“I better take you home, now.” Jacob softly said as he pulled away from my face. “Your father might be hunting for me right this very moment.” He chuckled amused by the idea.

We snuck out. We wanted to be alone, away from the watchful eyes and listening ears of everyone. He took me to our favorite place here in La push –up on the cliff. We were sitting on the edge of the highest peak, our feet dangling over the edge.

The sky was a perfect setting for a night like this – the full moon hung just right overhead. The sky filled with thousands of twinkling stars.

A starlit night – I sighed dreamily.

“Come on, Princess. Let’s go back to your ball. I don’t want to cause you trouble.”

I shook my head and touched his warm cheek -showed him what I want. I wanted him to kiss me again.

“Nessie…”I could feel his warm breath on my face. His handsome face inches away from me now. His eyes burned brightly.

Then his mouth crushed mine. His lips moved passionately – almost hungrily – almost devouring. My arms wound around his neck pulling my body closer to his. My whole body was burning. My fingers worked their way to his hair. I kissed him back – with all my heart, with all my soul.
He gently pulled away from me. His breathing ragged, labored.

“Edward’s definitely going to kill me for this.”
I shook my head, pouting. My heart hammered like crazy inside my chest.

“He would. You’re going to stay up all night, thinking about this.” He grinned smugly.

I rolled my eyes, and then my face became serious as a thought occurred to me. I looked away from him and stared instead at one particular star. This one seemed twinkling mischievously at me.

“What is it, Nessie?”

I looked down and stared at the tips of my silver strappy shoes.

“Come on, Princess…tell me.”

I’ll rather show him –

The way his lips felt on mine.
The way held me close.
The fire burning inside me.

He gently cupped my face with both of his huge hands.

“I love you.” He said softly.

I bit my lip and looked away. I couldn’t make myself ask the question.

“What?” He lifted my chin so he could look into my eyes.

“Am I officially your girlfriend now?” I blurted out, not looking at him. After all those years of friendship, can we now take the leap?

He paused, then his shoulder shook with silent laughter.

“Gee, Thanks!” I harshly removed my chin from his hand and abruptly stood up, brushing the dirt away from my gown – I don’t want Aunt Alice to throw a fit, too.

I stomped away from him. Angry tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

Stupid! Stupid!

His arms wound around my waist in a flash and pulled me back to his body.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He brushed the tears away from my eyes. “I didn’t mean to laugh…it’s just that well..You didn’t have to ask…and you look like you wanted the ground to swallow you whole …” He chuckled.

I glared at him.

“I’m sorry. You just look so adorable.” Then he took a deep breath. “Of course, Nessie. If that’s what you really want.” He took another deep breath. “You’re all I ever wanted, all I ever needed. I was impatient for this day to arrive.”

My answering smile momentarily blinded him before he kissed me – with much enthusiasm.

“Now, don’t go pouting at me again.” He warned after pulling away from me. “I have something to give you.” He took out something from his pocket, took my left wrist and secured a bracelet around it. He handed my wrist back to me, almost shyly.

I examined the bracelet. It was beautiful. It was woven in different colorful threads, a simple rectangular piece of wood adorned its center. The word Promise neatly carved on it.

I threw myself at him – my happiness overflowing – my strength made us tumbling down on the ground – with me on top of him.

“Ooops…” I started to get up but his arms held me captive to his body.

My breathing hitched…

He angled my face so he could look deeply into my eyes.

“I promise to love you with all my life, Nessie. I promise to never hurt you, never leave you, to be always there for you.” His hand stroked my cheek. His other arm still around my waist.

I couldn’t answer him. The words stuck on my throat.How could you answer that? Such love, such devotion…

So I just kissed him ardently…

We were still lost in our kiss when we heard a low angry growl.