A/N: HUGE thanks to my betas, Mel and D, for getting this chapter back to me so quickly. Their speediness is the reason why this chapter is being posted so quickly.

Okay so this chapter is going to move a little faster only because 1) I need to get this sex angst out, and 2) writing about four days of work would be REALLY boring for you guys.

So I decided to compromise and write this chapter as if I was Bella and Copward (major props to queen cullen0527 for naming our hottie officer this!) was my pseudo-lover.

Remember, this story is rated M. ;) Just sayin'.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and the characters within. I just play with them.

Music: "Sparks Fly" by Taylor Swift
"Hands" by the Ting Tings

Chapter 11: Working Too Hard

Edward and I didn't get an opportunity to see each other over the next few days. He was working 4, 10-hour shifts, but he would then have the next 2 days off. Even though my schedule was going to be a little chaotic for the next few days because the hospital was going for their annual review, we managed to keep in touch through phone calls (most of them ending up as voicemails) and text messages. I had to be somewhat on my toes whenever I would either call or text Edward back so Carlisle and the review board wouldn't see me "slacking off".

As I finished up my morning rounds, I could feel the distinctive vibration of my Blackberry in my coat pocket. I fished my phone out after depositing my charts at the nurses' station.

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Masen
Message: What are you doing, beautiful?

I quickly duck into an empty supply closet so I can reply to Edward's text without getting caught. As I reply, I smile hugely.

To: Edward Mase
From: Bella Swan
Message: Finished with rounds. What's up with you?

In attempts to look "busy", I absentmindedly rummage through some of the supply shelves "in search" of something in particular. A nurse comes in, almost knocking me over by swinging the door too hard.

"Oh Dr. Swan! I didn't see you there," Jessica says with mock concern. "Are you okay?"

Each of the supply doors had a small, 6" by 24" window that we can peer into. It wouldn't have been hard for Jessica to see me if she had actually looked through the window—something we all do out of habit so we don't have doors slamming into staff or even patients.

Pure, unadulterated bullshit, Jessica Stanley. Nice try, I think to myself.

"I'm okay. Maybe lower the gusto in opening the supply door next time?" I suggest, still rummaging through the shelves. My phone buzzes a number of times in my pocket, but I ignore it. The temptation of pulling it out to see who is calling me is great, but I know that if I step out of line with Jessica, I may not hear the end of it.

I can hear Jessica gasps, probably out of surprise. Normally, I let her walk all over me even just so I could avoid confrontation. The bond between the nursing staff and the doctors is important to maintain since we're always helping each other. But over the past few days, I've had enough of Jessica's snarkiness.

"Uhm… Did you need help finding something?" she asks.

"Just looking for some lotion for one of my patients," I lie. "But I've got it, Jessica. Thank you anyway."

My pager goes off, interrupting what bonding moment I could have had with Jessica. Needless to say, I'm not remorseful or upset. In fact, I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic with Jessica standing there, breathing with her stupid mouth open with wide eyes. Thankfully she hears my page as a sign for her to leave and to do so quickly.

"Uhm, no problem. Well, I'll see you around!" Jessica says, turning on her heel to leave.

As soon as Jessica leaves, I pull my phone out to see Edward's newest text.

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Masen
Message: When's your next day off?

Good question, I'm not entirely sure myself and will need to check the schedule to learn that. But I'm due for another day off or at least an evening off since I've been at the hospital almost round-the-clock since Saturday.

To: Edward Masen
From: Bella Swan
Message: I'm not sure. I'll let you know? And don't you dare ask Carlisle!

After being scheduled stalked by Alice and Edward, I had asked Carlisle not to reveal my schedule as it is supposed to be my right to do so. Carlisle apologised, stating that yes it was my right, but he didn't see it being harmful. I did agree with him, but I didn't want his authority to be abused by his own children. I can't wait for Edward's reply, so I quickly head to the nearest phone to check out the reason for my page.

/ / / / M V \ \ \ \

I see that during my shift, I had a few of unread texts from Edward, mostly about how dull his day was and that he wishes he could swing by the hospital—even if it's to see me for a few minutes.

His latest one was sent at 10:37PM.

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Masen
Message: Text me your schedule. I don't care how late it is.

I look at my watch; it's currently 2:15AM. Well, he did say he didn't care. I text him a response as I'm brushing my teeth and getting ready for bed.

To: Edward Masen
From: Bella Swan
Message: Good news! I have Thursday evening and all Friday off. Lucky me, huh? : )

As I strip off my clothes and into Edward's faded burgundy tee—yes, I stole it. And no, he doesn't know I have it… I think—I hear my phone chirp back.

To: Edward Masen
From: Bella Swan
Message: ! : ) : ) That's awesome, babe! Pick you up Thursday evening?

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Masen
Message: 7. I can't wait!

/ / / / M V \ \ \ \

To: Edward Masen
From: Bella Swan
Message: Is it Thursday night yet?

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Masen
Message: 24 hours!

Another text quickly shows up after this one.

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Masen
Message: Not like I'm actually counting or anything… Oh yeah, wear something pretty.

To: Edward Masen
From: Bella Swan
Message: Pretty…Dressy?

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Masen
Message: Nah. Just pretty. ; ) You'll look gorgeous regardless.

Sounds like I need Alice intervention. I remind myself to call Alice after finishing with my surgery and let her know I need a proper "pretty" outfit to wear for Edward and my first date.

/ / / / M V \ \ \ \

To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Masen
Message: I'm on the corner of Wood and Congress. ; )

I read Edward's latest text just as I stash a pair of clean panties into my tote bag. I debated whether or not I should include some of the condoms Rosalie gave me as well, and ended up throwing a few in just in case. I didn't know what the unspoken rule was as far as which partner was in charge of providing condoms, but I figured that if I were to get some tonight I wasn't going to let the lack of protection stop us from having sex. Especially since the situation could've been easily remedied by me bringing the condoms I already had. I take one last glance at the mirror, making sure my grey silk blouse and taupe dress pants looked right. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't wear my hair down, but it was still mostly wet and I didn't want it to catch on the buttons of my herringbone wool trench—something I painfully saw as problematic and not sexy at all. Satisfied with my overall look, I quickly left the locker room and headed out to our designated corner.

Just as I round the corner of the building, I see Edward standing next to his car, holding a large bouquet of daffodils and other flowers I cannot recognise. Regardless, they are perfect—just like him.

"I brought you something," Edward says, shyly. "I wasn't sure if you liked flowers or not."

"Oh Edward," I gush, running up to him. "They're gorgeous! Thank you."

I stand on my toes to give Edward a kiss. Noticing that I'm not nearly as tall as I normally am, Edward lowers his head to make it easier for me to reach him.

"You're short!" Edward laughs.

I give him a dirty look. "Your sister was merciful on me and allowed me to wear flats today. Can we please go do something? We can even go to the park and just talk."

"Oh I'm sorry! Are you hungry? I made reservations for dinner. But if you're not hungry, we can go…"

"Actually, I was wondering if we could just spend some time, you know, inside. Like, you come over or something," I ask, feeling my face flush with my embarrassment.

God I sound like a lush… But honestly, who can resist Edward? I mentally chatise myself.

Edward opens his mouth but no words come out. He quickly closes his mouth and swallows audibly.

Oh dear Lord… I've stunned him into silence! I remorsefully think to myself.

"I think that would be a nice idea," Edward meekly responds. "Your house or mine?"

"Doesn't matter. Although I must say I am still lacking in food and beverages at my house, but we can stop by and grab groceries real quick if you'd like," I offer.

"How about just coming over to my house? I have steaks and stuff we can make… That is, if you eat meat," Edward quickly adds the last part.

"'Steaks and stuff' sounds perfect," I mimic his earlier statement with a smile.

Edward gives me a crooked grin at my jest and helps me climb into his car. The interior of the car is still blissfully warm, and I give a contented sigh as Edward turns on my heated seat. Someday when I actually buy a car, I'm going to get a car with heated seats like Edwards.

"Better?" he asks as he drives.

Seeing that his free hand is resting on his thigh, I boldly reach over and thread my fingers through his long ones. He gives me a small squeeze.

"Now I am," I say with a smile.

/ / / / M V \ \ \ \

As we are walking to his front door, Edward woefully apologises for his house being a mess.

"I haven't had time to pick up since getting off, and things have gotten to be a little untidy."

I brace myself to seeing empty pizza boxes and beer cans strewn all over his clean, modern living room. But instead, as we walk in, I just see a few things out of place—a sweatshirt on his couch, an empty coffee mug and plate on his coffee table—nothing that seemed grossly out of control or resembling anything like a typical bachelor pad. Edward offers to take my jacket, which he then places it into a nearby closet along with his own.

"This is untidy?" I tease Edward, picking up his sweatshirt.

"Hey, I haven't washed that in two days!" Edward reaches out to grab the sweatshirt from my hands.

Instead of letting him take it, I artfully dodge out of his grasp with a giggle. "No way, sir. In fact, I am now documenting this as official evidence."

Edward gives me an arched look. "And what do you plan on doing with that evidence, ma'am?"

Oh. My. God. He's gone all sexy police officer on me. Well two can play this game… I deviously think to myself.

I don't answer him. Instead, I tuck his sweatshirt between my knees so I could take my own top off. As soon as my vision disappears from pulling my blouse off, Edward inhales sharply. I reemerge, staring directly at Edward. His eyes have glazed over and his jaw has gone slightly slack as he moves his eyes over my nearly-naked torso. Normally, I would've quickly replaced my blouse with Edward's sweatshirt because of all the attention I was getting, but now I am enjoying his adoration. All I need is his touch.

"Come here, Edward," I purr.

Where did that come from? I mentally wonder.

Edward's eyes snap up to meet mine, giving me a look of astonishment and delicious hunger. I see no revulsion over my forwardness or for my body. He gracefully moves towards me, keeping his hand to his sides. When he's inches away from me, he stops, still not making a move to reach out and touch me.

"Edward, I need you to touch me," I plead softly.

A deep growl emits from Edward's throat as he steps forward to close the gap between us. His hands go into my hair, pulling my hair tie out and allowing it to fall in dark curls down my back. His hands provide support to the back of my head so he can kiss me, over and over with such fierceness but always tenderly. My mouth eventually parts open for his, feeling his tongue explore my mouth and my own tongue. My feverish body responds, rubbing against Edward. I am delighted at feeling Edward's soft sweater rub against my bare skin, but I know feeling Edward's skin against mine would be so much better.

With shaking hands, I search for the hem of his shirt—almost clawing at his abdomen in attempts to pull what material I could up. Edward steps back slightly, breaking apart our lips. I give Edward a slight pout, but quickly sigh as I watch Edward pull off his sweater, revealing his muscular torso. I run my hands lightly from his shoulders down to the fine misting of hair on his lower abdomen. Edward groans. As I'm looking down, I can see Edward's erection straining against his pants. I almost feel bad for him being so restrained because, if I remember correctly, his erection will need a lot of space for freedom.

Before I could second guess myself, I lower my hand further and trace my finger alongside his stiffness. Edward takes a sharp intake of breath, waiting to see what I do next. I look up at him and give him the sexiest smile I could before I slowly pull down his zipper, loosening his pants. They fall and pool at his feet. Standing only in his boxer shorts, it is my turn to stare.

Edward looks so much better in reality than in my dreams, for how can a mere mortal create such perfection—even in dreams? Looking over his body, I realise that there are minute details of Edward that I leave out. I forgot small details like how his skin feels soft and warm but firm under my hands; the crinkly down feeling of his body hair on his stomach and arms compared to the silky smooth hair on his head; and how when he's aroused, just as he is now, his green eyes turn almost amber with his desire.

Reaching out, Edward unzips my pants and lets them join his own on the floor. One hand rests on my hip and the other on my shoulder, playing with the ends of my unbound hair. Suddenly, he lifts me up and I instinctively wrap my legs around his stomach—neither one of us caring that my almost-too hot core is now leaking my desire onto his abs.

"I want to do this the right way," Edward huskily says in way of an explanation.

Like I need an explanation… I think in a huff.

"I want you, in my bed, beneathe me… Ontop of me… Everywhere. Just… Not here. You deserve so much better than hardwood floors."

Edward makes his way up the steps into his bedroom. As he moves, I wrap my arms around his neck, kissing, licking, tasting Edward. At one point, he has to reach out and hold onto the stair railing because my teeth find his earlobe and begins to gently pull on it, causing him to miss a step up. He catches us, not disrupting me as I move from his earlobe to his carotid artery. I can feel his blood pulsing quickly under my lips. I bite just to the side of it so I don't hurt him.

"Dear God woman, you're going to kill us both," Edward says breathlessly.

"Then I suggest you move… Faster," I tease.

A/N: I only stopped because I realised how many words I already had so far (I actually wrote part of Chapter 12 as well). I figured this was a great place to stop.

And I PROMISE no interruptions. No phone calls, no Tanya, no Alice (although that WOULD be funny…Can you see Alice's little head just popping up right now?).

Pictures and music mentioned in this chapter can be found at citrus-twist[dot]blogspot[dot]com. I also post previews for upcoming chapters-sometimes before my Betas get them! ;)

Reviews = foreplay!