A/N: Thanks to my betas Clarisa and keepingupwiththekids

Disclaimer: I don't own them

ChApTeR ElEvEn

Song for this Chapter: Coldplay~Trouble

EPOV

Sweet lavender, vanilla and strawberries flooded my senses. I felt something warm pressed to my lower body and nearly jumped out of my skin when the warmth moved. I reached out blindly and rested my hand on the solid, soft mass lying next to me. I cracked one eye open, unsure if I really wanted to know who was in bed with me. I was met with the beautiful sight of a dark-haired angel's sleeping form right next to me. Her hair was fanned out behind her, knots and tangles galore sweeping over her forehead. Her bottom lip puffed out slightly and its rosy color turned white as she sucked in a breath and drew the plump skin in between her teeth before a beautiful smile stretched out across her face. She sighed and snuggled her face into my chest, inhaling deeply.

"Edward," she whispered. I craned my neck back and lowered my eyes to her face. Was she still asleep and dreaming of me? I was flooded with memories from last night and realized that she asked me to stay with her. She was drunk and I briefly wondered if she would remember the heated kiss we shared. She was so infuriating and so beautiful at the same time. The passion that flowed freely from her mouth when she was mad was a big turn on.

The kiss was unlike anything I'd ever experienced ever. I had done my fair share of kissing girls, but all previous encounters failed in comparison to Bella's mouth, her lips, that velvety soft tongue. She was aggressive and timid, soft and hard. It was almost too much for me to take, but take it I did.

I didn't know what her thoughts would be on our lip lock the night before, but I decided in that moment that I couldn't keep my promise anymore. The previous week had been torture. Trying to stay away from her was more distracting than being in her presence. I resolved to be with her in any way that she would have me. I briefly considered pushing to take things to the next level, but decided that maybe being friends first was more of a wise choice. I would be her friend and confidant. She would need that with school starting next week.

She stirred again in my arms and raised her head. Her eyes were still closed, but I could tell she was waking. I loosened my grip around her upper body, not sure how she would react to me being in bed with her.

Fucking idiot. You should have snuck out while you had the chance. She's probably going to rip you a new one. That song she screamed out last night wasn't exactly conducive to a morning romp.

She opened her eyes and the confusion was apparent as she furrowed her brows and looked up at me. I reached down and brushed the tangles of chocolate strands away from her eyes. "Morning, sunshine," I whispered, unsure of how bad her head would be pounding.

She winced and squeezed her eyes shut before lowering her head to the pillow with a groan. It must have been bad if whispering caused her to wince. "Edward," she croaked throatily, "what are you doing here? Did we fuck?" She buried her head in the pillow further, but I could see the flesh of her neck redden.

"No, babydoll, we didn't fuck," I whispered. "You asked me to stay after I helped you into bed. Is your head pounding?"

"Fuck," she whispered as she turned her body slightly so she was on her back. "Remind me not to drink ever again." She groaned again as her arm came up to cover her eyes and part of her forehead. "Thank you...for staying...I mean since I asked you..." she trailed off and I bit my lip as I held back a chuckle.

"It was my pleasure," I stated as I rubbed small circles on her arm soothingly. "I'm going to go get you some Motrin and water, okay?"

"Bacon," she blurted out before I could remove her from my arms. "I need bacon and orange juice and water," she stated.

"Um...yeah...okay. I'll get right on that," I chuckled and got up from my comfortable resting place. She groaned when my arm slid out from under her and rolled to her stomach. Her head rested on the mattress as her hair covered her face completely. I grinned, threw my pants on, and headed downstairs to see what food I could throw together for her.

Once I was in the kitchen, Rose popped in from the patio. "Hey, Edward," she sung brightly.

"Morning," I chirped, feeling good about not having to keep my promise anymore. It was too damn hard to stay away from that girl.

"Do you know if Bella's up yet?" she asked curiously, searching through the cabinets for something.

"Uh...she's awake, but I don't know that she would take kindly to visitors right now. She had a pretty rough night." I chuckled as Rose whipped her head in my direction as my answer sunk into her brain.

"How would you know that?" she clipped curtly.

"Well, I ended up at the same party as her and she was quite...um...inebriated? So I brought her home. She asked me to stay with her after I helped her into her room, but don't worry, Rose; I didn't sully your sister. We just slept." I snarled out the last part.

"Oh," she said quietly. "Well, when she's up and around, can you tell her that I need to see her? We are having a business dinner party here in a couple of weeks and I want her to be our photographer for the night."

"Sure," I replied, happy that Bella might have her first real job as a photographer. Rose exited the kitchen quietly as I threw some bacon in the microwave and gathered water and orange juice, silverware, napkins and plates. I retrieved the bacon from the microwave, grabbed the Motrin from the medicine cupboard and put everything on a tray.

I made my way back upstairs and into Bella's suite. I walked into her bedroom and noticed the bed empty and a horrible sound coming from the bathroom. I set the tray down on the end of the bed and walked into the bathroom to find Bella hugging the toilet. "Shit, Bella, are you okay?"

"Hell, no," she rasped out. "Get out; this is fucking disgusting," she spat at me without lifting her head from the toilet. Her whole body was heaving and in that moment she looked so tiny and frail.

"I'm not leaving," I said as I fought my gag reflex as the smell of sour alcohol floated towards my nostrils. I reached over and flipped the exhaust fan on then made my way to Bella who was retching horribly again. She wasn't throwing anything up, but the dry heaves were wracking her body. I gently lifted her hair, held it back from her face and knelt down behind her as she threw up a little more. I kept my eyes away from the toilet, knowing all too well that nasty brown color would have me heaving right beside her.

After several more moments of just hanging her head over the toilet, she managed to sit back slightly. She wobbled in her crouched position and fell back into me. I caught her easily and clutched her to my body. "Any better?" I asked quietly.

"Hell, no," she sobbed quietly. "I think I'm dying," she whispered as tears ran down her face. "God, I'm such a baby," she babbled.

"First of all you're not going to die. It just feels like it and you're not being a baby. Puking makes me cry like a starved infant," I admitted, hoping she would feel a little better.

"I have to pee," she whispered as she tried to sit up. "I'm okay now; you don't have to stay in here to watch me pee." I wasn't sure if the flush in her cheeks was from the heaving or from her worrying about me watching her pee. She reached up and flushed the toilet before she quickly crumpled to the ground. It was then that I realized she was still only in a tank top and panties.

The cutest fucking panties I've ever seen, too.

I had to bite my lip to keep from moaning as she struggled against my back to stand. I snaked my arms around her abdomen and effortlessly lifted her from the floor. She grasped the wall next to the toilet as she tried to steady herself on her feet.

"I'm okay," she mumbled as she lowered her chin to her chest. "Can you do me a favor, though?"

"Anything," I breathed out as my gaze lowered to her delectable ass.

Do you have no couth? The poor girl has just puked her guts up and you are staring at her ass? Not that it's not smokin' hot...but...

"Can you get me some cotton shorts? Second drawer in my dresser."

"Sure," I said as she turned to face me. I gazed into her bloodshot eyes and fought back the urge to press my lips to her forehead. I quickly retreated from the bathroom and closed the door to give her some privacy. I rooted through her dresser and found a black pair of cotton shorts. I waited at the door for her to tell me to enter. When I heard the sink turn on, I knocked on the door. She mumbled for me to come in and I followed the sound of her voice as she was bent over the sink brushing her teeth.

Lace is the fucking sexiest material ever made. Who cares about her puking? She's clearly better now. Stare away, Edd-o! Get your eyeful because you may never see it again.

I set the shorts on the counter and she nodded at me before I exited the bathroom again. I sat on the edge of the bed waiting for her to emerge. I picked at the bacon and drank almost a full glass of juice before she emerged. Her hair was thrown up into a messy bun on top of her head and there were glasses perched on her nose. I very rarely saw her with her glasses on, but I loved the enticing chocolate color of her eyes. I wondered aloud for the first time if she had colored contacts.

"Yes, I have green colored contacts," she stated as she made her way to the bed. She looked exhausted and I patted the spot next to me as she got closer. She really needed to eat something and get some drugs into her system before she would start feeling better. "Thank you..." she started, shyly nibbling on a slice of bacon. "For taking care of me...I mean...you didn't have to do that." She stuttered and glanced up at me through her lashes.

"What are friends for?" I asked with a wide smile.

"Yeah," she snorted as she reached for the glass of juice and the Motrin I set on the tray.

"What do you mean 'yeah'?" I asked, confused at her tone of voice. She sounded sarcastic and spiteful.

"Nothing," she shot back as she gulped down the water after she drained her juice. "I just...I need to go back to sleep."

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea," I mused. I stood and grabbed the tray. "Oh, your sister wants to talk to you. She said something about you being the photographer for some business dinner party they are having in a couple of weeks."

"Thanks," she said softly before she lay back on the bed with a groan. She took her glasses off and threw her arm across her eyes.

"Do you want me to get an ice pack for your head?" I asked, chastising myself for not thinking of that earlier when I was downstairs.

"It's not necessary," she muttered quietly.

"I'll be right back," I told her before going back down to the kitchen with the tray. She didn't protest so I hurried back upstairs with an ice pack wrapped in a hand towel. I strode back into her room and found her in the same position. I climbed on the bed next to her and she sighed.

"Why are you doing this? Are you feeling guilty for ignoring me last week?" she asked as I removed her arm from her face and put the ice pack over her forehead.

"I wasn't ignoring you, Bella," I said quietly. "I had a lot of work to do."

Yeah, you weren't ignoring. You were stalking. Crazy psycho.

"Right, work," she snorted as she snuggled further down into the bed.

"Yes, work," I whispered before I yawned loudly. I wasn't going to admit the hold she had on me. I liked to have the upper hand even though I really didn't right now. This girl absolutely owned me.

"Lay down," she demanded as she turned onto her side to face me and yawned again. "I think I like having someone else in bed with me. I never thought that I would after getting away from sleeping in the same bed with Jake, but you seem to mold to me. You don't disturb me...and..." she muttered each word getting quieter as I sunk down next to her. I stripped my jeans off since the buttons in the pockets were digging into me. I wanted to be comfortable for this nap or continuation of sleep or whatever it was we were doing. I wasn't about to argue though.

I slipped my arm under her and she scooted closer to me, nuzzling my chest again. She wedged her leg in between mine and I gasped as my semi-hard erection brushed her hip. She didn't seem to notice as she started snoring softly beside me. I closed my eyes and rubbed my hand up and down her spine soothingly and her soft snores soon had me lulled into a deep in slumber.

BPOV

I was totally mortified that Edward saw me puking, but I was beyond exhausted and at the moment all I cared about was sleep. His body was amazingly soft, even over the hard planes of his chest and back; the softness was unbelievable. The need to bury myself into his chest was unavoidable. His masculine scent radiated off him, bringing me a sense of peace. I felt safe at home.

After living with Jake for a couple of months, I couldn't wait for him to go out of town on business just so I could sleep alone. Having Edward in bed was an indescribable feeling. I felt like he belonged there. I molded to his body and he molded to mine like we were always meant to be together like this. It scared the shit out of me.

Yeah, you already said that once. Just enjoy the feeling and get over it.

I wasn't sure how much time passed, but I opened my eyes to late afternoon sunlight brushing my head. I turned my head and inhaled deeply, grinning at the fresh scent assaulting my nasal passages.

"Judging by the smile on your face, I'm assuming I smell good?" Edward drawled sleepily.

I looked up and the emerald pools were shining with sleep and happiness. "Surprisingly, you do smell good. I would have thought after a night of partying you would reek, but you don't." I yawned and let my eyelids slide closed again.

"Are you going to sleep all day?" he asked quietly.

"Perhaps," I answered snuggling deeper into the bed. "Are you opposed to that?"

"Perhaps," he repeated. "I'm rather hungry though, and as horrible as food probably sounds to you right now, you should eat."

"Mmmm...grease," I moaned. "Gatorade and grease," I sighed, "and more drugs."

"How's your head?" he asked, grabbing the warmed ice pack and setting it on the nightstand next to the bed.

"It's better. Still pounding slightly, but I don't feel sick anymore," I replied as I rubbed my head and pushed the hair that had fallen out of the bun back from my face.

"I don't know how your hair ends up looking like a bird's nest. When you sleep, you hardly move."

"Really? Jake always told me I slept like a fish out of water. Since I'm obviously asleep when I'm sleeping, I don't know if I toss and turn or not."

"You barely moved at all last night or this morning."

"Maybe alcohol had something to do with that," I stated. "Now about some grease..."

He chuckled quietly as he shook his head. "How about we shower and then head to the diner down the road to get some burgers?"

"A shower sounds nice." I opened my eyes and stared up at him. He gave me that lopsided grin that became famous in my eyes during my first week in North Carolina. "Meet downstairs in twenty?" I asked, praying that it would be easier to get out of bed once he was up and out of my bed.

He nodded his head and slid to the edge of the bed, releasing me from his arms. Standing quickly, he reached for his pants before pulling them up his legs.

Shit...look at that delicious piece of man meat. You really need to hit that. He looks so appetizing and if his scent is any indication of his taste...you're in trouble.

He left my room and I reluctantly climbed out of bed. I rooted through my dresser for clean underwear and a comfortable sundress. I washed off quickly, rushing through my normal shower routine. As I pulled my panties up my legs, I froze, realizing that I was in nothing but a tank top and lacy boyshorts last night and this morning. I had slept in my underwear...with Edward. My cheeks heated as I determined that throwing up in front of Edward in my underwear was the worst mortification ever. EVER!

I dried my hair slightly and just pulled it back off my face. I put my contacts back in and headed downstairs with flip-flops in hand. Edward was sitting at the bar in the kitchen reading the paper. "Ready?" he asked without looking up from the newsprint.

"As I'll ever be," I said as I grabbed Rose's sunglasses from the counter and turned to head towards the garage. I slid into the passenger side of the Volvo and fastened my seatbelt before throwing my head back into the headrest and closing my eyes.

"You're still tired?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes, puking takes everything out of me. I'm sure once I eat, I'll be back to sleep as soon as we get home. Aren't you tired? I mean, taking care of my pansy ass is a big job." I snickered and rolled my eyes.

"You are the easiest hangover I've ever encountered," he said indifferently with a shrug of his shoulder.

"Really?" My voice raised a few octaves in surprise as I turned my head towards him.

"Yes, really. Why is that surprising?" he asked as he glanced at me quickly before returning his gaze to the road.

"Oh I don't know, maybe because I was a complete bitch to you, asking you to get out when you clearly were just there to help. I can honestly tell you that puking in my underwear in your presence was the most mortifying moment in my entire life."

"It wasn't that bad. At least you weren't naked. Trust me; the naked human body retching is not a pretty sight." He laughed at my disgusted expression. "That underwear was fucking hot," he added quietly.

"Glad you appreciated my attire while vomiting," I replied sarcastically.

"Believe me, it was all my pleasure," he said seriously as he narrowed his eyes and glared at the road. I sat quietly, letting that comment sink in for the remainder of the drive to the diner.

Once we were seated in a sticky booth and our orders for greasy cheeseburgers were placed, I spoke again. "So why did you ignore me all week?"

"Bella, I wasn't ignoring you. I already told you that I had a lot of work to do," he stated quietly, but he didn't meet my gaze as his eyes darted around the diner. I knew he was lying.

"Bullshit, Edward. You were ignoring me and I want to know why."

He sighed and finally let his shifty eyes settle on my face. "I'm no good for you," he said softly.

"What are you talking about?" I asked with raised eyebrows.

"Look, I can't deny that I'm incredibly attracted to you. You pull me in like a siren pulls a ship full of sailors towards a watery death." He sighed and let his gaze travel between my eyes and the window facing the parking lot. "I can't help it or the way my body reacts to you." He stopped and searched my face for something. I don't know if he found what he was looking for but he bit the corner of his bottom lip and let out a slight groan.

I stared at him dumbly trying to take in what he was telling me. He was attracted to me? "I don't...I don't know what to say," I muttered as his face contorted into what could only be described as fear. I had no idea of what he could possibly be afraid. "How does being attracted to me have any correlation with you not being good for me? I am an adult, Edward. I am capable of making decisions on my own and I honestly don't think you are bad for me."

"You don't know me," he whispered as he dropped his eyes to the table top.

"Why don't you give me a chance to find out who you are and then I can decide if you're not good for me?"

"I'm sorry about last night. I shouldn't have stayed with you. It was wrong. Even though you asked me...you were drunk. I shouldn't have taken advantage of that." He looked up at me apologetically.

"Edward, I was completely coherent when I asked you to stay last night. I really didn't want to be alone, and when I told you this morning that I never thought I'd like sleeping in bed with another person again, I was telling the truth. It's like you are meant to be there. It's the strangest thing." I looked at him curiously as his trademark lopsided grin slid across his face.

"How about we start out as friends?" His tone was hopeful. I nodded and grinned as the waitress set our food down on the table.

We both dug into our greasy burgers greedily as if we hadn't eaten in days. I was slightly embarrassed as small, satisfied moans escaped my mouth. "I didn't think I realized how hungry I was. This is like the best cheeseburger I've ever tasted," I stated as I shoved a handful of fries in my mouth.

"So are you ever going to tell me about the Jake guy you obviously came here to get away from?"

I almost choked as he finished his sentence, but I guess I deserved that since I dropped the whole avoiding me thing on him as soon as we got here. "It's kind of complicated," I breathed as I tried to clear the remaining food from my windpipe.

"I think I can keep up," he replied jokingly with a small smile.

"Well, he was my husband," I started, causing Edward's eyes to widen as the shock etched across his face. "Basically he was my high school sweetheart. I didn't realize how mundane and boring my life had become until a couple of years ago. I didn't go to college because Jake asked me to wait until he was finished. I didn't work because Jake didn't want me to. I never really went anywhere because my car worked just well enough to get around town. Long story short, I found out a beat too late that he was a controlling, insecure man." I dropped my gaze to the plate in front of me as my appetite flew out the window with my explanation. I still felt guilt for leaving him the way I did. I still wondered if this was where I was supposed to be and toyed with the idea of going back.

"Jesus, Bella, I had...no...idea," Edward stammered as he reached across the table to grasp my hand. "I'm so sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for. I dug my own grave and I had to lay in it, but I woke up one day and decided I was done lying down. I started feeling like I was destined for something better a long time ago, and right now I'm just trying to figure out if that something better is here or back in Forks."

"Well I hope you give things here an honest try," he said softly as his thumb brushed my knuckles.

"I'm trying, really I am. It's just hard because I kind of up and left Jacob in the middle of the night. He was away on business when my parents told me they were moving here. I decided I was coming with them and pretty much let my Dad handle the divorce proceedings. I left the papers in our kitchen with a note explaining to him how I basically couldn't stand him anymore. It was really pathetic and now I'm wondering if I made mistake."

I took a deep breath as Edward squeezed my hand in reassurance. "I feel like I owe him more than that. He was my life for so long," I finished quietly, staring at the table.

Edward squeezed my hand again gently causing me to look up. He appeared apologetic as he let his gaze drift around my face finally settling on my eyes. "I understand why you would feel guilty. It's scary...Picking up and moving your whole life clear across the country is a terrifying thing. You've only ever known Forks so you are going to have some doubts. It's normal. I really think that if you'd just give it some time...get yourself settled in and into your school routine, the guilt will disappear. You deserve to be happy and you obviously weren't happy with him." He smiled and his eyes softened as his thumb continued rubbing soothing circles into my knuckles.

"This is a lovely place to live and we are fortunate to have family that lives in an enormous house." He chuckled lightly as he released my hand and went back to eating his cheeseburger.

I smiled and relaxed visibly before I went back to eating my cheeseburger. My appetite had suddenly returned as the guilt washed away with Edward's warm smile and reassurance. Before I had time to think about the remorse I was pushing away, we were pulling into the garage at home.

We both ran through the house, Edward threatening to tickle my most horrifying childhood story out of me before I slid to a stop in the kitchen. I was breathless and feeling lighter than I had in weeks as Rose smirked in my direction.

"You're looking well for someone who was...oh, what was that word Edward used?" she asked, tapping her chin. "Inebriated...yes that's it...you were inebriated last night, but now you're fine?" She snickered and glared as her eyes stopped on the sunglasses on my head. "Those are mine," she snarled.

"Chillax, Ro Ro," I giggled. "You can share your toys, you know. If you don't, I will tell Mom and she'll whoop you." Edward snickered before Rose turned her icy glare on him and he quickly stifled his laughter.

"Wow, Bella, that was so mature," Rose seethed. "So do you want to hear what I have to say or are you going to continue acting like you're twelve?"

"Lay it on me, twisted sister," I grinned and she just shook her head and sighed.

"So, Em and I have to host a dinner party in a few weeks for some out-of-town clients. We like to have pictures of every event we host to show potential clients and just for a nice reminder of good times. I want you to take the photos. I will buy you whatever type of camera you need to do it. I figure you will have a few weeks of classes under your belt by the time we have this party so maybe you will know how to work the thing."

"By 'the thing', I'm assuming you're talking about the camera?" I snarked.

"Yes, Bella, the camera. What else would I be talking about?" Rose huffed out an exasperated breath.

"Um...well let me think about it, kay?" I gave her a serious smile and then asked, "How much are you going to pay me?"

Her mouth dropped open as she stared at me in shock. I tried to hold my composure, but I could feel Edward shaking in silent laughter beside me and I couldn't take it anymore. I burst out into a fit of giggles, clutching my stomach as Rose narrowed her eyes in my direction. "Just kidding, Rosie," I said in between breaths. I walked over to her and pulled her into an awkward hug since she was seated. "I'd be happy to photograph the socialites of North Carolina for you."

"I haven't seen you act like this since the last time I came to Forks. Are you feeling more like yourself now, Bells?"

"I'm starting to feel more like myself everyday that I'm here," I said softly as I looked towards Edward and winked. He grinned and went to the fridge. Seconds later he closed the door and threw me a bottle of water. "So what are you and Emmy Bear doing tonight?"

"Are you fucking kidding me, Bells?" Emmett's voice echoed through the entire downstairs. "Emmy Bear? That's just insulting. What did I ever do to you?" He feigned hurt as he walked into the kitchen from the sitting room. I hadn't even noticed him sitting there during our exchange.

I snorted as Emmett stood behind Rosalie and threw his arms around her shoulders, successfully encasing her in a light headlock. "Aww...Em I love you and you know it. I was just jerking your chain, big guy." I smiled and winked as he chuckled.

"So what are you guys up to tonight?" I repeated my question from earlier as Edward moved closer behind me. The energy around him was distracting as I tried to focus on the words coming out of Emmett's mouth. I finally snapped myself out of it as he was finishing his thought.

"...movie or television or something. I'm beat and I have an early tee time tomorrow."

"Sounds good. I think I'm going to snuggle into that massive couch in my room and watch some Family Guy or maybe a movie. I'm beat too." I nodded, agreeing with Emmett about keeping it low key tonight. At least I hope that's what he said. Edward's scent drowned out the first part of whatever Emmett was saying.

"Hello," Charlie's voice boomed through the foyer.

"Uh oh, Papa Bear, you girls are in trrroouuubbbllleeee," Emmett sang with a teasing grin. I snorted and Rose rolled her eyes at him.

"In here, Daddy," Rose called with a sickly sweet voice. It was my turn to roll my eyes.

"Hey kids," Charlie said quietly as he entered the kitchen. His voice was strained and as he came into view, I gasped at the expression on his face. It was twisted with concern and anguish.

"Oh my god, Dad, what happened? Is Mom okay?" I asked quickly as he turned his attention to me.

"Bella, I'm afraid I have some terrible news," he stated softly.

"What is it?" I furrowed my brow in curiosity.

"Bella...I...don't know how to say this," he whispered as he came closer to me. "Bugaboo..." he cried as a tear leaked from the corner of his eye.

"What is it, Daddy?" I cried, quietly searching his face for an answer. He used to call me Bugaboo when I was a child and now only used it when he was being sarcastic or if something horrible was looming on the horizon. "Please just spit it out, whatever it is."

"Jacob was killed in a car accident last night."