Warning: This story deals with domestic violence and the struggles to recover. If you have problems with this issue please don't read this.

Disclaimer: Ms Meyers owns Twilight and all its characters.

Big thanks to my Beta's Taloolah, dizzygirl28 and Beate73. You girls are awesome, I appreciate all the work you do for me, helping me make my stuff presentable. Love you guys.

Thanks to my prereader tjbaby101 for your input, you rock.

This is a week late I know, took time off for the holidays. Updating should go back normal from now on *fingers crossed*

Okay on with the story.

Double Date

EPOV

As his face drew closer to me, his lips searching for mine, the one thought that was a constant in my head was not what I had been expecting. Yes, yes, yes, echoed through my brain. I wanted him to kiss me. I yearned for it, my body shaking with anticipation. I wanted Jacob to kiss me and I wasn't even disturbed by it.

I cursed in my head as the elevator doors opened and turned to see who had rescued us. My arms were still tightly wrapped around Jacob's waist, holding on for dear life. When my eyes met Jasper's smiling face, a blush crept up my own and reality set back in, my arms dropped instantly as I took a step backwards.

A faint sigh left Jacob's mouth and his hands fell to his side. "Thanks Jasper, perfect timing buddy," he whispered before turning his eyes back to me. The look on his face made my heart beat faster; I could see the happiness dancing in his eyes, a small sexy smile on his lips. He truly was breathtaking.

Everything that had happened tonight invades my mind, the looks, the talk. Jacob was so open with me, spilling his soul, and no matter what I asked, he answered without hesitation. I had surprised myself when I asked him about Sam, and a moment of euphoria hit when he told me Sam had left the country, only to be shattered again when he said Sam had returned a few weeks ago.

Jacob's voice echoed in my head. He had sounded so sincere when he promised Sam would never find me and I actually believed him, believed he would keep me safe. When he took me in his arms I flinched but when I wrapped my arms around him, the tremor that rocked though me was intense and had absolutely nothing to do with fear. It surprised even me how comfortable I felt in his arms. I had been so safe, I never wanted to leave that feeling, and laying my head on his chest felt completely right.

I was pulled out of my musings by Jasper's voice. "You guys okay?" he asked with a smirk on his lips.

"Fine Jazz," I answered, still looking at the floor, the blush still burning up my cheeks. He chuckled and pulled me to him, slinging his arm over my shoulder, causing a low growl to emanate from Jake. I had to admit it was kinda cute, the sounds he would make when he was being protective and jealous.

"Okay lets get you home Edward. See ya tomorrow Jake," Jazz said as we went to the stairs. We had ended up on the ground floor, and I really didn't want to get into that lift again. Unless Jake was with me.

Whoa these thoughts were getting out of hand, maybe it was the beer. I had been drinking way too much tonight in the hopes of pushing down my nerves.

"Bye Jake," I called out over my shoulder, giving him a small smile.

"Bye Edward." Man his voice was sexy as hell and I felt my body respond.

"Down there big boy," Jasper chuckled next to me, causing me to throw him a disgruntled look.

"Shut up, Jazz," I hissed back.

"So what was that I walked in on there Edward?" His voice was thick with curiosity which made me smile.

"Nothing. We just, um. Oh hell. We spent our time talking and I learned a lot about Jake. He answered every question I asked without hesitation. It was really nice Jasper," I finished on a whisper.

"Well I told ya Jake's a good man, Edward." He smiled, quite pleased with himself.

"Yes he is, Jazz," I sighed, "he really is," I added softer. "I'm just not sure what I'm going to do about it, I mean I like him Jasper, I really like him, but the courage I got tonight, as little as it was, was liquid courage. I don't know how I'm going to feel in the morning when my buzz wears off, so don't get ya hopes up." I smiled my crooked grin at him and he laughed.

"Really Edward, I think you did fantastic tonight. I was so worried it would end badly, but you pulled out that inner strength and rocked it. I think you really have jumped the hardest hurdle tonight Edward, and if what I saw in the elevator was anything to go by, I think things might just work out for you for a change." He smiled softly at me and gripped my neck in a caring gesture, giving it a soft rub.

"I guess all we can do is wait till tomorrow night and see how I go," I sighed, hoping like hell what Jasper was saying was true. We reached my door and I opened it up and walked in.

"Do you want to talk about this for a while?" Jasper asked, concern showing on his face.

"No Jazz, I just wanna sleep. Maybe a good night's rest will help me figure this out." I reached out and hugged Jasper goodnight.

"Okay buddy and sorry for interrupting that kiss," He sniggered as he walked away. I would so get him back for that, I could feel the blush creep up my cheeks again as I shut the door with a little more force than necessary.

The time I spent with Jake ran through my head as I prepared myself for bed. He had been so sweet and supportive, like he instinctively knew what I needed. He walked in front of me to make me comfortable and stood on the other side of the lift to give me space.

Reviewing the night it became obvious that Jake only had my feelings and my comfort in mind and that in itself was amazing. He didn't know me. It was only the second time we had officially met, and yet when I was sitting across from him, I felt like I had known him for years. He felt like home.

How strange was that? I didn't think it was even possible to connect with someone so damn fast, and I thought it would be even harder for someone like me. This was getting way too complicated and I had no idea what to do about it.

A part of me, a very big part, just wanted to go with the flow and see where it all ended up, but there was a small part of me that wanted to run scared.

It all came down to one question, could I be with Jake?

I climbed under my covers and thrashed around for a while, my mind racing with thoughts of Jacob.

Once my eyes closed his image played through my mind.

His beautiful plump lips slowly made their way towards mine. Just as we were about to kiss, Sam jumped in and pushed Jake to the floor, kicking him repeatedly.

"No! Stop! Please don't hurt him," I pled.

"He can never have you Edward, you are mine and mine alone," he sneered out reaching for me.

I turned and ran as fast as I could, searching for anyone to help me. My body was shaking, tears falling.

"Please, someone, help me." My words were soft, my voice locked up and my breaths panting out. Fear consumed me as I ran.

"You can't hide from me Edward, I will always find you. No one can protect you from me." I whimpered as his words reached me, begging silently for them not to be true.

As I turned the corner I hit something solid and felt arms wrap around me. I felt safe as my head rested against a large solid chest, my breathing evened out and my eyes raised up to look at my saviour.

"Jacob?"

"It's okay Edward, I've got you, no one will ever hurt you again," he smiled down at me and tightened his grip around my waist.

I buried my head into his chest and held on for dear life, inhaling deeply, taking in his wonderful scent. "Thank you Jacob," I breathed out and placed a kiss on his chest.

"You never have to be afraid again Edward. I promise I will always take care of you, always be there for you. You're safe with me." As he spoke the words, I could feel myself responding.

He would never hurt me. He could protect me from Sam. He could help me to protect myself from Sam.

"Will you stay with me forever, Jake?" I asked.

"Always Edward. I will always be yours."

My eyes flew open as I bolted upright in my bed, covered in sweat. It had been years since I had dreamt about Sam, but the real surprise was Jacob. He saved me. He wanted me, he would always be there to keep me safe and protect me.

I knew it was just a dream, but the realness of it stuck with me, like a knowing just washed over me. It was in that moment I made my decision. Come what may, I was going to give Jacob a chance.

It wasn't going to be smooth sailing, there was so much that could go wrong but I felt confident about my decision. Whether it worked out or not, I was going to try, I wanted to try.

I jumped out of bed and headed for the shower with an extra bounce in my step. Tonight was going to be a turning point; I was going to let Jake know I wanted for us to spend time together, alone.

By the time I had finished up eating it was already three in the afternoon, so I decided to head up to Jasper and Alice's place. As I entered the lift, I shuddered slightly at the memories of last night. My hand reached up and touched my lips, thinking about the almost kiss. I wondered how his lips would feel against mine and wondered when I would be able to feel them for real.

The elevator made it safely to Jasper and Alice's floor and I sighed in relief. Walking down the hall, I pulled the key from my pocked just before I reached the door, placing it in the lock and letting myself into their place.

"Alice, Jasper?" I called out. Alice came bounding out of the bedroom, her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Edward, thank God you're finally here. Jasper said I wasn't allowed to come down and wake you," the words flew from her mouth so quickly it was hard to make out what she was saying but I managed.

"What's up Alice?" I asked, knowing full well Jasper had told her what he had interrupted last night.

"Come on Edward. THE KISS!" she bellowed, I had to reach up and block my ears.

"Calm down woman-child," I winced. Fuck she was loud for such a little thing.

"EDDDWWWAAARRRRDDDD!" she screamed, causing me to flinch back from her.

"God Alice, please, you could wake the dead," Jasper bellowed from the bedroom.

"Fine," she pouted and pulled me over to the sofa. "Edward, tell me about the kiss?"

"There was no kiss, Alice," I told her as I settled into my seat.

"Jasper said you were in Jake's arms when the door opened, looking like you were kissing."

"Alice, there was no kiss." I looked down at my hands before adding, "There might have been one if Jasper hadn't gotten the doors open when he did." My voice sounded whiny even to my ears and I knew I was pouting.

Alice clapped her hands and bounced up and down on the couch. "Edward that's so exciting. Wait." She looked at me, her face becoming very serious. "How do you feel about it?" she asked.

"I wasn't too sure how I felt about it last night, considering how much I had to drink, but I had a dream last night. Alice, I think I'm ready to give it a shot; I want to try and get to know Jacob better and see where it leads. As long as he takes it slow and doesn't push me, which I don't think he will, I think...I don't know Alice. I think it might be something that could work out." I sighed heavily, I was still unsure but I was determined to give this a try.

"I'm so proud of you Edward. I know this is hard considering who Jake is but really you couldn't find a better man. Besides if he or anyone else ever hurt you Jasper would shoot them."

"Damn right I would," Jasper said as he entered the room with a very serious look on his face. I was pretty damn sure that he would too; I knew he really wanted to beat the living shit out of Sam.

"What time is Jake getting here?" I looked at my watch and saw it was getting close to five.

"He will be here any minute actually. We decided to grab some food before the movie if that's alright?" Jasper said.

"That's fine, I'm actually really looking forward to tonight." My voice was low and I could feel the blush creep up my neck. I just realized I had no idea how to let Jake know I was interested. Was I supposed to tell him? I couldn't do that, I was way too shy with him.

The knock at the door made my heart speed up, he was here. I felt like a teenage girl waiting for her first date, it was horrible. Jasper went to answer the door and I concentrated on my breathing.

"Hey Jake."

"Hey Jasper, still okay for me to come I take it?" he asked, his voice went straight to my dick and I moaned softly to myself. Alice caught the noise and giggled, elbowing me in the side.

"Shh Alice," I hissed out, totally embarrassed.

"It's fine Edward, Jasper's voice still does that to me, my panties are getting soaked as we speak." She giggled again as I gagged. Way too much information right there.

"Hi, Edward." I looked up to see him standing in front of me, that beautiful smile on his face. The first thought I had was to lick his face. This was going to be so much harder than I thought, now that my dick had decided it wanted to come out and play, my libido had kicked into overdrive. All I wanted to do was ravish him, but there was no way I was ready for that step yet.

"Hi, Jake," I replied a small smile on my lips. He made me feel so much all at once, it was hard not to be shy around him.

"You all ready to get going?" Alice asked rising up from the couch.

"Sure," I replied and Jake reached his hand out to help me up. I flinched slightly before I grabbed hold of it and squeezed softly, allowing him to hoist me off of the sofa.

He let go of my hand as soon as he pulled me upright and I felt cold at the sudden loss. He probably caught my flinching and didn't think I wanted him to touch me. I really needed to get a handle on that.

The ride to the restaurant was interesting, Jake and I sat in the back while Jasper drove. His long legs looked rather uncomfortable in the small space as he tried to keep his legs from brushing mine. The way he always tried to make me as comfortable as possible in his presence was not lost on me and only endeared him to me more.

We ate at a nice little Italian place, just down the road from the cinema. The food was great and the conversation flowed easily, as did the wine, leaving me feeling quiet relaxed and rather brave.

By the time we got to the cinema and took our seats I was determined to make some contact between us, something small, just to let him know that I wanted to try. We had let Alice pick the movie, a romantic comedy of course and as the lights went down I could feel the heat coming off of Jake's body.

I found it very hard to focus on the movie and thirty minutes in, I still had no clue what it was about. I was sure about one thing though, now was the time for me to make my move. I reached out my hand slowly and touched Jake's keeping my eyes firmly on the screen. When I felt his fingers gently interlace with mine, my heart started to race and a small satisfied smile took residence on my face.

I turned my head slightly to look at Jake, only to be met with his eyes staring back at me, a large grin spread across his face causing mine to widen in response. He squeezed my hand gently and turned his attention back to the screen, the smile never leaving his lips.

I was happy.

Once the movie was over, we stood up and Jacob released my hand, bringing back that cold feeling. Maybe he didn't want to hold my hand after all. God what if he didn't want to try, what if this was all too much for him? It's not like it was a walk in the park dealing with someone with as many issues as I had, especially when the way he looked was one of the problems.

With my mind going over everything, always over-thinking, I was starting to shake slightly as we made our way out of the cinema but my fears where soon replaced with comfort as Jake reached back out for my hand. A small smile took over my features as I laced my fingers through his, giving his hand a slight squeeze as we walked to the car.

The difference between the drive to the restaurant compared to the drive home was as opposite as night and day. Instead of curling up on himself to stop his legs brushing mine, he stretched himself out, recapturing my hand in his and allowing his leg to rest against mine. The heat coming from him was wonderful and I found myself leaning in to him unconsciously, my head coming to rest against his broad shoulder and a contented sigh leaving my mouth.

Jacob made his own sounds of contentment as his hand dropped mine before he lifted it up slightly, but he quickly dropped it back into his lap. It occurred to me then that he was going to wrap his arm around me but didn't want to push me. Again I was astounded at how lucky I was to have someone so good, so thoughtful, who wanted me and was willing to take his time.

I found my courage building with every gesture Jacob made. Snuggling closer to his body I turned my head to whisper in his ear, "You can put your arm around me if you want to." He looked down at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and compassion as he nodded his head and lifted his arm again, never taking his eyes off mine, and wrapping it lightly around my shoulder. My smile was wide as I looked back at him before lowering my head and placing a soft kiss on his shoulder. His breathing hitched slightly as that beautiful smile of his took over his face. He lowered his head and placed a kiss in my hair before tightening his grip around my shoulders. I slowly reached out and wrapped my arm around his torso as I turned slightly and snuggled in. I felt utterly content for the first time since my parents had died.

Jasper's eyes met mine in the rear view mirror and he smiled brightly, winking before refocusing on the road. I scowled slightly, but there was no heat behind it considering I was wrapped up in warmth and felt way too good to be annoyed at Jasper's know it all look.

"So who's up for a nightcap at our place?" Alice asked, her voice startling me slightly causing me to jump. Jacob's arm automatically tightened around me as his other arm reached over mine around his waist and traced comforting patterns on my arm. I enjoyed the comfort it gave me as I relaxed completely in his arms, that buzzing feeling coursing through me. I would never get tired of that feeling.

"Sounds good to me," Jacob said as he nudged me gently, smiling down at me. I chuckled slightly at his enthusiasm before answering.

"I'm in."

Jasper parked the car and we made our way to the elevator, Jake and I exchanged looks when Alice pressed the button for her floor. I swallowed hard as my mind played back the other night, the almost kiss and my revelations.

Jacob had taken hold of my hand when we got out of the car and was squeezing it gently. "I'm sure we won't get stuck in there again, Edward," he chuckled trying to make light of the situation. He misinterpreted my reaction to the whole thing, I wasn't scared, I was craving being back there, spending time alone with Jacob.

God, I wanted to spend time alone with Jacob. I wanted it to be just me and him, out on a date. The thought made a huge smile take over my face and Jacob nudged me slightly looking intrigued by my sudden shift of emotions. Jasper on the other hand looked at me like he totally knew what I was thinking, which he probably did. He leaned down to whisper in my ear just as the elevator door opened.

"You're ready, right?" He chuckled when my smile slipped slightly as I mumbled about stupid perceptive cops being nosey. Jake led me into the elevator and was surprised when I leaned up against him, my back to his front. When he got over his shock he wrapped his arms around my waist and I placed my hands over his.

I might not have been ready for anything too physical, but having him hold me like this was perfect. The elevator dinged all too soon and Jacob held back letting Alice and Jasper lead the way, before slowly unwrapping me from his embrace and taking hold of my hand.

"You coming," Jasper asked as Jake and I dragged behind.

"Yeah, go on ahead we will be there in a minute," I replied holding Jacob back. I wanted just a little bit of time where it was just the two of us, just to see how well I could cope with him alone.

We took our time, walked slowly together, our hands swinging lightly between us. As we walked through the open door of the apartment, I heard Alice call out to Jasper. "They looked so cute don't you think? I have never seen Edward so relaxed with someone. Jake is just perfect for him. I'm so happy..." She walked out of the kitchen spotting us and stopping in mid sentence, almost dropping the beer bottles in her hands in her surprise.

"Oh I didn't realize, I..." Jasper walked in and placed a hand over her mouth.

"Alice, let's just sit shall we?" He chuckled as he released his hand and took the beer from her hands. Alice was blushing but amazingly I wasn't. I was way too amused by Alice's babbling to let the embarrassment sink in.

Jacob had released my hand during Alice's outburst and was looking down at his shoes, a slight frown on his beautiful lips. I learned into him and whispered softly.

"What's wrong Jake?" He looked up at me and returned my smile before shaking his head.

"Nothing, I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable," he whispered back. I shook my head slightly and sighed.

"Jacob, I'm fine, really. It's sweet that you worry about me so much. It's one of the reasons I like you so much but you really don't have to worry about me around these two. I'm very used to Alice and her mouth saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Or more so the right thing at the wrong time, since what she said was true."

That smile I loved so much took over his face as he leaned into me his lips brushing my ear slightly as he spoke. "Really? 'Cause I feel the exact same way. I really like you Edward."

I shivered slightly as his warm breath washed over the side of my face and I looked up at him shyly through my lashes. What this man did to me was indescribable, no one had ever made me feel like this and I was reveling in it. I grabbed his hand and lead him over to the sofa, sitting close to him resting my head against his shoulder. His fingers curled into my shirt sleeve, tracing patterns over my arm as we looked up at Alice and Jasper.

They were sitting on the big chair opposite us, Alice tucked neatly into Jasper's lap, her head resting on his chest, matching smiles lighting up their faces as they watched us. I shifted a little under their gaze, and noticing my discomfort, Jake started the conversation.

We spent the next hour and a half discussing the movie - which I said very little about since I couldn't remember seeing any of it - talking about the meal and just things in general. It was a nice night and I felt so tingly and relaxed I got a bit disgruntled when the night was over. We said our good night's at the door, hugs and kisses all round and when we were out in the hall Jacob asked if he could walk me to my door.

This time I didn't hesitate in saying yes.

"Should we take the stairs this time?" he asked, worry etching his features.

"Where would the fun in that be?" I asked as I lead him to the lift and pressed the button.

"Aren't you scared it will break down again?" he questioned. His face was so cute when he was confused.

"I was never scared of the lift Jake." I took a deep breath and decided to lay it out there for him. "It was never what worried me, it was being alone with you at first, the memories that flooded me, but after that it was this feeling; the one I'm feeling now. Jacob, I wanted to kiss you in this lift, I wanted it so bad, but the thought of kissing you, it's terrifying for me. I dreamt about Sam for the first time in years after last night." Jake growled at the mention of Sam, and stepped back from me.

"Are you ever going to be able to see me, the real me, without seeing him?" he asked, his face full of sorrow.

"I did tonight Jake, all I saw was you." His face lit up in that smile I had come to know as my smile. "I want to try, Jake, I want to see where this..." I gestured between him and myself, "...could go. If you are willing to take it slow and give me time. I know it's a lot to ask, especially since I have no guarantee's for you but I want to try. I want us to..." The elevator dinged, cutting me off.

I lead Jake from the lift to my front door and turned back to him.

"You want us to what?" he asked, his eyes full of hope.

"I want us to date, Jake, just you and me, alone." I gulped slightly, my body shaking, half of me was terrified of where this could lead, the other part, the more dominate part was all in.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Jake, tonight went so well don't you think?" I looked at him as a few emotions flashed over his face too quickly for me to catch what they were.

"Yes I think it did," he said forcefully.

"I may flinch slightly, but I'm working on it, just...if you can be patient. I know it's a lot to ask." I suddenly felt very nervous, my hands giving me away.

"I want it too." He said, looking at me with such intensity. "Edward would you like to go out on a date with me next Saturday night?"

I smiled at him and nodded my head, "Yes, I really would Jake."

"Okay then," he beamed, "how about I give you a call during the week and we make plans?" he added.

"That would be great, Jake, I look forward to it. Do you need my number?" I asked not sure why, since I had never given it to him so there was no way he would have it. He pulled out his phone and handed it to me, waiting patiently for me to add my details. I in turn handed him mine so he could return the favor.

I was suddenly very shy again, my emotions all over the place now that I was out of Jacob's embrace. It was amazing how calm he could make me feel just by touching me.

"Thanks for a great night Jake. I had a lot of fun."

"Me too, Edward, me too," he answered and leaned in slightly, his eyes gauging my reaction as he placed a kiss on my cheek. He lingered a little too long to be considered a chaste kiss but it was very sweet and sent a blaze up my face. I sighed and my hand flew up to caress where his lips had just been, causing Jake to chuckle before wishing me a good night, waiting for me to enter my apartment before leaving.

That night I went to sleep with visions of Jake dancing through my mind.