oOo
Edward couldn't get over how fragile and perfect Bella felt in his arms. He had often wondered how much – or little – she weighed. If she really was over her problems. She always made him want to wrap her in cotton wool and protect her, but he knew that it was a silly idea. She was so much stronger than he was. Maybe not physically, but on all other levels.
The way she had held him the other day, when he'd bared his heart to her. Not one word of doubt, no blame. Just sheer, unconditional warmth and understanding.
Her hair was so silky, and it smelled so good that he had to bury his nose in it. Oh, and the way her breasts felt, pressed against his chest? Almost made him lose his mind.
He had no idea how fast they would, or should, move physically.
His body wanted to rush. Well, maybe not rush, exactly. It wasn't as if they'd only just met.
He didn't know how far Bella wanted to go. She was passionate in her kisses, and since yesterday, her hands would roam his back under his shirt, and of course, there'd been that glorious moment when she'd straddled him on her sofa, and had moved against him, and he'd almost come in his pants.
The last time Edward had sex was a year ago. He'd been in New York for a month for an exhibition at a gallery. He'd met a woman, Sarah, and they had a short affair.
Edward had been better for some time at that point, and had believed that it was time to make a new start.
How wrong he'd been.
They'd been on a few dates and had landed in bed after the third one. Nothing about it felt right, and Edward woke the next morning to a strange woman in a strange apartment.
And that had been that.
Nothing had felt like Bella, ever before.
Because she was totally different from Irina, and Edward was determined to never compare them.
"Baby," he murmured against her lips.
And froze.
He had never called a woman baby. Surely it was derogative and sexist? Surely Bella would have his –
"Mmm…"
Or not.
She climbed into his lap again, her thighs on both sides of his, and Edward tried to catch his breath.
He also tried to will his hands from moving lower from their spot on Bella's back. Or higher, to her luscious breasts.
Oh, God, how he wished she would let him touch them at some point…
"Edward."
Hot breath at his ear… lips… nibbling… soft… warm…
"Bella… Baby…"
"I know…"
Her breath was hot as she licked over the rim of his ear and pulled back.
Her eyes were close and almost black.
"I know…"
She placed a quick kiss on his lips.
And then, the most unexpected thing happened: Bella's stomach growled loudly.
oOo