Disclaimer: Everything related to the Twilight saga is the property of Stephanie Meyer. Summit Entertainment owns all the rights to the Twi saga films. I only own writing this story, plot lines and all. No copyright infringement intended.

A/N: Here we are with another update! Hope you all enjoy this next chapter! We have some more progress!

Wanted to give you loyal readers a heads-up that my wonderful beta is going on vacation soon for about 2 weeks. Oh my! She'll be unavailable to me and I'll miss her being around terribly! But have no fear, I'm trying to load her up with chapters before she leaves so that I can still be able to update on a regular basis.

Again, I must reiterate, to please not expect this type of posting schedule to continue indefinitely. Please don't come after me with torches and pitchforks the moment an update takes longer than a week or two. We're good now, but like I said before, life is unexpected and things may change. The good news is that my mother arrives for an extended visit in a couple of weeks also, so that should allow me more time to work exclusively on my writing.

BTW, if you also read my other WIP fic, How Did I Fall In Love With You, just note that I haven't abandoned it. It just takes me longer to produce a chapter for that story so updates on that story are less regular. This story is already mostly written out or outlined making it more organized and thus easier to put a chapter together. HDIFILWY is in more of a chaotic state and I tend to write it in bits and pieces. But have no fear again, I will try and produce the next chapter before Cheermom goes on her vacation so that I can update it also; however, no promises.

Okay, already too long of an A/N. I'll just see you at the bottom.

Cheermom is the reason why these chapters become good enough for me to update & present to all of you, and she's an absolutely wonderful beta, getting these chapters ready in record time, despite her very busy life.

AS ALWAYS THANK YOU FOR READING

CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR ALL THE LOVELY REVIEWS

LOVE TO READ MORE OF YOUR THOUGHTS, SO PLS. LEAVE ME ONE

Chapter 7

~Bella~

Edward took the news of having only one bed in the room surprisingly well. I knew that he wouldn't necessarily act badly, as there were work-arounds to the situation we found ourselves in. I was nervous that he'd think that I purposely misled him and that I orchestrated for things to happen this way. Thank goodness he didn't at all feel that way and took our awkward situation in stride; first offering to nix our previous arrangement to become roomies, which I immediately discounted. I wasn't about to let him do that and give him the chance to up and leave on me.

Asking him to stay did give me an opportunity to touch him again, which always felt heavenly. There was just something about his touch-it felt like home to me. Jacob's touch didn't give me the same feeling.

Edward then generously offered to sleep on the floor as the solution to our dilemma, asking only for me to share a pillow and blanket with him, which I was glad to give. I knew that the floor wasn't going to exactly be the most comfortable to sleep on, but I was grateful that he was gentlemanly enough to give me the bed. Although, I could've slept on the floor in his place. With the day he had, and how exhausted he must have been, I'm certain that he could have used the bed more than I.

I did express my guilt about the situation we found ourselves in, feeling that my efforts to help better his circumstances actually failed, but Edward would have none of it. He affectionately gave me reassurance by briefly caressing my chin and I thought that I could literally melt into a puddle of goo right before him. Despite Jacob's best efforts to show me affection, I don't believe I could ever say that Jacob could ever make me feel like that.

Understandably, the first thing he wanted to do was have a hot shower. I inwardly was very excited. Edward already looked mighty fine soaking wet, but to know that he'd now be naked and soaking wet just inside the bathroom sent a delicious ache right to my center. He disappeared into the bathroom and I heard the water start to run. Admittedly, that little part of me that was pining after Edward steadily grew into a huge part of me, and I heaved a deep sigh knowing what was just on the other side of that door.

While Edward was showering, I tried in vain to occupy myself and not think about Edward naked. I must've organized and reorganized my things countless times just trying to keep my mind off the lewd thoughts that kept lingering because I found Edward highly attractive. The fact that he was naked and only a door really separated us made these thoughts become more and more erotic, and the ache between my legs grow more painful. They were honestly driving me to the brink of insanity.

I would never be able to look Edward in the eye again if my brain kept the Edward porno reel playing on a loop.

It was times like these that made me wish I was more of a vixen. I could seduce him, he'd be more than willing, we'd fuck, and that should be the end of my fixation. The fact that I really wanted to jump his bones, but knew I couldn't, was probably the whole reason for my fantasizing so much. Well, that, and probably the fact that I'd just then realized how sexually deprived I'd truly been.

As I was reorganizing my purse for the umpteenth time, I caught sight of my birth control compact. I opened it up knowing that I had stopped taking it a while back. There was no point to. Jacob and I stopped having sex when he re-committed himself to his tribal roots. Unbeknownst to me, the Quilleutes actually had this ancient purity vow, which asks that a couple not engage in sexual acts before their wedding-a kind of recommittal to one's virginity. It was meant to make the couples wedding night all the more special. Jacob took that vow to heart, without consulting me no less, and that's when things started to get strained. Although, it wasn't like Jacob and I were exactly doing it like rabbits before then. Jacob and I didn't exactly fit well in the bedroom. I was usually left unsatisfied, while he lied sated and asleep after only a short time. So, sex wasn't exactly a priority. Jacob confided in me once that it was a good thing, since it makes it easier for him to restrain himself. Despite the whole purity vow thing, Jacob and I still fooled around on occasion and Jacob did get rewarded with a few hand and blow-jobs here and there, but all that pretty much went out the window as well when things between us steadily became worse. To be perfectly honest, I think I'd gotten more mileage and more satisfaction with my vibrator than I ever did with Jacob's cock.

I threw the compact back in my purse in complete frustration, then I heard the water stop. It seems that Edward was done with his shower and he was finished rather quickly like he had said he would. I placed my purse on the dresser at the foot of the bed and quickly ran around the room to gather what I'd need for my shower. I shuffled by the bathroom and that's when the door creaked open just enough for me to get a peek inside. Edward hadn't closed the door very well and I really didn't mean to look, but I just couldn't stop myself from catching what I thought would be just a quick glimpse. That's when I saw the sex-god that was Edward, clad only in a small towel and ripplets of water still dripping from him, as he finished up brushing his teeth. I softly gasped, as I had that feeling of melting into goo again.

Jesus, this man was going to be the death of me.

I thought he might've heard me, so I quickly scrambled towards a hiding spot behind a wall, but where I'd still get a view inside the bathroom. I remained very quiet and continued to watch him. It was wrong of me to spy on him, especially when he was in such a compromising position, but I just could not tear myself away. My impressions of him when he initially entered my car weren't wrong. Edward definitely had a body on him and it was the kind of body that looked as if he was simply blessed with it. It didn't seem he needed to work too hard to maintain his lean and toned form. Edward's body was absolutely perfect in my eyes-not too skinny and not overly muscle-bound either.

Jacob has a nice body too. But, Jacob works very hard to maintain his figure. He spends numerous hours in the gym lifting weights and kick boxing each week, watching what he eats, and his part-time work as a mechanic which require a lot of heavy-lifting helps. Admittedly, though, Jacob was getting a bit over muscled for my tastes.

I studied every part of Edward from head to toe. I made note of every sinew, every muscle, every contoured line of his pecs, abs, and legs, and committed this vision of him to memory. At the very least, I'd always have his perfect form in my mind to insert into my fantasies.

My mouth actually watered at the sight of his smattering of hair on his chest and the happy trail that led down from his abdomen, pointing the way down to his most intimate parts. Then my mouth went dry when my eyes inadvertently followed that happy trail on down to the noticeable bulge right at the center of his towel.

Holy Shit! Not only does Edward have a gorgeous face and an absolutely perfect body, the man was hung too!

I continued to peep as he combed his copper-bronze locks and donned his t-shirt, but I drew the line when he was about to drop his towel and pull on his underwear and pants. I already felt guilty about being such a voyeur and the ache between my legs was definitely in serious need of attention judging from how squirmy I had become. I didn't think I would've survived getting a view of his butt and junk.

I quickly and quietly scrambled away and gathered all my things for my own shower and eagerly waited for Edward to turn over the bathroom. I really needed to get inside and take a cold shower. I hoped that Edward hadn't noticed that I was spying on him, but from the looks of things, it seemed that he didn't know about my voyeurism.

As soon as Edward was out of the bathroom, I was ready to get in. I did take a moment to admire him in his t-shirt and sweatpants. Damn, even in such casual ware he looked good. Edward would've probably looked good just wearing a trash bag. That overwhelming desire for Edward pooled some more at the apex of my thighs, causing the deep ache to intensify further, which proved I needed to get under that cold spray.

I basically ran inside, making sure to close the door thoroughly and lock it for good measure. I didn't want to have the door inadvertently open on me and give Edward a show, not that I felt he would stoop to my level and become a peeping tom, but it was best I made sure. I just wasn't as confident with myself as he obviously was.

I turned on the cold water and stripped out of my clothes. I stepped under the cold spray and shivered tremendously, but I was determined to stand the temperature in order to rid myself of the ache between my legs. Unfortunately, the cold shower was doing nothing to dull the ache, especially when forefront on my mind was the fact that Edward had just been in this very shower scrubbing his delectable body clean. Then my senses registered just the hint of the scent of Edward that lingered in the air and my eyes once again envisioned Edward standing there in front of the mirror only wearing the towel, and the ache at my center worsened. I began to rub my legs together, needing the friction. I switched to hot water and instantly warmed my body. There was no longer a need to torture myself with a cold shower, since it clearly did not reduce the lust that was overtaking me.

I shampooed my hair and rinsed, then began to soap my body, but the minute I started to touch my breasts and work my hands down to my center, I felt all squirmy again. I knew that my body was telling me that I needed sexual release; the tension inside already too much to handle. It was all Edward's fault-he had to be so damn delectable.

I rinsed the rest of the soap out of my body and then proceeded to fondle my breasts and tweak my nipples until they stood hard and erect. I sank myself down to the shower floor, and as the hot spray washed over me, my hands began to pleasure my center. I pictured Edward and all the sexual fantasies I had of him and it didn't take me long to push myself higher and higher to the brink of release. I moaned in satisfaction thinking that any sounds I made were muffled and Edward was probably too occupied by now to pay any attention to any noises coming from inside the bathroom. I continued to work myself up until I was able to climax. I sat on the floor for a time coming down from my orgasm, and as I panted to catch my breath, my body slumped in relief, and a deep sigh escaped from my lips. My body truly needed that and I now felt quite sated. I stood up, clinging to the shower walls, as my legs were still shaky from my release, and I finished my shower with a huge smile on my face.

Although there was a part of me that was embarrassed about what just occurred, I still couldn't help but be completely sated and gratified. It was as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I think I was quite overdue for a climax like that, and while it would have been a hundred times better if Edward was the one causing me to orgasm, I would take this. I was so content at the moment that I actually hummed while I got dressed and tidied up the bathroom. It didn't even bother me one bit to exit the bathroom wearing the touristy garb I had on, the only clothing I was able to purchase at the gas-station convenience store earlier.

In my haste to retreat to the bathroom, I had forgotten to bring my hairbrush, so I had to brush my hair out in the room. I didn't think Edward would mind. If there was one thing I knew about men, they liked to watch women brush their hair. I don't know why exactly, but they just did. So, I was happy to oblige Edward with that kind of show.

As soon as I entered the room again, I spotted Edward trying to be casual on the bed, pretending to read. It was laughable since no one reads books upside-down, which Edward failed to notice.

I noticed his eyes rake over me appreciatively and I couldn't help but beam inwardly. Off and on, throughout our time together, I would notice that he was ogling me. At first, I didn't think anything of it, not really believing that someone such as him could find someone such as myself attractive. However, as the night wore on, and I noticed him doing it more and more, I began to believe that he really did find me beautiful and he didn't only tell me those compliments out of kindness and gratitude. A smirk lit my face knowing that this beautiful stranger could actually find me...plain ole me...attractive, since I didn't feel I was anything particularly special.

Hopefully he truly likes what he's seen. I know all of my faults after all.

I decided to call him out on the fact that his book was upside-down just to elicit a reaction from him. I wondered if he blushed like I did, and what do you know, he does. He kept telling me that my blush was cute and I could tell him the same thing.

Maybe because I had just masturbated and was a little drunk on satisfaction, I grew bolder, and so I sat down beside him on the bed and brushed my hair beside him. As I figured, he was enjoying watching me brush my hair and his body seemed to just gravitate to mine, as if our bodies were like magnets. I didn't dare move, relishing in the close proximity of our bodies. He closed his eyes momentarily and that got me a little confused, but my questions left my mind the second he opened them again. They were smoldering and I couldn't help but get entranced. I stopped brushing and stared intently back at him just like he was doing to me. I thought we could sear each other with the heat that was contained in our stares. His face drew ever closer to mine and I knew that a kiss was on the horizon-a kiss that I wouldn't deny. My insides were all a tizzy as the butterflies settled in my stomach, but it was also secretly singing hallelujah and doing cartwheels. I licked my lips in anticipation as he drew closer. But just when his lips were almost on mine, a loud rumble came from his stomach, ruining the mood.

He embarrassingly pulled away and I giggled. Just my luck, cockblocked by his hunger. I guess his body had other needs to fulfill first. But I have to admit that even his stomach rumblings were sexy.

Geez, was there nothing about this man that didn't appeal to me? Seriously, stomach rumblings? I doubt that I'd find Jacob's stomach rumbles quite as appealing.

Edward was obviously hungry. Actually, I was silently ecstatic with this revelation as I suddenly could feel my own hunger creep in. We could get a meal together. I don't think he would scoff at the idea since he said that he liked my company. His words seemed sincere at the time he said it. The thought made me blush again, but I couldn't focus on that.

"Uh, don't think I just didn't hear that. Geez, Edward, how long since you've last eaten? Did you not have anything to eat in that backpack of yours?"

"Truthfully, I don't know when I had a good meal last. I had been determined to travel and pushed myself to the point where I really forgot to eat. I know I ate some energy bars that I had packed along the way, but they are all gone now. And then the whole hitchhiking thing happened...and you...well, I just pushed my hunger to the back of my mind. I guess, though, I can no longer do that and my stomach is demanding to be fed," he finished with a chuckle.

"Well, c'mon then," I said as I stood up from the bed and pulled him up along with me. "Let's get you and I fed. I'm a bit hungry myself. If you didn't notice, this hotel has a 24 hour diner downstairs where we can grab a late-night meal."

"But aren't you exhausted?"

"I am, and you probably are too, but I doubt either one of us could sleep being hungry. We can go eat quickly and then sleep easily for the rest of the night, and the beauty of this all is that neither one of us have to be anywhere in the morning, so we can both sleep in to our heart's content. So, c'mon, I think there are a couple of burgers and fries calling our names."

"But, uh," he started, as he looked down at what he was wearing. "I'm not exactly dressed appropriately."

"It's a diner, Edward. I doubt that it has a dress-code. You look fine. Besides, it's the middle of the night, I doubt it'll have many patrons, so the only ones that will probably see you are the wait staff. Let's go."

"Okay, but there's no way I'm letting you go down dressed like that. No way in hell. I don't care if there would be limited people seeing you. You need to put some more clothes on."

"Well, um, I don't really have anything else besides what I had on previously. Impromptu trip remember? I plan to go shopping a little later for a few more wares if I don't decide to head home yet."

"Fine. You stay here. I can go down, order our food, and bring it back up for the both of us. We can eat inside the room."

I pouted and whined petulantly, "Where would the fun be in that? How often will either of us actually get the chance to eat a late-night meal in an authentic diner? I'd like to eat in the restaurant, thank you."

"But, Bella, you certainly are not appropriately dressed to be eating down there. No dress-code or not, you're obviously dressed for bed. I'm sure there will be more than one man around staring at you. I can't have that. I refuse to subject you to perverts ogling your, um, assets."

I looked down at myself and realized that Edward had a point. I was severely under dressed in just my over-sized t-shirt and boy shorts underneath. My heart sank knowing that we might have to eat in the room when a light-bulb went off in my head. "Wait, I've got a solution," I called out and ran back into the bathroom where I had left my folded jean skirt.

I came back outside into the room and slipped my jean skirt on then knotted up my t-shirt at my waist with Edward looking on. I then slipped on my shoes. "I think we're both ready now. We can go."

Edward quickly disappeared into the bathroom and came out toting his button down shirt, which was now dry, and he slipped it on me, making me wear it. He buttoned the bottom few buttons. Of course, the shirt was rather big on me, but I think it satisfied Edward's need to cover me up some more.

"There," he exclaimed after he took a good look at me. "It's still not the best, but it'll have to do. At least, you're more covered up than you were before," and he grabbed my hand, leading me out of the room, bound for the door.

"Wait, Edward, my purse. I gotta go get my purse or I can't pay and we can't forget the room key."

Edward patted his pocket, where I just noticed there was a bulge, and said, "All taken care of. Now, let's go. You did say that there were burgers and fries with our names on them." With that, he took my hand again and we left the room.

We held hands all the way down to the diner on the main floor of the hotel. It was both strange and exhilarating. Somehow, though, despite some inner reservations about the contact and what it could mean, I couldn't tear my hand away from his. It was as if there was that strange magnetic pull again, keeping my hand glued to his. In any case, it really felt nice to keep that spark of connection while our hands were joined. It made feel all warm and fuzzy inside and it didn't escape my attention how nicely our hands fit together.

As expected, when we arrived at the diner, there were few patrons, but still surprisingly quite a number of people inside for the late hour. The more curious thing was that the patrons were all older than us. We were the only young couple there.

Were we a couple?

"Must be regulars or hungry hotel guests like us ready for the early bird special," Edward whispered in my ear, his voice tickling, then winked. We both smiled at the notion.

Edward lead us to a quiet corner table towards the back of the restaurant, which was pretty much secluded from the rest of the diner and offered a lot of privacy. As we made our way past the other tables, I was aware of all the knowing looks and smiles that we were receiving from the various elderly people. I even caught sight of the clerk that checked me in earlier, and she flashed me a beaming smile and a thumbs up before we sat down. I just shook my head in disbelief. Was there something they knew that Edward and I didn't?

We finally broke our hand-holding and took our seats, with Edward moving his chair conspicuously closer to mine. He rested his arm across the back of my chair while we each picked up a menu to look at the food that was offered.

"So, is it still burger and fries? Or did you see something else on there that you wanted?" Edward asked.

"Mmm...actually their chicken salad wrap looks good. I just realized that the burger might be a bit too heavy of a meal for me at this time of night."

"Okay, a chicken salad wrap for you, a greasy burger for me, and we can share their basket of fries. What would you like to drink? Up for a late-night cocktail?"

"Oh, no. I've never been much of a drinker. A glass of water would be just fine."

"Water it is then. I hope you don't mind me ordering a beer. I think I could really use one right now."

"Go right ahead. It doesn't bother me. My father drinks beer like its water. He always keeps a stock of Vitamin R around the house." Edward just nodded in acknowledgement.

Just then a waiter, who looked just slightly older than us, came over to take our order. It didn't escape mine or Edward's notice that he was eying me rather lasciviously. I just looked away and blushed, but I could see that Edward was upset; his previous smile was gone, now replaced by a scowl. He spoke our order tersely to the waiter and I could've sworn he even unleashed some sort of guttural, territorial growl at him.

"Fucking idiot...doesn't have any manners..." I heard Edward mutter softly, mostly to himself, after the waiter left to fulfill our order.

Once he was back talking with me, Edward's smile returned, but as soon as the waiter came back with our drinks, he scowled at the poor waiter again. All throughout the night, as the waiter kept returning to our table, to first give us our order, then attend to us, like refilling my water, Edward gave him nothing but scowls, cold glares, and rude behavior-far from the gentlemanly behavior I knew he was capable of. The waiter ignored Edward for the most part and continued to lavish more attention to me, which didn't particularly sit well with Edward. I could see him get more and more annoyed with each return of the waiter, so much so that I was afraid that if the waiter didn't beat it, he was likely to get a punch from Edward instead of a tip. Luckily, the waiter finally got the hint, and made himself scarce, so we were able to peacefully enjoy our meal.

I couldn't help but laugh inwardly. I do believe Edward was jealous of the poor waiter and he was obviously not enjoying the waiter's blatant ogling and attention he was paying to me. Not that Edward really had anything to worry about, the waiter had nothing on Edward to be honest. Jacob was even more attractive than this waiter. But, it was certainly a boost to my ego that Edward would be so possessive.

Dinner was a surreal experience. We ate and had fallen into easy conversation that we barely took notice of anyone else around us anymore. We were completely engrossed with one another.

We talked about anything and everything, including mundane things, not really sharing anything too personal about ourselves, but still getting to know one another better. We kind of skirted around specifics, but still a lot of information was shared between us.

I never told him about Jacob or that I had a life in Forks, and he never relayed any more information about where he came from and what caused him to run away to Seattle. I supposed we never really pressed each other on such topics either. I guess we were both fine with having a bit of anonymity.

We got along very well, and we found that we had more than a few things we had in common. As I got to know him, I realized how well-suited Edward was for me. If I had a list of qualities I needed in a man in order to fall in love with them, Edward would meet each qualification. I was aware that I really could fall in love with this man.

I was really enjoying my time with him and he looked like he was enjoying himself just as much as I was. With each passing minute I felt a stronger connection to Edward. There was that invisible gravitational pull again and our bodies just kept inching closer and closer together until there was really no more space between us.

I didn't particularly have much experience, but if I didn't know better we were both positively flirting. Both of us would always make it a point to touch, even if it was the littlest of touches. Our legs, shoulders, or hands would brush against one another. He'd tuck a wayward strand of hair behind my ear and his fingertips would linger around my cheeks. I found myself swatting at his arm at something he had said, playing with his fingers, or lingering my hand at his chest, just wanting any excuse to touch him and feel that jolt of electricity and sense of home.

Then there were the smoldering stares. He was the master of it. But, I knew, more than once, that I looked back heavy-lidded and just as heatedly. A couple of times, throughout the night, I felt that our lips were gonna meet in an inviting kiss. However, being out so publicly, I suppose we both reigned in ourselves.

The meal was done and the dishes were taken away and I knew we were going to head back to our room. The possibilities of what could happen next made me heady. I needed some space from his intoxicating presence and get some air.

God! Did I affect him like he affected me?

"Excuse me a moment," I piped up, as I made to stand. "Before we go, I really need to make a trip to the ladies room. It can't wait."

He stood up with me and answered, "Of course. Go on ahead and I'll wait till you come back to wrap this up."

"Okay. When we get back up to our room, you've got to remind me how much I owe you, so that I may pay you back."

"Oh no. Definitely not. This one's on me. It's the least I could do after all you've done for me. Besides, it isn't a big deal. You're a cheap date," he finished with a wink and that megawatt smile that made me feel like my panties would combust at any moment.

Date, huh?

Again, I had to blush. I didn't say any more and hurriedly scrambled to the ladies room. I did take a quick glance over my shoulder to see if he was watching my retreating form, and he was. He had a strange look upon his face, though, and I couldn't decipher his expression.

In the ladies to room, I went and dabbed some water on my face hoping it'd help to refresh me and clear my head. I couldn't understand this wealth of emotion I suddenly had for Edward. I knew I couldn't bear for us to part. The time we'd spent wasn't nearly enough in my mind's eye, and I wanted it to continue indefinitely. It wasn't just about how immensely attracted I was to him either, I thoroughly enjoyed his company. I hadn't enjoyed anyone's company like this in a long time, not even Jacob's. I felt such a strong connection with Edward, and I only just met him. I'd known Jacob practically all my life and I was even engaged to marry the man, but, admittedly, I didn't feel nearly as strong as a connection. It was confusing.

I also didn't necessarily feel right about what I was getting myself into with Edward. I knew that if things progressed further, and things became more intimate with Edward, that I wasn't going to resist. It meant that I was open to cheating on Jacob, and that went against all my values. But, then again, there was that voice inside of me that kept telling me to screw Jacob because things felt so right with Edward. I definitely came to the realization how absolutely wrong things were with Jacob.

I once again dabbed cold water on my face and assessed myself in the mirror. I didn't have any make-up on, not that I wore much regularly anyways, since I skipped putting at least eye liner and lip gloss on, my usuals, before Edward and I headed down to eat. I couldn't quite see what Edward saw in me when he kept complimenting me that I was beautiful. All I could see were the flaws and how my hair was a wild mess. But despite all this, Edward still considered me naturally gorgeous. Thinking about this gave me another boost of self-confidence. Judging from the way the waiter tonight was looking at me, maybe Edward was right and I was beautiful. Or maybe it was just him that made me beautiful. I knew I was definitely no supermodel as compared to him, but since his company made me so happy, he probably unleashed a glowing spark within me that shined right through to the outside, and that's why he and others saw my beauty. It was just my inner beauty shining through, but despite having come to that conclusion, the thought that another man besides Jacob found me attractive, made me smile a huge smile.

It made me want to get back to Edward as soon as possible and bask in his presence once again. I quickly made my way out of the ladies room and back to him waiting at our table.

Always the gentleman, as soon as he caught sight of me, he stood. I was only a few steps away when my lack of grace reared its ugly head and I seemingly tripped on my own two feet. Edward was right there to catch me. As soon as he caught me in his very capable arms and steadied me, the air around us became immediately charged. We locked eyes, my brown depths to his green ones, and found nothing but pure heat and lust there staring right back at one another. In that moment, it was as if the world stood still and we were the only two people left in time. Everything moved as if in slow motion. He crushed his lips to mine and I returned his sudden kiss with the same amount of fervor. Our mouths opened up to one another-hungry, tasting, devouring, always searching and wanting more. For a time we were both lost in the heated kiss, not caring about anything else going on around us.

End A/N: Before I give you the tease for Chapter 8, allow me to pimp myself out for a moment.

I have a O/S contest entry, I Used To Know You, for the Pick A Pic Challenge. It can be found both under my profile and at the contest site. I encourage you readers to take a look at my O/S and leave me some reviews, as well as give the contest some well-deserved love and peruse the other writing entries and the banner entries as well. Read and review the stories then go vote for your favorite O/S and banners. I hope mine will be amongst your chosen faves.

Voting has begun today, 1/8, and will continue until 1/15. Please make time to check out the contest site :

fanfiction-challenges . blogspot . com

where you can view all the contest info, entries for both O/S and Banner portions, and the voting link. Thank you in advance for your support.

Here's the tease for Chapter 8 that you'd been waiting for:

As I caught her and steadied her, our eyes locked, and it was as if the rest of the world disappeared. I could no longer hold back the sensations that seduced me at that very moment and I had to kiss her. My lips crushed onto hers and much to my amusement, she returned my kiss with just as much passion. Our mouths opened up to one another and our tongues danced and melded.

Take that, fucking asshole waiter. The lady's clearly with me. I hope he's watching the show.

I knew that kissing Bella would feel amazing, but I didn't know just how amazing it would be. It was everything and more. I'd kissed a lot of women in the past, and I could say with certainty that none of them made me feel the way Bella made me feel while I was kissing them. I don't think there were any words to describe how good it felt to kiss Bella-it was almost other-worldly. For a moment in time, we stood still, lost to our passionate kissing.

Voila! My longest tease yet. Please respond in kind by hitting the Review button after you've read. See you at Chapter 8!