A/N: It's kind of funny how I don't even go looking for these things, but they just sort of fall into my lap when I least expect it; I got our next musical moment for E & B off the radio, while I was on my way home from work the other day and had me another "Whoa, isn't that perfect!" moment, LOL. (link to the song is posted on my profile ;))
And I haven't forgotten about dinner with the Cullen's I'll get to some of those happenings in the next one.

Chapter 38

Bella shuffled around some of the papers that were spread out across the foot of her bed and pulled her glasses off, attempting to rub some of the fatigue away from her eyes. It had been another long day and it would seem as though her early morning was starting to catch up to her finally—or perhaps it was just the rhythmic clicking of her computer's keyboard as it submitted to Edward's ridiculously skilled fingers that was lulling her into such a state of calm.

No wonder he was such an accomplished pianist, Bella had thought shortly after he'd asked permission to use her desktop, so that he might check his email, while she busied herself finishing up another chapter from her latest assignment. He could actually make the sound of typing seem enjoyable. She'd even joking thought to ask how many words per minute he could type when she'd first noticed how quickly he was tapping out whatever he sought to compose, but he'd only been able to shrug and tell her that he'd never bothered to check. That didn't surprise her in the least, knowing that Edward wasn't the kind of person to boast such an ability—or any ability for that matter, so of course he wouldn't care to know a number.

In the end she'd just chuckled a bit and went back to her reading, but she still found herself enjoying the mundane sound of him working on the computer as she read. It was somewhat domestic for them to both be spending an evening at home in comfortable silence, each working independently, and yet together. And the break from her reading gave her a nice opportunity to dwell on just how easy and routine a full day at home with Edward had finally become.

This morning was much like the others she'd experienced as of late, but when she'd awakened Bella had found that Edward had been the first to rouse today. As mildly disappointing as it was to learn that she wouldn't get to repeat the blissful start she'd been treated to the last couple of mornings, watching Edward as he slept, she couldn't really complain after seeing his intense, yet tender gaze waiting to greeted her.

Once her eyes had managed to focus Edward finally blinked a few times and lowered his attention. She'd been wearing another one of his shirts to sleep in; this time it was one of the tattered and worn flannels he'd packed along from home, and for some reason Edward found the sight of her in his old, faded shirt even more beautiful than the pristine one she'd borrowed that night in Seattle. He knew why of course—it was because this shirt was really his. This was the type of thing his usual wardrobe consisted of, what he would pick out for himself, and something that he had and worn hundreds of times in the past. She looked amazing and he loved that she had chosen this one; of all the shirts in his possession, thanks to Alice, she'd wanted to wear his favorite. It seemed symbolic of her acceptance, but more than that it was an enormous turn on.

"You have no idea how hard it was for me to get to sleep last night with you lying there, wearing this shirt of mine." He'd informed her by way of an actual greeting.

His fingers had begun to lightly travel along the collar and down to the second button, which she had left unfastened. It wasn't his normal nervous fidgeting, but the movement had seemed to calm him all the same.

"Would it be better if I took it off?" Bella innocently responded—her voice soft and tentative, making it seem as though she had missed the flirtatious implications of her reply and apparently the true meaning behind his statement as well. And who could blame her, having just awakened, but Edward's next words along with some intense blushing would give it away soon enough.

"No…and yes."

The second part of his answer had been rather hesitant and his tone was extremely shy—his expression being that of his ordinarily bashful self. It was that look he'd given her so many times in the past that indicated his uncertainty, but that was where the similarities had ended. Before Bella could reassure him that his desires were okay and in fact welcome, he had embraced her fully, his lips attempting to tell her what it was he'd really meant.

It was a heated kiss, their bodies arching towards one another, hands beginning to roam. And it persisted until Bella felt Edward's fingers wander up underneath the material of this shirt in question—lightly exploring her delicate skin and the contour of her ribs. It was then that she'd finally pulled away from his lips, moaning his name. There was undeniable want and passion in her tone as Edward immediately redirected his attention to the pale bit of skin exposed by her open collar; and as he lingered there it had finally became her turn to growl with need. His hands started to grip her side, pulling her closer and she felt his lips smiling against her, his erection rubbing along the outside of her right thigh as he'd carefully repositioned them. And she could feel his thumb now, gently tracing the underside of her left breast, patiently waiting for her to acclimate, or perhaps grant some form of permission before going any further.

There hadn't been any frank discussion about how far they might delve into this newfound level of comfort and intimacy, leading up to the moment when he might be able to make good on his promise, but there seemed to be a silent understanding that they wouldn't abstain from anything they'd already proven themselves capable of. And if they could gradually explore other activities that would ultimately make their first attempt at mutual gratification any easier then naturally they were all for trying.

So as Bella had wished and hoped for Edward's courage to remain intact he'd managed to adjust his position once again, now holding his weight off of her with one arm while he slowly retracted his other hand. To sooth any disappointment he'd reached out to gently caress the side of her face.
"So beautiful," he sighed, letting his fingertips trail over her lower lip and down to her neck, "my Bella."

His fingers didn't stop until they'd managed locate that second button once again; he lingered there for a moment concentrating on the small plastic disk before moving down to the next and Bella had silently granted permission by covering his hand with her own, giving it a gentle squeeze of encouragement. It had become obvious that he was trembling at that point, but Bella was still hoping that they could accomplish this.

"Please, Sweetheart. It's okay…I want this." She'd added when he continued to hesitate.

Unfortunately she didn't seem to hear it but Edward certainly had. The breathy sound of her voice and the way her words were whispered with such desire had finally pushed his rapidly building need past the point of no return. With a muffled groan, as he abruptly buried his face in the pillow next to her, Edward's body shuddered in its release.

His hand had become fisted in the front of her shirt and his body lay heavily beside her, a garbled string of profanities escaping him.

Bella didn't have to think too hard to know what had happened as she felt Edward awkwardly trying to inch away from her, his face still hidden in her pillow.

"Hey." Bella had gently prodded as she rolled to her side caressing his back with a soothing touch. She felt him take a deep breath but he'd refused to acknowledge her beyond that in his embarrassment.

They laid there beside one another for a moment more before Bella kissed his shoulder and threaded her fingers into his hair the way that she knew he enjoyed.

"Sweetheart, I don't think that you understand just how reassuring it is for me—knowing that you might lose control like that over just the thought of...well, its kind of flattering in a way."

Edward had slowly turned his head towards her and it broke her heart to see that a handful of tears that had leaked from the corners of his eyes.

"I feel so weak." He'd protested quietly, "How am I ever going to be enough if…if I can't even make it long enough to…you know…touch you properly?"

"Baby steps. We've only just started to put any of these ideas into practice." Bella gently, yet confidently informed him. She then kissed him once more and rolled out of bed. She grabbed up the old pair of sweatpants she'd kicked under the edge of her bed several nights ago and slipped them on.

"I'm off to get the coffee started; you go ahead and take the shower first and maybe see about getting a load of laundry underway." She winked.

It wasn't as though she had no disappointment over how things had gone, but she would always seek to comfort and reassure Edward above all else—no hesitation permitted. And besides, she'd been telling him nothing short of the truth. The fact that he would become so aroused and ultimately lose control under such circumstances thrilled her on some level, seeing as it spoke volumes as to just how thoroughly attracted to her he really was. He was inexperienced after all, just the same as she was, so every moment they spent trying was still a step in the right direction as far as she was concerned.

When she'd returned to her room just a short while later Edward had seemingly pulled himself together, now fresh from the shower and busy removing the bed linens.

"This I could get use to." She'd teased him, while handing over a cup of hot, black coffee, but Edward kept his focus on the cup he'd been given until Bella wrapped her arms about his waist and jostled him slightly.

"Cheer up grumpy pants, we've got a bunch of work to do this week and I need my boyfriend to smile at me and tell me that we're worth it."

Edward's lips betrayed his sullen mood by submitting to her request before he could think twice.

"You're really okay with…well, with me?" Edward asked.

"More than okay, Sweetheart." She smiled back at him tilting her head to the side slightly. "Maybe I should show you?" it was decided after a brief consideration.

Bella had been feeling playful and energetic this morning, with all of the wonderful news they'd been given the night before fueling her enthusiasm; so she'd proceeded to take Edward's coffee mug and set it aside on the nightstand next to the one that she'd carried down for herself. As soon as it was safe she'd managed to tackle him, the both of them falling in a heap onto the partially stripped bed. Almost instantly they were caught up in a fit of giggles as Bella, managing to straddle his midsection, began to tickle and kiss him all at once.

"Oh for Christmas sake!" they'd overheard Alice snicker just a moment later.

"Out Alice!" Bella laughed. "My room is off limits until otherwise notified."

"Actually that's what I wanted to talk about" Alice had casually informed the tangle of bodies still fighting for position as she calmly leaned against the doorframe, undeterred by their activity.

"Ally, if you're gonna stand there you could at least help!" Edward finally insisted between little bursts of laughter, caused by Bella's sneaky little fingers having located a particularly sensitive spot.

"Sorry, Bubby—not gonna happen; but when you two get whatever this is out of your system, just know that I'm making breakfast this morning."

She decided to give them some privacy in the end, after waving around the little card she'd brought down as an invitation, to let them know it was there. She'd planned to leave it wedged in the door, not wanting to disturb them should they have decided to sleep in, but the door had been open and she couldn't help but comment on the state they were in once she'd seen it—cause let's face it, they were adorable together.

Moments later, with their audience no longer present, a rather long make out session had ensued; Edward having finally gained the upper hand, pinning Bella beneath him.

"I like feisty Bella." He'd chuckled when she'd tried to buck her hips in an effort to reclaim her earlier position.

And that was all it took. Her lips had eagerly accepted his as they descended and soon they were both a writhing mess of limbs, no longer concerned with playful teasing and touching, but looking to accomplish something altogether different.

"Fuck Edward," Bella had moaned eventually, "we have to stop."

If her use of such language wasn't enough to make him pause her tone had certainty done it, and in the very same breath he'd pulled away, swallowing thickly and looking for whatever it was he might have done wrong.

"The door's still open and I'm…I…shit…" She closed her eyes and took a breath, "If we don't stop now, I'm not going to let you."
Her confession sobered him and relieved him all at once. He hadn't necessarily done something wrong, in fact he'd apparently been doing whatever a little too right. He sympathetically kissed her forehead to convey his understanding and offered to help her sit up beside him.

They were quiet for a bit, catching their breath and gathering emotions.

With a shy smile Edward reached for their coffees and passed Bella's cup over to her.

"Hey…Happy Anniversary." He grinned, tapping her mug with his own in a little toast.

"Here's to false starts and abrupt endings; may we finally figure this shit out one day." Bella added with a rather blissful smile gracing her lips.

With a laugh and another gentle kiss they'd decided that it was time to escape the confines of this room for a while. Neither one said it exactly, but if they were to stay as they were they'd most likely be doomed to repeat the same cycle of events over and over, until they both went crazy—or possibly found themselves possessing a significant lack of virginity.

On his way out the door Edward paused and picked up the envelope that Alice had left behind. He opened it since it was bearing his name, along with Bella's, and began to chuckle.

"I'm not sure whether this is a summons or an invitation exactly." Edward concluded, handing over the card for Bella's inspection.

To: Bella Swan and Edward Cullen

Your presence is requested at a breakfast to be served this fine and glorious morning at 10:30 a.m.
Following the meal there will be a household meeting during which your attendance is required.

Most sincerely,
Alice

"Oh lord." Bella had sighed having heard Edward's dictation of Alice's note. She'd been on the receiving end of such a message a time or two before and she could only imagine what her friend had in mind this time.

The night before, with all of the excitement created by the announcement that Esme's real estate genius had been successful once again, the quiet side-conversation that Bella had managed to sneak in with Alice, after dinner was finished, seemed to have gotten lost in the shuffle. She'd made a point of mentioning the decision that she and Edward had already agreed to as soon as she'd had a private moment with her friend and Alice had of course squealed with delight, running off to tell Jasper that she'd be needing him to help move her things out of the apartment first thing in the morning. But that had been the extent of it. There were no questions, no stipulations and no measures taken to insure that the, now three, housemates could co-exist comfortably without complication.

"So I figure we need to lay a few ground rules," Alice had begun her meeting as soon as Jasper had returned from the kitchen with more coffee for everyone else and yet another mimosa for himself, courtesy of the leftover champagne that had been unearthed the night before, during the family's unexpected celebration.
"With the three of us living here full time for now, and Jasper staying over more often than not I don't want anyone to feel like this has to be an awkward experience."

Bella could tell that Edward was feeling a need to protest, but it became clear that this wasn't just about him as Alice continued to speak.

"I absolutely love that you two are together—you both know that. But it's still a little weird at times, if you know what I mean. And although Bella's pretty use to how me and Jazz are, I know that it's strange for you to really know that your little sis has a boyfriend…" Alice smiled with more sympathy than Edward had seen from her in a while and he couldn't help but agree that this might be for everyone's benefit and not just his own. Especially when she went on to confess, "I've never wanted to censor myself for the sake of others, but it's also never been my intention to make either of you uncomfortable or embarrassed by my exuberant way of approving; so until I can get that under control it might be best if I don't have any fuel for the fire so to speak."

There were shy smiles exchanged all around.

"With that being said I propose that we all keep any sort of affection that takes place within a common area of the house somewhere south of PG-13."

"Agreed." Everyone managed to respond in unison.

Alice seemed satisfied but Bella knew how these things worked and raised her hand before they could be dismissed.

"Yes, Bella?" Alice had politely acknowledged much like a teacher might.

"We should also insist that a closed door be respected, for the sake of privacy." She'd simply stated.

She'd been thinking about how uncomfortable the earlier moment might have been had Alice shown up any earlier, or later, to witness she and Edward's morning activities. If she could solidify the rule that a closed door must be respected, then perhaps later she and Edward might feel a bit more secure within the confines of her room, as they continued working towards their goals.

"I figured you'd be sleeping in on a Sunday." Alice's explanation was a rather sheepish undertaking for someone like herself, not even bothering to point out that the door in question was actually open when she'd gone down to leave her note.

"Told you so," Jasper casually interjected in a rather amusing little singsong voice, as he knocked back that last of his drink.

This time Edward was blushing and beginning to squirm about uncomfortably, while Bella glared at Jasper challenging him to elaborate.

To diffuse the situation Alice had called an end to the meeting and forcibly removed Jasper from the living room, dictating that he was now going to be on clean up duty for the next several days.

"Will you be able to amuse yourself for about an hour?" Bella had asked once they were alone again.

He'd just raised an eyebrow encouraging her to tell him why. As it turned out Bella was hoping to go into work since it was Sunday. As the office would be pretty well deserted, she felt sure that she could turn in the assignment she'd already completed earlier in the week, check her work mail and pick up any new manuscripts on her agenda without having to mill about and chat with annoying coworkers, as she would likely have to if she were to wait until the next day.
Edward was all in favor, knowing that her real initiative was to find out how busy she might be over the next few weeks as they had already discussed. If she could insure that her schedule would remain relatively flexible they could go ahead and firm up their tentative plans for traveling to Colorado together, sooner rather than later.

"Do whatever you need to, love. Mom wanted me to call her this morning for lord knows what, and I've still got some laundry to attend to anyway." He'd grinned.

After a shower and a quick kiss goodbye Bella had made quite an efficient trip out of her journey into the office, returning as planned in less than an hour. When she got back to the house she found that Jasper had now been recruited into laundry service as well, trucking load after load of Alice's washing downstairs to wait in line for the machine.

"Ooooh, somebody's in trouble." Bella had taunted when she noticed the way that Jasper was hanging his head. It wasn't often that Jasper and Alice had a disagreement and usually it was Jasper having to scold Alice for some unthinking or overly hyper moment where her better judgment had gotten away from her, not the other way around.

"Hey Bells," he'd pouted a little, flopping down onto the sofa to take a break. "I didn't mean nothin' by what I said to Alice, you know." He'd tried to apologize in a roundabout way.

Bella forgave him immediately but assured him that her tolerance was contingent upon him going out to her truck to haul in her next week's worth of work. She didn't have it in her to remain upset with Jasper even on her worst day. He was far too kind and understanding to think that he'd really meant anything negative by his playful little statement. The only reason she'd thought to be annoyed by his innuendo in the first place was because it had the potential to unnerve Edward.

"What do I look like, a pack mule or something?" he'd chuckled, accepting a hug before he went to do her bidding.

"Aren't mules castrated?" Alice had to wonder as she'd bounced down the stairs, overhearing the question. "That is an unacceptable classification if so."

"Mules are sterile because of their genetic makeup, so they aren't normally castrated. No point." Edward had helpfully supplied as he came in from the kitchen with a notebook in his hand and a pen tucked behind his ear. He'd made his way directly to Bella, wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her forehead.

"We'll just label you a jackass in that case. You get to keep your balls for now and still be a helpful little beast of burden." Alice had concluded, making everyone, including Edward, laugh.

Strange as it was to see Alice and Jasper have any sort of spat Bella made a point of keeping she and Edward out of harms way for the rest of the afternoon. It might have been more amusing to watch had it not been their relationship that had somehow been responsible for the punishment Jasper was being made to suffer in the first place. And though it was endearing to know that Alice was willing to defend them to such a degree it was still uncomfortable to know that they had inadvertently caused the ordinarily blissful couple to feel any amount of tension. The only redeeming feature, which Bella was well aware of but reluctant to share with Edward, was that her dear friend and Jasper would likely sort it all out with a nice bout of make up sex before the day was done. Bella may be the innocent, virginal type but Alice had never been willing to deprive her of the usual girl talk that went along with being a best friend.

Thankfully there had been no need to discuss the other couple and their woes, since Edward and Bella had plenty of other things to talk about.

"So I was talking to Mom earlier and it looks like I can take possession of the house by the latter part of next week. That'll give the attorney time to draw up all of the paperwork and stuff." Edward informed Bella as they'd sat in the living room going over his list of things he wanted to accomplish over the next several days.

"Are you still going to transfer power of attorney to your dad so that he can sign for you?" Bella inquired.

It had been a part of the necessary discussion last night after all of the initial excitement had died down. Bella could tell that Edward was torn between what he wanted to do and what he felt capable of in this instance. He'd accomplished a lot as of late, but he was still struggling to change his overall outlook. If he could avoid any unnecessary interaction with people he was still prone to taking that route. In this situation however he couldn't actually see the interaction as being unnecessary. He wanted to buy the house and if he had to meet with a lawyer in order to sign some paperwork then that was what he would ultimately have to do.

"I'm undecided. My instinct says take the easy option and let Dad handle it, but this is something I really want so I should be able to talk myself into it."

Bella had simply nodded her understanding and went on to ask about his other plans leading up to the closing date. There was a short list of items he wished to buy for the new house and another list of those things he'd already decided he'd be moving from the cabin.

"I asked Mom about building a little terrace onto the back of the house as well." He'd grinned a short time later.

"Bet she about flipped with excitement." Bella smiled a very genuine smile, knowing just how wonderful it must be for Esme to finally feel like she and her son were able to connect on such a level.

"That's putting it mildly." Edward had agreed. He also went on to say that she'd recommended he talk with Jasper about options, since the A-frame design of his house could pose a few unique challenges, architecturally speaking.

After the basics were covered Bella went on to tell Edward that she was officially his for the next two weeks.

"I'll need to drop off anything I can accomplish between now and whenever we need to leave for Colorado; but I've got enough to keep me busy for the next couple of weeks, which means I won't pick up any new assignments until I finish what I currently have." She'd explained.

It wasn't possible for Edward to smile any brighter having heard the good news. Her job was such that he hadn't really needed to worry that she couldn't manage the time away, but he wasn't use to wanting something so badly. His disappointment should it not work out in the end would be unbearable and he knew it.

Which brought him to the next item on his agenda.

"I was wondering if you'd given any thought to if or when you might like to meet with Dr. Montgomery again."

Whereas most of the conversation had been relaxed to this point, Bella could sense Edward's demeanor changing with this change of subject. There was definitely an unspoken request lingering within his inquiry and Bella found that she was rather proud of him for wanting to speak with the doctor again so soon.

"I was going to call her sometime this week, but if you'd like to speak with her as well I could ask for a time when we could actually meet with her." She'd offered.

Edward spent a moment in thought and Bella had waited patiently for him to say what was on his mind. She'd never expected to hear what he'd had to say though.

"Could we actually go to Forks this time?" he'd eventually asked.

It didn't make much sense aside from him perhaps wanting to see the little town she'd called home for most of her teenaged years again.

"I'd like to…umm…if it's okay with you I mean, I was hoping that while we're there I could maybe…I don't know…meet your dad?"

"You want to meet Charlie?"

Bella couldn't control her reaction. She'd just never expected that Edward would volunteer for such a thing, and so soon. As of this morning they'd only known each other for a grand total of two weeks after all.

"Yeah." Edward's voice was strained and uncertain as he confirmed her abrupt question.

It was enough to get her to snap out of her little fog and remember that she shouldn't allow Edward to feel as though he couldn't speak his mind or ask for what he wanted.

"I don't know what to say. I've never brought a boy home to meet my dad before." She was blushing with a cute little grin trying to fight past the fact that she was biting into her lower lip.

"I know that I got off easy since you already knew my family, but Baby I love you and I know that your dad is important to you. I don't want to disrespect him by continuing to be a part of your life in the way that I want to without at least having the decency to meet the man." He'd explained.

There wasn't much left to say after that since Bella had seen the need to thank Edward for being so sweet and considerate. It had started with a kiss and ended with a large serving of leftover cake from the night before and a tall glass of milk.

After discovering that Alice and Jasper had taken off to go and clean up the apartment and move the last of Alice's belongings back into the house, while in the kitchen, Bella had informed Edward that she wanted to read for a while and he'd happily agreed to join her. He'd helped to separate the chapters as she normally like to do and set up her little reading corner in the living room, before making himself comfortable on the sofa. He'd remained focused on the ball game he'd found on the TV for the most part, leaving the sound muted the way he liked it, but also so that it wouldn't disturb Bella's concentration, but he found himself watching her from time to time instead.

She'd seemed to be enjoying whatever she was reading this time and it made him smile whenever he saw her face contort with some new or amused expression. He found it fascinating to watch her work so diligently but with such ease. He was practically in a Bella-induced trance by the time his sister and Jasper had arrived back at the house with a boatload of stuff to be carried in.
He'd offered to help, but apparently Jasper was still on Alice's shit list for now, so he'd been dismissed. Without a purpose and Bella being unable to continue with all of the commotion, Edward had suggested they move themselves and her work downstairs.

Which brings us back to the present moment.

Yes, it had been a good day by Bella's estimation. A lot had been accomplished and things seemed to be moving along nicely in the right direction. With any luck, a few short weeks from now Edward would have a permanent residence just a few miles away and they would be far more comfortable with every aspect of this relationship.

As she continued to lie there daydreaming it became obvious that her movement had apparently gained Edward's attention, because she soon felt the edge of her bed sink under his weight and his gentle touch upon her shoulders.

"Why don't you take a break, love?" He quietly recommended, his hands carefully kneading some of the tension away from her muscles.

It was a wise suggestion considering that she'd been at it for several hours by now with little more than the short break it had taken to move their location.

"Are you finished with what you needed to do?" she asked trying desperately to keep the moan of pleasure that was fighting its way to surface at bay. As luck would have it a rather impressive yawn decided to override any other reaction she might have succumbed to.

"I can be." He whispered, his hands working their way down her back, his head bending forward to speak softly next to her ear. He was so close now that she could feel his body shaking with humor, having witnessed her sleepy little display.

She started to protest that he shouldn't make fun, and that she hadn't wanted to interrupt whatever he'd been working on, but his hands were heavenly and his proximity was more than welcome.
Bella carefully turned to look at him and smiled her thanks for his thoughtful gesture.

"If you don't stop that, I'm going to fall asleep on you."

Edward said nothing in return; instead he stood and offered her a hand up from where she'd been laying across the bed with her reading.

"Maybe you should move around a bit in that case." He playfully suggested pulling her body up against him, his hands immediately resting upon the upper curve of her bottom.

"How do you suppose I move around if you are holding on to me so tightly?" Bella responded in a bit of a fog, her head spinning from the combination of movement and the look in his eyes as he gazed down at her so lovingly.

"Dance with me." He whispered, tucking his head so that he spoke softly right next to her ear once again.

"I…uhh…" Bella was dumbfounded for a second as she recalled what Alice had told her once upon a time. Edward knew how to dance, apparently quite well. But that didn't necessarily mean that he could make her capable with little more than his personal knowledge of such things. And little did she know that Edward had not only been checking his email, but he was also working on his list for Dr. Montgomery, with very specific attention to certain suggestions she'd made during their first encounter.

Edward had wanted to know what he might do to make Bella feel as comfortable as possible with him and her doctor had suggested many of the same things she would later share Bella. The one thing that stood out most for him was that being intimate with each other did not necessarily have to come by way of a traditionally sexual experience.

"I can't…I don't know how." She'd qualified the statement not wanting him to think that she didn't want to.

"Well, it's a good thing that I do." He gave her his crooked little grin, reaching over to hit a key on her computer and active the song that he'd stumbled upon during a quick perusal of his favorite music site just moments before.

She didn't have time to protest further as he once again pulled her in close and began to sway in time with the tune, his hips and hands helping to guide her along with him.

"Seems sort of appropriate, huh?" he chuckled, when she obviously recognized the song and stared up at him with a sense of wonder and amusement.
He kissed her gently before she could say anything though, and taking advantage of her distraction he changed direction and turned them, keeping up with the tempo and cadence of the music. When he released her lips and took hold of her hands from around his neck she began to giggle, his movements making her spin away from him. Before she could feel awkward or off balance he'd drawn her into him once more and now standing behind her he kept hold of one hand while his other arm wrapped securely about her waist. His hips continued to move against her and his lips had now located the side of her neck. Thrilled and aroused as she'd become it wasn't long before a moan of pleasure and his name finally escaped her; it was only seconds after she'd heard him start to hum along with this song that she'd now determined had been written specially for them.

"Do you feel it, Baby?" he'd groaned turning her once again, bringing her in close, his body bending to accommodate her. "We fit together like we were made to do this; it's so easy to move with you."

Her cheeks were flushed with color and her eyes were glowing as she looked at him with such adoration, nodding in agreement.

The song was fading into its final notes as Edward slowed their movement and let his hands come up to cradle Bella's face. They stood slowly swaying and staring at one another for a beat, before Edward lowered his head and let his lips brush lightly over her mouth.

"What are your plans for the next day and a half?" Edward asked quietly, while still toying with the idea of a proper kiss, throwing Bella off guard with the seeming randomness of his question.

She just shook her head unsure of how else to answer.

"Do you trust me?" he asked next.

"Of course I do." She promised this time.

"I have an idea for our next date if you'd be willing." He informed her, finally claiming her lips.

"You're not taking me dancing." She insisted when he'd decided to release her.

"Not exactly." He hedged.

"Edward, dancing in my bedroom is one thing, but I'm really…"

"I want to take you back to our meadow, Bella." He decided to explain.
Bella wasn't all about the surprises even though she was getting better about certain things, so he wasn't going to keep the truth from her anyway. Especially considering he'd have to ask if she was okay staying the night out of doors before he went on to plan anything more specific.
He really didn't have to worry about anything more once her face splitting smile had appeared.

"Really?"

"The weather's suppose to be warmer this week and I've always hoped that we'd find a chance to go camping before we make our way to Colorado. I…well, it takes more than a day to drive there under most circumstances and we can stay in a hotel again if you prefer, but when I normally make the trip I can't…or I guess I just don't…"

"We're going camping!" She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a great squeeze in her excitement. "I can't wait!"

"But why the trip to the meadow first? Are you worried that I won't be able to handle it?" she asked after a few more celebratory seconds.

"Not anymore," he laughed, seeing how foolish his concerns had turned out to be. She was way more into this than he'd initially anticipated, but she would have been right had he asked her at any time prior to the dance they'd shared just moments ago. If he were to be honest, he'd have to admit that there was a far more selfish motivation at work all of a sudden.

Clearing his throat, he told her that he wanted some time alone with her, but that he wasn't prepared to try for a repeat of their first date just yet.

"I realized while I was working on my journal earlier that if I'm going to really learn how to get better at doing stuff for myself I'm going to have to work slower and perfect smaller tasks before I jump into the bigger ones. The one thing I want most in this world is you, Baby, and before we jump into something that neither one of us knows how to handle I want to do everything possible to make sure we're ready."

Bella touched the side of his face and smiled her understanding. He hadn't said it but she'd been right there with him throughout their entire day and she'd felt the intensity between them growing as they'd danced. If Edward felt like a little more privacy was what they needed in order to work towards and ultimately achieve all that they wanted together then she was all for it.

"Let's figure out what's for dinner and see if I can get through a few more chapters tonight, then I'm all yours tomorrow, Sweetheart. And I mean it. All yours—anything you want."