Chapter 13 "Falling For You"

Disclaimer:

A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the delay on this one. We got a bit behind then our betas were busy with work and life. A day late, but we think you'll agree it is worth it! You can always check out our twitter (StupidLeeches) for updates or delay announcements or just to ask us questions. We are always around!

I don't know but...
I think I maybe
fallin' for you
Dropping so quickly
Maybe I should
keep this to myself

Waiting 'til I..
know you better
I am trying..
Not to tell you..
But I want to..
"Fallin' For You" - Colbie Caillat

NPOV

-0-

My alarm goes off early Friday morning and I eagerly jump from the bed, excited for the day and weekend ahead. I quickly prep my dance bag for today, but don't bother to pack a bag for the weekend. It's useless, Aunt Alice and Aunt Rosalie will have me all new clothes and everything else a girl could need waiting for me in Seattle.

I'm practically bouncing as I get ready because I'm so happy. This week seemed to drag on, but then magically jump to warp speed whenever Jacob and I were together. Our time with one another hasn't been nearly enough. I don't know how he managed before he told me about being his imprint, because I feel completely lost without him around. When he's at work, I've done my best to stay busy, but the time moved at a snail's pace. I've filled two whole sketch books this week alone. Most pages contain pictures of Jacob, but a few include the faces of my other friends.

I finally visited Lillah yesterday at home, just to see how she was doing. She was released from the hospital on Tuesday, but I wanted to give her time to get settled before visiting. Of course, when I said that to her, she scoffed at me. We didn't get much time to talk, but she made me promise to re-start our daily visits next week when Embry returns to work. That was an easy promise to make. She also requested I give her a full rundown of what has happened so far with Jacob and what happens this weekend. My face turned bright red at the suggestion. She blushed and told me I didn't have to give her every detail, but she did want to catch up.

I am eager to talk to her about everything, but at the same time I don't know that I can actually share what has been happening with Jacob and I with her; at least not without choking on my words and blushing the entire time. It's one thing to make out with your boyfriend, it's another to describe making out with your boyfriend to a friend.

I can see my blush creeping up my cheeks in the mirror at just the thought of talking to her about these things. I shake my head at my reflection, laughing at my own embarrassment. I know I'll talk to Lillah about it, because I am eager to get her perspective on things, but that'd doesn't make it any easier to broach the subject. My only hope is that Rachel isn't there when we are talking. I'd never to able to get my words out with Jacob's sister sitting there.

The knock on the cottage door is soft, but I hear it easily. I'm about to step from my spot in the bathroom when I hear the door opening and soft voices speaking in the living room. Instead of moving I squeak in excitement and finish getting ready as quickly as I can.

When I make my way out into the living room a few minutes later, I'm surprised to see Jacob standing there alone, but before I can ask, he gives me a grin.

"They went hunting, said they'd see us in Seattle tonight."

I drop my bag and run straight into his arms; he's ready for me, just like always. His lips meet mine as his arms wrap around me, holding me tight against his chest. My fingers slide into his hair, pulling his head even closer to mine, trying to touch every part of him.

Before we can lose ourselves in the kiss though, he's pulling back. He plays with my hair as he grins at me, "Hi, ready for dance?"

Sighing, I drop my head to his shoulder. "What?" he asks, confusion evident in his voice.

"I'm ready, I just- I don't like being apart. It's one thing for me to be here when you are working, but what are you going to do while I'm at dance?"

His lips press softly against my forehead before I feel his hand slide from my hair to my cheek. "You worry too much, Tathut. I don't like being apart either, but it makes our time together even more special."

Biting my lip I look up at him, "I don't think we are going to get much time together this weekend. My family..."

"Your family will just have to get over it, because we will get some time together this weekend. Like it or not, we are a couple now; we don't need their approval to be together. Your dad is starting to come around, the rest of them will just have to do the same." His words are spoken so softly but the power behind them sends a shiver down my spine.

"Promise?" I ask through my hands still clasped around his neck.

He grins, "You can't get rid of me, Tathut. And neither can Blondie."

"Be nice to Aunt Rose or she might have Uncle Emmett attack you," I warn, with a smile as he slowly lowers me back to the ground.

"Please, I dealt with your mom when she was a newborn. Emmett is nothing compared to her."

He grabs my bag from the floor and glances up at me, "This it?"

"Yeah, everything else I can get up there."

He hesitates for a second then gives me an unsure smile, "You- don't want to bring a sketchbook?"

"I considered it-," I answer, surprised he thought of it.

"I won't look if you don't want me to, if that's what you are worried about." He's very serious, but even without his words I trust him.

I shrug, "I know, it's just- I tend to fill my books up pretty quickly. Bringing two seemed silly, but I know I'll probably fill up at least one."

"Go get them, I'd rather you be distracted on the car ride. That way I can try to stay focused on driving," he gives me a wink.

My blush returns but I don't comment, ducking into my room to grab two fresh sketchbooks and my favorite pencils. Once I'm back in the living room he takes the books from me; giving me one more soft kiss then leads me out to his car.

-0-

Jacob stops in front of the Pacific Northwest Ballet school with just enough time for me to lean over, give him a quick peck on the lips then run into the building. As I'm changing for my first class my phone buzzes with a text message.

Try to enjoy yourself, but know I miss you already. Lunch? ~J

My smile is automatic as I type back a quick response to him.

Miss you too. Yes, please. ~N

"Wow, I don't think I've ever seen you look that happy."

My smile grows even wider as I recognize the adorable slight Southern accent of my teacher, Ivy. I quickly put my phone and bag in the locker before turning around to face her. She looks suspicious when I glance up.

"I am happy. Isn't that allowed?" I ask with a laugh.

"No, I'm sorry. To be a ballerina you must always look like you are in complete pain and starving to death. That way no one will know when you really are in pain or starving."

She chuckles at her own dry sarcasm then gives me a quick hug, "Come on, lesson time. You can fill me in over lunch on what has you grinning from ear to ear."

"Oh-." I hesitate for just a moment. She looks up at me with a knowing look in her eyes.

"You're ditching me." This is a statement, not a question. She drops her arms and leans back, a slight pout on her delicate face, "You mean I have to eat with the sticks again?"

The irony of her statement is not lost on me. She is just as much of a "stick" as the other dancers she's referencing. She's been a Soloist at PNB for two years now but from what she's told me, she's never fit in here. The other dancers already had established cliques when she joined. Of course, it probably doesn't help that she is a bit reserved, keeping to herself and focusing solely on her career.

I was honestly surprised when she first invited me out to lunch a few months ago. As we waited for our food to arrive, she shocked me with her directness. She sipped her tea as she explained the reason why she asked me to join. She had seen me walk in with an empty coffee cup from one of her favorite fast food restaurants. When she saw that, she figured I wouldn't blink an eye at her ordering unhealthy food, unlike the girls she ate with the rest of the week.

Ivy was raised in the southeast, where fried and fatty foods were normal. Once she started dancing she learned quickly that the food she was raised on was not what her body needed. As she advanced in her profession she began to eat the same "rabbit food" as the other dancers, but occasionally craved the food she grew up on. In order to alleviate this craving, she allowed herself one day a week to eat "normal" food, but the few times she'd gone out with the other dancers on her fatty-food-Friday, they'd questioned her eating habits. They'd even gone so far as to report her to the Artistic Director, who promptly put her on the scales and ran her through a battery of physical tests. When they couldn't find anything wrong with her, they put her on warning, which basically meant if they found out she wasn't eating what the nutritionist deemed 'appropriate', they would fire her.

"I'm sorry, it's just-," I sigh, glancing up at her as we walk into the dance studio, "Jacob is here today and wants to take me to lunch." I wish I could hide my smile, but thinking about him will always make me smile.

She gasps, "Really? Best-friend-Jacob? Did I miss somethin'?" In her surprise, her normally restrained accent comes out in full force.

My face turns bright red and her eyes go wide as she catches my reaction. I pull her aside before we reach the rest of the girls in the class, whispering quickly, "He's boyfriend-Jacob now, D."

Her mouth drops but she quickly pulls herself together. "You owe me a dinner once you move here and you'd better fill me in later. And don't forget, it's Ivy; you're the only one that knows my real name."

I nod, grinning as I watch her transform once again from my friend Dylan O'Grady to dance teacher and PNB Soloist Ivy O'Grady.

-0-

Even though ballet is my favorite class, it seems twice as long as normal. When we finally do break for lunch, Dylan pulls me aside, asking a series of rapid-fire questions. I answer as honestly as I can without telling her anything about the supernatural aspects of my relationship with Jacob, including the imprinting. After a few minutes I can hear my phone buzzing with text messages. As my eyes dart over to my locker, Dylan huffs, "Go, but I want to hear more later."

I don't have to be told twice, changing quickly and dashing out of the dance studio to meet up with Jacob. As much as I want to savor my time with him, it is limited. He insists I at least take a couple of bites of my salad to keep up appearances. He quickly finishes off his lunch then walks me back to the studio. Before I can open the door, he pulls me into his arms and just holds me. Letting go of him is hard, but I know I need to get back. He kisses me softly then releases his hold, promising to pick me up as soon as class is done.

My afternoon dance class drags by, of course. We are about halfway through when D walks over. She's helping me with a position when she whispers in my ear, "There's a man in the observation room that is watching you closely."

"Man?" I ask. She nods but doesn't look up at the glass set in the upper half of the very tall wall in the dance studio. As I turn slightly to adjust my position, I manage to look up.

My smile is wide when I see Jacob give me a little wave. My heart flutters as I whisper my response to D, "That's- Jacob."

Shocked, she glances up to the window then back to me, "You have got to be kiddin' me! THAT'S Jacob?" She barely manages to keep her voice at a whisper and the pair of girls on either side of me look up. She tells both of them to stay in position before returning her gaze to me.

I give her a nod but don't say anything else. She shakes her head then gives me a look, "He can't take his eyes off of you; I've never seen a boyfriend do that."

The heat returns to my cheeks and I have to look away. "Jacob's special," I whisper, which is the truth, but I know I can't tell her anything more than that.

D doesn't look convinced but quickly moves on to help other students. Now that she has pointed out that he's there, I feel his eyes follow me throughout the studio. I want to show off for him, but I know I can't, not without revealing I'm not quite human to the other students. The nice part is, knowing he's up there watching, the rest of the class seems to breeze by.

D gives me a look as she dismisses the class and I know it means she wants me to stick behind to talk. I glance up at the window and mouth to Jacob, "Give me a few minutes?"

He nods and blows me a kiss before walking out of the observation room. As I reach her at the barre, she glances up at the now empty observation room, "Where'd he go?"

"I asked him to give us a few minutes," I answer as I begin stretching.

"And he just went? No questions asked?"

My eyes reach hers and I can tell she's suspicious, "Yes, why?"

She shakes her head, "No reason, he's just- not like other boyfriends I've seen."

"Is that good or bad?" I ask, honestly concerned. While she may not know about our situation, she's been around her fair share of dancers with boyfriends.

She shrugs, "Good, I guess. Just not what I'm accustomed to seeing." She pauses then gives me a grin, "He's hot. Talk about tall, dark, and handsome."

For just an instant I want to tell my friend to back off, he's mine. That wave of possession ebbs when I see her give me a wink, "No worries, I'm not in the boyfriend stealing business. Ballet is the only relationship I have time for, but I can appreciate a good looking man."

I exhale, relieved that she isn't bothered by my initial reaction. I give her a grin, "He is definitely hot."

"He's older though, right? How do your parents feel about that?"

I want to laugh at her question, but know I wouldn't be able to explain the situation if I do that. Instead, holding back my laughter I answer her, "Yeah, a little older. My dad isn't happy, but Mom's helping him adjust."

"What's going to happen once school starts? He's in Forks, right? Long distance doesn't work."

She is so matter-of-fact in this assessment, but I don't ask where her certainty comes from. There is a lot about D that I don't know, but I'm not one to push. I figure she'll tell me if she wants.

"La Push, but yes, it's the same area as Forks." Lowering my body into a deep plie, I try not to look too excited as I respond, "He says he's going to join me here during the week."

"Says?" she asks, obviously picking up on that critical word.

"He's still working on the details. Plus, he has to return to La Push pretty frequently. He still has his responsibilities to his tribe there."

"That's right," she says, snapping her fingers, "you did mention he's like the tribe chief or something."

I give a slight nod but don't expand on her comment any further. When next she speaks, I'm surprised by her change in the topic.

"Alice was at the PNB performance last weekend. After the show she pulled me aside and asked me the strangest question."

Aunt Alice loves ballet, she told me once that watching the dancers on stage soothes her mind, she gets lost in the movements. She's actually the one that enrolled me in dance classes, wanting to give me a chance to experience various types of artistic expression. Ever since I started taking lessons and told her "Ivy" was my teacher, she has made an effort to reach out to her after her performances. D's statement is surprising because, while Aunt Alice asking strange questions is normal, she usually reserves those for the family.

"Oh?"

She shakes her head, looking completely baffled, "She offered me a job, in Forks."

"Really?" With everything that has happened with Jacob, I haven't talked to Aunt Alice all week, but I'm still surprised no one mentioned this to me before now.

"Yeah. I turned her down. I'm up for Principal next year, there's no way I'd give that up. I'd be the youngest Principal in PNB history. I mean- I enjoy teaching you guys, but move to FORKS? No way."

"Forks isn't that bad," I offer, though I'm still stunned. "Did she give you any details on the job?"

"Just that she was considering opening a dance and workout studio in Forks and wanted to know if I'd be interested in leading the classes there. Like I said, I turned her down. Do you know what that is about?"

"No," I answer truthfully. In the back of my mind though, I know Aunt Alice didn't just ask this of her randomly. She was up to something, though what, I can't even begin to guess.

D shrugs, "Don't worry about it, like I said, I turned her down. You'd better go. I'm sure your boyfriend is getting restless."

My need to get back to Jacob kicks in as she mentions boyfriend. I don't hesitate, giving her a quick hug and promising to call her this week to catch up more. Once I'm changed, I find Jacob sitting in the lobby waiting for me. As he pulls me into his arms he whispers, "You looked amazing in there. Good God you are beautiful."

-0-

When we arrive at Granddaddy Carlisle's house, I take Jacob's hand proudly and lead him to the front door. As soon as the door opens though, I'm pulled away from Jacob by my aunts. I barely manage to wave at him before they drag me into one of their bedrooms to begin getting me ready for tonight.

They are both speaking as they do my hair and makeup. I do attempt to ask Aunt Alice about her job offer to Dylan at one point, but she waves her hands and just says she wanted to give her options. I don't believe her, but I have other things to focus on, like Jacob.

I barely pay attention as my aunts continue talking as my prep continues. I try to listen for Jacob, but I can't hear anything outside of the room I'm in. What seems like hours later they finally pull a dress over my head and slip a pair of silver sandals on my feet that have a five inch heel.

"You need height if you'll be standing next to Jacob all night. How your neck doesn't hurt from looking up at him all the time I'll never know." Aunt Rosalie gives me a look in the mirror, and I know better than to argue with her. They have been putting me in gradually higher heels now for the past year or so. I never thought about it before, but now I'm suddenly wondering if this was their way of getting me ready for evenings like this, when they think I need to be "taller" when standing next to my date, my wolf, my Jacob.

Before I can ask, Aunt Alice helps me up and directs me to spin. Doing so, I feel the ends of the dress swirl around me softly. Looking down I see the fabric is a soft green color with silver thread throughout. The dress is light with different lengths of material around the end. When I look in the mirror I notice they left my hair down, but have defined my curls a bit more than normal. My makeup is subtle, though I know they spent a lot of time on my face.

"Wow, you've outdone yourselves this time." I hug each of them in turn, "It's perfect, thank you!"

"Wait until you see Jacob!" Aunt Alice gives me a wink.

My heart flutters at his name and I'm eager to find him. When she tells me he's waiting for me in the living room, I wave quickly and dash down the stairs as fast as I can wearing the heels. Once I reach the bend in the stairs, my breath is taken away by the sight before me.

Jacob is standing at the front door, but he's not in his normal suit. I can see the flecks of silver thread in the black blazer and pants even from here. His tie is a perfect match to my dress and the soft color against his darker skin is a beautiful contrast.

His grin is wide as he reaches the bottom of the stairs to meet me. "You look amazing," he says on a soft exhale.

When I'm able to reach his face, my hand brushes his cheek as I speak directly into his mind, "Thanks. You look pretty amazing yourself. How much convincing did it take to get you in a matching suit?"

"Where do you think I was all morning?" he asks with a grin. His hand wraps around my waist and pulls me close. "But it was worth it; I wanted to look worthy of standing next to the most beautiful woman in the world."

I can feel my family's eyes on me, but I don't care. He can't say things like that to me and not expect to get a kiss in response. I slide my lips softly over his, trying to convey to him that I'm the lucky one. He imprinted on me.

As he slowly leans back his smile grows as he whispers against my lips, "I only imprint on the best." While I'm glad he got the message I was sending, I still feel my cheeks heating up with a blush over his compliment.

My dad clearing his throat is loud and obviously meant to break us apart for a moment. "If you two are ready, the limos are waiting."

There isn't room for argument as Aunt Alice and Aunt Rosalie make their way down the stairs, forcing me to move out of their way. Jacob doesn't allow me to step out of his arms though, holding me against his chest as he lifts me off the last few steps. When he sets me down on the floor, his arm stays glued around me, keeping me locked tight against him. Even as we make our way out of the house, he doesn't drop his arm until he helps me into the waiting car.

I'm surprised when just Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett climb into the limo with Jacob and I, but the point of our small group quickly becomes apparent.

"Hands off my niece, Dog."

"Rose," Uncle Emmett says softly as he closes the door of the limo.

Instead of looking at Aunt Rosalie, Jacob lowers his head so our noses are touching and speaks softly, "Sorry Blondie, I can't take my hands or my eyes off of Ness."

"Ugh! Renesmee, really, you are attracted to- this mutt?"

It takes all my strength to break eye contact with Jacob, but my need to defend him is strong. "Yes, Aunt Rose, and he isn't a mutt. He's my boyfriend. My wolf."

"Really Renesmee? He stinks." She turns her nose up and looks to Uncle Emmett for confirmation. He just shrugs like it doesn't bother him.

I can't help but laugh, "He doesn't stink to me, he smells amazing." Leaning closer to Jacob I press my nose right under his ear, "Evergreen trees mixed with the ocean."

"He smells like a wet dog."

Aunt Rosalie is not happy but I'm so distracted by the amazing scents coming off Jacob's skin that I can't focus on her. Without thinking, my tongue reaches out and slides slowly over the skin of his neck.

As soon as my tongue makes contact with his skin, I can feel his heart stop then start back up at double time. In the same instant, his hand reaches for the back of my neck, pulling me closer to him. Just as I'm about to wrap my lips around his skin, he's no longer sitting next to me.

"Ness, have you been biting Jacob?" Uncle Emmett asks from across the limo. When my eyes jerk up to him, I'm surprised to see Jacob next to him, fighting his hold to get away.

Through the haze of Jacob's intoxicating scent, it takes some time for Emmett's words to sink in. Jacob responds for me when the silence stretches on as I attempt to understand what just happened.

"She hasn't bitten me, but she's welcome to. She bit me all the time as a baby. She doesn't have venom, it's fine."

"She'd better not be biting you." Aunt Rosalie's words cause me to twist in her direction. This is a really bizarre conversation.

Tilting my head, I look her straight in the eye, "Why not?"

She looks over at Uncle Emmett who just shrugs and gives her a wink. She takes a deep breath then eyes me cautiously, "Biting a mate is intensely arousing for a vampire."

"Dude, it is hot as hell when Rose bites me. She goes wild." Uncle Emmett mock whispers to Jacob.

"Not helping, Emmett." She says flatly. "The point is, she should not be biting him, because that dog had better not be doing anything with my niece."

My cheeks are on fire and I have no idea how to respond. Biting Jacob was the furthest thing from my mind, but now that they've mentioned it, I can hear the roar of his heart pushing blood through his body. My mouth is dry as my focus shifts to the smell of his blood.

My head is swimming with thoughts of how his blood would taste on my tongue when I feel his lips against mine. He's moved back to me without my even noticing. The pressure is intense, demanding. His tongue invades my mouth as he moves my attention to wanting more of his kiss. My hands reach his hair and I tug hard, pulling him even closer.

"You might want to break apart before Edward sees you," Uncle Emmett warns.

I'm in a such a fog that I don't even notice the vehicle has stopped until Jacob leans back from me. My breathing is choppy but I realize he stopped me from thinking about his blood. He gives me a proud grin as Aunt Rosalie leans over me and fixes the makeup he "ruined".

Before we step out of the car, I slide my thumb over his lips and chin, removing any evidence of my lip gloss. "You don't have to do that," he whispers.

Sliding my hand against his cheek I give him a wink as I whisper in his mind, "We are out with my family; I do have to do that. Especially since I'd like for you to keep all your- appendages attached to your body."

His laugh is deep and throaty as he slides out. My family surrounds the car as he helps me exit. Once the door closes behind me, Dad pulls Aunt Rosalie aside, clearly upset with her, just as Mom leans over and whispers to me, "You missed the lip gloss below his ear."

I quickly reach up to wipe away that evidence, giving Jacob a soft grin just as Dad turns back to us. "Carlisle and Esme are inside waiting for us. Come on you two."

-0-

"How are your feet holding up?" Jacob asks, glancing down at my shoes.

We've gone through the entire exhibit twice now. I'm so enthralled by all the art on display that I've barely noticed my feet. Of course, having Jacob by my side has also kept me distracted. I give him a soft smile, "So far, so good, but I wouldn't turn down a nice foot rub from my boyfriend later."

"Happily," he places a soft kiss against my cheek before standing up straight. "You about ready to leave?"

"Yes, but do you mind if we go look at the beach and forest one again?"

All of the artists on display have amazing talent but I keep thinking about one painting in particular. Jacob takes my hand and weaves us through the crowd back to the one piece that I've spent the most time with. The abstract painting has no defined lines, just these separate, beautiful colors merging together to form one image that takes my breath away.

"What is it about this painting that has you so intrigued?" Jacob asks. His eyes keep darting back and forth between me and the canvas, like he really wants to understand the connection I feel to this piece of art.

I lean into him as I once again examine the piece in front of me. He holds me tight as I begin to explain my fascination.

"The style is a favorite of mine called soak-staining. Helen Frankenthaler used the style in the sixties and a few modern painters still use it. I just love the bleeding of the colors together.

"As for this piece, there's something soothing and familiar about it. It reminds me of First Beach with that thin line of pale tan sand and streaks of bold white driftwood between the rich blue of the ocean and the lush green of the forest. Two powerful forces encroaching on the beach. But what really gets me is the little patch of bright yellow in the middle of it all; like a warm sun in the middle of all this insanity. It is a peaceful spot, full of happiness and joy that remains despite everything around it. Strong, secure."

His thumb moves up to my face and wipes away the tears I didn't even notice were falling. "The way you describe it, sounds like a little slice of heaven." His kiss is gentle, loving, and sadly brief.

"Jacob," my dad's voice is sharp behind us. My blush is swift and my first instinct is to leap back, but Jacob holds me tight as he lifts his head to look at my father. Neither says anything for a moment. Finally Dad nods, "Fine, I'll take care of it. Let's go."

Jacob gives me one last brief kiss on the cheek before taking my hand. As we follow my parents through the exhibits to the exits, I press a thought into Jacob's mind through my hand in his, "What was that?" I make sure to flash the picture of him looking at my father.

He gives my hand a squeeze as he smiles down at me, "Nothing, just asking for a favor."

"Do you think that's a good idea?" I whisper, worried that my father might use whatever favor Jacob asked against us somehow.

He shrugs, "I think it'll be fine this time. Besides, he owes me still."

I want to continue asking him questions, but we've reached the waiting limo. Unfortunately Mom and Dad decide to ride with us back to Granddaddy Carlisle's, which means nothing more than holding hands. However, I don't mind because the day is starting to catch up with me. I lean my head against Jacob's shoulder and close my eyes, relaxing into his strong body.

-0-

"I don't care what deal you made with her. I don't care if you made a deal with the Volturi. That dog is not sleeping in the same bed as my niece."

Aunt Rosalie is shouting at the top of her lungs, but her voice sounds like it is miles away. I want to wake up, tell her not to talk about Jacob like that, but I'm too comfortable to stir. However, I still listen to the heated conversation.

"Rosalie, the decision is made. Like it or not, they are sharing a room tonight." Dad saying these words makes me think I might actually just be dreaming, but I'm hopeful this conversation is real.

Jacob's lips slide along my forehead as he whispers, "It's real, but don't worry, Edward, Bella, Carlisle and Esme have given their approval. No matter how much Blondie huffs and puffs, she can't keep me from holding you in my arms tonight."

I can't help giggling at his wolf joke but just as I'm about to open my eyes he whispers, "Don't, keep sleeping for now."

"What, so he can defile her?" Aunt Rosalie shouting again catches my ear, though her voice is even farther away now than it was a few seconds ago. Jacob must be carrying me to my room. "She almost bit him tonight, Edward."

I want to gasp at Aunt Rosalie bringing this up and almost lift myself up when I hear Granddaddy Carlisle speak calmly, "Rosalie, we don't know that biting will have the same effect on her as it does a full vampire. She is still half human."

"And you don't think humans find pleasure in biting?" Aunt Rosalie snarls, "I'm telling you, those two will not be just sleeping in that bed."

"Baaaabe, there's eight mature vamps ready to shred his ass if he touches her under this roof. Calm down. Nothings going to happen. He's not that stealthy." I can feel Jacob's chuckle of laughter at Uncle Emmett, but I'm surprised how quickly the conversation dies down after he finishes speaking. Apparently being given permission to "shred" my boyfriend if he touches me was enough of a promise to calm Aunt Rosalie.

-0-

Unfortunately, that promise seems to have had the opposite effect on Jacob. When we made it up to my room, Jacob gave me space to get ready for bed. As I removed my makeup and changed my clothes, I couldn't help grinning knowing I would have Jacob's arms around me again tonight. I was even looking forward to a little making out before we fell asleep.

Instead, there is a comforter and sheets between us and Jacob is flat on his back, with just his arm near me. Everytime I try to shift closer to him he shakes his head. I've tried sending him messages though my hand on his but he just shakes his head.

Finally I can't take it any longer. "Jacob Black, what is going on?" I ask as I sit straight up in bed.

"Nothing, Ness; just go to sleep," he says in what I assume is supposed to be a soothing voice but just sounds strained.

Leaning over him I look into his eyes, taking a moment to listen to what his body is telling me. "You're scared."

"No! It's just- let's just sleep, Ness. We can talk about it in the morning."

I press my hand over his heart and lean closer, our noses almost touching as I push the words into his mind, "I can't sleep if you won't hold me."

Jacob sighs, cupping my cheek, "I'm sorry, Tathut. I just don't want to cause any problems with your family."

"Are you the same guy who said my family would have to 'get over it' this morning?"

Jacob eyes me then shrugs, "That was about spending time together, not sharing a bed. Blondie is eagerly anticipating tearing me apart."

"She'll have to go through me first." This makes him grin, but he doesn't move. Sighing I repeat his words from this morning, "They'll just have to get over it. You are my boyfriend, and my wolf. There is no way they can expect us to be under the same roof and not share a bed. I've missed having you hold me while I sleep. It will be better if they get over it now. Besides, it's just Aunt Rosalie that's freaking out."

I try to move closer to Jacob but he leans back slightly to look at me as he speaks. "I'm pretty sure the others are freaking out too, babe. I'm sure your dad would like a shot at me too if given the chance. The others just didn't cause a scene like Blondie did." He laughs quietly and I flop over onto my back. We lay there in silence for a few minutes but I'm restless and can't stop shifting around. An idea pops into my head and I sit up, looking down at Jacob. He's watching me in amusement.

"Let's go swimming!" I clap my hands together and nod my head as he shakes his side to side. "Come on, it'll be fun. It's an indoor pool so it's the perfect temperature, and it's soundproof." I'm still nodding my head up and down, a hopeful look on my face, when he finally speaks.

"We don't have suits, Ness."

Unwilling to accept that as a reason I shake my head, "Come on, this is my family. You think Aunt Alice would let anyone swim in the same suit twice? I'm sure there are extra swimsuits down at the pool. There will be no problem finding something for both of us." For added emphasis I pout my bottom lip out just a bit. It takes less than a second of pouting on my part before, hook-line-and-sinker, he caves.

After we 'sneak' to the other end of the house I find suits for both Jacob and I. We go our separate ways to change. I'm vibrating with excitement at the realization that I'll get to see him shirtless again. It's not like it's a rare occurrence but a girl has to take every chance she can get. He's so beautifully sculpted that I would be crazy not to anticipate seeing him. The swimsuit I've found for myself is a two piece and I feel exposed, but the feeling is slightly thrilling to experience.

I eye myself in the full length mirror. I'm petite, with small hips that slightly curve into a slim waist. I'm built just like my mother except my breasts, which are smaller. I frown and wonder if those will ever grow any more. Sadly I think these are the breasts I'm going to be stuck with for all eternity.

After a few tugs and retying of the top I take a deep breath and step out of the changing room. Jacob is leaning against a wall, looking like the cover of a magazine with his bright smile shining against his caramel skin. I bite my bottom lip to keep the cheesy smile off of my face. Its indecent, the way he looks.

"You ready?" he asks and all I can do is nod, because I'm a ridiculous girl. When he reaches for my hand I place mine in his and we silently approach the pool. It's lighted from within, making the water cast pretty reflections on the walls around us. Those are the only lights on in this part of the house and I don't bother turning on the overhead lights. The soft glow lends a peaceful romantic look that makes me feel warm. There's also Jacob running his thumb back and forth across the back of my hand. That makes me feel things too.

When he releases his grip I frown down at his hand. Before I can say anything he's taking a running leap, doing a backflip into the water. The splash is followed by my laughter echoing around the room. As he surfaces he has a big smile on his face and shakes the water out of his face.

Motioning to me with his hands he calls me to him, "Come on, Ness. You were right, the water is perfect."

Instead of walking down the stairs, or using Jacob's dramatic entrance method I walk along the edge of the pool and he follows alongside. I reach the diving board situated at the far end and gently step up, walking to the end and looking down. From my perspective the water looks extremely deep but I know it's not. Bouncing a few times I test out the board before pushing up onto my tip toes. The whoop of Jacob's laughter reaches my ears as I dive in.

As soon as my head breaks the surface of the water, Jacob is there beside me. "I'm pretty sure that dive would have gotten an 11 from all the Olympic judges."

I'm giggling as I quickly wrap my arms around his neck. "And what score would my boyfriend give me for that dive?"

"Are you sure this room is soundproof?" he asks.

"I'm sure. Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett like swimming. When they were remodeling the house, Grandmama Esme refused to add an indoor pool unless it was soundproof."

His laugh comes from deep in his chest, but it is brief, "Good to know."

"So about that score...," I whisper, tightening my grip on his neck my lips brush against his.

As I lean back, one of his hands glides over my face while the other grips my hip. I wish he would let me bring our bodies closer together, but that hand keeps me at a distance. "Ness, I would give you whatever score you want. Just like I'd give you anything you ever asked for."

"You wouldn't hold me earlier," I say, my pout automatic this time.

"That was to protect you. And myself." He sighs, briefly pressing his lips to mine before continuing, "They do need to get over it, but- in that bed, I didn't just want to hold you Ness."

At his words I sigh, closing my eyes and letting my thoughts of us making out in that bed tonight flow through my skin to him. I know he received the message when he groans.

"That and so much more, Tathut. I know what you want, and in that bed, I was fighting myself. My desire to give you what your body was screaming for was overwhelming, but I had to consider protecting you. Because your family would tear me apart if they knew my thoughts. I never want you to be stuck in the middle between me and your family again. So to protect you, I was trying to keep you at a distance."

"Jacob Black. You are a shape shifter that was created to destroy vampires. My family are all vampires. No matter what, I'm always going to be stuck in the middle." My fingernails lightly slide over the skin at the back of his neck, teasing the soft hair there before sliding lower down his back. "The thing is, I love my family, but if I have to pick a side, I will always choose you."

"I love you so much, Ness."

My gasp is quick but that is the only noise I'm able to make as my stomach jumps up to my throat and my heartbeat triples in time. I have a thousand thoughts and feeling running through my mind but I manage to sort through them all to send one very important thought to him, "You love me?"

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A/N: *Cheesy grin* Worth it, right? Don't forget to check out our twitter (StupidLeeches) for information or to reach out to us. And make sure to click that review button below. Thanks again for your patience.