A/N : Can I just share my opinion on something? I've been reading a lot of "weak Bella" fics lately and it's depressing as hell. But in reading the books I have to accept that is a bit of who she is. My Bellas will never be weak. She may have self esteem issues but rest assured, she will lash out or stick up for herself at the appropriate times. And she's only weak to one person…or vampire….whatever, but I have yet to write that one.

I woke the next morning, feeling kind of hung over, kind of sore. I could hardly breathe. Edward was wrapped around me like the first night we had slept together. He had his head on my shoulder and his arms wrapped tightly around me, clutching me to him. Almost squeezing me.

"Baby," I said and poked him. He stirred.

"Mmmm...what?" he said without opening his eyes.

"I can't breathe."

"Hmm?" he asked and squeezed me tighter.

I coughed, "Edward I'm serious. Let me up." I said and pinched his ribcage. He jerked and chuckled, released me and turned over on his side.

I got up and threw on a short cotton robe that was lying on the floor and went into my bathroom. I opened the medicine cabinet and pulled out two Advil for my throbbing headache and my throbbing muscles. You are no acrobat, brazen Bella.

I brushed my teeth and splashed some water on my face, turned on the light and looked into the mirror. God, I look like shit. I had totally forgotten about the red lipstick I wore last night. It was all kissed off and smeared. I wiped my face off the best I could and went into the kitchen. I pulled some OJ out of the fridge and took a big swig out of the bottle.

"Wow, that's…classy," I heard Edward snicker from behind me. I gave him the one finger salute as I continued to chug it.

"Yes, please," he said as I rolled my eyes.

I put the cap back on and shuddered, "Ugh, gross. I just brushed my teeth."

I turned around and laughed as I looked at Edward who was leaning on the door frame. He had on a pair of my purple and pink striped pajama pants that were entirely too small for him. The pant legs came up past his ankles and they were so tight that I could see everything.

"What are you wearing?!"

"Shut up, it was the first thing I could find in that mess that you call a closet."

He strolled past me into the bathroom. I smacked myself in the forehead and stumbled back into my room drew the curtains and flopped down on the bed, praying that my pain medicine kicked in sometime soon.

I climbed in and curled my arms around my pillow, feeling that feeling of sleep again when Edward slid in behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I scooted into him fully and he kissed my neck.

"You look ridiculous," I said and popped my pajama pants against his hip.

"Thanks for letting me borrow your toothbrush," he said and kissed my cheek.

"Eww, that's so unsanitary, Edward."

"I have explored the depths your mouth, Bella. We share the same germs now. It's not unsanitary." What was he, three years old? Then it dawned on me. Oh fuck.

"Edward…how…old are you?'

"You know how old I am," he said dismissively.

"Um, no. It's never come up before."

"Shit, you're right. I don't know how old you are, either."

"I'm twenty five and proud to say that I still get carded at bars," I said and ran my fingers lightly up and down his arm.

"I'm twenty eight, and I never get carded," he said and kissed me on the cheek. I laughed and he hugged me around the waist.

"When's your birthday?"

"September thirteenth. When's yours?"

"June twentieth," he replied. We really knew everything and nothing about each other. Edward buried his face in my hair, breathed in and sighed.

"Oh, so you just had a birthday not too long ago."

"Yeah, don't remind me."

We lie there for awhile just breathing in and out. "Bella, this is one of my favorite things about being with you."

"What is?"

"Just holding you. I hate sleeping alone, and I've done it for…well since…a long time. And the first night we were together, was the best night's sleep I'd gotten in forever," he said and sighed into my hair. The boy liked snuggling. Nothing wrong with that in the least.

I hugged my pillow to me tighter, poised to fall back to sleep when I heard the annoying chirp of my phone blaring through the loft.

"I'll get it," Edward said and hopped up out of the bed. I heard him rummage through my purse and tip toe back into the room. He slid in, took his position behind me, and handed me the phone. I took it and opened one eye to read it.

New message from: James

Hey gorgeous, wondering if you made it home ok. Want to get some lunch?

Edward groaned. "If you don't tell him to leave you alone, I will make sure he is disposed of," Edward whispered in my ear.

"Hey. Invasion of privacy," I said and swatted at his hair that was tickling my neck.

Yes I made it home ok. I already have plans for lunch. Thanks, though.

"No, don't say thank you, you'll just lead him on," Edward whispered," And you're mine." He said and bit my earlobe. I'm yours.

I pressed send, and noticed I had another two text messages.

New message from: Angela

Just picked Ben up from the airport, but back to something more important. Ok, so I was drunk last night and it was dark…but was that Edward CULLEN!?!?!? That's THE Edward from Hawaii? Isabella Marie Swan!!! Why didn't you tell me, I feel so betrayed. CALL ME AS SOON AS YOU WAKE UP. I MEAN IT!!!

A

Edward snorted.

New message from : Jessica

B, what the fuck? You were fucking Edward Cullen on vacay? Ku-dos! Girl, he is hotter in person! Anyhow, who'd ya go home with last night? I 'm putting my money on James. Laurent says Edward. He owes me 20 bucks if I'm right. CALL ME WHEN YOU WAKE UP! :) :)

Jess

Edward groaned again. And not in a good way. My phone chirped. James. Great!

Vicky wants to know what happened to Edward. She said he hasn't been answering his phone since last night. I know this is a huge long shot, but did you see anything? He disappeared after he walked you out.

"A huge long shot?"

"He thinks there is no way in hell you could be with me," I replied, "And don't worry, I'll cover for you."

No way, as if I would know where that asshole went. I am never going to Eclipse again if that's the kind of night I'll have.

B.

"Wow, Bella, you don't have to play it up so much."

"Shush, beautiful asshole. Now clean up your mess so you can spend the day with me," I said and sighed.

Edward reached down to the floor and grabbed his phone from his jacket. I laid my head on his chest and looked at the screen.

13 missed calls. 1 New message, 1 new email. Geez he's popular.

New message from : Vic

I've been calling. Where are you? Don't worry about me, you just left me in the club! Wow Ed, I thought maybe you would make sure I got back to my hotel ok. It's alright though, b/c James made sure I got there just fine! You are such an asshole.

He and I both laughed, "He is such a skeever. She's probably sleeping right next to him as he's asking you out."

Vic, I was tired so I went back to the hotel. I always thought you and James were good together. See you on Monday.

E

Subject: Eclipse

I heard Edward curse under his breath.

Son, why was Isabella Swan on the guest list last night? I thought we discussed that. Today's our free day, and I trust you will spend yours wisely. See you Monday.

P.S. The opening went spectacularly; the numbers came in this morning.

Carlisle Cullen

President and CEO

Cullen Development, Inc.

New York, New York 10016

"Fuck!" I said and buried my face in his chest. But I had to watch as he typed his reply.

Subject: Re: Eclipse

From what I saw last night Eclipse was a very wise investment. Yes, Carlisle, Isabella lives here and that was pure coincidence. She was a guest of James Riley's. I really hope you relax today. Tell Mom I said hello.

Edward Cullen

Chief Operating Officer

Cullen Development, Inc.

New York, New York 10016

"You know my name was taken off the guest list, right? The DeVolturi guys had to get me in."

"That doesn't surprise me, beautiful. Carlisle probably looked it over, saw your name on it, freaked out and took you off."

"But the DeVolturi brothers said we have a table any time we come to the club."

"As James Riley's guests I'm sure. It will check out, you have nothing to worry about."

"Good."

Edward got up out of the bed and stated he had to make a call to Demetri to bring him some clothes. I asked about the whole keeping this a secret thing, and he assured me Demetri wouldn't snitch on him. Unbeknownst to me, Demetri was Edward's personal assistant slash bodyguard slash driver, and traveled everywhere with him.

I called Angela right when he walked out of the room.

"Hi, Ange."

"Bella, you know I've been waiting by my phone for you to call?! Why didn't you tell me it was Edward Cullen?!"

"Because I didn't know."

"You didn't know? How is that possible?"

"Ange, you know I don't read any of the crap you and Jessica do. I didn't know."

"Wow. So is he there?"

"Uh…"

"He is! Holy hell."

"Yes, but you can't say a word. We aren't supposed to be….together."

"My lips are sealed."

"Not even Ben, Ange. This is serious. You're the only person who knows."

"Ok, ok."

"I'll see you at work tomorrow, alright?"

"Ok, have fun today…"

I hung up the phone and called Jessica.

"Well, well. I was waiting for your call. So who wins?"

"Yeah, your text was funny, but I didn't end up with either of them. Does that mean I get both you guy's money?"

"Very funny Bella. And woah, Edward Cullen? What was he like? He was so hot in person. I can not believe you snagged him, I mean he usually dates-"

"Yeah, I don't really care about all that. I didn't know who he was." I cared. I'm sure I didn't even measure up.

"That doesn't surprise me. You really need to keep up with your gossip."

"No, I don't. Anyway, I'll see you at work tomorrow."

"Oh, right, and remember we're hosting that stuffy function for some big wigs, so we're being relocated to the banquet hall. Ugh. I hate those, but we may make some good tips! Anyway, see ya later, and you can give me all the details about Mr. Cullen."

I smacked myself in the forehead. There was no way I was telling that chatterbox about Edward.

"Bye Jess."

"Were you talking about me?" a stretching Edward asked as he stood in the doorway. I couldn't help but stare at his sinewy muscles as they stretched and moved.

"No. I'm trying to avoid it."

Demetri knocked on the door and gave Edward a few essentials, like an oversized duffle bag and two garment bags. Demetri is a thorough employee.

After a long shower, where Edward paid very close attention to washing every orifice of my body, we were dressed and sitting at my island drinking coffee. I was pleased to see him dressed down in a worn yet expensive pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I was first attracted to the carefree, scruffy Edward in Hawaii. Only sometimes did I like seeing him dress so formally.

"I really do like this place. I like all the exposed ducts and the old brick. It's really great. And it makes me less worried about you to actually see where you live."

"I don't even want to see where you live," I said and chuckled.

"I have a couple of places, yes. But I'm mostly a nomad living out of a suitcase. My living situation isn't exactly stable."

"But I'm sure an ottoman of yours costs more than two months rent for me."

"I like nice things," he shrugged,"but you can't blame me, I'm used to it. And hopefully one day you can be comfortable with the luxury items that I'm going to shower you with."

"Edward, I already told you I'm not going to be a kept woman. I'll never be comfortable with it."

"We'll see."

"Is that a threat, sir?"

"Yes," he replied and reached out to tickle me.

"Stop! Stop! Please! " I squealed as his fingers finally stopped moving on my very ticklish ribs.

"What do you want to do today? We definitely need to eat. Plus, I want to see Seattle. Will you be my tour guide?"

"But…we can't go out in public together."

"Hold on."

Edward came back wearing a backward baseball cap and a pair of expensive sunglasses. "Just to be safe. Do you recognize me?"

"Yes."

"Seriously?"

"No. Actually I'd walk right past you on the street."

He held his hand out for me to take, "Shall we?"

I first took Edward to Pike Place Market, took the tour, watched vendors throw fish to and fro, and grabbed a delicious lunch at the first restaurant we saw. Edward held my hand almost the entire time, only letting it go to feed me his shrimp. I was beginning to learn under the business-like facade he had to show most of the time, he was really goofy deep down. And I loved it.

Edward stole a small daisy from one of the stalls and placed it behind my ear as we walked.

"This reminds me of Hawaii," he said and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "God you looked so beautiful that night. But so much more beautiful now. I like you better without a tan. You have the loveliest complexion."

I felt the blush creep up to my cheeks. He knew exactly what to say to make me weak to his charms. He was so dangerous.

We went to the top of the Space Needle, where we stood and looked out over all of Seattle. I pointed out where my loft was, and the hotel that I worked at.

"Bella, I don't like you bartending. I know what kind of men hang out in bars late at night."

"It's a luxury hotel, Edward. It's not like they let in riff-raff."

"They let James Riley in."

"Edward, I don't-"

"Bella, he can be trouble. Last year he owed a bunch of money to the DeVolturi brothers from gambling debt, and I know he buys drugs from their associates. And he's promiscuous. I just don't want you working where you could be potentially taken advantage of."

"I know how to handle myself, Edward. I make enough money and I've made friends. I'm really enjoying myself for the time being."

"Fine. For now."

Oh, for now. I rolled my eyes and took his hand. "Come on, I want to go shopping."

We got in a cab and went downtown to the waterfront. Edward slung his arm over my shoulder and kissed my cheek as I talked about the eclectic shops it boasted.

We were walking along the pier after just finishing two huge ice cream cones, hand in hand, when Edward stopped.

"I got you something," he said and had a devious grin on his face.

"I told you I don't except gifts."

"Quiet, they were only five bucks each."

He pulled out of his pocket two bracelets. They both boasted small round black beads.

"They're karma bracelets. I wanted you to have one and I'll wear one. So no matter if we are together or apart, I'll always know you'll be wearing yours and I'll be wearing mine. Like we have a piece of each other with us all the time. Will you wear it for me?"

I wasn't expecting this. The sentiment was so thoughtful and sweet, I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. We were like high school sweethearts or something.

"Edward," I said and kissed his mouth, "that is just…the sweetest thing. Yes, I'll wear your bracelet…" Edward smiled and slipped it on my wrist, and then put his on.

"Good. Don't ever take it off. Especially when I'm away."

"Well…when are you leaving?" I asked and stroked the side of his face. I didn't know if I wanted to know the answer.

"Right now it's uncertain, but hopefully not for a couple of weeks. But I have to work while I'm here. I'm meeting with some architects bright and early tomorrow morning."

"So is your family buying more buildings or something?"

"Yeah, we want to start construction on a multi-use space as soon as possible. Carlisle says this place is a goldmine. But enough about work. Do you want to go home? I want to go home," he said and pulled me to him.

I nodded, stood on my toes and kissed him.

***

I lie in my bed, wearing nothing but a post coital glow and my new bracelet, while Edward paid for our Thai delivery dinner at the door of my loft. We arrived back to my place and went straight to bed. We teased, made love sweetly, lie there touching and kissing each other, frantically fucked, held each other some more, napped, got up and did it again. It went on for three hours.

"Bella! Come on baby you need to eat," he yelled from the kitchen.

"Ok, dad," I yelled back.

I got up and pulled on my cotton robe and walked into the kitchen where Edward was filling up two plates with food. Make that two mountains of food.

"Edward I don't eat that much in two days, what are you doing?"

"Bella, since I've reacquainted myself with your beautiful body, I've noticed you've lost some weight since I saw you last. Your hip bone was poking the hell out of me earlier. And who knows if you're even sleeping. Now eat up," he said and placed the large plate of food with a fork in front of me. Lost weight? I hadn't noticed.

"I'm sleeping," I said and took my seat.

I took a small bite and looked over at him while he inhaled his pad thai.

"Whatph?" he asked in between bites. I just laughed at him.

"Eatph, Bellaph" he said.

"What is your deal? I'm eating."

"I don't want you unhealthy. You lost a lot of weight."

I shrugged, "I didn't even notice."

I thought about it, and I guess I hadn't been eating as much in the past couple of months, plus I'd been walking everywhere. I had forgotten sometimes because my mind was elsewhere a lot at night. And the elsewhere was halfway done with his food sitting at my kitchen island. I ate until I was full, and Edward examined my plate.

"Not enough, but fine for now," he said and placed the leftovers in my fridge.

"Bella, you don't even have any god damned groceries! The market is right outside your door," he said and slammed my fridge closed.

I scoffed," Well I wasn't expecting overnight guests!"

He walked over to me and ran his hand through my hair, "Sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I just want you to take care of yourself. I'm not going to be here all the time to take care of you, even if I want to be."

"I know," I said and looked down to my lap.

"I hate that face."

"What face?" I asked him quizzically.

"The face you make when you're disappointed."

Hmm...foreshadowing much? Had to split it up...again...I have another chapter written already. Review and you'll get it this week.