A/N: I hope you guys haven't given up on me. Yes, I realize that my updates since the New Year haven't been coming as quickly as we all wanted.

Much love goes out to Natsu, who had this chapter back to me so fast it made my head spin. I lurve ya, girlie! You truly are a great friend!!!

Thank you – To each and every one of you who are still reading this and leaving me some love at the end of it all.

I have started on Chapter 12, so hopefully it won't be nearly a month before it gets posted.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Crash Into Me – Dave Matthews Band

You've got your ball
you've got your chain
tied to me tight tie me up again
who's got their claws
in you my friend
Into your heart I'll beat again
Sweet like candy to my soul
Sweet you rock
and sweet you roll
Lost for you I'm so lost for you

You come crash into me
And I come into you
I come into you
In a boys dream
In a boys dream

Wow. There were no words that would come to my mind to effectively describe just what I was feeling in this moment while leaning against Edward - naked. The rush of post coital bliss enveloped me as if it were a big blanket. Or better yet, Edward's arm. The fact that we were both still naked while sitting on my couch made the whole thing feel even more surreal. I never want this to end. Please don't tell me that I'm dreaming.

"What do you mean, you are still debating?" he asked, nudging me slightly.

I rolled my eyes. He was acting like a typical male who had just had his ego deflated. I should have assured him immediately that his dick was a gift to women, but I couldn't bring myself to acknowledge it – yet. From my limited dating experience, I knew that was what I should have done. Mike would have forced an answer from me; however, I didn't feel like I had to declare anything with Edward.

"Do you need a refresher course already to help you decide?" he asked playfully, running his fingers through my hair that fell down over my shoulders.

I turned around and angled my head to view him with greater ease, taking him in. There was a five o'clock shadow on his jaw. His dazzling green eyes were dancing and a small smirk adorned his face. "No, I think I have an idea," I teased him while my hand ventured through his chest hair, twirling the dark hairs in between my fingers.

"And?" he pressed.

"I'll tell you later. Right now I think I'm hungry," I said before using the hand that was on his chest to push myself up off him.

"Hungry? Now? You've got to be kidding me!" he bellowed in frustration from the living room. I kept on course to the kitchen.

I swung the refrigerator door wide open and used it to help keep my balance while I took stock of what I actually had inside. I could hear Edward's near silent footfalls on the linoleum floor as he entered the kitchen. I felt his presence behind me, but he didn't say anything or touch me. Two could play at this game. I leaned down, but kept my hand on the door, and ensured my bare ass was up in the air as I moved the contents in my fridge around.

"Hmm…decisions, decisions."

Edward inched closer to my rear end and encircled his arms around my waist. "Anything I can help you decide on?" he asked huskily, pressing his erection firmly against my backside.

"Chicken or steak?"

I heard a sharp intake of air. "Not what I meant." He chuckled lightly and released me.

"Told you, I've already made up my mind in that department."

"So why won't you tell me?" he whined.

I took out the package of steaks, turned around and laid them on the counter with a dull thud. "Honestly, because I'm enjoying watching you sweat."

"Bella, you really shouldn't make a man sweat when his manhood is in question."

I walked softly over to the counter Edward was leaning against and looked him square in the eye, while I deftly placed my palms on either side of him, on the counter. "Then you shouldn't ask questions that you already don't know the answer to," I said sweetly before rising up on my tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on his lips. I heard him let out a small groan from my close proximity. "Now, would you please be a dear and get down a can of green beans from the cabinet behind you."

Turning away from him I headed to the wooden potato bin and felt a small grin of satisfaction spread across my face. I would need to show Edward where his true 'love muscle' was.

I deposited two large potatoes in the sink and set about cleaning them. After they were fully washed, I set them on a paper towel to dry while I went about marinating the stakes in Italian salad dressing.

"You sure know your way around the kitchen," Edward remarked.

I shrugged my shoulders at him. "I guess it's from all the years I've worked with my mom. She is constantly trying to invent new recipes to impress my dad."

I felt Edward's arms encircle my waist again, while his chin rested on my shoulder overlooking my ministrations with the meat.

"Speaking of recipes…I think your dad is going to get me the recipe for those delicious cookies you brought in for orientation."

"What?" I burst out laughing. "How…When?" I stammered.

Edward's warm breath tickled my neck. "Yeah. After he pulled me over, we talked a little bit and I expressed an interest in your cookies. He told me he would get me the recipe." With Edward attached to me, we walked over to the sink and I washed my hands. "You know, you smell like those cookies," he said softly, turning his head slightly, grazing my neck with his lips. "However, you taste so much better."

I let out a long breath that I hadn't realized I'd been holding, feeling any and all type of tension leaving my body with it. I visibly relaxed against Edward, allowing my head to fall back against his bare chest, exposing more of my flesh to him. I had never in all my years felt this way before – not even with Mike, even though I swore my life ended when our relationship ended.

These new feelings frightened me a little as they felt alien – strange. Maybe I felt like this because this was so new and so against the law. But I didn't care anything about the weirdness of those feelings in this moment, while being held in his strong arms.

Edward's lips trailed down my neck and back up, grazing my earlobe gently. "How long before dinner is ready?" he asked softly.

"Awhile," I murmured, my eyes closed. "I'm letting the steaks marinate for thirty minutes before I pop them in the oven."

"I hope that's enough time," he whispered before releasing me and disappearing.

Instantly, I felt his absence and shuddered. His beautiful laugh taunted me from the hallway. "Why did you do that?" I groaned back in frustration.

"I thought I'd hop in the shower since you apparently are no longer hungry for anything I can offer," he paused momentarily, laughing at my annoyance before continuing, "You wouldn't want to join me, would you?" The lust and seduction dripped from every word in his question. He did a complete one-eighty in only a few seconds.

Hells yeah! My newly discovered deviant, sexual goddess was greedily hopping up and down, encouraging every single step I took in the direction of the bathroom. I stood before him, both of us still naked, with my eyes downcast. I had never showered with a man in my life. "I never said I was no longer hungry for you," I said breathlessly, glancing up at his perfectly sculpted face through my lashes. I pulled my lower lip in between my teeth.

A small hiss escaped from Edward's plump lips, causing me to shiver as he no doubtedly was taking in my appearance and my words. "Shower…now," he uttered, before grabbing my hand and pulling me into the bathroom and into his arms, enveloping my naked flesh with his own.

His mouth and lips left no patch of my skin untouched, before he hungrily sought my mouth. Greedily he took and voluntarily I gave. His arms were wrapped so tightly around me, I could barely breathe. The lust was pouring off both of us in waves, causing the mirrors to steam slightly even though we hadn't yet turned on the water. The feelings that stirred in my body caused me to become light-headed, forcing my hand to splay across his chest and push Edward away from me.

"What's wrong?" he asked, gasping for breath.

I took three steps backward, until my calves brushed against the side of the bathtub. Without looking I pushed the shower curtain away from me and sat down on the ledge. I motioned to my head and started fanning myself with my hand. "Just got a little light-headed, that's all." I turned slightly and fumbled with the temperature knobs inside the tub before turning them on. I tested the water with my hand ensuring it was warm enough before lifting the plunger on the nozzle, causing the water to redirect to the showerhead. "You coming in?"

Edward's eyes widened for a moment before hooding over. He stalked towards me like a predator after his prey and pulled me up from my spot. Holding my hand, I stepped over the edge of the tub before he followed after me.

Edward allowed me to go to the front of the shower, while he stood behind me. The water was warm and relaxing, while Edward's hands roamed all over my body. My mind was quickly becoming nothing more than a puddle of primordial goo. The torture that I had put myself through last week was nothing but an ugly haze. Suddenly, his hands were gone. I heard the soft putter of the bottle of shower gel as Edward squeezed the bottle. Moments later his hands had returned, lathering up my body.

A soft sigh escaped his lips. "I love this smell."

I turned around and faced him, quirking my eyebrow up quizzically, but said nothing. Instead, I reached for the shower gel and squirted some in my hands before rubbing them together.

I started with his chest, allowing my hands to roam over his well defined pectoral muscles before going lower, tracing the lines of his well toned abs. I didn't venture any further south – yet. Quickly, I made fast work of his shoulders, down his arms and his hands, before gesturing for him to turn around. His backside was something else altogether. His body was sculpted; something to be admired and worshiped. Suddenly, I felt so inadequate.

My hands trailed over his back, taking in each curve of rippled muscle before reaching his ass. There were no words to describe his ass. Sure, it was firm and toned, but there was something more. I squeezed one cheek before I slapped the other, causing him to gasp. I bent down and thoroughly washed each leg before standing up and slapping his ass again. I could get used to that.

There was one more place to clean and I didn't want to screw it up. I'd saved the best part for last, purposefully. I reached for his hardened shaft that was saluting me and grasped it tightly, but not too tightly. Edward's eyes popped open. Slowly, I circled my hand around him, pulling him slightly, while my other hand carefully massaged and rolled his balls. Edward's eyes were now a very dark shade of jade and hooded.

"You're playing with fire, Bella," he said huskily.

I gulped loudly, but didn't stop with my ministrations. I knew exactly what I was doing…er, at least I hoped I did. I increased my tempo, but never took my eyes from his. My hand glided over his slick shaft vigorously with renewed determination. I sucked my lower lip in between my teeth and concentrated.

Because I had been entranced by Edward's stare, I never saw him move his hands until they were firmly on top of mine stilling them. I had no idea what he was doing. Had I done something wrong? Maybe I was lousy at giving handjobs? My determined expression changed into one of utter confusion.

With my hands securely in his, Edward brought my arms high over my head and guided me up against the bathtub wall. He then shifted slightly, securing both of my hands into only one of his as he brought the other one down across my thigh, to the underside of my knee and hitched it up over his hip.

The tip of his dick was aimed exactly at my core and I had a slight inkling what was going to happen next. The deviant in my brain was now doing the Macarena.

"I told you, you were playing with fire," Edward said before plowing deep inside me.

No warm up was needed down there as I was already very slippery, but the unexpectedness caught me off guard and I gasped loudly. There had always been some foreplay on both parts.

Edward thrusted long and deep, and I stretched around him, letting him fill me before he pulled out and repeated the motion over and over. Each time felt like he went a little deeper and each time felt like I was being split in two.Holy hell!

I felt the tightening in my belly and warmth spread over my body before it redirected itself to my core. My walls tightened around him and I moaned his name as I let myself go. Several moments later, as my name fell from his perfect lips, Edward released.

After letting go of my wrists and my leg, Edward cupped my face between his large hands. "Wow," he said before leaning in closer, grazing my nose with his before delicately touching his lips to mine.

Both of us were completely oblivious to the changing water temperature until my teeth started chattering rather loudly. I didn't want to ruin the moment, but at the same time, freezing to death wasn't high on my list of ways I wished to die.

"You're lips are turning blue, Bella," he said as he reached over and shut off the water. Shouldn't I have thought of that? He grabbed two towels from the white space saver that was over the toilet, wrapping the first one around my shoulders before securing one around his waist.

"Now…I'm rea-lllly…hun-grrrry," I said, trying to warm up and failing miserably. Edward only chuckled.

*~*~*

Dinner was delicious, as I was absolutely ravenous. A live cow could have been placed in front of me and I probably would have eaten it.

I was just getting ready to rise from the table, completely full, when Edward reached across the table and gently laid his hands across mine. His touch startled me and I gazed at him with curious eyes, as his mouth was apparently not connecting with his brain – for the first time it seemed, words were failing him.

We hadn't spoken much while we ate and I wasn't sure if it was because things felt slightly odd because of the type of relationship we had or because we were both so exhausted.

"Uh…I…hmmm…What I meant to say was…," he stammered, his eyes refusing to meet mine.

I didn't know if I should say something encouraging or just wait for him to finally tell me what he was having a hard time saying. What could cause him to so suddenly become so tongue-tied? Was the food bad? I didn't think so, as I watched him moan in delight over the steak. What was eating at him?

His eyes fluttered to mine momentarily as his hands tightened around mine as if he was afraid I might let go. He cleared his throat. "?"

He'd said it so quickly that I didn't understand a single syllable.

"Come again?"

He chuckled nervously. "I was hoping to do that a little later tonight – both of us, I mean."

I cocked my head to the side and raised both my brows, hoping he would shine light on what he had said previously without me having to encourage him, or embarrass him, further.

Edward let out a heavy sigh, and squeezed my hands with all of his might, temporarily stopping the flow of blood to my fingertips. "I said, 'Would you like to go out with me this Saturday?'" His whole body was tense and he was watching me carefully for my reaction, I was sure.

I didn't understand why he was so nervous. I mean, he must have been on hundreds if not thousands of dates. However, he needed an answer now or else I may never be able to gain use of my hands again. "Sure, Edward," I said, nodding at him.

At my acceptance of his request, he immediately relaxed his posture and lessened the grip he had on my hands. I looked down at the way his hands covered mine and smiled slightly. This felt really nice.

*~*~*

The rest of the week passed by in a blur. Every morning I woke up with Edward in my bed, with one of us holding the other before he'd go back to his apartment and get ready for work. At work, we tried as often as we dared to spend any time together without getting caught. Jasper was constantly acting in the role of look-out. Since I would usually beat Edward home from class, I would have dinner prepared for when he got home. After all, we needed all the energy we could get to keep up with our sexual encounters.

Saturday morning came along and just like every morning this past week, Edward was in my bed. This time my arm was draped over his midsection, as I was the one holding him. Our legs were entangled with the sheet hanging haphazardly across our naked bodies. How could something that felt so right be so wrong? Slowly, I lifted my arm off him and carefully slid from the bed.

As I padded to the door, I felt the need to just look at him. It was as if my subconscious was telling me to enjoy the view while it lasted because it could end at any moment. I turned around and his godly sight nearly hurt my eyes.

Even with his back to me, he was a sight to behold. He reminded me of an ancient Greek statue that you would find only in the grandest museum. His bronze hair, was disheveled, proof of the rounds of the late night romps we had shared. His right arm was tucked under the pillow, while his left was barely hanging over his hip. Though I was positive the sheet covered what I knew to be God's gift to women, I couldn't help but think about it being exposed to the small rays of light that seemed to filter through a small opening of my blinds. The well-defined muscles in his back looked totally at ease, fully rested after last night's round.

How long can this last?

He shifted, rolling onto his back, bringing the arm that was under the pillow out and over his head. The outside light filtered through, illuminating his beautiful body, as dust motes danced in the air. His five o'clock shadow was gone – replaced by short stubble that ran along his jaw line up to his sideburns. He looked absolutely edible and definitely fuckable. Maybe I should wake him up?

I shook my head at my silent question and returned to the reason I had gotten out of bed so early this morning.

After relieving myself, I turned on the shower, allowing the steam to overtake the room. My mind drifted back to Monday night, the first – and only – time Edward had showered with me. I stepped into the overly warm shower, letting the water rain over my head and down my back, awakening me. A hot shower was a stronger wake-up call than coffee any day of the week and twice on Saturday. My body wash invigorated my senses and my skin, waking me from any amount of sleep that may be lodged in my brain.

"Bella!" Edward yelled, swinging the bathroom door wide open. The wind from the door caused the shower curtain to cling to my wet body.

"Edward, are you alright?" I asked alarmed, peeking around the curtain to see what could have caused him to have such an outburst.

He exhaled slowly – calming down with each second that air passed from his lips. "Sorry," he said, running a hand through his hair. "I rolled over and you weren't there. Kind of scared me a little."

"Oh." Yeah, like that was really smart thing to say.

Edward started back peddling out of the bathroom, but before he exited he asked, "Ummm, why are you in the shower so early, Bella?"

I blushed. Hopefully Edward didn't notice it because of the steam. "I'm just excited about today," I said with a sense of all the false bravado I could muster. Internally, I was scared shitless about the date.

I had every right to be scared too! After all, I was going out with him to an unknown location – which I had tried desperately to find out about all week without success – where others would see us. Others like Jake or Mike – or worse – anyone from the base who just happened to know that Edward was an officer and I was enlisted.

Plus, there was this nagging feeling, like the one I had this morning, telling me that sooner or later the other shoe was going to drop and all this would go away.

What if he happens to see another woman who catches his fancy? What if she is tall and slender and blonde and….Hold up, you're describing Rosalie, you idiot. You know he's not interested in Rosalie. The fact is it could happen and that scared me, especially since I was going against every fiber of the law just to be with him. Could I handle the rejection if he found someone else?

I finished my shower, my mood much more somber. Gone was the happiness and excitement that I had felt just a few minutes ago. In truth reality sucked.

The bedroom was empty when I had entered. No more sleeping god in my bed. I hadn't looked down the hallway to see if he had been in the living room or kitchen, but I also didn't hear any noise from that area that would have made me check it out. Most likely, Edward was back over at his apartment, showering at this very moment.

My mind drifted off to a very naked Edward.

Snap out of it! I wasn't ever going to get my clothes on if I kept seeing him like that. Speaking of clothes…what was I supposed to wear? Shit!

I glanced at the clock and saw that it was past 7:30. I brought my hand to my mouth and nervously began biting my thumbnail. To wake them or not to wake them, that is the question. Okay, let's weigh my options. First off, they would be super pissed, considering it's the weekend, and I had interrupted their quality sleep time. Secondly, they could both already have plans for the day involving their boyfriends. Lastly, they could be in bed right now with those boyfriends or getting ready for another rousing round of poke the kitty.

However, I also knew that if I didn't call them over for another round of Bella Barbie they would be hurt and pissed that I didn't allow them in on the pre-date fun.

In the end, I decided it would be better to have them bitch at me for waking them up so damn early. This way they would be over their bitchiness before they actually made it over to my apartment and maybe I would be spared some of their prettifyingantics.

Who was I kidding? I was screwed no matter what I chose!

Rosalie and Alice arrive shortly after 10:30. In an attempt to soothe over waking them so early, I made a pot of coffee and some Belgian waffles with blueberries. Alice and Rosalie immediately headed towards the aroma after they dropped off two messenger bags full of products that were certain to help me look my best.

"So, what time must we have you ready by?" Rosalie asked with her mouth half-full.

"Edward said he'd like to pick me up at one," I replied casually, stirring my coffee lazily.

"What!" they both exclaimed in unison, sending chunks of barely chewed waffles all over the table.

"Bella, dear," Alice said in a too sweet voice, while trying to brush off some of the splattered food Rosalie had sent her way. "You aren't giving us much prep time."

My eyes darted warily between their pained expressions while I stifled a chuckle. "Um…we have like two hours," I said warily.

"Let's scratch the facial and the aromatherapy session. That should still leave us time to give her a mani and a pedi. We can probably apply a five minute pore reducing mask right before we set her hair with the curlers," Alice said to Rosalie before turning to me. "Have you decided what you were wearing?"

I shook my head hesitantly then mumbled, "No."

Rosalie reached across to me and gently squeezed my hand. "That's okay. Where is he taking you?"

I shrugged. "He won't tell me."

"Since he's coming early afternoon we can assume she won't need the leather mini. Perhaps something casual?" Alice stated simply with a dreamy air in her voice.

"To the bedroom?" Rosalie asked, her beautifully shaped eyebrows arched high.

"To the bedroom," Alice agreed.

I realized in that instant that the next two hours were going to be the most horrifically long hours of my life. Rosalie took the hand that she had been gently squeezing and led me down the hallway to my bedroom while Alice forced me to follow by placing both her hands in the small of my back, shoving me the entire way.

Two extremely long hours later I had been exfoliated, masked, massaged, painted, primped, styled and finally dressed. Alice and Rosalie are the queens when it comes to multi-tasking – especially if it entails beautifying in any way. I had also learned – yet again – that my idea of casual and their idea of casual were not only two different ideas, but they were ideas that resided on two different continents of the globe. I would have chosen a pair of blue jean shorts, my Ole' Miss t-shirt and a pair of sneakers. However, at the moment I was now wearing a dark blue lycra cami, that hugged my curves, with velvet embellishment around my breasts paired with a pair of dark boot cut jeans that sat right at my hips. The 2-inch heel, brown ankle boots finished the look.

My hair had been curled with large rollers then pulled into a pony tail that hung over my left shoulder. Rosalie had insisted on applying a neutral color palette to my face to enhance my features.

"I feel like a dork."

"How dare you insult our work," Rosalie said, slapping my shoulder.

"Sorry." I needed to deflect the attention from me. "So, do you two have any special plans this evening?"

"Jasper and I are going to the movies tonight," Alice offered.

"Emmett and I are planning on staying home and spending some quality alone time together, if you catch my drift." Rosalie wiggled her eyebrows for that extra effect.

I envied my two best friends. They had both found men that they could be with naturally. They could be free to be themselves. They didn't have to worry about public displays of affection or whether or not they would lose their jobs if someone found out. Sometimes life was unfair – this was one of those times.

I was a nervous wreck underneath my calm demeanor as we sat at the dining table gossiping about our men. Both Alice and Rosalie were so confident in their relationship while I was still constantly on the edge. Of course, that is probably because I was afraid that someone was going to find out and this little tryst would end. I didn't want it to end- ever.

Rosalie, with that keen eye of hers, saw right through my charade and called me out. "Would you please stop fidgeting? You are going to ruin your manicure. Geesh, it's like you're a teenager all over again and your nervous about what might happen after the date. Hell, it's not like you're a virgin or anything," she threw her head back allowing her blond tendrils to fan out over the backside of the chair while she let out a chuckle.

"Nope, she's definitely lost her virginity but she still has the box it came in," Alice chimed in causing us to all loosen up and laugh a little.

A knock on the door brought us all out of our reverie; the carefree moment had passed. Alice jumped up from her seat and ran to the door.

"Good afternoon, Edward," she sang out, opening the door. My stomach muscles clenched and I felt as if I was going to throw up; my nerves were totally shot.

Edward stepped through the door and stood in the entryway looking dashing as ever. Hell, if I didn't know what he really looks like in the morning, I would just guess he rolls out of bed looking that damn good. Still, it probably didn't take him long to get ready, unlike me.

I watched as he scanned the apartment. When his emerald eyes found mine it caused both of us to smile.

His bronze hair was slightly spiked and he hadn't shaved either. The stubble on his chin made him look more ruggish than he was. He had a light faded pair of jeans that were stressed on his right thigh combined with black Doc Martens boots and a simple, black t-shirt.

I felt severely over dressed and made-up. Perhaps I should have gone with my gut instinct and threw on the shorts and t-shirt. I may not have looked great but at least I would have felt more comfortable in my "second skin."

"You ready?" he asked.

My heart leapt up to my throat. His voice! Gah…it was so husky. It went along great with the rugged vibe he was throwing off. I cleared my throat - forcing my heart to go back where it belongs, nodded and after regaining my bearings pushed myself up from the table. He slipped his large hand around mine after I joined him in the foyer, opened the door and escorted me outside where the sun was blinding.

*~*~*

The Mississippi heat and humidity was unbearable. Why on earth had we both decided to wear jeans again? I chuckled to myself with the thought that we were both trying to put our best foot forward even though, technically, this whole relationship had started out backwards. Not too many people that I know of take two weeks before going on their first official date if they have been sleeping together for the weeks prior.

"So, can you tell me where we're going?"

"Just wait and see."

Edward adjusted the knobs to the air conditioner on his dash as we sped down Route 45. Before I knew it we turned left onto Alabama Street. Several stop lights later, we sped by the Gateway Shopping Center before making the left onto North Lehmberg Road. Edward slowed down slightly before passing through the underpass before turning into a vast parking lot.

"Skate Land? Are you serious? You are aware of my un-coordination, right?" I was already sweating bullets and I hadn't even stepped out of the car yet. This is going to be really, really bad.

"Yes, yes and yes," he answered, smirking at me. "I'm actually counting on you falling several times as it will give me reason to wrap my arms around you before you hit the ground."

We walked inside the building, hand in hand, to find it pretty dark inside except for the disco ball that was in the middle of the rink and the multi-colored lights that bounced off of it. Music from the 1980's was blaring. However, on the plus side, it didn't seem as if too many people were here skating. Perhaps we would be lucky enough not to run into anyone from the base that would recognize us.

After I told Edward my shoe size, he rented our skates, while I decided to check more of the place out. There was a concession stand that sold soda and assorted candy, an arcade with ski ball and pinball machines, and several booths set up around the wall that surrounded the rink.

It had been several years since I had been here and the place hadn't changed too much. They had added more games in the arcade and they had converted the party room into an area that was more relaxing for the adults with four large screen televisions hanging on the walls that were being fed from the CCTV.

Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me up once my skates had been laced and literally pulled me out onto the floor. It was useless to resist because not only would I fall, but more than likely I would bring Edward right along with me.

"Come on, Bella, it's not too difficult to skate," he said while he was still pulling me, skating backwards.

"Oh, I've skated before but it's been years."

"Then, it's like riding a bike. Just push your legs out and propel yourself forward."

I took a deep breath and pushed my right leg out, then my left and repeated the motion. I remembered the sensation from when I was a little girl, skating with Rosalie and Alice. My natural instinct took over and soon I was skating on my own once again. Edward let go of my hand and allowed me to break away while I relished in the thought that maybe I could actually get through the day without falling down.

I raced down the backside of the large, wooden oval and leaned to my left to turn, however, my skates had a mind of their own and decided to continue to go straight. Shit. The concrete barrier came up so fast, and I reached out for it with my arms, trying to lessen the impact. My skates hit it first, then my hands and I was stunned. I fell backwards, but never hit the ground. Instantly, I felt the warmth and security of Edward's arms around me, protecting me.

"I got you," he whispered, when I tried to stand back up on my own.

"Thanks," I mumbled, grateful that I didn't completely humiliate myself in front of the few people who were here watching my ungraceful moves on the hardwood.

Edward assisted me into an erect position and took my hand in his again. "Perhaps you should stick with me."

I could only nod. What is it about this man that causes me to lose all ability to speak?

The rest of the afternoon went on without any further incident. We did the Hokey Pokey, and the Electric Slide once I felt sure that I could handle myself on four wheels. My dad was right, Edward really was a menace on wheels – he zoomed around the oval as if he owned the place.

Once the skates were off our feet, my legs felt really, really weird. I had become accustomed to skating, and was trying to walk but with a skating motion. In the arcade, we played air hockey – Edward won with his quick reflexes.

"I have an idea," I said, placing my hand in his. "How about we place a wager on a game that doesn't require really any skill whatsoever?"

Edward glanced at me with a look of uncertainty, eyebrows arched and a slight smirk. "A bet?"

"Yeah, are you afraid that I can actually beat you at something?"

He shrugged his shoulders and scoffed. He could definitely be arrogant sometimes.

"What do you propose?" he asked, pulling me closer to him by my belt loops, grazing my nose with his.

"Hmmm, if you win I will tell you which part of your anatomy is the best 'love muscle'."

"And if you win?"

"If I win, you must grant me one wish without complaint."

Edward leaned back infinitesimally and breathed in loudly through his nose. "I don't know. It seems you would be getting the better end of the stick if you win."

"Okay then, I guess I will just have to keep that part to myself," I feigned.

"I accept," he said instantly. "What's the game?"

"Ski ball."

"I was afraid you would say that. How many games?"

"One." Edward was eating out of the palm of my hand. Little did he know, that I was very gifted with balls. "I think he knows just how gifted you are," my little deviant snickered.

Edward and I chose two lanes that were next to each other and deposited our money. The balls rolled down the chute and we both reached for our first ball.

"Question," he said. "Do we both roll simultaneously or should you go first?"

I pondered his question and realized that I did better under pressure. "Simultaneously."

We both rolled our first ball. My father's voice echoed in my head on how to effectively roll the ball to score the maximum points. "Not too hard, Bella, or it will bounce around on the grid and you'll score low." My first ball landed in the 40-point hole, while Edward's bounced and landed in the 10.

Edward groaned.

I was leading until the fifth ball. Edward dropped one in the left corner scoring a hundred points. I was down by twenty. However, his sixth ball went in the 10-point hole again while mine dropped in the 30.

We were tied with two balls to go.

On our seventh roll, I scored 50 points while Edward only scored 30.

On the last ball, I rolled first. In my haste and excitement I rolled the ball a little too hard and it bounced from the top of the scoring grid and into the 20-point hole. Shit.

Edward smirked at me. What was that about? He picked up his final ball and tossed it in the air a few times before palming it and rolling it smoothly down the middle of the lane. It never bounced once and landed swiftly in the 50-point hole.

Damn. I had been played.

A/N: Yes, I went old school with their date. At first I was taking them horseback riding, then it was sailing, and finally bowling. BUT I scratched each of those out because they were either too romantic/lovey dovey (gag) or too competitive. Instead, I went back to my roots and remembered the thrill of zooming around the wooden oval and stuck them in there…hope you enjoyed it.

So…any clue as to what Edward's best 'love muscle'? I'd love to hear your ideas of what it could be…you may be surprised. Also, why did Edward barge in on Bella's shower???

Until next time, please leave me your love (or your hate).