Can't Stand To See You Cry (Jacob)

Chapter 29

Jacob pressed little kisses all over Renesmee's face and she giggled in response. "I love you," she gushed. "And no more secrets, I swear."

He sighed, his gaze intense and brow furrowed. "I want you to know..." he paused to lean in, "that I know how hard this has been for you. And I know you've been through so much because of me, but I appreciate you. I've been hard to deal with, but that's not your fault. What's happening to me is because of choices that I made. And I shouldn't take that out on you or anyone else. I just wanna be strong again and be able to care for you the way you deserve."

"I can be strong for both of us right now," she offered sweetly. "And you should lean on me, don't push me away."

Jacob chuckled as he remembered saying that to her first. "That's really good advice."

"Isn't it?" she joked. "Wonder where I heard it from?"

"One more thing," his gaze became more intense as he reached for her neck and tipped her face up to his. "I love you, Nessie, more than I ever thought possible. And knowing you love me too means absolutely everything to me. You are my whole world."

"Oh, Jacob, I've been so afraid that my love would never be able to measure up to the way you feel for me. But it does. And it's been so easy to fall this deeply in love with you because you showed me the way, sweetheart. You've shown me the greatest example of how to love someone with your whole heart, because you've been doing it since the day I was born. It's like saying 'I love you' doesn't even begin to describe the way I feel. But when I kiss you, I hope you know."

Renesmee leaned in to kiss him, but he held her at bay. "What?" she breathed when he continued to stare at her.

Jacob shook his head slowly as a grin spread across his face. "Why was your speech so much better than mine?"

She shrugged playfully as he gathered her in his arms and she wrapped herself around him. "I don't know," she replied shyly. "Just kiss me."

And he did.

They held each other desperately, just kissing and enjoying each other with no wandering hands. For once, they acted like a couple of teenagers just learning how the other one liked being kissed. Each of them listened for a hitch in the other's breath or a soft growl or the way the other one moaned with a nibble. They explored each other in a whole new way, this was innocent and sweet.

Renesmee sighed when he pulled away. "You make me feel so good."

"Mmmm, that part is easy. I love the way you respond to my touch," he murmured. He barely ran the back of his fingers over her bare knee and she shuddered. "You've got goosebumps..."

"Everywhere..." she added and they both laughed.

Suddenly Jacob scowled and crinkled up his nose. "I don't know how you can stand to be around me, Ness. I'm in dire need of a shower."

"You don't smell bad to me..."

"Regardless, I need a shower." He kissed her once more and slid her off of his lap. "Wanna wash my back?"

"Where are you going?" she quizzed as he pulled her off the bed.

"Shower," he scowled, motioning toward the door that led upstairs.

"Carlisle will never allow that."

"I don't care."

"What about the stairs and your stitches?" she reminded him.

Jacob stopped, his head dropping. "I hate this," he growled.

"Come on," she offered, pulling him in the opposite direction. "I have an idea."