How awesome was my boyfriend? I'll tell you how awesome. When we left the park after visiting with Jake and Bea and the boys, I felt cramps coming on. They weren't anything horrible, so I said yes when Edward suggested a late lunch. We stopped at my favorite little Thai place and, while sharing delicious panang curry with my amazing boyfriend did wonders to improve my disposition, the pain just kept intensifying and I knew I would need to take some Motrin when we got home. You know that throbbing ache that cuts across your lower back and makes you want to just curl up and moan? Yeah, that. I didn't say anything on the ride back to my place, but I knew Edward could tell something was off. He kept glancing at me with his brow furrowed, concern in his eyes.

It was while we were in the elevator that his hand sort of just wandered down to rest on my lower back. I was snuggled up against him, my head under his chin, arms around his waist. His fingers rubbed gently and I moaned.

"What's wrong?" he whispered, his lips against the top of my head.

"My back hurts," I said softly, my cheeks heating with a blush. Yeah, we had discussed things this morning, but it was still embarrassing. I was just glad I'd had a couple of emergency tampons stashed in my overnight bag.

"Here?" he asked, pressing in at the base of my spine.

"A little higher."

"Here?"

"Ahhh yes, right there," I whimpered, and his nimble fingers slowly rubbed in a firm circle right where the pain radiated from. It felt wonderful and I let out a deep sigh.

Unfortunately, my massage was short-lived, since the elevator arrived at my floor just then.

When I unlocked my door and stepped inside, Edward handed me my overnight bag but remained in the hallway.

"What's wrong? Aren't you coming in?" I asked.

"I'm just gonna go and grab a few things," he said vaguely. "I'll be back in about a half hour, okay?"

"Sure." I shrugged, my mind already on tracking down some pain relievers and changing into something more comfortable than my denim skirt.

When Edward returned a little while later, I was stretched out on the couch with my trusty heating pad against my lower back, wearing my most comfortable pair of yoga pants and a tank top. The Motrin had helped a bit, but I was still dealing with a dull throbbing. I dragged myself off the couch when the doorbell rang and was surprised when I opened the door to find Edward weighed down with several bags.

"This is 'a few things'?" I asked, giggling. "What have you got there?"

"Ahh, you just wait and see," he replied, heading to the kitchen. Intrigued, I followed him.

One by one he pulled items out of the bag, showing them to me.

"First off, ice cream. I got cookies and cream, which I know is one of your favorites, and mint chocolate chip, which is mine."

"You got me ice cream?" I asked, and he nodded with an adorable smirk.

I loved him. I knew it with a hundred percent certainty in that moment. Yep, I realized my emotions were all over the place, and I also knew it was crazy to be so sure after only eight days, but the ice cream was the deal sealer for me. Without a word I just threw myself at him, my arms going tightly around his waist and my face burrowing into the side of his neck so I could inhale lungfuls of his amazing smell. How was it possible that I deserved someone this wonderful? Ice cream might seem like such a small thing, but it really meant the world to me in that moment.

"What is it, love?" he asked, his hands rubbing soothing circles on my back.

"I just. . . you. . ." I sniffed loudly, trying to calm down. "You treat me so wonderfully, Edward. I've been so happy since I met you and I just. . . I. . . you brought me ice cream!" I looked up at him, knowing that I was a mess with tears running down my face, but I had to see his eyes. "You're so amazing, and your family is wonderful, and your friends have made my friends so happy and. . . and. . . my heart is so full that I think it might just burst. I mean, I just don't. . . I-"

Edward's fingers came up and pressed against my lips.

"Whoa, Bella," he whispered. "Calm down, okay?"

I nodded, his fingers still warm on my mouth. He dropped his hand and I took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, Edward. I'm really not usually like this, I promise. Stupid hormones are doing insane things to me right now and I'm sorry you have to see it."

And I love you.

"Stop. There's nothing to be sorry for. Please just let me take care of you?"

"Okay," I whispered.

And I love you.

"Good. Now, besides the ice cream, I also have a lot more junk food, bubble bath, a couple of movies, and my own personal favorite. . ." He gave me a sexy wink as he pulled another item out of the bag. "Massage oil."

My eyes widened.

"Massage oil?" I echoed in a whisper.

"Mmm, yes. I thought since your back was sore, I might be able to help with that. I've been told I'm quite good with my hands."

"I have first hand knowledge of that being true," I said with a grin.

Edward moved closer to me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me against him. His mouth lowered to mine and he gave me the sweetest, most tender kiss ever. The kind of kiss that makes a girl feel cherished and adored. I'm pretty sure my toes curled.

"Now," he said when he pulled back. "Where would you like to start?"

I weighed my options.

"Definitely with the ice cream. Let's see where that takes us," I said with a smile.

I gotta tell you, there was just nothing better than being snuggled against Edward's side, eating delicious ice cream, and indulging in the genius that is Tarantino. Vincent Vega was bad ass.

After the movie, Edward led me to my bedroom where he requested that I strip down to my undies. I was more than happy to comply. He laid out a big bath towel and I stretched out on my tummy. His fingers gently brushed my hair to the side, leaving me practically naked to his gaze. He took off his shirt – so as not to get any oil on it – and straddled my legs.

Edward warmed the oil between his hands first and I caught the sweet scent of almonds just before his fingers glided down my back. He started out making small circles with his thumbs on either side of my spine before working his way lower and concentrating right where I'd directed him earlier.

"Oh, God, that feels so good," I moaned, not in the slightest bit embarrassed that I sounded like a porn star.

"Like this?" Edward asked, his fingers pressing deeply.

"Mmmm, yeah," I sighed. "It's perfect."

I lazed in a state of complete relaxation as he worked his magic on my more than willing body. He gently kneaded my shoulders, the tops of my thighs, the back of my neck. By the time he was done I was a boneless heap.

Edward slowly rolled me over on the towel and immediately his mouth covered mine in a tender kiss. I purred, loving the feel of his bare chest against mine.

"The sounds you were making," he whispered against my neck. "You have no idea how turned on I am right now, Bella."

I wiggled against him, feeling the hot brand of his erection even through his jeans.

"I think I have some idea," I answered with a smile. "Seriously, Edward, thank you. That felt amazing. You know, just because I'm out of commission at the moment doesn't mean I can't-"

He cut me off with a kiss, shaking his head when he pulled back.

"We'll wait."

I took a quick shower while Edward got another movie ready and we spent the rest of the evening just lounging around. My new favorite thing was the way his kisses tasted after eating salted caramel cookies. Heavenly.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. We both had to work the next day and Edward needed to get home to Charlie. So, at nine o'clock I kissed him good-bye and immediately felt the loss when I closed the door behind him.

The next couple of days passed quickly for me. I was really busy at work, getting everything ready for two upcoming weddings. On Tuesday evening Edward and the guys once again played basketball with their friends and Alice, Rose, and I headed to the movies to see the most recent Channing Tatum offering. Yummy, but still didn't hold a candle to my Edward.

My Edward. God, I loved the sound of that.

He came over on Wednesday evening and brought Charlie, who seemed absolutely ecstatic to have a new place to explore. He sniffed every corner of every room before he found his way onto the overstuffed ottoman that I had in the living room. He barely moved all night after that, the plush chenille apparently a very satisfactory doggy bed. We got pizza delivered -Charlie even managed to get a bite of crust- and played Scrabble. Edward was a terrible cheat, trying to convince me that his made-up words were real. The game ended when I started throwing my word tiles at him and he retaliated by ticking me until I begged for mercy. As I was kissing him good-bye later that evening, I was almost overwhelmed with the need to just declare my love already. It was getting harder and harder not to say those three little words. I'm not exactly sure what stopped me from saying it. I definitely felt it, but the fear of him not being at that stage yet was always enough to make me bite my tongue.

As the weekend approached, I found myself getting excited about the barbeque on Saturday – and also a bit nervous. I loved my father, but I knew how he could be sometimes, so overprotective of his baby girl. I called him Friday afternoon.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Daddy," I said sweetly.

"Uh, oh. What's wrong?" he immediately asked.

Damn it, he could always see right through me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to sound totally innocent.

"You only ever call me 'Daddy' when you want something or you're in trouble. I'm 'Dad' usually, or if you're pissed at me, it's 'Charlie'. So which is it? Ya want something, or are you in trouble?"

I sighed. Alright, time to stop beating around the bush.

"I'm not in any trouble," I told him. "However, you are right. I do want something."

"Okay. And what would that something be?" I swore I heard amusement in his tone, like he knew exactly why I called.

"Well, it's about the barbeque tomorrow. I'm bringing Edward. He really wants to meet you and Sue and see Mom and Phil again, and I just wanted to ask you to please take it easy on him."

"Take it easy? Whatever do you mean, Bells?" This time there was no denying the laughter in his voice.

"What I mean, Charlie, is that I really would appreciate it if you weren't oh, I don't know, target shooting when we show up? Polishing a knife? Can you please stop yourself from informing him that you've ran a background check, because I know you have, don't try to deny it."

"Aww, come on, Bells! I had to! You never know what kind of guys are out there, they'll tell you anything to make you trust them and-"

"Stop right there, Dad! I am twenty-six years old, not a little girl any more. I really love and appreciate the fact that you want to look out for me, but stop okay? Edward is a wonderful man, and he treats me like a princess. He is very, very important to me and I trust him completely. Please be nice?"

I heard a long suffering sigh from the other end of the line and I could just picture him tugging on his mustache.

"Okay, fine," he finally said. "I'll behave to the best of my abilities."

"Now why do I get the feeling that you just agreed, but didn't really agree?" I teased him.

"Bella, I'll be nice to him. I will! But he has to understand the concern that a father has for his only daughter. If he doesn't, or if he is disrespectful, then all bets are off."

I had to smile, emotion welling inside me at the clear proof that my father loved me very much.

"Dad, you don't have anything to worry about. And I'm really happy that you'll be meeting him, he's a wonderful guy and a very important part of my life."

"Well, now. This sounds serious, Bella."

"It is, Dad," I admitted quietly. "It really, really is."

Silence from the other end of the line.

"Dad?"

"Yup. I'm here. I just. . . well, you surprised your old man. You guys haven't known each other very long."

"Believe me, I'm aware of that," I said with a laugh. "But I don't think that matters. Jake and I knew each other our whole lives and it wasn't enough. Things happen when they happen."

"Well, I'm happy for you Bella. And if you're so sure of this then he must be a good guy, because you're a very smart girl. I'm looking forward to meeting him."

"Thank you," I said, getting a little misty-eyed.

"One more thing?"

"What?"

"Do you think you could manage to bring some of those pineapple squares you made for my birthday?"

I laughed at his hopeful tone.

"Yes, I'm sure I could. I'll see you tomorrow, Dad. Love ya."

"Love ya, too, kid."

I got up extra early on Saturday morning so that I could make my dad's pineapple squares before leaving for work. They weren't hard, really, just a bit time consuming. As I went through the familiar motions of cooking, my mind – of course - wandered to Edward.

I hadn't seen him last night because it was his night to be on call for emergencies at the clinic. He'd called me before bed and it had been a very heated conversation. He'd asked in a roundabout sort of way whether or not my period was finished, and things had took a turn for the wicked when I'd informed him that it was. Getting off to the sound of his sexy voice was great, don't get me wrong, but it didn't compare to the real thing. He invited me to spend the night at his place after the barbeque and I was thrilled; a long night filled with a thorough exploration of his beautiful body was exactly what I needed.

Work was hectic. I had a six tier cake to complete and I had to ride along and oversee the set-up. I almost had a heart attack when a bunch of pigeons tried to dive bomb us when we got to the venue, but thankfully the cake escaped unscathed. I wish I could say the same for poor Angela, who ended up with pigeon poop on her shoe.

Irina popped her head into my workspace just as I was tidying up to leave.

"Bella, so glad I caught you. I'm trying to get a final head count for the party, please tell me you are bringing that gorgeous specimen with the amazing green eyes?"

"Yes, Edward will be coming," I told her with a laugh.

"Fabulous. Alice and Rose have already informed me that they will be bringing guests as well."

"Emmett and Jasper," I said with a nod. "They're awesome, Irina. You already know they were there the night Edward and I met and the part they played. Emmett is huge and boisterous, but he's really a big teddy bear. Jasper is very laid back and easy going, wicked sense of humor. You'll love them."

"I can't wait to meet them and to officially meet your Edward as well. You're not coming in tomorrow, right?"

"Not unless you need me to? I don't have any cakes."

"No, no, we're good. Have a lovely weekend, Bella! See you Monday."

"You too, boss."

When I got home, I quickly threw some stuff in my overnight bag and took a quick shower. The barbeque would be very casual, so I changed into army green shorts and a matching green and white plaid button down shirt that I tied at my belly button. White flip flops, ballerina bun, a little bit of makeup, and I was ready. I was just about to go take the pineapple squares out of the fridge when my doorbell rang, causing me to detour to the foyer instead of the kitchen.

I opened the door and only got a peek of Edward's gorgeous face before I was immediately engulfed in his arms.

"Mmmm," I sighed happily, my arms going around his waist.

Instead of a reply, what I got was kissed senseless. When Edward's tongue plunged between my lips, I felt that familiar and fierce ache start deep in the pit of my stomach. I moaned, my fingers rising to tunnel into his hair and grip it tightly. He growled, and the next thing I knew I was hoisted against his chest, his hands urging my legs to wrap around him before he backed me against the door. Our kisses were desperate and deep and I wanted to just drown in him.

When our lips finally parted, both of us were breathing hard. However, if I thought I was going to get a reprieve from the sensual attack he'd launched, I was mistaken. Edward's lips journeyed to my throat and his nimble fingers rose to the buttons of my shirt. I was more than willing to help him out, undoing the knot and sliding my fingers into his hair once more as his teeth and lips mapped a trail all over my throat and chest, biting at my nipples through my bra.

"Mmm . . oh god. . . Edward, my bedroom. . . please, someone could come in. . ."

"I will kill anyone who comes through that fucking door," he mumbled as he buried his face between my breasts. I giggled and dropped my legs down, scooting from between him and the door and tugging his hand to lead him to my bedroom.

Edward kicked the door shut behind us, locking it, then I found myself laid out on the bed with my sinfully sexy boyfriend nestled between my thighs as he continued continued to kiss me into oblivion. Hot, wet, scorching kisses. I was definitely going to have to change my undies.

"Oh fuck. . Edward," I panted as he thrust his hips against me. The solid, heated length of his cock branded me through the thin shorts and panties I wore.

"Jesus, Bella. I want you so fucking much," Edward said against the thin satin of my bra.

"Yes," I whispered, my hands swiftly going to the buttons of his Oxford.

"Christ, I didn't mean to just attack you," he said as his lips worshiped the side of my neck.

I smiled and lifted my hips against him, grabbing two handfuls of his fine ass.

"Hey, you won't hear me complaining. God, I've missed you so much, baby."

He raised his head and stared down at me with those gorgeous jade eyes, so full of heat.

"I've missed you, too. Desperately. But hey, I guess we won't have to worry about this for another month, huh?" he teased.

"Thank fuck for that," was my fervent reply as I pulled his lips down to mine once more. His mouth was masterful, his kisses deep and sensual, unbearably erotic. Before Edward I'd never been kissed with such carnal skill. He always knew exactly how to set me on fire.

My hands went back to work on the buttons of his Oxford, and he slid my shirt all the way off before ridding me of my bra as well. I let out a moan of satisfaction when his bare, heated skin met mine. I felt like I would never be close enough; I wanted every inch of my body to be branded by him.

Edward turned his attention to my shorts and was soon sliding them and my underwear off, his movements bordering on desperate, his need a tangible thing sparking in the air between us.

When we were both completely naked he urged me to straddle his thighs and placed a condom on the bed next to us.

"I've dreamed about you riding me for days."

"Is that so?" I asked. He nodded as my fingertips gently caressed his stiff cock. His skin was so hot and smooth. "What about watching me suck you? Have you dreamed about that, too?"

Wow. Deprive me of his cock for a few days and Dirty Talking Bella is unleashed.

"Fuck, yes," he groaned. I leaned down and licked around the head of his erection, humming in appreciation when I tasted the salty bead of liquid at the tip. Edward growled and lifted his head to watch me as I slowly swallowed as much of his length as I could.

"God, you look so fucking hot, baby," he grunted, flexing his hips so his cock went just a little deeper into my mouth. I began sucking him in earnest, alternately taking him deep and then licking around the head the way I knew he loved. I used my hand to squeeze and pump what I couldn't fit in my mouth. Curses and praise fell from his lips and after less than a minute he was urging my mouth away, his voice dark and hoarse.

"I need to be inside that sweet little pussy, right fucking now."

Ten seconds later I was lowering myself onto his hot, hard cock. God, I loved the way he stretched me, the way he just filled me so completely. Edward's hands fell to my hips and he urged me to move in a rhythm that soon had us both gasping. This was not sweet and tender lovemaking. This was fucking, desperate and needy and completely perfect. Our eyes met and held and I was almost overwhelmed by the depth of emotion and raw hunger I saw in his. I leaned down and kissed him, sucking on his lower lip and biting it. His tongue thrust into my mouth and was soon mimicking the rhythm of his cock surging inside me. I was almost dizzy, bombarded with sensation from head to toe. I pulled away to take a much needed breath and his lips found the sensitive spot right beside my ear.

"Fuck, you feel amazing," he breathed raggedly. "Every single time I'm inside you is so fucking perfect, Bella. So good."

Edward sat up and wrapped his arms around my waist, burying his face against the side of my neck, his hot breath washing over my sensitive skin as I rode him harder and faster. My fingers tugged roughly on his hair and I whimpered as I felt the first rush of my orgasm approaching. He lowered his mouth to my nipple and sucked hard before biting it. I was done for.

"Oh, oh, oh oh-holy-shit-fuck-yes!" I screamed hoarsely.

Edward didn't relent. He switched to my other nipple and bit it as well. A convulsive shudder wracked his body and he was so deep inside me I felt the pulsing of his cock as he came violently, his mouth still wrapped around my breast.

I wrapped my trembling arms around him, holding him close and allowing his strong body to support me since my limbs were the consistency of pudding. My nipple slipped wetly from his mouth and he pressed a tender kiss to the still-swollen and slightly abused flesh before tightening his hold on me. I could feel his heart pounding against my chest, his skin covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

"Mmm," I sighed, my forehead falling to his shoulder. I was boneless, utterly content and never wanting to move from his embrace again.

Edward's breathing slowly evened out, yet his tight hold on me didn't loosen in the slightest. When I finally regained some strength, I lifted my head to look at him, about to tease him that we'd have to hurry to still make it to the barbeque on time. However, the playful words died in my throat when I saw his expression. He was looking at me so intensely, not a hint of a smile, his green eyes heated, yet so serious. I frowned.

"What is it?"

He opened his mouth to say something, then snapped it closed and looked away.

Oh, hell no.

I cupped his face in my palms and forced him to look back at me.

"Baby, what's wrong?" I was starting to get seriously worried; this was very unlike my sexy, playful boyfriend. "Edward, talk to me."

His hold around my waist tightened even more, if that was possible, and he pressed a sweet kiss to my lips before taking a deep breath, his eyes focused intently on mine.

"Bella, this is. . .well, I know I'm not supposed to. . . not like this, after we just had sex, but I have to. I've never been happier in my entire life than I am right at this very minute. You've come to mean everything to me, you make me feel so much, baby. I just need to tell you, need you to know. . . I'm so in love with you."

I felt my eyes grow wider and wider with every word, and I'm sure I looked ridiculous because my mouth was hanging open as well. He loved me?

I suppose I took too long to answer him because he got this determined look on his face.

"I know it's probably too soon to tell you, but I just couldn't not tell you for another minute, so don't worry-"

I quickly raised my fingers and pressed them against his mouth, stopping his words. I then replaced my fingers with my lips and kissed him with every ounce of love that filled my heart. When we parted I smiled at him, my lips trembling. I hoped he could see the emotion in my tear-filled eyes, but just in case he couldn't, I leaned in and whispered those words that had been aching to be set free.

"I love you too, Edward. So much."