Author's Note: I didn't really want to write this in a specific time frame, which is why I don't mention a lot about what's going on at the time or the status of Edward and Bella's relationship. Also why there's no mention of Jacob. You can imagine it takes place whenever you want. I guess to keep it really in character, Edward and Bella should be engaged, but I didn't want a time frame for the wedding or them having to make specific plans for it. Sorry this note is so long. Enjoy!

I hated the sun. It glared down at me from the sky, mocking me with its light. Sunny days were so rare in Forks that each one seemed like a personal affront, engineered by the weather gods just to separate me from my love for over six consecutive hours. When I'd woken up, Edward was gone but had left a note on my bed saying that he was going to hunt, would miss me and would see me after school. Needless to say, I was in a crappy mood all morning.

School could not have been longer. Thank God for Angela; she kindly provided a barrier between me and the obnoxious duo, Jess and Lauren. Days like these made me wish I was irresponsible enough to be willing to skip school every now and then, but it just wasn't in my nature.

I had to brace myself to walk into Trig, the only class I had with both the evil twins and without Angela. I was relieved to get there before them, but as soon as I sat down, they stalked in and sat on either side of me. Lord, how much worse could this day get?

As always, Lauren started the bitch-fest. "Wow, Bella. Where'd you find that shirt? A dumpster? Really, it makes you look like a "Hairspray" reject. That style hasn't been in since the 80's."

I took them both completely by surprise when I smiled and said, "Really? I'll be sure to tell Alice you think so. She'll be so amused."

Jessica recovered and snorted. Rather unattractively, I might add. Really, being with Edward had done wonders for my self-esteem, that I was able to take all this with such equanimity. "Whatever" was her brilliant comeback. "Obviously the reason you're dressed like my grandma instead of like a slut like you usually do is because Edward isn't here."

"He isn't?" I pretended to look around theatrically. "Why, Jessica, I believe you're right! You must be so proud of yourself."

"Stop trying to be cute," Lauren hissed. "We all know that you're not good enough for Edward. You're just together because he feels sorry for you. He's going to get tired of you and dump you real soon. So why don't you do yourself a favor, save some face, and stop with your delusions of grandeur?"

"You know what, Lauren? You're right," I told her. "I'm not good enough for Edward. It doesn't matter, though. Know why? Because he wants me, and he has never wanted you. So why don't you do us all a favor, save yourselves a lot of embarrassment, and keep your petty bitchiness to yourselves?"

I picked up my things and moved to a different desk, leaving Jessica and Lauren with their mouths hanging open. I felt rather good about myself. I'd have to tell Alice about this later; she'd be so proud of me.

I spent lunch giggling with Angela as we gossiped about our boyfriends. "Ben is just so sweet . . . yesterday he gave me a bunch of daisies, 'just because.' So, how are things going with you and Edward?"

"Well . . . you know, we hadn't really done anything physically—Edward's so old-fashioned—but I recently got him to, um, expand our horizons."

Angela's eyes lit up and she grinned. "That's so great! I mean, it's wonderful to have such a sensitive boyfriend, but . . . well, I love Ben, but even I think Edward Cullen is gorgeous."

"I can't blame you. During trig, Lauren and Jessica cornered me and tried to convince me he wasn't really interested in me."

She burst out laughing. "Wow, they are seriously delusional. I mean, you'd have to be blind not to notice just how into you he is."

I grinned. "Thanks." I knew Edward loved me, but it was always nice to get confirmation from a third party.

I left school an eternity later feeling a little unsure of myself. Should I just drive myself home like I drove in? Was Edward still hunting? But just before I reached my truck, a shiny silver Volvo pulled up next to me. I opened the door and jumped in, grinning as I took in the face of my gorgeous boyfriend and the soothing piano music he was playing over the stereo.

"Hello," my personal angel greeted me in his velvety voice. "I was thinking that we could visit our meadow today. By the way, you're sleeping over with Alice."

I grinned. "Great! That sounds perfect." Edward just smiled at me and started humming along with Chopin. I sat back and relaxed, pointedly not looking at the speedometer as we sped down the road. We reached the edge of the woods much sooner than we would have if Edward drove the speed limit, and as soon as the car was stopped, he was opening my door for me like the perfect gentleman he was.

"Do you want to hike, or should I carry you?" he asked, grinning.

I pretended to give it some thought and said, "Hmmm, tough choice . . . tripping over roots, rocks, and my own feet for an hour or being carried by my gorgeous boyfriend? Let me think . . ."

Edward chuckled and swept me up, slinging me across his back before setting off. Within minutes we reached our meadow, and it was as lovely as I remembered. He set me down gently before lying beside me. I followed suit. With the wonderful warm sun shining down, Edward's cold glittering body lying alongside mine, and the beautiful meadow surrounding us, I was in heaven. It just didn't get any better than this.

Well, it didn't get much better than this.

"So, Edward . . ." I began casually.

He turned his face towards me and laughed. "Yes, Bella?"

"Well, I was wondering if we could maybe try something different today?"

"Of course, love. What exactly did you have in mind?"

I blushed. "Well, um . . . I was wondering if . . . uh, maybe . . . er . . . nevermind."

Edward shook his head at me scoldingly. "Bella, you can tell me."

"No, that's okay. We can just do whatever."

He growled. "Come on, Bella. This is unfair. Please tell me?"

"O—Okay. Um, I guess I just kind of wanted to reciprocate what you did for me last night?" It ended up sounding like a question rather than an answer.

Although Edward's eyes gleamed so that I knew he was fighting a smile, his expression remained serious. I appreciated that. "Of course, Bella."

"Umm, okay." I felt very awkward, but I wasn't about to miss this opportunity. I reached over to him and as quickly as my clumsy human hands could manage, opened his shirt. I spread the two halves wide and stared at his marble chest. Good Lord, it was unfair of him to look so good.

"I could say the same thing about you," Edward said gently. I realized with some embarrassment that I'd spoken my thoughts aloud. Really, what was the use of being immune to Edward's powers if I blurted out everything I was thinking?

But such petty concerns faded before the sight of Edward's magnificance. I placed my hands on his bare shoulders, looking into his face to make sure this was all right. He smiled at me reassuringly. I spread my fingers wide and ran them a few inches down his chest. Edward threw his head back and groaned. "Bella, you're so warm," he growled. "I'm trying, but I'm not sure I can keep still for this, and there's no restraint I can't easily break. I'm sorry, this particular idea may not work out."

I thought for a moment and had an idea. "Would you sit up, Edward?"

He did so, looking inquisitively at me. I smiled at him, pulled his shirt the rest of the way off and said, "Now, fold your hands together on top of your head. Do you think you'd be able to keep them like that?"

"Yes," he replied, "this might work."

I smiled and again raised my hands to his perfectly sculpted chest. As Edward's arms flexed with the effort of remaining immobile, I explored. I greedily stroked his muscles, traced the contours of his body, and smoothed my fingers over his skin. After looking up to make sure his arms were still in place, I leaned forward and kissed his throat. Edward moaned and I drew back, looking up for reassurance.

"I'm okay, Bella," he told me. "Don't worry, I'm still in control. It does help that my hands have something to do." He winked at me.

I returned my mouth to his skin, relieved. It was like kissing Michaelangelo's David, except much better. His chest was perfectly smooth and his scent surrounded and intoxicated me. I allowed my tongue to flick out, savoring him. Edward's ribs vibrated beneath me as he growled softly, but he made no move to stop me. Encouraged, I grew bolder, licking along his collarbone from one shoulder to the other. He threw his head back and moaned loudly, and I grinned against his chest. I traced patterns with my fingertips, kissed and licked, and just soaked in the sight of his naked torso. He was incomparable. And all mine.

"Bella, love," Edward said, gently pulling away from me, "the sun is setting, and I promised everyone we'd be there by nightfall." Damned sun. "All right," I sighed.

Grinning at my obvious reluctance, Edward scooped me up and ran back to the car.

Sorry it took me so long to update! Also sorry this chapter wasn't as lemony as I thought it would be. I was going to include the night at the Cullen's in this chapter, but it was already pretty long and I figured I should publish what I had. Keep reviewing!

P.S. PLEASE someone give me an idea for a better name! I really hate this one. Thanks!