Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to the brilliant Stephenie Meyer.

Thank you all so much for your sweet reviews and support for this little drabble.

Chapter 10

"Edward, I know we just met. I mean we're strangers really." Yes, I'm rambling, but this man and this question unnerve me.

He shifts, whispering in my ear again, practically nuzzling my neck as he asks, "What is it sweet darlin? Tell me, please."

I sigh and just ask him, enough stalling, "Edward, would you mind, uh- would you mind, sleeping with me." I squeeze my eyes shut, waiting for his response.

I hear him cough and sputter a bit and then I realize what I actually said or what he thought I was implying anyway. Holy night! "I turn in his lap to face him, this time to correct or better yet, explain what I meant.

"Oh gah! No, not like that."Oh my goodness, I'm so embarrassed now.

I rub my hands over my face and peek at him between my fingers. Event though it's dark, I can tell that I've embarrassed him as well.

I have to fix this. I remove my hands from my face and grab his with mine. "No, Edward that sounded way too forward. Not that I wouldn't want that, I mean you're gorgeous. Oh shit! Did I just say that out loud?" Geeze, I really need a filter around this guy.

He chuckles at me and I feel my face heat up, yet again. He doesn't say a word though, let's me work out my verbal diarrhea on my own. "Okay, let me try that again. What I mean is, would you please stay in here with me tonight. I really just don't want to be alone in this strange room and with my thoughts tonight."

I'm nervous for his reaction, which might be why I'm squeezing his hands so tightly that I'm sure he's losing circulation in them. He doesn't complain, just gives me a sweet smile and nod, then pulls me closer to him and down to the bed.

Obviously he's a man of few words or I've rendered him speechless. Either way, I'm too tired and now too comfortable to contemplate that, as I snuggle my backside against his front. I feel so safe with his arms wrapped so tightly around me.

It feels as if he too is not ready for me to leave or that if he just holds me here against him in the still of the country night, that I'll never wish to part from him. As if reading my thoughts, he pulls me impossible closer and kisses my head once again.

What he doesn't realize, is that I never want to leave this tiny safe bubble of comfort and beauty that he's provided for me on this dark night.

A single tear slips down my face and I'm so afraid that he can feel it on his arm. If he feels it though, he doesn't say anything. I start to drift off to the surprisingly soothing sounds of his slight snore.

Just as I'm about to drift to complete bliss of a goodnight's sleep, I swear I hear him say, "Please don't leave me pretty girl."

Not knowing for sure if it's a dream or reality, I don't respond; just finally give in to the day's exhaustion and into the most blissful sleep I've ever experienced wrapped up in this too perfect man's strong arms.

A/N: Do you think he said it or was she just dreaming?

Thanks so much for reading? I'm off to enjoy a snow day with my boys. Hope you all have a wonderful day!