Hello, my lovelies. I do hope this update finds everyone safe. Please be careful, dear readers. Sorry it's taken so long to get you this chapter, but life is a bit hectic at the moment.
So, there were some sexy times last chapter. I think Bella and Edward are both feeling pretty pleased :) Let's see what they're up to.

Chapter 13.

"Angel, we're just getting started."

"Is that right?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

Edward nodded, his hand lifting to comb through my hair that was spread across the pillow.

"Absolutely. Just give me a second, and then we'll continue this conversation."

He slipped from my body and I winced just a little bit, certain areas still hypersensitive.

"Are you sore?" he asked, concern evident on his face. I shook my head.

"No, just thoroughly fucked. And it was glorious, so thanks for that."

He shook his head at me, grinning, then rose from the bed and headed towards the bathroom. I watched his tight ass as he walked away, wanting to bite that deliciously firm muscle. My arms rose above my head and I stretched my whole body with a satisfied groan. My muscles felt warm and well-used, my nerves still buzzing with the remnants of the intense orgasms he'd given me.

Making love with Edward had far surpassed my fantasies. He was passionate and generous, naughty with his dirty words. He drove me to the highest peaks of pleasure I'd ever experienced, and I already wanted him back in my arms.

Just then, the rain apparently decided it was time to move along, because a beam of afternoon sunlight beat down through the skylight above. The little window was angled to not shine directly at the head of the bed, thankfully, and I smiled as I watched the buttery glow illuminate the bedroom around me. Edward returned from the bathroom at that moment, and I sat up and held my hand out to stop him from getting back in bed.

"Wait!"

He stopped and raised an eyebrow, unsure of what I wanted.

"Just stay there," I requested, climbing to my knees and crawling across the bed to get closer to where he stood by the side. I knelt there, uncaring of my own nakedness.. Now that daylight had came into the bedroom, my eyes traveled hungrily over his bare form. I hadn't had a chance to really appreciate his masculine beauty when everything had been so dark from the storm. But now? Oh, sweet Jesus. He was fucking stunning. Those broad shoulders and firm biceps, his hard stomach. All of the artwork that adorned his body. I licked my lips and reached my fingers out to trace along the billowing sails of the pirate ship. The design was quite intricate.

"This is fantastic," I said softly. "Is there a story behind this one?"

He smiled, looking down at the ink.

"Not one particular story, no. Just a love of local history, and I've always thought big ships like this one were awesome. This tattoo was actually the one I was most indecisive about, until Rose showed me the drawings she'd came up with. I immediately loved it. And, ironically, she completed it during Gasparilla two years ago."

I laughed.

"How perfect. An amazing pirate ship tattoo created during the yearly pirate invasion."

"Can I get back in bed, now?" he asked with a cheeky smirk, and I nodded happily, moving back to make room. We snuggled under the comforter and it was just heavenly. I was drowsy and relaxed and Edward softly stroking my back was not helping matters. I let out a big yawn, and he leaned down and kissed me.

"Tired?"

"Mmmm a little. You were quite. . . vigorous, Detective. I'm worn out."

"Then have a nap, because I have plans for you and you're going to need your energy."

"Oh, I like the sound of that," I murmured, pressing my lips softly to the warm skin of his shoulder, already drifting off to sleep.

*EotN

When I awoke, I was alone in the big bed. I looked around, but Edward was nowhere to be seen. I felt refreshed after my nap and a glance at my watch told me why. I'd slept for almost an hour and a half! Stretching out muscles that were pleasantly fatigued, I snuggled down into the yummy blankets, idly wondering what actually made them smell so good. That very fragrance, along with his citrusy-woodsy deliciousness, was what delighted my senses every time I was close to him.

Edward entered the bedroom just then, smiling when he saw I was awake. He looked adorably rumpled, with his hair sticking up all over, wearing only a pair of track pants that sat low on his hips.

"Hey there, Sleeping Beauty," he said, climbing back into bed with me. He lounged on his side, leaning on one elbow.

"Why does your bed smell so good?"

"You think my bed smells good?"

"Mm hmm. It's yummy."

"You're yummy," he stated, kissing me sweetly. "As for the bed, well, I do have a secret. If I tell you, you have to solemnly swear not to reveal it to anyone."

I giggled and made the motion of crossing my heart. He took a deep breath, his face oh-so-serious.

"It's the sprinkles."

"Excuse me?" I said with a laugh.

"You know, the little sprinkle things you put in the washing machine with the soap?" I nodded, because there was a container of the scent-boosters in my laundry room at home. "I like the ones in the green bottle. My mom told me about them and I always use them when I wash the sheets and blankets," he confided, his expression bashful but also proud.

"Your secret is safe with me," I assured him. Could he be any cuter?

"Although," he continued, reclining down to lay his head on the pillow next to me, his eyes catching mine. "Right now it smells better than usual. Because it also smells like you. And me. It smells like us."

"I like us," I murmured, tracing my fingertip along his bottom lip. He nibbled on my skin.

"I do, too."

His mouth touched mine and he kissed me so tenderly, gentle and soft. His hand slid down my back and pulled me in tighter, but his kisses remained light and adoring. My fingers played with the strands of hair above his ear, before stroking down his side burn.

"Edward?" I spoke quietly, our lips still brushing.

"Yeah?" His voice was as hushed as mine.

"Do you remember our date at Cheney's? When I told you that everything was different with you?"

"I remember."

"It still is. And I don't know why, and I don't know how to explain it. Making love with you was better than anything I've dreamed, and I'm so happy to be exactly right here." I needed him to know how much he was coming to mean to me; our physical union had only strengthened everything I already felt for him.

He kissed me again, his lips lingering there before he spoke.

"I'm completely falling for you, Bella Swan. Nothing in my life has ever felt so perfect." His soft declaration made my heart thump inside my chest, and I grinned.

"Yeah?"

"Absolutely. I was pretty much a goner by the time you offered me dessert. And it was delicious, but not as delicious as you, angel."

Well, really, when he said things like that, how was I supposed to keep my hands off of him?

*EotN

"Are you hungry?" Edward asked, his fingers combing through my hair.

"Surprisingly, yes. I do seem to have worked up an appetite," I replied, stretching my body and then snuggling back against him. Our second round of lovemaking had been sweet and slow, playful and tender. He'd entered me as we laid face to face, my leg thrown over his hip, and when my orgasm washed over me, deep and languid, his mouth had absorbed my breathless cries.

Edward was now spooned up against my back, his big body warming me from head to toe.

"Although, a shower is also pretty tempting right now, too," I mused. "I think I've worked up a sweat along with my appetite."

"Well, we could order in some food and take a shower while we wait for it. There's a great little Italian place, if you're in the mood for something like that."

"Mmm, yes, please." I licked my lips. Some pasta sounded ideal at the moment.

And so, that's how I found myself in Edwards shower a little while later, running my soapy hands over his body. He took his turn washing me, and my head fell back with a moan as his strong fingers massaged the lather into my shoulders.

"You keep making those noises and I'm gonna forget all about the fact that we don't have time for this, because the food will be here soon," he said, and I could feel the firm press of his now-hard cock against the base of my spine as I stood in front of him.

"I can't help it if it feels good, you're the one doing it!" I accused.

"I'll show you doing it later, after we eat. In the meantime, I think I need to get out of here before you distract me completely."

I giggled as he rinsed a final time and then stepped from the shower enclosure, giving me a wink before he closed the frosted glass door. God, he was so fucking sexy.

After finishing my shower and drying off, I pulled on a pair of panties and then realized I hadn't packed any sort of lounging clothes. I'd laughed to myself at the idea of pajamas, but now I was wishing I'd thought to bring some. I didn't want to break out the sexy lingerie quite yet, that was to surprise him later, not to eat dinner in. I just wanted to be comfortable.

I stared down in vexation at the contents of my duffle bag, and that's how Edward found me a few moments later.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I didn't bring any spaghetti-eating clothes." I huffed with annoyance and he laughed, crossing the room to a tall dresser and opening the middle drawer. He pulled something out and then crooked a finger at me. I took my time closing the distance between us, admiring him in his loose gray jogging pants and navy t-shirt. When I stood in front of him, he looked down at the knot between my breasts, the one securing my towel around me, then he slowly tugged it free. We both watched it fall to the floor. Edward's gaze roamed over my mostly naked body, starting at my toes then traveling up and over every part of me before his eyes met mine. I stood still for his perusal, feeling my skin heat.

"As much as it pains me to cover up such beauty," he finally said, "The food will be here any minute."

He slipped something over my head and it turned out to be an old USF t-shirt, one that had been washed countless times and was worn velvety soft, the vibrant green now faded. It fell to my mid-thighs.

"Would you like some wine?" he asked and I nodded.

He was just opening a bottle of Pinot Noir when the doorbell rang. I took over pouring the wine while he went to get the food, and before too long we were seated at the awesome little nook in his dining area. Amazing smells were coming from the various containers, and my mouth watered as we unwrapped everything. There was cheese ravioli and spaghetti with meatballs, as well as salad and bread. Edward had also ordered a generous slice of milk chocolate cheesecake, that particular restaurant's signature dessert. I was coming to find out that not only did he have a heck of a sweet tooth, Edward could eat. I was sure his appetite rivaled Emmett's, although my brother was a much larger man who probably outweighed Edward by fifty pounds and stood inches taller than him.

The food was all delicious, and I finished off three of the homemade raviolis, two meatballs, and a scoop of pasta, as well as some Italian salad and buttered baguette. Edward took care of the rest. We talked throughout the meal, and it still thrilled me that our conversations were just so easy, naturally flowing from one topic to the next. Afterwards, I helped him clean up the empty containers, then we poured some more wine and grabbed the cheesecake before making our way to the living room. We settled down into his deep and comfortable leather couch, and Edward wasted no time opening the box that held the dessert. He offered me a forkful.

"Oh my gosh, I don't know if I have any room after that pasta," I said, rubbing my belly.

"Just a bite," he cajoled. "You've never tasted anything like this."

Obediently, I opened my mouth and took the proffered treat. It was luscious; silky, chocolaty heaven, and I moaned at the flavor.

"Holy shit, that's really good," I murmured, licking my lips.

"It's the best," Edward confirmed, taking a big bite. He chewed happily, making me smile.

I ate two more forkfuls and then told him to finish the rest. It was delicious, but very rich, and I knew if I had much more I'd regret it. Edward had no such qualms, practically licking the plate when it was done and I giggled at him.

"I can't believe you can eat so much but you don't have a spare pound of fat on you anywhere," I marveled. "You've easily had at least twice the amount of food I have today, and I swear if there was another piece of cheesecake you'd eat that, too!"

He shrugged, grinning.

"I've always been able to. I think I have one of those weird metabolisms; I was really skinny as a kid, and now I exercise almost every day. There's a gym at HQ that I use, or I'll go for a run and do strength training. Pushups, situps, ya know. Eventually I'll get that home gym set up, but in the meantime I do the best I can."

I sat back with my glass of wine, studying the gorgeous human being that I'd been lucky enough to spend the day with. Seeing more and more of his personality emerge every time that we were together made me so happy. He intrigued me, simply put. And I wanted to learn everything I could about him.

"Feel like playing a little round of Twenty Questions?" I asked, my eyebrow raised. "I've been thinking of some good ones."

"Oh, really, Ms. Swan? Well, I did say that I'd tell you anything you wanted."

"Yep. You said all I had to do was ask. But, to be fair, you get to ask me questions, too."

He pretended to ponder my offer, finally holding his hands up in surrender.

"Alright, alright. I suppose if I try hard enough I can think of some stuff that I'd be okay with knowing about you. If I must."

"You must," I told him, throwing a pillow at him.

"Okay, okay, fine. Ask me your first question."

I already knew which one it would be.

"How old were you when you lost your virginity?"

"Really? That's the question you've been dying to know?"

"Hey, you don't get to question my questions!" I argued. "You only get to answer them."

"I was nineteen."

"Really?"

"Why the tone of surprise?"

"Well, it's just, you're so good looking. At least I think so, and I imagine as a teenager you were surrounded by pretty girls. I'm thinking you had plenty of opportunities."

"Oh, how wrong you are, angel." He stood and crossed the room to a book shelf, pulling down a photo album. He flipped through it before finding the page he wanted and then turned it around to show me. "Definitely not a lot of opportunities."

"No way! Is that you?" I asked with a laugh and he nodded

I was looking at a picture of Edward around the age of thirteen or fourteen, grinning at the camera while holding up a sizable fish with both hands. He had a mouth full of braces, a dreadful case of teenage acne, and his hair was a brighter red back then, fuzzy and wild. He was so, so skinny, his arms and legs stick-thin in shorts and a t-shirt.

"You were actually quite adorable," I told him. "I love this smile."

"I was very proud of that snook. It was bigger than any of the ones my dad and Uncle Felix caught. But, as you can see, I was far from what you would call a 'chick magnet'. This was taken when I was fourteen. Three years later the braces came off, I got a prescription for Accutane, and started trying to bulk up with some muscle." He flipped to another page. "This is my senior graduation picture."

The difference was kind of shocking. This picture showed a more youthful version of the man beside me; the smile was the same, the hair darker and shorter, and only faint traces of the red-headed adolescent remained.

"I bet the girls sure started noticing you then," I said with a raised eyebrow and he smirked.

"Oh, they did. It was kind of bizarre, actually. Girls who didn't even know I existed before were coming up to me and I had no clue how to respond. I was pretty shy back then, with a small group of good friends like Tanya and Ben and Angie. I just remember being so weirded out. It wasn't until college that I actually started dating."

"And who was the lucky lady that cashed your V-card?"

"Does this count as another question?"

"Yes."

"Then I get to ask you two in a row."

"Okay, fine."

"Her name was Katie. We met my freshman year at USF, she was a year older. We became friends first, didn't start dating until the next year. A couple of weeks after our first date, her parents threw her a big birthday party at a hotel and afterwards she and I ended up in a room of our own. I was a virgin, but she wasn't. We had a lot of fun, but it wasn't a super serious relationship. We were together for about six months and then we kind of just drifted, both of us got really busy with school, and her parents went through a divorce, there was a lot of stuff going on. No major, dramatic breakup or anything. I haven't seen her in a long time, I think she moved out of state after college."

"So are you telling me that I have this Katie to thank for your stellar performances earlier?" I asked, sipping my wine. Edward laughed, before getting up and putting the photo album away.

"Well," he said as he sat back down next to me, "Like I said, we had a lot of fun together. I'd say she taught me a few things."

"I bet you were an eager student."

"I was indeed. But, enough about me, Bella. It's my turn to ask the questions."

"Fire away."

"I suppose it's only fair that I get to hear about your first time. How old were you?"

"Sixteen. God, I was so young, when I think about it now."

"And him?"

"Peter Mackinaw." I smiled as I remembered. "His parents and my parents were friends, they moved in the same circles, so we saw each other every so often at functions that I was allowed to attend. He was the same age as me, and was actually a very nice boy. He's a lawyer now, I think. Anyway, the summer I was sixteen, our families went on a rare vacation together to Mexico. We stayed at a big rented villa for two weeks. Emmett didn't come, he was busy with his own friends from college, so it was just Peter and I and our parents. One night, we started fooling around, which we'd never done before. He was actually the first boy I ever even kissed. A few nights later, he snuck into my room and one thing led to another. He was very sweet, but it wasn't mind-blowing or anything," I recalled with a laugh. "He was a virgin as well, so it was kind of awkward, neither of us really knew what we were doing. After we got back home, we dated for a while, but we were both so young. I wasn't heartbroken when it was over."

"I imagine you were the prettiest little thing at sixteen," Edward said with a smile, running a finger down the side of my face.

"I'll show you pictures, sometime. I have a few albums at home, too."

"I'd love to see them." Edward leaned in and kissed me softly, his tongue seeking mine. He tasted like chocolate and I sucked on his bottom lip, gently biting.

"I think we can be done with Twenty Questions for now," I told him.

"Ok, but I reserve the right to re-visit them at a later time."

"There's something else I'd rather re-visit right now. It involves a phone call that took place a couple of days ago."

His eyes flared hot at my words. Oh yes, he knew exactly what I was talking about.

"You remember the deal we made, don't you, baby?" I asked. He nodded silently, one eyebrow quirked.

"Give me about two minutes, Detective. Then come and find me, and we'll work out the. . . finer details of that deal." I kissed him once more and then stood from the couch and made my way to his bedroom. I quickly grabbed what I needed from my overnight bag and then headed for the bathroom, closing the door. I smiled as I looked at the sexy little babydoll.

This was going to be fun.

Fun indeed! Oh, she has some plans for her man. I'd love to know your thoughts! Take care until next time, lovelies!