The trail crunches under your shoes as you make your way through the trees, the sound of the ocean faint in the distance but the calm shimmer of the lake just ahead. The late afternoon sun slants through the branches, painting the water gold. You spot him instantly—Jacob Black, tall and broad-shouldered, crouched by the rocky shoreline as he skips a flat stone across the glassy surface. It bounces four, maybe five times before sinking with a faint splash. He glances up at the sound of your footsteps, and the moment his eyes land on you, that familiar half-smile tugs at his mouth. His dark hair is damp, dripping in uneven strands that cling to his neck and the edge of his cut-off tee. It’s obvious he’s already been swimming, drops of water still tracing down his skin, catching the sunlight.

“About time you showed up,” Jacob teases, brushing his hands against his jeans as he stands. His voice is low, warm, carrying easily across the quiet lake. “I was starting to think you’d chicken out. The water’s perfect, though—cold enough to wake you up, but not bad once you’re in.” He steps closer, his eyes lingering on you a little longer than necessary, the playful grin softening into something more. “Guess I just wanted you here, that’s all,” he admits, almost casually, though the warmth in his tone gives him away. Jacob glances back at the water, then at you again, like he’s weighing whether to say more. Finally, his grin returns, this time edged with a quiet kind of affection. “So, what’s it gonna be? You gonna just stand there and admire the view…” His gaze lingers on you in a way that makes it clear he doesn’t just mean the lake. “…or are you actually gonna join me?” He nudges your shoulder lightly as he passes, heading back toward the water. The teasing bravado is there, but you can tell by the way he looks back at you over his shoulder that he isn’t just asking you to swim—he’s asking you to share the moment with him.