"So. You write, huh?"

I take a moment to answer her, taking a sharp left, and flexing my fingers on the steering wheel. "Yup."

"Anything I've heard of…?"

"I don't really think so…Unless you're into dark stuff. My books are kinda hard to get. They might be really intense for you."

We were driving back to the apartment from the hospital. Mrs. Philbrick, I thought, looked absolutely fine. Laying on the bed, head propped up on a million pillows, she was watching 'Murder She Wrote' or some shit, and the way she almost…lit up when she saw us gave away the fact that we were the only ones to visit her.

Bella was way too concerned about her. Asking her if her legs still hurt; if she was hungry…She'd even gotten some books along to read to her. The doctor said she could return home a couple of days later. Her legs would continue to hurt, but, come on, arthritis is kind of a package deal with age. Deal with it, woman.

"If only you'd regularly take the meds I gave, Mrs. Philbrick," The doctor said, shaking his head.

I thought she seemed a little smug that so many people were so concerned about her, actually. At the apartment, she interests only Bella, and…me. Or so she thinks.

Bella smirks. I know, because I'm looking at her. All the time. "What? You think I can't read dark intense books…?"

"No, no, I only meant-"

"You don't want me to read your books"

I stared at her, forgetting the road, mouth wide open, I'm sure. How can she see through my shit? "No. No. I wouldn't mind you reading my books. Honest."

We reach the apartment and I kill the engine of my Impala, contemplating if it would be too cheesy to open the car door for Bella.

Oh, screw it. I'm pretty sure she knows that everyone in the apartment building, except Mrs. Philbrick, find her…well, hot. Including me.

I get out of the car, and realize that she's out too. I shake my head, smiling.

"I really liked 'A Moment Too Soon'," Bella blushed looking down at her shoes.

I stare at her, waiting for her to look up at me. She does, after a while. "My book, 'A Moment Too Soon'?"

Dumbass. What else can it be? So, I quickly rephrase. "You liked my book? I thought you didn't even know I write until Mrs. Philbrick brought it up at the hospital today…"

"Well, I work in a book-store, Edward. And, when you see a familiar name on a book, you're going to wanna read it." She laughs.

"You don't have to be polite by saying that you liked it. Go ahead. You can tell me how you really feel," I wave my hand at her.

She laughs again."No,no, I really liked it."

"I bet it was one of the books that were on the shelf for months and months until someone removed them to make space for books that could actually sell."

"Oh, come on. Did no one else like your book?"

"No! Oh, wait, Carl said he'd liked it."

She laughs again. I catch her eye, and burst out laughing as well. She really was gorgeous. I wonder if I could say that to her without coming off as a dick.

We were in front of her house now. She fished for something in her bag. Her key, maybe. I was wondering how I could prolong my time with her. Maybe offer to go visit Mrs. Philbrick tomorrow again…?

Oh yes. I was done. Over. If I was willing to spend time with that old woman, something really happened. Shifted.

I liked Bella. I really did.

"So. There we go." I realize she had opened her door. "Thanks again for dropping me off. My car really is starting to bother."

"Anytime."

"Great."

"Awesome."

"Yeah. So. Um, bye then."

"Yeah. Yeah, bye."

Damn. I should have asked her out. I turn around to get to my apartment.

"Hey, Edward!" She yells.

I turn around at the sound of her voice. "Yes, Bella?"

"You really should get used to compliments. You never know. You could meet a random stranger tomorrow who might tell you he loved your book. And, if the stranger's a girl…" She pauses, looking at me meaningfully. "Your photo on the book is really nice…"

And there was the blush again.

It was my turn to smirk now. "Well, doesn't social protocol call for returning compliments…?"

She laughs, and pauses at her door, one hand holding it, and the other on her hip. I clear my throat, and she raises her eye-brow.

"I liked your coffee better than Mrs. Philbrick's. So better. I loved your coffee."

She smiles. I smile back at her.

The next day, I found a coffee pot at my door. With a note attached.

'I put extra sugar. Only for you'

A/N I'm craving for coffee right now. If you know what I mean ;)