Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Rated M for future lemons (they will come!)

Chapter 9: The Parties…Still

Edward and I walked back to our party, our hands twined together. We were in our little bubble, staring into each other's eyes and not really paying attention to the rest of the guests. Edward sat down and pulled me onto his lap. He pressed soft, chaste kisses on my cheeks and down my neck. With each caress of his lips, my heart stammered and I wanted to be alone with him.

Two years is a long time to go without sex. Damn it.

"Bella!" Rose hissed.

I reluctantly looked away from Edward and at my new friend, "Yes, Rose?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but the bus driver is wondering how much longer we're going to be here?" she asked.

"Oh, um, what time is it?" I asked.

Edward looked at his watch, "A little after eleven," he answered. "Let's shoot for 11:30 to head to Features."

"Cool," Rose winked. "You guys look great together, by the way."

I blushed and ducked my head, "Thanks, Rose," Edward said, kissing my cheek. "Good things happen to those who wait," Edward whispered in my ear.

I looked at him and I gently cupped his face, "That they do, Dr. Masen," I replied and I leaned in, brushing my lips with his. He deepened the kiss and his tongue danced languidly with mine. His arms tightened around my waist and his lips left mine. He nibbled along the column of my neck and he captured my earlobe between his teeth. I moaned and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"God! Quit sucking face," Alice teased.

Edward pulled away and stuck his tongue at his 'sister.' "Back off, Elf," he snapped. "I'm enjoying this."

I leaned in and whispered in his ear, "I can feel how much you are enjoying this, Edward."

"Hmmmm," he smirked. "Very much, beautiful."

"Bella! Your purse is ringing," Emmett called.

I frowned and got up from Edward's lap. He had the most adorable pout on his lips. I kissed it away and got my purse. I checked my phone inside and saw that I had a new text message. It was from Mike.

You are such a little slut, Bella. Making out with another man. What the fuck? – Mike

I felt tears spring in my eyes. How did he know? Why does he care? We're no longer together. He's with Jessica and they are expecting a baby.

Mike, I fail to see why this is important to you. We're no longer together. Are you having me followed? If you are, we're going to have serious issues. – Bella

I grabbed my purse and went into the bathroom. As soon as I was in the bathroom, my tears spilled over onto my cheeks. I should be happy. Incredibly happy. A man who is brilliant, compassionate, sweet and gorgeous is attracted to me and we are no longer fighting that attraction. I kissed him. Then he kissed me. And boy did he kiss me. I felt his lips everywhere. His mouth ignited a fire deep within my soul; a fire that had long since been extinguished.

My phone beeped again and it was Mike. I want to make sure that you are making good choices, Bella. We might not be married, but you are associated with me. We wouldn't want my good name tarnished. Watch yourself. – Mike

I growled and threw my phone across the bathroom, causing it to shatter into a million pieces. I fell to the floor, sobbing. The door opened and Rose, Alice and Angela came in. "Bella," Alice said sympathetically. "What's wrong, sugar? Are you not impressed with Edward's kissing skills?"

"His kissing skills are fantastic," I mumbled. "My ex-husband's stalker-like tendencies are what are causing me to cry."

"So, that's the guy that Jasper, Edward and Emmett chased out," Rose said. "There was a man watching you like a hawk. He was also at the winery too."

"Fuck," I mumbled. "What should I do?"

"Call Seth," Alice said. "Obviously, not now. However, tomorrow. This is creepy."

A quiet knock rang through the bathroom. Edward poked his head into the bathroom. "That guy is gone. Is Bella in here?" he asked.

The girls parted and showed me curled up on the ground. Edward frowned and he strode over to where I was sitting. I was absentmindedly playing with the tie he had taken off and placed around my neck. "We'll be outside, Edward. Take care of her."

"I will. Thanks, Elf," Edward said to Alice. The girls left and it was just Edward and I in the women's bathroom. "What happened? Talk to me, beautiful." He sat down on the floor and faced me. His jade eyes were filled with concern and sadness.

"My ex-husband was having me tailed. He texted me and told me that I was a slut and that I was making 'poor choices," I grumbled. "I didn't even know I was being followed."

"Emmett pointed him out. He said he was watching our interaction when we kissed," Edward said. "I was ready to kill him. However, we spoke with the management and had him removed."

"I thought Mike was out of my life. He's engaged to be married with a baby on the way. Why should he worry about me? I'm not his problem anymore," I said. "I can take care of myself, thank you very much."

"I know you can," Edward smiled. "However, I'm worried. If this assclown followed you now, how long has been following you? I'm really worried. Like I don't want you stay in your condo worried."

"Edward, I can't abandon my home. It's the first place I've owned by myself," I said.

"I know, beautiful. At least tonight, I'll know you're going to be safe," Edward said as he cupped my cheek.

"And how do you know that, Dr. Masen?" I asked, leaning into his touch.

"You're staying with me. Along with the rest of the hooligans," he chuckled. "Though, they get couches and the floor. You get a bed."

"That guest bedroom was quite comfy," I snorted.

"I wasn't thinking that bed, Bella," Edward said arching a brow.

"Edward," I warned.

"No funny business. Just sleep. Please?" he begged. "I'm freaking out here. I need to know that you're okay."

"Do you snore?"

"I don't think so," Edward laughed. "Tanya never complained. She was the snorer."

"Hmmmmm, I'll consider it," I teased. I got up and frowned at the remnants of my phone. "Shit."

"What?" Edward asked. I pointed to the damage. "What was that?"

"What's left of my phone," I sighed. "Looks like I'll be getting a new one."

"I'll take you to AT&T tomorrow," Edward smiled. "Come on, we're heading back to my place. Features is a no go, especially since all that's happened. Half of the group is too hammered to function and the other half had their buzz killed."

He laced his fingers with mine and we walked out the women's bathroom. Our group had assembled near the front of the club and we loaded on the bus. Edward sat me down on his lap and held me close. One of his hands was laced with mine and the other was rubbing soothing circles on my back. The bus pulled up to Edward's home and signed the paperwork for the rental. He also took out some money from his wallet and gave him a hefty tip. We all trudged into Edward's house and he took out blankets, pillows and air mattresses. Alice and Jasper were staying in the guest bedroom that I stayed in when I was gimp. Edward led me to his bedroom and I walked inside.

It was a large room that was dominated with a large king-sized bed. The walls were painted with a soft gold color. The furniture was black and the bedding was a lighter shade of gold and cream. Edward walked to his closet and took out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He handed them to me. "So you can get comfortable. You'll be swimming in them, but it'll be better than the dress you're wearing," he said a shy grin.

"Thanks," I said. "Where's the bathroom?"

Edward took my hand and led me to the bathroom. It was a huge en suite bathroom, painted in a lighter shade of gold than what was in his bedroom. The décor was simple and elegant. Edward knocked on the door and I opened it. He handed me a toothbrush and some towels. He had changed and was wearing a pair of sleep pants and a Dartmouth t-shirt. "I'm going to take out the contacts and I'll see you in bed, beautiful."

I nodded and shut the door behind him. I unzipped my dress and pulled it off my body. I threw on the t-shirt. It was a University of Chicago Medical School shirt and Edward's last name was on the back. I smiled and held the soft fabric to my nose. It smelled clean and like him. I picked up the shorts and Edward was right. I was swimming in them. However, I had to wear them as I had on dental floss for panties. I brushed my teeth and washed the makeup off my face. I limped out of the bathroom and smiled when I saw Edward in the bed. He had on his glasses and he was paging through a medical journal. "Is everyone asleep?"

"I have no clue," Edward laughed. "I'm just hoping that I don't find little piles of vomit on my floors from all of the drunkards."

"Um, ewwwwwwww," I said as I scrunched my nose. I hobbled over to the bed and climbed in. "I'm sorry about earlier."

"Why are you apologizing?" Edward asked. "You've done nothing wrong. Your ex-husband is the freak."

"He was never like this when we were married," I said as a ran my fingers through my hair. "He didn't care at all about what I did or who I hung out with. I guess now that I'm finally happy, he's ready to make my life hellacious."

"Bella, you deserve the right to be happy. I'm just grateful that you are willing to take the step with me," Edward said shyly. "Can…can I kiss you again?"

"You don't have to ask, Edward," I smiled.

He grinned and he pulled me closer to his hard chest. He caressed my cheek and angled my head so he could caress his lips with mine. He did and my heart was about to beat out of my chest. My hands moved up his neck and took purchase in his soft, bronze hair. I felt us fall back onto the pillows and our lips danced with each other. I nibbled on his lower lip and he growled lightly at the sensation. His other hand traveled down my spine and grasped my hip. Our legs tangled together and I could feel how excited he was against my belly.

Holy crow! He's fucking huge!

Edward removed his lips from mine and he nibbled along my jaw and kissed my neck. I moaned wantonly at his tender touch and my hands held tightly in his hair. "Bella," he said reverently as he kissed back up to my lips. "I've never felt like this, beautiful." He looked at me, as he hovered over me. His glasses were askew and his hair was twisted. He looked delicious. I reached up and removed his glasses. He laughed and put them on the bedside table. "Seriously, never have I felt anything like this."

I was afraid to ask, but I needed to know. "Not even with Tanya?" I whispered.

"Not even with her," he said. "I'll always love her. She was my first everything. Okay, well, not everything."

"So you weren't a virgin on your wedding night?" I teased.

"Ah, no," Edward said as he blushed. "However, she was the first woman I'd ever made love to. But back to what I'm feeling now."

"I can feel what you're feeling now," I giggled.

Edward wiggled his hips and smirked crookedly. "You like that?"

"Hmmmm," I nodded.

"Bella, I'm very attracted to you, physically. As you can feel and I'm experiencing. I'm also attracted to this," he said as he touched my temple. "And this," he said reverently as he placed his hand on my chest, above my heart. "When I'm with you, I get this feeling of electricity traveling through my body. It feels amazing. I don't want it go away. Ever."

Tears that I hadn't realized were building in my eyes spilled over onto my cheeks. Mike had never said anything so sweet or so loving in ALL of the time we were together. I reached up and pulled Edward back to my mouth and kissed him fiercely. He returned my kiss equally and he held me as he rolled onto his back. He deepened the kiss and his hands moved down to my ass and he squeezed lightly. My fingers traveled down his torso and I felt his muscles contract under my touch. "I'm hoping those are happy tears," he said against my neck. Not trusting my voice, I nodded. And then yawned. "Okay, my sleepy beautiful girl, it's bed time."

Edward reached over and turned off the lamp on the bedside table. He then held me tightly against his chest. "Good night, Bella. Sleep well," he said quietly.

"Good night, Edward. Thank you. For everything," I said as I kissed him sweetly on the lips. He smiled against my kiss.

I tried to roll away, similar to how I would with Mike, but Edward held fast. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"You can't be comfortable with another person laying on your chest," I said rationally.

"I think I can handle it," Edward said as he kissed my forehead. "Sleep, beautiful."

"Yes, Dr. McFuckme," I giggled as I kissed his cheek.

"Oh lord," he laughed and he held me close. I snuggled against him and fell into a deep sleep. Best sleep I'd ever had.

xx AFS xx

The sun was shining brightly. I was warm and comfortable. I was on my belly and I felt another warm body next to me. I cracked open an eye and gazed around the room. Edward's bedroom. I turned my head and saw Edward laying next to me. His arm was thrown across my torso and he was spooning me. I reached up with my hand and brushed off a wayward hair off his forehead. He's so pretty.

"Men are not pretty, Bella," Edward mumbled into his pillow, his voice rough with sleep.

"Did I say that out loud?" I squeaked.

"Yes, you did, beautiful," he said winking at me. "You're the pretty one. I'm just the brawn. Good morning." He pulled me to his chest and he held me tightly, nuzzling my neck and hair with his nose. "I could get used to this."

"Really?" I asked as I twined my fingers with his. "What about this?"

"Waking up with you in my bed, in my arms," he said as he nibbled on my ear. "Wearing my clothes."

"You seem to be wearing less," I giggled as I reached behind me, scratching his bare belly.

"I got hot," Edward said sheepishly. "The sleeptalking woke me up and I was sweating bullets."

"What did I say?" I grumbled as my cheeks heated up.

"Nothing," Edward smiled.

"Liar."

"Me? Never," Edward said as he turned me around. "I cannot tell a lie."

"Your nose is growing, Pinocchio," I laughed as I tweaked his nose. He kissed my fingertip and he grinned crookedly. I got up and extricated myself from his embrace. Edward frowned and I padded to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth again and pulled my hair back into a sloppy bun. I walked out of the bathroom and Edward dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He was adjusting his glasses as he smirked and went into the bathroom. The door shut and I heard him go through his routine. I threw on my dress and folded Edward's clothes. I was beginning to make the bed when Edward came out of the bathroom.

"Bella, you don't have to make the bed," he chastised. "Or have changed. You could have worn these home."

"I'm good," I smiled as I adjusted a strap on my dress. Edward helped me make his bed and he took his clothes and tossed them into a hamper in his closet. I faintly heard rumblings in the house and his guests were slowly waking up. Edward held up my boot and gave me a smirk. "Nooooooooooo! I hate that thing."

"I gave you a reprieve last night, but you need to wear it, Bella," he sighed. "I don't want you to injure yourself further."

"My back is killing me when I wear it because I walk funny," I grumbled. "Please, no more boot. I'll go to physical therapy if I don't have to wear that damn boot."

"I'll compromise," Edward said. "You have to wear sneakers for the first two weeks of school. With an ankle brace. I'll bring one over later today."

"I can handle that. Besides if I went to work with that thing, I would need a doctor's excuse clearing me to work," I said.

"Good thing you know a doctor," Edward said as he threw the boot on the floor with a resounding thud. "Come on, let's go wake up all the drunk people." I giggled and nodded as he opened the door. We walked past Alice and Jasper's room and heard squeaking. Edward blanched and he took off his glasses, rubbing his face violently. "I think I'm scarred for life. That is something I don't want to picture. Ever. Ewwwwwwwwww!" he said as he jogged in place.

"What don't you want to picture?" Alice asked as she stood at the landing of the stairs. Jasper was right behind her.

"You're out here?" Edward squeaked.

"Yep."

"Who's in there?" I asked, pointing to the door.

"Emmett and Rosalie," Jasper drawled.

"Harder, Em! Oh GOD!" Rose screamed.

"Gah!" I said as I covered my ears. "I need brain bleach."

"I need to bleach my sheets," Edward moaned as he pointed to the door. "At least someone got laid last night."

"Were you expecting to get laid, Edward Anthony?" Alice and I barked.

"What? Hell no! I want to take out on a proper date before I try to bed you, Ms. Swan," Edward smirked.

"You're so gallant," I chuckled dryly. "Who said I am capable of being 'bedded?'"

Edward's mouth opened but quickly shut when Rose's voice burst through the hallway.

"Emmett, I'm coming! Harder! That's it," Rose screamed.

"Fuck yeah, Rosie. You are so tight. So wet," Emmett boomed.

We all shared a look and scampered down the stairs. I barely held back the feeling to vomit. I looked at Jasper and Alice and they were equally as grossed out. Edward was frantically running his hands through his hair and pacing, mumbling something about bleaching that entire room. I reached for his hand and he pulled me into a tight embrace, whimpering against my shoulder. "I'm thoroughly repulsed, Bella. Hold me," he muttered pitifully.

"You're repulsed! I've got to work with those two horndogs," I whimpered.

"We'll hold each other," Edward said. I nodded against his chest and buried my nose against his torso. "Do you want me to drive you home?"

"Yes, please. I don't think I can look at Rose in the same respect again," I mumbled.

"I don't think I can look at Emmett in the same respect," Jasper gagged.

We heard a loud thump and two guttural screams. We all looked up to the second floor and Edward grimaced. "They better not have caused damage to my house. I'll be pissed. I just painted that room."

We walked into the kitchen and Edward made some coffee, much to his chagrin. He was muttering his hatred for the caffeinated beverage of goodness as he made it. Angela and Ben were wrapped up with each other on the couch and the rest of the party goers had left. There was a few notes on the kitchen table saying that everyone had a good time. However none as good as Rose and Emmett.

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Edward took out a platter of food and some bagels from the fridge. He also took out some plates and utensils, placing them on the island. He stopped behind me and kissed my shoulder, holding my waist tightly. "I'm so glad you stayed last night, my Bella," he whispered against my hair. "Best night's sleep. Ever. In the history of time."

"Me too, Edward," I cooed as I placed my hands over his.

"On the count of three, Jas," Alice chirped from her seat next to island. "One, two, three….Awwwwwwwwwwww."

Edward glared at his sister and flipped her off. Alice stuck out her tongue and giggled.

Angela and Ben woke up from their slumber and padded to the kitchen, confused at all of the noise. "We heard a loud thud. Bella?" Angela teased.

"It wasn't me!" I cried. "I know I'm clumsy, but jeez!"

"Not that kind of thud," Angela said, quirking a brow.

"Yes, there was a thud. But all of us were downstairs when said thud happened," Edward said as he gestured to the group that surrounding the island. "Ask Rose and Emmett when they come down."

"Really? Sweet!" Angela said as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

"Not sweet," Alice said, wrinkling her nose. "Gross. You didn't hear them upstairs."

"Uh, yeah we did," Ben chortled. "I think the entire neighborhood heard them."

"What are the neighbors going to think? That I run a brothel?" Edward snickered. "Damn."

We heard soft bustling upstairs and quiet footsteps coming down the stairs. Emmett and Rose were entangled with each other and thoroughly mussed. Alice ran up to Edward and whispered something in his ear. His eyes widened and then he smiled, nodding. His face then went blank and then pissed.

"Morning, guys," Rose said with a sexy grin.

We all mumbled good mornings, except Edward. He glared at both Rose and Emmett. Rose shrank back and Emmett laughed. "Eddie, it's all good. I promise," Emmett said, holding out a fist.

"All good?" Edward whispered. "He says it's all good. Riiiiiiight."

"Are you pissed, Eddie?' Emmett said as he drew back his hand. "We'll pay to get the sheets cleaned. I promise."

"What did you do to my sheets?" Edward seethed. "And my name is not Eddie."

"Emmett, I'll handle this," Rose said. She walked up and got nose to nose to Edward. It was feasible as Rose was nearly as tall as Edward. "Edward, just because you haven't gotten any in a long time doesn't mean that the rest of us can't be freaking monks or nuns."

Edward's eyes narrowed and he stood to his full height into a menacing Rose's eyes. She poked his chest and growled. "I'd figure since you and Bella FINALLY got your heads out of your asses, you'd relax. But NOOOOOOOOO! Emmett and I fucked in your house. Big fucking deal," she said as she rammed a finger into his chest.

Edward's features softened and he barked out a laugh. He stepped away and snorted as he collapsed in a fit of giggles.

"Okay, what happened? Why is Eddie having a conniption fit?" Emmett asked, rubbing his head.

"It was a joke, Em," Alice snickered. "And really, don't call him Eddie."

"You're not pissed?" Rose asked as she smacked Edward on the ass.

"No," he barely got out between guffaws. "Scarred, but not pissed. Please tell me you used a condom?"

"We used a condom. It's flushed down the toilet," Emmett sighed.

"So, we're good," Rose clarified. Edward nodded and wiped his eyes from the tears that had fallen from his laughter. "You are an ass, Masen."

"I know," Edward said as he hopped on the counter. "However, it was the Elf's idea. She's the ass. Originally I thought it was her bonking in my guest bedroom. Then I would have been pissed."

We all had breakfast and chatting when Edward's phone rang. He frowned and picked it up from the charger. "Hello?" His features darkened and his were cold. "I'll be in about an hour. I have family over and I need to make sure that everyone gets home. Thanks, Carlisle."

"What's wrong, Edward?" Alice asked.

"There was a pileup on the interstate. They're sending some patients to Craven. The attending that is on can't handle a mass casualty situation so I need to go in. Some patients are being airlifted and some are being transported by ambulance. We're getting the ambulance patients."

"Edward, go. We'll lock up the house. I have a key," Alice said.

He nodded and looked at me sadly. "Bella, can you come upstairs with me?"

I gave him a smile and followed him up to his room. He pulled out a small duffel and put in a pair of dress pants and a wrinkle-free dress shirt. He also put in a pair of dress shoes and a tie. He gave me a look and grabbed my hand. He led me to an arm chair in the bedroom and he sat down. "I'm sorry I have to go, beautiful. I was really hoping to spend time with you today. You have to go back to school tomorrow."

"It's okay, Edward. You have to work. The joys of being the boss," I said as ran my fingers through his soft hair. "I need to get a new phone and then get ready for tomorrow."

"Change your number, Bella. Please," Edward said, his eyes filling with concern. "And call your attorney. I really don't like the fact that your ex was having you followed."

"I'll change it. As soon as I get my new number, I'll call you. If that's alright," I said shyly.

"I hope I'm number one on your speed dial," Edward teased. He leaned forward and pressed his forehead to mine. "You are amazing, Bella. Thank you for getting past your stubborn streak and letting me in."

"Thank you for being patient," I whispered, wrapping my arms around his neck. Edward kissed my lips chastely and held me on his lap. I hummed in response and opened my mouth slightly. His tongue glided between my lips and he deepened the kiss. I felt a slight vibration in Edward's pocket. He groaned and pulled out his phone. "You have to go."

"Unfortunately. I'd rather spend the day kissing you," he said, his green eyes meeting mine. "You are a dangerous creature, Bella Swan."

"That would be you, Edward Masen," I said as I kissed his nose. "Go save some lives with a spork."

"You are unbelievable," he chuckled. "I'm doctor, not a miracle worker."

"Okay, McCoy," I chortled.

"You know Star Trek?" he asked.

"My dad is a hard core 'Trekkie.' It rubbed off on me," I shrugged.

His phone vibrated again and he growled. "This conversation is not over, Bella. Are you free on Wednesday night?" he asked.

"Yep. You're coming to my place. I'll cook you my grandma's lasagna," I smiled.

"Sold," he grinned. He stood up and dipped me into a passionate embrace. "Really. Don't. Want. To. Go," he said punctuating each word with a kiss. His vibrating phone was saying otherwise. "Son of a bitch."

"Go, Edward," I said as I pulled on his hand. "Those patients need your handiwork with that spork."

He shook his head in disbelief and darted into the bathroom. He came out a few moments later wearing a pair of scrubs and sneakers, affixing his ID badge on his shirt. "I'll call you tonight, beautiful. I think I have your home number if you don't get to the cell phone store."

He picked up his bag and laced his fingers with mine. We walked downstairs and he gave everyone a wave goodbye. He kissed me chastely and squeezed my ass as he left through the garage. I smiled blissfully and floated back into the kitchen.

"Bella's in lurve," Emmett boomed as he wrapped his arms around Rose. "About time you get some decent lovin' girl. Mike was a fucking tool."

"He still is a tool," Rose said sharply. "That guy that you threw out was following Bella and reporting back to said tool."

"What?" Jasper fumed. "I'm calling Seth. You need a restraining order against Mike and his minions." Jasper whipped out his phone, calling my attorney. Within a few minutes, Seth said he would go to the courthouse and get an emergency order of protection for me. After that, we decided to leave Edward's home. Alice ushered us all out and locked it up. I rode back to the condo with Rosalie, listing to her tales of Emmett's cock.

Where's the brain bleach?

She then asked me if Edward was a good kisser.

Um, yeah! Best kisser ever. Sweetest kisses. Softest kisses. Perfect kisses.

I didn't answer. I just blushed. Rose smiled knowingly and held her hand out. I gave her a high five and giggled. When we got back to the condo, I went inside and showered. Rose waited until I was in my condo before she entered hers. I did a cursory look around to see if anything had been fussed with. It all looked good. However, you needed to be buzzed in if you were a guest. After I showered and shaved, I headed to get a new cell phone. I explained to the sales associate that my phone was crushed in a car accident, total lie, and I needed a new one. He sold me on an iPhone. I loved it instantly and played with after I called Edward with my new number.

I managed to get ready for the next day and was about to fall asleep when my new phone rang from the nightstand. It was Edward. "Hello?"

"Hey, beautiful girl," Edward said tiredly.

"Hi. You sound exhausted," I said sadly.

"Tired, worn out, pissed, sad, ready to fire someone," he grumbled.

"What happened?"

"We were told by the emergency department that we would have two major and five minor victims. When they arrived, it was the reverse. Five major and two minor," Edward sighed. "We lost two of them. They were crushed and had irreparable damage to their brains. It was really fucked up."

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "Is there anything I can do?"

"You're doing it, beautiful. Letting me vent," he replied. I heard a slight smile in his voice. "Jasper told me that Seth is getting you an emergency order of protection."

"Yeah. I need to go to the courthouse tomorrow afternoon. I called my principal and told her. She was not happy, but she understands," I explained.

"So, tell me. What goes on at teacher's institute days? I've always wondered," Edward mused.

"A whole lot of nothing," I laughed. "We discuss our school improvement plan, how to better our state test scores, and the expectations for the school year. It's boring as hell. I'd rather gauge my eyes out with a rusty spoon than sit through these damn meetings."

"What is it with you and utensils? First you tell me to perform open heart surgery with a knife and a plastic straw. Then you tell me to save someone with a spork. And finally you want to gauge your eyes out with a rusty spoon. You are bizarre, Isabella Swan," he laughed. "But I like you. A lot."

"I like you, too, Edward. A lot," I blushed.

"Are you blushing, Bella?" Edward asked.

"Yes."

"I love it when you blush, beautiful girl," he whispered. I heard a shuffle and some shouting in the background. A voice was urgently calling for Dr. Masen. "Fuck. I've got to go, Bella. I was supposed to be off today, but I won't be home until late tomorrow night. I know you'll be working so I'll send you texts throughout the day. Sleep well, beautiful."

"Good luck tonight, Edward," I sighed. "Talk to you tomorrow." I ended the call and set my alarm clock, settling into the covers. I felt strangely alone and missing his arms around me. I never realized that was what I wanted and what I craved when I was with Mike. Someone to make me feel safe. Edward did that. Surprisingly.

I knew he was busy, but I wanted to let him know that I missed him. As silly as that sounded. However, was it desperate? No harm in sending him a text.

Who would have thought that spending one night with you made me addicted to your strong arms around me? I miss them. I miss you. – Bella

PS – I'm not desperate. I just wanted to let you know – Bella

I put my phone on the nightstand and curled up to sleep. I was nearly out when my phone chirped on the nightstand.

I could get used to sleeping with you in my arms for the rest of my life, Bella. You are not desperate for thinking so. I miss having you in my arms. Try to sleep, beautiful girl. – Edward

I fell asleep with a smile on my face, knowing that Edward felt the same way I did. I couldn't believe it but was so happy that he did. His words caused the fire in my belly to ignite and I finally came to the realization: I was falling in love with Edward Masen.

Am I ready for that?

A/N: Mike's an ass. Edward's fucking wonderful. Bella is finally realizing her feelings for Dr. McFuckme. Rose and Emmett are just fucking. Leave me love, por favor!