AN: Sorry for the delay, I hope it was worth the wait. Thank you all for your lovely reviews for the last chapter, they really provide so much inspiration and encouragement and I am very appreciative of each and every one.

There's a new contest over at the Twilight Awards website and thanks to your votes, Blue Moon has won the Best Overall Scene (Chapter 22, where they discuss everything honestly) category, and Best Characterization. A couple of my one shots were also nominated. Details about how to see all the nominees and winner are at the end of this chapter and on my Profile Page.

Still Saturday night, around 10 p.m.

Chapter 31: Slow, Smooth and Easy

My body just wouldn't calm down. I didn't need a mirror to tell me I was glowing like a light bulb. I knew my lips were swollen, too, but I didn't care. I felt almost high on the ride back to Manka's from the Boathouse pier. The feeling of Edward's lips on mine, and the way his words had washed over me had touched my very soul and my body was overreacting as usual where he was concerned. I was devoutly hoping he had whisked me away from the Boathouse pier to continue what he had started in the privacy of our lovely little cabin, where some articles of clothing might finally be removed.

This turning control over to him was working out even better than I had hoped. I could still feel the blood coursing wildly through my veins. Gliding swiftly through the night with Edward just inches away from me, he clasped my hand tightly in his. I tried to take deep breaths, knowing that if I appeared too flustered he would withdraw back into that familiar, cool exterior and all the progress we had made would be lost. Exhale. I wanted to believe all the things he had said to me; I knew he was sincere. That was the way he saw me; and he thought I was delusional.

Edward had told me in so many ways today how important I was to him. If I had any doubts, they were well on their way to being gone. I wanted to be the way he saw me; I wanted to do anything to make him happy. A twinge of guilt for ignoring his warnings at the museum this morning still nagged at me. Was I destined to be an endless source of trouble for him? I guessed I would find out, because I refused to let him go and he seemed very determined to keep hold of me.

He parked in the lot next to the Lodge, came around and lifted me out of the car, setting me on the ground and put his arm around my waist. He started walking toward the Lodge, rather than sweeping me up and carrying me down to our cabin, as he had done so many times before, and I wondered why we were going to the Lodge.

"What's going on Edward? Why aren't we going to our cabin?"

We reached the porch and started climbing the stairs, which were brightly illuminated by the moonlight. "I wanted to do something before we retire for the evening," Edward said mysteriously.

"Is this another surprise?" I asked, trying not to sound annoyed.

"Not exactly. We're just going to have a bit of dancing," he replied lightly.

"Dancing?" my voice quivered. "You are aware that my dancing skills have not improved since Prom," I observed.

"I still enjoy holding you in my arms and moving to the rhythm of the music," he said seductively.

I immediately blushed but managed to say, "Well, when you put it that way, it sounds much better than what I was picturing," the sight of me tangled in my own two feet and ending up in a heap on the floor was rapidly becoming a dim memory, replaced by the idea of Edward's arms, holding me snugly against his broad chest.

I had no idea where we were going to dance, though, as the parlour and dining room were full of tables and furniture, and I hadn't seen space for a dance floor anywhere. My question was answered as soon as Edward opened the door and we stepped into the room.

The parlour had been completely transformed since we had left after dinner last night. The piano was still in the corner, but the sofa that had been in front of the fireplace had been moved to the wall near the piano and all the tables and chairs were gone, leaving a large, bare space for dancing. A small fire was still burning but we appeared to be the only people around.

"Edward, did you have them do this just so we could dance here?" I thought of all the trouble they must have gone through to rearrange everything and sighed.

"No, Bella. There was a rehearsal dinner here tonight for the wedding tomorrow, and they cleared this space for that event. Sally told me about it, and I decided to take advantage of it. By tomorrow it will all be back to the way it was when we arrived. They do this all the time."

I looked at the wide expanse of polished wood floor and thought about Manka's elves, and how they must work through the night to make all the magic happen. It's too bad they weren't vampires. I could hear the faint sounds of dishes being washed in the kitchen, but other than that the Lodge was quiet.

I was already feeling warm and the heat emanating from the fireplace was too much. I started to tug at the sleeve of my sweater coat and Edward immediately began helping me take it off. I had a feeling the rest of my clothing would not be removed this easily, but I would keep thinking positive thoughts. How hard could it be to get out of a cream silk blouse and black pants? The boots might take more than a moment, though, I thought with annoyance.

Edward hung my coat up on a rack next to the door and then removed his black leather jacket and hung it next to my coat. His dark gray silk shirt clung to his broad shoulders just the way I wanted to. He walked toward the piano, saying, "Would you like to hear me play something for you before we dance?" His eyes were bright and he looked at me eagerly.

I nodded. "Of course. I always love to hear you play," I replied, following along behind him, admiring this view of his perfect physique.

"Do you have a request?" he asked as he sat down on the end of the bench and pulled me down to sit next to him.

"No, play whatever you feel like, I'm sure I'll enjoy it."

His long, slender fingers touched the keys and began playing a happy, rollicking ragtime number, and I couldn't help but smile. I wondered if this selection mirrored his feelings; it certainly corresponded with the excitement I was still feeling. His hands flew across the ivory keys fluidly, striking each note with the perfect touch, neither too hard nor too soft. I wondered how long he had been a newborn before he was able to play without destroying the instrument with his unusual strength. I knew he loved to play and thought about how hard he must have struggled to regulate his touch enough to indulge in his passion. He made everything look easy and I knew he would devote all his time to helping me adjust to my new life.

When the last notes died away he said, "I loved playing music like that when I was a boy, but my mother would scold me if she heard it. She only wanted to hear me play classical pieces, but this was so much fun, I couldn't resist playing it when I thought she was out of the house. It was considered scandalous at the time because it was music played in taverns and other places where a lady would never be seen."

So he had been what would have been thought of as a bad boy back in his human life, flaunting society's dictates for fun. Why did this not surprise me? "Does it make you feel scandalous to play it now?" I asked, tilting my head to the side and looking up at him from beneath my eyelashes.

Edward sat very still for a moment, his golden eyes darkening as he gazed at me, and then he pounced, wrapping his arms around me and bringing his lips to hover just above mine. "Words cannot describe the way I feel right now," he whispered just before he captured my lips in a slow, sensuous kiss.

I was tingling from head to toe when his lips released me and I leaned my head against his shoulder, gasping for breath.

"You asked for that, Bella," he said, his tone remonstrating.

"Yeah, you don't hear me complaining, do you?"

He threw his head back and laughed, which made me smile. He seemed so happy and relaxed, and I knew it was because of me. I wished I could make him feel like this all the time. He loosened his hold on me and ran his hands up and down my arms.

"You stay right here and catch your breath. I'll be back in a minute," he said, kissing the top of my head as he stood up.

I watched as his long legs strode through the parlour and disappeared around the corner, heading toward the dining room. A moment later I heard music begin playing in hidden speakers. It seemed like some sort of big band song I wasn't familiar with, but it had a dreamy sort of fluid rhythm, and I felt a little less apprehensive.

Edward returned and held his hand out to me. "Are you ready to dance now, my angel?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I muttered, plastering a fake smile on my lips as I took his hand and stood.

"Do you trust me, Bella?" he asked as he slipped one arm around my waist.

"You know I do, it's my own feet I don't trust." I tried not to scowl.

"I've got you, I won't let you fall." He leaned forward and pressed his cheek against mine and I felt his frosty breath on my ear as he whispered, "And I'm not letting go of you, ever."

I shivered and clutched onto him even tighter. "I'll hold you to that."

He chuckled as he leaned back and said, "Just relax and follow my lead. Try to think less and let your body feel the music."

I just looked up at him, thinking if I followed his instructions I would probably get my legs tangled with his and we'd both end up on the floor in a heap. "I thought you didn't want me to break an ankle," I taunted him.

"You are so silly," Edward smiled, shaking his head. "Listen to the music," he instructed, beginning to hum the tune, and sweeping me along with him as he began moving.

I hesitated and immediately stumbled but he had a firm hold on me and lifted me slightly until I got my bearings again. I tried to look down at my feet but he was having none of that.

"Look at me, Bella. It won't help you to look down. Can you relax?"

I was still tightly wound from our session on the pier and relaxation via dancing seemed far from my frame of reference in any case. "I'll try," I replied with little confidence.

We began again, and this time I kept my gaze focused on his face and tried to feel the movement of his body against mine. After a few turns without tripping I realized I might survive this with all limbs intact. Maybe shutting off my freaky brain was the way to go.

"That's much better, Bella. I knew you could do it," Edward said encouragingly. "I thought you would be more comfortable dancing here because there is no one to watch you."

"You're right about that, I would be much worse if I thought people were looking at me while I'm trying to dance. This is a good song, what's it called?"

"Moonglow. The song was written in 1934, but this recording is from the forties. It's the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Very smooth, isn't it?"

"It's got nothing on you, Mr. Smooth," I replied, rolling my eyes.

He grinned broadly, showing all his lovely white teeth as his hips moved against mine. I was beginning to see why he enjoyed dancing so much. It was nice with just the two of us.

The music faded out and I was relieved, thinking we were finished. Edward had other ideas, never loosening his grip on me and beginning to move again as soon as the next song started, a few seconds later. I was trying to be a good sport, but just getting through one dance without a disaster was a record for me, and I was afraid of pressing my luck.

"I've never heard this song before, either," I commented as he deftly maneuvered us around the impromptu dance floor.

"It's another old song, called You'll Never Know." Edward began humming and then started to sing, softly in my ear. "And if I tried, I still couldn't hide my love for you. You ought to know, for haven't I told you so, a million or more times?"

He twirled us around the room and then bent me backwards, singing, "If there is some other way to prove that I love you, I swear I don't know how. You'll never know if you don't know now." His lips touched my neck with a brief kiss before bringing me back to an upright position and continuing our dance. I was a bit dizzy but I clung to him and let my body follow his while my mind wandered.

Today Edward had made it perfectly clear why and how much he loved me, and I finally understood that it wasn't just about my blood or my being human. Trying to understand the depth of his feelings for me was overwhelming, and I only hoped he understood how much he meant to me.

I had a feeling that if I looked up the word 'passionate' on Wikipedia that I would find a photo of Edward. I knew without a doubt that his photo would be on the 'dazzle' page. My mind wandered to a time in the near future when I wouldn't be so breakable and I could feel the depth of his passion, and maybe dazzle him back.

"What are you thinking, Bella?" my love inquired softly, gazing at me with a smile on his beautiful face.

"You want the unedited version?" I raised an eyebrow and gazed at him longingly.

"I want to know exactly what has made your cheeks turn such a delicious pink," he said, his voice low and seductive.

I gulped and my heart started fluttering wildly. "I was just thinking about how passionate you are and I was looking forward to the day when I could experience all of you, Edward, with no restrictions."

As he stopped dancing his eyes looked like my words had set them on fire. All of a sudden there was such a rush of heat through my body and blood pounding in my ears I couldn't hear the music any longer. I began to tremble.

He brought his cool cheek to rest against mine as he whispered, "I too am looking forward to that day, my love," and then he turned his head and pressed his lips against mine and I felt the spark race through my body. His lips moved hungrily against mine and I felt his icy tongue trace my bottom lip. I shuddered and gasped and he slipped inside, gently caressing my mouth.

The next moment his lips traveled slowly along my jaw line and down my neck, leaving a trail of fire everywhere they touched. This was where he usually stopped, but he continued kissing across my collarbone and then lower, along the neckline of my blouse. I felt his cool tongue lick the top of my breast and then his lips captured mine again. I could feel every inch of him pressing against every bit of me and it was a good thing he had such a tight hold on me because my legs stopped functioning as any sort of support mechanism.

This kiss was so intense my vision started to dim and my head swam. I was sure I was going to faint, but he broke away and put his palm against my cheek, saying, "Breathe, sweetheart."

I rested my head on his shoulder and caught my breath. "If this is you holding back I don't know if I will be able to handle you unrestrained," I muttered. I felt his laugh vibrate through his chest and snuggled against him, feeling happier than I deserved to be.

"I am glad you are finally beginning to understand why I have to be so careful with you."

The music changed again and he gave up on the pretense of my dancing and simply held me as he spun us around the room. My whole body felt so light I thought I might float away if he didn't have such a good hold on me. Edward began to sing again, "At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over, and life is like a song."

He thought he was the lonely one, but I had been lonely, too, and I never wanted to experience that again.

"I found a dream that I could speak to, a dream that I can call my own. I found a thrill to press my cheek to, a thrill that I have never ever known. At last, you are mine, at last."

I leaned up and pressed a kiss against his throat, inhaling his sweet scent as I let my lips linger there. I longed for the day when we could go beyond only sharing kisses and the thought of the next few weeks stretched out in front of me like an endless road.

The sound of his voice, huskier than usual, brought me out of my reverie. "Bella, are you ready to go back to our cabin?"

"Yes," I wasted no time in replying. My resolve to be good was being sorely tested after all the sweet things he had said to me on the pier, and the way he had been holding me and swaying to the romantic melodies. I was hoping this musical interlude had been as intoxicating for him as it had for me.

Before we could move I felt a familiar vibration at my hip. Edward reached in his pants pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He glanced at it for a moment and then said, "Hello, Jasper."

I smiled until I saw the corners of Edward's mouth tense and he let go of me. "I need to take this outside, Bella. I'll only be a moment," he said, moving toward the door.

He stepped outside and I turned toward the fireplace, the flames almost completely burned down to glowing embers. I wondered what Edward needed to talk about that I couldn't hear; another in a long line of secrets Bella couldn't know about yet because she was still human?

The soft dance music continued to play and just then Margaret came gliding out of the kitchen and saw me. Her auburn hair was piled high on her head and her chef's cap was missing. She was dressed simply, in all black, making her fair skin look pale and glowing. She was taller than Alice, but her slight frame and the way she moved so gracefully reminded me of the little pixie.

"Good evening, Bella. Would you like a glass of wine?"

"No thank you, Margaret. I'm just waiting for Edward to finish a phone call," I hastened to explain.

"That's fine, dear. Let me know if you need anything. We heard him playing earlier; it was very lively. Do you think he will play again?"

"I don't know. We've been dancing but I think we're ready to call it a night," I said, hoping I looked sleepier than I felt. I was ready to go to bed alright, but not to sleep; now if I could just get Edward on the same page, my life would be complete.

"Did you enjoy the fireworks?" she inquired.

"They were fantastic," I gushed, feeling the blush creep across my cheeks.

"We stepped out of the kitchen for a minute to see them, too. The ones at the reception tomorrow night are supposed to go on for about a half hour. It's too bad you can't stay another night, but I do hope you drop by the Boathouse for the wedding before you leave."

I nodded as Edward returned, slipping his cell phone back in his pocket. "I'm sorry, Bella, but it was good news," he said quietly, coming over to where I was standing by the fire and taking my hand. "Good evening, Margaret, how are you?"

"Wonderful, Edward. Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, thank you, I think we are ready to retire for the night," Edward smiled at her and she beamed back at him.

We walked to the door and Edward took my sweater off the rack and held it out for me to shrug into. Just as we were leaving I saw the kitchen door swing open and Chef Daniel emerged, heading straight for Margaret. He grabbed her around the waist and they began moving effortlessly around the room in time with the music, their eyes locked on each other. It looked like something they had done many times before, and I was happy that I got to catch a moment of it.

The minute I was through the door and out on the deck Edward scooped me up into his arms and started down the porch steps.

"What was Jasper's good news?" I inquired as he started carrying me through the gravel-covered parking lot to our cabin.

"That maniac who tried to kidnap you this morning was arrested."

"Edward, already? What happened?"

"Our detectives spent the afternoon outside of his apartment, where he hid until nightfall. Then he staked out a dorm at UCSF and attacked a girl as she was trying to go to her room. He did spray the drug in her face and he grabbed her. Our detectives stepped in at that point and apprehended him. When the police arrived, the girl was still unconscious, but they revived her and she is willing to press charges."

"Is she going to be okay?" I asked nervously, sorry that she had to go through a traumatic experience like that.

"Yes, the detectives had to let him go far enough so that charges could be brought against him, but aside from losing consciousness for a brief time, she was not hurt. He will spend tonight in jail and we will do everything we can to make sure he is not released on bail. When the police search his apartment they will find evidence of other serious crimes and he should never have another free day."

"You saved her, Edward, and who knows how many other girls. I wish everyone could know what you did. You are such a good person; I'm so proud of you," I gushed. It was true; he was a hero.

"I would do anything to protect you, Bella, you know that."

"Yes, but this time you haven't only protected me; you saved that girl's life tonight."

"By proxy," Edward joked, setting me down on the porch as he unlocked the door to our cabin. "Jasper deserves some credit as well, you know," he added modestly as he turned his head away from me and appeared to be sniffing the air. He shooed me inside the door and quickly followed behind me.

As soon as he closed the door I threw myself against him, wrapping my arms around his waist and hugging him as tightly as I could, knowing no matter how hard I squeezed it wouldn't hurt him.

"Yes, I know, but it was your idea and really all your doing and I want you to know how much I appreciate it." It was really important for me to make sure he understood exactly how far from a monster he truly was.

Edward leaned down and planted a soft kiss on my lips before he said, "It is a relief to know he won't be able to hurt anyone else now, and this outcome is much better than the one I was envisioning when we were at the museum."

I loosened my hold on him and shivered slightly as he smiled at me. I realized we were still pressed up against the door in a room lit only by one of those amber world globes, and it cast such a dim light it wasn't even as bright as a candle flame. The fireplace was not lit, but I was not cold by any means. I pressed my palms flat against the hard musculature of his chest and stood on my toes to reach his lips.

His hands went to my shoulders before sliding up to rest at my neck. His cool hands felt good against my skin and when his lips reached mine they set off another spark between us and we were suspended in time for a long moment, the electricity crackling between us like a lightening strike. What we had felt in the darkened Biology class was nothing compared to this.

When Edward lifted his head he let go of me and I took a step back. We stared at each other, and I could feel something inside me coiling like a spring that was being wound tighter and tighter. I felt like an explosive cocktail made up of two parts Edward, one part Bella and a dash of unrequited lust. Dancing had done nothing to dampen my longing for him, if anything it had just made it worse.

My back was to the light and my face in shadow. I decided to take advantage of that, hoping to retain some dignity while practically begging him to be more physical with me.

"Edward, you know there are things we could do to relieve this tension…" I trailed off, looking at him hopefully and trying not to blush too much.

"Are you tense, Bella?"

I snorted. "Can't you tell? The way I twitch every time you touch me? I think I'm about to jump out of my skin."

He smirked and tried not too look too pleased with himself. "I have been relaxing the boundaries, have you not noticed?"

"Of course I have, and you've been wonderful. That's kind of the problem. I'm just saying there are more things we could do, without…"

"Without what?"

He wasn't going to be any help at all. I think he liked watching me squirm.

"Without crossing the line," I huffed, exasperated.

Edward sighed, took my hand in his and walked us over to the sofa. He sat down and pulled me into his lap, wrapping one arm around my back. "Bella, do you have any idea how much control it takes for me to be with you like this? I know I agreed that we need to get some practice in before the wedding, but I do have my limits." He ran his free hand through his hair, distractedly.

I grabbed his hand and held it in both of mine. "I'm sorry, Edward, but do you have any idea how much control it takes for me to be with you like this? I've already removed my clothing and offered myself to you on a silver platter, basically, and you haven't even taken your shirt off. This isn't a one way street, you know."

He groaned. "The sight of you, in all your glory, lying on that bed last night is an image I will always cherish, and the idea that you want me is literally driving me wild. Believe me Bella, it's taking every bit of self control I have not to make love to you this very minute."

"Oh, I see," I said, wondering just how close to the edge he was.

"The problem is, I'm afraid once I start I won't be able to stop. You are far to enticing and far too willing. That presents a deadly combination."

"So you're saying if I was less willing you would be able to have more self control?" I bit my lip and waited for him to answer.

He laughed and shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. If you were less willing I would probably find that a challenge and be even more tempted. It's a lose/lose situation for me."

"I'd say it was a lose/lose situation for me," I complained, knowing how difficult it was to get him to budge once he had made up his mind.

"There are many lose/lose scenarios where you are concerned, Bella. We can never be less than careful."

"You don't need to remind me that I'm human, Edward. I'm well aware," I said, trying not to sound too bitter. "I think I'll take a moment now, if you'll excuse me." I climbed off his lap and walked as swiftly as I could without tripping to the bathroom.

I switched on the light and examined my face in the mirror. I had embarrassed myself again, and with an unsatisfactory result. I knew it wasn't his fault, and I didn't blame him, but it was still very frustrating. Now I was worried that he was going to feel guilty for not giving in to my demands and I resolved to try to do something to alleviate the tension, even if it involved dancing again. Somehow I didn't think that would exactly solve the problem, but I was game for anything at this point. I was satisfied that he loved me, he was just being a gentleman and overly concerned about my safety. Considering he was a supernatural being I had to admit he had a point, even if I thought he would always be able to control himself.

I brushed my teeth and ran the hairbrush through my hair for good measure. I felt refreshed and not the least bit sleepy. I was ready for round two, whatever that might be. With Edward's moods I never knew what to expect, but he was never boring.

As I left the bathroom I heard the snap and hiss of the log fire. Edward had lit the kindling and already had a blazing fire going. He was standing by the fireplace and he had taken off his jacket; he watched me as I stood uncertainly in the bedroom.

"Come here, Bella," his velvet voice compelled me.

AN: I hope you will take a moment to leave a review and let me know how you think the evening is progressing.

My lovely Beta, Ranma15177 was also nominated for some Twilight Awards, for Best Vampire Ability (her Escaping Sol Bella can temporarily access another vampire's powers) and Best Original Character, for her mythical Lillith. She's doing a terrific job, helping me with Blue Moon, too. Not done baking has also made a valuable contribution to Blue Moon as my original Beta and she has some new stories online now.

Both You'll Never Know and At Last lyrics and music are by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren.