Twilight; The Red Ribbon of Fate

CHAPTER 2 | A VISITOR

"Friendly reminder, one-hundred-and-eight degrees over here." His gaze softened, and he patted the tiny middle seat that separated us. I stifled a laugh and enthusiastically scooted over, happily molding myself to his side.

"Thanks. I'm so cold. That water still feels like it's cutting into my bones."

The temperature difference between us was paradise. The heat register no longer interested me. My mind wandered, and I swallowed hard. Jake had been there for me all these past months... even when I deluded myself into thinking I didn't need him.

I could let it all go for him—to actually live and be human. It would be stupidly easy. No compromise, no permanent changes, no complicated thirst for human blood. He might even convince me to start a family, in enough time. An image of a little girl or boy with Jacob's complexion and my eyes flitted through my mind.

The thought of children made my skin crawl. I had been forced into being a parent to Renee all my life. Why would I want to go through it again? I silently shook my head and hid a timid smile. It wouldn't make the list of my top ten desires. I'd still want to go to college first.

"Well, it's a good thing I'm always warm, huh?"

"Yeah. Must be nice never getting cold. Wish I had that superpower." I wrapped my arms loosely around the bulk of his right bicep, careful to not impair his driving. My head came to rest on the shoulder that connected to the arm I latched myself to. I hid my mouth with the sleeve of his jacket.

"Superpower? It's definitely a wolf thing." He puffed his chest, straightening in the driver's seat.

"Nah, it's a Jacob thing. You're just warm," I rebuffed, mumbling a little.

His smirk turned into an even wider, proud grin before curling into a tame smile. A light blush painted his dark, russet cheeks. I could hear his heart steadily beat through his arm. I was unaccustomed to the constant sound, but it was something I could eventually get used to. A new variation of lullaby to help me sleep. My eyes closed in contentment. It was peaceful, safe beside him.

"I can honestly say that I don't try." His voice was low and velvety, the rumble from the sound reverberating deep in his chest caused my own heart to skip a beat. I blinked slowly, observing my unexpected response.

"Wow. Modesty suits you, Jake," I teased, actively ignoring my reaction.

We pulled into the driveway, still sitting in my warm truck in denial. I wondered how late it was and stared into the darkness that encompassed everything in the idle of the Chevy. As easy as it had been to relax next to Jake, it was even easier to worry about the next danger hiding around the corner. Was Victoria secretly watching from the shadows? An image of her lunging at Jake in human form made my stomach nervously churn.

My mouth formed into a hard line. I wouldn't put him in danger.

"I should go inside. I'll see you later. Thanks, Jake." I slowly backed away from him and started for the door handle when he wrapped his too huge hand around the entirety of my forearm. The gesture startled me at first. It was a gentle pressure and felt wonderful on my icy limb. He wasn't locking me into place, but I listened intently.

"Bella, wait—can we please talk a little longer? I know Charlie would want to make sure you're safe, and I miss spending time with you. Like we used to do before all this mess."

His expression was so soft, my feelings got tangled in the pit of my stomach. Or were those butterflies again? The ever-predictable sound of my heart fluttered in my ears. Whatever the feeling was that devoured my insides, it had been a long day, and I was ready to sleep forever. I pushed my feelings away with forced nonchalance. It's just Jake, I didn't understand what had incited the change in me.