"The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along."

Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi

Sideways We'll Go

Mykonos Town was exactly as I pictured it, with stark white buildings and the smell of fresh fish floating up from the market. I stopped into a small store with Bob Marley posters and bought Renee a mother of pearl ring. We passed shops selling embroidered table cloths and ritzy boutiques that had Chanel suits. Edward told me about his first trip to San Francisco and getting lost on the train system ending up in Concord before realizing his mistake. I was surprised how easy it was to talk to him.

Conversation flowed between us effortlessly. We wandered down the cobblestone streets for a while before finding a small café on the water. We sat and the waves breaking on the rocks at our feet splashed up at us. The buildings on the water had balconies that hung out precariously. After our orders were placed I leaned forward.

"Edward, I have something very embarrassing to ask you," I asked shyly. He raised his eyebrow.

"Can you tell me what happened last night? We didn't…." I waved my hand. "You know…"

He frowned at me and leaned back in his chair. "No, Bella, we didn't…you know. Do you really think I would take advantage of a girl in that position?" I shook my head at him. "I do have some standards; the first one being I like my women awake. Just like I told you, I was a gentleman. You on the other hand, were not such a lady."

I covered my mouth embarrassed. "Oh no what did I do? Is this about me taking my dress off, because I am so embarrassed about that."

He laughed at me. "No, that part was perfectly fine. You can take your dress off and climb into my bed anytime. No, you hogged the bed and talked in your sleep. Did you know you do that?"

I bit my lip and looked away. "I haven't done that in years. Honestly I can't remember the last time I had a dream before coming here. I didn't say anything too bad, I hope."

"No, nothing bad. Trust me," he said with a smirk. I eyed him speculatively. I was fairly certain there was more to the story but I didn't want to prod.

Placated we began to talk about our lives. I told him about my job as an assistant to an editor. He asked about college and was shocked to find out I never went.

"It never worked out. Mike and I got married so young and we just stayed in Forks. It wouldn't have worked out anyways. Some people aren't meant to go to college."

"Bella, you are very intelligent. I can tell. I am a teacher after all. I know the goods when I see it." He smiled at me. I told him about Charlie and Renee. He was silent for a moment.

"It sounds like you really miss them."

"I do. My mom is gone so much because of the tours but my dad and I got to really close, especially when I went through my hard time. He used to take me out to this really awful Chinese restaurant every Thursday for dinner. Aside from Alice and Angela he was the only thing holding me together. I miss him a lot. I've only talked to him twice since we got here."

"I think it's great you're so close to your family. I think family is very important. My father Carlisle is one of my closest confidants and my mother Esme is pure love. She went to every school function we had as well as running her own restaurant. She is the best mother a kid could ask for. Emmett and I are very lucky. Rosalie gets along really well with her too. I think you would too."

"She sounds lovely. I'd love to meet her sometime."

"I would like that Bella. I would like that a lot."

We walked around the town looking in shops. The sun stung on our back and the air was thick with the smell of fish and olives. Edward asked me about my favorite things, what I liked to do for fun. I shared with him my newfound love of snowboard but admitted that I wasn't very good. He told me he admired my perseverance. He admitted to trying skiing as a child but never got very good. The day seemed to float on easily. All day long a question burned the back of my mind. Rosalie had mentioned that Edward had a bad break up. I wanted to know what happened. I worked up the courage to ask him on the ride back to Ornos Beach. Pulling into the parking lot I asked Edward if he would like to take a walk on the beach. He agreed and we set off to walk on the sand. Edward pointed out different sites and the pelicans swimming in the water. I spotted a lounge chair and went to sit down, Edward followed behind me.

I stared out at the rolling waves pensively. "You know when I was younger my mother always told me to trust that things happen reason. That if you didn't pass your driver's test that maybe it was because you weren't meant to be driving alone that day. Or those days when you are late for work that maybe it's because you need to hear something special on the radio. It's kind of a weird theory but I think about it a lot. Do you think that's true?"

He sat at my feet. "Sometimes I do. I would like to believe in that. It would be comforting, that all the pain we go through, is justified."

I stared into the sunset over the water. Crossing my arms, I willed myself to keep going. "Edward, I don't know what is going on between us but I should tell you that I am not in perfect condition. I am a very fragmented person right now."

That's okay. I am too." He looked at me, his eyes were soft. "Did Rosalie tell you about Victoria?"

I nodded at him. "She didn't tell what happened only that it was a bad break up and that she left with someone else. I hope you won't be mad at Rose. It's my fault; I need to mind my own business. I'm prying too much aren't I?" I got up to go and felt Edwards hand around my wrist.

"Don't Bella, I want to tell you. I was just surprised that's all." He paused and looked out at the water with me for a moment. I slowly lowered myself back down onto the chair hugging my knees to my chest. Edward's hand stayed on mine. It felt so warm and sweet. I drank in the soft feeling that I had in the pit of my stomach.

"I met Victoria a year ago at a function at the hospital my dad works at. She was doing PR work for the new cardiac ward. I found her to be charming, beautiful and sophisticated. We began to date and I thought that she might be the one. On paper we seemed to work. Even though I'm only a lowly teacher my family is very well connected and there were certain things that were expected from me. One of these is to marry the right girl. Victoria seemed to fit the bill. She too was well connected and I knew we could have a comfortable life. She would bother me about my job and make comments about how I would eventually come to my senses and get a 'real' job. I brushed them off thinking she would come around. I made plans to propose on the day we met in July.

"I was heading to the jewelry store when she called me to tell me that she needed me to come over to her apartment immediately. Upon arrival she sat me down and began pacing. I begged her to tell me what happened. She told me that she met someone, someone who is better suited for her. A lawyer named James, who was going to marry her. I was shocked; all my plans had been dashed on this girl. I was a wreck for weeks. Slowly I began to see her for the person she was. A woman who capitalized on her looks and good social standings. She was never someone I could build a fulfilling life with. I could never be myself with her. I have heard that James dumped her soon after that. I came to Europe with Rosalie and Emmett because I needed to get away from the rumors and gossip. I needed to figure out what is important to me."

I gazed at him. I gulped because she sounded like everything I wasn't. Because I couldn't imagine a woman treating a man like Edward that way. But most importantly because it was as if he was telling my story, like he was reading my mind.

Strumming my pain with his fingers

"Really? I'm killing you softly?" he laughed at me. I didn't realize I had even spoken out loud.

I shook my head. "No, Edward, I know exactly how you feel. I too, have been there."

"Tell me about it Bella, I want to know you." He soothed.

I squeezed his hand gently and bit my lip. How would he react to the story? I doubted it was something he'd be interested in. "It's not a pretty story Edward."

"Ah, and my mine was so pleasant," he joked.

"No, but I'm just unsure you'll want to hear it."

Edward nodded. "I have all night. Let me have it."

Slowly I began telling him the story. I didn't leave out the details. I told him everything, the pregnancy and wedding. I cried when I told him about the miscarriage and staying in Forks for years, Finding Mike and Jessica together. I explained how Jessica's baby was Mike's and how the depression and vandalism soon followed. He held my hand and let me continue. I talked until the sun dipped beneath the water and the string lights on the beach began to illuminate the sand. When I was finished, I felt so light. Like the world was no longer on my shoulders. Telling Edward seemed to free up that space in my heart. I felt my body relax with each word I uttered. I wasn't sure why I trusted Edward so much but I felt like I could tell him anything. I squeezed his hand.

"This is probably too forward but I think that you and I are good for each other right now," I whispered hesitantly.

He smiled softly. "I think so too Bella, me too." We sat holding each other for a while. The sounds of the waves lapped on the beach. Edward rubbed my arms and stroked my hair. He stood up to hold out his hand to me. "Dance with me?"

"I'm not a very good dancer. I might hurt you."

"Nonsense Bella, it is all the leading." I got up to stand by him. He laced his arm around my waist and pulled me close. I could smell the sweetness of his shirt and feel his warm chest beating against me. I laid my head on his shoulder to breathe him in. Standing there for a moment Edward leaned down and pressed his nose to my hair. I heard him breathe me in. He started gently swaying me.

I leaned back to look at him. "There isn't even music."

"Sure there is. Can't you hear it?" I felt his lips moving against my hair as he softly sang;

You know it aint easy
For these thoughts here to leave me
There's no words to describe it
In French or in English
Well, diamonds they fade
And flowers they bloom
And I'm telling you
These feelings won't go away
They've been knocking' me sideways
"I like this song." I leaned back into his chest and I let him lead me a circle round and round. I began to feel dizzy with the sensation of having him so near. He tipped me back and bent down and brushed his lips on my cheek. His mouth traveled down my jaw to my throat. I felt my blood boil at the soft impression of his lips on my collar bone.

"Oh, Edward," I groaned.

He brought his face to meet mine, whispering my name. His every word washing over my face. I was intoxicated by his essence. He came forward and gently pushed his lips to mine. I grabbed his head and pulled him to me. I wrapped myself around him clutching so hard I could barely breathe. I needed him like air, like the sun. I pushed my tongue into his mouth and he let me taste him. His tongue played with mine and I groaned into his mouth. Without breaking contact he grabbed my hips and led me to the lounge chair. I fell back into the cushions and Edward lay on top of me. I felt his length against my leg and I pushed up into him. He kissed me slowly down my neck and nuzzled the hollow beneath my ear. His body smoldered above me. His hands ran down my sides leaving flames of pleasure to course through me. "Let's go back to the hotel."

He sat up quickly. "Oh, God, Bella, I'm so sorry. I told myself I wouldn't get carried away and here I am taking advantage of you on a beach. I'll take you back to your room right now."

"No, I don't want to go to my room. I want you to take me to yours."

He gazed at me shocked for a moment before recognition passed over his face and he crushed his lips against mine.

I kissed his neck as he fumbled for the room key. He pushed my body against the doorframe and I stood on my tip toes to press myself into him. He tried to unlock the door and the key scraped against metal repeatedly before we could tumble through the door. He led me into the room kissing me fervently. His hand tangle in my hair and he pulled me to the vanity. I backed up into it and he gazed at me his eyes dark, with wanton lust. His hands moved from my hair to rest of my breast. He squeezed it and I moaned in pleasure. He ran his thumb over my nipple and I bit back another cry. He watched my face as his hands came down and he pulled off my shirt. I let it flutter to the floor.

"You are perfect. Just how I imagined," he murmured.

"Did you think about this?" I asked him in between kisses.

"Of course I did Bella. It's all I could think about all day. Ever since I saw you I've been thinking about it."

I pulled at his shirt, ripping buttons off in my attempt to get to his body. Edward ran his hand over my stomach and up to my peaks. He pinched my nipple, rolled it between his fingers. I could feel my panties getting wet. He brought his mouth down and gently ran his tongue over my sensitive mounds. He took my nipple between his teeth and bit it softly through the thin white cotton. I folded it him and groaned into his ear.

"Do you like that, baby?" Edward asked his voice husky with sex. All I could do was nod. He took my other nipple into his mouth and I groaned loudly. His fingers slid under my skirt and he traced the line where my underwear met my skin. His fingertips moved the satin aside and I felt him between my folds.

"Oh God, Bella you are so wet. I love how wet you are."

"It's for you."

"You have no idea how sexy that sounds."

I brought my fingers down and gently pulled off my underwear. I shook them down my legs and then hopped up on the top of the vanity. I pulled him close as I fumbled with his pants. Finally he helped me pull them off along with his boxers. He kissed me again and he palmed my hot center. I grabbed his hips and ground him to my wet heat.

"Jesus," he hissed. He wrapped his hand around my neck and suddenly I felt his length teasing my entrance. He made circles with his hip going deeper inside me. His hands grabbed my hips and I wrapped my legs around him, plunging him deeper inside me. I panted his name as he slammed me against the mirror. Over and over, he thrust himself into me until I felt the buildup in my stomach. The throbbing tone getting stronger and stronger. A crescendo and then the waves of pleasure broke over me. I felt myself clench around him and I threw my head back into the wall calling out his name. I felt him explode into me and I leaned forward to bite down on his shoulder, climaxing again from his sex. We stayed there frozen in those positions, a sheen of sweat covering our bodies. Edward pulled away first and he kissed me softly; on my jaw, on my cheek, over my nose finally reaching my lips. Satin smooth, his tongue pulled over my lips and I let him taste my breath. He rested his forehead against mine.

"Bella, that was…."

"Yeah, it was," I replied. I smiled to myself and closed my eyes, replaying every moment. I began to laugh when I realized what happened. Suddenly I couldn't stop the giggle bursting from me.

"Bella, what's so funny?"

"I never…." I broke off, maniacal laughter shaking our bodies still connected. I bit back another laugh as I pushed him away. I climbed down from the vanity and surveyed the room. Clothes were scattered all over the floor and there was a crack in the mirror. I rubbed the spot on my head where I banged myself. Even with the dull ache, I couldn't fight back the smile. A little concussion was a small price to pay to have sex like that. All those years with Mike and it took fifteen minutes of rough sex in a hotel in Greece to blow it all away. I sat on the edge of the bed and crossed my legs.

"You know, laughing at a man, after you have sex is never an ego boost," he said frowning.

"No it's not that at all." I rested my chin in my hands. "Edward, that was incredible."

"Really?" he asked. "Then why are you laughing?"

I snickered as I gazed up at him. "It's embarrassing. You'll think I'm silly."

"Bella, you are a lot of things but right now you are the last thing from silly."

"It's really stupid. Trust me."

"No, now the suspense is killing me. You have to tell me. You can't have a post coital chuckle and not fill me in on the joke."

"Leave it to you to use big words like post coital after something like this."

"You're avoiding the question."

"Am I?"

"Please, Bella? Just tell me. I would do anything if you could just fill me in. I'm dying over here."

"Come sit by me," I asked, patting the space next to me. He raised an eyebrow and sighed as he obeyed my command. I sat up cross legged in front of him. Leaning forward I took his face in my hands and pulled his lips to mine. I kissed him chastely before leaning my forehead against his. "Don't laugh okay? And I don't want you to think I'm putting too much into this but what just happened, I've never had that."

"The sex? Are you saying you were a virgin? God, I am such an asshole, what the fuck was I thinking, I…"

I held my hand up to my mouth stifling a smirk. After I composed myself, I shook my head. "No, not the sex. I was married; of course I've had sex. No I was talking about the…you know…"

His eyebrows furrowed. "I'm not following you."

"You know the thing…"

He narrowed his eyes and shook his head at me.

My hands flew up in desperation. "Orgasm, Edward. That was the first time someone gave me one."

"Ever? That was the first time you've had an orgasm?" he asked. His eyes bright with happiness. I could already see him getting smug.

"I said that was the first one I've had with someone."

"So, you've what, given yourself one before?"

"Sure, I am human after all."

"But, I'm the first guy to give you one."

"Correct."

"Sweet," he said under his breath, smirking at me. "Well, it sounds like we have some catching up to do."

Roberta Flack-Killing me Softly

Sideways- Citizen Cope

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.