-Chapter 5-

I think we're getting closer. – B

I should hope so. You've been in the car for almost two hours. – A

Who puts a thong in the bottom of a box of roses? – B

A man who plans on taking good care of you tonight. Did you put that thing on yet? – A

NO! I'm in a limo, for fucks sakes! – B

Pssh. It's not like the driver can see you. Be a little daring, Bella, it's your anniversary. – A

I look down at the scrap of fabric in my hands. Changing my underwear in the back of a limo paled in comparison to some of the things I'd done when I was younger. That didn't make me any more comfortable doing it. So, I hit the button to roll the window between us down, and let the driver know I needed a pit stop.

We pulled into a gas station a few minutes later. I got out and stretched, immediately laughing at myself because only I would manage to feel cramped while riding in the back of a limousine. With my newest piece of lingerie tucked away in my purse, I head inside and straight to the bathroom.

An idea springs to life in my mind. I grab the thong out of my purse, dangling it from one finger while I use my free hand to snap a picture with my cell. I shoot the photo off to Edward, with a coy message attached.

It doesn't take long for his response to ping through.

I believe that belongs somewhere else. – E

I slide my bikini underwear off and slip the thong on. I've never been a big fan of butt floss, but knowing that Edward got it just for me leaves me feeling sexy and desired. I pull my dress up so that the edge of the thong and one of my butt cheeks is exposed, and snap another picture.

Here, perhaps? – B

I attach the photo to the text and send it off. Once again, his reply is almost instantaneous.

God, yes. Although I think it will look best when it's in a pile on the floor. – E

I shiver as a chill creeps up my spine. Edward's words drive me crazy in the best of ways. He's always had the ability to turn me into mush with nothing more than a simple sentence.

I think about this as I roam around the convenient store, grabbing myself a cheap, sugar-infused cappuccino before heading back outside. Edward knows how to find the perfect balance between coy and gentlemanly. He can toss out sass one minute and follow it up with sweetness the next.

Of course, there's three words that I never tire of hearing from him. And as I slide back into the limo, I think about the first time he ever said them to me …

"I thought you said this would be a dry heat."

"It is a dry heat," Edward argued, ushering me into the back of the waiting taxi.

I swiped my hand across my forehead, wiping away the moisture that had accumulated there. "Then why am I sweating like I just ran a half marathon?"

"You're just not used to it, that's all." He leaned down and planted a kiss on the tip of my nose. "Besides, sweaty, half marathon runner looks good on you."

I snort. "You're my boyfriend, you have to say that."

"Actually, since I'm your boyfriend, I shouldn't say that unless I mean it." Edward was honest to a fault, something I loved about him.

Seven months had passed since our first date, and we were going strong. Winter was upon us, so Edward had suggested that we take a trip down to Phoenix. We both wanted to get away from the cold and snow, and he was dying to introduce me to his parents.

I watched out the window as we passed by palm trees and beautiful homes. In between stealing my stash and calming me during takeoff and landing, Edward had given me the lowdown on his family. His mom, Esme, could be a bit much at times. She was a very attentive woman, which, according to Edward, caused some of his previous girlfriends to think she was overbearing. His dad, Carlisle, was all about routine and order. He'd spent most of his life in the Navy, which showed in everything he did. He liked to keep his days structured, but from the sounds of it, he knew how to have a good time when necessary.

The wild child sister, Bree, was back in town and staying with their parents. Edward thought we'd get along beautifully, so long as she didn't try to get me involved in one of her escapades.

Edward squeezed my hand. "You're awfully quiet over there."

"I'm just thinking about the heaps of trouble I'm going to get into with Bree this week."

He narrowed his eyes playfully. "You joke about that now, but I'm telling you, she's a magnet for disaster. Take the worst thing you and the girls ever did while growing up, multiply the intensity by 50, and you've got Bree."

"I guess it's a good thing I don't succumb to peer pressure." The taxi came to a stop in front of a gorgeous Spanish Colonial home. It was only one story, but sprawled out over most of the lot. The white stucco exterior contrasted perfectly with the red clay tiled roof. Palm trees lined the driveway, and gorgeous cactus gardens decorated both sides of the front steps.

"You're here!" A petite woman ran down the steps and across the lawn. Her hair was the same color as Edward's, and hung in loose waves around her pretty face. I took a deep breath and climbed out of the car, straightening the edge of my tank top.

"Holy shit, Mom, you're going to suffocate me," Edward croaked, trying to untangle himself from the woman's arms. I laughed at the sight. She had to be at least a foot shorter than her 6'3" son, but her hug looked deadly.

"You must be the woman who has completely stolen my son's heart!" She turned and wrapped her arms around me, giving me a gentler version of the hug she'd given Edward.

"Mom, this is my girlfriend, Bella Swan. Bella, this is my mom, Esme Cullen." Edward slid an arm around my waist, tugging me away from his mom and planting a kiss on the top of my head.

"It's so nice to meet you," I said. She smiled at me, and I immediately knew where Edward's megawatt grin came from.

"Please, come inside. Carlisle just got the grill started and I was about to mix up a pitcher of margaritas. Edward, be the gentleman I raised you to be and get the bags." Esme grabbed my hand and led me to the house. The décor was the first thing I noticed when we got inside. Paintings and prints of all types covered the walls. There was no rhyme or reason to the style or placement, but that didn't matter. Everything worked, like the pieces were created just to occupy their exact locations. I followed Esme to the kitchen, and just about had a heart attack.

"This is the most amazing kitchen I've ever seen," I blurted out. I took a few steps into the room and spun around, taking in every little detail. The space was huge, at least three times the size of the one in my townhouse. The cupboards were maroon, the backsplash tile a mosaic of bright colors, and the appliances were stainless steel. A huge island sat in the center of the room, on top of which sat an array of colorful floral arrangements. A set of sliding glass doors separated the kitchen from the patio.

"Thank you. Carlisle would probably live in this room if he could." Esme picked a wooden spoon up off one of the countertops and began stirring the pitcher of margaritas. "He's a foodie, I guess you could say. He thinks that watching that Chopped show makes him a professional."

"I may not be a professional, but I can make a mean chili thanks to all those shows you tease me about." Edward's dad strolled in from the patio, apron on and tongs in hand. "Who is this lovely lady, Esme?"

"This is Bella Swan, Edward's new girlfriend."

"I see my son is a chip off the old block when it comes to having an exquisite taste in women." Carlisle kissed Esme's cheek and offered me his hand. "Carlisle Cullen. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine." I shook his hand and looked around once more. "I was just telling Esme how amazing your kitchen is."

"Do you like to cook?" he asked.

"I love to cook," I gushed, eyes lighting up. "I own my own bakery back home, so I spend most of time making desserts. But I'd kill to have just a few hours in a kitchen like this."

"Well, you're here for a week, Bella. Perhaps we can team up and create a culinary masterpiece before you leave." Carlisle's smile was contagious. It was no wonder Edward looked so good—he'd come straight from the winners of the genetic lottery.

"I leave you alone for ten minutes and you're falling under his spell." Edward sidled up next to me, taking my hand in his. "Dad," he said, nodding in Carlisle's direction.

"Son," Carlisle responded. The two were silent for a moment, staring one another down, and then they both started laughing. Carlisle gave both Edward and I a big bear hug.

The Cullens won me over instantly.

.

.

.

I adored everything about Edward's family. Esme was a bit much at times, and Carlisle was definitely set in his ways when it came to certain things, but everything they both did was out of love for each other and their kids. And that love was palpable all throughout the entire house. It was in everything, from the family photos scattered around the living room, to the trophies Edward and his siblings had won, which Carlisle proudly displayed in his study. By the time the end of our week in Phoenix rolled around, I didn't want to go home.

"We must not have scared you too much," Bree joked. I was lounging on the patio with Edward's sister, taking advantage of the last few hours of Arizona sunshine.

"No, no you didn't." I shifted in the chair so I faced her. "I'm a little disappointed, actually. Edward made it sound so much worse than it is."

Bree took a drag off her cigarette and smirked. "Life is so much different now than when we were younger. Dad's chilled out a lot since he retired. And Mom is still Mom, but she's way more fun to be around."

For what it was worth, Bree impressed me. Edward hadn't seen her for almost three years, and as it turned out, she was trying to get her shit together. Contrary to what Edward thought, she had moved home to get some money saved up and start taking classes. She still liked to have fun, but the closer to 30 she got, the more she wanted to mellow.

"I'm going to miss this house," I admitted.

"I see what your intentions are," Bree teased. "You don't want my brother, you're just in it for the nice Arizona house."

"Shoot," I said, snapping my fingers. "You figured me out!"

"Yeah, well, your secret is safe with me."

"What secret is that?" Edward stepped out onto the patio. His hair was windblown from an afternoon on the golf course with Carlisle, and the sun had kissed his cheeks just a bit too much.

Bree pointed toward the house. "Bella's only in this for the kitchen."

"Is that so?" A mischievous grin spread across Edward's face.

"Well, yeah. What woman could resist such a beautiful use of terracotta?" I asked, playing along.

Edward's efforts to keep a straight face were of no use, and soon all three of us were laughing loudly.

"I have to get ready for work." Bree dropped her cigarette butt into the empty bottle of water she was holding and stood up. "It was so good to meet you, Bella. I hope we'll see you back here in Arizona sooner rather than later."

I stood and gave her a hug, and then it was just Edward and me. He dropped down on one of the lounge chairs and patted the open space between his thighs. "Come here." I sank down in front of him, scooting back until his chest pressed against me. He wound his arms around me, locking them in front of my waist.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself this week." Edward rested his chin against the top of my head.

"Everything has been so amazing. I can't begin to thank you enough for setting all of this up."

"I hope you're prepared, because Mom is going to hound me about coming back every time we talk from now on."

I closed my eyes and sighed. "I love your family."

Edward was quiet, and for a moment I thought he might have fallen asleep. Then his fingers were on my neck, brushing my hair back so his lips could journey down and over my bare shoulder. "I love you," he whispered.

I froze, unsure whether or not I'd heard him right. His lips journeyed back up my shoulder and neck, and then I felt his thumb beneath my chin, tilting my head so I was facing him.

"I love you," he said again, louder this time. His fingers trailed over my cheek, and he tucked a few wayward strands of hair behind my ear. "I love your passion for life, your sense of adventure, and the way you make my parents smile. I love your candy stash, the way your hair looks when the sunlight hits it just right, and these two freckles right back here." He pressed his lips against the soft skin just behind my ear.

"I love you, Bella Swan."

I didn't realize I was crying until he wiped the tears off my cheek.

"I love you too, Edward."

A/N:

I promise I'll answer all reviews after this is posted in full. I can't answer some of your questions without spoiling everything, and I don't want to do that. :)

Everleigh - I hope you're enjoying this story so far. :)