The next few days were busy, but Sunday afternoon, I was able to spend some time with Edward. We had texted and chatted on the phone—light easy conversations; asking questions, getting to know each other. When he messaged me Sunday afternoon to say he was outside my dorm waiting, I hurried downstairs, anxious to see him.

It felt strange to say I had missed him, yet I had. The more I got to know him, the more I liked him. He was warm, funny and surprisingly sweet.

He was leaning on his truck, the bar's logo painted on the side. His arms and legs were crossed, his wild hair glowing in the sunlight. I noticed several girls walking past all eyeing him and smiling. A few shouted out greetings and he nodded at a couple and waved. I hesitated, then pushed open the door, walking toward him. His entire demeanor changed—the warmest smile lighting his face, and his arms opened wide as he stepped in my direction. My heart skipped a beat and I flung myself into his waiting embrace. He lifted me right off the ground, burying his face into my neck.

"There's my girl," he crooned.

Gently he set me down and stroked his fingers down my cheek. "Hi, Cupcake."

I grinned at his silly nickname. "Hey, Cowboy."

"You look tired."

"Long week."

He opened the truck door and grinned as I tried to decide the best way to scramble into the high cab. He wrapped one arm around my waist and lifted me in as if I weighed nothing, then brushed his lips across my face. "Let's get back to my place, so I can say hello properly and then spoil you for a little while."

Just thinking of his kisses from the other night made my heart race. "Yes, please," I breathed out.

He winked.

Edward's apartment over the bar was bright and surprisingly spacious— with a large living room and kitchen in the main area, and a good-sized bedroom and bath. There was even a small room he used as a second office. He was almost shy as he showed me around, holding my hand, smiling at my comments.

His bedroom had a huge skylight located over the king size bed. "That must be so nice on a clear night," I murmured as he pointed out the view. "You could see all the stars."

"Actually, it's awesome all of the time. I love watching the snow drift by, listening to the wind, or the sound I hear when it rains—it's very soothing. It's like I'm outside, but protected." He bent down, his lips dragging over my neck. "I want to share all those things with you."

I shivered and he grinned against my skin. "I can see you lying there on a sunny day, curled up like a contented kitten and having a nap."

That sounded rather nice.

"I look forward to the day I come home and find you on my bed, Bella. Waiting for me." He ghosted his fingers over my side, slipping them under my loose shirt, teasing the skin. "Getting to be inside you—making you mine."

With a small mewl, I turned, flinging my arms around his neck, pulling his mouth to mine. He grunted his approval, dragging me tight to his chest, fisting my hair as he worked my mouth—hard, wet, deep. I felt the edge of the mattress press into the back of my legs and then we were sinking into the soft luxury of down and warmth. His body covered mine and I could feel every hard inch of him straining against me. I pushed my hands under his shirt, tracing the taut flesh stretched over his back. He groaned low in his chest as I slipped my fingers under his waistband, teasing the swells of his ass I liked so much. He drew back, his green eyes intense and filled with passion. "We need to stop, baby. It's too soon. God, I can't control myself around you."

"I'm not a virgin, Edward."

"It's too soon for both of us, Bella. I want you to know me before I make you mine." He kissed me again, this time soft and slow. "Because once I do, I won't be able to let you go." He sighed. "You already mean too much. I made enough mistakes with you already; I want to do this right."

My heart hammered in my chest at his quiet words. I wrapped my arms around his neck and stroked his hair, smiling at his sigh of contentment as he nuzzled into my neck. "Okay," I whispered.

We stayed like that for a while before he got up, taking me with him. He grimaced a little and I frowned at him. "What's wrong?"

He offered me a smile. "Nothing. Just a twinge."

He walked ahead of me and I noticed his gait was slightly off. I thought I had noticed it one other time, but put it down to my imagination.

"Edward, are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine."

Something in his voice told me not to push it.

I followed him into the kitchen where he pulled lunch from the refrigerator. We sat at the table, eating and talking. He asked one question after another, wanting to know as much about me as possible. I was barely able to eat with his rapid queries. I'd never had anyone as attentive as he was when he listened to me—his entire focus on my words. He appeared enthralled as I talked about my kinesiology classes and my work at the clinic.

"What do you want to do when you're done?"

"I want to get my registered massage therapy license and become certified in acupuncture."

"Lots of learning left."

I nodded eagerly. "I want to open my own clinic—I believe there are so many more forms of therapy people don't know about, or think are only available to athletes. No one should live with pain if someone can help alleviate it—even a small amount. I want to bring it more to the common regular person."

"Sounds like a good goal." He raised his hand, his fingers drifting over my cheek. "Somehow I think you'll be a great success."

I blushed from his complimenting support. When he asked if he could have a copy of my schedule, I pushed my phone over to him and let him copy it over to his phone.

"You weren't kidding when you said all you had time for was school and work," he mused, frowning. "I don't want to add to your stress."

I rolled my eyes around a mouthful of sandwich. I had realized knowing Edward eased my stress, not added to it. He made me happy—unexpectedly so. I wanted to do the same for him.

"It gets better after the next few weeks. Once football is over it frees up some time."

He grinned over at me. "Shall I slot myself into those spots?"

Shyness came over me and I felt myself blushing more, keeping my eyes on my plate. "If you want to."

"Hey."

I looked up and met his soft gaze. "I want as much time with you as possible. We're both busy, but we can make this work. If I can't get to you, you can always come to the bar. I'll keep your table on reserve or you can come up here to study—whatever you need." He covered my hand with his. "Whatever gets me more of you. Okay?"

"Okay."

And so it began.

My days and nights changed now Edward was in my life. When he discovered I power walked every morning around campus twice, he pointed out if I walked off campus, I would end up at his place in the same amount of time. So now I started every day with a walk, coffee with Edward and blistering kisses that kept me warm until I arrived back at my dorm. When I mentioned how on Sundays I usually hauled my laundry to the local laundromat, he was quick to offer his machines. He pointed out I could take my time doing it and there was no charge except the pleasure of my company. He also informed me there were fringe benefits…if I played my cards right.

At least twice a week I would find lunch or dinner dropped off for me. He had my schedule and knew when I had a longer day, so those days I would find a package waiting at the clinic or tied to the door of my dorm. The first time the note simply read: No more ramen noodles. I almost cried, unable to believe he remembered me saying that.

At the next football game, I no longer avoided his area, and smiled widely when asking if he required anything. He surprised me, requesting an extra extension cord and followed me to the office to get it. Once inside, I realized the only reason he'd asked was to get me alone. He had me pinned to the wall, his body molded to mine and his tongue in my mouth so fast my head spun. I hoped he forgot the same cord next game—or needed a paper clip; anything to feel his arms around me and his mouth on mine.

I arrived back at the dorm one night, smiling at the sight of a bag tied to the handle. Inside were a sandwich and a smaller box. Curious, I opened it, grinning when I saw the mini cupcakes from The Cupcake Lady. Munching one, I grabbed my phone and sent Edward a text.

Thank you for feeding me again. Especially love the cupcakes.

His response was fast.

Eat the sandwich first.

I giggled. He did know how much I loved desserts.

Turning, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and giggled again. As usual, icing clung to the edges of my mouth. Edward constantly teased me about being messy with desserts. Feeling brave, I snapped a close up and sent it to Edward.

Want a taste?

A minute went by as I devoured another cupcake. I decided to go for a shower, then I'd eat the sandwich and the last couple cupcakes. I gathered up my toiletries, wishing, not for the first time, the dorm had private showers. I was lucky with my roommate—she basically lived with her boyfriend off campus, but didn't want her parents to know. She dropped by every few weeks to switch out clothes, leave current assignments on the desk in case they dropped by, but I rarely saw her. The private facilities I longed for though. Edward had a huge tub in his bathroom I had eyed the first day I was there. He assured me it was mine to use whenever I wanted a soak. I fully planned on taking him up on his offer when my schedule lightened up.

My phone buzzed.

You really shouldn't have done that.

With a mischievous grin, I typed in a reply.

Whatcha gonna do about it?

Tossing my phone on my bed, I headed down the hall. I had a feeling I'd pay for that in the morning—Edward would get even with my teasing with some of his own. He loved to leave me a panting mess, sending me on my way with a final kiss, a smack on the ass, and totally turned on.

He was taking far too long in the "getting to know each other" category. Considering how forward he had been with me at the start, his desire to "do this right" surprised me, and yet, it also made me realize how special I was to him.

Fifteen minutes later, I tripped back down the deserted hall, skin still warm-damp and my hair dripping down my back. I clutched my clothes to my chest, planning on slipping into my teddy bear pants and a tank, then sliding into bed with dinner.

I walked into the room and frowned. I didn't remember turning off the light. Shutting the door behind me, I flicked on the light and gasped in fright, dropping the clothes I had in my hand.

Sitting on my bed, dressed in dark jeans and a gray T-shirt that stretched over his broad shoulders, was Edward. His coat was draped at the bottom of the bed. In his hand was a cupcake.

"Hi," I squeaked.

"You always leave your door open when you go for a shower, Bella?"

"Usually."

He stood up. "It's not safe. Anyone could walk in."

"You need…you need a pass to get into the building," I protested.

He slipped his hand into his pocket. "Like this one?"

"How?"

He smirked and moved closer, his vivid green eyes scanning up and down my body. "Alice was visiting Jasper. I told her I was bringing you a surprise, so she loaned it to me. I planned on waiting in the hall for you, but I found your door unlocked."

"A surprise?"

He stopped in front of me. "I think you sent me a challenge didn't you?"

"I, ah, I did?"

He pulled out his phone and quoted my words. "Whatcha gonna do about it?"

I drew in a long, stuttering breath. He was so close I could smell him. He always smelled like the outdoors—fresh, crisp—like an autumn day in the forest. I loved it. "I was…teasing?"

"Didn't sound like teasing." His voice dropped, sending shivers down my spine. "It sounded like you wanted me to come to you."

"Maybe I did."

He stepped back, pulling his shirt over his head. "Is this what you want, Bella?"

"Yes," I rasped; my throat suddenly dry.

"You're sure? You're ready?"

I nodded. "I'm covered, Edward. We're safe."

"You told me that. I trust you. I just want to make sure it's not too soon."

"It's not," I insisted. "I'm ready. So Ready."

Lifting the cupcake, he peeled the paper edge back, holding it to my mouth. "Bite, Bella."

Leaning forward, I nibbled the edge. He shook his head. "No. Bite it like you want it." He lowered his mouth to my ear. "Like you want me."

I whimpered, closed my eyes and opened my mouth, biting blindly. The sweet vanilla and buttercream exploded on my tongue and I groaned at the flavor.

Opening my eyes, I met Edward's hungry stare. I could feel the icing on the corner of my mouth and I waited in breathless anticipation for the feel of his tongue to lap it away.

I didn't wait long.

With a low growl, he yanked me to him. He devoured me. Deep carnal kisses, long strokes of his tongue, biting stings of his teeth, all combined with the feel of him, hard and wanting against me was mind-blowing. His hands slipped under the towel, cupping my ass, pulling me up so my legs wrapped around him. With a frustrated groan, I ground myself into his erection. He cursed and stumbled back to my bed, landing on his back with me on top. His hands found my hips, pressing me down against him firmly. I wanted more.

I reached between us for his belt, and he lifted his hips to help me. I didn't care it wasn't somewhere soft and pretty. I wanted him here and now. On my little dorm room bed where I could smell him on my sheets and remember how he felt inside me when I was alone. Pulling and grasping, my towel fell away and Edward slid his jeans down, his cock springing free.

He smiled at me, trailing his hand across my collarbone. "So beautiful." He traced a finger around my hardened nipple. "So fucking sexy."

"I want you." I pleaded in a breathy voice.

"Are you ready for me?"

I was more than ready. I wanted him so much, I was throbbing with need. I ground down on his erection, letting him feel just how wet and ready I was for whatever he had to give me. He groaned, his body shuddering as I moved over him.

Our gazes locked; his need for reassurance clear. Leaning forward, I kissed him, breathing into his mouth.

"Please."

I sat back, slowly taking him inside. Inch by inch he filled me until we were skin to skin, nothing between us. I groaned at the feeling of having him take me. I'd never felt so full or so possessed the way I did right now. I started to move over him, his hands on my hips, guiding me. He groaned and cursed, praising me, telling me how sexy I was, how good I felt. I shuddered and moaned, the sensations building, needing to escape. He sat up, drawing me to his mouth, encasing me in his arms, so I felt as if I was wrapped up in him entirely. We continued to move faster—his thrusts speeding up, his pleas lower, his words almost incoherent. My orgasm hit me, my muscles tightening and fisting his cock hard as I keened his name. He hissed, burying himself deep as he came. His hands pressed into my back as he shuddered and hissed, his movements slowed and he finally stilled.

He lay back, taking me with him, keeping his arms around me. His hands searched blindly for the blankets, pulling them over us. He kissed my forehead repeatedly—small, gentle nuzzles of his mouth.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"I think I should be thanking you. I really only came over to smack your ass for teasing me." He traced his finger over my shoulder. "But seeing you all damp and sexy from your shower—I couldn't stop myself this time."

I kissed his neck and ran my fingers over the scruff on his jaw. "I'm glad."

"Lock your door the next time you go for a shower."

I rolled my eyes.

"I felt that."

"Edward, you need to stop worrying. I've been in the dorms this whole time and most of us don't lock it when we go for a shower. Really, it's fine."

He huffed.

I looked up at him and smiled. "I'll lock it if it makes you feel better."

"It does."

I yawned and he rolled us over. "You need to sleep and I need to get the pass back to Alice."

"I would rather you stayed."

"Me too, sweetheart, but I have to go back." He dropped a long kiss onto my head. "Come to the bar tomorrow after your game?"

I nodded, feeling drowsy. "It might be late."

"Doesn't matter. I want to see you."

"Okay."

He started to move, but I reached for him. "Stay…just a few minutes, please."

He lay back down, and I wrapped my arm around his waist. The feeling of his hand slowly running up and down my back was soothing, and I felt myself drifting. My hand relaxed, slipping down his hip, encountering the edges of a scar. Sleep overtook me, but I fought against it, wanting to ask Edward what it was, but my eyes were too heavy.

The next time I opened them, I was alone.

But sitting on my bedside table was the last cupcake, and a note:

Delicious— but not as sweet as you, my Cupcake. I'll miss you until tomorrow. ~E


Yeah. So that happened. Next update on Friday. Things, ah, heat up even more. Just saying.