Can't Stand To See You Cry (Jacob)

Chapter 33

Renesmee slowly awoke, her hands reaching for Jacob, but he wasn’t next to her.  Suddenly she wondered if last night had been just a dream.  When she rolled over and buried her nose in the pillow next to her, she knew he had been there, his scent was unmistakable.

She sat up slowly, her body was stiff and sore, most likely from sleeping so soundly in one position all night long...in his arms all night long.  Her plan went horribly awry when she allowed him to comfort and hold her.  It was selfish because she just couldn’t imagine sleeping and not feeling those arms around her.

When she heard voices in the kitchen, she went to the mirror to see her hair was a tangled mess.  She had gone to bed with wet hair and it was hopeless now.  Renesmee pushed it away from her face at least and went off in search of Jacob.

“Are you sure?” Jacob asked incredulously.

“Absolutely.  Come back to the house when you’re ready and we can talk more.”

Renesmee rounded the corner to find Jacob talking to Carlisle.  “Morning, Grandpa,” she gushed as he wrapped her in a hug.

“Good morning, darling,” he replied as he released her.  “I’ll see you later,” Carlisle told Jacob as he pointed at him.

Nessie shrugged and grinned at Jacob.  “What was that about?”

“Breakfast?”

She nodded and he pulled a chair out for her, urging her to sit.  “Coming right up.”

He lifted the lids off of several pans on the stove and her nose was assaulted with all the wonderful smells.  “Eggs?” he offered.

“Sure.”

“Sausage?”

“Okay.”

“Pancakes?”

“Jacob!” she gasped when he set a heaping plate in front of her.  “You made enough for an army.  And why are you cooking for me?”

He shrugged as he sat in the chair next to her, his body facing hers.  His arm was draped over the back of her chair, reminding her of all their driving lessons.  “I thought you might be hungry.”

She narrowed her gaze at him, trying to figure him out.  “But seriously, why did you do this?”

Jacob shrugged, stealing a piece of bacon from her plate and munching on it.  “I got a lot to make up for, so I’m starting with this.  Enjoy it.  I love you.”

She watched him get up and leave the table.  She shook her head quickly and followed him out, catching up to him before he could reach the front door.  “Wait…” she grabbed his hand and pulled him close to her.

He stood impossibly close to her, his gaze boring through her, his mouth open and tongue peeking out between his teeth as a smile began to form at the corners of his mouth.  He looked down at their hands and chuckled.  “I thought you said no touching.”

“I can touch you,” she explained, her face emotionless.  When she pulled her hand from his grasp, he pressed his other hand to the small of her back and pulled her to his chest.  The look on his face dared her to challenge him.

“I gotta go,” he breathed.

“Why?”

Jacob smiled widely, thrilled that she even cared.  “I’m being released today.  You’re free, Nessie.  I’ll be out of your hair later on today.  Happy?”

Her face fell.  He kissed her cheek and released her and he was out the door before she could say another word.
……..
Jacob had received a clean bill of health from Carlisle and was told he could go home whenever he was ready.  His ribs were nearly healed and the only thing he hadn’t been cleared for was phasing or riding motorcycles.  Jacob had packed the few belongings he had there and waited for Nessie to arrive.  It was almost dinner time and he hadn’t seen her since breakfast.