Disclaimer: I do not own twilight

Chapter 10

BPOV

Both Masen and Edward decided to try and have something to eat. I couldn't keep myself from watching Edward. He had a peculiar look on his face almost one of awe but I knew that wouldn't be it. I wasn't sure exactly what he was thinking so I kept my eye on him trying in vain to figure it out.

"This is really good Bella, even better than last time." He said trying unsuccessfully to keep the smile off his face. Holly's face lit up but she didn't say anything she just looked over to me and smiled. Not wanting to give away our secret I just thanked him.

I got the feeling that he knew exactly what he was saying. He must know that Holly helped with dinner and I wondered how much of our conversation he had overheard.

The rest of the week went by quickly. Masen had two soccer practices this week one being on Friday after school. I took Holly home with me while Edward left with Masen. We had just finished making dinner when they got home. Home. I really needed to get a hold of myself. I was allowing myself to become incredibly comfortable with this whole situation. It seems like it was just happening without me giving permission for it to do so.

Even though we haven't spent anytime alone together I was becoming increasingly close to Edward. Could I really allow this to happen? I have lived the last several years taking care of Masen on my own. Knowing full well what happens when I let other people in.

I had evaded it for a long time and now all of the sudden I feel as though I am in a relationship with someone and I had no idea how I even got here. Granted nothing else has happened since the almost kiss. Edward had not tried again but we did talk on the phone at least once a day.

It was hard for me to tell what his feelings were for me. Alice gave her opinion on the matter often and most of the time I didn't even have to ask. Recalling our last conversation "Bella, I know it is harder to see things clearly when you are in the middle of the situation but tell me what you would think if this was someone else and they were asking you for your opinion under the same circumstances?"

So I tried to look at it objectively, and I would find myself going in circles. We talk daily, he spends time with Masen, and I spend time with Holly. We've seen each other several times a week since we met. The almost kiss. But on the other hand he hasn't tried since then, he hasn't asked me out yet. Maybe he just thinks of me as a close friend especially since our kids get along so well.

I suppose the mature thing to do would be just to ask him. Easier said than done. The thought makes me nauseous. What if he wasn't interested? Could I handle that? Or worse what if he was?

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Edward spoke.

"Holly, it's time to take you to your mom's." He was looking a little uncomfortable.

"Oh……..okay." She was kind of quiet. I wondered what she was thinking. We said our goodbyes and she waved to us as they were leaving.

"I'll be right back." Edward said when he was going down the steps. I cleared the table and started the dishes. Ten minutes later Edward was walking through the door. He helped me finish cleaning up before he announced that he had to go.

"I'd better get going. I need to get some work done, I'm a little behind." He said looking at his feet. I wondered what that was about. Was it just an excuse to leave? I could feel the disappointment immediately.

"Oh uh okay." I said walking him back to the living room where Masen was watching TV.

"I have to get going buddy, but I'll be here early tomorrow morning."

"See you tomorrow." Masen said hugging him before turning his attention back to his show.

"Thanks again Edward for helping out with soccer today." For some unknown reason I was starting to blush. He gave me his breathtaking smile and whispered.

"Thanks for teaching Holly to cook." He said with a wink. He wrapped his arms around me hugging me tightly.

"I'll see you in the morning." He said and gave me a kiss on the forehead before leaving.

I didn't get a lot of time to dwell on anything before Masen distracted me.

I fell asleep quickly and woke up to my phone buzzing. I looked at the text message.

Good morning. Are you up? I'm at Dunkin donuts now; I can be there in 20 minutes.

Looking at my clock it was 8:30 in the morning. I knew he said he'd be here early but we don't have to be there until noon. Hitting the reply button I typed out my response.

Good morning to you too. Yes I'm up come over anytime.

I got up and brushed my teeth and threw my hair up into a ponytail. I started a pot of coffee and waited for Edward to arrive.

"I know you said you'd be here early but I didn't expect you before nine."

"Sorry, I was up early and I couldn't wait any longer." He smiled. Such a turn around from last night. Maybe he was just as confused about this whole thing as I am. We talked for a while and I noticed that neither one of us mentioned the kids at all. Before long Masen got up and joined us for breakfast.

The team that they were playing was the division champions last year so everyone was a little nervous. Edward was down on the field again and I was just watching how Masen looked to him constantly.

The pride in Edwards face was unmistakable and in turn Masen couldn't stop smiling. Wow he is so good for him. I can't believe I hadn't put that information into the equation before. Thinking back I should have equated that Masen's change in demeanor was a direct result of having a positive male role model.

I was pulled from my musing when Masen came running over to me throwing his arms around me. Not only had his team won but he scored the winning goal.

Edward wanted to take the kids out for pizza to celebrate. Afterwards as we were getting ready to leave one of Masen's teammates came running over to see if Masen could spend the night at his house. He lived a couple blocks down the street so we went home and gathered his things before dropping him off at his friend's house.

"Thanks for letting Masen spend the night, just call me in the morning and let me know when you want me to pick him up." I told Jared's mom.

"No problem Bella, see you tomorrow." And I turned around to face Edward who was waiting for me on the sidewalk.

"Looks like we have the whole evening to ourselves." Edward smirked.

"Looks like it." He grabbed my hand and held it as we walked the remaining two blocks to get back home.

"Do you have something special planned tonight or can I convince you to let me take you out to dinner?" He kept looking straight ahead but I could see him peering at me out of the corner of his eyes.

"Are you asking me out on a date Mr. Cullen?" I said unsure where I got the courage to ask.

"Only if your answer is yes." He finally looked at me smiling.

"Well then yes dinner would be nice." I said as I unlocked the door.

"Great! I'll be back to pick you up at 6:00." He kissed my hand before releasing it.

"I'll see you then." I shut the door and looked at the clock. He was going to be here at 6:00 so that gave me a few hours. I decided on a bath thinking that might relax me a bit, making sure to shave before I got out.

I wasn't sure how far I wanted to take things tonight but it seems like the rule is if I didn't shave then I would have wished I had. Keeping that in mind I dug into the bottom of my dresser drawer to find my one and only good bra and matching underwear.

My heart was pounding in my chest. I haven't been out with a man in years let alone be physical with one. I decided tonight I would push away my fears and just go with it. I surprised myself to find that I trusted Edward enough to be able to do that.

After fixing my hair and makeup I walked into my closet to find something decent to wear. I was having a hard time making a decision but finally deciding on a dark blue strapless dress that could pass for dressed up or casual depending on if I wore the little sweater that went with it or not.

I had about twenty minutes before Edward got here and I couldn't seem to sit still. I had to force myself to stop pacing around the room so I turned on the TV not really being able to focus on it.

I heard a knock at ten minutes to six. I opened the door and practically drooled when I saw Edward. He had on black slacks with a deep green button down shirt that made his eyes stand out and a black tie.

"You look beautiful Bella." He almost whispered while staring intently at me.

"You look pretty good yourself." He stood there staring for so long that I asked him if he wanted to come in. The sound of my voice seemed to startle him as his eyes refocused.

"These are for you?" he handed me a large bouquet of flowers. Of course they were all my favorites he must have remembered from one of our previous conversations.

"Thank you, they're beautiful." After putting them in a vase I saw that Edward had taken my coat from where I left it on the couch and held it open for me. That was the first time anyone had ever done that.

We parked downtown and I was wondering which restaurant Edward had decided on. Again he held my hand as we walked.

"Have you ever eaten at Sky City before?" He asked as we were nearing the Space Needle.

"Believe it or not I never have." I had always wanted to but it was expensive not that I ever had anyone to go with. The entire restaurant looks out on the city revolving in a circle the entire time.

We rode up to the top taking in the breathtaking view. We were seated at our table near the window. I ordered the Seafood Pasta trying to ignore the 45.00 price. Feeling slightly uncomfortable at expense but also extremely flattered that he would take me to a place like this.

Our conversation flowed effortlessly like always. The food was amazing and I was having an incredible time. After dinner was over we went for a short walk along the water front. This time I reached for Edward's hand first. He smiled in response and held on tightly.

"You know I have wanted to ask you out since the first time I saw you." Edward said as we stopped to look out at the water.

"I think I wanted you to ask me out the first time I saw you."

"You think?" he cocked an eyebrow.

"What I mean is yes I wanted you to ask me out but I was also pretty nervous. I haven't dated since I've been divorced. The whole thing scares me." I said hoping he would understand.

"I understand, it's hard being a single parent. I really had no idea. These last few weeks have really opened my eyes. Its one thing to take a chance when it's just you but knowing it will affect your child too makes things a lot harder. That's one of the reasons why it took me so long to ask."

"I'm glad you did though. Tonight has been amazing Edward. Thank you."

"I'm glad I did too and I'm glad you said yes. I wasn't sure if you were going to."

"And here I thought I was making myself clear."

"I thought that maybe you might be interested but I always seem to second guess myself. I didn't want to mess anything up."

"I thought that maybe the whole Jake thing scared you off."

"Nope, you'll have to try a lot harder if you want to get rid of me." He turned his body to face mine and leaned slowly in to kiss me. It was amazing and sweet. My whole body felt like it was on fire. I felt things from that one kiss that I have never experienced before.

I knew Edward was special but the way he made me feel was unprecedented. I suddenly forgot the reasons why I was so nervous about all of this. We walked a little further along the water before heading back to his car.

The ride home consisted of holding hands and Edward looking over at me every few seconds. When we pulled up to the house I could see his expression change slightly. His brows furrowed and I wondered if he was thinking about whether or not he should come in.

"Would you like to come in?" I asked and he immediately turned off the motor before even looking over to me.

"Yes, thank you." He blushed. We walked in and I took off my coat and shoes putting them in the closet.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Um sure, whatever your having is fine." I went into the kitchen wondering if it was really a good idea that I have anymore wine but still took a bottle and two glasses with me back into the other room.

I rejoined Edward setting our drinks down on the coffee table. I poured us both a glass and we sat in an awkward silence for a minute before I heard Edward speak.

"Thank you for coming out with me tonight Bella. I hope that you will let me take you out again."

"Thank you for inviting me and I would love to go out with you again." He smiled brightly and took a drink. I noticed as we were talking and drinking we moved closer and closer to each other.

I knew that I should have stopped after my second glass but I was just so nervous with the prospect of something physical happening between me and Edward that I poured myself another one. It has been nearly seven years since the last time I'd been with anyone after all.

Half way through my third glass I realized that I was practically sitting on Edwards lap. The alcohol was making me brave and I reached over to him and pulled him close enough to kiss me and put his hand on my thigh.

That move seemed to do the trick because I instantly found myself in a very passionate deep kiss. Edwards hand remained on my leg but didn't move from its spot. Soon I was lying on my back with Edward practically on top of me. His erection pressed hard against my thigh.

We kissed for several more minutes before he finally slowly traced across my collar bone and ghosting over the tops of my breasts. Both of us breathing heavily I pushed Edward away so I could stand up.

He looked at me concerned for a minute before I took his hand and lead him up the stairs. Edward started kissing me again before we even made it into the bedroom. We practically fell onto the bed kissing each other in a frenzied way. Our hands exploring each other's bodies over our clothes.

Then it hit me. Maybe this is too soon. I'm usually much more responsible than this. And then I remembered the kids. I didn't want to mess this up before it got started. As I pulled back from Edward I heard his voice at the same time I spoke.

"Maybe we should slow down." We said at the same time. We both laughed at the situation.

"It's not that I don't want to be with you Bella. I just really want this to work out and considering the kids we should probably take things slowly."

"I was thinking the same thing Edward." I was so glad that at least we were on the same page but also disappointed that my good bra and underwear were not going to be seen tonight.

Edward started to stand up but I reached for his hand keeping him from leaving.

"You don't have to leave. I mean you probably shouldn't be driving anyway and well we could you know….. Just cuddle?" I felt stupid asking.

"There is nothing more that I would rather do." He said rubbing his thumb across my hand.

"You still have clothes here from before." I went to my dresser and pulled out a t-shirt and shorts for him. I changed in the bathroom before climbing into bed. Edward turned off the light and joined me.

I rested my head on his chest while he held me as we both fell asleep.