Surprise! You guys are just amazing. I want to thank everyone who has rec'd my little endeavor on FB, The Lemonade Stand, A Different Forest, and anywhere else it's been mentioned. I told you the actual date would be coming up soon, and here it is! BUT, please don't expect updates this quickly all the time, because that will NOT happen LOL Hope you enjoy!

The drive to the restaurant didn't take too long and we talked easily as Edward maneuvered through traffic, heading towards South Tampa.

"Did Alice tell you that she and Jasper are also having dinner together tonight?" he asked as we waited at a red light.

"Oh, yes," I replied, laughing. "In fact, he's her favorite topic of conversation these days." It was the truth; my friend was crushing hard on Detective Whitlock.

"He's completely smitten with her. All I hear all day long is Alice this and Alice that. Apparently they've been talking on the phone quite a bit."

"Yeah she told me that, too. I like Jasper; he seems like a good guy."

"He really is. Jasper is very laid back and easy going for the most part. He's really tenacious, though, which is perfect for our line of work. And he's really, really, smart. Like, his IQ is close to the genius level, seriously."

"How long have you guys been friends?"

"I met him at the academy when we were both twenty-two. So, yeah, about nine years."

"And you ending up as partners, was that something you requested or were you just assigned to each other? I'm not sure how all that works," I admitted.

"It can go both ways, really. You can be assigned to anyone, but a lot of things are factored in. When Jasper and I first started out as patrol officers, we were partnered with different people. Down the line, things got changed up. His partner got promoted and mine broke his leg in a car accident. Our superiors knew we were friends and decided to see how we worked together, so we got partnered up for patrol. Turns out we make a great team, so when we both made detective, it just made sense to continue our partnership."

"And you don't get sick of each other? Day in and day out?"

Edward laughed.

"Oh sure, it happens. There are times when we both need a break from each other and we'll go our separate ways for a bit. But truthfully, he's my best friend. And I can't imagine having a better partner."

We arrived at the restaurant just then, a quaint looking little place called Cheney's. Edward parked on the street about a block down and came around to open my door. He held out his hand to help me climb down from the Jeep and my fingers tingled when they were engulfed by his. We stood there, looking at each other in silence. Then Edward smiled, laced his fingers through mine, and guided me down the sidewalk. I felt like a young girl, holding hands with her crush for the first time. My heart fluttered in my chest and I looked up to find him watching me as we walked.

"What?" I asked.

"I like holding your hand, Bella. It's small and soft and it fits in mine just perfectly."

I blushed, but smiled. I mean, what do you say to that?

Edward opened the front door of the restaurant, urging me through first. I was immediately bombarded by delicious scents of fried fish, garlic, and fresh bread. My mouth watered.

"Oh, it smells so good in here," I moaned.

Looking around the place, I was delighted with what I saw. There was definitely a nautical theme throughout, with lots of anchors and ropes, mounted fish, crab traps, and nets in the décor. Dark wood booths seemed to be the favored seating option, though I did see a few tables too, and also a line of stools at the long bar off to one side. The lighting was low, but not dark, and piano music played at a comfortable volume. The whole place was cozy and inviting.

"Edward!"

I looked up to see a pretty brunette approaching us. She was smiling widely at the man by my side and I immediately felt a flare of jealousy unfurl in my stomach. I tried to tamp it down, but it was useless.

"How are ya, Ang?" Edward asked, reaching his available arm out and wrapping her in a hug. It was easy to see they were very familiar with each other.

"Oh ,ya know, same as always," she replied with a laugh and then her hazel gaze landed on me.

"Hi!" she said with a friendly smile. "Welcome to Cheney's!"

"Angie, this is Bella, Bella, this is Angie. She and her husband Ben own this place."

"It's nice to meet you, Angie," I said. My smile was genuine, now that I found out she was married.

Down, girl.

"You too, Bella! Your usual table, Edward?"

"You know it."

Angie grabbed a couple of menus and led us toward the back of the dining room to a booth set in the corner. It was charming, with a checkered tablecloth and a tea light lantern giving off a warm glow.

Edward gestured for me to claim the side of the booth against the wall. I slid onto the padded leather seat and happily scooted over when it was obvious he was going to sit next to me rather than across. His firm thigh was pressed to mine as Angie handed us menus.

"We've got fresh Blue Points and Kumas tonight," she said, naming two popular oysters. "Soup of the day is spicy crab chowder, and our special tonight is coconut lime shrimp. Comes with rice pilaf and roasted veggies. Your server will be here in a minute to take your drink order. Enjoy your meal, guys!"

And with that she bustled off to greet more customers.

"You have a 'usual booth'?" I asked him

"Well, I do come here a lot, but it's also a cop thing," he replied with a shrug. "I don't like sitting with my back to the door, and I like to be able to see as much of the room as possible."

"Is there a copy of "Dating A Cop for Dummies" I might be able to pick up? I feel like I should do some research."

Edward burst out laughing.

"I'll see if I can track one down for you."

"Seriously, though, this place is great," I said, reaching for the menu.

"Yeah, I've been coming here for years. We all went to high school together; me, Ben, and Angie."

I noticed Edward didn't open his menu. Of course, he came here so often he probably had it memorized. He leaned closer to me as I looked over the offerings, draping his arm across the back of the booth. I could feel his body heat and it made me squirm pleasurably, suddenly flushed.

"Any recommendations?"

"Oh, where should I start?" he said with a laugh. He pointed to different options on the menu and I tried to concentrate on what he was saying, but it was difficult when he was so close and he smelled so fucking good.

"I love the lump crab remoulade, Ben makes the sauce from scratch and it's so good. The surf and turf special is filet mignon plus a lobster tail and it's served with this amazing garlic butter. Those are my favorites. The clam strips and hushpuppies are fantastic. Oh and Mama's Pasta, definitely. Ben's mom created it and it's a signature dish here." He pointed that one out and I read the description, which did sound delicious. Shrimp and scallops in a lemon and garlic cream sauce with wilted spinach, served over fettuccine.

A waitress approached our table and I looked up from perusing the menu.

"Hi, Edward," she said breathily, one hand on her hip and her boobs pushed out.

Seriously?

"Hey, Vicky," Edward replied casually with barely a glance in her direction, which made me happy. I mean, she could see that he was here with a date, right? She was pretty, I guess, with strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. I could see dark roots so I knew she wasn't a natural redhead, and her makeup was very generously applied. Her boobs were too round and big and perfect to be anything but fake. My eyes narrowed as I noticed a reddish bruise on one side of her neck, down by her collarbone.

She hadn't even attempted to cover that hickey up?

"What can I get you?" she asked him, completely ignoring me. I felt my hackles rising at her blatant ogling, but in the next instant heat suffused my body as Edward dropped his arm from the back of the booth and curved it around my shoulders. He pulled me a little bit closer and softly rubbed my arm with his fingertips.

"I'll take a Corona. What would you like, Bella?"

I waited until Vicky finally directed her gaze to me before I answered. And because I was feeling somewhat territorial, I cuddled closer under Edward's arm as I replied. Her eyes narrowed.

"I'll have a Bloody Mary, please. Spicy, with extra lime."

She nodded and walked away without another word.

"Well, she certainly seems friendly," I said grumpily before I could help myself. Edward leaned down until his mouth was closer to my ear.

"Bella?" His voice was low.

"Hmm?" My eyes intently studied the checkered tablecloth as goosebumps broke out across my neck.

"Look at me."

I turned my head and our eyes met. As usual, I felt like he was seeing completely inside me. I licked my lips.

"I'm not remotely interested. Not all of the other times she's tried, and certainly not tonight."

I nodded.

"Sorry. It just pisses me off when people are so rude like that. I mean, she could obviously see that you're here with someone, and yet she still flirted and pushed her fake tits in your face."

I snapped my mouth shut and turned my head away from his once more, my cheeks flaming. Stupid verbal diarrhea.

Edward let out a short laugh and squeezed me closer before lowering his arm from my shoulder and wrapping it around my waist instead.

"Well, I'm not interested in Vicky or any of her surgically enhanced body parts," he said. His fingers began stroking over my outer hip very gently and oh wow it was getting all kinds of warm in this little booth. "What I am interested in is having a good time with my gorgeous date, who smells so fantastic I can barely see straight." His voice lowered even more and this time his lips actually grazed my ear as he spoke. "She drives me crazy and, even though it's a non-issue, it was really hot to see her staking her claim."

His warm breath drifted across my throat and I swallowed hard.

"I'm not usually like this," I admitted softly, unable to look at him again just yet. "I don't get jealous. Like, ever. I deal with all manner of people every single day, and I don't let anyone get under my skin like that."

"But, you did."

I nodded.

"It's different with you," I confessed, finally looking back up at him. He was so close, only inches separated our lips. "Everything is different with you, Edward."

"It's different with you, too, Bella," he said, and his smile was so beautiful it took my breath away.

We were interrupted when Vicky brought our drinks and asked if we were ready to order. I opted for Mama's Pasta while Edward chose the surf and turf. We also requested a dozen oysters to share for an appetizer. She flounced away and Edward rolled his eyes.

"She's not even supposed to be working tonight," he grumbled. "Which is why I like coming on Mondays."

"Who, Hickey Vicky?" I asked innocently and he nearly choked on the Corona he'd been in the process of drinking.

"Yes, her," Edward verified, laughing and coughing at the same time. "And yes, it was kind of hard to miss."

"I'm sorry," I said with a giggle, reaching for my Bloody Mary and taking a sip.

A voice rang out and Edward looked up.

"Cullen, my man! Ang said you were here! I took the liberty of shucking these when she told me, because I knew you'd want them."

It was Ben himself, delivering our tray of oysters, and Edward introduced me to him. Ben was short, sort of hyper, and really funny. I liked him immediately and it was so easy to see the friendship the two of them shared.

"Enjoy guys!"

"Do you remember the first time you ever ate an oyster?" Edward asked as he squirted fresh lemon all over the shellfish.

"Oh, yes," I replied with a laugh. "I was eleven and my parents had thrown this huge holiday party. I was supposed to be in bed, but I'd snuck downstairs because I always loved seeing all the glamorous women who attended. I was fascinated by their beautiful dresses and sparkly jewelry. There were platters of fancy foods and desserts everywhere and I was intrigued as I watched everyone slurping these weird looking shells. I got my nerve up and stole one off a tray. I remember thinking it looked so gross, but everyone was eating them so they must have been good. I had just gotten brave enough to taste it when Emmett came around the corner, obviously looking for me, so I quickly shoved it in my mouth."

"And?" Edward asked, smiling.

"I immediately spit it out and it landed on Emmett's bare foot. He screeched so loud that my father came to see what the fuss was, and we were both sent straight back up to our bedrooms. Gosh, I can still see the look of disgust on my brother's face, the slimy oyster dripping off his toe. To this day he still won't eat them." I giggled at the memory.

Edward laughed heartily, before scooping some horseradish onto one of the oysters on the tray. He offered it to me, holding it to my lips. My eyes held his as I opened my mouth and he tipped it inside. I swallowed it, enjoying the combination of fresh salty brine, spicy horseradish and tangy lemon. It was divine.

"But you obviously tried them again," Edward said. I nodded and then watched as he prepared an oyster for himself.

"Not until a few years ago, actually," I said. "Jake convinced me, this time with the lemon and horseradish and some cocktail sauce. It was a whole different experience, and I really like them now."

Edward tipped the oyster into his mouth. He moaned appreciatively, and I watched his throat muscles working as he swallowed. He licked his lips.

Oh, those lips.

I reached for my drink and took a healthy gulp.

"The first time I had one was at this little hole in the wall place down in Sarasota," he said, discarding the now empty shell. "It was summer vacation and I was sixteen. Me and a couple of my buddies were there, Ben included, and one of them dared me to try them. They were actually shocked that I liked them. But it's hard to explain the appeal, isn't it? To someone who's never tried them."

"It is," I agreed, helping myself to more of the delicious oysters. "I suppose they are what you would call an acquired taste."

We ate quietly for a few minutes before Edward broke the comfortable silence.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"When you first began this endeavor of opening your own hotel, how old were you?"

"I'd just turned twenty-three when I signed all the paperwork, but I'd been working on the deal for about six months before that."

"You were so young, Bella. I mean, I know your family is very well known, but did you run into any problems with people not taking you seriously, or blowing you off because of your age or because you were a woman?"

I burst out laughing.

"Oh, God yes! I definitely dealt with more than my fair share of that. However, my Uncle Marcus helped me immensely. Luxe was originally a hotel back in the day, but when I purchased the building, it had been empty for a while. There were some other big developers looking to buy it and tear it down to build a new high rise. I didn't want to do that because I loved the original facade, it has such character, ya know? I could see the potential, I could see my vision, and I desperately wanted it to come to fruition. It was definitely a huge learning experience, but like I said, I had help. Uncle Marcus guided me, plus Emmett and Alice were there every step of the way, too. She and I met at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration and it was just after graduating that I began the process of trying to buy it and turn it into my dream."

"Such ambition," Edward said. "And you made it happen."

"Yes, but it wasn't all smooth sailing, I'll tell you that. There were plenty of times I was in the fetal position on the floor, overwhelmed by everything," I admitted with a laugh. "I questioned myself a lot, and one time even tried to call the whole thing off. There was so much red tape, delays with contractors, supplier issues, you name it. However, when I cut that red ribbon on opening day, I felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I'd done what I set out to do and all the sleepless nights, the stress, the hoops I had to jump through, it was all worth it in the end. Luxe is my baby and she's surpassed all my expectations."

"I'm glad you didn't give up," Edward said. "It can be pretty scary to follow your dreams, but when it's something you really want, all the hard work is worth it."

"It sounds like you're speaking from experience."

"I suppose I am. My line of work definitely isn't easy, but it's very rewarding and I really can't picture myself doing anything else."

I opened my mouth to answer him but then felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket, making me jump. Edward laughed at my expression and I was also smiling as I pulled my phone out. It was a text from Alice.

OMG! I only have a second because he went to go get the car, but Jasper is so amazing! Seriously, Bells, this man makes me swoon. SWOON!

I laughed as I showed the text to Edward.

"Apparently they're hitting it off," I said, shaking my head at my best friend's exuberance. I quickly typed a reply.

I'm thrilled with your swoonage, but leave me alone and get back to your own date so I can get back to mine LOL

Her reply came immediately.

Sorry! Dish tomorrow! Xo

I slid my phone back into my pocket.

"Sorry about that."

"Hey, no worries. This is nothing compared to the times my phone has interrupted us," Edward said with a smile. "I know Jasper was excited about tonight, so I'm glad to hear that she's having a good time."

We talked more about our friends, our families, a wide variety of other things. I found out that Edward's dad was a surgeon at Tampa General and his mom ran an interior decorating business from their home on Davis Island. In turn, I opened up more about my childhood, my parents, and how I'd always wanted to have a hotel of my own ever since I was a little girl. He was so very easy to talk to.

Our food arrived and Edward had been absolutely right, everything at Cheney's was fantastic. Sitting in the cozy booth with his body so close to me was divine; the most perfect date ever, in my opinion. And Hickey Vicky had apparently taken the hint, because she barely bothered us the rest of the time we were there.

*EotN

"Oh man, I'm so full," I groaned, pushing my plate back. I'd managed to eat about two thirds of the delicious pasta, but the portion had been pretty large, plus Angie had delivered warm sourdough bread and butter, and I had two big hunks of that as well.

Edward, on the other hand, had no issues polishing off his filet and lobster tail, plus a baked potato, the bread, and several bites of my food.

"No dessert?" he teased. "Ben makes a mean key lime pie. And it's yellow, not green, so you know it's authentic."

"I hate those fake green pies!" I exclaimed with a laugh. "As delicious as that sounds, I don't think so. But you were right, everything was so good. Does Ben do most of the cooking?"

"He has help back there, but yes. He's always loved to cook."

Angie approached our table.

"Hey, guys! How was everything?"

"Awesome as always, Ang," Edward replied and I nodded in agreement.

"It was all so good!"

"Glad you enjoyed it, Bella!" She set our check down on the table. "Make sure Edward brings you back, I've got all kinds of dirt to dish on this one." She nodded to Edward with a wink and he busted out laughing as she backed away, smiling.

"Dirt, huh?" I asked as he opened his wallet and fished some bills out.

"Eh, nothing major," he answered with a smile, standing up. "But, Angie and Ben have been together since tenth grade, so yeah, she's witnessed a lot of shit."

"I'm intrigued," I teased, sliding out of the booth after him. I glanced at my watch and was shocked to see that over two hours had passed.

"I'll tell you anything you want to know, Bella," Edward said, his gaze now serious as we stood beside the booth. "Just ask."

"I will," I said softly. He smiled.

Edward called out our goodbyes to Angie and Ben as we exited the restaurant, my hand once more securely in his. He turned to me when we were both inside the Jeep, sliding his fingers between mine.

"I didn't really have a plan for after dinner," he confessed. "All I know is. . . I'm not quite ready to let you go yet."

My heart melted at his sweet words. I lifted our joined hands and rubbed his knuckles against my cheek.

"I'll tell you what, my housekeeper makes the most amazing apple crumble and there's a pan of it at my place. I might be ready for dessert in a little while. Would you like to share some with me?"

He stared at me silently for a few moments before a sexy smile curved his lips.

"I'd like that very much, Bella."

Hmmmm. I'd like to share something sweet with him as well, just saying. So what do we think? The date went well, yes? Do we dislike Hickey Vicky? Shameless hussy. I don't know if anyone else has really noticed, but I do tend to write about food in my fics and it usually leaves me quite hungry. Gonna have to make me some Mama's Pasta! Let me know your thoughts, my loves!