Here it *ahem* comes.

Enjoy x

Chapter 7: Passion

It had been three weeks since our visit with Katy. She had bombarded Edward with voice-mails, texts and e-mails. She would be high, crying, blissful, angry, and sometimes completely silent. The amount of calls he received on any given day were starting to waver and slowly became less persistent.

I had finally started looking for an apartment in the city, preferably something close to Alice and Jasper. I still didn't have the confidence to look for a job because, truthfully, I didn't know what the hell I wanted to do with my life. During my marriage I had only been allowed to be a bored housewife.

I had gained a hefty amount of money from selling the marital home that Daniel had purchased for us. I also sold all the furniture, although I'd rather have burned it. He surprisingly left me everything in his will. His parents died years ago and he had no siblings to pass his wealth onto. Therefore I became a very rich, very ungrateful widow.

Edward accompanied me everywhere. We hadn't kissed or acted particularly intimate since our moment of passion on the fire escape, but Edward acted like I was the only thing in the world that mattered to him. He held doors open, and almost constantly had his hand placed on the small of my back. It was impossible for me to decipher what we were, or if he even wanted me to be more than a friend. We also continued to sleep in the same bed. Alice doesn't agree and thinks we're weird, but I guess I'm okay with that.

Through all the affection I still felt like he was highly unattainable; the beautiful, kind, funny and caring man who was constantly at my side. Was he going to realize that I really wasn't worth all this attention? The penny had to drop soon…right?

Saturday morning I was unfairly woken by a husky-voiced asshole.

"Bellaaaa."

I groaned, my body automatically seeking the warmth of his, nuzzling my cheek into his neck as he tried to coax me awake.

"Wake up sleepy girl," he whispered.

His smell filled my senses, it was delicious; all mint and sneaky morning cigarette. I named it 'Eau de Morningward' .

I felt his fingertips on my face. My lashes fluttered open and I was met with my usual glorious messy bronzed hair and green-eyed boy. The New York skyline had nothing on this view.

"There she is," he smirked.

I groaned some more, stretching my limbs trying to get rid of the sleepy ache.

"Don't wanna…more sleep needed. Ugh." I grunted, nestling my face back into the crook of his neck.

"Do I have to get Alice again? Come on Bella, it's nearly ten!" He proceeded to poke me in the ribs.

"Okay, okay! I'm moving," I mumbled, swatting his prodding fingers away. I dragged myself out of the comfort of Edwards' warm sheets and directly into a hot shower.

When I returned to his room, freshly showered and dressed, Edward was sitting on the edge of his bed looking…thoughtful.

I frowned, sitting at his side and brushing my hands through his unkempt hair.

"Fuck," he mumbled, smiling. "That feels nice."

"What are you thinking?"

He rubbed his eyes, turning to look at me, "I was thinking how much I'd like to take you on a date this evening." He smirked.

Gulp.

"Um…" I cleared my throat, "A date? Like…a real date? Uhh…just you and me?"

He chuckled, obviously enjoying me being a stammering wreck. "Yes, Bella. You, me and a nice restaurant."

I licked my lips, a huge, moronic grin sneaking onto my face.

"Yes!" I squealed, throwing my arms around his neck. He returned the embrace, burying his face in my hair.

"I thought it was about time I asked." He sighed.

"Long overdue if you ask me, Masen."

I pulled back to see a smug ass grin plastered on his face.

I had and incredible feeling that today would be a really good day.

Edward and Jasper decided to spend the day trying to sort out a few more apartments for me to view on Monday. Meanwhile, I was stuck with an overly enthusiastic Alice.

It would appear that Edward had told her he was planning on taking me out on a 'real date' and she was just dying to make me look like a hooker.

"Alice! NO! I am not wearing this," I huffed, throwing the offending brown dress at her head.

"Why?" She growled, folding her arms like a child who didn't get their own way.

"It's disgusting. That's why. It's the color of dirt for fucks sake!"

She rolled her eyes at me. "Well I thought it matched your eyes."

"Right…so, my eyes are dirt-colored?" I mimicked her defensive stance.

Her perfect little eyebrow lifted, a sly grin across her lips.

I threw my hands up in defeat. "Come on Al, you know you're shit at dressing anyone but yourself."

"Fine. We'll settle on your second choice, even if it does bore the crap outta me. Deal?" She spun toward the closet, grabbing the fitted black t-shirt dress we kind of agreed on.

I pulled it on, pairing it with a pair of Alice's black Louboutin pumps. It was v-neck and showed just the right amount of cleavage and short so it showed a whole lotta leg. I kept the hair simple and the makeup sexy. I felt like I looked good, like really good, for the first time in years.

"Damn girl! I'd hit it!" Alice hollered, touching me inappropriately.

"Fuck off will you!" I grinned, swatting her paws away from my ass.

I started to bite my nails; it was 7:50, ten minutes until I had to meet him in the kitchen.

Fuck, I was nervous.

"Alice, shit! I haven't been on a date since fucking high school!" I moaned.

She slapped at my hands. "Stop with the gnawing! You'll have man hands."

"You'll be fine, I promise," She gave me a reassuring smile, placing a tiny arm around my shoulder, "I know I've said shit about Edward in the past but really, he's a good guy who needs someone like you to help him along." She took a deep breath, "I've just got this feeling that it's all going to work out for you from now on Bella."

I grinned. "I hope so. We'll see I guess."

Alice brushed a stray hair away from my face before clapping like an excitable fan girl. "Okay maestro! Let's get your hot little ass delivered to Eddie!"

"Don't call him that Alice!" I giggled, "You know he despises it."

"Oh, but I do love to tease." She beamed.

My best friend was impossible. And also impossible to dislike.

That bitch.

I made my way to the kitchen, trying not to fall in these damn death-trap heels.

What I saw made me stop dead in my tracks.

Edward stood in the doorway, dressed in black pants, a grey button-down shirt and his ever-present leather jacket. He had even replaced his black Dr. Martens with a pair of dress shoes. Holy crap he looked good.

As usual, his hair had a mind of its own. There was no taming those bad boy locks. He had a days worth of stubble, making his jaw look even more angular than normal.

This is Edward, did you know they use his jaw to cut right-angles?

"You're so beautiful." He grinned, his dark eyes raking up and down my body.

I blushed furiously, still not being able to move.

He thinks I'm beautiful.

"Uh…" I coughed, "You…you look not so, um…shit!"I threw him an apologetic look and took interest in a piece of cotton that was stuck on my dress.

Edward walked towards me, his fingers pulling my chin up to look at him.

"Bella," he shook his head. "Relax okay? We're gonna have a great time." He smiled softly, caressing my cheek.

"I know, it's just…I haven't done this," I gestured between us. "Since…him, and it's scary and wonderful and…I want it to go well."

"It will be perfect. Come on." He placed a quick kiss on top of my head and placed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me out of the front door and into a waiting cab.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were shown to our seats by the pleasant, if not a little too excited, hostess. I didn't like the way she looked at Edward and I, like I wasn't good enough for him. Cliché, I know, but I didn't need to feel any more nervous than I already did.

The place was beautiful, flickering candles, crisp white table cloths and a pianist playing calming melodies in the corner. And it was an Italian, my favorite.

We had a delightful little booth away from everyone, I'm sure Edward must have slipped the hostess a nice tip for this particular seat.

My leg was jittering uncontrollably, Edward gave my knee a reassuring squeeze before taking my hand in his while we viewed the menu.

Our waiter came over, taking our order of two glasses of iced water and a bottle of house red.

I ran my hand along his thigh. "So, what will it be?"

"Hmm…I'm thinking mushroom ravioli. You?" He smirked lazily, twirling a strand of my hair around his finger before brushing it behind my ear.

"Sound good to me." I gulped, drinking in his devious expression.

Edward told me about the apartments he and Jasper had found today, adamant that one of them was the one. Throughout our meal the conversation flowed. I was significantly more relaxed after two large glasses of the delicious red wine and Edward's constant physical contact; a hand on my leg, a finger drawing lazy circles on my palm, a stolen kiss on the cheek.

I was blissful. It was sickening…In a good way of course.

"So…dessert?" Edward raised his eyebrows in question, making a ridiculous face.

I giggled, shoving him playfully, "You must be kidding, I'm stuffed!"

The eyebrows wiggled suggestively, he got another shove.

He held his hands up in defence. "Cool it, Swan! I wasn't going to make any stuffing jokes…I swear!"

"Sure, sure. Like I believe that Masen."

We put down the dessert menu and I snuggled myself into Edwards side, his arm resting around me comfortingly. He leaned down, kissing me tenderly and smirking against my lips as my hands instinctively went to his hair.

We waited for the check, my head resting on his shoulder, listening to the piano being played.

"Edward?" I whispered.

"Yeah?"

"I wish…" I took a deep breath, "I really wish I'd met you sooner, you know?"

He sighed, stroking my hair, "Me too. More than anything."

I moved, positioning myself so we faced one another, our hands clutched together in his lap.

"I just…I hope I can make you happy, if you'll let me?" I said timidly.

"Bella, you've made me happier in these past few months than anyone has my whole life. I honestly don't know how to live without you, and I don't intend to find out what that's like…ever." He sighed.

We continued to cuddle all the way home in the cab, a comfortable silence between us.

I had a ridiculous grin plastered on my face by the time we arrived back at the apartment. After Edward told me he doesn't know how to live without me, any feelings of doubt or insecurity that lingered in my mind had vanished. I felt realization that, hopefully, we could really work out.

We hopped up the steps to the apartment building, hand-in-hand, Edward carrying my evil shoes with promises of a foot massage as soon as we got in. Those bitches hurt.

It was only 10:30 but the apartment was in total darkness; no Alice loudly making drinks in the kitchen and no Jasper hollering at whatever late-night sports game he had managed to find.

"Guys? Were home!" I called, flicking on the hallway light.

No answer. Huh, strange.

Edward took his jacket and shoes off, glancing over his shoulder at me as he walked towards the living room.

A few seconds later, he returned carrying a bottle of wine, two glasses and a piece of paper. He had a lazy grin on his face as he shoved the paper into my hands.

I recognized Jasper's elegant handwriting immediately, It read;

Evenin' kids,

Hope your date went well!

Taken my little firecracker fiancée out on the town.

We won't be back tonight.

Enjoy a fine beverage and an empty apartment on us.

Love Jazz xxx

I bit my lip, glancing up at Edward who was cocking an eyebrow at me in a seductive manner.

"It would appear we have the apartment to ourselves, Monsieur Masen."

"It would appear so, Mademoiselle Swan."

He slowly placed the bottle of wine on the nearby side table, He gripped my hips and pulled me all the way against him. His lips were ravenous at my collarbone, kissing and nibbling my flushed skin. My body reacted without delay, my hands pressing at the back of his neck, begging for more pressure.

His lips made their way up my neck; I let out a throaty groan just before he slid his tongue seductively against mine, he tasted delicious. I had almost forgotten how much of an amazing kisser he was, our last one a distant memory of a heated moment under a New York sunset all those weeks ago.

He pulled away, resting his forehead on mine.

"Bella," he whispered, "Bedroom."

It wasn't a question. Even if it was, I wouldn't have said no.

I simply stared, unable to form a coherent sentence. I wanted him so badly; I had most definitely never wanted it like this before.

I looked into his emerald eyes, my legs almost failing me under the intensity of his gaze. I breathed even heavier now, swallowing and nodding against his forehead.

"Y-yes…please."

Edward practically pulled me upstairs, our lips never breaking free. We pulled at one another, stumbling into his bedroom. I started popping the buttons on his shirt while he worked his hands up and under my dress.

We both pulled away from the kiss at the same time, gasping for air, the intensity between us crackling in the air. He pushed my dress up past my hips, pausing and obviously admiring my black lacy boy shorts, running his thumb along the brim. A shiver rattled through me and I furiously started to push his shirt back off his shoulders. I lifted my arms, allowing him to free me completely of my dress.

I pretty much ripped the button off his jeans; they swiftly joined the rest of our clothes in a beautiful pile on the floor.

We were now kneeling in front of one another on Edward's bed in just our underwear, taking a silent moment to drink one another in. He was perfect and defined, a small smattering of chest hair between his pecs, I couldn't resist reaching out to touch it.

He was painfully sexy, the sinewy muscles of his arms and abs; his hips cut into a perfect 'V'.

Stop fucking drooling.

I chewed on my lip as he was studied my body, tracing every curve and dip. His eyes met mine, darker than I had ever seen them.

"Come here," he whispered huskily, pulling me to him.

I grinned against his lips as he pushed me down onto the bed, lying on top of me.

He started paying attention to my neck as my hand slid its way into his boxers, groaning into my collar bone and pushing himself against my hand.

"Fuck Bella," he panted.

"Off…please." I moaned into his mouth, trying to pry his boxers off his hips.

He growled, kicking them off in one, swift movement before paying attention to getting rid of my underwear, throwing them onto the ever-growing pile.

I wrapped my legs around his waist, digging my heels into his back, begging for pressure, friction…anything.

He finally thrust into me; we gasped against each others lips, fingers clawing and slipping on sweaty skin. He felt so fucking good, unbelievable even. I watched him rock and move on top of me, growing more and more turned on by the second…if that was possible.

His long fingers slipped between our slick bodies, his thumb finding my spot and working up a delicious rhythm while still pushing into me. I threw my head back at the contact, crying out in pleasure. My hands were in his hair, his lips nibbling at my jaw.

I tried to speak, say his name or something, anything, but the words wouldn't come out as I tensed up, biting on his bottom lip.

"Mmm…fuck!" I panted, pushing my hips harder into his, burying him as deep as I could before finally, my release took hold of me; my body tightening and deliciously unwinding over and over. Edward cursed into my skin as he followed with his own shaking release, neither of us able to catch our breath.

He collapsed onto his side, pulling me flush against him. I laid my head on his chest. I could feel his heart practically pounding out of his chest, as I'm sure mine was too.

We laid perfectly still, our breathing growing steady. Edward drew lazy circles on my naked back, still holding my body tightly against his. We slowly came down from our sex high.

"Are you okay?" he whispered into my hair.

"Mmm…more than," I mumbled, nuzzling my face into the hot skin of his jaw.

We turned to look at one another, swollen lips and foreheads glistening with sweat. I lifted my hand to stroke his hair off his forehead.

"Thank you." I grinned smugly.

He leaned down to place a tender kiss on my lips, "You're fucking perfect."

All I could do was smile before snuggling into the crook of his neck. He pulled the sheet over our naked bodies and we drifted into a peaceful, beautiful sleep.

Sorry I took so long to update. I was a tad busy with real life and feeling sleepy and uninspired.

Thanks, once again, to Jenn for beta'ing this beast. I owe you more sexual favors than I can count on both hands.