A/N: Thanks to all of you for reading and for reviewing. It means so much to me and I just love reading them.

Ok, this chapter does contain lemons. While I've gone for tenderness rather than smutiness (even though that's fun too!), this chapter is rated M. Just letting you know.

Enjoy!

o-o-o-o-o-o

Chapter 11

It was the day of the Yule Ball and Bella's nerves were doing tap dances in her stomach. She had decided she was wearing the dress after all, and now it was way too late to change her mind. As she imagined everyone's reaction when they saw it, she was coming to regret her decision more as every minute passed. Bella hated being the centre of attention, in any way, and she felt that she couldn't be more conspicuous if she attached a flashing neon sign to her head that said 'look at me!'.

Not only would her outrageously revealing outfit get tongues wagging, the fact that she and Edward would be arriving arm in arm, proclaiming their relationship to the world at large, was guaranteed to have all eyes on her and Edward.

Despite the whispers, Bella was proud of the fact that she would be with the most handsome man there. She was also the one who would be leaving with him at the end of the night. Perhaps she would also be spending the rest of the night with him.

Surprisingly, as word spread about her and Edward's relationship, the majority of people she spoke to had been overwhelmingly supportive. A few risqué jokes at their expense had been made, but generally in fun, without malice. Staff in the maternity unit were happy that she had found someone that was worthy of her. And since Edward was already well liked, they were considered a good match.

There had been a couple of catty comments made, from two younger female staff who had wondered aloud, purposely within Bella's hearing, why the gorgeous Dr Cullen had chosen to date such a plain mouse when there were much better looking women available, namely themselves. Although Bella was determined to ignore the jibe, realising it was made out of jealousy, it had still stung. Maybe because a small part of her did wonder what someone like Edward saw in her.

Sue had noticed that Bella was quieter than usual that afternoon and had asked if there was a problem. Needing to get it off her chest, Bella had told her of the comment she overheard.

"Jessica is just a jealous bitch, Bella," said an angry Sue. "Don't you be silly enough to pay any attention to anything she says. She walks around like Miss America, trying to flash her plastic boobs around as often as possible. How she made it through nursing school is beyond me. I think they may have used large parts of her brain to implant into her boobs, hence all the hot air that escapes her rotten mouth."

Bella burst out laughing at Sue's comment, already feeling better. "Thanks Sue. I know I shouldn't pay attention but..."

"But things like that are intended to hurt, to put doubt in your mind. But I've watched Edward when he looks at you Bella. He's like a kid with his most precious toy. His eyes follow you everywhere when he thinks no-one's watching, like he's a magnet and you're the North Pole. He's with you because he really wants to be, Bella. Don't sell yourself short."

Bella was touched by Sue's words, giving her a quick hug. "I'm glad I've got you in my corner."

"Always kid. I just can't wait to see you two together on Saturday. All ready for it?"

"I think so. Alice is coming over to do my hair and makeup and 'dress' me."

During the week Charlie and Jacob had returned from their trip in high spirits. Bella had gone over after work, Edward stuck in surgery, to welcome them back. Over dinner, Jacob had told her stories of their adventures, Charlie and Billy inserting a word in here and there.

"Did you enjoy yourself, Billy?" asked Bella.

"Man, he loved it," grinned Jacob, looking at his father. "He and Charlie spent most of the time competing to see who could get the largest fish."

"I won that," Charlie piped up.

"I don't think so," laughed Billy, his eyes glinting with mirth.

"No mishaps?" asked Bella.

"Only when Quil, arms full of bait, slipped on the ice. His legs flew out from under him sending the bait flying. He landed on his back on the wet ice, covered in bait," laughed Jacob loudly. Charlie was chuckling at the memory.

"Poor Quil," giggled Bella.

Charlie and Billy went to watch the news while Jacob helped her clear up.

"Billy looks happy," she commented as she washed up.

"Yeah, it did him the world of good. It was good for me too. Spending time with him. We talked about Mom a lot. He told me part of the reason why he's not afraid to die is because he'll be with her again. I never really understood how much he misses her. I only know what I felt, not realising how badly he hurt when she died. He says if it wasn't for us kids, he probably would have given up himself. How can I begrudge his decision not to have treatment when I know this?" asked Jacob sadly.

Bella rubbed his shoulder in a gesture of compassion. Her heart ached for Billy's pain all these years, for his longing for his deceased wife. She knew she would be devastated if something happened to Edward.

Shaking off his sadness, Jacob grinned suddenly. "And guess what?"

"What?"

"I think that Charlie was struck by cupid while up in Canada."

"What?" asked Bella incredulously.

"Tobias, our guide, has his sister, Kara, living with him. She's in her early forties and she and Charlie really got on like a house on fire. I've never seen him so talkative. Ever. A lot of nights, we went to bed while they stayed up 'talking'," smirked Jacob.

"Wow," breathed Bella.

"He'll deny everything though, you know that."

"Do you think they'll stay in touch?" asked Bella, intrigued by this woman who seemed to have captured Charlie's attention.

"Don't know. I brought it up on the way back and he just gave me a dirty look, told me to shut up and kept driving. You might have a bit more luck."

"Doubt it. Although, if he gives me a hard time about Edward I can always ask him about Kara."

Jacob chuckled. "And how is lover boy?"

"Don't call him that Jake! Edward," she emphasised, "is fine. We've spent a fair bit of time together. I even went to lunch with his parents."

"Sounds serious then," said Jacob.

"Well, I already knew his parents anyway, seeing as Carlisle works at the hospital but it was different this time."

"Do you think Edward is 'the one'?" asked Jacob.

"I don't know. Maybe. I just know I've never felt like this about anyone."

"So when am I meeting him?"

"I don't know. I'll figure something out. I've got to introduce him to Dad first."

"All right, but don't leave it too long or I'll think you're trying to hide something."

"Of course not. You have spent the better part of the last two weeks in Canada, you know," she pointed out.

"Sure, sure."

Bella and Edward spent every spare minute that they had together though there hadn't been a repeat of their encounter the previous Saturday. The moment had passed and there really hadn't been another opportunity during the week.

After lunch at his parent's house, Edward had taken her home, both lost in their thoughts. They had left shortly after he played for her, both still shaken by the feelings that had flowed between them, the unspoken words.

He had stayed at Bella's for the rest of the evening. They had kissed and cuddled but by some unspoken agreement, they hadn't taken things further. Edward was still on call and neither wanted a repeat of the previous day.

Now that the Ball was here, Bella felt instinctively that their relationship was going to go to the next level. The undercurrent of sexual tension had been present every time they met, talked or spent time together. Bella knew that she couldn't wait any longer to be with Edward, in every way. She knew he felt the same.

The Ball started at 7pm so Alice arrived at her apartment at three in the afternoon.

"Ok, Bella. Ready for the transformation?" asked Alice as she laid out her equipment.

"Not really," grimaced Bella. "My stomach is doing somersaults at the thought of wearing that dress in public."

"Don't be so silly, Bella. You are going to blow everyone away. You won't know yourself by the time I finish with you."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Alice just giggled and ordered Bella into the shower.

Over the course of the next few hours, Alice did Bella's nails, makeup and hair. She had softly curled Bella's hair then pinned it up loosely, stray wisps of curls falling down. Alice wouldn't let Bella see herself until she was fully dressed.

Finally it was time to put on the dress. Bella put on the blue lace underwear then stepped into the dress. Alice helped her do up the zip and the strap at the back of her neck. The slight alterations made to the dress meant that it now fit her like a glove. She put on the silver shoes, careful not to topple over.

"Oh wow," breathed Alice as she looked at her handiwork. "You look...wow."

"Can I look now?" asked Bella, impatient to see how she looked.

Alice nodded so Bella went to the mirror and got her first look at herself.

Who is that stunning woman? Bella looked around instinctively to see if there was someone else in the room. Slowly it dawned on her that the woman was herself. Alice had surpassed herself. Her makeup highlighted all of Bella's best features, particularly her eyes. Alice had made them look wide and luminous. Her mouth looked full and pouty, kissable.

Bella admired the way her hair gave her a classy, but sexy look. The wisps of hair softened the whole look, making it seem that a with a simple flick, her hair would fall down in waves around her face.

As Bella's eyes travelled down to her body, she had to admit that the dress did indeed look fabulous. Slowly, she turned around, cringing slightly as the naked expanse of her back became visible. Vaguely she wondered how the back of the dress stayed up, knowing that it was only the fit and clever styling that allowed it to do so. The shoes finished off the look to perfection. Bella didn't remember ever looking or feeling this beautiful.

"Alice. You are a true artist," breathed Bella. She wondered how Edward would react when he saw her.

"I only embellished what was already there, Bella," said Alice. "You look truly beautiful. That dress is perfect, I don't care what you say."

Alice looked at her watch and saw that it was nearly 6.30pm. "I think I'll go before Edward gets here. As much as I want to see his reaction when he sees you, I think you'll need your privacy. To tell the truth, I'm wondering whether you'll even get to the dance."

"Alice! Of course we will," protested Bella with a giggle.

"You make sure you do, young lady! I want people to admire my work," said Alice with mock-sternness. "Tell me all about it. When you and Edward eventually come up for air, that is." She packed up her things and left.

A few minutes later, Bella's doorbell rang, announcing Edward's arrival.

o-o-o-o-o-o

As Edward drove to pick Bella up, he was almost jumping in his seat in anticipation. He felt like he was picking up his date for the prom, except this was better. They were both adults and whatever happened tonight, happened. Edward knew what he wanted to happen. Getting that call on Saturday had nearly killed him.

He had been in somewhat of a daze since last Sunday at his parent's house. Music, for him, was a very personal experience. It was what had gotten him through his cancer treatment, through the dark times during and afterwards. It was like he left his body, his soul soaring with the ebb and flow of the melody. He had badly missed his piano while he was in New York. He really could have used it during the fiasco with Tanya.

So when Bella had asked him to play for her, he knew that it wouldn't be just a case of playing for an audience. Not with Bella. Almost without thought, his fingers had begun playing Chopin, one of his favourite composers. He had been a few bars into it when he realised that the tune was one of Chopin's love songs. The music depicted the first awkward stirrings of feelings between two people, the swelling of emotions as love grew and then the full gloriousness of being in love with another person.

As he played Edward realised that his subconscious was telling him what his conscious self was having trouble admitting. That what felt for Bella was stronger, more powerful than any other emotion he'd felt before. The music was expressing things he'd yet to say, to himself or to her.

When the music ended, he looked at Bella's face wondering if she realised what the music had been saying. Her face had been mesmerised and when she'd asked what the music was he'd told her.

They had looked into each other's eyes for a long moment and Edward had felt the seismic shift in his heart. He imagined he saw a similar awareness in her eyes.

As the week wore on, he knew, deep in his bones, that tonight would be special. That it would change his life, in one way or another.

Standing outside her door, he straightened his bow tie and checked his cufflinks before pressing the doorbell. He'd passed Alice's car heading back home and had flicked his headlights in greeting.

He heard footsteps approaching from inside and his anticipation rose to absurd levels. When the door opened though, all rational thought flew out the window.

"Dear Lord Bella," he breathed in a hushed voice. "You are an absolute vision." He shook his head slightly to make sure he wasn't dreaming this up.

Bella smiled widely in greeting. "You look pretty good yourself."

Edward reached out and took her hand, lifting it to his lips. "I'm going to be fighting males off all night." He looked at her in admiration, from the top of her hair, down over the amazingly beautiful blue dress which fitted her like a glove to her shiny silver shoes. She had a fake fur stole over her shoulders which hid the top of the dress from his eyes. A part of him, a very large part of him, wanted to forget all about the Ball and just stay here and make love to her all night long.

"Well Alice can take much of the credit."

Edward shook his head. "No. You don't need any artifice. You are perfect as you are," he told her with the utmost sincerity. "I really want to kiss you but I don't want to muss up your makeup," he said, looking at her lips longingly.

Bella felt like melting in a puddle as he spoke. He looked so amazingly handsome in black-tie that it almost hurt to look at him. He'd even managed to somewhat tame his unruly mop of bronze hair. Bella itched to reach up and muss it up again, the way she liked it. Maybe later. Definitely later.

"Shall we go?" he asked. At her nod, he held out his arm for her to place her hand on it, leading her to the car with an old-world courtesy, opening her door and placing her inside. He did the same when they arrived at the country club.

As they headed inside, various heads began turning in their direction. Bella could see heads getting together, talking behind hands. Others waved in greeting. At the entrance of the ballroom, the Hospital Board's Chairman and his wife greeted everyone as they went in.

With his hand on the small of her back, still covered by the stole, Edward guided her inside and led her to their table. Bella greeted Carlisle and Esme with a kiss then turned to greet Sue and her husband Bill. Sue winked at Bella making her smile as she remembered their conversation about Bill.

Bella was still wearing the stole and she took a deep breath as she went to take it off. Edward chivalrously helped her take it off and Bella heard his sharp hiss as he saw the dress properly for the first time.

"Oh wow, Bella. What a glorious dress! You look amazing!" cried Esme. "Turn around."

Bella did as Esme asked and did a slow pirouette, secretly thrilled at the admiration she was garnering.

"Oh Bella. I love that dress. Oh if only I was twenty years younger and many, many pounds lighter," laughed Sue.

Bella turned to look at Edward and was pleased by the stunned look on his face. His eyes kept running up and down her bare back then to the front, as if trying to work out how it stayed on.

He pulled out her chair for her, and not-so-accidently ran a finger up her spine. Bella shivered in delight then saw the faint smile on his face.

Leaning toward him, she asked, "Do you like still like it?"

"I'll tell you later," he said huskily. "And you're not leaving my sight tonight. I can see males salivating all over the room."

"Don't be silly. I've known most of them forever," protested Bella.

"Well they've obviously never seen you like this, because I feel like running around and shutting their dropped jaws," scowled Edward. Bella couldn't help giggling at his expression.

After their meal and a Christmas speech by the Chairman, the band began playing.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" asked Edward very gallantly, holding out his hand.

Bella placed her hand in his before replying. "Why, thank you, kind sir."

Edward grinned as he helped her to her feet. Bella trembled slightly as she felt his hand on the bare skin of her back as he guided her to the dance floor. Finding a spot near the centre of the dance floor, Edward turned and took her in his arms, his hands splayed across her skin. Bella felt like her skin was burning where he touched it. She placed her arms around his shoulders as they swayed to the music.

Edward gazed down into her brown eyes, lost in their depths. His hands imperceptibly caressed the skin of her back as his arms tightened, bringing her closer. Their faces were so close, a slight movement would have brought their mouths together. Edward was sorely tempted.

"Did I tell you that I both love and hate your dress?" he murmured.

"What do you mean?" asked Bella, confused. Being pressed up so close to Edward's body was scrambling her thought processes.

"It's the sexiest thing I've ever seen. You're the sexiest thing I've ever seen. Unfortunately most of the red blooded males in here think the same thing."

"Well most of the females in here are drooling into their drinks at the sight of you in your tuxedo," she countered with a smile.

"I only have eyes for you," he whispered, leaning down so their cheeks touched.

Bella closed her eyes, a small sigh leaving her as her arms tightened. They barely moved to the music, both lost in the feel of each other. Bella forgot about everyone around her.

"Do you know what you do to me?" Edward whispered in her ear, making her tremble. "Do you know that I dream about you at night? That I want you beyond reason?"

Bella gave the softest moan at his words, audible only to Edward who tightened his arms so that Bella could feel exactly what she was doing to him. His fingers were edging under the material of her dress.

"This dress is driving me crazy, do you know that? Is that why you got it?"

Bella nodded. "Yes. I want to make you crazy with wanting me," she murmured into his neck.

"It's working. God, it's working," he groaned softly. Only the strictest self-control and the length of his tuxedo jacket kept the room from knowing exactly how crazy Bella's dress was making him. It wasn't enough to stop his hands from wandering over the bare expanse of warm, soft skin.

They stayed like this until the band began playing more up tempo music. Reluctantly disentangling himself, Edward led her back to the table, where Sue's knowing smile made Bella blush.

"I'll get us something to drink," said Edward, squeezing her hand.

Bella's pulse had settled down a little although she still felt on edge with wanting Edward. Chatting lightly with Sue, her eyes kept straying to Edward as he was caught up in conversation with another doctor.

"Girl, you've got it bad," said Sue with a small smirk.

"Huh?" asked Bella, brought back to the present.

Sue laughed. "You and Edward. Boy, I could feel the heat from here. You do make a gorgeous couple."

Bella blushed. "Was it that obvious?"

"Yep. No-one is in any doubt that you and Edward are a couple now." Leaning toward Bella, Sue grinned wickedly. "You should have seen Jessica's face when you revealed your dress. I thought she was going to puke with jealousy. She almost literally turned green."

Bella burst out laughing. "Good. Serves her right."

"You do look stunning tonight Bella. No wonder Edward can't keep his eyes, and hands, off you." Sue sighed dramatically. "I remember what that was like, many moons ago."

Edward finally returned and handed her a glass of champagne. Taking her hand, proclaiming her as his, they walked around the room, chatting with other staff. Bella lost count of the number of women who exclaimed over her dress, asking her to twirl around. She even stopped being embarrassed about it.

Towards the end of the evening, the band returned to playing slow, romantic music and Bella fell eagerly back into Edward's arms.

This time, neither said a word. They didn't need to. Every touch, every word that night had been leading them to the night's ultimate conclusion. The night was perfect, the time was right.

"Let's go," murmured Edward. He had to get Bella alone or he'd burst into flames here on the dance floor. Every time he looked at her, at her back, he had to consciously subdue his body. It was getting worse as the night wore on. He couldn't wait anymore.

"Ok," agreed Bella, desperate to be alone with Edward.

They said their goodbyes, trying not to make it obvious that they were anxious to be alone.

Once in the car, Edward took her chin in his hand and leaned down to kiss her, as he'd been wanting to do all night. He didn't care if he mussed up her lipstick now, he just needed to taste her.

"Your place or mine?" he asked huskily.

"Yours. It's closer," replied Bella, earning herself another kiss.

Keeping her hand enclosed in his the whole way, Edward drove back to his place as fast as legally possible. Their anticipation of the coming night made the trip seem interminable but finally, Edward pulled into his drive. He raced around the car and helped her out, leading her quickly to the door, wanting her out of the cold.

He'd left the central heating on so the house was warm as they entered. Bella walked into the lounge as Edward turned on the side table lamp, bathing the room in a soft, intimate light.

Bella's nerves started making their presence felt as the moment she'd been waiting for was finally here. They were finally going to make love. As her insecurities started coming to the surface she felt him standing behind her.

Edward stood behind Bella and placed his hands on her bare shoulders, his thumbs slowly caressing her velvety skin. Leaning down, he placed his lips on the soft skin of her throat, just under her ear. Slowly, so slowly, he feathered kisses from her throat down over her shoulder, marvelling at the texture of her perfect skin.

Bella closed her eyes as he kissed along one shoulder before moving across to do the same to the other. Her pulse increased and her breathing got more shallow as his hands caressed her stomach, over the satin material.

"Oh Bella. Am I dreaming?" he breathed on the nape of her neck as Bella dropped her head forward, allowing him access.

Bella could only gasp softly when his hands moved up to cup her breasts, heavy and aching for him. He massaged them gently, her nipples pushing against the material. One hand then moved down her hip, holding her steady as he pressed himself against her. She felt his hardness pressing into her and licked her lips in anticipation.

"You are beautiful beyond words. I've never wanted anything as much as I want you," he murmured softly as he sucked her earlobe.

"Oh Edward. You make me feel beautiful. I want to be perfect for you," she breathed shakily.

"You are. You are perfection. In every way." As he spoke, he brought his hand up to the fastening behind her neck. He flicked it open, the single strap down her back hanging down. Undone, the front of her dress slithered down, leaving Bella naked from the waist up. Only the zipper at her hip held the dress on.

Turning her slowly, Edward sucked in his breath as he saw her body. Her full breasts, with their rigid nipples were just begging for his mouth.

"Dear God, Bella," he groaned before bending down and taking one peak into his mouth. He could hear her heart pounding in her chest as it rose and fell with her shallow breaths. His hand reached for the other one, squeezing and flicking her nipple with his thumb.

"Edward!" cried Bella, her head falling back as he suckled on her, one hand against her rear holding her tightly against his erection. Her hands speared into his hair, needing support to keep from falling in a heap. Her legs were incredibly unsteady.

When she tried to remove her shoes, Edward lifted his head, his green eyes almost black with desire. Their eyes locked on each other, Edward reached over and pulled down the zipper of her dress. The material slithered down her body to lie in a puddle at her feet.

Edward's eyes widened in surprise as he saw her in only her blue lace panties. He closed his eyes briefly, as if to steady himself then reached down and picked her up, cradling her in his arms.

"We need a bed. Now," he mumbled urgently as their mouths crashed together. They poured all the passion into that kiss, not stopping until Edward entered his bedroom.

"You're overdressed," murmured Bella as he set her down on her feet. Her hands reached up and began pulling at his clothes. Together they undressed him, until he stood before her in only his boxer briefs.

Bella literally felt like swooning as she admired the perfection that was Edward's body. Needing to see all of him, she reached over and began pulling on his briefs.

Edward's hands covered hers, stilling them. "Bella. Are you absolutely sure about this?"

Bella looked into his eyes and smiled. "Edward, I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

He gave her the crooked grin that she loved and allowed her to strip him of his last item of clothing. As he was revealed to her in all his naked glory, Bella wondered what she had done in a past life to deserve him.

She couldn't help herself, she had to touch him. Reaching out, she touched his rigid manhood, marvelling at its velvety hardness.

"Bella!" gasped Edward as he stilled her hand. "Dear God, if you do that I'll disgrace myself. I want you too much."

Bella removed her hand with a smile. Edward took a few deep breaths to get himself back in control.

"You are a minx, lady. I want to make this perfect for you and you go and do that," he chuckled.

He drew her back into his arms, the electricity between them as their bodies touched, stunning them both. While he ravaged her mouth, Edward reached up and began pulling out hair pins and dropping them on the floor. Bella shook her head as her hair fell down over her shoulders.

Edward groaned as her hair brushed his skin, setting his nerve endings alight. Needing to have her naked, he pushed down her underwear, Bella stepping out of it.

Edward's heart was thudding in his chest as he looked at her. His dreams hadn't done her justice. In wonder, his ran his hand from her cheek, over her full, red lips and lower. He traced her collarbones then lightly massaged her breasts. Down his hand moved, caressing the skin of her torso and belly until he reached the junction of her legs.

Bella moved, giving him access. His eyes boring into hers, he placed his hand between her legs, her heat nearly burning him. As he caressed her, teased her, Bella's mouth fell open. When he placed a couple of fingers inside her, her head fell onto his chest, her breathing shallow.

"You're so ready for me, my darling," he crooned into her hair.

"Yes. I'm burning up for you."

Edward took her mouth again, running his tongue over her lips before sucking her tongue into his mouth, his fingers still moving against her sex. He swallowed her soft moans into his mouth. Her breathing got shallower and more erratic and she began bucking against his hand.

Bella dug her nails into Edward's shoulders as he pleasured her, her moans getting louder.

"That's it, my love. That's it. Come for me," he urged, his fingers moving faster inside her.

Suddenly, she cried out in pleasure. "Edward!" she groaned as her head dropped to his shoulder, her shaky legs threatening to give way under her as she climaxed.

Edward slowly brought her back to earth and held her tight against him, his straining erection pressed against her stomach.

Before Bella could utter a word, Edward picked her up and laid her gently on his bed, following so he lay alongside her.

Leaning up on one elbow, Edward reached out and cupped her face, looking intently into her eyes. He gave her a soft, sweet kiss, gently nibbling on her lower lip. Bella put her hand on his hip, marvelling at the planes and contours of his body.

"You are the most beautiful person I've ever known Bella," whispered Edward. "I don't know if it's too soon but I have to tell you. Bella, I'm in love with you. I think I've known it almost since the beginning but my head only caught up with my heart last Sunday."

Bella looked into his green eyes, his love for her plainly evident. Her heart swelled with what she now knew was love. It had been growing steadily every day.

"I love you too, Edward," admitted Bella. "So much."

Edward's face lit up with joy at her words. "Oh my love," he sighed as he crushed her to him, kissing her with all the love and joy he felt. Bella's arms tightened around him, giving him her love.

The passion of before was reignited, and Edward began caressing her body, sweeping over her skin from her shoulder, down over her back and waist until he cupped her bottom, pressing himself to her.

Bella's heart was racing with love and excitement, her whispered sighs of passion inflaming Edward even further. Dragging his lips from hers, he kissed her throat before following the path of his hand. He lingered over her breasts, already addicted to them before kissing his way down her torso then over her hips, whispering endearments against her skin.

He gently pushed her legs apart and Bella cried out when he put his mouth against her and began pleasuring her. With his tongue and fingers, he caressed her as Bella moaned in delight.

"Edward!" she cried as, her back arching in pleasure and clutching Edward's hair in her fingers, her orgasm surged through her.

Lost in a haze of sensation, she didn't notice as Edward opened a foil packet and sheathed himself. Although he wasn't worried about an unplanned pregnancy, he didn't want his beloved Bella to worry about any possible health risks. Plus, he was so wound up, the barrier would hopefully lessen the sensations, allowing her to reach her climax again before he reached his own.

Edward moved up her body and positioned himself at her entrance, his lips taking hers once again. "Ready, my love?" he asked tensely.

Bella opened her eyes and smiled at him. "Oh yes Edward. Please."

"God, I love you," he moaned as he slowly pushed into her.

"Ohh!" moaned Bella as he filled her with his body, her breathing ragged.

When he was completely buried inside her, he stopped, allowing her body to adjust to his. He had to grit his teeth to stop himself from coming there and then, she felt so good around him. "Are you ok?" he ground out, resisting the urge to move.

Bella buried her fingers in his hair as her legs wound around his waist, pulling him in even deeper. "Never been better," she sighed. "You feel wonderful. I love you."

"I love you so much, Bella. So much."

"Make love to me Edward," she pleaded.

Unable to resist any longer, Edward began moving, slowly at first then picking up speed, much to both their delight.

They found their rhythm, rocking together, their moans and sighs the only sounds in the room.

Bella pulled him as close as she could, tightening her legs around his waist. Her nails dug into his back as she felt herself coil tighter and tighter with every movement he made.

Edward thrust into her urgently, his face buried against her throat. She felt like heaven. Her soft moans and gasps were driving him crazy. He could feel his loins tighten as he got closer to his climax.

"Darling, I'm so close," he cried against her skin.

"Yes, oh yes," she replied breathlessly, her head thrown back. "Oh god, Edward!" she cried, moving in sync with him.

Edward lifted himself onto his elbows so he could watch her face. Her skin was flushed, her lips red and swollen from his kisses, her hair splayed out against his pillow. He hadn't thought she could be any more beautiful than she already was, but he was wrong. He would carry this picture of Bella, deep in the throes of passion, deep in his heart forever.

Suddenly, Bella cried out, her nails digging into his skin, the pleasure and pain intense. "Oh Edward! Oh god...!" Her hips bucked as her climax crashed over her, a low keening noise coming from her mouth.

Feeling her contract around him, Edward couldn't hold on any longer. He cried out as he thrust deeply, climaxing violently. "I love you...love you...love you...love..." he groaned as he continued moving inside her, gradually slowing down as they came down from their mutual highs.

With a deep sigh, Edward collapsed on to her, his face buried in her throat, his breathing coming in short gasps as he sought to regain control. He felt Bella's arms tighten around him as she pressed her face against his. He could hear her heart beating frantically, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Neither said a word for ages. They were trying to process the enormity of the power of their lovemaking. They were both slightly stunned at the sheer intensity and pleasure of it.

As Bella gradually came back to earth, she was glad that they had waited to make love until the time was right. Tonight had been wonderful, perfect. Better than she had dreamed. The man she knew she loved had given her pleasure unlike anything she'd ever experienced. He'd taken such care of her. Everything he'd done had spoken of his feelings for her. She hugged him tighter.

Fearing that he was too heavy, Edward rolled over, pulling her with him so that she lay nestled against him. He was blissfully content, totally relaxed. His mind was full of Bella. Bella, his beloved. He never imagined he'd find someone like her, someone so perfectly suited to him. He'd literally found ecstasy in her arms.

He was idly stroking her back, lost in his thoughts when she spoke. "Edward?"

"Yes, love?" he replied, kissing the top of her head.

"Thank you."

"I should be thanking you, my darling. You drove me insane with that dress. How I didn't take you on the table at the ball, I'll never know."

Bella giggled. "No, I meant thank you for making it perfect. For not rushing things."

Edward looked into her eyes before gently kissing her soft lips. "Tonight was the right time, for both of us. I love you, Bella. I still can't believe I found you."

"Oh Edward, I love you so much. You're simply wonderful."

Her words deserved a reward, which Edward was all too willing to give. His loving kiss quickly turned passionate, and knowing they had all night to indulge in each other, Edward proceeded to show Bella exactly how much she meant to him.

o-o-o-o-o-o

A/N: Hope this makes up for my previous teasing! Like I said before, I was going for tenderness in their lovemaking as well as making it hot. Especially now that the "L" word is out there.

Anyway, let me know what you thought.