A/N: You don't want to read anything up here, I know it. So on with the story!

Bella's POV

"I can't see us continuing. I mean, really... a musician dating a deaf girl?" I huffed softly. "I'll understand if you'd like to take me home now."

I stared down at my hands, waiting for the inevitable. Really, I knew he'd want to end the date, now that he knew that I was damaged goods. I completely wouldn't blame him.

As the minutes stretched out, I finally looked up into Edward's eyes, and saw... pain?

"Why would you think that, Bella? I know you don't really know me that well yet, but do you honestly think so little of me to assume that I would see you as anything less than the beautiful woman that you are, just because you'll be deaf?"

Oh lord have mercy, he looked so sad. My heart was thumping so heavily, I'm sure they could hear it at the next table. "I didn't mean- I wasn't implying- It's no reflection on you-"

He pushed his chair back and came around the table to kneel down and take my hands. There was a gasp from the next table. I'm sure they assumed it was a proposal in progress. The idiot inside of me wanted to snort with laughter. It would have been funny, if it weren't so damned tragic.

He stared into my eyes and said, "Isabella, as you get to know me better, you will see that I am not a shallow man. My... feelings for you have nothing to do with what I do for a living. Your ability to hear, of all things, has no bearing on your ability to care. I know this is very new, we are very new, but I know I already care for you. Probably more than I should, this early. I'm looking forward to spending the rest of this evening with you, and every evening after this, for as long as you'll let me. Do you care for me, at least a little?"

I had to clear the lump from my throat before I could whisper, "Yes."

Edward bent forward and kissed my hands, smiled into my eyes... no, actually he smirked at me, stood up, turned to the rest of the terrace and announced loudly, "She said yes!"

He sat back in his chair to a smattering of applause, and one hearty "Atta boy!" and my flustered and very red face. "You're terrible, Edward Ma- Edward Cullen." I couldn't help but laugh at his suddenly playful grin.

"I know they were thinking it. I couldn't resist. Don't worry, when I do propose, it will be a much grander gesture than this, I assure you." He winked. Did he just say when he proposes? I grabbed my wine for a bracing gulp. Maybe he meant when he proposes to the woman he will eventually want to marry, not me, specifically. I couldn't help but feel disappointed at the thought of Edward proposing to another woman.

I hated to make that grin go away, it made him look so boyish and, if it was possible, even more handsome. "Edward, it's not just that I'm going deaf. I may even lose my vision, eventually. The Usher Syndrome is why I lose my balance so often. Are you sure you want to be seen with... well, a clumsy deaf girl? Men like you should be with... I don't know, supermodels?"

"Men like me?" His smile never faltered. "You mean the kind of man that is terribly attracted to tiny, stunning brunettes with excellent taste in pianists and the inability to walk a straight line without stumbling?" His smile lit his eyes.

Those eyes were twinkling again.

"Apparently." I breathed.

"Please allow me to decide my own heart, Isabella. And I told you before; I will always be there to catch you when you fall." He raised my hand to his lips, never breaking eye contact. Yep. He was trying to kill me.

We were interrupted by the waiter with the first course; caviar and a plate of Diver scallops served with caramelized cauliflower in a dark emulsion. The waiter explained that it was caper-raisin. It was wonderful, and Edward agreed.

Course after course arrived at the table, and between us, we managed to eat every bite. Edwards portion seemed to just disappear. He must have been so hungry. I couldn't blame him; everything was delicious.

A platter of small, bite-sized servings of various chocolate desserts arrived, along with a French press coffee pot. The waiter pressed and served, and left us to ourselves again. Edward slipped a black credit card into the check folder that the waiter had presented.

"Bella," he began, looking a bit nervous. "I have a performance in DC tomorrow night. At The Kennedy Center. I need to leave first thing in the morning. Jasper and Alice have gone on ahead, to set things up. Would you... I mean, if you don't have other plans... would you like to come down with me? It's the last show of my tour. I hate the thought of not seeing you for that long. Not while we're... still getting acquainted. I have a suite at The Eldon, and there is more than enough room. I mean you would have your own bedroom. The suite has three bedrooms. Alice and Jasper are married, and will share a room. They could act as chaperones." He swallowed audibly, and then rushed on, "We could get you your own room, if that isn't... um... something you'd be... comfortable with. Staying in my suite, that is. I would really love it if you came down with me. I could bring you home the next day. I assure you that I intend nothing improper. I merely crave your company." he finished shyly.

He looked so boyish, and hopeful. How could I refuse an offer like that? I couldn't, that's how.

"I would love to see you perform again. Thank you. I'm sure the other room in your suite will be perfectly fine. I... I trust you, Edward. What time will you come pick me up?" I couldn't help but grin at the relieved smile that he flashed at me.

"I'll pick you up at noon for lunch in the city before we go. It's about a four hour drive, and we can have dinner in the suite, before the show at eight. If that's all right with you?"

"I'll have a bag packed and be ready. Why don't you let me make you lunch at my place before we go. I don't imagine you get much home cooked food, being on the road so much."

Why did he suddenly look uncomfortable? "That would be lovely, Bella. Thank you." He retrieved his card from the waiter, and looked down at my nearly empty coffee cup. "If you've finished, we should go. The show will be starting soon."

I looked at his untouched coffee. "But you haven't finished your coffee, Edward."

"The caffeine doesn't agree with me this late in the evening. Shall we?" He got to his feet and moved behind my chair as I rose to my feet. I would have to some day thank his mother for raising such a perfect gentleman. I had never met a man with such impeccable manners before, and I was charmed to my toes. He made me feel like a princess, which was a completely new experience.

He placed my wrap around my shoulders, and this time, there was no mistaking that he ran his hands over my covered shoulders, and down my arms. His chest was pressed lightly against my back, his arms around me and holding my arms crossed at my waist in front of me. His mouth was directly behind my ear, and he breathed, "You have no idea what you've done to me, Miss Swan. But I like it." I shivered, and not from a chill. I'm pretty sure he had no idea what I was experiencing, with him standing so close to me. I had to admit that I was liking it as well.

My mind was already leaping ahead to the end of the evening; would he kiss me good night, or was he too much of a gentleman? A girl could hope.

He whisked me back into the car, and we were off. We didn't speak in the darkness, but his hand held mine, all the way to Broadway. I could still feel the electrical current that zinged between us every time he touched me. His hands were always so cool, but not uncomfortably so. I wondered if he felt the charge as well, or if I was the only one. It wasn't unpleasant by any means. Although it did leave my entire body in a heightened state of awareness.

The limo slid to a smooth stop in front of The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, a lovely older building in the heart of the theater district. The marquee was lit brightly, showing that Beauty and The Beast was playing. I turned to Edward with a huge smile. "Really? Oh, Edward. I love this show! I haven't been since I was a girl!" I hadn't realized that I had clutched his hand in both of mine to my chest until he looked down and chuckled. Of course, I blushed furiously and dropped his hand like I was scalded. He immediately cupped my cheek and said, "I'm so glad you're pleased." I know that I leaned into his hand. What the hell. I had no more shame when it came to this beautiful man.

The driver opened the door, and Edward stepped out, once again extending his hand to me.

The first half of the show was wonderful, and he held my hand during the entire production, save when applause was required. During intermission, we decided to stay in the nearly empty theater, holding hands and talking. We continued to ask each other silly little questions about likes and dislikes, middle names and the like until the second half began, and we settled back to enjoy it. He kept my hand in both of his, occasionally raising it to kiss my fingers, or rub his cheek on the back. He watched me as much as he watched the show.

I was falling harder with every touch, every glance, every soft, sweet smile that he gave me.

Could this be real? Regardless of my impending handicap, could I be, right now, holding hands with the love of my life? I had never wanted anything so much, as for that to be true.

E/N: Awww. I know, not much angst in this chapter, but you all know what Edward is doing in his brain. And we'll all get to hear about it next chapter!

I didn't go into a lot of detail about the food at Jean Georges. If you want to see what they ate, their menu is available on their website, which I have thoughtfully provided a link to in my profile. There is also a picture of the terrace, and the hedge where Edward made his food disappear to. Also a link to the theater! Aren't I awesome?

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