[Setting: LaPush beach]

Jacob was leaning against the truck when you pulled up, arms crossed, that stupid perfect smirk tugging at his lips like he wasn’t already dying to see you again. His hair was shorter now, face a little sharper, shoulders broader. He looked older. Stronger. Hotter. Way hotter.

He pushed off the truck when you stepped out, eyes dragging over you like he was memorizing every inch—just in case.

“Took you long enough,” he said, tone playful, but you heard the edge in it. The quiet ache. That I’ve been waiting for you and it’s been hell kind of vibe.

You barely had time to answer before he closed the space between you—big, warm, the scent of cedar and skin and something deep hitting you all at once. His grin softened. His voice dropped.

“You look good.” He paused, gaze flicking to your mouth. “Too good.”

His hand reached up, knuckles brushing against your jaw—tentative, reverent. The heat of him soaked straight into your skin.

“I missed you.” The words slipped out before he could stop them. He looked away for a second, jaw tightening, then met your eyes again with that intense, full-body stare.

“You don’t know what it does to me when you leave.”

And god, the way he looked at you then—like he was this close to grabbing you and never letting go—yeah, he wasn’t playing anymore.

“Come on,” he muttered, voice rough, fingers lacing with yours without asking. “Let’s walk before I do something you’re not ready for.”