Hello, my darlings!

This is the last chapter I've had prewritten, so lets hope my muse comes back to me quickly! I have been in a little bit of a rut lately.

This chapter is inspired by a book I really love called Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen. There is a particular scene where Edward and Bella blend the cider that is heavily influenced by the book. So, big disclaimer there! Sarina Bowen is the mastermind, but I must say; this chapter was a blast to write.

I, personally, have never made hard cider in my life, but I hope the Youtube clips I've watched and the book mentioned, is at least somewhat accurate.

I hope you all enjoy it!

Chapter 7

"Why don't we do a little day drinking?
Don't wanna wait 'til the sun's sinking
We could be feeling all right
I know you know what I'm thinking
Why don't we do a little day drinking?"

Little Big Town

It doesn't take long for me to realize that the room we've just entered must be where Edward spends most of his time. It's small compared to the other rooms we've just visited, and quite cramped filled with all kinds of stuff like complex chemist sets, containers, books, drawings… the works. At the same time, there's a warmth to it that makes me feel right at home. Edward looks a little nervous as he shows me around the room, and I get the feeling that he doesn't allow a lot of people back here. I try not to read too much into it, but the thought does make my heart skip with joy. Instead, I do my best to focus on the complex explanation he's speeding through, going deep into the scientific process he has to go through to predetermine how a particular type of apple will taste after using a variety of different fermentation techniques. It's clear that this is where the chemist in him really gets to come out and play.

A small giggle falls from my mouth before I can stop it. I should probably let Edward in on the fact that I almost failed chemistry back in high school and that I really have no clue as to what he's saying right now. The sound of my laughter makes him pause, and I can actually see how his brain clicks the pieces together. His cheeks flush ever so slightly, and he sends me an almost bashful look.

"I'm sorry. Sometimes I forget that not everyone is as into this as I am."

I stifle another laugh, enjoying the fact that the tables have turned for once.

"It's fine, just don't throw a pop quiz at me and we'll be fine."

He raises his palms up in front of him in mock surrender, his lips twitching with humor. I love how light and effortless things are between us, but I also feel as though I'm simply waiting for the shoe to drop.

"How about we put those taste buds of yours to the test?" he asks, motioning to the long table filled with a wide variety of empty bottles.

We both walk over to it, standing side by side as he goes through the different versions.

"So, these are the cider bases I've selected to experiment with. I want to enter two different ciders into the competition, one that's lighter and softer on the palette and one that's downright funky."

I smile at his description.

"Using different techniques, I've infused some of them with a range of different fruit and quite a few spices, so we have a lot to play with here. But I've sorted them into two categories."

He points to one side.

"Happy and bright."

Then to the other.

"Darker and honestly a little on the wild side."

He pours a small mouthful of each into a few plastic cups and lines them up, setting the sturdier wine glass we both drank from on the table.

"I should probably spit if we're going to go at this for a while," I say as he passes me the first taste test from group of lighter ciders.

He shrugs.

"I'm not going to let you drive home in that deathtrap of yours anyway, so you really don't have to worry."

I lift the cup to my nose, enjoying the fruity and citrusy hints I get from it, before I turn to face him.

"Edward," I begin, to which he simply responds by shooting his eyes to the ceiling before flickering them back to mine.

"I've tasted every single one of these about a hundred times, so I'll spit. I'm driving you home tonight, Bella, and that's final. Benjamin, a guy that works here, is a great mechanic, and I can have him take a look at Wanda when he finishes up later."

The determined and almost commanding tinge in his tone sends a shiver down my spine and I find myself nodding in agreement before I've really had a chance to think about what he's saying. Setting the cup back on the table, I turn to face him, surprised to find that he's taken yet another step closer, towering over me with a look that's practically daring me to speak against him.

Jesus.

I feel my mouth run dry as my eyes automatically drop down to his plumb, pink lips. A vivid memory of those exact lips brushing against mine crashes through my mind and immediately my entire body lights up with an acute longing that makes that special spot inside of me quiver.

My fingers running through the silky strands of his hair as his large hand moves to cup my breast. The feel of him moving against the very place where I want him the most. That muffled groan, causing vibrations between our hungry lips as he-.

The sound of my sudden intake of breath is enough to pull me from my inappropriate train of thought. Edward's jade eyes hold the question that I really don't feel like answering, so I do what I can to distract him instead.

"We need something to cleanse the palette," I blurt out, taking a step away from him as I try to hide my burning cheeks.

"I uh, brought a few things for us to snack on including the cheese. I'll just go-," I stammer, rushing out the door to locate the box he left in the front of the building when we arrived earlier.

Too caught up in the chaos of my own head, I don't notice that he's followed me until I make a move to pick up the box. When his long fingers wrap around my elbow, I jump, taken completely off guard by his proximity.

Dear Lord, I need to get a handle on myself.

"I'll get this, if you grab those three bottles on the bar. They're the best-sellers I figured we'd try to match your cheeses with."

The heat of his hand on my arm does nothing to wash away the burning wave of desire that's still sizzling inside of me. Instead of answering, I do as I'm told, filling a glass with ice cubes I find behind the bar as well.

I need to cool down. ASAP.

Grabbing the bottles from the bar, I follow Edward's retreating back as he leads the way back to his "lab".

§§§

Edward managed to find an extra table for me to set up the impromptu lunch that I packed for us. The loaf of white bread and the small variety of crackers will work well to break through the strong-tasting cider and the salty cheese and Parma ham will give a nice variation. When Edward spots a bag of my best-selling apple cider donuts, he lets out a deep moan and immediately pulls one out and practically devours it in two enormous bites. I have to force myself not to make a move to wipe away the remaining sugar I see lingering around his mouth. Instead, I focus my attention on cutting the bread into bite size pieces, before once again grabbing the first glass he handed me.

As expected, there's a slight tartness to it, lemon, or maybe lime perhaps. The cider has a lightness to it that probably appeals to most, but it isn't really contest material on its own. I use my sense of smell to guide me to a fruitier and sweeter one that might mix well. Taking a small sip, I feel my taste buds come alive with a much richer flavor. Cardamom and honey and a hint of…

"Guava?"

Edward's eyes widen with surprise at my seemingly wild guess, but he quickly nods, confirming my suspicion.

"Damn, you're good."

Taking the more durable wine glass, I pour a splash of each of the two ciders and mix it together by swirling it around carefully. The smell is much more intense now, each complimenting one another. Then I take a small sip, making a little slurping noise that I learned in a wine tasting class I took when I lived in Paris to maximize the taste.

"Mmm," I say, reacting to the new taste, handing the glass over to Edward for him to try.

The affirming nod and wide grin, makes me feel giddy with pride.

"Ok, let's play around with the quantities," he suggests, after having spit out the liquid in a small container.

He grabs a notepad, and together we try to come up with the best combination for the lighter of his two cider entries. Needing a small break, we eat a little and switch gears. Trying to find the perfect match between his already perfectly blended ciders and the different cheeses I've brought with me.

"Oh, how about this one?" I exclaim, cutting a piece of the Aged Goat Gouda I've had aging up until a few days ago.

The butterscotch and bourbon flavor are perfect with his slightly darker cider. Seeing that Edward's hands are busy as he carries back the rinsed measuring cups we've just used, I unthinkingly lift the piece of cheese to his mouth. When his lips instantly close around my fingers, drawing them into his hot mouth for the barest hint of a second, I feel a zing of electricity shoot through me. Frozen in place, all I can do is watch as he slowly chews, his intense eyes holding mine in a way that makes my heart race. After a while, nods his head, placing the measuring cups on the table as he lifts the glass of cider to his lips. His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows, keeping eye contact with me the entire time.

"Mmm, yeah, that works really well," the roughness in his voice stirs up that pool of heat building between my legs.

I blink, but don't move and neither does he. Holding my gaze, he studies my face carefully as though he's trying to solve an impossible puzzle. Our strange connection only lasts for another second before he eventually moves away. Giving us both some much needed space.

"I have this Christmas Cider that I figure we could try selling with some of those caramels you guys have."

He busies himself with getting everything ready for our second blending attempt. I move over to the cheese platter and take a bite of the creamy brie to wash away some of the strong flavored Gouda.

"We've been thinking about making some Christmas products ourselves, so that could definitely work," I quickly agree.

A slightly uncomfortable silence builds between us for the first time since I arrived and with it my nerves begin to bubble up inside of me, causing jitters through my entire body. Bouncing lightly on my toes, I fidget for a moment before making my way to see if Edward is ready to get started. He is.

"Ready for some funkier flavors?" he asks, raising his eyebrow expectantly.

A powerful wave of relief crashes over me at his light tone. Perhaps I'd only imagined the subtle change between us.

"Yes!" I reply with enthusiasm.

Edward chuckles and pours a small amount into a plastic cup. I can see from the darker color that this will be different. The moment the aroma hits my nose, I feel my eyes widen with surprise.

"Told you it was funky."

His raspy chuckle deepens at my reaction, but he continues with his task, pouring a small amount of each bottle and lining them up for me to test before we start the blending process. I take another whiff, once again surprised by the muskiness that none of the lighter blends had. In a strange way it reminds me of old books. Drawing a sip to my mouth, I feel my taste buds go wild at the complex flavor.

"Wow! This has a pretty bitter taste to it," I tell him, unable to stop myself from smelling it one more time.

"But I like it. There's a real… age to it, I guess. Like old books in liquid form."

He smiles.

"Yeah. To me this is cider, something old and raw. That makes you want to go back for more because you can't really get a grip on the taste, you know?"

I nod. It's exactly how I feel.

"Let's put that one to the side and come back to it. I want to introduce you to one of the big guns," he hands me the last cup he poured.

Guess we're skipping all the way to the end.

"Now this one might have you singing Uptown Funk in no time. I kind of went mad scientist on it and the result is pretty out there."

He pours himself a cup as well and we both take a moment to analyze it.

"Whew!" I exclaim, the moment I get a whiff of it.

Edward wasn't kidding. The aroma alone could open your sinuses.

Examining it further I realize that the smell is unlike any of the other ciders I've encountered, but in a strange way it feels oddly familiar and alluring. The aroma is incredibly potent with a rich and musky scent. It reminds me of something, but I don't know what.

Edward is already taking a sip, rolling the cider around on his tongue before he closes his eyes and swallows. Was there tasting room porn out there on the internet somewhere? If not, there should be. Once again, a rush of desire spreads through me, reminding me of molten honey as it moves slowly, devouring everything in its path.

Christ.

Closing my eyes, I tilt my cup back and take a sip. Although the smell is quite overpowering, I'm pleased to find that the taste is both sweet and surprisingly fruity.

"What do you think?" he gently demands, much more interested in my opinion of this particular bottle than he has been with any of the other ones.

"Is it too much? I know the muskiness is perhaps a little more than what people are used to."

"No, I like it," I murmur, bringing the glass back to my nose for yet another whiff.

It's heady and thrilling. I take another small sip. Dangerous. Passio-.

Suddenly something in my mind clicks and I realize what it reminds me of. Immediately my cheeks begin to burn and a laugh of disbelief bursts from my lips.

"What?"

His clueless reaction sends me into a fit of giggles and he's forced to wait until I'm eventually able to get a hold of myself. Wiping a few tears from my eyes, I conjure up as much confidence as I can so that I'll be able to give him my analysis.

"You won't like my tasting notes on this one."

His look of surprise almost sends me into yet another round of giggles, but I'm able to keep it at bay.

"Why? Do you hate it?"

"No, but you'll probably think I've lost my mind after this."

He frowns, clearly confused.

"The taste is really pleasant, and it flows nicely on the tongue, the aroma though, that is what's really interesting."

"I agree with you! I almost threw this out when I first unbottled it, but there's something about it that makes me keep coming back."

I have to bite the inside of my cheek hard to keep from losing it again.

"Sex," I blurt out. "It smells like sex."

Edward's expression is one that I'll never forget. It moves from complete shock, to doubt, to (after having smelled the cider once more) total agreement and awe.

"Holy Fuck, I've bottled-," he stops, his mouth twitching with humor as he continues. "Well, for lack of a better word: fucking."

I'm unable to hold back any longer and soon Edward joins me, both of us laughing at our strange discovery.

"God, I guess this one is a no go," he says after a while, moving to cork the bottle.

I immediately reach out to stay his hand.

"Are you kidding me?!"

The quizzical expression on his face proves that he has no idea what a goldmine he's holding.

"Edward, you've somehow managed to bottle sex in liquid form. Every single person on earth is bound to be drawn to that, even if they won't have any clue as to why," I pause. "The judges aren't going to know what hit them. You have to enter, this one, Edward."

I'm surprised by his lack of enthusiasm, but try not to let it drag me down.

"How about we work on it and see if we can blend it down and soften it a little?" I suggest, picking up the other cups and lift them one by one to my nose.

After a moment of hesitation, Edward joins me. Jotting down a few notes in his notepad as we both work together to create the perfect blend.

§§§

"Now that's a contender!" Edward declares, looking over his notes.

The substantial amounts of cider I've ingested has loosened my tongue and the reply that drops out of my mouth is usually one I'd never consider saying out loud.

"I agree. We've moved it from the nitty and gritty to something resembling more of a summertime nooner."

Edward barks out a laugh, and before my embarrassment has a chance to completely take over, he joins me with an inappropriate comment of his own.

"From an against-the-wall banging to more of a romantic tryst."

I'm unable to hold back a snicker at the dead serious expression on his face.

"It's more sophisticated and refined like that."

This time I'm unable to hold back my laughter and it's clear that he's in the same boat. The joy I feel of being able to be with him like this, is more intoxicating than any alcoholic beverage and I never want it to stop. We're both laughing like a pair of maniacs when a serious looking Alice suddenly walks through the door.

"I'd ask, but I'm not sure I'd like to know the answer," she begins, raising an eyebrow to her brother.

Edward doesn't allow his sister's sudden presence to ruin his good mood, but his free laughter does reduce to a slight chuckle.

"Then don't ask," he sends me a wink and I feel my heart swell.

It's like this experience has miraculously managed to break down a few walls and create a bond between us that I never imagined could be possible. Jasper would be proud.

"Now what can I do for you, sister dear?" Edward asks, releasing a tired sigh.

The tone in his voice gives me the impression that he already knows exactly what she's here for. Alice's grey-green eyes flicker briefly to mine, before narrowing them at her brother.

"I'm here to ask you once again to reconsider."

"Alice!" Edward begins, but his sister doesn't let him continue.

"I've compiled a list of all the people who would benefit from this, brother, and I've taken it upon myself to move a few things around when it comes to the work schedule to prove to you that we really can do this."

His entire body grows tight with tension and that heaviness he usually carries around with him returns in tenfold.

"Alice-," she interrupts him again.

"Edward, we are talking about one weekend. They'd come up here on Friday evening, do the shoot on Saturday and then leave."

"So, you're basically saying that we'd have less than a week to plan," he pauses, sending her a hard look.

"A wedding, Alice."

She responds by placing both hands on her hips – a difficult feat with the pile of papers she's holding in her right hand.

"I've already been talking to a bunch of local businesses both here and in Port Angeles and even a few in Seattle. Edward, everyone is jumping at this opportunity. I've even gotten a high-end bridal shop to help out with the outfits."

Edward sighs and looks up at the ceiling.

"I even contacted a modelling agency and I've found the perfect bride and groom, Edward-," her voice trails off, her tone at the brink of desperation.

"We can do this."

Silence builds for a moment and I wonder for a moment if I should try to sneak out and give them some privacy.

"Alice, Dad never had to ask for help like this. What if this blows up in our faces? My reputation in the farming community is already-."

Alice's eyes soften and she takes a step towards her brother.

"You know as well as I do that Daddy was the first person to help others and when he needed something he didn't even have to ask," she pauses. "I know this is a big ask for you and I know you're nervous about stepping too far out of Daddy's footsteps, but Edward… This could benefit the entire community."

The two siblings lock eyes for a moment, a silent discussion passing between them.

"If you can get every single person on that little list of yours to say yes and get everything ready so that it doesn't get in the way of the harvest or the rest of -."

Her shriek of excitement makes my ears hurt.

"I promise!"

Then she launches herself into her brother's arms.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Edward's lips curl into his characteristic half-smile as he welcomes his sister's embrace with open arms. The look on his face gives me the impression that this is somewhat of a rare occurrence, and that Edward would do just about anything for his baby sister.

"God, I have so much to do!" she pulls back with a joyful and excited laugh.

The moment doesn't last long, because soon they both turn towards me as if they've forgotten that they aren't alone. I don't know why, but as soon as she catches my gaze, Alice immediately moves away from her brother as though she's ashamed of the intimate moment I've just witnessed. In the next second, however, I'm distracted by a look that I recognize a little too well.

Shit.

"Oh, Bella, I'm so glad you're here," her voice is sickeningly sweet, her eyes steely and unnervingly determined.

Oh, hell.

"I need a favor."

Christ, not again.