Hi guys! Back again with a new chapter... Both Edward and Bella are equally stubborn and refuse to give in first... One of them will have to bend down eventually though... Who do you think that will be?

As always, thanks so much to all those who read, followed, and reviewed the story. I really appreciate it.

The story is complete. So, it will have daily updates. This story is not betad. So any mistakes are my own. Hope you like it. Please review and let me know.

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Chapter 18

Present

Jake's out cold. Edward helps him out and holds him up, walking him toward the entrance. We walk quietly to the elevator. Once we get in, I quickly press the floor number. We finally stagger up to his apartment. Crap! Keys?

I quickly move close to Jake, and Edward's eyes narrow. I put my hands on Jake's chest and Edward fumes. "What the hell are you doing, Bella?"

"Searching for keys," I answer and grin at him. He simply huffs in annoyance.

I pat down his jacket. Nope. My hands move down and I'm about to check his front pant pocket when Edward grabs my hand. "Enough." He practically growls.

"What?"

"I know what you're doing, Bella."

I scowl. "What's the matter with you?" I ask, then move my hands towards Jake's back pocket. Bingo. I quickly take out the keys and dangle them in front of Edward. "Found them!"

I open up Jake's apartment door, but before we can enter, I turn towards him. I look at him and say sincerely, "I would never take advantage of Jake. He means too much to me."

Edward drops his eyes. He doesn't say anything. He moves with Jake toward the couch. "What are you doing?" I finally, ask.

I walk off towards the bedroom and open the door. "Bring him in here."

Edward glares at me but does as he's told. He drops Jake off unceremoniously on the bed. I quickly walk up to help him.

"Get him up, would you?" I ask Edward.

"Why?"

"Just do it." He helps Jake up, once again. "Take off his jacket, please," I ask Edward.

His eyes narrow in slits. "What?"

"Well. He can't sleep in his jacket. Just take it off." I say and then move to take off his shoes. Edward haphazardly removes his jacket with one hand, while the other holds him upright. "Thanks," I say, softly. Jacob's still sleeping peacefully. I grab the comforter and wrap it around him.

I start toward the kitchen and search around in his medicine cabinet. I quickly take out two Advil and a glass of water and put it on Jacob's bedside table. All the while, Edward is simply standing in a corner, fuming in silent anger.

Finally, I shut off all lights and put the keys back on the counter.

"Let's go," I say to Edward. And he follows quietly.

We walk up to the elevator and I quickly press the down button. Once we're inside and the doors close, Edward walks up to me and encases me with his arms on either side of my head.

"Edward." I gasp.

"Who's playing games here, Bella?" He says icily.

I straighten at his tone. "I'm not playing any games, Edward."

His eyes harden. "This is the last time. There won't be a next time. You understand?"

My eyes narrow. "What?"

I'm about to curse him for pulling this arrogant crap when he moves closer to me. My breath hitches; my eyes immediately go to his lips and his drop to mine. I'm breathing heavily in anticipation. He lowers some more and our lips are hair's breadth away when the elevator dings, indicating we're all the way down. He pulls back but his eyes remain on me.

I lick my lips and look away. He finally walks off and I follow him. We walk to his car silently, neither of us in any position to say anything but both of us equally affected by the elevator ride.

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I'll see you in the next chapter.

~SunAndMoon42