Summary: Bella abandoned Jacob years ago to marry Edward. Now divorced and a bestselling author of the Midnight series she thinks back on the boy she left behind. Jacob Black, has finally hit the big time, with his hit record My Never. He's put all his pain in his music and his love for Bella Swan has left him bitter. When he performs a concert in Forks, at the same time Bella's doing her book signing, their reunion doesn't go as planned.
Chapter Three:And I don't understand all the things you've seen, But I'm slipping in between you and your big dreams
"It always struck me in years after how bizarre it was, how two people could look at one another with such tenderness and complete love, and how quickly that could dissolve into nothing but bitterness."
― Hannah Harrington, Saving June
He didn't look the same anymore, then again, neither did she. Eight years was a long time. They'd both lost that sparkle of innocence and youth that used to be in their eyes.
Time slowed to a crawl and the air between them crackled as if a storm was about to hit. Jacob grinned, revealing perfectly straight, white teeth, and looking down at her; a predator sizing up its prey.
"W-what are you doing here?" Bella asked and Jacob shrugged.
"I was in town and decided to see what all the fuss was about," Jacob said, his tone casual, but his eyes were still glinting dangerously.
That's it, Bella thought, disappointed.
"Oh," Bella mumbled and glanced over at where her editor was talking to the head Librarian.
"Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee or something, so we can talk?" Bella suggested and Jacob raises an eyebrow.
"I don't drink coffee," he stated, and Bella shoulders slump. "How about we go get something stronger. There a bar a couple of blocks from here,"
Bella eyebrows shot up.
"Since when do you drink during the day?"
"I do a lot of things during the day you don't know about," Jacob said, and Bella looked away, biting her lip.
"I don't drink," Bella said and Jacob tapped his finger to her dedication.
"But I thought you wanted to talk?" Jacob questioned, leaning forward and bracing his hands on either side of her, palms flat on the table, his voice laced with a threat, and Bella fought the urge to back away.
"I do," Bella said, quietly as she glanced away, her brows drawing together as she reflected on how much he had changed.
Bringing herself to look up into his dark face, she spoke, using all the confidence she had gained with age.
"Let's go," she said, rising from her seat and Jacob nodded, his fingers clasping her elbow, as they left the store.
She hoped her editor wouldn't be too mad at her.
….
He shouldn't enjoy watching her squirm as much as he does. Jacob keeps his hand on Bella to make sure that she doesn't disappear on him again. He wasn't expecting to find her here. But on the way to the bar, he saw a big banner with her face on it and he couldn't help himself.
It hadn't taken much to bribe one of her fans to give him a copy of her book. Bella was popular but he didn't have his charm.
"Where are we going?" Bella asked, struggling to keep the nervousness out of her voice and Jacob fought an evil chuckle.
He wasn't going to hurt her…physically.
But a part of him wanted to break her.
To let her know what it felt like to have her heart ripped out of her chest and stomped on the floor.
"I'm taking you to lunch to celebrate your success," Jacob said, his voice low and quiet, leaning so his mouth was close to her ear, his breath fanning over the tender outer rim.
His groupies loved when he did that…and from the way she shivered, so did Bella.
Interesting.
Jacob leads her to a diner/bar that had opened a few months ago. He walks into the place like he owns it, and can feel people's eyes on him as he goes. He knows people recognize him. Interviews always love talking about how he came from a small town and all that crap.
He lets go of Bella's elbow as he strides, no longer worried about her running away.
He's Jacob Black, he doesn't need to force a woman's company. They flock to him everywhere he goes.
He sends a wink at a woman eating dinner with her husband and smirks when she blushes. Her husband glares at him and Jacob meets his glare with a raised eyebrow.
If he wanted her, he could have her. He knows it, she knows it, and her husband knows it. He looks away from Jacob, his jaw clenching and Jacob smirks.
He heads to the back of the restaurant, where a line of booths sits. Jacob slides into one and gestures for Bella to sit across from him.
"So." Jacob says softly, his face unreadable, once she sets down. "Look at you."
Bella shifts uncomfortably and Jacob chuckles.
"What's the matter? You scared? Nervous maybe?" he asks and when Bella doesn't say anything, he shakes his head. "Don't worry Bella, I don't bite…Unless your still into that,"
Bella blushes, and forces herself to take some deep, calming breaths.
"Did you read the book?"
"Yeah, I read it. It was pretty good," Jacob says and Bella smiles.
"I was surprised by the book's success," she admits. "But I guess it's because Izzy's best friend was so awesome,"
"Yeah, Jayden was the only likable character in that sappy, overdramatized, mess," Jacob comments and Bella's smile slips. "Though he came off as kind of push over. The way he let Izzy use him and string him along. What an idiot,"
"I thought you liked it," Bella questions and Jacob laughs.
"I said it was good. I didn't say I liked it," he corrects her.
"Wh- What do you want, Jacob?" Bella asks, once she realizes that this isn't going to be a friendly chat.
"I want a lot of things, Bella." Jacob states, his lips curling up into a slightly cruel smile, as though he's cornered his kill.
"Are you mad about the book?" Bella presses.
"No, I'm not mad about the book. it really gave me an insight into what you were thinking back then. But I couldn't help but notice you left a few things out," Jacob says, amusement in his voice, but it has an edge. "The night before the wedding ringing any bells?"
Bella flushes a deep red, from her neck to her cheeks. "W-what happened that night was a-"
"Aw come on, you don't have to lie me." Jacob cuts in before Bella can make up some excuse. "I was there. I know what happened. I remember you coming over to talk because you had some doubts. I remember you kissing me. And I remember you...on your back, moaning my name."
Bella won't meet his eyes.
"Remember thinkin' you were beautiful, that night, with your skin flushed that pretty rose color. And I remember you telling me you loved me and you know what my favorite memory of that night was?" Jacob asks
"Jacob, I'm sor -" Jacob leans across the table and places a finger over her lips, silencing her.
"I remember waking up to an empty bed. You didn't even leave a note. Did you have time to wash my scent off before you pulled on that pretty white dress" He's still grinning, loving every second of this.
"I-I," Bella wishes she had an excuse for what she did.
"Did you know that you were my first?" Jacob questions, and Bella feels guilty. "Not bad for a first timer, huh? Bet Edward was a prude in bed, right? Part of the reason for your divorce?"
"Listen Jacob, I was young then and I was stupid. I thought-" Bella took a deep breath. "I thought what Edward and I had was an epic love story. I really believed that I loved him more."
Jacob laughs, leaning closer to her, his voice dropping as he asks "Then why did you sleep with me?"
"I just…I wanted Edward but I needed you," Bella doesn't know how to explain it. "I didn't intend to sleep with you. I just wanted to say goodbye and I-"
"What a goodbye, right?" Jacob's grin suddenly gets wider, eyes sparkling, "If you said goodbye to all your friends like that then I'm sure that there are a lot of people missing you right now,"
"You know it wasn't like that, Jacob," Bella snaps, losing her cool.
Before Jacob could reply, a girl approaches the table, wearing an apron and carries two menus.
"Can I take your order?" she asks and Jacob grins at her.
"Depends, gorgeous. Are you on the menu?" Jacob asks and the girl blushes.
"Um…" she stutters, and Jacob reaches over and takes a menu from her trembling hands.
"While you think about it, I'll take a blowjob," Jacob says and the waitress lets out a surprised squeak.
"What? You don't serve those? How about a leg spreader? No? A slippery nipple?"
The waitress had been steadily getting redder and redder the more Jacob spoke and Jacob couldn't help but feel that rush of…pleasure.
She wanted him.
Jacob stretched, enjoying the way her eyes locked on the strip of skin bared when his shirt moved.
"If you can't get me any of those then I'll just take a Jack and coke," Jacob stated, putting the menu back under her arm, letting his fingers brush her arm. "And my friend here will have a ginger ale,"
The waitress nodded and looked nervously at her notepad.
"Can I have your autograph?" she blurted and leaned back against his seat.
"Sure thing, cutie. What's your name?" he asked, taking the pad and pen from her hands.
"C-Candy,"
"Mm, sweet," Jacob purred, signing his name. "Did you ever decide if you were on the menu?"
"I get off at 6," Candy said and Jacob grinned.
"I'll be waiting," Jacob said and the waitress skippered off to go fill their order.
Jacob watched her walk away, licking his lips. Candy was definitely going to be a treat.
He heard an annoyed cough and turned his attention back to Bella who was glaring at him.
"What?" Jacob questioned.
"Was that really necessary?" she asked and Jacob shrugged.
"I never miss dessert," Jacob said, smirking.
"Why did she ask for your autograph?" Bella asked and Jacob shot her a look of disbelief.
"You don't know?"
"Know what?"
"Oh right, you don't watch TV or listen to the radio," Jacob sighed, "Oh, well. You'll figure it out eventually,"
"Figure out what?" Bella demanded, just as the waitress came back with their drinks.
"Here's your drink," she hummed, batting her lashes at Jacob. "A leg spreader, just like you wanted,"
"Thank you," Jacob said, taking a sip of his drink. "Mmm, good but you know what would taste better?"
"What?"
"You, I wonder if your as sweet as your name says."
Candy giggles and Bella took an angry sip of her ginger ale.
Jacob flirts with their waitress for a few minutes, ignoring Bella's glaring, before her manager literally has to come drag her away.
Bella glances at her watch, wondering if her editor has noticed she's gone yet.
"Now, Jacob. I just wanted to apolo-"
"I don't want your apologies, Bella. You're always saying how sorry you are. It's annoying," Jacob cuts her off, waving his hand in annoyance.
"Then maybe we can start over," Bella tries and Jacob lets out a bitter chuckle.
"Look, I have to go," Jacob suddenly says and Bella's eyes widen.
"What?"
"This was nice. Let's do it again some time," Jacob pulls out his wallet and throws down a fifty.
"But we didn't talk about anything," Bella protests.
"We talked plenty. You're still making excuse and I don't have time to listen to them anymore."
"Wait," Bella blurts, and grabbed his arm, when he got up.
"I don't wait, Bella," Jacob says, "My time is a valuable commodity and I have better things to waste it on than you,"
Bella let go of his arm as if he burned her.
"Why did you even come if you hate me so much?" she asks, hurt.
Jacob shrugs.
"I was curious. Thought I might still feel something for you...guess I was wrong,"
Bella eyes water but she pushes it down.
"Well, I'm glad you got your answer," she says, folding her hands in her lap.
"I am too," Jacob grins, and catches Candy's eye.
He jerks his head toward the door and Candy nods.
"Now, if you'll excuse me." he says and walks away with Candy trailing after him.
Bella doesn't watch him go.
Author's note: So their first meeting didn't go well.
Do you think Jacob was wrong or Do you think Bella had it coming?
What do you think about what Bella did?