DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight not me. I just love playing around with the characters we all know and love. :-)

Authors Notes:

***Back to Bella

***The Morning After *Wink Wink*

CHAPTER #17: Accelerated Acceptance

BPOV

Mmmmm. I felt like I'd simultaneously been sleeping way to long and not nearly long enough. Uggg what time is it?

"No, that won't work." My eyes snapped open as I heard Edward's voice... from right next to me, or rather sort-of under me? Oh My God... Oh my God... he really did stay the night...with me. In my bed with me. I felt my hair lightly flutter against my neck and realized that I was laying on Edward's lower chest slightly and he was stroking my hair absently with one hand. His fingers were combing through from the top all the way down to the tips and it was sending chills down my whole body, in the best way. I could feel each touch go through my curls slowly and it made me smile through my nervousness. I can't believe he's here right now. I do remember asking him to stay with me, though I have no idea where that boldness had come from. Even with the memory I still can't believe I'm waking up next to him. He stayed all night with me...

"Because I'm not home right now." Obviously he was on the phone with someone. I shifted my head just slightly and he didn't halt his movements in any way so I didn't think he noticed. I however noticed one very important detail now that my face was met with warm skin. Edward was topless and oh my God did he have a nice chest. He was very firm and I really really wanted to get a better look but he would definitely notice if I lifted my head to ogle him. I had no doubt that he would happily let me but I also knew he wouldn't be able to resist tormenting me. I had already let it slip that I like his body and that was BEFORE I saw him without clothing on. Even-though my positioning didn't let me see much, what little I did see could only be described as WOW.

"I'm not answering that." He chuckled at whatever the other person said and I felt the vibrations under me. "No. I'm not answering that either." As he continued laughing I started waking up enough to notice more things, like the fact that I felt his chest on my stomach, directly with no clothing as a barrier. I glanced down and realized the shirt I was wearing had ridden up so that it was just below my breasts and I was more or less molded to Edward's long body with my own. It was a strange sensation to feel the heat and hardness of his body pressed to my soft one. More than strange though it felt amazing. I could feel his chest move as he spoke and it was soothing but also exhilarating to feel him so close pressed to me. "I'm sure as Hell NOT answering that."

There was a pause where I heard enough of the other person to discern that it was male but not much else. Edward was still chuckling softly, never halting his touch over my hair. "Well I live for your approval." I smiled at his sarcasm. "That really depends on what the main topic of conversation is going to be..." I furrowed my brows at his statement. Who was he talking to? What were they talking about? "Don't play innocent with me. You all know exactly what you're doing and spend way to much time interfering with my personal life." I felt him kiss the top of my head and I actually swooned. Yes, I couldn't deny it because it was without a doubt a swoon. "Of course I'll be there Mom would kill me otherwise... but if any of you mention Bella, I'm out." He laughed again at the response he received.

Me? My curiosity peaked getting the better of me so I leaned my head up to look at Edward. He wasn't looking at me at first but must have felt my movement because his bright green eyes met mine and that smile of his was immediately all for me. He mouthed 'Good morning Beautiful' and I smiled which elicited a wink from him. Because I'm hopeless to his charms I buried my face in his chest. God I'm hopeless...

He chuckled before giving my head a playful tussle. "I need to let you go." There was a pause before he heavy sighed. "I'm not answering that either, Emmett." So it was his brother he was talking to, and they were talking about me, at least partially. He had mentioned that he'd talked about me with his family but it was different to actually witness it. It felt real now, WE felt real and less like a fantasy. He had told me that his family was a bit pushy with regard to his romantic life and as a result he didn't tell them about any woman he was seeing. I was more than understanding of that since I was the same way with my parents. Despite his normal silence on the topic he had mentioned me to them so did that mean something? "I'll see you all tonight. Please tell Lizzie I love her." After a moment he laughed loudly. "Hell no. I'm not feeding her to the wolves." With that he hung up and tossed his phone down on the end table. His eyes went back to me and I blushed at the intensity behind those verdant eyes of his.

"Good morning baby." He leaned down to give me a peck but I intercepted it eagerly and brought my hand up to lightly hold him to me. I loved when Edward kissed me and didn't want to settle for just a small one. He had an amazing ability to be so strong and so soft with his touch. Each and every time he kissed me my heart skipped a beat, like it couldn't believe he was touching me. He shifted down so that we were both on our sides facing the other, still kissing. A million soft kisses were exchanged between us, and it was the best way in the world to wake up. He pulled back and watched me, just watched. I could see his eyes scanning every inch of my face, taking his time before his eyes met mine again.

"What?" I whispered and he smiled.

"You look amazing in the morning." I of course blushed but instead of laughing he leaned in and took my lips again, harder this time. I eagerly met his kiss while happily letting him lead it. I have always been so modest and guarded with men I was with in the past but with Edward it was so easy and strangely fulfilling to just follow his lead. I liked letting him initiate and guide us. I trust him in a way I've never trusted anyone else I was seeing. The way he looks at me, touches me, talks to me... everything, all of it leaves me feeling like I could follow him anywhere knowing he would never lead me astray.

We kissed for a little while before Edward pulled away with a smile to again watch me for a moment. "I have a surprise for you birthday girl."

He leaned away slightly which I really didn't want. Whatever his surprise was if it involved not holding me I wasn't interested. I gently held him in place, hoping he didn't notice. "My birthday was yesterday." He chuckled before kissing me and pulling away as soon as my arms moved to wrap around his neck. Clever man...

"I wasn't able to spend your birthday with you remember? I told you that you would be mine today." As he got out of bed I was able to take in his mostly nude form in full. And just like that my innocence was back full swing. I'd never had a guy spend the night before and seeing him, in just his boxers was a big reminder of that. After he stood up I sat up slowly, suddenly feeling quite self-conscious. I wrapped the blanket around myself as I watched him gather his clothing and lay it on the table by the bed. As he moved I got a great look at his body and was happy to get the chance to do so without him noticing. He was a lot more muscular than I had expected. I knew he worked out since he frequently texted me from the gym but nothing I'd imagined gave him the justice he deserved. His arms were defined without looking unnatural and the rest of him was the same way. He did have a bit more definition in his chest and back though. I watched his back flex as he bent down and felt myself pink at how sexy of a back he had. Can backs be sexy?

Suddenly he turned around to look at me, probably expecting a response from me but I had been to busy staring at him. My face had to have given away what I was doing because a wide smile spread across his face. "Isabella Swan are you checking me out?"

OH GOD. He was staring at me with that cocky smile I hated had so much power over me. He had stood up fully to ask the question while actually crossing his arms. God he was way to attractive, it just wasn't fair. Recently in our relationship I had taken to flirting with him more and more but only really through text and phone call because his eyes disabled me. I decided to change the subject, since I couldn't think of a response.

"What time is it?" Uggg, that wasn't going to fool him at all. He cocked an eyebrow at me while maintaining his smile. He glanced toward the clock I had just on the wall behind him. His eyes shifted to accusatory while he refused to answer. Yeah...he wasn't falling for my distraction. "Ummm, you stayed the night." Oh God where was my filter this morning? That was the opposite of changing the subject. Plus it was obviously the case as here he is.

He uncrossed his arms but kept his smile in place, his eyes gentle now. "You asked so of course I stayed." I couldn't resist smiling but my shyness was far from gone causing me to more or less bury my chin into my raised knees. He took in my coy pose and I saw a devilish grin spread on his face. OH GOD cocky Edward hadn't even made an appearance yet...that was about to change. "Is my girl shy about us sleeping together?"

"NO." I meant to sound casual but instead sounded forced and small. Yeah that didn't convince me so I knew it wouldn't work on him.

"Really?" He slowly walked around the bed to my side. Why do I suddenly feel like a gazelle being stalked by a lion? His eyes never left mine as he slowly approached. Once he was on my side all I could do was look up at him in anticipation. "I think you are." I tried to bury my face but he was faster. His hand reached for my face and cradled the side under my ear. "Don't look away from me, Beautiful." He leaned in and kissed me, which melted me instantly.

He gently nipped my lips making me giggle slightly. That seemed to be what he was going for because he pulled back with a wink. His arms were on either side of my body, forcing me back as he leaned over me. One hand kept my face cradled through the kiss, which I could feel him smiling through. "You're shy." His whispered words that I wasn't sure were a question or a statement were said through our kiss making them sound erotic instead of curious. I nodded, both admitting and confirming the obvious. He chuckled before giving me one last quick peck and pulling back again to watch me.

"My beautiful, shy, perfect girl..." He kissed my head after I smiled. I loved when he called me his. I honestly didn't know which I loved more being 'beautiful' or being 'his'. He leaned away and reached both his hands out, indicating he wanted mine. I placed my hands in his and he helped me up, pulling me into his still very much bare chest. He continued to watch me as I watched him. "There's no need to be shy." His smug smile was back. "You were the epitome of a perfect lady. You were sweet, kind, respectful, and never once tried to take advantage of me, given your rather inebriated state." My mouth dropped at his unexpected role reversal.

"What?" My facial expression had probably been enough but the question slipped out regardless.

"Well you know sleeping in the same bed with you could have welcomed some 'attentions' that I wasn't quite ready for. How could I have possibly stopped you?" He smirked as I buried my head into his chest and playfully slapped his shoulder.

"You're horrible." His only response was to laugh and pull my face up to his using both hands to cradle my neck. As soon as he did he kissed me again, long and deep through both of our smiling faces. I really never wanted to wake up without him kissing me ever again...

"Did you sleep well?" I smiled at his casual subject change. It was always incredible to me how we could joke one second, have a serious conversation the next, and always get through it with the awkwardness forgotten.

"Yes. No hangover, so that's a plus." He laughed.

"You weren't nearly drunk enough to warrant a hangover."

"Seriously?" I felt like I'd drank non-stop all night. Who could possible drink more than that?

"Nope you only had a couple shots and a few drinks the whole night." I narrowed my eyes at him as I remembered the 'blow job' incident.

"I can't believe you all tricked me with the blow job."

"Tricked you? Me?" His tone would fool no one.

"Yes, you."

"I'll have you know Ms. Swan that was 100% Angela's idea."

"So that makes you guilty by association?" He chuckled but kept a straight face through his amusement.

"More guilty after the fact. It may not have been my idea but it was certainly something I wanted to see."

"Horrible." His double meaning wasn't lost on me...

"You love it." True. There really wasn't anything about Edward I didn't LOVE. It was terrifying how he could mean so much to me in such a short time. "Now back to the very important topic you tried to change. I believe you were checking me out?" I couldn't help laughing at his smug face.

"Nope not me." I smiled innocently and his eyes narrowed.

"Really?" I just shook my head while keeping my eyes on his.

"Who was that gorgeous brunette I turned around to see giving me the whole 'up and down' look?"

"Up and down look?"

"Obviously taking in all the crucial locations. My chest, arms, abs, and places below." He smirked as I fought laughing through my blush.

"What are you accusing me of Mr. Cullen?" I smiled as he continued holding me through our little verbal spar.

"Just appreciating what's right in front of you." If I had the confidence level that Angela or any non-stunted people had there were so many things I could say but I was just not that comfortable in my own skin.

"I believe you have a surprise for me?" Hopefully he'll forget about me checking him out.

"Hmmm, another subject change." He held my chin briefly. "Well it serves my immediate purpose so I'll allow it. This time only Ms. Swan." I shrugged and he rolled his eyes. "I'll need you to close your eyes."

What? "Why?"

"So suspicious..." He laughed at my puzzlement. "Just close them."

"Is the surprise in my room?" I looked around briefly before looking back at him. He was trying not to laugh at my curiosity.

"Perhaps."

"How?" He heavy sighed while gesturing toward my eyes. I closed them and I heard him move away back to his side of the bed... His side? Did he have a spot there now? I fought the blush my random thought caused. "How did you sneak that in? Last night?"

He laughed while doing something. "You weren't that out of it. I went down to my car early this morning to get it."

"You left?" Why did I sound sad when I asked that?

He moved back to me and ran his finger down my face. I couldn't see him but I could tell he was being comforting. "Only for a few minutes sweetheart." He grabbed my hand and led me back to my bed, standing in front of me as he eased me down so I was sitting at the end. "Now I got you two things. The first is from me alone, while the second...well lets just say I had some help."

"Lizzie?" I smirked at his silence.

"Perhaps..."

"Okay mine first. Open your eyes." I did and he was standing right in front of me, still topless of course. My eyes pf course took him in before noticing the small silver present he was holding. I looked to him and he was looking smug as ever. Safe to say he noticed my distraction.

"What is it?" I took the present slowly and held it in both hands.

"Generally that's why you open it. To find out." I slowly began pulling at the blue ribbon tightly surrounding the silver paper. Wordlessly Edward sat himself next to me as I peeled off the paper. In it was a white box with no markings. I opened the flap on the top to reveal a black velvet box. My eyes went to Edward immediately.

I knew what velvet boxes meant... jewelry. That meant meant expensive. "You didn't spend a lot did you." I hadn't even opened it and I was already freaking out a bit. I've always been terrible about receiving gifts. I blamed my father who never believed in accepting extravagant things. He was very prideful and liked to pay his own way in the world, no matter the situation. This had rubbed off on me from a young age so it made it difficult for me to accept generosity.

Edward's only response was to shrug. Yes he shrugged... no words of denial or confirmation. Just a one shoulder shrug. "Oh God you did didn't you." I held the still closed box to my face to hide my mortification. Here I was dating a man who drove a 6 figure car, made god knows what a year and the present he gets me after only dating for about a month is already pricey. What sort of things will he buy me once we've been together awhile?

"Bella..." He moved off the bed and knelled on the floor, in between my open knees. I kept my eyes down. Why couldn't I just be graceful about this sort of thing? Angela and I had gotten into probably the only fights we'd ever really had because of my 'inability to accept a simple gift'. I didn't want to do that with Edward too. "...baby look at me." I did and his eyes weren't annoyed, they were soft. "I'm not going to lie and say I didn't spend more than what might make you comfortable." My eyes probably showed my continued discomfort. He leaned in to kiss the side of my head before resting his forehead to mine. "The truth is I saw this and thought of you. I wasn't concerned with the price. Plain and simple okay?" He was so sweet as he gave my head another kiss. I leaned up and kissed him which he responded to immediately.

After about ten seconds he pulled back with a goofy grin. "Wow. Quite the thanks and you haven't even opened it yet." I smiled before finally opening the box. Inside was a silver necklace in the shape of a swan with its head pointing down. The body of the swan encased a beautiful blue sapphire, a big one. It was by far the most beautiful pendant I'd ever seen let alone owned. It was clear that this wasn't a $30-$60 necklace from somewhere like target because there was no way this wasn't real. Oh God how much did he spend on it...

Edwards arms were on either side of my hips as he waited patiently for me to say something. "I know it may not be the most creative thing, seeing as how your last name is Swan but..." I interrupted him by kissing him briefly then hugging him as tightly as I could.

"It's beautiful. I love it." I really really did. It was flawless and probably the nicest thing I'd ever wear. He chuckled as he held me around my waist.

"So you can accept a gift." He laughed and kissed the side of my head where he could reach from my tight hold. He was still chuckling while I felt small tears come to my eyes. Oh God, me and my sensitive emotions. I could cry in the most ridiculous of situations. "That's good to know." Clearly he hadn't noticed I'd started crying as he continued to speak with humor in his voice. I held him tighter, willing the tears back. "Fortunate as I tend to spoil those closest to me." My only response was to shake my head. Not wanting him to hear my voice break if I said something. He tried to pull back but I just held on tighter. "Sorry sweetheart but as you are one of the few people I like, prepare to be spoiled at every available opportunity." He laughed again while I tried to hold onto him tighter. I was still trying to hide my tears because I didn't want him to see how ridiculous I was.

"Beautiful?" He seemed to catch on that I wasn't saying anything. I felt his hands reach up for my arms loosening my grip. He pulled back, keeping my hands in his as he did. I saw through my blurry eyes, the moment his eyes took in my tear streaked face. I sniffled and he gave a gentle smile before lifting one hand to caress my face all while just staring at me. What was he thinking? I'd never seen him look at me like that before. There was so much intensity in his eyes but also warmth. What was he thinking? He continued just staring at me as I sniffled helplessly. "My Precious girl..." His words were whispered as I tried to smile through my tears. "God you're..." He trailed off before taking a deep breath then leaning in to hold me again. I took the chance to wrap my arms back around him as tight as I could without choking him. He picked me up before sitting back on the bed and having me straddle his waist. He wordlessly let me cry as he stroked my hair and gently shushed me. "I've got you baby." His words just made me cry more. God what's wrong with me? I'm wasting what limited alone time we have crying over nothing...

"I'm sorry." I whispered and I felt him shake his head.

"Never apologize for being you. You're absolutely perfect." After a few more moments I calmed down enough to pull back and give him a sheepish smile. His hand stroked my face a few times while he just watched me.

"I'm okay." He nodded while giving me another smile. I continued to be amazed with Edward's ability to make me feel normal in situations where I typically felt like a complete freak.

"Okay enough for gift #2?"

"Oh God." I buried my face in my hands and he laughed.

He tried to pry my hands away but I held firm. "Oh Bella?" He lifted me again and laid me flat on the bed, effortlessly. Clearly his muscles I'd been admiring weren't just for show... He laid on top of me between my legs, which were propped up. "Can you come out of your hiding place beautiful?" I pulled my hands away just enough to see him smile at me victoriously. "There's my beautiful girl."

"The necklace was more than enough Edward."

I tried so hard to sound stern but he just laughed at me. "Tough because you have another one." He shrugged again before getting off me. I missed his weight as soon as he was off. It felt nice when he was there, like he fit.

"Edward one gift is more than enough." Especially if the gift is as nice as the first one.

"Shut up and close those beautiful eyes." He winked before standing and gesturing for me to sit and wait. I heavy sighed before doing as I was told, closing my eyes. This time I heard him actually leave the room. Where was he going?

He came back in with what I assumed was the last gift as I heard gift paper. Why did he make me close my eyes if it's wrapped? I heard something being put on the ground against the wall before I felt him kneel back down in front of me again. I was going to ask if I could open my eyes but before I could I felt his lips on mine. I smiled into the kiss before giggling. I kept my eyes closed as he pulled back. "Was that my gift?"

"No that was mine." I opened my eyes and he smirked. I looked over to the wall and up against it was a flat gift in that same silver paper and blue ribbon. It looked to be the size of a very large picture frame. "Sit back okay." I shuffled back on the bed and Edward picked up the picture before turning it around and laying it across my crossed legs. It was very heavy but definitely felt like a frame.

I looked up at him with curiosity. "This was the present I really wanted to get you. The necklace was a last minute thing I found." I nodded. What kind of people buy expensive jewelry as a last minute gift for someone they already shopped for? Obviously Edward kind-of people.

"Is it pricey too?" No mute button on my irrational concerns apparently...

"Does it matter?" He looked to me in challenge, while keeping a small smile in place. Truthfully I didn't really have an answer. Does it matter? Yes. Should it matter? No. After-all it's his money and I shouldn't tell him how to spend it, even if that does involve spoiling me.

"Thank-you." He chuckled.

"Don't thank me yet. You haven't opened it yet. What if you hate it?"
"Not possible." If I knew nothing else about this gift, I would still know that. Edward's eyes gave away his excitement. When he'd given me the 1st gift sure he was excited but now he was practically jumping in his eagerness. Whatever this was, I knew I would love it.

I slowly started pulling at the ribbon, feeling so very nervous. "Ugggg. You take to long..." He quickly hoped on the bed behind me, straddling my hips with his thighs. I glanced back at him but he grabbed my hands and rested them on top of the paper, giving me a clear hint that patience wasn't his virtue at the moment.

"So pushy..." I had to bait him a little as I slowly began to peel the paper, and I do mean SLOWLY. I started pulling at the top corner and I swear I felt him growl through his chest where he was rested against my back.

"Ms. Swan..." His voice held warning. I looked to him and his eyes were narrowed. I smiled cutely before giving him a teasing peck. He returned the sentiment but pulled away as he pointed to the gift. "Would you please..." I laughed before quickly pulling the largest amount of paper off that I could. I'd had to use both hands to do it and since the frame was so big I had to lean forward to pull from one side to the other. As the huge strips of paper fell out of my line of sight I froze.

Inside was a giant canvas in a cherry wood frame. The picture was of a bunch of hand-prints, in all different colors and sizes. Each one had the number 21 in the palm, painted in different handwriting in the color brown. All of the prints surrounded large calligraphy words reading, 'Happy Birthday Ms. Swan'. Down in the corner in small print was the message 'Love Ms. Swan's FIRST Kindergarten class.' Each hand-print had one of my students names written in small letters next to it. I also noticed that my art class students names were included not just my regular ones. My eyes went to Henry and Lizzie's prints located near my name, in red and green respectfully. Clearly my students each did their print in their favorite color many of which I recognized from our color mixing lessons.

Now I was really crying. I lifted one hand to trace each of the prints as I cried. This was without a doubt the best gift I had ever received in my entire life. I had no idea how he had pulled something like this off but it probably involved getting Lizzie and the schools help. I felt Edward wrap his arms around my middle as I cried big ugly embarrassing tears. He didn't say anything, but just held me. I sobbed as I felt him kiss the side of my head. God this man that is just so very perfect... How did I ever catch the interest of someone like him?

I don't know how long I starred at the painting, tracing each print, but it was awhile. Eventually I pushed it away gently before re-positioning myself so that I could face Edward. He helped me realign myself so that I was more or less on his lap. I kissed him with all my might wanting to show him just how much I loved his gift. Apparently I caught him off guard because we fell back with me on top of him. It didn't stop us though as we kissed even deeper. His hand held the back of my head, keeping me close while the other stroked down my arm and side. It slid down past my backside before resting on my thigh. I had no idea why but his hand there felt warm and amazing.

"I love it." He laughed at my mumbled words, since I didn't stop kissing him to say them. Despite his laughter he didn't let me go while he did it either.

"I gathered." I laughed and with that in one quick movement Edward rolled over, putting me under him now. The kissing still didn't stop and I was more than okay with that. He rested a lot of his weight on me and it felt... no words. My hands stroked up his back reminding me that he was STILL topless and I was only in underwear and a shirt. He seemed to realize this about the same moment I did as I felt his hand slowly but deliberately begin to slowly inch up my shirt.

He rubbed my stomach back and forth over and over again and it sent shock waves down my body. How can such an innocent spot cause such a huge reaction? As usual the only answer I could come up with is, 'It's just Edward'. He had an unquestioned power over me. One that I honestly didn't mind.

I was so lost in him that I almost didn't notice his hand traveling up towards my chest. As soon as I finally did though I grew more nervous than I ever remember being. Oh God... He was going to touch me...there. God, what do I do? Should I touch him somewhere? Should I say something? My mind went completely blank as it went into overdrive simultaneously. That makes absolutely no sense yet was still the truth.

I felt his palm press firmly into my abdomen as he traveled up, up, shifting to the right, then the left. It was like his hands were memorizing my body and my body was cementing his touch. He leaned in even closer to me, so that very little of our bodies weren't touching. My breathing got more rapid as my nervousness increased to the point that I could feel my hands shaking. Despite everything my nerves were doing to me I was still very much enjoying Edward's weight and the free chance to roam my hands down his back and shoulders.

****Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz****

I heard a phone vibrating, from the floor maybe? At first we both seemed to studiously ignore it. He continued kissing me deep and I kissed him right back. His hand traveled down now stopping at the band of my bikini underwear. His fingertips followed the elastic slow from one hip all the way to the other. That felt way better then it rationally should.

...And then the phone went off again...

****Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz****

This time I felt myself get distracted by the noise. My hands slowed and my breathing followed.

"Do you need to get that?" Edward whispered his question into my ear sending chills down my neck from where I felt the warmth of his breath on me. His hands were still stroking me but slower now.

"Ummm..." I didn't get a chance to answer because Edward kissed me again, halting anything I was going to say. His hand moved to my hip, down to my thigh, taking the chance to physically wrap my leg around his hip. I followed his lead, moving my hands to his face. I wanted to keep him as close to me as possible.

****Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz****

Third time's the charm apparently. Edward halted his movements and instead rested his head on my shoulder as he groaned in clear displeasure. I held his head affectionately and kissed the top of it while smiling.

"Sorry." I tried to slid out from under Edward but the movement grabbed his attention and he pulled me right back under him, using just one arm to do so.

"I'm not ready to give you up." I smiled at his husky tone. I gave a quick peck before leaning away again to grab my phone. He let me this time but let loose another grumble.

Where was my phone? I always put it on my nightstand...

"You dropped it and your purse last night." I glanced at Edward as he shifted off me, with clear disappointment on his face. I couldn't help but smile at his expression.

"Where?"

"Under the bed I think." I shifted to my side and leaned down to find my bag. Sure enough it was on the ground with a lot of stuff spilled out. As I dug for my phone I heard Edward groan... or was that a growl? I leaned up fast and saw him shaking his head while taking deep breaths.

"What's wrong?" I looked around trying to find the reasoning for that sound he made but saw nothing. When I looked back at him he just shook his head while smiling at me.

"You do realize you bent over in...that...right in front of me...after we'd just been making out right?"

"Oh." I blushed while holding my phone and pushing my hair behind my ears.

"Whoever called you it had better be a matter of life and death." He collapsed back on his side of the bed and rested his arm over his eyes. I couldn't resist laughing though quietly.

****Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz**** It started vibrating in my hand so I answered immediately.

"Hello?" Edward more or less glared at my phone when he heard me answer it and I had to fight with everything I had not laugh at him.

"Hey Baby."

"Mom?" I hadn't even checked caller ID. One brow quirked upward on Edward and I turned beet red. God I'm on the phone with my mom while my half naked boyfriend and I are in bed together...

"We're on our way. Should be there in a couple hours."

"Oh." I probably wasn't hiding my disappointment. Like Edward, I wasn't ready for our time to be up.

"Is everything okay?" Count on my mom to notice my tone being slightly off.

"I'm wonderful." I glanced at Edward again and he smirked, clearly sensing my discomfort. Is it exhausting to be so cocky all the time?

"Wonderful huh?" He whispered the rhetorical question as he leaned in to kiss me. I was faster than him though and cupped his mouth with my palm while doing my best to give him a warning glare.

'Behave.' I mouthed the word and he just gave me a devilish smile.

'Never.' He mouthed right back at me.

"How was the Big 21 party?"

"Mom we can talk about this when you get here." Edward leaned in to kiss me and this time I let him but only for a quick one before pointing at him in clear warning. That was all he was getting while I'm on the phone with my parents...

"So fucking hot when you get firm with me." He kept his voice down but I still narrowed my eyes at him talking with my mom still on the phone. If she overheard him there wasn't going to be any way to downplay why a man was with me.

"But anything you tell me now your dad doesn't have to know about." I heard my dad say something to my mom which made her laugh. "Simmer down Charlie. Your daughter is a beautiful and sexy woman and she makes her own choices."

"Oh God." I hid my face in my free hand. My hippie mother ladies and gentlemen... Edward seemed to have heard my mother because he looked like he was gonna die trying to hold in his laughter. "Mom...seriously."

"What?" Yeah that innocent tone doesn't work with me mom... I didn't get a chance to say anything as my dad seemed to beat me to it. I didn't hear what he said but clearly he wasn't happy. "Oh shut up Charlie. Or have you forgotten what we were doing at 'your little girls' age?"

"Mom!" Edward was all out chuckling now but had stood up to do so. He mouthed 'Bathroom' and something else I couldn't make out but was to distracted by my mortification to clarify so I just nodded. At least the rest of this embarrassment wouldn't have an audience.

"So did you have fun?" How she can act casual after scarring both dad and me I'll never know.

"Yes Mom."

"Did you meet anyone?"

"Where?"

"At the club Angela said she was going to take you to."

"She told you that?" I was going to kill Angela.

"You father insisted she give up the details of the whens and where's." I could feel my mom's eye-roll. "She told him the places but refused to say anything else. It was actually hilarious when she said 'Oh bugger off Charlie' and hung up on him." She started laughing at the memory.

That sounded like Angela. So she hadn't given details, just enough so my dad wouldn't have an aneurysm. I heard the shower turn on and realized that's what he had mouthed to me. I smiled unintentionally at the idea of Edward in my shower. It was so domestic, him using my shower, and for some stupid reason I loved that.

"I had a great time and I can tell you about it when you get here."

"Your father wants to talk to you."

"Okay."

"Bells?"

"Morning dad."

"Good morning. Are you okay? Nobody tried anything with you did they?"

Dads... "No dad. There was a group of us and we stayed together."

"Just make sure you stay safe in places like that."

"I know. Just like you taught me." With Charlie it's best to just give him assurance. Arguing that it was a perfectly safe environment would do nothing.

"Love you Bells. See you in a bit."

"Love you too dad." I had to smile at our brief conversation. My dad was never really the vocal type which meant that he wasn't one for small talk. He got to his point and other than that remained silent.

"I still want to know all about your day? Angela said she took you to a spa." Despite the fact that I would see them soon and could tell them all this then my mother wanted to know everything. I told her about the restaurant, spa, and shopping centers we'd gone to and she seemed to love every detail I gave. My mother was always the opposite of dad.

We spoke for awhile until I heard the shower turn off. "Mom I need to get ready so I'll see you when you get here?"

"Alright but I still expect details about any men in your life."

"Bye mom." I hung up while shaking my head. The woman was incorrigible about the topic of 'men in her daughters life.' If she knew about Edward she would probably never let me have a moment's peace. There was no doubt in my mind that she would absolutely LOVE Edward. Honestly who wouldn't? She had always told me I needed an older man because of my old soul maturity. Add in his height, green eyes, being a wonderful father, and a million other things and my mother was going to love him as much as I did.

A buzzing in my head made me realize the thought I'd just had. Love? Will Love? Falling in love? These weren't thoughts I'd never had about a guy and it wasn't something I was ready to dig into at the moment.

My door opened and in stepped Edward, still damp, and wrapped with a towel around his waist. Oh dear God... He was obviously doing this on purpose.

"Your parents are on their way?" He calmly grabbed his neat pile of clothing that he had gathered earlier.

"Um, yeah. A couple hours out." He nodded before glancing at his phone, probably to check the time.

He glanced up at me from the phone with an innocent smile, while I fought with everything I had not to follow the water drops falling down his chest. "You could have brought your clothes in with you..." I gestured towards the door, suddenly not being able to say the word bathroom seeing as how I was very distracted by his body at the moment.

"I suppose I could have but then you couldn't have watched me. I know you like that." He winked and I pursed my lips in mock displeasure, fighting laughing.

"You're horrible." I pretended to be interested in my phone as he proceeded to begin removing his towel. We were now engrossed in a ridiculous game of chicken that I wasn't sure I wanted to win. I really did want to look...

"Oh my God you still have your underwear on!" He had just removed the towel so I gestured to the fact that he had been wearing his boxers underneath it the whole time.

"So you WERE LOOKING!" He was smiling widely and I couldn't help laughing. I really didn't think any other man in the world could excite me, make me laugh, or make me feel as beautiful as Edward does.

"I'm not blind to the fact that you're Hot you know." I tried to say it matter-of-factually and with confidence... I REALLY, really did.

"You think I'm hot?" Oh God that smug smile...

"I'm not catering to your ego Edward. It's far to big as it is." I crossed my arms while starring him down. I was officially dropping the pretense of wanting to look at anything other than him since we both knew otherwise.

"It's big huh?" He raised a brow at me and I couldn't hold in my characteristic blush. Men...

"Yes your EGO is. QUITE big."

"I do love when my girl scolds me." He came over to my side and without pause leaned down to kiss me. Shamelessly I shifted myself flat, all while trying to pull him down with. He clearly knew what I wanted and didn't put up a fight. He laid on me and smiled into our kiss.

It stayed chaste between us. A million small kisses and touches. I absolutely loved when he brushed my hair behind my ear and he did it a few times, sending tingles down my neck and chest each and every time.

"I'm going to miss you." I broke our silence. I expected him to make a joke but he just smiled at me.

"I'm going to miss you too beautiful, but we'll see each-other soon."

I nodded as we laid next to one another for a few moments. He was still stroking my hair and I smiled wondering who enjoyed that more, me or him.

"What are your plans today?"

"Dinner with my family tonight but right now..." He trailed off as he gave me a devilish grin. I was about to ask what he was thinking but before I could he gave my butt a smack. I jumped and he laughed. "...You are going to get dressed so I can take you to breakfast." Only Edward can act so scandalous while asking me out to breakfast.

"You don't have to do that."

"I want to." He stood back up and started getting dressed, with actual purpose this time. "Besides, what sort of gentleman doesn't attend to his girl after sleeping with her?"

I buried my face again as he grinned. "Oh my GOD. Just SLEEP..."

"That's what I said?... What were you suggesting Ms. Swan?"

"Shut Up." He laughed at my weak words.

"Besides sleeping with someone is way more intimate than having sex with them." I glanced up at his words. What? He seemed to mean that as his words held no joking tone. He had his pants on now and was putting on his undershirt.

"How do you figure?"

He grabbed his over shirt and started putting that on next. "Well sex can be just that...sex. Sleeping with someone shows actual trust... an actual relationship." I smiled at that, though I wasn't sure why. "I've only actually slept with a few women in my life, but I've had sex with a considerable amount more than that."

"Considerable amount?" Why did I ask that? Did I really want the answer? He was just so casual when he talked about stuff like this and it made me feel out of place, then again I almost always felt that way about this subject. It always felt like the whole world went to a sexual confidence seminar and I somehow missed it.

He laughed as he finished buttoning up his shirt. He leaned over me on the bed, where I had once again sat up against the headboard. He had one hand on either side of my hips as he smiled at me. "Isabella Swan are you trying to get me to volunteer my 'number' to you?" He said the word in a conspiring tone, clearly mocking me...

"Ummm" Was I? Did I even want to know...ever? Why would I? Did I?

"I tell you what." My eyes held his as he smiled sweetly at me. "I'll give you mine if you give me yours."

"My what?"

"Your number. I'll give you mine if you tell me yours."

"Uhhhhhh."

He laughed at whatever mortified expression I had. "That's what I thought. We can keep that to ourselves huh?"

I nodded. He certainly misunderstood the reasoning behind my horror and for that I was so very grateful. I was not ready to have THAT conversation with him. I knew it would have to be someday, probably very very soon but still I wanted to push it off as long as possible. It was the topic that had virtually lead to the end of most of my other relationships...

He sweetly helped me up before telling me to get dressed and I laughed at him ordering me around. I went to my dresser and decided to wear my warm black pants and thick sweatshirt. Not the prettiest thing but the shirt was warm and comfy and the weather was only getting colder. I laid them out along with underwear and shoes on my dresser. I turned around and Edward was laying casually on my bed again with his phone in hand while his other arm rested behind his head.

"Well I'm going to get dressed..."

"Okay." Just like I had done he kept his eyes on his phone. I could almost think he was just forgetting that I needed privacy for this except that smirk gave him away.

"Are you planning on staying?"

"Why would I leave?" He glanced up with a wide grin

"I can't dress with you here..."

"I did."

"...uhhh" Good point...

"Come on it's easy." He stood back up and met me in front of my dresser. He grabbed me around my waist and of course I let him. He held the bottom of my shirt in his hands and lightly lifted it. "You just lift this off, slowly of course, so I can enjoy the view, and then..." I swatted his hand away while rolling my eyes. He laughed.

"Out." I pointed to the door while trying to keep a straight face. The man was so good at doing whatever he did to me.

"So bossy." He made no move to follow my orders and instead kissed me. My traitorous body kissed him back and held him close. "Let me stay." I loved that question/ordering tone but I fought it with everything I had.

"Out Mr. Cullen." I pointed again to emphasize my rather weak determination.

"So fucking hot to use that tone while denying me." Why was it a turn on when he swore? Such a strange thing for me to find attractive. I laughed as he left the room, much slower than he needed to.

He obeyed me...eventually and left enabling me to breathe again. Everything felt so enhanced with him around, especially given the fact that most of the morning we'd both been half naked. After I dressed he took me to a small bagel place I loved and we each got an egg sandwich. He proceeded to tease me about my drunken state from the night before, mentioning how he loved how clingy I got.

"I wasn't that clingy..."

"I beg to differ. You practically crawled into my lap. Not that I'm complaining."

I remembered everything vividly but refused to let him know that. For some reason I had either forgotten or just plain didn't care about PDA's, common decorum, or the fact that my friends were all there with us. I just couldn't seem to get close enough to him. The whole day I had missed him so much and more than anything I had wanted to spend my birthday together with him. When he showed up out of nowhere my excitement overrode my normal shyness and his more than eager responses gave me confidence I normally never had.

"I have to know how you pulled off my present."

"Now now, Ms. Swan I have to keep some of this delightful mystery." He gestured to himself. "I wouldn't want you to find me boring and get sick of me."

"I don't think that's even the slightest bit possible."

"Perhaps, but why chance it?" I laughed but gave up, for now at least.

"So on a scale of 1 thru 10 how did your birthday rank?" I knew Edward enough to know that he was gunning for me to say it had been my best birthday ever since he was involved. He openly admits to being competitive.

"It was great." I gave a sweet smile but no further explanation.

"Great?" I nodded while drinking more of my lemonade. We'd long ago finished our food and I needed an excuse not to look into his eyes. "Can I get a bit more than that Beautiful?" He was trying to look firm but his eyes sparkled, showing his excitement.

"Nope."

"Oh really?"

"Yep." Wordlessly he pulled my chair right next to his and before I knew it he was nuzzling my neck and giving me the softest kisses there, sending tickling sparks down my body. I tried hard to act unaffected, but my will was crumbling. Judging by the smile I could feel against my neck, he knew it too.

"My beautiful girl thinks she can tease me..." He spoke so softly I could barely hear him, which was probably the point. His velvety voice got a husky tone to it when he whispered, rendering me powerless, well more so than usual. "You know what I want beautiful." His kisses traveled up to my jaw then my ear. "Be my good girl and tell me."

How can a statement like that do so many bad things to me? "It was my best birthday ever."

"Because?"

"Because you were there."

He gently pulled my face to him so we could kiss on the lips now. "Want to know a secret?" I nodded while we continued to kiss. "When I woke up next to you this morning and you were draped over me, all I wanted to do was hold you close and never let go. You were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen and I couldn't believe you were mine." My only response was to blush ridiculously and wrap my arms around his neck to try and hide it.

"Why do you say things like that?" I whispered while still hiding my red face.

"Because it's the truth." I smiled through my blush and laughed softly. After a few moments Edward pulled away and kissed my cheek softly.

After that, as things always did, our conversation turned easy. We mostly talked about his work. Apparently with the end of the year coming he had a lot of work pilling up. It was one of the reasons he had taken the vacation when he did. Since few cases went to court around the holidays he had to either file continuances or work extra hard to settle as many issues as he could as quickly as he could. I felt bad that one of my first thoughts was that I wouldn't get to see him as much due to his busy schedule. It felt selfish of me but I couldn't help it.

"Do you ever hate your job?" His job sounded so stressful. I would hate the things he has to deal with.

"It frustrates me often, but no I never hate it."

"I don't think I could be a lawyer for 1 day."

"Why?" He laughed at my strange statement. We were driving back to my apartment now. I think I only brought up such a random thing to distract myself from the reality that our time together was ending.

"Peoples careers, savings, inheritance, life-long dreams, and a million other things are all tied up in what you do. That's a lot of responsibility."

"True enough but you're responsible for the initial education of the next generation of the human race. I'd say that's a pretty huge responsibility as well." His words weren't said with humor or condescension. He really meant that and it made me smile.

"That may be the nicest thing anyone's ever said about my job."

"It's just the truth Bella. I raise one child and it's a lot to handle, knowing how much of her future depends on me. You do that for dozens of children a year." I leaned over the console to kiss his cheek.

"Smooth talker." He chuckled as we pulled up to my building. He found a spot close which just made me think about how I had less and less time with him. We walked into my building, his arm around my shoulder as we did. We weren't really speaking but we were both walking very slow, neither wanting the day to end.

"I would follow you in but I may never leave." He joked as we reached my door.

"Who's to say that I would mind?"

"You may not but I somehow doubt your father would be as open-minded."

"Are you speaking out of father solidarity?"

"Something like that."

I was telling myself to give him a small kiss and hug goodbye but my body didn't listen to anything my head was saying. Instead I pulled him in for a deep kiss and he met my energy times ten. He pressed me up against my door and held me there with his whole body as his hands held my hips in place. We made out for awhile, I wasn't sure how long but I did knew it wasn't nearly long enough. His hands never strayed from my hips, but his fingers caressed me and it felt soothing among all the heat.

He pulled away before me, only enough to rest his head to mine, as we both fought to catch our breath. He kissed me one last time, long but gentle before pulling away enough to look at me, still staying intimately close. "How am I going to sleep without you now." He whispered his question and I smiled.

"You've managed up until now."

"True but now I know better." I laughed softly and he stroked my face with one hand, holding my eyes to him, so I couldn't look away.

"What are you doing the weekend after Halloween?"

"Nothing planned. Why?"

"I'll be busy with a lot the next week or so. I'll probably only be able to see you a few times before then.

"Oh." My words were soft and undoubtedly showed my disappointment.

"But I'm wide open that weekend. I have my house all to myself that weekend and..." He nuzzled my face and I felt my breathing hitch. "...you could spend the weekend. I believe it's your turn to stay with me."

"Ummm." I was so nervous and excited by what he was asking that I felt my body shaking. What do I say? Do I want to? I don't honestly think there's anything I could possibly want more than to spend 2 days alone with Edward. At the same time I know what this means, or at least I think I do.

"No pressure baby." He whispered as he trailed soft kisses over my temple, ear, jaw, and cheeks.

"Yes." I blurted out the word based solely on what I wanted. I ignored everything else, my head, my insecurities, conversations that we would need to have, everything. Instead I chose to follow my heart.

"Yes?" I nodded while smiling widely. I really did want more time with him.

"So you'll stay with me?"

"Yes."

"All weekend?"

I laughed through my nerves. "Yes... Unless you start to bore me." I tried to play off my nervousness by joking about his earlier comment.

He leaned in and kissed me again, holding my face to him as he did. "I'll have to make sure I keep you entertained then." Well that backfired on me. He pressed another strong kiss and I let out a small moan. He pulled back with that smile letting me know he was thinking devilish things. "I may never give you back beautiful."

"I may never want you to."

END NOTES (Don't read until after you've already read the chapter as there may be spoilers):

-SHOW ME SOME LOVE...REVIEW.

-I still want to bypass my record per chapter which is currently 28. Help me reach 30 and above. :-) PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW

-Finally the heat is on for these two. ;-)

-The back muscles that Bella loves so much on our sexy Edward was fun to write because I've always had a thing for men with 'sexy' backs. A lot of women agree with me but most guys look at me like I'm crazy when I say I'm a 'back' girl. Lol

-It was difficult to write a lot of their morning after conversation, not because I didn't have the ideas, but because I didn't know exactly which topic they should talk about first, second, and so forth. Hopefully it flowed well. :-)

-We all know that one person who is very sensitive and cries over small things... or maybe that person is you? Lol. Regardless Bella is that person and Edward is utterly enthralled with her.

-What did everyone think of Edward's gifts?

-I had planned an additional scene in this chapter with Bella's parents but the chapter fit so well like this so I chose to end it.