There are certain words and phrases that no man ever wants to hear from the mouth of a woman he's interested in. "It's not you, it's me," "Does this make me look fat?" and, of course, the dreaded "We need to talk."

One moment Bella and I were sharing some fucking brilliant kisses, and the next she pulled away and told me that we needed to talk.

"What's wrong?" I asked her warily, completely puzzled. I thought things were going splendidly.

She looked a bit flustered, but took my hand and gave me one of her gorgeous smiles.

"Can we sit down?" she asked, gesturing to the couch.

"Of course."

I sat down at one end, and it made me extremely happy that she chose to sit right next to me instead of at the opposite end. That was a good sign. I simply sat and waited for her to begin talking.

"Edward, I really like you."

I, of course, had to grin at that.

"I really like you, too, Bella."

She took a deep breath

"I was kind of scared to tell you that, seeing as we only met a few days ago. I didn't want to freak you out."

"Bella-"

"No, please let me explain. It's been a long time since I've been serious with anyone. Committed, ya know? But then you came along so unexpectedly, and it's been an absolutely amazing couple of days. I really love spending time with you and getting to know you. I would like to think that you're feeling the same things I am, but I can't think of a way to ask you that without putting you on the spot. And that's the very last thing I want to do. But, that's beside the point. When . . . when we're together, it's just so easy to forget that we only just met. When you kiss me, I can't think straight. When you touch me, I never want you to stop. But . . ."

"What, Bella? Please, tell me," I urged her when her voice trailed away. My heart was pounding faster than normal as I tried to process what she was saying.

When you kiss me, I can't think straight. When you touch me, I never want you to stop

"Edward, we did only just meet. And, I just . . . I don't want to rush into anything. As wonderful as everything we've done so far has been, I think we need to slow down a little bit. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to drag you down that hallway to your bedroom right now. Because I definitely do. But. . .I guess what I'm trying to say is that the last time I did the whole 'casual sex' thing, it was a freaking disaster. I don't want to do that again. Not that I think having sex with you would be a disaster! I didn't mean – Oh, God -"

"Bella, it's okay," I assured her, rubbing my thumb over the back of her hand in what I hoped was a soothing gesture.

"I'm sorry. I know we should just relax, and enjoy ourselves, and see where it leads but . . . The thing is, I don't want this to just be a hook up. Ya know? You mean more to me than that already, and. . .ugh. . . I so don't blame you if you run for the hills now, after I've unloaded all of this on you. But I meant what I said. I really do like you. So much."

"Oh, Bella." I sighed, shaking my head at her. God, she was absolutely adorable in that moment, her eyes wide, teeth nervously tugging at her bottom lip. "When you said that you wanted to know if I felt the same, you don't have to wonder. I do. I've absolutely loved these last few days as well. Meeting you was such an unexpected thing, like you said, but I'm so glad I did. And I'm willing to move however slowly you want to. I just want to spend time with you."

"Really?" she asked with a smile. I loved her smiles.

"Yes, really," I answered. "Let's just keep on doing what we're doing, okay? Getting to know each other, talking, going out together. Does that sound good?"

"That sounds wonderful."

"So, do we need to lay some ground rules?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ground rules?"

"Well, you said you wanted to take things slower," I reminded her as I turned a bit and shifted closer to her.

"Yes," she said softly.

I raised my hand and cupped her cheek, my thumb brushing across her lips. She leaned into my touch.

"Is kissing still allowed?" I asked her, my fingers now sliding behind her ear to slip into her soft hair, urging her face closer to mine. "Please say kissing is still allowed."

"Definitely," she sighed, her eyes drifting shut as my lips brushed her cheek. She turned her head and our mouths met in a tender kiss. I moved my lips gently against hers, softly nipping at her lower lip and then sucking it slowly into my mouth. She moaned huskily and moved even closer to me, her hands rising, one moving to tangle in my hair, the other resting on my shoulder.

"And touching?" I murmured against her mouth as my fingers trailed down her body to grasp her hip. "Do you like it when I touch you, Bella?"

"I love it," she whispered, opening her eyes and pulling back a little bit to look at me. "Like I said, when you touch me, I never want you to stop. It's a bit scary, actually. How intensely I crave it."

"I feel the same," I admitted.

"Edward," she whispered. "When the time comes, you are I are going to be amazing together. Tell me you know that."

"Oh, Bella." I used my hand on her hip to urge her closer to me until our lips were almost touching. "There's not a doubt in my mind, love."

I kissed her again, tender and sweet. My cock was as hard as granite and I wanted so badly to just throw caution to the wind and make love to her until the sun came up, but I was willing to wait. Because she was right, I knew we were going to be so good together. And if she needed time to think things through before that happened, then that was what I would give her.

"Dessert?" I asked when we parted, and she nodded.

I took her hand and pulled her up from the couch, and we made our way back to the kitchen. I opened the fridge and pulled out the little gourmet chocolate cheesecake I'd purchased earlier today.

"Oh, that looks wonderful!" Bella exclaimed. "Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts, especially chocolate."

I sliced two pieces and put them on plates, which we carried into the dining room to eat. Bella retrieved our coffee cups from the living room and I re-filled those also. The cheesecake was delicious, and this time Bella sat next to me at the table instead of across from me. I let my hand rest on her thigh and she laced her fingers with mine, like we had at the sushi bar. It was comfortable, right.

We chatted our way through dessert and coffee and before I knew it, the grandfather clock in my living room chimed ten o'clock. Where the hell had three hours gone?

After rinsing our dessert plates, I asked Bella if she wanted to go with me to take Charlie for his nightly walk. It was such a mild evening, clear and warm, and I was very glad when she said yes. Charlie leaped around in excitement when I got his leash out, and Bella laughed at his antics. She told me she would probably be leaving when the walk was over, seeing as it was getting late and we both had to get up for work tomorrow. So she took her purse and locked it into her little Fiat, stuck her keys in her pocket, and then took my hand.

"Okay, let's go!"

As we walked along, holding hands, and pausing every so often so that Charlie could utilize a bush or lamp post, I felt content. It was a good ending to a wonderful evening.

When we arrived back at my building, I walked Bella to her car. We stood beside it, kissing softly, as Charlie sat patiently at our feet.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, Edward. Thank you so much for inviting me over," she murmured, laying her cheek against my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, and marveled at just how perfectly she fit under my chin.

"I had a great time, too. Will I see you tomorrow?"

"I'm working my usual hours, nine until five. What time do you take lunch?"

"The clinic closes for an hour, from one to two."

"How about I bring you lunch?" she asked, tilting her head up to look at me.

"That sounds great."

"About quarter past one?"

"Perfect."

She stretched up on her tiptoes and kissed me again, thoroughly. I moaned when her tongue delved briefly into my mouth, sliding against mine, before retreating. Fucking hell, this woman knew how to kiss. I was one lucky bastard

"Thank you again for being so understanding. About . . . everything," she whispered when we parted.

I raised my hand and cupped her cheek.

"Bella, please don't thank me. I'm enjoying every single second with you, and I don't particularly want to rush anything either. Not that the thought of making love to you doesn't drive me crazy, because it really, really, does. But, please don't stress over this any more, okay? I'm not going anywhere."

A few kisses more, and then I was watching her tail lights disappear around the corner. Charlie and I headed back inside.

As I got ready for bed that night, I thought over everything Bella had told me tonight. I'd been dying to ask just what her last foray into "casual sex" had entailed, but it really wasn't any of my business. She'd tell me if she thought I should know.

And, I had to admit, as crazy as I was about her, and as much as I was aching to explore every single inch of her delectable little body, her words did make sense. There was no huge rush to fall into bed together, as much as we both wanted to. We had only met a few days ago. So, I was willing to wait and see where all of this was headed.

There were some things that I definitely knew for sure. I loved spending time with her and learning about her, I thought she was absolutely beautiful, I very much enjoyed her sense of humor, and I could spend hours upon hours just kissing her. And thankfully, from what she'd revealed to me tonight, she was feeling the same way.

I fell asleep thinking of her.

Xxx

When I got to the clinic the following morning, I still had a smile on my face, knowing that I would see Bella in about five hours.

"Good morning, Dr. Cullen," Victoria greeted me as I walked through the staff entrance. Well, greeted might have been the wrong word. Purred was probably more appropriate. Ever since I began working here, that woman had tried everything to gain my attention. She was pretty enough, I suppose, with long strawberry blonde hair and big blue eyes. But there was just something about her that turned me completely off. The way she moved, the way her eyes seemed to appraise me at every opportunity, it was somewhat creepy. The word that came to mind was . . . predatory. I'd not done a single thing to encourage her behavior, but she was not dissuaded. She always found excuses to drop by my office, to talk to me about practically anything, and to stand too close for my comfort. It was irritating and, in my opinion, unprofessional. I genuinely liked everyone else that worked in the clinic, the other doctors and staff had been nothing but great; Victoria just grated on my nerves.

"Good morning," I returned her greeting, before making my way down the hallway to my office.

I stowed my briefcase, powered up my laptop, and was just shrugging into my lab coat when there was a knock on my partly open door.

"Come in," I called, hunting for my stethoscope.

"Your eight o'clock is here, Dr. Cullen."

I glanced up to find Victoria standing in the doorway, in what I assume was meant to be a provocative pose, hand on her hip, chest thrust out, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. She looked fucking ridiculous and I almost burst out laughing, covering it at the last second with a cough.

"Thank you, please tell them I'll be with them shortly," I replied, locating my stethoscope and draping it around my neck.

"Of course, Dr. Cullen. My pleasure."

She left, and I shook my head. She was certainly pouring it on thick this morning. This did not bode well for the rest of my day.

My first appointment of the day was Mrs. Burnaby and her Bassett hound, Maxwell. Maxwell was nine years old, arthritic and going blind in one eye. He was a very sweet dog and Mrs. Burnaby doted on him. We discussed how he was faring on the new anti-inflammatory pills I'd prescribed, and I was happy when she told me he seemed to be a bit more energetic lately. I wrote her a re-fill for his lubricating eye drops, and she told me a funny story from the night before when Maxwell had somehow nosed open one of the kitchen cupboards and she found him rolling a can of creamed corn from one side of the kitchen to the other with his nose. Maxwell had the grace to look sheepish as the story was recounted.

After the appointment wrapped up, I headed back to my office. I had about twenty minutes before my next patient was due. I had set my cell phone down on my desk when I'd came in earlier, and when I glanced at it now it showed I had a new text message. From Bella.

Good morning, handsome.

Handsome? Well, this was new. I checked the time of the text and saw it had only been sent a few minutes ago. I decided to call her instead of texting back.

"Hello?" she answered softly.

"Good morning to you, beautiful. Your text made me smile."

"Did it now?" she teased me.

"Oh, yes. How's your morning?"

"Kind of slow at the moment. I'm waiting on my assistant, Angela, to get here so she can help me assemble a seven layer cake."

"Seven layers? Wow. Is that difficult?"

"By myself, yes. But fairly simple for two people who know what they're doing. Hey, do you have any requests for lunch today?" she asked.

"Not really, as long as you'll be delivering it in person." As long as I get to kiss that amazing mouth at some point during lunch, I don't care what we're eating. "Surprise me."

"Okay. Listen, Angela just got here so I gotta run. See you in a couple hours."

"Looking forward to it. Good bye, love."

"Bye."

I ended the call, a huge grin on my face.

"Well, well, well. Someone's in a good mood today!" Jasper's voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked up and found him standing in my doorway.

"Hey Jazz, what's up? Come in, and close the door." I motioned him forward.

He flopped his long body down into my desk chair.

"I was in the neighborhood. I've got a meeting in a little while with Jane."

I nodded. Jane was Jasper's agent, and her offices weren't far from here.

"So, you and Bella, huh?"

I smiled at just the sound of her name.

"Yeah. Me and Bella."

"I think she's great. And Alice thinks the world of her. You really like her, don't you?"

"I really do, Jasper. I can't explain it. It's like as soon as I met her I automatically felt like I'd known her forever. We talk about so much, and I just love being with her. She's amazing."

"And hot," Jasper added with a wink. I laughed.

"Definitely hot."

"You guys had sex yet?"

You had to love Jasper and his inability to beat around the bush. It was a trait he shared with Emmett.

"No." I sighed, running my hand through my hair. "We've talked about it and she drives me completely fucking insane, but the fact that we only met a few days ago has made her a bit hesitant to jump into bed together. So, we're taking it slow."

"That's cool."

"Have you and Alice yet?"

"Yep. That girl is a firecracker, lemme tell ya. She's something else."

"'Something else' in a good way?" I asked.

"Something else in an 'I can't imagine not having her in my arms for the rest of my life' way."

"Wow. Well, that's awesome, Jazz. I'm really happy for you. And my mum will be too." I laughed.

"Your mom? Why?"

"Well, I saw her on Sunday and she was once again worried over you finding the right girl. Are you bringing Alice to the party on Saturday?"

"I sure am."

"Mum will be thrilled to meet the girl who has finally captured you."

Just then the phone buzzed on my desk.

"Yes?"

"Dr. Cullen, you have a patient."

"Thank you, Victoria. I'll be there shortly."

"Victoria still got the hots for you?" Jasper asked after I hung up.

"God, yes," I groaned, scrubbing my hands over my face. "I cannot make it any more plain that I'm not interested, but she just will not take the hint."

"Sucks to be you, man." Jasper laughed as he stood up. "I'm gonna bounce. Hey, Alice wanted to know if you guys all wanted to get together one night this week and go out, the six of us."

"Sure, sounds good."

"All right, see ya, Edward."

"See ya, Jazz."

After Jasper left, my morning was busy with one patient after another. It was with a sigh of relief that I looked up at the clock and realized it was time for my lunch break. And that meant time to see Bella. I removed my lab coat and made a quick trip to the restroom to wash up a little bit before she arrived.

I was just exiting the restroom when I heard her voice. Since it was lunch time, the clinic was quiet and voices traveled far.

"Hi, I'm here to see Edward."

I couldn't see her since the reception desk was around the corner, but I heard Victoria's reply.

"Obviously you don't have an appointment, or else you'd realize that the office is closed for lunch. Dr. Cullen is unavailable right now," she said, her tone full of superiority.

My mouth dropped open in shock. I knew Victoria had a "thing" for me, but that was fucking beyond rude. I quickened my pace to get down the hallway and around the corner. I reached the end and the reception desk came into view. Neither of the women noticed my arrival, they were too busy glaring at each other with contempt. I was just about to open my mouth and say something, but Bella beat me to it.

"Excuse me? Victoria, is it?" she asked sweetly, glancing down at the name tag on the front of the redhead's scrubs.

"That's right," the other woman practically sneered.

"Well, Victoria, I really don't think I need an appointment to bring my boyfriend lunch. He's expecting me. Could you be a dear and let him know I'm here?"

"No need," I announced, making my presence known. Both of their heads swung in my direction. Victoria's eyes widened; I knew she was probably wondering if I'd overheard the entire conversation.

Bella gave me a wide smile and strolled over, leaning up and planting a kiss right on my lips.

"Hi, baby. I brought our lunch," she said, wrapping her arm around my waist. I squeezed her against me and smiled down at her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Not a moment too soon, either. I'm starving."

"Mmm, not just for food, I hope," she said softly, yet I knew it was loud enough that Victoria overheard. I smothered a laugh. I could get used to possessive Bella.

"Well, food first and then . . . something sweet?" I asked her, letting my hand slide down over the curve of her hip.

She grinned and tugged me by the hand back over to the reception desk where I could now see an old-fashioned picnic basket resting on the floor.

"Why don't you take that back to my office, love? It's the last door on the left down that hall. I'll be just a moment."

"Okay, I'll set everything up."

Bella disappeared around the corner and I turned to Victoria, who regarded me rather warily.

"I don't want to be disturbed during my lunch hour, unless it's an emergency."

"Yes, Dr. Cullen."

"And, for future reference, Bella doesn't need an appointment to see me. Understood?"

"Yes," she whispered, her face red now that she knew I'd overheard everything.

"Wonderful."

I turned and made my way down the hallway, stopping in the doorway and grinning at the sight before me.

Bella was unloading the picnic basket with quick, furious movements, slamming items down on the desk and mumbling under her breath. I caught the words "ginger-headed bitch" and "tell me I need an appointment." I stepped in and closed the door. She turned around, her hands on her hips.

"What the hell is her problem, Edward?"

"The fact that you have what she wants, I suppose," I told her, walking closer. "Victoria has made no bones about the fact that she . . . well . . . I guess she finds me attractive. She's been a thorn in my side since I started working here. I've never encouraged her, but she cannot seem to take a hint."

Bella stalked over and surprised me by pushing me back against the closed door.

"Well, she better take the fucking hint now," she said fiercely, before leaning up and pressing her lips to mine. There was an urgency in the kiss, a fire and intensity that practically scorched me. He tongue slid between my lips and tangled with mine, almost frantic. I realized what she was doing. She was claiming me. And I fucking loved it.

When we finally parted, both of us breathless, I cradled her cheeks in my hands.

"Bella, you do not have to worry about Victoria. Or anyone else, for that matter." I kissed her tenderly, pressing my lips against hers softly. She sighed.

"I'm sorry. She just got me so freakin' mad! And I was in such a good mood too."

"Please don't let her ruin our time together, okay?"

She nodded.

"Good. Now, show me what you brought."

It turned out Bella had brought a veritable feast. Two small covered containers of creamy mushroom soup, a chicken salad sandwich on crusty baguette to share, fresh fruit, and still warm chocolate chips cookies, plus bottles of iced tea.

"Oh wow, this looks fantastic!" I exclaimed.

"Well, I picked up the soup, sandwich, and tea from the deli, but I made the fruit salad, and the cookies are from the bakery."

"Thank you so much, love. I really am starving."

We talked as we ate, and I mentioned that Jasper had stopped by, and also what he said about us all going out this week.

"Yeah, Alice told me too. She went over everyone's schedules and I think Friday night is the only night that we're all free. Does Friday work for you?"

"Yeah, I have no plans for Friday. Sounds good to me."

"Great. So where should we go?"

Bella and I tossed around ideas, and when I mentioned Cavatelli's, an Italian restaurant with amazing food, she smiled widely.

"Oh, that's a great idea! I haven't been there in ages. Let me text Alice."

A texting conversation ensued and at the end of it, the plan was set. We would meet at Cavatelli's at seven o'clock on Friday.

Our lunch hour was almost up, and Bella began packing away the picnic basket. I couldn't help but admire the curve of her delectable little rear end, encased in snug jeans, as she bent over to set the basket on the floor. My mouth watered.

"Come here, love."

She smiled at me and came around behind my desk where I sat. I pulled her down, sideways into my lap, and buried my nose in her hair, inhaling deeply. She smelled like cookies.

"So, I couldn't help but overhear your little exchange with Victoria. Boyfriend, huh?" I teased her, running my lips down the side of her throat.

"It just came out. She made me so mad, Edward."

"Hey, I'm not complaining. I liked it," I confessed huskily, my mouth at her ear. She shivered, tilting her head back.

"You did, huh?"

"Yes. You can call me that any time you'd like."

"Does this mean . . ."

She didn't finish and I pulled back to look at her.

"Does this mean what?" I prompted.

"That we're . . . exclusive? I mean, we've known each other less than a week, Edward."

I thought for a moment. I knew for definite that there wasn't anyone else I wanted to date right now, besides Bella.

"Is there anyone else that you're seeing right now?" I asked, sort of afraid of her answer.

"Of course not! Before you came along it had been months since I'd been on a date with anyone else."

"Same here. So then, if it's all right with you, I would very much like for us to be . . . exclusive."

"Really?" she asked with an adorably shy smile.

"Yes, really."

"Me too," she whispered and then leaned in to kiss me. "I don't share well with others."

"I don't either."

And that was how Bella Swan became my girlfriend.