New Moon: Bella and Jacob

Chapter 2

     We worked on the bikes for weeks, just Jake and me. It was so perfect. I didn't even feel the whole in my chest. By the time the bikes were done, it was like it never existed. It still hurt when I thought of him, but when I'm with Jake, I don't feel the need to think of him. But the nights were still lonely, and Charlie still wakes me up when I scream.
     "Hey, Bells!" Jake said, wrapping me in one of his signature sweltering hugs.
     "Jake! How are the bikes coming? Do you need any help? You sounded strange on the phone - what's this thing about a surprise?" I said, once he let go enough for me to breathe.
     "Let me show you." Jake grabbed my hand and led me along the bumpy path to his garage.
     Looking at him, I couldn't help but grin. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning, he was so giddy. When he opened the doors, I could tell why.
     Two bikes stood against the wall, fully made and ready to ride. I looked at Jake, confusion and awe obvious on my face.
     "I stayed up all night finishing them. It's supposed to be nice today, and I wanted to show you something." The confusion was still evident on my face, but it was quickly being overcome by excitement.
     "Okay welllll. Let's go! I can't wait."
     Something made me hesitate. He was so excited. I couldn't help but wonder if this meant something different to him then it did to me. I didn't want to lead him on, but I know my actions seemed flirting. I just can't help but be happy around him.
     He helped me onto my red bike, showing me how to use all the gears. His hands lingered on my finger tips and thighs just a little too long. I couldn't help the blush that creeped along my neck. I know he saw by the smirk on his face, and I cursed myself. At least he didn't say anything.
     "Alright, where to?" I asked once we were both on our bikes.
     "Just follow me. I'll drive slow enough for you, don't worry. I know you're not used to this speed," Jake winked.
      "I'm not sure if that's a crack on my truck or my ex," I laughed, kind of in awe of how I could so casually mention him around Jake.
      I had surprised him too. His face lit up, thinking I must be moving on. He turned his bike quickly and started towards First Beach.
     But he didn't stop at the shore line. He kept driving towards the cliffs, and so I just continued following. He could've been driving me to my death, and I would follow willingly. I really do trust Jacob.
     When he finally slowed down, I saw what he was headed for. Here was a small turn off right on the edge of a cliff. The cliff overlooked the roaring waters, and the clearing was nearly hidden from the road.
     When I pulled in a few moments after Jake, I stopped dead in my tracks. I pulled off my helmet, not self conscious of my helmet hair or the tears now running down my face.
     Jake stood in the middle of the clearing, next to a picnic blanket full of food and lit candles.