Just as Jasper had predicted, there was the herd of photographers in a line at the checkpoint to enter the stage area for the speech.

"There's the nanny!"

"Ms. Swan!"

"Bella! A picture, please?"

"Can we have a photo, Ms. Swan?"

I looked at Jasper and he winked and nudged me forward. I took a step in front of our group and smiled towards the photographers with a hand on my hip. It felt strange and unnatural, but I was just mimicking what I had seen women do at award shows I watched on t.v.

Jasper squeezed my shoulder, "You did great, girl!"

Rose smiled, "That wasn't so bad, was it Bells?"

"I guess not. If that's all I have to do, this won't be so bad."

James slipped his arm around my waist again, and I secretly hoped he noticed my automatic cringe.

"You look stunning. I knew I wasn't the only person to notice how delectable you look."

"Uh.. thanks, James," I took a few quick steps to get out of his clutches.

Jasper noticed my discomfort. "James being a creep?"

"So you've noticed?"

Rose sneered, "Who hasn't? That guy is such vermin. If it weren't for the buckets of money he contributed, he wouldn't be here at all."

"I don't understand. I mean, I don't want to be rude, but... where does he get his money? He's only 22," I asked.

Jasper stared at James, who was answering questions and enjoying the press a little too much. "He took over his father's company. His Dad died suddenly two years ago—it was incredibly sad, a total shock, and it devastated their family—and James picked up the slack on the financial end by becoming CEO of the company, taking over his father's role. Lots of people were in line for that job and weren't too happy that a kid was just handed it in a will," Jasper continued to stare as he talked.

"What company is it?"

"Zonnex."

"Wait so like, the paper company?"

Rosalie pulled her credentials out of her purse, "Paper, pens, tape, any kind of adhesive you can think of. They even have government contracts. Go into Office Max and chances are Zonnex made at least half the products."

"Wow, that's amazing."

Jasper rolled his eyes. "Please tell me you aren't impressed with that ass?"

"Oh you have nothing to worry about darling," I said with my best Scarlet O'Hara impression.

Jasper and Rosalie laughed and we handed our credentials to the woman manning the checkpoint, as she checked our names off of a list and verified our identities. We walked through the checkpoint and took our places in the few rows of chairs setup on stage. I was surprised to see that my name card was on a chair in the front row. I assumed that I would be sitting behind the twins, but I was placed beside them instead. Jasper and Rosalie sat directly behind me, and we stared out a the massive crowd with awe.

"I can't believe—I mean I can, of course I can—but... the sheer amount of people is just..." Jasper couldn't find the words to express just how incredible and powerful the enormous crowd we were facing was.

"It's like you can feel their positive energy. Jazz, did you get the highlights of the concession speech?" Rose asked Jasper, grabbing her cellphone out of her purse to check the highlights of the speech. We arrived after the concession speech was broadcast so that focus could remain on Chamberson in the most honorable and dignified way possible. It was a fair fight until the end, and as President-elect McNay said in his speech, there couldn't have been a more worthy opponent.

The speech was spectacular. Jasper really did an amazing job working with Mr. McNay on the speech, making sure that he hit all of the points he wanted to, and was able to shine enough light on his plans in the weeks and months ahead without giving too firm a plan just yet. I sat with such pride as I watched the twins stand with their parents as unchanged and innocent little adults. I felt like such a proud big sister to them.

When Mr. McNay listed off the people who had helped with the campaign, he listed contributers, button-wearers, bumper-sticker, his wife, his parents, inspirational children, an amazing group of speech writers, bus drivers, campaign coordinators, and true believers. What I didn't expect, is that he mentioned me after his daughters.

"My daughters Carina and Laura are a constant inspiration, because when I look at them, I have hope and worry for their futures and well being. They make me want to strive to make this country the best that it can be, because I owe their generation the right to have the best opportunities we can provide. I would like to thank their nanny, Ms. Bella Swan, for her candid, impromptu election day interview, in which she stated that she believed I would be a good president, because I am a good father and boss. There is no greater compliment than to hear that you are a good parent."

As he continued his speech, I was awe struck by his thanks, and his need to even include me in a list of family members and important campaign contributers. My eyes welled up with tears, and I felt a similar energy of overwhelming passion for the future of our country from the crowd I was facing, and the friends on the stage with me that had come to feel like family. This was it. Senator McNay was now President-elect McNay, and I had a feeling all of our lives would be vastly different from that moment forward.

At the end of the speech, Jasper, Rosalie, James and myself were all escorted back into the SUV that brought us to the park, and were on our way back to the hotel, when something strange happened. All of a sudden the Secret Service agent in the front passenger seat radioed back to someone, and we all felt a sudden rush of panic.

"We are in direct route to the hotel, will now speed transport and radio when secure," he said, then turning to the agent driving and saying, "Threat of explosive. Apollo and Athena are secure with Lily and Violet. We are to take Cygnet and company to destination ASAP and secure entrance. The building should be swept upon arrival and okayed by arrival time."

The other agent nodded, and then proceeded to accelerate as the police escorts and line of SUVs following us did as well. I turned to look at Rose beside me, "What is going on?"

Rose just stared with her mouth opened, looking just as bewildered as I felt, and Jasper came to the rescue with his knowledge of Secret Service lingo.

"It sounds like there was a bomb threat. Apollo and Athena are the McNay's code names, Lily and Violet are the twins. I'm guessing Cygnet is you, Bella."

Rosalie confirmed Jasper's suspicions, "Cygnet means 'young swan' in French."

I blinked my eyes, "So... what does this mean?" I leaned forward and tapped the agent in the passenger seat on the shoulder. He turned to look at me, his soft golden brown eyes were locked with mine, and the mere second or two of silence felt like an awful and awkward eternity. I was so humiliated to lose my wits over a guy's eyes, and at a time like this. I tried to poise myself and attempt to salvage my dignity by returning to my question, "Excuse me, but what is happening?"

He seemed to have swallowed, and turned to look straight ahead again before answering. "There was a threat to our high standard of security and we are taking the steps necessary to maintain that level of security and insure that it is not breached in any way."

I blinked hard, and felt my eyes want to cross. "So... uh... what does that mean like... in English and not in badass-Secret-Service-speak?"

I saw the corner of his mouth lift into a smirk, and he answered a little more honestly, "We are still headed to the hotel, and will be arriving a little quicker than we originally planned. Your rooms and the entire building will be thoroughly checked, and if we feel the need, we will transport you to a different hotel for the evening just as a precaution."

I stole a brief look into his beautiful eyes, and nodded once, "Thank you agent—uh... I'm sorry, what's your name? I know Lester's" I said with a grin, motioning towards our driver.

He smiled, "Agent Cullen—Edward Cullen. Nice to meet you, Cygnet."

I grinned and sat back in my seat. Rose poked me in the side, "How very James Bond, don't you think?" she joked.

I giggled and instantly felt foolish—like a girl on a school bus, giggling with her girlfriends about a boy. I had to admit that in some ways it felt really good; spending all summer with two seven year old girls didn't leave much time to meet any love interests, aside from now knowing far too much about The Jonas Brothers.

When we arrived at the hotel, a quick briefing through the earpieces revealed that we would be transported to a separate location. We barely paused at the hotel before we were driven across town. I learned how thorough the Secret Service was; they had gone to a second hotel and secured it during their process of checking out or original hotel, just in case we needed a backup. According to Jasper, that kind of security sweep entailed a quick background check on each and every guest in the hotel done offsite at headquarters, and bomb and chemical intelligence and security agents sweeping every inch of the building. All of this is done before our initial arrival.

I had more important things to worry about, "How will we get our things? I left my change of clothes and everything back at the hotel.

Agent Cullen replied first, "All of that will be ready and waiting for you at the next location."

I was curious how in the hell someone else was arriving at the new hotel with my things from the previous one before we arrive, considering how fast we were flying down the streets of D.C.

Lester answered my curiosity, "We have our ways of attending to things like that, Ms. Swan," he said with a slight grin.

"I believe in your magic, Lester," I joked.

In what seemed like a matter of moments, we arrived at the new hotel, and a line of Secret Service in civilian clothing as well as suits immediately created a circle around us, as we were hurried into the lobby and then into an elevator . Their eyes were searching and scanning every possible nook and cranny, looking for any possible threat.

As we reached our floor, the agents broke off with each of us to escort us to our rooms, all of which were clumped together on an empty floor with several agents lining the hallway already. I had to admit that I felt butterflies in my stomach when I realized Agent Cullen was assigned to me.

James walked up and put his arm around my waist, "We could just share a room. That way we wouldn't have to be alone tonight."

I tried to remain polite, but turned to remove myself from his arm—a gesture I was becoming accustomed to, and wish he would realize was a hint, "Sorry James, I'm really tired and I would probably feel a lot safer alone. Have a good night," I turned towards Jasper and Rose, "Goodnight Jazz, night Rose." They waved and smiled, offering me returned wishes of a good night's sleep that we all deserved. James slumped away with Lester following behind. He shut his door down next to mine a little too hard, and Lester rolled his eyes as he stood at his post next to the room.

I looked up at Agent Cullen and he gave me a soft smile before offering me a comforting gesture. "Would you like me to secure your room again?"

I shrugged, "I'm sure its fine. If you can't trust the Secret Service, who can you trust?" I joked.

He smiled gently, "I meant more along the lines of ensuring that the door joining your room to his is secure and bolted."

"Oh. Well... yes... please do that. Twice."

It must have come out as a joke, because he laughed, but I don't think Agent Cullen realized what a relief that was to hear. He also probably didn't realize that I was more afraid of James and his intentions than the security threat.

He followed me into my room, which had a small sitting area, a bedroom, and a bathroom. He went over to the door leading to James' living room and tugged on the handle, firmly pressing the deadbolt lock into place.

"I think everything should be good now. You don't like him much, do you?"

"Is it that obvious?" I said with a laugh.

"He just seems to make women uncomfortable."

"Yeah, pretty much. He isn't the best guy. Hey, I thought you weren't really supposed to talk with us?"

He looked embarrassed, "You're right. I apologize Ms. Swan," and started to head for the door.

"No!" I almost shouted, "I didn't mean it that way. I mean... I like that you are taking to me. I just thought you weren't supposed to. I wouldn't want you to get into trouble. Not that I would tell anyone, because I wouldn't..."

"Oh. Well, thank you. I just sensed a little discomfort around him, and wanted to make sure that the situation was under control. Is there anything else that I can do to make you feel safe?"

I had to admit that there was... and I was frightened about the bomb scare a little more than I would have liked to admit. Before I could really think I found myself asking him to stay.

"Do you think I could have an agent stay with me inside of the room? I don't want to be alone, but I also don't want Jazz or Rose to know that I feel scared. I wouldn't want it to get back to the McNay's that I can't handle a situation like this, because I can... I just feel a little overwhelmed because of the excitement of today I guess."

He nodded. "Agent Johnson—Lester—is the agent in charge, let me check with him."

Agent Cullen stepped outside and I could hear a whispered discussion from the hallway.

"She is feeling a little unsafe, given that this is her first real security threat, and doesn't want her friends to stay with her because she is afraid it will get back to the family that she can't handle the situation. She has asked for an agent to be posted inside of the room."

I heard Lester's husky voice in a hushed whisper, "I think it would be best if you stayed inside. Double check the rooms for her, and the windows. I'll remain at my post. We probably have at least two extra men than we need anyway."

Agent Cullen returned to my room a few seconds later, locking the door behind him, stepping inside of the coat closet and searching with a flashlight, and then repeating his overly dramatic search of the rest of the living area, bathroom, and bedroom. I had to admit it did give me peace of mind. I don't know what I thought he would find, or what danger I thought I was in. The scare was of a bomb, but I was afraid of the Boogie Man in the closet? I was a little embarrassed, but I knew he was just doing his job.

"Well, Ms. Swan, I have swept the room and agents are posted outside of your room and the rooms your friends are staying in. There are also agents surrounding the building from the outside and from within, and each and every person entering the building tonight will have to be cleared first. I've been instructed to stay in the room with you this evening, and Agent Johnson will remain outside your door. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

I grinned slightly, trying to ease a little of my own tension.

"Yeah... can you stop talking like a robot?"

I realized I may have insulted him and quickly tried to save face.

"I mean... you can talk to me like a normal person. I won't tell anyone."

A grin spread across Agent Cullen's admittedly adorable face.

"I can certainly do that if it would make you feel more at ease, Ms. Swan."

I laughed at his failed attempt at speaking in a casual tone.

"Well for starters, you could call me Bella, and not 'Ms. Swan' or 'Cygnet'"

"Cygnet is just what we refer to you as to each other."

"What is the point of that though? I mean, why have code names?"

"If I am in a crowded area and need to speak into my radio about the President, saying his title or name perks people's ears up. Even though it is obvious to tell we are Secret Service when we are near the First Family and have our suits on, and ear pieces in, standing at attention... we still blend into the background nicely. And while your name isn't as common, Bella, The First Lady's name, Sally McNay, is fairly common, or could easily be mixed up or misunderstood. So the code names are a lot more distinct and less confusing."

I nodded my head, "That's pretty cool. I'm still confused why I even need a code name though. I mean, I'm still confused as to why I'm given any notice at all. I'm no more important than the janitorial staff at The White House—which is pretty important, I mean that place is massive—but they aren't photographed or interviewed."

"You really don't get it?" he said with a furrowed brow.

"No. I mean, what's there to get?"

"Well, my guess would be that there is always a lot of attention on children in The White House. The twins are two adorable little celebrities, and you are their young nanny that many people are interested in knowing more about."

"But what do people want to know?"

"Well, I mean you're an attractive young woman, I guess most people would assume that the First Nanny would be old or something. And you are mentioned in fashion sections of newspapers, and fashion magazines."

My ears perked up, first at the part where he said that I'm attractive, but then at the part about newspapers and fashion magazines.

"Wait.. I knew about a couple of newspapers and blog mentions, but fashion magazines? I just wear whatever I pick out on a whim with my fashion-obsessed roommate, Alice."

Agent Cullen chuckled, "Well, whatever it is that you are doing, people seem to be interested in."

"How exactly do you know all of this though? Do you read a lot of fashion magazines?" I said with a grin.

"We were briefed on the different sort of attention that you might be getting and how to handle the media, and paparazzi. Mostly that we should allow you to stop and let them take photographs if you choose to do so. You don't seem so into that idea though, do you?"

I shrugged, "I was told that people may be interested in that, but I still worry that it feels wrong to make some sort of celebrity situation out of a job that I take very seriously. Jazz told me that the McNay's are aware of it though, and that they think it was good for the campaign and everything. Apparently they want to encourage me to accept the attention since it is good press."

I noticed he was still standing against the wall, and I motioned for him to come sit, "Why don't you come over here and sit in a chair like a real person, Agent Cullen?"

He laughed and walked over, sitting in a chair across from the couch I was seated on. "I must admit that it is nice to sit down. Though I hope you won't tell anyone about this. I'm supposed to remain standing at attention when at work."

"I promise I won't. You can trust me."

"Well, Bella. If we are going to be so casual towards one another, maybe you should call me Edward."

"And why would I do that?"

"Because that's my name," he said with a chuckle.

I blushed, "Oh. Well, okay Edward. Where are you from?"

"A small town in Washington state called Forks."

"Ah yes, Forks, Washington—thirty miles out of Spoonville. Is there a Spork City nearby?"

A beautiful roar of laughter came from within Edward, and seemed to light up his face in a way I hadn't seen. I felt my face glow red again, and immediately changed my thoughts back to our conversation and away from his attractive face.

"So, how did you get here?"

"Well, I wanted to enter law enforcement, so I did. I really enjoyed being a cop, but there wasn't much excitement in Forks. As you could probably guess, a small town like that doesn't exactly harbor a lot of fugitives. I mostly gave out traffic tickets, and dealt with the local kids and their dumb pranks."

"You're so much younger than the other agents though. How did you get all the way to D.C. and enter the Secret Service from being a cop in a small town across the country?"

"I know, it seems a little crazy—though no more crazy than a young girl becoming the nanny to the First Family, might I add."

I nodded, "Touche."

"I was a cop for about a year and a half. My father, Carlisle, moved to D.C. for business. He's a surgeon and has written a lot of prestigious medical texts. He practiced in Forks for a while because it was a smaller town and he sort of wanted a break from long hours at big hospitals so that he could conduct research on his own time. He was offered a position here and quickly became Chief Surgeon. We call him First Surgeon as a joke, because he attends to the medical needs of the First Family."

"So is that how you got an 'in' with the Secret Service?"

"Yeah, I came to visit and expressed my interest. My Dad got me an interview, and after a year's worth of grueling training, tests, and interviews, I worked my way up."

"So you aren't a First Family agent yet? Jazz explained that there are different levels."

"I work to protect you, and sometimes as a supplement to the team that oversees the First Daughters. One day I hope to be on the President's immediate agent staff."

"That's really cool. Do you like it? I mean, it can't be too much fun following me around."

Edward seemed to be squirming in his seat.

"Uh, well... it isn't so bad. I mean, I like protecting you. I mean, it is an important job and I'm very lucky to have it."

"Well... thanks, I guess?"

He laughed, "You're welcome. What about you?"

"What about me?"

"How did you get to be the nanny for the most prestigious family in the country?"

"Honestly? I joined an agency just like everybody else."

"You're kidding! Well aren't you a lucky duck? Well, lucky swan," he said with a smirk.

I giggled and was instantly embarrassed, "Well, I guess there was a little more to it than that. I babysat in high school for some neighbor friends who were good friends with a Senator, and the Senator's family needed a babysitter at the last minute one night, and called me up. I babysat for them for a while, and well, I guess they recommended me to Mrs. McNay because she seemed to have already picked me when she met me."

"You certainly leave quite an impression on people," Edward said, staring straight into my eyes for a moment, and then looking down at his hands.

"Do I?" I asked flirtatiously.

He just smiled at me and nodded.

I felt the heat rise up to my cheeks again, and before they could change from pink to red, I quickly changed the subject.

"Well, I'm pretty tired, so I think I'm going to get some sleep. I don't want you standing out here all night, so please continue to sit for as long as you'd like, or sleep on the sofa—it is actually really comfortable," I said, patting the sofa seat beside me.

Edward smiled, "I'll do that. Thank you, Bella."

"You're welcome," I said, returning his smile, and walking into the bedroom. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it. I felt like a teenager, which although wasn't that long ago, felt so juvenile but so thrilling. I had butterflies in my stomach and my face felt like it was on fire with embarrassment over the slightest things. I couldn't help but to be enamored by such a fascinating person.

I walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, just as I am now. I looked around in the darkness, realizing that our conversation the night before at the hotel had led to his brief touch of my cheek just moments before. I felt a bit more validated in my strange feelings towards him, because his touch meant that he had felt some kind of a connection as well.

Maybe I was insane. Maybe he doesn't feel anything. Maybe I just had a piece of lint on my face that he was brushing away gently. Whatever the case may be, it will be incredibly difficult for me to sleep knowing he is standing outside of my door. Not all women have the luxury of having their suitors as their guardians.

I looked at the clock and realized that it was 10PM, and that Alice was probably still awake. I had e-mailed her an in-depth account of my conversation with Agent Cullen the evening prior, and received a text that merely said, "OMG OMG OMG call me tomorrow night!" which I could easily hear Alice squealing and shrieking.

I reached for my beaten up phone and tapped out a quick message to Alice: "You awake?"

Within seconds I received a reply, "Yeah! Call me?"

I hit the 3 on my phone to speed dial Alice, and she picked up immediately after the first ring.

"Hey! So Edward is hot!"

My brow furrowed in confusion, "Uh, what?"

"I Googled him!"

I leaned back against the pillows and groaned, "Alice! Why must you be a crazy?"

"I'm not a crazy! I prefer 'thorough' or 'avid researcher' thank you very much. I like to cover my bases. Anyway, he was fine in high school so I'm sure he's twice as hot now!"

"Yeah I guess you could say that... so what else did you find?" I felt instantly ashamed for even asking, but I had to admit that I wanted to know as much as possible about Edward.

"Well, he was pretty much involved in every club in high school and seemed to kind of be the big man on campus, so to speak."

"How do you know that? You're a little too good at this stalker thing, Alice."

"Not to downgrade my stalker abilities—because they are fierce—but it was actually insanely easy. When you mentioned he grew up in Forks, Washington, it was a snap. There is only one high school in that little town, so when I Googled his name with 'Forks' their online yearbook came up. It listed all of the clubs he was involved in, his career goals, things like that."

"Career goals? Did it say he wanted to be a cop?"

"No, actually it said a chef. I thought that was weird considering how he became a cop like immediately after high school. Seems kinda quick to give up on a dream, don't you think?"

"I guess that is a little weird. Chef, huh. That's pretty cool."

"Yeah, I thought so too! Definitely some common ground since you love to cook."

"Definitely," I twirled my hair around two fingers, "I'm pretty scared, Alice."

"Bell-uh!, you're the bravest person I know! There's no reason to be afraid of a new guy. Especially one that is paid to protect you!" Alice said with a laugh.

"Yeah, I guess so. That is sort of the part that bothers me, though. I'm sort of afraid that he's only nice to me because he has to be, or because it is easier or something?"

"Easier for what? To protect you? Bella that's weird."

It suddenly dawned on me what she had said moments before, "Wait—brave?"

"Huh?"

"You called me brave!"

"Oh. Uh... sorry? I mean, I fail to see how that is a diss but whatever Bells. Man, love does weird things to you."

"That's just weird though. I'm the biggest chicken ever, you know that."

"Bells, you moved to a city with no real plans, just to see what you could find. You took a leap of faith and a few months later you are practically a member of the most powerful family in the country, arguably in the world. Bella, that's pretty amazing."

I paused, considering that for a moment. I knew that my life had turned into something rather extraordinary, but I guess I hadn't considered the full extent to which I had come so far in such a short amount of time, all just by taking a leap of faith.

"You're right, I guess I have been a little more brave than I realized. I think I'm going to go be brave right now. Alice... I'll talk to you tomorrow. And thank you. Really, thank you—you have no idea how much."

"What? Ooooh my gosh! What are you going to do? Bells? BELL-UH! textmetextmetextmeee!"

I hung up the phone, knowing the only way to get away from Alice's yammering was to avoid her all together. I breathed in, swung my feet over the side of the big bed, and hopped down, letting my legs carry me to the bedroom door. I turned the doorknob and opened the door, trying to be as quiet as possible. Much to my delight, I didn't make a sound, and Edward seemed slightly startled.

I hooked my thumbs in the back of the waistband of my pink and black polka dot pajama pants, and rocked back on my heels slightly. He spoke first, filling the silence with his husky whispered voice.

"Ms. Swan—"

"Bella," I interrupted.

He grinned, "Yes, Bella. Are you alright, Bella?"

I nodded, "Will you come in for a moment?"

He looked left, and then right.

"Are you not allowed to?"

He looked at me with those soft, caramel eyes, "I have this post all night. No one will know, secret friend."

I let out a whispered giggle, though inside I was nervous at his use of the word 'friend', and that it may have been a hint as to the extent of our relationship, or lack thereof. I waved him into my room, and after he had passed, closed the door just as quietly as I had opened it.

"So, what is it that you needed?"

"I just missed you, I guess," I said with instant regret. I was so humiliated. I could not believe I just said that.

To my surprise, when I looked up he was grinning, and taking a step towards me. He stood about a foot and a half in front of me, and that felt like miles in comparison to how close I longed to be.

"I'm glad that you missed me. I missed you, too."

I breathed in heavily, inhaling the scent of his cologne.

"Really?"

He nodded, "You're the only person I've really met here in D.C. aside from people my parents know, and people I've met through work."

"But don't you consider me as someone you met through work?"

"I guess technically that is true," he said, motioning for me to come with him to the couch sitting in front of the fireplace, "but you haven't treated me that way. Or any of the agents, really."

"How do you mean?"

"Well, you demand that we call you Bella, and you call us by our first names as well. That isn't something normally done. And you like when we speak to you in a normal tone of voice, and not like robot body guards."

"Well, you're all people. You all have interesting jobs, and lives. I like learning about people."

He raised one eyebrow, "So... you find me, err...us, interesting?"

I bit my lower lip. "Yeah, I mean... Secret Service... that's pretty cool."

"Uh huh. My occupation is what is of interest to you?"

"Well, yeah."

"Well that's disappointing."

"Why is it disappointing that I am interested in your work?"

He smirked, "It is just disappointing that you aren't interested in me in other capacities."

I raised my eyebrow again, "Such as?"

"Tell me more about you."

"You didn't answer my question."

"Yeah," he laughed, "I suppose that is a fair complaint. I'm not trying to beat around the bush so to speak, because I would really like to get to know you better. I suppose you could say that I'm interested in you as well."

I felt my cheeks flush and instantly heard the sound of his chuckle, which now felt so familiar.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"You blush—it's cute."

"Cute, huh?"

"Very. You could knock a man over with that laugh."

I laughed, "What does that even mean?"

"Apparently, it means that I turn into a dork and say embarrassing things when I'm talking to a girl I have a crush on."

I blurted out, "You have a crush on me?"

Now he was the one who looked embarrassed. He was looking off towards the window.

He reached up and squeezed the back of his neck.

"I know, I sound like I'm 15," he said with a nervous laugh, "I just... I don't know Bella... you seem different somehow. And I am ridiculously stupid for saying any of this..."

I shook my head, "No, it isn't stupid. I mean, I feel the same way... like we have some sort of connection. I felt instantly comfortable around you and I have no idea why. It's like I've known you for years."

"I'm really happy to hear that, but I meant that I'm being stupid for even telling you anything like this. I'm jeopardizing my job and yours by even being here right now."

I looked at the ground, "I'm still glad that you're here."

"I couldn't stop myself from being here after you asked me in. You really don't give people much of a choice to disagree with you, Bella; you have such a warm presence. It is no wonder to me at all why the public is so captivated with you, or why such a powerful family would trust you with their daughters," he looked down just as I had, as if he were embarrassed that he had revealed too many private thoughts.

I shrugged, "I just try to be a good person. I mean, I just try to do the right things I guess."

He reached up and gently stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. I don't know what possessed me to do what I did next, but I reached for his hand, clasping it in mine right before he tried to pull away.

He grin began to grow from his perfect lips, and he looked into my eyes, stroking my hand with his thumb. Everything around me intensified as he began to lean forward—the smell of his cologne, the soft blue glow coming from the alarm clock, the frigid chill in the winter air.

He paused for a moment, just as his face lingered a mere inch from mine, as if to let me know to close my eyes. I looked into his dazzling amber colored eyes and closed mine as I felt the warmth of his face draw nearer, and felt the sweet sting of his lips pressed against mine.

I tried to focus on all of the sensations happening at once. His warm hand held my cheek, while his other was on my lower back, pulling me closer. He felt so strong and so comfortable pressed against me, and his lips fit with mine so perfectly. As the initial kiss ended and our lips broke apart, he continued with a series of soft, tender kisses on and around my mouth. He then pulled his head away from mine, still holding me close.

"I think you should probably get to sleep" he said.

"Well, thank you for the goodnight kiss."

He gave me his impossibly adorable smirk, "That wasn't your goodnight kiss, Bella. This is."

He leaned in and kissed me with so much passion that it became clear to me that he was feeling exactly what I had been feeling too. When he pulled away, I put my head on his chest, pulling him into a hug. He kissed the top of my head, and then smoothed my hair, and then whispering in my ear, "Promise me this won't be the last time we do this?"

"Promise" I said.

Edward gave me another tight squeeze and a tender kiss on the head before silently slipping out the door to return to his post. I locked the door behind him and immediately headed toward my bed. I couldn't wait to dream of Edward.