His strong, muscular arms were wrapped tightly around me, and I could feel his body heat radiating, surrounding me, making me feel warm inside. His rough palms were tenderly massaging my back.

My lips were moving in rhythm with his. He was kissing me deeply, fiercely and passionately, with a slight desperation, and it was like I was struggling to keep up. I realised that I needed oxygen, and tried to push his face away from mine. Luckily he realized what I was doing and responded, for I was aware that I did not possess the necessary strength to move him on my own.

He looked down at me as I took several deep breaths. His eyes looked happy, and he wore the usual disbelieving look, as if he was still incredulous at his luck in being with me. “Bella,” he whispered, “I love you so much.”

I shuddered slightly. Even after two months of dating Jacob Black, it still didn’t feel right to hear him say that to me. I knew he loved me, and I did love him too, but something about him putting those feelings into words made me slightly uneasy.

It had always felt perfect when Edward had said it, as if beautiful fireworks were exploding inside my heart. Those three words used to make me feel like nothing else in the world mattered apart from me and him, together. Coming out of Jacob’s mouth, they made me feel pleased, but created no spectacular sparks.

“I love you too.” I murmured, uncomfortably conscious of his left hand, which was moving steadily up my thigh.

I was saved by the loud click of the lock on the front door.

“Charlie’s home,” I hissed quietly, patting his hand away.

Looking utterly annoyed at the timing of Charlie’s return, Jacob released me. We both sat up on my bed, my head not even reaching the tops of his thick, muscular shoulders.

The height difference was even more pronounced when we stood up, for he was almost two feet taller than me. He had to duck under the doorframe on our way out of my bedroom.

He took my hand as we walked downstairs to see Charlie.

“Hey Bella,” Charlie said brightly, smiling happily, “Jacob.”