Sorry for the delay folks. I don't usually suggest songs to go with chapters but if you want to listen to 'Sky' by Joshua Radin it's just beautiful, the lyrics and his voice are perfect.

To Arya1996, thank you for your reviews, I can't reply to them but I just wanted to let you know that I read and appreciated them.

Disclaimer – Original characters belong to Stephenie Meyer, plot lines and characterizations, all belong to Aurora, copyright April 2011.

Last time…

"We're gonna fix this, just like anything else. I don't care what we have to do, but this is going to stop." I barely got my words out before he kissed the hell out of me and rolled us over so I was on my back and he was on top of me.

"I love you Bella, more than anything. I'll always love you."

"As I will always love you." He bent down pressing a kiss to my lips and whispered softly in my ear.

"Where would I be without you baby?"

"Pretty fucking stuck sweetheart."

Chapter 26 – The Benefit of Candid Conversation

"How the hell am I going to be able to breathe in this thing?" I pressed my hands to my waist, feeling how much smaller it felt and tried, unsuccessfully to take a deep breath. How the hell was I supposed to last the night in this thing?

"Quit whining, you'll get used to it." I winced when she pulled the laces tighter and slapped my hand out to hit her, hoping I wouldn't be too off target. The silence indicated that I had in fact missed. What a shame.

"I don't want to get used to it. I'd rather get through tonight without fainting. Just loosen it a bit." I tried nudging her with my elbow to get her to comply.

"What's the magic word?"

"I'm your employer, I don't need magic words. Loosen it." I was nervous about tonight and I was getting a bit moody, plus I hadn't been with Edward all day, we'd only had breakfast together and that was it. I missed him.

"Just because you want to see Edward, don't take it out on me." Thankfully she loosened the laces around my back a little and I instantly felt better.

"Thanks Rose, I'm sorry, but I still don't understand why he's not allowed to see me before tonight. It's not like we're getting married -"

"- yet. Bella, he's never seen you all dressed up like you will be tonight, there's nothing wrong with a little mystery and suspense." Well someone was in a good mood tonight, wonder why.

"Edward knows what I look like, he's seen - well all of me actually so I doubt anything I wear tonight will be a surprise."

"Oh thank God! Does this mean that you two have finally done more than sneak a kiss and a grope behind the bleachers?"

"Ugh I hate that word, 'grope'. It's so impersonal. And yeah, I guess you could say that." I don't know if I felt entirely comfortable talking to her about all of this, but from the sounds of it she had a lot more experience than I did, which wasn't exactly hard, so it might be good to get her advice on some things.

"How far Swan? Did your favourite batter hit a home run yet?" Why on earth did she sound so dirty talking about baseball?

"What's baseball got to do with mine and Edward's personal activities?" Now I was confused.

"Nothing it's just a saying. Let me spell it out for you. Have you had sex with Edward yet?" She spoke to me like I was mentally challenged and I tried to, unsuccessfully, elbow her in the ribs.

"No, I mean not yet. It's not that I haven't thought about it. I just, for me it's, it's too soon."

"Yeah because moving in together is the first step all new couples think about taking before sex."

"Will you stop? Why do you have such a problem with Edward living here?" She'd made her disagreement with it more than clear but I didn't get why she had to have such a problem with it.

"Oh I don't know, because you've only been together for about a month! How in the hell is that logical? What's wrong with you?" While I wasn't experienced in relationships at all, it was painfully obvious to me that she's never had the kind of connection that I'd had with Edward, I didn't think she'd ever been in love.

"Rosalie, what is so wrong about two people who love each other wanting to spend all their time together? I know being with Edward is right, it's complicated and annoying as fuck because we work together and we can't be as public about it as we'd both like, but there is nothing wrong about us and what we have." I didn't bother looking towards her as I spoke; I just let my eyes fall to the floor behind my glasses and began to run them absentmindedly.

"You're right. I'm, well I shouldn't have said that. You two are just so intense together, but you wouldn't make sense with anyone else so I guess I know what you mean." I noticed that she didn't actually apologize but her voice was soft and contemplative and it was a tone I'd never heard her use before. I decided to discontinue the subject before we both became uncomfortable.

"I think physically he's waiting for some kind of sign from me, he's very aware about not pushing me."

"That's a good thing though right? That he's not pressuring you?"

"Oh definitely, I don't know what I'd do if he didn't let me take things about my own pace, no matter how slow it is. But sometimes, I mean, I know he's got a hell of a lot of experience with women, I just wish he'd push me a little, it feels like he's waiting for me to push him into the corner to have my wicked way with him." She guided me into the chair by my dresser and began to sort through all the hair and make-up products I knew she'd brought with her.

"Bella, honestly? He probably is. There's no doubt in my mind that Edward is fucking petrified of pushing you too far. No offence, but I don't think he's ever been in the position where a woman isn't willing to get on her back after the first night. It's obvious he wants you, like really obvious, so you have nothing to worry about there. Have you guys actually talked about this stuff?" I liked the way this was going now, I had a feeling she would really be able to help me out with this.

"Not really, we both agreed to go slow. Well actually, he agreed to go slow with me. I know what you mean though, he wants me to set my own pace, but I don't think he has any idea how intimidating that is. I have no clue what I'm doing with any of this." I gesticulated around wildly with my hands.

"Hey, while I'm trying to sort out your hair, could you not flap your hands around like that?" When I was nervous I tended to talk more with my hands than my mouth, I decided sitting on them would probably be the best course of action here.

"Sure, sorry."

"That's ok, I mean I probably have to think back about ten years to remember how you're feeling but we can work with that." I rolled my eyes internally, thanks for that Rose.

"So we've established that you both want each other, forget about all the love and rainbows and bunny shit for a second, when it comes down to it, you want to ride that piece of man meat till there's no tomorrow?" She was so crude.

"Yes, eventually." Hopefully her bluntness will make for better advice.

"Right, well I guess by now you've played with his cock enough to keep his balls from dropping off. And I can just tell that he's enjoyed exploring your previously unchartered area. Has he gone down on you yet?" I could tell she was trying to tone it down as much as she could, I had a feeling she could do a lot worse, but I was still shocked when she said that.

"No. I mean, no, he hasn't done that." Wow, that came out a lot more frustrated than I meant it to.

"Oh but you want him to, excellent. That's probably what he's waiting for."

"Do you really think he wants to? I mean isn't that a little, I don't know, weird." I was mildly interested to see where she was going with this; it was definitely a topic where I could so with some advice.

"Isn't there a part of you that wants to do that to Edward?"

I froze as soon as she finished speaking. Had I thought about it? Of course I had. I wasn't a total recluse growing up; all the girls at my school had talked about how their boyfriends loved it when they did that. Touching him like that admittedly satisfied both of us, I loved being able to make him come apart like that, no pun intended. I found that I got used to pleasuring Edward with my hands fairly quickly, I actually really enjoyed it, and it wasn't as scary as I'd feared. So maybe using my mouth wouldn't be as bad either. Or so I hoped.

"Yes there is, but I'm nervous, what if I get it totally wrong. I know he loves me but what if I embarrass myself completely."

"You're going to have your mouth on his cock Bella, he's going to think he's won the lottery, found a cure for cancer and gone to heaven all at the same time. I doubt he's tried to hint to you to do that, but trust me, he will be ecstatic if you do."

"I still want it to be good for him; I don't ever want to disappoint him." I shut my eyes as she worked my hair through with a brush carefully, it was surprisingly soothing and I waited as she thought about her next words.

"You won't, and I know you want my advice on this but when you get to that stage, you'll feel so much happier just doing what feels natural with him. If I gave you a step by step guide for it, you'd be constantly worrying that you missed something out, that you didn't do enough or too much of something. Listen, when I was younger, all I did was read those teen girl magazines and all the advice I could about pleasing your man, so when I actually went to do it, I was scared out of my mind that I wouldn't be giving him the best textbook case of sucking cock out there.

Bella, he loves you, so the fact that you even want to go there and do that will mean more to him than just doing it out of obligation. The only advice I can give you is to enjoy it, he'll get so much more out of it if you do."

I felt lighter after having listened to her, and while my plan was for Rosalie to give me a long list of things that would and wouldn't work, I understood why she didn't want to do that. When she was talking about her experiences as a teenager it made me wonder just how fast she'd had to grow up, and whether she'd been coerced into doing any of it. I didn't really want to ask her that though, it was too personal, despite the conversation we'd had already.

Funnily enough my insecurities about this didn't include the fact that I knew a fair few other women would have taken the opportunity to do that to him before. I was under no illusion that he wouldn't be a stranger to that particular act as I would be. It didn't worry me because at the end of the day, women had thrown themselves at him, had been doing so for years and were without a doubt a lot more sexually educated than I was, but he was living with me. If that were really all that mattered to him, then he'd be with them and not me. He gave me something no other man ever could or would, and I knew it was the same for him.

Don't get me wrong, there were certainly times when I felt I should do more for Edward, despite my hesitancy and inexperience, but it was only because I wanted to, not because in theory it was something I should have done by now. I was becoming more and more aware that my relationship with Edward wasn't a classic example out of a textbook and the way we did things may not be conventional or perfect for other people, but it suited us. That was all that mattered to me.

"But who says he would want to, I don't know, return the favour?" I cringed at my own words; I really didn't have a clue.

"Edward loves you and some people think that doing that is even more personal than sex. Think about it from his point of view, you'd be letting him pleasure you in one of the most intimate ways, something no-one has done before. I'd say he'd be more than willing."

"Well, he has hinted that he wants to, but he never actually does." Unfortunately.

"Like I said, he's waiting for you to show him what you want. Take the lead Bella, he's not a mind reader, sometimes you have to show men what you want. Even the best ones can be shit at taking a hint."

"Thanks Rose, I'm really grateful for your advice, I don't know if I could have talked to anyone else about this stuff." I regretted never having this conversation with Renee, perhaps not in as much detail as the one Rose and I had had but it would have been nice for a little preparation, I guess that was partially my fault, I should have made more of the time I did have her with me.

"Not as grateful as Edward's going to be when you two finally get down to business." I laughed because Rosalie's jokes were just as bad and crude as Emmett's. I smiled knowing they'd make a good couple, one day.

"So what are you doing with my hair for tonight?" I sat up straighter and looked around towards her.

"Doing, Bella, I've done it. You are so unobservant. Hold your breath" She says to the blind woman.

"Wha -" I managed to snap my mouth shut just before the awful smell of hair spray hit me full force. I felt sorry for any of the hairs on my head that would dare fall out of place, now it seemed that wasn't going to happen any time soon.

"There. Looks even better than I thought it would." She sounded incredibly satisfied with herself and I was glad that she at least knew what she was doing.

"Uh, just out of interest. What have you done with my hair?"

"Well, you told me before that you'd never been able to curl properly so I assume that means that Edward's never seen it done properly on you. It's just an exaggeration of your natural hair really, loose, even curls pulled to one side with a wave at the end. Don't worry, it looks good."

Obviously I had no idea what she really meant I looked like with all that but if Rosalie Hale thought my hair looked good then who was I to argue?

"And now, make up! God I have been dying to do this since I first met you."

Please let it be over soon.

"Are you nervous?"

"No."

"Liar."

"Fine, maybe a little bit."

"Bullshit."

"Rosalie, cut it out."

"Well then don't argue with me when I'm right."

"Fine, I'm nervous, happy now? There are about a dozen things that could go wrong and last time I was here, I embarrassed myself." I ran my hands down my dress to calm myself and enjoyed the feel of the silk under my fingers.

"That was years ago, look at you now, think about how much you've changed since then. You can do this. Now suck it up and stop your whining." I'm glad she'd said that, I needed bitch mode Rosalie to get me through the doors tonight.

We walked in the smells and noise of the room hit me at exactly the same time. It was quite overwhelming, and if I could have seen the grandeur of the place, I was sure I would have been more so. I wasn't exactly sure how many people were attending tonight, but I knew the number was fairly big, perhaps just over a couple of hundred, I don't know. No matter how many there were, I only cared about being with a few of them, namely my boyfriend who I hadn't heard from all day. It wasn't fair, he called our phone at home to check that we were going to be arriving on time and Rose wouldn't let me talk to him, evil bitch. But she had gotten me ready for this thing so I couldn't really be mad at her. She'd also gotten me a new pair of glasses to wear for tonight, tinted of course.

Apparently my ordinary ones weren't sleek enough for tonight so she'd taken the liberty of ordering me a much slimmer pair that wrapped around my face comfortably, I could barely feel them really. I just hoped I didn't look like I was trying to imitate a Special Forces agent or some shit. That would be embarrassing.

Surprisingly the one thing I was completely happy with was my outfit. Even though my shoes were much higher than I'd ever attempted to wear before, they were really comfortable. I'd doubted I'd be able to last more than five seconds in them but I was glad to have been proven wrong so far. My dress was floor length and a deep blue colour, it cut fairly low down my chest but according to Rose, due to the cut of the corset I was wearing it didn't look inappropriate at all. I really, really didn't want to look ridiculous here.

Before I'd had time to ask Rose if there was anyone familiar looking around I was enveloped in a hug by a woman who I was pretty sure was Esme.

"Oh Bella sweetheart I'm so glad you're here. You look absolutely stunning, doesn't she Carlisle?" I felt like a little bit of an exhibit standing here for people to look at me but I guess that would be happening for most of the night so I might as well get used to it. Plus, Esme and Carlisle I could handle.

"She'll do." He laughed as came forward to hug me and I wrapped my arms around his torso as he squeezed me gently. I giggled when Esme reprimanded him vocally and I knew that if we were anywhere but here she would have smacked him on the shoulder by now.

"Ignore my husband Bella. Now where's the other polite Cullen got to? Oh, here he is, Edward, look who's just arrived?" I swear I felt him coming towards me before Esme alerted me to his presence, my body hummed in anticipation and I tried the best I could to keep it together. It didn't help that I hadn't had time to compose myself.

I really hope he likes what he sees.

"Edward I was just saying how beautiful Bella look in her dress, don't you agree?" I could tell she was smiling from her voice but there was also something underneath it as well. Oh God, did she suspect anything? We must have been more obvious than we thought.

"Absolutely, she looks breathtaking." His voice was like velvet, wrapping itself around me. Oh no, no, now was not the time to be charming Edward! Not when I can't jump you in front of your parents!

Just when I thought I might have a chance at maintaining my composure I felt his warm hand slowly take mine as he stepped forward to me. I had to stifle a gasp when I felt him bring my hand up to his mouth and softly brush my lips over his knuckles.

"Hello Bella." Fucking hell! I wanted to simultaneously scream at him for being so bloody obvious but at the same time I wanted to say to hell with waiting and get him to make love to me on the next available surface. I felt the whisper of his breath as it caressed my hand and sent shivers all the way up my arm and down to the pit of my stomach. How does he do that? I had a feeling tonight was only the beginning of this torment and I prayed that he would come to his senses sooner rather than later, I didn't know how much more of this I could take. I was literally aching for him.

I tried my best not to clench my other hand into a fist as he pressed a soft, barely there kiss to my hand which he squeezed gently before returning to my side. Unfortunately I couldn't stop my toes from curling inside my shoes. What was he doing to me?

"E-Edward." I gave him a polite nod in return and couldn't believe how flustered I'd gotten. With any luck I wasn't blushing.

"Oh Edward behave, look, you've made her blush!" Thanks Esme. I just knew her infuriating son was smirking and I wanted to kiss it right off.

I startled when Rosalie reminded me of her presence, I'd completely forgotten she was there.

"Bella, I've just seen one of my old editors, you wouldn't mind if I went and said hello would you?" No! Don't leave me with Toe Curler Cullen!

"Well, actually -"

"You must be Rosalie Hale, we've spoken on the phone, and it's so nice to meet you in person. My name's Esme and this is my husband Carlisle. I presume you know Edward."

"Oh yes we've met. It's a pleasure to meet you and your husband Mrs Cullen."

"Oh none of that call me Esme. Now were you going to talk to Sharon Isaacs? She and I met when Carlisle first took me to Chicago." The conversation faded as they walked away from us and I realised that even though we were in a room full of people, I was somewhat alone with Edward.

She's meant to be on my side. Traitor.

Edward put his hand on the small of my back and leaned in to talk to me. To anyone else it would have looked like it was just facilitating the blind woman and being polite, but I knew his intentions weren't honourable.

"You look delicious tonight love, do you think they would mind if I took you home all for myself?" His voice was husky and I was glad we were at least partly alone, if anyone else heard that tone that would be suspicious.

Hell, from the way he's been acting so far I wouldn't be surprised if they already were.

"Why don't you just piss on my leg? I think that would be more subtle." I didn't really mean it to come out so harshly but didn't he even want to try and be careful?

"Miss Swan could I have a word outside, I'd like to clarify something that came up in one of the team's reports today?" He'd raised his voice for the benefit of others, and as far as they knew, we were going outside to discuss a work issue. I knew better.

We walked together slowly outside, my hand on Edward's arm even though I had my white stick with me. It wouldn't do me any harm to have an extra point of balance.

The gardens to this particular hotel were meant to be beautiful and it was a shame I couldn't appreciate it. I knew they lit them all up at night but I hope Edward was taking me somewhere where we would at least be somewhat concealed. Not that he seemed to be too worried about hiding tonight.

"Are you mad at me?" I felt soft ferns behind my back and whispered my thanks to Edward when he slipped his dinner jacket over my shoulders to keep me warm and to protect my bare skin from the trees.

"Yes but Edward, you know I can't help how I react to you. That was unfair, and especially because it was in front of Esme and Carlisle." He pulled me closer to him and ran his nose along my hairline, breathing in deeply.

"Mmmmm you smell so good. Are you still mad at me baby?" His hands ran up the length of my arms and I shivered when they rested underneath his jacket on the exposed skin of my shoulders and collarbone. His fingers danced gently over my skin giving me goose bumps.

"Yes, but stop trying to distract me. Stupid Toe Curler Cullen." I tried to move away from him but his hands tightened on my shoulders, keeping me from going anywhere.

"Whoa, wait, what's that? Did you just call me Toe Curler Cullen?" He had disbelief in his voice but he definitely sounded interested.

"It makes sense, you made my toes curl earlier with your little stunt and your last name is Cullen."

"I like it; it's a hell of a lot better than Junior." He started kissing down my neck and I remembered that I was actually supposed to be mad at him. Stupid toe curler.

"You're doing it again, stop."

"Why? Is it working?" His hands worked themselves under the jacket down my sides to rest on my waist. He squeezed his hands together as he pulled me ever closer to him. What was I going to do with him?

"Edward." I sighed his name as he ran his lips down from my temple to my jaw, pausing briefly to lick my ear lobe. My God what has gotten into him?

"Am I forgiven?" His lips continued their path down my face, along my jaw, to the corner of my mouth, stopping there. In the meantime his hands had slowly moved south to my hips and two of the fingers on his right hand were grazing over my bottom. I knew the moment he realised I was wearing a thong because his fingers paused and he moaned quietly before continuing his exploration.

"Umm." I cursed myself for my lack of articulation and gasped when he pressed himself against me so I could feel how hard he was against me. The added height my heels had given me meant that ordinarily where he would have been pressed against my stomach, I could feel him, right there through his trousers and my dress. And boy was he ever hard. I guess he must have liked my dress after all.

"I'm sorry love, I couldn't help myself, and you just looked so -"

The tone of his voice when he spoke his candid apology was what set me off. Who was I kidding, I was mad at my boyfriend for wanting me, fuck that. I reached my hand into his hair and pulled his face to mine, smashing my lips against his. I don't think I'd ever kissed him like this before, I was aroused and hungry for him and I felt stupid for being mad at him. Hell, didn't I feel exactly the same way? Of course I did.

I took his bottom lip in between mine and sucked on it, hard. Where I was usually gentle and tentative, I was desperate and relentless. I revelled in his taste and groaned in satisfaction when just after a moment, he was kissing me back just as passionately, his arms holding me to him closer than before, almost enough to fuse our bodies together. I titled my head to give us a better position before I shoved my tongue in his mouth, something I'd never really done before. He was probably shocked but he didn't show it as he let me dominate the kiss, I explored his mouth and his tongue with an enthusiasm I didn't know I had. I moaned into his mouth as the tip of his tongue slid along the side of mine. The noises he was making were some of my favourite and I vowed never to forget them. He tasted so good, like champagne and mint and Edward. How could he be so sexy?

We both reluctantly pulled away for air, breathless and panting like we'd just run a marathon.

"Wow." He sounded awestruck and I felt exactly the same.

"Yeah."

"I really wish we could just go home and -"

"I know me too. Believe me. But if you didn't already arouse suspicion with the way you greeted me earlier then they'll know something's going on if we just leave together. Plus Carlisle asked me to do this, I can't back out now."

"Ok, so, I take it you're not mad at me anymore, which is a shame because you react really well when you're upset with me." I felt him smile against my cheek and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Look, I love you, but you've got to stop doing what you did in there. I can't stand up in front of all those people if all I'm able to think about is ripping off your clothes and fucking your brains out." I slapped my hand to cover my mouth. I really hadn't meant to say that last part; it was just something my stupid brain added in on the end.

Shit.

His hands tightened pleasurably on my hips and I knew I'd definitely said it out loud.

"Umm, I guess what I meant to say was that -" He cut me off as he pressed a finger against my lips, his forehead against mine, breathing heavily.

"Soon love, soon." The subsequent kiss was completely different to my attack on him a few minutes ago, yet it was somehow even more erotic. He dragged his lips across mine for a few moments, then slowly and tenderly took my top lip between his two and sucked on it gently, letting his tongue trail across it but making no move to deepen the kiss.

"Mmffg." That was honestly the only sound I could make as I pulled away. My heart filled with love for him and I laid my head on his chest, enjoying the sound of his heartbeat through his shirt.

"We should really be getting back." If I didn't move now I'd end up staying here all night with him.

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head and walked me back inside but not before removing his jacket from my shoulders and grabbing my hand before I could walk away.

He leaned down to whisper in my ear and it sent shivers down my spine, in the best way.

"I just wanted to let you know that I'm really proud of you and that I love you, so much." I turned my face towards his and smiled, unfortunately we were inside now so I couldn't kiss him, but I settled for squeezing his hand instead, letting him know that I loved him too.

Two hours of mingling had gone a hell of a lot quicker than I thought it would. I was standing at the bottom of the platform, waiting for Carlisle to finish the end of his speech. I kept my hands flat by my sides and I smiled when I realized I didn't have the urge to bite my nails, because I wasn't feeling nervous about this anymore.

"Our guest speaker for tonight is someone I have worked with successfully on a number of projects, but who is also a very dear friend of the family. I've asked her to speak today not only because she is a friend, but also because she has been a wonderful help in aiding the transition as the position of CEO passes down from me to my dear son Edward. Without further ado, I would like to pass you over to Senior Advisor, Isabella Swan."

Guess this is it then.

I felt Carlisle's hand at my elbow as he guided me up onto the platform, directly in front of the microphone so I could be heard well enough. He whispered a quick 'thank you' in my ear before leaving me

"Thank you Carlisle. Good evening everyone, I'd like to thank all of you for coming. Your presence here tonight means an awful lot to all the people who are going to benefit from your generosity. When Carlisle asked me to speak tonight I couldn't have been more honoured, having the chance to give something back to somebody who has already given you so much is a privilege, one that I am extremely grateful for. Many of you here will have worked with Carlisle for a lot longer than I have, but no matter the length of time, I am firm in my belief that we can all say we are pleased to have had the opportunity to do so. I can say with absolute certainty that I would not be in the job I am today, or be the person I have become, without his wisdom and guidance.

Throughout our lives, if we are lucky enough, we meet people who truly make an impact on us, who alter the path that we are on for the better. Then there are people who alter the lives of many, through their goodness of heart and the purity of their actions. And while he is leaving the company as acting CEO, I am glad that Carlisle will still be able to maintain a presence in the company he has worked so hard to build and turn into the world class organization that we know CGB to be today.

There is a saying that as one door closes, another will open, which is true in our case. Carlisle has decided to close the door on this part of his life in which he has gained great success, but in his place a door has opened in which steps his son, Edward Cullen.

Having worked with Edward for the past few months I can tell you that we can look forward to change, as is expected when something is passed from father to son. Not only change, but a continuity of the success we have all gotten so used to. I anticipate there to be risks which must be taken, targets which must be set high and challenges that must be faced. But it is my belief that something is only worth as much as hard as you are willing to fight for it. In that respect, we can look forward to a great many things, and I have every confidence that Edward will guide us there as well as his father did.

It is a proud moment for me to be able to stand here and talk about two extraordinary men who I have had the pleasure of working with. And I hope that you are all equally proud of being able to share in this exciting time of transition. Ladies and Gentlemen thank you all again for attending tonight. I urge you to give generously this evening, all proceeds as you know will go to Platform 51, which is a UK based charity that helps the rehabilitation of abused women. I know for a fact that if you have any questions, Esme Cullen will be very happy to answer them. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the Benefit. Thank you."

I breathed a sigh of relief as I heard the sound of a round of applause echo throughout the hall. I'd done it, and I hadn't stumbled, sworn or fucked up in any other way. I couldn't help my coat hanger worthy smile when I felt Edward's hand on the small of my back, guiding me away from the podium and down the steps to rejoin everyone else.

"You did brilliantly love, it took all I had not to haul you off that stage over my shoulder and steal you away."

"Are you sure, did you like it? Was it ok?"

"It was great, although you've set the bar pretty high for me love, are you sure I'm up to all that?"

"I think you're up to anything Mr Cullen." I knew he wasn't really doubting himself, but I still needed to reassure him that I believed in him. We walked around for a while, many people came to congratulate me on my speech and other came to talk to Edward, either way, we stayed together.

"Bella I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine. Bella this is Jasper Whitlock. Jasper this is Bella Swan."

"Pleasure to meet you ma'am, Edward here's told me all about you." His voice washed over me and I was momentarily stunned. I felt his hand take mine in a friendly handshake but all I could barely muster a response back at him.

Oh my.

Jasper was a southerner. His voice was just, wow; it had such a thick twang. I imagined him to be wearing a Stetson and to have arrived here on a bucking bronco. If I wasn't completely infatuated with Edward I would beg this man to talk to me night and day. I had to close my jaw quickly before I looked stupid but apparently Edward had already noticed.

"Jasper's from Dallas Bella, we met on a semester long economics course I took at Dartmouth." I could tell he was trying to stifle a laugh and I really wanted to elbow him. That wouldn't be appropriate here though.

"That's um, that's great. It's nice to meet you Jasper."

"I just love how you British people all speak like the Queen. I could just listen to you all day; my wife Mary Alice would have a fit if she met you. She just loves the accent." His voice was smoother now he was talking more, but the accent was just as thick. It was just like the vampires out of that TV programme I'd heard advertised several times before. Beautiful.

"Oh cut it out Jazz, you're laying it on a bit thick now."

"Sorry Ed, but you know how I like to show off." His voice was distinctly more like Edward's now, but was still definitely southern, partly anyway.

"That's a shame; I thought you might be a real cowboy." Oh why did that sound so much more normal in my head than out loud?

"You're just a hoot and a half Bella; I can see why Edward here's so crazy about ya. Tell you what, next time I visit, I'll let y'all try on my Stetson." Just as I was about to assure him that if he let me try it on, he wouldn't be getting it back, his mobile phone rang out and he very politely excused himself to take the call.

"He seemed nice. I like his voice." I smiled up at Edward as we made our way outside, or Edward made his way outside with me hanging on his arm.

"Really? I never would have guessed sweetheart." He was laughing at me now, and we were outside so I took the liberty to smack him on his shoulder, not too hard mind.

"You could have prepared me. Besides I thought I was rather composed." I smiled smugly to myself, at least I didn't ask him to make a recording and send it to me. Now that would have been too much.

"Of course you were love." We walked in silence for a while but he stopped suddenly, turning me to face him.

"Stay with me tonight." I was confused; I thought that's what happened every night.

"Don't I always?"

"No, I mean, at my apartment, I've got a surprise for you."

"Is it a good surprise? Will I like it?"

"You'll just have to wait and see." I grinned knowing whatever my Toe Curler had in store for me, I would enjoy it thoroughly.

Well, I really hope you liked it. This one was kind of rushed and I'm sorry about the lack of editing, but I wanted to get it to you before I go out to dinner tonight.

Also, those of you who have me on Author Alert will know that I submitted a new story yesterday called 'Substance'. There's only one chapter up so far, but I'd really appreciate you guys telling me what you think if you read it.

If you have any comments or questions about this chapter, please feel free to leave them in a review.

Enjoy your weekend everybody,

Aurora