EPOV

There hasn't been another moment in my life as satisfying, as unbelievably magical as waking up with a lovely, soft, naked Bella pressed up against me. Her back was resting against my chest as she slept, and I buried my face in her sweet-smelling hair. Strawberries—I've honestly never liked them much; that is, until the first time I held Bella close to me and the scent of her shampoo enveloped me.

This addiction I have to her is probably better than any drug known to man—not that I would know about anything like that.

My mind drifted back to last night; and, really, to say it was the greatest night of my life would be an insult. Even though I know I'll have plenty more amazing nights with my Bella, last night was the kind of event one can only ever hope for in his life in hushed tones. She so willingly, lovingly gave herself to me; I had a hard time keeping my emotions in check.

As I gazed at her now, I thought about the way she looked at me as we made love—so innocently and yet so sultry...it was as though I was bringing a different side of Bella out, and I liked it.

I knew she was close to waking up when she moaned softly and stretched her back out, arching her face tantalizingly closer to mine. I couldn't help myself, I grasped her hips and brought her backside close to my pelvis. And yes, I already had a pretty sizable erection at this point.

I heard Bella gasp as she flipped around quickly to face me; that was definitely a wakeup call she wasn't used to. Her eyes were wild for a few seconds until she realized it was just me, and then she swatted me across the chest playfully.

"God, you scared the crap out of me," she said before settling back into my arms.

"Sorry," I said, a mischievous grin spreading across my face, "I couldn't resist. You just looked too sexy for words when you stretched like that; I had to take the opportunity."

She giggled, "Sure you did."

We just lay there, holding each other for a few minutes, until her left leg slowly crept up my side and settled over my hip. The action caused her incredible heat to come into contact with my now aching situation, and I groaned loudly.

"Bella...I think we should get up and take a shower before I do something to you I may regret."

"Why would you regret it?" She asked as she rubbed herself against me seductively.

I sucked in a breath at the unbelievable friction, "Because...you're probably still too sore to...have another go around..."

"I'm not too sore," she whispered, nibbling on my ear. "And, I do want another go around..."

I rolled us over so I hovered just over her. She wrapped both legs around me and bit her lip roughly...god, I love it when she does that.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

She nodded and rubbed herself against me one more time for effect. Without any further hesitation, I reached for her nightstand and pulled out another condom. Honestly, I've always hated the feel of these things; but with Bella, it's still an incredible experience.

I hastily rolled the rubber onto myself and returned to my love. But, I didn't take her again immediately—I rested myself on my elbows and looked down at her for a moment. Her reddish-brown hair was fanned across the pillow, and her eyes were hooded with need. Her tiny hands reached up to my shoulders before she trailed her nails down over my chest, applying the slightest bit of pressure.

One nail grazed across my nipple and it sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through me. I couldn't take any more time, I plunged deep into her and moaned as I felt her inner walls tighten around me instantly. I was also greeted with her moans and whimpers as well, and I don't think I've heard a sweeter sound in all my life.

"Oh Edward," she whispered. "I love you so much."

My heartbeat sped up to hear those words escape her lips—even though I've heard her say them before. Every time I hear "I love you" from Bella, it makes me want to cry.

"I love you more," I told her as I began thrusting gently. I knew she must be still a little sore, no matter what she wanted me to believe. I took my time building us back up to that wonderful precipice again...we have all day to be together, no need to rush anything.

As soon as I could feel her start to tighten around me even more, I had a hard time holding back. But, I wasn't going to cum before her...Bella's pleasure was far more important than my own. I held on just long enough to hear her cry out my name before I fell over the edge. The pure, searing pleasure of it all seemed to course through my body all the way down to my toes.

After I finally calmed down, I gazed at my Bella lying beneath me. Her eyes were closed; her soft lips were parted ever so slightly. I bowed my head to steal a kiss from those lips and was rewarded with her hands burying themselves in my hair to keep our mouths slanting over each others' again and again.

When I was finally able to pull away, her beautiful, brown eyes peered up at me and those sweet lips curved into a smile. Every wonderful emotion hit me all at once, and I found myself unable to stop the words from escaping.

"I love you so much, Bella...I want to marry you."

Her eyes widened in surprise, "Really?"

I nodded, "I know this is sudden, and we haven't known each other for very long. But, sometimes, when I look at you, I think about how horrible my life would be if you weren't in it; it makes my heart hurt to even think about. I don't want you to feel pressured to say yes, but I want you to know that I'm thinking about it—and I hope one day to call you my wife."

She still stared at me in stunned silence. Dammit, why did I have to go and say that? I've probably scared her off now.

"Please say something," I begged.

After a couple attempts, she finally found her voice again. "Edward...I never thought I'd meet a man who would say those beautiful words to me. And...I must admit, I've thought about being your wife—and how wonderful that would be."

"Really?" I asked as I rolled us onto our sides.

She nodded, "I thought I was just being silly, daydreaming about marrying you." Her face blushed a beautiful dark pink, "I even went as far as to look at wedding gowns online."

Embarrassed, she turned her face down to gaze towards my collarbone. I put one finger under her chin and brought her eyes back to my own, "Don't be embarrassed, love. One day, you will wear that dress...and, I hope to be the man you're walking down the aisle towards."

"I think you will be," she replied. "Because, I can't imagine how I could love any man more than I love you."

I captured her lips again before reluctantly pulling away. As much as I'd like to stay in bed all day, I knew we should both get up and take a shower. At least we got to take a nice, long shower together—I made certain to cover every inch of Bella's body with her lavender scented body wash.

After we were both clean—and slightly turned on again—I quickly dashed into the closet to get something to wear, and to keep myself from taking Bella right on the bathroom counter. She went to the vanity mirror and pulled a comb through her hair gently. I had thrown on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, and returned to see her looking very uncomfortable. She wasn't aware I was watching as her hand went instinctively to the apex of her legs; and when it made contact to her most sensitive area, she winced in pain.

I walked up behind her and kissed her neck gently, "I'm so sorry, love. I really wish having the honor of being your first didn't come at such a price."

"It's fine," she said weakly, "It doesn't hurt that much."

I rolled my eyes at her in the mirror, "don't try to be brave. You're in pain, I saw you wincing just a moment ago."

She looked down to her hands sheepishly, "I just don't want you to feel like it's your fault."

"It is," I said. "And I take full responsibility for this. In fact, I'm going to spend all day pampering you."

"You don't have to do that," she said.

"Yes I do," I replied. "We're just going to sit around and do what you want to do today."

"Well," she began, "All I really want to do is jump on the treadmill for a bit and then write for a few hours."

"Oh," I said, unable to disguise the disappointment in my voice.

"But...if you were thinking of something else," she said.

"No, like I said—today's all about you."

Bella went to the closet and put on her track pants and tank top while I went to make her a pot of tea. She flipped on the TV and stepped onto her treadmill while she watched some mindless VH1 show. I stood next to her as she walked at a brisk pace and couldn't contain my grin.

"You're so cute, you're like a little hamster," I said.

"What?" She asked with a shocked expression.

"You know, like when a hamster gets on its little wheel and runs around and around but never goes anywhere? That's what you look like right now, it's so cute."

"Are you trying to make me laugh so hard I can't work out anymore?" She asked.

"Perhaps," I replied. "Why, is it working?"

"No...I haven't exercised in too long; I should go for at least 45 minutes."

"You got plenty of exercise last night, love," I countered. "I'm pretty sure having sex can burn hundreds of calories."

The blush flashed across her face again, "Still, I don't feel good if I go too long without exercising."

"Alright," I said. "So, if you're going to do this and write some afterwards, I think I might run a few errands."

"Well, I don't have to write today," she said.

"No, you should do what you want to do for now," I said. "Because, when I get home later, we're going to have some fun together."

There's that blush again.

"I'll be back later," I said as I grabbed my coat and wallet and headed out the door.

BPOV

I felt so bad that I was choosing to exercise and writing over going out with Edward today. But, I can't give up every piece of my regular routine, can I? And besides, last night and this morning gave me such amazing inspiration, I was afraid if I didn't sit down and get it written out, I was going to lose it all.

I sped up my workout when Edward left, opting to go for just 30 minutes so I could get to the writing part faster. I was all sweaty and gross when I finally sat down at my laptop, but it actually was inspiring me because it brought back memories of last night.

I brought up the document I had been working on yesterday and got to work. I had already laid out an outline for my new book—the story of a young woman learning to break out of her shell. Pretty apropos, I think.

I was about to start in on the second chapter, but I decided to skip to the first love scene instead. I set the stage for my yet-unnamed heroine to finally give herself to this mysterious, sensuous man. As he finally takes her in his arms and throws her on the bed, I pulled away from the computer and closed my eyes, letting every emotion I felt last night wash over me.

When my hands returned to the keyboard, the words flowed from me like water and when I was done an hour later, I had completed what was probably my most intense and erotic love scene in all my years of writing.

I think that was an even better workout than the treadmill.

I saved the document and closed my laptop just as Edward returned from his outing, his arms loaded down with plastic bags.

"Man, do I have perfect timing or what?" He asked as he took the bags into the kitchen.

"What did you get?" I ran across the living room excitedly to see what he bought.

"In due time, love," he replied. "First, I'm going to make us a late lunch, seeing as how I'm sure you didn't stop to eat while you were busy burning calories and writing salacious things."

"Hey, how do you know what I was writing?"

He raised both eyebrows and grinned, "Really? You were writing something naughty? Can I see?"

"No," I replied a bit too harshly. "Sorry, it's just I prefer to keep my writing private until it's done."

"I know...I was just hoping I could catch you while your guard was down."

"So," I said, desperately wanting to change the subject, "What's for lunch?"

He pulled a few containers from the bags, "Well, you know I can't cook, but the good people at Whole Foods sure can. I just got us some soup, pasta salad and stuff to make sandwiches."

"Mmmm, tortellini salad," I said as I grabbed a container filled with an array of multi-colored pastas.

I set the table while he put together a couple of sandwiches with turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato and avocado. He certainly knows the way to this girl's heart.

"Here we go," he said as he put both halves of a sandwich on my plate.

"Actually, I should probably only have half now, and save the rest for later."

He gave me that slightly exasperated look he always gives me when I fuss about food. "I don't think a whole sandwich is going to kill you, love. Besides, I got you some couscous salad with feta cheese and chicken for later."

"Wow, you've memorized all my favorite foods already," I laughed, "You really are the perfect man."

He scoffed, "No that would be George Clooney. But, I will concede I am a close second."

"No way," I countered, "Clooney ain't got nothin' on you."

He smiled and placed a soft kiss on my lips before taking a big bite out of his sandwich. We ate in a wonderful, comfortable silence together. I've never been able to have that kind of connection before—I've had dates where those silences just turn awkward and you end up feeling self-conscious about eating or even taking a sip of water.

The sandwich Edward made was delicious. Though, honestly, it is difficult to mess up a sandwich. I took a bite of the pasta salad and went to take a drink when Edward reached over and gently brushed his thumb across my lower lip.

"You had a piece of parmesan cheese on your lip," he said, sucking his thumb into his mouth. He closed his eyes and seemed to savor the taste – I swallowed my piece of tortellini with a loud gulp. I don't think I'll ever get used to the power his simple gestures have over me.

We finished our lunch and lounged on my big throw pillows, which now had a seemingly permanent residence on my living room floor. Edward placed his head against my stomach as we relaxed and watched some TV. I felt so content, but at the same time, I felt bad for being lazy. When I'm not working towards an immediate deadline, I tend to mostly bum around my house all day and watch TV. But, I wasn't sure if this was how Edward wanted to spend his time.

"Hey, do you want to go see a movie?" I asked. "I'm not sure what's out right now, but I'm up for almost anything."

He shook his head twice and kissed my tummy softly, "I just want to stay right here."

"Really? Because…well, I tend to be a lazy bastard, but that doesn't mean you have to be. I want to do things you want to do, too."

"Bella, it's fine," he said. "If I wasn't here watching TV with you, I'd be watching it at my apartment…or, rather, Jasper's apartment, since I no longer have one."

"This is your apartment," I said. "It's our apartment."

He lifted his head and looked at me, "Do…do you mean that?"

"Of course," I replied. "What did you think – that I was going to make you find another place to stay as soon as you got a new job? I love having you here; I never want you to leave." I looked down and stroked his hair gently, "I never realized how lonely I really was before I met you."

He grasped my hand and kissed my palm softly before crawling closer to plant a kiss on my lips. "You are my life now."

I smiled before we got into a nice, heavy make-out session. We were interrupted by Luna, who waltzed into the living room and started demanding some attention. At least she's not in the habit of walking in on mine and Edward's most intimate moments – not yet, anyway. Luna rolled onto her back so Edward could scratch her belly, and I noticed our other little, fury friend standing outside the window near my computer.

"Hey," I whispered to Edward, "Keep Luna distracted while I go get Napoleon."

"No problem, there," he replied as he sat up my little, grey and white cat curled into a ball on his lap. I opened the window quietly and lifted Napoleon before he had a chance to jump past me.

"Whoa, hold on, you little bugger," I said as I held him close to my chest and closed the window. I still had my back to Edward and Luna, "OK, you may want to get a good hold on her…I wouldn't want her scratching you."

"She'll be fine," he assured me. Sure she will, I thought.

I looked over my shoulder, and saw Luna resting in Edward's lap and purring contentedly. I turned slowly and set Napoleon down on the floor. He sat in front of me and licked his paws, hardly noticing Luna was a mere five feet away from him. She had her eyes closed and didn't seem to notice him, either. I breathed a sigh of relief and sat down next to Edward.

Napoleon stepped cautiously into my lap and curled up just like Luna had in Edward's.

"Wow," Edward said. "Maybe they finally like each other."

"Let's not go that far," I said. "They can stand being in the same room as each other. That's good enough for me."

Suddenly, a phone started ringing from the kitchen, scaring Luna back into the bedroom. So much for that experiment. Edward sprang to his feet to answer.

"When did you get your phone turned back on?" I asked.

"When I went out earlier," He replied. "I finally swallowed my pride and had my brother wire me the money so I could pay off my outstanding cell phone bill. Hey, at least I have a way to pay him back now, right?"

He looked at the number and sighed, "It's Jasper." Edward excused himself outside and talked to his friend while Napoleon and I watched some show on TLC about people who were super-morbidly obese – that's always a good motivator to stick to one's diet and exercise routine.

EPOV

"I see you finally got that phone turned back on," said my best friend of about twenty years.

"Hey Jas, how's it going?"

"I should be asking you that, 'best friend,'" he said – the sarcasm was not lost on me. "I haven't heard from you in weeks. Now, I figured your phone wouldn't be working, so I called the theater and they said you were fired! Mind explaining yourself."

"Yeah…see it's a long story," I said.

"Oh, we've got time, man."

"OK, well it all started when I met Bella at a coffee shop."

"Of course, it's about a girl."

"Dude," I said, "Can I finish uninterrupted?"

"Fine."

"So…as I was saying, I met Bella and we started seeing each other a couple weeks ago. But, one night, I accidentally fell asleep on Bella's couch and slept through my shift. When I talked to Simmons the next day, he just fired me."

"What? Dude, he can't do that! You should take legal action."

"No," I said. "I didn't want that job, anyway. Besides, I think it's one of the best things that's ever happened to me."

"How so?" He asked.

"Well, I'm getting to that," I replied, finishing my story, "I got evicted that day, too. But, thankfully, Bella let me stay with her until I found a job. Dude, I got an audition with Aro Goldman and he took me on as a client."

"No way!" Jasper said, "That's awesome! Dude, I knew good things were going to happen for you if you'd just get off your ass – I guess you kind of had to get thrown off your ass, but still."

"Yeah, yeah," I said. "Anyway, I got a part in a pilot for a cop show. We start filming Thursday."

"That's excellent," Jasper said. "So….when do I get to meet this Bella. Assuming, of course, you haven't just used her for a place to crash and then dumped her."

I bristled at that, "Hey, it's not like that. Bella is my girlfriend and I love her very much."

"I was kidding, Ed, geez," he replied. "Man, now I HAVE to meet this girl. Just a couple weeks in and you're calling her your girlfriend? This is serious."

"Yeah, well I'll ask her if she wants to grab dinner with you and me tomorrow, OK?"

"Fine, talk to you in a bit."

I hung up and strolled back in to find Bella still sitting on the floor with a little, black cat in her lap. Napoleon looked up and meowed at me as I sat next to Bella and kissed her on the temple softly.

"So," I began, "Do you want to meet my friend, Jasper?"

"Of course," she said excitedly, almost causing Napoleon to scurry away. "When?"

"I suggested tomorrow night for dinner – how does that sound?"

"Great," she replied. "Hey, he won't be weirded out by being the third wheel, will he? We could go as a group and invite some more people…"

"He'll be fine," I laughed, cutting her off gently. "In fact, I'm sure he'll pick up a girl or two while we're out."

She giggled, "OK, tomorrow night it is, then."

Should this turn into a double date? Will Jasper bring someone, or will a certain black-haired girl show up unexpectedly? We'll soon see.