15

5:21 a.m.

"Edward."

Her voice is breathless, and I know I've well and truly stunned her. Her hair is damp, she's wearing a baggy shirt from the University of Arizona, all her makeup has been wiped off her face.

She looks fucking perfect.

"I'm sorry," I croak, realizing what a dumbass idea this was. "I shouldn't have just barged over here. It's so fucking late… well… early I guess," I say glancing at the windows behind her.

Bella still hasn't moved from where she's standing.

"But while I'm here, do you mind if I come in?"

She blinks, but then steps aside quickly, motioning for me to come in. I head inside and she slowly closes the door.

"Here's the thing," I say, not looking at her. It's easier to talk when I'm not distracted by watching her. "I don't know your dad. I barely know him by reputation. He doesn't even come close to my world yet." I start pacing, unable to look at her quite yet. "I don't know if he's the type to try to destroy my career just because I have the good taste to be interested in you, but," I stop, finally turning to her. "I don't care."

I see her eyes widen in surprise and I push to continue. "I swore an oath to protect, to serve, to uphold the law and justice. Me being into you doesn't violate any of those principles I hold above all else, so what the fuck else is there to stop this from happening?"

I take a minute to look at her, really look at her. She's utterly impossible to read.

"Bella, I've had more fun tonight with you than I've had in the last three relationships I've been in combined," I tell her. "I can't just let that go, not without knowing if there is more here."

"My dad," she says slowly. I shake my head.

"I honestly don't give a fuck right now about your dad. Maybe I should, maybe I should be worried about my boss not wanting me to get involved with his daughter, but I don't care." I step toward her.

"You don't want to use him to fast-track your career?" she asks, one eyebrow tugging up. I let out a breath.

"I wouldn't use you like that," I tell her honestly. "And I happen to believe the path I'm on is just right."

I take a step toward her. "What do you say, Bella? Will you take a leap with me?"

I watch her swallow, then let out a small breath. "I don't date cops," she says quietly. I smile a little.

"I don't sing karaoke."

She can't help smiling at that, and then in the next moment, she's launching herself toward me, barreling into my chest. My arms wrap around her, pulling her close to me as our lips find each other. She's minty now, but the scent of coconut has only increased from her damp hair.

I can't get enough of it.

We stumble to her sofa, falling down on top of it, and she quickly climbs into my lap, her lips finding mine again. My hands land on her hips as she settles over my lap, and I can't help running my fingers over the sliver of flesh where her shirt is riding up on her back.

She moans into my mouth, breaking the kiss. "I think you promised me a ride," she says, her body rolling over mine. I groan, my fingers digging into her hips.

"Yeah," I choke. "I fucking did."

She giggles and leans down to kiss me again, her hands capturing my jaw.

"Buckle Up, Officer," she whispers against my lips. "This is going to be one hell of a ride."