This applies to all future chapters: I don't own the characters. The story line is mine. Please don't read if you're not old enough to buy cigarettes where you live. The rating is for a reason, even if the build-up seems tame at first.


"Bella, come over tonight, please? It's rare we're all in town on a sunny Friday night. I want to enjoy a BBQ and drinks on the patio with you," my best friend Allie pleads. "Jasper flies out on Monday, and I'm on call for five days starting Sunday night. But this weekend is surprisingly free. Even your schedule coincides - how often does that happen? Come on, it'll be fun."

I glance at the clock above my desk, contemplating my options for the night. Allie's right. It's rare that we all get a weekend night together. The book and bath I had planned can wait. "OK," I say after a pause. "What time and what can I bring?"

"Excellent! Just come over after work. You can invite your beautiful boss to join us. He and Jasper are friends, so you'll be doing him a favor. Go for it Bella. You know you want to."

Arrgh. I look around the office to see if said boss or anyone else is within earshot. "Allie, he's not officially my boss yet - he's kind of in an acting capacity. Anyway, I can't just walk up to him and say, 'Edward, come to a bar-b-que with me,'" I whisper.

"Really, Bella. Your shyness exhausts me. I'm trying to get you laid!"

As much as I appreciate her intentions, Allie's methods annoy me. "I'll see you later, Alice. By myself. I'll bring cheese and crackers."

"OK. Don't drool too much at work today."


Long-Assed Author's Note:

This is a sweet, low-angst story where eventually the UST gets resolved, sweetness mixes with kink, and these two explore a lot more together than just geographic sites around Puget Sound. It will make you happy and make you laugh, and hopefully make you cheer for a love that burns fast and deep. I'd characterize it as a good beach read, but sadly where I live in the Northern Hemisphere beach season is over.

Here is a sampling of what's to come:

"I want you to undress, yes." Edward says, pulling the tails of my blouse out of my slacks and unbuttoning and unzipping my pants as we awkwardly walk into my bedroom...

..."Hey sleepy head," Edward says as I open my eyes. I'm twisted in the sheets, hugging a pillow and facing Edward who lays on his side. Edward pushes a lock of hair behind my ear as he gently says, "You talked in your sleep last night."...

...I'm still a little buzzed, so it doesn't take long for my earlier horniness to return. I toe off my shoes and hop out of my jeans. I also pull off my sweater and camisole. It feels so decadent to be standing naked...

..."Bella, we're going to get out of the car, OK?" he asks as I pant hard. I nod my head and he slowly pulls out the vibrator, unbuckling my seat belt and then his own...

If you choose to continue (or even if you don't), I'd love to hear what you think. Even the short notes letting me know you're out there reading this little fic are encouraging. If you feel like writing more, I'd love to know if you think the detail is too little, too much, too strange, too normal. Is the sweetness too saccharine or just right? Do you want to hear more, or does this not sound interesting? Really, anything you want to share is appreciated, so please review. And, thank you for reading!