AN: What? An update? Gah! Yes, it's been a while since I've updated, and for that I'm sorry. I really lost my mojo. It's that simple. I'm not sure if it's back yet, so let me know, will ya? Many thanks to any of you who have stayed with me through my hiatus. I've received many encouraging words urging me to continue, and for that I'm very grateful.

Many thanks to imdominating for being a loyal beta, and fabulous friend. I can't wait to see you soon and get my hands on your sticky buns! *mwah*. More thanks go out to Shiseido7 and magnessina for reading and not hating it.

SM owns the characters. I own a mostly-empty bag of dark chocolate Chex Mix. NOMZ!

~x~

EPOV

Fuck, that was such a dickhead move. I just walked away. I fucking walked away after telling her, in front of fucking Newton, that I loved her. Fuck, why couldn't I have waited for tonight? Tonight it would have been perfect. But I fucked it up. Way to go, shit-hook...

~x~

BPOV

Did he just say what I thought he said?

I stood there, my feet frozen to the floor, my mouth agape. He just fucking walked away after saying that? I didn't know what to think. My head was spinning. I knew Edward was overprotective of me in regard to Mike being around, but he didn't have to throw around false declarations just to prove a point. Why did he have to say it in front of Newton? If he'd said it earlier in my office, or later this evening when we were alone, I wouldn't have hesitated to take him at his word. But the possessiveness he showed earlier made me wonder if he was simply posturing to lay claim to me in front of another man. That thought made me ill.

"I'll see you tonight. I love you, Bella." The words echoed in my ears, tumbling and mingling until they no longer made sense. I mean, it just didn't fucking make sense. I didn't even really know what the hell he saw in me in the first place. I was just an average girl. I don't have any amazing talents, or attributes. I'm clumsy and goofy, and I idolize a fucking fictional boy wizard! How lame is that?

Even if none of that bothered him, we'd only known each other for a few days. Not weeks, or even months. He couldn't love me already, could he? I thought back to the look on his face and the expression in his eyes. There was no deception there. Nothing that even hinted to me that he was joking or that he'd take it back. He looked completely sincere.

With all of those thoughts swirling around in my mind, I was more confused than ever before.

I hadn't moved an inch since Edward left. I must have looked like I'd been frozen in carbonite or something. Thankfully, Angela cleared her throat, snapping me from my quite obvious mental sabbatical. I looked at Mike, his face was crestfallen, and he appeared to be a little stunned himself. Perhaps it would finally sink in that I was neither available, nor interested. I turned to Angela and asked her to hold all of my calls while I was in the meeting. All of them. I wasn't sure if Edward would try to interrupt us, but I really didn't want to talk to him just yet anyway. I was extremely bothered that he could just leave me standing there after dropping such a ginormous bomb.

I asked Mike to join me in my office so we could get on with our meeting, and I gestured for him to sit down in the chair opposite mine. I blushed just looking at my desk, remembering back to what happened not even an hour earlier. I had to force those thoughts of Edward out of my head if I had any chance of getting through the rest of the afternoon. Before I had the chance to open my mouth, Mike spoke up.

"So, Cullen, huh?" He asked nervously. He looked at his hand, still gripping the bunch of flowers. A look of embarrassment and defeat washed over his face and he chucked the flowers into the waste basket. A little part of me felt bad for him. I know what it's like to get your hopes dashed.

"Look, Mr. Newton" I started. I didn't really know what I wanted to say exactly, but I knew I needed to address the situation. "You and I have a business relationship, and only a business relationship. I am going to keep the details of my personal life separate from that of my professional life. I would appreciate it if you did the same." Mike nodded his agreement. "Great, then let's get on with the meeting, shall we?"

Over the next ninety minutes we hashed out the details of the Newton's new ad campaign. It was a bit awkward at first, but we quickly moved on and focused on our job. Once our meeting had finished, I escorted Mr. Newton out of my office. As soon as my door opened my eyes were immediately drawn to some flowers on Angela's desk, and they weren't calla lillies.

The biggest bouquet of deep-crimson roses, in what appeared to be a very large, and very beautiful crystal vase, resided on Angela's desk. There must've been no less than five dozen roses there, intermingled with baby's breath. There was no questioning whom these were from.

I bade farewell to Mike and walked over to speak with Angela. Oh, who was I kidding, I wanted to read the damn card. I quickly sought out the white envelope, easily contrasted against the blood red roses. My heart pounded in my ears and I could feel the blood coursing through my body, pulsating in time with my heart. With a shaking hand I picked up the card and opened it. There, in Edward's perfect manuscript read,

It was the wrong place, wrong time, and the wrong audience,
but the words were so very right.
I'll see you tonight.
Love, Edward

A smoky haze of emotions clouded my vision, blocking everything from sight. Instead, all I could focus on was the image of Edward's face as he kissed me good-bye and the truth behind his eyes.

Edward loved me.

I felt damp tears stream down my face. My shoulders started to quake and before I knew it, all of the emotion I'd been holding in for the past two hours came flooding out as I turned into a puddle of saline before my assistant's eyes. Angela quickly wrapped me in her arms and guided me into my office so I could have my breakdown in privacy.

"Bella, sweetie, what's the matter?" Angela asked in soothing, nurturing tone.

I couldn't yet form words so I just shook my head and handed her the card that accompanied the flowers. After quickly reading the note, Angela looked at me with a confused look on her face.

"I don't understand, Bella. He loves you. I thought you were crazy about him. What am I missing here?"

"Five days, Angela. We've only known each other for five days. He can't be in love with me." A fresh round of tears escaped my eyes and I continued, "Everything's happened so fast, Ang. I don't know what to make of it all."

I went on to explain to her in greater detail about the past few days with Edward. I told her more about the debaucherous breakfast date we had, and how astounded I was that he'd never seen Harry Potter. How I disclosed to him about my obsession and he didn't run for the hills, but offered to watch the next movie. And then I told her that I sucked him off because it was just so fucking sweet that he would do that for me.

"Wait, you gave him head because he was willing to watch Harry Potter with you?" Angela asked incredulously, and I sheepishly nodded my head in the affirmative. It really did sound pathetic when I stopped to think about it. Given the chance though, I'd probably do it again.

I'm pretty sure Angela rolled her eyes and muttered 'potterhead' under her breath.

I continued on about the phone call from Tanya, and how I was literally sick over it. I explained that it was all just a big misunderstanding, but that Edward had never once made me feel bad about my initial reaction. He listened intently while I told him about my past relationships and how negatively I was affected by them. He took in everything I said and didn't judge me for it. Instead he took me in to my bedroom and made love to me.

As if lightening had struck my brain, I realized that Edward had been showing me his love all along. Every touch, every kiss was an expression of love. I just didn't think to look at it that way. I was quiet for a few moments as I processed these new thoughts.

Angela looked at me discerningly before she spoke, "Bella, do you think that maybe you're so freaked out because you feel the same way about him?"

I sat there like a codfish, my mouth opening and closing, but no actual words came out. Angela merely giggled at my state of utter obliviousness.

"Think about it, Bella. Just listen to what your heart is telling you. It doesn't matter that you don't know his favorite color, or favorite food. How does Edward make you feel?"

I wasn't sure how I felt, to be quite honest. I knew that I felt wonderful whenever Edward was near me. He made me smile, he made me feel lighter than air, like I didn't have a care in the world. I was incredibly happy when I was with him, and I cared about his happiness too.

"Loved," I said so softly it was barely a whisper. "He makes me feel loved." Now smiling, I wiped the tears from my eyes and gazed up at my friend. "I think I love him too, I just wish I knew more about him."

I thought back to my years with Jacob. After all, I'd known every little thing about him, but that didn't change the fact that we weren't right for each other.

That's the difference. Being with Edward feels right. I'd felt more for Edward in these past few days than I ever did for Jacob.

"There's time for that, Bella," Angela said bringing me back into the conversation, "but for now, I think you need to put on your big girl underoos, clean yourself up, and go tell that gorgeous hunk of man-meat how you feel." Angela pulled me up from my chair, gave me a big hug, and patted me on the back.

"I think Edward is the real deal, Bella," she said as she broke our embrace. "You should have seen him when he walked in this morning, looking all manly and delicious. He was carrying my calla lillies, and I automatically assumed they were for you. I told him you'd love them. When he said they were for me, as a 'thank you' for giving you the spa package, he got all concerned that he didn't bring you flowers as well, then he promised himself he'd send some as soon as he left."

"So he didn't send them just to twist Newton's panties?" I asked while a small smile pulled at the corner of my mouth.

"Is that what you thought?" Angela laughed out loud and said, "No, they were thought up before the giant pissing contest. Although, after he caught an eye-full of the bouquet Mr. Newton brought you, I think I can safely say that he might have gone a tad bit over-the-top, just to prove that 'his is bigger'."

"I know I've been saying this a lot lately, but I don't know what I'd do without you, Ang."

"Yeah, I am pretty fantastic," she deadpanned. "Now, get going. You pulled a late-nighter yesterday, so you're fine taking off early today."

"Thanks, Ang," I said as I gathered up my belongings. We walked out of my office, I locked up, and walked Angela back to her desk where I picked up the behemoth flower arrangement from Edward. Damn this fucker is heavy. That vase was definitely real fucking crystal.

I made it home in record time, and even managed to find some princess parking right in front of my building. I carried the vase into my bedroom, set it on the dresser, and for the first time that day, I really stopped to smell the roses. It occurred to me then that I hadn't yet thanked Edward for them. I wasn't quite sure whether I should call him or send him a text.

I totally chickened out and went with the latter.

After digging out my phone from the depths of my purse, I typed out a message.

Meeting is adjourned and I'm home for the day
You, sir, have some explaining to do - B

Did Newton keep his hands to himself,
Or do I need to rip his arms off?
Also, did you like the flowers? - E

Flowers? I didn't see any flowers ;) - B

I knew it wasn't very nice to tease him like that, especially after Angela told me how worried he was earlier when dropping off her flowers. Less than thirty seconds later, the phone buzzed in my hand.

"Hello."

"You didn't get the flowers?" He practically screamed in panic. "I got confirmation that they were delivered several hours ago." Poor Edward, he sounded so distressed.

"Relax, Edward. I was only teasing you. I couldn't help but see them! And they're beautiful, thank you." My voice got recognizably softer as I continued, "I also read the note."

I heard Edward suck in his breath, then he cleared his throat. "Y-you did?" He stuttered.

"I did. We really need to talk about this, but I don't want to do it over the phone. I'm going to get showered and then I'll be over soon, okay?" I really didn't want to tell Edward that I loved him while on the phone.

We quickly said good-bye so I could get my shit together, because neither of us could wait much longer to see one another. I took the fastest shower ever, and I even managed to shave my legs and pits. My lady business was still soft and smooth from the expert waxing that Alice did. That woman was gifted. Of course she shared DNA with Edward and he has magic-fucking-hands so I really don't know why I'd expect any less from Alice.

I opted not to worry about my hair and just twisted it up still damp. I put on a light dusting of makeup, threw together an overnight bag and picked out clothes for tomorrow. Bishop was giving me a disgruntled look, he clearly disapproved of me sleeping away from my apartment for the evening. Cecilia wouldn't care either way as long as she had a full food dish.

"I know, Bish. I'm sorry that you'll have to sleep in a cold bed tonight, but I'm going to fuck the sexiest man alive, who just happens to be in love with me. So I guess I'm not really all that sorry." Jesus, I was talking to my cat. I needed to get the fuck out of here.

I was a ball of nervous energy on the drive over to Edward's. He'd given me his address, and I plugged it into my Droid. The drive went quickly and before I knew it I had pulled up in front of Edward's building and parked in 'visitor' parking. Yeesh, this is fancy, I thought to myself. I knew Edward and his family weren't lacking in the financial department, but wow, this place looked so fancy schmancy.

After walking inside, I was greeted by a kind looking man who asked if he could help me.

"My name is Bella Swan and I'm here to see Mr. Edward Cullen, please, sir." My cheeks warmed as a blush crawled up my face. "He's expecting me," I added.

"Certainly, Ms. Swan," he said as tipped his cap to me. "Mr. Cullen alerted us of your arrival. Elevators are straight ahead, he's on the top floor. Have a wonderful evening, Miss."

The freaking penthouse? If it were possible, I was even more flustered now than when I'd arrived. Edward neglected to tell me he lived in the penthouse of one of Seattle's most illustrious buildings.

I found myself in front of Edward's door with my hand raised and ready to knock when it opened on its own.

There stood Edward looking as delectable as ever. He was freshly showered and his hair was damp and falling in his eyes. The black v-neck was back as well as those sexy jeans. Scanning lower I found his barefooted toes that were long enough to stroke my soul. Fuck, every part of him is beautiful.

"Hi," was all he said, and I responded in kind only seconds before he had me in his arms and he took my lips with his. He kissed me with such a frenzied passion. I felt his hands on me everywhere all at once. I was no longer breathing oxygen, I was only breathing Edward.

We finally broke apart, both of us panting, surrounded by lust and need for one another. I looked into Edward's eyes. They blazed with an intensity I had never known before because I had never known his love before.

All of the doubt and uncertainty I'd harbored earlier when talking with Angela was forgotten. There was no doubt in my mind that I was in love with Edward, and I knew deep in my soul that he felt the same about me. So what are you waiting for... tell him, my conscious mind urged, but Edward spoke up first.

"Bella, my love, I owe you an apology."

"Edward, no-" I tried to interject.

"Please, hear me out." He took a deep breath and looked me square in the eyes, silently asking me to let him continue without interruption. "I won't apologize for saying 'I love you'; that would make me a blasphemer, because to deny my love for you is tantamount to denying God above. I won't deny that seeing Newton there with flowers for you pissed me the fuck off, but he's not the reason I said it. I said it-" Edward was stumbling on his words and tugged on his copper hair. "I said it because I just couldn't not say it."

He rubbed at his eyes with the heels of both hands. "I guess I'm not making any sense." His head hung down, and his shoulders slumped in defeat. "I understand if it was all too much for you to deal with, or if you need some distance." He was just as flustered as he was that first night after my massage, when he'd ran out into the parking lot in his bare feet to ask me out.

The sight of his slouched form was heartbreaking, and I wouldn't allow him to continue to feel that way.

"Edward, look at me," I commanded more sternly than I'd intended, but he looked up. I softened my tone and continued while gently taking his face in my hands. "I owe you an apology also".

Edward tried to cut me off, but I held up my hand to his mouth.

"It's my turn now. I listened to you, and I need you to hear me out as well." I took some slow, steady breaths to control my pounding heart from beating out of my chest. "I'll admit that I was absolutely shocked by your admission and I doubted your words all afternoon. I doubted in us," I said, gesturing with my hand before placing it over his heart. "And for that, Edward, I am truly sorry."

I couldn't stop the tears from filling the brim of my eyes, the surface tension of the liquid finally breaking as they streamed down my cheeks. Edward enveloped me in his arms in a tender, loving embrace. "Shh, don't cry, my beautiful Bella."

I lifted my head to look at Edward, and half jokingly - half seriously, said, "I think you're going to find that I cry at just about everything. That's something you'll have to get used to, honey, because I'm not going anywhere." I said those last few words with extra emphasis, just to ensure that Edward caught my meaning.

The expression on Edward's face was that of pure joy, and he beamed as he asked, "So does that mean you're going to stay with me tonight?"

I couldn't help but giggle at his authentic happiness. "You couldn't kick me out if you tried," I quipped.

"I'd never even consider attempting such a thing," His voice was oozing with sexual desire for me, which only served to make me wet between my thighs.

I let out a quivering moan as his lips ghosted across my neck, causing my skin to pebble.

"Edward, there's just one more thing I'd like to say to you before I fuck you silly on your comfy-looking couch over there."

"Oh yeah? And what's that, love?" He asked, with his cheek pressed against mine, his words tickling my earlobes. I could feel the heat radiating off of his body as it pressed against mine with barely a hair's width of space between us.

"I love you."

~x~

AN2: Yeah, yeah... I know, I didn't write the lemon. Let the flaming begin. If you're good, and I get lots of reviews, then I'll add one to the start of the next chapter. Deal?

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