Can't Stand To See You Cry (Jacob)

Chapter 12

Seth watched Renesmee's face as Jacob exited the diner and drove off with his friends. She looked like she had just been punched in the gut. "Are you...okay?" he finally asked after several minutes.

Renesmee forced an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry about all that..."

Seth shrugged. "Not a big deal to me. You just look upset."

Renesmee shook her head and reached for Seth's hand on the table. She squeezed his hand quickly. "I'm fine, really."

"You can tell me the truth," he urged. "You guys have a lot of history."

Renesmee sighed. "Let's not talk about Jacob Black, okay?"

Seth smiled and nodded. "Okay, Ness. Let's try to have some fun," he suggested.

She smiled back and wondered if that was really possible.
...........
After an awkward dinner and uncomfortable lack of conversation, Renesmee surprisingly suggested a walk on the beach. Seth looked shocked. He assumed she would want to end the date as soon as possible. He agreed, cautiously optimistic that they could salvage the evening.

It was still warm as they set out to walk along the shoreline. It was breezy and the waves were lapping gently. Renesmee stopped to slip off her shoes, using one hand to lean on Seth for balance. She carried both shoes in one hand and slipped her other hand into Seth's.

"I'm sorry about tonight, Seth. I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

Seth smiled and nodded. "Me too."

"I don't want you to get the wrong idea about me and Jacob. We really are just friends."

Seth released her hand from his and stopped in his tracks. "Is it me you're trying to convince...or is it you?"

Renesmee sighed deeply and gazed out over the water before turning to face him. "I know how I feel..." she paused and approached him slowly. "Maybe I can show you," she breathed as she slid her hands up his chest and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
.............
The next day, Jacob had come to the garage early. He hadn't gotten much sleep. He couldn't get Renesmee off of his mind. And he just couldn't stand thinking about her and Seth any longer.

He spent all morning and most of the afternoon finishing up the Mustang. He had gotten the knock in the engine figured out and after a good wash and detail, there was nothing left to do but wax it. He felt proud at how much he had accomplished. It was beautiful and he hoped she would love it.

Jacob tried to ignore the pang of jealousy in his heart when he thought about her driving around in his gift with Seth. Of course, she couldn't drive it right away because she needed lessons and proper ID. Bella had promised to get it for her once she was certain that Ness could drive safely unsupervised.

"Busy?"

Jacob turned around slowly, panic setting in because he didn't have a chance to cover the car with a tarp. His secret was ruined. "Yeah, kinda," he replied coldly.

Renesmee smiled shyly as she approached him. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, curly tendrils framing her face. She wore a white lace tank top and faded blue denim cut off shorts with gold slide sandals and bright red toe nail polish. Jacob's eyes poured over her and she blushed. 'It's hot today, huh?" she commented breezily.

Jacob nodded slowly, mopping his sweat soaked face with a rag from his back pocket. He had taken his shirt off hours ago and he tried not to notice her checking out his bare chest. "Too hot to be here, that's for sure," he replied, pressing his hand to the small of her back and guiding her to the garage door where they could feel a bit of the breeze.