Unexpected Happiness

by Rhodes11

Jake and his baby boy move to Seattle to start a new life. But what happens when he meets a gorgeous, sassy Bella in the most unlikeliest of places? All human. Rated MA

10. 5 All Over Again P1 Continued

Sorry for the insanely long delay, but I can promise you, I was writing this the entire time!

Thank you to my beautiful beta: Simply Jaded4. I'd be nothing without you!

Much love to my pre-reader and every one else who's helped out with this chapter!

Also, I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to who ever nominated and voted for Unexpected. I can now tell you that I won 3rd place in the Best All Human category!

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5. All Over Again ~ P1 Continued

BPOV

"Everything okay?" Jake asked, concerned, as his eyes darted between mine and the disappearing frame of the she-devil.

Sighing heavily, I leaned my forehead against the wood of the door, and nodded tiredly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just not having the best of days."

"Anything I can help with?" he asked, while juggling his son in one arm and a midnight blue Seattle Seahawks diaper bag in the other.

I couldn't help but smile. It was a cute picture.

Inviting him in, I quietly shut the door behind him and gave his hand a gentle, yet grateful, squeeze. "You already have." I knew I was supposed to be mad at him, but seeing him standing there in front of me, cradling his son like that...well, shit, if it didn't tug at my heart strings.

He glanced down to our joined hands, then looked back up at me and smiled warmly. Those beautiful brown eyes of his seared a hole straight through to my soul. I swear my heart stopped as I felt him intertwine our fingers and tighten his hold on me. Apart from his kiss, touching him was the most magical thing I'd ever known, so I think I was perfectly entitled to feel a little breathless. God, was it wrong that all I wanted to do in that moment was feel his strong, safe arms around me? I needed comforting after the conversation I'd just had.

I reluctantly removed my hand from his; immediately, my heart cried out from the loss of contact, but I had to take this slowly. I couldn't let my heart rule my emotions. Not yet. He might not even want that from me, and besides, he had a little more groveling to do before I even thought about forgiving him.

Okay, let me amend that: before I fully forgave him.

Reaching up to the darling baby boy asleep in his father's arms, I smiled and gently rubbed his belly. My heart soared as the chubby-cheeked little cherub smiled in his sleep.

Such a handsome little thing. Exactly like his father.

"Glad I could be of service, ma'am." Jake winked, causing a shiver of desire to surge down my spine, and turn my insides to mush.

He quickly shrugged the diaper bag off of his shoulder before putting it down onto the wooden floor, and turned to look at me. Doing a double take, his mouth fell agape, while his intense gaze slowly and unapologetically ran over my figure. His pupils were dilated as his topaz eyes descended towards my breasts. With his delicious lips parted, his gaze continued over my hips and down to my toned legs. I watched, enticed and with bated breath, as he sexily drew his lower lip into his mouth before biting down on it hard and releasing it while he sensuously licked his lips. He'd never seen me dressed in casual attire. When we met in Babies R' Us I had been wearing all black for work and last night I'd gone all out-something I hadn't done for a while-and dolled up. So to see me wearing my favourite pair of faded blue, ripped jeans and a simple white tee with my white gladiator sandals, must've come as quite a shock to him.

My entire body tingled. His beautiful eyes had left a trail of scorching heat in their wake as fire, passion and desire were set ablaze in my veins. His eyes were so dark, hooded and almost...black as he took me in. It was a little suffocating, but in a good way. Why did that remind me of the scene from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban? Where Ron informed Harry that he would suffer, but he'd be happy about it...

"So," Jake rasped, bringing me out of my inner monologue, and provocatively licking his lips as his eyes continued their journey over my body.

Lord. Was it hot it in here?

"I, uh, I did as requested," he stuttered, snapping himself out of his daze. "So...what's on the agenda for today?" he asked in a low and hoarse voice.

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I ripped my gaze from his, averted it to my shaking hands, and responded croakily, "I, uh, thought we'd head out somewhere, but first there's someone I'd like you both to meet."

Watching in amusement as a flash of confusion washed over his handsome features, I smiled mischievously and walked toward Jaymie's room.

I knocked lightly on her door, laughing gently to myself as I heard her softly humming through the door. "Jaymie, sweetie, can you come out for a second? There's someone I want to you to meet."

Less than a second later, her door flew open and out she skipped, completely oblivious to Jake's presence, and made her way towards me. Still with her Barbie firmly in her hand, her glossy black pigtails swung from side-to-side as she went. When she was nestled comfortably under my arm, holding onto my thigh and dancing her doll up and down my leg, I gently stroked her silky bangs soothingly and looked up at Jake expectantly.

I watched with interest and a hint of fear, wondering what his reaction would be, as Jake stared at Jaymie, dumbfounded. He turned his shocked gaze back to me, and looked at me in question. I smiled warmly, letting him know that it was ok. Jake knelt down in front of the tiny girl, a soft, comforting smile gracing his face as he cradled Ethan close to his shoulder to show her that he loved his son and could be trusted. He glanced up at me, a question in his eyes, as if he needed reassurance or permission to continue. I nodded almost imperceptibly, and smiled gratifyingly as he finally-putting me out of my misery-gave her his trademark pearly-white smile. "And who's this beautiful little princess?"

Suddenly feeling shy, Jaymie moved herself behind my leg in an attempt to hide from this stranger, and then timidly peeked out from behind my hip. Obviously, the little angel needed some reassurance. Kneeling down, I moved her out from the protection of my back, and sat her small body on my lap. "Honey, this is my friend, Jake, and his son, Ethan."

Turning back to give the introduction to Jake, I held Jaymie tightly in my arms and said, "Jake, this is my Goddaughter, Jaymie."

Smiling brightly, he glanced back at Jaymie. "Well, hey there, beautiful. It's a pleasure to meet you," he greeted her softly.

Blushing, the little girl coyly turned away from Jake and wrapped her arms around my neck, whispering in my ear, "Bella, he called me beautiful!" she giggled in a whisper.

Chuckling at her innocence, I gently rubbed her lower back and nodded in agreement. "He sure did, baby. But that's because you are beautiful. You're my beautiful princess."

I looked up at Jake who was gazing at us in awe, his eyes holding an emotion I'd never seen in him before. Hell, an emotion I'd never seen in any man before...

Jake glanced over at me as if to ask permission to get closer in conversation with Jaymie. I smiled and nodded, telling him it was perfectly okay for him to get to know her better. It's what I wanted more than anything right now.

"Hey, Jaymie, you like magic?"

She nodded shyly, a small smile playing about the corners of her mouth, evoking a feeling of sheer pride that erupted in my heart. She wasn't good with strangers, but she was bonding with Jake in an instant and that meant so much to me.

Sitting back on his heels, Jake asked me if I would like to hold Ethan while he performed a trick. I happily held out my arms to receive the wriggling tot. I couldn't get enough of this little cutie. Smiling down and cooing at the pursing lips of the sleeping baby in my arms, I watched as his father began his performance.

Man, you gotta adore a guy who loves kids.

He pulled a coin from his jeans pocket, and held it in his palm. He gazed steadily into Jaymie's eyes while her attention was riveted on the shiny disc in his hand. "Okay Jaymie, I'm going to swap this coin from this hand into this hand using nothing but magic. Do you believe I can do that?"

Jaymie looked into Jacob's eyes, searching for any sort of deception and, seeing none, nodded her head vigorously, her eyes wide with interest.

Such a brave little thing.

Nodding, Jake closed his hand into a fist, and proceeded to do the same with the other one. I knew the trick. He was going to discreetly move the coin into the opposite hand, making her think it had travelled there all on its own, invisibly, through the air between his fists.

"Okay, Jaymie, which hand holds the coin?" he asked her with a smile.

She slowly slid off of my lap and inched towards Jake, pointing her finger at his right hand.

"You think it's in this hand?"

She remained silent and nodded, only now she was meeting his gaze.

Shit, I felt like a proud mom and I wasn't even her mom!

"What about asking Bella? You think she knows which hand it's in?"

Jaymie shook her head, and looked back at me with smiling eyes.

I smiled at Jake's efforts to bring me into this, and gestured towards Jaymie. "I'm gonna have to agree with Jaymie."

He shrugged and smiled. "Well, if you're both sure? I guess I should show you, huh?"

Slowly he opened his left hand, and there lay the coin which caused Jaymie to gasp and tug sharply on my leg. Then he revealed the contents of his right hand. His palm was completely empty.

She squealed in excitement as a huge grin spread across Jake's face. "Bella! He did magic! Look, see?!"

I chuckled at her obvious happiness; my heart swelling with joy as I gently rocked Ethan and replied, "I see honey! He did magic, just for you!"

My goddaughter turned back to Jake, and gazed at him in wonder. He was now a magic man in her book, and always would be. Hell, he had become a magic man in my book as well. And I was beginning to realize he would always be so.

I averted my sunny gaze down to Ethan and gently played with one of his hands while whispering cheerfully, "Your daddy's a magical genius. Did you know that, Ethan?"

Ethan's lips twitched in his sleep, causing my smile to intensify. "Yes, he is, little one." I looked up and found Jake focused solely on me, making my heart beat just that much faster. I gazed directly into his powerful brown eyes and continued, "Your daddy is one amazing man, sweetheart. And I count myself extremely lucky that he had no idea what to buy in that horrible store; otherwise, we might never have met." My heart spasmed in my chest as I watched the corners of Jake's mouth curl up into a bashful smile. I matched his smile, and returned my gaze back to the sleeping baby in my arms. I tickled him playfully while adding, "So I guess I owe our meeting to you. Yes, I do," I cooed.

"Bella?" Jaymie said quietly, tugging gently on my arm, clearly conscious of the baby, the afterglow of her excitement still illuminated her beautiful face.

"Yes, honey?"

"Can I go play in my room now?" she asked, politely.

"Sure, but while you're at it, why don't you pack your backpack and we will come and get you when it's time to go?"

A smile the size of America erupted on her baby-faced features. "Okay!"

With that, she ran off down the hall and into her room.

I cautiously stood from my position on the floor, and locked eyes with an extremely peaceful and contented looking Jake.

"He likes you," he said in awe, and with a hint of pride, gesturing at Ethan and me.

Dammit, if that didn't make my heart burst with joy.

"Oh yeah?" I replied, teasingly. "Well, that's good because I like him too."

Several quiet and strangely comfortable minutes passed between us, and it felt as if our very souls-our spirits-were moving closer together before Jake broke our tranquil silence.

"Does the same apply to his old man?"

My eyes snapped to his and I cocked my head to the side, studying him. "I would've thought the answer to that was pretty obvious."

Jake chuckled nervously, and threw me an uncertain smile, while running his hand anxiously along his neck. "Guess so, but it'd be nice to hear it."

While carefully moving Ethan to my shoulder, and gently, soothingly, rubbing his back, I stepped closer to his father, looked him straight in the eyes showing no hesitance as I said, "Yes. The same goes for his father. Why do you think I asked you to the meal last night?"

He looked down at the floor unsurely, and licked his lips. "Yeah, I get that. I just wondered if...last night might've...changed your view of me," he mumbled, finally lifting his sad gaze to mine.

"I'm not going to stand here and lie to you, Jake; that's not who I am," I told him, truthfully. "Yes, I was hurt when I put myself out there only to be rejected, but I also really like you, and at the end of it all, that outshone the hurt." I paused to take a breath. "It also helped your case that you called and asked to see me. I know I didn't say it at the time because I was pretty riled up with other stuff, but your call actually meant a lot to me. So, that in itself, gives you major points," I laughed impishly, while giving him a flirtatious wink.

I had to give the guy credit. He did call me. And he did admit that he was an idiot, so I didn't want to yank his chain too much. After all, he appeared to be pretty new at all of this. But that didn't mean I was going to let him off just yet. We still needed to have a serious talk. We both needed to be on the same page, or this wasn't going to work.

"Anyway, let's not talk about this now. We have a play date to get to."

"Play date?" he repeated, confused.

"Yup. I'm taking Jaymie to an all ages jungle gym in Central Seattle called Elevated Sportz," I informed him, merrily. "And you and this gorgeous little guy are coming with us."

The look of horror on his face was priceless!

~UH~

An hour and a half later, we pulled up into the parking lot of Elevated Sportz. I placed the car in park, swiftly cut the ignition, and turned to face Jake.

"Alright, so I figured we'd spend a couple of hours here and then we can do something you'd like," I told him. "That cool with you?"

Jake shrugged and nodded in agreement. "Sure, sure, although," he hesitated glancing up warily at the play centre. "Don't you even think of leaving me alone in there," he joked, but I could tell he was also deadly serious.

I leaned over and patted his thigh reassuringly with my hand, silently groaning as I felt the hard muscle under his jeans, and chuckled softly. "I wouldn't dream of it," I said with a coquettish wink.

Grumbling to himself, Jake unbuckled both of our seat belts, threw open the car door and climbed out. Once the door was closed, he leaned down, tapped on the window grinning and said, "You coming?"

Smiling, I mirrored his actions and rose out of the car while saluting him in amusement. "Yes, sir."

Chuckling, Jake opened the passenger door and unfastened Ethan from his car seat, earning a cry of protest from the previously peaceful baby. "C'mon, little man. Time to go roll with the other little demons," he said while nestling his son safely on his shoulder.

Rolling my eyes at his blatant overreaction to the children's play centre, I helped Jaymie out of the car, then walked around to the trunk and hauled out Ethan's stroller. "You make it sound like I'm dragging you into the fiery pits of he-" I hastily stopped myself, remembering the young ears around us before correcting myself. "Of down there," I pointed to the ground, using my hands to emphasise my point.

"Might as well be," he returned, flashing me that sexy smirk while carefully lowering Ethan into his stroller and strapping him in.

Nudging his hip jauntily, I took Jaymie's hand and replied, "Oh stop being such a big baby. The sooner we get in there, the quicker the kids can start playing and we can leave."

Leaning over Ethan's stroller, I reached in and lightly-ever so lightly-pinched the little boys' nose while gushing in a high-pitched tone, "Your daddy's a big ol' grumpy pants, isn't he, buddy?"

Ethan's adorable gummy smile appeared on his cute little face in response, his eyes wide in fascination.

"See? Even your son agrees with me," I grinned, triumphantly. "Now, c'mon, let's get in there so I can beat your handsome ass at trampoline basketball," I whispered, trying to keep a lid on the cursing in front of the little ones.

"Yes, ma'am," he laughed, showing me that panty dropping megawatt grin.

Hmm, maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all, I thought as all four of us entered the play centre, resembling a united family.

~UH~

Twenty long, sweaty and out of breath minutes later, Jake, Jaymie and I were sitting on the spongy gym mats putting on our shoes while trying hard to get some air into our lungs. Jaymie danced around the trampolines singing victoriously at the top of her lungs, "I win! I win!" I couldn't help but smile.

Jaymie had completely gone behind my back and betrayed me by teaming up with Jake, while a member of staff sat and played with Ethan so he was supervised. I had to admit, I felt bad about leaving him with a complete stranger, but Jake assured me that his son was a complete ladies' man and would have the women wrapped around his chubby little finger in no time. Turned out that he was right! That little cutie sure knew how to make an impression.

So, with Ethan using his charm to gain the attention of every female worker in the room, Jake, Jaymie and I were free to play trampoline basketball. Now, without wanting to blow my own trumpet, I had to admit that I was good at trampoline basketball, but shit, those two? Heck, they were a team to be reckoned with! The amount of times Jake charged, lunged or launched himself at me, tackling me to the springy surface and distracting me so Jaymie could score their team a basket, was un-freaking-believable!

Whenever I questioned him about his constant tackles, he'd simply hover above me, his large, russet, masculine body pinning my pale, small one to the trampoline as his eyes sparkled with happiness and mischief and he grinned down at me with those pearly-white teeth and said sexily, "Sorry, Bells, I gotta protect my teammate from the enemy. And as gorgeous as you are, honey, you are the enemy." He winked and his cheeky little grin intensified.

Swatting his shoulder playfully, we'd laughed together, flirted a little and he'd-like a true gentleman-helped me up to my feet so we could continue play.

However, I couldn't really complain. Feeling his strong, warm, muscular arms wrapped around my body felt felt like my own little slice of heaven. Being cocooned in his embrace felt like the most natural, normal and perfect thing in the world-and I could tell he felt it too by the way his grip had tightened, and the heartwarming way he breathed a contented sigh into my ear.

So, I really didn't mind that my goddaughter had purposely consorted with the enemy, and had considerably beaten my ass 30-10...

Hell, he could tackle me to the trampoline until the cows came home if it meant I could feel myself enveloped in his hard body.

Ah crap, who was I kidding? It freakin' sucked to lose!

But...they were bonding and having a good time, and that was all that mattered.

"So, you mentioned something about, and I quote, 'beating my handsome ass'? Wanna tell me what happened with that or should I start gloating now?" Jake teased grinning, while unscrewing the cap on his water bottle and bringing it to his deliciously kissable lips.

Throwing him a mock glare, I poked my tongue out at him while handing Jaymie her drink, then reached for my own. "It was two against one!" I cried out in defense. "Besides, you two cheated."

A loud, incredulous laugh erupted from Jake's mouth, causing him to choke a little on his drink and cough. "How exactly did we cheat? We won that fair and square, Bells. Can we help it if you never laid down any rules?" he asked teasingly, placing a hand on the handle of Ethan's stroller. "You simply stated that you were going to beat me; you never said anything about having partners," Jake pointed out, grinning proudly.

Scoffing in disbelief, I took a quick swig from my drink and replaced the cap, placing it on the floor. "It's pretty easy to win when you're constantly tackling your opponent instead of showing any real talent. I should've gotten at least two penalties or a shot! You two totally ganged up against me and you know it!" I said in a flustered huff, flailing my hands childishly, making both Jaymie and Jake laugh.

Folding my arms stubbornly, I bit back a smile and turned my nose towards the roof defiantly. "I'm glad I'm amusing you both, you little traitors."

Stepping towards me, Jake smiled warmly, placed his water bottle in the undercarriage of the stroller and reached out to gently take my hand and pull me closer. My heart instantly reacted by skipping a beat at the close proximity of our bodies. "Aww, c'mon, Bells. Don't be like that," he said softly, interlacing our fingers and affectionately circling his rough thumb over my sensitive knuckles. Pure heaven. "I promise, next time I'll go easier on you," he chuckled softly, his powerful brown eyes sparkling with delight. "Hey, maybe next time we can play some dodgeball, and I swear, hand on my heart, I will not move. You can launch a full scale attack and I won't move an inch," he promised and winked flirtatiously.

My eyebrows rose in contemplation as my eyes rolled over his body, studying him carefully. "You promise?" I repeated, needing clarification.

Jake nodded, his lips curled up at the sides. "Cross my heart."

"You won't move? At all?"

"Nope," he said, popping the p.

Smirking wickedly, I gazed directly into his eyes and said, "Alright. You're on. Although, I really hope you're not a sore loser because I fully intend to kick your butt, dodgeball style," I winked, grinning triumphantly.

A hearty, boisterous laugh ripped from his throat as he closed the suddenly unbearable distance between us and placed a tender kiss on my forehead, before dipping down to whisper hotly in my ear, "Bring it, beautiful."

Thump, there goes my heart and my knees.

Gulping hard, my eyes absentmindedly fluttered to a close as I marveled in the highly erotic sensation of his warm breath ghosting over my skin and seeping into my pores, combined with the fact that I was nestled safely in the crook of his arm, our bodies pressed together sending a wave of unquenchable desire to my now burning core.

"Bella!" Jaymie squealed loudly, jolting me out of my sexual daze towards the freakin' Adonis holding me, and making me focus my attention on her. "I wanna go play on the seesaw! Can I?! Can I?! Can I?!" she asked, jumping up and down energetically.

Smiling, I reached out and played with one of her pigtails. "Sure, honey, but stay where we can see you, okay? We'll be watching up there from the viewing area so it's a little quieter for Ethan."

"I will! I promise!" With that, she gave me a big hug and waved to Jake and Ethan, then turned on her heel and headed towards the soft play room.

"Will she be okay on her own?" Jake asked concerned, as we watched her skipping form depart. It overwhelmed my heart to hear his protective nature extending to my goddaughter.

"Yeah, it's supervised so there are staff everywhere; plus, I can see most of the room from up there, so either way I'll be able to see her," I reassured him, while picking up my bottled water and placing it in my bag. "I just figured its gotta be pretty loud for him down here. We can go up there so he can catch some z's. And it'll give us the chance to talk."

Nodding in agreement, Jake held his arm out courteously for me to link mine through, and together we pushed Ethan's stroller through the crowd and towards the viewing area.

~UH~

"So, I know I kinda brushed this aside earlier, but...you wanna tell me what happened last night?" I asked softly, while I gently rocked Ethan's stroller in a soothing, relaxing manner.

Jake sighed heavily, lowered his eyes to his black coffee as the calloused pad of his index finger circled the rim of the cup. "I wish I knew," he started sadly, dejectedly. I swear, my heart just broke for him. "The one thing I do know? I acted like a complete shit last night and it was unforgivable," he finished looking up at me with shame and regret in his eyes.

Okay, I wasn't about to sit here and let him disrespect himself. Everyone makes mistakes.

Reaching across the table, I placed my hand affectionately over his and started softly, "Jake, I think you're being a little too hard on yourself. If I can forgive you for last night, then I'm positive you can forgive yourself." I raised my brows at him knowingly. "Besides, you can't take all the blame, I played a part in this as well. I shouldn't have assumed you wanted me to kiss you-"

"Are you serious right now?" he asked in disbelief, cutting me off. "Bella, that kiss was...fuck..." Frustration oozed from every pore in his body as he raked his long fingers through his hair in annoyance towards himself, while he seemingly struggled to find the words. Groaning, his muscular arms fell to his sides as he turned to face me with a pained expression painted on his handsome features as he gently took my hands into his. His deep brown eyes darted frantically between mine, looking for understanding. "Look, I'm not good at this shit, Bella. I...I haven't dated in a while. I'm a freakin' amateur when it comes to asking a girl out or doing anything even remotely romantic, but that doesn't mean that I don't like you."

Jake lowered his tortured eyes to our linked hands, licked his lips, inhaled deeply and continued. "Fuck, Bells, do you have any idea how badly I wish I could rewind time and go back to last night? I'm not gonna sit here and lie to you, Bells, that's not how I was raised. So...here it goes...I was shocked by your kiss. But that's only 'cause I was...fuck! I don't even know the right words for this, but, ah hell. I was stunned, okay? I mean, look at you. You're fucking beautiful!" he exclaimed, a little too loudly, gaining the unwanted attention of some of the other patrons. He pursed his lips into a long, angry line as he cocked his head to the side and followed on. "Why would a beauty like you wanna go out with a guy like me? I mean, Christ, Bells, look what I come with. I'm a father with a crap load of baggage, and I know for damn sure that you deserve more than that." Jake stopped and sighed in resignation.

Frowning down at our joined hands, he gently ran the pad of his thumb over my knuckle, closed his eyes and shook his head in shame.

It looked to all of the world like he was giving up before we'd even had a chance to explore this connection between us. He was giving up on himself and he was giving up on me. He wasn't allowing himself to be saved-he wouldn't let me save him, and I for one wasn't going to sit by and let that happen.

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that? Huh? Why don't you let me make that decision? I think I deserve the opportunity of choosing what I deserve and what would make me happy. Don't you agree with me on that?"

Lifting his shamed gaze, his remorseful brown eyes locked with mine, sending a tidal wave of desire and lust crashing over my entire body-and I could tell that he felt it too, judging by the combination of longing and agony swimming in those perfect eyes. "Bella, I'm trying to be fair to you. You have so much going for you. You're a teacher with a bright future ahead of you. And what am I? I'm a burden with no job, a past that won't let go of me and a heart that's afraid to let people in-"

Immediately, I felt a burning rage surge within me at the vulgar way in which he was speaking about himself. "Bullshit. You are none of those things!" I said with vehemence. "Jake how can you not see how special you are? Baby, you are far from a burden. Is your soul tortured? Yes. Are you afraid to let people in? Yes. Hell, we are two peas in a pod! But don't let that define who you are. I can see the passion burning in your eyes. I have witnessed the pure love you have for your beautiful son, and I know for damn sure that these hands?" I said, lifting them, emphasizing my point. "And that brain," I motion towards his head. "They're unbelievably intelligent and talented."

"How can you know that? You don't know me, Bells."

"So let me!" I exclaimed, passionately. "Let me in, Jake. Let me show you how wonderful life can be if you just let yourself feel it. Don't close your heart away-especially when it's telling you that there's something between us."

His eyes instantly snapped to mine as relief covered his face. "You felt it too?"

I smiled gently as I tightened my grip around his hand. "Jake, I felt it as soon as I saw you," I confessed.

Jake gazed at me long and hard, the heartache and need projecting from him pierced a golf ball sized hole straight through my heart. "Jesus, Bells, do you have any idea how much I like you? How badly I wish I could've done things differently? Smoother? Shit, I saw the pain and rejection in your eyes last night and it just about killed me. I never want you to look at me like that. I want you to see me as someone you can depend on, someone you can trust. I so badly wanna be that guy for you, Bells. I wanna be the one to put that breathtaking smile on your face, and watch your eyes light up with happiness like they did last night. Christ, honey, you looked so fucking beautiful, you rocked my damn world. How's it possible that I deserve that?" he asked, his voice cracking under his pent up emotion.

I didn't answer his question just yet. I could tell he wasn't finished. There was more; I could feel it. I wanted to tell him that he deserved everything, but I remained quiet, sensing that he needed to do this, he needed to get it all out.

A faint, wistful smile tugged at his lips as his thumb stroked the smooth surface of my nail. "I haven't laughed and smiled like I did last night in years. I haven't even wanted to be around a woman 'cause I thought it would only bring me pain, but...then I met you and all of that went straight out the window. You made me feel human again, Bella. You gave me hope that I wasn't a total loser, never meant to have any kinda happiness or contentment. You make me want to take a wrecking ball to the goddamn wall I've built around my heart and let you in. You gave me more courage than I've ever had on my own, and that maybe there's still a chance for me and Ethan. You made me want to be happy again-to live life again. You along with that little boy in there," he pointed to Ethan's stroller, "Make me want to be a better man. I so fucking badly wanna be that guy for you-for him-but it's gonna take some time. Hell, I'm still wounded inside. I have issues with trust, and I'm scared as fuck to build something only to watch it fall apart. Bells, I need you to move me past that," he pleaded, his eyes studying me with a sense of urgency. "I honestly don't know if I can make that hurdle on my own, or overnight."

"Well I've got loads of time. I'm not going anywhere," I told him softly, squeezing his hand in reassurance.

Jake looked at a me with a smile that made my world quake. He looked at me as if I was some kind of prayer that had come to life. "You're the most amazing person I've ever met. I didn't know women like you still walked this planet. Most nowadays seem to have ulterior motives, and that's usually to see what's in it for them. But you, you're something different. You're unique. You're not like any other girl I've met. But I know one thing for certain: I can't let you just slip through my fingers. I don't know if I deserve it but I...I want to let you in, Bella, trust me I do, but because of my past, I'm not sure how long it'll take. So, as much as this kills me to say it, and believe me, it does," he gulped hard. "Maybe...we could...just, I dunno...take it slow? Start off as friends?" Jake suggested nervously, almost as if he were scared of my answer. "Don't get me wrong," he added quickly, "I want more but, I...I need you to show me that you think I'm worth the risk, that you want me. I just dunno how much my heart is ready for yet. If I'm gonna be absolutely truthful with you, Bells, I'm afraid. I'm so fucking damaged, like majorly ruined, and I'm scared as hell. Please tell me you understand? Christ, honey, I need you to understand."

I wasn't going to lie, my heart dropped considerably at the mention of being 'just friends,' but this wasn't about me. This wasn't a time to be selfish and think of my needs and what I wanted. Jake needed me. He was reaching out to me. He was prepared to open his heart to me, he just needed time.

And I had all of the time in the world for him and his adorable little boy.

But...I had to know just one thing. "Does that past have anything to do with Ethan's mom?"

I wasn't sure why, but I had a feeling that she might've hurt him or done something that caused him to block off his heart.

He nodded solemnly, confirming my suspicions. "Yeah. Things between us didn't exactly end well. I, uh, I did something I'm not proud of. It wasn't the crime of the century or anything, but it made me wise up and realise that I don't wanna be that person anymore."

"What did you do?" I asked cautiously, not knowing how far to push him. I could tell the whole thing was a touchy subject.

"Like I said, it was something I'm not proud of and I don't want it to taint your image of me 'cause I really like you, but I just can't go into it right now. Please try to understand. I know that's a shitty response, and not the one you want to hear, but it's all I can offer. I'll tell you everything, I promise...someday. But for now, please bear with me? Ethan was the only good thing to come out of knowing her; I wouldn't change having him for the world."

"I understand."

Jake's head snapped to mine, stunned. "You do?"

"Yeah," I said, comfortably. Usually I loathed talking about my past with people, but with him I felt oddly okay with it. But...he'd been through enough today, even though my heart was telling me-screaming at me-that if I share this with him, it would go such a long way to relieving his fears about opening up to me. It couldn't have been easy to open himself up and explain all of that to me, so I wasn't going to get into my mistakes with men right now. That could wait. "Believe it or not, I've been where you are. I know what it's like to have scars and baggage. Trust me, I'm carrying enough of my own. But don't think I'm going to let you off lightly, Mr. Black. I'm not just going to give up on you."

A hearty chuckle erupted from his lips, sounding like music to my ears. "Better not. I'm counting on you to be my heroine, and jump in and save my pathetic ass."

I smiled triumphantly as I took a sip from my drink, licked my lips removing any froth, and set it back down on the table. "First of all, you're not pathetic, and if you diss yourself again I may be forced to take action." I winked playfully, causing him to smile. "And secondly, you don't have to worry about me jumping in and saving the day, because your fine, not pathetic, ass is mine, baby. Don't think for one second I'm about to let some other chick be the heroine for you."

~UH~

Fifteen relaxing and tranquil minutes later, Jake and I sat at the table; somehow, during those peaceful minutes, I'd found myself nestled inside his warm arms as his rough fingers gently rubbed idle circles on my shoulder. Every once in a while he'd lean over and press a tender kiss into my hair, then rest his cheek against my head. To the rest of the world, we looked like a couple in love...god, how I wish that were the case.

I sighed contentedly.

I loved being this close to him. It just felt right. There were no expectations, no promises, it was just...perfect. I felt as if our little chat had been a sort of milestone for us. He seemed to be more at peace with himself, and he was considerably more comfortable around me. It was almost as if holding and touching one another was a natural instinct for us; he couldn't seem to stop touching me, nor I him. I didn't necessarily need his affection in a sexual way; yet, I was just thrilled that he felt at ease enough to let us have a little PDA.

Even if we were just friends...

Closing my eyes, I turned slightly and pressed my nose ever so slightly into his neck and inhaled his sporty cologne. His heavenly scent consumed my lungs and filled my entire body with desire.

I wasn't sure why, but his fragrance did something to me. It enticed me, allured me and held me captive. And I wasn't looking to escape anytime soon.

We continued to chill in our spot. No pointless, meaningless chatter, just two people, deeply attracted to one another, sitting and watching the world go by as Jaymie played in the soft room below, and I continued to rock Ethan in his stroller.

That was, until the Victoria's Secret wannabe sidled up beside a completely oblivious Jake and ruined our serene moment.

"Can I get you anything else, sir?" the tall, beautiful and leggy blonde said, with her Colgate smile and glossy red lips, as she pulled out a small notepad and pen.

Ugh. I wanted to roll my eyes.

Uh, hello! Sitting right next to him!

Christ. How obvious did this chick want to be? And since when did baristas give table service?

Surprising me, Jake's soft gaze looked down at me as he asked, "You want anything else, honey?"

My heart swelled at the endearment. It might not have meant much to the average person, but to me, being called 'honey' by this gorgeous hunk felt like I'd won the damn jackpot.

God, he was amazing.

Standing beside him was a woman who had, more than likely, been around the block a few times, and here he was giving his full attention to me. Smiling smugly, I nuzzled my nose into his neck possessively and shook my head. "I'm good."

Smiling, he pressed a gentle kiss into my forehead and turned back to the skank. "No thanks, we're fine."

Winking provocatively at Jake-and making my blood damn near boil!-she put her pad and pen back in her pocket and smiled wider. "Okay, well, if there's anything else you need I'll be...around." With that, she spun around and sauntered on to her next victim, swaying her hips almost viciously, undoubtedly for his benefit.

Chuckling at her desperate need for male attention, I shook my head, sighed heavily and moved my gaze to the viewing window.

"Wanna let me in on the joke?" Jake asked looking down at me, a sexy and confused smile played upon his lips.

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing," I replied still chuckling, and quickly brushed his question away.

Jake arched his brow in suspicion, while his sexy and extremely kissable lips were curling up into a sinful smile. "Hold up. Is my feisty, sassy Miss Swan getting all shy on me?" he said, now joining me in my amusement.

A loud, slightly rambunctious laugh burst from my throat as I eyed him in disbelief. "Oh, so that's how it's going, huh? He's got jokes," I winked cheekily, continuing to laugh. "Okay, Mr. Joke-meister, seeing as you're so interested," I quipped, dragging out the 'so' to emphasise my point. "I was just wondering if you ever get fed up with that?"

"With what?" he asked naively, his brows mashed together in bewilderment.

I threw him a skeptical look, and cocked my head to the side perplexed. "Flirty women. I mean, it was like you didn't even notice her." Not that I wanted him to, of course.

He moved slightly in his chair while simultaneously shifting me with him. He reached out with his free hand and gently lifted my chin until our eyes locked in a serious exchange. "I'm sure, for the right man, she's perfect, but she does nothing for me. I'm not interested."

Gulping hard at the sudden change in the atmosphere, I licked my dry lips and said in a breathy whisper, "And why's that?"

Smiling tenderly, Jake stroked my jawbone lovingly while running his thumb delicately across my now moist bottom lip, making me tremble with desire. "Why would I be interested in her when I have the most beautiful woman I've ever seen right here in my arms?"

Christ...how was he doing this to me?

Groaning, I squeezed my eyes shut and dropped my head into his neck. "Jake..." I started hesitantly, before pulling back and moving slightly out of his embrace. "As amazing as that sounds, you can't say stuff like that to me. You can't tell me in one breath that you want to try us out as friends, and then in the next, give me compliments that would melt a girl's panties and put flutters to her heartbeat. It doesn't work that way. At least it shouldn't."

Gazing at his coffee cup in deep thought, Jake nodded, chewed on his lip before pushing the mug away and lifted his now determined eyes to mine. "Bella, I know I said for us to be friends-and I meant it-but I think you know that there's a lot more than friendship going on between us. You feel it, I feel it, and from what I can tell, we both want it. So, yeah, I wanna be friends with you, but I also want a whole lot more. But if you think for one second that us being friends is going to stop me from telling you how drop dead gorgeous and sexy you look...honey, you've got another thing coming."

I'm not going to lie. His little speech totally had me grinning from ear to ear.

What? So it feels nice when the person you like tells you stuff like that!

Smiling broadly, I bit my lip and scooted back into his warm embrace. "Okay, I think I can live with that," my smile intensified as Jake's arm draped over my shoulders and his chin rested on my head. "So...I guess we're just...going with the flow with this friendship thing, huh?"

"Yup. We'll roll with the punches."

Still smiling like an idiot, I fisted his cotton shirt and pulled him closer. I wasn't sure why I did this next thing, but it just felt right: I pushed up on my tiptoes and placed a chaste kiss on the smooth and shaven skin of his neck. "It sounds perfect."

And it truly did.

~UH~

"What are your plans for tonight?" I inquired as I pushed Ethan's stroller through the coffee shop, while Jake put our disposable cups in the trash.

The little cherub had been awake for about five minutes now and seemed perfectly content to chatter and babble to himself in his stroller, while carelessly shoving his fist in his mouth and sucking on it.

I couldn't help but smile.

Shrugging and quickly rubbing his hands together, Jake fell into a natural step by my side. Seeming a little unsure, he slipped his hands into his jean pockets and said nonchalantly, "Not sure. Thought I might just get the little dude to bed, then kick back at home, and watch the game with a Bud and some pizza," he said before turning to face me. "Why'd you ask?"

Biting on my lip nervously and clutching the spongy bar of the stroller in a vice-grip, I answered in a quiet voice, "Well, I just wondered...how you'd feel about doing all of that...but at mine? With me and Jaymie?" I offered hesitantly, while inwardly cringing at how pathetically lame I sounded.

Curling his lips up into a crooked smile, he asked, "You like the NFL?" while seeming genuinely surprised.

Out of all of that, the only thing he caught onto was me offering to watch the football with him? Typical man.

Chuckling as his enthusiasm, I nodded vigorously. "Sure do," I confirmed proudly. "Let me guess: you're a Seahawks guy?"

Jake shot me a confused look, causing me to laugh and point to Ethan's diaper bag.

Realisation flew across his face. "That? Nah, I can't stand the Seahawks. I'm a Redskin through and through. My sister, Becca, however, is a whole different story. She's the culprit responsible for bringing that monstrosity into our lives," he remarked, sounding considerably unimpressed, but his tone held the faintest of humour. "Personally, I think it's all part of her grand scheme to corrupt my kid and turn him to the dark side," Jake chuckled, while raking his hand through his short, black hair.

While laughing at his playfulness, I steered the stroller through the swarm of frustrated parents and hyped up kids, then replied, "So, you're a Redskin and Becca, your sister, is a Seahawk? Boy, I bet you had some fun times growing up, huh?"

"Fun?" Jacob barked sarcastically. "Becca tortured me relentlessly when I was young because we liked different teams."

"Poor little Jake," I cooed as I rubbed his arm sympathetically.

"You should feel sorry for me," he said sadly, giving me puppy dog eyes the entire time. "She used to purposely tease me about my favorite team in front of the older kids whenever I pissed her off, which was often, just so they would start on me too."

Perhaps it was mean, but I couldn't control the giggle that escaped my lips at the thought of this well-muscled, confident man before me getting bullied by his older sister because of his football team preference.

"You really brought it on yourself, you know," I smirked at him before casually averting my eyes to pick at a piece of imaginary lint off of my shirt.

"Excuse me?" Jake asked, his eyes narrowing into slits as he leaned towards me slightly.

I peeked up at him through my lashes, determined to egg him on a little longer.

"Well?" he demanded, hands on hips.

"Yes? Well what?" I replied coyly.

"Do you care to share what you meant by I brought it on myself?" he asked, a mixture of irritation and amusement evident in his eyes.

I shrugged nonchalantly as I worked to compose myself. I didn't want to laugh and let him off the hook so easily. After all, he did root for a sorry excuse for a football team.

"I just meant when you root for such a lousy team, what do you expect really?"

"Lousy? Did you just call the Redskins lousy?" he exclaimed, clutching his chest in mock indignation.

"Sure did," I answered simply. The struggle to keep the smile off my face and the laughter under control was getting more and more difficult.

"You wound me, Swan," Jake declared.

"Poor Jake," I cooed again, shaking my head in false sympathy.

Jake just blinked in surprise for a moment before his eyes narrowed at me mischievously once again. "That's all you have to say? 'Poor Jake'?"

"Yup," I said succinctly. I popped the P at the end, just like he was known to do at times, just to tease him.

"Uh huh. What are you going to tell me next? You're a Seahawks fan like my pain in the ass sister? Because if you are, I'm going to have to seriously reconsider this relationship," he warned. He stood directly in front of me now, his eyes smoldering with something I was almost afraid to identify.

My knees weakened a little at both the look and his words. This relationship? The way this man bounced back and forth between wanting a relationship with me and just wanting to be friends made my head spin.

Well, that and the fact that he was sex on legs who was currently invading my space in a very good way, and sending my hormones into overtime.

"Actually, I'm a Broncos fan," I explained, trying hard to keep the dripping hormones from my voice.

"Of course you are," he groaned loudly.

"What's that supposed to mean, Black?" It was my turn to question his statement and to narrow my eyes at him.

"I'm just wondering if your ankles hurt is all."

"And why would my ankles hurt?" I had no idea what he meant by that statement, but I was sure I wasn't going to like it.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that everyone seemed to jump on the Broncos bandwagon after Manning went to the team," he said, the sarcasm dripping with each word.

"I'll have you know, smarty pants, that I've been a Broncos fan since I was a little girl," I retorted, determined to wipe the smug look off his face. How dare he accuse me of jumping on the Manning bandwagon!

"That's what they all say," he grumbled.

No. He. Did. Not.

"Wanna run that by me again, mister?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing," he said as he waved his hand in dismissal. "I'm sure the 'he's so hot' receiver of theirs isn't a factor either."

"Do you mean Eric Decker?" I asked.

"Ha! I knew you'd know his name!" he exclaimed smugly.

"I know most of the players' names. What does that prove?" I retorted hotly.

"So...do you think he's hot like so many other women?" he whispered into my ear.

The thought of Eric Decker, although certainly a very good looking man, wasn't making me hot at the moment; instead, it was the husky voice and searing breath of the man next to me that sent my temperature soaring to dangerous heights.

"You're delusional, Black," I said as I stepped back from him slightly for fear if he said one more word, I truly would burst into flames.

"You're a bandwagon jumper, Swan."

"Care to put your money where your mouth is, smart ass?" I challenged.

"And how do you plan on making me do that?"

"That depends on your answer to my question," I replied.

"Which question is that?"

"So what d'ya say? Up for some company tomorrow or are you going solo?"

Please say you'll come over...

Beaming, Jake walked a little closer so our arms brushed together, then casually slipped his hand around my waist causing my skin to tingle. Good god... "Sure, sure, that'd be awesome."

Stifling a cheer, I performed a silent victory dance in my head and shot him a pleased smile. "You need to get anything for Ethan or are you all set?"

"I think he'd go for some milk."

"Okay, sure. We'll swing by the grocery store on the way back."

As we made our way into the crowded soft play room, Jake's fingers started to curl around my hipbone and pull me further into his side. Just as my black-haired goddaughter came into our view, he slowly lowered his mouth until his soft lips ghosted over the tender skin of my earlobe, and whispered huskily in my ear, "You know, if you wanted to seduce me, all you had to do was ask." He pulled back, winking wickedly.

Smartass.

Deciding I'd play along with his flirtatious verbal foreplay, I removed one had from Ethan's stroller and reached around Jake to cup and squeeze his ass. "Why would I ask? Where's the fun in that?" I teased, smirking, causing his jaw to drop in surprise.

Smiling smugly, I patted his ass and winked coquettishly. "Don't start something you can't finish, handsome."

~UH~

Several hours later, we were back in my apartment. The pizza had been ordered, the beers were cooling in the fridge and Jake and Jaymie were busy playing the Wii, while I hung out in the kitchen preparing a salad to go with our pizza and minding Ethan as my sound system played quietly to itself in the corner.

I went to work getting out my trusty cutting board and the veggies. Something about chopping veggies was extremely therapeutic for me; it seemed to help work out some of my frustrations as I drove the knife into the vegetables while imaging the piece of food was someone who'd done me wrong in the past. I wasn't a violent person, but god, did it feel good.

From my position in the kitchen, I had a clear view of the two of them playing happily to Just Dance. I knew for a fact that Jake had some moves as he'd shown them to me just last night. As they danced, I couldn't help but notice how drool-worthy his tight ass looked in those jeans as he expertly rotated his hips and followed Jaymie's lead around the living room. A small, wistful smile crept along my face as I remembered just how good those hips felt pressed against mine last night when he hauled me into his strong, muscular arms and danced with me without a care in the world on the sidewalk.

Biting my lip to keep me from moaning at the memory of it, I turned toward the sink to wash the lettuce, and allowed any impure thoughts of Jake and his delectable hips to be washed away, leaving nothing but good ol' friendship in its wake.

Good ol' friendship, my ass, I thought sourly as I washed the leaves.

As I continued with my task, I was jolted out of my bitter musing by the heartwarming squeal of Jaymie's giggle and the panty-dropping sound of Jake's husky laugh resounding through my apartment, filling it with all of the things it had been missing all of these years: comfort, happiness...love.

A deep, nostalgic sigh escaped my mouth as I thought back on last night and wished things had gone differently.

Maybe one day.

Maybe one day I'd have the family I'd always dreamed of, hopefully with Jake being a main player in it.

Although... judging by what he'd said earlier about being 'just friends,' I was starting to have my doubts.

Only time will tell.

Out of the corner of my eye, I discovered Ethan flashing me his adorable gummy smile, while babbling and blowing huge bubbles at me from inside his baby carrier.

"Baaaaaa!" he yelled rambunctiously, while smiling devilishly and waving his arms around animatedly.

He sure was his father's son.

Smiling broadly at the cute little boy over my shoulder, I quickly turned off the tap, placed the lettuce in the spinner to dry, before quickly drying my hands on the washcloth.

"What's up, little man?" I asked, placing the washcloth on the counter and approaching his grinning form. "Wanna keep me company while I cut these vegetables?" I said, gently squeezing his socked foot affectionately.

"Ah-ya-ya!" Ethan squealed loudly in response.

I took that as a yes.

Chuckling at the humorous little boy, I reached for the carrots and began to finely chop them.

"Atta boy. You know it makes sense," I praised him, winking, my smile intensifying.

In the living room, Jaymie was strutting around the wooden flooring, shaking her hips wildly to One Direction's "Kiss You", while singing her little heart out and making kissing faces at the screen (she had a thing for the Direction boys...unfortunately). My gaze shifted over to a relaxed Jake sitting happily on the couch. As my eyes trailed up his sexy-ass body, the air was instantly ripped from my lungs as our eyes locked, his deep brown ones heating up and burning their way into my psyche. All of that molten lust from just a simple glance? Magic Man was definitely too tame for him.

As the color rose up my face, I felt a trickle of desire pool between my legs. I wanted-no, needed him-so badly I could taste it. I needed to remember the way his full, warm and soft lips glided passionately over mine. My body craved to be enveloped inside of his strong and secure embrace as he held me as close as he possibly could to his body. And for a second, just a split second, I briefly entertained the thought that it might be fun to see if he could bring me to a climax just by giving me that smokin' hot smoulder, no touching at all. Then I realized, where would the fun be in that? I wanted-no, I yearned-to be touched, lots and lots of touching, and I needed it from that man right in there. I wanted his roughed, calloused fingers touching my naked skin so much the mere thought of it was driving me crazy!

Shaking off my instant horniness, I tried my hardest to concentrate on the veggies, the knife-the sharp knife-plus the little bundle of joy that was chatting happily to himself in his carrier, while making his own version of googly eyes at me.

He was definitely his father's son.

"Jake! Jake! Jake!" Jaymie chanted, breaking the charged exchange between the elder Black and myself.

"What's up, honey?" he replied, never once taking his eyes off of me.

"Come and play with me!" she demanded with a giggle, while rushing over to him and tugging on his hand before dragging him off of the couch. God, how I wished I had the nerve to say and do the same thing to him. But that was the thing with children of her age: they were fearless. I wanted to be fearless. I wanted to drag that hunk of sexiness into my kitchen, push him up against the wall and ravish him-and trust me, that was extremely unlike me. I wasn't a prude by any means, but I also wasn't exactly...experienced. I'd had two lovers in my lifetime; the first was ten seconds of my life I'd rather forget and the second didn't care about my needs, he only cared about getting himself off. And he made that point crystal fucking clear when he decided to sleep with my then best friend.

But when it came to Jake, I didn't want to be shy or innocent. I wanted to love and pleasure him the way he deserved, and in ways he'd never experienced before. For him, I wanted to be the sex goddess that I knew I had buried deep within, hiding under all the layers of mistrust and insecurity. I wanted to show him that I too could make him quiver and tremble just by a penetrating stare.

I wanted to make him come undone.

Briefly and reluctantly removing his eyes from mine, he turned back to Jaymie and lowered himself to her level. "Why don't we see if Bella wants to come and play with us? Huh?" he asked, smiling.

The little girl's wide and excited eyes snapped to mine, and her beautiful baby face formed a breath-taking smile. "Bella, will you play with us?" she asked, hopeful.

"Just let me get this salad finished and I'll come and play the game with you," I said in a compromise and with a smile.

I just needed a moment to gather myself and cool off.

Beaming, Jaymie jumped up and down excitedly, while tugging on Jake's cotton shirt. "Yay!" she cheered. "C'mon, Jake! Let's dance!"

I laughed quietly at the impatience of my goddaughter.

Poor guy didn't stand a chance.

I returned my attention back to the carrots in front of me and focused on them.

~UH~

Several songs and dances later, I put the finished salad into the serving bowl, throwing it into the fridge where I could grab some dressing easily and cutlery from the drawer next to the sink, then quickly took some plates out of the cabinet and placed them on the island ready for when the pizza arrived.

Ethan was resting contentedly and peacefully in his baby carrier. His big brown eyes were fixated on the hanging, multi-coloured tortoise attached to his carrier as if it were the most amazing thing he'd ever seen-and it more than likely was!

I chuckled softly and shook my head at the delightful little guy next to me, and continued on.

As I began the tedious task of cleaning the counter tops, I felt a familiar change in the air. This was becoming a habit and I was growing ever more attuned to the sensations he produced in me when he was near and drawing closer. My entire body grew tingly and shivery as I felt his gaze on me. I didn't know how I knew he was watching me, I just...felt it. Every cell in me suddenly came alive with the knowledge that he had his eyes on me, and for that short amount of time, I had his full attention.

His perusal of me and the way I could feel his eyes ghosting over my body, caressing every fiber of my being, soon had me drowning in an ocean of lust. But it was so much more than just lust. He was making me feel desired, wanted, sexy. The richness of the moment was drenched in the red wine of sensual, almost physical, touches. But they were only touches of sight and scent. How could this be such an erotic and moving experience? He was only looking at me!

If he could make me feel like this, like I was melting into a puddle at his feet from just one glance, how would it feel to kiss him again, touch his body...make love to him? How would it feel for his strong hands to actually touch my aching, quivering body? Would I simply implode in a brilliant flash at the first contact, or would I swoon into his arms and allow him to wrap me up in his warmth, arms encircling me in a cocoon of lust, affection and love?

Lord, I needed an ice-cold shower just thinking about naked bodies wrapped around one another, our limbs entangled.

Oh my...

My whole body was on fire with longing and hunger, and I wanted nothing more than for him to come into this kitchen, spin me around, push me up against this counter and kiss my starved lips so hard that I saw stars for the next month.

A girl could dream, right?

Ripping me out of my sullen thoughts of what may never be was the high pitched squeal of Jaymie's excitement sounding from the living room, as well as Jake's gorgeously sexy low and raspy voice, as they began to talk playful and harmless trash to each other. Clearly my little spitfire was whupping Jake's sexy ass, 'Just Dance' style.

I smiled, proudly. 'Atta girl.

"Wanna laugh at me kid?" he said more than asked in a gruff, yet teasing, tone. "This game was your idea. I told you I'm no dancer."

Is that so? The little voice inside my head said as I stood in the shadows watching them. Because the moves you put on me last night came from a guy who certainly knew what he was doing.

"Mr. Jake, you could dance just fine if you weren't staring at Bella," she pointed out, placing her hands on her hips in a protest.

My ears perked up at that.

Just how long had he been watching me?

And why did that make me feel so damn good?

Oh, I don't know, came the voice, again. Maybe it's because you're quickly falling for a man who clearly doesn't want to be fallen for.

Cue heavy, pessimistic sigh.

"That's where you went all wrong, silly! You have to pay attention to the game, not Bella!" she exclaimed accusingly, making me smile.

She needed this. Jaymie didn't have parents that would shower her with all of the love and affection that she deserved, she only ever had it with me. And that was why my heart was thumping in my chest like a freakin' jackhammer because Jake, without even knowing it, was giving her the fatherly love that she so desperately missed.

"What makes you think I wasn't paying attention to the game?" he asked, quirking his brow at her curiously.

She held up her small hand and began to count off her reasons. "Because you were falling on me. You weren't looking at the TV, and you weren't in time to the music!" she cried, thrashing her hands around dramatically to emphasize her point. "I think you want to be her Prince Charming," Jaymie said, knowingly. "Every princess needs a prince, Mr. Jake."

Uh-oh...

Suddenly the room fell deathly quiet, the only audible sound was the theme tune of the Just Dance game drifting out of the speakers on the TV. Jake threw Jaymie a half-hearted smile while hunched over, and placing his elbows on his knees. "You're very perceptive, you know that?" he chuckled lightly, while directing his gaze toward his boots, appearing in deep thought. "Where'd you get this stuff from anyway?"

"Disney films," she shrugged nonchalantly, and sat beside him on the couch Indian-style.

Now, my ears might've been deceiving me here, but I could've sworn I heard him mutter, "No, shit," under his breath.

"You know," Jaymie started hesitantly, while fiddling absentmindedly with the hem of her pink top. "If you like her, you should tell her. I mean, that's what the princes do in the films..."

Did I happen to mention that I had the greatest goddaughter in the history of goddaughters? Well, I do.

Jake was silent for a moment, his eyes were glued to his clenched fists as his Adam's apple bobbed furiously.

Was he...nervous?

Jake sighed dejectedly before peering up at her with resigned eyes. "If only it was that simple, kid," he mumbled, gloomily. "'Sides, what makes you think I like her like that?" Okay, so that wasn't quite the response I was hoping for, but I knew he was playing it safe, and I had to respect that. Even though it friggin' sucked major ass and hurt really deep down.

The wise little girl leaned into him conspiratorially, quirked a devious smile at him, and reached up and wrapped her little hand around one of his long fingers. The little sneak.

"The way you look at her, Mr. Jake. I think it's so romantic. It's the way the prince looks at the princess in the Disney movies. Like you want to protect her from mean and nasty men, and make her your princess so you can live in a ginormous pink castle and live happily ever after. You should tell her, you know."

"Trust me, I wish I could."

Jaymie's bouncy mood soon simmered down to nothing but a doleful sigh as she sat on the couch next to Jake, staring at the TV screen blankly. "Bella seems so lonesome sometimes. She doesn't seem to have any fun except when she's with me, and I'm just a little girl but I don't think that's quite right, do you, Mr. Jake?"

I stood in the doorway completely stunned.

How did she know that I was lonely?

I thought I kept that hidden...

Suddenly, Jake's head snapped to Jaymie's, his eyes darting to hers while his brows were pulled together in confusion. "She's lonely?" he asked, in a tone of disbelief.

Why did he sound so...shocked?

Jaymie nodded her head woefully. "Yes, Mr. Jake," she responded without hesitation, and my stomach clenched painfully. I couldn't believe she'd seen all of this. "I don't want her to be sad anymore." She dropped her helpless gaze to her lap while Jake sat next to her, looking like his mind was going a mile a minute.

After a few minutes of pure silence, Jake finally spoke quietly, "She should never feel lonely. She's too precious and special to ever feel like that."

She nodded her head vigorously in agreement, her silky bangs bobbed with the sudden movement. "Mr. Jake, what can we do to make her feel better?" She sounded almost desperate.

God, my heart was breaking. I couldn't stand to hear the sadness in her voice, and to know I put it there? Goodness...

He shook his head and shrugged powerlessly, while letting out a heavy sigh. "I don't know, kid. I wish I did."

Several more quiet, reflective moments went by, before Jaymie leapt from the couch like a tightly coiled spring being released.

"I know!" Jaymie yelled excitedly and dramatically, jumping up and down on the wooden floor. "Oh, Mr. Jake! It's the bestest idea ever!"

Jake chuckled softly at her abrupt outburst and turned toward her. "I'm sure it is," he agreed, still chuckling. "C'mon then, Squirt. What's this idea?"

"You should kiss her!"

I loved this girl!

Jake's jaw dropped, causing me to stifle my laugh. "Jaymie..."

"You need to kiss her! True love's kiss! That will make her happy again! You just wait and see!" she exclaimed in a sing-song voice.

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Uh, Jaymie, that's a sage idea and all, but I'm not sure me kissing your godmother is going to help."

"Why not?!" she grilled him, huffing and piercing him with her terrifying evil-eye. "Don't you like her, Mr. Jake?"

I quickly brought my hand to my mouth to cover my laugh. This girl was going to be a interrogator when she grew up. Could she be reincarnated from the Spanish Inquisition?

Jake squirmed uneasily under her stare. "She's absolutely beautiful, kid. I'd be a fool not to like her," he saved himself, smoothly. "But...it's complicated between us right now. I don't wanna make it worse."

Jaymie giggled and danced up to him. "How could you make it worse if she likes you back, silly?"

For the second time in less than twenty minutes, his gaze snapped to hers.

"She likes me?"

How could he not know that? Hadn't I shown that last night when I kissed him?

Men!

She beamed jubilantly and nodded her head vigorously. "Sure does!"

"How'd you know that? She tell you?"

"I know that because I'm a clever girl. And I heard my momma tell my daddy that she hasn't liked anyone since she fell out with that evil man. You're the first one." She picked up her Wii remote and aimed it toward the TV.

"She told them about me?" Jake inquired, puzzled.

Jaymie shook her head, never once taking her eyes off of the TV as she chose the next song they'd dance to. "No, silly! Momma said that the evil man did something really mean to Bella, so she decided she didn't want to have special friends anymore. But I know my momma don't see what I see. My momma don't know that Bella is sad, and I don't want her to be sad, Mr. Jake. I want her to be happy, like she was with you today."

"You think she's happy with me?"

"Sure do!" she beamed brightly.

Why did he always sound so stunned? As if the thought of me being happy with him was an impossibility?

Jake suddenly did something I wasn't aware he could do, much less ever had done: he blushed. It was the sexiest thing I'd ever seen. A hot, handsome caramel-skinned grown man blushing at something a four-year old had said to him? It was a stunning sight, and it melted my panties all over again. Christ, at this rate I'm going to have to take out shares in Victoria's Secret!

"Mr. Jake, would it be okay if we played something else?" Jaymie asked, politely.

"Sure, sure," he replied, the aftermath of the shock of Jaymie's words still showing in his face, and in his voice.

It seemed like he'd received all of this new information from Jaymie and wasn't sure how to make it into coherent thoughts, as if he was trying to piece together an impossible puzzle inside his head. I could only hope that he gave me the chance to prove to him how amazing we could be together before he decided to shut me out for good.

Jake was still looking down at his hands when Jaymie spied my previously hidden form out of the corner of her eye, and leapt off of the couch in a hurry and dashed over toward me.

"Bella! Bella!" she called, animatedly. "I don't wanna play Wii anymore. Can we play Princesses instead?"

At the sound of my name, his beautiful face lifted until those perfect eyes collided with mine, and again a raging fire began to burn within me and threatened to consume me as I watched his golden brown eyes turn to black. Never once breaking the connection as he stood from the couch, looking all sexy in his jeans and black cotton shirt, he made his way toward me, his eyes never once leaving mine. Jaymie stood between us, her sage, wise eyes darted back and forth between myself and Jake. A scowl of bewilderment and exasperation formed on her lovely features as she continued to watch our silent exchange, when something in my expression must've changed and given me away. It took Jaymie a minute to register.

Impatiently, she reached out and tugged gently on my jeans, soundlessly asking me to stoop to her level.

"Is that what you wanna do, baby girl? You wanna play princesses with Jake and me?"

My eyes were still connected with his as his face paled, and those brown eyes grew wide with horror.

"Yeah!"

"Uh, Jaymie, I think I'm gonna sit this one out. I don't think I'd make a very pretty princess," he told her, standing in the doorway with his hands in his pockets, looking considerably exposed and vulnerable.

"Sure, you will," I replied, baiting him. "Jaymie has mad skills when it comes to playing princesses...or don't you think you can handle it?" I arched my brow in challenge.

Jake cocked his head to the side dubiously, before narrowing his gaze at me and smirking. "That a challenge, Miss Swan?"

I had him. Hook, line and sinker.

"Who me?" I asked in mock-innocence, while placing my finger on my imaginary dimple. "Never. I was just curious to see whether a strong, handsome, muscular guy like you-" I inched closer toward him with each passing word, "-would be interested in playing princesses with a little girl like Jaymie. You know, seeing as it's her favorite game and all," I smirked teasingly, before reaching his body and gently patting his rock hard pectorals with my hand. Standing up on my tiptoes, I whispered seductively into his ear, "Besides, I think it'd be kinda sexy," before pulling away, grinning with a scheming smile on my face.

"You think I can't handle this?" he asked in a low, scratchy whisper, while pulling my body close and wrapping his arms possessively around my waist.

God, having him so close was a lethal combination of heaven and hell!

"Did I say that?" I goaded him, looking him directly in the eyes.

"You implied it," he shot back, before lowering his mouth to my ear and whispering in an erotic and sensual breath, "Baby, you have no idea what I can handle."

"So prove it," I persisted, huskily.

"Believe me, I will." His warm lips lightly ghosted over the sensitive skin of my earlobe. "Game on, beautiful."

He then turned, looked at Jaymie and walked towards her with a swagger that had me practically purring with lust. God, he was so sexy.

"C'mon then, Squirt. Do your worst."

~UH~

Half an hour later, Jaymie came bounding into the kitchen, squeaking excitedly, where I'd set up a makeshift office so I could mark my students' school books, and was happily sipping on a cup of hot chocolate. She screamed excitedly, "Bella! Bella! Bella! Come see Princess Jake!"

Chuckling at her sudden outburst, I set my pen on the marble counter and gently spun around on the stool to face the door, and awaited the entrance of 'Princess Jake.'

I gotta admit, I was totally unprepared for...all of it. The lengths to which Jaymie would go, and the depth of tolerance that Jake could demonstrate to satisfy a little girl and win a challenge from me, simply stunned me.

First, Jaymie marched slowly and solemnly into the living room from her bedroom where she'd worked her magic on Jake. She snagged gazes with me, barely containing her giggles, and proudly held out her arms, gesturing with her hands toward where the Princess Jake would be entering the area.

Finally, after too much delay and anticipation, Jaymie made her announcement.

"Ladies, and...well, um, oh, okay, um...Lady Bella! I am proud to present to you, the Princess Jake!"

She sang a "dum da da dum tah dum tah dum!" with her best presentation gesture down the hall.

Several pregnant moments slipped by with no results. Eventually, smile faltering, Jaymie huffed, scowled in displeasure, and took a heavy step or two down the hall toward the guest room, yelling loudly and impatiently,

"Mr. Jake! That's your cue! Come on out!"

An extremely masculine groan echoed around my eardrums, and after many more silent moments, a tall, dark-haired, handsome figure emerged from the hall and into the kitchen. My eyes instantly widened in shock. I was blown away by what this wondrous man was willing to do for this little girl who was only recently a stranger to him. My heart skipped several beats as I realized that I wanted my future to be tangled up with...Princess Jake's.

The first thing I noticed was the silver and pink gleaming tiara. It was a tad small-obviously. It wasn't meant to be worn by grown men! It was perched like a Christmas tree angel on the very top of his head, his hair spiking up through the combs that held it in place, and even protruding through the front of the device. It gave the impression of a dark brown fireworks starburst, spreading in many directions.

Then there was the intricately applied green eye makeup, rouge and the blood-red lipstick that coated his lips perfectly. She hadn't smudged the makeup once! I was thoroughly impressed with Jaymie's powers of persuasion, since it was obvious they'd been employed to their fullest potential. And dare I say it, but she'd actually done a pretty freakin' good job!

I lost my breath and fell even further down the rabbit hole of love when I beheld first the white gloves jammed onto his first three fingers of each hand, forget fitting them over his entire hands, then the hot pink and magenta layered tulle tutu that was pinned to his jeans. It was naturally too small to slip over his sexy slim hips, but Jaymie had secured it to the front of his jeans using several of her butterfly hair clips, creating an effect of fluffy beauty.

I couldn't help but bite my lip in appreciation as the hunk of sex standing opposite me sashayed and flaunted his new-found look toward me with the biggest shit-eating grin I'd ever seen covering his face. He winked at me, and then schooled his features into the regal presentation of a true princess.

A schoolgirl-type giggle involuntarily escaped my lips.

What the hell was that?! I didn't giggle! I never giggled!

Shaking my head at the utter weirdness happening inside of my head, I stood to my feet and slowly, observantly, and with a hint of hesitation, inched my way toward him. As I began my approach, I watched, intrigued, as his entire body became taut and solid at my closeness. The muscles and veins in his arms and neck contracted and protruded as his jaw worked relentlessly while his strong fingers were balled into fists. He was no danger to me; I already knew that, and it wasn't physically possible for me to be scared of such a gentle, loving and tender man. But what was he doing? Restraining himself? From what?

As my body reached within touching proximity of his, I, against my better judgement, chanced a quick glance in his stunning brown eyes. What I saw blew me away. There were literally no words. He looked pained, agonised and tortured. Those beautiful topaz orbs held so much unreleased, built up desire and raw lust, it almost seemed as if he would explode at my simple touch. I couldn't help the wave of glory that washed over my body as I gradually reached out and ghosted the palm of my hand over the warm, russet skin of his arm.

Instantly I felt it-the spark.

It was like a million bolts of lightening targeted and attacked my heart, and each one was considerably more powerful than the last.

"Bells," he whispered in a labored plea, his eyes clenched and his nostrils flared as he struggled to control himself.

Every time I touched him, my world was turned upside down. Everything seemed to fall into place: the reason I was placed on planet earth. Why we'd met. How I felt so strongly, and such a maternal pull to Ethan, in just a short period of time. And lastly, the way my heart instantly beat faster when I saw, thought about, felt, smelled, touched and tasted Jake.

He consumed my every thought. And I, for one, wasn't looking to change that.

While circling the man who made my insides quiver, I heard him take a sharp intake of breath. His eyelids fluttered to a soft, torturous close as I took my time to bask in the wonder that was him. He was fucking amazing.

Gliding my hands up his well-defined and powerful upper arm, I felt him flinch slightly at my contact. He stopped breathing for a brief second as my gentle fingers worked and kneaded their way erotically and sensuously over the soft cotton of his shirt and onto his broad, rock-hard shoulders. I closed my eyes as I continued my journey around his body, naughtily allowing my mind to conjure up images of how those resilient arms would embrace me and hold me tightly to his body as we made love. Or how sexily and fluidly his shoulders moved as he hovered over me, sweat dripping from his brow, his lips parted as tantalising moans of pleasure fell from his mouth while gazing deep into my soul...

Yeah, see, those are the kind of thoughts that were going to get me into trouble!

Snapping myself out of my rather explicit and impure thoughts of our lovemaking, I swiftly shook my head and continued around his body until I had come full circle. Trying to lighten the atmosphere that had suddenly turned tense, and was thick and heady with desire, I forced an amused and slightly cocky smile and drew my lips into a long, thin line. "Wow, Jake. Look at you," I said, motioning my hand over his body. "I'm impressed. Not many people I know can pull off that shade of lipstick, but you've got it mastered. It really brings out your eyes," I complimented him with mock-seriousness, while trying hard to hold back my laughter.

Jake tilted his head to one side, the tiara perched on his head slipped ever so slightly as he focused in on me and narrowed his dangerous and somewhat thrilling gaze. Folding his arms across his deliciously chiseled torso in a cocky, smug and impressed manner, he threw me that panty-dropping smirk and began in a strong yet teasing voice, "Is that so? Hey Jaymie?" he said, gaining the little girl's attention, while stalking towards me in an oh-so-delectable way that the mere thought of that body pinning me against the kitchen counter was enough to make me go insane. "It would seem Miss Swan here appears to find my...situation rather amusing," he drawled sexily, while backing me up against the cool surface of the marble, pressing his hard body against mine and placing his arms either side of my body ultimately trapping me.

Oh crap...

"How about we see if this lipstick works as well for her?" Jake's liquid voice breathed hotly in my ear, his nose lowering and skimming the slope of my neck, while his left hand moved to my hip and his fingers tenderly kneaded the skin there.

I groaned inwardly and sucked in and deep breath.

Don't lose it. Play it cool!

"Yeah!" Jaymie cheered loudly from behind him.

"Looks like it's gotta happen, Bells," he said smirking, with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Any. Last. Words?"

"Jake..." I warned, tittering and slowly sinking back against the counter while discreetly searching for an escape route.

"Get her, Mr. Jake! Get her!" my traitorous goddaughter squealed with delight.

His daring smirk intensified as he lowered toward me further, his sporty deodorant and natural woodsy scent leaving me intoxicated and breathless as he breathed a commanding whisper in my ear. "Run."

Squealing, I darted out of his embrace and high-tailed it around the island and into my living room, with Jake hot on my heels.

"There's nowhere to run, Bells, I gotcha cornered." He stalked toward me, laughing wickedly.

Slowly, we began to circle the couch dividing us. Jake's shoulders were hunched forward in a predatory manner as his thick fingers gripped onto the corner of the couch, and the corners of his lips turned up into that sexy grin that bordered on cocky that I loved.

"Jake, stop, this is ridiculous," I pleaded, laughing, while backing up against my bookshelf, seeking protection.

However, my plea for him to stop fell on deaf ears. If anything, my words of desperation encouraged him! Pushing himself off of the seat, he prowled toward me, removing the tiara and tutu and throwing them to the side carelessly, while shaking his head and simultaneously unabashedly running his gaze over my body. "You say ridiculous. I say necessary," he growled in a caveman-type timbre.

"Jake, plea-"

Before I could even finish my sentence, he darted toward me, swept me up into his strong arms, spun around and launched us onto the couch, causing his deliciously muscular body to fall onto mine.

He quickly straddled my hips and, knowingly or unknowingly-I wasn't sure which-pressed his sex into mine, while towering over my body and moving our now interlaced hands to rest on the cushion above my head.

"Jake!" I squealed in laughter as he smiled devilishly and, in a flash, dipped down and proceeded to scatter chaste kisses all over my face.

"Yeah! Go, Mr. Jake!" Jaymie encouraged the hunk of sexiness who was above me, pinning me down on the couch.

My cheeks instantly flushed with embarrassment.

I couldn't believe my goddaughter was watching this!

"Jay-Jaymie," I gasped in a flustered giggle, trying to form a coherent sentence while not being able to concentrate on anything but the feel of Jake's lips kissing my face. "Go into the kitchen and keep an eye on Ethan for me, please, honey."

Adding insult to injury, he freed my hands and began to mercilessly and relentlessly tickle me.

"But, Bella that's not fai-" Jaymie began to protest.

Locking his legs around mine, he had me completely trapped as I started to wiggle uncontrollably beneath him.

"Now, Jaymie," I commanded in a no-nonsense tone.

Huffing, she scowled at me and stomped off towards the kitchen in a strop. "Fine!"

I felt bad for snapping at her like that, but there was no way I wanted my 4-year-old godchild to see this!

"Oh my god! J-Jake stop! I'm going to p-pee myself!" I begged, panting and laughing hysterically, writhing and squirming beneath him, while struggling to push hard on his shoulders to free myself.

No avail.

"You can handle it," he chuckled unyieldingly, while his hands continued their ruthless attack on my body. "C'mon, Bells, take it like a man," he taunted, while smirking and blowing raspberries onto my neck.

Holy crap, that tickles!

"I don't see any men around here at the moment," I shot his gibe straight back at him, grinning roguishly. "Now move your ass before I beat it," I threatened teasingly, as the soft strands of his hair brushed my jawbone, sending shivers of delight surging over my entire body.

Jake halted his assault on my body, and snapped his amused and hooded gaze to mine. "Oh yeah? You gonna beat me? Bring it, baby. I'll show you just how much of a man I am," he vowed, taking a hold of my wrists and pinning them back above my head.

Oh so that's how it's going, huh?

Game on, Black.

"Is that a threat or a promi-"

I was cut off from completing my sentence by the rough, primal growl that escaped Jake's mouth, and the sudden feel of his lips pressed hard against mine.

I couldn't believe it...he was kissing me!

The force of his warm, soft and succulent lips against mine stole my breath away. Whatever else I was going to say had instantly evaporated from my mind. Nothing else mattered except the feel of this gorgeous man's lips on mine.

Sighing contentedly against his mouth, I began to move my lips experimentally with his, trying desperately hard not to overpower him and take control of this kiss. I had wanted this since the moment I saw him standing in the diaper aisle in Babies R' Us, and after last night and our talk earlier, I wasn't one-hundred percent sure that it would ever happen. But here he was, kissing me like he meant it, not forcibly, but with a trace of aggression and urgency. He kissed me hungrily and with an intensity that I'd never experienced before, and I fucking loved it.

The warmth of his firm lips as they pressed into my own seeped into my soul. The gorgeous and sexy man hovering above me was going to possess me completely very soon. At first his mouth remained closed, a simple presses of the lips. After a few seconds, he let out a soft groan as if his resistance had finally succumbed and he could no longer hold back from his plunder of my mouth. He swept his hot, wet tongue across my bottom lip. I glanced up only to see his eyes closed as he lost himself in the passion of our kiss. I parted my lips and, without delay, his tongue lunged in to stroke my own, caressing every spot inside. Another small moan came from deep within his chest, leading me to the feeling that he'd never experienced a kiss like this before. Neither had I.

Bracing himself on one elbow beside my head, he brought up his other hand to gently stroke down my cheek, neck and shoulder as he continued to hotly map the inside of my mouth. He pulled back just the tiniest of bits to murmur against my lips, "Bells, you're so beautiful. What did I do to deserve this?"

He again applied firm pressure, melding our lips together, as if he wanted to make the connection a permanent one. Lifting my hands to the sides of his head, I held him to me with all the heat of the moment as I whimpered with the desire to go even further into this frightening territory. He slowly moved his hand from my shoulder, down past my collarbone and around my ribcage to my waist. His own moans and soft sighs were telling me that he was as deeply involved in our lust-filled embrace as I was.

Demandingly. yet delicately, Jake moaned against my lips and slid his arm underneath my body and tenderly wrapped it around my waist, ultimately drawing me closer to him until our bodies were creating their own dance of desire. Expertly our lips moved together, his free hand ghosted up and over my body, the palm of his hand barely tracing the outline of my curves as he ran his fingers up the slope of my neck and held me securely in his grasp.

"Jake..." I murmured against his lips like a dream.

This couldn't be real. I couldn't be kissing the man that consumed my every waking thought. Nope. In a second I was going to wake up, alone and in my bed.

But I didn't wake up.

And Jake kept kissing me. His hands remained touching, grazing and caressing me as if I was the most precious thing in the world to him.

"God, you're so fucking beautiful...so soft..." he breathed fervently against my lips, consuming every inch of my mouth savagely, as if he simply couldn't get enough of me.

It was absolutely sensational.

"Bella!" Jaymie called out, bursting our perfect and serene bubble. "I'm thirsty, can I have a juice box?"

Groaning, Jake reluctantly tore his mouth from mine and dropped his head heavily into the crook of my neck. "That girl is as cute as a button, but she has the worst timing ever," he panted, his hot breath drifting over the skin on my neck, before placing a loving and intimate kiss there.

Chuckling, I ran my fingers through the short strands of hair on the back of his neck, bit my lip in appreciation, and answered Jaymie's question, "Sure, honey."

Chancing a quick glance down at the heavily breathing man lying on my chest, I smiled as I noticed his eyes were closed and his arms remained wrapped around my body, almost as if he was refusing to let me go. "I suppose we should get up, the pizza's going to be here soon. Plus, we have Ethan to feed and bathe," I said unwillingly, not really wanting to move as the tip of my finger stroked gentle patterns up and down his arm in a soothing, comforting manner.

"Do we have to?" Jake asked, pouting and tightening his grip around me.

God, if I didn't love this.

But was it real or just in the heat of the moment?

"Yep. C'mon, stud. Let's go feed the kiddiwinks." Just as I was about to maneuver him off of me, his hand cupped my face.

"I was right about one thing, though," he said, leaning on his elbow and using his free hand to stroke my cheek lovingly while gazing at me adoringly.

"What's that?" I asked in a hushed voice.

"That lipstick definitely looks better on you than it does on me. You look fucking beautiful," he told me with a confident smile.

I couldn't help the crimson blush that suddenly burst onto my cheeks, or the beaming smile that painted my face at his endearing words. Jake was the first man to ever call me beautiful and I was hoping and praying he'd be the last.

~UH~

Walking hand in hand into the kitchen, I glanced over at Jake whose eyes were already fixated on me, and the smile currently shining on my face intensified considerably.

Like the true gentleman that he was, he lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a tender kiss into the skin, making my heart race in my chest. I wanted to feel those lips on mine again, but I'd have to wait. I needed to go slow and on his terms if I wanted anything to come of this-and I did. So much.

Peering over to the fussing baby in the carrier, I reluctantly dropped Jake's hand and made my way toward Ethan. "Someone needs a change," I said to no one in particular.

Before I could remove Ethan from his carrier, I felt the sizzling warmth of his father's body as he discreetly-conscious of Jaymie-pressed himself against my back and reached out to palm my waist. "I'll take him," he said, burying his face in my neck and nuzzling me with the tip of his nose.

My heart instantly warmed at the progress we'd made in such a short amount of time. I still wasn't sure what we were exactly label-wise, but I was certain of the fact that we were definitely more than friends.

Trying hard not to lose myself in the sensational feeling of his striking body pressing into mine, I bit my lip to prevent a moan of elation for escaping my mouth and carefully lifted Ethan from his seat.

Cradling the teary-eyed baby in my arms, I gingerly lifted and supported his little head to my shoulder while soothingly stroking his back. "Shhh, it's okay, sweetie. I've got you."

"You sure you don't want me to help you?" Jake asked softly, while snaking his arms around my waist and resting his head on my free shoulder.

Turning my face ever-so-slightly, I flashed him a kind smile and shook my head while using my free hand to rub reassuring patterns over his lower arm and hand. "I've got it," I assured him, more than happy to change the little angel. "Besides, I need you to get that juice box for Jaymie before she goes hulk on us."

As I moved to pull out of Jake's embrace, he quickly tightened his hold on me and gingerly moved me back to him. "Everything okay?" he asked, concerned.

No, everything wasn't okay. I was in some deep shit with him, my emotions were all over the place thanks to a shitload of stress I now had piled high on my plate, and all I wanted him to do was hold me in his arms and tell me everything was going to be alright, but I couldn't ask because I was terrified it'd send him away.

I was scared, petrified that our kiss hadn't changed a thing between us. I was worried that he'd want some kind of friends with benefits thing from me, and no matter how much I liked him, I couldn't do that. It just wasn't me.

However, that didn't change the fact that I'd fallen for Jake Black and I'd fallen hard.

But was he falling with me? Or would I crash and burn?

Smiling half-heartedly, I nodded solemnly making sure to avoid his worried eyes and craned my neck up to plant a tender kiss on his lips, allowing mine to linger there a second longer than appropriate, but I just couldn't help it. "I'm fine, just a little tired," I lied, immediately feeling guilty for not telling the truth. "Why don't you go ahead and get out the salad from the fridge for the pizza. I'll be back in a couple of minutes."

And before he could stop me again, I marched toward the door, grabbed the diaper bag and quickly headed into the safety of my room.

Closing the door behind me, I snuggled Ethan into my neck and collapsed back against the door, sighing heavily. "What am I gonna do with your daddy, Ethan?"

Swallowing thickly and fighting the sudden and extremely unwanted feeling of anxiety in my throat, I pressed a soft kiss onto Ethan's forehead and pushed off of the door and knelt to the floor so I could change his diaper.

I spread his changing pad out on the floor before gingerly lowering the squirming baby onto the mat and setting to work removing his tiny bottoms.

Once he was changed, I gently threaded each chubby leg through the holes of the pants, while smiling broadly at the giggling little boy as he kicked his feet and squealed, happy now that he was dry and clean. Chuckling, I kissed his little socked foot, and I couldn't help but notice how much he looked like his father. His eyes, his nose and mouth were carbon copies of Jake's.

"You are handsome like your Daddy, you know," I cooed, lightly tickling his clothed stomach before picking him up and holding him close and breathing in his woodsy, baby scent. "Smell like him too," I smiled, planting a sloppy kiss on his little cheek.

"Can I have one of those too?" Jake's deep, throaty voice said from behind me. "Only I'd prefer mine on the lips."

I jumped tightening my grip on Ethan, causing him to protest. "Jeez, Jake. Do you have to be so quiet?" I chuckled, raspily.

Walking over to me, he held out his hands, silently gesturing for me to take them-which I did-and carefully lifted us until I was up straight and facing him. "Sorry Bells, the pizza is here. Just wanted to let you know."

I nodded, suddenly feeling shy and vulnerable around him. It wasn't that didn't I want him-I did, I was just scared of letting myself get too close and having him destroy any hopes for a future with him and Ethan. I honestly didn't think I could survive if I fell in love with him and he left me. It would tear me apart.

I was completely at odds with my own sense of self-preservation.

Jake must've sensed my hesitance because he lightly gripped my upper arms and pulled me into him, his concerned and apprehensive eyes frantically searching mine. "Bells, what's going on?" he asked, on edge. "You've gone quiet on me..."

Sighing, I moved into his embrace needing to feel his arms around me and buried my head in his chest, while being careful not to hurt Ethan. "I'm-I'm sorry I've turned quiet. I'm just...scared," I admitted, feeling utterly mortified.

"Scared of what, honey?" Jake asked, as his chin rested on my head and his fingers gently and affectionately tugged on a strand of my hair.

"You," I whispered hoarsely, burrowing my face further into his chest, and using my free hand to reach up and cup the back of his neck. My heart leapt from my chest as I felt his hot skin under the palm of my hand.

"Me?" Jake asked, stiffening and recoiling slightly, but his arms never left my body.

"Not in the way you think," I rushed to reassure him. "I'm just a little confused right now. You told me earlier that you just wanted friendship and then you compliment and kiss me, and I'm not exactly sure what it all means."

He sighed above me and dropped his head into my neck, nuzzling me with his nose. "Honey, if I'd known it would've scared you like this, I wouldn't have kissed you," he exhaled loudly, drawing me closer to him and kissing my neck. "I know I said that I wanted us to just be friends, but fuck, Bells, I can't apologize for doing something I've wanted to do since I first met you," Jake told me strongly. "But I don't want you to feel uncomfortable around me, ever, so if you don't want me to kiss you...I'll understand," his voice sounded so forlorn and...sad.

God, see this was what I was trying to avoid. I wanted his lips on mine. I wanted to feel his hard body against mine. And I wanted his arms around me, protecting and shielding me. Forever.

But did he?

"But that's just it, Jake. I do want you to kiss me, but I just..." I paused, licked my dry lips and groaned as I fisted his shirt roughly between my fingers, forcing him closer, if that was physically possible. "God, I don't know. I don't wanna push you into something you're not ready for. You've been through a lot, Jake, and I don't wanna do this with you and then several months down the line, you end up hating and resenting me because we went into this before you'd had a chance to heal."

"Bells, I could never hate or resent you, never," Jake declared, fiercely.

"Still, I think it would be better if we stick to what you suggested earlier and just be friends. Give us both a chance to heal and, if and when you're ready to take that leap with me, I'll be waiting," I said, hardly believing the words that were leaving my mouth. But he was right earlier, he needed to heal. We both needed to heal.

"You know, I'm starting to regret ever suggesting the whole 'let's be friends' thing," he huffed against my skin, while at the same time breathing me in.

A bristly chuckle tore from my throat at his words, and I shook my head in amusement. "Don't regret it, honey. You were right to say it. Just...just promise me one thing?"

"Anything, baby."

A smile crept on my face at the beautiful term of endearment. I'd always wanted to be someone's 'baby'. Now, however, I wanted to be his 'baby'. "When, or rather, if, you kiss me again...just...make sure it's for real and it means something."

"I promise," he pledged, without a trace of hesitation. "But you should know something about me, Bells. There will never be a time when kissing you means nothing to me. It'll always mean something to me, to us. And I wouldn't have it anyother way. I'm not the kinda guy who goes around kissing women for the fun of it. When I kiss someone, it's because they mean the world to me and I don't ever want to lose them. Okay?"

I wanted to cry.

Any fears I'd had about him just wanting me for a friends with benefits type arrangement rapidly disappeared. He'd said everything I needed to hear, and I wanted to cry with relief. Instead, I wrapped my arm around his neck held him close to me as my heart basked in the happiness surrounding us.

For the first time in my life, I was happy. Really happy. The kind of happiness people only read about in romance novels. A kind of happiness I didn't even know existed until the father and son in my arms came into my life. I had everything I'd ever need here in my home, and as long as I had them, I knew I'd never need anything else.

~UH~

Two blissful and perfect hours later, after the pizza and salad had been devoured, and kids had been fed, watered and bathed, I was perched perfectly happily on the couch nestled into Jake's side as Ethan slept soundly in the porta-crib and several soft, barely-there snores came from the snoozing form of my dreaming four-year-old goddaughter.

During the meal, Jake and I had agreed to forgo the game and let Jaymie have her daily fix of Disney movies by watching Frozen. However, what we didn't anticipate was her falling asleep less than halfway through the film.

I didn't care though. I was perfectly happy just to relax in the arms of the most amazing man I'd ever had the pleasure of meeting as the movie played quietly to itself.

"I hate this part," Jake's hushed voice whispered from above me.

Intrigued, I placed the palms of my hands on his chest and gently pushed off of him so I could look at all of him, and leaned back against the couch. "What part?" I mimicked his soft tone, while gazing contentedly into the depths of his striking brown eyes.

He sighed sadly, averted his eyes to my hand and licked his lips. "The part where I gotta leave you."

My heart and face dropped.

I'd been so relaxed in his company that I'd completely forgotten he needed to head home.

"Hey," he whispered softly, gently cupping my face with his free hand and gazing longingly into my eyes. "Where'd my smile go?"

"Sorry," I mumbled shyly, as one of his hands left my face and affectionately held my own. "Guess I just got a little caught up in our day together. I forget it had to end," I admitted, blushing.

"Don't apologise for wanting me to stay, Bells. Trust me, I don't want to go. There's nothing I'd love more than to stay right here with you, but I gotta get him home or he'll be up all night driving me insane," he chuckled humorlessly, eliciting a genuine smile from me.

I nodded in understanding, drew my lower lip into my mouth and bit down on it to stop myself from doing something completely ridiculous like crying. "I know. I guess I just wish I could've spent more time with you both. Today's been perfect."

"It has," he agreed, smiling warmly, before leaning in to kiss my forehead and helping me stand to my feet. "What are you doing tomorrow?" he inquired, pulling me closer and wrapping his arm around my waist and leading me toward Ethan's crib.

I shrugged and ran a hand through my hair. "Not much. I was just gonna chill with Jaymie, maybe have a Disney marathon and binge on junk food," I answered, chuckling. As you can tell, I will not be winning the 'Godmother of the Year' award, but I couldn't care less as long as she was safe and happy.

"Come to mine," Jake said in an almost urgent and hurried voice while bending over the crib to retrieve his sleeping son.

God, as much as I wanted that, I couldn't say yes without confirmation that this was actually what he wanted and not just a heat of the moment 'fuck-why-did-I-say-that' thing. We've all had 'em. "Are you sure?"

"Bells, stop over thinking everything," he scolded me gently, while hitching Ethan further up his chest so that the baby rested on his shoulder. "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't want you there," he stated, throwing me a pointed glance. "I want you there, Bells. Both of you. Everything you've just mentioned, you can do at mine. But I want you there. I need you with me."

My heart swelled at his breathtaking words, and I instantly found myself agreeing. "Okay."

"Good." Jake strolled over to me, being careful not to wake Ethan, and pressed another kiss onto the tip of my nose.

I couldn't help by smile at the intimate gesture. I loved those kisses. They were uniquely ours.

Placing his son into his carrier, he gingerly fastened the saftey belts and lifted it off of the table before turning around to face me and reaching for my hand. "You going to be okay getting her to bed?" He tilted his head over to the now heavily-snoring little girl on the couch.

Smiling at his kind nature, I linked our fingers together, willing myself to find the strength to let them go for the night. "Yeah, I'll be fine. You'll let me knows that you're both home safely, right?"

"Sure, sure," he chuckled, pulling me into his arms and burying his face in my neck before whispering sadly, "I gotta go."

Swallowing the lump that had built in my throat, I nodded unwillingly and slowly pulled back from his warm embrace. Christ, this was harder than I thought it would be. Harder than it should be.

Jake lightly gripped the sensitive skin of my wrist, preventing me from withdrawing any further and gently, lightly lifted my hand to his lips before slowly, savoringly melting them to my skin while murmuring, "Don't run away."

God, I loved that even though we hadn't known each other that long, he wasn't scared to call me out on my shit.

Nodding, I closed my eyes and sucked in a harsh, tortured breath as he lowered my hand and rested his forehead against mine while he delicately stroked my cheek. I pursed my lips into a long, thin line and gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry, Bells," he admonished gently and nuzzled his nose with mine. "Just don't run from this, okay?"

"Okay," I replied, earnestly.

"I'll see you both tomorrow?" he asked again, obviously needing reassurance.

I nodded again against him, while lifting my sad eyes until they were level with his lips. Glancing up into his uncertain ones, I tenderly cupped his cheek and said in a soft, reassuring voice, "See you tomorrow."

Smiling, he lovingly rubbed his warm cheek against mine before pulling back and opening the front door and stepping out into the cold, crisp night air. "I'll message you my address tomorrow morning, okay?"

"Better," I shot back, grinning. "Don't forget to let me know that you're home or I'll be up all night worrying," I fretted.

"Yes, ma'am." He smiled, slipped his hand into mine and squeezed comfortingly. "I really gotta go before I don't leave at all."

Lord, why did he say stuff like that to me?

"Go," I commanded chuckling and gently nudging him out of the door, but not hard enough to affect Ethan. "Before I don't let you go."

Groaning, he pressed one final kiss onto the tip of my nose before grumbling something under his breath and taking off into the night...and taking my heart with him.

---

So, what do you think? Are we glad they're speaking again? Happy they've kind of cleared the air?

My apologies for the epically long chapter but I really didn't want to break it up again.

Please, please review and tell me what you think!

Doing a little self-pimping here, but if you're into my A/H stories, why don't you check out my brand new fic Revive Me.

Thank you!Cat