I do not own Twilight

TEN

If Jacob's story didn't sober Leah up, she didn't know what would. They'd moved to the bed and she'd wrapped herself around Jacob as he tried to calm down. He'd started shaking like a leaf, but reassured her that it would pass once he rested. Leah would never have pegged him for someone who got panic attacks. Not only was he young, but genuinely so upbeat. But she understood why, who wouldn't panic in a situation like this? He was stressed with so much responsibilities and worrying about so many things that could go wrong.

She couldn't believe that Bella would threaten him like that. While she understood that Jacob wasn't the girl's father, he still was. Bella shouldn't try to rip them apart. Shared custody seemed logical, at least maybe until Nessie decided otherwise. Bella was cruel for tricking Jacob into fatherhood and marriage when she didn't even love him. It was unforgiveable, Seth had been right. Leah felt more protective of Jacob than ever before.

It was funny how the night had turned out. They'd both taken turns at falling apart and comforting the other. They'd gotten their burdens off their shoulders, they'd faced their truths as well as their fears. It was after ten now and Leah knew they both needed to head home, but she just didn't want to stop holding him. He was so warm and he smelled so good. She couldn't deny it to herself anymore. She was seriously attracted to this man. She wanted more. They'd become so close in such a short amount of time and although she had enforced just being friends, she found herself craving Jacob's touch, beyond the platonic kiss to the cheek or touch to her back or arm. She wanted to be with him.

Jacob turned over and looked at her. "I'm better now."

"Can you drive?"

He nodded. "I'm good. You?"

"Yeah." Leah reached over and ran her hand through his hair, noticing that there was nothing there. "You cut your hair?!" she cried in shock. She was so used to it being pulled back but how had she not even noticed it was completely gone?

"Yeap, it was time for a change. I've got an older, hott dentist to impress now, can't look so scruffy and young anymore yuh know?" he teased.

His face certainly was more mature now, he looked older. The short hair suited him too. But Leah had loved his long hair too. "Don't be silly Jake, I loved your hair before. You didn't need to do that because of me."

"Well, too late now," he smiled.

"Maybe I should cut mine, I could use a change too," Leah mused. She could take on doing something reckless.

"Oh no you don't missy, I love your hair, it's beautiful." Jacob reached behind her head and played with the knot until her hair tumbled down around her shoulders. He fingered the strands for a few moments before meeting her gaze. "You're so beautiful Leah."

Leah couldn't help but melt inside. It had been too long since a man had made her feel this way, wanted. She didn't second guess herself as she leaned over and pressed her lips to his, welcoming the warmth and electricity that surged through her upon contact. She'd never felt anything like this before. Sam's lips had never felt like this before, like they were made to touch hers. Her hand slid up his chest and Leah explored the hard muscles of his biceps as he cupped the sides of her face and deepened his exploration of her mouth. Leah moaned as Jacob pulled her closer, hitching her leg across his mid-section where she felt his erection pressing against his jeans.

"Leah," he whispered against her mouth. She had been grinding against him and hadn't even realized what she was doing. His hand cupped her upper leg, just beneath her butt, forcing her to stop. "Leah I want you, but I know this might be too rushed, we better stop honey."

Leah groaned and pulled away. He was right of course. They were both a tangled mess of emotions. As much as she wanted to feel the touch of a man between her thighs she didn't want to do this with Sam's hurt so close to the surface. She wanted their first time to be just them. And she knew now without a doubt that it was going to happen.

"We better go."

She allowed him to pull her up from the bed and Jacob wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her lips again. "I don't want to stop doing this Lee. Please tell me that you want to try now." The pleading look in his eyes wasn't pathetic, but sincere.

Leah smiled and nodded. "I do. I want to be with you Jake, but I want to take my time."

He smiled and claimed her lips once more, lifting her off her feet with a low rumble of happiness in his chest. The sensation was instantly overwhelming again. Leah's legs felt weak and she was grateful to have his strong arms holding her up as she struggled to maintain her grip on his neck. No man should have the power to kiss a woman like this. It felt like a sin.

Coming up for air they released one another and just stood there getting lost in each other's eyes until Leah broke the spell. "Thanks for coming to my rescue yet again Mr. Black."

"Anything for you Doctor Uley. Just call me okay? Don't go through this alone. You got me, and I got you now. We'll be okay, I promise I'll make you happy."

"You already make me happy Jake. It scares me how much. Things are so simple when I'm with you, like there's nothing to worry about."

"Good, because there isn't."

Leah gathered her things and they closed the door and walked to the elevator. Once inside Jacob pulled her against him again as he leaned against the wall.

"Dinner at my place tomorrow night?" he asked while nibbling her ear.

"Sure."

"Don't forget you need to bring a recipe to bake cookies. I'll grab the ingredients."

"Sure thing Chief," Leah teased as she kissed his lips one more time just as the elevator doors pulled open. Her head was giddy with this sudden turn in her relationship with Jacob, but she felt confident. She felt ready. Jacob was right, when you knew, you knew, and the pain and fear and doubts were pushed aside. Tonight had been just what she needed to – to let a part of her die and heal again.

Leah made it home in one piece, and didn't think even once about Sam as she got into her own bed and went back to sleep.

She woke up with a slight headache, but nothing that would keep her from going to the office. She roamed through her walk-in closet and selected a red pencil skirt and a black and white polka dot blouse, with black pumps. She took her time with her make-up and tied her hair up as always, since she couldn't have it all over her shoulders while leaning into people's mouths.

Seth called her on her drive to work. "I'm okay Sethy, I promise. Jake took care of everything, made sure I got home alright."

"Wow. He sounded so scared when I talked to him Leah. Do you realize how much he likes you? Honestly I think he's past the 'like' stage by now."

Leah took a deep breath and shook the nerves off. "We like each other a lot Seth, let's not get ahead of ourselves okay. Jacob knows I need to take this slow."

"Yeah, I know he does. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love you."

"Seth, are you trying to freak me out? He hasn't known me long enough to feel that way."

"No sis, I was just concerned."

"Well stop it okay. Jacob doesn't love me. Not yet, not now. He needs to focus on Nessie and the time-" Leah stopped herself before she could spill the beans.

"It's okay, I know. All the guys know. Bella's taking her from him after Christmas."

"God, I can't believe that woman Seth! Nessie's his child!"

"Well, she's Edward's too. Things are pretty messed up between them but I have faith that Nessie will make them see that they have to share custody. I'm hoping that she'll miss Jake so much that they let him have visitation rights."

"Jake should fight for it."

"He doesn't have the money Lee. He's got his pockets stretched in every direction. Do you know that he takes the lowest pay at the shop, just so Embry and Jared could have a good salary? He owns the place and doesn't even make enough money to do anything extra. He pays all the bills for his dad and helps the guys at school, he has Nessie. Honestly, having Edward and Bella take her will help him out."

"Don't you dare say that to his face Seth!" Leah growled. She knew Jake would live in a box if it meant that his child stayed at home.

"I'd never Leah! But it's what's best for Ness too. He needs help."

"Well, he has me now." Leah found herself saying. She heard herself say it and realized that it was true.

"What? Lee, what are you saying?"

"No, I just…we're officially dating now. But don't worry about it. Jake will be okay, so will I. We'll all be fine."

"Alright Lee. Just be careful."

"I will."