Disclaimer: as usual, I don't own the rights to Twilight, except the right to watch and read it as often as I like. Doesn't stop me from playing with the characters, though.

A/N This is something I had already planned to write, and thought it would be very suited for the 4th of July edition of Squeeze My Lemon.

10. Smoldering fireworks

Bella

'Leave the door ajar!' Charlie called after us as I pulled Edward up the stairs.

'Yes, Daddy!' I called back, rolling my eyes, thankful he couldn't see my reaction.

All day we had been holding back, knowing my parents were close by, knowing we were in a very public place. But I had also known Edward never failed to amaze me with his creative ways around Charlie's rule – door open, clothes on – during his nights over. Today I had especially been looking forward to coming home, knowing what I had hidden in my dresser as a surprise for Edward.

We had spent the holiday with my parents and brother. Alice had been disappointed at that decision, but I had explained to her that I couldn't neglect my family just because I loved Edward and his family. Also, my parents were as of yet unaware of our plans to move in together, and we had thought it a good idea to use the quality time to prove once more that we were dedicated to each other. Finally, it hadn't seemed fair to exclude Emmett, who was still heartbroken over Rosalie, from any gathering. He hadn't really made any plans for the day, so when Edward had called him to invite him, he had been happy to accept.

That morning, I had made an effort to piece together a relaxed look without dressing completely like a hobo. At last, I had settled on a short, sleeveless jeans overall and a white tank top, paired with my comfy brown Frye boots. For a patriotic effect, I had painted my fingernails bright red, as well as sticking in some red feather earrings.

I had just been putting my cereal bowl and tea mug in the dish washer, when Emmett had let himself and Edward in, announcing their presence with a bellowed, 'We're here!'

Running into the hallway to greet them, I had been surprised by the genuine smile on his face.

'Hey Em, are you okay?' I had asked as I had hugged my brother.

'Getting there, sis,' he had answered, then elaborated. 'I had a little talk with Jazz the other day and I think things with Rose are looking up.'

'That's great! How so?'

'I'll tell you when the time comes,' he had promised. 'I'm still working on winning her back. In the meantime, thanks again for inviting me today.'

'Of course! You're my brother, and Edward's best friend. It's a given!'

He had then left to greet our parents, giving me the opportunity to properly welcome my boyfriend, who had been watching me appreciatively since the moment he had laid eyes on me. After a heated kiss, which had promises in it of things to come, he had complimented my attire and sworn to show me in great detail how much he was enjoying the view.

Renee had stated in advance that she was simply happy to be spending time as a family, but I had known Edward still felt the need to impress Charlie somewhat, so Emmett and I had let him make some reservations. The first part of the day had been spent at Gas Works Park, where we enjoyed the weather and the scenery. I had not been there before, so I had taken my time discovering the old buildings, Edward and Emmett by my side.

Around six, we had returned to the house to freshen up and change into something a bit more appropriate for the evening's setting. I had opted for a white strapless dress with black and yellow flowers along the hem and the illusion of a petticoat. I had kept my hair down, adding a red headband for girly effect. Edward and Emmett had simply exchanged their t-shirts for button-downs, while Charlie had added a jacket to his collared shirt and Renee had chosen a flowing white maxi-dress with a brown leather belt.

Edward had really gone all out to provide us all with a pleasant evening: he had made reservations for a dinner cruise on the Royal Argosy, which would also include views of the fireworks. Renee had kept saying it was too much – as did I – while Emmett had insisted on sharing some of its costs. Charlie hadn't commented much on it, but he had grunted approvingly upon realizing what had been in store.

All in all, the food had been succulent, I had enjoyed my complimentary glass of champagne, we had danced to the music on the different decks, and the fireworks had looked absolutely magnificent over the water. Being snuggled in Edward's embrace hadn't hurt, either.

By the time we had docked again, it had been passed midnight, and I had been pretty tired. However, there was still another item on the day's schedule that needed attending…

'Edward, could you go fill up my water bottle in the bathroom while I quickly change?' I asked innocently, handing him the bottle in question.

He wordlessly took it from me, flashing me his dazzling smile. He probably knew I was up to something, anyway. As soon as he was out the door, I took the bundle out of the back of the top drawer of my dresser, opening the tissue paper and taking out the new babydoll I had bought just a few days before. I quickly shed my clothes and donned the soft material. Moving in front of my mirror, I ran my fingers through my hair, making sure it looked okay and puffing it a little bit for a sultry effect. My lips were still perfectly pouty from all the kisses we had sneaked during the day. Spinning around slowly, I took in my reflection and the way the outfit looked on me. At first glance, it was innocent enough: all white, with a light pink ribbon below my breasts and pink edges. The cups had a lacy overlay and were connected with a heart-shaped pendant. The sheer material hinted to the tiny lace panties that came with it, and my nipples were already straining against the cups.

Looking good, if I do say so myself.

A knock at the door alerted me to Edward's return.

'Baby, how are you expecting me to keep my hands to myself when you're dressed like sin?' he groaned, eyeing me hungrily and nearly dropping the full water bottle to the ground.

'I don't expect you to,' I answered coyly, turning around to face him and giving him the full viewing pleasure in the process.

'You're cruel, woman,' he accused, stalking towards me.

His movements could have been described as prowling, or sauntering, but he was too much at my mercy in that moment, that those words didn't suffice.

'How can I be, when this is a present for you?'

His answering kiss was all the confirmation I needed; my hands moved to the hem of his shirt, lifting it up and over his head. He gathered me in his arms, pressing me as close to his body as the laws of physics would allow, his lips never breaking contact with my skin.

Although I had initiated this, I quickly felt my control slipping, so I pulled back, wanting to regain it, if only for a little while longer. His disappointed pout almost did me in, but I managed to tell him to get ready for bed. The shimmy I added as I crawled under the covers myself might have served as plenty incentive, because seconds later he had already stripped to his boxers and was climbing in next to me. Sitting up against the headboard, he pulled me to him and started to lavish my neck and shoulder with kisses.

'I swear, if we were in our own place right now, I'd properly ravish you,' he promised, his scruff tickling me.

'Ravish?' I panted.

Any semblance of staying in control and seducing him had gone out the window the moment his lips had made contact with my skin. And they were the only part of him touching me. I wanted so much more; I wanted to feel all of him. But when I reached for him, he pulled back, chuckling teasingly.

'Properly,' he stated, taking in my highly aroused state with a grin on his face.

'And how do you imagine doing that?' I asked.

'Well,' he started, tracing the neckline of my babydoll with a lone finger. 'For starters, we wouldn't have to sneak around or worry about people walking in on us.'

'That's always a good thing,' I agreed, licking my lips and seeing him mirror me.

'So for instance,' he continued. 'I wouldn't mind seeing you in things like this more often.'

Before I could plan another shopping excursion to stock up on lingerie, his words and touch pulled my back to the present.

'But even just knowing you'll be coming home wearing your school uniform… Your bare legs going on for miles, and that skirt barely covering anything… It's such a turn on!'

His voice had dropped about an octave at the same time his hand had moved to my leg. His fingers lightly caressed from my ankle up to my inner thigh, but just when I thought he would go higher, he pulled back yet again, earning a frustrated glare and huff from me.

'Edward,' I complained.

'Patience, love,' he admonished, kissing me softly. 'I'm trying to show you what you do to me. I promise I'll make you feel good. Just lie back and enjoy.'

I complied, getting comfortable in the pillows as he hovered over me, leaning on his left arm as his right hand pushed my hair away from my shoulders. He looked at me, love and lust swirling in his bright eyes, which had darkened to a seductive jade, a testament to his feelings. As much as I reveled in the way his adoring gaze and affectionate touch made me feel, I wanted to continue our game of seduction and teasing. I was wound as tight as a spring right before it would jump and felt like I would burst if he wouldn't make good on his promise soon.

'So what do you want to do then?' I asked softly, reaching for him once more.

He chuckled, and leaned in for another quick but lingering kiss.

'So eager… For starters, I would make sure to be there whenever you get home, so I can take your bag from you and greet you with a kiss.'

He demonstrated by kissing me again, just the soft pressure of his lips on mine and a hint of tongue. It was so sweet, it practically made me melt, yet there was a hint of more to come, a sensual prelude to what was happening both right now and in his fantasy. My right hand was firmly tangled in his unruly hair, not letting him get too far way. When his fingers danced over the fabric of my babydoll, coming to rest near my nipple, I itched to grip his bicep to keep him there, but fear of him retreating once more forced my left hand to stay at my side, gripping the sheets instead.

'After I'd welcomed you home, I would make sure you'd be distracted from your homework for a good while.'

He continued kissing and sucking my neck and shoulder in between words, while simultaneously ghosting his hand over the swell of my breasts, causing goose bumps to break out all over my skin.

'And… how… would you do that?' I managed to ask.

'Well…' he teased, as his fingers lingered over my nipple. 'I would slowly drag my fingers up your legs, under your skirt, until they would reach your panties.'

He demonstrated the action with his right hand, causing an increase in my heart rate.

'I would toy a bit with the edges, knowing you're craving my touch but not giving it to you just yet.'

He moved his hand again, tracing a line from my neck down the center of my chest. I shivered in anticipation.

'Instead, I would slowly unbutton your shirt, revealing your soft skin to me, and worship it with my mouth.'

He deftly moved one of the cups to the side, and the next moment, my nipple was engulfed in his lips as he cupped my breast in his hand. My back arched off the bed, pushing my body further into his touch. He pulled my nipple between his teeth and gave it a slight tug – which immediately echoed between my legs – before releasing it to continue his sultry tale.

'Just when you think I'll spend the next hour or so playing with those beautiful tits, I'm kissing you here' – he kissed his way up my chest to the spot just below my ear – 'while my hand goes back here' – in a caress, his hand landed at the top of the lace covering me – 'where I can tell my play has gotten you so incredibly wet…'

He dragged a finger across the now-damp fabric.

'So wet,' he mused. 'That must be uncomfortable, right?'

I could only nod. Being this turned out with no release was bordering on painful.

'Then I'll take off those pretty little panties,' he whispered decidedly. 'They're blocking my access, anyway.'

He pulled said panties to the side, his fingers skimming the part of me that was aching for him.

'You have no idea how much I love the fact that you've only ever given this part of you to me,' he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

'Only you,' I repeated, breathless.

From time to time, he needed these little reaffirmations; he needn't worry, though, as I was all his, but I didn't mind telling him so. Especially during moments like these, it only fueled our desire for each other. He was still teasing me, barely touching me, but once those two words fell from my lips, he dragged a finger through my wet flesh. I gasped and gripped the sheets a little tighter.

'Some days I might want to leave you like this for a while, and shower you with attention before I take you,' he continued. 'Tell me, baby girl,' he said as he increased the pressure with which his fingers were playing me. 'Do you like it when I put my mouth on you?'

'Yes,' I breathed.

I could feel him smirk against my neck.

'You're thinking I'm going to do that now, don't you?'

I nodded, anticipation heightening my senses. Was he really going to go down on me? My body was definitely all for it, but my mind was screaming at me that my door was still ajar – as per Charlie's rules – and it would be too risky.

Continuing his ministrations, he chuckled before speaking again.

'Not here, sorry. But if we were at our own place…' He inhaled and sighed, his warm breath actually feeling cool on my overheated skin, 'I would get down on my knees and push up that sinfully short skirt of yours, so I can see for myself how wet you are for me.'

To accentuate his words, he used his fingers to spread around my natural lubricant.

'You know I love going down on you, to lick and kiss your soft skin and to taste you on my lips. You have the sweetest taste, Bella. It's your perfect essence, and the most delicious flavor in the world.'

I knew what I tasted like – I had often kissed him after the act and tasted myself on his tongue – but to me it wasn't all that special, let alone delicious. I guess to him it was, also because of an emotional component.

'And the way your body responds to me, baby… It's such a powerful feeling. When you're standing up as I'm worshipping you, I know I'll have to support you so you don't fall when your knees buckle. And buckle they do.'

As if on command, my leg jerked, and he laughed quietly.

'I love that I can do that to you. Make you come undone. Make you come.'

At that last word, he applied more pressure to my clit, sending me rushing to my climax. But before I could jump off that cliff into bliss, he slowed down his motions and pulled back. My eyes, up until then squeezed shut because of the overwhelming sweet torture he was inflicting upon my body, opened to find him looking at me with the most feral hunger in his eyes. I was already reduced to an incoherent mess and wasn't able to do anything else but blink and lick my lips. The next thing I knew, his mouth was on mine and his tongue softly swiped across my lips before delving in to intertwine with mine in an instinctual dance.

'Bella, I want you,' he mumbled against my lips.

'Then take me,' I challenged when I finally found my voice again.

Gently, he coaxed me to roll onto my side, positioning himself behind me and hitching my right leg back over his hip after having pushed my panties even further aside. Sometime during his seductive foreplay he had managed to push down his boxers far enough to free his rock hard erection, and I felt it resting between my legs. He took my hand guided it to his cock, using both our hands to position him at my entrance. A flexing of his hips brought him all the way home, and we both suppressed a moan. We had to be quiet. His breath fanned out across my neck, increasing my arousal, and, finally feeling his girth fill me so completely, I quickly felt myself approaching that ledge again.

'Touch yourself, baby,' he grunted, and I eagerly obliged while his hand moved up to play with my breasts.

'Oh, Bella, you feel so good like this,' he whispered before biting my earlobe.

I loved this position, because it combined the intimacy of making love with the comfort of cuddling, as well as providing easy access for my stimulation. As I had already been on the brink of orgasm for a good while, it didn't take that much more before I panted his named as I convulsed in his arms and around him.

Edward buried his face in my hair as he increased the pace of his thrusts and joined me in my high moments later.

What had been smoldering all day had finally exploded in the most sensual of fireworks. I fell asleep with him still inside me and his arms holding me tightly to his chest.

A/N Thnx to T Kegl, Alley Cat, and my friend Michael from Seattle for giving me some info about 4th of July celebrations in Seattle. The Argosy Cruise is 21+ but I took some creative license here to let Bella join in as well.