A/N: Wow! You guys are wonderful. Thank you for the fabulous reviews and being so understanding. The first week back at work has been tiring, and I've been struggling all week to get this chapter out. (I've been practically passing out and going to bed in the evenings after work!) :)
I also wanted to give a special thank you to edwardsmyangel. She went through the previous chapter quotes and compiled a Mr. Dazzling playlist over at youtube. If you'd like to hear some of the songs that Bella has compiled over the years that remind her of Edward, the link to the playlist is in my profile.
And another special thanks to spotzle and vjgm for their awesome beta skills. Between kids going back to school and taking a holiday out of town, they still managed to beta this chapter in a timely manner.
Note: This chapter is +11, 000 words. Just in case, you know, you had something more important to do. :)
Chapter 10 "Experience"
Oh, why can't I ignore it?
I keep giving in, but I should know better.
'Cause there was something 'bout the way you looked at me.
And it's strange that things change.
But not me wanting you.
So desperately.
- "Desperately" by Michelle Branch
For once, Edward was glad that he didn't have shades covering his windows. It wasn't like the blinding light that usually woke him in the mornings, but there was enough light to cast a hushed brilliance in the room. In fact, he would normally be asleep right now if it hadn't been for the fact that Bella was with him.
He woke up because she stirred in his arms. It happened frequently through the night. He'd move, thinking that she needed more space, but Bella would only move closer.
He remembered from the last time she stirred that she had turned away. He was sad for the loss of contact, but Bella had said his name in her sleep, so he moved behind her and draped his arm around her. She let out a contented sigh and was deep in sleep again. It took Edward a moment to fall back asleep, happy that she enjoyed their closeness as much he did.
This time with the light spilling into his room, he could see her. He propped his head up with his free arm and looked at Bella. Her hair was a haystack, so he gently brushed some of it away from her face. Her brow was smooth and she had a serene expression on her face.
When his eyes wandered down the length of her, he saw that the covers had been kicked down. He was careful when he let go of Bella and reached down for the covers to pull them back up. When he started to pull the covers up, his eyes strayed on Bella's bare legs and then they widened when they caught the hem of her shirt.
Just below the hem, a sliver of midnight blue lace peeked out.
He raked his hand through his hair and pulled the covers up over Bella. He laid back down, making sure to put some distance between them. He was on his back with one arm draped over his eyes.
He had to get out of bed. Right now.
His mind kept shouting at him to leave, but his body wouldn't move. It was becoming unbearable laying next to her, and being unable to do what he wanted. The right thing to do would be to leave Bella now and let her sleep. It's what he did when they'd last slept in the same bed and nothing happened.
Well, not really anyway.
Last time, he woke up before her. He had been watching her sleep and was in the same situation where he was deciding whether or not to leave. He had smoothed away an errant piece of hair from her face and had lightly grazed her cheek. It brought a small smile to her lips which captivated Edward. He he had decided to stay, but then Alice found him and told him their parents needed to talk to them.
But Alice wasn't here. No one was.
He wasn't sure if he was thrilled or horrified by the idea because there wasn't anyone to stop him this time.
He decided that he had to leave. He'd never forgive himself for taking advantage of Bella this way. Emmett would break him in half.
But before he could move, Bella said in a drowsy voice, "Edward?"
He raised his arm off his face and said, "I'm here." He turned on his side.
Bella flipped on her back and then turned on her side to face him. She moved closer to him.
Her eyes were still shut as she mumbled, "It's cold." Then she buried her face in his neck and wrapped an arm around him.
Edward pulled the comforter so it came over her shoulders. With that adjustment, it seemed to free up more space between them, and Bella moved closer, dipping one of her knees between his legs.
It was as if Bella could read his mind that he was getting ready to leave. Now she was doing everything she could to keep him there. It was bittersweet torture.
He held her, listening to her steady breathing. He tried shifting away from her, but she tightened her arm around him and snaked one of her legs around his. He stifled a groan at how she pressed her body against his. He tilted his head back to at least get some relief from the fragrance of her hair.
Bella lifted her head when she felt the absence of Edward's neck. She let out a disgruntled sound and Edward closed his eyes in frustration. It wasn't enough that he could touch and feel her, she seemed to want him to breathe her in too.
He took in a slow steady breath and opened his eyes. He hesitated before he tilted his head back down. Bella didn't move her head back which gave him a full view of her face. He had his arm by his side, but he could not help reaching up to her face now. His touch was bold and he brushed his thumb lightly across her bottom lip.
Bella sighed and a small smile appeared on her lips.
He couldn't stop what he did next.
He reached around her neck and leaned in and kissed her. His lips were tentative at first, testing. But the softness and warmth of her lips were too much, and he pressed a gentle, but firm kiss on her lips. Bella moved and he pulled away.
Her eyes fluttered open. "What. . ."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't help. . ." His hand came away from her neck and rested on his hip.
"What are you talking about?" She looked at him with a confused expression.
She didn't know? He thought. He gave her a soft smile and said, "I was moving around a little. I'm sorry if I woke you."
She gave him a put out expression. "I was having a good dream, too."
His eyebrows shot up. "What were you dreaming about?"
She shook her head and buried her face against the pillow.
Edward reached up and smoothed her hair back, but Bella persisted on hiding her face.
"What did you dream about?" He asked again.
She mumbled something into the pillow.
This time, Edward turned her face away from the pillow. "What did you say?"
She looked away when she said, "I dreamt that I was kissing. . . Cedric Diggory."
Edward's brow wrinkled. "Cedric Diggory? From Harry Potter?"
Why did I say Cedric Diggory? Where the hell did that come from? She thought.
She could only nod.
It was Edward's turn to wear a put out expression. "That's who you were dreaming about?"
Bella tried to untangle herself from Edward, but he snaked his arm around her. Bella didn't answer, but instead avoided his eyes.
"Bella," his voice was rough. She wondered if he always sounded like this in the morning. She felt her heart skip.
She finally looked up at him, but still didn't say anything.
Edward said, "Are you sure that's who you were dreaming about?"
She nodded, but blinked several times.
"You know I can tell when you're lying."
She had a stricken look on her face. "Why does it matter?"
He lifted one shoulder up and then down. "I guess it doesn't," he lowered his voice and said, "especially since I dreamed about you."
Her eyes widened and then after a moment, she regained her expression and said, "I thought you didn't have dreams."
He gave her a curious expression. "How would you know that?"
"Alice has said that you don't remember your dreams."
A small smile pulled at the corner of his lips. "That's true, but. . ." he couldn't help grinning. "Last night's dream was pretty hard to forget."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Now I know you're lying. You smile when you lie."
"No, I don't." His grin was plastered to his face.
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She tried rolling away from him, but his hold on her was firm.
"I bet I can guess what you were dreaming about." He gave her a knowing look.
"What are you talking about?" Her body tensed.
"You had a smile on your face."
"What?" She gulped.
He chuckled.
"Did I. . . say anything?"
"No." There was amusement in his eyes.
She sighed in relief.
"I bet you were dreaming about Mr. Dazzling," he said in a teasing manner.
She felt a slow burn creeping through her cheeks, but she recovered herself. "You're not going to let that go, are you?"
He shook his head. "You had some interesting songs picked out for him."
She groaned. "They weren't interesting. They were very boring. Nothing that you should concern yourself about."
He kept his arm around Bella, but used the other one to prop up his head, so he could get a better look at her. "Claire de Lune was one."
Bella didn't like that he was looking down at her. She felt like it gave him some kind of advantage. She tried to prop herself up as well, but he didn't loosen his hold on her. The one time that Edward Cullen was determined to have her in his arms, Bella wanted to break free.
She buried her face in his chest which caused her response to be somewhat muffled. "So?"
He let out a small laugh and ran his fingers through her hair. "So? It was one of the pieces I played at the senior recital."
She pulled away just enough so that her voice was clear. "I know."
"Why does Mr. Dazzling get one of my songs?" He tried to keep the petulant tone out of his voice.
At this point he was absently raking his fingers through her long hair. Bella willed her eyes not to cross at the way his fingers would linger on her neck before he dragged them through her hair. She knew her hair was a tangled mess, but he didn't seem to be bothered by it.
"Um, last time I checked, Claire de Lune was owned by Debussy." She held back a sigh when she felt his hand come to rest on the back of her neck.
"Debussy would be pretty damn impressed by the way I play it."
Bella couldn't help enjoying the cocky tone in his voice, but she wasn't going to let on that she did.
She let out a small laugh and said, "That was one recital years ago. Just because a few people were impressed-"
"A few people?" He had his hand on the back of her neck and applied just enough pressure to gently pull her face away from his chest. "Bella, it was more than just a few people."
She rolled her eyes. So what if he got a standing ovation and she was one of the people clapping furiously? She said, "That was high school. It's not like you play anymore."
He looked at her for a moment before he said, "I never stopped playing."
Her eyebrows shot up. "Really? Alice said you never play anymore."
He resumed his absent stroking of his fingers through her hair. "I don't play in recitals anymore. Just mostly for myself."
"I was sad when Alice said you didn't play anymore." She leaned forward to hide her face. "I'm glad you still play. I really enjoyed listening to you."
He unfolded his arm and lay his head down on his pillow. "Do you remember the last time I played?"
"I don't think anyone could forget. The whole school was there and parents, too."
"No, not the recital."
Bella knew what he was referring to, but she didn't think he'd remember. She hesitated before she said, "It was at your old house."
He stopped running his fingers through her hair and rested his hand on the back of her neck again. "Do you remember the piece I played?"
Edward was absently dragging his thumb back and forth on the spot just below her ear. She stifled a moan and said, "A little. You actually didn't play very much. You said it wasn't ready."
"What if I told you that it was ready?"
She pulled her head back just enough to see his face. He looked at her with such a warm expression in his eyes. She felt like her insides were beginning to melt. Bella wanted to lay under his gaze all day, but instead she tried to focus on the conversation.
She barely managed to say, "Has Alice heard it?"
He shook his head.
Her brow was pinched. "Why not?"
A small smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. "I had a very specific audience in mind when I wrote it."
"Oh." She pulled her arm away from him and rested her hand on his chest. "Will I ever get to hear it?"
He ran his thumb across her cheek. "I hope so."
"When?"
"It depends on. . ."
They were staring at each other for a moment. Bella felt like he was trying to read her mind, contemplating something.
"What?" she asked.
He cupped her face in his hand and leaned down. He could feel her breath on his lips when Sull' Aria from The Marriage of Figaro played through the room.
He snapped his head up. "It's my mom."
Bella blinked several times. Before she realized what was happening, Edward had left the bed to answer his cell phone.
Bella felt like she was intruding on the phone call with Esme, so she climbed out of Edward's bed and walked downstairs back to the guest room. When she got there, she checked her phone and saw that she had a message from Alice and one from Emmett. Then she remembered that she still had to call Angela to find out if she could accompany them to the bridal boutique.
The time showing on her phone was just after eight in the morning. She bit her lip and called Angela. She knew Angela would probably still be asleep, but she thought it would be best to at least leave a message.
She dialed Angela's number. After the fourth ring, Bella was expecting her voicemail to pick up, but instead Angela answered.
"Hello?" Her voice was groggy.
"Angela? I'm so sorry. I thought it would flip over to-."
"Bella?"
"Yeah, sorry. I'll call back in a couple of hours."
"Is this about the fitting?"
"Oh, yeah. How'd you know?"
She let out a small laugh. "Alice called me last night."
"She did? I didn't know she would."
"She said she'd leave you a message."
Bella winced. "She did, but I didn't listen to it. I just assumed that she was calling to remind me to call you."
"It's okay. I'll meet you at the bridal boutique. You're working later, right?"
"Yeah, but I wanted to work on my final before my shift started." She had been taking clothes out for the day when she saw Edward standing in the doorway. "Hey, Angela. Hold on for second." She pressed the mute button on her phone.
"Hey," she said.
He smiled and said, "Hey. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."
"It's okay. She'll be coming to the fitting." She tried to keep her attention on the clothes she was picking out, but it was very difficult. Edward hadn't change out of his pajama bottoms.
She continued, "I also got messages from Alice and Emmett. I still need to get back to them. What did your mom say?"
He leaned against the door frame. "My Aunt had her baby."
Bella stopped what she was doing. "Is she okay? Is the baby alright?"
Edward nodded. "They're both fine, but my Aunt Tanya needs help. So my mom is going to stay a little while. She says they'll be back sometime next week. They're not sure when though. My mom is nervous because the wedding is so close."
"Has she talked to Alice?"
He shook his head.
She was looking through her bathroom bag when she realized something. "Um, I need to stop by the pharmacy before the fitting. I'm going to shower and go, but I'll be back in time so we can go to the fitting together."
"Why don't we just go to the pharmacy together and then to the fitting? It seems kind of silly for you to have to go back and forth like that."
She shifted in her spot. "Well, I didn't want to make you wait."
"I don't mind." He pushed himself off the door frame. "I'll go shower and change, so we can leave soon."
"But-" He left before she could say anything else.
She picked up her phone and pressed the mute button. "Angela, are you still there?"
"Hmm?"
Bella felt bad. She must've fallen back asleep. "I've got to go, but I'll see you later."
"Is everything okay?" She sounded concerned, but it was obvious it took some effort.
"Yeah, I was just talking to Edward."
"Really?" Now she sounded awake.
Bella rolled her eyes. "Angela."
"So what does Edward Cullen wear to sleep?"
Bella giggled and told her.
"Wow. And he just showed up to your room like that?"
"Yes," Bella bit her lip. She wasn't sure if she was going to tell her that she had fallen asleep with Edward.
"Okay. I don't know if I'll be able to go back to bed now."
"Angela! You have a boyfriend!"
"Yes, and I'm very happy. But I can't just turn off my imagination especially when it concerns Mr. Dazzling."
Bella laughed. "I have to go, but I'll see you later."
"Okay."
Bella hung up and put her phone down. She was going to have to check her messages once she was done in the shower. She grabbed her bathroom bag and headed to the guest bathroom to start getting ready.
/#/
Bella tapped her foot on the bland linoleum floor of the pharmacy waiting room. She didn't understand why it was taking so long to fill her prescription. They arrived when the doors had just opened, so there was no one else in the store. When she asked the pharmacist why she had to wait, the older woman gave her a good natured smile and told her to have a seat.
Normally she wouldn't have been so rude, but normally she didn't have Edward with her.
She told him that he could wait in the car, but he accompanied her anyway. He said he wanted to pick up a few things for himself.
She checked her watch and then scanned the store. She looked at the pharmacist and saw that she was talking on the phone. Bella wanted to jump over the counter and rip the phone away. She needed her prescription now before Edward came back.
Bella walked to the counter in the hopes of conveying a sense of urgency to the pharmacist.
"Hey, did you get what you needed?"
She jumped in her spot. Edward was standing at her elbow.
He smiled. "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
"I didn't see you coming."
"You seem preoccupied. Is everything alright?"
Bella glanced at the pharmacist who was still on the phone and then back at Edward. "Yeah. It's just taking longer than it should."
Edward looked at the older woman who was behind the plexi-glass, talking on the phone. When she looked up from the paper work she was rummaging through, and saw Edward, the pharmacist blushed.
Bella rolled her eyes. She was sure that women reacting like this toward him was a normal occurrence for Edward. Bella turned her head to see Edward's reaction and he gave the lady a friendly smile. It was a harmless gesture, but based on the pharmacist's reaction, Bella was sure that she'd be thinking about that for a while.
Then the pharmacist looked at Bella and gave her a knowing smile. Bella's brow creased at the smile. What the hell was that for? She thought. A few minutes later, the pharmacist got off the phone and disappeared into one of the bottle filled aisles in the pharmacy.
She re-emerged from behind the plexi-glass and walked up to the register. The pharmacist gave them both another friendly smile before she said, "Bella? I'm sorry for the delay, but there was a problem with your prescription."
Bella's heart sank. "Problem?"
She snuck a glance at Edward before she said, "You were out of refills, so I had to call and see if they'd refill your prescription."
Bella let out a frustrated sigh. "I didn't know I had run out." She opened her bag and searched for her phone. "I'll call my doctor's office to see if-"
"Oh, there's no need." She placed a white paper bag on the counter and pushed it toward Bella. "It's all sorted out now. That's why I was on the phone for a bit."
"Oh." She gave the pharmacist a bemused look and then remembered her past behavior. "I'm so sorry for the way I acted earlier. I was in a rush."
The pharmacist's eyes strayed to Edward again and she raised an eyebrow. "I can certainly understand why."
Bella looked at Edward and then back at the pharmacist and realized that the pharmacist thought she needed her prescription so badly because she and Edward were going to-
"You might want to visit aisle three on your way out." In a lowered voice, the pharmacist said, "Just to be extra careful."
Bella felt her face flush. "Um, thanks." She paid and took the bag from the counter. Then she turned to leave.
Edward said, "Have a nice day."
The pharmacist grinned.
Bella bolted for the door.
Edward caught up with her. "What was in aisle three?"
She didn't know, but she had a pretty good guess. "Um, cough drops?"
They walked out the store and toward Esme's Mercedes.
Edward said, "I didn't know you were sick."
"I'm not sick."
When they were a few feet away from the car, Edward unlocked the doors using the keyless entry.
"Oh." His brow furrowed while he reached for the door to let Bella into the passenger side. She hopped in and Edward closed the door.
He walked around the car to get in the driver's side.
Once he was in, Bella said, "I'm not sick."
He chuckled and started the car. "I heard you the first time."
"I mean, I'm not sick like I'm imbalanced and need to be medicated."
He gave her a smile and then returned his attention back to the road. "You don't have to explain anything, Bella."
She shifted in her seat. "It's just that I would've picked this up before, but I just hadn't had time and I'm almost out."
"It's alright, Bella. I told you I didn't mind stopping in."
Bella took in a deep breath. After a moment, she said, "So, are we stopping for breakfast somewhere?"
He nodded. "I hope bagels are okay?"
"That sounds good."
They stopped at a quaint bagel shop. There was a sparse amount of people and no line. They walked up to the counter and ordered breakfast. When it was time to pay, Edward waved Bella off, but she insisted that she pay him back and reached in her purse to get her wallet. When she pulled out her wallet, the pharmacy bag fell out.
Along with its contents.
Bella swore. Of course this was the one time the bag wasn't stapled shut.
Since Edward was the first to reach the contents on the floor, he picked up the scattered packs of birth control pills. His eyes widened once he realized what he held in his hands.
Bella took them from him and slid them back into the bag.
The cashier cleared his throat.
Bella gave him some money. He handed her back some change and her receipt. Then Bella led Edward to an empty table by the window. They sat down, waiting for their order.
"So, after this we're going to the bridal boutique, right?" Bella asked.
He nodded.
"Angela will be meeting us there," she volunteered.
"Yeah, you mentioned that." He turned in his seat and faced the window.
She looked down at her hands folded in her lap. She wasn't sure what Edward was thinking, but she got the feeling that he was surprised at first to see the birth control pills, but now? She peaked through her lashes, but he was still looking out the window. Was he disappointed in her?
Their order was called and Bella went to pick it up. She went to the condiment station and put two sugars and one cream in Edward's coffee. Then she turned to go back to their table. Right before she put their drinks and bagels down, Bella realized that maybe Edward didn't take cream and sugar in his coffee anymore.
"I'm sorry. I put two sugars and one cream in your coffee. Do you still take it that way?" She sat down.
He looked at her with a surprised expression. "Yes, you still remember?"
"At the time, it was such a thrill to get coffee when we were in high school." She brought her cup to her lips.
"You still take it black?" He picked up his cup.
She put her coffee down. "All that other stuff dilutes the caffeine."
He shook his head. "You and Emmett are one in the same."
She smiled and picked up her bagel.
Edward picked up his bagel as well, but would occasionally sneak a look at Bella while she ate.
Bella sipped her coffee again and put her cup down. "I'm a closet sex addict."
Edward almost choked on his bagel.
She continued, "Sometimes I can't help myself."
Edward was barely able to swallow his bagel. "What?"
"That means I like to have sex." She looked around and then leaned closer and said, "A lot."
Edward pushed back his chair. "Bella, please tell me you're kidding."
A small smile pulled on the corner of her lips. "Yes, but I thought that would sound more exciting than the real reason why I'm on the pill."
He waited for her to explain.
"It helps my. . . monthly visitor stay regular."
Edward let out a deep breath and pulled his chair forward. "You could've just said that."
"Things felt pretty intense, so I thought I should lighten things up."
He shook his head. "That was a bit extreme."
"But, it was funny, right?" She gave him a hopeful look.
He chuckled and then took a sip of his coffee. After a moment, he said, "I would've understood. Alice does the same thing too."
She tilted her head to the side. "How do you know?"
"I found out by accident. I was looking for some mints in her purse, and she had her pills in there. At the time, I didn't know what they were. When I showed them to her, she got upset." He let out a low laugh. "I guess it didn't help that my parents were standing there too."
Bella's eyes widened. "Did you parents get upset?"
He shook his head. "My dad was the one who referred her to the gynocologist."
"When did this happen?"
"Back in high school."
She laughed. "You seemed to handle it well."
"No, actually, I flipped out. I told her she was too young to be having sex."
Bella winced.
He had an uncomfortable smile on his face. "She explained that just because a girl is on the pill doesn't mean she's having sex. And then she went into great detail about how a woman's. . . monthly visitor can be unpredictable and how being on the pill can help regulate it." He took a long sip of his coffee before he said, "It was the most awkward conversation I've ever had with Alice."
She smiled. "I think it's nice that you guys were able to talk about it."
He arched an eyebrow at her. "What? You haven't told Emmett that you're on the pill?"
She snorted and said, "Emmett still thinks I believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny."
He laughed.
Bella finished off her coffee and then said, "I don't think he'd be able to wrap his mind around the concept that the pill is not just for sex."
Edward nodded in agreement.
"But still," Bella tore a piece of her bagel into tiny pieces, "It is nice to be prepared."
Edward became very still.
"I mean, I know it's not one hundred percent, but something is better then nothing, right?" Bella was now arranging the tiny bagel pieces into a square.
"Um, yeah." He gripped his seat with both hands. "So, have you ever. . . gone down aisle three?"
Bella was rearranging the tiny bits into a triangle. "Have I what?" When she didn't hear Edward answer, she looked up from her work, and saw him give her a pointed look.
"Oh." Bella shifted in her seat and stopped playing with the bagel bits. "Well, yeah."
His eyebrows shot up. "You have?"
"Haven't you?"
He hesitated before he said, "Yeah."
She moved to the edge of her seat. "When did it happen?"
Edward let go of the bottom of his chair and leaned back. "Does it matter?"
Bella looked away and said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry."
He leaned forward and put his elbows on the table. "It's not that. It's just. . ." He ran his fingers through his hair. "It happened a while ago."
She met his eyes. "How long is a while ago?"
He gave her a steady look before he said, "High school."
Her eyebrows shot up. "Was it Gianna?"
He wore a stunned expression on his face. "How did you know?"
"Well," she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "When she left, you took it pretty hard."
He had a rueful smile on his face. "I was really sad when she left."
She wanted to ask another next question, but she was afraid to know the answer. She took a deep breath and said, "How many. . ." She chickened out. She couldn't finish the question.
"Two," Edward said.
She blinked several times. "Really? That's all?"
He laughed. "What did you expect?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. I just thought. . . maybe the number would be higher."
"You seem disappointed," he said in a teasing manner.
"It's just hard to believe."
"Why?"
Oh god, she thought. She really set herself up for this. "I don't know. I just figured that you. . . wouldn't have trouble finding willing. . . partners."
"It's not that I had trouble," he hesitated before he said, "I just, I guess I'm not the type who feels the need to sow his wild oats."
She smiled. After a moment, she licked her lips and said, "Was it at least. . . pleasant?"
He laughed. "Yes, but I'm the guy, so it's going to be pleasant regardless."
She rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm glad it was pleasant for you."
One of his eyebrows arched. "I'd like to think it was pleasant for the girls too."
She stopped herself from blurting out of course it was!
"Actually, maybe not for Gianna because that was the first time," he said more to himself. "Although later, when we met again, I think it went a lot better."
Bella swallowed hard. "What do you mean, when you met again?"
Edward shifted in his spot. "About a year ago, she had moved back to California. I wouldn't have known if I hadn't accidentally run into her at her family's restaurant."
Bella felt her heart drop to her stomach. "So, you're dating Gianna now?"
He blinked several times. "No."
"But you said. . ."
He ran his hand through his hair. "I guess you could say we were more curious than anything."
Bella wasn't sure how to feel. It was naïve of her to think that Edward would never be with anyone intimately. For goodness sakes! How can anyone so good looking not have sex? She really couldn't be upset about it. In fact, she was intrigued. As a teenager, she dreamed of giving up her virginity to Edward. But knowing what she knew now about sex, she thought it would've been awkward and may have even put a strain on their relationship.
Now, as a a somewhat experienced adult in that area, she couldn't help wondering how good Edward actually was at having sex. He seemed so unaware at times, and she didn't want to believe that he was the same way in an intimate setting.
She hesitated before she said, "Curious?" She saw a faint blush on Edward's face.
He said, "It was really awkward in high school and we wondered. . . if we had improved since then."
Judging from the deepening color in his cheeks, Bella believed that there was more than just an improvement in all those years that passed. They probably caused the earth to move.
Bella had a sudden seizure of panic. On the very off chance that she would ever have sex with Edward, would she even be able to cause a tremor? She knew that not only would the earth move and shake for her, but she would also have an experience similar to meeting God. Would she evoke that kind of reaction for Edward?
She knew the answer and she wanted to crawl in a hole somewhere and die.
"What about you?" He asked.
"Me?"
He leaned forward. "You're not going to get out of this. I told you about me, now it's your turn."
She let out a short breath. "There was one."
"Jacob?"
"No." She was surprised by his guess. She was always careful around Jacob.
It was Edward's turn to be surprised. "Really? I thought you and him. . ."
"We almost did. . . a couple of times, but. . ."
He waited for her to continue.
"I knew that once I crossed that line. . . there was no going back and with Jacob. . . I never was ready to cross that line with him."
"So. . . when did. . ."
Bella wrapped her hand around her empty coffee cup and started turning it in circles. "My freshman year in college."
Edward had reached for his cup, but stilled his hand. He shouldn't have been surprised because he asked, but he still couldn't help feeling that way. A small shadow of thought crossed his mind that if he had not transferred, would Bella have met this guy? He quickly dispelled the thought. Of course, she would have. He realized that his decision to leave was a good one. He knew that she would find someone someday, and he knew he couldn't stay to watch it happen.
She continued, "He was a year older and a . . . music major."
His brow wrinkled. "What instrument did he play?"
She hesitated before she said, "He liked to compose, mostly for the piano."
Edward felt something burn in the pit of his stomach. "Was he. . . was it pleasant?"
She let out a nervous laugh. "Yes. I mean, it was awkward at first because I'd never. . . but he was very patient and I learned. . ." She caught herself and finished with, "I learned that I shouldn't worry so much."
"Worry about what?"
She stopped turning the empty cup in circles, but kept her eyes focused on it. "Worry so much about pleasing him."
Edward swallowed hard.
She continued, "I learned not to think so much about what to do, but to just. . . be myself."
Edward looked down at his untouched bagel. After a moment, he said, "He sounds. . . perfect."
She couldn't help letting a small laugh escape. "He wasn't perfect. He had his faults."
He raised his eyebrows. "Like what?"
Bella thought for a moment and then said, "He was a fumbler."
"A fumbler?" Edward reached for his coffee again and took a sip.
Bella picked up a napkin and folded the edge. "Yeah, you know. He. . . always fumbled taking off my bra."
Edward coughed.
She continued folding over the napkin. "No matter how many times we. . . well, it's like bras were his kryptonite."
He chuckled. "That's unfortunate, but that doesn't exactly sound like a deal breaker."
She shook her head. "No, but. . . we got along really well and the sex was. . . very pleasant once we got past the fumbling part, but. . . things just. . . fizzled out." He wasn't you, she thought.
"Well, I'm glad your first time was pleasant." He gave her a sincere smile.
She looked up at him and returned the smile. "So, did Gianna have a weakness to kryptonite?"
"I don't know if I should be talking about this." He leaned away from the table.
She leaned forward. "Oh, come on, Edward. I told you about the fumbling."
He shifted in his spot and for a moment looked like he was contemplating what to say.
"Edward." She held up her hand. "Fine. You don't have to say-"
"It was her. . . lingerie." Edward struggled to saw the last word.
Bella blinked several times.
"I said that when we met a year ago, we were curious to see if things changed since high school." Edward shifted in his seat. "Well, one of the things that changed about Gianna was her. . . undergarment choices. They'd become pretty elaborate."
She said, "Elaborate?"
"Ribbons, silk, lace, and. . . lots of lace." He said the last word with a slight frown.
"I thought guys liked lingerie." She remembered the midnight blue boy short panties she had. She wondered if Edward considered that too much lace.
He held up his hands. "Don't get me wrong. It's not that I didn't appreciate it, it's just. . . simpler would've been fine too." He leaned forward slightly. "But, I guess in the end it doesn't matter because it all comes off."
Bella swallowed hard and hoped that her expression didn't betray her thoughts. She didn't like the idea that Gianna pranced around in fancy underwear for Edward, but she couldn't help feeling a small amount of satisfaction that he wasn't really impressed by it. But the strongest feeling she was experiencing at the moment was desire.
She looked down afraid that her feelings were written on her face. However, her hand was on the table and Edward's was only an inch above hers. She looked up at Edward who also noticed the close proximity of their fingers. He slid his hand up the table and his fingers brushed hers.
Bella wanted to launch herself over the table at Edward.
But before she could do anything, Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners played in the bagel shop.
It took a second for Bella to realize it was her phone. "Crap! It's Angela." She fished her phone from her purse. "Angela?"
"Bella? Where are you?"
She checked the time on her phone. She swore and said, "Are you at the bridal boutique?"
"Yeah, is everything okay?"
"Yes! We stopped to get breakfast and lost track of time."
Edward had already cleared their breakfast off the table and they were on the way out of the shop.
While they walked to the car, Bella said, "We're leaving right now. We should be there in fifteen minutes. Maybe less."
"Um, okay. I guess I'll just wait here."
"I'm so sorry, Angela." Edward opened the car door for her and she climbed in. She continued, "We'll be there as soon as possible."
Edward climbed in and started the car.
"Alright," Angela hesitated before she said, "Are you sure everything's okay?"
"Yeah." She noted the inflection in Angela's voice on the word everything. "We were just talking and we lost track of time."
"Just talking?" Again with the inflection on the word just.
Bella took in a steady breath. "Yes, Angela. That's all."
"Hmm. . . is Edward there?"
"Yes."
"Oh, I see. Well, you can fill me in on the rest later at work."
"What are you-"
"See you soon!" There was a click and then the sound of a dial tone.
"Is she okay?" Edward asked. There was a red light, so he brought the car to a stop.
"Yeah, she's fine. Just. . . surprised that we're late."
"Surprised?"
"I'm usually on time."
"Oh." The light turned green and the car moved forward.
They sat in companionable silence. Bella propped an elbow on the passenger door against the window and rested her chin in her hand. Edward was driving at a steady pace. Not very fast actually, but she just attributed to the fact that the speed limit was forty miles an hour.
They came to another stop. While they were waiting for the light to turn green, Bella watched an elderly lady move across the crosswalk pulling one of those two wheeled carts behind her.
She was about to say how sad it was that the old lady didn't have anyone to take her to the grocery store when she felt Edward take her hand.
Bella looked up at Edward and saw that he had a soft expression in his eyes.
He said, "We were just talking about fumbling and elaborate lingerie, and. . ." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I thought this would be pretty harmless."
She could only smile because it wasn't as harmless as he thought. The way he held her hand, his touch, made her think about what it would be like to be touched in other places.
They heard a tap on a horn and looked up to see a green light.
Edward chuckled, but Bella blushed. He pressed his foot on the accelerator and the car lurched forward.
They held hands the rest of the time until they got to the bridal boutique. The only time they let go was when Edward came out of the car and opened Bella's door. Then he held her hand again and they went inside.
Bella was sure that he'd let go once they were inside, but he didn't. Angela was sitting on the familiar chaise lounge, reading a bridal magazine. When they walked in, Angela looked up at them. She smiled, and for a second her smile faltered. Bella noticed it, but Angela was quick to recover.
"Hi, guys!" Angela's smile was bright. Too bright.
"Hey, Angela! I'm sorry we're late." She looked at Edward and then back at Angela. "You remember Edward Cullen, right?"
Angela stepped forward and said, "Of course, I do." She held out her hand.
Edward let go of Bella's hand to take Angela's. "It's nice to see you again, Angela." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
Bella stifled a giggle at Angela's furious blush. She had to give it to Edward. He was smooth.
Angela stammered, "I-I just spoke with Alice."
Bella's brow creased. "You did? I'm surprised she didn't call me as well."
"I told her you were running late because you were having breakfast with Edward." She had a mild look of uncertainty as if she may have said too much to Alice.
Bella shrugged, trying to convey it wasn't a big deal. "I'm sure she'll call back any minute."
Angela let out a small sigh.
At this point, the seamstress appeared. "Bella?" When she saw Edward, her smile became brighter. "Is this the groom?"
Edward said, "No. I'm the bride's brother."
The seamstress gave him a not so subtle appraisal.
Bella's eyes widened. The seamstress was much older than either of them. Surely, she was checking out Edward for a niece or her daughter.
Edward instinctively took Bella's hand.
The seamstress's smile slightly dimmed and she said, "Bella, your dress is ready for you. If you'll follow me." She gestured toward the dressing room.
Bella said, "I'll be there in a second."
The seamstress nodded and went to the dressing room. Angela returned to the couch and became preoccupied with a magazine.
Bella turned to Edward and said, "You know, you don't have to stay for this. I'm sure you have better things to do."
He gave her a playful smile. "It's been a while since I've seen you in a dress."
She shook her head. "Great, and now you'll see me in a bridesmaid dress that I look totally ridiculous in."
"Probably not ridiculous." He brushed her cheek with his thumb.
Angela discretely cleared her throat and said, "Alice should be calling back any minute now."
Bella tore her eyes away from Edward's and walked to the couch to put her purse down. "I'll be right back."
Angela shot Bella a questioning look, but she shrugged. Then Bella disappeared into the back of the store where the dressing rooms were.
Edward took a seat next to Angela.
Angela asked, "How was breakfast?" She feigned interest in an ad for a honeymoon in Fiji.
Edward reached for a magazine, but instead took out his cell phone. "It was. . . good."
She continued looking at another ad for Bridal Expo. "I wish I had time for breakfast."
Edward looked up from his phone. "I'm sorry. We could've brought you back something from the bagel shop."
One of Angela's eyebrow's curved softly. "It's alright. I'll pick up something after this."
Edward sat up in his seat. "I can go pick up something right now. I think I saw a coffee shop down the street."
Angela looked up in surprise and saw Edward's genuine look of concern. "Don't worry about it. Besides, it's been how long since we've seen each other? I don't want you running off getting me breakfast." Angela had a pleased expression on her face. "That's really sweet." She patted him on the knee and returned her attention to the magazine. Then she said, "Bella was right."
He was about to get up from his spot, but when he heard the last part, he turned to look at her. "Right about what?"
She shrugged. "She thinks you're thoughtful and sweet."
He sat back and took out his phone. "Oh."
"But you already knew that."
"Um, yeah."
Angela snuck a glance at Edward. He had his phone out, but he wasn't looking at it. She stifled a smile. Alice had told her that she had been trying to get the both of them to realize their feelings for each other and that any help she could give to the cause would be greatly appreciated. It wasn't like Angela was lying. Bella did think that of Edward.
So, what if Bella never actually said it in so many words to Angela.
But Angela knew Bella well enough to know how she felt about Edward. It didn't take a genius to figure it out.
But judging by the way Edward reacted to the simple admission, he had a negative IQ when it came to Bella.
After a moment, Edward cleared his throat and said, "Do you know who Mr. Dazzling is?"
Angela's eyebrows shot up. She decided to tread carefully. "Mr. Dazzling? I haven't heard that name in a while."
"You knew him?" He put his phone away.
Angela pretended to act like she was lost in thought. "Um. . . yeah, actually I did."
Edward leaned closer, "Was he. . . was he the guy that Bella. . . first dated when she started at Washington University?"
This time Angela didn't have to pretend to be surprised. "You mean Jared?"
"His name was Jared?"
Angela put the magazine on the side table. "Yeah, how do you know about Jared?"
He leaned back. "He came up in our conversation during breakfast."
Angela wondered what else they talked about. "She told you about him?"
"Yeah." He ran his fingers through his hair.
Whoa. Angela knew about Jared too, but she didn't think Bella would ever tell anyone about him. She didn't think even Alice knew. She wasn't sure.
After a moment, Edward said, "So, this Jared guy? He's Mr. Dazzling?"
"Wait? What?" Angela shook her head to clear her daze.
"Mr. Dazzling is this guy Jared?" he repeated.
"No." She hesitated before she said, "He's. . . We went to high school with him."
Edward's eyebrows shot up this time. "You mean, I might know him?"
She couldn't help letting a small laugh escape. "You might."
He sat at the edge of his seat. "Who was it?"
Angela wasn't sure how much she should say. She chose her words carefully. "Mr. Dazzling was a nickname obviously. He. . . There was this freshman Bree when we were juniors." She pinched her fingers nervously. "Bree bumped into him and dropped her books. He helped her and she said thanks. He smiled at her and Bree said his smile was dazzling."
Edward was quiet.
Angela ventured to say, "Does any of this ring any bells?"
Edward looked at her. "Should it?"
"Mr. Dazzling doesn't sound familiar to you at all?"
"I've never heard it before."
"Do you remember Bree?"
He shrugged.
Oh my god! Alice was right! HE REALLY IS THIS CLUELESS. Angela had a sympathetic look on her face. Poor, Bella.
Edward wondered why Angela was looking at him like he was an unfortunate accident. Was he supposed to know who Bree was? Was this like what happened with Maria? That he was somehow connected, but at the time he was totally unaware.
Thoughts like puzzle pieces were coming together in Edward's mind. The songs in the playlist and the familiarity of them. Bella's reaction when he discovered the playlist was the final piece, but before he could complete the puzzle, Bella had returned to the show area.
Angela was the first to stand from the couch. "Oh, Bella! You look beautiful." She took out her phone. "Let me call Alice." She went to join Bella on the fitting platform.
Edward stood as well, but hung back by the couch. She was gorgeous which shouldn't have surprised him. It felt more like the air had been knocked out of him. Seeing her dressed so formally reminded him of the time he had seen her dressed up for the junior formal in high school. She was going with a guy named Garrett who was an overall smart, funny, and nice guy. He was also athletic and was a good violinist.
Edward had wanted to rip his limbs off.
He was brought back out of the memory when Angela held out her phone to him.
Alice's voice was on speaker. "Well, Edward? We haven't heard your opinion yet."
Suddenly he felt all eyes were on him. He walked toward the fitting platform where Bella stood. Angela followed him.
He cleared his throat and took in the sight of Bella standing in front of him. He said, "Alice, there really aren't any words."
Alice said, "What do you mean?"
By this time, Edward was standing behind Bella. He dipped his head down and brushed his lips on her bare shoulder.
Angela's jaw dropped. The seamstress looked as if she were enjoying a romantic scene played by her favorite actors.
Bella's breath was labored and she was caught in Edward's gaze.
"Um, hello?" Alice's voice echoed on the phone.
Angela cleared her throat and took Alice off speaker phone. Then she whispered what just happened into the phone.
After a second, Angela said, "Um, Norma?" The seamstress snapped her attention to Angela at the sound of her name.
"Hmm?"
"Alice had a question about Rosalie's dress. Would you mind showing it to me so I can explain things to her on the phone?"
"Well. . ." Norma was about to ask what finishing Bella's fitting, but Angela gave her a pointed look. Her lips formed an O and she said, "Of course, it's back here. I'll show you."
Bella noticed Angela leaving and said, "Um, is it okay for me to change back now?"
Angela said, "No, we're not done yet. Alice just had a quick question about Rosalie's dress, so we'll be right back."
"But-" They disappeared before Bella could protest.
She let out a frustrated sigh and walked off the platform. She didn't like being on display like that and seeing herself in the three way mirror with Edward was awkward. She felt so homely compared to him.
She walked toward the couch, but didn't sit down. She got hell last time from Alice for almost sitting in her dress. Even though Alice wasn't here, she was sure she would know the next time Bella wore the dress that she had sat in it based on the wrinkles on the skirt. Edward followed her.
She turned to look at him. "You know, a simple 'She looks nice' would've sufficed."
He gave her a small smile. "No, it wouldn't have."
She looked down at the sage colored dress and smoothed down the skirt unable to meet his eyes.
In a playful tone, he said, "Did you know Mr. Dazzling went to high school with us?"
Her hands froze on her skirt. "Did he?"
"Yes." He took a step forward. "Apparently it was a nickname dubbed by a freshman named Bree."
Bella's head snapped up. "Did Angela tell you that?"
He nodded. "She told me the story."
Bella tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. "Don't you have that write up to finish?"
"I'm almost done." He stood in front of Bella.
Bella took a step back. "Because you don't have to hang around a dress shop. I'm sure you have more important things to do."
He took another step forward. "What could be more important than finding out Mr. Dazzling's true identity?"
She took another step back, but felt her calf hit the coffee table. She swore to herself. How is that Edward manages to trap me against something every time!
Before she could respond, "Prince Ali" echoed through the shop.
Bella looked at her purse. "It's Emmett."
Edward stepped away to allow room for Bella to retrieve her phone.
Once she dug it out of her purse, she said, "Emmett?"
"Hey, Bell. Did you get my message?"
She held up her index finger to Edward to excuse herself and walked a few feet away from him. "I haven't had a chance to listen to it. Why? Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just. . . we're supposed to be going to the cabin this weekend, right?"
"Yeah."
"Um, I have a really big favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"I need some laundry done."
Bella groaned.
"I know you told me I should've gotten it done before I left for the conference, but I didn't get a chance. I figured I'd do it when I got back, but now we're going to the cabin."
"Emmett, I still have mine to do."
"Bell, I'm sorry. I'm an idiot. You were right. I should've done it before."
"And?"
He hesitated before he said, "And you are the best sister in the world."
"In the world?"
"I meant in the universe."
She pretended to contemplate her decision. "Hmm. . . I don't see what the big deal is. Why can't you just bring the same clothes you have now to the cabin?"
"Bell, come on."
"What? That sounds like something you'd totally do."
"I would, but. . ."
She waited for her brother to speak, but when he didn't she asked, "What? Emmett?"
He let out a long sigh. "Rosalie's going to be there this weekend."
Her eyebrows shot up. "And?"
"What?"
"So? I don't see why I have to do your laundry when you already have clothes. It's not like she hasn't seen what you were wearing while you were in Portland, right?" This was a moment she had been waiting for. It was finally her turn to torment Emmett.
The line was quiet.
"Emmett?"
"Um. . . you know what? I'll just cut out early tomorrow, so I can do laundry and pack again for the weekend."
She wasn't expecting that response. "Wait, what?"
"I don't want to trouble you."
"Emmett, what the hell is going on?" This so did not sound like Emmett.
"Nothing."
"What do you mean 'nothing'? You never do laundry willingly."
"I do laundry."
"Um, when was the last time you did laundry?"
"Uh. . ."
"Yeah, I thought so. Did you know you have to separate the colors?"
"I know that!" He sounded exasperated. "Look, why are you making a big deal out of this?"
"Why don't you just say that you don't want to wear the same clothes because Rosalie has already seen you in them while she was in Portland visiting?"
"You-How did you know?"
"She said she wanted to surprise you."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Duh, Emmett. It wouldn't be a surprise."
"I-You-Why-" He stammered on like this for a minute.
Bella cut him off. "Look, I'll do your laundry on one condition."
He stopped talking to listen.
"You have to quit making naughty jokes about the guys I hang out with."
"Aw, come on, Bells! They're just jokes."
"Okay. I guess you won't mind letting Rosalie see you in your park ranger uniforms." Because she would bring them to the cabin instead of clean laundry just to spite him.
He caved. "Fine!"
"Fine." And she hung up.
Edward said, "It sounds like you and Emmett had an interesting discussion."
Bella turned around to face Edward. "Yeah. He needs clean clothes for the weekend and I'm going to end up doing his laundry."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "That's very generous of you."
By this time, Angela and Norma returned. Bella walked back to the fitting platform.
"Everything okay?" Angela said. She saw Bella's annoyed expression, but Edward seemed slightly amused.
"I just finished talking to Emmett and he needs clean clothes." She let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm going to do his laundry."
Alice was still on the phone and Angela had put her back on speaker. "What? Are you serious?"
Bella was startled by Alice's voice, but recovered and said, "Yeah. I guess he wants to impress Rosalie."
"Really?" Alice was way too interested in that bit information.
"He was willing to do his own laundry when I tried to get him to admit why he needed clean clothes."
"Wow!" Alice said.
Edward said, "Just because Emmett wants to impress Rosalie doesn't mean anything. I mean, it's good that he wants to wear clean clothes, right? It shows a surprisingly mature approach on Emmett's part."
That garnered a laugh from Alice, Angela, and Bella. The seamstress Norma was pinning part of the hem on Bella's skirt, trying to be indifferent to the conversation, but her confused expression betrayed her.
Bella saw her expression and said, "Emmett's my brother. Rosalie is a mutual friend."
Norma's brow shot up in understanding and she continued making adjustments to the dress. She worked for only a few more minutes before she told Bella she could change back. Bella stepped off the platform and disappeared into the back of the store where the dressing rooms were. Norma went to help Bella.
Angela and Edward walked back toward the couch. However, Angela still had Alice on speaker phone.
"Edward?" Alice said.
He took Angela's phone. "Yeah?"
"You and Bella are driving out together to the cabin first, right?"
Edward's brow wrinkled. "Uh. . . I am?"
"Yes. It looks like the rest of us will be getting there in the late afternoon."
"Oh. Well, shouldn't we wait for the rest of you guys?"
"Actually, I think it'd be a good idea if you and Bella made it out to the cabin first so you can make sure things are okay there. And you can pick up some groceries to help stock up for the weekend."
Edward rested a chin on his hand. "So, basically we're stuck with all the work."
Alice let out a small laugh. "I called Alistair and he said everything would be ready this weekend."
Alistair was their housekeeper for their cabin when it wasn't being occupied.
At this point, Bella had returned from the dressing room. "What's going on?"
Edward told Bella what Alice had just relayed.
Bella groaned. "How early do we have to leave?"
Alice said, "As early as you can."
Bella and Edward both groaned.
Alice's voice was sunny. "Thanks, guys! I'll see you tomorrow!" And the line went dead.
Edward handed Angela back her phone and said, "Thanks."
They said goodbye to Norma and walked out of the boutique.
They stood in front of the store for a moment before, Angela said, "I'm just going to go to the coffee shop to get something for breakfast."
Bella called after her retreating figure. "I'll be right there, Angela."
Edward shoved his hands in his pockets. "So, you're going back to school with Angela?"
She nodded. "I wanted to work on my final before my shift. It's not much time, but it's better than nothing."
He hesitated before he said, "Should I pick you up later?"
"I might stay after, so I can work on my final some more. I'm not sure, yet. But I'll call you to let you know either way."
"Oh. Well, I'll see you later then."
"Yeah."
They stood on the sidewalk for a moment. Whenever their eyes met, they'd dart away from each other. Bella shifted in her spot and Edward's hands were still in his pockets.
After half a minute, Bella let out a small laugh and said, "I should get back to Angela." But she took a step forward and said, "I'll see you later."
She leaned in to kiss him goodbye on the cheek, but Edward moved and she caught the corner of his mouth.
Bella pulled away and blinked in surprise.
He gave her a small smile. "You should get back to Angela."
It took a second for Bella to process what he said. "Yeah. I'm sure she's waiting." She returned his smile. "I'll see you later."
She turned around and walked toward the coffee shop. She didn't know why, but she felt compelled to turn around. Bella saw that Edward's eyes were trained on her. She gave him a small wave and turned back around, hoping she wouldn't trip on her way to the coffee shop.
Edward watched her until she disappeared into the coffee shop, and then he went back to the car. When he was settled in the driver's seat, he took a minute to lay his head back on the headrest. He lifted his arm so he could check his watch. It was almost eleven, but it seemed like so much had already happened.
He sat up and turned on the ignition. He had to get his work done before the weekend. Edward didn't want any thing to get in the way of spending time with Bella.
Some of you expressed your frustration and maybe even dislike for the amount of angst in this story, but I'd like to say that the awkward beginnings of a relationship is my favorite part and B/E are perfect for that. I also think that it's essential for the development of their relationship. There's a lot of great B/E fanfic out there, but I wanted a story that also focused on them getting to know each other and discovering their feelings before they got into the physical aspect of the relationship. So instead of lamenting about it, I got off my butt and started writing this story.
However, I can also understand that it's probably unheard of in this fandom for the angst to go on like this for 10 chapters. (And they aren't short chapters either.) Rest assured B/E will get a better understanding about their feelings for each other soon. -coughs- Next chapter.
So, don't be discouraged. We'll get to some action soon enough. :)