A/N: by popular demand, this chapter starts with EPOV for the kiss! Thank you for reviewing and thanks again to my amazing beta Dictums, whose fic Ghosts Under Rocks is seriously my favourite E/B ever written.

Chapter 4: Hidden Talents

EPOV

I paid the bill, taking Bella's hand to help her up from the table, and placing my hand on the small of her back to lead her out of the restaurant. I didn't want the night to end and I hoped Bella would let me drive her home.

"Can I drive you home, Bella? It's late and I don't want to leave you in a cab."

She agreed and I led her to my car, opening her door and making sure she was safely inside before closing it.

I took my seat behind the steering wheel and I was starting the car when Bella's hand reached across the console and grabbed my hand. My fingers tightened around hers as I pulled out of the parking space.

Bella gave me quick directions and leaned her head against the seat, instantly falling asleep. I didn't let go of her hand.

I looked over at her and smiled. I was glad she was relaxed and I was sure she needed the rest after all the adrenaline she must have been living off the past week, preparing for trial.

The streets were nearly empty and I managed to steal as many glances at Bella as I could while driving. She is so beautiful.

"Edward."

Did Bella just say my name in her sleep or am I just wishing she did?

"Edward." It was more insistent this time and I couldn't mistake the desire in her voice.

The car ride ended too quickly as I came to a slow stop in front of Bella's building so I wouldn't wake her. I imagined I could coax the doorman into letting me carry Bella up to her condo as I really didn't want to disturb her. I turned off the car and exited it, walking around to open Bella's door.

So far, so good. She was still asleep.

I hovered over her, reaching across her to unfasten the seat belt. It was difficult for me to breathe, being to close to her and unable to touch her while she was sleeping.

Suddenly she blinked, now awake. I smiled at her, taking her hand to help her out of the car. I walked her to her door, and I hoped she didn't notice I was shaking. I wanted so badly to embrace her, to kiss her, to let my hands linger . . .

We reached her door and I was trying to control myself when she wrapped her arms around me, pressing her nose against my neck and breathing in deeply. There was no mistaking my shivering now as she let out a hot breath on my neck. I just let my senses take over, pulling her close and angling her chin up to my face so I could kiss her properly.

She didn't hesitate to kiss me back and it only propelled me further. I ran my fingers through her hair, tilting her head to deepen the kiss and feeling like I couldn't get close enough to her despite the fact that I was pulling her even closer now.

Suddenly Bella pulled back and I nearly whimpered with the loss of her lips before she began trailing feather light kisses down my neck to my collar bone, causing me to moan her name. I wanted her badly and I felt like we should stop soon. This was nuts, it was only our first date and already I desired her more than I had ever wanted anything before.

I placed my forehead on her shoulder, wanting to kiss her where she had just kissed me. My fingers ghosted underneath her sweater and I barely pushed it to the side, trailing kisses across her shoulder but knowing I would really lose control if my fingers kept wandering.

Bella's eyes were shining as he looked up at me and, as my heart sped up, I couldn't stop myself from saying what came to my mind.

"Wow," I said right in time with Bella. We were on the same wavelength. I knew I had to leave now, Bella needed sleep. And, as sad as I was for the night to end, I knew there would be many more. I had never felt like this before and I could only help Bella felt the same.

"Sweet dreams, Bella."

I breathed in her scent once more, placing a careful kiss at the base of her neck and letting my hands roam over her hips so I could turn her and make sure she entered the building. I watched her go, pretending I was standing in concrete so that I wouldn't make a fool of myself by chasing after her so I could have just one more kiss.

She made it inside and I turned to walk to my car, my hand over my heart which was still beating so fast.

BPOV

I honestly couldn't believe it. I was routinely pinching my arm after I woke up to remind myself that last night wasn't a dream. The thing was, last night felt like a dream. I mean, first dates like that only happen in the movies. I recalled the candlelight, Edward's piercing green eyes, our amazing conversation and, of course, the chocolate soufflés, not to mention a first kiss that I couldn't stop thinking about. I know it seemed like a small thing—Edward pre-ordering the soufflés—but it meant a lot to me. There was no hesitation on his part of whether or not I would actually eat dessert, no thinking that I didn't need desert, and it just made me feel like he already knew me. I pinched myself again, there was definitely something between us, already, and I was a little scared.

The sound of my phone ringing snapped me out of fantasy.

"Hello?"

"Bella? Where have you been? I've called you five times this morning!"

"Alice, calm down. I decided to sleep in today to make up for all the sleep I missed preparing for trial."

Silly pixie.

"Oh Bella, I'm so sorry. Jasper told me about your settlement, congratulations! I was hoping you'd want to go shopping today to celebrate."

"Alice, I thought this was my celebration. Why would I want to go shopping?"

"Well, Bella, I have two words for you: Edward Cullen?"

I didn't say anything, what could I say? I was busted.

"Bella?"

"Alice, um, what did Jasper tell you?"

"He just said that you couldn't stop making googly eyes at each other during your negotiations. And, well, that Edward might like like you. WHY DID SOMETHING ELSE HAPPEN?"

She was raising her voice now and speaking very quickly, like a pixie on speed.

"We, uh, had dinner . . . last night."

"Bella? What aren't you telling me? How was it? Please say it was amazing."

"Okay, Alice, take a deep breath. Because, honestly, it was perfect. He is perfect. And we had such a connection that I am scared."

"Oh Bella, I am so happy for you. Let's get lunch and you can tell me all about it, and then, only if you feel like it, we can go shopping for something for you to wear on your next date!"

I laughed, there was no escaping Alice when she wanted something.

"I'll meet you at the Galleria in an hour."

"See you then, Bella!"

I placed my phone on my bedside table and laid back down for a minute, inhaling and exhaling a deep breath. I was glad I was going to meet up with Alice, maybe she'd talk me down. It was just crazy, I'd never felt like this before, and especially not so fast. I closed my eyes and instinctively touched my lips, remembering how it felt when Edward kissed me. A huge smile broke out on my face for a brief moment before getting up to shower and dress to meet Alice.

_____

Alice was her usual ball of energy as I met her at the entrance to the mall. She quickly steered me to one of our favourite restaurants, getting the hostess to seat us before she began.

"Okay, I think I've been patient so far but I can't stand it anymore. Tell me everything!"

I proceeded to tell Alice about "meeting" Edward when I fell into him, him catching me in the courtroom, our odd breakfast, and the negotiations before regaling her with every detail of dinner the previous night.

"So that's it, you had dinner and just went home?"

"Well, he drove me home and walked me to my door."

"And???"

"And he kissed me. . ."

"Bella, how could you leave that part out?"

"I don't know Alice, it was the best first kiss I've ever had. Actually, it was probably the best kiss I've had, ever. It was like we couldn't get close enough but we didn't have to go further because we knew there would be a next time. And it was . . . well, it was incredibly sweet. Not innocent but, Alice, I felt like I was so loved."

"So what's the problem?"

"Isn't this a little fast for me to feel this way?"

"Bella, not if it's right, and it sounds like it is. When I met Jasper, I just knew. I knew I had been waiting my whole life for him and that was it. You know how quickly everything happened for us."

"I know, and you're right. I just never thought it would happen for me. One minute I am nervous out of my mind preparing for trial and the next, we're having this perfect dinner in this amazing restaurant that seemed straight out of a dream. I can't help but think it's too good to true."

"No, Bella, it's just that it's finally your time. Jasper and I knew it would come. You've got to have a little more faith and just enjoy it—go with it. Have you talked to him?"

"No, I mean, it was just last night. I think I can wait twenty-four hours."

Just then, my mobile started ringing and Alice was smirking before I could even check the caller id.

Edward.

"It's Edward," I said, gauging Alice's reaction.

"I knew it! Answer it," giggled the Pixie, clapping her hands.

"Hello?"

"Bella, um hi, it's Edward." He sounded nervous.

I smiled.

"Hi Edward, how are you?"

"I'm well, how are you?"

"I can't complain," I said, a bit flirtatiously.

"Listen, Bella, I know this is going to sound crazy, but can I see you tonight? I mean, do you have plans?"

I giggled, I guess Edward felt it, too.

"Actually, Edward, I was just thinking that I owe you dinner, to thank you for last night. Do you want to come over? I would love to make you dinner."

"Really? I can't imagine anything better."

"Come over at 7. I'll see you then."

"I'll see you then. And, Bella?"

"Yes?"

"I'll be counting the minutes."

I closed my phone and looked at Alice whose smile couldn't be bigger.

"So?" She asked.

"Edward's coming over tonight. I'm going to make him dinner."

"I got that part Bella, but, what changed? You sounded like quite a flirt on the phone, not scared at all."

"I decided to take your advice and just go with it."

In a flash, Alice was out of her seat and came over to hug me.

"Oh, Bella, I'm so happy for you. But, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and finish your lunch, we definitely have to buy you an outfit now!"

I laughed, thinking I was pretty lucky to have such a great friend.

EPOV

I hung up the phone, and I knew that if anyone could see me right now, they would be laughing at the huge grin which plastered my face.

I don't know what came over me, but when I woke up this morning—quite late I might add since I was up half the night composing something new—all I could think about was Bella. I really wanted to see her again, and the sooner, the better.

I flexed my fingers, remembering Bella's lilting tone on the phone, all the innuendo that let me know she was smiling over the phone. It pushed me to return to my piano.

I was working on something new, something completely inspired by Bella. I couldn't get her out of my head and this was the most constructive use of those thoughts. When I got home last night from what was probably the best night of my life, I was too keyed up to sleep and I immediately turned to my piano, wanting to capture the feelings I had in that moment.

I sat down on my bench and picked up my pencil, staring at the notes I had drafted the night before. I make a notation and set the pencil down, placing my fingers over the keys. All of the things I was thinking and feeling about Bella poured into my playing. It had been a long time since I was inspired, and I don't think I had ever composed something so easily; this just came to me.

My phone rang, disturbing me.

I stopped playing and picked up my phone, groaning before answering it.

"Hello."

"What the fuck, Cullen? You settled?!"

"Well, it's nice to talk to you, too, Mike."

"Cullen, you were supposed to go to trial and nail Swan's ass on this case."

I cringed, hearing Mike talk about Bella that way. My Bella. Mike could never know that, though. At least not yet.

"Mike, it was a good deal. I don't know what you were thinking by not settling sooner, the evidence was overwhelming."

"Do you think I care Cullen? We don't settle with firms like Swan & Hale, they are small potatoes."

"Well, Mike, I don't know what you want me to say…it's done. Let's move on."

"Don't for a minute think this is over, Cullen. I'm still recovering but when I return, you better watch your back."

He hung up on me. I stared angrily at my phone for a moment, deciding against throwing it across the room like I wanted because Mike Newton wasn't worth ruining a perfectly good phone.

I sighed, again thinking, why do I work with such pricks?

I set down my phone, returning to my piano keys and my thoughts of Bella, knowing they would banish the horrid conversation I'd just had.

BPOV

I knew Alice was a shopper but every time I ended up relenting and actually going shopping with her, I was amazed at her tenacity. She wouldn't stop until she found the perfect everything: the perfect dress for me to wear tonight, the perfect Blair-like headband to match, the perfect kitten heels which would ensure I didn't trip in my own kitchen, and, seriously, even the most adorable apron I'd ever seen.

After the mall, I'd stopped by the grocery store to pick up everything for tonight. I was excited.

I decided to show Edward a bit of my kitchen prowess. Most people were so caught up in my lawyering that they didn't know that I loved to cook and bake. I was making fresh butternut squash pappardelle pasta with a simple béchamel, infused with lots of cinnamon. I would serve it with a simple green salad topped with toasted pine nuts. I also thought it couldn't hurt to make Edward my own version of chocolate soufflés.

I set about making the pasta, roasting the squash, and preparing the semolina by making a bowl with my hands in which to crack the egg. I happily hummed, excited that Edward was coming over. Once I had made the dough, running it through my machine and cutting it into shapes, I decided it was time to get ready.

Luckily, I had enough time to take a long bath with my favourite verbena bath crystals. I filled the tub, testing the water and sprinkling in some crystals before lowering myself into the water. This is heaven, I thought, sighing and resting my head against the tiled wall. I was filled with anticipation even just thinking about seeing Edward again. For what was probably the thousandth time, I remembered our kiss. My breath hitched and wetness pooled between my legs just thinking about last night.

Glancing at the radio clock in my bathroom, I realized I needed to start getting ready now because Edward would be coming over soon.

Wet, hot, and bothered, I got out of the tub, wrapping a towel around myself as I started to get dressed for dinner. I really couldn't wait.

EPOV

It took every ounce of willpower I had not to arrive early at Bella's. I couldn't wait for the night to begin, let alone to see what she was cooking me for dinner. Given her reputation as a lawyer, I was surprised when she offered to cook for me. But, the more I thought about it, the more pleased I was that our second date would be a bit more intimate.

After she buzzed me in, and I took the elevator up to her floor, I had a moment of panic. This was moving rather fast, wasn't it? We hadn't even really talked about our connection, but I had to assume she felt it, too. From the first sparks between us when she shook my hand after settlement, I knew this was something different. And all those thoughts I had about her the first day that we met, even if under unusual, stressful circumstances, were only compounded when I actually got to know her better at dinner. I stepped out of the elevtor and made my way over to her condo, one hand tugging nervously at my hair as I knocked on her door with the other. Ready or not . . .

Bella opened the door and any doubts I had completely vanished as I took in the sight of her. Even rehashing all of my fantasies of the past forty-eight hours, she was more beautiful than I remembered. She ushered me in, kissing me on the cheek and handing me a drink. As I noticed her tight blue dress—it hugged her curves but it was almost innocent in its length and neckline—she pointed to the living room and told me to make myself comfortable while she finished dinner. I smiled at her apron adorned with cupcakes and entered her living room. I surveyed the room which was very nice, and it was obvious she made a good living. I moved closer to look at the pictures on her mantle. The only person I recognized was Jasper, and who I assumed to be his wife, Alice, as they flanked Bella in a picture taken on a boat. I traced Bella's face in the picture frame with my finger, wanting there to be a picture of the two of us on this mantle.

"See something you like?" Bella interrupted my thoughts.

I turned around and smiled at her, taking the length of the room in a mere two strides so I could embrace her once again.

"Nothing as good as what I'm staring at now."

She giggled and hugged me back.

"Ready for dinner?"

"Lead the way."

She took my hand and led me to the kitchen, where there was a small alcove in the corner with a table.

"I hope you don't mind but I find this so much cozier," she said, gesturing to the alcove, "than the dining room."

"Bella, I don't mind at all. I can't believe you cooked for me."

"I hope you like it Edward, my hobby is cooking but I don't get to do it nearly as much as I'd like, given our profession. Don't get me wrong—I love being a lawyer but sometimes it's so demanding."

"I'm sure I'll love it," I said as she placed a salad in front of me.

Bella joined me at the table in the corner which was small enough that I could place my arm around her shoulders while we both ate.

"What about you, Edward? Do you like being a lawyer?"

"I did, at one point, but lately . . . " I trailed off, not wanting to finish my sentence.

"Lately, what? Is it your firm? I wouldn't want to work with vile Mike Newton either."

I laughed. "You wouldn't believe how furious he was today when he called me."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah, he can't believe I settled."

"Hmmm. . ." she said, finishing her salad, and sighing as she leaned in closer to me. I tightened my grip and looked down at her, smiling.

"I've been meaning to ask you about that Edward. That offer came out of left field. Do you know what Mike offered when Judge Gibbons forced us to have a settlement conference? It was laughable."

I kissed the top of her head. "Bella, this is so lovely, let's not talk about Mike."

"Deal, but I just want you to know, you can talk to me about anything you want, even if it's just to complain." She stood, clearing out plates and walking to the stove.

"Thank you, Bella, that really means a lot to me. I already do feel like I could tell you anything."

She returned with two steaming bowls of pasta, of which the scent was absolutely divine.

"Bella, this smells amazing. Please don't tell me you made it from scratch."

"Of course I did, nothing but the best for you, Mr. Cullen. Besides, after that amazing dinner last night, I had to step up my game a little." She teased.

I took a bite and a moan escaped my lips.

"Bella, this is so good, I can't believe you made this from scratch."

She was watching me eat, staring at my lips.

"Trust me when I say, it was worth it." She smiled at me like she knew a secret.

I couldn't be bothered to talk as I inhaled the pasta; it was delicious. She soon joined me in eating with abandon. I was almost so overcome with the taste and texture of the pasta that I didn't register Bella's hand on my thigh. But, suddenly, her tiny hand was lazily tracing circles on the fabric of my pants, inching up my thigh. I gulped and looked at her but she was the picture of innocence, feigning to acknowledge my surprise. Two can play at this game.

The pasta was eaten and I rose to gather up our dishes. I leaned over the tiny table and blew a breath into Bella's ear. She shivered as I nibbled on her ear lobe, before taking her bowl, turning around and walking to the sink.

I was placing the bowls in the sink when I felt her arms wrap around me. I smiled and turned around, placing her arms around my waist and leaning my forehead to hers.

"Thank you for making me dinner, Bella. It was even better than last night, and The Meadow is my favourite restaurant."

"You're welcome." She murmured, burying her nose in the crook of my neck and kissing my neck. She placed her hands on my chest before gently tracing my ribs under my shirt. It felt so good.

"Bella, do you have any idea what you do to me?" I sighed, pulling her closer, and pressing her to the length of my body, making sure she could feel what she did to me.

"Why, Mr. Cullen, I think I have some idea." She said, suggestively before taking my hands which were clasped behind her back and moving one down to cup her butt, while taking the other one and placing it over her heart. I pulled her closer then, sliding one hand over the curve of her butt while not moving my other hand from her heart.

Her heart was racing, and I realized mine was, too. She eyed me then, with my hand over her heart and I could see a million emotions flash across her face. I took her hand and placed it over my heart, too.

I wanted to let her know that I felt the same.

"Edward?" She asked, and it seemed like there was uncertainty in her voice.

"Yes, Bella?" I didn't want her to hesitate to tell me what was on her mind so I removed my hand from her butt and cupped her face, my fingertips on her cheekbone.

"I feel like this is happening so quick, there is no possible way you could feel it like I do."

"Bella, Bella, Bella, I knew from the minute I looked into your eyes, after you ran into me and knocked my coffee out of my hands, that I had to get to know you. Do you know what I thought, the first time I looked into your eyes?"

She shook her head.

"I thought that you must be an angel. When you ran off to the courtroom, I stood there like an idiot, not moving and staring after you. I knew I had to find you again. Imagine my surprise when we ended up in the same courtroom."

She laughed. "Indeed we did, and you can only imagine my embarrassment. I hated you on sight, aside from the fact that you had the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen."

I chuckled. "Bella, I know this seems fast but I also want you to know that I will always be here to catch you when you fall. You don't need to worry that your feelings are unrequited, because everything you're feeling, I am, too."

I pulled her close, and put my hands on both sides of her face, kissing her lips. I wanted to pour all these feelings we had into this kiss. I had to make sure she knew I was falling for her.

She quickly deepened the kiss, opening her mouth and tracing my lips with her tongue.

I slid my tongue into her mouth, my hands on her hips, pulling her closer to me, and positioning her between my legs so that she would feel the friction. She moaned and I nearly lost it.

She slid her arms around me, grabbing my butt so that we were even closer.

She was kissing me furiously now, moving from my lips to my eyelids before trailing kisses up my neck and biting my earlobe. I knew I must be moaning but all I could think was Bella, Bella, Bella. Nothing had ever felt this good or this right and we were only making out.

My pulse was racing and I was so hard for her. She still hadn't moved from between my legs and I slid my hands down her back before kneading her butt.

The little moans escaping her lips only urged me on. I moved my hands to the hem of her dress, fingering the material before sliding my hands up her thighs, barely grazing her skin under the dress.

"Edward." She said, gazing up at me, her eyes lidded with desire.

"Hmmm," I inquired, my hands never leaving her thighs and my mouth hungrily sucking at her neck.

Suddenly a loud timer went off across the kitchen.

Groaning, Bella extricated herself from me, pulling her dress down. I felt the loss immediately. She kissed me and crossed the kitchen, grabbing an oven mitt from the counter.

"I guess it's time for the soufflés."

A/N: Okay, so please don't hate me for ending it there! This chapter is supposed to be about their emotional connection as much as their physical connection. So, please review and I will try to post the next chapter by Friday but I have a really busy week so no promises. Thank you for all the sweet words!!