Disclaimer: We don't own much – except your rabid interest in Bella and Edward bumping uglies in our little story. All characters owned by SM, story owned by CandraJade through her contribution to the Support Stacy Auction. NO copyright infringement intended… we're just having a bit of fun. Thank you also to Viola Cornuta, our fine beta!

TA: *hangs head in shame* RB, we have left Bella and Edward half naked in a hotel bathroom FOR MONTHS! Do you know what that would cost them in room charges?

RB75: And what about Bella's decision regarding the date? Heaven knows, she's had PLENTY of time to think about it!

TA: So have I – and I think YES! The question is - will these wacky young people fall into their old ways of miscommunicating?

RB: I take it that is a rhetorical question since we obviously know the answer….

TA: Um, just trying to whip up the interest of the readers.

RB: Thanks to everyone who has waited for this chapter. And here we go….


Last time:

I almost cried in relief as all the pent up tension left my body in waves. Beneath me Bella hummed in delight - it had been good for her after all.

I panted into her neck, doing my best not to collapse completely and crush her against the hard floor.

My breathing soon regulated, and my eyes focused to take in our surroundings. What the hell was I thinking – or not thinking! How could I make love to an angel on a bathroom floor! Withdrawing quickly, mindful not to let the condom spill, I pulled back to rest on my heels and tossed the used barrier into the trash.

"Bella, I am so sorry. I…" Unable to adequately articulate my meaning, I scrambled to get to my feet. Snagging the other bathrobe, I reached to help her up and wrapped the pure white robe around her.

"You sure know how to show a girl a good time," she mocked, but the slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips let me know I was off the hook.

She was right, though. My plan for this weekend was to make her feel special, but so far our time together had been mostly spent horizontal and naked! I needed to rectify my oversight immediately.

"Bella, I realize this question is a bit overdue, but would you like to go on a date with me?"

Chapter 9: To Be or Not to Be

EPOV

"Are you sure we're ready for such a big step?"

The straight look on Bella's face bewildered me for a moment before my brain caught up and we simultaneously burst into laughter. Part of me couldn't help but notice the laughter had an edge of stressfulness to it for some reason.

I took a guess at where that tension might be coming from…

"What would you suggest we do with the time we have left? It is Sunday. I imagine the princess will turn into a pumpkin if she is not back to school by Monday?"

I saw her face drop for a second before recovering – I had guessed right.

"I would really enjoy hearing the symphony. Do you think we could arrange something with the tickets we didn't use last night?"

That was an impossibility…

"I'm sure we can. Why don't you get ready, and I'll run across to the ticketing office and make arrangements for us to attend today's afternoon concert."

Concern clouded her face again.

"Oh, but I don't have anything to wear. I wasn't planning on staying more than one night." She ducked her head slightly to hide the slight innocent blushing of her cheeks.

The thought of Bella looking so exquisite in the dress I saw her in last night made my brain hum with delight. This time though, she would be wearing it for me.

"I'd like to see you in the dress from last night. You looked lovely, really."

My thoughts raced to her suitcase and the silky chemise that lie in waiting… I'd like to see that, too. This one little renegade thought sent my mind reeling in the wrong direction: screw the symphony! I wanted to guide her back to the bed where I could indulge in her clean skin, warmth, and scent.

There I could continue to pretend the world outside this room didn't exist…

There I could continue to deny we would part today and what would happen then was unknown.

BPOV

Though Edward stood just inches from me, he definitely was somewhere else entirely. But before I could ask where his mind was, he abruptly turned and practically fled from the bathroom, mumbling something about returning shortly. He closed the door behind him leaving me alone in the steamy bathroom.

What was that about?

Completely baffled, I nervously cracked open the door to peer out hoping for some clues to what had driven him from the room so suddenly. I was unexpectedly treated to a most spectacular and completely diverting sight!

Edward had crossed the room and shed his robe. With his back toward me, he was unaware of my eager voyeurism. Shamelessly, my eyes moved from his broad naked shoulders, down the long lines of his lean torso and came to rest on his deliciously firm ass – only to marvel at how it flexed wondrously with his every move. I longed to sneak over and press myself against him and run my hands over the smooth planes of his warm skin, but I held myself in check. It was too good a sight and he seemed to really want to take me to the symphony. All too soon, though, he slipped into his pants and pulled on a t-shirt before raking his fingers through his damp hair. Damn, he was sexy…

He disappeared around the corner to the entryway moments later, and I heard the front door click shut.

I had to share this little miracle with someone!

Like a shot, I flew to my cell phone impatiently turning it on. I cringed. It was worse than I thought – Alice had sent me fifty-six texts since I texted her from the elevator the night before. She was definitely not happy. I had some explaining to do.

Dialing I waited through only one ring…

"BELLA!" Alice shouted. "Where the hell are you? I've been trying to reach you all night! Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"

"I know, I know. I, um, wasn't able to get to my phone, exactly. I'm really sorry."

"Well, tell that to our RA. I just threatened his nuts and his life if he didn't loan me his car so I could drive over there and look for your missing ass!"

Alice's zeal always made me laugh, but this time I muffled it. I had no doubt she was pissed off enough to still drive down here and kick my butt up and down the hall for causing her so much worry. Alice was small but fierce. Never piss off the Pixie!

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry. I will apologize properly to you both – when I get back."

"'When?' What's going on, Bella?"

Perceptive as usual, Alice waited for the dirt – and I unloaded it – in one breath…

"Alice! It's him! The guy I told you about from high school, Edward… He set this all up… he's loaded! And he was so romantic," my thoughts skittered around like a water drop on a hot skillet. Dragging them back to the important part, I continued, hoping Alice was keeping up, "He has a check for the whole freakin' amount, but I can't take it now of course… oh God, Alice – my first time - we did it! Actually a couple times…"

"It is? He does? You did? Was he any good? What size condom did you use – you know, Bella, size does count!"

"Alice!" I screamed, mortified as she laughed wickedly.

"So when can I meet him? When are you two hooking up again?"

"Um…" I flopped on my back on the cold rumpled bed. I hadn't given the future too much thought. "I – I don't know," my voice cracked a bit as insecurity flooded in.

"He left you hanging? Was this his idea of a one-night stand? He breezes in as the hero and then moves on? Does he know how you felt about him? That rich stinking bastard!"

Her mood changed as fast as she spoke. If I wasn't used to following her rapid fire questions I would have been left reeling. Instead I was quick to jump to his defense.

"No! He's not like that, I mean, I don't think he is… he wouldn't, would he? Oh God, Alice! What have I done? I acted on instinct, totally caught in the moment. I thought with my messed-up heart and not my head!"

"If you did it a couple times, Sweetie, it was more like you were thinking with your vajayjay," Alice snickered.

"It's not funny! I put – everything – out there, and I don't know anything about him. I mean I'm still wallowing in mushy high school memories! Where does he live? What does he do? He probably has a girlfriend! No guy this gorgeous exists without a girlfriend with three-inch talons for nails to keep him close and other girls at bay!"

I was in full panic mode. I tried to remember our conversation from last night. Our heated, emotional confessions about our screwed up choices in high school, but I couldn't recall many of the details. They were lost in the blur of repressed emotions, discarded clothing and… oh my

My fantasy bubble burst with a cold snap of reality. I thought I might see my breakfast make a reappearance from my stomach.

Sensing my distress, Alice coached me through the phone, "Bella, breathe, honey. Take it one step at a time. Where are you now?"

"In bed."

"Niiiiice"

"Not like that! I just had… er, a shower, and I'm supposed to be getting ready for the symphony."

"I thought that was the plan for last night… Oh! I get it… niiiice."

"Stop it, Alice! I'm freaking out here! I can't lose him again. My heart couldn't handle it. And the money!" I smacked myself on the forehead, "Ugh! We haven't discussed that either. Is Edward my boyfriend or my benefactor? I'm just so confused. Alice, what would you do?" I couldn't remember ever sounding so plaintive.

"Just let him take the lead. See if he makes any plans to see you again, then you'll know if he's really into you—or not."

Oh, he was 'into' me. But was that all he wanted? To be the first... The conversation suddenly became too much for me to handle at the moment.

"Alice, I've got to go. I'm supposed to be getting ready."

"Okay, but promise you'll stay in touch – and you are coming back to the dorm tonight, right?"

"Yeah, I'll be home later…"

My thoughts raced, and I hung up without saying goodbye. I hated feeling insecure, but successful relationships with guys had always eluded me. Hell, Edward was a perfect example of that!

"Damn it!"

I jumped up out of the bed and immured myself in the bathroom intent on pushing my insecurities aside and preparing for a nice afternoon. One look at my hair in the mirror, which looked most suitable as a nest for birds, and I knew I'd have to shower again. Maybe the hot water would provide some clarity on the subject… or at least a few pleasant equally heated memories.

EPOV

As soon as I left the room, I knew I wanted to take the stairs. I was wound tight and grateful for an excuse to clear my head. It appeared space away from Bella was the only way I could achieve that goal. Amazingly, she had the power to make me see clearly and yet completely be my undoing at the same time.

This was insane.

In less than twenty-four hours not only was Bella back in my life, but I had offered to pay her a half a million dollars, then pissed her off completely, and still managed to sleep with her - twice! Oh, and don't forget getting buzzed the next morning and screwing her on the floor of the bathroom. What the fuck am I doing?

Messing things up, obviously…

My feet moved me quickly down the stairwells and out a back door of the hotel. As soon as the light of morning hit me, I grabbed my phone. Carlisle would help me figure out what to do…

"Hello, Edward."

"Hey, Dad, um, so how's your day?"

"It's 11am, so not too much has gone wrong yet. You?"

"I'm fine I guess."

Then he laughed, "Edward, you suck at small talk. What is it you need?"

"I gave Bella the money last night."

"And?"

"She's reluctant to take it."

"You knew she would be."

"How can I convince her to take it? It's so important she stay in school like she planned. Believe me, I know how really important that is to her. It would make her happy."

"And you want very much for her to be happy, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"You told me you have feelings for her. How does she feel about you?"

"Um, do actions speak louder than words?"

"Most times."

"Then I think she really likes me."

"So maybe she doesn't want to take the money because she doesn't want to mix owing money with a romantic relationship. She cares about you and wants to show you the money doesn't matter."

"So maybe it's either the money or me – not both."

"Could be. But you'll have to talk honestly with her to find out."

"Even if I know the better choice?"

"Better for whom?

"Thanks, Dad. I'll let you know how it goes."

"You do that."

"Bye."

I snapped my phone shut already lost in thought.

Bella was willing to give away her virginity to stay in school… with a stranger she was willing to sacrifice her most private self. Her education meant that much to her. I couldn't possibly stand between her and what obviously meant so much to her. I wouldn't be that selfish.

As much as it hurt, I knew what I needed to do: continue to protect her just as had been my mission from the start of this venture.

It would have to be the money instead of me. I fought to breathe as I crossed the street.

BPOV

Edward was gone for a long time.

When he finally returned, I was ready and waiting in the main room. The look on his face when he flew into the room was priceless; I won't ever forget it. His eyes moved quickly from first noticing me sitting, not so patiently, in a chair, to soaking me in all the way down to my feet and slowly back up my crossed legs before returning to my face. I flushed, feeling my breathing increase from being so thoroughly scrutinized. His crooked smile said it all - he was so mine! My heart soared.

"I've missed you. You were gone quite a while. Was there a problem with the tickets?"

"Uh, no, no problem with the tickets. I –" His smile vanished, and I swear I saw him bite his lower lip. "I just… had a few voicemails I had to follow up on, that's all. It looks like you are all set to go. Just give me a few minutes to get dressed." He rubbed his fingers over his incredibly sexy scruffy chin. "And get in a quick shave."

He held up a generic shave kit he must have snagged from the front desk and retreated into the bedroom, leaving me with my brow furrowed once again in confusion and feeling very uneasy. The energy around him had changed significantly. Had I done something wrong? My thoughts ran in circles as I waited for him.

After twenty minutes he reemerged looking just as handsome as he did last night.

"We'll have to check out. Are you packed?" he asked without glancing in my direction. My stomach tightened. I hadn't thought about leaving. I should have. Did I really believe I could stay here with him forever? I wanted to. It had felt so comfortable…

"Oh, um, check out. Right," I stuttered standing up quickly. His mannerisms were so business-like they caught me off guard. "It should only take me a minute. I didn't bring much…"

I moved past him hastily, my heels clicking loudly on the hardwood floors.

I headed straight to the bathroom, sliding past the ironing board and iron he had set up. I rapidly shoved all my toiletries back in their small travel bag and gathered the rest of my belongings from the bedroom, before tossing them into my waiting suitcase. When I came back into the main room, Edward greeted me in the foyer.

"Let me take those for you," he smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"No, that's okay, I've got them." Suddenly, I felt the overwhelming need to protect myself. I tightly clutched the handle of my bag when he reached for it.

"Do you want me to call the front desk and have the bellman pack them in your car for you?"

I nodded, though I didn't want to explain I didn't own a car either. I didn't want to give him yet another reason to see just how unworthy of him I was. Things had suddenly become uncertain enough as it was.

He looked at his watch. "Okay, we have a few minutes to spare before we need to leave."

He purposefully moved to the phone and dialed. His words were drowned out by my worried thoughts - something had changed.

Almost immediately, the bellman knocked on the door. I described my car and handed him the keys while Edward tipped him graciously. I was advised my keys - Alice's keys- would be available at the front desk for retrieval upon my final departure.

"Shall we go?" Edward asked holding out his arm and producing two concert tickets from his breast pocket. His chivalrous behavior evoked a hot rush of blood to my cheeks. Maybe we were okay after all. He's just as nervous as I am. Right? He smiled as I again nodded and took his arm.

We engaged in small talk as we crossed the street and walked the short distance to Benaroya Hall.

"What are we going to be hearing at the concert?" I inquired a bit nervously.

"Rhapsody in Blue composed by George Gershwin. You seem to have chosen the appropriate dress for the occasion. You are definitely a rhapsody in blue, Bella."

I could feel the blush rise in my cheeks again and I distractedly smoothed my dress. I'd never been one to particularly care for compliments, but from Edward, they felt different. For the moment, I had to admit even to myself we were quite the handsome pair. "Thank you, Edward. You look very dashing yourself."

We entered the hotel lobby as the elevator doors parted and immediately caught the interested eyes of many faces. The feeling was surreal. I clung a little closer to Edward's side, uncomfortable with the attention.

"Have you been to a symphony before?" Edward asked.

The blush remained on my cheeks, but this time it was due to my inadequate experience with the arts.

"No. I haven't."

"May I give some background on the music we will be hearing today?"

"Yes, please," I urged, happy for the distraction and conversation. I listened as his velvet voice educated me on the sounds I would soon be experiencing shortly.

"Rhapsody in Blue was composed at the piano by George Gershwin in 1924 for solo piano and jazz band. It combines elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects. Gershwin had very limited time to compose the piece, and on a train journey to Boston the ideas of Rhapsody in Blue came to his mind. I guess there was something about the steely rhythms of the train on the tracks, he felt he heard music in the very heart of the noise... and before him was the complete construction of the Rhapsody, from beginning to end. He saw it as a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America, of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our blues, our metropolitan madness."

Edward spoke so movingly I was quickly swept up in his enthusiasm and before long it jogged my memory. "You played piano in high school."

"I still do."

I filed that tidbit away for further consideration and continued on with another line of thought, "So why 'Rhapsody in Blue'? Where did the title come from?"

Edward laughed, "Inspiration comes from the most unexpected places. Gershwin had named it American Rhapsody during composition, but the title Rhapsody in Blue was suggested after his brother had visited a gallery exhibition of James McNeill Whistler paintings, many of which had colors in their titles. Did you know Arrangement in Gray and Black was the original title for the painting more commonly known as Whistler's Mother?"

"I had no idea," I truthfully mumbled.

By this time we had arrived at the hall. Last night its surfaces of clear and frosted glass gave the effect of a giant lantern illuminating the streetscape, but it was almost as stunning now as it shimmered in the daylight.

We strolled past the ticket office, small shops, a cafe, and a coffee shop awaiting the call to be seated. Edward purchased a glossy program for me from a nearby vendor.

An usher escorted us to our magnificent seats; box seating along the side walls oriented toward the stage. I sat down nestling my clutch and keepsake program next to me. As I gazed around me, I couldn't help but feel energized by the hall's beauty and detailed construction.

Edward seemed to understand what I was feeling. He pointed and began to explain the intricacies of my surroundings.

"The hall's traditional shape is faceted and coffered to provide excellent acoustics and diffuse sound effectively. Orchestral performances require long reverberation times, which require surfaces that are heavy and dense to reflect sound and absorb as little as possible. The wood paneling on the walls is subdivided into smaller panels, each one a different size so that each one resonates with a different frequency of sound. The physics of the acoustical design is an important part of the architecture. In addition, distractions such as earth-borne rumbles from surrounding streets, the transit tunnel, or the railroad tunnel below the site have been eliminated by building the hall as a box within a box, with the inner concrete box completely supported on rubber pads."

"You know so much about this place. Do you come here often?"

"As often as I can. One day, if I'm lucky, I'll be more than just an observer –"

Edward was interrupted as the orchestra began to warm up. An instrument I recognized as an oboe set the pitch for the other instruments. The lights dimmed. Edward helped me remove my wrap and settled into his seat – I felt him squeeze my hand. It felt so right. My earlier qualms were quieted as I settled in for a perfect afternoon's musical adventure.

EPOV

I was pleased Bella appeared to enjoy the music.

We spoke little during the concert, but I enjoyed holding her warm hand. It felt so right in my own as I attempted to every aspect of it away for future reference.

At intermission, we stepped into the elaborate lobby and navigated our way through the crowd to a small counter-height table at the coffee shop for a latte. When Bella stepped away to use the ladies room, I slipped the check into her purse. She returned just at the sound of the bell summoning us back to our seats.

As we waited for the second half of the concert to begin, I resisted the urge to take her hand in mine. What I had to do after the concert would not be easy as it was, and I didn't want to send her any more misleading messages. I had to make it a clean break, like ripping off a band-aid. The music around me became monotone and colorless as I tried to block out the sick feeling now filling my chest. The thought of letting her go was slowly drowning me, and I found it difficult to breathe. Bella glanced in my direction, but I shifted in my seat to hide my expression in the shadows of the darkened hall.

When the music ended, all my feelings from that day in the hallway in high school returned ten-fold. I fought with all my strength to keep the same tortured expression off my face this time.

The polite applause lasted several minutes before the lights rose in the hall. Stiffly, I rose from my seat. I helped Bella with her belongings, and we lined up wordlessly with the rest of the audience in a slow exit to the street.

Once outside the hall, Bella asked, "Did you enjoy the concert?"

"Yes, I did. Did you?"

"I liked it very much. I think I would like to come again sometime."

She smiled hopefully, and the knife in my gut twisted, "Why don't we grab a bite before we go? Um, my treat?" her voice shook slightly as she spoke. Suddenly she seemed so small and fragile as she looked up at me.

"Bella, I would really love to do that, but I have somewhere I really need to be today... And the drive back and all…"

The glint of hope began to fade from her eyes, and the knife inched deeper.

"Oh, yes, of course. I really do need to get back, too. My roommate is beside herself with me being gone so long - presumably with a stranger." She laughed nervously and sucked her bottom lip in between her teeth before shifting her weight from leg to the other.

This was torture to watch. I needed to just rip off the final piece…

"Okay, well, I wanted to give you this phone number," I reached into my pocket and pulled out a business card and handed it to Bella.

Her eyes lit up until she read the card, then her brow furrowed. "Who is Daniel Marks?"


A/N:

RB75: Well, snap, who the hell is Daniel Marks?

TA: Didn't see that one coming, did you? Any guesses from our brilliant readers?

RB75: And good news, fine readers: Chapter 10 is just about ready - no big wait, we promise.

TA: And I think it is a might bit humorous too! What a relief that will be after all this B&E angst!

RB75: We'd love to hear your thoughts and guesses - remember, the review button is everyone's friend!