A/N: Wow, it's been a while. So sorry for the delay in picking up where we'd left off!

Chapter 9

"What's that look for?" Edward laughed as Bella walked towards him grinning.
"I've decided I like finding you outside of all my classes lately." She informed him while comfortably sliding her hand into his so that they could head towards the cafeteria for lunch. "What did Ben want?"
"Nothing, he was just wondering if I might be interested in joining the math team." His voice said that he was amused by the offer but Bella's response reminded him that he shouldn't be.
"You aced another one I take it?"
"I missed one, so it was a ninety-seven, which was stupid because I totally saw the mistake the second it got handed back to me."

"I almost wish you could do it. It would be fun watching you sit up there, getting to show off how smart you are."
They both knew that it wasn't possible for Edward to do much in the extra curricular department, thanks to the new job he'd just started and all that he wanted to help with at home during his limited free time.

"It would probably look good for colleges, but I'm just counting on my grades to get me in. It's not like I'm shooting for Ivy League or anything. And besides, you'd just end up being a terrible distraction if you came to cheer me on."

They'd reached the table they always shared with Alice and Edward deposited Bella right next to his sister, before walking around to sit across from them.

"Looks like my brother is good for your complexion." He overheard Alice teasing as he started to dig through his bag, searching for his usual sandwich, a bright smile lighting up his face at the thought.
God, she's beautiful.

He liked making Bella smile and laugh, but most of all he liked it when he could make her blush. He never wanted to embarrass her, or make her uncomfortable, but he still loved seeing such an unconscious reaction to a look or comment he'd make. It was the most genuine reminder she could give him whenever he'd start to wonder what it was she really saw in him. And apparently she saw a lot.

It had been a little over a week now since their trip to the bookstore and although they'd not found a good opportunity to sneak away for some more alone-time it had become obvious to anyone who might care to pay attention that they were indeed a couple.
There were the simple clues, like the amount of time they seemed to spend together, talking and smiling more openly while they were at school. Then there were the more overt displays, such as Edward's new habit of waiting for Bella between classes so that they could walk together to the next, often holding hands as they did so. The pair kept their affections under control, wanting to avoid unnecessary attention, but they were still unwilling to pretend. As a result, whatever the limited evidence seemed to imply, it all pointed towards the same conclusion, which the both of them had decided a little over a week ago was no longer something they wanted to deny.

In fact, the Monday following what they were now willing to consider their first date, Bella had arrived bright and early at the Cullen house offering to give Alice and Edward a ride to school. Edward wasn't exactly surprised but he was definitely pleased when he'd found Bella at the door. He'd been thinking about nothing else since he'd said goodnight the evening prior and he was excited to see her standing there with such a dreamy-eyed expression, as if she too had been hard pressed to think of anything other than him.
Though he was happy to see her he'd been compelled to step outside and close the door behind him, needing a moment alone with her before his family might become aware of her early morning arrival.

"You know, this will get people talking." He cautiously warned.
"Let them talk." Bella shrugged without concern. "If we're going to do this I don't want to feel like we have to hide."

Edward's heart had hammered its approval within his chest as she let her hand settle against his face, encouraging him to come closer and give a proper greeting. Bella's acknowledgement of their relationship and her desire to claim him publicly was a thrilling thought, and her good morning kisses weren't so bad either, but Edward was still nervous. Rumors and opinions had been his enemy for a long time, and the new guy at school suddenly hooking up with the seemingly unattainable daughter of the mayor was bound to bring about a lot of both.
Still when Bella looked at him with those beautiful brown eyes he didn't have it within him to care about any of that. He'd gladly endure the sideways glances and the whispered comments. He'd happily smile and tell whomever to mind their own business, because all he really wanted was to show Bella that he wanted this as much as she did.

"Make all the funny comments you want, I'm not discussing your brother with you. That's just weird."

While Edward was busy reminiscing about various parts of the past week, Bella had tactfully diverted his sister's attention to something that had happened during their English class earlier in the day, making any further commentary on their obvious attraction unnecessary. Meanwhile he felt Bella's foot seek out and gently caress his beneath the table.

It was a nice balance as far as Edward was concerned. He and Bella were very aware of one another, but by remaining subtly affectionate while they were at school they had confused most of their peers into leaving them alone-or at the very least keeping their opinions to themselves up to this point. They didn't feel the need to flaunt their relationship in disturbing ways like some of the other students seemed to enjoy, and as a bonus it managed to quell much of the potential gossip, since no one could be sure what was really going on.
Many thanks could probably be given to Alice for that. Her presence that first day when they had all arrived at school together conveniently helped to explain why Edward might be getting a ride from Bella; and since, she had always been there to take some of the attention away from the fact that they were being seen together more and more. If asked she would usually deny any knowledge of a relationship beyond friendship and she was very good at changing the subject if it became necessary.
Edward knew however that Alice was well aware that some significant feelings had developed between them. And more importantly he also knew that she was on board one hundred percent. She absolutely loved that he was finally willing to explore some new possibilities, and that Bella would be the one to show him that all girls were not backstabbing and petty like Tanya.

"Hello, earth to Edward."
Edward smiled shyly realizing that he had apparently been far too happy to concentrate on his food and his internal thoughts it would seem.
"So are you in or what?" Alice asked again, now that she had his attention.
"In for what?" Edward now knew had missed a substantial amount of the conversation that was going on across the table. He glanced towards Bella for some help, but her smile was threatening to distract him even further.
"Bella was asking if we'd like to go out to her family's ranch this weekend. Do you have to work or what?"
"What day?" He had to work until closing after school on Friday and he was opening the store and working through most of the afternoon on Saturday. The only way he could possibly do anything would be if it were on Sunday, since the store was always closed that day anyway.

"What day are you off?" Bella countered without hesitation.
"Just Sunday." He didn't mean for any form of disappointment to creep into his voice. He was enjoying his job so far and he really needed the work, which meant complaining about it made him feel terrible.
"Sunday it is then." Alice decided for them.
She knew that Bella would have been happy to take the day trip with her and go see some sights and ride some horses, but she also knew that without Edward there with them something important would be missing. Watching her friend reach across the table and find her brother's hand was proof of that. Seeing the look that passed between them just after was almost enough to make her want to fake an illness on Sunday so that they could be alone together instead.

"Awesome, you guys are gonna love it! Jasper said he'd be at the stables early every day this weekend, so I hope you don't mind but I'm coming to pick you guys up at the crack of dawn."

Edward had already heard numerous stories about this ranch and her cousin, Jasper, who'd grown up there, but was currently away at a military academy in the next county. Bella's choice to drive a pickup truck was actually directly related to her love of horses and her desire to drive out to the ranch whenever she had free time, making the commute over dirt roads and unkept trails a bit more feasible as a result. He remembered her excitement a few days ago when she'd learned that Jasper had a long weekend coming up where he would be able to come home for a visit. Immediately he knew that she'd be going to see him, but he hadn't counted on he and Alice being asked to join her. Before he could ask any questions however the bell sounded, bringing an end to their lunch period. Edward realized then that he really had been caught up in his daydreams, wondering where the time had gone.

"Come on, silly, Mike's not going to have anything to gawk at if we don't hurry up and make it to biology before he gets there."
Alice had already skipped off towards the exit and Bella was now standing at his shoulder, waiting for him to join her.
"Why on earth would I want to help Newton out and give him something to gawk at?" He smiled at her teasing, happy to note that even Mike Newton had kept his most recent opinions about their relationship to himself. Edward had a theory about that, which basically involved a bit of disbelief mixed with jealousy.

"Because it makes me happy to see him finally starting to get it."

Edward liked the sound of that. He knew that Mike had tormented Bella for years, trying to force the issue when it came to her social involvement, or lack thereof. He knew firsthand how uncomfortable it was to be repeatedly approached by someone who just couldn't take no for an answer and he hated that Bella had been subjected to that kind of pressure from someone as clueless as Mike for so long. Though he didn't like the idea of people talking, or more importantly putting Bella in a compromising position, he'd still be willing to give Mike plenty to gawk at if it would make her happy.

"Well, lets not keep him waiting in that case." He agreed putting his arm around her just as they made it to the classroom door.
It was nothing more than the casual position they'd found themselves in a few times before now, but Edward pulled her in just a little bit closer and smiled just a little bit brighter when he glanced down at her surprised expression. Mike was already there in his usual seat and he suddenly had plenty to gawk at.

"Think if I kissed you right now, he'd fall off that stool?" Edward whispered quietly making her giggle.

She knew he was joking, and he liked that about her. Neither of them felt the need to showcase their relationship for the masses. If they felt like holding hands they would, but it wasn't for anyone's benefit but their own. Likewise, Edward's choice to put his arm around her shoulders and speak softly into her ear as they passed by a bewildered and somewhat disgruntled Mike was purely for his own enjoyment. He liked the way her petite frame fit so perfectly against his side, and getting to enjoy the fragrance of her hair as he bent his head towards her was heavenly. It was because of that fact that without really meaning to he found himself gently leaning in, as if to kiss her temple, before coming to his senses, pulling back and taking his seat right next to hers.

"And here I was trying to behave myself all week, not wanting to cause you any unwanted stress." Bella mused with a cheerful sound in her voice. She knew how hard it was to avoid the temptation and Edward smiled at her acknowledgement of his dilemma.
"I never said we had to have any particular limits." Edward shrugged, despite his stomach starting to clinch.

He had just sauntered into this room like he owned the place, his arm possessively around Bella; and he'd almost managed to do the one thing that no one would misinterpret as just a friendly gesture.
As he started to wonder if he'd perhaps overstepped some unknown boundary that Bella had in mind he was pleased to feel her hand take hold of his beneath their table. They didn't have time to speak for the remainder of class, however she never let go of his hand, allowing Edward to relax and take comfort in the fact that she wasn't upset with him at least. If any of their classmates had noticed and decided that it was something worth talking about then he'd endure as long as Bella didn't hold it against him.

"Will you walk with me to the next class?" Bella asked as they gathered up their things at the sound of the bell.
"Sure, if you'd like me to." Edward responded without hesitation. He had wanted to ask her what had prompted her to include he and Alice in her plans to visit the ranch this weekend anyway.

"So, are you sure you're willing to share your time with Jasper this weekend by bringing me and Alice along?" He asked as they fell into step with the others working their way down the crowded hallway.

"Of all the people in my family, Jasper will be super excited to meet both of you. I just figured it would be a great excuse to start off slow with the introductions, and as a bonus I get to spend all day with you."

Edward didn't miss how Jessica Stanley's head practically swiveled off of her neck, having overheard at least a part of their conversation as they passed; and apparently neither had Bella.
Because of the crowd they were walking close together, but found that holding hands was awkward thanks to all of the people around them. It meant that Edward was rather surprised when Bella grabbed a handful of his shirt, steering them off to the side and away from the flow of traffic. Once Bella had him backed up to a bank of lockers he looked down at her mischievous smile and started to understand.

"Is she still staring?" She asked him quietly. Subtly looking to his left he could see that she had moved off to the side and come to a stop as well, not even attempting to hide the fact that her whole purpose was to spy on them.
Knowing what Bella had in mind now, Edward smiled back at her and let his hand caress her hair away from her shoulder.

"I'm prepared to test those limits if you are." Bella informed him, stretching to meet his eagerly awaiting kiss.

Absolutely!

There was no denying it now, no hiding and no reason not to claim Bella as his. It had been days since he'd had a moment alone with her where he could enjoy the taste of her kiss, and being so careful around anyone else had prevented nearly every other affection that might have satisfied that particular craving. His near slip up in front of Mike was long forgotten and now he only wondered why he'd thought to pull away in the first place.

"This is about you and me, and whatever is said by anyone other than us doesn't matter." Bella promised allowing Edward to forget just about every reason he'd ever thought to worry about another person's opinion.