Dusk and Summer

Chapter 1

more to come...let me know what you think!!

Bella laid awkwardly across her bed as she opened her eyes and rubbed the sleep away. Turning to face her desk chair, she sat up with a start to find Edward sitting perfectly still; his eyes intently studying her. She watched Edwards eyes change from concentration to amusement.

"You startled me!" Bella exclaimed as she subtlety tried to flatten the mess of dark tangles piled on her head.

Edward simply flashed his famous crooked grin.

"Sorry m'dear but today is a very important day. I had to be sure you wouldn't try and skip out on all the fun…"

Bella continued to tame her hair while trying to remember the date. Narrowing her eyes in near contempt, she finally remembered that today was the day of Alice's "let's-plan-out-the-wedding-before-Bella-changes-her-mind-and-gets-married-in-Vegas" meeting. Of course to everyone else it was just a simple gathering to discuss wedding details; but Bella knew better. Pulling her pillow over her head, Bella let herself fall back into the covers. Before she her back even touched the sheets she felt Edwards icy hands under her. Edward pulled her onto his lap, and Bella was suddenly conscious of his perfect appearance against her average- and probably morning breath- self. Bella noticed that his eyes were a warm honey brown this morning. Groaning to herself, she cuddled up inside Edward's granite embrace.

"Does Alice actually expect me to be interested in what color the napkins should be or what shade of eye shadow I should wear or how big the guest list should be or whether my great aunt Myrtle should sit next to my next door neighbor Lawrence or….."

Trailing off, Bella turned to look at Edward for some support. Edward chuckled at Bella's childish outburst. Cupping her chin with his cold hands, Edward soothingly tried to convince Bella to calm down.

"My sweet beautiful Bella," he whispered, "You won't have to face Alice alone. I'm going to be with you the entire time."

Although she was still uneasy, Bella could not resist Edward and his sweet breath as it tickled across her face. Gathering up a brave yet unconvincing smile, Bella pulled against Edward's arms. He reluctantly let her go and allowed her to go brush her teeth and tame her mess of tangles. Bella came back to find Edward just as he left him on the chair. Deciding to make the best of the situation, Bella gave a genuine smile at the way Edward seemed to bring her boring bedroom to life. Edward recognized Bella's change in mood and got up to give Bella a hug. Before he had the chance to react, Bella leaped into Edward's arms and laughed playfully as he pretended the weight was too much for him and fell back onto her bed. This always made Bella laugh. Just the thought that anything was too heavy for Edward to carry was absolutely ridiculous. Growing serious again, Bella kissed Edward ever so lightly on his icy lips. Even this minimal touch gave her chills that ran down her entire body. Bella wrapped her arms around Edwards neck and felt her heart quicken as Edward responded with more pressure and a kiss that left her breathless. Bella was eager for more, but Edward pushed her away gently.

"Bella! Please you're already irresistible as it is. I wouldn't want to get too carried away…"

This just made Bella fight back harder. "What if I changed my mind? What if I don't want to wait for the wedding anymore?"

Edward gave a little.

"What," Bella whispered, "If I want you right now?"

Edward's eyes bore into her own. He relaxed even more.

"Bella…" He murmured so softly she could barely make it out. His expression was unreadable.

"BELLA!" Charlie's yell echoed from downstairs.

Edward stiffened in her arms and quickly got up.

"He's coming," Edward spoke quickly. "I'll pick you up at ten and we'll head over to the meeting."

Bella could now hear Charlie's footsteps coming up the stairs. Turning to the sound of the doorknob, Bella franticly looked back to tell Edward to hide. He had already left. Charlie knocked and asked if he could come in. Without waiting for an answer, in one swift motion he opened and sat down in the same chair Edward had graced only minutes ago.

"Dad! What did I tell you about actually waiting for me to answer before you come in? I could have been changing or something!"

Charlie shifted uneasily in the chair, probably imaging the awkward scene.

"Ok ok I won't do it again I promise." Quickly flashing a fatherly smile, he began, "So what's on the agenda for today?"

Bella was taken aback at Charlie's unusual interest in her plans.

"Um…actually I was planning on spending the day with Edward…" Charlie's face grew sour. "Alice will be there too." Bella quickly added. This seemed to soften up Charlie a little.

"Alright.." Charlie slowly began. "Behave yourself and don't stay out too late."

Bella smiled at Charlie's desperate attempt to state his father authority in her relationship with Edward. Ever since Bella had told Charlie that she was engaged to the boy her father only knew as the guy who left his daughter in shambles the year before, he had been…uncomfortable when he saw she and Edward spending so much time together.

Bella sat up and gave Charlie a kiss on the cheek. "Don't worry I will dad."

But even as she said it, Bella knew that those words were not necessarily true. Bella thought back to the way Edward had gazed at her when she pushed him for the one thing they both knew they wanted. Bella stole a glance at the window before turning out of her room and heading downstairs; leaving Charlie looking confused in Edward's chair. He must have expected a fuss.

"I will," Bella said under her breath, "But I'm not so sure about Edward anymore."