Ch 13: Just Ask

~ Bella's POV~

The rest of the weekend passed in a sex-hazed blur. I was delighted to find how affectionate Edward could be. He kissed me passionately, completely, at every chance. His smiles were sweet, and he doted on me even more than before.

I wondered if it was the endorphins from all the sex we were having.

The only problem was I was starting to lose myself in it. It was too easy to start thinking of myself as more than just his fake girlfriend. I was going to have a hell of a time letting him go, of that much I was sure. But for now, I would enjoy every minute of it.

The weekend ended all too quickly; I wanted to stay in the bubble of euphoria a little longer. But alas, it was not to be.

His dad, Carlisle, was due home Sunday after a grueling weekend working in the ER. His specialty was in Cardiology, but most doctors rotated weekends to keep the hospital covered. According to Edward, he worked more than his fair share of shifts.

And Esme, Edward's mom was one hell of a lady too. She worked for a big city law firm and was constantly traveling over the country. She wouldn't be back in the state for a few more days. I thought it was kind of sad Edward was alone so much. He had loving parents, but they missed quite a bit because they were so busy. He seemed nonchalant about it, but I had to wonder if it bothered him more than he let on.

Maybe we were more similar than I thought.

In any case, I could be his company whenever he needed it. Spending time with Edward was just as rewarding to me. Apart from the sex, which admittedly was fucking awesome, he was a good friend too. He wasn't so distant when he was alone with me. The brooding, aloof guy I saw at school would just disappear and become this witty, even silly person. It was such an interesting transformation, and I could only wonder at what caused it.

I wondered if he would revert back to his normal self at school today. The thought had barely entered my mind when I heard his cheerful call as I made my way to my truck.

My mouth watered as I watched him saunter over my way. Blue jeans, tight black shirt, wild sexy hair. Ugh, I was already panting in heat.

"Hey."

The smirk on his face told me he knew exactly where my mind was at.

"Where do you think you're going?" He teased, making me laugh.

"School. You know, that evil place where they make you sit and learn all day."

He rolled his eyes.

"I meant, why are you going to your truck?"

I paused and did a slow circle trying to look at my back. Edward gave me a look that told me he thought I was more than a little crazy.

"What are you doing?"

"Just making sure wings hadn't suddenly sprouted, cause you know I don't take the bus." His confusion was momentary. I grinned, as he got the joke, rolling his eyes yet again.

"Bella, you are ridiculous." I nodded, it was true. "You're not taking your truck today." He told me confidently.

This was news to me.

"I'm not?" Confusion was definitely in my voice. His grin was slow, as he moved closer effectively pinning me against the door.

"How would it look if my girl didn't ride with me to school?"

His girl?

My heart pounded as he played with a tendril of my hair. All I wanted to do was forget school and drag him inside. Instead I did my best to pretend my panties weren't practically melting off.

"Like she's a strong independent woman who don't need no man to take care of her?" I sassed. His eyes gleamed at my rebuttal, and he leaned in close.

"I think I've proved just how much I can take care of you Bella. Or do you need another demonstration?"

Fucking, swoon.

"I'm never late for school Edward. Unless you're saying you only need ten minutes." It was pointed barb.

His eyes darkened considerably, and I felt a jolt of energy course through me.

"I'd prefer at least an hour, but I bet I can make you come in less than five."

Yup, my panties were no more. They had certainly burst into flames along with my pants too I was sure.

"You've got three. Better hurry."

With no hesitation, he yanked open my truck and hoisted me inside. The door had barely closed when his hands were on me, sliding deliciously over every sensitive spot on my already wanting body. I moaned into his mouth when he dipped his hands into my pants, gripping my ass tightly.

My jeans and panties were pulled down quickly, and his fingers found me slick and ready. He cursed when he touched me. His mouth left me abruptly to dip between my legs, I cried out at the contact, hardly able to think. I couldn't believe we were literally doing this in my truck in broad daylight, basically for anyone passing by to see.

But whatever thoughts I had about someone seeing vanished as his fingers plunged inside me while his mouth worked my clit. He already had me so close. Something about the thrill of doing this here, or getting caught. All I knew is when he pulled on me hard, while slamming his long fingers into me, I shattered.

I gripped his hair as he rode out my orgasm, somehow making me want him more. I groaned when he made his way back up to me, giving me a kiss that tasted of my own desire.

"Fuck that was hot." I breathed into him.

He pulled back, eyes dancing as he watched me struggle to get my mind working again.

"I believe I met your demands. Two minutes and thirty seconds, to be exact."

I laughed at the utter ridiculousness of it.

"That you did." I looked over at him, still very much turned on even though I had just orgasmed. I looked at his pants noticing his erection was straining hard against them. We still had some time...why not?

I hastily pulled up my pants, before I started tugging on his. His startled look was perfect.

"Bella," he groaned and warned all at once.

"Shut up and pull down your pants," I ordered. He rolled his eyes but obliged me.

My mouth wasted no time.

His moans of appreciation were heavenly, and I loved the way he pulled my hair. I couldn't get enough of his taste. Feeling my mouth surround him, my tongue roving from base to tip and back again. He was so wet, so delicious. I pulled on his hips, using them as leverage to take him deeper. A sexy growl tore from his throat as I worked him thoroughly. It wasn't long before I felt the tension of his impending climax. Knowing what he needed, I reached up to stroke his balls, gently massaging them. I was rewarded with his instant orgasm as he came in my mouth.

Gently, but firmly, I continued to suck until he had ridden down from his high. When I pulled away, he was looking at me like he wanted to bend me over and fuck me sideways.

"Fuck Bella. You're too good at that." And then he was kissing me again. Something about knowing he could taste his cum on my lips was a huge turn on. I could just do this forever. But, school was waiting.

"Edward, we need to get to school." I sighed into his mouth.

"Does that mean you'll ride with me today?"

Though the air between us was still heavy with arousal, I sensed a sort of vulnerability in the question. I wasn't sure what it meant, or if there was something else he wanted. But who was I kidding? I wanted to be near him as much as he would let me.

So I nodded my head, and sighed as his heavenly cock disappeared back into his pants.

"Ready?"

He nodded, offering his hand and kissed mine when I entwined it with his. It was stuff like that, those little gestures that were going to be my undoing.

The ride to school in his car was comfortable. He held my hand the entire way, well at least until my phone chimed.

It was an email from Dr. Smith, about some work I had promised to have ready today. Due to the newfound sex-capades I was having with Edward, I had forgotten to finish it. Well that and the fact dad hadn't paid the internet bill. I groaned remembering.

"What's up?" Edward glanced over, obviously concerned.

"Nothing important. I'm gonna have to skip lunch today though." I quickly typed an email back, letting Elle know I would have the stuff to her before the end of the day. I could probably finish it in my lunch hour, but I could always drive to the library later if not.

All too soon we had made it to the parking lot, seeing kids already heading to class.

I was about to exit the car, when Edward pulled me close and kissed me thoroughly. When he pulled back, I was dazed.

"What was that for?" My voice was breathless.

He shrugged, but gave me a sly grin. I wondered if he just loved messing with me. If that was the case, he could do it anytime.

I made it to class on time, barely.

Angie gave me a curious gaze, but class was busy so we had no time to talk. I probably should tell her about what was happening with Edward, but I didn't want to see the look of concern I know she would be sporting.

Putting it off would only be temporary. There was no way she wasn't going to find out sooner or later.

When lunch rolled around, I groaned as I headed to the library, bummed out that I wouldn't be able to eat with Edward.

But I would power through. Putting my headphones in and blasting rock music at a level that was probably unsafe for my eardrums, I started editing. Thoroughly engaged, I didn't even notice when the bell rang. Fortunately, the Librarian Mrs. Cope knew me well enough to interrupt. I ran to class in an attempt to not miss the tardy bell. I was really pushing it today.

Unfortunately, I think someone must have waxed the floors recently. I was coming in hot when my shoe slipped causing me fall while simultaneously sliding into the classroom right as the final bell rang.

I could only look up at Mr. Danvers, shock on my face, from my position on the floor.

"Safe!" He called loudly, extending his arms outward rapidly like an umpire. The class erupted with laughter; as I, thoroughly embarrassed from the whole debacle, blushed from head to toe.

At least I wasn't getting a tardy.

I awkwardly stood up and kept my head down as I made my way to my seat. I didn't even attempt to look anyone in the eyes.

"You okay?" Angie asked, but I heard the giggle in her voice.

Still embarrassed I only nodded, keeping my eyes on my desk.

Maybe the Earth would be kind and swallow me whole.

"Well, now seeing how much Mrs. Swan wanted some exercise, I think we're all due for a little outside time."

More laughter.

Kill me now.

Why did the universe hate me?

Danvers was still giggling at his stupid joke when he told us to split up and head out, but not before warning us not to run.

He was slowly losing favor as my favorite teacher.

I waited for most of the students to finish leaving the room before I stood up. Edward was waiting by the door, his expression completely neutral.

I didn't trust it.

Eyeing him warily, I walked up slowly. He said nothing, but rather slowly entwined my fingers in his.

"Oak tree?" he asked, watching me. No jokes, no laughter. Just that simple.

I nodded as we headed outside, hand in hand.

Lowering myself gently to ground when we made it to the tree, I grimaced.

"Are you okay?"

I gave a light laugh knowing it was the best way to deal with how I was feeling.

"Yeah. At least I didn't smack my face this time."

The bruise from my previous fall had turned a lovely shade of yellow, but my makeup hid it well enough.

Looking up I could see Edward was not amused.

"I'm really fine. My ego is more bruised than anything." When he didn't let up, I smirked. "You wanna kiss and make it all better?" I asked lifting a hip to shake my butt at him.

Heat pooled in his eyes and I felt a thrill.

"Don't tempt me."

But I really wanted too.

"Hmm, I didn't know you had a thing for my butt. Gonna give it a smooch?" I wiggled my eyebrows playfully.

A small smirk was forming on his face. He leaned closer to me to run a finger down my hip.

"I'd like to do more than kiss it." I felt my eyes widen at his hoarse whisper. His admission gave me chills in a very good way.

"Like what?" I was curious enough, and turned on enough to ask.

His eyes looked hungry.

"How about I show you later?"

Why did that sound absolutely thrilling?

"Tease." I joked, leaning back with a smile.

He just shook his head.

"So, what were you doing before class?"

I guess it made sense he was curious since I did miss lunch over it.

"Oh, I just had some work to do." I told him nonchalantly, knowing it wasn't anything important.

"What kind of work?" His interest surprised me.

"Edits mostly. I help review papers, proposals and stuff for a professor over at Mason."

He looked impressed.

"You work for the University?" I shrugged, not feeling like it was a big deal. "How'd you get a gig like that?"

I laughed at how intrigued he was by it.

"It's not that important. Back two summers ago Dr. Smith needed an assistant, and we got along really well. So now I help out a little more than I used too. It's good practice since writing's my thing."

Thoughtful contemplation took up residence on his face.

"Do you like it?"

I smiled thinking about it.

"Yeah. I really like Dr. Smith. I don't know if I would have liked working for another professor, but it's been great. I'm challenged at lot, and I usually have the freedom to work at my own pace so, that's nice too."

For some reason Edward frowned and I wondered what caused it.

"You said you started working there sophomore summer?"

I was curious by his question, but I nodded, wondering where he was going with that. But he didn't say anything, and his frown deepened.

"Is something wrong?"

He just shook his head.

"So, you have work to do?"

I wasn't sure what changed, but his tone wasn't as light.

"Yeah. I promised to have the edits in by five today and I dropped the ball on that this weekend." I gave him a rueful look.

"You still have a lot left?"

"No, I was able to get the bulk of it done. I'll just have to go to the library later so I can finish."

His brows drew together deeply.

"You can't do it at home?"

I wavered on how to answer that question.

"The internet's been down for a few days and I haven't wanted to deal with talking to a rep." It wasn't the whole truth, but it was close enough. I just needed to pay the bill over the phone, and they would turn it back on. Hopefully.

"Is it private stuff?" That question threw me for a loop.

"I mean some of it can be sensitive information, but not usually. Is there a reason you're asking?"

He fixed his eyes to mine.

"I was going to offer for you to come over, use our Wi-Fi so you don't have to make a trip to the library."

It was a sweet gesture. It really was.

"Oh, thanks. But it will probably just be easier if I went to the library."

"Driving out of your way to our dinky little library is better than using my Wi-Fi?" His tone was clearly offended.

It made me laugh.

"I didn't say it was better. I said easier. I don't have a laptop, so unless I'm supposed to bring my whole desktop over, the library it is."

His face went through several emotions before landing on what I could only describe as determination.

"I have a computer you can use."

I didn't know why he was pushing it so much, but it was kind of endearing.

"Okay. I'll come use your computer if that'll make you happy." I teased, hoping to put a smile on his face.

He gave me an exasperated sigh.

"You're a pain in the ass Swan."

I gave him a mock offended look.

"Yes, woo me with your mean words, you big burly man." I snarked sassily. When his lips twitched, I did a mental fist pump in victory.

"But really, thank you. I'm sure your computer will be much nicer, and hopefully cleaner, than the ones at the library."

His chuckle was music to my ears.

"Jeeze Bella, I don't jizz on my keyboard."

That startled a laugh out of me.

"I was talking about food. People like to eat where they work, and crumbs get everywhere." But I was grinning stupidly. His mind would go there.

"I'd be more worried about jizz than crumbs. That's all I'm saying."

He had me laughing loudly.

"Sounds like camp. But with keyboards instead of sleeping bags," I chuckled.

And suddenly his eyes lost some of their spark again. I had no idea what was going on, but being around him today was an emotional roller-coaster. I almost wanted to ask what kept triggering the look.

"You talk about camp a lot."

Was camp the trigger?

"Umm, I guess." What the fuck was I supposed to say to that?

"Do you go every year?"

Weird question.

"I didn't this past summer, but yeah, every year since eighth grade."

"Why didn't you go this year?"

I shrugged.

"Well since I got a job, I could work full time in the summer. I mean I definitely could have taken a few weeks off, but the money was good, and I enjoyed working."

I could tell my answer didn't sit well, though I had no clue why.

"I feel like you have a bigger question you want to ask."

He looked up and nodded.

"Are you sleeping with your boss?"

What. The. Fuck.

I felt my eyes widen incredibly as I contemplated how outrageous that question was. And then I started giggling, and I couldn't stop.

"What's so funny?"

I heard the annoyance in his tone, but the laughter just kept coming. Tears were in my eyes.

"N-no, Edward. I'm not sleeping with my boss," I managed after a long moment of hysterical giggling. He did not look pleased.

"You could have just said no." His words were quiet and slightly sobering.

I gave him a tender look as I reached out to take his hand.

"I'm sorry. It was just so surprising and don't get me wrong Dr. Smith is a total babe, but she's not my type." I gave a pointed look.

"Dr. Smith is a woman," he stated. "And I'm an idiot." He claimed, closing his eyes for moment.

"Maybe just a tiny bit. And I have to ask, apart from thinking my boss was a dude, what made you think I was having sex with them?"

The fact he was blushing told me a lot.

"Well you mentioned before that you had been with someone during the summer after sophomore year and that lined up with when you got a job. Then you didn't go back, and you were talking about how much you love going to work." He stopped himself a little short.

I guess I could see where he might have gotten the idea.

"But a professor? And I was only sixteen?"

His blush grew deeper and he cupped the back of his neck.

"I don't know Bella. I could see you having a thing for an older guy."

That made me laugh, and I just couldn't help but to shake my head.

"Sorry to disappoint, but no."

He shook his head at me.

"Do you have any other questions about my previous love life? You know, so you don't think I'm getting jiggy with the mailman." I couldn't help but tease. He took it in good humor though.

"I don't know, I'm just curious about you Bella."

I would take that as a good sign.

"All you have to do is ask."

He gave me a raised brow.

"Just ask?" he looked doubtful.

"I'm not shy. I'm not easily offended. And I don't have anything to be ashamed of. So, if you're curious about something I would rather you ask." Maybe it would be less comfortable with someone else, but I had gotten to know Edward on a very intimate level.

"Oh." He paused for a moment, and I gave him an encouraging smile. "The guy from summer camp, he was your first, right?"

I nodded.

"So how old were you?"

I laughed.

"Probably younger than I should have been, but it was summer after ninth so, 15."

"And you saw him again?"

"Yeah. After tenth grade. We got upgraded to counselors, so you know, lots of shenanigans." I grinned. He gave me a slight smile.

"So did it just not work out, or.." he trailed off.

"No. I mean it wasn't really like that. Obviously, we liked each other. We met after eighth grade and became good friends. But I don't know, it was kind of similar to what we're doing now actually." Both brows raised instantly.

"Just how many pretend boyfriends have you had?"

I laughed.

"Ha-ha. I didn't mean that part. I meant we were good friends, and there was some chemistry, but we didn't date. It was more of a 'this is just for fun for the summer' kind of a thing."

He gave me an unreadable look.

"Is that what you wanted?"

"Yeah, I guess. We focused on being friends and the sex was secondary to that. It was just a safe way for both of us to be curious. Don't get me wrong it wasn't clinical, but it also wasn't like some passionate love affair." I wasn't sure my explanation was satisfactory, but it was the best I could do.

"So you didn't love him?"

I shook my head.

"As a friend, sure. But it wasn't starry eyed, planning the future kind of love. I mean there will always be a bond there, but not in a romantic way." I shrugged. I guess I had a pattern when it came to my sex life.

Edward was quiet for a moment.

"I'd ask you the first time you swiped your V-card, but I already know." I masked the old pain with a smile. "Tanya Denali was an interesting choice."

His eyes widened, making me laugh.

"How?" he demanded.

I gave him a look.

"Come on, you're kidding right? You were in the hot tub on your porch, in plain view."

And I had seen way more than I wanted to that day. More than my little heart could bare at the time.

"You saw?" He looked like he might throw up, which is funny, because that's how I felt when it happened.

"I didn't stick around and watch. As soon as I figured out the screaming wasn't from someone being murdered, I aborted mission immediately." Actually, I had been so torn up, I locked myself in the bathroom and cried for three days. Then I was shipped to summer camp.

"Fuck." His curse startled me. He looked genuinely upset.

"Hey, it's not a big deal. Honestly I wouldn't have brought it up if I knew it bothered you." I patted his arm trying to soothe him. "I was just trying to give you a hard time, I didn't realize it meant so much to you."

I was feeling bad that I had upset him. He looked down at where my hand was holding his arm.

"Being with her didn't mean anything. I'm just, I don't know, shocked that you saw it happen."

My heart rejoiced that at least he wasn't hung up on Tanya.

"Come on. That was ages ago. Thinking back, it was kind of funny. I mean you had her bleating like fucking goat."

Some of the worry left his eyes. I made a few goat noises, pushing him a little. When a full smile broke out, I grinned.

"Hmm, goat noises are your thing. I'll have to keep that in mind."

He narrowed his eyes.

"I swear to God Bella, if you make goat sounds when I fuck you, I will tape your mouth shut."

"Kinky."

The mood between us had become light and playful again. Just talking with Edward could be so much fun.

But the bell was ringing, and it was time to go.

"This was fun." I mentioned, as we walked back.

Edward gave me soft smile as he walked me to my next class.

"So you'll finish your work at my house later?"

I nodded, and he kissed my forehead before leaving.

The spot where his lips had been warmed me, and I knew I would be wearing a dopey smile for the rest of the day.

AN: Hope you got a kick out of that little interaction. Poor Edward thinking she was seeing an older man! And I wonder why he was so upset Bella saw him with Tanya… so much to learn.

Thanks for all the love! Hope you guys have an awesome weekend :)