A/N: Hi again. This chapter seemed to take me ages to write as I was struggling a bit with tiredness and mild writer's block. Starting the chapter is always the hardest part!
Thanks so much for your support and reviews.
To the impatient 99redballoons: you can rest easy now and be assured I'm working on the next chapter :)
Thanks to MrsKatyCullen for going over this for me.
o-o-o-o-o-o
Chapter 9
"So, things are looking promising with you and Edward?" The wide grin on Alice's face betrayed her delight in her brother's blossoming relationship with Bella.
"Why don't you tell me? You seem to be as involved in this as we are," smirked Bella as she looked at the menu.
Alice burst into a peal of laughter at Bella's words.
They were sitting in a cafe near Alice's shop having lunch together. Alice had rung this morning to see if Bella was free to join her. Not on duty until Wednesday, Bella had readily agreed. She figured she may as well get the inquisition over. She knew Alice was probably bursting a blood vessel in her curiosity to find out how her date with Edward had gone. And she didn't want to upset a pregnant woman.
"I know I'm nosy. I can't help myself," chuckled Alice. "Seriously though, I just want my two favourite people to be happy."
"I know you do. And yes, things are looking promising."
"Ooh, that's good. So how was the date and have you seen each other since? Edward wouldn't tell me anything," pouted Alice.
Bella smiled as she thought about the date on Friday and last night. "The date was great. It was wonderful. And I saw him last night. I went to his place for dinner."
Alice clapped her hands. "He cooked for you? Now I know you must be special. Edward isn't the biggest fan of cooking."
"It was just steak and salad. Nothing complicated."
Alice leaned forward and spoke softly. "So, did you do it?"
"Alice!" Bella gaped at her friend.
"What? Oh come on, Bella. There's so much chemistry between you two that I'm surprised you didn't spend the whole weekend in bed."
Bella just shook her head at Alice's forwardness. "No. We didn't do it, ok?"
"Oh, why not?" Alice looked disappointed.
"Because we're not ready. We want to get to know each other first. When the time's right, if the time's right, we'll take it further."
"Bet he won't be able to wait too long," mumbled Alice.
"Me neither," smiled Bella, evoking another laugh from Alice.
"Well I have to admire your restraint. I had Jasper in bed within a few hours. I don't think we left it for two days," laughed Alice.
"You are incredible. I actually feel sorry for Jasper."
"Don't be. He's never had it so good. He may look like an angel but he's a devil in the bedroom."
"Way too much information, Alice."
Their orders arrived as they continued talking. Bella told her that Edward had revealed his fertility problems.
"Oh wow!" breathed Alice, her eyes wide. "No-one outside the family knows about that. He must really like you. How did you react when he told you?'
"I was more upset that he had to go through cancer treatment than anything else. As for his infertility, well there's millions of people with similar problems."
Alice reached out and took Bella's hand. "I'm so glad you feel that way. I think Edward may somehow feel less of a man because of it, however stupid that is. I think you're perfect for each other."
"Less of a man!" cried an outraged Bella. "How dare he even think that? I don't think I've ever met such a masculine man in my life. He's handsome, funny, charming, intelligent, caring, sweet. He'd better not say that to my face or I'll give him a piece of my mind!"
Alice just beamed at her. "Welcome to the family."
Forcing herself to calm down, Bella realised what Alice had just said. "Alice, don't. We're going to see where this leads, but there aren't any promises. I'm overwhelmingly attracted to him, all of him, but I don't know how I feel. It's too soon. All I know is that I've never felt anything this strong before."
"I think, no I know, that Edward feels the same. All right, I won't hassle either of you unless I feel you need a push in the right direction."
Bella just shook her head. "I don't think I expected anything less," she smiled. She decided it was time to change the subject. "Edward invited me to the hospital's Yule Ball so I need you to help me find a dress."
Alice clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh yes! I'm sure I've got something that will be just the thing. If not, we'll hunt it down."
"You make it sound like a hunting trip in the savannah," laughed Bella.
"Sometimes fashion is a jungle, Bella," said Alice with a serious look on her face. "You want something that will knock Edward's socks off."
"Well, I bow to the expert."
The Ball was only three weeks away and Alice declared that they didn't have any time to waste. "You need not only the dress, but shoes, a bag, accessories. Plus we need to work out how you'll wear your hair."
"Alice slow down! It's just a dance, not a wedding."
"Same thing. Okay, not exactly, but still a lot of work. So come on, let's get started." Alice insisted on paying and they walked back to her shop.
"We've talked about nothing but me," said Bella. "How are you feeling Alice? Any morning sickness?"
"Yeah, but I've been getting it mainly at night for some reason. Why is that?"
"It sometimes happens that way. It could be worse, you could feel sick at all times of the day."
"Ugh! It's bad enough now. I'm alright all day, then after dinner, wham, I spend all evening in the loo. God I hope it goes away soon," groaned Alice.
Bella commiserated with her friend. "Try eating something light at dinner. Swap your meals and eat the main one during the day. It might help."
"Ok, I'll try that. Let's see, what would suit you?" Alice wandered around the racks, searching through the formal dresses for a dress for Bella. Picking a few, she handed them to her.
"Here, try these on to start with." Bella took the dresses and reluctantly began stripping off her clothes.
She really didn't enjoy the whole 'trying clothes on' business. It bored her silly. Buying clothes just wasn't on her list of fun things to do. Sure she liked having the occasional nice outfit, she just didn't want to go through the whole rigmarole of buying it. Luckily Alice seemed to know just what suited her. Unfortunately, getting something for the Ball would involve trying on various dresses.
Alice wasn't happy with any of the dresses Bella tried on. She looked at Bella, her lips pursed in concentration, tapping her finger against her cheek.
"Are we finished now?" asked a weary Bella, longing to put her jeans back on.
"Ok, I've got one more dress. I didn't bring it out because I thought it might be a little too risqué for you, but I think it will look stunning." Walking over to a far rack, Alice pulled out a deep blue satin dress.
"Now, don't say anything until you've put it on. Please," demanded Alice.
Bella reluctantly agreed. Taking the dress, she entered the dressing room. When she looked at the dress properly, Bella gasped softly. Alice didn't really think she would wear this, did she?
The front looked relatively modest but there was absolutely no back on it. It was a halter neck, with the neckline quite high. It fastened at the back of the neck with rhinestone straps. Another longer strap hung down the back and was connected to dress down near the hips.
As Bella put it on, she looked at herself in the mirror. The satin material clung to her body and the only bare skin visible from the front were her shoulders and arms. That was until she turned around. Bella gasped as she saw her back completely exposed. The rhinestone strap from the neck to her hips was the only adornment. There was no way she was wearing this.
Walking out of the dressing room, Bella was about to say as much when she heard Alice squeal.
"Oh my god Bella! That looks absolutely stunning on you. My god, Edward won't be able to keep his hands off you."
"You don't seriously think I would wear this, do you? It's almost indecent," protested Bella.
"Don't be silly. It's fabulous. You look like some siren from the 40's."
"More like Jessica Rabbit."
Alice giggled. "And do you know how many grown men lusted after that cartoon character? Seriously Bella, you'll knock everyone dead in this. It is seriously sexy."
"How am I supposed to wear a bra in this?"
"You don't of course." At Bella's outraged look, Alice shook her head. "Geez Bella, it's not like you've got huge boobs or anything. You can go braless for one night."
"It'll be cold. I don't want my nipples showing like headlights!"
"You won't. The material's quite thick and I'll lend you my faux fur stole to wear to the club. Come on Bella, take a risk," she urged.
Bella bit her lip as she looked at herself. She had to admit the dress was dead sexy. Would Edward appreciate it? And how would she cope with his hands touching her bare skin all night? She would probably go up in flames right there in the ballroom.
The little known rebellious part of Bella wanted to wear the dress, wanted to see Edward's eyes pop out of his head when he saw the back. Was she brave enough?
Why not? She was 26 years old. A grown woman. Why shouldn't she feel sexy and desirable? She had concentrated on her work for so long, maybe it was time to let the siren out to play. Was she ready for the possible consequences? Already, she and Edward were close to combusting when they were together. She had three weeks to decide.
"All right, I'll take it," she declared, biting the bullet. She would have to find something else in case she chickened out. Not that she would tell Alice.
"Yay! If you haven't done it with Edward after wearing this, I'll be convinced he's gay."
"Alice!" laughed Bella.
Alice walked around Bella, pinning the dress where it needed to be taken in. The hem would need to be taken up as well.
"We'll need to get your shoes before I pin the hem. Either blue or silver I think." Taking hold of Bella's hair, Alice toyed with leaving it down or putting it up. "Pinned up loosely with loose strands would look good. That way your back will be the focus."
"Yeah I bet," mumbled Bella, her rebellious side already making a hasty retreat.
"Hmm, some dangly earrings and chunky bracelet will top it off," mused Alice.
"I hope you have a girl. I can imagine you getting her ready for her prom."
"Me too. I'd love a girl but I don't mind either way. As long as it's healthy."
When Bella left that afternoon, she knew, that for better or for worse, she was going to set tongues wagging at the Yule Ball.
o-o-o-o-o-o
Bella went to visit Charlie that afternoon to be told that he was leaving on Friday to go north with Billy, Jacob and Quil, another Quileute Indian.
While grilling him that he had everything he needed, Jacob arrived.
"So, how's the doc, Bella. Good date?" leered Jacob.
Charlie looked up, the question on his face. "Huh? What's this?"
Bella glared at Jacob, and sarcastically mouthed 'thanks' at him. Jacob just grinned back. She hadn't brought up Edward with Charlie because she didn't feel like getting the third degree about him. When their relationship became more established, she was planning to introduce Edward to her father.
"It's nothing Dad. I just went on a date with Edward Cullen, the new obstetrician I told you about."
"Oh. Do I get to meet him?" questioned Billy, one eyebrow raised.
Bella just rolled her eyes. You'd think she was still sixteen, the way her father carried on.
"I've only just started going out with him Dad. Maybe after you come back from your trip. Anyway, he's Carlisle's son. I thought you liked Carlisle."
"I do," nodded Charlie. "But this Edward had still better behave himself."
"Dad, please," groaned Bella, the situation not being helped by Jacob's chuckle.
Bella turned to him and pointed to the kitchen. Jacob, getting the message, went into the kitchen followed by a very annoyed Bella.
"Thanks a lot, Jake!"
"What?" laughed Jacob. "He was going to find out eventually anyway. You know you can't keep a secret in this place."
"Well, I would have liked to have chosen when I tell him about Edward myself, Jake."
"Sure, sure. Anyway, how's it going with him?" asked Jacob.
"So far, so good. We're getting to know each other. I really like him," admitted Bella.
"You'd have a lot in common," said Jacob. "With both of you working in the hospital."
"Yeah, there is that. But I like him. As a person."
"Hope it works out," said Jake softly, ruffling her hair.
"What about you Jake? Isn't there anyone who's caught your fancy lately?"
Jacob shook his head. "Nah. They're all the same. Only interested in themselves."
Bella put her hand on his shoulder in sympathy. "Someone will come along. I'm sure of it. Maybe I should get Alice to turn her hand at finding you a girl. She might leave me alone then," grinned Bella.
Jacob looked at Bella in horror. "What! No. God no. I'll do the looking myself, thanks."
"As you wish," laughed Bella.
The three of them had dinner before Bella went home. She promised to come and see Charlie before they left on Friday.
Once at home, Bella decided to send Edward a text. She didn't know if he was home but had missed talking to him today. As she wasn't working tomorrow either, she might not see him until Wednesday. Just listening to his voice would have to suffice for now.
o-o-o-o-o-o
Edward shrugged off his jacket and tossed it tiredly onto his bed. Pushing off his shoes, he loosened his tie as he lay back, closing his eyes. The day had been more hectic than usual and he was feeling it tonight.
He was also missing Bella. She wasn't on duty until Wednesday and he didn't know if he could wait until then to see her. Even though he wouldn't have been able to touch her in the way he wanted to, just her presence would have been enough. Just seeing her would have soothed him.
The image of Bella's beautiful face swam inside his closed eyes, making him smile. He remembered every moment of the time they had spent together since Friday night. Being with her was magic. Every moment with her made him want to be with her even more. Her touch, her smell, her kiss; it was like a slice of his own personal heaven.
Edward could feel his body stir as the memories floated past each other in his head. He was amazed at the level of restraint he was managing to show with her. Every single cell in his body was on fire for her.
His phone vibrated alerting him to a received message. Looking at the screen, he smiled when he saw Bella's name.
Hi. Missed u today. R U home yet?
Making himself comfortable, he dialled her number. Listening to her voice whilst lying in his bed would have to substitute for having her warm, soft body next to him.
"Hi," answered Bella.
"Hi beautiful. I missed you too. I was thinking about you."
"Were you? What were you thinking?"
"I was wishing you were lying here in bed with me," answered Edward. He smiled as he heard her moan softly.
"And what would we be doing?" she asked teasingly.
Edward chuckled softly. "Do you want me to describe it to you? How I would be kissing you all over? How I would slowly remove your clothes until you were laid bare before me? How I would make love you to all night until we were both exhausted? What else would you like me to describe?"
Bella didn't saying anything for a few moments. "I think that's enough for now," she said huskily.
"Yeah, or I'll be cutting this call short to go take a cold shower."
Bella giggled. "I've had few of those since I met you," she admitted.
Edward groaned, his body proving his words weren't a lie. "Let's change the topic, as much as I'm enjoying it."
"Okay," laughed Bella. "How was your day?" she asked, sticking to a safe subject.
"Busy. I'm exhausted."
"Why?" she asked, not able to contain her curiosity where work was concerned.
"Nothing in particular, just a constant flow of work all day. I'm glad I'm not on call."
"How's Chelsea?" Bella hadn't been able to get the young girl out of her mind.
"She's being discharged tomorrow. Physically she's fine but emotionally..." sighed Edward.
"Yeah. What about her baby? Any idea what's happening with him?"
"He's being kept in special care for the time being. I don't know what, if any, decision about his future has been made."
"Poor kid. Poor mother," said Bella sadly.
"We can only hope things work out for the best."
There was silence for a few moments as they thought about Chelsea and her mother.
"What did you do with your day off," asked Edward, wanting to lighten the conversation.
"Oh, spent a large portion of it with your sister."
"Really? Did she give you the third degree?"
"Just about," chuckled Bella. "She basically wanted to know why we didn't spend the whole weekend in bed."
"Why didn't we?" teased Edward.
"Don't start that again," said Bella with mock sternness before laughing again. "Well for a start, I worked most of it, remember?"
"Oh yeah, I seem to recall that small detail. You know, it's not good to upset a pregnant woman. We may have to grant Alice her wish," said Edward.
"About what?"
"About spending the weekend in bed together. We'll have to make sure we fulfil her wishes."
"You have a bit of one track mind, don't you?" laughed Bella
"Only with you." Clearing his throat, Edward continued. "Okay, so was our sex life, or potential sex life, the only topic of conversation?"
"No. She helped me look for a dress to wear to the Ball."
"Find anything?"
"We found something, but I don't know if I can wear it, though."
"Why not?"
"It's very...revealing."
"I like it already," teased Edward.
"Pervert. Seriously though, I don't know. I'll have to think about it although Alice is totally convinced it's perfect for me."
"What's it like?"
"I can't tell you that. I might end up wearing it and I want to surprise you," replied Bella.
"Spoilsport." He heard her giggle, the sound warming his soul.
"You guys have it so easy. It's a choice of black, black, black or black."
"Oh come on! We do have to decide on the tie."
"What tie? It's black dress. You'll wear a bow tie."
"I might decide to wear a colourful bow tie and cummerbund. What do you suggest? Orange? Polka dots?"
"Silly," giggled Bella.
"I'm actually really looking forward to it, you know. I can't wait to be able to dance with you."
"Me either," admitted Bella. "Although I'm a pretty awful dancer. I'll have to make sure I don't maim Forks' newest doctor."
"I'll wear my steel-capped boots, if you like. As long as I get to hold you close, it'll be worth it," said Edward.
"Hope you still feel that way by the end of the night," mumbled Bella.
Edward chuckled at her tone. "Surely, you can't be that bad."
"Outside of work, I can be a bit of klutz."
"I don't believe you. I've never seen you do anything remotely klutzy."
"I don't at work, for some reason. It's weird. But away from it and I'm totally accident prone. Nothing serious, luckily but embarrassing none the less."
"That makes you even more adorable," chuckled Edward. "Until I see it though, I won't believe you."
"Don't say you weren't warned."
"What are you doing tomorrow?" asked Edward, wondering how he was going to get through another day without seeing her.
"I'm coming in for the antenatal class in the evening. You want to come to that?" she teased.
"After being the object of everyone's amusement last week, I think I'll pass."
"Oh what a shame. Chicken!" teased Bella.
"Cluck...cluck...cluck! Yep, I'm a chicken alright. I'm not facing those pregnant women en masse again!"
Bella burst out laughing, her tinkling laugh making him start laughing again. It felt good to just be able to laugh with Bella, even over the silliest thing. He'd never experienced that with a woman, other than his sister. He was just so comfortable with Bella, he could be himself.
Eventually they calmed down. "How about we meet up after the class?" suggested Edward.
"I'd love that," said Bella. "What do you suggest?"
"I'll hang around and we'll get dinner after your class. Bring back some memories."
"Sure will. How about we just pick up some food and bring it back to my place," suggested Bella.
"I like your idea even better," said Edward. "Sounds good. Alone with you, hmm?"
"You don't have a problem with that?"
"No ma'am."
"Good."
"I'd better go. I'll see you tomorrow then," said Edward.
"Ok."
"Bye gorgeous. Sweet dreams," he whispered.
"They will be if you're in them," she replied.
"That's it, I'm heading straight for that shower," grumbled Edward.
"Bye. Don't catch a cold."
"See you tomorrow," said Edward as they hung up.
Edward wasn't kidding about the cold shower. Dragging himself to the bathroom he turned the cold tap on. It helped. For a while.
o-o-o-o-o-o
There was a great deal of disappointment from the ladies in Bella's class when they realised that the dishy Dr Cullen wasn't going to be present.
"Sorry ladies, you'll just to make do with me, I'm afraid," lamented Bella with a smile.
"No offence Bella, but Dr Cullen did get the hormones racing. Like they weren't already!" grinned the mum-to-be.
"None taken. And I happen to agree with you," said Bella in a mock-whisper.
Bella could understand their disappointment better than anyone although she had the delicious prospect of seeing him after this class.
After another enjoyable, laughter-filled class, Bella wished them all goodnight and prepared to meet Edward. She dialled his office to see if he was there.
"Hello, Dr Cullen speaking."
"Hi handsome."
"Hey gorgeous. Class finished?" asked Edward.
"Yep. You ready to leave?"
"Sure am. What did you want to do? We're in two cars."
"Why don't you follow me home, then we'll get something to eat," suggested Bella.
"Sounds good. Meet you outside in five minutes?"
"See you then." Bella locked up and went out to her car.
She didn't have to wait long before she saw Edward come out of the doors. Bella waved to let him know where she was. Edward acknowledged her wave and walked over.
Bella wanted nothing more than to kiss him but they were in the hospital car park where anyone could see them. She settled for giving him a wide smile and welcome.
"Hi."
"I've missed you," said Edward, making Bella melt inside.
"Me too. Shall we go?" she said, a trifle unsteadily.
Edward nodded and headed to his car. Bella waited for him to draw near before pulling out of the car park and driving home, his headlights reflected in her rearview mirror.
Once back at her place, Edward didn't even wait until they were inside before sweeping her into his arms and taking her lips with his.
Bella sighed in relief at being close to him again and held him tight as their lips lingered over each other, tongues dancing.
When they finally broke apart, Edward hugged her tightly. "God, I needed to do that," he whispered into her hair as he reached up to pull the elastic off. As her hair fell down her shoulders, he buried his face in its silken softness.
Bella breathed deeply, inhaling Edward's intoxicating scent and gently kissed his neck. "I've been dying to do that since Sunday."
With a slight groan, Edward kissed her again, the passion building instantly. They were breathless in no time. Bella was faintly surprised to realise that they were still outside.
"Let's go inside, before someone drives by who knows us," suggested Bella.
Edward took her hand and led her up the stairs, their fingers entwined. Bella gave him her keys to unlock the door. Once inside, he led her to the lounge and pulled her down on his lap, resuming where they had left off.
Bella's hands tangled in Edward's hair as their mouths urgently sought the other. She felt his tongue caress her inner lips before he gently sucked her tongue. Bella was burning up in his arms. She was ready to beg him to take her to bed when her stomach emitted a loud rumble, audible to both of them.
Edward stopped and pulled back, grinning. "I think that's our signal to cool things down and get something to eat."
Bella grimaced before nodding. "I suppose so. Come on, I feel like Chinese tonight," she said, standing up and pulling him to his feet. "There's a good place down the road. We can walk. The cold air will probably do us both good."
Hand in hand, they picked up some Chinese food and ate it on her lounge while they watched the day's news on tv. Bella giggled when Edward dropped a large chunk of noodles down his shirt.
Despite the simmering desire that was always close to the surface, they laughed and joked as if they had been friends for years. Edward told her stories about his childhood, making her laugh with his horror stories about Alice.
"No wonder my parents never had any more kids after Alice," he exclaimed as he told her about the time Alice hid a mother cat and her kittens in her room, fearing they'd be tossed back out into the street.
"She found this stray cat who'd recently had a litter of kittens. Alice decided she couldn't be left in the cold Chicago streets and somehow managed to get them home. The cat had obviously been abandoned when the owners realised she was pregnant. Anyway, Alice was afraid that Mom and Dad would tell her to get rid of them, so she hid them in her closet and only let them out when she was there. She would disappear into her room the minute she got home from school and only came out for dinner."
"And your parents never twigged that something was going on?"
"They thought Alice had found a boyfriend and was talking to him all evening. This continued for about three days when Mom noticed Alice's face at dinner. It was covered in red spots. So were her hands. Mom thought she had the measles and got Dad to check her when he came home. Dad took one look at her and said she was covered in flea bites."
"Fleas!"
"Yep. The cats were riddled with them which then spread to her bed, carpet, her clothes. Mom demanded to know where she could have been bitten so badly and Alice was forced to tell them of the cats' presence. Mom marched her upstairs and made her bath each and every cat with flea shampoo, then she had to strip the bed and put her clothes in to wash. It took hours."
"What happened to the cats?"
"They let Alice keep them of course although she gave all away all but one of the kittens to good homes."
"Poor Alice. I can imagine her horror at seeing her face covered in spots!" laughed Bella.
They talked for a while longer before Edward pulled her close again. Their kiss started off playfully but quickly turned passionate and before Bella knew it, she was lying on the lounge, with Edward lying over her, his hands roaming over her hips and torso as he trailed kisses over her cheeks and throat.
Bella had pulled his shirt free of his trousers and was caressing the smooth skin of his back as his lips moved lower, nudging aside the collar of her shirt. Edward reached up and undid the buttons, pushing aside the edges and breathed in sharply as he revealed her body to his gaze.
"God, you are so beautiful," he breathed before kissing the skin between her breasts as his hand gently massaged her cotton covered breast.
Bella gasped in delight at the feel of his hand on her and she couldn't help herself from gently raking her fingernails down his back.
Edward was placing soft butterfly kisses on the curve of her breasts. "I want you so badly, Bella. I ache for you," he murmured against her skin. His finger gently pulled down the cotton material of her bra, exposing her nipple.
Bella's pulse went soaring when Edward leaned over and slowly licked around her nipple before taking it into his mouth and gently suckling on it. His hand was gently kneading the skin of her waist at the same time.
Her breath was coming in short pants by the time Edward moved over to her other breast, giving it his undivided attention. When his hips bucked into her, Bella felt the strength of his erection and some sanity fought to make its way back into her mind.
As much as she wanted Edward to make love to her, she forced herself to tug on his hair. Edward released her nipple and looked up at her, his green eyes darkened with the strength of his desire.
"I'm sorry Bella. I went too far, didn't I?" he grimaced at himself.
Leaning up, Bella kissed him softly. "No, you didn't. I loved it."
"But it's not the right time, is it?" he said.
Bella smiled ruefully and shook her head. Edward covered her breasts up and slowly did up her buttons before sitting up, pulling her up with him.
Resting her head on his shoulder, Bella tried to explain. "I'm sorry Edward."
"Don't be. I promised I'd wait until you were ready and I meant it. It's nothing a cold shower won't take care of," he grinned ruefully.
"It's just not the right time Edward. We both have to be at work tomorrow so you'll need to leave soon. I want to be able to take our time, to know that we can just lie together afterwards, without worrying about the time or work or anything else."
"I understand Bella," he soothed. "And I agree with you. You're too special to have some hasty, rushed affair. I too, want to savour the experience. So don't feel bad. I don't. It's worth a bit of discomfort, to make our first time something to remember."
"Thank you for understanding," said Bella, tears in her eyes. He was so wonderful. Her heart swelled with an emotion she couldn't put a name to yet but it was growing more and more powerful every time they were together. Softly caressing his cheek, Bella looked deeply into his green eyes. "I do want you, you know. I ache for you too."
Edward smiled tenderly and kissed her softly, their lips barely touching but somehow even more sensual than before. Afterwards, they rested their foreheads against each other.
"I'm so happy you came to Forks," whispered Bella.
"I'll always be grateful to Dad for convincing me to come," he replied.
They were quiet for a while after that, just enjoying their closeness. Eventually Edward left, giving her a final passionate kiss as he went.
Bella's last thought as she fell asleep was that she hoped she would dream of him all night long.
o-o-o-o-o-o
A/N: Ok, I'm going to tease you for a little while - I'm enjoying the sexual tension between E & B. Not for too long though, rest assured.
Review and let me now what you think.
