When the door shut, I blinked. And blinked again. With cold fingers, I stripped my tanktop and underclothes. As I stared at the pile of cotton at my feet, I was acutely aware of the fact that I had stood in panties while arguing with Jacob in the hallway. Blushing hotly, I stood frozen in the middle of my bedroom. The rain continued beating abuse on the roof. Rumbling thunder had my shivers growing worse. A crackling streak of lightening had me flinching. My knees nearly gave out from underneath me, so I climbed clumsily underneath the blankets. I stared at the closed bedroom door. My heart was beating a rapid tempo along my ribs. My throat was dry and I kept trying to swallow. I wished desperately for water.

Time passed as I debated frantically inside my head. Twice, I threw the blankets back as if I would climb from the bed and go to the dresser for clothes, but I never followed through. Covering myself up to the chin, I counted backward from one-hundred and stared at the bedroom door as if it might bite me at any moment. Jacob came through unexpectedly and I didn't know why I was surprised I hadn't heard his footsteps on the staircase. It was odd how easily I could forget he was a supernatural creature capable of extreme abilities well beyond the average human man.

Jacob kicked the door closed and turned the lock while balancing a tray in one hand. With smooth movements, Jacob brought the tray and sat on the edge of the bed. He glanced down at the same time I did. I took in the two plates, heaping piles of food, small bowl of cheddar soup, and steaming mug of apple cider. He said, "I ate a few bananas before I came up. I figured you might be hungry, though. If not, maybe later."

After a pause, he carried the tray to my desk and set it down. He carried the mug to me and whispered, "Sit up. Your throat is sore. The cider will help, Bells."

Careful to keep one arm wrapped firmly around the blanket and my chest, I sat up. With the other hand, I took the mug and blew on the swirling steam. Jacob said, "I cooled it off for a minute before coming in. Should be lukewarm."

I took a tentative sip before humming. He chuckled, "Good?"

"Yeah." I sighed and took a large gulp. The warm liquid coated my inflamed throat. I was taking a second greedy gulp when Jacob casually put his palm on my back and began to rub. When he met no resistance from fabric and only touched cool skin, Jacob's hand slowed its movement. I tensed and his hand came to a halt. It hovered, unsure, at the base of my spine. His voice was husky when he questioned, "Bells?"

"I'm tired." I said right before taking another gulp and holding out the mug. After a moment of staring into smoldering chocolate eyes, Jacob took the cup and walked slowly to the desk. My courage rose slightly with his back turned. I quietly asked, "Will you stay tonight?"

"Yeah." Jacob replied just as quietly, "Hell yeah."

He came to the bedside, hovering for only a moment before sitting down atop the blankets. I watched as he swallowed heavily. I joked, "I'm frozen like an ice cube. Are you going to help me out or what, Jake? Where's my space heater?"

"Sure, sure, honey." He said with a small smile as he pulled the blankets back just slightly. I licked my lips and swallowed dryly. Blushing, I whispered, "Take them off. Your shorts."

Jacob inhaled sharply before standing up very slowly. His fingers brushed against one another nervously before he reached up and undid the brass button of his denims with a quick flick. His zipper came down with a rasping sound that echoed boldly. He croaked, "You going to watch, Bells? Didn't know you liked peep shows, but I'm game if you are."

My cheeks gathered warmth even quicker with each word. The hoarseness of his voice left his throat, floated through the air, and settled within my chest only to vibrate pleasantly. I licked my dry lips once more, keeping my eyes firmly on his hands, which were toying with the fly of his shorts. In one decisive move, Jacob shucked the denim off of his hips and let it fall to the floor. My breath hitched and my inner monologue of nervous babble ceased along with my heart beat.

Russet skin went on in a boundless pattern of masculinity. Jacob was made of deep, rich caramel skin with mahogany undertones. No artist in the world had a prayer of capturing that exact color on canvas. In that moment, I decided it was a crime against humanity to have such a work of art interrupted by the crude colors and fabrics of clothing. I wondered, if I asked him to remain naked forever, would Jacob do so. It was difficult to tear my eyes away from all of the deep, creamy skin on display. The divots and crooks of corded muscle were like mountains begging to be explored. Wildly, breathlessly stunning mountains that would provide adventure.

Once my eyes had lingered on the planes of his abs, I found my gaze going lower to where I had never had the chance to see. A deep-set V between his hips pointed to a nest of short, dark curls. A thick, long length jutted proudly from the cradle of his pelvis. A hefty weight hung low and dark between his powerful thighs like twin jewels. I blinked and Jacob muttered, "You're fucking killing me, Bells."

My eyes darted upward to take in his convulsing throat, heavy-lidded stare, and flaring nostrils. He whispered in his native tongue, just a single word, before sliding underneath the blankets and letting the fabric pool around his lap. The obvious bulge held my attention unlike anything else ever had in my entire life. Jacob's hands traveled across cool sheets as he growled, "Come here. Let me kiss you, honey. God, I just want…"

My movements were timid and I couldn't stop the tremor running up and down my spine. Still, I scooted across the cool sheets, trying not to blush each time the blanket moved a certain way, giving glimpses of my breasts. I didn't realize one hand was clutching the blanket to my chest like a life preserve until Jacob nuzzled my neck. He murmured, "It's just me, honey. Jake and Bells. Don't be afraid."

His hand, warm skin easing me, gently covered my own. His lips kissed slowly across the side of my neck. I tilted my head automatically with eyes falling closed. I sighed softly and Jacob chuckled. "You like?"

A nervous smile flickered across my lips. I blushed as I nodded just slightly. Jacob hummed under his breath, sending hot air across my ear. I shivered roughly and nearly bit my tongue as my teeth clattered. Jacob's long torso was stretched across the bed, bringing his lips to meet mine in a soft and simple kiss. I was acutely aware of how much space was between our lower bodies and how uncomfortable a position must be for him. It was as if each of us was scared to touch.

It suddenly hit me how ridiculous such a notion was. Jacob was Jacob. My best friend. My confidante. The boy who made me laugh and loved cheese sandwiches and offered me warm soda and talked about vehicles like they were works of art. The guy with talented, strong hands that were as gentle as they were rough. The son who dutifully cared for his father without resentment or reservations. The warrior who had his tattered childhood ripped away and yet still protected the weaker from monsters. Jacob. My Jacob.

Gasping quietly, I pulled away from his lips reluctantly. I peered at him in the dark, taking in liquid mocha eyes and a full, glistening mouth. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I whispered, "I'm great. I just want to be...close to you."

He eyed me before hoarsely asking, "Yeah?"

"Yeah." I let out a breathless laugh. My shaking hand slowly moved away from my chest. The blanket slithered to my lap, leaving my breasts bare and cold. My cheeks felt hot even as the icy air tickled the tips of my breasts, causing stiffened peaks to form. I heard Jacob's hitching breath, but the lightening had stopped and I couldn't see his face well at all. I was hopelessly grateful for the darkness.

He had done as I asked, smoothly sliding through bed linens until his thigh was pressed intimately against my own. I wasn't sure, but I thought he was trembling just as much as I was. The heat from his body was wafting off of him in waves and I wanted to curl around him just to obtain some of his warmth. I wanted to do something. Kiss his lips or his neck or run my hands through his short, silky hair. My mind and body didn't listen to one another. Instead, I stayed frozen. It took a prolonged moment of staring at his silhouette before I realized he was gazing at my chest. Instantly, my arm raised and I covered my breasts. Jacob's husky voice echoed across my bedroom.

"You're beautiful, Bella. Don't cover up. Not with me."

"So are you." I croaked. "Beautiful, that is. You're beautiful."

His chuckle was dusky and so achingly familiar, but it was the undercurrent of nerves that had my hand falling away from my chest once more. He leaned down slightly, nuzzling his nose and mouth against my ear. "I'm beautiful, am I? Not handsome or manly?"

"You're both of those, too." I whispered, hands fisting at my sides as open-mouthed kisses and slow licks accompanied his words across my throat. He was behind me now, having maneuvered so quickly and gently. His naked chest brushed against my bare back with every breath we took. Strong arms came around my waist and I gasped as his big palms settled on my bare hips. Thick fingers slowly began to massage my hips and lower back. His thumbs were pressed into the cervices on either side of my spine.

"If I do something you don't like, just tell me to stop." Jacob whispered in my ear before continuing his lazy exploration with his mouth. He was burrowing his nose into the nape of my hair, which was oddly pleasant. A giggle escaped my throat against my will. He chuckled before saying, "I love your hair so much."

"I think I can tell." I quietly replied, "You're always playing with it."

"Am I?" He mused while playfully licking my collarbone. I yelped and blindly swatted at his right thigh. My hand started to pull away, but I hesitated. I had never touched him there before and I was surprised by the firmness. I brushed my fingertips across the length of his thigh before pulling away quickly. He murmured, "You can touch me, Bells. Whenever and wherever you want to."

"Right." I joked uncertainly, "So…if I decided to make out with you at the next bonfire, where your Dad and my Dad could easily see us…"

"Bella," Jacob laughed into my hair, "You can stick your tongue down my throat at any time. I promise, I would never push you away. I'm sure our Dads have seen worse things in life. I know you, though, and you wouldn't do something like that in front of other people."

"So crude." I muttered even as my hand crept closer and settled once more on Jacob's bare thigh. It was thick like a tree trunk. The skin was curiously soft and without any bumps or blemishes. Russet skin pulled taut over very firm muscles. His thigh didn't jiggle whatsoever and when I pinched, just slightly, there was not even the barest amount of excess skin. Suddenly, I didn't want his thumbs rubbing so tenderly over my hips anymore. He sensed my mood because he whispered, "What's wrong?"

I cleared my throat and shook my head. Jacob's hands fluttered up my sides and rested on my tense shoulders. He began to rub my neck and shoulders gently. There was a moment of silence before Jacob asked, "Why are you upset, Bella? Is this too much for you, honey?"

I pressed my lips together, staring straight ahead in the darkness as he rubbed at my shoulders and pressed his cheek against the base of my skull. I mumbled, "You're pretty much perfect, Jake. You don't have an ounce of fat on you."

"It's the wolf gene." He said, "The height. The muscles. The heat."

There was a pause and Jacob added, "You're stunning. Seeing you naked won't change how I feel about you, one way or another. Trust me."

I made a noise somewhere between disbelief and amusement. More than once, I heard him inhale as if taking my scent into his lungs. The gesture relaxed me somewhat. Eventually Jacob blurted, "I've never had sex, either."

Startled, I tensed once more. He cleared his throat and said, "Wanted you to know that. I've, you know, made out with a few girls. Went a bit further with one or two, but I don't really have any sexual experience. I was scared that you…did."

There was a pause. I whispered, "Oh, Jacob."

And then, I let my hand rest atop his thigh. I gave it a squeeze. I heard Jacob swallow heavily before he explained, "I haven't done anything beyond feeling someone up. God, that sounds awkward when I say it out loud."

We both chuckled before relapsing into silence. Thunder could still be heard rumbling in the distance, but it was muffled. Rain pattered atop the roof, but it was soothing and soft. Jacob's fingers were still working magic on my shoulders and I slowly melted until my back was pressed fully to his chest. He maneuvered his hands until they were resting across my upper arms. His chin and cheek rubbed against the side of my head. We breathed together, bodies moving delicately.

A curious softness, far softer than the rest of his body, grew hard against my lower back once more. He wiggled, clearing his throat, body trembling against me. He muttered a swear word. My heart skipped a beat. My cheeks flushed, but I didn't move away. Jacob whispered, "Um. Sorry, Bells. Maybe I should move over…"

"How many girls have you kissed?" I asked curiously a moment later.

"Four." He replied hesitantly, "First time doesn't count because I was ten."

I snorted, "Okay. Three, then."

"Yeah. Three, not counting you." He whispered against my hair. My heart abruptly picked up in speed as I blurted, "I've kissed two. Men, that is."

There was a long pause. Jacob said, "Guess Mike Newton really is pathetic."

I replied in an odd mixture of relief and indignation. "You're a jerk."

"Sure, sure." He replied before cautiously asking, "Just two? Him…and me?"

"Yeah. You believe me, don't you?" I asked anxiously.

He said, "Yes, I do. Duh."

"You sounded skeptical to me." I replied dryly.

"That's because I'd always thought you must have…" He went quiet.

"Have what, Jake?" I asked impatiently.

He thoughtfully replied, "Have had a boyfriend in Phoenix."

"What made you think that?" I balked with my mouth open.

"I dunno. You're smart. Caring. Responsible. Funny. Beautiful, Bells."

I chuckled, "Oh. Jake, not everybody sees me that way."

"Then, they're idiots." He simply said.

I giggled softly, "Really, Jacob?"

"Phoenix has the type of weather that girls can show off in." He added.

I snorted, "Be careful or I might get offended."

"I only mean that you're beautiful and guys are bound to notice, honey."

"Nope. I didn't have many friends in Phoenix. Just study-buddies."

"Study-buddies? You mean kind of like we were study-buddies at one point?"

"Jealous much, Jacob Black?" I asked teasingly.

"Pfft. I have nothing to be jealous of with a bunch of skinny nerds."

I whispered somberly, "You're right. You don't."

I squeezed his thigh again. Jacob nuzzled my neck affectionately. I bit my lip before saying, "I'm different than other girls. I never wanted to just…be physical. I noticed guys' appearances, but I never cared. I never wanted them pawing at me or making stupid comments. I made a point to never respond to flirting. I was always on a different radio frequency until I moved to Forks."

"And all that changed." Jacob mumbled against my skin. He breathed in my hair once more as I nodded. "Yeah. It did."

We were quiet for a time. My fingertips drew patterns on his thigh and I tried desperately not to notice the odd contrast of softness and hardness pressing against my lower back. Jacob slowly said, "I'm like that, too. I didn't want to hook up with some random girl, you know? My friends always make fun of me for it. Quil, especially."

"I know." I whispered with a smile. "You have a big heart, Jacob."

He mumbled and the tone let me know he was embarrassed. I frowned and insisted, "No, you really do. You're selfless like that. You would want to know her, admire her, and love her, not just be attracted to her. Otherwise, you would be upset because sex without love would be wrong to a guy like you."

There was a stunned pause. Hot breath washed against my ear and caused my skin to break out in gooseflesh. His arms held me just a bit tighter. "Bella," He hoarsely said, "I've never wanted anyone the way I want you."

I sat up carefully as his arms reluctantly released me. I twisted at the waist until I was facing him. The position was uncomfortable, but I needed to look him in the eyes. I swallowed noisily before saying, "I love you."

Jacob's lids shut for a moment before he reopened them and gazed at me with dark chocolate eyes. He murmured, "I love you too, Bells."

The sound of the front door slamming shut and the jingling of keys let me know that Charlie was home. I cringed as Jacob laughed quietly. "He has horrible timing."

"He really does." I muttered, eyeing my locked bedroom door dubiously. With a sigh, I flopped onto the empty space beside him. I had one more eyeful below Jacob's waist before he casually pulled the blanket up to our chests. We turned to face each other, my hand underneath my cheek. Jacob was propped up on one elbow and giving me a stunning view of his pectorals and biceps. He said, "My eyes are up here, Bells."

Blushing, I glared at him. Dark eyebrows wiggled playfully as he grinned. Jacob said, "I don't blame you. This body is outrageously sexy."

I burst out laughing and Jacob clapped a big palm over my lips.