AN: A lovely day out for our not so innocent couple. Bella is fooling herself about her feelings and burying her head in the sand.

Just a reminder that this is a cheat fic, so people aren't necessarily behaving as they would in every day life. However, I do guarantee a HEA for Bella and Edward, always

Thank you to MeteorOnAMoonlessNight, Midnight Cougar and ghostreader24 for all their hard work in making my words pretty

Disclaimer: SM owns it all but this Edward is mine

Deceit and Destiny Chapter 4

It wasn't too long before we turned off the road onto a wide expanse of a parking lot covered in rough gravel in front of a dilapidated building that looked as if it had seen better days. The engine stilled, but I could still feel the vibrations coursing through me. Edward put the kickstand down and stepped off the bike. He unbuckled his helmet and hooked it to the handlebars before turning to me.

"You need some help there, Bella?" His smirk told me that somehow he knew my legs were shaky.

I'd never let on it was his proximity that added to the quivering inside me. I knew I shouldn't be feeling that way, but there wasn't any way I could stop it from happening. He gripped my hand and helped me to slide off the seat, then held onto me for a few seconds until I found my balance. It seemed like that happened a lot around him. When my fingers fumbled with the helmet buckle, his hands brushed against the skin on my neck as he swiftly unfastened and hung it over the other handlebar.

"First on the agenda is coffee from one of the best cafés around." He gestured to the scruffy-looking building in front of me. "Doesn't look like much, but I've been here many times and the coffee is the best. If you haven't had breakfast, they serve great Danishes, made on the premises, or you can get a full-cooked meal if that's what you prefer."

I let out a slow breath at the tingle his hands created and nodded, looking toward the building. "I trust you, Edward. Lead the way, birthday boy."

There was a short silence as he opened the door of the diner then followed me through into the cooler interior. The inside was very different from the outside, resembling an old-school '50s type diner. Formica-topped tables were set in booths with red leather bench seats on either side. The look was completed by a black checkerboard floor. The line of bar stools was also upholstered in the same red leather, set at intervals along the counter. It smelled clean with only the scent of what promised to be delicious home cooking.

I slid my backpack off and onto the inner seat before removing my jacket. I'd been too nervous to eat earlier, but my stomach growled as I picked up the menu to take a look at what was on offer. Even though it was barely past eleven, I decided on a cheeseburger, fries, a side salad, and a milkshake. Edward's smile was huge as he shook his head at me when I gave my order to the waitress who'd appeared from the door marked 'Kitchen'.

"What?"

"Nothing," he said. "Just not used to women with healthy appetites, I guess. My ex-girlfriend only ever ate salads or pushed food around her plate when we went out to dinner. It's a refreshing change."

There was a very small part of me that was thrilled to hear the word "ex-girlfriend" uttered by Edward, though I couldn't fathom why, or rather, I didn't want to investigate why. I supposed there could always be a less-than-nice side to this man, but it didn't seem like he was hiding anything; his actions were always gentlemanly and sweet.

"I'm lucky to have been blessed with a high metabolism, but a busy life helps, too, I imagine." I wanted to steer clear of the details of my life; they had no bearing on where I was at the moment. "What about you? How do you keep fit with all the studying you have to do at the same time as a residency?"

"Well, I'm pretty lucky both the hospital and my apartment block have a gym, but mostly, I run to and from my shifts. I do own a car, but it seemed like the best way to kill two birds with one stone—exercise and the journey to work."

He had ordered the same as me, and within a few minutes, the waitress was placing two fully loaded plates on the table. Nothing other than the sounds of two people enjoying the food permeated the air for the next twenty minutes. Eventually, I sat back and rubbed my stomach.

"I can't eat another bite. How about you?"

Edward groaned and mimicked my actions. "That was fantastic; just as I remembered it. Coffee?"

He raised his hand to bring over the waitress who filled two mugs and left creamer and sweetener on the table. I doctored mine to taste and leaned back, closing my eyes to savor the flavor. It was as good as he'd said it would be.

The coffee revived me from a food stupor, and I sat forward, placing the mug on the table. "Happy birthday, Edward." I opened my backpack and pulled out a small wrapped present. "I hope you don't mind, but I got this for you." I handed over the professionally wrapped package and waited for him to open it.

"You really didn't need to do that, Bella, but thank you." With the enthusiasm of a child, he ripped off the paper, revealing a travel coffee mug. I couldn't resist it at the time, although now I had reservations, hoping he didn't think it was too much. The wording on it read:

An Awesome

Doctor

is

Hard to Find

Harder To Leave

and

IMPOSSIBLE

to Forget

I didn't think I would forget him anytime soon. "I like it, Bella. Thank you for thinking of me. It'll remind me of you when I'm in the thick of things back at the hospital."

His innocent remark sent the flutters in my belly wild for two reasons. "Okay, doc, what's on the agenda for the rest of the day?"

"I promised you a visit to some of the smaller out-of-the-way beaches, so that's next. We can spend the afternoon riding down the coast for a swim and a bit of sunbathing, then back to town and a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, provided you haven't done that before. Then, finally, I can take you to dinner. How does that sound?"

"Sounds great, Edward, and no, I haven't seen anything here yet. I live in the rainiest part of the Olympic Peninsula, so L.A. is like another world." I took another sip of my cooling coffee and changed the subject. I didn't want him to ask questions that might lead the conversation to what was currently going on in my life. "Why did you decide on a bike today? I might not have liked it."

"That's certainly true, Bella, but I figured you for someone who'd enjoy the experience. I have one back in San Francisco, but I don't get a lot of free time to ride." He shrugged. "I probably would've done this anyway, but you're better company than the guys." His crooked smile made another appearance.

"Well, then let's get going, shall we?"

I drained my coffee mug and stood, slinging my backpack over my shoulders. It did feel a little like I was teetering on the edge of cheating, but I reasoned that the day trip was innocent. There was still that little voice in the back of my mind that told me otherwise, but I was enjoying myself too much to listen to it.

Edward gave me a long look, somehow sensing my inner turmoil, but chose not to push the issue, and, instead, he headed for the counter, pulling out his wallet. I followed and tugged on his arm. "Let me pay, please, Edward. After all, you paid for the coffees last night, so it's only fair." If he paid, I reasoned with myself, it would feel too much like a date.

"That was only a few coffees, Bella; it's hardly a fair exchange."

"Well, it's your birthday, so it's my treat and I'm paying."

"I'll agree on one condition." When I raised my eyebrows questioningly, he grinned. "It'll be my treat tonight. Deal?"

I shook my head at his bargaining, but agreed and slid my jacket back on. We walked back to the bike, and I managed to fasten the buckle on my helmet before climbing onto the back and settling onto the seat. With my arms around his waist again, we were off along the road, heading away from Long Beach. The longer I remained wrapped around Edward, the more comfortable I became, although the hum between us never diminished. I did wonder if he felt it, too.

The heat of the day had increased while we ate breakfast, and I was glad I'd worn shorts, although if something happened and I came off the bike, I was sure I'd be regretting it. Huntington Beach was next along the road, with the sand edging the ocean and stretching for miles. I could see what seemed like hundreds of people out in the surf. It looked like fun, but I wasn't sure if it was anything I'd ever try.

We continued past Newport Beach for about forty minutes until Edward pulled into a parking lot above another beach, with a sign telling me it was Laguna Beach. Leaning the bike onto its kickstand, he unbuckled his helmet and stepped off, holding out his hand to me as he did, helping me to climb down then to take my helmet off, too.

"I thought you might like to stretch your legs and have a cool drink. We have around another thirty to forty minutes to go to San Clemente unless you'd like to stay here. I'm happy either way."

I draped my jacket over the seat of the bike, and we wandered over to a beach vendor and grabbed a couple of bottles of water before finding a seat on a bench overlooking the ocean. Lifting my face to the sun, I leaned back and sighed, breathing in the smell of the sea, the warm sand, and the scent of suntan lotion. Children's voices filled the air, and I couldn't help thinking how much Connor would love it here. I wouldn't be able to get him out of the water.

"It's really beautiful here, isn't it?"

"Yes, almost as nice as the beaches close to where I used to live."

"You said you lived in San Francisco last night. Do you still live there?"

He shrugged. "For now, I don't really have a permanent address. When my girlfriend and I broke up, I moved out of her apartment."

"Where are you staying now, then?"

"With friends, for now. I haven't found an apartment I both like and can afford. I was toying with the idea of buying a condo, but I have a job offer from the same hospital where I completed my residency. I wanted a year of practical experience before deciding whether to apply for a fellowship. Renting or buying is dependent on whether I take the job or look elsewhere. I love the whole baby thing, you know, right from conception to birth, but I have yet to decide on any specialization." He stopped to take a long drink of water. "What do you do in Washington? Where do you live?"

"I live in a small town close to Seattle and work in real estate. It can be interesting, but mostly it's just hard work. I always wanted to go to college, but it wasn't in the cards at the time." I shrugged, knowing he'd ask the question. "Family reasons got in the way."

"That's a shame. Would you ever want to do the college thing now? What would you study?"

"I don't know. Originally, it was English Literature, but having been out in the world of work, I have no idea what I'd do with it, even if I wanted to pursue it. I'm not sure I want to; I really like my job."

"You could teach? Or there's journalism or publishing. I'm sure you could find something."

"Strangely enough, I like what I do, but what I've found is that I have an interest in interior design, so if I ever had the opportunity, that's what I'd like to study. Maybe one day."

We let the comfortable silence grow between us until we'd finished our water.

"Are you okay if we stay here, Edward? It's so nice, and I'd like a swim. How about you?"

"I agree; that water looks really inviting. If you can grab another couple of bottles of water and maybe a sandwich, I'll move the bike into the shade. Okay?"

I agreed, and while I paid for the water and chose a couple of sandwiches and some chips, Edward moved the bike into a shady parking spot. I followed him and waited while he locked the helmets to the handlebars. There were so many beach names that there was no way to decide which one to visit, so when our jackets were tucked inside backpacks we made our way down the closest set of steps and onto the sand. The first one was busy, so we decided to take a short walk along it until we found a less busy one. The sand was soft and hot, and I was glad I'd worn my Chucks.

Our arms brushed against each other as we walked along, and I could practically feel the vibration of his need to take my hand. Eventually, after stumbling a few times, he gave in and slid his palm into mine, gripping it tight to make sure I didn't faceplant into the sand. I liked the feel of his hand in mine more than I cared to admit, and I relaxed. The smile on his face told me grabbing his hand was the right move.

A fifteen-minute walk found us on a stretch of sand that didn't have too many families, and we managed to find a vacant beach umbrella and spread our towels directly on the sand underneath.

I let go of his hand reluctantly, swallowing, and turning away when Edward stripped off his T-shirt, in case he noticed me drooling. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him take suntan lotion from his backpack and cover his legs, arms, and torso. In the meantime, I took a deep breath and slipped out of my T-shirt and shorts, following suit with my suntan lotion.

"Can you put some lotion on my back, and then, if you like, I'll do yours?" Edward's voice was husky, and a slight shiver ran through me at the low sound.

I nodded, unable to speak for a minute, and took the lotion from his hand, trying not to ogle his body as I moved around to cover his back. His skin was smooth and warm but solid with great muscle tone, and I took my time making sure that every inch of his back was well covered. At that moment, I was very glad he couldn't see the look that I was sure was all over my face.

"All done." I cleared my throat as the sound came out as husky as his had.

I couldn't find any other words and handed him my bottle of lotion, turning my back on him so he could return the favor. I wasn't prepared for the feel of his hands on me as he rubbed the lotion into my skin from shoulder to the edge of my bikini bottoms, making sure he covered the skin under each strap of the top. He didn't mention the quiver I felt go through my muscles nor the shallow breaths I was taking, though he must have seen and felt both. When he'd finished, my knees felt as if they might buckle, and I knelt on my towel quickly before they had a chance to give way.

Pulling my iPod from my backpack, I folded my jacket until it formed a small pillow and lay with my head in the shade of the umbrella, placing my sunglasses over my eyes. When Edward settled himself down beside me, I offered him an earbud.

"Wanna listen? I'm warning you, it might not be to your taste."

"It's a good thing I like most music then, isn't it?" He took the bud and pushed it into his ear. "Beach Boys? Why?"

"My mom and dad played it all through the years I was growing up. I do like other music, of course, but this always makes me think of summertime."

"Mine, too—my mom, that is. Dad, not so much—he's more into classical. I like both and some of the music played in clubs, rhythm, and blues, most anything. As long as it has harmony, I'm happy to listen."

We ate the sandwiches, then for a couple of hours or so lying in the sun, Edward and I gravitated closer together until our arms brushed against each other. We took it in turns to choose songs from my iPod, sometimes humming or singing along with the music until eventually, the heat became a little too much.

"Come on," I said, nudging Edward, who was lying with his eyes closed. "I'm melting here; let's go for a swim. I'll race you."

I was on my feet and running for the ocean before he'd managed to get to his feet, but I could hear his feet hit the sand as he gained on me. I shrieked with laughter as he lifted me and threw me over his shoulder, still racing for the water.

"Nooo, Edward, stop!" I yelled as he reached the edge and kept going into deeper water. "Don't you dare drop me?" I threatened.

Lucky for him, he stopped when he was waist-deep and lowered me carefully into the water, laughing at my slight outrage. "I wouldn't do that to you, Bella. You can trust me." He grinned, then dived under the water, surfacing about twenty feet from me.

"Very impressive," I called out just as he disappeared under again.

When he didn't appear right away, I swiveled around, looking at the surface, trying to see where he'd gone. Something brushed past my leg, and even though my logical mind said it was him, I still let out a shriek. He surfaced right beside me, laughing and shaking his head and spraying me with water.

I lay back, floating on the surface, loving the feel of the water washing over me and cooling my heated skin, while Edward swam and dove under and around me. Half an hour later, I'd had enough, since every time I stood, the waves threatened to make me face plant. I wasn't usually that clumsy, but not being able to see the bottom severely hampered my ability to stay upright.

Turning to tell Edward I was heading back, I stepped on a sharp rock and stumbled. I found myself doing exactly what I'd hoped to avoid, and sank under the water. Eventually, I managed to get to my feet, coughing, spluttering, and spitting out salty water. Instantly, Edward was at my side.

"Bella, are you okay?"

He obviously wasn't expecting an answer, not that I could have given him one at that moment. Not waiting for me to get my breath back, he swept his arms under my knees and waist and lifted me right out of the water. Grabbing him around his neck, I buried my face against his warm skin, trying not to throw up.

Edward grabbed a fresh bottle of water and put it against my lips. "Take small sips, Bella. It'll clear that saltwater out of your mouth and you'll feel less like throwing up."

He reached inside his backpack and pulled out a small towel, gently brushing my hair back off my face. Wrapping the ends, he squeezed some of the water out before standing, shaking the sand off his towel and wrapping it around my shoulders.

"You okay?" he asked anxiously.

"Yeah, apart from the terminal embarrassment, I'm fine now, thank you."

"What happened?"

"I put my foot down on a sharp rock, I think, and it made me stumble." I bent my leg at the knee, resting my foot on my thigh to inspect it. "It doesn't look too bad, just a small cut on my heel."

Edward moved around and sat in front of me, pulling my foot into his lap. "Pass me my bag, please. I have a small first aid kit in the front zipper pocket." He used the edge of his T-shirt to brush the sand off the bottom of my foot. "It's pretty small, but I'll put some antiseptic cream on it and a band-aid to keep it clean. It should be fine. I was worried in case you'd stepped on a stray sea urchin."

"Don't worry, Edward, it'll be fine. I've had worse. My clumsiness is legendary and strikes again. There are times I can trip over thin air. At least this time it was something physical."

"And yet, you can walk in those heels without a problem other than aching feet. I have no idea why women would want to wear something that causes them pain." I tried to pull my foot from his hands, but he held it in his lap. "Let me do this for you, Bella, please?"

At the slight pout on his face, I gave in and answered him. "Alice tortured me until I learned to walk in them. Chucks are my footwear of choice, but once I'd mastered high heels, she pretty much left me alone.

"Are you going to be okay for dinner tonight? It's my last night here, and I'd hate not being able to take you out."

"I'll be fine, Edward, even if I have to wear my Chucks."

He finished cleaning up and added a band-aid to my heel, helping me slip on my Chucks without dislodging it and steadying me as I stood.

"I'm just going to get changed, okay?"

I made my way over toward the restroom, and already my foot felt better now it was protected. I stripped off my bikini and used my T-shirt to brush off the remaining sand and finish drying my skin, before re-dressing. Making my way over to where Edward was waiting, I noticed he had changed into dry shorts and put his T-shirt back on.

"You ready?"

He took my arm and I hobbled back to the bike, donning my helmet and jacket then settling myself behind Edward. He took off at a slightly faster speed than on our way here, and I was grateful for my jacket as the breeze from our passage picked up. An hour later, he pulled up outside the hotel and helped me off the back.

"So, I'm going to deliver the bike back to the rental place and get a shower. Are you sure you're okay for dinner tonight?"

"Of course I am. I don't want to miss it either; I'm looking forward to it. What time do you want to pick me up?"

"About an hour and a half? Is that enough time for you?"

I checked the time, then stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "I really enjoyed this afternoon, Edward, and I'll see you around seven."

The automatic doors slid open as I approached them, and I turned to wave as he drove off, looking forward to spending a few more hours in his company.

~ oOo ~