Additional A/N; I decided to extend this story a little bit, in EPOV. I have tweaked Bella's bit a little, but nothing major.

A/N; This is my first fic. I've been playing about with it for ages, and I'm not completely happy with it, but I've decided to stop procrastinating and just get it out there. Any and all comments gratefully received. So, in honour of our beloved Rob's birthday, I give you...

Cave Exploration

~o0o~ Bella ~o0o~

We had all met in a retro bar near Edward's office to celebrate his first week in his new job. Jake was feeling pissy, and not in the mood for a night out. He had gone home early, and by his demeanour I could tell he expected me to follow. In a rare moment of defiance, I had decided I was staying out, and I had spent a fantastic evening watching Alice and Jazz improvising ridiculous, overdone dance routines to classic eighties songs, and drinking sugary "cocktails" full of E numbers. I knew I would be facing an irate Jacob, but his early departure had made Edward uncharacteristically light-hearted, and much more attentive than usual. While he had been affectionate during college, he had become guarded and brooding in recent years. Tonight was like the return of an old friend. He barely spoke to anybody else all evening, and I basked in his attention. To begin with, he had just leaned in close to talk to me over the sound of the music. Then near enough to touch, then so close that the side of our faces pressed lightly against each other. His hand started out on my back, and then next time it was round my waist, holding me to him. In return, I rested my hand on his upper arm.

We left together, as we had discussed. Jasper and Alice were going across town to his place, and since my apartment was just a block away from Edward's, he would make sure I got there safely. We meandered happily towards home, bickering good-naturedly.

"How come you stayed out?" he asked.

"I wasn't going to say no to Sparkly Vampires, they're my favourite drink."

"If you're saying you'll do anything for Sparkly Vampires, I'll start making them myself," he teased.

"Well, they're not exactly difficult. And I wouldn't say I'd do anything for them, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't do everything for them. Wait, that didn't come out right…"

As we walked across the wide deserted street the white ballet flat slipped off my heel, and I stood on one leg, inelegantly trying to wriggle my toes back into the sequined slipper. Always the gentleman, Edward silently held out his hand to me, and I gripped his fingers while I reached down and tugged at the heel.

"Okay, we're good," I smiled up at him, righting myself. We moved off, and after a couple of steps, as if it were the most natural thing in the world; he took hold of my hand. Alcohol had made my head fuzzy and I frowned slightly, knowing I shouldn't be doing this, but unable to see how it was wrong. I didn't feel self-conscious, nor was it one of those awkward moments I had to ignore because I didn't know how to deal with it. It didn't feel naughty, or illicit. It felt like the perfectly right thing to do. In fact, looking back on it later I wondered if it might have felt more unnatural if he hadn't done it. Neither of us acknowledged what we were doing, and we walked on, deciding whether to walk home or get a cab, our fingers interlaced.

We decided to walk, which caused great complaint from him.

"You walk it everyday." I reasoned.

"Yeah, but I'm sober in the mornings"

"Don't tell me you're drunk!" I exclaimed incredulously. He had a higher tolerance for alcohol than anyone I knew. "You've only had three Sparkly Vamps and two beers."

"Two and a half beers. The half makes all the difference"

"Two and a half because you were too much of a pussy to finish the third; you had to get a girl to do it for you."

At this he stopped & dropped my hand, sticking out his bottom lip in a sulk and looking at the floor. He looked adorable. I giggled and held out my hand to him.

"I'm sorry. I promise never to call you a pussy again." I teased, my voice full of fake contrition.

"You'd better" he said, reaching for my hand. He held it for a second before letting go and slipping his hand around my waist instead, holding me close to his side. His fingers traced patterns on the skin of my hip. I shivered and snuggled deeper, sliding my arm around him, warming myself against his body.

"I'd better call you a pussy, or I'd better promise not to?"

"You'd better promise not to, or you'll be getting a spanking."

"Well, now you're offering incentives to insult you."

"Oh, really?" he chuckled "Care to elaborate on that?"

"Let's just say that spanking is not always a deterrent."

"Wow. I'm learning quite a lot about you tonight. Will do anything for a Sparkly Vampire and likes to be spanked. Anything else you'd like to tell me?" His tone was suggestive, and his long fingers dipped under the waistband of my jeans, stroking my skin tenderly. It was blissful, and again I couldn't quite bring myself to care that I was allowing my body to have this reaction to someone who wasn't Jake. It had been so long since I felt young and carefree...

"What would you like to know? I'm kind of drunk, so I'll tell you just about anything right now." I stopped again to re-adjust my shoe, it having slipped off once more. Again, he offered me his hand to steady myself, and again his hand caressed the small of my back as he wrapped his arm back around me. He remained silent, and I looked up at him in concern. His brow was furrowed, he seemed disquieted and distracted. I snuggled up against him, and he gave me a little squeeze in return. We continued on our way, still with an arm around each other, but the teasing banter had disappeared, replaced with silence. I mentally kicked myself for so effectively destroying the mood. I tried not to dwell on my feelings for Edward, seeing no point in torturing myself. It had been many years since I had shut them away, resigned to enjoy is friendship without pining for more, but I couldn't deny the buzz I felt while he was flirting with me, even if it was only an illusion. Neither of us said a word until we were about to reach his building.

"Thank you for giving me something to lean on," I said quietly.

"You don't have to say thank you."

"You shouldn't only say thank you just because you think you have to, you should say it if you're grateful, and I am."

We had slowed, and were now walking at an uncomfortably slow pace, but I didn't want to speed up; I wanted to prolong the closeness as long as possible, and I liked imagining he did, too. As we reached my building, he stopped entirely and turned to face me, his arm still around my waist. I looked up at him, lost for words. I wanted to kiss him so badly, and he was looking at me like maybe he wanted to kiss me, too. He looked at me steadily for a moment, then his eyes softened and he began to lean in towards me. Suddenly panicked, I stood up on tip-toes and wrapped my arms around him in an enthusiastic, but purely platonic, hug and then slipped quietly through the door. As much as I enjoyed his flirting, it was harmless. A kiss was a line I would not cross, not while I was spoken for. I was Jacob's. If, by some miracle, Edward still wanted to kiss me when he was sober, I would happily review that situation.

~o0O0o~

It was two weeks before I saw him again. Ever since high school, Alice, Emmett, Edward and I would make an effort every few months to do something as a group. Sometimes we would learn to windsurf, or to throw pots and paint ceramics. We visited museums and art galleries, sushi restaurants and Mariners games. We took it in turns to pick the activity, and always tried to come up with something original. As we paired off, Jasper had joined in whole-heartedly, suggesting destinations and participating enthusiastically in the activities. Rosalie was a little hesitant at first, but would usually come along for the ride, taking part if it appealed to her. Jacob had joined us twice, before dismissing the whole thing as boring and juvenile. After years of nudging and cajoling, I had long since given up trying to get him to come along and this time I was actually looking forward to seeing Edward again without Jake's glowering presence. It was Alice's pick today, and she tended to pick more sedate activities, with plenty of opportunities for conversation. Unfortunately, Jake had decided to come along this time, and I tried to remind myself that this was what I had wanted; his involvement in my friends and interests.

I tried not to resent his possessive arm draped heavily over my shoulder as we walked up the path to Emmett and Rosalie's door.

I failed.

"Hi, Bella. Jake, good to see you again. It's been a while." Rose opened the door with a smile, "Em, Edward and Tanya are in the kitchen." I didn't miss the meaningful look she gave me at this last name. Tanya. Edward and Tanya. Edward had brought a date. Edward had never brought a date on one of these trips. They were ours. If he brought her, she must be special.

I tried not to let my heart drop.

I failed.

Tanya was gorgeous; a leggy blonde with ivory skin and breasts like zeppelins. She smiled widely with perfect teeth as Edward introduced her, and went into artificial ecstasy over my outfit, proclaiming she loved vintage clothes.

"That's not vintage," Jake snorted derisively. "It's just old."

Tanya giggled coquettishly, and I felt my face burn with humiliation as I practically climbed into the refrigerator, busying myself with final preparations for our picnic. Rosalie tugged my ponytail as she went to answer the door, and behind me Edward pointedly asked Tanya to fetch his jacket from her car. I guess he didn't appreciate the way Jake was leering at her anymore than I did.

"Let's go to the zoo!" Alice exploded into the room like a firecracker, tugging Jasper behind her as he smiled indulgently. At times like this I wondered if it felt less like a relationship to him, and more like babysitting. The man had the patience on several saints.

"Yeah!" enthused Emmett, making the rest of us jump at the sudden burst of noise. "They've opened this new nocturnal house: all the bats are flying around and you walk right through their habitat. It sounds so awesome!"

Next to him, Rosalie's delicate nose scrunched up in distaste and she suddenly remembered an urgent appointment. Everybody else seemed to like the idea, however, and we headed out to the cars; Alice and Jasper in her little two-seater, everybody else in Emmett's truck. Jake bitched and whined to get the front passenger seat, complaining that his extra height over Edward meant he needed the leg room. Edward just rolled his eyes and got in the back with Tanya and me.

"I'm sorry about him," I mumbled, as Jake strutted past the window on his way to his prize. He was humiliating sometimes. Being heir apparent to the Quileute tribe, he had never been denied anything in his life, and his good looks and sheer size meant that he always got his way, even off the reservation. As a result he had a very strong sense on entitlement. In other words, he was a spoiled brat.

"Don't worry about it; I know by now none of us are allowed to be happy unless Jake is happy." Edward gave a wry little smile as he settled into the central seat between Tanya and me.

The journey passed slowly, with so much arguing over the stereo that eventually Emmett shouted that it was his truck, his rules, and if anybody didn't like Eminem they could get out and walk.

Jake and Tanya both sulked after that, and the tension in the car was palpable. I was sat with my arms folded, hugging myself and feeling dejected; I had been looking forward to this for ages, and it was being ruined by my boyfriend and Edward's date. I felt pressure on my shoulder, then on my fingers where they were tucked under my arm. I realised Edward has assumed the same position, and his long fingers were gently stroking mine, shielded by our postures. I glanced up at him from the corner of my eye. He was staring straight ahead, but there was a slight curve at the corner of his mouth and his fingers laced with mine, still moving so they stroked the sensitive skin between. I smiled at the connection, reassured that the day could be salvaged.

~o0O0o~

The nocturnal house was huge, with three progressively darker rooms before the large bat cavern. Each anteroom was lined with exhibits of nocturnal animals, and had plaster sculpted to resemble cave walls and stalactites. Emmett was beside himself with excitement, and Alice was having great difficulty getting him to slow down long enough for his eyes to adjust to the low light. Jacob was flirting with Tanya on the other side of the room as I stared miserably at the small furry creatures scuttling behind the glass. Despite my hopes, and Edward's comforting touch in the car, the day had not been a success. Jake had continued to belittle me at every opportunity, and had spent most of the day trying to impress Tanya, and she had spent the day fawning over him. I had watched helpless as Edward sank deeper and deeper into a black rage. He had hardly said a word since we had arrived at the zoo, and had spent more time glaring at Jake than looking at the animals. I let out a heavy sigh and closed my eyes, letting my shoulders drop in defeat and wishing I were as attractive as Tanya, then Jake might still want me.

Be honest, I thought to myself, if you were as attractive as Tanya, you wouldn't want Jake. You'd want Edward.

I nearly jumped out of my skin as I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders and a warm presence near me.

"It's only me, Bella." Edward's deep, soft voice shushed me as his fingers continued their journey, sliding slowly down my arms. He was stood close behind me, and I could feel his breath on my neck when he spoke. It was almost overwhelming, but I knew there was something I needed to say to him.

"Tanya..." I whispered, utterly failing to keep the tremor from my voice.

"Is... otherwise engaged" He finished for me, his tone low and intimate as his hands came to rest lightly on my waist.

Reflexively, my eyes flicked to where the voluptuous blonde was draped against the rough plaster walls, her tinkling laughter floating across the hall. Jake was leaning forward, practically falling down the valley of her cleavage, his face eager in the dark. He had placed her hand on his bicep, encouraging her to feel the admittedly considerable muscles there. Tanya was obviously more impressed than I ever had been; her fingers lingered, stroking seductively up and down his arm.

"I'm sorry about Jake" I murmured.

"Your dickhead boyfriend is hitting on another woman, and you're apologising?" I could tell he was struggling to control his anger. He had never insulted Jake in front of me before. I remembered the look of fury I had seen on his face at the wolf enclosure, where Jake had boasted about spirit animals, and how his tribe was supposedly descended from wolves. He had extolled their virtues; allegiance and loyalty, and then proceeded to grab Tanya's ass when he thought no one was looking. The memory made me instantly ashamed of being so self-absorbed; I wasn't the only one being betrayed today. My dislike for her didn't change the fact that Tanya was the first girl he'd ever brought on one of these trips, for the first time he wasn't the odd one out. He must have really liked her, and now he had to watch Jake drool all over her, pawing at her.

"If I was enough to hold his attention, maybe he wouldn't chase after every pretty girl he sees and try to hump her leg like a badly trained Labrador." I muttered bitterly. Edward's fingers had dug into my flesh as I spoke, making me wince. He let go of me instantly, mumbled an apology and moved on to look into the next exhibit. I followed, feeling wretched. It seemed I could repel men even easier than usual today. We stood side by side, silently watching the furry little animals scurry across the sand and twigs. I could feel the animosity rolling off him in waves, and I hated knowing I was to blame for his misery. I could handle losing what remained of my relationship with Jake because of my inadequacies, but not my friendship with Edward, too.

"Did you... Was she... Did you care a lot for her?"

"Tanya?" he looked at me, surprised. "Can't stand her. Why?"

"I thought... Isn't she your girlfriend?"

"No!" He sounded positively offended at the idea. "Ew. She's the daughter of my mom's friend, she's come down from Alaska and she's been staying up at the house for a few weeks. Esme insisted I bring her along today. Our moms keep trying to throw us together, and I've run out of excuses. Thank God she's going home tomorrow" He rolled his eyes in distaste.

"Oh."

We moved on to the last enclosure in the room.

"So, if you don't want her, why are you so pissed at Jake?" I frowned at his reflection, confused. "You looked like you wanted to pull his arms off when he touched her earlier."

"Because he's an asshole." Edward snapped. I blinked, surprised at the aggression in his voice. As I felt the tears sting my eyes I realised I had been through enough upheaval for one day, and I was in no shape to deal with another outburst of Edward's vicious temper. I turned my back to him and stomped through the doors into the next chamber. I was hit by a wall of stifling heat and humidity, and the piped sounds of a rainforest loud in my ears. I leant against the exhibit window, feeling the cool glass against my forehead, closed my eyes and took a couple of deep breaths. I stiffened as I heard the door open, and again I became aware of his warm, solid body close behind me. I didn't even notice which animals were in front if me; all my attention was on the predator behind me. He lowered his head and breathed his words softly into my ear.

"I'm sorry, I'm not mad at you. I'm pissed at him for the way he's been treating you, Bella. I'm furious that he did anything to hurt you." His hands were at my waist again, the tips of his fingers moved under the hem of my top, drifting over my skin in tantalising circles. "I'm infuriated that he could so blatant. I can't believe that he would treat you with so little respect." He reached up and gently brushed my hair back from my neck, letting his warm breath wash over me before dropping a measured kiss on my shoulder. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe, it was all too intense. "And I am... apoplectic that he ever made you feel anything less that what you are; the most amazing, breathtakingly beautiful creature I have ever seen."

"Edward!" I gasped in astonishment, my head spinning. I leaned back against him, feeling a strong arm wrap around me, holding me close to his chest. His other hand traced a path from the back of my hand, up my arm to my shoulder and back again. He was so gentle, his caresses were chaste, but I could feel the evidence of his arousal pressing against me. My eyes fluttered closed and couldn't help the soft moan that escaped my lips.

"Shh, sweetheart, you have to stay quiet. I've waited so long to have you in my arms, I don't want to have to let you go yet. I'm not going to hide it anymore; I can't stay away from you. Your skin is so soft..." he trailed off distractedly, dropping kisses along my shoulder and up my neck. He darted the tip of his tongue out, licking a trail up behind my ear. That area had always been a hot-spot for me, and I couldn't believe the intensity of the sensations; the dusky light and steamy atmosphere of the nocturnal house, Edward's incredible smell, his bold but subtle touches, the heat of his body so close to mine. His tongue on my skin. It was too much and not enough, and all the while there was a steady trickle of zoo patrons wandering past us, oblivious to the fact I was now panting with desire. I tried to focus on breathing, on holding myself upright without leaning against him. I tried to take a step forward from him to clear my head, but he moved with me, his arm holding on to me tighter.

"I told you, I'm not letting you go." He murmured, with his mouth still against my neck. I laid my hand on top of his, lacing our fingers together as he smoothed his palm over the fabric of my shirt. I couldn't tell which of us guided our joined hands up to the swell of my breast, and I couldn't tell which of us hummed with pleasure as our fingers squeezed the plump flesh.

"You have no idea how many nights I've spent, unable to sleep, wondering what you taste like, just here," he kissed the nape of my neck with an open mouth, letting his tongue sweep over the skin and making me shiver uncontrollably. "And what you feel like, just here," the tips of his fingers traced the delicate skin just below my breast. "And what noise you'd make when I did this," his voice became rough, and his hand slid down, then under my skirt to grasp my inner thigh firmly, his thumb grazing my panties while his erection dug into my ass. It felt so deliciously wicked, I pressed myself harder against him and made a sound I'd never uttered before; a gasping, sighing moan. "Fucking perfect." He groaned. "You don't know how long I've wanted you. I think about you all the time; you're always in my head, distracting me when I'm working, tempting me when I'm at home, knowing you were so close," His voice dropped even lower, so quiet I don't think he even expected me to hear "overwhelming my fantasies when I come. Always when I come." Lust ripped through me at his revelation. Although I'd consciously tried to suppress my feelings for him, it was always a glimpse of him in my mind that pushed me into my orgasm. I'd always felt intensely guilty and disloyal about it in the cold light of day, but hearing him say that he thought about me at the moment of his climax sent a pulse of longing down into my most secret place.

"I think about you, too" I confessed breathlessly "When I'm coming. It's the only way I can get there."

He cursed under his breath, and my eyes few open as he pulled me by our linked hands, down the corridor and through the door into the last room; the bat cavern.

The huge cave was even darker than the anterooms and I followed him blindly. Somehow, he could see where he was going, and pulled me along with purpose. We left the muted lights of the marked trail behind, and he found a spot that seemed to satisfy him. At first I couldn't see him at all, even though he was standing so close I could feel his breath coming in warm bursts against my mouth. He was pressing me into a crevice moulded into the wall, out of sight of the trail. The rough plaster felt cool and damp on my back, and I felt primal and untamed. I was panting and I didn't care.

"Did you mean that?" He demanded, his voice rough "You really want me? The way I want you?" I didn't know how he wanted me, but I knew I wanted him in every way imaginable.

"Yes" I squeaked, "for years now."

"Fuck, Bella! Why didn't you say so?" I took a breath to answer him but his mouth was on mine, kissing me desperately, pushing me hard into our little cave. His hands were in my hair and he pulled my head to one side to he could kiss my neck, but my frustrated whimper brought him back to my mouth, tasting my tongue and taking my lower lip gently between his teeth. I made that strange sound again, and he responded instantly, his hands on the outside of my thighs, slipping under my skirt until they came to my underwear. He slid his fingers under the fabric, but hesitated, seeking assurance and encouragement. I couldn't bear to stop kissing him, so I placed my hands over his, guiding them down, taking my panties with them. Once they were crumpled on the floor, he took hold of my leg under my knee and hitched it up, resting my foot on a ledge in the plaster. His kisses became softer, more drawn out, as his fingers traced leisurely circles on the skin of my inner thigh, inching higher and higher with torturous slowness.

"Tell me you want this." He begged against my lips "Tell me you're sure, because if I start I don't think I'll be able to stop." His beautiful, soft voice was frantic, like he was torn between two extremes he couldn't reconcile. I slid my hand down his chest, past his belt buckle and rested my palm briefly against his erection, eliciting both a thrust of his hips and a groan that was almost a snarl.

"I want this," I pledged in the dark. "I want you to touch me."

His fingers had found the evidence of my excitement on my thighs; sticky at first, then slick as he explored higher, the low rumbles at the back of his throat sounding like purrs. I felt myself tense at the first brush of him against my warmth, and took a deep breath to steady myself, immersing myself in his scent and relaxing against his touch as he discovered me with sure, gentle strokes. There was no doubt I was, literally, in the hands of an expert. I'd never felt anything like it before, he was making me tingle and throb and shiver in delight. I felt like I was on fire, and he hadn't even ventured inside me.

"You're incredible, like velvet and honey. Soft and sweet and warm..." he trailed off, burying his face into my shoulder, placing open kisses there, nipping softly at the skin. I was incoherent, breathing heavily, my breath catching in soft sighs and low moans, faster and louder as his miraculous fingers grew more insistent. He tenderly covered my mouth with his free hand, silencing my cries as I felt my impending rapture begin to unfurl within me. But this was different; I didn't have to imagine it was Edward bringing me pleasure, and that knowledge was overwhelming. It was unlike anything I had experienced before, and the force of it startled me.

"Let me have this," he begged in a whisper, and I couldn't tell who he was asking, but it sounded like prayer.

The pulse of pleasure pushed through me, moving in waves to my toes and fingertips, covering his hand with fresh wetness. I became intensely aware of a feeling of emptiness, the unfilled hollow between my thighs; how desperately I wanted to feel him, any part of him, within me. As if he could read my mind, he slipped two fingers inside in one smooth motion and flexed them gently, coaxing another, more powerful, climax from me. The waves of the second crashed into the echoes of the first, and the tempest raged within me until I was sure I would shatter.

When the constellations cleared from my vision, the first thing I could see was the glint of his eyes in the darkness, fixed intently on me, an expression of concern on his pale face. I wanted to say something, or even just smile at him to let him know I was okay. More than okay, I was blissful. But I couldn't seem to pull myself together. My hand was cocooned in his, so I squeezed his fingers gently and was rewarded with a cautious half-smile as he squeezed my fingers in return.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" He whispered. I gazed at him, confused. I had just experienced the most intense pleasure of my life, how could he think I was in pain? Then I realized I was slumped on the floor of the cave, with Edward crouched beside me. I must have slid down the wall, my legs giving way under the strength of the sensations he had released in me. I shifted a little, experimentally, checking for damage and finding none. I smiled at him dazedly, and this time his grin was dazzling. He leant forward, pressing his lips to mine, then rose gracefully to his feet and held out his hands to help me up. I took hold of them and lifted myself up onto my knees in front of him, but froze when I realized the possible implications of my position. Memories of his hard length pressed against my hip, against my ass, under my palm, flashed through my mind. I wanted to touch him. I wanted to taste him. Would he let me? From the bulge in front of my eyes I knew he was still as aroused as ever, but something told me that horny-Edward had left the building, and there was no way chivalrous-Edward would allow me to kneel on the cold, hard cement and take him in my mouth. But I was sure as hell going to try. I let go of his hands and tentatively reached out to his belt, pulling the leather strap through the buckle. I didn't get very far before his hands flew to mine, halting their movement. I glanced up to see him looking down at me, his face a portrait of consternation.

"Bella, no," he sighed. "I can't let you do that, not here."

"Let me have this," I repeated his own words back to him, hoping he would understand. I didn't feel like I owed him,I didn't want to do this to return the favour. I was being completely selfish. I wanted this for me. He closed his eyes, his brow furrowed. Deliberating, I guessed, trying to mediate between his head and his dick. I knew which side I was on.

"Please, let me," I persisted. He relented. His hands released mine, and found purchase on the craggy surface behind him while I tugged his belt open and began to work on his jeans, running my tongue across my lips in anticipation. My hands were shaking as I released him from the denim, slipping my fingers in through the open fly of his boxers for my first intimate caress of him. The skin was hot and silky beneath my fingertips, and he inhaled a sharp, shuddering breath. Working quickly, I pushed the cotton aside, letting a single warm breath wash over him before plunging him straight into my mouth, tasting the first beads of moisture as my tongue slid over him. I swirled the tip of my tongue over the sensitive skin and sucked very gently, feeling him twitch against my lips. I hummed a little in pleasure, then again, deeper, as I heard him cursing under his breath.

"If you keep doing that, this won't last long," he cautioned. I felt a little thrill that I could elicit such an intense response from him, making me feel desirable and powerful, giving me confidence to take him deeper, use more suction than I'd ever dared to before. I had never enjoyed doing this so much, never found it so rewarding.

Jake asked for it often; expecting it every morning if I'd stayed over, whining if I didn't capitulate. I hated it. He was demanding, gripping me hard by my hair while he pushed in and out, lost in himself while I tried not to retch. In the coarse, vulgar way he had of describing our sex life, he always referred to that particular act as "fucking your mouth", which I supposed was accurate. He was in control; he was the only one getting any satisfaction. He never reciprocated.

Edward was so different; letting me take my time, never pushing me to take more of him that I was able, allowing me to find a rhythm that soon had him groaning quietly in ecstasy. He murmured hushed endearments, which encouraged me, although I was fairly sure he didn't even know he was speaking out loud. I felt the softest touch, and opened my eyes to look up at him; his eyes were still closed and he was mouthing my name silently, over and over. He brushed his thumb lightly over my cheek, the pads of his fingers along the line of my jaw. Four years of being mauled by Jake had never come close to the ecstasy I felt at his caress. This was Edward, the man I had longed for, and he wanted me. If only for a little while.

"Bella, sweetheart," he warned, his voice a low growl in the darkness above me. I felt the thrust he was trying to restrain and, desperate to please him, pushed him that little bit deeper, trying to relax so I wouldn't gag on him. I felt the steel teeth of his zipper grazing my cheek. I was a little nervous about him finishing in my mouth, something I'd always refused to do for Jacob, but I knew in this situation I didn't really have much of an alternative. And this time I wanted to. I wanted to acknowledge in a small way, even if it was only to myself, that this thing with Edward was more. However fleeting it may be, it eclipsed all those years of frustration with Jake. His whole body tensed, and he quickly removed his hand from my cheek to grasp the rock instead as he pulsed down my throat. I swallowed hurriedly, trying not to taste. I had just released him from my mouth when I felt myself pulled up of the ground as Edward's arms locked around me, hugging me fiercely to him, both of us out of breath and panting. His hold on me was so tight I couldn't catch my breath, but I just wanted him to hold me tighter.

"Will you... come home with me?" He asked urgently. I nodded against his shoulder. "Will you stay with me?" He continued.

"Yes," I gasped. For a night, for a week, forever. For as long as you want me.

"Will you love me?" his voice was rough with frantic hope. I pulled back a little to look at him. His arms tensed around me briefly, then relaxed when he realised I wasn't trying to escape his embrace. He looked so anxious, so nervous. Of course I loved him, even after I'd tried so hard not to. I rose up on my toes and kissed his nose tenderly.

"Yes." I smiled slightly as he blinked in surprise, then bent his head to rest his forehead against mine, his beautiful features softened in relief.

"Really?"

"Always," I breathed against his mouth, before he kissed me exultantly.

The doors slammed and we froze, rigid in each others arms. Alice's voice announced her and Jasper's presence, wondering out loud where we had got to. We looked at each other, our eyes wide with alarm, then hurriedly started righting our dishevelled selves. As he tucked himself back into his jeans, I looked around for my panties, but they were nowhere to be found. I glanced back at Edward for assistance, and saw him smirking, avoiding my eyes and trying to hide his smug little grin. I raised an eyebrow, and he sighed, reached into his back pocket and pulled out my underwear. He blushed a little at being caught, and held them out to me. When I reached out, instead of releasing them he took hold of my hand and raised it to his lips. He kissed my fingers, then let go, watching amused as I wriggled back into my panties as Jasper and Alice passed by, just feet away from where he had concealed us. The reality of what we had just done came crashing around me; how easily we could have been caught. The outer doors swung closed behind Alice and Jasper and I could feel the heat rise in my face as I blushed scarlet under his gaze. I looked at the floor, letting my hair fall down like a curtain for me to hide behind. I felt his fingers wrap around my wrist, gently tugging me along behind him out onto the path and toward the final set of doors. I followed while my eyes remained fixed on the floor. At the door, he turned and lifted my chin up, and I reluctantly met his eyes.

"Hiding?" He challenged

"Embarrassed," I mumbled.

"Don't be," he ordered. "You are beautiful, and amazing, and fantastic, and perfect. And I'm in love with you."

All my breath left me, and I stared at him. A moment passed, then I smiled widely at him and we opened the doors and went out into the rare Washington sun.