Huge thanks to the team over at PTB – especially daniwerner & thalia-csiny for betaing this chap. Another thank you shout out to Bonnysammy for validating my story. She makes my story readable, because I am formatting incapable.

Stephanie Meyer owns all things Twilight related. I simply play with her characters. Also REO Speedwagon own their music - I just like to karaoke.

So up next - back to Bella's POV and the magic of old school rock!

Chapter 6 – I Can't Fight This Feeling


BPOV

My automotive education proceeded slowly, but Jacob was a patient teacher. Mostly, I just watched as Jacob pointed things out to me. Even though the subject held no real interest for me, I enjoyed the time I spent with him. Charlie was ecstatic that I was taking an interest in the upkeep of my truck. Although it was a gift from him, he was concerned with my ability to maintain it, and was hopeful I wouldn't need to call Jacob for every little thing. As it was, I did spend every day with Jacob, so perhaps Charlie's concern was misplaced. Jake wouldn't have let me try to fix anything in my truck if there was a real problem with it.

On Friday, like clockwork, the phone rang at ten AM.

"Hello." I smiled, knowing it was Jacob.

"Your place or mine today?" Jacob chuckled into the phone. We had spent the two weeks since my arrival doing a variety of things at both of our houses. While we mostly hung out at Jake's garage with Quil and Embry dropping by periodically, we had also been heading to the beach when it was sunny and coming here to watch the flat screen when it wasn't. Inevitably the days would end with me cooking dinner for Charlie, Billy and Jacob. Dinner predictably, had Charlie and Billy sharing knowing glances while looking at Jacob and me. It wasn't subtle.

"Mine. I've got a surprise for you." I unknowingly lowered my voice.

Was I flirting? When did this start?

"You do?" Jake's voice cracked on the 'do'. Evidently, he was as surprised as I was at my inept flirting. I didn't know why but I went with it.

What is wrong with me?

"I've decided to pay you back for all the lessons you've been giving me." First, I heard silence, then a long, slow exhale.

"You have?" Did Jake just squeak? Maybe I wasn't so good at flirting.

"I have. I've decided to give you ... " I paused for dramatic effect, but all I could hear was deep breathing on the other end of the phone." ... cooking lessons!" Silence again, then a knocking sound? "Jake, are you still there?"

"Hey, Bells, yeah sorry, I um ... just hit my head ... on the um ... hey cooking lessons! Cool, sounds like a blast! Billy will be thrilled. Hey listen, Sue Clearwater is heading into town, so I'll catch a ride with her. See you soon." With that, he was off the phone, and I was listening to the dial tone. Well that was ... different.

I busied myself in the kitchen getting ready for our "lesson". I had decided I was going to teach Jake how to make eggplant parmesan. Charlie, Billy and Jake ate an appalling amount of meat. I wanted to show them something that was filling, delicious AND made of vegetables. Charlie's radio was tuned to some old rock station, so I was singing along quietly while washing the eggplants. The song changed to a familiar melody. I sang a little louder.

I can't fight this feeling any longer.
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow.
What started out as friendship,
Has grown stronger.
I only wish I had the strength to let it show.

Huh.

Interesting. That's kinda how I felt about Jake. I sang a little louder still. I might have been swaying to the music. I might have also used an eggplant as a microphone. I'm not sure.

I tell myself that I can't hold out forever.
I said there is no reason for my fear.
Cause I feel so secure when we're together.
You give my life direction,
You make everything so clear.

Huh?

I felt safe and warm with Jake. He really was the reason I've been enjoying Forks so far. Being with him was easy and natural. I could be myself. I wonder what that meant?

Was I holding out? Holding out for what? Seriously, Bella, what are you waiting for?

I knew the age thing almost didn't bother me as much as it used to, because frankly, Jake didn't act fifteen. Almost.

And even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the window,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.

Suddenly, Jake's arms snaked around my waist from behind, and he was singing into my ear. I froze and stopped singing. The huskiness in his voice was more pronounced when he was singing, and instead of being embarrassed by being caught singing along to the radio, I closed my eyes and relished listening to him croon to me.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.

He turned me around to face him, and lifted his finger under my chin so I was looking up into his eyes. I smiled, and joined back into the song.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crashing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.

Jake leaned down closer to me. We both stopped singing. I couldn't even hear the music anymore. My breath hitched, and he paused about an inch away from me as his eyes sought out mine, seeking permission. When I closed my eyes, he hesitantly brushed his lips against mine. I gently returned his kiss. This felt ... right. I opened my eyes and smiled.

"Well, you have the crashing through the door part down." I looked up at him. Jake started laughing. He stepped back a bit, but didn't release me.

"I did knock. I think you were too wrapped up in your 'Rock Band' performance to notice." I blushed. "Not that I mind. I didn't have you pegged for a classic rock kinda girl."

"Renee went through a karaoke phase. I learned all the classics." I smiled at the memory of Renee coming home with a karaoke machine and insisting I learn all the songs with her. I wouldn't admit this to anyone, but I really enjoyed it. I was a closet karaoke fan. "But, I'm surprised you know this song. Were you even born when it came out?" My not so subtle reminder to myself that Jake was only fifteen. He scoffed.

"Please, Bella. First of all, you weren't born either. That song came out in 1979. Secondly, I probably know more rock than you, despite your karaoke obsession." He winked at me after the karaoke jab. "And thirdly, I'm older than you in our 'real ages' anyways, so you shouldn't act all high and mighty." He released me, and went to investigate all the ingredients I had laid out on the counter.

"Jake, did you hit your head on your way over here? In what universe are you older than me?" I had my hand on my hip looking up at him expectantly.

"Sure, sure. Bella, you have to take into account a lot of factors when deciding someone's real age. For instance: size. You're so small! I'd have to knock ten years off your total, and add fifteen to mine because I'm so much bigger than you!"

"Five foot four is perfectly average." I sniffed. "It's not my fault you're a freak." Jake wagged his finger at me.

"Now, Bella, name calling isn't very mature. I may have to dock some years off you for that." He sauntered back over to me, grinning. As usual, when Jacob smiled at me, I couldn't help but smile in return.

"What about my cooking skills? Doesn't that count for something?" I thought I was being funny and started batting my eyelashes at him. His hand reached up to my face and cupped my cheek.

"Sure, sure, Bella." He voice was deep and serious. "Bella, I know you have ... concerns about our age difference. But please, don't let that ruin this." He motioned between us. "I ... I really like you." How did he always seem to know what I was thinking? I was surprised at the turn this talk had taken, and I had whiplash from how our easy banter transformed into declaring our intentions. But if our kiss was any indication, I fit with Jake. I reached up and covered his hand with my own.

"I like you too, Jake." I blushed.

Why can't I just say things without turning red?

"I won't let it bother me anymore. Since you're apparently thirty, and I'm seven." I smirked at him. He leaned into me again.

"You can be twenty-three. I don't want to be a cradle robber." He chuckled to himself. His lips met mine again, and this time was more intense. My lips melted into his warm kisses. My tongue, seemingly having a mind of its own, ran along his lower lip and I delighted in the taste of him. He shivered. The hand on my cheek moved behind my head, and Jake lightly pulled on my hair to tilt my head back. Then he ran his nose along my jaw line, up to my ear, and down to my collarbone.

Just like my dream!

Remembering my dream made me suddenly very hot, and I know I flushed crimson. He started kissing behind my ear, and then I felt him gently nibble on my earlobe.

"Mmm ... " I mumbled incoherently. Then his lips found mine again, and I opened my mouth a little and allowed his tongue entrance. My hands had somehow found themselves wrapped around Jacob. I explored the muscles in his back and pulled him closer to me. Having Jacob flush against me made me feel even hotter. The warmth reminded me of our day on the beach together. I smiled. I could feel Jake smile in response.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time, Bella." He pulled me into a hug.

"Be a cradle robber?" I joked. He rolled his eyes at me and then gave me a look.

"Ha ha, Ms. Funnypants. No." He pulled away and smacked my butt lightly. Then he shifted his weight, and looked uncomfortable.

"Hey, what is it? Sorry about the cradle robber crack." I wasn't used to seeing him like this. He shifted again, and then looked around.

"Soareyoumygirlfriendnow?" he blurted out quickly.

"I'm sorry. Again, but in English this time?" He stopped fidgeting, and looked directly at me.

"So are you my girlfriend now?" I think he might have been blushing. Maybe he still did act fifteen after all.

"Well, that depends," I whispered. He looked up at me, alarmed. "Are you going around kissing any other girls?" He relaxed and flashed me his warmest smile. "Cuz, I'm not really into sloppy seconds." He pecked me on the lips quickly.

"No one but you."

"Then I guess that makes me your girlfriend." I enjoyed teasing him like this. His eyes were sparkling.

"Okay, Grlfriend. So what are we making for my cooking lesson?" I laughed at him.

"Well, Boyfriend," Huh, I kinda liked how that sounded, "we are making eggplant parmesan!" Jake wrinkled his nose up a little.

"Okay, but only because you're my girlfriend." Then he winked at me. I hadn't known it was possible, but I think Jacob just got a little cuter.

"Have I ever made you something you didn't like? Are you doubting my mad cooking skills?" Jake put his hand on his chin and looked upward as if he was deep in thought.

"No, I guess you haven't. But still, eggplants? Those are the weird purple looking things you were using as a microphone, right? What kind of food is purple?" He shook his head like the fact it was purple made it inedible.

"First of all, I'm denying using anything as a microphone." He rolled his eyes again.

"Sure, sure, Bells."

"Secondly, what's wrong with purple? My bed is purple." Jake's face paled, and then he did a double take.

"Your bed?" He looked up at the ceiling as if he was trying to see my bed. He looked down at me, and then said very quietly, "I've never seen your room." What was up with Jacob? I'd never seen him so flustered.

"Well, we can go for the grand tour if you like. It's not far from here, you know." I smirked at my own joke, but Jake's expression didn't waver. "But I should warn you, there's not much to see." I turned on my heel and led the way out of the kitchen. I could feel Jake right behind me, following me up the stairs. I opened the door with a flourish. "Voila. Casa de Bella." He hesitantly stepped inside and looked around. His eyes landed on my bed. "See, purple." I joked. He walked around slowly, looking at the pictures on my wall. He stopped at my window and looked out.

"Nice view," he mumbled. Jacob seemed distracted, which was very unlike him. He continued to stare out my window. I plopped down on the edge of my bed. The sound made him turn to look over his shoulder.

Dream déjà vu! It was the exact same pose he had been in my dream!

"Jake? What's wrong? You seem ... I dunno ... elsewhere." I began to fear the worst. I started to think that Jacob didn't actually want to date me and that he felt that the kiss downstairs was a mistake. I continued into my spiral of self-doubt until he finally spoke.

"I'm nervous," he whispered. That wasn't what I had expected to come from his mouth.

"Huh? Nervous about what?" He turned the rest of the way around to face me. The sun was shining through the window behind him. The area surrounding him was hazy with the glow from the lights and shadows. He really was stunning to look at.

"I don't ... ah ... have a lot of ... um ... experience." He was looking down at the floor. I was confused.

"Experience at what, Jake? Dating? Me neither." His head shot up. "I mean, I guess technically you're my first boyfriend. I didn't really date in Phoenix." He smiled a little. Then he went back to looking at the floor.

"Soyou'veneverhadsex?"

"Jake, again, in English please? We need to work on your enunciation." He walked over to the bed and knelt in front of me.

"So, you've never had sex?" I could barely hear him; he said it so quietly. He was still looking at the floor. I reached my hand out to him and lifted his chin up so I could look him in the eye.

"No, Jake, I've never been intimate with anyone." He let out a deep breath. "Have you? I mean, you said you didn't have 'a lot' of experience?" He shook his head no.

"You'll be my first too."

WHAT? Wait, what is happening?

"What? Whoa, Jake, what do you think is going on here?" My hand dropped from his face and I looked at him, alarmed. He looked at me, and his eyes grew wide. His mouth popped open, and I saw something click in place in his head.

"Shit! I'm such an idiot!" He stood up and started pacing across my room, making a circuit from my bed to my window. He was mumbling to himself, and all I could catch were snippets like 'idiot', 'rules' and 'kill him'. It was actually pretty cute, and I started giggling. He froze when he realised I was still here. He rushed back over to me and knelt down to be at my level again. "Bella, I am so sorry. I'm such an ass. Will you please forgive me and not break up with me despite my stupidity?" He looked so earnest.

"Jake, why don't you explain to me what all that was?" He smiled and held both my hands in his own.

"That was me being a complete douche f or ever thinking that Quil knew anything about girls." He shook his head and chuckled to himself. "Bella, I'm crazy about you. Not to freak you out, but I've had a crush on you since like, forever. Whenever we haven't been hanging out, I've been analyzing and over-analyzing everything we did. I was trying to figure out some way to make you want to be with me." He laughed softly.

"I think it worked." I winked at him. He smiled back at me and then kissed the back of my hand.

"I'm glad it did, although I don't know what I did to win you over."

"You were you. Bright, sunny you. Now what on Earth does this have to do with Quil?" I was honestly curious how my Jacob turned into quiet, nervous Jacob.

"Well, you know that Quil considers himself quite the "ladies" man. And every time I brought you up, he kept saying that getting you wouldn't be the hard part, keeping you would be. He implied that because you were older, you'd be more experienced and expecting things from me, and I would disappoint you, and you would drop me so fast I'd be left spinning." He said this all so quickly; I really had to concentrate to catch it all. "And then you mentioned your bed, and I thought you wanted it now, and I had no idea where to start, or what to do ... " I put a finger to his lips; I had to cut him off.

"Jake, hey. This is me." He closed his eyes. "This is us. When have we ever had to force things? Believe me, if and when I'm ready to take that step, I'll let you know. But I can guarantee it will be more than five minutes after we have started 'officially' dating." Jacob smirked then opened his eyes. He leaned forward, and I leaned in to give him another kiss. "Promise me one thing?" Jake pulled back so he could look at me.

"Anything."

"No more dating advice from Quil?" He rolled his eyes and smiled.

"Yeah, that's a given. Hey, I'm really sorry for being an ass." He was so cute when he was apologizing. I pulled my hands from his, and reached behind his neck to pull him closer to me.

"I think I'd like my apology to be a kiss." I smirked at him and gave him my unskilled flirting eyelashes. Again, they surprisingly appeared to work on Jacob. At first, he simply pressed his lips lightly against mine. As I responded by running my tongue along his lip, I felt the kiss intensify, as if he was actually trying to convey his remorse through this kiss. I moaned. I actually moaned. Jacob seemed to respond to my moan by pulling himself closer to me.

Despite our different heights, our bodies were now flush. I was still sitting on the edge of my bed, but Jacob had now positioned himself between my legs, sitting up on his knees in order to kiss me better. His one hand was on my neck and his other was trailing down my back. When his hand reached my butt, he gave it a small squeeze, but then continued down to my thigh. He gently lifted me, sliding me up the bed while moving forward, so he was half crouched over me with his knee on the bed. The whole move was so smooth, I found myself wondering if Jake was as inexperienced as he claimed. He moved his body up the bed to continue kissing me and was now hovering over me, supporting himself on his arms. He lowered himself to one side of my body and rolled me to face him. I lay with my head on his arm, and ran my hand along his neck into his hair. He laid one last chaste kiss on my lips and closed his eyes.

"So am I forgiven?"

Hmm? What was he talking about? Oh yeah, the apology.

"Conditionally." He frowned and opened his eyes to look at me. "You're forgiven, provided you let me snuggle with you for a bit. I'm really enjoying this." I motioned to the almost nonexistent space between us, and pulled myself a little closer to him. I closed my eyes, and rubbed my head into his shoulder.

"Anything you want, honey." He kissed me on the forehead and laid his head back on my pillow. Evidently I wanted to nap in Jake's warm embrace, because I awoke about an hour later. I tried not to move too much, but Jacob had completely enveloped me into his body. I shifted my weight, and his eyes fluttered. He squeezed me once, and then pulled his arm away to stretch. "Sweet power nap. I am all ready to learn from the master chef." He arched his back and let out a yawn, which I of course, immediately imitated. I couldn't help but notice that when he leaned back to stretch, I got to see my favourite new muscle, just above his pants line.

Our lesson took longer than originally thought, mostly because we kept pausing to have mini make out sessions. Kissing Jake seemed to be my new favourite pastime. Also, Jacob seemed the think the funniest thing in the world was to have his giant handprint on my butt in flour. Every time I'd get it off, he'd find some way to put it back on again. Maybe he just wanted to touch my ass.

I was surprised how easy it was to transition to being Jake's 'girlfriend', but then again, I really shouldn't have been. Things had always been easy when we were together. There was something about him that made me feel totally comfortable, regardless of our situation.

When Charlie and Billy came home that night to find Jake and I in the kitchen finishing off our 'lesson', they seemed to sense something had changed. I don't know how. Maybe years of being a police officer actually gave Charlie some insight when he was paying attention. He seemed to be having a silent conversation with Billy, and then they both raised their eyebrows at Jake. Jacob, being ... well Jacob, simply laughed and came up behind me to wrap his arms around me and rest his chin on my head.

"Yeah, yeah, old man. We're together now. Don't act surprised." I thought I would explode from the embarrassment of having that discussion with Charlie, but somehow with Jacob there, it didn't bother me so much. I may have only flushed a light shade of pink. As it was, Charlie didn't even look at me. He made the 'watching you' motion to Jacob, and then pointed to the rifle over the fireplace. But then he winked at us, which I felt negated the whole scary cop dad thing. Surprisingly, Charlie didn't even say anything when Jacob and Billy left and Jake pulled me in for a very public kiss goodnight, but I could have sworn I heard him chuckling.


End notes: Has anyone here seen 'Rock of Ages'? It's hilarious what they do with 'I Can't Fight This Feeling' in that musical. Plus I thought it was appropiate for the 'friend to more' transition. Did you think it fit, or was just a gratuitous use of a song? If you like the concept, I'm toying with having Bella do public karaoke! I welcome your song suggestions!

Soooo? How do we feel about awkward, insecure Jake? How about their little misunderstanding about what was going on? Who else thinks Quil is hilarious?

Up next: JPOV - just what exactly did Quil say to Jake? And what are the 'rules' that Jake was muttering about? Warning - Jacob has a pottymouth when he's flustered!