Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. However, I do own this story. Please do not plagiarize or duplicate without my consent.

First of all I just want to say thank you to everyone that added this story as a fave or put it on alert. Also, a HUGE thanks to everyone who reviewed. I almost made it to 30. Ok, so I just found out today that I am pregnant and it is a HUGE surprise. I already have two little boys that are 3 and 18 months, so this is a bit of a shock. My own husband doesn't even know. Needless to say I am freaking out just a little. Soooo, leave me some love to help take my mind of the fact that I am going to have three children under the age of four! OMG! I hope you enjoy this chapter, it is a little bit of fluff because I know what is ahead for these two. So, I thought this might make up for that! Thanks again for everyone's support! xoxo Dana

The song used in this chapter is one of my faves: Citizen Cope "Sideways". There is a link it on my profile. I highly recommend listening to it while you read this, to help set the mood. (wink wink). Enjoy!

Chapter 10 ~ These Feelings Won't Go Away

As I followed Edward into the kitchen I couldn't help but notice how elaborate the kitchen seemed. Edward was always an amazing cook, which considering my fondness for take-out, always came in very handy. I recalled memories of cooking together in our old apartment. Soft music playing in background and a glass of wine in my hand.

If there was ever anything sexier than Edward, it was Edward in the kitchen. He always looked so confident and sure of himself. All of the self-doubt that seemed to plague him melted away like butter in a frying pan. What was that song that one night? I could hear the music playing in my head.

You know it ain't easy
For these thoughts here to leave me
There's no words to describe it
In French or in English

Cause, diamonds they fade
And flowers they bloom
And I'm telling you

"Like what you see?" Edward asked, pulling me out of my memories. Damn it. I almost had it.

"I was just admiring your kitchen. Even to the untrained eye one can tell you definitely spared no expense."

"Well, a cook is only as good as the equipment he uses," he said, as he pulled ingredients out of the fridge.

"I thought you always said the most important utensils a cook has are his hands," I said, thinking about his hands. I bit my lip at the thought of how well he used his hands. I felt the blush rise to my cheeks as a particular memory and the song all came back to me at once.

These feelings won't go away
They've been knockin' me sideways
They've been knockin' me out lately
Whenever you come around me

"Hey baby, can you stir the sauce for just a moment while I take this phone call?" Edward said, as he lowered the volume on the stereo.

"Don't turn it down. I love that song."

"Fine, I'll put it on repeat. Now stir."

"Edward, I'll screw it up. Don't make me," I said, scrunching up my nose at the idea of attempting to cook. Edward had been slaving over this dinner for hours and I didn't want to be the one to screw it up because I didn't stir the sauce the right way.

"Bella, don't be such a baby. All you have to do is stir. Now shhh, I'm on the phone."

I turned back around to the stove and looked at the thick, yellow sauce bubbling in the pot. I stood there, stirring and stirring, thinking the whole time, "Jesus, cooking is boring."

However, the smell that was emanating from the sauce was completely wonderful and buttery and lemony. I couldn't resist the urge to stick my finger in and taste. I heard a moan and suddenly realized it was my own.

"Damn, that is amazing," I said out loud to no one in particular.

I suddenly felt two warm, strong arms wrap around my waist from behind and heard Edward's seductive voice in my ear.

"I am glad you like my sauce. But I can think of much better things to be doing with it."

And with that he dipped his finger in it and wiped it just below my ear. He then proceeded to run his tongue up my neck agonizingly slow. When he finally made it up to the spot below my ear he sucked and nibbled eliciting an embarrassingly loud moan from me.

I turned around and crashed my lips into his. Our tongues were fighting for dominance over one another. I had my fingers laced into his hair at the base of his head, pulling him closer to me. Always closer. Edward snaked his arms around my back, slowly letting them slide down my back until he was grabbing my hips.

With passion and force, he picked me up and sat me on the kitchen counter. The only sounds that could be heard were our pants and moans and the song on the radio. He pulled my tank top over my head and I arched my back as he licked and sucked on the swell of my breasts. My bra was the next to come off and then he immediately had my nipple in his mouth. His tongue was flicking and licking, his teeth were biting, I felt him every where.

"Mmmmm…."

Hearing my moans only spurred him on. He lifted my skirt and pulled my panties off as I heard the faint sound of a zipper. Before I could even recognize what was happening I felt his him slip inside me.

"Oh Jesus, Edward!" He felt so good. It was like a part of me was never completely whole until he was inside of me. That tingle, that electrical spark that I feel when we touch was amplified by a thousand when he was inside of me.

"Bella, you feel so good…so wet…always so wet…fuck."

He could barely squeak out a complete sentence which was okay because the ringing in my ears made it nearly impossible to hear what he was saying anyway.

I could feel every inch of him as he moved in and out of me. The friction of our bodies moving in rhythm together was bringing me closer and closer to my release.

"Don't stop, I'm close…ugh…baby…"

"Let go Bella, come with me…," he whispered in my ear.

He picked up the speed and intensity of his movements, thrusting harder and harder. I matched his movements and I could feel the pressure building.

"Edwaaard…" I cried out as I found my release.

"Oh…fuck…yes…" Edward said, as he followed right after.

We sat there, out of breath with our foreheads pressed together. When we finally caught our breath I noticed a funny smell. Shit.

"Edward, the sauce!"

I hopped off the counter and looked into the pot. That delicious thick yellow sauce was now black and crusty and stuck to the bottom of the pot.

"I told you I'd ruin the sauce," I said, as I looked to Edward with a pout on my face.

He just laughed and wrapped his arms around me.

"Tell you what half-pint; you can burn everything I ever cook if I get to make love with you like that each time."

I could hear my favorite song still playing in the background as we started to kiss again.

I keep thinking in a moment that
Time will take them away
But these feelings won't go away

"Penny for your thoughts," Edward said, staring at me like I had lost my mind.

I had no idea what the look on my face must have shown as I thought back or how red my face had become at the realization that I had been caught, but Edward only smirked when I looked back to him.

"So…um…what are you going to cook?" I asked, trying to change the subject before he could press any harder. Mmm, press harder. Stop that!

"I was thinking about making your favorite. Well, at least it used to be your favorite. I guess it could've changed," he said, with a frown.

"Mushroom ravioli?"

He nodded.

I smiled because he was right, that was my favorite and he made the best.

I watched in silence for a while. As I watched, I noticed that every bit of the scared and broken little boy that I saw earlier was gone. Suddenly I realized something.

"Hey, isn't this the time of year that you and your Dad usually go on that fishing trip together?"

I noticed Edward stiffen at my question. I couldn't quite figure out what would cause that reaction.

"Did you and Carlisle have a fight?" I asked, wondering if that was the reason for his reaction to my question.

"No, nothing like that. I…I just…"

He looked like he was trying to decide how to answer.

"It's a simple question Edward, but if you don't want to answer I'll just add it to the list of things you don't tell me," I said, sounding more annoyed than I had intended. I wasn't trying to start fight, or rehash our earlier discussion. I liked the current mood we were both in; I didn't really want that to change.

"I'm sorry. You really don't have to tell me Edward," I said, trying to backtrack before it could lead to another fight.

"I didn't go because I wanted to be here…in case you came to see me. Looks like I made the right decision," he said, as he placed our dinner on the table.

In the seven years Edward and I had been together he had never once missed fishing with his father. Never. So the fact that he was willing to miss it on the off chance that I might come to find him made me feel happy. Happier than it should have, really.

"Mmmm. I forgot how good your mushroom ravioli is. God, I have missed it," I said, as I poked at the ravioli.

"Your restaurant really is incredible, Edward. I am constantly hearing people rant and rave about how much they love this place. It always makes me so proud when I hear them."

"Thank you Bella. I don't know if I would have ever done it if you hadn't given me the push I needed," he said, with a slight frown.

"But what about you? Tell me how your job is going?" He continued, trying to change the subject.

"It is going really well. Actually, I…ahem…I got a job offer in Los Angeles," I said, rather hurriedly. Edward always blamed himself for me not taking the job in LA after college. In reality, I never gave him a choice. I made my decision up long before I approached Edward about it. Granted, that decision was based on the fact that I knew Edward wouldn't go, but it is not like he forced me to stay.

His movements stilled and his breathing stopped for just a moment before he collected himself.

"Los Angeles? Wow. That is great Bella, really. What a coincidence that you got another job offer there?"

"Well, actually it is the same company. But apparently the job they want to offer me is a little more impressive than mail room clerk."

"Well, what does Jake think?" Edward asked reluctantly.

Of all the questions I expected Edward to ask, that did not even register on the list.

"Jake? Well, things aren't really working out with Jake. I mean, he is a nice guy, but there is just no…," I trailed off, not really sure how to finish the sentence.

"Oh well. I am sorry about that. But at least you don't have anything tying you here anymore. That should make the decision a little easier."

If Jake were the deciding factor in my decision then yes, that would've made it much easier. But in truth, no matter how hard I tried to deny it, the one person that held my fate in his hands was sitting right across from me.

I just nodded because the lump that was forming in my throat at the moment currently made speaking extremely difficult, if not impossible. So we just sat there staring at each other. Uncomfortable did not begin to cover the situation.

"Oh! Did you hear about Heidi and Felix?" Edward asked suddenly, as if he was glad he thought of something to end the awkwardness.

Ordinarily I wouldn't want to hear anything about those two, but I was just thankful to have something new to talk about. Plus, the look on Edward's face told me it must be pretty interesting.

"No, what happened?"

"Apparently Heidi found out Felix has been cheating on her," he said, as he cleared the dishes and began washing them in the sink. I stood up and made my over to him and motioned for the dish towel.

"You wash, I'll dry." I said, as he looked at me with a questioning look on his face.

"Does she know who with?"

"Nope," he said, as he popped the p at the end of the word.

"She just knows it has been going on for a while," he continued.

"You are taking far too much pleasure in this, you know?" I said, as I continued to dry the dishes. Even after all this time we worked in a comfortable rhythm. It was as if no time had passed at all.

"No I am not. It is just nice to know that we aren't the only people with issues."

I thought about that for a moment. He was right. I knew for a fact that Alice and Jasper have been fighting more lately. I heard them when I stayed at her house the other night. I couldn't make out what they were arguing about, but they definitely were not happy with each other. Plus, Rose and Emmett have issues too. Apparently they have been trying to have a baby and she hasn't been able to get pregnant. She is worried that Emmett blames her.

"I guess that is true. Maybe we aren't as fucked up as we thought," I said, laughing a little.

"No, we are exactly that fucked up. Well, at least I am," he said laughing, but there was a humorless edge to his laugh. Suddenly that broken little boy was back.

I sighed. "What could possibly make you say that, Edward? You have two loving parents who support you no matter what."

There was something odd fixed on his face as I said this, but I continued.

"You have an amazing business that you have built solely on your own and you are surrounded by friends who would do anything for you. I would do anything for you," I said, surprised by my last comment. I hadn't intended to admit that much but it just came out.

"Things aren't always what they seem, Bella," he said, as he started to walk out of the kitchen.

We made our way out into the dining room and he started turning off the lights one by one.

"Will there ever come a day when you can tell me what you mean when you say things like that?" I asked, looking deep into his sad eyes.

"I hope so."

We stood their silently for just a few seconds probably, but it felt like an eternity. It felt like in that moment there was so much he wanted to say but couldn't.

"Come on. It's getting late, let me walk you home."

I woke up the next morning feeling drained. Bringing up so many old emotions and memories left me feeling almost empty. I slowly made my way into kitchen to brew a pot of coffee, but suddenly noticed that I wasn't the only thing empty. Damn. I was out of coffee. Not good. I guess this means I am going out for coffee.

"Hello?" Alice always managed to sound chipper no matter what time of day it was. So annoying.

"No coffee," I grunted out.

She laughed. "Okay, I'll meet you at Starbucks."

"Call Rose." It was a miracle I was able to form even these simple sentences considering how tired I was.

I am not a morning person. That much is glaringly obvious. But mix in going to bed at three a.m. and no coffee and it's not pretty. Somehow I managed to shower and dress and make it to meet Alice and Rose on time.

Alice looked appraisingly at my outfit. "What are you wearing?"

"Shut up pixie dust; just be glad I remembered to put pants on. Where is my caramel macchiato bitches?"

"Jesus, you are worse than normal. What has you feeling so shitty this morning," Rose asked, as she picked at her nails.

Shit. There is no way I could tell them I was with Edward. They would go bat shit crazy. And I have not had nearly enough coffee to handle that this morning.

"I just had trouble sleeping last night. I've got a lot on my mind. Oh, I guess I haven't talked to you guys this week. I got a job offer in Los Angeles. They called on Monday. It is actually a really great offer from the same company I turned down before. I don't know-."

I looked up from my muffin and saw them sitting there with their mouths wide open.

"What?" I asked, a little confused by their reaction.

Of course Alice was the first to put in her two cents. "You have known about a potential job offer on the other side of the country for almost a week and you neglected to call your two best friends?"

Oh that.

"I'm sorry guys. Things at work have been so busy that I haven't really given it much thought. I am not even sure I am going to take it," I said, trying to sound casual.

"What? You said yourself that it is a really great offer, Bella. As much as we love having you here, this is your career. Is this really something you should turn down? I don't know much about the publishing world, but I am pretty sure opportunities like this don't grow on trees." Rose chimed in.

"Trees, Rose? Really? You sound like my dad." Shit. I never called him back. I am not going to hear the end of it when I do.

"All I am saying is that you should at least go talk to them. See what they have to offer," Rose said. Always the voice of reason.

"I know. And I probably will. But it is my decision. I don't want to come back from the interview and have you two pushing me one way or another. Got it?"

Having two very opinionated best friends is great when you want to know whether to wear the red sweater or the blue one, but when it comes to making life altering decisions, sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.

"Got it." They both agreed I unison.

"I am bored," Rose sighed.

"Sorry we are such lame companions your highness," Alice said, as she rolled her eyes.

I just laughed. Rose got bored very easily. I think it comes from always having so many people clamoring for her attention.

"No, dumbass. I don't mean with you guys. I just mean with life. Everything is so boring around this town. No good gossip, nothing new to talk about."

I smiled. I had some good gossip. Gossip these two would eat up with a spoon.

"I know something you don't know," I said, with a sing song voice and a smirk on my face.

"What?" Alice said, practically bouncing in her seat.

"I don't know if I should say anything. Gossiping really is so seventh grade, don't you think," I said, as I slowly stirred my coffee. Of course I was going to tell them, but I had to make them beg just a little. It is very rare that I know something going on around this town that one or both of them don't already know.

"Spill it bitch or I'll dump that coffee all over you," Rose said jokingly. At least I think she was.

I sighed. "Okay. So guess who's a cheater?" I was trying to drag this out as long as possible, but they were both practically foaming at the mouth for the dirt.

"Bella, puhleeeze tell us. I can't stand the suspense," Alice was begging.

"Fine," I said with a huff. "You guys are no fun at all."

"Heidi found out Felix has been cheating on her. She doesn't know who the slut is but she knows it is true," I said, with a satisfied smile on my face.

"No fucking way?" Rose practically yelled.

"Shh. Jesus rose, we are in public. There are children present," Alice said.

"I mean it's not exactly a shock. We all know what douche bag Felix can be," Alice continued.

Boy, did I ever.

"Bella, come on. Edward can't satisfy you the way I could. I would make you scream my name in ways you can't even imagine," Felix said, as he leaned on the wall next to me. I always waited here for Edward to meet me after my class, but unfortunately that always gave Felix the opportunity to hit on me. I knew it drove Edward crazy, but he tried so hard to fight it.

I remember the last time he had had enough of a guy hitting on me. Granted, James did have me pinned against a wall against my will, but still. I had never seen Edward so angry. It was like he wasn't even himself. He was lost behind the rage.

I had never told Edward this, but something about the way he defended me turned me on and made me love him even more. I know the rational side of me should be afraid that he has that kind of temper, but I have never seen that side of him directed at me.

Growing up I never had anyone stick up for me the way Edward did that night. My dad was always too busy bossing me around, telling me what was best for me. While my mom was too busy living vicariously through me to take care of me. So maybe the way he went about it was wrong, but nothing made me feel safer than the way Edward took care of me.

After months of Felix harassing me after class I had finally had enough.

"Listen you piece of shit, I have no interest in anything you have to offer. I'm not really into limp dicks the size of my pinky. If you don't leave me alone and quit harassing me I will have Edward kick your sorry ass."

At first Felix looked surprised that I stood up for myself. But then he looked almost turned on. It literally made me throw up a little in mouth.

"Bella, do you honestly think Edward could take me?"

Not many people knew about Edward beating up James. No one saw it happen but me, and I certainly wasn't going to turn him in. I threatened to tell the police James attacked me if he said anything so he kept his mouth shut too.

"Do you know James?"

"You mean that moron who got attacked last semester by those gang bangers? What does he have to do with this?"

"Because it wasn't a group of gang bangers that put his ass into the hospital. It was Edward."

"No fucking way. I heard James was drinking through a straw for a month," Felix said in disbelief.

"Actually it was two. And do you know why he did it? Because James wouldn't leave me alone. Now the only reason Edward hasn't kicked your ass into next week is because I told him to back off. But if you don't leave me alone, I might not be so generous, you got it. I'm his. Don't fucking touch me or talk to me again."

Felix just stood there shocked. It was then he noticed Edward walking towards us with a murderous glare on his face. Felix quickly excused himself.

I always gave Edward a hard time about his possessiveness. But in reality, I was his, just as he was mine.

"I am sure Heidi has been crying on Tanya's shoulder since she found out. Those two drive me crazy," Alice said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Hey, Alice, speaking on Tanya…didn't you used to work with her at the sandwich shop during college?"

"Yeah, why?" Alice asked tentatively.

"Do you by any chance know what line of work her father is in?

Alice thought silently for a moment. "I think he works as a guard at the state prison, or maybe the warden. I am not sure. But I am pretty sure he works for the prison in some capacity."

Why would Edward need her father's help if he works for a prison? That doesn't make any sense. But it seems like an odd lie to make up when there are so many other things he could've said.

"Why?"

I guess I should have thought before I asked that question. Crap.

"Oh…uh…no reason, really. Edward may have mention that her father was doing some kind of a favor for him. He didn't really elaborate though." I tried to sound casual and indifferent.

Alice froze. "He what?"

"He said her father was doing him a favor. But I am sure it has nothing to do with the kind of work he does," I said, trying to brush it off. Something about Alice's reaction didn't sit well with me.

"Yeah, you are probably right." She seemed a little too quick to dismiss the conversation and she also looked like she knew something.

"Alice, do you know something I don't know. Let me rephrase. Do you know something I should know?"

Rose was looking back and forth at us, unsure of how the conversation had developed into this.

"No Bella. It just caught me off guard that Edward was asking for Tanya's help. I thought they were through."

Alice and I just stared at one another for a minute.

"So, Bella, when are you supposed to go on this interview?" Rose asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"What? Oh…I am supposed to call and set it up." I said, caught off guard by Rose's question.

"Well I can't wait to hear all about it. I bet Los Angeles is amazing," Rose said. I stopped listening as she went on and on about palm trees, celebrities and Rodeo Drive. I wasn't sure if any of that stuff made it worth my time to move so far away from everything and everyone I had ever known, but they were right. I had to at least go talk to them and see what I might be turning down.

The weekend went by too fast and Monday morning came too quick. Typical. After answering a few emails and a few meetings finalizing the details on some contracts I decided I needed to call about the job.

"Hello, Aro Publishing. This is Demetri."

"Yes, Mr. Anders. This is Bella, Bella Swan."

"Ah, yes. So nice to hear back from you. I hope you have had time to give our offer serious consideration."

"Actually Mr. Anders I have. I would love to come there and meet with Mr. Volturi. However, I was hoping we could do it over a weekend rather than in the middle of the week. Things, as you know, have really picked up here and it is hard for me to take time away from the office."

"Of course, Miss Swan. I will set everything up for this weekend and send you your travel itinerary in the next few days. We look forward to meeting with you."

I blew out a breath as our call ended. I knew this job was going to be hard to turn down, but the idea of moving to L.A. scared this shit out of me if I was being honest.

I walked in the door and flopped down on the couch exhausted from yet another day. I was looking through the take out menus when I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket.

"Hey, Rose, what's up?"

"Oh my gosh I just had the most shiteous day ever! I hate my job."

Rose works as a nurse in a pediatrician's office. You would never think someone as self-centered as Rose would go into a profession where it is your job to help people. But it turns out the only thing Rose loves more than herself is children.

"I thought you loved your job?"

"I did. I do. I mean, I don't know. Ever since Emmett and I started trying to have kids I have found myself hating my job. I am just feeling resentful of all those parents that come in there with children and act like they don't appreciate what they have."

"Rose, you guys have only been trying for a few months. You know it can take a while."

I was trying to be supportive, but in all honesty I didn't know anything about it. I had been on birth control since I was fifteen and didn't miss a pill for anything. It's not that I didn't want kids. I do…one day…just not today.

"I know. I just worry that Emmett is getting frustrated. He wants a baby more than I do, and that is saying a lot."

"Rose, Emmett loves you regardless of whether or not you can give him a baby."

"I know. It can just all be so overwhelming sometimes. Let's change the subject. How was your day? Did you call about that job?"

"Yes. They are setting up my travel and I am going out there this coming weekend," I said, as Rose squealed into the phone.

"Bella, if you get this job you will be making so much more money. You will be able to have a nice house, you can finally get rid of the piece of shit you call a truck."

She was right. If I got this job more than likely I would make enough money that I wouldn't have to worry about money anymore. I'd have all the things that most people think makes them successful. A nice house, a fancy car.

But is that what I want? Is that what I think will make me happy? What will make you happy? I guess I have to figure that out pretty quick. Like, by next weekend.

Ok, so leave me some love! For those that do, I will send you a sneak peek at the next chapter! xoxo Dana