Author Note: Thanks for the great response to this story!

I stumped everyone again this week with the chapter title! Besides the Huey Lewis and the News version, there is a total different song done by Jennifer Rush, Air Supply, and Laura Branigan in the 80s, as well as Celine Dion in the 90s.

Thanks again to moosals for pre-reading. Stephenie Meyer owns all characters.

Chapter 24 – The Power of Love

Jake does agree to come to campus early to act as my bodyguard on Friday morning through lunch. He's got his own two classes to attend during the afternoon. There's no sign of James, but then we don't know if he's aware yet that the investigation found in our favor and not his — or if they'll tell him at all. I also have no idea of his schedule and when he's usually out and about on campus.

Early that evening, I call in an order to the Imo's most convenient to Edward's house. They seem to be the most famous local St. Louis style pizza place. After checking out their menu online, I realize that the pastas and sandwiches also have provel cheese. Since I can only tolerate it in shredded form like on salads, I just order myself a deluxe salad. I also order us an appetizer of another St. Louis tradition, toasted ravioli, which I'm not sure Edward has tried yet.

After picking up our food, I send Edward a text to let him know I'm on my way and then drive the rest of the way to his house. He has the door open for me when I arrive, which is good seeing as my hands are full. He immediately takes the pizza box and bag from my hand, carrying them into the kitchen while I leave my overnight bag in the foyer.

"No pizza for you?" he teases, noticing there's just one Medium box.

"I got a salad and toasted ravioli to split. Have you tried that yet?"

"I have," he nods. "It was an appetizer at a restaurant where I went out to eat with some colleagues. I'm not sure why it's called toasted when it's deep fried."

"Yeah, me neither," I laugh.

I watch Edward's face carefully when he opens the pizza box. I wish I could tell what he's thinking. Reaching in, he pulls out a few squares, setting them on a place.

"Interesting way to cut it," he notes.

"The square beyond compare," I quote their slogan.

"I wasn't sure I could eat a pizza this large along with an appetizer, but now that I see how thin it is, I think you got the right size. Have you actually tried this yourself or do you not like it on principle?"

I nod. "Alice made me try it not long after I moved here. I think it's like tradition to make newcomers try it. I can't believe it took you nearly four months."

I look up from pouring the yummy Imo's house dressing over my salad to watch Edward's face as he takes his first bite. He chews then takes another bite, not saying a word.

"Well?" I finally prompt.

"The cheese is a bit different, but it's good," he shrugs. "I don't know what you complain about."

Scowling, I turn back to my salad.

At some point, I get curious enough to actually try a slice of Edward's pizza. I mean, I'd ordered him my favorite toppings since he hadn't specified any, and he really seems to like the pizza.

Nope, still can't do it.

"Your face," Edward laughs.

"Maybe your hometown was just close enough to St. Louis that you inherited the taste for weird cheese," I muse.

"Maybe," he agrees. "Can I try some of your salad?"

"Oh, sure." I hand the container to him.

Once we've cleaned up our few dishes from dinner, Edward and I get comfortable on the couch and he looks through the selection of DVDs he brought with him from Chicago. After choosing one, he lifts his arm, letting me cuddle up against his side, right where I want to be.

Leaning in, he kisses me softly. "I'm glad you're here. We made it through to the other side."

"Is it bad that we're both good liars?"

He chuckles. "We stuck mostly to the truth."

"I know you say that it's not my fault, but if you'd lost your job because of our relationship…"

"Hey," he whispers, his finger under my chin. "I didn't lose my job. But… I think… I should start looking for another job for next Fall."

"What?!" I exclaim.

"I can't imagine hiding our relationship for the next three years," he explains. "It'll be so much easier if I'm not teaching at the same college you're attending. There are several other options around St. Louis, so I'll start sending out my resume soon."

"It would be easier," I agree. I'm just glad he plans to stay in the area.

"So you're on board?"

"Definitely." I cuddle up against his side as the previews end so we can watch the movie.

Surprisingly, there's nothing more than some light touches and soft nibbles on my neck during the movie. I suppose I could initiate something, but I'm actually really enjoying the movie.

When it's over, Edward gets up to take the DVD out of the machine and put it back in its case, while I remain seated, eagerly anticipating whatever is coming next.

Walking back over to me, he grabs my hands, tugging me to my feet. "You're mine," he growls.

"Yours," I agree. "And you can do whatever you want with me."

He smiles, brushing my hair out of my face. "It's too bad that's not actually my couch, or I'd bend you over the end of it."

"That sounds like fun," I grin. The couch is much softer than his desk!

"I want to have you on every flat surface in this house," he whispers.

"Oh," I moan, a puddle forming in my panties. God, I love it when he's uninhibited like this.

"You like that idea, too — don't you, my little vixen?"

And with that, I throw my arms around Edward's neck, letting my kisses show him exactly how much I like that idea.

"Get on the floor," he says in a rough voice. Confused, I kneel down right where I'm standing. Edward walks over toward the gas fireplace and flips the switch to turn it on, then pulls the blanket from the back of the couch and lays it out in front of the fireplace.

"Come over here and take your clothes off," he demands. Pleased that he was worried about me getting cold, I hurriedly strip out of my clothes, awaiting my next instruction.

Edward unbuttons his dress shirt, then removes his t-shirt as well. He unzips his pants, then walks over to me. "Suck my cock since you love him so much."

On my knees, I reach into his boxers and pull out his warm hard cock. Wrapping my mouth around the head, I get it nice and wet. Using my hand on the rest, I begin sucking and licking, listening for his little moans of pleasure. I find that giving him pleasure is actually turning me on.

"Open wide and stay very still," he orders suddenly. My eyes widen a bit. I think he's going to help me deep throat.

Very slowly, he begins to slide that 8.5-inch cock into my mouth. There's just no way it'll all fit without choking me. I really try to relax my throat, but I still gag and he quickly pulls it back out.

"Has anyone been able to deep throat that thing?" I cough. "Could Tanya?"

"No, but there was a girl in college who could. Most impressive thing I ever saw," he chuckles, laughing even harder at my glare. One day I will master it.

"Get on your hands and knees."

That's more like it. I feel Edward getting to his knees behind me. His hands rub my ass cheeks before moving further down to stroke my pussy. The hair has mostly grown back in now, though it's still very short.

"You are so wet," he purrs. "Do you like sucking cock, Isabella?"

"I like making you feel good," I tell him honestly. Just as he's making me feel good right now.

I feel the rounded head of the BDE positioned at my entrance, moaning as it slowly slides inside. He pulls out just as slowly, then inches back in again. I know he's trying to drive me crazy and make me beg for his cock. Not gonna do it though.

Yeah, after two minutes of his teasing, I'm ready to change my tune. "Edward!" I cry.

He laughs. "I wondered how long it would take before you're begging for my cock. Hang on tight!"

"Oh!" I yelp as he pushes in hard on the next pass. I'm moaning like a porn star in no time as he thrusts over and over. When I can't support myself anymore, I drop down to my forearms, moaning even louder at what the change in angle is doing to me.

"Is this… what you wanted?" he pants.

"Yes!" I scream, half in pleasure and half answering his question.

Edward's hands are all over me, rubbing my back and my ass, one even reaches around to tug on my nipple. When his other hand ends up on my clit, I start mumbling incoherently. I'll be feeling this for a week, but I'm loving every second of it right now.

I come with a loud scream, but he never even slows down. My boyfriend has some serious stamina when he wants to.

"Oh god… oh god… " I chant.

My second orgasm hits even harder than the first. I'm still shaking when Edward finally freezes, grunting loudly with his own release. He pulls out and I collapse down to the floor.

Good lord… I remember thinking after our first time that I'd been fucked within an inch of my life. I had no earthly idea then.

I'm vaguely aware of Edward moving, and then a few moments later, a warm wet washcloth between my legs.

"You need to sit up a little," he says quietly. Somehow I succeed.

By the time he returns again, I've rolled over onto my back so that I can watch him. I kinda love the way his flaccid dick bounces when he walks. I'm so weird.

"Are you all right?" he chuckles, bending over for a kiss.

"No, I'm dead."

That just makes him chuckle even louder. He scoots his arms underneath me, then somehow manages to stand with me in his arms. Carrying me down the hallway, he lays me gently on his bed.

"Catch!" he says, tossing a t-shirt my way. I really am starting to get chilly now away from the fire with a light sheen of sweat on my skin.

Edward disappears again, coming back wearing his boxers. "I turned off the fireplace," he says, crawling onto the bed. He pulls me close, stealing another kiss. "Did you like that?"

"What gave it away?" I ask wryly, making him smile.

After breakfast the next morning, I reluctantly leave Edward's arms to go back to my apartment. He has to grade the papers we turned in yesterday. I also have finals starting in a week, which means I should be studying.

Yeah, I'm still feeling the BDE as I climb the steps to my apartment. Ouch! I cover my eyes as I open the door, since I see Jasper's car outside. I learned my lesson after the first time.

"It's safe, Bella!" Alice yells, and I slowly bring my hand down to see her and Jasper sitting on the floor in front of the couch. "We're studying — want to join us?"

"Sure," I smile. "Let me get my books."

Dropping my overnight bag in my room, I pick up one of my books then gingerly join Alice and Jasper on the floor.

"Oh my god," Alice snorts. "Someone had a good night last night."

"Shut it," I growl. "You remember what we discussed?" I subtly remind her of Edward's size, but I don't want to say more and make Jasper feel inadequate.

She laughs. "So how did Edward like the Imo's last night?"

"He liked it!" I complain, still stung by the "betrayal" of a non-native St. Louisan. "I said maybe Jacksonville was close enough to St. Louis that he got your weird taste buds."

The three of us spend the afternoon studying together. I really wish Jake was here, because he's the only one of the four of us with any talent in math. I never took AP Calculus in high school, so I'm stuck taking college-level math now.

After several hours, our stomachs are growling so loudly that we can no longer concentrate. Not wanting to order pizza, we send Jasper out to go through the Steak'n'Shake drive-thru.

"So," Alice grins as soon as he's out the door, "you and Edward stayed in last night?"

"Netflix and chill after dinner! Well, actually we watched a DVD," I laugh.

She high-fives me, making me laugh harder. "I guess it's not really that fun though. You have to stay in, right?"

"Yeah," I nod, "at least until the end of the semester. And really, we probably have to be careful all Spring, too. Even if we're not breaking the rules then, if she finds out, the Dean might reconsider believing our stories that we're not involved now."

"That's true," she agrees with a frown. "Damn that James for squealing."

"Oh, guess what? Edward is gonna start looking for a new job for next Fall. Still in town, of course," I add quickly. "But if he works somewhere else, we won't have to hide."

"That seems like a good idea. It sucks that you guys can't really do things together on campus. I understand now why you didn't go to the campus Halloween party."

"Yeah, maybe if we'd planned it well in advance, we could've found a costume for Edward where his entire face was covered," I chuckle.

"Oh! Oh! I know! He could be Godzilla, and you'd be… whoever the girl is that he holds in his hand."

"That's King Kong," I laugh. "And it's a movie, not a book."

"So?"

"So I only do book characters," I shrug, making her throw a pillow at me.

"You guys are seriously made for each other," she smiles, turning serious for a moment. "Have you said the L word yet?"

"No, not yet," I sigh, "but I really think I love him. I'm just scared to say it first. I agree with you that we're made for each other. I mean, our attraction is definitely physical and I do love his huge dick, but… we share this love for literature. We understand each other. We get into some of the most passionate discussions in his class that I have to hold myself back sometimes."

She smiles. "Sounds like love to me."

A/N: Get the joke with the title? Bella certainly learned about the "power" of the BDE the hard way. Or rather the fun way. She's still chicken to say the L-word though.

Several of you wondered last chapter what would happen if their relationship is outed in the future, once she's not his student. Edward has decided to look for a new job so that won't be an issue.

Has anyone who's visited ever tried St. Louis style pizza? It's not really sold outside the area for a reason! As a non-native, I think it's all right, but if I am craving pizza, that's not what I want.

Next update on Monday.

For a teaser: A late-decade #1 hit by a Boston-area band.