Okay, so I fully admit I am not getting nearly as much writing down as I wanted to this summer. RL has been a little rough still. However am working on the next RTW chapter. Also if you haven't seen my little 3 chapter Victorian Vampward story, Balconi, Braccialetti e Fidanzamenti (Balconies, Bracelets and Betrothals) check it out. Chapter 3 of that one should go up today. It was a plot bunny I could not ignore.

So, I've been told by GrayMatters Fanfiction, who perused this for me, that this chapter deserves a minimum 3 shamwow warning, so you have been warned.

Twilight character names belong to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The intellectual property including but not limited to, all characterizations, plot lines, backgrounds, and details belong to Iadorepugs. Plagiarism is theft so please no copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without express written authorization. Thank you

Chapter 7

EPOV

And you know she's got a dirty little mind
The way she walks
The way she grooves
I have to strap her down to keep up with her moves
And you know she's got a dirty little mind

Jackyl ~ Dirty Little Mind

Bella's eyes grew wide as I stood there staring at her with a little smirk on my face. "So I hope you are ready to deal with the consequences. Are you ready Bella?"

Bella fought a smile, "I can handle whatever you dish out Cullen."

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you challenging me on top of everything else? I'm not sure how wise that is love." I was a little buzzed still, but not as much as Bella was.

Bella walked backwards towards the bed. She stopped there and dropped her towel. Beckoning to me with a look of mischief, "Bring it Cullen."

I shook my head as I reached into a bathroom drawer to grab an item I had been waiting for a few months now to use. I strolled over to her casually with my arms behind my back. Bella watched me carefully to see what I was up to. "Last chance to say something that might make me take it easier on you."

Bella of course was not going to back down and I knew it. "Quit stalling. If you don't have the….." Bella looked down where my erection was visible through the towel. "Well you do have those, so I guess if you don't have the guts….."

I grabbed Bella around the waist and tossed her back on the mattress, quickly straddling her and pinning her down. Bella shrieked and started giggling as she attempted to squirm out from under me. I used my knees to trap her arms against her sides. "Uh uh uh. You aren't going anywhere." I brought the vetwrap out from behind my back and started unrolling it. Bella froze for a second, watching as I stretched the fabric between my hands. I winked at her. "You have no idea what I'm going to do to you Bella. I will tell you that by the time I'm done, you won't be able to move, and it won't be because of the vetwrap."

Bella gasped and instantly her breathing picked up. I watched her eyes darken as her pupils dilated with excitement. I had been waiting for the right night to pull this off, and it was finally here.

I reached under one leg at a time, taking both her wrists in one hand. I wrapped the vetwrap around her wrists several times before tearing it with my teeth. I slid a finger under to make sure it wasn't too tight. Then I took a section of the fabric and tied her wrist binding to the headboard. Either one of us could easily tear the vetwrap quickly to get her unbound if we needed to. I ran both hands down her arms as I sat back. "Perfect. I think I like you like this."

I moved down and sat on one leg while I wrapped her ankle and attached her to the bedpost. I repeated it on the other side. I slid off the end of the bed and looked over her. My gaze raked up her body slowly, taking in how exposed she was to me. When our eyes met I could see Bella was a little nervous being displayed like that, so I knew I needed to reassure her. "Do you know how beautiful you look right now? I could stand here and just look at you for hours, if I actually had the restraint to not touch you. However, I have no restraint, especially tonight." I walked around the side of the bed and finally took my towel off. I climbed up and lay down beside her. I made sure our bodies were close, but not touching.

"Just to make sure, are you okay with where this is headed?" I reached up and stroked the side of her face.

"Yes," Bella whispered.

"Just say the word halter if you get nervous, and I'll stop whatever I'm doing."

Bella raised an eyebrow. "I won't need to, but okay." The look of challenge was back and it made me smile.

I started with just one finger, and I let it trail all over her body slowly. I followed the lines of her shoulders, the curve of her waist, down her legs, over and over. Bella started to wiggle a little every time I came near her breasts or between her legs. She was going to have a bit of a wait for that.

I straddled her again and used the tip of my tongue to follow the same pathways. Bella gasped and wiggled a little harder. I nipped her hip and she let out a little whimper. It was not going to be hard to get her level of arousal ramped up to where I wanted it.

I kissed the inside of her knee while I rubbed my palms over and under her thighs. With what I knew was an evil grin, I moved over her body and pressed my weight down into her. I made sure my erection was just touching her leg, out of reach of where she wanted it.

"Edward…." Bella groaned and pulled on her restraints.

I kissed up her neck before I sucked hard on the skin under her ear. Bella groaned louder and tried to shift her body into mine. I leaned back and looked at the little bruise showing where my mouth had just been. "Hmm. I kind of like seeing that mark on you. One that I made. I think you need a couple more."

My lips roamed down her body to the top of her right breast and I sucked there too. Then I slid down to right below her bellybutton and gave her a hickey there too. I sat back and admired Bella, who was trying to look down her body to see what I had done. "I think three hickeys is enough, for now." I winked at her and then lay next to her again.

"Now what?" Bella panted.

I set one hand over her breast, just cupping it. "That's for me to know and you to find out." My hands began to rub over every inch over her skin. Bella closed her eyes as her head fell back against the pillows.

"I want to touch you too Edward….."

"If you are good, and follow instruction, I'll let you do that in a bit." I turned her to face me and kissed her softly. Bella tried to take over and I pulled back. "No love. This is my show." I leaned in again and Bella's mouth relaxed under mine. I could sense her impatience with my slow kiss, but she held herself in check. I ran my tongue over her lower lip. "That's better." That was when I let her have the kiss she wanted. My mouth took hers firmly as I slid my tongue in next to hers. Bella moaned but let me continue to direct the kiss. I nipped her upper lip and she shivered.

I let my lips trail down her neck to her breasts. I hovered over one nipple, just breathing on it. Bella started to arch towards me but I gave her a look and she stopped. "Good. You need to learn some control my love." I kept my eyes locked on hers as I sucked her nipple into my mouth, feeling it harden under my ministrations. I moved from one to the other, rolling them under my tongue, nipping them, sucking them. Bella was unable to lie still anymore underneath me, but I let her arch into me. She was whispering my name repeatedly and it sounded like music to me.

I moved and lay down on my stomach between her legs. I set my chin on her belly and gazed up at her. "Would you like me down here now Bella? If you ask nicely, I might consider it."

Bella's eyes were a mix of sexual frustration and desire. I could tell she was trying to find a way to request what she wanted without demanding. "Please Edward, I would like your mouth on me down there please."

I looked down and back up at her. "Down here?"

Bella gritted her teeth. "Yes please."

I couldn't resist clarifying once more. I wasn't sure what had gotten into me tonight, but I was having too much fun with this. Although I knew Bella's retribution later for this torture would be monumental. "Down here, on your pussy?"

Bella's fingers gripped the headboard above her head at my words. "Yes on my pussy, please Edward."

"Alright then." I slid my arms underneath her thighs so that I was able to tilt her hips up slightly. I blew lightly on her skin, smiling to hear Bella groan in response. "Mmmm, you look so good Bella." I ran my tongue up her folds lightly once. I paused and waited until Bella looked back down. "Just making sure I have your attention love."

"Trust me, you do."

I licked her again slowly, grasping her hips to slow her squirming. I took my time kissing and running my tongue over every inch of her, except her clit. Finally I flicked it with my tongue and Bella cried out as she tried to arch up against my mouth.

"Edward…..you're killing me."

"Mmmm," was my only reply. I started sucking her clit softly, feeling her body tense and her breathing hitch as she came to the edge of her orgasm. As soon as she was there I backed off and kissed her inner thighs. Bella groaned and I smiled to myself. I ran my hands up and down her body once before I brought my mouth back where she wanted it.

"Don't stop…please." Bella's voice was begging with me.

"Well, I'll think about that." Bella's head came up off the pillow long enough to give me a pleading look. The look did me in. I wrapped my lips around her clit and sucked hard and Bella lost it.

"Oh my GOD!" I sat back and watched her writhe against her ties as the orgasm wracked through her. As she came down I lay down next to her, placing on hand over her heart.

"Boy your heart is pounding Bella."

Bella rolled her head on the pillow to look at me, her eyes half open. "Gee, I wonder why."

I smirked at her. "I have a suspicion, but I need to test my theory." I started moving back down her body and Bella just stared at me. I slid one finger in her and Bella moaned. "My goodness you are awfully wet down here." I looked up at her. "I'm going to make you even wetter." I added a second finger and moved them slowly in and out.

"Edward….." Bella whispered. "I need to touch you…."

"Soon enough love, soon enough." I started flicking her clit lightly since she was still sensitive after her first orgasm. My fingers kept working in and out, curling up into her G-spot every now and then. Each time they did Bella would moan my name. It didn't take very long before she was rocking her hips into my hand, straining up trying to find more contact.

Bella's breathless voice reached my ears, "I can't….Edward…..too much."

"Yes you can and no it's not." I varied my touch and speed so that there was never a set pattern. "You are going to come again, and you are going to come hard. And who is going to make you come love?"

"You are….oh shit."

Bella's body was wound tight on the brink of her next orgasm. I kept her teetering there lost in sensations that had her repeating my name over and over. I added a third finger and twisted my hand. Looking up I watched Bella as I curled them up into her G-spot again, her fingers were wrapped so tightly around the headboard that her knuckles were turning white.

I kissed her clit softly. "Come Bella…..now," I whispered against her skin as I plunged my fingers hard into her.

"Fuck!" cried Bella as her body seized down around my fingers. I pressed my thumb against her clit to drag out her release as long as I could. She collapsed back onto the bed panting and limp. I reached down and unfastened her ankles. I kissed my way up her body and unfastened her wrists. Taking her hands off the headboard I massaged them before I put one hand over her heart again.

"It seems I was right about the heart rate." I wrapped one arm around Bella and pulled her into me. She sighed and flopped her arm around my waist. "You okay?"

"Mmmhmm," was the only response I got and I smiled.

"Because you know I'm not done with you yet." I lifted Bella's leg a little and slid my erection between her thighs. Pulling her warm and sweaty body tighter into me before I rubbed my hand over her bottom.

"Mmmhmm, I know." Bella kissed the center of my chest as she tilted her hips into mine. "You're so hard Edward," she whispered as she slid against me.

"Well it's entirely your fault." I whispered back in her ear.

We lay there slowly moving against one another. Bella started kissing her way up my chest, over my collarbone, pausing to nip me there. I let out a groan and held her too me tighter. "Still my show love."

"You're sure about that Edward?" Bella was returning to her teasing tone from earlier.

I flipped her so she was under me on her stomach. "Yes, I am." I sat back a little and rubbed my hands over her back, massaging her muscles from her shoulders down. Bella almost purred as she pressed into my touch. I parted her thighs, teasing her with my erection. Bella moaned and tried to shift to take me in, but I moved out of reach.

"Edward, I need you."

"I'm right here love." I kissed the nape of her neck, enjoying the feel of her body under mine.

"No, inside, I need you inside me." Bella looked back at me over her shoulder. "Please?"

Truthfully I was at my breaking point as it was. I thrust into her with one move, muttering "Fuck" against her shoulder as she surrounded me. I slid one arm under her and rolled us onto our sides without pulling out. Bella reached back and wrapped her arm around my neck as she pressed back into me.

My hand slid up and grasped her breast, caressing it. Our tempo slowed as I ran my lips up her neck. I brought my leg over hers, holding her to me snug as I wrapped my body around hers. Bella turned her head and her mouth sought mine out. I was driving into her deep but deliberately at a leisurely pace. Our tongues tangled the same way, stroking and seeking each other out.

Bella moaned into my mouth as my other hand slid down her body, pressing my fingers firmly into her clit. Our kisses became shorter and more scattered as I thrust into her harder. Bella's fingernails dug into the back of my head and I growled a little.

"Edward…." Bella rolled her head back against my shoulder. "God like that….."

I grasped her breast harder and Bella pressed into my hand. "You're going to come again for me aren't you?"

"Yes." She moaned as she ground back into me. I could tell by the way Bella was trying to move her hips faster back into me she was getting close again. "I need to hear you Edward…talk to me."

"Mmmm, I can do that." I moved my mouth over her ear, my voice gritty and low in her ear. "Do you want to hear how hot and wet you are around me? Or how I can feel your muscles fluttering still around me?"

"Shit." Bella was breathing hard and her hands were grasping for my arms now, trying to find something to hold onto.

"Feel how fucking hard you make me Bella, I'm so close love." I nipped her earlobe. "I love you….the moment you come and scream my name I'm going to lose it."

"God….Edward!" Bella's body stiffened as her climax hit, her voice a hoarse shout.

"Jesus Christ….there Bella!" I drove into her as I pulled her hips tightly back into me. My orgasm shook me and I groaned as it rippled through my body. For several minutes we remained limply pressed into each other, panting and shaking.

"Love you Edward," Bella murmured sleepily and then sighed.

"Love you too. You okay with everything?" I meant in general with the experimentation we had done tonight and she knew it.

"Yes….and next time I get to run the vet wrap." She giggled softly and we fell asleep within moments.

I woke up in the middle of the night to find we were still wrapped up how we were when we drifted off. Somehow we had managed never to end up under the covers and it was Bella's shivering that had roused me from sleep. I sat up slightly and pulled the comforter up over us. Bella rolled and draped her arm over my chest, snuggling instantly back into me. Hallie jumped up on the foot of the bed and after kneading at our feet for a few moments, curled up there. I smiled to myself as I closed my eyes, grateful, for everything.

The next day flew by with the usual chores. Jake was coming by in the afternoon to check on Mimosa, so Bella and I were trying to get everything done before he arrived. Bella was just putting the last horse in from pasture when Jake pulled in. I grabbed Mimosa and brought her out into my aisle way. Jake sauntered in with his usual grin. "Hey Edward, how is everything?"

"Good, great actually. How are things with you?"

"Excellent. Ready to get this show on the road?" Jake set up his equipment and looked at me expectantly.

"Yeah, we just need….." I peeked over my shoulder, "here she is now."

Bella smiled as she joined us. "Talking about me?"

I rubbed her shoulder. "Just that we weren't starting without you."

"I should hope not." Bella moved closer to Jake so she could watch.

Jake gloved up and grabbed the wand. "Well let's just see how things are doing in there." He slid his arm in and watched the screen until he had the image he wanted. "There we go."

Bella leaned forward to look at the screen. Jake started by pointing out the now very obvious heartbeat. He turned the speaker on so we could hear the sound of the beating. "Here's the spine, this end is the head, and four legs. Looks perfect." He took a couple measurements on the screen. When Jake shifted his arm in Mimosa, we could see the fetus move and kick its legs slightly. "Feisty little bugger," Jake chuckled. "Size looks right on target. I'll pull some blood to check hormone levels but I'm very pleased."

Jake looked over and his face instantly went from a smile to one of dismay as he looked at Bella. I couldn't see her face and before I could turn her to face me Bella choked out, "Excuse me," and ran from the barn.

I felt like the world's biggest moron. "Shit. I didn't consider that. I am an ass."

"Consider what Edward?" Jake took his glove off and looked back over his shoulder in the direction Bella had run.

I put Mimosa back into her stall. "Bella had an ectopic pregnancy in February. We didn't know she was pregnant until it almost ruptured her tube. She had to have emergency surgery too," I took a deep breath, feeling the ache flair in my chest.

Jake nodded and put his hand on my shoulder. "The pregnancy couldn't be saved."

"No."

Jake took Mimosa's halter from my hand. "I can get the blood I need on my own. Go find Bella."

"Thanks Jake." I headed for the house assuming she went there. I called her name and searched all the rooms, but Bella was nowhere to be found.

I felt a little rush of fear. I pulled out my cell phone and called her but it went straight to voice mail. Shit again. I sent her a text.

Love where are you, I'm worried.

I walked out onto the deck from the dent and stood there a moment. Her car was still here so I knew Bella hadn't driven off. Thank God for that. Then it came to me the other place I might find her. I walked over to her old apartment and tried the door, finding it unlocked. Bella was here and I knew exactly where I would find her.

I entered her old bedroom and she was curled up on her Grandma's quilt sobbing quietly into the pillow. I slipped my shoes off and climbed up behind her, surrounding her with my arms. Bella rolled over and buried her face in my chest.

"Shh. It's okay love." I rubbed her back. "I'm sorry I didn't even consider that Mimosa's ultrasound today might upset you."

"I didn't know it would," Bella whispered. "I feel like an idiot."

I kissed her temple. "You most certainly aren't an idiot."

Bella peered up at me, her face streaked with tears and more spilling from her eyes. "Edward, I'm jealous of a goddamn horse. That is idiotic." She pressed her face back into my chest.

"Love, not it's not. But I promise you our time will come. For now try to be a little easier on yourself for how you feel. You cannot help it. Your heart is your heart." Bella nodded but said nothing as her tears soaked through my shirt. "I love that you feel things so passionately Bella, good or bad."

Bella just nodded silently again. Her fingers were gripping my upper arms as she tried to slow her breathing. "What did you tell Jake?"

I sighed. "I told him the truth Bella. You don't have to worry about Jake. He's not going to tell anyone. He was more concerned that I come find you."

"I'm not worried about Jake. I just wanted to know if he thought I was an utter loon or not."

I rubbed her back. "Jake doesn't think you are. I guarantee it."

Bella's tears had eased and she was quiet as she lay against me. "Tired?" I placed a couple kisses on the top of her head.

Bella's voice was a little rough from her crying. "A little. I suppose I should get a grip and go feed dinner."

"We have a few more minutes to relax here. Then I'll come help you."

Finally we got up and Bella went to wash her face. I waited in the kitchen for her and hand in hand we walked back out to the barn. Jake had left a note just reassuring us he'd gotten Mimosa's blood sample and he'd be in touch with the results in the next couple days.

Bella was starting to smile again by the time we were done feeding. I found her down by Aston's stall treating him to an apple. "Spoiling him even more? At this rate Aston is going to shun me completely."

Bella rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You know you are and always will be his favorite."

I wrapped my arms around her waist. "I don't know. I think that like me he has developed a bit of a soft spot when it comes to you."

Bella snickered. I looked down at her, "What?" She just broke into harder giggles.

"Miss Swan, would you care to tell me what you find so amusing?"

Bella looked up at me, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I was just thinking you never develop anything soft when it comes to me."

I raised an eyebrow. "That's what you were thinking?" Bella nodded. "Naughty girl." I gave her butt a swat as we headed back to the house.

That evening after dinner we were in the den. Bella had fallen asleep cuddled up against me in the papasan. I looked down and watched her for few moments. Her left hand was lightly gripping part of my t-shirt. I carefully pulled it out of her fingers and looked at her engagement ring. Every time I caught a glimpse of it my mind would flash back to the night I proposed.

Bella stirred and blinked up at me. "What time is it?"

"Bedtime love. You've been asleep at least an hour as it is."

Bella sat up and looked at my watch. "Crap, I missed Deadliest Catch."

"Relax, I recorded it for you. You can watch it tomorrow. God forbid you miss your fix of crab fishermen." Bella loved that show for some reason. I liked it too, but Bella was bordering on addiction to it.

Bella got up and stretched. "Thank you for taping it."

"Well I didn't want to deal with the consequences. It's not like they never rerun half a dozen episodes during the week." I smirked when Bella stuck her tongue out at me.

"Oh hush up." She headed for the bedroom. By the time I got there she was already in bed and spread out in the middle. Her arm was draped over my pillow.

Stripped to my boxers I nudged her. "Slide over love, you are hogging the bed."

"Don't wanna." Bella opened one sleepy eye, "Make me."

I chuckled a little. Then I just lay down so half my body was on top of Bella's.

Bella wiggled out. "Hey, don't steamroller me."

"Take off eh, you knob!" I rolled further over trying to keep her trapped under me.

Bella was laughing now. "Quit it you hoser." She shoved at me several times before I moved off of her, laughing with her.

I flicked off the light while Bella straightened out the blankets back out. She crawled over and lay with her back to me. I pulled her into me and kissed her shoulder. "Love you hoser."

Bella snickered again. "Love you too."

Over the next few weeks things were great. Remington was sold and so we now had an empty stall. We shifted horses so that Mimosa's stall could be doubled. She would need the extra room when the foal came. Bella had never actually witnessed a foaling before, so she had been reading up on what to expect. I told her she had at least three months before she had to worry about that. All I got for that comment was a raised eyebrow and a couch pillow tossed at me. Still I thought it was cute to watch her reading with such a concentrated expression and even taking notes.

Bella was cooling Aston out after her lesson when I decided to break some surprising news to her. "Love, just so you know we have plans for next Saturday."

"Not tomorrow Saturday?"

I shook my head. "No a week from tomorrow."

Bella nodded. "Oh okay. What are we doing?"

"We are taking you and Aston to a schooling show."

Bella halted Aston and stared at me. "We are what?"

"Schooling show, you are riding Aston in Training Level Test one and two. I'm taking Masen along for the ride to give him some time in a show environment."

It was silent for several moments, too many moments in my mind. Bella finally spoke up quietly, "And you don't think to oh, I don't know…..ask me first?"

I walked over and looked up at her. "No because you would over think it and say no. This is no big deal. You don't even have to wear show clothes or braid Aston."

Bella rolled her eyes. "No big deal says the man who has shown Grand Prix."

"Love, I'm serious. This is just a chance to get you and Aston out in a non competitive environment and run through some tests. I'll call them for you. It will be like what we've already done here."

Bella hopped off Aston and threaded her stirrups up. "Oh yes, like here, except for the judge, other people watching…." I could tell she was clenching her teeth.

I put a hand on her shoulder and Bella promptly shrugged it off as she led Aston out of the arena. Oh boy, she was pissed. My timing may not have been ideal since she was tired from her lesson. Not to mention as Bella had eloquently said a day ago, 'hormonal as hell'. But I didn't want to spring it on her next Friday.

I sighed and followed her to the crossties to see if I could remedy the situation and reassure her.

BPOV

I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've paid some dues, baby
We've been to hell and back again
Through it all you're always my best friend
For all the words I didn't say and all the things I didn't do
Tonight I'm gonna find a way

Bon Jovi ~ All About Loving You

I fastened Aston's to the crossties muttering to him, "A week. A schooling show in a week. He's insane Aston." Aston nodded his regal head as if he was agreeing with me. In truth I knew he was just looking for his cookie.

I hung his bridle up and turned to see Edward blocking the tack room door. I stopped in front of him and just waited, knowing he had more to say.

Edward ran his hand through his hair. "Look Bella, I'm sorry if you are upset but you are definitely ready to do this. You know I wouldn't bullshit you."

I pushed past him and grabbed Aston's saddle. I knew I was being bitchy about the whole thing. But seriously? He couldn't have maybe discussed this with me prior, asked me what I thought. "Yes I know you wouldn't bullshit me Edward," I answered quietly. I tossed Aston's sweaty saddle pad into the laundry.

Edward was now leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. "You do still want to show this summer don't you Bella?"

I let out an exasperated sigh. Pulling my hair out of its messy braid I started to put it up into a ponytail. "Yes I do want to show this summer."

"Alright then. In order for you to do that this is step number one." He started me down from where he was standing, watching me closely.

I walked over and stood in front of him. "Fine. I'll go to this damn thing." I poked my finger at his chest. "But you have to promise me no more entering me without asking first."

Edward was fighting a smile and I wasn't sure what he thought was so funny. With a wink he said, "Don't I always ask before I enter you?"

It took me a second to catch his meaning. "Oh stop you perv. You know what I meant." I went to slap at his shoulder but he grabbed me up into a hug. I struggled against the rigid cage of his arms. "Let me go, I'm annoyed with you."

Edward just smiled and kissed the end of my nose. "I promise not to enter you in any shows without talking to your first, okay."

"You better not." I glared up at him. "Now will you let me go, I'd like to finish taking care of Aston."

"Are you still annoyed with me?" Edward smiled at me.

"I am until further notice….tread carefully Cullen." I ducked out of his arms and went back to Aston to brush him off.

Edward came over and silently started brushing with me. After a few minutes he asked, "So what level of groveling and ass kissing is it going to take for me to get back in your good graces? Or am I stuck here for awhile, prisoner of your hormones."

I narrowed my eyes and looked over Aston's back at him. "Well bringing up my hormones doesn't exactly win you brownie points. And I don't like you groveling, it doesn't suit you."

"There is nothing I can do then?" Edward looked at me through his eyelashes, unleashing the look he knows makes me weak in the knees. I grit my teeth and did my best to ignore it.

"No." I unfastened Aston and led him out. "I'm going to feed, I'll see you inside."

I could feel Edward's eyes on me as I walked away. I knew he was going to double his efforts now to win me over. If there was one thing Edward could not refuse, was a challenge. And I was providing him with one. My hormones were enjoying it too.

I took my time feeding and putting away the rest of the tack. When I walked in the house and wandered upstairs I could see Edward in the den flaked out on the couch watching something on ESPN. I cleaned up and pulled on some sweats before I joined him.

"Hi," Edward said, his eyes never leaving the screen. He didn't make room for me on the couch like usual, so I curled up in the papasan.

"Hi." Okay, this was not what I was expecting. I felt unsettled and uncomfortable. I wrapped my arms around my knees and watched him out of the corner of my eye. Had I gone too far with my grumpy act? "What are you watching?"

"Sportscenter."

Another one word answer. I was really confused now. "Oh, okay." I picked up one of the books I'd been perusing about foaling and attempted to read. I found myself reading the same paragraph over and over again. I was about to speak up and ask Edward what was wrong, when he got up.

"Pancakes okay for dinner?"

"Yes, pancakes would be wonderful." I offered him a small smile. Edward nodded and disappeared downstairs. I watched him go and felt at a loss. When he came back I was going to ask him what was up. Was he mad at me for being bitchy? I could hear him moving around in the kitchen. I finally set the book down since I was completely unable to concentrate on it. Closing my eyes I leaned my head back and tried to dissect the day and exactly what the hell I was going to do next.

"Bella?" I opened my eyes to see Edward standing over me with two plates. I reached up and took the one he offered me.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Edward went and sat back on the couch. I sat up more and looked down at my pancakes. That was when my mouth fell open. On my plate were three heart shaped pancakes covered in strawberries and whipped cream. I stared at them a moment before I looked up to see Edward smiling at me.

"Get over here you." He patted the couch next to him. I stood up and slowly went over and sat down next to him. "More what you were expecting when you first came in?" There was a glint in his eye as he gave me my favorite crooked smile. I just continued to look at him trying to catch up. "Come on love, I know you are used to me coddling you when you are out of sorts. I have to keep you on your toes…..especially when you get that grumpy."

I remembered what Charlie had once said about not taking things that we did for one another for granted. "Thank you Edward. I do really appreciate all you do to take care of me. Even when I act in a way that doesn't deserve you spoiling me." I took his hand in mine. "I'm sorry I was such a witch today."

"It's all good love. You are welcome. Now eat your pancakes before they get cold." Edward picked up one of my strawberries and fed it to me with a wink.

I sat there with my legs folded under me, thanking the world for Edward with every bite I took. Once I was done I took his plate and mine and took them down to the kitchen. I quickly washed them, pondering the gentle reminder I had been given today about all I had. Truly I was a very lucky woman, in so many ways. I stalled and washed the pan Edward had used, trying to process my feelings.

A strong pair of arms snuck around my waist and Edward leaned his chin on my shoulder. "You are down here thinking too much, I can tell."

I chuckled. "True. No, I was just remembering all that I have to be grateful for. You being on the top of that list of course. I took you for granted today, and I should never do that."

Edward kissed the side of my neck. "You didn't do it on purpose. I've taken you for granted."

I dried my hands and turned in his arms. "When have you taken me for granted?"

Edward tilted his head and looked at me seriously. "Have I thanked you lately for all that you do at the barn? There are so many details that used to get lost in the shuffle, and I don't have to worry about them anymore. Because you take care of them. I don't walk into the tack room and find I don't have any clean saddle pads, or that I need to take time to trim bridle paths on any of the horses. It's always done, because you are there. I don't know what I would do without you. So thank you."

I blushed a little at his unexpected praise. "You're welcome." Edward leaned down and kissed me softly. "So, may I have a little snuggle time now please Edward?"

Edward laughed. "Absolutely."

The next couple days Edward and I ran over various pieces of the tests I would be riding. The closer it got to Saturday the more of a perfectionist I became. Edward would raise an eyebrow every time I'd tell him "I want to that one more time." A couple times he put his foot down and basically ordered me to dismount.

"Bella, this is a schooling show. If you get this worked up over a practice show…..God help us for an A-rated one. You are going to give yourself a nervous breakdown. Put away your Type A self and keep it locked down until Sunday."

I rolled my eyes. I had just gotten really frustrated when my tension had led to Aston picking up the wrong canter lead for the third time.

"Bella, breathe. You know Aston can read you like an open book. You are done for today, no arguments."

Friday morning I woke up early, really early. I lay in bed listening to Edward breathe slowly next to me. A glance at the windows told me it couldn't be much later than five-thirty in the morning. I slowly slid out from Edward's arm. I threw my clothes on and crept downstairs. The coffee pot read quarter to six as I stood there waiting for my caffeine. I grabbed a granola bar and headed out to the barn with my iPod in my pocket. I needed to occupy myself with something and tack cleaning sounded like the perfect activity.

A few horses stuck their heads outside their stalls, surprised to see me early. I ignored the few hopeful nickers asking for an early breakfast and parked myself in the tack room. My tense mood called for some heavy duty music, so Metallica it was. I normally don't have my iPod at the barn. It was a major safety issue when you are working around horses. However for tack cleaning it was just fine.

Starting with the saddles I cleaned and oiled two of those. Then I moved on to work on the bridles, unbuckling each piece so that no surface was missed. I was on my fourth bridle when a hand touched my shoulder.

I shrieked and spun, ripping my earbuds out. "Jesus Edward. You almost gave me a heart attack." Case in point for why wearing them around horses was a bad idea.

"Sorry, but I was a little worried when I woke up and you weren't there. Migraine?" It was then I noticed he was clad in sweats and a jacket. He had just pulled on the nearest clothes before he came outside.

"No, no migraine. Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I just couldn't sleep and was growing bored of staring at the ceiling." I gave him a little smile.

Edward sat down across from me on the bench I was straddling. "What time was that?" He picked up the clean bridle pieces and started fastening them back together.

"About five-thirty I guess. Anyway I decided I'd come down here and get productive if sleep wasn't going to happen."

Edward nodded, one eye on me. "Why couldn't you sleep?"

I shrugged, "I don't know." Edward gave me his full stare and just waited until the intensity of his look made me spill. "Fine, I think it's just nerves."

Edward sighed. "I remember that feeling."

I gave him a look of confusion. "You slept just fine before the last show."

"Bella, even though it wasn't my first show, I still get a little nervous. I meant I remember how stressed out I was my first real show season."

I must have still looked like I didn't believe him, so he elaborated. "Let's see, sleepless nights, snapping at my family, oh and throwing up the morning of my first show. That was fun."

I rubbed my stomach. "Don't give me any ideas."

Edward chuckled. "My point is it will become easier. And remember, this is just a what?"

"Schooling show," I muttered.

"I only have two requirements of you tomorrow. Stay on and stay in the ring. Anything after that is a bonus."

I laughed as he wagged his finger at me. "Alright. I think I can manage that."

"That's better. And if you find a way to sneak in a little enjoyment of the experience too I would love that even more."

"Don't get greedy now." I shook my finger back at him and hung up the reassembled bridle.

Edward took my hand. "Come back inside and get some breakfast."

I waved my granola bar at him. "I'm good. I'm going to go feed everyone. What's on the agenda for today?"

Edward stared at me for a moment and I could see the wheels turning in his head. "Well I'm going to help you with chores and then we are going to go do something not horse related."

"What?"

"We are going to go do something not horse related. So let's get going so we can change and go somewhere."

I looked at him like he might be a little bit crazy. "But tomorrow is the.."

Edward put one finger over my lips. "Exactly. And you need to unwind today. Instructor's orders."

I knew any argument that I might come up with would be pointless, so I just shook my head at him. We got to work on the chores and then went inside to change. "What am I dressing for? Are jeans fine?"

Edward peeked out from the bathroom. "Jeans are fine." He still hadn't told me what little plan he had up his sleeve. He grinned at me because he knew I hated it when he pulled a stunt like this.

When we got in his car he drove off with a little smile on his face, one hand on my thigh. I tried to pretend to be annoyed with him, but couldn't keep it up. Especially when he would occasionally pick up my hand and kiss the back of it. I looked over and took in the sight of him in his blue jeans and a casual button down shirt. He had the sleeves rolled up and the maroon color was really good on him. He caught me looking and just winked.

When we pulled into Seattle I looked over at him again hoping for a clue. "You'll know soon enough Bella." Damn mind reader.

Edward was right though, the moment we pulled into the parking lot for Woodland Park Zoo. "Oh my God. I haven't been to the zoo in…..I don't know when the last time was."

"Me neither. I was reading on the internet that they are letting some of the more recently born babies out today, and since it's a weekday, it won't be as crazy. I thought it might be fun to wander around and stare at something other than horses for a change."

Edward took my hand and once he had paid our admission and we were inside he turned to me, "Where first?"

"I don't know. So much has changed since I was here last." We decided we would go see the savannah animals first. We worked our way through the different areas of the zoo. The butterfly house was my favorite. I had never seen so many butterflies flying around me in my life. Edward took a picture of me looking at one that had landed on my shoulder. I smiled when he showed me he had made it my i.d. picture on his phone.

Reluctantly I let him lead me in the reptile house. I was never big on reptiles, or other creepy crawly things. The giant millipede made me gasp and bury my face in Edward's chest. He thought that was really funny. I smacked him in the shoulder for laughing at me.

The nocturnal house was cool though. I loved the big eyes on some of the animals there. Edward looked up at the bats hanging and stood behind me. Whispering in my ear he said, "I wonder if any of them are vampire bats." Then he nibbled the side of my neck and I broke into giggles.

We finished up in the new meerkat exhibit. I could watch them all day. It was amazing to watch their family dynamics. Edward just stood with his arms around me and watching me watch them. We had shared some ice cream earlier but as we stood there my stomach rumbled under his hands.

"I think someone is hungry. What do you say we go find some real food?"

I looked back at him. "Probably a good idea." Edward wrapped his arm around my waist and we left the zoo. When he opened my car door I grabbed his arm before he could walk away. "Thank you for today Edward."

"You, my love, are more than welcome." He gave me a swift kiss and a grin.

After a very late lunch we headed home. Edward and I stood in the tack room and gathered what we would need tomorrow and loaded it in the trailer so that we would be ready to go in the morning. This was one time Edward's practice at doing this was immensely helpful. I know if I had been left to my own devices I would've forgotten something.

I fed the horses while Edward brought in the ones that had been outside grazing for the day. I stood outside the barn staring at the horse trailer, not sure if I was hitting the point of being excited yet for tomorrow, or still just nervous.

We relaxed for the evening, and Edward insisted I take a bath because the hot water would help me relax. Then once we were both in bed he rubbed my shoulders for a little bit. Finally I tucked back into him with a sleepy sigh. He kissed my neck and after we whispered 'I love yous' I was out.

Okay, so next chapter will be the show of course...please, make my day and review. Let me know what parts/lines you liked. And if you know where the steamroller/take off eh lines came from, I'll give you bonus points.

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