Continuing with the RESPOST of this story until new chapters are ready!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or DWTS. Sad but true…NOW, without further ado...


EPOV

I was going to kill James. Not only for making my Bella uncomfortable and scared, but also for telling her these ridiculous lies about past relationships I've had…or not had as is actually the truth. I needed to clarify for Bella, so she didn't think the worst of me.

"Bella, please never believe a word that comes out of that obnoxious mouth of his. I've honestly had very few relationships and definitely none with my dance partners. This show has been about winning for me and not cultivating any romances." I held my breath as she studied my face and my words. Finally she spoke.

"I believe you. Thank you." Bella acknowledged. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Listen to me Bella," I started. "I know that this is new to you, but it's new for me too and I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything. I'll tell you the truth every time."

It really was the truth. I wanted her to open up to me and let me know how she was feeling or what she was thinking. In the short amount of time I've known her, or really allowed myself to get to know her if I was honest with myself, I've found her fascinating. She smiled a glorious smile.

"Okay?" I asked.

"Okay," she said with a smile. That smile was infectious.

"Okay. Now, I want us to focus on us, the dancing, and anything and everything besides James. Sound good?" I loved how the word 'us' sounded to me. It was completely foreign in my mouth, as I had never really used the term in the way I was now, but it was perfect to describe…us. We were going to be an 'us'.

"Yes." She was as eager as I was. That filled me with warmth.

I squeezed her hand gently in mine and returned my attention to the road ahead of us. I felt a bit lighter in my chest, though there was still this cloud that lingered in my thoughts. I didn't know what that bastard James was going to try next, but I knew he wouldn't give up. I tried to shake that from my thoughts and focus on the task at hand.

It seemed like no time before we were back at the rehearsal studio. I parked the Volvo out front and leapt out of the car and rushed to Bella's door before she had time to blink. When I opened her door, the look of awe and appreciation was apparent. I obviously need to treat her as a lady should be treated more often. It seems like this is new to her…and it definitely shouldn't be.

Once inside I realized how very quiet Bella had been on the remainder of our journey. As I headed to the stereo unit, I quickly looked back at her putting her bag down and she seemed uncomfortable. While her uncomfortableness in the studio wasn't new to me, since she had been uncomfortable since day one here, this seemed 'different'.

She caught me staring, and her cheeks were a beautiful pink hue.

"What are you thinking? You've been so quiet." I had to ask. I really wish I could read her mind.

"Just wondering how to do this?"

That seemed odd to me.

"This? Bella, you've been here for the last week. It isn't going to happen overnight, but I will be here to help you every step of the way."

Her eyes widened, and then she giggled and shook her head.

"No. Not the dancing…though that is true. I still don't know how to do that." She was still giggling. She looked at my confused face and continued. "No…I meant I don't know how to do this." She gesticulated to her and me.

I looked at her even more confused. I thought we had this discussion in the car. It was new to her, new to me…

"Let me explain." Oh good, she saw that I was completely lost. "I mean, you…and I…have kissed." She blushed again. "And we are seeing where…this…is going to go." She took a deep breath. "But we have to dance together and I don't know if I'm supposed to keep my feelings for you separate from my dancing relationship with you. I'm not sure what protocol dictates here."

The light bulb finally clicked in my head. I was really slow when it came to Bella. She was a breath of fresh air to me and I literally don't know how to handle that. Hmm. I walked over to her and took her hands.

"I see what you mean now," I said as I smiled gently. "Here's what I think. I think our personal relationship should be separate from our dancing partnership, for a couple reasons. One, when we're in the studio I want us to focus on dance and the show. This is about me teaching you and presenting performances for the crowds. If we don't focus on that and let our feelings become overly involved I don't think we'll get very far." I winked at her and she blushed again.

"Two," I continued. "When we leave the studio, I want it to become 'us' almost immediately. We leave work at work and when we are outside of that, we are just ourselves. Does that make sense?"

She nodded at me.

"And three, while we are here in this space or over at ABC, we will be filmed most of the time. I don't know about you, but I don't really want that much of my life on display to the public right now."

She blanched a bit. I knew being in the public eye would be hard for her. I smiled and leaned in closer to her.

"Besides, I kind of want you all to myself for as long as I can before the press and everyone else gets wind of it." I squeezed her hand and looked into her eyes.

"The press?" she asked. "Do you really think they'll care about this?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Because we are paired up on the show, they would have probably paired us together in the tabloids anyway, started rumors, etcetera. Since it's true, it might be that much more unavoidable. That being said, I don't want us to hide like we are doing something wrong. We aren't, Bella. And I don't want you to think that I'm hiding the fact that I want to see where this goes. I just don't want everyone up in our business while we figure things out."

I watched her go over everything I said in her head. She seemed to be having an internal debate with herself and I was wondering and worrying if she was talking herself out of this. She looked up at me when the 'conversation' seemed to be over and spoke.

"I understand everything you've said and I agree."

I swiftly picked her up and twirled her around in my arms. I was grateful that she understood what I was saying and asking for. I don't want to share her and I was going to be protective of her. She tightened her grip on me and I had a feeling she felt the same way. I squeezed back slightly and reveled in the feeling of her in my arms.

She looked so carefree; unlike she had back at the studios. I grimaced as I thought back to our interaction with James, but I pushed those thoughts aside as I didn't want him to ruin the moment.

I looked up into Bella's eyes as she looked down into mine and all thoughts of what I had told her about keeping 'us' separate from rehearsals flew out the window. But…we hadn't technically started rehearsal today, had we?

I lowered her down my body until I placed her feet back on the floor, but I never lost that connection to her eyes. My hand went to cradle her face and she relaxed into it. I loved that I had that effect on her like she did on me. Smiling gently at her, I leaned in. I needed to kiss her, and when she closed those gorgeous brown eyes of hers, I knew she wanted that too.

When my lips touched hers, my insides turned hot and I burned for her. I don't think I would ever get used to this feeling with her. And I didn't want to. This was intense and powerful, but full of emotion and passion. I deepened the kiss and I felt her arms wrap around my neck. I countered by wrapping my free arm around her waist and helped bring us closer to each other.

I was about to bring us up for air when an extremely loud crash at the door literally ripped us apart from each other.

"Son of a…," came a voice on the other side. "Can anyone come and get the door open for me?"

I started to laugh and Bella looked back at me.

"Is that Tyler?" she asked.

"I think so," I said as I tried to recover from the laughter, and I headed over to the door as Bella straightened herself up.

That of course released another laugh from me. She smirked and stuck out her tongue. That shut me up as I remembered the feel of her tongue on mine. Moan.

When I opened the door, Tyler was weighed down by his equipment bags. I quickly grabbed one from his hands and held the door open for him to pass though.

"Thanks man," he said. "This stuff weighs a ton, but I hate taking multiple trips to the van, you know?"

"I get it."

"Hey Bella," he called over to her. She smiled sweetly at him and gave a quick wave.

I swear I heard a soft sigh from him and while I didn't like it, I couldn't blame him for it. She makes me sigh too.

"I'm going to get this stuff set up quickly and I'll be ready to go. Sound good?" He was still partially looking at Bella as he spoke. I internally shook my head.

"That's fine. I'll set up the music and work with Bella until you're ready."

I went to the stereo and was fiddling with the settings when I felt her presence, rather than hearing her approach. I grinned knowing that we had that connection.

"So, what are we going to work on today?" she asked quietly.

I turned to face her and our bodies brushed together slightly. The electricity between us was crazy.

"Well, you still need some technical work, so I figured that would be good to start with. I don't want to go too long today…since someone said she was cooking dinner for a bunch of misfits tonight." I winked at her and she giggled.

"Oh please. Two things come fairly naturally to me: writing and cooking. Tonight will be easy," she countered.

"Well, I will be on knife duty tonight. I don't want you back in the hospital due to a bit of carelessness." I picked up her hand discreetly so Tyler wouldn't notice. "These hands are very important to me as they are a part of a super important person in my life. I would like them to remain in one piece please."

"While I appreciate your concern, I would like to point out that my last incident can be connected back to you. So, as long as you don't distract me tonight, I think I will be just fine, thank you very much."

I didn't like that she hurt herself while thinking about me, but I still am thrilled that I am on her mind. Now if only I could get her to be more careful.

"Just be careful, ok? Be safe." She nodded. "Do you want to change?" I looked her up and down and realized she was in her jeans and t-shirt…and damn, she looked good.

"Are you changing?" she asked me and it was her turn to look me up and down and I felt my chest puff up.

I had a t-shirt and jeans on as well, but I hadn't thought to bring my stuff for today. I didn't know how long our meeting at ABC was going to last and truthfully, I wasn't thinking after I got home this morning from the airport. I had plenty of time.

Alice had booked a ridiculously early flight from Port Angeles and connected through Seattle. You can't imagine how much I was hoping Bella would be on our flight…but apparently she was leaving a bit later in the morning, so I was saddled next to the energizer bunny on the flight.

Anyway, when I made it back home I was only thinking about two things: Bella and that I was getting to see her this morning. Needless to say, I didn't think to pack my dance gear.

Can I get more transparent? The only things on my mind for the last 24 hours: Bella, Bella and Bella.

"I didn't really bring my stuff, so no, I won't be changing." I winked at her and continued. "Besides, I figured that you danced this weekend so we'll take it a little easy today."

"Well, I didn't really bring dance clothes home with me, which you know, so I don't really have any with me since I came from the airport. So…unless you want me naked, no, I won't be changing." She didn't seem to realize what she said until it was too late. Her cheeks went from pink to red in a second flat.

Oh hell…her naked? Damn.

"Hey guys, I'm ready over here," Tyler called to us interrupting this new moment between Bella and I.

I nodded, grabbed the remote to the stereo and put my hand on the small of Bella's back to lead her over to the center of the floor.

"Let's begin, shall we?"

She nodded timidly and waited for my instructions.

I pulled her into my arms and we began to move.

...

I was proud of Bella. She made it through our rehearsal without falling or stepping on my foot. That didn't mean that there weren't close calls, but it still didn't happen. She seemed more focused today, but I can't necessarily say the same thing about myself.

I wasn't so great today, as I was finding any and every excuse to touch her. She seemed to enjoy it as much as I did, but she also held herself together better.

We said goodbye to Tyler after he packed up his gear and then it was just the two of us again.

"Edward, I did it! I didn't hurt either of us today!" She yelled as she leapt into my arms.

I was grinning like an idiot as I wrapped her legs around my waist. I know what you are thinking and get your mind out of the gutter! I didn't do that for a dirty reason.

Once her legs were secured around me, my hands were free to brush the tendrils of hair that had escaped her ponytail back from her face. I held her face gently as I spoke.

"Yes, you did, and I couldn't be more proud of you. I told you that you could do it." She blushed as I spoke the truth to her.

"I'm still not good," she said timidly.

"No, you aren't great," I paused for effect as her eyes widened and then I continued. "But you will be."

The smile that lit up on her face was glorious. And then she took her hands, cradled my face and kissed me so passionately that I nearly stumbled backwards.

She had never initiated a kiss between us, and I was ecstatic that she finally did. She pulled back too soon, in my opinion.

"Thank you." The sincerity in her voice spoke volumes.

"Wow, I will say the nicest things to you all the time if that's the thanks I get." My head was still reeling from her lips on mine.

She giggled and gave me another quick peck before unwrapping her long legs from around my waist and setting herself on the ground, but I kept my arms around her, not wanting to let her go.

"Now, do we need to get you to a stove?" I asked.

"Actually, yes please."

"Well, let's get going so you can make us dinner, wench!" I winked at her as a really bad pirate accent came out of my mouth.

She smirked and pushed my chest so she could escape my grasp.

"I like this Edward," she said as she gathered her things. I was surprised.

"You like Pirate Edward, really?"

"No! Relaxed and carefree Edward. He's much nicer and honestly better looking than uptight, perfectionist Edward…if I could be so bold to say." She shied away from me as she finished her comment.

"Actually Bella, I do too." I reassured her. "But please forgive me in advance if that old, stubborn me returns. I'm sure he'll rear his ugly head from time to time."

"As long as you aren't too big of an ass, I guess I can forgive you in advance."

She grabbed her bag and held out her hand for me. I quickly shut off the stereo and took her hand as we headed out the door.

I don't know what had come over Bella, but she seemed more confident. Don't get me wrong, she was nowhere near as confident as I felt she could or should be, for someone as beautiful, intelligent and amazing as she was. But she had kissed me, was teasing me about my attitude and offered her hand to me. She worked hard today during rehearsal and she didn't mess up. I hoped this was a change for the better and I would love it if it were because of me. I was just happy for her.

And if I was honest with myself, as much as I like timid Bella, because she's downright adorable, this more outgoing Bella is very…sexy.

I locked up the studio as best I could with one hand. Was I going to let go of Bella's hand if I didn't have to? HELL NO! As we continued down the steps I felt like I could take on the world. I had this great girl attached to me, literally and figuratively, and barring some unforeseeable circumstance in the future, she would remain that way. I was a lucky guy and I knew it.

"Edward?" she called to me as we got closer to the car.

I simply looked her way in response.

"Feel free to say no, but would you mind running me to the store? I need to pick up a few things for tonight, but I thought we might be able to go together…then maybe you could just stay with me…while I got things ready and the others came over?"

Timid Bella was back, but not in full force. She really was coming out of her shell, even if it was only a little bit at a time. I think my eyes must have glazed over as she cleared her throat and began to speak again.

"Or…if you can't, could you just drop me off at the townhouse? I can pick up my rental and head out. You can come over when everyone else does if that's better for you…." She trailed off quietly and I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

We were standing by my car at this point. Just standing. Neither of us had let go of the other and I didn't want to end the connection. I looked down at her and smiled.

"It would be my pleasure to take you to the store. And I can think of nothing better than spending more time with you. Besides, I better take advantage of having you to myself before the others show up…particularly Alice. If I know her, I'll be fighting for your attention all night if she has her way."

She smiled sweetly and blushed. I was about to ask her why when she volunteered the information.

"Well…you wouldn't have to fight hard for my attention. You have it more than you probably know."

"Really?" I asked, slightly cocky and it made her giggle. It was music to my ears.

"Yes, really, you egotist," she responded with a smirk.

"Ouch Bella. You wound me so." I sputtered and clutched my chest with my free hand. "I'm not sure I'll be able to drive after that assault."

"Oh, poor baby." I could hear the difficulty in her voice, as if she were trying with all her might not to laugh.

"It's true! I feel that you owe me for that barb you just verbally threw at me!"

She slowly brought her body closer to me and my heart began to beat double time. The joking was all but forgotten and I could feel the world around us fade into the background.

"I'm sorry Edward." She smiled and I felt myself warm from the inside out. "How about I give you a kiss to make it all better?"

I nodded with a slight smile on my face, knowing that her apologies weren't necessary as it was all a joke, but I wasn't going to say no to a kiss. I leaned in and closed my eyes waiting for her lips, but they never came…at least where I wasn't expecting them.

Right then I felt the heat of her lips through my shirt. She kissed my chest above my heart and I felt like the Grinch…when his heart grew three times bigger. When I opened my eyes she was glancing shyly up at me through her lashes.

I finally let go over her hand and immediately wrapped her up in my arms. I placed my own lips in her hair, reveling in this feeling. I almost felt loved by her. I knew it was too soon to even think that it might be a possibility, but I couldn't deny the power of her actions.

"Thank you," I breathed into her hair and I was sure she heard me when her arms wrapped themselves tighter around my waist.

"Alright. I guess we better get to the store." She nodded into my chest but made no immediate move out of my arms. I gave her one last squeeze before loosening my grip to open the car door for her.

With a grateful nod, she got in and I was on my way around to the driver's side. The loss of contact was prominent but it was quickly remedied once I placed the key in the ignition and started the Volvo. I placed the car in drive and our hands reached for each other instinctively. We chuckled as they discovered the other.

I had to get Bella to tell me where her townhouse was, so I could better determine what grocery store we needed to go to. We were there in a matter of minutes and once again I found myself without her hand.

Luckily for me, the trip went fast and before I knew it we were back in the car and on our way to her place. Her place. I knew it wasn't really hers and it made me wonder what her Seattle apartment looked like. Maybe I will get to see it. One step at a time Edward. Just get through dinner tonight, ok?

I mentally nodded to myself. One step at a time indeed.

I pulled up to a set of row houses that made me internally whistle. I know she didn't own the building in front of us, but to rent it still must cost a pretty penny. It didn't make me jealous. It made me proud that she was doing so well to afford to stay here. Way above my pay grade and I couldn't think of anyone who deserved it more.

I shut off the car and was out to Bella's door in a flash. She mumbled some thanks and we headed to the trunk to unload the groceries. As we walked up to her door I stopped for a moment while I watched her unlock it and hold it open for me. I could see us doing this. Coming home to 'our' home. I know I was getting ahead of myself…but I could truly picture it.

I shook those thoughts from my head and continued through the door frame.

It was a three story building, from the staircase in front of me. On the first floor was an entry way that stretched to the third floor, a hall closet and what looked like a half bath.

I followed Bella up to the second floor, groceries in hand. It was an open floor plan, with living, kitchen and dining areas laid out in front of us. As I got to the landing, the dining room was to our right, the living room to our left and the kitchen directly in front of us, pushed into the back corner of the floor.

"Wow, Bella. This is a nice space," I said as I followed her into the kitchen.

"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" She said appreciatively. "It's a lot of space for just two people, but it's been great so far, so I can't complain. Angela likes it."

We shoved the bags onto the counter space and began to unpack the items. Bella had decided to cook beef tenderloin with roasted potatoes and salad. We had an amusing conversation back at the store about what meat to make. She had asked if Alice, Jasper or Rosalie were vegetarian. I told her no, but we had no idea about Emmett. After we determined that there was no way he was that huge on vegetables alone, she asked if she thought we'd need a second tenderloin, just for him!

I almost snorted as I thought about it again.

I checked the clock on the oven and turned to Bella.

"Hey, it's five-thirty Bella. What time do you want everyone over?"

"I think we could be eating around seven, if I can get everything prepped in the next thirty minutes or so. I think it would be ok if they were here in an hour…unless you think that's too short notice. I have some munchies to put out in the meantime."

I could see her tabulating everything in her head. I could tell that while she didn't like the attention, she loved taking care of people. I watched the wheels in her head continue to turn and I placed my hand under her chin.

"Hey. Don't over think this. It's just dinner. And yes, I think six thirty is fine for them. And if they're late, they're late."

I looked at her mouth and I couldn't help thinking about how we should scrap the dinner plans. I think she was thinking the same thing but had the good mentality to keep her wits about her. She smiled at me and stepped back, turned and began to grab pans from the cabinets.

"Hey, Bella. I was thinking."

"Yes?" she asked without even turning.

"What if I gave Ben a call and invited him? You mentioned Angela wanting to meet him. It might be a nice casual setting for the two of them? What do you think?" I pulled out my phone to text Alice to let her know the time.

Bella turned in her spot with a Cheshire cat grin.

"I think that would be wonderful. I mean, if it's too last minute, it's fine…but I think it's a great idea. And if he can make it, I'm not telling Angela."

"Why, Bella? Is this payback?"

"Why yes, Edward. I think it might be."

I just shook my head while I laughed and sent the text to Alice and Rosalie. After the message had been sent, I looked through my phone book to find Ben's number and called.

"Hey Ben? It's Edward."

"Ed. How's it going?"

"It's going great. How's the knee?"

"Getting stronger every day. I'm still peeved that I'm missing this season on the show, but better safe than sorry, right?"

I remembered telling Bella the same thing and I had to smile.

"Yeah man. Hey, the reason I'm calling is that a few of us from the show are getting together tonight for dinner and I wanted to know if you would like to join us. It's a bit last minute as dinner would probably be in about an hour or hour and a half, but we'd love to have you if you can make it."

I was watching Bella work in the kitchen and I was impressed with myself for forming complete sentences. She looked amazing and natural. This kitchen suited her better than the Chief's back in Forks. She was really in her element. Ben's words interrupted my thoughts and I dragged myself back to the conversation.

"…but yeah, I could probably make it. Do you need me to bring anything?"

"No, I think Bella and I have everything covered."

"Bella? Who's that?"

"Bella Swan. My partner for the show." …for life. Don't get ahead of yourself Edward.

"Ok, sounds good. I'll get there as close to six thirty as I can. Can you text me the address?"

"Sure man. Glad you can make it. I'll see you soon." I hung up and quickly sent the address to Ben and checked to see if Alice or Rosalie had responded to my earlier message.

They both had. Rosalie's was a simple 'great, see you there' and Alice ranted about the last minute notice and I had all day to text her the info and now she felt rushed, but she and Jasper would be there on time. No thanks to me…yada yada yada.

Damn. Even her texts make me feel out of breath.

I put my phone back in my pocket and walked back into the kitchen. I had realized how far away I had walked while I was talking with Ben.

"Well, Ben's available and will be joining us tonight. The girls know and will tell their respective 'boys' and that's that. When is Angela coming home?" I asked as I walked closer to her. She still didn't turn around, focused on the task at hand.

"I texted her when you were on the phone with Ben and she said she should be back around six."

I looked back at the clock and that left us about twenty minutes before she would get here. I took a deep breath and walked up behind Bella and put my hands on her hips.

"So…what can I do to help?" I asked quietly. I was trying not to startle her as I knew she had a knife in her hand. No need to have a repeat of this weekend. Instead of jumping, she seemed to ease into my touch and melt back into my chest. It was heaven.

"Hmmm…it feels nice just to have you there." I could hear her sigh.

"Yeah? I could be doing something…" And I started to kiss her neck and it was amazing. Bella tilted her head in the opposite direction to give me better access.

"Edward…" she sighed quietly.

"Yeah?" I mumbled against her neck and I began moving up to her ear. I couldn't resist her.

"If you…keep doing…that….I'll never…finish…dinner." I loved that I was making it difficult for her to concentrate.

I briefly glanced down at the cutting board in front of her and was thankful she had the sense to drop the knife. Whew!

The next thing I knew she had turned to face me and I could see her dilated eyes. Was I really having that kind of effect on her?! Hot damn!

She threw caution to the wind and threw her arms around my neck as her lips found mine roughly. My hands, which were still on her hips even after she twisted around to face me, latched on to her shirt tightly as if she might escape.

I had never kissed anyone with this kind of abandon before. I felt that I had to kiss her…as if my life depended on it. And to me, my life didn't really begin until I met her and I wasn't willing to let this feeling go.

I heard her moan into my mouth and it just pushed me further into a frenzy. I couldn't stop being lost in her even if I wanted to. She tasted divine and I wanted to drown in her scent and taste. I felt like I was dying of thirst and only she could quench it.

Edward…stop with the stupid clichés. I mentally slapped myself.

I walked her away from the counter, still savoring her lips, and not really knowing where I was going. I ended up pushing her up against a solid surface. Fridge maybe? It didn't matter to me. Being able to press her up against my body felt amazing, but it still wasn't close enough. Hands still on her hips, I lifted her in the air and she caught where I was going and wrapped her legs around my waist…for the second time today.

With her head above mine, she was able to release my neck and moved her small hands to my face. We took a breath and looked into each other's eyes.

"Edward…" she whispered almost reverently. I closed my eyes to take in her voice and relish that it was my name that flowed out of her mouth. That mouth that I was attached to not a second ago and wanted to be again.

"Fuck, Bella," I responded, still not having opened my eyes.

I felt her mouth come down on mine again, but the pressure was different. The intensity was still there, but it wasn't as rough and needy as the first one. That loving feeling returned and I didn't question it. I would take it wherever I could. I could only wish that one day she might reciprocate my feelings for her.

I couldn't deny the urges that I felt toward Bella. I was a man, after all, and those urges were progressively getting stronger and stronger every time we kissed, touched, hell, even when I looked at her. The need to kiss her and see where this went was the strongest desire first. Now, as we've begun to 'feel' out our feelings for each other, my other needs are making themselves known.

"Edward," Bella's voice popped my thought bubble. "As much as I'd love to continue this," she said through our continued kissing, "I think we should slow down…maybe."

I pulled my face back from hers and took a needed, but wanted, breath. I looked into her eyes and smiled at the nervous lip-biter in front of me, while pushing back thoughts of biting that lip myself. I kept my hands at her waist as I maneuvered us over to a clear counter. I pushed the flyaway pieces of hair that were remnants of our passionate make-out session away from her eyes.

"Baby, if you want to slow down, we will. I want to experience everything together, no matter when or how we get there." I leaned in and kissed her nose.

She let out a breath I don't think she knew she was holding. I had to laugh a little because she really worries about what I'll say about her thoughts. She should never worry. I may not always agree with her, but I always want to know what she's thinking. She joined in laughing with me and went in for another kiss.

I know, I know! We are supposed to slow down, and really I'm fine with that. I just wanted to give her a quick kiss. Unfortunately, we both had other plans.

The kiss heated up again quickly and it wasn't one sided. It seems like Bella may have wanted to slow down and not all at the same time and I felt like the luckiest man in the world. My hands were on her knees and I swear they began moving on their own.

I caressed her thighs slowly as I began to get more acquainted with her amazing body. I remembered when I first saw her at ABC and she had that baggy sweater over her blue dress. After a few days of rehearsal she became more comfortable in her own skin. She began wearing clothing that fit her better and it emphasized her assets. She had an amazing body and I wanted to explore every inch of it.

Shit! Edward, you need to stop! She wants to slow down. You should slow down and savor all your experiences with Bella.

But I can't! I want her. I can't stop myself.

"Hello!? Anyone home?" a voice called from down stairs followed by the door closing.

WTF! I pulled away from Bella, spooked by the noise downstairs. I looked between Bella and the stairs, wondering who had just walked into the apartment.

"Bella? I'm assuming your home. Is that Edward's car out front?" the voice yelled up the stairs again. I heard shuffling, like someone dropping bags, starting up the staircase, which was then interrupted by a new sound next to me.

Bella had started to giggle on the counter and I looked at her for answers.

"It's Angela," she said with a smile.

I whipped my head around to look at the clock. Damn! She was early. Bella touched my face and softly brought it back around to look into her eyes.

"Hey. It's ok. We aren't even remotely finished here," she said with a wink and I couldn't help smiling at her. She gave me a quick peck on the mouth and pulled away just as Angela joined us in the kitchen.

Angela took one look at us, with Bella sitting on the counter and me standing in between her legs, and made a not-so-silent squeal through her toothy smile. Bella and I laughed at her as I picked Bella up off the counter and placed her feet on the floor.

The three of us, once Angela got over her initial glee, went to work on getting dinner ready. I chopped up some root vegetables while Bella prepared the tenderloin and Angela sliced some cheese for the cheese platter with crackers. We were all so engrossed in our respective jobs that the time passed quickly and before we knew it, there was a knock at the door.

Let the games begin.


Thoughts?! Only one more repost chapter before NEW CHAPTERS! Thanks for your patience!