A/N: Wow the response to the date was amazing. Everyone loved that they went to a tattoo convention and I couldn't be happier. Love to all the RRAl's the ones who have been here from the beginning and the new ones who are just joining us. XO

Love always to my beta's rae1990 & itsange, love you both lots, even tho everyone on Twitter now probably thinks I'm a diva. Lol. XO

My beautiful pre-readers, MyEdiction, lisamichelle17 and irshqq79, I thank you for your input. XO

Special thanks to 84gemstone for helping me out w/the Edward's tattoos.

I don't own Twilight...

)O(

Chapter 9: 20 Hours Part Two

"I thought you might like to see where else I blush."

Edward was positive he had heard wrong. There was no way she just said that. His pants were telling him a different story though. They said she most definitely said that.

"Is that an invitation?" he asked her.

"More like a special request."

"Oh, so I'm a V.I.P.?"

She turned around in his arms and looked directly into his eyes.

"Do you want to be?" she asked, and held her breath for his answer.

"Absolutely," Edward told her before kissing her lightly on the lips.

He drew back, taking hold of her hand, and they continued on their way. They stopped at almost every booth and bought a few more pieces of jewelry for their piercings. Bella told him what it was like to have hippie parents and Edward expressed his jealousy over the fact that the Swans were so open with one another. He explained the difficulties of coming from an affluent family and being the black sheep.

Bella was enjoying herself so much that she was shocked that an entire hour went by and they had to go back to Caius' booth. Felix had them sit right in front while Tanya had her tattoo done. There was a decent sized crowd watching Caius work, and Edward was becoming more interested in finding out what else Bella had inked on her skin. Of course, he knew about the stars on her shoulder, but he wanted to see the others.

"Where else are you inked?" he asked.

She gave him a coy smile.

"Wouldn't you like to know," she said, handing a customer their bag.

"Yes, I would. That's why I asked."

"I figured you'd want to explore yourself."

"You're killing me, Swan."

"But isn't it a sweet death?" she asked before kissing his cheek.

For the next half-hour, they worked side by side in harmony. Edward was having the best time. If he had he known that being with one girl would be so much fun, he may have done it sooner.

No, he thought, it's Bella. No one had challenged me enough to even think about taking the plunge.

"What if I tell you about the next tattoo I want?" she asked, interrupting his musings.

"Okay."

"I want a tree on my right side. From here," she said pointing to just above her waist, "to here," she ended just at her shoulder blade.

"Very cool." And incredibly sexy.

"I'm just not sure if I want it to be a specific tree. I always loved cherry blossoms but everyone seems to be getting them these days."

"Yeah ,but Caius would draw it up so it would be unique and Bella-like."

"Bella-like?" she questioned.

"Yes, something that would suit Bella. I'm working with Webster's on it," he joked.

"How's that going?"

"So far, so good. Wanna get out of here in a bit?"

"Sure, if it's okay with Caius."

"If what's okay with Caius?" the man himself asked.

"That Bella and I leave in a little while," Edward told him.

"Yeah, of course bro, no problem. Thanks so much for helping out. Especially since it's your first date and I put you to work," he said winking at Edward.

"Tanya has a big mouth," Edward said.

"She's just happy for you. And you couldn't have picked a cooler girl," Caius smiled at Bella when he said this.

"He's right, Edward. I fucking rock," Bella said modestly.

"That you do, Swan," he agreed.

"Okay, you two are making me sick. Get out of here," Caius told them.

"Bella, that next tattoo we were talking about? I'll take half off for you helping out today."

Bella jumped up in excitement. Edward thought it was adorable to see her act like a little girl. She gave Caius a hug in thanks, and he was shocked that he felt a minor pang of jealousy. She looked over at Edward and saw the small frown on his face, so they quickly said their goodbyes.

"Edward?" she asked as they walked towards the car.

"Yeah?"

"What's up? You look a little upset."

"Nothing, I'm good."

"Damn it, Cullen. Rule number one."

"That is the worst rule I've made so far," he said as he weaved through cars to get to his Volvo.

"C'mon, this is new for me too. If you're upset and it has to do with me, I have a right to know."

She was right, of course. Not that it had to do with her, it was his fault he felt jealous, he would need to open up. They made it to the car and got in, but he made no attempt to leave yet.

"Fine, it's stupid though. I didn't like seeing you hug Caius."

"Ooookay. Edward, he's going to do a tattoo that would probably cost me five-hundred dollars for half price. And he's married."

"I told you it was stupid."

"You're feelings aren't stupid. I was just excited about the tattoo. It's not like I hugged him because I wanted to be close to him or anything, and saving that much money would be really great."

"I know, I guess I have to learn to deal with it."

"We both have to. How do you think it made me feel when I saw Sophie kneeling in between your legs?"

"You were mad because we were at work," he said.

"No, I was mad because I wanted to be the one that was there," she told him.

"Swan, you say things like that, and it makes me forget that I'm acting like a tool."

She reached over the console and took his head in her hands forcing him to look at her.

"Stop with the self-deprecation, it's not a turn on. We both know there is a learning curve here. Since we're also both stubborn, so that isn't going to make this easy. Edward, I did not hug Caius for any reason, other than he is doing me a solid. I will try in the future to be more aware of what I do, but it's in my nature to hug people. Hippie parents, remember? I had an amazing time today, and I don't want it to end. We still have a few hours left if you're interested."

"Of course I'm interested. Jealousy is just a new emotion for me. Not sure I really care for it. And the last thing I want to do is turn into an emoteen. I told you I'd fuck things up."

Bella drew his face towards hers and kissed him. Their tongues met at the same time, and it took seconds for things to escalate between them. He took her by the waist and brought her onto his lap. Her hands were now in his hair, grabbing a hold, so she could position his head perfectly. Edward was running his hand up and down her leg when she pulled away. Bella's lips were red and swollen, her eyes had that dazed look in them.

"You did not fuck anything up, Edward. Let's say we get out of here?"

"Yeah, that's a good idea," he said, as she went back to her seat, and he adjusted his pants yet again.

"So, what do you want to do?" he asked.

Before she could answer, her stomach grumbled. Edward laughed, she scowled.

"I guess we're going to eat then."

He picked a Chinese restaurant, and they were in and out in an hour. They were both eager to spend the last few hours they had together before Bella had to go home. Edward told her that his father was at work and his mother was at his aunt's house. Emmett was at school. He promised they would have uninterrupted alone time, and she was squirming in her seat at the thought.

When he pulled up to his house, she was amazed at how much smaller it was than she pictured. Bella assumed he lived in a big mansion type house but this Victorian was actually quite modest. It was painted white and had a beautiful wrap around porch that even had a swing on it.

"It's gorgeous, Edward."

"Thanks, it's my mom's crowning glory. Her and my aunt redid the whole house."

He gave her a quick tour when they got inside, and he was debating where they should hang out. The family room was comfortable and had a great TV and sound system but on the off chance someone did come home it offered very little privacy. His bedroom was the next choice, but he didn't want her to think he was expecting anything.

"Stop thinking so hard, Cullen. I have been known to say no before," she laughed, somehow reading his mind.

"So, my room?" he asked, a little apprehensively.

"Yeah, just because we're in the bedroom doesn't mean we have to have sex."

They both stopped at that word. Wordlessly, he entwined their fingers and brought her to his room. Edward was a slob, there were clothes and CD's thrown everywhere. His bed was unmade and it smelled like there was some forgotten meal lurking about. She loved it. It was so perfectly Edward.

"We could watch a movie?" he asked, indicating a wall of DVD's.

"Sure. How about Stepbrothers?"

"I love that movie. Reilly is a genius."

"It's one of my favorites too. We'll have so much more room for activities."

Edward shook his head and mumbled under his breath, "so fucking awesome."

He set the movie up and now the big decision was sit on the couch or the bed. Edward looked at Bella and raised his eyebrow, indicating she should choose. She went to the edge of the bed and took her boots off before sliding up to the headboard and finding a comfortable spot. Patting the empty space beside her, he came over and settled next to her. They sat side by side, and she took his hand in hers.

"So do I get to see those tatts yet or what?

"What about you? I don't see you offering up to show me yours," she countered.

With that he whipped off his shirt and Bella almost died. Since when do seventeen-year old boys have bodies like this? Edward was lean and muscular, he didn't have a six-pack, but he was well on his way. The definition of his chest and arms was making her dizzy. His left nipple was pierced and Bella ran her tongue ring over her lips in anticipation of tasting it. What topped it off though was the ink.

"She's beautiful," Bella said, as she reached out to touch the pin up girl on the right side of Edward's chest. She was dressed in the Navy sailor uniform and there was a sparrow over his heart.

"Thank you. They were my first. My grandfather had the same ones," he said in an uneven voice.

Bella looked at him and saw the emotions playing across his face. She didn't push for answers though, he would tell her when he was ready. Instead she traced the design and felt his skin break out in goose bumps. When she got to the bird over his heart, he pressed her hand against his chest, and she could feel the fast paced beating. They stared at each other for what seemed like hours before she shifted over to him and kissed where her hand had been. She noticed his nipples puckered from her touch, and she lightly tugged at the ring in the left one. Bella moved her body over his so that she was now straddling him, and she took his right arm in her hand. The phoenix tattoo he had was breathtaking. Caius' attention to detail was flawless. He used different shades of blue for the bird itself, and then it was outlined in red, symbolizing the fire that would eventually consume it.

She thought for a moment that it was exactly how he made her feel; like he was eventually going to consume her. Bella continued her exploration of his tattoos but also paid close attention to the rest of his bare skin. As she ran her hand down his abs, she felt him hardening even more. Her breathing picked up and she realized he was completely still. She looked up and he was staring at her, a shy smile crossed her face before she leaned further down to taste his lips.

This time, Edward had his hands in her hair as she held on to his strong arms. These weren't the sweet kisses they were giving each other while at the convention, this was a month's worth of sexual tension being unleashed all at once. Bella felt the wetness that was beginning to seep onto her thong, as she rubbed her pussy into his erection.

Edward's hand traveled from her hair to her shoulders before making their way to cup her tits. He loved the feel of the weight of them in his palms. They were the perfect size, fitting snuggly into his hands. She broke the kiss only long enough to peel off her tank top before continuing. Now all that stood in his way was her little lacy bra. It was her turn to get goose bumps, and he ran the pad of his thumb over her nipples feeling them respond to his ministrations. He was surprised to find them bare, no piercings there at all.

She let out a moan as he pinched them both and began to rock her hips into him. Their breathing became labored as they fought to get closer to each other. Every single part of their bodies were touching, but it still didn't feel like it was enough. When she felt him grasp her hips, she bucked into him, eliciting a "fuck," from his mouth. Catching her off guard, he flipped her over and supported his weight on his arms as he looked down at her. Bella's skin was smooth with just a few beauty marks scattered around; she would have been pale had it not been for that beautiful blush. It started at the base of her neck and ran all the way down her body, over the tattoos and disappeared under her jeans.

"Fuck, Bella. There's that blush."

"I keep my promises," she told him.

"Can I?" he asked her, looking back down at her jeans.

"Um, yeah, That's fine," she answered breathlessly.

His fingers tickled her stomach as he went to unsnap the button and pull down the zipper. She helped him by lifting her hips enough so that he could pull them down just low enough to see her tattoos. On her right hip, she had her initials with a black swan, the left he recognized as the cover art to one of his favorite bands. It was a tree that had a red heart hanging from it. Edward wasn't sure how he should take that.

"Very hot, Swan," he said as he caressed her marked skin.

"Thanks, Cullen."

He just sat there staring at her, and she was surprised how comfortable she was with it. Being that she was half-naked and all.

"Are you just going to stare or are you going to kiss me?" she asked.

"I think we should ease up," even he looked stunned that he said this.

"I'm sorry say again?"

"Bella, I don't think we should jump into having sex."

There was that word again. Sex. It lingered in the air as they rolled the word around in their heads.

"Damn it, Cullen. I think you're right."

"You…you do?" he asked.

"Well yeah, if we're doing this right we should wait. Isn't that what most couples do?" she asked and tried not to gag on the word. He laughed.

"Having a tough time with the word couple? It is what we are, isn't it?"

"Yes, Edward. We are dating, we are a couple. It just wigs me out saying it."

"Would you rather just call me your boyfriend?"

"Do you want to call me your girlfriend?"

"Stop answering my questions with questions, Swan."

"Okay, if we're having a serious talk, we need to put our clothes back on, and you need to get off of me," she said, as she grabbed her top and pulled it on.

"Fine," he pouted. He put his shirt on, and they sat cross-legged, facing each other on his bed.

"I have never called anyone my boyfriend, not even when referring to Jake as a boy who is my friend. The only couple I have ever been a part of was when Alice and I dressed as Raggedy Ann and Andy one year for Halloween. This scares the shit out of me. You say you're afraid of fucking up, well so am I. It's horrible that I can't say the word couple without wanting to vomit."

"Bella, calm down. We don't need a label. We're together, that's all that matters to me. If you're uncomfortable with saying I'm your boyfriend then you don't have to."

"Who are you and what have you done with the cocky Edward Cullen?" she said mocking him.

"See? I try to be nice, and you make fun of me."

"I'm sorry pumpkin. It's just no one would believe me if I told them that you were the girl in this relationship," she said, mocking him.

"Did you just call me pumpkin?"

"Yeah well, I need to make some sort of compromise on what to call you."

"And you picked pumpkin? It couldn't be something more masculine?"

"Like what? Thor?"

"Thor works! He had a hammer."

"You are so seriously disturbed, Cullen. I am not calling you Thor. Deal with pumpkin."

"It's a vegetable, Bella."

"Yes, but you could make it into a pie and put whipped cream on it," she said in a suggestive voice.

"Whipped cream? That sounds delic- hey wait! You tricked me with the whipped cream talk."

Now she was full out laughing at him.

"Edward, that was so easy. This is going to be so much fun!"

"Whatever. We'll talk about pet names later. Rule four, no labels?"

"Actually, I think we're on five if you consider that we're allowed to change the rules as a rule."

"Huh? Okay fine, rule five, we are not labeling us. We know what we are to each other. However, I do reserve the right to call you my girlfriend."

"Okay, that's fair. And Edward? It's not that I don't consider you my boyfriend. I do, honestly."

Edward smiled at her to let her know he understood. They made more progress than he thought they would today. Although he never expected the reaction she had to him calling them a couple. He would be patient though, he knew she was worth it. Plus, it made them that much closer having to talk things out.

"It's okay, I know. Besides, it's really only our first date."

"True, and as far as first dates go, I'd say this was the best ever."

"Aww, muffin. You are a girl."

"Shove it, pumpkin," she retorted.

"Where?"

"Please, you've already cock-blocked yourself once tonight, Cullen."

"I still can't believe I did that," he said, shaking his head.

"Me either, especially since you're supposed to be such a man-whore."

"Not anymore I'm not. Just like you no longer have friends that have my benefits."

"Hey, they're not your benefits yet, cowboy."

"Still, they're no one else's either. And I think I prefer pumpkin to cowboy."

"Actually, they're my benefits and I'm trying out other options."

"I'm still all for Thor."

"I'm still not going to call you that."

"Shit," he said, looking at his bedside alarm clock, "it's nine-forty-five. I'd better get you home."

"Yeah, we wouldn't want Charlie to kill you on our first date. That sets a bad precedence."

"Yuck it up sweet cheeks, you'd miss my mad skills."

"C'mon kitten, let's go before my father forbids me to see you."

Edward didn't even bother arguing about the "kitten" nickname. He knew it wouldn't last, or at least he hoped it wouldn't, and he would have to pick his battles with Bella very careful.

They talked during the short ride to her house about the upcoming week and what their schedules entailed. It didn't look like they would have a lot of time to spend together but made a promise to talk at least once a day. He walked her to the door, and they shared one more kiss before she went inside.

On his way home, he thought about the day and how well it had gone. Edward truly had a great time with Bella. He was looking forward to getting to know her better and was hoping he made the right decision about waiting to sleep together. Even that didn't sound right to him. This must be what it's like to have feelings for someone. Bella certainly wasn't just any girl he would normally fuck. He wanted to take his time, learn her body. What spots made her moan? How soft was the inside of her thigh? Is she a screamer? Until he found the answers, he would be servicing himself.

)O(

So... leave me a review and let me know what you think about the rest of their date.

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If you read Dear Bella, you already know that my uncle passed away yesterday. I'm just letting you know in case there is no update next week you know why. Thank you.

til next time my lovelies...xo