AN: Hello again, everyone! I hope you enjoyed your holidays! We still have New Year coming up, and I hope to end 2008 with a bang! Meaning, a new chapter!

For now, I have this chapter for you all. The place with the second most votes was the Swimming Pool! It's time for some fun in the water! Good thing vampires are cold, it's January in this story—the water would be freezing!

You know, as much as I loved the last two soft, romantic chapters, I really miss the fervent, hard, unrestricted sex of these two, so how about we go back into that for a while, shall we? Don't worry, I'll try to keep the romance around, I just miss going into a bit more detail about their passionate, senseless sex. Also, since my last two chapters were rather short, I hope to make up with this one! And as an extra bonus: there will be a few lemons in this one. Not just one! (:

A Reminder: In this story, my vampires can eat human food. Please remember that.

Okay! Time for the show! See you all at the bottom. I hope you like it!

Much Love, darkxlight

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Chapter 8: Poolside Glow

BPOV

Words can't describe how I felt last night, when Edward became emotional just over my newfound beauty. I mean, by now I should be used to him gushing over my beauty, but last night was different somehow. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it was different.

Today, however, was a rather slow day. Edward had suggested that I go shopping downtown. I wanted him to come, but he wanted me to have some alone time for shopping. I had a feeling he was plotting something, but his perfect façade gave away nothing. Little did he know, for my shopping plans, I had plans to go visit Binding again.

I arrived at the little shop and smiled when Bill saw me and waved through the front glass display. On the display were various sex toys, sexy lingerie and a few sex books. I noted one that I thought might be to our interest. I giggled as I pushed open the door and walked inside. Once I passed the threshold, I was hit by a powerful, but pleasantly arousing scent. Bill came up to me and laughed at the expression on my face.

"Hello again, Mrs. Cullen, It's nice to see you again. I see that you've noticed our new reed scent?"

Bill gestured over to a reed diffuser not more than 3 feet away from where we stood. I nodded. It's nearby and my vampire senses make it only stronger, I thought. I inhaled the scent and was frustrated when I realized that I couldn't make out what the blend consisted of.

"Yes, it's a very intoxicating scent. But in a good way. What is it made of?"

Bill thought for a moment, "Honestly, I'm not sure. It is part of our new reed line, and the boxes say nothing of the actual smell, just the names of the scent. This one, in particular is called—ironically, Intoxicate. There are five others; Seduce, Love, Arouse, Captivate, and Desire.

I nodded, still not enjoying the fact that I couldn't pinpoint the origins of this nasal aphrodisiac.

"So, Ms. Bella, how can my store serve you today?" Bill asked politely. I laughed at Bill's habit to call me different things. I had introduced myself formally as Mrs. Bella Swan Cullen when I first met him. Now he likes to mix them up.

"Well, I was hoping for some new lingerie… perhaps a sex book, and probably some of these new reeds." I added the last part with a smile. I noticed a female employee scowl at me. I knew they were all just jealous of my vampire beauty. I'm sure they swarmed Edward when he walked in.

"Of course. We actually received a new shipment of lingerie, including a few new lines. Would you like to see them?"

"That would be lovely, thank you, Bill." I said earnestly. I sure hoped that Edward would like the purchases of my shopping trip.

"Follow me, Mrs. Cullen." Bill said, handing me one of their simple red shopping baskets.

Bill took me to the 'New Arrivals' section and left me alone for some decisions. I quickly scanned the racks for the colors I aimed for: Edward's blue, most any other shade of blue, blood red, burgundy, black, and some pinks…perhaps some emerald greens as well. Having vampire vision made my quick scan even quicker, and I moved at a quick human speed to surf through the racks for my size.

I smiled, as I looked, thinking of how Edward would react to my new wardrobe, if you will. I settled on five pieces: two corsets in midnight blue and burgundy, both with matching underwear and tights, a bra and thong set in black with pink bows adorning the front clasp of the bra, the straps, and the sides of the thong, a lacy nightgown in emerald green with matching lace panties, and a silk bra and thong set in blood red, with small white jewels embellishing the bra in an intricate pattern.

I walked over to where the area reeds and other various aphrodisiacs were but stopped at a small basket filled with boxes. I took a peek and smiled at what I saw: monogrammed underwear. I looked through the basket and found the perfect set: a midnight blue bra and boy shorts set with the letter 'E' made of jewels on the left bra cup, and once more on the right leg of the boy shorts. I giggled at my finding when Bill came up to me.

"Ah, I see you've found our special, Ms. Swan. You see, if you purchase one of those monogrammed sets, we'll make you customized lingerie for you, and I'll throw in some customized boxers for your husband, both for free! But I'll give you the details once you're ready to buy your purchases. Do you happen to be ready now?"

I shook my head, "Not just yet. Almost though."

Bill smiled, "Of course. Take your time. I'll be over near the counter when you're ready."

"Thank you."

He left me once more so I could ponder. What would I put on our customized underwear? I decided to think while I finished picking up what I wanted. I grabbed a sample set of the new line of reeds, and a simple reed diffuser. When I passed by the sex books, I chose one about sex positions, and decided to not show it to Edward until later. I giggled once more, thinking of his reaction to all my purchases.

I walked over to the counter, and Bill waved me over to the far end.

"Here, Ms. Swan, it's the form for the customized underwear. Let me take your items to the register. You fill this out in the meantime."

I handed him the basket filled with lingerie and my credit card, and quickly filled out the form. I decided on a playful "Property of…" for the customization. It was rather cliché, but I knew Edward would like it nonetheless.

I gave the finished form back to Bill and he handed me my credit card, and my purchases, in two of their signature red bags.

"Thank you, Mrs. Cullen. We hope to see you again. Say hi to Edward for me, will you?" Bill said with a wave.

"I will." I promised. I walked out of the store and let the fresh air wash over me. The reed scent was just too intoxicating to be in for a long period of time. I smiled as I walked back to the Mercedes, hoping Edward would be in quite the mood when I returned.

I drove in human speed, since the town was rather crowded this evening. I wondered what Edward was doing, all alone in the house. I checked the time on the dashboard and was surprised to see that I was gone for nearly two hours. I recalled the time I had been caught pleasuring myself when he was gone, and imagined that scene again, but this time with him being the one caught. I chucked as I pulled into the main road to our mansion. I fantasized and imagined the entire way up the road, and when I pulled into the driveway, I noticed a small note on the front door.

I grabbed my bags and got out of the car. I could make out Edward's script from where I stood, but waited until I was at the front door before reading his note.

Sweetheart,

I apologize for not being here to welcome you back home, but I'll be back soon. I needed a few ingredients for dinner tonight. It's my turn to cook.

I left you your outfit for tonight on the bed of the Passion room. Put it on, and wait for my call.

I love you,

Edward

I smiled at his courtesy, he was always the gentleman. I took his note down and opened the front door. It smelled wonderful inside. I was pleased to know I could name the various herbs Edward had used for dinner tonight. I ascended the stairs and walked into the Passion room. I found it ironic that he sent me here, as I was thinking of our escapade in this room a few days ago. When I saw the simple black dress Edward had set out for me, along with silver heels and diamond jewelry, I decided that I wanted to wear some of my lingerie tonight, so I dumped out the two bags. I noticed a flash of gold when the contents of the second bag spilled out. I dug through the pile, and pulled out a golden bottle. There was a red ribbon tied around the cap, and a note attached to it. I undid the ribbon and read the note.

To Mrs. Bella Swan Cullen:

Here's a little freebie from me, our new Shimmer Body lotion, in Fresh Freesia. Enjoy!

-Bill

I smiled at his generosity. I've noticed that Bill always gave both me and Edward 'specials'. I wondered if he always treated his customers like this. I put it aside and laid out my new purchases. I couldn't decide what lingerie to wear. I glanced at the dress again, taking in its features. It was rather modest; the front plunged very lightly, probably not passing my cleavage. However, it had a deep back cut, plunging down to where my lower back should be. That helped my decision greatly, and I decided on the midnight blue corset, as the only way I could keep it on my body was by crisscrossing all these ribbons on my back. I thought it would look nice with the deep plunge of the dress.

I put the rest of the purchases back into the bags and stashed them in the closet. Then I stripped down and lavished myself in the lotion. I engulfed myself in the familiar scent of freesia before putting on the complicated corset. I silently thanked Edward for putting in a replacement mirror in the room. It wasn't the same one we had broken, but he promised he would go buy me another. I stool in front of the mirror and swiftly laced myself in. Once finished, I put on the thong and snapped on the tights. I stepped into the silver heels that Edward left for me, and put on the jewelry. I put the dress on last, letting the silk slide down my slender body.

I examined myself in the mirror. I looked great. Better if my curls were more defined, but they were good enough, still lasting from this morning. I smiled cutely in the mirror, then turned around to adjust my tights. I lifted my leg and rested my foot on the bed-frame. I allowed the dress to slide towards my hip, then I pushed it back more so I could have more access. I unclasped it, and rolled it off, and tugged at it, to stretch it more and remove some of the bunched up nylon. I placed it back on my foot and began to roll it back up when two cold hands covered mine, and a small growl filled my ears.

I jumped up slightly, at Edward's sudden appearance, but was comforted knowing that he was here, with me.

"Allow me to do that, love," He whispered huskily in my ear.

I was instantly aroused at his voice, and I moved my hands away so he could roll up my tights. He did it slowly, letting his free fingers brush against my skin. I moaned slightly at his gentle touches. I sometimes hated the effect he had on me. I felt his nose trace my neck, and move down to trail down my shoulder.

"You smell absolutely exquisite, Bella…" He breathed, as he clasped my tights back to my thong.

I moaned again when one of his hands continued up my thigh and rested so close to my heat. I moved my hips slightly, wanting him to touch me where I needed him most. Edward chuckled against my skin.

"Now, now, love, you need dinner first…" He whispered in my ear, his sweet breath fanning my face.

He reached out and helped my put my leg back down, then he took my hand and spun me around in a slow circle. I noticed him eying the crisscrosses of ribbon on my back.

"You're absolutely gorgeous, love… but where did the ribbons come from? I purchased this dress knowing that it would expose your beautiful back…"

I giggled, "It's something for you, honey, you'll like it, I promise." I let my eyes rake over his attire. He wore a simple white dress shirt with a deep blue tie underneath a blazer, with black dress pants and shiny black shoes. Apparently this was quite a formal occasion.

"I know I will." Edward promised, and took my hand once more. He led me out of the room, and down the stairs. The house was still dark.

"Where are we having dinner, Edward?"

"You'll see."

He led me outside and we walked around to where the pool was. I gasped when it came into view. There was a candlelit table off to the side, where I saw that Edward had laid out dinner. The pool itself was illuminated along the sides with numerous candles. Rose petals floated in the pool, with a few whole roses floating with them. I saw a small area with pillows and blankets on the opposite side of the pool. It was all so beautiful. Edward outdid himself again.

I turned to him and kissed him, "It's absolutely beautiful, Edward…"

He shook his head, "It's nothing compared to you, Isabella."

I smiled and he hugged me. "I love you," He whispered.

"I love you, too."

He pulled away but kept and arm around my waist, then he walked us—at human speed—to the table. I looked around my surroundings with awe, but I noticed that Edward had his eyes on me the whole time, raking in my body.

"Why are you staring at me like that, Edward?" He knew that I didn't like to be stared at, even if it was him doing the staring.

"You're… stunning, beautiful, gorgeous… and glowing." He emphasized the last part, and there was a note of surprise in it, "I thought vampires only sparkled in the sun. But you're sparkling in the moonlight…"

He took my hand and showed it to me. It shimmered in the light of both the moon and candles. I understood his confusion.

"Silly Edward," I teased, "It's just shimmer body lotion."

He looked confused for a moment, but then allowed my favorite smile to spread across his face, "I see. You are still beautiful though."

I sighed in mock annoyance, "I know, Edward, I know."

He chuckled as we arrived at our table. He let me go to pull out my chair, and he gestured for me to sit. But I shook my head. His face fell ever so slightly. I giggled and lifted my shield.

I want to sit on your lap. Is that okay?

Edward grinned and pushed my chair back in. He sat down on his chair, and pulled me down gently onto his lap. He had already assembled food on our plates, so he simply just cut it and fed me. Edward's cooking was great too. He learned a lot from the Food Network. With our intensified senses, food tasted even better. But I honestly wasn't so hungry for food at the moment.

We had just about finished Edward's plate when I wrapped my arms around his neck, and rubbed my nose against his. He laughed, then leaned up to kiss me. We kissed slowly at first, but I was slightly tired of slow and sensual. I missed our love without bounds. Tonight I wanted to rekindle that unrestricted passion.

I slid off of his lap, and he made to get up, but I pushed him back down. I walked a few feet away from him, closer to the pool, and slid the dress off of my shoulders, where it pooled at my ankles. I heard Edward catch his breath when he saw my outfit underneath. I motioned for him with my finger to come over, and I hoped that the smirk on my face was sexy. He had me in his arms in less than a second, and was ravaging my mouth.

I pressed my body up against his, and I heard him groan. I loved what I could do to him. I grabbed his hard arousal through his dress pants, and he whimpered lightly. I smirked, now knowing what I did to him. I playfully pushed him away, but held onto his tie, causing him to jerk back towards me. I kissed him, then moved quickly to strip him down to his boxers. I didn't want to rip his nice clothing, though he probably just would have gone out and bought even nicer ones.

I did something out of the ordinary when I got to his pants though, I go to my knees and used my mouth to unbutton and unzip him. Something I learned from a few books and magazines at Binding. Edward gasped when he saw me do this, and he moaned out my name when I brushed my mouth swiftly over his erection, still constrained by his boxers.

I stood back up and kissed Edward again, before breaking the kiss, to take off my heels and tights. I did this slowly, hoping that I was giving Edward a good view down my corset as I bent over. I slid off my tights slowly, letting Edward take in more of my shimmering skin. Upon getting them off one of my legs, I turned around and bent over to take my tights off my other leg. I heard Edward's breath hitch again; he must have enjoyed the glorious view of my ass. After peeling off the last of my tights, I straightened back up and stared into the shimmering pool water. I needed to get this corset off.

"Edward?" I asked, still not facing him.

"Love?"

"Would you come here and help me untie the ribbons?"

Edward was behind me in no time, untying the ribbons with ease, I giggled quietly at his enthusiasm. A moan escaped my mouth when I felt him rubbing my back in slow strokes. Then I gasped as the cold air hit my skin as he quickly jerked my corset away from my body. Edward's hands immediately wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me to him, kissing my neck. His hands moved north and he kneaded my breasts. I whimpered at his touch, and I felt my nipples pebble instantly. One of his hands moved south, and I put my hand over his to encourage him. His hand slipped underneath my thong and he rubbed my slick folds. I sucked in my breath harshly before moaning loudly when he slipped two fingers into me. I rocked my hips against his fingers; I needed more.

He pulled his fingers away and moved to slip off the remaining scrap of fabric on my body. I growled, "Just rip it off…"

Edward growled sexily back at me before snapping the fabric with ease. He pulled it away from me before turning me around to face him.

But I was faster.

I broke away from his grasp and jumped into the pool. The water was warm, and I heard another splash, indicating Edward's jump. I swam out to the opposite end as fast as I could, but apparently Edward was the faster swimmer. He grabbed my ankle and pulled me to him. He kissed me with fervor, both of us still underwater. I felt his hand at my heat again, and moaned into his mouth when he slipped in his fingers once more.

He pulled me closer with his free hand, and I reached down to grab his length. I wasn't surprised to find it unclothed; I imagined that Edward would strip down his last piece of clothing before hopping into the pool. I grabbed his erection and started to pump. I moaned again when Edward curled his fingers in me. I wanted to scream out his name, but we were still underwater. I squirmed a bit upward, and Edward got the idea. He swam towards the surface. When we broke the surface, I took a deep breath before moaning out his name. Edward simply grunted at my pumps.

Edward kissed me hard once more before going underwater again, causing me to lose my grip on his length. I knew what he was up to, but couldn't help but scream when his tongue entered me. I gripped the cement edge of the pool, as he spread my legs further apart and plunged his tongue into me repeatedly.

"Edward, Edward, Edward!"

I bit my lip, trying to prolong the feeling, as I felt the familiar sensation wash over me. Edward pinched my clit and triggered my release. His name fell from my lips, and I gripped the cement and tile, crushing them in my hands. Edward resurfaced once I had stopped writhing. He had my favorite smile on his face.

"Did you enjoy that, Bella, sweetheart?"

I grinned at him, "Yes, but now it's my turn."

I surface-dove underwater and immediately pulled Edward's erection into my mouth. His hands found my head almost instantaneously and helped me suck him off. I noticed him remove a hand at one point, probably to keep him steady. I looked forward to seeing a groove in the shape of Edward's hand in the concrete later on. I licked, nibbled and squeezed Edward, probably eliciting some of the most erotic sounds from him. It was when I thrust him deep into my throat that he came, spilling his liquids down my throat. I licked him clean before resurfacing. Sure enough, there was quite the dent in the concrete where he had gripped it.

I laughed, and in my moment of vulnerability, Edward pounced. He pushed me up against the wall of the pool, holding my hands up above my head. I was breathing hard, my chest rising and falling with every breath. Edward smirked at me.

"Time for me to claim what's mine," He growled the last word, nearly undoing me.

Then he slid into me, filling me to the brim. I moaned at the feeling, my eyes rolling back into my head: I could never get over it. Edward thrust in and out of me, hard, senseless. Obviously he wanted the more unrestrained side of us more as well. My legs wrapped around his waist, and he moved his hands down from my own to cup my breasts. I tangled my hands in his wet hair, and slammed my lips against his. He shoved his tongue into my mouth and our tongues fought for dominance. I could feel the edges of orgasm begin to take me over.

Edward moved one of his hands down to my lower lips and began to rub me again. I moved my hips with him, moving my hands from his hair to his shoulders, riding him as he thrust into me and rubbed my overly sensitive nub. Edward broke our passionate kiss to suck on my collarbone. I moaned his name to the forest around us.

I let my head fall back as my walls began to clench and I screamed my joy to the world when I surrendered to my orgasm, and let the waves of euphoria wash over me once more. Edward never ceased his senseless thrusting, but only appeared to go faster. Once my climax subsided, I leaned forward and bit Edward's shoulder, knowing that it would make him hit his release.

He groaned out my name, spilling his seed into me, and at the feeling of his intruding warmth, I came again, joining his moans and joyful outcries; Edward never stopping his thrusts. He slowed as my writhing slowed, and when we were both spent, he rested his head on my shoulder.

"I love you, Bella…" He mumbled in my ear.

I giggled, "I love you too… but I'm not quite done with you yet, Edward."

His head jerked back up, surprise and amusement written plainly across his face. I smiled at him, and wriggled out of his grasp. I swam to the pool steps, got out of the pool and walked the few steps to where Edward had strategically laid out some pillows and blankets. I spread out a blanket and laid out a few pillows. I turned to Edward, who was treading water in the pool, watching me.

I walked over to him, noticing in the mirror of his eyes the way I was illuminated in the moon and candlelight combined. Indeed, I was glowing. Even more so after three orgasms, I thought. Edward swam closer to the edge. Love and admiration were obvious in his eyes.

"You're beautiful, Bella. I can't explain it. Your glow is so beautiful in this light," Edward breathed.

I smiled at him, "Come here, Edward."

He got out of the pool on command and wrapped his arms around my waist, but I shimmied out of his grip once more, and went to where I had laid out the blanket. Edward followed with an amused look on his face. I leaned up and kissed him, soft at first, but I quickly transitioned into another battle of the tongues. Edward stroked my sleek wet skin, and I found that I really did want more tonight. I pulled away from Edward, and sat down on the blanket. He did the same.

"Edward…" I started. He had made this night so romantic, and we appeared to have rid all the desire for hard sex during our previous session: I wasn't sure how to voice out this request.

Edward tilted his head slightly, "Yes, love?"

I bit my lip. I really wasn't sure how to ask him for another round of unrestrained sex, especially after we had toned it down. Then I remembered his aversion to having anything else but himself in me. Perfect, I thought.

"Will you lay here with me?" I asked innocently.

Disappointment flashed through Edward's eyes before they smoldered again, "Of course. You didn't have to ask."

I scooted to the side, lay on my back and rested my head on a pillow. Edward lay next to me on his side, and draped an arm across my stomach. I looked up at the clear night sky. It was beautiful.

"I love you, Bella," Edward whispered once more, "You're the most beautiful thing in my life…"

I smiled to myself, but didn't respond. Instead, I let my hand travel down to my heat, and started to finger myself. I squirmed at the feeling. Edward quickly caught on, and pulled my hand away.

"What are you doing, Bella?" He didn't seem mad, yet.

"I don't really know," I told him, "I wanted more, but you seemed ready to stop for tonight."

His eyes flashed a dangerous yet mischievous red before he moved on top of me.

"Oh really, love? If you wanted more, why didn't you just ask?"

I sighed, "Sometimes, I really wish you could read my mind Edward. Didn't you smell my arousal?"

He paused for a minute. My eyes widened. He didn't smell me?

"I didn't honestly. It must be all the chlorine and candles. I was drowning in the smell of chlorine."

He looked at me, and his eyes smoldered with newfound lust.

"So you wanted more, Bella?"

With that he thrust into me again, and I gasped at the feeling. He felt different now that we weren't in the water. But he was colder because we were. He thrust into me senseless again, keeping his hands on both sides of my head, to help lever his thrusts. I squealed and moaned, and I saw Edward's eyes widen when he noticed my breasts were bouncing up and down with each of his pulses. I grabbed them and rubbed them, at the lack of his touches. He growled and dipped his head to take a peak into his mouth. I took his head into my hands, and pushed his head down to me. I was on the verge of falling over the edge for the fourth time today, when Edward abruptly stopped and pulled out of me.

I whimpered at the loss of him being inside of me. But it didn't last long as Edward grabbed my ankles and flipped me over with ease.

"Get on your hands and knees, Bella," he growled.

I obeyed, slightly frightened yet thrilled that he was going to do that again. My memories flashed to our time in the Passion room. This was going to be just like that, I knew it.

Edward grabbed my hip with one hand, and spread my legs with his other. Then he steadied me, taking my hips in both his hands before he thrust into me again.

"Oh, Edward!"

I loved the feeling of sex from behind. There was just something, vulnerable about it. At the same time, this different angle of penetration reached other places that the 'standard' position couldn't reach. I laughed inside, remembering the book on sex positions that I bought today.

Edward grunted behind me with each powerful thrust of his hips. I moaned louder and louder each time he filled me with his length. I spread my legs wider, giving him more room, and I gripped the pillow hard, probably making holes in it. I felt my breasts flap with the strength of Edward's thrusts. I think he noticed too, because he released my hips to reach forward and grab them. I let my head fall forward; this was too much pleasure for me to handle. Edward continued his relentless pounding, as my moans became louder and more high-pitched: I was close.

Then, Edward released my breasts and took hold of my wrists, and yanked me upwards. Now my torso was suspended in mid-air. I was as vulnerable as ever. Edward pulled me until the back of my head rested on his shoulder. He wrapped my already limp arms around his neck, and moved his hands to rub my breasts again. I willed myself to hold on to him, knowing that if I loosened my grip even for a second, I would inevitably fall forward—not that it would hurt, but I liked this new position. It gave Edward full access to my body.

As if attuned to my thoughts—which I knew he literally wasn't—one of his hands traveled down to my clit, and he stroked it slowly, rubbing it up and down. I gripped him tighter, as my legs began to quake. I was so, so close.

"Let it go, Bella," Edward ordered, "Come for me."

He bit down on my shoulder, while pinching both my nipple and clit. I screamed as I hit my absolute peak. My whole body shook and I felt myself fall downwards as the flames of orgasm consumed me. Edward, of course, caught me and laid me down gently as I continued to convulse in pleasure. He came soon after, releasing quite a load into me. He slumped down onto me, and held me as our breathing steadied. I was once again engulfed with that vampire-tired feeling. But it mingled with love.

Edward pulled out of me and rolled over to fall to my side. He pulled me into his arms and held me, not saying a single word. This surprised me.

"Edward?"

"Hm?"

"Why aren't you saying that you love me?"

He opened his eyes then, and looked at me. "Is that a problem? You know I could tell you that I love you every second from now until forever ends."

I shook my head, "No, no, I just got used to you saying you loved me after sex. That's all."

Edward laughed. "I'm sorry, my Bella, I was just putting today into memory. You know I love you. I always have and I always will." He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand, and traced my lips with his finger before tilting up my chin so he could kiss me.

I beamed; Edward was putting this night into memory—It must have been one of his best nights ever.

"Yes, Bella, tonight was one of the best nights ever."

I looked up at him, stunned. He heard me?

"And no, Bella, I didn't read your mind."

"It sure seems like it."

Edward laughed, and pulled me closer to him. I snuggled into his chest. I felt the slight hum of his body as he spoke.

"I just know you're quite observant, love. I know that you'd think that tonight was one of the best nights of my life, especially after I noted that I was putting tonight into memory. I also know that you often enjoy the fact that I can't read your mind. So I just made sure to clear it up that I still can't; I just guessed correctly."

I couldn't help but laugh at that. He knew me so well.

"I love you, Edward. Really."

"I love you more, Bella. Now get some rest. I think that was quite a lot of sex for a night."

I sat up, a gleam in my eyes.

That's what you think, Edward.

Edward smiled my favorite smile and kissed me, slipping his tongue into my mouth, and rolling us over so that I was on top. Oh, this was going to be one of the best nights ever, indeed.

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AN: This took me practically all day to write! It's the longest chapter I've written so far, and in a way, I'm hoping that there won't be any more at this length. It's about thirteen pages on MSWord. That's ridiculous.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I hope to get up the next chapter before New Year, but I need to start on the homework that I've pushed off, just so I can write chapters for you! My goal was to write five chapters over this winter break, but I think the most I can do is three. We'll see. Depends on what goes on next week and what I can get done.

So, keep your requests/suggestions and most importantly, reviews coming! Remember: the more reviews I get, the more motivated I am to write more! I hope this isn't asking for too much, but I want 30 reviews by New Year! The sooner I get 30, the sooner I'll post the next chapter! I'm going to start writing it as soon as I finish proofreading this chapter (NOTE: I'm still hoping to find a beta… anyone interested/can suggest someone? PM me with details, please!).

30 Reviews, that's all I want! You all pulled off 20 reviews within about 15 hours the last time I set a number. You can do it! I promise to post chapter 9 by New Year's, with or without the 30 reviews, but if you really can't wait, REVIEW!

Alright, keep safe during these holidays! I love you all. Thanks for being such devoted readers, everyone!

Cheers! dxl