:CHAPTER 11 - Heat:

The old truck came to a stop as Jake looked at me. Carefully, he turned the truck around, heading back to Charlie's.

As we pulled up to the house, I spotted Charlie's cruiser. Jake and I had decided we'd tell Charlie over dinner.

"Hey Bella," Charlie called from the living room. I could hear a baseball game on TV.

"Hi dad," I called back, "Guess who's here?"

"Well, hello to you, too, Charlie," Jacob teased as he entered the living room.

Within a matter of minutes, loud shouting at the TV filled the house. I laughed, and began making dinner.

I had decided on a quick ziti bake. I boiled the pasta, and then mixed it with the sauce, pouring the combination into a large caserole dish. I smothered it in mozzerella cheese, put it in the oven, and set the timer for twenty minutes.

I walked into the living room, and sat between Jake and Charlie. Both were so distracted by the TV, captivated really, that neither noticed when i couldn't get myself to stop staring at Jacob.

The timer buzzed, and I got up to finish fixing dinner. I walked into the kitchen, and pulled the dish out of the oven. As I turned to set the pasta down, I noticed Jake behind me, setting the table for the three of us.

He caught my eye as he finished setting the table, and began to grin wildly.

"You, Bella Swan, are a vision of beauty," he whishpered as he wrapped his arms around me.

I looked up, kissing him quickly before returning to dinner.

"Dad," I called as I finished plating his food, "dinner's done."

We all sat down at the table, eating in silence for about 10 minutes before i finally broke the soundless noise.

"Dad," I had to force the words out.

"Yeah, Bells?"

"Dad, Jake and I have something to tell you."

Charlie eyed me suspiciously, I worried about his health as his eyes grew wide. He was jumping to all the wrong conclusions in his head, I could see it in the expression on his face.

"Charlie," finally Jacob spoke, "Bella and I... well, um... you see, sir...-"

I cut him off, "Jake and I are dating, dad."

Charlie dropped his fork, "You are? But, Bella," he seemed confused, and I suddenly remembered why. Edward.

"We broke up today," I said it very calmly. "Well, I broke up with him."

A smile found its way to Charlie's face. He loved Jake. More importantly, he loved the thought of me with Jake. We finished dinner with Charlie and Jacob lightly discussing the baseball game. I ate in silence, trying not to stare at Jake too much.

After dinner, I had to take Jake home, so we got in my truck and headed for La Push. I curled up next to Jacob on the way to his house. By the time we pulled up in front of his house, I was almost asleep. Jacob carried me inside, and set me on his bed. i curled up under the covers, and immediately fell asleep.

Billy must've called Charlie to let him know where I was. I woke up sweating a little, and realized Jake's warm body was snuggled up next to mine. It felt nice to wake up next to Jake. I was warm, and very comfortable.

I tried to move out from under his big arm without waking him.

No such luck.

"Bells?" he slurred my name slightly, "Honey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, Jake, just a little warm," I replied, glancing at his arm around my waist.

He moved quickly, allowing me to get out of bed. I slid to the edge of his bed and stood. I was suddenly very cold again, I realized his warmth was perfect, and just what I needed.

I looked down at Jake, and felt so very in love with him. I climbed back into bed, and curled up next to him, laying my head on his chest.

"Perfect," I muttered sleepily, as I began to drift back to sleep.