Chapter 7:

"Morning" I hear as I'm still blinking my eyes open.

I bite back a yawn as the sleep leaves my vision. Edward is fully dressed, sitting next to me on the bed, legs outstretched and a laptop on his thighs.

"Morning" I mumble. Then sit up with a start; panicking. Shit! How long has he been here?

I see him cock his head to one side, "This thing with Marcus has really scared you, hmm?"

That's unexpected. Well…yes it has scared me. Scared the shit out of me. "Why, how do you know?" I whisper.

"You talk in your sleep" he frowns and I close my eyes when he reaches down, gently sweeping some hair off my forehead. It's such a sweet gesture…I wonder if he even knows he's doing it.

"What time is it?"

"Just past 12" He answers, and I have to fight back a gasp. Immediately I sit up again.

"Why didn't you wake me! You must have so much work to do! Why aren't you at work?"

I huff in annoyance when I see he's fighting to hold back a fit of laughter. He has a hand firmly planted over his mouth and his chest is shaking. His eyes shining at me, holy hell… he's gorgeous. His eyes crinkle at the corners, I've never seen him so happy before, and I can't help but smile back. "Stop laughing at me!" I threaten half-heartedly.

He takes his hand away from his lips, still smirking, and picks up his laptop setting it down on the bed. And the next thing I know, he's tugged me over onto his lap so I'm straddling his legs "You're cute when you're flustered" he grins.

"Edward!" I exclaim in embarrassment. Oh my god!

"Bella!" he mocks.

"You're happy today" I note, trying to get the attention off of myself.

"Well, I just gained a beautiful girlfriend. Why wouldn't I be happy?" He smirks.

Holy Shit. My heart does summersaults at his words.

And he says he doesn't know how to be in a relationship… pshh.

"Careful Cullen, I'll be expecting this treatment everyday".

"That can be arranged" he laughs and kisses me softly. "I'm glad you're awake. I thought you'd never get up".

"Bored?"

"Hardly" he shakes his head, "your snoring was getting quite irritating to listen to".

I smack his shoulder "I do not snore!"

"No. You don't" he concedes "Though I wish you did. I had to check to make sure you were alive several times. How do you sleep in one position all night"?

I shrug, not aware that I did that. "I need to get up. And go home." I sigh "You must have work to do".

"Took a vacation day" he shrugs. "You don't have to leave. In fact, I prefer you don't."

"You shouldn't have taken a day off" I mumble feeling horrible that I made him miss work.

"I wanted to" His finger trails down my cheek gently "Besides, we should talk".

I groaned making him smile knowingly "I know you hate it. I need to know exactly what happened. He drugged you, so I insist on filing a police report." He says seriously.

"Why!" I screech in surprise.

He cocks an incredulous eyebrow at me "He drugged you, and was intent on holding you hostage." He states "Not to mention that he knowingly violated your hard limits. Is that not reason enough?"

Well when you put it that way… "You're right" I nod, resigned "I can handle it though…I don't want you to get tied up in all of this, not when you don't have to".

"I'm already tied up in it, Bella" he rolls his eyes. "I own the club he's a member of, and he breached protocol there as well. When are you going to understand that I don't mind? That I want to do this for you?"

"Why?" I whisper. I want him to say it again.

"I love you" he says simply. "You don't have to trick me into saying it, Bella. I never say anything I don't mean" he smiles knowingly.

"Fine fine." I concede with a grin "I got what I wanted".

"Is that all I'm good for, Ms. Swan?"

"Maybe not all."

"Why don't you go shower. There are some clothes in the bathroom already. The police are going to be here soon" He said.

"Police!" I exclaim "When did you set all this up?"

"You'd be amazed at what you can get done when you wake up at 7am." He smiles.

"I must have been out. I'm usually a very light sleeper" I sigh and climb off his lap reluctantly. "Wait, you said clothes?" Whose clothes does he have just lying around? Unpleasant thoughts cross my mind and I waive them away.

"They're my sisters, just some sweatpants and a t-shirt. I thought you'd want to be comfortable, besides she's shorter than you. I think they're the only things here that will fit you."

"Sister!" Edward has a sister?

"Her name is Alice" he smiles fondly. "20 questions later. Unless you want to meet the officer looking like that".

Oh my god! I assume a look of sheer horror is plastered on my face, because Edward begins laughing hysterically. "You are no gentleman, Cullen!" I shout on my way to the bathroom.

Holy - My hair is a mess. It looks like brown fro. Like a bird attacked it. I'm absolutely mortified. Damn you and your perfect mornings, Edward Cullen.

"Well that was eventful" I sighed, leaning back onto the cool leather couch in Edwards living room. I just finished speaking to the officer, trying to relay what happened last night. The police asked a lot of questions but didn't give much away at how they would handle Marcus. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

"Well it's over now. You look exhausted, even with the 14 hours of sleep you got," Edward says and I open my eyes to look at him; standing next to the couch, hands in his pockets and a small smile on his lips.

"I've never slept that much in my life" I shake my head. It's the truth, I usually get around 7-8 hours a night, and I'm content if I get just an hour more.

"Unexpected circumstances, perhaps residual from whatever Marcus gave you," he says, and a few moments later, a frown graces his lips. He's thinking about something unpleasant. Last night?

"I need to go home, Edward…" I say finally "I don't know where my car is, and I have so much work to do. I have to tell Rose what happened…SHIT" I groan. Rose! She's going to be so pissed.

"Ah this supposed 'best friend' I've never met" he smirks, sitting down on the other couch across from me.

"Yeah well, I doubt she'll want to meet you after I tell her about Marcus."

His eyes narrow to thin slits and he shakes his head "Why would that be the case?"

"She doesn't know" I say quietly "and…I'm not sure she'll approve; especially after last night's ordeal".

"You want her approval?" he asks.

"She's my best friend".

"Then she'll come around." He smiles gently "It might take some time"

I nod with a breath "Anyways…my car…?" I ask again. I wonder if Marcus has done anything to it.

"I had it brought here last night just after we arrived." He finishes for me "Are you sure you're okay, Bella?"

No. Of course I'm not okay. But I want to be. I need to be. "Yeah" I whisper, staring down at my hands.

"Bella…"

"I have to be, Edward" I say desperately, not knowing what he wants from me "I'm a little shaken up. But I'll be okay".

"Okay" he concedes softly "But will you promise to call if you need me?" he asks.

"Yes. Of course" I smile with a deep breath "I'll call you anyways".

"Will you, Ms. Swan"?

"I believe it's what girlfriends do, Mr. Cullen," I grin, loving that he can cut the tension with a single sentence.

I've decided that I'm not going to tell Rose. Not just yet anyways…there's so much to explain. I'm not ready to put myself out there yet.

My car is safe. I'm safe. I'm with Edward now.

That's all that matters. All I need. It makes me happy.

Work. Work is such a godsend at this moment. I've been so immersed in it, that when my phone rings and I glance at the time, I'm shocked to realize that it's already 9pm. Shit. I forgot to call Edward!

"I'm so sorry!" I exclaim into the phone, hoping he hasn't been worrying too much about me.

"You're alright?" He breathes in relief.

"I'm fine" I bite my lip. It's a lie. I'm avoiding the subject at hand "I'm really sorry, Edward. I just-I started doing some work to distract myself. I guess it worked".

"As long as you're okay" His voice is softer now. Damn. I've made him worry.

Why-why are there tears in my eyes. No one has ever worried about me like this. No one has shown so much concern over absolutely nothing. "I'm okay" I whisper.

"Bella?" he gasps quietly "Are you crying, sweetheart?"

"No" I choke "I mean-yes. I don't know" I whisper in frustration.

"What's wrong? Talk to me."

"I'm just feeling very overwhelmed" I sniffle softly "I think".

There are a few moments of silence on the line and I wonder if the call has dropped. "Do you want me to come over?" He asks finally.

Do I? I find myself nodding vigorously, and realize he can't see me. "Do you want to come over?" I whisper hopefully.

"Yes." I hear a small smile in his voice "If you'll have me."

"I do" I whisper "I don't want to take you away from anything though…" I don't want him to feel like he has to come.

"I'll let my Thursday hookers know that they won't be needed tonight".

And just like that I'm smiling again. Laughing hysterically actually. "Please come, Edward."

"I'll be there in a bit."

"Are you mad at me?"

He shakes his head and sighs "No, but in the future, would you please call me? Especially when you say you will. I was going insane."

"I'm sorry" I whisper guiltily. I didn't mean to make him worry! That's the last thing I want.

"It's okay." He smiles "What happened earlier, why were you crying?"

I close my eyes before responding "It just feels nice." I whisper.

"What does?" Is his confused reply.

"That someone cares. Someone…worries" I breathe.

"Look at me."

I open my eyes and find his staring compassionately into mine "Do you realize how much I worry about you? I haven't slept, Bella…you-" he sighs and brushes his thumb over the apple of my cheek "You say you're okay." His hand cups my jaw gently "You're not."

"I'm trying to be" I whimper. Oh no. I don't want to cry again.

"Do you know how hard it was for me to let you go this afternoon? Don't try. You don't need to"

"Please Edward. I don't want to cry again" I whisper desperately. His words are causing my heart to constrict painfully.

"Okay baby" he concedes with a whisper "I'm sorry. Are you tired?"

I shake my head. I'm wide awake. "Hey" he says making me look at him again "I always worry about 's probably nothing you can do to rectify that situation."

He's smiling. I'm smiling. Leaning in, I place a soft kiss on his lips "Well…thank you. It feels good."

"I doubt you'll be saying that soon enough" he chuckles quietly.

"Don't get me wrong, Edward." I start quietly "I have amazing people in my life. Rose…my dad. But-they're so busy. So busy with their own lives, I've never had anyone call just to check up on me. Not since I was 18" I laugh incredulously.

"Hmm" he smiles softly "that's a shame".

I shrug in indifference. I don't mind… "I'm used to looking after myself. I don't mind".

"Well Bella. If you're not tired, what do you want to do?" I have no idea if that's supposed to sound dirty…but fuck if it doesn't. I must be blushing because his eyes widen before a deep chuckle takes over him "Get your mind out of the gutter, Swan. I haven't even taken you out on a proper date yet."

"Is that your way of asking me out?"

"Absolutely not" he grins impishly "I'll pick you up at 8 this Friday. Dress casual. No heels." He states, "That's my way of asking you out".

Holy shit. That's tomorrow. "I don't believe that was a question, Cullen" I retort "More like a demand."

"Is that your way of declining my proposal?" he smirks.

Oh hell no. Not a chance. "As if I could" I scoff softly.

"You learn fast".

"Dress casual? What do you have planned?"

His grin widens and he shrugs "You'll find out tomorrow. How about we just watch a movie for now?" he changes the subject.

"A movie?" I ask in disbelief. He wants to watch a movie of all things?

"Oh shit" he curses with a guilty smile "Sorry, is that not-I'm sorry I-"

Edward Cullen is stuttering. He's sitting on my sofa, stuttering. I don't think I've ever seen him at a loss for words before. I don't think anyone has seen him stutter before. I gape at him in awe before a loud giggle escapes me. "Oh god, Edward" I laugh "Marcus didn't ruin movies for me. I can still watch them. Stop apologizing".

His mouth opens and closes a couple times before it sets into a frown. "That was rude, Miss Swan."

"Have you ever stuttered before in your life?" I can't help but keep grinning "I don't think I've ever heard you miss a beat".

"You owe me" he states "I'm picking the movie now."

I roll my eyes "Whatever. I'm going to change. Do you…need something to wear?"

He raises and eyebrow before shaking his head, a smirk on his lips "I don't usually wear clothes to bed, Bella."

Oh jeez. My face feels like it's on fire. "Umm" I clear my throat "I'll be right back. The movies are all in the cabinet to the left" I practically run into my room, trying to drown out the sound of Edward Cullen's chuckle.

Yeah. He's definitely better at this game than I am.

"Come on, sweetheart" he whispers as the credits begin to roll. "You look exhausted. Let's try and sleep".

I shake my head against his thigh. I'm lying down on the couch, my head in his lap. It's true. I am exhausted. And I would love nothing more than to slip into oblivion but I can't. I can't bring myself to stop thinking. My brain won't stop working.

"No?" he asks softly "Why not?"

"I can't" I rasp out. Why do I have to overthink everything? What a curse.

He gently picks up my head and gets up before setting it down on the couch. Slipping his arms under my legs and shoulders, I find myself being lifted in his embrace "You have to sleep, Bella. What's wrong?" he asks while carrying me to the bedroom "Talk to me".

"My brain won't shut off" I whisper tiredly "I'm so tired".

His warm lips press against my forehead before setting me down on my bed "Can I stay?"

Can he stay? I rather assumed he was… "Please?"

He unbuttons his jeans and slips them down his legs, leaving him in his white boxers and black V-neck, so hot. "Scoot over".

"You could walk around, you know" I tease but also comply, watching as he pulls the covers back so we can both get in.

"This is my side of the bed"

"Actually Cullen, this is my bed!" His side! I realize I kind of like it. His side. Does that mean he's going to be here a lot?

"Give it up, Swan. Come here and try to relax" His arm that's closest to me lifts up, inviting me to move against him. I grin like a kid on Christmas and roll into his embrace, head against his bicep.

"Try and sleep, baby" he whispers, lips against my forehead "Nothing can touch you here."

The 5 sweetest words I've heard in a long while. I sigh and contentment and nod against him. I feel safe again. "Goodnight, Edward."

"Night Bella".

Morning Bella,

I'm sorry I had to leave so early this morning, but you looked so peaceful, I didn't have the heart to disturb you. Hope your day goes well. I look forward to our date tonight.

Love,

Edward

I must have re-read that note a hundred times before getting out of bed.

And now, I'm standing in front of the mirror after having showered and shaved, trying to figure out what the hell I'm going to wear.

Casual…

No heels.

What in the world does he have planned? Surprises always suck for girls. We never know how to dress. What to wear…what to take with us. Dress or Jeans? Flats…boots…sneakers? Jewelry? Hair?

After much debate, I finally settled on a pair of dark skinny jeans, tall brown flat boots, and a black V-neck sweater.

Just like clockwork, the doorbell rings. "What is it with men always being on time" I mutter, walking towards it.

Edward is on the other side, standing in a pair of grey trousers and black sweater. Hot.

"Hey beautiful" he grins, stepping inside and kissing me softly. Mm, why are his lips always so soft? And why does he always taste so damn good! "You look perfect".

"Now will you tell me what we're doing?" I ask skeptically while toeing on black flats.

"Not a chance".

I sigh in disappointment and grab my purse before shutting all the lights off. "Have everything?" he asks, taking one of my hands in his.

The action sends tingles throughout my body. This is different. Our first date…I'm suddenly very nervous. "Uh yeah. I have everything" I say quietly.

His head tilts slightly in confusion but I think he lets it go and nods "Come on then".

"You're taking me to the Pacific Science Center?" I ask incredulously as the car pulls up.

First off. Edward has a driver, Logan, the driver, nearly gave me a heart attack when I saw him waiting at the foot of my stoop; waiting to lead us to the car. A driver? Why does he need a driver?

When I asked him about it, he just shook his head in amusement and told me he didn't use him all the time. Just for special occasions.

Special occasions.

Me.

"Have you ever been here?" He raises an eyebrow, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Nope".

Logan opens the door for us, and I take Edwards hand, letting him help me out of the car. "It's beautiful at night. I used to come here during my residency…"

He's right. It's gorgeous. Three large statues…pillars stand tall, maybe 30-40 feet? They're lit in neon colors- wait…there's no one here. The gates are already open, but I don't see or hear anybody.

"I rented it for the night" he smirks down at me, like he knows what I'm thinking.

He WHAT! "Edward!" I gasp in shock. He rented an entire museum for me? "What do you mean you rented it for the night? Is that even legal? I don't understand".

His grin broadens "Come on, lets go in. I want to show you some things".

He rented an entire museum for our first date. Not a movie. Not dinner. We walk through the doors and find ourselves standing in a large dome. "So there's no one here?" At all?" I whisper in awe.

"No. No one's here, just us, no distractions. Does that bother you?" he asks, a flash of something passing through his eyes.

I'm taken aback by his question. Does it bother me? No it doesn't bother me…why would-oh! I release his hand from mine and rest both on his shoulders "No Edward. It doesn't bother me at all. I trust you. You know that, right?" I whisper nervously. I don't want him to feel like he has to walk on eggshells around me. I know he'll never hurt me. "I am just…in awe right now. No one's ever done anything like this for me before."

He smiles shyly down at me, and it's a beautiful smile. One I've never seen before. He looks so innocent…vulnerable. "I'm glad you like it".

We've spent the past 2 hours walking around the museum. Looking at all the exhibits, and artwork. I don't know why I've never been here before…the place is amazing.

"Come on!" Edward grins. Holy hell. He's smiling like a little boy! He's buzzing about something….and it's infectious. We practically run through the hall and into a large arc that reads 'Laser shows'.

Laser shows? "Pick one" he states.

I look around, we're in the middle of a circular room, doors all around and different show names adorn each one. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Lady Gaga, Led Zeppelin…the list goes on.

"Can we watch all of them?" I squeal like a 3 year old making him throw his head back to laugh.

"We are. What first?"

"The Beatles".

Edward leads me into the designated room. The lights are dimmed, and I see a stack of pillows in the middle of the floor. He must have sensed my confusion because he explained himself without me having to ask "The show is best if you're laying down. Looking up at the ceiling" he says.

"Edward this" - He silences me with a soft kiss.

"Save it for later, Swan. This is my favorite part of Seattle. Let's enjoy it" he says while sitting us both down on the ground. He produces a remote from his pocket and pushes a single button.

The lights start dimming and the music begins to fade in. Edward lies back first and I follow suit, laying my head on his arm and staring up at the now pitch black ceiling. The show opens with 'yellow submarine' and I'm having the hardest time concentrating. Edward's hands are caressing my arm, just simple brushes and touches but the actions send tingles through my body and I can't help but turn my head to look at him. I can't see much, but his face is illuminated by the dim light provided by the projection above.

"I could stare at you all night as well, you know. But I'll still be here after this is over" I see him smirk in amusement, never averting his eyes from the ceiling.

I blush a deep shade of crimson, thankful for the dark lighting, and turn my attention back to the show which has gotten much more intense. His arm that's wrapped around me pulls me closer and I feel him shake with soft laughter. No doubt at me.

The show is amazing. Music shifts from song to song seamlessly, and each one is different, accompanied by different colored lasers, moving at different speeds… graphics pertaining to the lyrics. The whole show is expertly choreographed.

By the end, I'm reeling. I absolutely renewed my love for the Beatles. They're one of my favorite bands. And to think I've never even heard of this laser show before! As the lights come on again, I have to squint to adjust. We've been in the dark for so long.

"Next show, Miss Swan?" he asks, standing up before holding a hand down for me to take.

Hell yes next show.

Best. Date. Ever.

"Is this where our night is supposed to end?" I ask while we stand in front of my door, his driver clearly waiting for him. Why am I so disappointed? I want him. I want him to come in. I want to spend more time with him.

I want him.

His eyes search mine for a long minute before a gentle smile takes over his lips. My breath hitches when he leans in, one arm resting over my shoulder and against the door "You should know by now that I don't do things traditionally, Miss Swan. Would you like the night to continue?"

I nod and close my eyes when his fingers gently pry my lip from my teeth. "Let me tell Logan. You go inside. I'll be up in a second" he whispers, his thumb brushes my lower lip and then he's gone. I watch as he turns and walks back down the stairs, towards the car.

I turn and head up to my apartment in anticipation of the night to come.

A/N: Thanks aabcarr, as always!

Review please…lemme know what you guys think!