A/N: Hello again friends! Here is Edward's version of chapter two of Inappropriate Love (reminder to read that first before this one!) I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2 – EPOV

I knew Bella hadn't sleep much, but I felt more rested than I had in years. Being in bed with her was almost spiritual for me; it took all my stress away and calmed me down like nothing else before. When I woke in the middle of the night, I couldn't resist her. After I calmed her fears about me regretting our actions, I took her again.

As I slipped back into sleep, I realized that never in my life had I had sex four times in one night. The connection I had with Bella – not to mention how fucking beautiful she was – just made me want her so much.

My dreams were swirls of chocolate brown eyes, pale skin and moaning. I woke up early to find Bella finally asleep. Or at least, her eyes were closed. When I leaned in to kiss her back again, as I had the night before, I could tell her breathing was erratic.

"Did you sleep at all?" I asked her, kissing her shoulder again.

"Not really."

"Is something wrong?" I worried that she was doubting me again.

She rolled over, smiling up at me. The smile made me feel warm all over. I leaned over and kissed her mouth, savoring every flavor I could. What we had to deal with coming up would take so much out of both of us, and in this moment, I was the happiest I had ever been. I pulled back, bringing my hand to her cheek, caressing it softly.

"What's wrong, baby?"

"I just keep thinking about leaving tomorrow. And wondering how long it's going to be before we are back together again." She bit her lip. "I guess I was afraid to sleep because I would lose time just being with you."

"Hmm..." I leaned in and kissed her again. I knew I couldn't make love to her again; she was sore and I was too tired. But I could enjoy what little time we had left regardless. "I can understand that," I said, pulling back slightly. My thoughts turned sour for a moment. "I wish you didn't have to leave."

"And I wish I didn't have to go. But I have to deal with him."

I nodded. "I know. I'll be with you every step of the way. We can be there for each other. Nothing will be easy, but being with you is worth it."

She smiled again. "How about a shower before you go? I assume you have to head home to get clean clothes?"

"Yeah, I need to stop by before work."

Nodding, she stood up slowly. "Man, I'm going to be achy for a while." I laughed, standing up also. "Oh sure, laugh now, jackass. Just wait. Someday I hope that I'll be the one to make you sore!"

Laughing even harder, I stood up and followed her into the bathroom. She turned the shower on and stepped inside after the water was warm. I followed, snaking my arms around her. "I'm sorry, baby. Really. I don't want you to be sore."

"But," she said, turning around to face me. "You are extremely proud of yourself, aren't you?"

I threw my head back and laughed. "Absolutely!"

"Give me some space, cowboy. I gotta clean up a bit." She shoved me lightly and started washing her hair. I stood transfixed watching her, not even noticing the cold of the tile behind my back, or the loss of the warm water on my skin. She was extremely beautiful in every scenario, but even more so right now. I made a mental note to take as many showers with her as I could once we were back together. Though, when she pulled out the washcloth and started cleaning herself between her legs, I felt guilty. There was pain etched on her face.

"Baby, I'm so sorry. You are really sore, aren't you?"

"It's tolerable, I assure you. It's the good kind of sore, Edward. But I'm sort of a mess. Give me a minute please."

Mess. What did she...suddenly, it clicked. "Oh god, Bella! I forgot all about protection!"

Before I could go down a shame spiral, she turned around and rolled her eyes at me. "Duh. I noticed."

"Fuck, baby, I'm so sorry! I never planned for this, and I swear to god I would have protected you. I should have! I don't know what to say..."

"It's fine, Edward, really. I have an IUD; I'm not going to get pregnant." She stood on her toes, kissing me softly. "I didn't think about it either. You know I'm clean, since I can't even remember the last time I had sex."

I leaned my head against hers. "I should have at least made sure first. I'm so sorry." I didn't mention when the last time was that I had sex, I didn't need to bring that up right now. In fact, even thinking of Kate and I having sex at all right now made me feel sick. I should be able to avoid it fairly easily until I can tell her about the divorce.

We kissed again, but I let her go back to washing herself. She stepped out, kissing me again, and then I finished up as quickly as possible. I wanted to get back to her and she had already left the bathroom. She was partially dressed by the time I made it out to the bedroom area, tucking the towel around my waist.

"What time is it?" I asked her, reaching for my clothes.

"It's about 6:30," she answered, checking her phone. She turned away and started rummaging in her suitcase, pulling out a pants suit. She shook the pants out, before walking around the side of the bed where an ironing board was set up. I hadn't even noticed that the night before. I watched her plug in the iron, setting it down next to her pants and shirt.

Amused at my lack of perception, I continued to get dressed before sitting on the bed. She glanced at me. "When do you need to leave?"

"In a few minutes. Come here, baby." I held my arms out to her. I knew I couldn't put it off too much longer; it would take about 20 minutes to get to my house from here. I wouldn't have a lot of time to run home, get dressed, and then get to the office in time for our early meeting.

She walked over to me, still only in her bra and underwear, sitting next to me on the bed. She leaned her head against my shoulder, and I put my arm around her. For a few moments, neither of us said anything. I enjoyed the time with her, but I couldn't stop myself from feeling sad that it was about to end.

"Look at me," I said, shifting away so I could see her better. Her eyes met mine, and I saw a tear leak out the side of one eye. I wiped it away with my thumb. "I know this is going to be hard. But please just keep remembering how much I love you. Ok?"

Nodding, Bella leaned against me again. I felt her breath hitch a little, and I knew she was seconds away from crying.

"I'm a text away at any time, ok? Please, baby, don't cry," I begged, kissing the top of her head, wrapping both arms around her tight.

"I know, Edward." She snuggled against me and sighed. "This is going to be hard; I have no idea how he's going to take this."

"I know Jake is an asshole, but he wouldn't hurt you right?" I had heard about and witnessed enough of that man to know just how much of an asshole he was. If I was being honest, I was really worried about her telling him she was leaving him – especially for another man.

"No, he wouldn't hurt me. But he's going to yell a lot." She huffed a laugh, standing up. I pulled her between my legs, looking up at her. "He always yells."

"I know, I'm sorry baby. I wish I could help you. Hell, I wish I could go with you. That way I can make sure you are safe."

"Let me do this, Edward. I need to for my own sanity, and so do you. We caused this, and it's up to us to finish it. Right?"

Nodding, I leaned forward, placing my head against her stomach. Her hands stroked my hair softly. "I need to get going. I need to make sure I make it into work before the meeting this morning."

"I know. Go, before I get more emotional. I don't need to try and give our presentation while a sobbing mess." She laughed, kissing my head.

Laughing, I stood up and put my arms around her. "I love you," I whispered into her hair.

"I love you," she whispered back.

I walked to my car in a haze. Seattle was apparently on the same page as me, because there was a thick fog sitting on the city. The feeling of sadness enveloped me as I got further away from the hotel and closer to home. It would be hell when I got there, I knew it. No matter who she was, she didn't deserve what I was going to say to her.

I shook my head. Not today. I had to pick the right time, or this would just be even harder. Regardless, Kate was known for being spoiled; she wasn't going to be happy about this at all. My mind just kept focusing on Bella as I weaved through the streets trying to get home.

I rushed into our condo as fast as I could, knowing I only had thirty minutes at most before I needed to leave for the office. I didn't bother calling for Kate, I knew she would still be in the bedroom this early. Opening the door as quietly as I could, I snuck in and eased my way into our walk-in closet. I didn't bother turning the light on, since that would cause her to wake up. I used my cell phone flashlight instead, picking out a suit for the day and changing quickly.

Unfortunately, I had managed to wake her up anyway.

"Edward?" she said, sitting up slightly from the bed. "Is that you?"

"Hey, Katie. I'm sorry I woke you."

She glanced at the alarm clock by her side of the bed. "Well, at least it's after seven. Did you make coffee?"

"I just got in; I didn't have a chance to."

She yawned. "Ok, let me know when the coffee's done. I don't want to get up yet."

Rolling my eyes, knowing she couldn't see me, I walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. I made the coffee as fast as I could, trying to be patient as it percolated. My eyes closed and I remember Bella's lips, and her touch. I focused on it and tried to remain calm.

"Eddie?" I cringed and turned toward her. She was walking down the hallway, pulling on her robe. "Did you clear my credit card like you said you would?"

"I didn't have time, Katie. I was working until really late."

She pouted, sliding up to the counter, grabbing a coffee mug. "Make sure to do it this morning? I saw a sale I wanted to hit today."

Stifling a sigh, I nodded. She smiled and kissed me quickly – so fast that I couldn't even register that it was a kiss before she was gone. She grabbed her coffee and wandered back into the bedroom. She didn't even tell me to have a good day at work or anything.

When the coffee was done, I grabbed some in a to-go cup and raced out the door. I was thankful that Bella had the bulk of the presentation, because my mind was flying all over the place. For an irrational moment, I thought about just leaving a note for Kate, telling her it was over. Knowing that wouldn't work, I continued out the door and made it to work with only minutes to spare.

The work day was exhausting, but I couldn't keep my eyes off of Bella. I knew she was amazing to work with, and I loved so much about her. But in the light of the new relationship we had formed last night, she was even more beautiful to me than ever before. I couldn't keep myself from smiling at her at every opportunity, missing the closeness of the night before.

Saying goodbye to her at the end of the day was harder than I thought. We were in the same conference room as the day before, closing out the campaign we had pitched in the morning.

"What time is your flight tomorrow?" I asked her, unable to look at her.

"I think it leaves at 7," she said, turning off her computer.

"Will you tell me when you get home?"

"I will."

Turning, I looked directly at her. She mirrored my position, eyes a little guarded. "Will you do one more thing for me?" When she didn't answer, I continued. "Promise me that you will check in? Tell me how things go with Jake? If at any time you do not feel safe, please let me be your first call. I will be there if you need me."

She smiled. "Don't worry about him, Edward. He's just loud. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me, I promise. But," she said, when I was about to say something else. "I will promise to tell you if I am not safe. And I will check in. Like you could get rid of me that easily!"

After that, I walked her outside angry that I couldn't hug and kiss her the way I wanted to. I watched her drive away and I felt the sadness overwhelm me for a moment. Finally, once her car was totally out of sight, I got in mine and made the drive home. I ran my hand through my hair before I stepped inside the door; I had no idea how to act in front of Kate right now.

Before I lost my nerve, I walked into the house, glancing around to see where my wife was. When I didn't see her immediately, I walked into the bedroom expecting her to be there. But the house was empty. I fished my phone out of my pocket, checking my messages. Sure enough, I'd missed one from her earlier.

Kate: Heading to the mall with Tonya. B back latr. Thnks 4 clearing my card

Groaning, I walked into the closet and changed out of my work clothes. As I wandered through the house, feeling like a stranger in a place I shouldn't be, I stopped in the kitchen and just stared at it. It was a cute condo, though it wasn't really my style. Kate had insisted on a high-rise condo close to her friends in the city. At the time, I hadn't really cared. Now it just sort of annoyed me. Like we were living in a place that, had I not had an inheritance, we wouldn't be able to afford.

As I sat down at the table, staring out over the darkening city, I became frustrated. Bella was still here, in my city, and I couldn't do anything about it. There would be no way to convince Kate that I had to stay at a hotel for another night, even if I wanted to.

Suddenly, I perked up. I didn't have to spend the night, but I could kiss and hug her the way I wanted! Grabbing my keys, and throwing my shoes on, I made a dash for my car in the parking garage before Kate got home. The whole drive to her hotel my heart was racing. What if Kate saw me? What if someone else did? I hadn't even considered these thoughts last night, being so focused on Bella. But tonight, I was nervous.

I parked and dashed into the hotel's door, running for the elevator without looking in the lobby at all. By the time I got to Bella's door, though, I was calmer. Now that I was actually here, safely hidden in the hallway, I knew that no one could see me. Rather than knock, I pulled my phone out and texted her, asking her to open the door.

Seeing her again, in the very room where I'd finally confessed my feelings for her, was bittersweet. I wanted to stay with her more than anything else. As I was kissing her, in that moment, I couldn't find any reason to leave her again. Unfortunately, reality hit me over the head as soon as our lips broke apart. I told her I loved her. I told her that her loving me was enough. And then I walked out and drove back to my life, with bitterness and resentment toward Kate the whole way.

As I walked back into my apartment, hearing Kate and Tonya in the kitchen, I realized how horrible my thoughts earlier had been. It wasn't her fault that I was in love with someone else, it was mine. I had to make sure that I didn't make this divorce her fault, because it simply wasn't. There was a lot I would change about my life, if Bella hadn't come into it, but regardless of that, I caused this and I would handle it.

I spent the evening reading in the living room, listening to the two of them gossip and drink up all the wine we had in the condo. Finally, Tonya called herself a cab and left, and then Kate came and sat next to me on the couch. I hated drunk Kate, always had. But tonight was worse. She was always handsy, but more often than not she was rude and crass as well. Tonight, I couldn't even look at her, let alone touch her, and when she put her arms around my neck, I had to hold back a flinch.

"Take me to bed, Eddie," she purred into my ear. My stomach in turmoil, I set my book down and looked up at her.

"You're drunk, Katie."

"And? So what if I'm drunk, we are married. And I want my husband to fuck me as hard as he can." She leaned over and licked my ear, causing me to bolt off the couch. She looked angry for a second before she stood up, holding her hand over her mouth, and ran to the bathroom.

I sighed, knowing I was off the hook now, and made my way into the bedroom to get ready to sleep. She wouldn't so easily be deferred the next time, so I was going to have to figure this out really soon. During the week was normally fine; she was always busy with her friends. Friday and Saturday nights, though, were the times when she wanted sex the most. She would also want to go out to clubs, dancing and drinking, until late at night before having sex. I didn't want any of those things with her any longer.

The next morning, after a night filled with Kate running back and forth from the bathroom to the bed, I got up and got ready for work. I knew that Bella would already be at the airport, possibly in the plane already, but I texted her anyway. I had to tell her how I felt about her, and how much stronger my feelings continued to be.

Edward: I love you so much, Bella. Safe trip

Her response was almost immediate.

Bella: I love you, too, Edward. I promise I'll be safe and come to you as soon as I can. We can both do this!

I smiled and finished getting ready, heading into the office a little earlier than normal. Kate was still sleeping, and I really didn't have the energy to deal with her hungover. The office was still dark and quiet when I got there, but I headed over to my desk to pack it up. I was moving into my office today, starting the manager job on Monday, so I wanted to get all of my personal items out of the drawers as soon as possible.

I heard from Bella close to lunchtime, telling me that she'd made it home and was going to unpack and then take a nap, since no one was home. Hearing from her did help, but I was still dreading what was waiting for me at home.

A/N: So, we got a little more from Kate here. Just wait. You guys will 'love' her before all is said and done :)

I have through chapter 5 written and beta'd at this point, looks like I'm going for the full chapter by chapter! Hope you are all ok with that!

Also, don't forget, I'm still posting chapters of my Twilight vamp fic Twist of Fate. If you have read it, please do! I'd love to see what you think of that story also.

Once again, thanks ever so much to my beautiful and wonderful beta zombified419. I don't know what I'd ever do without you!