Chapter 40: Expanding Boundaries

APOV

Cuddling with Edward was one of my favorite things to do.

My back was nestled against his chest, his arms wrapped around me holding me to him.

"This is nice," I sighed comfortably.

He hummed in agreement his breath warm on my ear. It gave me chills.

He noticed.

"Are you cold?" He leaned over to ask, but from the look in his eye I knew what he was doing.

"You know I'm not." I told him honestly, surprised to see his eyes darken.

"Ana," he groaned, dropping his forehead to my shoulder. Admittedly, it made me feel a little annoyed.

I took a deep breath, knowing I needed to say something.

"Edward, you can't give me those looks and whisper in my ear like that unless you want me to react. You doing that, then pulling back is confusing and it kind of hurts my feelings." I told him honestly.

He lifted his head, looking at me surprised and ashamed.

"Oh Ana, I don't mean to hurt you," he stroked my cheek softly. "I love how you react, and that's part of the problem."

I could tell it was difficult for him to talk about this.

I sat up, watching his expression fall slightly as I moved away. But I needed to face him and have a little bit of distance so we could actually talk about this.

"I know this is hard for you, but not talking about sex seems like a really bad idea." He swallowed deeply, nodding.

"It's not that talking about sex is so difficult," I could see he was struggling to find the right words. "I want to talk to you about it."

I wasn't convinced.

"It's not that I don't want to believe you, but is hard for me to see how you want to talk about it, when you get so flustered and change the conversation if it does get brought up."

He rubbed his face with his hands, nodding.

"I know. I just don't want to mess this up." His look was so intense it almost took my breath away.

"How would talking mess anything up?"

He gave me a sad look.

"You've been through so much. I worry that I won't know the right thing to say, or that I'll say something that does hurt you. That makes you feel ashamed or somehow imperfect. And I never want to do that to you ever again Ana."

Suddenly it was all starting to fall into place for me.

And I hated that he felt that way.

"I guess that's fair. You probably won't always know the right thing to say. And there probably will be times you say things that I'll take the wrong way. But not talking has the same effect."

He sighed nodding.

"I'm starting to see that."

We were quiet for a moment.

"Nothing in a relationship is going to be perfect, but you have to trust me that I'm not going to just leave because you said or did something that hurt me. And I have to trust the same of you."

He swallowed, obviously feeling overwhelmed and guilty. Because he had left me. And if I was willing to trust him again, then he should be able to give back.

"I'm sorry I make you feel like I don't trust you. All I can say is that I don't trust myself Ana."

Because I hated how sad he looked, I kissed him suddenly.

I put as much passion in it as I could muster. Pouring all my love, my desire, my trust into it.

Though caught off guard at first, he responded with equal enthusiasm. And when we finally pulled apart, his sad look was replaced with one of love and desire.

"Is that how you're going to condition me to love myself?" he asked with a smirk.

I grinned.

"Yep. Every time you start to doubt, you're gonna get your pants kissed off."

He chuckled, but then his expression softened.

"I love you so much Ana."

I nuzzled his face with mine.

"I love you too."

We sat in contented silence for a small moment.

Edward was the first to speak.

"If you're still willing, I would like to talk about sex."

I was so happy he was willing, despite how much he worried.

"I am. Let's talk."

He nodded, reaching out to gently stroke a strand of my hair.

"I guess to start, we should talk about boundaries." He looked to me for confirmation

"That's a good idea." I agreed. "I assume, sex itself, is off the table." I added to get things started.

But Edward looked confused.

"You say you assume it's off the table. Does that mean if I was willing, you would be ready for that?" He looked a little startled at the possibility.

I nodded without hesitation, making his eyes darken considerably.

"I am with you. I'm not sure if it's something we can do. If it would be too much for you, but I want to."

He looked both completely turned on and thoughtful at the same time.

"I'm not sure how far I can go right now. Being around you is so easy; I often forget my own strength. And though I've not had problems resisting your blood, I'm not sure how I would react if I was… impassioned, like that. I wouldn't risk hurting you for the world."

To see him impassioned was one of my fantasies.

Okay, focus.

"Could we try other things, to get an idea of your control I mean?"

His eyes wide and hesitant.

"Try?" He repeated, uncertain.

Okay, you can do this. Be an adult. Tell him what you want.

"I mean, I think it would be good for both of us if we got more comfortable with each other physically. So that you can start to gauge how much you can handle."

If the heat that came into his eyes was anything to go on, he most definitely thought it was worth doing.

"What exactly did you have in mind?"

I felt it was fair that I should be the one to set out some idea. Though his control was the one needing to be tested, he needed to know what I would be comfortable with.

"To start, we could try making out with less clothes on." It came out more easily than I expected. His mouth went a little slack at my suggestion.

"You want to take your clothes off?" his voice was tight with restraint. It almost made me laugh.

"Not all of them. Maybe just our shirts to start." He relaxed a fraction, thoughtful. "I'm really not trying to have us go from zero to a hundred in two seconds. I just want to be closer to you."

He nodded.

Then without a word, stood up, pulling his shirt over his head.

I'm pretty sure I had a little heart attack. My eyes felt wide, my heart pounding in my ears.

Edward looked a smidge shy, but I didn't know why. He was fucking hawt.

"This is okay?" his tone was soft, timid even.

I didn't have the heart to tell him I hadn't meant for us to start this boundary exploration today, so I just nodded my head. It was all I was capable of at the moment.

His chest was broad, muscled, coming down to a perfect 'v' that I wanted to touch, very badly.

Cautiously, he sat back down on the couch, moving towards me slowly until he was right beside me again.

"Ana," he whispered in my ear. "You're staring."

I shivered.

"I can't help it. You're just so beautiful."

Tentatively, I reached out to touch his chest. He was cool, but not cold to the touch. I let my fingers trail gently over his pecks, up his shoulder, and down his arm, relishing the feel of his muscles beneath my fingertips.

My hands faltered when he let out a deep groan.

I looked up concerned, his eyes looked pained.

I was drawing my hand back when he captured it with his own, pushing it back towards his skin.

"Please, don't stop."

So it was a good groan.

I almost smirked, but then I got caught up touching him again.

I had no plan, I just wandered around the expanse of skin I was now given permission to caress. I wanted to touch every inch of him and I proved it with my hands, leaving nothing unexplored. And when I was content, I leaned forward to press my lips to his collarbone.

"You have no idea how wonderful that feels," he whispered leaning down to kiss me softly.

"I'm guessing that was okay then. As far you being in control?"

He nodded.

"Yes. It's a lot easier when I'm not touching you while you do that." He hesitated, before grabbing the hem of my shirt. "May I, touch you now?"

Oh God I think my whole body exploded with heat.

Unable to use my voice I gave him a nod, raising my hands over my head to assist with him pulling off the garment.

For a long moment he just looked.

I could feel my blush slowly forming, running down my neck to my shoulders. It was fair though. I had stared at him for a long time too.

I closed my eyes, leaning my head back to calm my nerves.

But then his cool fingers came out to trace the column of my throat, and I knew he felt my pulse jump.

Though my heart was thundering, I stayed perfectly still, letting him explore as I had done.

His fingers roved every inch of my skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Every spot felt so sensitive to his touch. And I craved it.

I wanted to pant and moan at how wonderful it felt. I never felt so adored, so perfect than with his hands on me like that.

I felt myself aching for more. Every time his hands would get close to my chest, my body practically begged for him to explore there too. But his hands would move past, and I could feel myself getting so turned on every time he didn't give me what I wanted.

And when his fingers finally brushed over the tops of my breasts, I was unable to hold back the gasp.

His hands stilled against me, waiting.

I opened my eyes to see he was watching me carefully.

I couldn't speak, I was too needy. Too raw with want. I was restraining myself from grabbing his hand to shove it firmly against me.

I knew he could it in my eyes. His darkened, and his mouth opened slightly, breathing me in.

His fingers twitched against my skin, and I bit my lip to keep from moaning.

"Ana," his voice was so rough, so deep I shivered.

"Yes?" Mine was equally as gravelly. I hardly recognized my own voice.

"Do you have any idea how exquisite you are?"

Shit.

I couldn't help the shiver.

"Seeing you like this, so, wanting for my touch. You can't imagine what it does to me."

That's where he was wrong.

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I can." I laughed lightly to dispel the tension building in my stomach.

He groaned and shuddered.

I loved how much we were affecting each other. It felt right and beautiful.

"Are you okay?" I asked after a moment.

He nodded.

"It's often hard for me to accept I can do this to you. But the evidence is right in front of my eyes. And God Ana, I wish I could give you everything." I could see that he meant it.

I reached out slowly and drew him in for a hug.

The contact of our mostly bare skin against each other was a little more enticing than I bargained for. But I pushed past the pleasure to focus on my actual objective. Comforting Edward.

I wrapped my arms around him tightly and squeezed him to me, giving him a hug to tell him how much I loved him.

"You don't have to give me anything more than this. I just need you in my life Edward. And if this is all we can ever do, I'll be okay."

He gave a partially strangled laugh.

"Ana, I should be saying this to you."

I saw the irony, but the truth was the truth.

"Doesn't matter. This is what love is. Respecting boundaries and loving each other even if we don't always get what we want."

He hugged me fiercely to him, I reveled in every second.

When he pulled back, we had both calmed a great deal.

"I want to give you everything. I'm not sure how you can have such patience, but if you can give me time, I will do everything in my power to make you happy."

I shook my head at him.

"Stop putting so much pressure on yourself. There isn't any rush. And I am happy with this. There was a point in time when neither of us could have gone this far. This is perfect and wonderful. So stop saying it's not enough for me."

His mouth closed and he nodded his head.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to cheapen the moment. This is still a big step."

I gave him a happy smile.

"It really is. And we can keep exploring, but either way there's no hurry. Let's just enjoy each other right now. And our whole weekend together."

His eyes softened and he kissed me sweetly.

"I am enjoying this. More than I can even express Ana."

I felt a warm smile grow on my face.

"Good. Although I hate to cut this short, I think we should get ready for bed." It was getting pretty late now, and I my eyes were starting to feel tired.

Edward gave me a sweet grin.

"That sounds perfect. You can use the bathroom first."

I tried not to think about the fact I was walking across his house without a shirt on, even if I was wearing a bra. I still felt a little exposed.

But the hot shower made me forget all of my worries and the heat made the drowsiness set in more.

I walked into the bedroom to find Edward pulling the covers down.

"All done?"

I nodded, stifling a yawn, to which he chuckled.

"Alright sleepy head, into the bed you go."

He actually came to my side and picked up me, before nestling me into the sheets.

"Mmm. I like this bedside service."

He laughed lightly.

"I'll be happy to provide it from here on out."

I smiled sleepily at him.

"Go get a shower." I swatted his shoulder playfully and tried my best not to think about the fact a very naked Edward was just on the other side of the door.

I reminded myself that peeking was creepy, and I would definitely get caught.

Another part of my brain thought getting caught would be a very nice thing.

I shook my head, laughing to myself. Thank God Edward couldn't read my mind.

He was back and in bed beside me before I knew it.

He pulled me to his side, which I snuggled against happily.

"I love you Ana." He whispered against my hair.

I smiled into his side.

"Love you more."

His chest shook with silent laughter.

"Not possible."

I gave a disgruntled sound, and just squeezed him.

His arm folded around me, and before I knew it, I was out like a light.

…

Waking up in Edward's arms was just as wonderful as falling asleep in them.

I marveled at how much I loved him and how I wanted to spend the rest of forever like that. Him holding me, loving me. And of course for me to show him how much I loved him back.

His beautiful face was utterly relaxed in sleep. And the hard planes of his face seemed softer. He looked more like a boy then than I'd ever seen before.

It made me want to tousle his hair playfully.

Though it was probably borderline weird for me to watch him, I couldn't pull my gaze away.

I just felt so lucky.

To have gotten another chance with him. Not everyone would get that.

My mind turned towards Brennan.

How likely was it that he would get such an opportunity? Would he ever see the woman he loved again?

I wanted to help him so badly, but what could I really do?

"Why do you look sad?" Edward whispered, gently stroking my cheek.

I hadn't even realized he had woken up, and I nearly jolted at his words.

"Sorry. I didn't realize you were awake," I smiled gently back at him.

He paused momentarily, a wariness in his eyes.

"You didn't answer my question."

Dang. I was hoping to avoid that. I sighed knowing it was of no use.

"I was just thinking about Brennan."

His brows rose then drew inwards. He didn't look mad at least.

"You love him, don't you." His words were soft, not accusing.

"Yes. But obviously, not in a romantic way." I assured, making him smile slightly.

"It's okay Ana. I know."

"I just wish I could help him." I wished it more than anything in the world.

"What exactly do you want to help him with?"

I tapped on his chest lightly, as I contemplated.

"I was just thinking about how happy I was that we got a second chance with each other." I started. Edward smiled sweetly at my words. "Brennan went through a similar breakup, I guess. He met someone, and she left him without saying goodbye. He loves her so much, even though it's been years. I know there's nothing I can do to help him. I just wish he could get the second chance that we were given too."

His brow pleated, I was sure, from seeing me upset.

"You have a heart too big for your own good, you know that?"

His words were sweet, but it didn't make me feel better.

He brought his hand to my face, smoothing a finger along my jaw.

"I can't make any promises, but I'll see what I can do."

I don't know what look I was giving him, but I was certain it was full of tender affection.

"I know there's probably not much you can actually do, but I really appreciate you trying."

He nodded.

"I'd do anything to make you happy Ana."

I gave him a loving smile.

"I know you would. You're too good to me."

He shook his head.

"Never that."

And he leaned in kissing me, making me forget about everything else in the universe.

His hands caressed my sides, while pulling me to him gently. I loved the feel of his hard body against my soft one.

It made me want to tangle myself into him and never let go.

We kissed lazily, enjoying this peaceful moment of unity. My whole body was tingling when he pulled away.

"I could kiss you forever." He pressed his lips to my nose softly.

"I'd let you."

He smirked at the comment.

"I think you'd get tired of me eventually."

But I shook my head at him.

"You'd be surprised at how long I can obsess over something."

He chuckled.

"So you're obsessed with me? That seems unhealthy."

I laughed in return.

"Well I never claimed to be sane."

He rolled his eyes.

"I think I like your crazy." His voice was tender now.

Ugh, why was that so endearing?

"I like your crazy too."

His nose rubbed against mine lightly.

"We should get our crazy butts out of bed."

I frowned deeply at that.

"Nuh-uh." I pouted making him laugh again.

"You're too cute for my sanity."

"Well we already agreed we're crazy." I reminded him.

"We should get out of bed."

I felt my face turn disgruntled.

"Why? Isn't this what couples do on weekend mornings? Stay in bed late and enjoy each other?"

His eyes looked positively heated when I said such.

"How, pray tell, should we enjoy each other this morning?" He countered, watching me with hungry eyes.

"Well, kissing is a good start." I pressed my lips back to his for a second. "And touching."

I brought his hands up to the sides of my breasts. They weren't quite cupping me, but he got the idea.

His groan was deep and vibrated my chest.

Though his eyes never left mine, his thumbs started to move, swiping gently up and over, just barely caressing the side of my breast through my shirt.

I bit my lip to keep from moaning.

He leaned forward to kiss me, while his hands moved slowly.

It was torture. Sweet, perfect, blissful torture.

In seconds I was so turned on, I wouldn't be surprised if Edward thought a pipe had burst in the bed. But no, it was just me unable to control my body.

"God Ana. You feel so wonderful." He whispered against my lips when his hands moved to cup me fully.

This time I couldn't help the porn-like moan that escaped my lips.

"Fuck," I hissed, unable to hold back.

Edward shivered beside me.

"I love it when you let go like this." He growled as I panted. His fingers had found there way to my nipples and I was certain I was going to start seizing from the amount of pleasure I was in.

He pinched the sensitive bud lightly and I cried out arching against him.

He was going to make me explode just from touching my breasts!

"Edward," I gasped.

I didn't even know what to ask for. I just knew I wanted more.

His eyes flashed to mine, and his hands dropped to the hem of my shirt.

"I want to see you Ana. May I take off your shirt?"

Oh hell.

The shirt was gone before I could even finish nodding my head. I felt as the cool air touched my exposed skin. But I didn't stay cold for long because Edward's heated gaze was warming me right up.

His eyes darted all over, as if he couldn't decide what to focus on. Then his lips crashed against me.

It was almost perfect.

Now I was tugging on his shirt, demanding an equal lack of clothing. He shrugged the shirt off, obliging me.

When my bare chest collided with his, I was sure I was going to die of pleasure.

His hands were everywhere. My hair, my arms, my back and sides. My hands mimicked his, unable to find one place to hold on to.

I just wanted to touch everything.

Our legs tangled together and I felt his arousal against my thigh. We both groaned at the contact.

"I'm sorry," he panted, trying to pull back, but I was having none of it.

"No. Don't be sorry. I love that I make you feel this way."

His head dropped to my shoulder, obviously embarrassed.

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm just as turned on as you are," I added, hoping it would make him less self-conscious about it.

"It makes me crazy when you talk like that," he whispered into my neck.

"Hopefully that's a good thing."

He nodded and pulled back to look at me.

"We never talked about other boundaries, but I want to… do more," he finished huskily, and I thought for sure I was to implode with excitement.

"What else do you want to do?" I tried to keep my voice calm and free of pressure. I wanted him to go at a pace that was comfortable for him.

He looked at me a long time, I could tell he was trying to find the right words, or maybe the courage to say what he wanted.

"I want to…touch you." My eyes widened. "I want to make you orgasm."

Oh fuck.

He was watching me for signs of hesitance or uneasiness.

"Wow. Okay, yeah." It wasn't my most intelligent reply, but it was honest.

Edward looked exhilarated.

"Can I do the same for you?" I asked, hoping he would be comfortable enough for that.

He looked so startled I might have laughed if I wasn't so turned on.

"You want to?" He was so genuinely surprised it made me hurt.

"Of course I do. If you think you're ready for that." I was trying my best to make him feel at ease.

He swallowed deeply, his throat bobbing up and down.

"I do, want you to touch me. A lot." The admission thrilled me.

As way of acknowledging our agreement to take things further, I scooted closer, bringing my chest to connect back with his.

He shivered, but so did I.

I reached out, pulling his face down to mine, giving him long, slow kisses until I couldn't breathe. He took cues from me, deepening the kiss.

God his mouth was sinful.

I felt drunk on his taste.

I whined when he broke away, only to find myself gasping with delight when his mouth came back down, this time on my breast.

He drew his tongue in circles around the sensitive bud, making me twist against him with desire. And just when I felt like I couldn't take any more, he covered my nipple with his lips.

He sucked gently but I couldn't help my hips from bucking against him. It felt so good, I was mindless with pleasure.

My hands found their way into his hair and I was pulling so hard it was a wonder it didn't manage to hurt him.

"God Ana. You're so responsive."

Later I would probably be embarrassed at the noises I was making, at my behavior. But in that moment I just wanted him so badly.

"Edward, please, touch me." I begged.

He hand slid down the contours of my stomach, hesitating briefly at band of my underwear. His eyes looked for my permission, checking to make sure I was still okay with it.

"Please." I encouraged.

His fingers twitched but slid down the cloth to my inner thigh. He didn't touch me right away. In a move, oh so very Edward, he teased me mercilessly.

His hands traced the crevice of my thighs softly, working slowly closer to the edge of my panties. When his thumb made contact with the fabric I moaned.

"Ana, you're so wet." His voice was thick as his fingers traced my opening through the cloth. I could feel my thighs shaking as I forced myself not to push upwards for more friction.

He tormented me for a few moments longer before finally pressing firmly against my aching bud.

I couldn't help the guttural noise that tore from my throat. Or the ones that followed as he worked small circles against my clit.

The need building in me wound tighter, and I was sure I was going to break into a million pieces at any moment. And then it happened. He stroked me hard and I shattered.

My body arched without my permission and I nearly screamed out my release.

It took a long moment for me to come down from my pleasure induced high. When I did, I saw Edward watching me with a look that was pure male satisfaction.

"Doing that, watching how much you enjoyed it, was the most erotic thing I have ever seen," he told me, eyes flashing with pent up desire.

Though my body felt like jello, I still wanted to please him, so I sat up and pushed him back against the pillows.

His eyes dilated and watched me, fascinated.

I looked down to see he was straining very hard against his cotton pajama pants. I felt my mouth go a little dry seeing how big and turned on he was.

Needing a safter place to start, to get my mind together, I placed my hands on his chest.

Much like the night before, I explored his skin, watching with gratification when his eyes drifted closed in pleasure.

I continued to touch, drawing him in to a place of relaxed arousal. When I was satisfied he was ready for more, I let my hands drift down to his pants.

He stiffened marginally, but I kept my touch light and circled his length, not yet touching him. After a few minutes I could see his wetness leaking through the cloth, and I knew he was getting close.

I looked up as I reached out to finally stroke him.

His eyes watched my hand intently. So much need and desire on his face.

Taking things slow, I stroked him gently, feeling so powerful when he shook beneath me. Keeping my pace unhurried, I pushed up and down, letting him get used to the feel of me touching him. Building his desire more and more.

When he looked like he couldn't take any more, I pumped him with a little more force and speed. He growled deeply and cursed to my utter delight. And as I continued to up my speed, I felt him grow incredibly harder and stiffen more under my fingertips.

Then he was there, coming against my hand, roaring out with fulfilment.

In a flash he had pulled me up against him, placing kisses all over my face.

It warmed me from head to toe.

"That was amazing. You're amazing," he whispered on my skin, never stopping in his quest to cover my body with his lips.

"You- you're amazing," I managed to get out between kisses.

He nuzzled me firmly, burying into my neck. I just wrapped my arms around him, so happy to have expanded our boundaries. Everything was just so perfect.

We took our time coming back to reality. And though neither of us were quite ready to leave the bed, we both agreed it would be good to get out for a little while.

So we took turns cleaning up and getting ready.

When we were ready to go, we walked out into the sunshine hand in hand. My heart was so happy and full, I was ready for whatever else the world might bring.

So long as I could have Edward, everything would work out just fine.

AN: Thanks if you are still reading and following this story!

I hope that you like the progression they have taken with each other and are as excited for them as I am!

I was hoping to have wrapped up this story by now, but obviously that has not happened… there are a few things I want to resolve before I feel this story is really complete, but I'm not sure how long that is going to take (maybe another few chapters?) For now, I just hope you have enjoyed the read :)

Feel free to leave me comments on how you felt about the story so far or this chapter! Thanks!