The sun blazed high overhead where Bella lay on her damp towel.

A stiff sea breeze whooshed in like a refrigerator door being opened and she sat up quickly, blinking against the blinding sun, desperate to catch the occasional Pacific draft. It was the only thing keeping her from feeling like a piece of frying bacon.

She grabbed the tanning lotion, squeezing some into her hand. She knew she had to suffer through these sunbathing sessions to get rid of her pasty tourist complexion. Swiping another coat of lotion up and down her legs, and over both arms, she felt a lot of heat radiating from her tender skin. Shit, she didn't need a sunburn.

Groaning, she laid back down spread eagle against the sun a bit frustrated and bored with the whole routine. Why couldn't she have been born with beautiful russet skin she wondered squeezing her eyes shut.

Mmmm, all that warm, smooth, beautiful skin...her hands running over it, over him...

It had been 2 days since she and Jake ran into each other on their hikes and had dinner together. She kept replaying that evening over and over trying to figure out what she'd done wrong. Things had really heated up between them. He carried her out of Mama Malia's like a man intent on, hell - a lot of things!

Just the memory of the short time spent locked in his embrace on the hood of the Jeep, was enough to curl her insides with a deep, dark longing. The kind, when finally let loose, delivered the most toe curling orgasims.

"Gawd," she gasped out loud, flopping onto her stomach.

She was long overdue for some of that.

She'd been so sure Jake was the guy to relieve her suffering. But then, it was like someone poured ice water over his crotch. He pulled back, lifted her off the hood of the Jeep, tucked her into the drivers seat and took off into the night - leaving her with a fatherly peck on the forehead and a "drive safe."

What in hell did she do to turn him off.."Shit!"

She flopped onto her back again in frustration. Better yet, what in the hell was she doing chasing a heartache like him! Why couldn't she break out of this cycle of wanting such bad, choices in men.

"Bella! C'mon!" Alice kicked her foot, " We're making a run to Big Kahuna's - sandwiches, drinks and more ice."

"Nooo, I'm not hungry," she moaned, too lazy to get up, content to drown in her misery over Jake.

"Bella! Oh my gawd.. look at you! What SPF are you using?" Rose squatted down on her towel grabbed the lotion, "15! Bella! You shouldn't be at 15 until you have a deep base tan! Get up!" Rose grabbed her hand, pulled hard and Bella popped to her feet.

"Whoa!" She closed her eyes, her arms flew out seeking balance, her body swaying from head spins.

"Look at you! You're about a minute from heat stroke or something...you're so red!"
Rose grabbed the spray bottle, and sprayed her from head to toe.

o0o

Bella gladly took the backseat. Escaping the mindless chatter and Rose's spray bottle. She put the window down and hung her head back, letting the breeze whip across her face, cooling her immensely. Eventually, her energy started to come back online, and her thoughts were clearing a bit, too. By the time Rose and Alice were back at the Jeep from the run into Kahuna's, she was feeling much better.

Leaning forward between the seats, she watched as Alice unloaded all kinds of goodies into the cooler at her feet. "Get me anything?" She was hopeful, but based on her previous lack of enthusiasm or cooperation, she was resigned to an afternoon of starvation.

"You need to hydrate," Rose barked, thrusting a bottle of water at her.

"Gee.. thanks mom," She snatched the water and slumped back into her seat.
She couldn't help but be irritated at Rose's eye rolls and attitude lately.

"Here...have some of this!" Alice smiled, offering an unspoken apology for Rose's overbearing ways. " We don't get much of this around here..." Alice handed her a white deli container and Bella settled back in her seat with it as Rose started the Jeep.

"Ooo Watermelon, Thanks!" Bella laughed as she dug into the treat with her fingers.
Alice turned back offering another deli container, "And strawberries!" Alice chomped into the top half of a ed, ripe, strawberry larger than her mouth. Bella reached for one just as big as Rose spewed swear words like volcanic ash, turning right instead of left onto the beach access road.

"Whus wrong?" Bella mumbled through her strawberry juice trickling down her chin.

"Traffic. I forgot we can only go right this time of day. Now, its a 15 minute turn around to come back this way." Rose cussed again under her breath, glaring into the rear view mirror like she was planning a detour of illegal proportions.

"Its all good!" Alice soothed, rubbing Rose's arm. Bella settled back, watching out the window.
"I haven't been down this way much," she observed, biting into her strawberry again.

"Nothing but a few surfer's shacks," Rose snorted as they passed a wildly painted bungalow with about 20 surfers hanging around. Surfboards jutted out of the ground like trees, providing a sort of privacy fence where a ragged group of dread heads sprawled over their vehicles. Their laughter and the smell of Pakalolo carried thick on the breeze, permeating the air.

"NOT a part of town you wanna get lost in after dark," Rose growled back at Bella as she pulled a hard right into a dusty lot, doing a 180, kicking up dirt and gravel and she went.

They sat waiting for a break in the solid line of traffic so they could get going back in the direction of the beach. Bella noticed Rose staring at her in the rearview mirror.

"What?" Bella snapped at Rose's reflection. She'd had enough of her controlling mother hen behavior. She really couldn't see them living and working together for long. College was one thing but this..

"We have that business dinner, tomorrow night, Bella. Please, don't get so sunburned you either can't go, or look like a damn lobster. These associates are, particular, about who they're seen with.."

"Fine. I'll just go back to the house, and stay out of the sun." Bella slouched into her seat, popped the lid off the water, tipping the thing up against her mouth. MMmm, it tasted good and cold. Just what she needed she realized, gulping the whole 16 ounces.

She turned around tossing the recyclable into the back of the Jeep. She watched it ping pong around the back - hoping it wouldn't bounce out - when a chorus of loud squeals and deep laughter grabbed her attention.

Nestled back behind the dusty lot they were parked in, sat a cute little house with a well cared for lawn. A bunch of little kids were running around screaming and laughing -
maybe a Birthday Party - she thought watching with a smile.

Seeing them, made her realized how much she missed all the little kids from the day care center at the newspaper. She only helped out there at lunchtime and at closing, but she loved those little rug rats.

Just then, three very tall, well built guys jumped out from behind a navy blue minivan - sending the kids, screaming and laughing in a every direction. The guys chased after them with super soakers and the screaming laughter echoed louder.

She watched as one guys took cover against the palm tree closest to her. He rolled across the trunk, pulled the gun up against his chest, and turned his head slowly to the side till his face was pointed directly at her.

"Jake!" Bella yelled, grabbing for the door before she even knew what she was doing.

"Bella!" Rose protested as the back door flew open and she jumped out.

Her bare feet hit the dusty gravel, one hand held the Jeep's door for balance - eyes locked with the guy across the lot on the covert mission.

He smiled wide in recognition and lifted his finger to his mouth. "Shhhhhhhh." She nodded after a few quick scans, and he motioned wildly for her to run to him.

"Later, you guys!" Bella laughed, grabbed her bag and slammed the Jeep door against the screeching protests inside.

Her bare feet burned as she sped over the hot gravel towards him. She hadn't given a thought about being in nothing but a skimpy black bikini, covered in sweat and suntan lotion with no shoes. His smile was so damn sexy, she didn't mind the pain, or anything else. Her insides curled tight, her lady parts tingled at the eager and welcoming smile he gave as she ran towards him.

It dawned on him, he had no fucking idea what he was doing as he watched his own damn arm motion crazily for the girl in the tiny black bikini. It was like his brain and body overrode everything he laid ground rules about when it came to her.

No, fucking No! He was not talking to women, was not dating, was not looking to hook up on vacation or get into any emotional ties. But, damnit...

The way his body stirred, heated and hardened whenever she was around, was welcome assurance he wasn't completely dead on the inside anymore and it felt like something he couldn't fight off much longer.

"Hey you!" The sexy deep voice she longed to hear, greeted her, his free arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

Mmmmm... she loved being in his arms.

He dragged her close against his bare chest, as if she needed protection from some unseen force. Her hands flew up between them landing on his thick, heaving, pecs, stopping her from falling completely into his embrace.

"Hey yourself," she huffed breathlessly as they exchanged heated gazes. Jake's gaze dropped to her mouth as she licked her lips, knowing they were chapped from the sun.

He dipped his head close to hers and with his mouth at her ear, "I'm afraid you've been captured," he whispered.

The deep husky sound of his voice made whatever he just said, sound so damn erotic that her body tingled all over. Her bikini bottoms wetting faster than if she'd been swimming at the beach just from the heat of his voice and warm breath in her ear.

Tightening his hold around her waist, he broke out in a loud laugh as he popped her off her feet, tugging her higher up his body.

"Got Another One!" he yelled marching from behind the tree, with Bella secured by one arm to his side.

'What? No way!" She protested loudly, kicking her feet, pushing against his iron arm - trying to wiggle free.

Jake just laughed, gripped her tighter and hauled her up higher from the ground.

"No fair you ..I thought I was safe," she wailed, joining in the fun.

"Yay! Yay! Yay!" A platoon of tiny tikes met them on the other side of the tree,
jumping up and down, clapping their hands, and dancing around Jake's legs as he waded thru them towards the backyard.

"Unca Jake got a nudder mommeeee!" Billy yelled loudly, an announcement to whomever was in the backyard.

"Let me go!" Bella pouted, continuing the charade.

"Hold On!" Jake growled thru a hard laugh, snapping the super soaker up in front of them. The kids had turned around at the porch, screaming,

and running back towards Jake.

"UNF! OW! Shit.." Twin thuds and grunts proceeded the massive water exchange as Rachel and Becca jumped off the back deck ambushing Jake.

" Let her go!" They demanded through loud laughter. "Unhand her you beast!"

"BEAST?!" He laughed, running through their gauntlet with Bella still in tow.

The sprays of water flew all around them, and Jake pulled their faces together trying to shield them. One minute he was laughing like a hyena against her cheek and the next minute, she was free of his arms, flying upwards and landing with a jolt on her ass with a huge splash.

They were... in a ...They landed in damn kiddie pool? She gasped, rubbing at her face, trying to clear her eyes and nose of all the water.

"No! You can't kill Uncle Jake!" Sara screeched, pumping her tiny fingers against a pink water pistol, aimed at Rachael.

"Get her, Sara!" Jake growled, encouraging his pint sized but very assertive ally.

"Ooooo, you little traitor!" Rachel teased, looking down at the girl, and wiping water from her eyes.

"Becca, your daughter's gone rogue on us!" Rachel lunged for the pink water pistol.
"Gimme that gun!" she laughed loud and hard, scrambling for a grip on the slippery wet child.

"Nooooo..." the little girl sang out, turning and running as fast as her legs would go and waving the pink gun high over her head.

Rachel took off in chase while the other yelled encouragement, "Get her, Rachel!"

"Oh.. I will!..I'll give her sumthin to put in that fuckin little jar of hers!"

Rachel was laughing so hard she couldn't get a grip on the wet grass with her bare feet, causing her to slip and slide everywhere.

"So, you guys okay?" Becca asked, standing over their heads at the edge of the kiddie pool.

Bella looked up to find a lovely female version of Jake peering down at them. She had soft, brown eyes, high cheek bones, a lovely bright smile.

"We're fine, just enjoying a cool off in the kiddie pool." Jake boasted, stretching an arm back behind his head, looking rather comfy. He laid there squinting away the suns rays, spread eagle in the two inches of water left in the pool. "Bella. This is my sister, Rebecca and the other one is her evil twin, Rachel."

"How many times you gonna wipe out in this baby pool, Jacob? Maybe you and your long legs should stay away from it..HUH?" She snorted a half laugh at him, turning her attention to Bella,

"Nice to meet you." Bella smiled, flipped onto her stomach, and reached her hand out for a shake as Becca squatted down.

"You're the girl he saved last week, aren't you?" She eyed Bella with concern and concentration.

"Yes. That would be me..the non surfing, klutzy tourist...local wannabee." Bella tried the self-deprecating angle with the sister as they shook hands.

"Well, you're damn lucky my baby bro has a eagle eye for pretty girls, otherwise, you'd be shark food by now..huh?" she said with a teasing wink.

Rebecca stood abruptly, hands jammed onto her hips." Embry Call! Could you get your son's swim suit back on him, now!"

"S'cuse me...nice meeting you, Bella." She stomped barefoot over the lawn, making a beeline for a naked toddler that was throwing sand and a laughing husband trying to get through the flying sand storm in time to avoid "Wrath of Wife."

Jake moved a bit, stretching his body looking for pain. Finding his left arm pinned down he rolled onto his side, - his body settling against Bella's. Their faces were just inches apart. Both of them instantly noticed her breasts resting firmly across the top of his forearm. His eyebrow shot up, cocked in question, and a grin spread across his face.

"Who has Who trapped now?" She smiled back, pressing her chest down even harder against his arm.

He was surprised and pleased she wandered into his afternoon, he admitted - while
studiously, assessing her breasts. He had doubted she'd even talk to him again after the way he left her high and dry the other night.

He just wanted to go slow for his sake, and hers. He knew she should be treated better than a one night stand - on the hood of her car, or a vacation distraction. Honestly, he didn't know what she was to him, or what he was doing.

None of this was planned or plotted... all he knew was he loved the way he felt when she was around. And this feeling ... well, it had been too damn long.

He slid his free arm across her back, his fingers fidgeting with the ties to her bikini bottom.

"I could stay like this all day...happily your captive." He grinned a slow, sexy half smile, propping his head on his shoulder, which gave him a perfect view of her full cleavage. She felt her nipples harden under his gaze, and goosebumps shimmer down her spine. He looked up, his soft browns turning black from lust.

"Unca Jake! Unca Jake!" Keanu came bulldozing over with 10 pounds of diaper sagging between his knees, and plopped down into the sliver of water between them with a splash!

"Bella, this is Keanu - The Bull," Jake growled, untangling himself from Bella quickly.
He snapped upright, wrestling Keanu down into the water with plenty of grunts and growls. Jake hog tied him with his grip. Parking the boy on the slip-n-slide he sent him sailing on his butt 100 feet away. Keanu's loud belly laugh trailed behind as he flew down the slippery path.

Bella collapsed against Jake, laughing her ass off. "Oh my god..Jake! He's so cute!" Did you see his face!" She snorted loud, setting them both off again.

"Is the war over, already?" Jaden's eyes met Bella's as he swung his super soaker over his shoulder and she pushed herself off Jake's chest, sitting up in the pool.

" Hey! Its you! My Uncle Jake saved you! I watched. Are you okay, now?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, thanks for asking. My name's Bella. What's your's?"

"Jaden, I'm the oldest", he said puffing out his chest a bit. "Uncle Jake and I built this..." He smiled proudly, pointing around at the kiddie park.

"Here ya go!" Embry swung Emma onto Jake's lap.

He immediately grabbed hold of her..flying her into the air over their heads. Sweet, tinkling, baby giggles filled the air around them. Jake beamed with affection into the little girl's face.

Bella was suddenly overcome and enthralled by Jake's interaction with his family.
There were so many of them, and the kids were all so adorable. Flashes of him in the parking lot with them that first day, paraded thru her mind.

Jake would be a wonderful father...and gawd..his babies would be so damn cute.

She didn't mean to think it, but she couldn't help it as the scene played in front of her.

Baby Emma's smile and big brown eyes twinkled intently at Jake. They were a beautiful sight to watch. She felt a deep sigh escape.

"You okay?" Jake checked with a sideways glance. All Bella could do was swallow, and
nod silently, grinning up at baby Emma.

"Hows my princess?...my pretty pretty princess.." Jake cooed at her.

"So, you must be the surfer chick, Bella." A beat up old pair of slip on vans parked between them and Bella looked up into the eyes of another, gorgeous, native american, man.

"Hi..I'm Embry, you met my wife, Becca..and hmmm lets see.." He squatted down, leaned back on his heels, crossing his arms over the top of knees and started pointing everyone out, telling her names, ages and who everyone belonged to.

Out of nowhere, another huge russet body crashed down into the kiddie pool. Water splashing everywhere...

"What the fuck, Paul!" The guys roared in unison.

His belly flop landed him right in front of Bella..his chi in her lap.

Bella could clearly see the word TROUBLE tattooed on his too beautiful face.

"Hey guys!" He laughed.."we playing Marco Polo?" The grunts and groans of irritation floated around, while he chuckled loudly at himself. "Hey! hey..I just wanted to make a big splash with your new girlfriend, Jake." Still he was the only one laughing, while the grumps and groans increased. "I'm Paul by the way..half the women and children running around here are mine.." He gloated with a cocky smile.

"And my pretty pretty princess, Emma belongs to HIM!" Jake announced, flying the baby
back into Embry's hands. They passed her off like a football, and Jake popped up to his feet extending his hand down to her.

"C'mon Bella. Aren't you tired? Its nap time! Lets go inside and take a nice nap!"
The invitation was bellowed loud and clear across the yard.

She laughed at his obvious motivation, accepting his hand up. "Nice to meet you, Paul". He winked at her as a chorus of groans, moans and down right objections bounced around the yard.

Jaden leaned into Bella's side "I don't take naps.." he whispered conspiratorially.

"No?" She put her arm across his shoulder giving him a quick hug. "But, Jaden... they're so good. Dude, you have no idea what you're missing," she giggled, ruffling his wet mop of hair affectionately.

Jay rolled his eyes and was saved any further nap talk by his hero...

"Jay, do me a favor and go grab Bella's bag from the front yard. Its by the palm tree … and set it in the kitchen."

"Sure, sure... Uncle Jake"

He ran off before another word could to be said, leaving them standing there awkwardly.

"Great kids. You're really lucky to have such a beautiful family. Its obvious they love you a lot."

"Thanks, I like 'em pretty much... think I'll keep em." He fumbled with a water gun, pulled the stopper out , poured the remaining water onto the grass.

"So, this is a surprise."' He was feeling embarrassed and unsure but curious about her sudden visit.

"Oh yeah..I'm sorry. I just barged in on your fun, didn't I?" She was overly flustered at his mention of her unexpected appearance and looked like she was about to bolt back across the gravel lot.

"No..no way..I captured you, remember? Uh, but your friends took off, I think."

"Yeah..they're gonna be pissed," she laughed. "I just jumped out of the Jeep, ran across the lot and pretty much blew them off when I saw you." She felt the heat spread over her face, and ducked her head knowing she'd be a deep beet red for the next few moments.

"You're blushing?" He questioned, looking down to meet her eyes and watched the lovely innocent pink spread over her ivory skin.

" A...why are you embarrassed?"

"Look! you jumped out of that nearly moving Jeep, ran - really fast I must say - across a veritable obstacle course of gravel, sand and small potholes. Only to be taken prisoner, raced around this grassy knoll, then swan dived into a kiddie pool - and LOOK! Not a scratch on ya! Still walking on your own 2 feet and everything!"

"Jake," she burst out laughing. "You're stupid, you know that?" She hit him

in the arm, cracking her knuckles.

Rachel and Rebecca joined them with kids hanging from each arm.

"You must be Rachel, I'm Bella," she offered up first, trying to shake hands,

but just ended up taking Kilani from her.

"I think I finally met everybody! Huh, Kilani?" She was able to relax a little, playing with the kids. She felt squirmy under the scrutiny of Jake's sisters, but she really wanted to make a good impression, and hoped they clicked somewhere along the lines.

"You gonna hang out with us for the day?" Becca asked, nodding her head

yes the whole time.

"Of course she is," Jake answered, pulling her into his side with a reassuring smile.

"Good! We'll finally get to see Jake have some fun and smiling! I can loan you a change of clothes if you want."

In an instant the soft spoken woman, donned a crazed mommy face, and bellowed, "Everyone inside NOW! Nap Time!"

Everyone scurried around the yard picking up toys, gathering stray belongings,corralling the kids into the house, dispensed drinks, discarded wet gear for dry coverings, and Jake provided the pony rides to their beds.

Everyone knew the routine.

No grown up time till the kids were dealt with.

After the fifth trip from the bedrooms, Rachel and Becca slumped down into seats at the kitchen table, a silent cue for the others to join them.

"That was fun, Jake. The water guns are awesome. Thanks." Rachel busied herself clearing the table of clutter that collected since breakfast.

"My pleasure, Sis." He nodded, pulling a chair out for Bella, which she happily accepted. He stayed standing behind her, leaning against the fridge.

"What do you guys wanna do tonight?" Becca tossed out to the group.

"Something cheap!" Embry mumbled, flipping through his cell phone.

"Something...a little different?" Rachel suggested, shrugging her shoulders.

"How about game night with hot dogs and burgers, I'll even be grill master " Jake offered .

"Okay..but what else? The kids will need a good movie to keep occupied, and ...we have that new game Apples to Apples.." Rachel thought out loud.

"I make a pretty good potato salad and how about a pineapple upside down cake?" Bella offered.

"Really? You don't mind cooking?" Rachel checked.

"No way - I'd love to - lets see if we have everything we'll need."

Bella got up from the table, having to squeeze and shimmying past Jake. He didn't move an inch for her, even when she glared up at him, clearing her throat. Nope! he thoroughly enjoyed the show of her perky ass skimming by him, brushing his cock. She scoffed at him, fighting back the grin, when she realized he did that on purpose...not just because he was being a thoughtless tool.

"This way!" Rachel pulled Bella to the pantry returning minutes later with a small grocery list for the guys.

"Paul, Jake - need you to go to the store," Rachel called out while scanning the list.

"Sure, we were just gonna head that way for drinks."

As Paul and Rachel continued discussing small and large household issues..

Jake was fixated on every move Bella made.

She didn't miss out on the fact he was watching her, possibly eye fucking her to death as she gathered items she needed around the kitchen. She made sure to lean way over at the waist giving him a fine clear view of her ass when she dug out the cake pans.

Heading for the pantry again, he grabbed her wrist pulling her away, shuffling them deep into the darkness of the main hallway off the kitchen.

He stood so close he towered over her.

Gosh..she just wanted him to kiss her again like he did the other night.

"You sure you're okay with all this?" His deep voice stirred in the dark.

"Yeah, I love to cook, and I want to hang out with you guys ..if its ok with you..."

"Oh yeah, definitely," he smiled that crooked grin again while gazing down at her.

"Yeah, you being here...definitely... Okay." His fingertips trailed up her arm lightly, as he watched goosebumps bloom on her skin.

Jake stepped up against her, his darkened eyes blazing down at her...past her eyes, past wet and ready lips.

She watched him take in her bikini clad body and was self conscious for the first time.

Her breath caught in her throat. Crossing her arms over her chest she could feel her heart hammering hard. Nails biting into her thin arms, she felt her feet shuffle a step back, bumping up against the wall.

Just the corner of his mouth curved up in a smile as his gaze returned to hers. He pulled gently on her arms, guiding them down to her sides. "You aren't cold are you?"

She shook her head no, trying to force a relaxed smile to her mouth.

Gaaahhhh...she was going to lose her freaking mind with him.

He leaned in, putting his hands up against the wall, caging her between the
cold wall and his hot, carved body.

His hard on was throbbing against his stomach. He glanced down quickly making sure the damn thing hadn't escaped the top of his wet, low riding Billabongs.

Her hard exhale clued them both into the fact she'd been holding her breath. Jake pushed off the wall, freeing her and breaking his trance. Both spoke at the same time:

"Look..I uh.." he hesitated.

"Yeah, its all good.." she agreed.

They laughed, stepping away from each other.

Bella got the feeling Jake was trying to tell her something tho.

"Jake?" She placed her hand on his arm as he turned back towards the kitchen.

"Talk to me." Her voice a soft whispered plea.

He came back, standing even closer to her in silence.

His hand drifted up to the strands of hair drying against her chest.

Gawwd..she wanted him to touch her ...everywhere.

Gawd, he wanted to touch her... everywhere.

He was fixating on her soft curls of hair. He thought about what it might look like cascading around her naked body,draped over her bare breasts and tangling around his arms as he held her, moving her body against his...moving his body inside her.

" Bella..." it was more a defeated sigh than her name she thought.

She didn't answer, she didn't flinch - letting him figure out what it was he needed to say.

Suddenly his hand withdrew from her hair, his eyes hit hers hard.

"Look, I don't know what I'm doing.." He dug his hands into his hair and turned away from her - his hard exhale echoing down the hallway.

" Jake. its ok..." She stepped after him.

" NO." He snapped, turning back. " I didn't come on this vacation to start something - didn't come here looking for anything...I'm..I..I'm.. just, NOT doing relationships right now, Bella."

Humph . " I'm NOT either. Believe me.'" She jerked away from him her tone tight, her heart hardened against more rejection.

"I didn't realize having a friend was so hard for you.." She huffed defensively crossing her arms tightly against her chest. " You certainly seem to be someone who can use a friend right now. I mean, we're both from Seattle..its not like a completely stupid thing to consider." She realized how ridiculous she must look - chasing this guy down. She turned to leave not knowing at all what to say. She wasn't needed or wanted.

He felt stupid, hearing himself, then hearing her more rational responses. He didn't want to make her feel like it was her...he didn't want her to feel rejection from him...and lord knows, his fucking ego was starved for the kind of stuff she fed him. He felt so good, so normal when she was around...and yeah..maybe this would continue at home.

There had to be a better than "good" chance she'd return to Seattle.

She was a smart girl.

"I'm sorry," he gathered her in his arms before he knew it..blathering words of apology.

"Its okay...no sorries. We're not going to hurt each other...just friends...I mean, it makes me feel good. You make me feel good." She pulled back from his tight embrace smiling up at him .

"Ok..but be warned..I'm not good at this. Not used to girls as friends and not used to feeling so...damn good around someone." He laughed, shaking his head.."at least not in a long time. Thank you," he kissed her forehead softly...his lips lingering just a fraction too long to be completely chaste.

"But why? Why me Bella?" He couldn't believe those words escaped his mouth - yet there they were hanging over their heads in the dark hall.

" Can't you tell I'm...broken." He choked completely...his heart in his throat..her silence cutting through him, making him feel naked and exposed.

Her hand curled around his stubbly cheek,as their eyes met.

"I see you Jacob. I see your goodness. You saved me- more than once." Her voice was so soft, and her touch a soothing, cooling, balm against his pain.

"I can see your halo.." she smiled, then cracked a snorting laugh.

He grabbed her hand as she pulled away, holding her back where it felt so good.

"I have a halo?" He laughed with her till he finally caught on..

"Oh..Beyonce?" he snorted a little chuckle.

She nodded, blushing again, "That's alright." He was smiling as his hands fell to her shoulders." Actually, I really like Beyonce." His hands skimmed down her small frame quickly. Reaching her ass, he cupped each cheek in a huge hand, and squeezed.

"She has a really niiice, Assss-"

"Careful..." Bella smirked up at him, enjoying the playfulness.

"- ton Martin. What? What did you think I was gonna say, Swan?"

She stretched up on her toes, wrapping small cool hands up each side of his neck, threading her fingers into his hair. Her eyes locked on his, and reached for his mouth with hers. "It doesn't matter what you say. Show me how you feel.."

Jake's pause hung heavy, electrifying the air between them...he studied her face, her lips, the innocence in her eyes. Slowly, he gave in to the gravitational pull, his mouth lowered..to hers...

Their lips met, brushing hesitantly at first. She let him go slow, nuzzling at her cheeks, brushing her nose with his. Tentatively, his hands coasted over and all around her ass, slowly, smoothly.

As a settling sigh left his mouth, she gently gave him her tongue for a taste.

Mmmmm, she groaned, they tasted so good together. Desire raced through her body, she held on tight, increasing the pace of the kiss.

That tasty groan in his ears, her delicious tongue in his mouth, and her hot little body filling his hands... He responded like a match falling into a puddle of gasoline.

He swung her around, shoving her back against the wall, and buried his tongue in her mouth. They tangled hungrily, forcefully, her hands buried in his hair, tugging him closer, and demanding more.

He threw his head back gasping for air. The blood boiling in his veins, rushed to his gut, pumping into his cock with every heartbeat. Tightening his grip on her ass, he hauled her up off her feet. After a small shriek of surprise, she pulled his mouth back to hers, nipping and biting at him till he gave her his tongue again.

His hands slid down cupping under her muscular thighs, splitting her wide open to his massive invasion. As his hips demanded their place between her legs, she wrapped both long, warm, limbs around him.

"Aahhhhhhggg". He buried his loud moan into the softness of her neck, when she locked him in with her ankles.

Feeling his erection kick hard against her wet center drove her crazy .

" Fuck, you're hard for me.. aren't you?" She purred against his mouth.

"Getting you wet?" He growled doing some panting and air grabbing of his own as her scorching hot center, rode up and down his long hard length.

" Find out," she challenged softly into his ear.

In seconds, his tongue and hips were in preview mode of the pumping that was sure to come next.

A loud "smack" cracked through the air around them. The wall vibrating with the impact.

Bella screamed, jumping out of Jake's grasp, her feet weak and unsteady as they met the floor.

"Alright you two! Knock it off..this is a PG rated hallway until 9 pm. Get with the program!" Paul laughed hard, while Jake cussed him out vigorously and settled Bella.

"You ready dude? " Jake asked his eyes never leaving hers.

"Was born ready, little bro!" He slapped Jakes back hard, ducking back into the kitchen.

"See you in a few, ok? " He reassured.

"Yeah, I'll be here, cooking!" She smiled, trying to pull herself back together.

"JACOB!" What the FU.." Paul was gonna have a freaking aneurysm over a goddamn trip to the store.

They could hear Rachel laying into him.

"COMING!" He barked leaving a quick kiss on her lips and turning down the hall.

"Jacob! wait!" She shuffled down the hall after him.

Throwing her arms around his neck she pulled him down to her.

"Yes, you have a halo, and so much more..."

He kissed her hard leaving her hot, dizzy and breathless.

" I'll be back in thirty minutes." he smiled backing away. " Weee have unfinished business..." he winked, then tore away to catch Paul.