Super special thanks to 2browneyes and Sunshine for reading this for me. All mistakes are mine.

Edward and I attend a frat party together on Saturday, and we spend Sunday at my apartment with Angela and Ben. Angela and I cook while the men chill in front of the TV, and it feels good to hang with friends and be a normal couple with no secrets or hiding.

Monday brings a friend of a different kind as Jake catches us at lunch to share some of the shots he's taken around the Seattle waterways. "I'm not super excited about any of them," he says, handing me a stack of glossy eight by ten portraits. "None of them jump out as the one, ya know?"

"Hmm." I slowly flick through the photos. Each one is distinct, yet they all have the same feel, which I suppose could be what Jake means. Any one of them will match the concept of my story, but I have a feeling he's looking for perfection. "They're all really nice shots," I say, returning them to him. "They convey the subject of my story beautifully."

"They're a dime a dozen," he replies, flicking his bangs over so I can see the distaste he has for the images. "I want something new, exciting, rare, original at the very least."

"Maybe it's not the photos that need some originality," I muse, my brows furrowing.

"No, Bella," Jake starts, but I interrupt him.

"Hear me out here," I say, holding up my hand. "These images were captured after reading the first draft of my article. Maybe it needs a punch of originality, something meatier for you to work with."

"What ya thinking, babe?" Edward asks, joining the conversation. His cute endearment fills me with flutters.

"Nothing concrete," I reply, hiding my girlishness behind a shrug. "But I think we should make it a point to check out the beaches near Forks this week. So far, my article revolves around Seattle, but maybe it needs a personal touch."

"Oh yeah, that sounds good," he replies, giving me his usual boyish grin. "Maybe take a blanket and picnic, then later stroll hand in hand." He finishes with a wink.

"Whoa, whoa," Jake says, waving his hands wildly as he looks back and forth between us. "Let's skip the lovey dovey and talk about the article for a minute." His eyes settle on me. "You think one of these smaller, less populated beaches might have the money shot?"

"It's worth a look," I reply, the idea growing even as we discuss it. "It could actually be a perfect closing to what I already have. Go back to my roots, talk of the beaches I spent my childhood on and how they're also suffering. This is, of course, if we can capture a real image."

"That does sound like a plan," Jake says, nodding. "When are you two heading that way?"

"My dad's picking me up at ten Wednesday morning," I answer, shifting my gaze to Edward. "And we'll be coming back together Sunday."

"You're not going Wednesday?" Jake swivels his head to Edward.

"Nah," he says on a sigh. "I won't be able to leave Seattle until after my flight comes in on Friday."

"Ahh, home for the holiday." Jake nods before turning to me. "How about I give you a lift Wednesday and we check out as many beaches as we can get to that afternoon."

"What about your Thanksgiving plans? The girlfriend already dumped ya?" Edward asks, and he's smirking, but his eyes spark with something else.

"Not at all," Jake says, waving him off. "I'm good. I'll get back late Wednesday, but I can sleep in since I don't have to be at her parents' house until three on Thursday."

"Sounds like you have it worked out then," I cut in, smiling brightly. "I'll let my father know I have a ride."

"Cool." Jake stands and taps the table. "Check you guys later."

"That was interesting," Edward remarks as Jake walks away.

"Interesting," I parrot, looking to him with a teasing grin. "I think it's a great idea. Hopefully we can get a nice shot and that'll leave our weekend free for … other things."

"Oh yeah," he says in a sinfully low voice, leaning closer. "And what might those things be?"

"Picnics, beach strolls and dinner with my father," I reply, watching as the teasing glint disappears from his eyes.

"Why'd you have to go and ruin it?" He fake pouts.

I giggle, standing and shouldering my book bag. "Come on, pouty, walk me to class."

We don't get together Monday or Tuesday evening, as our workload leading into the holiday weekend is heavy, but I make a point to stop by his condo after my only class Wednesday morning.

"Hey, babe." He answers the door still rubbing his sleepy eyes. "I didn't know you'd be by or I'd have made you breakfast or something."

"No need." I step inside and throw my arms around his midsection, hugging him close. "I just wanted to see you before I left."

He kicks the door closed with his foot and pulls me so tightly against him that my feet leave the ground. "Fuck yes," he mumbles, his nose buried in my hair.

When he settles me back to my feet, his pretty green eyes connect with mine for only a second before his lips are on mine. His fingers grip the base of my neck, and he bends my head into submission. His taste invades my senses. The roughness in his touch sends sparks shooting down my spine. The softness of his lips makes me light-headed.

Everything about him drives me wild with want.

And my perfect man senses it, softening his hold and slowing the heated kiss. The pecks are gentle and reverent as he frames my face with his strong hands and pulls away to gaze at me with shiny, happy eyes.

"I needed that," he murmurs, pecking the corner of my mouth. "Is it horrible of me to wish I didn't have to go?"

"She's your mom, of course you have to go," I say softly, fingering the collar of his shirt. "I'll see you in two days."

"I'll be counting the minutes," he whispers.

"So will I."

Jake's already parked outside my apartment building when Edward returns me on the way to his only class of the day. "Give me a sec and let me grab my case," I tell Jake as I climb from Edward's car.

"I got it, babe," Edward says, walking around to stand before me. "You go ahead and get settled, and I'll be right back." He kisses me then, hard and fast, a tight push of his lips against mine. He doesn't open and neither do I, but everything he's trying to express is there. "I'll see you in Forks."

"Can't wait," I murmur as he backs away.

Ten minutes later Jake and I are on the road. Four hours after that we've already driven through Forks and are parked at Rialto Beach. It's not one I've frequented as much, but it's beautiful and a good place to start. We're quiet as we meander north toward the famed Hole in the Wall. It's known for its amazing tide pools, and to find it contaminated would be sad for the environment, but a perfect example of why I'm writing this article in the first place.

Taking our time, Jake snaps photos constantly with only a few of them being candidates for the project. The mile and half trek seems to go by in a flash as the scenery keeps us occupied. Sadly enough, Jake is able to capture a few images while we're there, but my focus is on plastics and the tide pools are clear of it.

It's late afternoon by the time we get back to Jake's car. "That took longer than I thought," I comment, settling in the passenger seat. "Let's go to First Beach next. I'm more familiar with the area and we should be able to check it out before the sun sets."

"Lead the way," he says, backing the car from our spot. "A few of those were good shots, but I'm hoping we can find a stand out. We're definitely on the right track, though, moving away from Seattle."

"Oh, you think so?" I ask, curious of his thoughts. "Take your next right."

"Sure," he says, glancing my way. "An image is more haunting when it depicts the disruption of what people perceive as a peaceful place. Seattle is expected to have the issues you speak of in your article, but not out here." He shrugs. "Maybe it'll spur someone into action."

"That would be amazing," I muse, getting lost in my thoughts.

Aside from giving directions, we don't speak much the rest of the drive. When we arrive, we're quick to get out of the car and I lead the way. The ocean winds are strong on this cold, November afternoon, but it doesn't deter us. Jake keeps his camera at the ready, snapping shot after shot as we walk along the beach.

After looking through several tide pools without much luck, we're both excited and saddened when Jake points to a deep purple sea star with two of its points entangled in a plastic six pack holder.

"Let me get a couple of shots and then you can remove it," Jake says, stopping my arm as I reach toward it.

"Duh," I say, shaking my head at myself. "It's such a sad sight, though."

He works quickly, circling it from all sides and twisting his camera at every angle. "All done," he says, pulling the camera from his eye and stashing it in the case hanging at his side. "Let's help this little guy now."

In no time at all, we set the sea star free and are already walking back toward the car with the offensive piece of plastic in hand. "There's going to be some great shots here," Jake says, patting the case at his side. "I can't wait to get home and start developing them."

"You have a dark room?"

"Of course I do." He flicks his hair and gives me an affronted look. "Anyone who's seriously into photography does."

"That's really cool," I say, even more impressed than I was before. "Let's get together early next week and select the shot. That way I can mold the finishing touches of my article to coincide perfectly with the image."

"Works for me," he replies, hitting the key fob to unlock the doors. "We did good today."

"We did." I smile, opening the passenger door and climbing inside.

It's no time at all before Jake is dropping me at my dad's house and taking off on his way back to Seattle. He's anxious to get in his dark room, and that's a good sign for me. His attitude toward this project has been amazing and his dedication has been absolute.

Thanksgiving passes as it usually does with my dad and me. His shift starts at two, so we eat earlier in the day. The meal isn't the grand spread most have but it's still a lot of food for two people. Just as we're finishing, I take a minute to remind him about dinner at the lodge the following night.

He pushes his plate away and sighs. "I take it things are going good between you two then?"

"They are," I say, unable to hold back my smile. "They're more like they should be this time around."

"As opposed to last time?" he asks, lifting a thick, bushy brow.

"Yeah," I say, my smile fading. "There were some kinks that needed working out."

"Kinks," he repeats thoughtfully, standing and grabbing his plate. "I don't have a clue what those kinks were and they're none of my business, but I could tell you were hurting when you came back." He comes over and grabs my plate, setting it on top of his. "I'm just glad to see you smiling again."

"Thanks, Dad."

I give him a larger than usual smile as I stand and start clearing the table. It isn't long before he's off to work and I'm kicked back on the sofa flipping through the channels. Later that evening, a couple of my friends from the reservation stop by and I feed them leftover turkey sandwiches while we catch up on each other's lives.

Friday dawns crisp and sunny, and I'm up early to make Dad breakfast before his ten o'clock shift. "What time are you expecting Edwin today?"

"You know that's not his name," I say, eyeing him across the table. "And his flight is scheduled to land at one, so hopefully he'll be in Forks by six."

He nods, folding his newspaper and shoving it under his arm as he stands. "All right, then. I'll meet you at The Lodge after my shift."

"Eight o'clock," I call to his retreating back.

"Can't wait," he deadpans, giving me a look as he backs out the door and closes it behind him.

I chuckle under my breath as I get up and start cleaning the kitchen. My father's a very reserved man, quiet and firm, but apparently under all that gruffness he's more understanding than I give him credit for. This is my life, and he's allowing me to live it in a way that makes me happy with no judgement on his part.

After cleaning the dishes and packaging some leftovers, I head next door to spend a couple hours with Ms. Cope. While I'm there, we bake pies and I bask in the motherly attention she's always heaped on me. She's not as reserved as my father, wanting all the details of my new beau, and I give them to her.

By the time I get home, it's already late afternoon, so I head straight to the shower. I'm quick to get cleaned up and it's a good thing. As soon as I shut off the water, there's a rap on the bathroom door.

"Bella," Edward calls, and my heart starts racing. "You in there?"

"I'm here," I call, frantically drying my body and looking around for my clothes. "Shit."

"Everything okay?" he asks, worry lacing his tone.

"I, uh … My clothes are in my room," I call through the door. "Could you wait for me downstairs?"

"Fuck, Bella," he rasps, and it's as if I can feel his breath against my skin. "I so didn't need that visual. It makes me want to break down this fucking door." I reach for the knob without thought, but it refuses to turn. "No, babe, I'm not coming in." His voice is low, regretful. "I'll be outside on the steps. The very cold steps."

His feet thunder against the stairs, and a burst of anticipation simmers across my skin. This feeling of being desired but also treasured is an aphrodisiac like no other. I'm not sure when we'll have our moment, but there's no doubt it's going to be more explosive than either of us can imagine.

I rush to my room and hurry into my bra and panties before throwing on the blue sweater-dress I've left laying across the bed. My hair's still wet, so I put a towel back on my head and slip on my house shoes before hurrying downstairs. I find him just where he said, on the porch, though I'm surprised to see Ms. Cope chatting him up.

"There's our girl," she says, beaming at me as I open the door. "I'm sorry if I caused a problem, ushering him on inside before. I just thought you were in your room and couldn't hear him knocking."

My eyes narrow at her innocent expression. "I see," I say, crossing my arms and lifting a brow. "I thought I said I was going to take a shower when I left your house."

"Oh, goodness no," Shelly replies, palming her chest. "I must've misheard you. You know these old ears and all."

I laugh, shaking my head. "I do know."

"Well don't let me keep you," she says, motioning for Edward to stand. "It was nice to meet you, Edward. Maybe I'll see you around again."

"Only if I'm lucky," Edward replies, taking her outstretched hand and kissing the back of it. "It was a pleasure."

Ms. Cope gives me a no-so-hidden nod of approval before turning to make her way back to her own house. Edward and I both watch her go, me with a fond smile and him with a thoughtful expression.

"She did that on purpose, didn't she?" he asks, shifting his focus to me.

"Most likely," I answer, grabbing his elbow to drag him inside. "But I forgive her. The foreplay's nice."

Edward stumbles inside behind me, but by the time I've closed the door he's regained his composure enough to press my back firmly against it. "It's fucking killing me," he growls, kissing me firmly. "But it's worth it. We're worth it. When I finally have you again, there'll be no turning back, no insecurities. It'll be nothing but you and me and the rest of our lives."

"Do you really think that?" I whisper, his confidence stunning me.

"Yes," he answers decisively, staring directly into my eyes. "Every day I wake up and you're my first thought. Seeing you, texting you, talking on the phone with you are all things I crave. I've never felt this way about anything before."

His words are passionate, sure, full of confidence and strength, and I'm tired of questioning them. Us. I feel the exact same way. When I think of my future, he's always there. When I'm with him, my insides go crazy. Right this second, I want to crawl under his skin and become a part of him.

"I feel the same way, Edward," I murmur softly, brushing my fingers along his jaw. "I want you so bad, but I don't want to rush at the same time. This is our future we're building, and I want it to be perfect."

"Any future with you is perfect," he murmurs, pressing his mouth to mine, and I'm a soft, gooey puddle as his lips echo his words.

The kiss is slow and leisurely.

Perfect.

As his lips move away, I grip his nape to keep him close. "Promise me we'll always feel this way."

"I'd rather promise that it only gets better." His voice is low and seductive, and I feel like I might overheat.

"If we didn't have somewhere to be soon …" I trail off, leaving my eyes to deliver the promise.

"Speaking of …" He grins then, his bright green eyes roaming my face before straying to the top of my head. "Your father may not be very pleased if we show up to dinner still in your slippers and with your hair wet."

"Ugh." I drop my forehead on his shoulder as I remember my half-dressed state. "I should probably finish getting ready, huh?"

He trails his fingers along my sides. "At the very least, a change of shoes might be in order."

I lift my head, loving that he hasn't backed away yet, and meet his eyes. "Want to see my room?"

"Desperately," he murmurs, his fingers pausing to grip tightly at my sides. "But I can only take so much temptation in one day." With a resigned breath, he presses a kiss to my forehead and steps back. "I'll be on the sofa."

My head lolls against the door as I watch him walk away. The sight is as sexy as it's always been, and this time I feel fuller than ever before. There's no uncertainty, nervousness or hurt from the past lingering around.

There's only us, and it's amazing.

All right, guys, I'm considering joining the Babies at the Border Compilation. I've not done it so far because I have 2 stories that I'm writing as they post, so it's a lot on my plate. But this cause is important to me, and I'd love to be a part of it. If I can come up with an idea, I'll have to hit the pause button for a week or so while I write it. We'll just have to see. But you know me and I don't not post, so I'll be working hard, if I do write for it, to get back here and finish these lovebirds off.

See you soon :)