Okay a few things...
1. I had previously suggested that readers look up the fanfic author "littlefurycannibals" who has written some great pieces. However I have led you astray. Yes, the writing is excellant (not the astray part) but the author is "Littlefurrycannibals" (note the second "r") Sorry for the confusion.
2. A big Thank You to lionsandlambsinthemeadow who graciously offered to beta for me. Unfortunately I'm still trying to figure out the DocX feature. I can never seem to get it upload correctly and I've been too busy to devote much time to it. In the mean time, please overlook any typos and grammatical errors.
3. Sorry it has taken me so long to update! Writing a chapter each week is unrealistic given my other obligations. My goal is to do two each month until the story is finished.
Thanks for reading!
Jacob Black's Point of View
"Bella you cannot spend the night at Paul's." I said, nearly hollering into the phone. Paul had some nerve. He had gone above and beyond what Bella even wanted, and was building an alliance with her father. That was low and he knew it.
"So he's picking you up from school until you can drive?" I clenched my jar closed in horror as she responded "yes" into the receiver. Bella wasn't just some girl she was my girl. I had waited patiently for her relationship to dissolve with Edward, the bloodsucker, and Paul was about to ruin everything. Bella deserved me, she needed a guy that would watch out for her and treat her like gold. I am that guy!
"You and your Dad are having dinner at the Bennett botanical preserve, and Charlie likes the idea of you staying at Paul's while he and Billy are gone?" Somehow, saying the words out loud just poured salt on the wounds. If I was the space shuttle I would have just blasted myself to mars. I squeezed down on the number two pencil I'd been clutching, subsequently breaking it in half. The wood splintered through my fingers and lay in a pile on the counter.
"He went from being a complete ass, to wanting to be my best friend. I don't get it Jacob." Bella said quietly in response.
I got it, all right! Paul was right on cue. He didn't want to be her best friend. Paul wanted in her pants. Or should I say "panties". He had a way of manipulating those who didn't really know him, it was his best survival tool. Paul's problem was the "tool" part. Eventually he'd revert back to being a tool and then he'd be exposed for the imposter he is.
"Bella," I began "I'm coming over."
"Well actually I was thinking I'd like to come to LaPush tonight, I need to be home by ten though." Bella responded, her voice full of need. My heart pounded, the thought that she needed me was overwhelming. Bella considered me a close friend, but even before I had imprinted, I had regarded her as so much more. I had wished for Bella to be mine for so long, the very thought of her made my pulse increase, and my blood rush through my veins. Every moment I spent with her was ecstasy. Not to mention, her being with me meant time that she couldn't be Paul. An added bonus. I knew that I had to do everything in my power to prevent her from trusting him.
"But I'm still not up to driving, so you would need to come over, to pick me up." She said softly into the phone, sounding uneasy…as if she was putting me out. In reality, I'd run to her house and carry her to LaPush without objection. My emotions were doing summersaults of joy. I had seen her just the day before but now I missed her tremendously. There was no ride I'd rather take than to pick up Bella.
"Sure thing Bells, I'll be there in ten minutes," I said, trying to censor the desperation in my voice. I reached for my sneakers, and then hoped on one foot to put each one on while still holding the phone to my ear. I couldn't waste a second. Bella consumed my day dreams, my night dreams, and everything in life itself reminded me of her. My heart felt that it had a huge hole within it when we couldn't be together, and the emptiness grew the longer we were apart.
When I hung up the phone I hollered to Billy.
"Dad, I'm going to Bella's. I think we're coming back here though." The good thing about Billy was that he wasn't as strict as Charlie. I had two sisters who'd sewn their wild teenaged oats and broken him in. For that I was grateful. Unless I was to rob a bank, Billy was pretty passive.
"Hold your horses, Jacob!" Billy replied, wheeling himself toward the door. "I'll have you drop me off at Sue Clearwater's and then you're free to go."
Normally the delay would be sent me into a chorus of complaints, but I knew that since the death of her husband, Sue really needed the company.
"All right, let's make this quick old man!" I said, joking with my father as I wheeled him out the door and toward my car.
"I don't think I'll need a ride back, Seth offered to give me one," Billy said after I'd loaded him into the car.
"Seth?" I questioned, "Seth isn't even old enough to drive!"
Billy grinned, "Well not officially, but that never stopped you did it?" He was right. I'd been cruising around the reservation, mostly acting as my father's chauffer, since my feet could touch the pedals. I loved to drive, and pretty much anything mechanical. I never met an engine I didn't like, except the one that roared within Paul's Impala. He thought that car was the ultimate, but I found it obnoxious. Other than the Impala I was pretty easily awe struck. Big loud classic engines, or the cool hum or a performance motor…it was all a symphony in my book. The only thing better was Bella. I'd never peer under the hood of a car again if that was what she wanted.
When we got to the Clearwater's place, I rushed to get Billy's behind out of my car. He knew that I was anxious, and that made him extra slow. My Dad could be evil like that. When I finally did get on the road I had two things on my mind; Bella Swan, and keeping Paul away from her. I couldn't get to her fast enough.
The sun was just starting to set when I finally arrived at her house. Her truck sat silently under the maple tree. I made my way to her front door when I noticed; it was a bouquet of flowers laid carefully on her porch. Without question this was the work of Paul! He'd struck again. I picked up the bouquet to confirm. Sure enough his smell was all over them. They smelled like Paul's rust bucket Impala, his nasty cologne, and…ice cream? My nose wrinkled in disgust. I turned and tossed them into the woods, without even feeling bad about it. He'd do the same to me. All is fair in love and war. Since he'd convinced Charlie to let him chauffer Bella home after school all week, this was definitely war!
I knocked confidently on the door, and soon Charlie answered. He stepped aside inviting me in.
"Bella is upstairs, go on up if you want." Charlie said beckoning to the landing of the stairs. Once he saw that I had helped distract Bella from the loneliness of Edward's departure, Charlie had become a big advocate of mine. He welcomed me spending time with his daughter. I knew Paul was trying to worm his way into Charlie's good graces, but at least I was one step ahead of him. Charlie smiled and nodded toward the stairs.
Immediately I bounded up the staircase, taking three stairs for every one stride. Bella's door was open. I found her standing at the end of her bed, clutching some socks in her free hand. She looked beautiful, wearing a denim shirt that grazed her legs, exposing them to view. This was a treat in itself. Bella wasn't a tom boy, but she was far from a "girlie girlie". Seeing her in a skirt, especially one as short as this, was an anomaly. Her legs were shapely and muscular. They were the same shade of alabaster as the rest of her creamy skin.
She still wore her sling. It was like a bright blue billboard that reminded me I wasn't there for her when she needed me most. I was off with Sam when her life was in danger. My absence had caused Paul to step into Bella's life, setting in motion a second imprint. I felt riddled with guilt. Seeing her arm tucked neatly at her side only compounded the pain.
"Hi Jacob," she said, her face coming alive. I said nothing but wrapped my arms softly around her waist, being overly careful not to disturb the sling. This is exactly where I wanted to be. I wanted to be anywhere that Bella Swan was. Holding her in my arms made me forget the past and think only of her. It was bliss in the purest sense of the word. I inhaled deeply to smell the soft fruity smell that I knew to be Bella. I knew that Paul had been close to her, as his scent also filled my nose. I closed my eyes and put Paul out of my thoughts, thinking only of Bella and how nice it was to be at her side.
Bella shifted her weight in my arms, breaking my trance. I opened my eyes to see that she had a duffle bag on her bed. The zipper was open to reveal that she had packed it with some clothes…and toiletry items?
This was bad. She was going somewhere. She was leaving.
I felt a lump develop in my neck as my throat closed. My body tensed in anxiety and for a moment and I couldn't speak. Time was standing still and I knew that I simply couldn't exist without Bella. Imprinting caused me to think only of her, and this same force made my soul ache in her absence.
"Bella, where are you going?" I choked out. My arms still encircling her, I refused to let her go. If she wanted to leave Forks, I'd go with her. I would follow Bella Swan to the ends of the universe. I simply couldn't be without her.
"Um, to LaPush with you for a little bit. If that's okay?" she answered sheepishly.
The fear continued to brew within me. She wanted to go to my house so that she could tell me that she didn't love me. If Paul had anything to do with this I'd bury him in a shallow grave myself. His crazy mother could than plant a rose bush on top of it. Had she packed a bag to stay with Paul? I couldn't imagine that Paul was that smooth, though he did have a lot more experience in the girlfriend department than I did. Was she already wrapped around his finger? I'd like to give him the finger!
"Then where are you going Bella? You have a bag packed." I questioned, trying not to sound panicked, though I could hear my heart thundering in my ears.
Bella wriggled out of my grasp to face me. Her eyes were warm and deep, with an expression so beautiful it nearly took my breath away. She had a way of rendering me speechless, even without trying. Bella had no idea how beautiful she was.
"The bag is going with us, and then I'm coming back here. By ten o'clock, remember?" Bella replied playfully, smiling brightly. She turned and dropped the socks into the bag. Then slowly pulled the zipper closed with one hand. Before I had time to make further sense of her duffle bag, she spoke again.
"It's really nice to see you Jacob," she blurted out when her gaze again met mine. I nodded, starring into her face and enjoying all the comfort it gave to me.
"Yeah, it's really good to see you too." I answered.
I carried Bella's duffle bag down the stairs, expecting twenty questions from Charlie. To my surprise, they never came. Charlie trusted me. I had worked hard to build a relationship with his daughter. Though I had no idea why she was bringing clothes to LaPush. The sense of relief that it didn't seem to involve Paul was so strong, I decided I didn't need to ask. Maybe she wanted to leave them at my house for when Charlie and Billy were away?
"Be home by ten!" Charlie called after us.
"Yes Dad," Bella assured him as I closed the door behind us. I raced ahead of Bella to open her door and carefully helped her maneuver the seatbelt across her lap. It would have been impossible for her to secure with just her one arm. Being this close to her was heavenly. Now her scent filled my car. I hoped that it would linger after I'd dropped her back off.
The drive to LaPush was encouraging. Any tension that I had relating to Bella being attracted to Paul melted into the evening air. She recapped his appearance at her school, her crafty attempt to ditch him, and his juvenile stunt with her backpack. I loved it. The sarcastic tone in her voice planted a perma-grin on my face. Paul had made a real ass of himself.
"What is it with him anyway?" She finally squeaked, making a little fist from frustration with her free hand.
Oh yeah, I was completely loving this.
"Paul's just a dog, Bella," I said simply. She laughed. It wasn't a lie. Paul even knew he was a dog.
"Jacob, that's not much insight. You're both dogs!" Technically she was right.
"No one knows what goes on inside Paul's pea brain. His mother is a real nut, she's crazy…for real. Paul is his own kind of crazy. Just don't trust him, okay?"
Bella looked nervous. I hated the idea of him picking her up from school, but I didn't want her to think he was an ax murderer.
"I guess he likes to get a rise out of people. He does it for attention. If you just ignore him, he'll go away." I said. While I was still being honest, I was telling her like it was.
When we got to my house I reached over to unfasten her seat belt. I think she could have done it on her own, but it felt good to help her. Her chin grazed my cheek as I sat back up. The softness of her ivory skin made all of my nerves hum together in a sensory symphony. I became all too aware of my heart coming to life in my chest. It pounded in my ears, and I wanted more than anything for Bella to stay with me forever. Bella was my future. Where Paul fit into the mix was a mystery to me. I couldn't imagine myself with another woman, or not having Bella in my arms.
I helped her out of the car, and then grabbed her duffle bag. Now I was beginning to feel overwhelmed as to why she was bringing socks, toiletries, and whatever else was in her bag to LaPush. As we went inside, I had grown so curious I simply had to ask her.
"So Bells, what's with the bag?" I asked. "Are you planning on running away to join the circus?"
Bella blushed all over, but I knew it wasn't because of my circus comment. I think her teeth even took on a pink cast. Bella couldn't hide her emotions, even if she tried. Her creamy skin and her dark eyes always gave her away.
"Oh, yeah, that…,"she began "Well with my arm…it's pretty sore and all," Bella paused to swallow. I had never seen her like this. There was something she wanted to say but couldn't spit it out.
"It's just that it's hard for me to get dressed. Charlie had to help me this morning. You can imagine how weird…you know because he's my Dad…"
I had no idea where this was going. Did she want me to do her laundry? Not that I minded. I'd wash her clothes in my sink every week if she asked me to. I waited for her to continue.
"I want to borrow your shower," she said glancing toward my bathroom door. For a moment I thought that Bella was being careful not to lock her eyes with mine. Her behavior was growing increasingly strange. I wondered if her shower was broken and Charlie hadn't fixed it.
"Sure Bells, mi shower es su shower," I replied, trying to make another joke. Normally I was more witty than this. I gave her my widest grin. "But you know, if your shower is on the fritz I could take a look. I'm pretty handy with that kind of stuff."
I didn't think it was possible but Bella's blushing face turned an even deeper shade of scarlet. She looked like she had a fever. Bella let out a deep sigh.
"I need to take a shower, and I can't ask him. I just can't." her face was full of stress and she strained to continue, her forehead wrinkling in uncertainty.
"I need you to help me get undressed…and into the shower." she said quietly, nearly in a whisper. Once the words had escaped her mouth, her eyes immediately shot to the floor.
Uncontrollably I felt my eyes bulge out of my head. I would do anything for Bella. So many times I had longed to see her naked, or to even catch a glimpse of her nude curves. The recent bathing suit episode had peaked my curiosity beyond belief. I'd already wasted countless hours imagining what lay beneath that black bikini. I felt a lump form in my throat and I swallowed hard as I felt my muscles tighten. I had to be dreaming. The girl that I had loved since forever, my imprint, was asking to me take her clothes off. At this moment life just couldn't get any better.
Dear God, It's Jacob Black. Thank you!
Simply put, I was delighted to help her get undressed! What I wasn't delighted about was the sudden and seemingly obvious woody growing in my pants.
"I don't feel like I can ask Angela, she'd have to pick me up and her car is always broken. With Alice gone, there just aren't many people in my life that I trust." She concluded. A single tear escaped from her eye and rolled down her face, which maintained its color…a deep shade of red.
"I kinda miss my Mom a lot right now," she said before looking back up from the floor, "I just felt like I could trust you" she squeaked out still looking into my face.
Instinctively I stepped toward her, closing the distance between us. I reached up both of my hands, to cradle her face in them, while gently wiping the salty wetness away with my thumb. I knew that she must have felt a little embarrassed and I wanted to make her feel at ease.
"Bella, I have to help Billy with all sorts of stuff. I've been doing it since I was kid. This will be a piece of cake." I said trying to sound convincing. I was back to the power of positive thinking. It was also true. I had been helping Billy since I was a kid. However Billy didn't have breasts…and he wasn't my imprint.
"Thanks Jake," she said confidently leaning her head forward and placing it against my shoulder. Her good arm sank down my back and grasped me in a one armed hug. I carefully encircled her body with my arms and returned the gesture.
Bella Swan's Point of View
I felt very at ease with Jacob. What I had anticipated would be really difficult, and obscenely awkward, now seemed like it was going to turn out all right. I should have never doubted that Jacob would make my request seem perfectly normal. Lapush made me feel secure. Jacob made life easy and I always felt better here. I was looking forward to washing my hair and putting the camisole (I'd officially been wearing for three days) in the laundry.
I lingered in Jacob's embrace longer than I should of, but he didn't seem to mind. Lately I'd been thinking a lot about Jacob and his imprinting. The concept seemed crazy to me, but Sam and Emily were first hand proof that the legend was true. I weighed my options. Carefully.
If I were to lift my head and graze my lips across Jacob's chin, I knew that he would welcome my advances. Even before the imprint I sensed that Jacob wanted our relationship to be more than just a friendship. I wondered if perhaps that was simply the imprint working it's magic before Jacob even knew it was lurking. I was certain that if I had kissed him, even before my flat tire, on any of the days we spent together, he would have kissed me back with no hesitation. I flashed back to the night of my flat tire, and the memory of his lips on mine. I had been shocked, in awe actually. Nonetheless, I had kissed him back, and it was nice.
I also knew that I could pull away from our embrace and that Jacob would simply help me with a shower, all the while feeling that I could trust him completely with my naked self. Jacob wouldn't pressure me, or do anything to make me feel self conscious. He was the most reliable person in my life, other than Charlie of course. I had once thought that Edward would always be with me, but that seemed so long ago now.
My thoughts were interrupted by Jacob stepping back and immediately reaching for my duffle bag.
"Where do we start?" he questioned breaking the silence. I wasn't ready for our embrace to end, but I was anxious to get washed up.
"The bathroom, I guess…" I replied smiling.
Jacob smiled back. His expression was mixed with a combination of nervousness and confidence at the same time. I agreed. I felt comfortable with Jacob, but still nervous myself.
"Sure, sure. But my bathroom is kinda small Bells. Maybe you should sort through your clothes in my room and get dressed in there. It will give you…er…us more room."
I nodded and followed Jacob through the kitchen and down the hall to his room. The space was quaint and tiny, taken up mostly by Jacob's double bed. It was much neater than the last time I'd been in it. His bed was made and there was no laundry strewn about. Jacob unzipped the top of my bag after placing it on his bed, and then sat down next to it. I carefully sorted the clothes from the toiletries. I had even packed myself a clean oversized towel.
"The shampoo, razor, and wash cloth can go in the shower. Maybe you can put them in there and get the water started after I get undressed?" I suggested.
"Right." Jacob responded.
My shoulder was still pretty sore and I wasn't looking forward to taking the sling off.
"I'm going to need some help with this sling. It's my shoulder that you'll need to avoid. My arm itself isn't sore though." I said to Jacob, hoping that my explanation would better help him get my arm free.
Jacob's eyes shot to the blue sling. He eyed it for a moment before standing up.
"I should have been there for you, in the woods. I could have prevented this whole mess…" he began looking troubled.
"Jake," I began, "It's no one's fault, least of all yours. There is a fastener on the shoulder strap. Once we get that undone, my arm can just slide out of the pouch part."
Instead he concentrated on the sling and on being very careful. I clutched my elbow to my side to provide support when the strap released. Once it had, I carefully slid my arm out of the pouch and straightened it to my side. It felt good to not have it bent.
"You okay, Bella?" Jacob asked.
"Never better." I said smiling. Removing the sling had gone much more smoothly than I had anticipated.
Jacob Black's Point of View
I was so worried that I was going to hurt Bella I felt like I was moving in slow motion. So far she had assured me that she was all right. I wondered if she could detect that the muscle below my waist, which was steadily growing beneath my jeans. Bella wasn't doing anything particularly provocative. She didn't have to. Just being close to her and knowing that would be in my bedroom in her birthday suit set me ablaze.
"What's next?" I asked calmly, anxious to get this show on the road before I exploded.
"Two things. The button and the zipper on my skirt give me some trouble. Charlie had to help me this morning. Once you undue them for me, the skirt may be able to stay up on my hips, or it might fall to my feet. I don't know what will happen," She said.
"Okay. I'll keep my eyes fixed on your face," I said in an effort to make Bella know that I would do my best not be a pervert.
"That's very gentlemanly of you, Jacob Black. However that bathing suit from Saturday gave you more of peep show than my panties will," Bella replied with a giggle.
I couldn't help but laugh too. Her bathing suit had been pretty small. She'd looked stunning in it. The memory of her soft curves made my already warm skin increase in heat. I wondered if she'd notice.
"Right. Then it's your undershirt thing?" I asked, hoping to plan out every step so that there wouldn't be any surprises.
"Yes, it's stretchy. You'll need to help me lift one side up over my head and then we'll slide the other side down my sore arm so that I don't have to lift it," Bella explained. She apparently had this down to a science.
I swallowed hard, imagining her bare breasts popping out of the white fabric as I guided it over her head. I knew it would take every ounce of will power I could muster to prevent my eyes from wandering to her chest. I had drawn a picture in my mind of how they would look, but the promise of seeing them in person was too much guarantee that my eyes wouldn't wander.
"Once you get my skirt undone, I'll turn around so that I don't flash you when my top comes off," Bella said, her face turning pink.
I was an idiot. I hadn't even considered that she could turn around. The fantasy of Bella naked provided such a strong distraction I wasn't thinking straight.
"Then you can wrap the towel around me from the back," She said.
"Like a cape?" I asked.
"Yeah. Exactly like a cape." She replied.
"Okay." I said. There was still one very important piece of clothing that I couldn't leave to chance. "What about your underwear?" I asked finally.
"Oh, those. Don't worry about that. Arm or no arm I can squiggle out of those right before I get into the shower," Bella replied confidently.
The visual of Bella shimmying her hips and her panties falling to the floor sent any last bit of self respect I had straining against the front of my pants. She had to notice. I could have hung a flag from my manhood and marched around the room. I didn't have much time left. I needed to get Bella in the shower so that I could pour some ice water down my pants.
Immediately I reached forward and worked the button of her skirt free. I held the top of the denim in one hand and pulled the zipper south with the other. The room was completely still and only the sound of the brass zipper rung in my ears. In a second it was completely down.
Her warning had been correct. With no effort, her skirt immediately fell to the floor as soon as I released the fabric. Try as I may to keep my eyes affixed straight ahead they involuntarily traveled down her waist. I caught a glimpse of her belly button. It sat a few inches above the top of a pair of dark cotton panties, which covered her areas that teased my curiosity most. I fought to keep my focus, but wanted more than anything to slide her panties down her thighs, where they could rest in a heap on the floor with her skirt.
Bella turned around, and positioned her back to me. With no shame, or Bella to see my nosey glare, my eyes immediately went to her backside. The curve of the small of her back beckoned for my touch as it rounded the curves of her derrière. I wanted so much to press her body against mine, and to press my waist against her. Even fully clothed I longed to rub myself against Bella's curves in the hopes it might provide some relief from the mounting pressure in my pants.
"Jacob?" Bella asked, breaking the silence.
"Coming," I answered. I wished as much.
I pressed my lips closed as I reached forward and slid her shirt up along her back. Bella slinked her strong arm out of the camisole. Then waited for me to work the rest of her top over her head. I did so carefully and then slowly guided the white fabric down her sore arm. I was then treated to the visual of the girl I loved standing before me in nothing but her cotton panties. Even with her back turned to me the scene was more erotic than anything I had imagined, mostly because it was real. My mouth went dry.
I turned to reach for her towel. Bella stood perfectly still as I wrapped it around her shoulders and gently placed each of her forearms in my hands. There was no way I could resist touching her, even if it was through the towel. I felt Bella close the front of the towel in her good hand before she turned to face me.
"That was perfect Jake. Thank you. Um, do you think you could get the water turned on for me?" Bella asked casually looking into my face. For someone who had to know about my raging erection, she did a great job at pretending not to.
"Sure, sure." I responded, happy to have the distraction. I grabbed her soap and headed for the bathroom. I un-tucked my shirt on the way, pulling it out of pants and down as far on my waist as I could. Maybe this would help cover the offending extremity.
Sam had helped me to replace our water heater the summer earlier so the shower came up to temperature quickly. Before I could call for Bella she opened the bathroom door and inhaled the steam. She smiled and said:
"Thanks Jake. This really means a lot."
"No problem Bells," I said attempting to sound cool. "If you need your clothes off, I'm your man."
"Is that so? What if I need them "on" again?" she asked playfully. I hesitated and made a face as if to appear deep in thought.
"Well, it goes against the fantasies of young men everywhere. But I'm still your man." I closed the door behind me and then bolted for the kitchen.
Billy had made some iced tea this morning before going to Sue's. I whipped open the refrigerator door and poured myself a nice cold glass. I inhaled its coolness, gulping it in large mouthfuls and letting the liquid slide down my throat. Then I immediately poured myself another glass. I made fast work of this one too, all the while trying to focus on something other than the naked girl in my shower. This however, was impossible. In the distance I could smell Bella's shampoo wafting through the air. I tried not to let my thoughts wander, but the fantasy of Bella lathering her nude curves with soap began to play in my mind.
"Bella, I'll be right back. I'm just going to get some air." I hollered into the steam billowing out of the bathroom door.
"Okay!" Bella responded. "This feels great Jacob. I never thought I could love a shower this much."
I sat outside on my front steps for a moment, gathering my thoughts. I wanted to phase and run all the way to the east coast at top speed. There are few things that helped a wolf collect his thoughts better than a good run. The exhilaration itself is enough to make you want to stay a wolf forever. Unless of course Bella Swan was waiting for you back in reality.
Instead, I sipped my third glass of iced tea and cleared my head in preparation for Bella's exit from the shower. After a few minutes, and an empty glass later, I was ready to face my biggest weakness. Bella. I closed the front door behind me and was surprised to find that the water was off.
"Bella?" I called out.
"In here Jake." She called back from my bedroom. The door was closed and I stopped dead in front of it. I tried not to think about the fact that she was probably naked inside.
Naked!
"You can come in Jacob," Bella finally called out "I'm going to need your help anyway."
Slowly I pushed the door open to find Bella perched on the end of my bed wrapped in a towel and wearing a pair of stripped ankle socks.
"Hi." She said shyly as I peered at her.
"How long have you been out of the shower?" I asked, hoping that she hadn't been sitting there waiting for me. I thought girls took a long time in the shower.
"Not long. Just a minute or two. It gave me a chance to put on my socks and undies. But now I'm outta my league." She said smiling.
Bella held up a black undershirt which was much like the white one that I had taken off of her earlier.
"Same drill but backwards?" I questioned. Bella smiled and stepped up from the bed. She positioned her back to face me and without hesitation dropped the towel. Even the second time around this wasn't any easier. I had never seen anything as sexy as the backside of Bella standing before me in simple black panties and stripped cotton socks. I wanted to sweep her up into my arms. The thought of feeling her skin against mine was overwhelming. I could envelope her in my embrace and make her mine.
Her hair looked darker now that it was wet, and it seemed longer as it fell across her nude back. Tiny droplets of water still rested on her skin, which smelled of strawberries and cream. Carefully I slid her sore arm through the thin strap then stretched the fabric to fit over Bella's head. Once that was done she worked her strong arm through the other strap, and with my help, pulled the camisole down her back.
Without missing a beat she retrieved the navy blue dress from my bead and held it out to me. Bella stood facing me now, and looking more beautiful than ever.
"Same thing." She began. "This isn't quite as stretchy but it's kind of a baggy summer dress so I think it will go on pretty easily."
"But it's not summer Bella, won't you be cold?" I asked.
"Jacob, my arm is in a sling. I don't exactly have a lot of wardrobe options." She responded.
I'd hoped that this might be my chance to offer to keep her warm with my excessive body heat. But instead I elected to keep my mind on the task at hand. I took the dress from her and searched for the "head" opening. I was glad that I wasn't born a girl, the clothing seemed very complicated.
The dress went on easily, followed by the sling. Bella seemed pleased with my assistance, and I was pleased myself…at my willpower that is. Bella picked up her dirty clothes from the floor of my bedroom while I went in the bathroom to get her washcloth and shampoo. I returned to my room to find her wrestling, one handed, with her hairbrush. The hairbrush was getting the best of her. Though I had cut my hair shorter recently, I had always worn it long. I knew a thing of two about long hair.
"Bella, you're making my arm hurt just watching you," I said taking the brush from her hand and sitting on the edge of my bed. I pushed back as far I could and invited Bella to sit between my knees, but she sat next to me instead. In the end this was a better plan, in case my impromptu "flag pole" returned.
Starting at the ends I gently raked the tiny knots out of the base of her hair. Then I moved up to her scalp and slowly slid the hairbrush down her damp tresses. Her hair smelled amazing. I closed my eyes as the scent of her filled my nostrils. When I opened my eyes I could see that Bella's posture had relaxed and she was enjoying the attention. I inched closer to her, swiveling my body so that I barely brushed up against her. She could feel the warmth of my touch, and casually leaned into me. I continued to brush the dark strands of hair straight back, enjoying every moment of being with her. Next I began halfway down her scalp, brushing the hair off the left. It exposed part of her neck and her delicate ear. I continued to brush in the same direction, until the side of neck was completely exposed. She had cocked her head back slightly, indicating to me that wanted more.
This was all the encouragement that I needed. I pitched my body forward and grazed my nose across the sensitive skin on her neck. I could sense her breathing becoming more rapid and a low hum escaped her lips. I slid my nose back across her neck a second time, this time being sure to exhale my warm breath on her skin.
"Jake, I.."Bella began, and then trailed off. Hearing my name on her lips made my muscles tighten once again in desire. Unable to control the gamut of emotions pouring through my body, I reached forward and wrapped my arms around her waist, gently pulling her closer. I placed a soft closed mouth kiss on her neck and lingered there in ecstasy. Bella shuddered under my touch. I was in Jacob Black heaven. Here I was, with the girl I loved most in the universe. There was no denying that she was enjoying my attention as much as I enjoyed giving it to her. I had wished for so long to kiss every inch of her. Her neck seemed like a great place to start. We had all night.
I touched my lips to her neck again, this time opening my mouth after making contact with her skin. Then I went in for round three, eager to taste more of her skin on my tongue. Bella's breathing quickened once again and she seemed to pant softly as I continued to explore her neck. I tightened my hold around her waist, being careful of her shoulder. I moved my lips up toward her ear, kissing her warmly just under her earlobe. Bella melted in my embrace and sighed softly. I smiled. It was a wonderful sound, better than any car engine…ever.
I brushed her hair off to the other side with my hand, releasing more of her beautiful scent to my senses. Leaning forward I kissed the opposite side of her neck. Her skin was creamy white and beckoned me in for more. I just couldn't get enough of her.
"Bella, do you have any idea what you do me?" I said softly, still laying gentle kisses along her neck. Bella squiggled in my embrace, then swiveled her upper body to face me. She reached her strong arm up to cup my chin as she looked into my face,
"Jacob, tonight wasn't about teasing you." She began "It was about trusting you. I didn't intend for all of this to happen." Bella said quietly. She bit her bottom lip and her eyelashes aimed her eyes downward. I didn't know what to say. Bella regretted the way she had responded to my touch. I closed my eyes and nodded slowly. It couldn't be about me. Get over yourself Jacob. It had to be about Bella, and what she wanted. I had pushed her, and that was a mistake I couldn't make again.
My thoughts were interrupted by a warm sensation courting my mouth. I knew without question it was Bella's soft lips. Her kiss was gentle and warm, and then heated to smoldering proportions. I kept my eyes closed as her mouth opened and invited mine to do the same. She leaned her body into my chest and I reclined onto the bed allowing her to rest her upper body on my chest.
She was aggressive and erotic, her kiss deepening once again. She lifted her knee to better balance her body allowing her hips to brush against the hard mass growing under my jeans. This time I moaned softly. I couldn't believe it. Bella Swan was kissing me. My heart just about leapt from my chest and imaginary choruses sang choirs of "Hallelujah" in the background. Bella had made the first move this time, as she lay atop me. Her lips, still moving with mine. What a move it was!
When Bella finally broke her spell and lifted her head, she gazed intently into my eyes. A casual smile spread slightly across her mouth. I wanted more. I wanted all of her.
"Jacob," she began in a very sincere sounding voice, "I don't think we can be friends anymore."
Bella was right. We had moved way beyond friendship. She was finally seeing me as a man who could protect her, admire her, and love her.
"It's about damn time, Bella," I said playfully.
Okay Jacob fans, I hope this will satisfy you. Be fore warned, more Paul is on the way though! Don't forget to review.
