Chapter 7 "Kiss Me"

Disclaimer: Another chapter and still not SM. Go ahead, be stunned.

A/N: Welcome back! We fully expect there to be a lot of squealing in excitement over the end of this chapter, but don't jump ahead, lots of good stuff before we get there. Enjoy!

Are you gonna kiss me or not?
Are we gonna do this or what?
I think you know I like you a lot
But you're 'bout to miss your shot
Are you gonna kiss me or not?
"Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" - Thompson Square

NPOV

-0-

I feel like I'm on fire. The sun is hitting my face directly and while it's blinding, that isn't the source of the heat. As I attempt to kick the covers off of me, I'm hit with the fact that I can't move. Opening my eyes, I realize why I'm having both of these issues.

Jacob is in my bed, his body thrown over mine. While there is a comforter and sheets between us, his heat seeps through, warming every inch of me that he is touching. He is literally on top of me, one of my thighs nestled between his legs. His heavy arm is draped over my torso and tucked up against my side, locking me to him. My head is tucked up under his chin, against his neck. With his body mass and height and my small frame I am completely enveloped in him.

I take a deep breath as the reality of the past day sinks in. Jacob is in my bed. He's in my bed because he imprinted on me when I was born. I'm Jacob's imprintee. When I woke up yesterday and realized Jacob had stayed the night, it never even crossed my mind that the reason why he stayed was because I'm his and he's mine. Mine. Even now, with Jacob holding me tight, it's hard for me to believe that this is real. All this time dreaming about him somehow magically realizing he loves me did not prepare me for this.

While his breathing is still deep and even; I try not to move. My nose being buried against his neck means I can inhale his wild scent easily. I'd be so embarrassed if he knew I was doing such a thing, but right this second, I don't care. Taking the opportunity while I can; I begin to become aware of every inch where his body is pressed to mine. Having him here in my bed feels right and natural. One thing I know about imprinting is it's a very loving and physical relationship. The guys are always holding or touching their imprints, almost like they never want to let them go.

Considering that Jacob and I have never had anything other than friendship, I'm surprised at the ease I feel with him being so close. Even last night after he told me, it was like a switch had been flipped; as soon as he found me in the woods, he was touching me. I can't remember a moment last night that Jacob wasn't somehow connected to me; his hand holding mine as we ran, him brushing my cheek as we drove. My favorite part of the night was when he pulled me into his lap while we waited for news of the baby. Falling asleep in his arms was easy, and even though it was a short nap, it was some of the best sleep I've had in weeks.

With Jacob's weight pressing me down into the mattress I realize I can feel everything, even through the layers of fabric between us. I find myself wondering what it will be like to kiss him properly, to have him wrap me in a hug with our bodies touching from head to toe, to have him desire me. The idea that Jacob could want me seemed so impossible just twenty-four hours ago, but with him here in my bed, my mind wanders, considering all the possibilities now open to Jacob and I.

"Why'd you have my pillow under the comforter?" Jacob grumbles groggily, startling me out of my thoughts.

His pillow. The pillow that I stashed under my comforter yesterday morning so that his scent would linger. Guess that's not needed now. I nearly choke as I gasp and laugh at the same time.

Jacob moves quickly, leaning over me so we are nearly chest to chest, his hands on either side of my face, his nose almost touching mine as his eyes dart over my face, "Are you ok?"

My breath catches as I notice how close he is to me now; his hands supporting his body as he hovers mere inches above me. His heat covering my body is gone, but a different heat is warming me now. It starts in my stomach and seems to radiate from there. I bite my lip as I feel my breathing accelerate again. My eyes glance down at his lips just as I hear a deep rumble come from his chest. The sound sends a ripple through me.

Just as quickly as he appeared over me, Jacob moves away, sitting up straight beside me. It's only then that I notice he's just wearing shorts, the shirt and jeans from last night gone. As my eyes roam over the tanned skin of his back, the heat coming from my stomach kicks up a notch. Without thinking, I sit up, my hand reaching out for him. It's like I'm watching from a distance as someone else reaches out to touch what I desperately want. I'm almost panting I'm breathing so hard, but I press on. My finger makes contact with the skin over his shoulder blade and I see him jump. His head swings around, but he doesn't say anything as he looks at me. I can't look him in the eyes, but I feel him watching me closely.

My finger moves slowly from his shoulder blade, up to his shoulder, then down his arm along the veins that stick out. His muscles constricting under my finger surprise and fascinate me. I want to explore more, but I know my parents are close. No way Dad would allow Jacob to stay here if he wasn't nearby to make sure nothing happened.

Once I reach Jacob's hand, I thread my fingers in his then lean my head against his arm. It feels amazing, being able to touch him this way. Using my free hand, I reach for his cheek, pressing my response to his question into his mind, "I'm fine, just- surprised."

"I'm sorry, I should have asked if you wanted me to stay," Jacob sighs, leaning his head down to mine. "I shouldn't have assumed."

"You probably should have asked, but my answer would have been yes." I'm almost relieved I can use my gift, it makes saying some of these things easier. I hesitate for just a moment before asking through my hand on his cheek, "How did you manage to get past my dad?"

I can hear the deep exhale as well as feel his body cave in a little, "I used his guilt. After breaking his promise he owed both you and I. The very least he could give was letting us sleep in peace for one night."

The growl from the living room is clear to both of us. I sit up straight, turning to Jacob. He doesn't look as worried as I am, but I can tell he's tense. His hand cups my cheek and he smiles softly, "Go talk to them. I need to patrol and check-in anyway, but you still owe me a hunt."

"I'd rather have you with me when I talk to them," even though I'm pressing the words into his mind, they are still a whisper. I don't know what to say to my parents. I'm angry that they kept this from me, but even more upset that they hurt Jacob so much by making him keep this secret for so long.

Throughout all the years of our friendship I've felt protective of him. It always seemed silly that I would feel that way, him being able to take down a vampire, but it was still true. Now that I understand why I felt that way, I can't suppress it any longer. The need to take care of my wolf, my Jacob, is all consuming. To the point where if it came down to it, I would confront my father for the harm he caused Jacob.

His thumb slides over my cheek as his palm moves down to my chin until he's cupping my face. I'm hopeful he's finally going to kiss me, but instead his lips move to my forehead. As disappointed as I am, the pressure of his lips on my skin still sends a wave of heat from that point, all the way to my toes. When Jacob leans back, his eyes don't stray from mine, "I'll make it worse right now. I'm still too angry with your father. There's really no way of knowing what I might say, or do, to him."

All I can do is nod. I understand why he's still upset. I am too, but I'm angry on his behalf. My hurt over them keeping secrets from me is overshadowed by the pain I see on Jacob's face. He sighs softly as his eyes dart between mine, "Don't harm your relationship with them for me. We can't change the past. He did it because he loves you."

"He hurt you." I don't bother using my gift this time, barely whispering the truth.

"With you in my arms, right now, I'm not feeling too hurt." My cheeks heat up with a blush at his words, but I can't disagree with him. He flashes a grin at me then sighs, "I just don't want you to ruin your relationship with your parents on my behalf. Promise?"

Reluctantly, I agree. The need to defend and protect him is still strong within me but I know Jacob has my best interest at heart. He wouldn't ask this of me if he didn't think it was important.

My thumb slowly moves over his cheek, enjoying the rough feeling of his stubble. An unbidden flash of him running his jaw along my naked skin jolts through me. I'm almost unable to concentrate on what I'm going to say to him. Finally I manage to focus enough to speak quietly, "But I'll see you later. Promise?" There aren't any doubts in my mind that he understands how hard it will be for me to be away from him.

Jacob's eyes dart down to my lips and my heart jumps. When my tongue brushes over my lips nervously, he leans closer, his nose pressed against mine. Just when I think he's going to give in, he leans back, growling out, "Later. I promise." It would be a lie if I told myself I wasn't disappointed. Logically, I know it shouldn't happen here like this, with my parents near, but I'm once again having a hard time being logical. I've wanted to feel his lips against mine for so long and a few more hours seems like an eternity.

Taking a deep breath, I take a chance. Yesterday I would never have considered asking this question of Jacob, but now that I'm his imprintee, I have a little more courage. I press the image of him being so close, his nose caressing mine and him pulling away into his mind. He groans and I can feel him moving away from me before I can even get the question out. He's off the bed and at the door. He jerks on his jeans but it isn't until he's pulling his shirt over his head that I hear him reply, "Later, Ness. I promise you."

Once he leaves the room, I slump back against the mattress. Today I don't have to search for the spot on my bed where he slept because my entire bed smells like him. I smell like him. Lifting the edge of my hoodie up to my nose, I can't help giggling when I smell him there. It makes sense, this is what I was wearing when we left for the hospital. Even before he slept next to me again, Jacob held me close most of the night.

Taking a deep breath, I force myself out of the bed. The sooner I get this over with, the sooner I can see Jacob again. I'm not worried about my mom, but I know Dad is not happy. I would brave a field of angry vampires though, if it meant seeing Jacob again. I've been living in such a state of fear that I was going to lose him; now that I know I won't, I need him more desperately than ever.

Needing to have as clear a mind as possible, I decide to shower first. After going through my normal morning routine, I head for the living room. I'm a little surprised when I only see Mom on the couch. As I round the end, I see she has a cup of coffee waiting for me. I sip the warm liquid before pressing my hand against her cheek, "Where's Dad?"

"I sent him up to the main house to cool off." She smiles at me and I feel some of the tension ease out of me. "First, how are Lillah and the baby?"

"They're great. Halona is adorable and Lillah," I shake my head remembering the time in her room, "she's strong. Stronger than I would have thought."

"A mother will do anything for her baby." Mom's hand pushes my hair back over my ear.

Recalling the argument from last night, I ask one of the questions that has been bugging me, "You said you never agreed to the deal. Why didn't you put an end to it before last night?"

"Because as much as I didn't agree with it, I wanted to keep you as my little girl as long as I could," Mom sighs. "I told you, a mother will do anything for her baby."

"Mom," I can feel tears stinging, and while I can understand, it still doesn't make sense. "I'll always be your little girl."

She nods but I can see she's saddened, "I know, but it's different now."

I want to argue with her, but the truth is, I can't. It is different now. As much as I cherish my time with Mom, I can feel Jacob's absence. A part of me is missing and I know I won't feel whole again until he's beside me. I had always just attributed the feeling to being best friends with Jacob. He was always around, so when he wasn't I missed him. However, I can't ignore the feeling now that I know what it means.

"You miss him already, don't you?" Mom asks, softly.

I share the empty pit feeling with her and Mom gives me an understanding smile. "That's how I feel about your father. It gets easier to manage as time goes by, but it never goes away."

Since it's just Mom and I here, I decide to ask a sensitive question. I'm a little scared of her response, but I need to know. My words are slow, even as they are placed in her mind, "Did you ever feel that way about Jacob?"

Mom's reaction is immediate and odd. She starts laughing. Shaking her head she pulls herself together, "No baby, I never felt that way about him. I love Jacob, but as a best friend. My feelings for Jacob never compared to my feelings for your father. Love, not in love." She pauses for a moment then looks me deep in the eye, "I think a good comparison for you would be how you feel about Jacob versus how you feel about Seth."

My eyes go wide at her statement, "How did you know?"

"I don't need to read minds, I know how a teenage girl thinks," she winks at me. The giggle that escapes my mouth is cathartic, cleansing me of any remaining unease.

Mom pats my hand against her cheek, "You don't have to tell me all the details, but you should explain to Jacob. Even if you didn't know you were his imprint at the time, he still deserves to know."

"He's really angry at Seth," I whisper out, showing her how mad he got in the car last night on the way to the hospital.

When I'm done showing her the memory, she gives me a knowing look, "He's upset because he's in the dark. Seth knew about you leaving and I'm guessing Seth, being a good friend, hasn't told Jacob about whatever happened between you two the other night."

I don't respond, instead considering her words. As excited as I am about being Jacob's imprintee, this is all so new to me. For so long, my relationship with him has been about holding back, keeping secrets. To now adjust to telling him everything- it's a little nerve-wracking to consider. I know I need to be honest with him, but it's really scary to consider telling him about one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.

I must have shared some of my worry with Mom because she leans forward into my field of vision to grab my attention. When my eyes focus on her, she speaks softly, "I know it's scary, Renesmee, but you have to be honest with Jacob. You are in a relationship now. Part of that means being completely honest with one another, even if it means temporary embarrassment. Believe me, Jacob wants, and deserves, to know the truth."

My head moves up and down in agreement with her as I face reality. I can't keep this from him, he deserves to know I asked Seth to kiss me. At the very least, as Seth's friend, I should be honest with Jacob and tell him what happened so he can stop being so mad at Seth. So he can be mad at the right person. Me.

Leaning back against the couch, I sigh. As much as I don't want to tell Jacob about what happened with Seth, a more pressing conversation awaits me. I'm dreading talking to my father. Mom leans back with me and smiles, "He's not mad at you." She pauses, biting her lip before turning back to me. "He is going to want you to still go to college in a few weeks."

I open my mouth but she interrupts me, "I'll support you either way. You don't have decide right now, but you should know it's something that's very important to him."

Mom pats my knee and stands up, "Finish your coffee and come up to the main house when you are ready. We'll be waiting, and I'll keep him calm."

She slips out of the cottage quietly and I'm left alone with my coffee and thoughts.

-0-

A short time later I pull together enough courage to leave the cottage. As I approach the main house, I'm hit with the familiar sound of Carl Orff's "O Fortuna". The music is so loud that I don't hear my phone beep, but I do feel it shaking. Pausing, I pull my phone out and almost snort at the text on my screen.

He's such a drama queen. ~J

I want to admonish him, tell him that isn't why my father is playing that song, but honestly, I agree with him. I'm just hopeful Mom can keep him settled so we can discuss this like adults. After he kept this secret from me for so long, I at least deserve that much from him.

Are you close? ~N

I glance around as I lower my phone, hoping he'll appear, give me strength before I walk in. I'm almost disappointed when I feel my phone buzz in my hand.

Close enough I can see how beautiful you look. I like those jeans. They're my favorite. ~J

My face heats up and I glance around again, this time checking to make sure no one can see me. Jacob has never commented on my clothes. I always just assumed he didn't notice the things I wore, sometimes specifically for him. I'm beginning to think he noticed way more than I thought. I awkwardly type out a quick response.

Thx. Will I see you when I'm done? ~N

His message hits my phone just as I'm approaching the back door to the main house.

I'll be waiting for you. Let me know if you need me to step in before then. ~J

Turning around, I try to hear where he is, but I can't pinpoint him. Closing my eyes, I nod once, hoping he understands, then walk into the house.

The music on the sound system stops as soon as I step out of the kitchen into the living room. Mom and Dad are sitting on the couch, waiting for me. Neither says anything as I cross the room. Wanting to be strong for Jacob, I strategically sit in one of the chairs directly across from Dad. I will not use my gift this time; I want Dad to know how serious I am, so I will speak directly to him.

Dad's face is hard, his lips barely moving as he speaks. "Just because he imprinted, does not mean you have to be with him. You have a choice."

Taking a deep breath, I try to stay as calm as possible. "I know I have a choice, but Dad, I want to be with him."

"At the expense of living your own life? Going to college? Traveling the world?"

My eyes dart to Mom, questioning. Dad's words sound so much like what I was thinking last night as I was running. I see her close her eyes for the briefest of seconds, then she looks back at me and nods.

"Your mother's shield is still up, but I'm guessing you have these same doubts." It isn't a question. Dad could have easily followed our silent conversation and caught on to why I was asking.

"I don't disagree that there are still a lot of things for Jacob and I to discuss." Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. When I open my eyes I focus solely on Dad, "However, those are things for Jacob and I to discuss."

"I disagree. You are still a child, it is for all of us to discuss. I think that you should still go to college. Time apart won't hurt you. We can come back on the weekends so you can visit Jacob." Dad gives me a smile, like he's presenting me with a great option that I should jump on immediately.

Unfortunately for him, I don't. "Dad, I'm not an infant. I'll discuss college with you and Mom, but staying away from Jacob five days a week is not on the table. Time apart will hurt, both of us. We can't be apart."

"Would you want him to join you in Seattle?" Mom asks. She glances at Dad and he looks utterly horrified. I do my best not to snicker at his reaction. Mom pats his arm, "He could stay with us, or I'm sure Esme could find him a lovely place there."

Dad relaxes slightly, but I can see he's still upset at the idea of Jacob being in Seattle when I'm going to school.

Sighing, I turn to speak to Mom, being honest with her, "We haven't talked about that yet. I don't know if he could leave the tribe for part of the week. He's still the Chief." This time, the nickname isn't funny, it's reality. Jacob has responsibilities in La Push. I am proud of what he does there and would never ask him to give that role up, but it means our lives are tied to being here.

"The point is," Dad's voice is sharp, like he's getting irritated, "being with Jacob is not just as simple as accepting his imprint."

Shaking my head, I compose my thoughts, wanting to be clear when I speak. "No Dad, the point is, I am accepting Jacob's imprint. That simple. He and I will figure out the details later."

"You are rushing into this, Renesmee." Dad's is using his teacher voice now, the one where he's not my father, but my instructor.

"Like you rushed into being with Mom? Or you rushed out of Mom's life? Or you rushed to marry Mom when you returned? Or like you rushed into forcing Jacob to hide the fact that he imprinted on me- from me?" Despite my promise to myself to keep calm, the words come tumbling out of my mouth without thought.

Dad's jaw is tight and I know I've pushed the limits by mentioning his relationship with Mom, especially when he left her. I hold my breath, considering my options before I speak again.

"I shouldn't have said that."

He nods, but doesn't say anything more. Taking his silence as a chance to continue, I consider my words more carefully this time. "I'm essentially the same age Mom was when you met her." Dad lowers his head in hesitant agreement and I press on. "I asked Jacob last night, and we don't have to get married just because he imprinted. However, I want to be with him."

"You can be together while you still go to college." Dad is calm again, but I know he is still pushing his own agenda. If I've learned one thing during my life, it's that my father will do or say anything to make sure he gets what he wants.

Taking a deep breath, I glance at Mom. She gives me a reassuring smile. Drawing on her strength, I turn back to my father. "Jacob and I will discuss our next steps. Whether you like it or not, Dad, we are together. Jacob is my life. What I want to know is, why would you, of all people, deny Jacob the chance to be with me, the person he's meant to be with? Why would you force him to keep this big secret from me?"

"I did it for you, Renesmee. I wanted you to have the chance to make the decision yourself whether you would accept his imprint or not." Dad shakes his head just slightly, then looks me in the eye, "I wanted you to be old enough to make the decision rationally. I'm still not sure you're there yet."

"I'm old enough to go off to college by myself but not old enough to decide whether or not I want to be with my best friend?" Repeating his words back to him they sound even more ridiculous to me. I can see his fists clenching but I keep speaking. "I am making the decision rationally. I know there is a lot involved, but it is my decision and I'm making it now. I can't be away from Jacob, that is the reality. There's no way for me to explain how hard it is to be apart from him, even now. I didn't know why I felt that way before, but it makes sense now."

I hesitate briefly, but when I see Dad start to open his mouth, I keep going. "I want to be with him. I'd hoped you would back me on that."

"I don't like this. At all, Renesmee. I think you two need some space. Some time to get to know one another better." His face is calm, but I know he is grasping at straws.

"That's ridiculous, Dad, and you know it. I know Jacob. I know him better than anyone other than you two. I've spent hours with him every day of my life. I've had time to get to know the man he is. We've built an amazing friendship. I didn't just magically love him when he told me he imprinted."

Mom's voice is so soft, her words so out of the blue that I jump in surprise. I'd nearly forgotten she was still in the room. "You love him?"

Inhaling sharply I glance over and meet her eyes. She looks- happy. There's a soft smile on her face and she's watching me closely. I don't want to answer her question, not because I can't but because I don't want the first person to find out I'm in love with Jacob to be my mother. He deserves to be the first one to hear it from my lips. That is, if I can manage to work up the courage to tell him.

Dad hissing jerks me back to reality and I look at him in annoyance. What is he? A cat? It's obvious to me that he's beginning to lose his temper. As much as I love him there is no way I'm going to back down. This time, he is not going to get his way. I know what I want and he won't stop me.

"Just like your mother," he mutters and I look over at her. Mom looks slightly guilty and I know that she's dropped her shield for at least a second.

"Dad, what would you do, if someone told you you couldn't be with Mom? What if Grandpa Charlie had tried to make her not marry you?"

Dad frowns, glancing at Mom then back at me, "I'm not saying you can't be with Jacob. I just don't want you to rush into this. You both have an eternity to be together, four years at college is nothing."

My heart clenches at the idea of spending one day away from Jacob, four years would be unimaginable. I would like to show Dad how I feel right now, how empty I've felt since the moment Jacob walked out of my bedroom. I almost stand up, but my determination to stay strong for Jacob keeps me seated. Instead, I do my best to verbalize how I feel.

"Dad, a day without Jacob is an eternity to me. When I'm not with him nothing feels right. It has always been that way for me, I just didn't know why until now. I know you meant well, you wanted to give me an opportunity to be normal. I appreciate that, Dad, I do, but in that process, you robbed me of precious time with Jacob."

Dad's face hardens. All humanity is gone from him; he isn't blinking or breathing. Mom's hand squeezes his, but he doesn't look at her. I can feel tears building up, but I fight them back.

"Your father just wants the best for you, Renesmee." Mom's voice is soft, and I know she's trying to ease the tension in the room.

However, her attempt falls flat when Dad speaks again. "So you're choosing Jacob over your family?"

"Edward." Mom sighs. "She did not say that."

Taking a deep breath I consider my options. I can argue with him, fight over what he did and how he hurt Jacob and I with his actions. Dad is a master at twisting words, and I know I won't win that argument. Plus, I did promise Jacob I wouldn't harm my relationship with my parents on his behalf. I could walk out, run to Jacob, but that won't solve anything and will just make him even more angry. My last option is my least favorite, but I know it is effective: turn his own mistakes against him.

"Dad, I love you and Mom, but please don't make me choose between my family and Jake. You know how that will end. Would you have wanted Mom to choose you over her family? How many times did you push Mom away to prevent her from making the decision she ultimately made? You couldn't stop her and you won't stop me. Mom loves you and wanted to be with you more than anything else in the world. That is how I feel about Jacob."

The tears are fighting to get out. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, pushing out the hardest words I've ever had to say, "I don't want to have to choose; I want my family in my life, but I need Jacob. Just like you were Mom's choice, if you force me, Jacob will always be my choice."

My hands have a death grip on the arm of the chair. I keep my eyes closed, not wanting to see my parents reactions. The silence in the room is overwhelming; it feels like a heavy weight pushing against my chest.

"Open your eyes, Renesmee." Dad's voice is gruff, which scares me.

I turn my head, so that when I open my eyes, I can see Mom first. I'm surprised to see a tentative smile on her face when I finally meet her eyes. She gives me a small nod and I twist my head just slightly to look at Dad. He's still upset, but there is a resigned look on his face.

"I don't like it, but I won't make you choose between us." I nod, but don't smile yet; I know he isn't done speaking and I feel a "but" coming. "I do understand the need to be with someone. I'm not heartless, but you are still so young. While I get that you want to be with Jacob, I do think some rules need to be put in place."

I'm shaking my head before he even finishes, "No Dad. You've restricted my relationship with Jacob my whole life. No more."

"I'm not asking much, Renesmee. You can be with him all day. I would still encourage you to consider college, but if that isn't what you want, fine. However, I allowed it last night, but I do not think Jacob needs to be sleeping in your bed. Nor you in his."

This sparks my temper, "You cannot be serious." I'm trying to stay composed, to consider my words carefully, but the idea of him telling me when I can and can't see Jacob infuriates me.

"I'm very serious." Dad's face reflects this statement. "I don't think either of you needs the... temptation of being so close."

It's on the tip of my tongue to tell him what he can do with his request when Mom jumps in, "Edward, I think you should reconsider that request."

This upsets Dad; a lot. His head jerks around to Mom, "Bella. Do you really want him in our daughter's bed every night?"

Mom places her hands against Dad's face and closes her eyes. Having seen her do this most of my life, I know she's pushing her shield back, letting Dad see her thoughts. When Dad's eyes go wide, I'm hopeful she might be able to convince him to let go of this request.

"That was different, Bella. My every thought wasn't centered around-." Dad stops himself, glancing over his shoulder at me then back to Mom, "My intentions were very different from Jacob's."

"Perhaps, but just because you know what he is thinking does not mean you know his true intentions. I believe Jacob only has Renesmee's best interest at heart." Mom pauses, lifting her hand toward me, "Look at her, she hasn't looked this rested in months. We've both heard her waking up from dreams in the middle of the night. That didn't happen last night. She slept soundly."

I want to point out that I'm still in the room, but I don't want to interrupt Mom. Biting my lip, I wait anxiously for Dad's response.

He shakes his head once, narrowing his eyes at Mom, "I really don't think this is a good idea."

"I really don't think we have a choice, Edward. She has accepted his imprint. If we try to keep them apart, we will end up losing her." The sadness on Mom's face makes me want to cry for her.

Dad frowns, but when I see him grasp Mom's hands, I know she has managed to convince him. If there is one thing my father cannot do, it's hurt my mother. He lowers his eyes to their hands before giving her a slight nod. Mom doesn't smile, but leans her head against Dad's shoulder.

He turns back to me, "Fine. I don't want you staying at his place, but Jacob can occasionally stay the night at the cottage. I do not want this to be an every night thing. When he stays, it is just to sleep though, and only when we are here. I expect both of you to be fully clothed and covers between you two. And I will be listening."

For now, I know this is the best I'm going to get out of my father. Because really, as if Jacob and I would do anything with my vampire father in the next room. I'm hopeful he will relax his rules as time goes on, but for now I will accept what he is offering.

"Ok." Taking a deep breath, I look him in the eye. "May I go now?"

Mom gives me the slightest hint of a smile, "Doing anything fun today?"

The blush is automatic, along with my heartbeat doubling. I manage to choke out, "Um- Jake and I are going hunting."

Dad opens his mouth but Mom starts speaking before he can, "That sounds like fun." Her grin makes me smile. Only in my world would someone refer to our type of hunting as fun. "Are you going to work on the Mustang after that?"

With everything that has gone on over the past couple of days, I almost forgot it was Sunday. Jacob and I have a standing "date" to work on my car on Sunday evenings. "I guess. I don't know, I'll have to ask Jacob."

"Just let us know what you end up doing." Mom smiles at me and I take that as a hint to get out while I can.

"Ok, bye." I stand up and walk as quickly as I can for the back door. Before leaving I pause, glancing back at my parents. Dad looks upset and I can tell Mom is trying to settle him down. I clear my throat to get their attention. When they glance up, I give them both a smile. "Thanks again. I love you both."

Mom's face blooms into a huge smile as she jumps up from the sofa and runs to hug me. She whispers against my ear, "I love you too. This will all work out, don't worry."

When she releases me, I glance over at Dad, still sitting on the sofa. His face is much more relaxed, but he still doesn't look happy like Mom. "I love you too, Renesmee. Just remember, we just want what's best for you."

"I know, Dad, but Jacob is what's best for me." Before he can say anything else, I wave and dash out the door. I don't stop running until I'm deep in the forest. As soon as I stop, my phone beeps with a new text message.

Turn around. ~J

My whole body spins around a hundred and eighty degrees. I don't hear any movement, but I know Jacob can move quietly through the woods, even in his human form. I'm about to respond to his text to ask where he is when I finally hear something off to my right. I turn back to where I was looking before, my heart pounding and my entire focus centered on the spot where I just heard the noise.

"There's a herd of elk over there."

I clasp my hand over my mouth to keep from squealing as I swing back around. I'm not prepared for how close to me Jacob is standing; I nearly crash into him I'm moving so fast. Before I would have forced myself to take a step back, move away from Jacob. Now though, I don't bother, soaking in the feeling of his hands on my hips, steadying me.

As my surprise fades away, I realize what is directly in front of my eyes; his bare chest. He isn't wearing a shirt, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite looks on him. I'm so distracted that I don't notice he's moving my hand away from my mouth until I feel his heart pounding rapidly beneath my hand.

I was fascinated by his chest before, but seeing my own pale skin against his much darker skin adds a whole new dimension. He really is beautiful. The strong beats I feel beneath my palm are so different from my own. I feel something else beneath my palm; Jacob's chest rising and falling very quickly. It's like he's winded from running to find me; but he doesn't get winded. My eyes finally move up to his to ask what is going on, but the words never leave my mouth.

The look on Jacob's face shocks me. I was expecting him to be laughing at his being able to sneak up on me, but there is no sign of his usual smile. He looks serious as his eyes bore into mine with a sharp intensity. They are so dark they almost look black.

The heat I felt coursing through my body earlier when he was in my bed takes off again. Thoughts are racing through my mind, things I want to do right now, but I'm paralyzed in this moment. I want to look back down at my hand on his chest. I want to slide my hand over his chest, explore his exposed skin. I want to ask him to kiss me.

Jacob's eyes release mine for the briefest of seconds, darting down at my lips then back to my eyes. I swallow thickly around my suddenly dry throat. Is this it? The heat in his gaze seems to have doubled in just that brief time away, which thrills me.

"This is 'later', Ness," Jacob whispers, his head leaning closer to mine as I feel his hand slide up from my hip to my waist. "Tell me now if you want me to stop." The pressure of his fingers digging into my skin is amazing, his grip tight like he's ready to push me away if needed. I want to tell him it isn't necessary, but I can't form the words.

Jacob's face hovers ever closer to mine, our noses brushing. His warm breath escaping his mouth caresses my lips, but this isn't enough. I don't want him to stop. I never want him to stop. I need him to kiss me, now.

"Thank fuck."

Jacob's words are low and rumbly, surprising me so much that I gasp just as his lips brush mine. The touch is light, like the beat of a butterflies wings, and just a breathtaking to experience. When he moves away just a little I think that's all he's going to do. Exasperated, I prepare myself to complain but then he moves back in.

I have no idea what I'm doing, but I don't ever want to stop. The more of his lips I feel against mine the more I want to shout for joy. Oh God his lips, on mine. Just when I think my knees might not hold me up Jacob moves both of his hands to my sides to keep me upright. Knowing he has me, I let go of all worries, letting every part of me focus on the delicious feeling of Jacob finally kissing me.

-0-

A/N: In case you don't recognize Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" by name alone, here's the music as well as the translation, so you can know why Jacob called Edward a "drama queen". http:/www[dot]youtube[dot]com/watch?v=FWiyKgeGWx0&feature=related