Will contain graphic sexual content within the story. If this offends you, please do not read. I don't mean to disrespect the site or its moderators but trying to edit out all the lemony parts and revising the writing to make it fit without them was too time-consuming.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Everything belongs to Stephenie Meyer, the creator of Twilight.

It wasn't long before Sue offered to make coffee for everyone.

Charlie and Harry enthusiastically agreed. Billy nodded his confirmation. Jacob shot her a smile and thanked her.

Leah shrugged her indifference. Seth didn't hear it. He was too busy watching Bella. Jake tried to ignore him but he found himself tensing on more than one occasion. Something Bella noticed immediately each time and would lean in closer, pressing her upper arm against his to let him know she was there. And involuntarily, Jake would begin to relax. It was amazing the effect just her presence, her touch, had on him.

"Bella, would you mind helping me in the kitchen, dear?"

Sue smiled kindly and Bella smiled in turn.

"Sure."

She began to get up when Seth called out to her from his spot on the floor on the other side of Charlie.

"I'll help out, too, Bells."

Jake gritted his teeth at the nickname. It was one thing if Charlie used it. He was her father and truth be told, he was probably the first one to ever come up with it. But Seth? Nope.

Jake cleared his throat and stood up before Bella did, turning to his father.

"I'll be right back."

He swiftly walked out of the room, made his way through the kitchen, not stopping to answer Sue's questioning look and headed to the bathroom. He went in and shut the door, flicking on the light.

He knew he shouldn't let Seth get to him so easily. After all, Seth was just a young sixteen year old kid who had a harmless crush on his girlfriend. He shut his eyes tightly and laid his head back against the door.

Fuck. Could he call her that? She hadn't exactly said they were back together. Even though, he now knew she wasn't that involved with Cullen, he had no idea where he stood with her. He knew she loved him, she had said it, but she had also said she needed time. He sighed heavily and swallowed. God, all he wanted to do was just grab her, take her away from here and go somewhere like Hawaii or something and just be with her. That's all he fucking wanted.

He felt rather than heard two small soft knocks on the door. He knew who was there.

He didn't hesitate to turn around, open the door quickly, pull her in, shut the door, lock it, push her up against the counter and start kissing her like crazy.

He began to get annoyed when he didn't feel Bella kissing him back and instead felt her hands on his chest, pushing him away. After a minute of struggling to get him to draw back, she was finally successful. They were both gasping for air, staring at each other.

"Jake, we can't do this now."

He smiled wickedly and leaned in to kiss the spot right under her ear.

"Then why did you come in here then?"

Bella let out a couple of breathless laughs.

"You didn't give me much of a choice in the matter, if you remember."

He glided his tongue around the shell of her ear.

"Mmhmm."

She moaned quietly when his tongue darted into her ear.

"Jake, please. I have to get back out there."

He sighed and let his head bury itself in her neck.

"This fucking sucks."

Her hand started to rub his back gently.

"What sucks, baby?"

Jake's eyes flipped open. She called him baby. She had told him she loved him today, wanted him, needed him, missed him. Not to mention that she kissed him over and over. They were back together. They had to be.

"This. Having you in here like this but we can't do anything because they'll come looking for us. Not being able to kiss you or hug you or hell, even touch you or look at you too long, because they'll see us. And the best part? Having to watch some sixteen year old kid eye fuck my girlfriend every chance he gets and not being able to do a goddamn thing about it."

He waited for her to respond. He purposely put that word in there, hoping beyond hope that she wouldn't reject the title that he held open for her and no one else. The title that he desperately wanted her to assume once more.

She didn't say anything, just kept rubbing his back.

Fuck. He screwed up. He had spoken too soon and now he had fucked it all up. Goddammit!

Just when he was about to apologize, she whispered to him.

"Baby, look at me."

He hesitantly pulled back. Was she going to tell him he was wrong?

She gave him a small smile.

"Are you busy tomorrow?"

He shook his head and she lowered her eyes to his chest.

"Me neither. So why don't you. spend the day. with. me?"

She lifted her eyes up to his timidly. As if he would reject an offer like that. But, he couldn't blame her, this had been a very weird and trying day for the both of them.

He smiled warmly at her and reached up, stroking her hair.

"I think that sounds like a great idea, Miss Swan. A naughty one but great all the same."

She grinned and slapped his chest.

"I wasn't thinking naughty, Mr. Black. I was thinking we'd spend the day together and not in your bed."

"Well, that sucks."

Her mouth dropped open and she punched his chest this time. He couldn't help but laugh and pull her in for a tight hug.

"Kidding, honey. Kidding. Of course, I'd love to spend the day with you. It would suck if I didn't get to."

She drew back, smiling triumphantly.

"That's what I thought."

He laughed again, shaking his head, and kissed her once more.

A minute sooner than he would have liked, Bella pulled away and stepped out of his embrace. He groaned.

"Sorry. I've got to get back out there, though. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

He grabbed her and wrapped his arms around her again, this time moving her back into him.

He sighed loudly.

"I love you, Bells."

She turned and pressed her lips to his.

"I love you, too."

She smirked at him and moved away, back to the door.

"See you in a minute."

He nodded, reluctantly releasing her hand.

"See you in a minute."

She smirked wider and opened the door, walking through it and closing it quietly.

He sighed again and leaned back against the counter.

Well, she didn't scoff at the word girlfriend when he used it so that was a good sign. She wanted to spend more time with him. He smiled at the thought of having her all to himself the whole day tomorrow. Maybe he'd drive them up to Port Angeles, see a movie or something, take her on a real date. He wanted to do things right this time. He had fucked up royally with her and he couldn't lose her again. No way. He would make it up to her, prove to her that she belonged with him like he knew she did. Absolutely.

He shook his head slightly, chuckling, at her playing with him earlier. He loved seeing that side of her. He'd have to bring it out more often...

He turned and washed his hands to give him a couple of minutes before rejoining everyone else.

-DtU-

He walked back into the kitchen to find Bella reaching up into a cabinet to get small coffee dishes. She was on the tips of her toes and still she couldn't quite get there. He walked over, grabbed the dishes and placed them on the counter in front of her. She smiled gratefully at him.

"Thanks."

He nodded, smiling back.

He turned to leave when he saw Seth, sitting at the table, staring wide-eyed at Bella. Apparently, her shirt had ridden up her back a bit when she had been reaching. Jake frowned and stepped in the kid's line of sight.

"Seth, why don't you make yourself useful and go grab everyone's empty bottles and throw them away?"

Seth snapped to attention and his cheeks blushed when he saw Jake's scowl deepen.

"Uh, right. Sorry." He jumped up and hurried into the living room.

Jake muttered under his breath and turned around, grabbing the hem of Bella's shirt, and pulled it down to cover the exposed skin.

She turned to look at him, clearly confused.

"Huh?"

"Nothing, honey." He leaned in and kissed the side of her head softly before pulling away and stepping back.

She smiled up at him.

"Okay."

He smiled back.

Just then, he heard Seth and Sue coming into the kitchen. By the time they entered, he was over by the fridge, grabbing the milk.

"Bella, how's the coffee coming?"

"Almost done."

Sue nodded in approval.

"Good. Good." She turned to see Jake placing the milk on the counter. She smiled warmly at him.

"Jacob, dear, I haven't really had a chance to talk to you. How have you been? How's your job going?"

Jake shrugged as he grabbed the cream, too. When did Billy go shopping? He never had this much crap in his fridge.

"It's going okay. Kind of interesting, being on my own. The kids aren't that bad, though."

He saw Bella wince out of the corner of his eye. He wanted to roll his eyes at her. Like he considered her to be one of the "kids".

Sue placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"That's great to hear, dear. It's been so long since we've seen you."

He went to say something when he was cut off.

"And we could've gone a whole lot longer."

Everyone turned to see Leah, leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed, glaring directly at Jake.

Sue frowned.

"Leah. Be nice. It's Thanksgiving, after all. Let's not ruin this for everyone else."

Leah shrugged but smirked.

"Right, Mom. Let's not. I just came in to see if I could help since this is where all the girls are at."

She turned towards her brother and ruffled his hair.

"Right, Sethy?"

He smacked her hand away and glared at her before fixing it.

Leah chuckled wickedly and turned back to face her mother and Jake.

"So, need any help?"

Sue plastered a smile onto her face.

"No, dear. I think we have everything set. Thank you, though."

Leah nodded and then sat down at the table next to Seth. It was obvious she wasn't going anywhere soon.

Sue sighed quietly and turned to Jake.

"I'm going to see if anyone wants any dessert. I'm sure they're all stuffed but who knows with those men?" Jake chuckled and nodded.

Sue then turned to Bella.

"Bella, I'll be right back to help you carry everything out."

Bella gave her a smile.

"Okay."

Sue left the room but not without giving a warning glance to her daughter, who ignored it. Seth followed his mother, not wanting to be near his sister, crush or no crush.

Jake tried to busy himself, finding the sugar and putting it next to the milk and cream. He had a feeling Leah was just getting started and this was not how he wanted Bella to find out about his previous relationship. Bella moved next to him to grab the coffee pot and he caught a faint trace of her strawberry scent. It soothed him a little, her presence calming him. She moved away and began to pour the coffee into the mugs already waiting for her on the counter. He made sure to keep his eyes glued to what she was doing. He didn't want to meet Leah's murderous glare that he could feel burning into him.

The silent tension in the room was stifling. Bella spoke, trying to break it.

"How do you take your coffee, Jake?"

He lifted his eyes to meet hers. She shot a tiny smile at him as she continued to work.

"Um, just black for me. Thanks."

Bella offered him a cup and he took it gratefully.

"Really, Jake? I thought you liked it light and sweet now."

His eyes flickered to Leah's devilish smirk.

He added two spoonful's of sugar to the coffee mug.

"No. Just black."

Leah snorted.

"I don't know about that. Seems to me like you do."

He turned to look at her and saw her eyes snap to Bella's back and then to him.

He frowned and went back to his coffee.

"Nope. You're wrong."

He stirred the black liquid with his spoon, keeping his back to her. At the risk of sounding all elementary school, maybe if he just ignored her...

"So, Bella..."

He turned at the sound of her fake cheery voice. What was she up to?

Bella smiled at her and held up a cup in offering. Leah shook her head.

"Thanks. But I don't drink coffee. Only tea."

Bella lowered her hand.

"Oh, well, I can make you some."

Leah pasted a fake ass smile on her face.

"No. Thanks. I'm good."

"Oh, okay."

Bella turned around to place the cup down.

Jake narrowed his eyes at Leah. Whatever she was fucking planning, she needed to stop now. If she wanted to take her anger out on him, fine. But she needed to leave Bella the fuck alone.

She only smiled wider before bringing her eyes to rest on Bella again.

"So, Bella,"

Bella turned at the sound of her name, smiling.

"How do you know Jake?"

"Oh, um," Bella glanced at him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and then looked back at Leah. "Our fathers are close friends."

"That's funny. I thought today was the first time Charlie had been here in years."

Jake's jaw clenched. He was so close to telling Leah to fuck off. Only two things were holding him back: Bella and Leah's parents.

Leah shrugged but smiled more.

"At least that's what my mother had said."

Bella nodded, leaning back against the counter, near where Jake was standing. He could feel her nervousness from where she was. He so badly wanted to close the distance and brush up alongside her, let her know he was there, but he couldn't right now. They were both in Leah's cross hairs and he couldn't risk it. For the both of them.

The only thing that was getting him through was the thought that he would be with Bella all day tomorrow. He would make everything right then. He would touch her and kiss her, hold her, all he wanted then.

"So, where do you really know Jake from?"

Jake narrowed his eyes further. Leah wasn't giving up. He was about to say something when Bella spoke up.

"Jake's a teacher over at the high school. I'm one of his students."

Leah's smile dropped and she glared at Bella.

"Of what? Fucking?"

Jake slammed his mug down on the counter, sloshing coffee everywhere and making Bella jump next to him.

"Goddammit, Leah! Shut your fucking mouth! What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Leah got up and stepped dangerously towards him. He met her full on.

"What the fuck is wrong with me? Alright, I'll tell you what the fuck is wrong with me! Eight fucking years, Jake! And you just fucking drop me like it didn't mean shit to you!"

Jake felt his face get hot. He couldn't help but scream back at her.

"That's not fucking true! You left me! Not the other way around! And you fucking know it!"

Leah glared at him.

Sue hurried into the kitchen followed by everyone else.

"Both of you stop this madness now! There are other people here!"

Billy wheeled right towards his son.

"Jacob, enough!"

Jake's jaw clenched and he glared right back at Leah.

Sue stepped in between them.

"Alright, you two. You both need to calm down. You can't be making a scene like this. It's Thanksgiving for crying out loud. Leah, please accompany me into the living room."

Leah didn't move, her angry eyes not leaving Jake's.

"Now."

Leah dropped her gaze, turned around and left, with Sue and Harry on her heels. Everyone knew when Sue spoke in that tone, you listened. Seth followed them hesitantly, giving Bella a small apologetic smile as he did.

Billy frowned at his son.

"What the hell happened in here, Jacob?"

Jake tightened his fists at his sides.

"Simple. She was being her usual self."

"Jacob..."

Jake refused to heed his father's warning.

"No, Dad. She was being a bitch, plain and simple. She was trying to bait me by pulling Bella into it. And that's not something I'm going to let happen."

Jake hadn't even realized that he had stepped closer to Bella when he said this. He was now in front of her, facing his father, almost protectively.

Billy eyed them warily.

"Bells."

All eyes turned to Charlie who had a confused yet concerned expression on his face.

"You okay, kid?"

Bella nodded and cleared her throat.

"Yeah, Dad. I'm fine. I was actually just about to bring the coffee out. Would you like some?"

Charlie's eyes flickered over to Jake who was still standing a little too close to Bella for his liking. Jake could see that and he stepped back a couple of feet.

"Actually, Bells. I think I'm gonna skip. We should probably get going soon. It's late."

Bella nodded again.

"Sure, just let me clean up here first and then we'll go."

Charlie stared Jake down but Jake didn't look away. He didn't know why this man was suddenly trying to intimidate him but he had a sneaking suspicion it had to do with his daughter who seemed reluctant to leave Jake's side as he was hers. If he looked down, he was guilty. And he refused to lose Bella. Again.

Billy turned towards Charlie, a small smile on his face.

"Hey, old man. Let's head back in there before any more fireworks start. Leave these two to clean-up duty."

Charlie's eyes narrowed but he sighed and his expression softened.

"Yeah. Alright, Bells, just come get me when you're ready to head out."

Bella nodded and turned back to the sink. Charlie shot one more warning glare at Jake before walking out of the kitchen. Once he was gone, Jake's frown intensified.

Billy, who was watching him, spoke softly.

"Jacob."

Jake's eyes lifted to meet his.

"Son, can I talk to you a minute?"

Billy didn't wait for an answer, he just rolled down the hallway, expecting Jake to follow.

Jake groaned quietly and turned towards Bella.

He placed a hand gently on her right shoulder and whispered to her.

"Hey. You okay?"

Bella nodded and turned around to face him.

"Yeah."

He lowered his hand to her back and began to slowly rub it.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with that."

She shrugged and looked down.

"It's no big deal."

He could tell that it was a big deal.

He sighed and pulled her into him, hugging her and resting his chin on top of her head.

"Bells, this has been one of the best days and one of the worst days. Just...hang in there. For me. Please. And then we'll have tomorrow to ourselves."

Bella nodded and hugged him tightly.

He kissed her head, letting his lips linger there, and rubbed circles in wider arcs on her back.

"Just one more day, sweetheart."

She nodded again.

"Jacob!"

They both jerked at the angry insistent tone and pulled apart.

Jake realized it was his father down the hall, waiting for him.

He grabbed her hand, lifted it and kissed it before releasing it.

"I'll be right back, baby."

She gave him a small smile and nodded wordlessly.

He turned and made his way down the hall to his father's room.

His chest burned when he realized there was no light coming from that smile he had come to love so much. She was...upset about something. Definitely. And he had a pretty good idea what that something was. He cursed Leah under his breath. Fucking bitch. He understood she was hurt and angry, but really she did it to herself. She ended their relationship, not him. He just confirmed what she had already stated to be true. And even now, Leah was fucking ruining his new relationship, one that hadn't even had a fucking chance to breathe yet. He cursed her again.

But at least Bella hadn't pushed him away or told him to fuck off. That was a plus.

He stepped into the room and Billy was staring harshly at him.

"Close the door for a minute."

Jake shut the door behind him and leaned against it.

"What's up, old man?"

"I don't know. Why don't you tell me?"

Jake sighed.

"Look, I'm sorry about the Leah thing, okay? But she-"

"That's not what I'm talking about."

Jake's eyes narrowed.

"What are you talking about then?"

Billy snorted.

"I'm talking about what's going on between you and Bella."

Jake scoffed.

"Nothing is going on between me and Bella."

Billy snorted again and cocked his head disbelievingly.

"Are you really trying to put one over on me right now? You think I didn't see your little display earlier in the kitchen?"

Jake's heart started to race but he maintained his outward composure.

"Display? Really? What, me not allowing Leah to treat her like shit? 'Cause if that's the case then there must be something going on between me and Seth then, too."

Billy glared at him.

"Cut the crap, Jacob. I'm talking about this afternoon, your little conversation in front of me and Charlie. You two definitely knew each other. And it wasn't from her being a student of yours. It was more than that. Don't think it wasn't obvious to anyone with a pair of eyes and ears. Now, tell me...are you involved with her, son?"

Jake straightened up off of the door in exasperation.

"No! How could you even think that?"

"Son, something's going on between the two of you. It's plain for everyone to see."

Jake scoffed disgustedly.

"Yeah, it's called trying to make conversation due to the uncomfortable circumstances our parents have put us both in. And without any warning, I might add. For Christ's sake, Dad, you know me better than that!"

Billy sighed.

"Jacob, come on. I'm not as stupid as I might look. And more importantly, neither is Charlie. So, just tell me the truth."

Jake gritted his teeth.

"I'm telling you the truth, old man. Nothing is going on."

"Son-"

Jake hissed.

"Nothing."

Billy sighed and stared at him sadly.

"Okay, son. If you say so. But, I'm warning you. If Charlie finds out you're seeing his daughter-"

"I'm not seeing her."

Billy sighed again and shook his head.

"Okay. Not seeing her, then he's gonna have a canary. And it won't be pretty. Take my word for it. So..." He looked at Jake meaningfully. "Watch yourself."

Jake crossed his arms.

"I won't need to."

Billy held up his hands in defeat.

"Okay. I've said my piece. Don't say I didn't warn you, though."

Jake rolled his eyes and dropped his fists to his side.

"Great. Thanks. We about done?"

Billy lowered his eyes and nodded.

"Good."

Jake turned and opened the door impatiently, hurrying through it, hurrying back to Bella, away from his father's accusing eyes. He felt bad lying through his teeth to Billy but he had no choice. No one could know about his relationship with Bella. No one. Not yet at least. Not until they were in the clear.

-DtU—

Jake hadn't been all that surprised to find out that while he and Billy had been talking, Sue and Leah had taken the opportunity to leave. Harry and Charlie were talking quietly in the living room. Jake couldn't really make out what they were saying. They were most likely talking about him and his words with Leah before but he couldn't really care less. Seth was in the kitchen next to Bella, drying the dishes she handed him. Jake narrowed his eyes but took a seat at the kitchen table. Billy soon rolled past him, straight towards the living room without saying a word to anyone. Jake watched him go and then put his head in his hands, closing his eyes.

A minute later, he felt Seth clapping his shoulder.

"Don't worry, Jake. We all know how Leah can be. Especially, lately. So, don't sweat it. Mom and Dad aren't pissed at you if that's what you're thinking."

Jake opened his eyes and turned his head slightly, giving Seth a tiny grateful smile.

"Thanks, Seth."

Seth nodded, smiling happily and then went back to Bella's side to continue their work. Bella had her back to Jake, as she had since he walked in. Something was wrong. Again. Jake could see that.

He sighed tiredly and placed his head in his hands again, closing his eyes. Would this fucking day never end? Would they actually get through it, still somehow talking, still meeting up tomorrow?

"That's everything, Seth. Thanks for your help."

"You got it, Bells. Anytime."

A minute of silence passed and then Seth spoke up again.

"Ah, I'm gonna head back in. I'll see you in there in a bit."

Jake heard the footsteps fade as Seth kept his word.

He felt a small hand slowly start to rub his back.

"What's wrong?"

Jake let out another exhausted sigh.

"I'm just so fucking tired, Bells."

He opened his eyes, lowered his hands, turned and wrapped his arms around her waist before burying his head into her midsection.

"Just so fucking tired."

She kissed the top of his head and rubbed his back, now with both hands.

"Me, too."

His eyes drifted shut and his hands found their way to her lower back and started their own rubbing pattern.

It was amazing how a simple touch of hers could relax him like this. He was almost...at peace.

"Seth told me what happened with Leah. I'm sorry."

His eyes flipped open and he lifted his head to look up at her.

"What do you mean? What did he tell you?" He rested his chin on her stomach.

"He just told me-"

"Bells! You ready?"

They both jumped and Bella quickly stepped away, leaving Jake feeling empty and longing to have her back in his arms.

"Yeah, Dad!"

"Come on in and say goodbye!"

Bella rolled her eyes. "Okay! Be there in one second!"

"Make it fast!"

Jake didn't miss the impatient urgency in Charlie's tone and he knew his father hadn't been kidding. Charlie's suspicion was up and it was not going to be good from here on out.

Bella smiled at him and cupped his cheek.

"Hey, I'll see you tomorrow, okay? We'll talk then."

She kissed his forehead and began to walk away when Jake grabbed her hand.

"Wait, Bells. I don't..."

He swallowed hard. He didn't want to admit the next part, especially when she was leaving. He worried he might never see her again if he did.

"I, uh, I don't...have your...number."

He winced at the statement but stared at her hopefully.

She smiled wider, leaned down and kissed him. She pulled back until their noses were barely touching.

"Yes, you do."

She winked, smiling warmly, and left the kitchen quickly.

He narrowed his eyes and took his phone out of his pocket. He flipped open the screen and scrolled through his contacts. Sure enough, her name was in there. He smiled, wondering when she put it in. Must have been at some point the night before.

He slipped his phone back into his pocket and sighed. He slowly rose to his feet and trekked into the living room, not really wanting to say goodbye to her but at the same time eager for the night to end. Once it did, they were that much closer to having their time together. That thought alone was what drove him to take the final steps into the room.

-DtU—

After Bella and Charlie left, Jake waited a bit and then made his own excuses to leave. Seth pouted, hating to see him go. First, Bella had left. Now Jake. And he was stuck there listening to the older men reminisce about their younger days for the fourth time that evening. Jake just slapped him on the back and laughed.

"Sorry, kid."

Seth had rolled his eyes and grimaced.

"Yeah, whatever. See you around, I guess."

Jake nodded and then said his goodbyes to Harry and his father. Seth had been right. Harry and Sue weren't mad at him at all. How odd. Then again, they knew just how much of a bitch their daughter could be. Maybe that was it.

Billy had rolled to the door, seeing him off.

"Remember what I said, son."

Jake rolled his eyes and sighed angrily.

"Yeah, okay, Dad."

He hugged his father quickly and then left.

He reached his house in record time, went in, and closed the door.

He leaned back against it and sighed for what felt like the 934th time that day.

Thank God he was home.

He headed into his bedroom and changed into sweats and a faded old grey t-shirt.

He had had enough beer for today really, especially after last night. But he had room for one more. Today's events ensured that. Right now, he just wanted to sit back with a beer and relax on the couch. He seemed to be getting more and more into that pattern lately. He was going to have to change that.

He smiled when he thought of Bella. He couldn't wait to see her tomorrow, spend the day with her. He sighed in contentment. God, he loved that girl. He was so damn lucky to have her in his life. How fucking stupid he had been to push her away not once but twice. He shook his head. What the fuck was wrong with him? He needed to have his head examined.

His phone vibrated on the side table. He grabbed it and flipped it open. It was a text from Bella. Her ears must have been burning... Or head...'cause he was thinking about her...yeah, this was his last beer.

What do u want 2 do tw?

His smile got wider.

Anything u want baby. Its ur call.

He took another sip and waited a minute before the phone went off in his hand.

Ok, well, what time should I come over?

Anytime.

Could u b more specific plz? Like say an actual time? =P

He laughed.

How about 11? Is that ok? That way we can both sleep in a little.

Hmm. Ok.

He was about to text her a good night with a 'love you' when his phone vibrated again.

What if I came over b4 that?

Ok. Could u be more specific plz? Like say an actual time? =P

He chuckled at his teasing her.

He frowned when she didn't respond. Had he pissed her off? He was just joking around. He didn't care what time she came over just as long as she came over. Hell, she could be there at dawn and he would be fucking happy as a clam. He stared at the screen, impatience getting the better of him as each minute ticked by without the usual envelope icon filling the screen indicating he had a new message.

His frown intensified. Shit. She was pissed. Dammit, why couldn't this fucking day end already?

He was starting to text an apology when he heard a knock on the door.

He glanced towards the clock.

11:35

Who the fuck would be at his door this late?

He sighed in frustration and shut his phone. He'd send her a message in a few minutes after sending away whoever the fuck was bothering him at this hour. Any time after 10, a knock on his door meant he had a very intoxicated Embry to deal with or a worried Seth that he would be caught sneaking out and be grounded yet again, hoping Jake could vouch for him and smooth things over in the morning between him and his parents. Bella wasn't the only guest of La Casa de Black, that was for sure. That couch had seen plenty of action. Just not the kind of action he had been fantasizing about. With Bella.

He reached the door and opened it, expecting to see either the slurring swaying drunk or the jumpy begging kid.

He was mistaken. It was neither.

There Bella stood, giving him a wicked smirk.

His eyes widened and his mouth fell open in shock.

"How about now? Does that work for you?"

He took note of a backpack he had never seen before hanging off her shoulder by one strap. Behind her sat the black Jetta from a month ago, Angela's car. Bella had changed into jeans and a t-shirt with his hoodie on covering had forgotten he had given it to her. But the last thing his eyes rested upon was her smirk turning into a knowing smile.

"Why, Mr. Black,"

He closed his mouth, still trying to recover.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?"

He didn't know why but an image of the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood flashed through his mind.

'My, what big teeth you have!'

'All the better to eat you with, my dear!'

Except the roles seem to be reversed in this case, even though he was the one inside the house already.

She arched her eyebrows questioningly.

He snapped to attention and stepped aside for her. She smiled wider and moved past him into the kitchen.

He closed the door quietly and slowly followed her to the living room.

She was standing, watching him expectantly. After a minute, she started for his bedroom door.

He cleared his throat.

"Um, where are you going?"

She smiled at him.

"To bed. Where else? It's late."

He stood there, frozen.

She took two steps before turning around, grinning.

"Are you coming?"

He gulped loudly and she laughed before walking into the room.

Big Bad Wolf indeed.

He grabbed his beer bottle, finished it in three long gulps and went into the kitchen to throw it in the recycle bin. He turned out all the lights except for the one above the stove underneath the microwave in the kitchen. He made sure the door was locked and slowly made his way to the bedroom. He turned out the last light on the side table and grabbed his phone. He saw the night light in the bathroom giving off a very faint light to the room. He walked in and closed the door behind him. He turned around and gasped at the sight before him.

Bella was sitting up in his bed, leaning forward onto her bent knees, holding a sheet to her bare chest, giving him that smile.

He gulped again.

Oh, dear God.