Thank you for the lovely reviews and a big HELLO to my new followers. I appreciate Midnight Cougar rec'ing this story to The Lemonade Stand.

Hugs and OhGee kisses to NChantedby Twilight and Fran for their special talents. They make my words pretty. xo

Vinyl

Chapter 4

It's five a.m. as I leave Bella in a thoroughly fuck-induced sleep to go for my daily run. My mind plays the events of last evening over and over, highlighting my favorite parts.

We fucked, hard, and then made love, and damn, the phenomenal head she gave me in the tub had my dick screaming for mercy.

The mental picture of her lips around my dick has me adjusting myself, even now.

I could still feel my hand threaded through her damp hair, holding it tightly in my fist. I could hear Bella's moans of pleasure as she hummed on my cock. Those sexy sounds made it far too difficult for me to last for more than a few minutes, but I felt no shame. When I tugged on her hair, pulling her back as I shot my load; hitting her in the chest, draping her in liquid pearls—the force was that of a typhoon wreaking havoc on a serene, tropical beach. My come looked amazing dripping down her bath-heated skin, trailing into the water that bubbled from the Jacuzzi.

Making it out of the bathroom, before fucking her once again, was an impossible feat; and I took her from behind at the vanity as she brushed her teeth. Her toothbrush dropped, and her tits bounced in the reflection of the mirror while I gripped her hips; our eyes never left the other as I roughly rode her, making us both come again.

After that, though, we fell asleep. Bella cuddled into my side like she was made just for me, her arm rested across my stomach with her breath heating my skin. Warm tickles lulled me to sleep with each inhale and exhale. That was until she woke me up with soft kisses on my pecs. At any rate, we made love that time, taking it nice and deep and slow.

It's those hot images that drive me to run faster as I discreetly adjust myself again, then turn down another path, and continue to pound the pavement.

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I'm trimming my beard when the phone rings. I see Sam's name flash across the screen.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Hey, yo. I should be asking you that question," he says, amusement obvious in his tone.

I put my phone on speaker, placing it on the vanity so I can finish trimming my facial hair. "Um, okay?"

"Come on, man. You fucking Bella Whitlock?"

I laid my razor on the vanity before I cut myself. I can't believe this has circulated around town in less than eighteen hours, and I'm pissed.

"What are you talking about?"

"A little blonde birdie told me."

"Talking to Jessica, huh?"

"She said she saw you and Bella at Pete's last night."

"Yeah, I know."

"Said you were making out in the game room."

"Try eating in the game room, douche."

"Whatever. You tapped that ass, didn't you?" He laughs.

"Fuck off,"I growl. "How old are you anyway?"

"I'm just trying to get some details, that's all."

"The only thing you need to know is that Bella is a good person—"

"Whoa. Okay."

"With feelings—"

"Edward, it's cool."

"No! It's not cool. You're feeding into bullshit by repeating anything that has passed over Jessica's cock-sucking lips." I brace myself on the vanity; I'm pissed about having this conversation after spending an incredible night with Bella. I clear my throat and say through gritted teeth. "I happen to think highly of Bella, and I'm sick and tired of untruths spewing from everyone's mouth in this fucking town."

"All right, man. I'm sorry. I didn't know you liked her in that way. I thought you just had a crush on her."

"It's not just a fucking crush, Sam."

"Oh." He drags the word out in realization of what I've just divulged.

I let out a deep frustrated breath.

Sam breaks the silence. "I'll set Jessica straight." He pauses for a few seconds, and when I don't answer, he offers more. "Hey. I really am sorry, okay?"

We end the call, and I brace myself against the counter, my knuckles turning white from the firm hold I have on the granite top. I hang my head forward, realizing my time with Bella will be ending soon. The bond between us is new, fragile, and while I don't care about the age difference, it bothers Bella to some degree. There's a good chance that the gossip mongers will snuff out our relationship before it has a chance to thrive if I don't have a heart to heart with her soon.

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.

"FYI, Sam called this morning, asking about us."

I take a seat on one of the barstools in Bella's kitchen. I came over as soon as she texted me, asking if I'd have breakfast with her.

She sets a cup of coffee down in front of me and goes back to retrieve one for one for herself."What do you mean?" Bella looks over her shoulder at me with furrowed brows.

"That girl, Jessica, who works at the pharmacy with him,is gossiping. She told him we were making out at Pete's last night."

An unamused huff of air expels from Bella's nose. "Wow, rumors circulate a lot quicker than I thought in this town." She rolls her eyes before continuing. "What is she, fifteen?"

I laugh at Bella's remark as she puts the carafe back on the burner. I watch her walk toward me; my eyes are glued to the body I ravaged last night, and I can't help the smirk that plays on my face. I pull out the stool to the left of me. She takes a seat and leans her head on my shoulder, and I rest my hand on her thigh.

"I really don't care, Edward." She drops a sugar cube in her coffee cup, stirring until it dissolves. "It's no one's business but our own."

I squeeze her leg gently. "I agree. But I don't want you to feel uncomfortable here in Forks."

"I already do, so what does it matter?"

Taking a deep breath I decide to ask her a few questions. I don't want to upset her, and I won't pry if she changes the subject, but I'd like to know a few things before we go any further with our relationship. I still have the image of her walking out of the diner with a man I didn't recognize, and it makes me wonder if it's her ex-husband.

"Can I ask you something?"

Bella nods before taking a careful sip from her mug.

"Who was the man I saw you with the other day at the diner?"

She turns her head toward me giving me a questioning look. "A friend. Why? You saw us?"

I nod.

"He comes to town every so often and checks on Jasper and me. His name is Alec."

"Checks on you? Why'd you move here, Vinyl?" I swivel the barstool until I'm facing her. "If you're not happy here then you can move, right?"

I see she's struggling with finding the right words to say. Her mouth opens and then closes several times. Her eyes are distant and hollow for a few seconds until she finally takes a deep breath. Turning herself in my direction, she exhales before her voice breaks the silence.

"After Demetri … I didn't want to stay in California." Bella closes her eyes, and I hold her hands in mine. I'm unsure what or how much she's going to divulge.

"He left you?" It's irrational, but it pisses me off. How could someone leave a sweetheart like Bella?

She doesn't answer right away; instead, she stares off again at something—nothing—behind me.

"He was killed in a car accident," she whispers and grips my hands tighter.

I try to soothe her, stroking my thumbs over her knuckles.

"I suspect it was planned—murder." The pink tint in Bella's cheeks drains until she's pale.

I'm shocked.

I didn't expect to hear such a horrid confession, especially after what Sam told me.

"And Jasper doesn't know?"

I remember her saying that even Jasper didn't know the whole truth about his dad.

Again, it takes her a few long seconds to respond but she's shaking her head. "No." Bella's chin trembles as she fights tears and her leg nervously bounces.

"I'm so sorry." I pull her onto my lap hugging her to my chest.

I had no idea her husband was gone, like really gone. Sam told me he knocked up some model and ran away with her.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Damn rumors.

Bella wraps her arms around me, and I whisper, "It's okay. You don't have to tell me anymore."

I rub her back in hopes of soothing some of the pain she's reliving.

She finally speaks after several long minutes. Her voice is but a whisper. "I think his business partner Aro, played a role in Demetri's death. The Police could never prove it, so they closed the case." Bella sniffs and reaches for a nearby kitchen towel and wipes her nose. "Demetri closed a deal on an investment, and the commission from the subsequent sale was going to be the largest since Aro and he started their business. I think Aro got greedy." She shakes her head. "When I lived in LA, I kept bumping into Aro all over town. He had to be following me. It was strange. I had a feeling he knew what happened to my husband or had a hand in it by the way he looked at me." Bella shivers. "He creeped me out, so Alec and I decided I should move."

I hug Bella a little tighter.

"I changed our last names too."

"Are you in hiding?"

"Not really, but I feel a little safer using a different name."

The way Bella's forehead creases as she gives me more details about the wreck, breaks my heart. The turmoil she has lived in for the past few years pisses me off. I hold her tightly on my lap until she's finished. She's been good at hiding her past from everyone here in town, and she says she doesn't mind when people draw conclusions as to why she isn't married anymore;especially if it saves Jasper some heartache of knowing his dad's death is a suspected act of murder.

"I really don't care about the rumors in this silly little town." Bella places her hands on my chest and leans forward to kiss my lips. "I'm not going to hide the fact that I like you, Edward." She kisses me again seeking more.

"You want to walk down Main Street holding hands and make out in the diner?" I grin, trying to ease some of the darkness that shadowed the last half hour. "Better yet. Don't we need to visit the pharmacy?"

"Oh, yes," Bella says. "Pregnancy test?"

Our laughter breaks through the last bits of tension.

Bella breathlessly informed me last night in bed that she was on birth control and not to worry. So unless that point one percent failure rate happens, I don't need to worry.

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"Hey, Aunt Esme." I squeeze the phone to my ear with my shoulder so I can shift my car into third. "Emmett's great. We're both doing fine."

I'm in a hurry to get home to shower so I can make it back over to Bella's for dinner. Our workout was intense, and she has promised me a big dinner and maybe another little workout of a different kind this evening.

"Sure." I hesitate for a second. I'm caught off guard when she tells me they will be coming home earlier than expected because Carlisle is needed back at work. "Yeah, I can pick you guys up at the airport." I pull into the driveway at home and sit in the car while it idles. I nod as Esme gives me the details of their arrival, but in my head I'm counting the hours I have left here in Forks. Sourness invades my gut, churning until I feel as if I'm going to puke.

Meeting and hanging out with Bella this summer has put me on a high, and I'm not ready to come down just yet. I have no idea what's going on between us, other than our chemistry is phenomenal. And because of that, we've barely discussed the damn weather let alone where our relationship is leading.

We've fucked.

A lot.

Beyond alone time, we've worked out and taken the boys a few places.

When Esme finishes giving me details, I trudge slowly up the brick pathway leading to the house. I'm on autopilot, putting my key in the lock and heading toward the shower. I don't realize I've already taken my clothes off as I step in and absent-mindedly turn on just the hot water.

"Shit!" I jump back almost slipping on the tile floor, still cussing the water I adjust the temperature before I enter again and then hurry and finish the task, so I can get back to Bella and the boys. Bella's image is the only thing keeping me afloat until I figure out how I'm going to tell her I'm leaving— much sooner than anticipated.

I'm sure I could stay with Esme and Carlisle, but they'll wonder why I'm hanging around Forks and not getting back to Seattle. I've been so hell-bent on getting my gym up and going that they would question my reasoning. It's been my sole focus since I graduated, so staying here is going to look a tad bit suspicious.

But why the fuck do I care?

Bella mentioned she and Esme are friends but not best friends. So maybe, just maybe, Esme won't be a bitch about the two of us.

I can only hope.

I'm finished and back in my car in no time. I feel as though precious minutes are ticking away, and I need to make good use of the ones we have left.

I grab a bouquet of flowers from the grocery and a few things for dinner. I hate thinking this could be one of the last times I'll get alone time with her, but I have to be boys have a campout they were invited to tonight, so the evening is all ours.

I knock softly on the front door, announcing my arrival as I let myself in. I hear Bella singing in the kitchen, and I know without seeing her, she is probably dancing. I love watching her as she sways her hips.

She's hypnotizing.

"Hey, beautiful." I stand behind her, resting my chin on her shoulder and holding the bouquet in front of her. I kiss her neck softly before she sets the knife down and turns in my arms.

"Thank you." Her smile is radiant. "I haven't had flowers in …" She shakes her head, deciding not to finish her thought. "They're beautiful."

"These pinks ones reminded me of you, not as beautiful though."

Bella stretches up on her tip toes placing a kiss on my lips. "Too sweet."

I want to deepen the kiss, but the boys need a ride to their campout, and they'll be late if we don't get moving.

"I'll drive the boys to Riley's, and then I can put the steaks on the grill."

She nods, and I kiss her nose before my hands fall from her hips.

I overhear the boys talking as I reach Jasper's room.

"She doesn't think I know."

"Dude, your dad was murdered?"

"I don't know for sure, but I overheard her talking a few times when she thought I was sleeping."

"No wonder you have these knives and shit."

"If I could have a gun I would. But, I feel safe with Edward here now—in case of home intruders and stuff like that."

"Do you think the person that killed your dad will come looking for you guys?"

"I hope not, but Mom seems scared sometimes."

I don't make my presence known; instead, I retreat down the stairs and holler to the boys from the first floor.

How can I leave now, knowing that Jasper is worried about their safety?

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Sated and sex-heated, Bella's curves shimmer like diamonds as moonlight cascades in through her open bedroom window. I'm hesitant to speak, unsure of how to broach the subject. I don't ever want these moments to go away, so I'm gentle as I let the words pass over my lips.

"Esme and Carlisle will be home soon." I run my finger from her collarbone down between her tits, stopping when my finger abruptly rises, as she sucks in a deep breath. I glance at her eyes which are now fixed on the chandelier hanging over our naked bodies, and her teeth are sunk into her bottom lip. My hand flattens, resting on her chest, waiting for a response.

But she stays quiet.

The dark silence is deafening.

"I'm picking them up at the airport the day after tomorrow."

I am not sure why it makes a difference whether I pick them up or not, but I'm filling the void in the room. My finger is twitchy, needing to roam again, so I make my way back up her chest and to the right, tracing lazy hearts with my finger. I lean closer licking one of her nipples and Bella flinches as if my tongue emits high voltage electricity.

"You okay?" I prop myself up higher on my forearm and touch her cheek with my hand. "Hey?"

Bella closes her eyes which essentially blocks me from seeing what's going on in their depths. I've become relatively good at reading her by the twinkle or dullness in her eyes. I assume the latter is what I'd find if she were to open them.

I pull her close to me."Vinyl?"

She wraps an arm around my waist and buries her face into my chest. She thinks she's being sly but I feel wetness on my skin.

She's crying.

Fuck.

"We need to talk." I pull her away from my body, but she turns her head so I can't see the emotion ripping through her. My chest aches too, and I imagine it's what a heart attack feels like. I wait for a few minutes, letting us both gain some composure, all the while running my hand up and down her side.

Her curves are exquisite and I'm going to miss these moments, if we can't figure out how to make things work between us.

"I don't want to leave you, Vinyl, but …"

I'm not sure what to tell her. I should get back to Seattle. I have an apartment and a fucking fish that's probably floating on top of the water by now. My co-worker, Quil, from the gym, probably didn't feed the son-of-a-bitch like he promised.

She wipes tears from her eyes and clears her throat. "It's fine, Edward. I knew this wouldn't last." I watch as she blinks back more tears. "I knew this was temporary."

"Hey …"

"Like I said …" She scoots off the bed and wraps a robe around her naked body. "It's fine. It was … fun."

The night ends horribly.

I stay in Bella's bed.

I don't follow her out of the room because she obviously needs some time alone.

I've gone over all the possibilities in my head: visiting her on weekends, her visiting me, me giving up my dream and finding a job in Forks. And then the worst one of all, breaking things off with her completely.

Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Hugs,

OhGee

XO