Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the characters.. but if Jake was real... I'd be in heaven :)

Thanks to JaspersDarkAngel for helping me proof read... stop by and check out her page.... And I hope you enjoy :)

Chapter 4

All Apologies

JKPOV

The rest of the day was spent wandering up and down the pier. We followed Alice who has a serious shopping problem. Bella looked as bored as us guys, but she mostly kept to herself, or very close to Alice. More than likely, she was avoiding having to talk to me. We stopped for lunch at a shop that was set up on the pier. It was from a town over on Habrigdon. It was a quaint little cozy tent with succulent food. We sat mostly in silence, except for when Alice was babbling on about what she was learning about in school.

Jasper and her seemed so happy to be in each other's company that Bella and I just kind of let it flow. When we had been seated at the table, Bella and I were sat across from each other, while Alice and Jasper were across from each other. With the two of them babbling on, it was hard to get a word in anywhere.

Finally, after our late lunch, Alice seemed satiated enough to stop shopping. It was a few hours away from dark still, but a cool breeze was bringing in a storm from the sea. For miles out the sky was dark, and even farther out flashes of lightning lit up the sky.

Alice was lucky to have Jasper and I. About halfway back towards the tavern, she was so overloaded with bags that she was starting to lose her balance. I came up behind her, "Here Alice, let me help."

She seemed pleased, "Thank you Jacob!" Slowly I was making headway with her, which was good. I had a feeling that without her on my side, getting Bella to forgive me would be much harder. Jasper came up too, taking the rest of the bags from Alice. She suddenly started bouncing as soon as all the extra weight was lifted off of her. For me, carrying the bags was no big deal, but poor Jasper looked like we was straining after a while. I had to pretend too, to avoid suspicion.

By the time we made it back to the tavern, the rain had started to drizzle on us. Jasper and I followed Bella and Alice to their room. I followed them in and set Alice's bags on her bed. Then I nodded to them both, "I'll see you ladies later." On my way out, I made a mental note of which room they were in. 310. When Alice had moved out to go to school her parents turned her old bedroom into a storage room for the place, so now when she came to visit she got to stay in one of the rooms. Her parents had put her and Bella up in one of the suites.

I made my way back downstairs with Jasper.

"You wanna go out later?" he asked.

"Nah, man. I'm kind of tired," I lied. "I'm thinking about running over to the bookstore, then coming back and reading for the night. Besides, aren't you and Alice going to do something? I mean, you only have limited time until she goes back."

He shrugged, "I'm guessing she might emerge from the room later once she gets over her shopping coma."

I chuckled, "Yeah, she's quite the shopper."

"What a day, man. You pissed the girls off, then redeemed yourself with one. By the way, Alice would be a bad enemy to have, so you're welcome."

"Yeah, thanks man," I said, referring to him telling Alice about the necklace.

"No problem," he replied patting me on the back. We made it back down to the first floor into the tavern area as I headed for the door.

"I'll be back in a little bit," I said as I slipped outside.

The drizzle didn't bother me as I stepped out into it, heading to the flower shop. Yeah, I told Jasper I was going to the bookstore, but I figured he'd give me shit if I told him I was going to get Bella some flowers. I had to start making my sincerest apologies known. I would wait forever for Bella if I had to, but I needed to at least start making up for my transgression. And this gesture would be the first of many.

BPOV

I laid back on my bed for the weekend in the room Alice and I were occupying. It was a nice suite, with two double beds. Alice was going through her shopping bags, and of course she had forced me to get a few things. She tossed the items to me and I laid them on top of my bag. She had talked me into getting a red dress that was covered in black mesh-like material. It was very sexy, I had to admit it, but I couldn't think of anywhere I would need to wear it. She also talked me into getting a few other trendy t-shirts and a pair of pants.

I had just closed my eyes for a moment to rest when Alice piped into my thoughts, "So, that Jacob is a hottie isn't he?"

My eyes popped open at the mention of his name, and I'm sure I started to blush. I groaned, "Alice, this afternoon you had your claws dug into him, now you're asking me if I think he's attractive?"

Yes, I do.

Besides the point.

"Well, maybe I misjudged him," she said in defense.

"He kissed me, Alice! So he helped Jasper pick out the necklace, and then carried some of your bags and you've forgiven him?"

She looked a little upset, "Yeah, but he did apologize repeatedly for it. Bella, I mean, you know me, sometimes I tend to over react."

I sighed, "Fine. Yes Alice, I do think Jacob is very attractive, however, he's conceited. He thinks he can have whomever he wants whenever he wants. He's totally not my type."

"Well, do you want him?"

"Yes," I blurted out before I could stop myself. I tried to cover, "I mean..."

"Ah-hah!" Alice exclaimed, jumping up onto the bed and pointing an accusing finger at me, "I knew it! You've got the hots for bad boy Jacob! Not your type huh? I beg to differ!"

"How did you know?"

"Well for one Bella, you're never as quiet as you were today," she started, her words speeding up as she got more excited.

"I was mad," I defended myself.

"Nuh-uh," Alice said not buying it. "You are not one to hold grudges either. Remember when Daniel accidentally spilled that paint remover on your canvas? You stayed mad at him like two seconds. You were over being angry at Jacob for kissing you probably by the time he said sorry. Don't deny it Isabella!"

Alice was right, as she almost always was. I hadn't been mad for very long. But the rest of the day I was baffled. I couldn't wrap my head around it. It was as if I loved him.

That's not possible. You just met him.

Alice continued, "Finally, you spent all day avoiding him. You only get like that when you're attracted to someone."

"Regardless of how I think or feel, it's best I stay away from it."

"And why is that?"

"You know me, I love being in love. I don't want a weekend fling. This is all that would be."

"How do you know that?"

"Umm... because we leave tomorrow night?"

Alice pouted, "You're no fun Bella. Mind if I have a romp with him then?"

"Alice, you have no shame," I chuckled. However, her question caused an unexpected emotion. Jealousy? I'm jealous over a guy I just met? This is too weird for me.

Before I could answer, there was a knock on the door. Alice flitted across the room to get it. I heard the door click as it opened followed by a delighted cry escape Alice's lips as she came back into my view holding a giant bouquet of cherry blossoms and lavenders.

How odd...

"They're for you."

"Me?" I was shocked. I had not been bought flowers in a long time, and these were different. These had personal written all over them. Roses are so cheesy. But to take the time to come up with a bouquet that wasn't the usual arrangement of flowers really touched me. I pulled the card out of the bouquet and opened it up to read. It was short and simple:

All apologies.

-Jacob

P.S. I look forward to seeing your beautiful face again.

"Oh! What's it say? What's it say?!" Alice squealed. I handed her the note and she read it. A giant grin spread across her face, "Oh Bella! I think he's smitten over you too! Forget what I requested, time for you to get yourself some of that totally hot piece of man meat!"

I rolled my eyes, "Alice, I swear. I'm not interested in a weekend fling!"

"That's not what I meant..." she started, but I cut her off.

"Drop it, Alice. He can grovel all he wants. I'll forgive him for the kiss, but he's not getting laid."

"But..."

"Drop it!"

She did, but I could tell she was bursting at the seams to talk about it. I was too, in all honesty, but I couldn't tell Alice how I really felt: like I'd been hit in the head and knocked silly into love. Love. Really?

I love Alice, but she has a big mouth. If I told her any more than she already got out of me, I'd be in trouble. Something would happen, and then I'd be vulnerable because it 'slipped.'

This feeling was different though. Compared to other emotions I had ever had about guys before, this was different. As much as I was fighting it, I had to admit that being in his presence calmed me, and I felt...happy. Also, until today I had really thought that I had been in love. What was I thinking?

Of course, I must be crazy. Shit like this doesn't happen. Especially not to me.

JKPOV

I was standing at the end of the hall when the guy delivered the flowers and card to Bella for me. I heard Alice squeal with delight as she saw the flowers. After she shut the door, and the delivery guy left, I eased down the hall to listen in on Bella's response.

Alice had done a complete 180 since this afternoon. Now she was defending me, telling Bella that she should pursue something with me. Bella didn't agree. I heard the words, "No weekend fling" and "He can grovel all he wants."

My first impression I had left on Bella was not a good one. She thought I just wanted to sleep with her. I hadn't really even thought of her like that. I mean, obviously I'm very sexually attracted to her, but I believed she was the one. There's so much more to a relationship when you've found the one. Well, she wasn't getting rid of me that easily. She would be mine. I moved away quietly from the door, but in my distractive thoughts, I had not realized that someone had come to the door. It opened before I had made it safely out of view.

I smelled her before I saw her, and of course she saw me, "Jacob? What are you doing out here?"

Busted.

I turned to face her. She was so gorgeous, it nearly took my breath away. She had changed into a pair of khaki shorts and black tank-top and had pulled her dark brown hair out of her face into a pony tail. I quickly attempted to make something up, "I was, uh, looking for an ice machine."

"Uh huh." She wasn't convinced. "On the third floor, when I'm pretty sure your room isn't on the third floor. Coincidently after you had flowers delivered to my room?"

"Heh." I scratched my head guiltily. "Yeah, guess so."

"Well, while I appreciate the gesture, it hasn't changed anything. I'm still upset."

I nodded, "I understand. Guess I'll have to keep groveling till you forgive me." I flashed her a dashing smile.

She smiled slightly, which was better than not at all, but didn't appear to catch that I had been listening. "We'll see."

The tension in the hallway was mounting. Why does she have to fight what is inevitable? I just stood there for a moment, eyes locked into hers, until she looked away.

"I, uh, gotta go," and she ducked back into the room she came from.

She could only fight it so long. Then again she would leave for Bartonville tomorrow evening. I had to move quickly to as least get her to give me a chance. I needed her to see that I didn't just want a fling with her. Yes, I'm capable of flings, obviously, but I'm much like a wolf in the fact that I'm very loyal. I would never hurt or be unfaithful to any girl I was with, especially Bella. And now, I no longer felt the need to even look at another female, and I needed her to see that.

I made it back to my room just as I head a loud clap of thunder. The storm had finally made its way into the town and it was pouring out.

It was too bad, because it would've been a nice night to run. I decided to go find Jasper. I left my room again and headed back downstairs. Sure enough, Jasper was at the bar. I pulled up a seat beside him.

"I need a favor," I said.

I could always count on Jasper. He gave me a nod, "Anything bro, what's up?"

"I need to know all you know about Bella." I waited for an outburst of hysterical laughter, but it never came. So far, so good.

"I don't know much. You'd be better off asking Alice. Want a drink?"

"Sure." He got up and moved around the bar to make us a drink. "Do you think she would tell me?"

"Tell you what?"

I turned to see Alice descend the stairs into the tavern. She crossed the floor and planted herself next to me. There was no sign of Bella.

Jasper spoke, "Jake here wants to know more about Bella. He's got a crush!"

I chuckled, scratching my head and shrugged innocently, "Yeah, guess I might."

"Well, what do you want to know? And Jazzy, make me a drink."

Jasper nodded.

"Anything. What does she like, dislike? What's she doing with her life? You know, things like that." I was still apprehensive, wondering if Alice would spill, but she didn't disappoint.

"She's an artist. Painting and sketching mostly. She hates shopping, obviously. Umm... she likes the color red, especially deep red, books, and you... She dislikes..."

"Wait," I interrupted, "What did you say?"

"I said she dislikes..."

"No, before that. She likes red, books, and?"

"You?" she grinned.

"And she told you that?"

Jasper set down our drinks. Alice took a big gulp then continued, "In so few words, yes."

"How can I make her forgive me? Give me a chance?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure she's forgiven you, though she won't right out say it. However, she's so stubborn when it comes to liking someone. I'd say persistence is key. And on that note, we should stop talking about her, because she'll be down any minute."

"What's the plan then?" Jasper asked.

A sly grin crossed Alice's face. "I was thinking we'd play a drinking game. Give Bella some liquid courage, and give Jake here a chance."

I really was beginning to like Alice.

BPOV

I stood there, admiring the bouquet sitting on the dresser. They smelled so nice. I was surprised. Most men gave me roses. I hate roses. Sure, they're pretty. But they're so... expected.

Jacob was good.

I headed downstairs slowly. I had no idea what we were going to do. The weather was shitty and rainy so I figured we would probably sit around and drink. This probably meant that Jacob would be there.

Sure enough, my last descent down the stairs proved me right. Alice, Jasper, and Jacob were at the bar. As I approached they all turned. I avoided looking at Jacob. It was probable that he already knew everything Alice and I had discussed. She had probably indulged everything I had said, even though I had asked her not to. The bad thing about Alice is she always wants to play matchmaker.

"Bella! You ready for a drinking game!?" Alice squealed.

Ugh, I knew it.

"So what game are you going to embarrass us with tonight?" I asked. I had a feeling I would not want to be part of this game. Then again, there was rarely a game Alice wanted to play that I wanted to have part in.

"The game is... Circle of Death," she responded smugly.

I hated Circle of Death, for two good reasons. One: I was guaranteed to get hammered. Two: Once hammered, I wouldn't need Alice to tell all my secrets, I'd do it willingly. Which meant I would flirt with Jacob, and I'd make a fool of myself. Bitch.

Jacob and Jasper seemed excited about this and Jacob asked, "How do you play?"

"Oh, it's very easy," Alice grinned. She began to explain the rules. "Each card has a rule attached to it. Some of them are drinks, some of them are games, and then the loser has to drink. Jasper, I need a full glass."

He nodded and went to fetch it.

"We place this glass in the middle, and spread that cards out around it. The first person pulls a card, what ever that card is, then the rule for the card must be applied." Jasper set down a large glass of ale in the middle of the table, and Alice spread the cards in a circle around it. "The point of the game is not to break the circle of cards. The person who does, gets to drink this whole drink in the middle of the table. So be careful!"

She went on to explain the rules attached to each card. As we all got settled at the table, I was pretty sure that I had been fooled into sitting next to Jacob. Well, I guess Alice deserved to sit next to Jasper. However, sitting so close to him proved difficult to my concentration. While part of me was stressed, having him so close to me, the other part of me was peaceful, at ease. It was kind of unnerving. And he smelled so deliciously good: like a forest after a rainstorm. It was intoxicating.

Maybe Alice is right. Maybe I need to loosen up and have a little fun. I'll only live once, right? He seemed to really want to make a good impression on me. First with the flowers, and who knows what else he had up his sleeve for the evening.

Alice designated Jasper to start the game, and he drew the first card, "Ace!"

"Waterfall!" Alice giggled, "Hah! And Bella's last."

Fuuuuuuuuck.

Waterfall can really be the death of you. The way it goes, is the person who drew the card starts to drink and so does everyone else. When drinker number one stops, then drinker number 2 can, and so on. I was last, with Jasper starting, and Jacob before me. Great.

Jasper started to drink, and so did we. He finished his glass, Alice stopped because she couldn't hang, and now I just waited on Jacob.

The key is to drink slowly, so that you don't get drunk as fast. So there sat Jacob, watching me with this amused look on his face, pacing himself with me. If I drank slower, so did he.

Fucker.

I couldn't stop. If you stop before the person before you, Alice likes to play a side game of truth or dare where the person who was before the person who quit drinking, gets to ask the loser truth or dare. It can be bad.

When I had about a quarter of a glass left, he stopped. So did I.

"Glad to see you can hang Bella," he chuckled, gave me a wink, then a slight nudge that sent a shiver of electricity down my spine.

The game continued on. About halfway through the game, Alice drew the first King. The person who draws the King gets to make any rule they want. Alice was in complete control.

"Make a rule!" she giggled excitedly, then hiccuped. I tried not to appear scared, but I was. I braced myself for what I knew was inevitable. "Bella..." her speech was slightly slurred at this point. She was such a lightweight. But we all had a nice buzz going. We'd been playing for about an hour and a half.

"What? You evil witch!" I countered jokingly. Never let the enemy smell your fear.

"Every time..." Hiccup... "Jacob," she pointed, closing one eye, "Oh.. two Jacobs?" She giggled. "Every time... he drinks... you have to pay him a compliment. And if you forget, you have to drink two plus tell us a secret."

Jacob grinned, "I like that rule."

I growled, "Yeah, you would, you pompous ass!"

I wasn't really mad, just felt like I should pretend I was. This game was totally geared toward getting me to hook up with Jake. Am I calling him Jake now? Great. So much for trying to pretend I'm angry. I didn't like to be pushed into situations.

"Wait Alice, I've got a better rule," Jacob started, grinning mischievously. "Every time I drink, I'll compliment Bella. And if she can avoid lashing out at me, then she won't have to drink and indulge. If she fails to contain her witty banter at my most sincere compliments, she will drink, indulge a secret, and have to succumb to a dare."

I was turning red, I could feel it. That's even worse. I'm no good with dares. I'm also bad with taking compliments. Alice is always saying that I'm so self-deprecating, that I don't have enough faith in myself. The thing is, I imagine Jacob had tons of compliments, general compliments that he used on every girl.

Of course, Alice agreed with Jacob's rule. And the game continued. Now the aim of the game was to attempt to invoke me to lose my cool so that I would be put on the spot. The "fun" continued.

Every chance Jasper or Alice got, they would make Jacob drink, and in turn he would look at me, and say something. The compliments started with the usuals, "Your hair looks nice," and "You have pretty eyes." Another glass of ale later, he got bolder.

"Jake, drink bro," Jasper said with a smirk.

Jacob nodded. Then he reached over, pulling my hand into his.

Contain yourself, Bella, or you'll wish you had. I looked down. Looking at him would be fatal, however with his other hand he tilted my face to look at him.

Ugh, I'm gonna lose.

He smiled softly, his deep chocolate eyes holding mine in a steady gaze, and he spoke softly, "I love the way you smell; like cherry blossoms and lavender. It's intoxicating to me. It clouds my judgment and makes me crazy. In a good way of course."

The flowers made sense now.

Hold on Bella. You're almost there.

The intensity was worse than it had been before. The comment was flattering and believable. And for a moment, in my drunken stupor, I let my guard down and bared my soul. I smiled softly, but didn't say anything.

Then he pulled away, and I snapped out of it. Alice and Jasper both had amused looks on their faces. I felt myself flush bright red again as I looked back at my drink. I was furious at all of them. My life was not to be the center of everyone's amusement. I felt a nudge under the table and looked down to see Jacob's hand. In it was a piece of paper. I took it, opened it, and read it.

I meant every word.

-J-

I closed it and put it in my pocket. I'd had enough anyways. I stood, "I'm gonna excuse myself now." However, standing was a bad idea. I swayed in my spot, then sat back down.

"You okay Bella?" Jacob asked.

I looked his way and nodded, "Yeah... I think..." Uh oh. I felt the nausea and spinning start. I tried to stand again, but stumbled. I felt someone grab me, probably Jacob, and steady me.

"Come here," he said, gently pulling me to him.

I leaned my head against his chest. However, it didn't help. "Lemme go..." I stepped back, but not fast enough as my dinner made an appearance down the front of Jacob's shirt and pants.

That was the last thing I remember.

JKPOV

I caught Bella just as she collapsed, after puking all over me. I felt bad. This was partially my fault. Alice and Jasper both looked mortified.

"Oh my gosh! Is she okay?" Alice freaked, jumping out of her chair.

Talk about a sobering moment.

"Yeah, she's just passed out." I said. I held her up against me, then grabbed her legs, carrying her. "Nearest bathtub? We need to get her clean before putting her to bed."

"I'll show you," Jasper said. He then turned to Alice, "Alice, go get a change of clothes for her and bring them to my bathroom."

Alice nodded as she went upstairs, "I'll grab her bath stuff too."

I followed Jasper to his room and to his bathroom. I had him lay out a towel on the floor and I laid her on it. "I'm gonna need to borrow a change of clothes and shower before getting her cleaned up."

Jasper nodded, "No problem. Man, poor Bella. She's gonna be pissed, and hung over tomorrow."

I nodded, "Yeah, I think we went too far. Just set the clothes on the cabinet or something. I'm gonna get cleaned up."

He nodded and left the room.

The first thing I did was rinse my clothing. It would need to be washed later, but for now this would have to do. Then I rinsed myself. Jazz came in and set the fresh clothes and a towel down before excusing himself again. When I was done, I stepped out. Bella was sleeping on the floor. Out cold. I dried off and slipped into the clothes Jazz had let me borrow. They were a gray that reminded me of Bella's eyes. I thought about how she had looked at me after I told her that I loved the way she smelled. I saw her make the connection with the flowers, and I saw for a moment how much she loved it.

When I opened the door, Alice was waiting with all of Bella's shower stuff in hand. I tried to move around her but she stopped me in my tracks, "I need your help. Jazz is cleaning the floor in there and I need someone to help me lift and move Bella. I feel terrible! I was just trying to get her to lighten up!"

"Ah, Alice, don't be so hard on yourself," I sighed, "It's all our faults. So, how are we gonna do this?" I felt bad, looking at Bella. She had it all down her the front side of her, and somehow managed to get it in her hair. It was a good thing I had a strong stomach.

"Okay," Alice started, "Hold her while I strip off her dirty clothes. You okay with that?"

I nodded, "Strictly business. Plus the smell of vomit isn't exactly 'hot'." I held her while Alice stripped her down to her undergarments. Bella would be mortified if she was awake right now.

"Umm, okay.. I'm gonna take off her panties, then set her in the tub."

I nodded, "You're a good friend Alice."

"Well, I love Bella like a sister. And honestly, she's done this for me, numerous times. She's usually the level headed one who paces her drinking." She slid Bella's panties off, kicking them aside. Black lace. Focus Jacob. I carefully lifted her, setting her in the tub.

Alice then removed her bra, which I noticed matched her underwear. She ran warm water then grabbed a cup. "Can you get that shampoo over there?" She pointed to a pink bottle, that I fetched for her. "Okay, so, now I need you to hold her head back so I can wash her hair." I did as she asked. However, Alice put me at the worst possible angle. It took all I could not stare. I caught a glimpse, but felt guilty enough to keep from staring. If she wanted me to see her, she would how me. Alice pulled the tie out of her hair, then lathered, rinsed, and repeated once. After, I helped Alice by holding so she could wash her off to the best of her ability without getting too touchy-feely.

Finally, we pulled her out, dried her off, and clothed her. Alice sighed, looking exhausted. I carried Bella in my arms as we went back into the bar area where Jasper was finishing up cleaning the floor and table. "Alice," I said, "You need to go to sleep. I'll take Bella and watch her."

She raised a suspicious eyebrow at me, "I... don't know... can I trust you?"

"Alice, I promise you, I have no intention of doing anything stupid. Jasper will back me up. Even if she woke up and begged me I wouldn't. I know the effect that alcohol has on women, believe it or not."

Jasper piped in, "Let him take her Ally. He's not gonna do anything stupid. I'd kill him if he did."

I snorted a laugh out, "Yeah, you'd try." I grinned, heading to the staircase, "Go to bed Alice. I'm sure Bella will be pissed in the morning, but I promise I'll take care of her."

Alice nodded, following behind me as we made our way up. I went to my room as Alice went to the third floor. I opened the door, and walked to the bed, setting Bella in it and covering her. Then I took off my shirt and crawled into bed with her. I did not touch her or cuddle up next to her. I would respect her space. I laid my hands behind my head and stared at the ceiling in the darkness. Bella's breathing was calm, like a sleeping baby. With all the vomit smell gone, her scent enveloped the room. I inhaled it deeply. I was saddened by the fact that she would leave tomorrow. I would have to make a trip out to visit her.

Occasionally, she would mumble or whimper in her sleep. I found it intensely sexy. As I finally started to doze off, I felt her brush up against me.

"Bella?" I whispered into the darkness. No response.

She rolled, facing me now, and nuzzled into me. She wrapped an arm around my waist and rested her head on my chest. I put my arm around her, cradling her close to me. I ran my hands in her long locks, which was damp still, and tucked a few tufts behind her ear. I did not feel this was betraying Alice. If I pulled away from her, she might wake up, then be really pissed. I mindlessly played with her hair, then placed a small kiss on the top of her head.

"Mmm..." she mumbled and then nuzzled deeper into my embrace.

I was at peace in that moment as I finally drifted off. In my last moments before finally succumbing to deep sleep, Bella tucked her hand into the waistband of my pants at my hip, let out a deep sigh, and I could've sworn she whispered, "I love you, Jacob."