position and facial expressions countless times until he complained that he was getting too pruney.

"Alright fine, we'll wrap it up." I motioned to the crew to pack it up as I walked out of the water and stood on the bank squeezing the water from my jeans.

"What's next Bella? Are you gonna torture me some more today?" I smiled to myself thinking how nice it would be for him to torture me. I turned to look at him and was in awe of his powerful body sauntering out of the water. Rivulets of water cascaded down his chest and his wet jeans hung low on his waist.

"Wait, wait Jake." He stopped walking of the water and put his hands on his hips. I put the camera to my eye and snapped a few more shots. "Hook your thumb into your waistband and put your other hand on the back of your head." He complied, but still had a stupid grin on his face. "Change your expression."

"To what?" I flicked a lock of hair behind my ear and then lifted my gaze to his.

"Look at me like you want me Jake. Like you want to touch me." His eyes darkened and he raised an eyebrow.

"Well that's really not hard Bella…" he trailed off. I took a few shots and then lowered the viewfinder a tiny bit to peek over the top of the camera.

"Excuse me?" I choked returning the camera to my eye and reminding myself not to let it drop. He smirked at me and ran a hand down his rippled stomach. I quickly took a few more shots.

"I said…" he stalked closer to me, "that it's really not hard for me to look like I want to touch you." He was towering over my 5 foot, 4 frame, his eyes trained on my mouth. I inhaled sharply and shivered. And it wasn't from the cold water. Surely he couldn't be suggesting what I thought he was suggesting?

"I…uh…" I was lost for words and afraid to answer in case be broke out into laughter. Was he joking?

"Have dinner with me tonight, my place." It was a statement, not a question. "You're only in LA till tomorrow night and then you head back to New York right? Come on Bella." He reached out and touched my bottom lip and I resisted the urge to suck it into my mouth. Yep… definitely NOT joking.

"I'm soaking." I stated looking down at my dripping clothes. He smiled cheekily.

"Well, I'm sure I can think of things to do while we're waiting for them to dry?" I laughed at the implication knowing it was far from innocent.

"Right Black, as if I'm going to agree to that." He shrugged and replied,

"It was worth a try. But don't say no to me. Please?"

"Fine." I said raising the viewfinder to my eye again and snapping off a shot of his smiling face. One could never resist that face. "But I want to upload these first. And change. I feel dusty and wet." He coughed loudly and shot me a suggestive look before I gave him a 'what are you, twelve years old' look.

"Okay, just meet me at my place in an hour or so." I sighed heavily knowing quite well that I should NOT be doing this. I watched him strut off and laughed when he pulled his jeans off before reaching his trailer. He heard me and turned around facing me in just his trunks. I took a few shots of him and laughed at the childish faces he pulled.

Not even an hour later with my laptop perched on my thighs, I flicked through the proofs and had to keep from groaning at how delicious Jake really was. My stomach churned at the thought of being inside his house. My cell phone rang on the bed beside me and I snapped the laptop closed.

"Bella Swan." I barked into the phone.

"What's got your panties in such a twist Swan?" I heard Rosalie's amused tone on the line. I laughed at her almost incredulous. She always managed to get me out of my funky moods.

"I was just getting ready to head out." I flopped back on the bed with a sigh.

"And you're disappointed with that because..?"

"I'm going to have sex with Jacob Black..." I heard her squeal.

"Bella! Why the hell are you upset about that? He's Jacob FREAKING Black!" She stage whispered. I sighed into the phone again.

"Isabella Swan, get the fuck out of that mood. You're about to sleep with the most lusted after man in the world and you're grumpy about it! God what I wouldn't do to trade places with you tonight."

"It's…its just…"

"Its just what? Is your snatch broken? Is that what it is? It's broken isn't it?" I could hear real concern in her voice and I laughed. "Well?" She prompted again.

"No it is not broken." I answered rolling my eyes.

"Well then if it's not broken, or out of service, get your Goddamned shit together!" I laughed at her ridiculous eruption and pulled myself off the bed.

"Fine Rose, I'll try." I grumbled.

"Could you at least try to be less irritated that the hottest man on the planet is about to ravish you? PLEASE? Think of me would you?" She sounded exasperated. "What are you wearing?" She asked speaking quickly.

"Right now Rose, a bathrobe with nothing on underneath," I purred at her.

"You minx, you!" She giggled. "I mean tonight?" I looked at my open suitcase.

"I don't know. I think we're eating at his place so I don't think it's too dressed up," I shrugged. "I'm thinking jeans or something?" She gasped and I cringed against the onslaught I was sure to receive.

"Don't even think about it! The next think you'll be telling me that you're wearing your Chucks as well." I was silent. "You were going to wear your Chucks weren't you?" She shrieked. "Honestly sometimes you surprise me Bella. You've got the body of a yoga instructor and when you're in the mood you dress like a vixen. But when you're not, you're appalling. Appalling."

"Thanks." I replied dryly.

"Try to dress like you did it on purpose tonight Bella." I moaned in annoyance.

"Did you call me just to torture me today? You did, didn't you?" I questioned. Her laughter tinkled into my ear.

"Actually, I called because I know you're coming back to New York tomorrow and I wanted to know if you want to catch up day after?" I wracked my brain thinking if I had anything on. Nope, nothing. I had to clean up Jake's photos and have them couriered and I was booked in for a few shoots the following week but I was otherwise free.

"I'm going to do a rec on a new venue and I'd like a partner in crime. Royce is watching Josh so we can get smashed on the company credit card? What do you say? Alice and Jasper will be there too. It's some book launch she's put together."

"Sounds good Rose. I might be a little tired…"

"Nothing that copious amounts of alcohol can't fix Snap," she interrupted.

"Fine, fine. I'll be there. Email me the details okay?"

"So then…you didn't actually tell me what you are going to wear."

"I'm hanging up now Rosalie." I answered with a laugh in my voice.

"Can you please wear something that shows off you legs. PLEASE?" I couldn't resist her when she begs me. Sighing I answered her.

"Okay, I'll wear something that will show my legs. God you're irritating!" I heard her laugh before we said out goodbyes.

I smoothed down my nautical stripe navy, white and silver dress and sighed. Rachel would have been proud. It was cute and one of my favorites. The stripes were all varied sizes and it was cinched in at the waist. It was flattering and super comfortable. A sheer miracle I had packed it to be honest, considering that most of the time on shoots I stuck with jeans, t-shirts and chucks. I'd even gone to the extent of curling my long mahogany hair and even added some lip gloss.

I kicked off my sandals, picking them up to shake out the sand as I knocked on Jake's door. The house was exquisite and I could only imagine the ridiculous amount of money that he spent on it. It was a warm and inviting weatherboard with large windows everywhere. I could hear the crash of the waves and guessed that the beach was on his back porch. I loved New York and would now call it my home, but it sure would be nice to live here. It was so peaceful. I was broken out of my thoughts by the door opening. Turning to face the it with my shoes still in my hand, I was a little surprised when I saw Jake poke his head out.

"Yes Bella, I do actually live here." He flashed me his brilliant smile and I was torn between wanting to slap it off his face or press my lips to it.

"Enough with the cockiness Jake or I'll head back the way I came." He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me inside the house, slamming the door behind us, I dropped my shoes on the floor.

"You think I'm gonna let you escape so easy?" He crossed his arms over his chest and I was able to look at him properly. He was in a threadbare, navy Yankees t-shirt, faded jeans and bare feet. They were nice feet. He looked the picture of effortless masculinity, I could make out the outline of his hard muscles beneath his shirt. When I was done with my appraisal my eyes moved back to his and the look I found made me feel like I was naked. I had no witty remark, nothing. My mouth was dry and I could feel my ears heat as colour spread over my cheeks.

"Well isn't that adorable Ms. Swan?" He asked cupping my cheek in his hand. My eyes dropped to my feet a little annoyed that my blush always gave away how I was feeling. It was interesting; I never seemed to blush when there was a camera between Jake and I. He stepped closer and lifted my chin, his huge body molding itself to mine. He was going to kiss me. The cocky bastard was actually going to kiss me, and he hadn't even fed me yet! I was still protesting in my head when I felt his warm lips engulf mine. His tongue was wet and glorious as it licked into my mouth. I knew I should have pushed him away, but no woman in her right mind would push Jacob Black away. Not unless they were gay of course, and I was not. I felt his hands tangle into my mass of loose curls, pulling my body closer to his and I groaned enjoying the feeling. His mouth became more insistent as he lifted me up onto his waist and carried me through the house.

I used his shoulders as leverage and this time it was my turn for me to rake my fingers though his short dark hair. If I'd been able to think coherently I would have looked around but all that I could feel was him. All I could taste and smell was him. I felt my ass hit something cool and guessed that he had put me down on a counter. I broke away from his mouth to take in air as my breaths came out in pants and he just continued his assault on my neck and shoulder.

"Jake…" I panted. He ignored me as his tongue licked the hollow above my collarbone. I groaned again and composed every ounce of will power I could to tug his hair and pull him away from my neck. "I'm not on the menu Black." His eyes were filled with lust and I wanted to pull his mouth back to mine. Instead I pushed him back a little and slipped off the counter to look around. As I did he stepped forward again, his whole body pushing me back into the counter.

"Persistent aren't you?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"Only when it comes to you Bella." He rasped. I couldn't resist and slid my hand under his t-shirt feeling his hard muscles and light dusting of hair. He inhaled as my hand traced the outline of his abdominals. His mouth came down to mine again but I slid my fingertips to his lips before he completed his descent.

"How about we have dinner and then we can revisit your persistence?" He quirked an eyebrow and looked a little like a child who'd had their ice cream stolen. I couldn't help but laugh, my fingertips still over his mouth. "So impatient Jake," I said with a shake of my head. "You can't have dessert without having the main course first." His eyes burned into mine and I felt hot all over. Then he slowly slipped one of my fingers into his mouth, sucking on it. I gripped the counter for dear life certain that my knees were about to give out. I moaned his name as I felt his tongue glide over my fingertip. He released my finger and then kissed the inside of my palm. Any comment that I may have had, had now evaporated into the ether. This man was going to make me detonate. He stepped away from me toward the fridge where he pulled out two beers and untwisted the caps. He held one out to me. I hadn't quite regained the use of my legs yet and was stilling gripping the counter while the other reached for the beer. His eyes never left mine as he took a long pull from his beer. I followed suit, not able to even formulate words. The drink was cold and I held it to cool my heated cheeks.

"How come you never blushed like that when you were photographing me?" He asked a small smile touching his beautiful mouth. I picked at the label on the bottle before answering, my cheeks reddening even more.

"Because there was a camera between us…" I trailed off. He chuckled softly.

"You really are enchanting aren't you Bella?" He walked over to me and I was almost afraid that he was going to kiss me again. I say afraid because I wasn't sure I had enough will power to push him away this time. He surprised me though taking my hand and pulling me outside onto the deck. The view was spectacular. The beach must have been 15 meters from the back of Jake's steps and the water looked crystal clear.

"Jake it's gorgeous!" I gasped.

"It is, isn't it? It's a real shame that I'm away nine months out of twelve." He took another swig of his beer before dropping my hand and walking over to the BBQ. "Have a seat." He commanded motioning to the banana lounges a few meters away. I relaxed into one curling my legs beneath me.

"What's for dinner?" I asked before taking a sip. I made a face not liking the funny tasting Bud Light and he laughed.

"What's the matter Swan, can't handle a beer? I'm sure I have a girly drink somewhere." I glared at him.

"Actually Black, I'm trying to not gag at this awful stuff you call beer." I snorted at him. He laughed heartily and then responded.

"Don't tell me New York has turned you into a snob?"

"Not at all…this is soapy water that's all." I responded resisting the urge to stick my tongue out at him.

"And what's your normal brew then? If I were drinking beer at your house?"

"Um, probably a Sam Adams? I don't mind the European ones either."

"Well, I'm in New York in a few months. Maybe I ought to look you up?

"You should look me up Jake, I might be free to show you the sights." I said with a wink. He walked over to where I was sitting and put an arm on each armrest trapping me on the chair. He leaned in closer and I could feel his warm breath on my face.

"I'll make sure to do that," he whispered before capturing my mouth with his. My hand slid over his cheek to feel his rough stubble. I sucked his bottom lip into my mouth before running the lip of my tongue along it. He moaned and moved to lie on the banana lounge. But I stopped him putting both my hand firmly on his chest. He broke away from my mouth, looked to my hand and then to my eyes.

"Is your cooking that bad that you're determined not to feed me?" I asked quirking an eyebrow. He smiled slowly before dropping a soft kiss on my lips.

"Steaks, corn on the cob and salad Bella, hope that's alright? Just figured with the weather, it'd be nice to eat outside."

"It sounds great, do you need any help?" I answered taking another sip of my beer. He shook his head and place two steaks on the grill as well as two cobs of corn wrapped in foil.

"It'll be ready in a few." He turned the steaks over and closed the lid on the BBQ, before coming to sit on the banana lounge next to me.

"So why not move to LA? You're out here for work all the time. Wouldn't it be easier?" He drained the last of his beer. I looked at the sun hovering above the horizon as I thought about my answer.

"Nashville is my original is home. But New York is my real home. I may not be there all the time, but it's where my life is." I smiled as I thought of Rosalie, Royce and Josh and Alice and Jasper.

"Why do you live in Malibu when you're wearing a Yankees t-shirt?" I asked tipping the neck of my bottle at his shirt. He chuckled looking down at his chest.

"I was born a Yankee, but I love the beach." He shrugged.

"Where's home then?" I asked taking another swig. He pursed his lips, pondering my question.

"Honestly Bella, I don't know anymore. I move around so much that it's become almost too difficult to say. If you forced me to answer, I'd probably say my suitcase." He looked sad. I knew exactly how he felt. My brownstone in Greenwich had boxes strewn everywhere, yet to be unpacked. The only thing that was actually set up was my darkroom and studio. He got up to check on the steaks and turned them over again. I finished my beer and grabbed his empty bottle before walking into the kitchen.

"There's more in the fridge." He called out to me.

Once I was inside I had a proper chance to look around. The house was stunning. Huge windows allowed so much light in. It would have been a dream to shoot in here. Despite claiming that he was not home much, Jake's house looked lived in. There were newspapers on the breakfast bar and an opened book on the coffee table. His laptop sat half closed on the kitchen table and a pair of shoes were just inside the patio door. It made me smile. He was just Jacob, an ordinary guy. It was just happenstance that he was so good-looking that it made my chest ache. I made my way over to his massive fridge and pulled it open. Huh. It was stocked with food. Not what you would expect from a normal bachelor. But then again, I wasn't sure there was anything normal about him. I spied two Beck's at the back of the fridge and almost did a happy dance. No more crappy Bud. I took off the tops and wandered back outside.

"Thank God! I found some respectable beer in that fridge of yours." I smiled as I handed over his bottle.

"I was trying to give you a taste of real America." He retorted. I was quick to answer,

"I thought that's what you were doing when I walked in the door earlier?" I smirked at him and his eyes smoldered. He began to stalk closer but I held up a hand to stop him. "We had a deal Jake. After dinner we would revisit your persistence."

"I'm exercising a lot of restraint here Bella." He said with a wink and I felt the heat flood my cheeks. "And if you don't stop blushing, all my restraint will fly out the window." He motioned to the outdoor table that he'd already set. I took my seat and inhaled the delicious plate set before me.

"I'm impressed Mr. Black. Who would have thought that one of the world's top formula one drivers could cook." He shook out his napkin before taking his place beside me.

"I'm insulted Ms. Swan. Wait till you taste my steaks, you'll never want to leave this house."

"Yes, I would never tire of your arrogance," I retorted dryly. I popped a piece of steak into my mouth and had to admit it was delicious. He'd marinated it superbly and it was cooked to perfection. When I'd finished chewing I looked up and noticed he was watching me.

"Well?" He asked cockily. I narrowed my eyes at him, but mostly because it did taste amazing.

"It's delicious." I conceded. He grinned before tucking into his own.

The conversation flowed easily and I found myself liking Jacob more and more. He was an incredibly intelligent man and could talk about just anything. He told me about growing up in Forks a tiny town outside of Seattle, and his father who was a specialty mechanic who only worked on prestige cars. He talked about his love of cars and how he knew he wanted to be a racecar driver when he was ten years old. He really was achingly sweet and I found it very easy to talk to him. I told him about my life in New York, about how I started as a photographer. I told him about my friends Rosalie and Alice. He listened intently and asked me lots of questions. He was so refreshing and I loved his company.