Wine glasses…check.

Chilled bottle of wine in insulated bag…check.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches…check.

Cheese cubes…check.

Fresh Fruit…check.

Whipped Cream, also in insulated bag…check.

Red Velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting…check.

It's been one of those weeks where I thought Friday would never get here, and now that it's arrived, I can't imagine where the time flew. I rummage through the kitchen for a few last minute supplies that I need to pack in my basket. Masen should be here soon and I want to be totally ready. Earlier I stowed away some extra blankets and pillows in the back seat of the truck to keep from having so much to carry when he arrives. I wanted to keep that part of the picnic a surprise, but there's just no way to hide that shit.

He has been so sweet all week, texting me every morning:

Tuesday - It's a beautiful morning, only eclipsed by you.

Wednesday - Happy Wednesday! Two more days til I see you again!

Thursday - Morning, gorgeous! Guess who you get to see tomorrow?

Friday - You awake? Can't wait to see you tonight!

But it's the phone calls every evening that I look forward to the most. The husky timbre of his voice shoots like a dart straight to my core. Every. Damn. Time. I'm amazed at how much we have to talk about. He shares stories of his adventurous military days and epic tales of his travels abroad. He regales me with heart warming memories of Ashlyn from when she was a child and voices his hopes and concerns now that she is an adult. I can clearly hear how proud he is of her, how important she is to him, how close they are. I always knew he would make a fantastic dad.

Never one to monopolize the conversation, he manages to pull out memories and details of my life since we went our separate ways. There will never be a time when I can't find something funny, loving, and memorable to share about my children. Of course, I have to reiterate how important the girls are to me, but he already knows that. I find it so easy to share with him, to speak about my dreams and my fears of the future. Each day I find more dreams and less fear as he infiltrates the murky depths of my heart. I try to minimize my doubts and insecurities, my failures and faults, and emphasize the good, the positives – but he always sees through my smoke and mirrors. He is a dose of medicine to my weary heart, mending the pieces one at a time, showing me a better perspective and a brighter outlook.

There are no awkward silences between us. Ever. Sometimes I hear the voice of the carefree boy I fell in love with so many years ago, and other times I am mesmerized by the new mysterious man I'm just getting to know. It's pretty damn hard to remember we're trying to take this slow. Or why. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up without going up in flames.

Tablecloth…check.

Napkins & plates…check.

Votives, citronella candles, matches…check.

Corkscrew…check.

IPod with specially selected playlist…check.

Lantern…check.

Wednesday night all my girls came over for greasy pizza, yummy, and a chick flick. During the night's conversations they discovered my plans for a picnic and immediately offered suggestions. Every detail, from what we ate, to what I wore, to what we listened to, was discussed in excruciating detail. I don't know who was more excited, them or me. Thank God for such good friends! We discussed all the "what if's" until I thought I'd die of embarrassment. And anticipation. And laughter. Of course, Rose and Jess had much more "intimate" suggestions, God bless 'em. Some of them I'll never have the nerve to attempt, but others…I can only hope and pray!

I close the basket and turn the clasp, securing the lid and set it next to the door just as my text ringtone goes off.

I'm here. Need me to come up and help carry anything?

I've got it. Thanks! I'll be there in 2 minutes!

I run my hand through my hair to make sure it's in order, check myself in the hall mirror, and grab the basket, locking the door behind me. The elevator runs slower than usual giving me too much time to get nervous. Butterflies invade my stomach and I take a couple of deep breaths to make the lightheadedness pass. Damn. I haven't felt this way about a man…well…since him.

I'm almost to the truck when I notice him leaning against the tailgate. Holy Mother of All Things Sexy, he's hot. Wearing jeans and a snug fitting teal t-shirt with Vans, he exudes casual confidence. How is he not aware of the effect he has on women? More important is the effect he is having on my panties, which were nice and dry on the elevator ride down. Not so much anymore….

He looks up as I approach the truck and I blush as his eyes travel from my head to my feet and back again. Feeling flirty, I slowly twirl around so he can inspect the whole package. His low whistle boosts my ego, making me thankful for Alice's input about tonight's attire. I'm wearing a pair of white shorts and an off the shoulder peasant blouse in an army green paisley print with mustard flats and earrings.

"Beautiful. We are going on a picnic, right?"

"We are."

"You look good enough to eat. Are you on the menu?" He cocks his eyebrow just so, tormenting me further. Saucy man.

My blush completely takes over and makes its way past my neck while the butterflies in my stomach kick it up a notch. Or ten. Or a thousand.

"You're blushing again, Bella. Did I say something inappropriate?" His smirk is unbelievably sexy and I shove the basket towards him for diversion. Inappropriate, my ass. He and I both know where my mind just went.

"Not at all. Can you set that in the truck, please?" To prove how unaffected I am by his comment I cock my own eyebrow and take my time inspecting every inch of him…slowly…I hope I pull it off. "Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Cullen. You look quite delectable yourself. However, further discussion of the menu is off limits."

I unlock the truck and open the door, stepping to the side as he sets the basket on the back seat.

"What's with all the blankets and pillows? Looks like you're planning a sleep over." I attempt to step around him and avoid his question at the same time. He turns and grabs my arm before I can walk away, pulling me close against him. He leans down and whispers in my ear, "Am I invited?" Fuck. Me. Now. His breath is minty and blows tantalizingly into my ear making my mouth water and my thighs clench together.

Putting my hands on his chest to brace myself, I take a deep breath to collect my wits, and damn if I'm not intoxicated by his scent. Clean, fresh citrus, warm sunshine and a dash of fruity sweetness. I'd recognize Aqua DiGio anywhere! Liquid Panty Remover. Shit! I want to lick him. Now.

I roll my eyes and slap at his arm trying to maintain a semblance of sanity, while every bone in my body screams to jump him right here in the parking garage. His laugh rumbles deep, causing tingly, tickly feelings across my chest. I take a breath and pray he can't feel the beat of my racing heart against my ribcage.

"There is no sleep over planned for tonight, Masen. Quit asking questions! I told you we're going on a picnic under the stars. The rest of the evening is on a need to know basis. When you need to know, I'll tell you. Okay?"

I look up at him and smile, batting my eyes playfully. He smiles back, a lazy grin, and nods his head, conceding this one time to my plea.

"Okay. For now. But I've never been good at following rules, you know that. So if I keep asking, don't get upset. That's just who I am. Now, while I have your undivided attention, it's been five whole days since I've seen you. I want to kiss you. May I?"

As if he has to ask. My panties are sopping wet and my lady bits scream "kiss me right HERE, handsome." I'm a hussy. I own it.

"Yes, please." My voice breaks as the oxygen in my lungs disappears. I hope he doesn't notice.

The moment his lips touch mine I am transported to a world where no one else exists and nothing else matters. His touch is perfection, the pads of his thumbs trace a path across my jaw, and warm lips plant soft, wet kisses on my mouth before his tongue glides across my bottom lip. Eager to taste him, I open up and take him in. Our tongues dance slow and sensual to the rhythm of our hearts.

I forgot just how thoroughly his kisses affect my body. It's like…Déjà vu.

Too soon, he plants three soft kisses across my lips and pulls away. A small groan escapes before I can regroup, and my hands tighten their grasp on his shirt causing him to chuckle.

"I believe we have a picnic to attend and you are my chauffeur tonight, sweetheart. Let's get this date started before I change my mind and take you upstairs and do all kinds of naughty things to you. I'm curious to find out if my memory is correct about just how far down that blush travels. If you don't want that to happen right now, I suggest we get in the truck and be on our way."

Thoughts of all the ways I want him to be naughty invade my mind and I have to force myself to focus on the task at hand. What were we doing? Oh, right. The picnic. A date. Slow. Shit. Climb into the truck. Fuck the picnic. Start the truck. Take him NOW. Pull out of the parking lot. Shit, I'm throbbing. My mind is foggy with lust and it takes me several minutes to regroup.

Twenty minutes later we reach our destination. Masen smiles and glances around before looking at me.

"I should have known you'd bring me here."

"You don't like it? Want to leave?"

"Hell, no! I love it. It's perfect. It's where I met you, and if memory serves me correct, I stole my first kiss from you. Anywhere that reminds me of us is fine with me."

The summer before my senior year of high school, Jess and Alice were invited to a tail gate party by her brother Emmett and some of his friends. They begged me to go with them, and since I had no other plans, I agreed. The party was held in the field behind the landing strip to the local airport. I've always been fascinated by airplanes, so this was a plus for me. There were several vehicles parked in the field, music blaring, food and alcohol in abundance. I saw many faces I recognized from school and a few unfamiliar ones as well. Later in the evening, I went to grab a bottle of water out of one of the coolers. While I was digging around for a real cold bottle someone asked if I would mind getting one for them while I was at it. I lifted up a bottle and smiled, peering into the most beautiful green eyes I had ever seen. He smiled lazily and offered his thanks before strolling back towards the crowd.

I contemplated burying my head in the ice chest to cool myself off, but opted to down the entire bottle of water in one gulp instead. My memories of the rest of the evening are limited as I spent most of my time looking for the guy with the gorgeous eyes. It was not hard to do as he seemed to be good friends with Emmett, and pretty much drifted around the perimeter of our tailgate. Much later, everyone began picking up and preparing to leave. Mr. Green Eyes walked over to me and introduced himself as Masen. He smiled and offered to pick up the trash if I would carry the bag for him. Laughing, I told him my name was Bella and would be glad to help.

As we walked around, he told me that he had been watching me all night and I was the prettiest girl there. I was sure it was a line he used on all the girls, but it was nice to hear anyway. Young and naïve, I thanked him and let the conversation lapse. When our bag was full, we walked back to Emmett's truck and he tossed it up into the bed. Everyone else was still busy gathering items and packing stuff away, leaving us alone by the truck for a few minutes.

I had never had a boyfriend and my experience in the dating department was non-existent. I didn't know how to act around guys, so I pretty much stayed close to my girlfriends when we were out and about. Being alone with Masen made me feel all jittery, but not in a bad way. He sat next to me on the edge of the tailgate and reached his hand out to tuck a wayward strand of hair behind my ear. That first touch intrinsically tied me to him for life. I stared at him in all of my glorious awkwardness, enchanted by this mystical creature that had suddenly entered my small world. He leaned towards me and softly placed a kiss on my lips and I knew right then that I belonged to him. Always.

The roar of an airplane brings me back to the present. I smile at my own recollection of that memory and the smugness in his voice. Men! "Mhm. Just checking. Now, get out and help me unload some of this stuff. Please."

He grabs the basket out of the back while I toss the blankets and pillows from the back seat into the bed of the truck.

"Where do you want me to put this?"

"Next to that big tree over there. And would you mind hanging and lighting the lantern? I think it'll hang just right on that low branch." I point in the direction I want him to go and climb into the bed of the truck to sort out the blankets, piling the pillows up against the cab.

Satisfied that the cab is comfy and cozy for stargazing later on, I slowly crawl backwards towards the tailgate. Two very large hands surround my waist and pull me off before I can turn and swing my legs down. I squeal as a jolt of adrenaline surges through me at the sensation of falling before I am slammed against a marble wall. Oh, wait. That's just his chest.

"Put me down!" I'm laughing because I'm all kinds of ticklish. Everywhere! Ridiculous, I know.

"If you insist." Masen slowly releases me, allowing me to slide down his body until my feet can touch the ground. "All better?"

"Yep." I refuse to take the bait. If we don't get started, my picnic will be ruined.

Grabbing his hand I pull him towards the basket. I shake the tablecloth out and spread it out on the ground. Patting a spot on the other side of the basket, I dictate, "Sit." I set the candles into the votives, light them and place them on the ground at the edges of the tablecloth.

Pulling out the wine and the corkscrew, I hand them to him. "Would you do the honors?"

"Yes, ma'am," he drawls in a fake, but sexy as hell, southern accent.

Taking out the wine glasses, I hold them up for him to pour the wine into. He nestles the cork back into the bottle and takes one of the glasses from me.

"I'd like to make a toast, please." I nod my approval and he continues. "To my beautiful, beautiful Bella. To a night of delicious food, sweet wine and a sky full of stars. To new beginnings, promises fulfilled, and dreams come to life."

His words spill over me like warm honey, from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. My heart pounds until I am certain he can hear each beat. I stare at him trying to memorize every second of this moment. I tip my glass towards him and lamely utter, "Ditto."

I take a sip to calm my erratic heart and proceed to set out the food. I packed everything so that no silverware would be required. We grab sandwiches and place bowls of cheese, fruit and whipped cream so that they are accessible to both of us.

"God. This is so good. Did you make the sandwiches yourself?"

"Mhm." My mouth is full, so I nod my head.

"I could get used to this." He grabs another sandwich and proceeds to annihilate it.

I just smile and wink at him before taking another bite. I grab a couple of cheese cubes and pop them into my mouth one at a time, enjoying the sharp, smoky goodness of the cheese after the savory sandwich. Taking another sip of wine, I reach for a strawberry and dip it into cream before shoving the entire thing into my mouth.

"Um, you've got some, um, some…" Masen points to my mouth, then to his, indicating where the "something" is.

I reach out my tongue and lick the side where he indicated.

"God, Bella."

"Did I get it?"

"Yes. At least, most of it. Here, let me." He sits up and leans towards me, his finger gently swiping the side of my mouth. Popping his finger into his own mouth, he proceeds to suck it clean, then smiles at me with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

I swallow. That's hot. Damn hot.

I choose a wedge of watermelon and take a bite, slurping at the juice as it drips down my chin and his eyes glaze over.

"What? What did I do this time?" I bat my eyes feigning innocence.

"I'm dying over here, Bella. You're killing me."

Rolling my eyes, I wipe my chin off with a napkin. Grinning, I raise one of the cupcakes to my lips and slowly lick the cream off before biting into it and swallowing. I swirl the tip of my tongue lightly across the icing before plunging it into the thick creamy sweetness and drawing it into my mouth.

"Mmmmm." Yes, I am wicked. I like being wicked. It's fun. I lick my lips.

Masen closes his eyes and groans before shifting to a more comfortable position.

"Are you deliberately trying to provoke me? Because if you are, it's working."

I laugh quietly before turning unrepentant eyes towards him. "Good. That serves you right for tormenting me when you knew I had to drive. Are you finished, or would you like a cupcake?" I love teasing him.

"I'm finished. Ready to clean up?" I am proud of myself that I managed to say that with a straight face.

"Yep. Let's just toss everything back into the basket and I'll put it in the cab. I think it's finally dark enough to see the stars."

We climb into the bed of the truck, now cushioned by the thick, soft comforters I nested earlier and rest our heads against the pillows. He reaches over to pull me close to him, slipping his arm beneath my head before grabbing my hand with his free one and twining his fingers with mine. The runway is busy tonight, the lights of planes circling above waiting for their turn to land or slowly fading away into the night as they make their way to far away places.

Masen takes the time to point out the various constellations and tell me the tales of each one. I lay there quietly, speaking only when asked a question, content to let the cool of the evening, the warmth of his body and the tone of his voice sooth away the cares of the past week.

I feel him roll towards me and realize he's been quiet for too long. I look up to find him staring at me.

"What?"

He shakes his head. "It's nothing, really. I'm just trying to imprint you on my mind so that I can forever remember how beautiful you are right at this moment. Is that okay?"

I smile and nod quietly, wondering if he realizes I've done the same thing to him on more than one occasion.

"You make it sound as if you won't have the chance to see me again," I tease.

"We never know what the future holds, Bella. There are some things we have no control over."

Immediately I am reminded of the loss of his wife and realize how insensitive I have been.

"I'm sorry, Masen. I wasn't thinking. I didn't mean it like that. I only meant to tease you a little. Forgive me, please?"

"You're forgiven, baby. You have nothing to apologize for, though. I've just learned to never take things for granted. Or people. Or opportunities."

His fingers ghost across my cheek, tucking my hair behind my ear before drawing down the length of my neck. My breath catches in my throat as his eyes lock with mine. Unable to break his gaze, I reach up and trace the planes of his face with my fingers, burning him into my fingertips.

He leans into me, simultaneously drawing me closer until there is no space left between us. Lowering his head, his lips skate across my own before following the path previously traveled by his hand. Time wavers, each second stretched to the breaking point. I feel as though he is everywhere at once and yet he can't move fast enough.

His hands caress, taking in the fullness of my breast and teasing the peaks through the layers of fabric that separate us. He kisses me again, tasting and drawing from me an ache that yearns to be soothed. I roll to my back, pulling him with me before running my hands into those delicious copper strands, twisting and locking them around my fingers.

Soon there is nothing between us but scraps of lace and cotton. Deliberate and slow, he touches and tastes me in hollows and swells he discovered years ago. My back arches as he grinds against me in agonizing deliciousness.

"I want you, Masen. Now."

"Fuck, Bella. I want you, too. So damn bad. You have no fucking idea how hard it is for me to resist you."

"Then don't."

"I'm not prepared, baby. I knew this might happen, and I deliberately didn't come prepared."

I instantly freeze. "Why."

"Not for any of the crazy reasons floating around in that beautiful head of yours, that's for damn sure."

"Then tell me why. I need to know. I need to hear it."

"I told you not to make any plans for tomorrow and Sunday, right?"

I nod.

"Did you?"

I shake my head.

"Good. I want you to come home with me, Bella. Spend the weekend with me at my place. I need the weekend to show you how you deserve to be loved. I want to make long, slow, passionate love to you. I want to fall asleep with you, sated and spent. I want to wake up with you and make love all over again. I want to feed you, watch you sleep, curl up behind you, shower with you, watch mindless TV with you, and talk until the wee hours of the morning with you. And I want to make love to you again. And then I want to fuck you. Hard. And then I want to start all over."

Before he can continue, I grab his face and pull him to me, kissing him with every ounce of passion I can pour into him. I can't get enough of this man.

I come up for air and make him an offer I hope he cannot refuse.

"I agree to go home with you and spend the weekend with you, but I have a couple of conditions."

He looks at me warily. "Okay. Tell me."

"First of all, Jack has to come. I can't leave him alone for that long."

"No problem."

"Secondly, I need to let the girls know where I'll be so they don't freak out and send a search party, or worse – call my kids and tell them I'm missing."

"Fine."

"Last of all, and this is the most important condition, I want to taste you. Here. Now. Before we leave tonight."

Masen buries his head into the crook of my neck and groans. "I think I can handle that." He looks up at me. "As long as you allow me the same pleasure."