Thank you all so much for the feedback! I enjoy reading your theories and thoughts on the story. Keep them coming.

Time to meet Jake. =)

Bella clung to him throughout the ride to the garage, only pointing the direction he should take, or tapping his left or right arm. Edward liked her small, warm body pressed against his back.

He'd never ridden the bike with anyone else, and it was an experience. Jasper had been right in telling him that nothing compared to the feeling of a woman's body wrapped around him, clutching to him, trusting him not to crash.

In that moment, Edward realized how blindly Bella trusted him. Bikes were her greatest fear, from what he'd gathered. Yet, she'd hopped on his bike without much prodding on his part.

In front of the garage, he parked near the door. Bella unfolded her body from around him, taking the helmet off, and then she unceremoniously puked in the bushes to their left.

"Fuck." Edward got off the bike, taking his helmet off and hanging it by the handle. "Bella?" He went to her side, holding the stray strands of hair from her face.

"It's my fault," she whimpered.

"Did I go too fast?"

"It's not you. It's me," she snorted, standing up.

Edward offered her a paper tissue.

"I forgot my purse in the car."

"Don't worry, it won't be stolen. Come on." He wrapped an arm around her small body, leading her to the door.

The bell jingled, alerting her friend of their presence.

"Whoa, Bella! I wasn't expect…" Jake stopped short, staring at Edward. He didn't seem to notice his friend wasn't well.

"Maybe some water for Bella?" Edward snapped.

"I'm fine. Adrenaline rush," she mumbled. She accepted the bottle of water from her friend. "So, Jake… This is Edward. Can you check his bike?"

Edward stepped forward, hand outstretched. "Edward Cullen. I haven't used it in about three years, I think. It's still working."

"Or we wouldn't have made it here." Bella rolled her eyes.

"Jacob Black. Bikes' doctor," Jake introduced himself, turning to Bella. "What did you just say?"

"I guess it's time I get over my fear of bikes. You know I love them."

"You rode a stranger's bike?" Jacob roared, taking a step closer to her, invading her space.

Couldn't the douchebag see she wasn't well? Couldn't he tell her how proud he was of her for confronting her fears? What a lousy friend.

"This way," Edward demanded, already heading to the door.

"This isn't over, Bells."

"Stop acting like my father! Or worse, my controlling boyfriend. You're neither!" she shouted.

"That! That's your problem," Jacob snapped. "You don't care about yourself. It'd kill me if something happened to you. You swore off bikes when it nearly killed you!"

"I didn't ride it. Edward did. I was safe. Lay off my back, Jake!"

"I think it's wise if you listen to her," Edward said slowly, trying to keep his temper in check. He'd give anything to punch that idiot in the face.

During Jacob's examination of his bike, the tension could be cut with a knife. Jacob worked on changing the oil and making sure the brakes worked well, before telling Edward it was in better condition than many bikes not used for so long.

After paying the tab, Edward couldn't wait to get out of there. Bella made him wait outside, because she had to talk in private with her friend.

When she finally joined him, her eyes were red-rimmed. Edward felt a surge of anger, but he decided to deal with Jacob another time. Bella was strapping on her helmet, ready to climb behind him.

Her eyes met his. "I know you drove with precaution on the way here. Now that you know the bike is in great shape, please feel free to push it to the limit."

Edward frowned, not liking the destructive instinct Bella had in her. She'd cope with her problems much better if he could assist with her deepest desires, which she was absolutely unaware of.

He'd have to talk to Jasper about the best way to approach this subject with her. Bella didn't strike him as the kind of girl to be understanding of his lifestyle. He'd need to readjust and possibly forget some of his rules if he wanted her in his life.

He took the long way back home, enjoying the adrenaline rush of riding his bike again. Bella's arms loosened their grip at some point, but he was extra aware of her body pressed tightly against his.

At a large U-turn in the road leading to his house, Bella's hands grabbed the hem of his jacket. Her hands were so close to his groin, and Edward understood for the first time what Jasper kept complaining about. Riding the bike with wood was the worst experience ever.

At home, he found Felix's car was parked in front of the garage, since his usual spot was taken by Bella's car. But what worried Edward was Emmett's familiar Jeep right behind Bella's Nova.

Bella climbed down, taking the helmet off. She swayed a little, and Edward was quick to grab her elbow.

"Do you feel faint?" he asked, worried.

The color was draining rapidly from her cheeks.

"I'm dizzy," she admitted in a small voice. "There are two of you."

Edward climbed down, kicking the stand. He placed the helmets on the seat, and then he wrapped an arm around Bella's shoulder.

"Come inside. You need some sugar in your system."

Halfway to the front door, which was only a few feet away, Bella's body leaned into his.

"I'm going to faint."

"Now?" he asked incredulously. But his reflexes were quick to catch her before she hit the gravel.

Fucking shit.

Edward elbowed the door open, seeing Emmett and Tanya in the kitchen. They looked up in time to see him carrying Bella to the sitting room.

Edward placed her on the large L-shaped couch, stroking her hair out of her eyes. She blinked a little, a weak moan escaping her lips.

He turned to tell Tanya to bring a glass of soda, but she was already behind him with a bottle of cola. He tried to smile in thanks, knowing the inquisition was waiting for when they'd be alone.

Uncapping the bottle, he handed it to Bella, who was sitting up, looking around with curious brown eyes.

"Try to drink. Small sips," he instructed.

She turned her eyes to his, holding his gaze, as she sipped from the bottle. "I'm sorry," she mumbled.

The color was returning to her cheeks, which was a good sign.

"Do you usually faint in men's arms?" he teased, taking the bottle and placing it on the coffee table.

"It was the ride, and you know it." Her voice was still lifeless, which proved to Edward she wasn't well yet.

"What's going on here?" Emmett demanded, probably losing patience with being blatantly ignored.

Bella choked on her spit, looking at him in shock.

Edward stood up, turning to face him, blocking his view of Bella. "I wasn't aware you were scheduled today."

He huffed, rolling his eyes. "Like I have to schedule a visit. We're practically family." He walked closer, sitting close to Bella. "You didn't answer. Why is Bella here?"

"I think you shouldn't crowd her. She just fainted earlier," Edward snapped.

"We bumped into each other earlier on the beach. I offered to take him to a bike mechanic," Bella supplied.

"Oh, right." Emmett's excited eyes met Edward's. "Bro, she knows bikes. There was a gang in the bar a couple of years ago, arguing about what could be wrong with one of their rides. And Bella places their drinks in front of them and then tells them that it sounded like the chain was poorly lubricated. She delved into this mind-blowing explanation of how it could snap if they didn't keep it lubricated."

Edward noticed Bella's face turning an unhealthy shade of red.

"Yeah, so?" she huffed. "You're related?" she finally asked, after tearing her glaring eyes off Emmett.

"Soon, Mr. Broody here will become my brother-in-law."

Edward clenched his jaw. This was not how he expected to spend his day. "Why are you here?" he repeated.

"You told Rosie we'd meet and go tux shopping." Emmett's blue eyes found his. "I hope you weren't lying to placate her."

"I told her that I have a variety of suits and tuxes. I don't need a new one." Edward sat on Bella's other side. "I was under the impression you already had yours."

"I do," Emmett nodded, a frown appearing between his brows as he stared at them.

Edward's eyes cut to the front door, and then they narrowed at the oaf.

"I guess I'll see you later at dinner?" He got up, taking the hint that he was unwelcome.

"Yes."

"What should I tell Rosie?" he asked, hovering in the entryway.

"If you don't have the balls to tell her the truth, I guess you're not ready to commit yourself to her forever," Edward muttered. His relationship with his sister had always been difficult, but he loved her, even as tenacious as she could be. Emmett was the only guy she had brought home that Edward had accepted for her. Emmett could be childish at times, but they were a good match, balancing each other.

"Not the tough little brother act again," Emmett complained, making Edward stride to his side.

"Just get out, Emmett. I'm busy."

Emmett's eyes shot behind Edward's shoulder, and then they fixed on his face. "Dude, I've known Bella for over three years. She doesn't date, and she's not interested in anyone."

"Let me be the judge of that."

Emmett turned to leave, but he stopped at the door with his hand on the knob. "Isn't it too soon?"

"Get. OUT!" Edward shouted, making Emmett's eyes widen as he disappeared.

Edward resisted the urge to smash his hand through the door again. He noticed the glass had been replaced. Felix had taken care of it, most likely.

When he spun on his heels to return to Bella, he found her right behind him. "Shit." He took a step back.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

"Don't worry about it. How are you feeling?"

"Much better. Really, I'm sorry…I made you fight with your friend. I thought I was ready to ride a bike again, but I guess…" Her chin was tucked in her chest, as she spoke in a small voice.

Edward walked closer, placing a finger under her chin, tilting her head up. Her brown eyes were wet. The internal struggle was visible in the melted chocolate.

"Have you ever thought about giving up control? Forgetting about your troubles?" He kept his voice low and soft.

She gasped, taking a step back. "I'm not that depressed to commit suicide."

Edward tried not to snort in amusement. "That's not what I meant."

"Then, what did you mean?" Her voice was small still.

"Think about it. Let me know." He rubbed her cheek with his thumb.

"I should go. Harley's been alone for too long."

Edward allowed her to go, knowing her dog being alone was the worst excuse she could come up with. He walked her to the car.

"Think you can drive?"

"Yeah. I'm okay. Thank you." She didn't meet his eyes.

"Thank you," he insisted. "For reminding me I have another option besides having to suffer during car rides every day."

A small smile spread on her lips. "I missed riding on a bike," she admitted.

"When you feel adventurous again, I'll be here to take you for another ride."

Her blush spread down her neck. "Bye, Edward." She ducked inside her car.

Edward noticed how her hands gripped the steering wheel, and he smirked, knowing how he affected her. Still, he was amazed that not a part of him was upset over her addressing him by his name.

It's in the way she says your name, the nuances…that's when you know she's the one.

Edward thought of Jasper's advice from long ago.

With Angela, it had been hard for him to accept her calling him by his name, and she didn't do it often, knowing it upset him.

With Bella, it felt as easy as breathing.

Edward stood in the driveway, watching as she drove away, and he hoped it wasn't the last time he'd see her. Before he'd see Jasper and ask for his advice, he had to endure dinner at his parents' house.

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