Okay we know a lot of you did not like the cliffhanger there, so here is some resolution for you. See you tomorrow with more.

Chapter 7

Edward growls and hits the two nearest to him. As they fall, two of the others run off, leaving the first guy who's still holding me.

"For every second you have your hands on her, I'm going to break one of your bones," Edward seethes. "One, two, three," he counts before grabbing the guy. The guy yells in pain, as Edward twists his arm.

"We're just trying to speak to her. We wouldn't have done anything," the guy cries.

Edward turns his hand more, and I hear a popping sound. I watch as Edward takes the guy's wallet and looks at it. He leans forward, saying something in the guy's ear, and throws him to the ground.

"Don't make me come looking for you or your friends."

As the guy runs off, Edward moves to me.

"Are you okay?"

I nod, and he frowns. I let out a shaky breath as he pulls me into his strong arms.

"I'm fine. I mean, I'm pissed they ruined my day. Who the hell do they think they are?" I say with a huff.

Edward's scent and warmth seems to calm my anger, leaving me feeling chilled. Edward looks me over like he's worried I will faint or die here on the spot.

"I'm okay. I'm just cold," I say and move closer to Edward, needing him and his warmth.

Edward takes his jacket off and wraps it around me, running his hands up and down my back on the inside of his jacket.

I can still feel the thumping of his heart as my head rests against his chest. I know he's still angry, enough for both of us, by his body language.

"We need to get your face and hand looked at. We also have to call the Chief."

I groan, knowing my dad will have a fit. The beating Edward just gave those guys will be nothing compared to what he'll do if he gets a hold of them.

Edward takes me to his car and takes some photos of my face. He spends a few minutes in detail, looking me over for other injuries. The whole time he does his job, he seems to be gentle and caring. It may be his job, but something about this feels like it's more.

Once Edward is satisfied that I'm not hurt bad, he drives us to a restaurant, making me eat as he talks to my dad on the phone. I'm sure some of the other people in the restaurant could hear my father's harsh words, being clear-cut and loud.

It's not until we are on our way back to his car that it strikes me: he's here with me and not at home waiting for me.

"Why are you here? I thought we were meeting at your place just after six. I was going to call you to say I was on my way, when that guy—Johnny or whatever—asked me for the time," I blurt.

Edward swallows as he opens the car door for me. "I was worried you weren't there and ..." Edward shakes his head. "I was out here earlier, and I saw you at the park reading. I had been watching for you to come home. When you didn't get off the bus just after five, I finished up early and came to pick you up."

There's a small hint of embarrassment in Edward's voice, letting me know he's not as cocky and confident as he makes himself out to be.

"Thank you," I sigh, not caring he was, for all intents and purposes, watching me. I'm not sure what bothers me more, him watching me, or choosing to not come spend time with me. Either way, I'm glad he was there for me when I needed him.

"Anytime, doll," Edward says close to my ear. He kisses the side of my face. His lips are soft against my cheek, when I hear and feel him inhale against my skin. His nose trails along my jaw until his mouth is close to mine. I can see the soft, full, pink pillow of his bottom lip. Edward presses his forehead to mine, closing his eyes as he strokes my hair with a light touch.

"Be a good boy," he whispers to himself.

I'm not certain, but I'm sure he's contemplating kissing me.

His eyes open and he looks in mine, and I know for certain he's, without a sound, asking if he can kiss me.

I open my mouth to say yes but some loud group comes out of the restaurant, making Edward and I turn to them. As we watch them walk away, I know I missed my chance to kiss Edward, again.

I slide into his car, and he closes the door before moving to his side.

A/N: Bella wants to kiss him, but hey who doesn't ... what do you think of how things are going?