DISCLAIMER: NOPE, NOT MINE

A/N: Well, can you imagine that…ya'll seemed to REALLY like depraved Edward! Hehe…

Ready to get on with the next day?

Chapter 13 Progress

When the heart is burdened with grief, nothing looks bright. It is not easy to shake off the gloom. The more you try to run away from it, the more it chases you. So let us learn to face our sadness and our grief and look forward to tomorrow without any conditions applied. By: Arc Morpheus

BPOV

I was very comfortable.

Well rested it seemed.

And naked?

I sat up quickly, the blanket pooling around my hips, momentarily disoriented. I pushed the hair out of my face, my fingers getting caught in the tangles since I'd fallen asleep with it wet, and looked around the small room.

When I came to my sketchbook lying on the nightstand, yesterday came rushing back at me. And then last night came to the forefront, more importantly what I had done just before falling asleep. Did I leave the book on the nightstand? I don't remember covering up either. That must have been some orgasm!

I shuddered with an aftershock.

Glancing at the clock, I was shocked to see that it was already 9:00. I never sleep that late! Edward would be here in an hour and I needed to get my game face on. I needed to figure out how I was going to bring up the subject of vampires with him without having him run off and abandon me on the mountainside.

I threw the blanket off and ran for the bathroom to relieve myself and take a quick shower. That done, I dabbed on my cinnamon oil again and grabbed my brush to tame my hair so that it didn't end up in knots again. After looking at myself in the mirror, I decided to go with a French braid as we were going to be spending the day strenuously hiking. And perhaps other things?

The weather had been unseasonably warm so once again I donned a pair cargo shorts, navy blue this time, and paired them with a navy blue tank top. Hiking boots probably would have been ideal for today, but I only had my worn tennis shoes, so I slipped my feet in and laced them up.

I was just putting my sketchbook and pencils back into my bag when there was a knock on the door. Knowing who was on the other side caused my pulse to race. Taking a couple of slow deep breaths to calm myself back down, I went to the door and opened it.

"Good morning Bella."

Oh dear lord, he was even more gorgeous in the light of day. I had the sudden urge to reach out and grab his arm and yank him into my room. The idea of locking out the outside world and just letting ourselves get lost in each other was very tempting. Slow down Bella, research first, playtime later…

"Hello Edward. I'm glad that you came," I said softly.

His eyes widened and his nostrils flared briefly. "Well, I, uh. Yes, I came, as I said I would," he said formally. "You look lovely today. That color is beautiful on you," he paused, "and you seem relaxed. I trust you slept well?" he smirked at me.

Why was he smirking at me? I felt my cheeks flush like they used to do when I was younger and found myself in embarrassing situations at school. "Yes, thank you. The best sleep I've had in ages!" I answered cheerfully.

He laughed quietly. "I had a relaxing evening as well. Certainly ready for today! I was thinking we could stop by La Mama to collect one of their gourmet picnic lunches before we head out?"

"That sounds perfect," I said as my stomach growled.

"Hmmm, and perhaps a pastry to feed the human?" he grinned at me.

What an interesting way for him to word that, he's got a unique sense of humor. I like it.

"Yes, let's go 'feed the human' before she turns into a monster!" I said airily.

For a brief moment, I thought I saw his eyes fill with sadness. But he quickly shook it off and was smiling at me again as he offered me his arm. I grabbed my bag and the key from the side table before locking up the room and linking my arm through his.

He helped me into his car and we drove in peaceful quietness to the bakery. I stayed in the car while he ran in and returned about ten minutes later, a large wicker basket looped over his right arm, a steaming cup of coffee and a white paper bag in the other hand.

"I wasn't sure how you liked your coffee, so there are those little half-n-half things and some sugar packets in the bag," he said hesitantly.

I lifted the lid off the hot drink and inhaled deeply of the rich strong fragrance. It smelled perfect. I took a small sip, to avoid a burn, and almost choked. It didn't taste nearly as good as it smelled. I had read that Romanian coffee was not on the list of the best available…they weren't kidding.

Opening the bag to retrieve a couple of the creamers and the sugar, I noticed the strawberry filled Danish he'd chosen. I gave him a big smile as I fixed the coffee so that it was drinkable and then pulled out the Danish.

"Mmmm, this is fantastic!" The coffee might suck, but the Danish was incredible! "Thank you."

"It was my pleasure Bella." His hand reached out as if he was going to touch me, but he pulled back and I found I was disappointed.

"So, where exactly are we headed today?" I asked trying to override the awkward moment his 'almost caress' had caused.

"Oh, well I thought we could head back to the castle to park the car and then we could walk from there?" his eyebrows rose in question.

Was he kidding me? This was perfect!

"That sounds great! Um, I was wondering…" I trailed off, unsure exactly how to ask the question.

"What were you wondering love?"

Love? We're up to pet names now? For heaven's sake! Why couldn't I seem to find my tongue around him, why did it always seem as if I were floundering in my self-confidence with this man?

"Well, I understand that the tourist season is over for Bran, but I was wondering if perhaps I could get a private tour?" I batted my eyelashes at him, trying to flirt. "Seeing how I was a little distracted yesterday and didn't make it past the foyer," I added quickly.

"Oh, well sure, I think that could be arranged."

Neither one of us said anything for the remainder of the drive. The sexual tension in the car was steadily rising and as soon as he put the car in park, I threw open my door and scrambled out of the car. I gulped at the fresh air, grateful that the fog was lifting from my head.

"Would you like to do the tour now?" he asked, reaching out for my hand.

I allowed his large cool hand to wrap around my small one and nodded excitedly. "Just let me grab my bag."

We spent the next hour wandering through the downstairs of the castle. I listened as he lovingly gave details about the structure, the décor, the history of some of the pieces. I was impressed by how much knowledge he had, almost as if he'd learned it firsthand. He held my hand the entire time.

When we returned to the foyer, we both just stood there. I was curious as to whether or not he would lead me to the upper floors or if I was only to get the 'tourist tour.'

"Do you mind if I work on my drawing for a bit? I really only got the rough outline of the room done and I'd like to fill it in more," I asked as I was already digging into my bag for my supplies.

His eyes got a playful glint in them and I braced myself for whatever he was about to say, or do.

"On one condition."

"Oh, we're back to conditions are we?" I threw back at him sassily. He just stared at me with his eyebrows raised, waiting for my answer. "Fine," I sighed, "what's your condition this time?"

A/N: Everyone still with me? Only 4 more chapters left…