Chapter 10

"Because I have a question," he replied vaguely, trying to regulate his breathing. Damn if this woman doesn't make him feel like he's on a roller coaster! He'd been pump full of anticipation to getting the shit scared out of him. She bulldozed him with her little revelation, and fucking melted his heart in her cute, klutzy way. The absurdity of what just happened caught up to him and he couldn't help the rumble of laughter that escaped him. She was driving him insane!

She was still reeling from her mortification, and hearing Edward laugh, thought he was laughing at her. How dare he, she thought indignantly! Narrowing her eyes, she began, "Well, if I've entertained you enough..." Trying to muster some fire behind her words, but getting distracted by the sound of his laugh. Oh, he had such a good sounding laugh.

"Bella, you are..." he cut her off, still chuckling, "This call has definitely been interesting. I'm not laughing at you, just at the whole situation, that's one hell of a way to break the ice."

Seeing how silly it may have looked, she said, "Alright, let's just forget about that whole fiasco, please." Thankful he couldn't see how red her face still was.

There was a pause for a second or two before Bella asked, "W..what was your question?" Curiosity and butterflies churning in her stomach.

"What's your address?"

She blinked at the unexpected question, feeling puzzled, "My address? Why do you need my address?"

"So I can make sure you really are okay and ask my question in person." He explained as if it should have been obvious. "Furthermore," he continued smoothly,"Alice and Rose, not to mention my mother, and father, who is a doctor by the way, will kill me if they knew I didn't check on you, knowing you could be suffering from a concussion and did nothing about it."

Not likely, she thought wryly, but replied, "I'll be fine, Edward." However, her heart was leaping at the thought of seeing Wild Man again.

"I could always just call them anyway," he threaten, a smile playing on his lips as he waited for a response.

Though they'd barely spent any time together, his green eyes and wild hair had been playing repeatedly in her head making him seem more like a dream than reality. Yes, she wanted to see Wild Man again. Just hearing his voice was not enough, she gave in and told him her address. She could hear little beeps like he was pressing some buttons.

"No fucking way" she heard him say. Then his low voice was back in her ears,"Bella, you have five minutes to put something on." And disconnected the call.

Her heart thundering, she jumped off the bed with arms flying, being careful not to step on the puddle of water. The universal thoughts of most women in her situation flying through her head. What to wear? How do I look? How do I smell? Did I clean downstairs? Oh my god, any bras lying around? She sniffed her pits quickly, then pulled on a pair of yoga pants sans panties, a bra and t-shirt, and pulled her hair into a messy bun. Argh! No time for makeup, she thought. She turned and ran downstairs fluffing throw pillows and making sure nothing embarrassing was displayed.

Her doorbell rang and she stopped. Oh my god, Wild Man is here. Smoothing her palms down her thighs, she took a deep breath to calm her breathing and walked to the door. She took a peek in the viewer and saw a big chest. Oh my.

Expecting her Wild Man, she opened the door and let out a small squeal of fright before slamming the door again. That wasn't Wild Man! Instead a beautiful man was standing at her door! She slowly peeked through the viewer again and jumped back when the man knocked instead of using the doorbell. She could hear his low, rumble of laughter.

Edward?

She opened the door more cautiously this time. Edward stood on her front porch, looking devastatingly handsome in his dark suit. His tie missing and the top button of his crisp, white shirt was undone. His dark, copper hair had been cut and there was a day's growth of whiskers shadowing his square jaw. He looked so sexy. Her knees suddenly felt weak.

"Hello, Bella." He said with a half smile. She was so adorable with her thick, brown hair piled haphazardly on her head and in her cute, little outfit.

"Hi, Edward." Still stunned at Edward's new look.

He ran a hand through his hair, his grin fading. Suddenly not quite sure what to do now that he's standing in front of her. It had been a spur of the moment to come here. He hadn't planned this. It had been a really fucking long, bizarre day. But he could not have made his feet move if he'd wanted to. As he looked at the woman who had tormented his days and nights, all the apprehension he'd felt earlier disappeared. He no longer had any doubts. He had to make his intentions known.

"Bella, you're beautiful. I know we haven't gotten to know each other. And I've been a complete ass, but I've been intrigued since I first saw you. I'd like to spend time with you. Will you have dinner with me some time?

There. Just like a fucking band-aid.

Bella stood there, her inside quivering, Edward is intrigued and wanted a date. She was still absorbing his new looks and his declaration made her want to swoon.

He hesitantly asked, "Are you seeing someone else?"

She realized that her head had been shouting YES YES, but her lips had yet to say the words. She finally found her voice, "No. No, I'm not seeing anyone. I wasn't expecting... I mean, yes, I will." Edward made her so flustered! She tried again with sincerity, "Edward, yes, I'd like that very much." Then shyly added, "I've been intrigued as well."

Both of them were suddenly too aware of the other person and could feel the intensity of the attraction blossoming. She came to her senses finally, asking out of politeness,"Oh, would you like to come inside?"

Bad idea said the voice in Edward's head. "I better not, but glad to see you aren't laying mangled on the floor." Get the hell out of here, Cullen, before you do something stupid like kiss her! Shouted the voice again.

They took a moment grinning at each other before Edward cleared his throat, "Well, I have some business trips scheduled for the next few days, will this weekend be good for you?"

Dreamily, all she could reply was, "Yes."

He wanted to grab her to his chest and kiss the look off her face. To distract himself, he told her, "Did you know know that we're practically neighbors?" She shook her head. "I kid you not, I could walk to my place from here." He indicated with his hand.

"Really? I haven't seen you around, but then I just moved here."

"Yeah, I usually don't stay here and only been back on Friday." He was stalling. Move your ass, Cullen.

"Could I call or text you while I'm gone?" He didn't want to let her go.

She nodded. "Yes, I'd like that," Bella said, not wanting him to go either. She made a move before her courage disappeared. She quickly stepped down to the cement porch. Using his arm as leverage, stood on her tiptoes and placed a light kiss on his whiskered jaw. "Thank you for checking up on me, Edward."

His hands automatically came to rest gently on her hips. Jesus, she's so soft. He had to resist the wine she was unwittingly offering. He made no other move. They stood there in a semi-hug, both intensely aware of the other. He looked down at her upturned face. Yielding. He had to leave now. He cupped her face and looked into those gorgeous, dark orbs. Just one taste. His lips brushed hers softly, skimming back and forth. He breathed in her exquisite bouquet. Leave now.

His hands on her face began to loosen and knowing he wasn't going to push any further, Bella took his bottom lip in hers. She lightly sucked and nibbled. She heard a groan from him that vibrated through her chest. His hand was suddenly in her hair cupping her head, and his other hand was on her back. Palm spread wide pulling her tightly to his hard body. Then gripping her tightly around the waist. His mouth opened over hers and devoured her lips. His tongue licked her top then bottom lip. Leaving a deliciously wet trail before seeking entrance. She accommodated him and his tongue pushed in, into her soft, warm mouth. He glided his tongue over hers, tasting her sweetness, sucking her tongue back into his mouth.

Sparks flew between them, popping and crackling. Her hands somehow had already made their way into his hair. It was thick and soft and she ran her nails lightly across his scalp as she took his tongue back into her mouth. He groaned and pull her even tighter. It was over too soon. They were gasping for air. Their bodies trembling with wants and needs. They could feel it all around them, it was sensual and electric.

He looked down at her, her eyes were still closed and her cheeks flushed pink. It took all his energy to fight the temptation. Giving her a quick peck on the lips, he dropped his hands, taking a step back. "Good night, Bella. Go back in, please, and lock the door. I'll talk to you soon."

She took a shaky breath then stepped up back into her doorway and said sweetly, "Good night as well, Edward." Before closing the door.

He walked to his truck, the wide smile splitting his face. She slid down her front door definitely swooning.

AN: *fans face* Talk about chemistry! The wine and smelling the bouquet are Edward's thoughts in "Twilight".