A/N

My friends , thank you for the wonderful responses to the chapter yesterday. You all seem to love this Bella. She is certainly a caregiver.

Yes I promise to all the questions. Edward will talk more about his eyes- soon. All will be revealed.

And yes a BPOV is coming soon.

Midnight Cougar, Windchymes, Kitkat Cullen and Cejsmom – thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

Now shall we see how Edward is feeling ?

I awoke in the early hours of the morning. The first thing I became aware of was warmth. And softness. Three things hit me all at once. The memory of the horrid headache, falling asleep on Bella's lap and the feeling of the soft rhythmic stroking that sent me into a deep, restful sleep.

Slowly opening my eyes in the still darkened room, I was pleased to feel the headache was gone, although leaving its usual aftermath of heaviness in my head. I became aware of the same soft stroking, except this time it was on the back of my head and neck. Tentatively, I raised my head to ascertain the source of the warmth and comfort. I was still resting on Bella's lap, but had rolled over at some point onto my stomach and was currently buried into the pillow on her lap, one arm wrapped around her waist and the other around her legs. I was as close as I could possibly get, burrowed into her body.

And after all these hours she was still tending to me?

"Bella?" I asked, my voice still gruff from sleep, unsure if I was indeed awake or caught in an amazingly lifelike dream.

"Hi you," she whispered back, continuing to stroke my head. "How are you feeling? Is the pain gone?"

"Yeah, better. Have you been up all night? Did you get any sleep?"

"A little- I dozed here and there. You just seemed to rest better if I was stroking your head…" she trailed off quietly.

Once again, I was speechless when it came to this woman and her actions. Unable to think of any words that would express what I was thinking I tightened my arms around her, thanking her silently. She responded with cupping my cheek softly for a moment then went back to her soothing movements. Her fingers continued to stroke the back of my neck rubbing small circles and gliding up into my hair repeatedly.

Sighing, I relaxed back into her lap just enjoying the quiet and closeness for a while. It had been a long time since I awoke with anyone with me and even longer since doing so had brought any comfort. I floated aimlessly in a cloud of contentment but eventually realized how selfish I was being. Bella had been awake all night, sitting up, watching over me, tending to my needs. She had to be uncomfortable and tired.

With a small groan I untangled myself from her warmth and sat up. Leaning back against the headboard, I turned in her direction and reached out for her hand and brought it up to my lips.

"Thank you," I whispered against her soft skin. Not able to say anything else I held her hand against my cheek; loving the feel of her softness against my coarse stubble.

"You must be tired," I finally said when I was able to form words. "And stiff from sitting like that all night. Why don't you have a hot shower and I'll get some breakfast sent up?"

"If that offer includes a pot of coffee then I could be persuaded," she giggled and nudged my shoulder.

Picking up on her playful mood I reached for her, then rolled over, pinning her underneath me.

"Consider yourself persuaded then, Little One," I whispered into her ear before kissing the soft spot behind her ear.

Bella gasped softly and I was unable to stop my lips from trailing down her neck and back up to her ear, this time drawing her lobe between my teeth and nibbling on the tender flesh. Her arms came up around my neck and drew me closer.

"Edward…" she whispered so so softly.

It was the only invitation I needed and I lowered my head and captured her mouth with mine.

Everything else faded away as our lips moved together and when my tongue pressed into her mouth I was lost.

Swirling, pressing, stroking, hot, wet, needy…

So needy.

This time it was Bella that broke the kiss. Gasping, we separated, my mouth immediately mourning the loss of hers. Foreheads pressed together we both calmed down as we shared small pecks, tiny nips and soft brushes of our lips.

Gently, Bella pressed against my chest and I reluctantly rolled off her to allow her to get up. Silently she walked over to the door and paused. Turning around she approached the bed again. I raised myself up on my elbows to meet her as she leaned over me.

"Best persuasion tactics ever Mr. Masen." And she pressed her lips to mine. Hard.

Then with another of her delightful giggles, ran out of the room, leaving me aching for her to return.

I would like to be persuaded by Edward. Just saying.

Short, but as promised one more this week. See you tomorrow.