I don't own Twilight.

Edward

Five more minutes. I can't leave before 5:30. I shouldn't be leaving until much later since I have a lot of work to do but I can't sit here anymore. It's been hours since my lunch with Bella. I got a decent amount of work done for a couple of hours but at around 3:00 I started thinking about our conversations today and dissecting every word she said. Then I tried to picture her at Alice's party tomorrow night and yeah, I've just been fucking around since then.

At around 3:30 I had an epiphany. She must have a Facebook account! Yes, she definitely has a Facebook account, right? Is that just for college kids? No, everyone has one these days. So I searched. Yep. Bella Swan. No picture. Private. Ugh. After about twenty minutes of staring at the computer I decided to add her as a friend. Great idea, show your interns how productive you are during the workday. It took Bella thirty-four minutes to accept my request. Was she just making me sweat it out, or did she not obsessively check her profile? Should she even be on Facebook on the office computer? She has an iPhone, of course she checks obsessively, right? But then why did it take her so long to accept? Cullen, you're such a girl.

She has sixty-three friends. I have over 300. Not bragging, just saying. She clearly doesn't use it much, no quizzes or applications, just her information and interests, some wall posts from friends. I've been stalking her since she added me, and have learned nothing about her. Except that she has more male than female friends (fuck) and likes LOST. We have so much in common. I need to bring it up sometime to see what her thoughts are on Ben and Jacob and Claire.

Ok, time to go. I feel nervous, almost sick as I walk out of my office and towards the cubicles outside. Relax, Edward, just driving home from work with Charlie's daughter.

"Ready Bella?"

She turns around and nods.

"Yes."

"Let's go," I tell her.

I let her walk ahead of me, because I'm a gentleman. Also because I want to be able to stare at her ass. Alice notices and rolls her eyes. Bella has hips. Bella has an ass. Things start getting tight in my pants so I start walking a little faster and get into the car. Bella opens the door and slides into the passenger seat, playing with her phone. I consider bringing up the whole Facebook thing but she's too into whatever the fuck is happening on her screen. The next time I decide to look at her (forty seconds later), her jacket is off and she's in her tank again. It's not that warm in the car, Bella. In fact, her nipples tell me it's a little chilly this evening. Or maybe she's turned on. Is someone texting her? Is Bella reading dirty texts? Fuck.

"Bella, wanna play some more?" I ask her.

"Play what?"

"Our game."

"Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit," she says.

What the ...? I stare at her.

"Oscar Wilde," she murmurs.

"I know. Are you trying to tell me something?"

"I'm sick of that game," she tells me.

"Fickle."

"Wanna play true or dare?" Her voice is light and playful.

"Are we in 7th grade?"

"I guess that's a no then," she says, pouting.

No, baby don't pout.

'Baby'? You need help, Cullen.

I take a deep breath, thinking what the fuck? Why not? What's the worst that can happen?

"Truth or dare, Bella?"

A smile spreads across her lips.

I can think of other things I'd like to spread across those lips.

The doesn't even make sense.

"Truth!"

Fuck, what do I ask her?

"When was your first kiss?" I ask, determined to find out the truth.

"Ummm. You're joking, right?"

"Come on Bella, spill it."

"I told you, I've never been kissed," she tells me, blushing.

"Never. Not even a peck."

"Why would I lie about this?"

"Hmmm, that ought to be remedied."

"Oook."

Where did flirty Bella from lunch go? She looks terrified.

"Just saying, Bella. You're almost seventeen. I'm sure there are lots of boys out there who wouldn't mind helping you out," I explain.

"Boys," she sighs.

"Girls too, I'm sure, if that's what you're into."

You're a great boss, bravo. You set a fine example.

"Sure, Edward," she says, her tone sarcastic, "I'll kiss the next person I see, just to get it over with. Good idea."

"Let me know how that goes."

She's scowling.

"Truth or dare Edward?"

"Truth."

"When did you last have sex?" she asks me.

"Uhhh Bella, I don't think that's appropriate. Or any of your business."

"Really, Edward? You just told me I need to be kissed by a random dude to put myself out of my misery!"

"Three weeks ago," I mumble.

"Ew."

"Ew? That shows how much you know," I laugh. She's not amused.

I give her my sex-smile. It's the panty-dropper smile. The ladies love this smile.

"Ugh, you're gross."

Not quite the reaction you expected, huh Cullen?

"Truth or dare, Bella?"

"Dare," she decides.

Shit.

"I dare you to dance with your boss at Alice's party," I blurt out. Better practice that smile to charm the jurors in your sexual harassment trial, Cullen.

My heart starts beating really fast and it's so loud I think Bella might hear it.

"That's your dare?" she asks me.

"Yes. Do you think you can handle that?"

"That was the plan, Edward," Bella says.

I look at her, she's staring at me with those chocolate eyes, my cock is pushing up against my pants, attempting its escape. Let me out of here! Does she know I'm here? Tell her I'm right HERE. Bella. Bella. Bella.

Ugh.

I look straight ahead to avoid eye contact.

"Truth or dare, Edward?"

"Truth," I say, thinking anything is better than a dare at this point.

"Ummm," she considers, before speaking again, "is that an erection?"

Is that an erection? Is she fucking kidding me? Breathe, Cullen. Let's see what your options are:

Yes, Bella. You may also refer to it as a hard on, or a boner.

Yes, Bella. Would you like to take a closer look? For educational purposes only.

Yes, Bella. Now will you finally cut the bullshit and sit on it? I think it's about time you two were formally introduced.

"Big word for such a little lady," I say, my voice tight.

I see her face from the corner of my eye and she's blushing. Blushing. Deep red. Cheeks like a rose. Cullen you fucking suck at poetry, that's really fucking original.

"Uh huh. It is," she whispers.

Oh. My. God. Did Isabella Swan, Charlie Swan's kid, just say I have a big cock?

"Bella. Let's change the subject before this gets out of hand."

"I was just asking you a question, Edward."

I sigh.

"Yes, Bella."

"'Yes Bella', what?" she asks. She's just fucking with me at this point.

"Yes Bella, this is an erection."

"Oh."

Oh?

"So..."

"Yes, Bella?"

"You get those when you're turned on, right?" she inquires.

"Generally, yes," I reply.

"So..."

"What is it, Bella?"

"Are you?"

"Am I what?"

"Turned on," she breathes.

"Bella... you don't really want to do this…"

I expect for her to fight me, to ask more questions, but she just sits back and starts playing with her phone again. Just like that. I'm disappointed, but relieved. This is not how I'd imagined things. Things can't progress this quickly. What the fuck is supposed to be progressing anyway? Nothing can happen.

Then what's all this BS about a plan?

The plan where you wait for her to grow up, fuck her like there's no tomorrow, and then...

Then what, genius?

I turn on the radio and that American Idol chick's stalker song comes on. I dig this song. It's so white trash and it's kinda hot how she messes up his ride. We listen to generic pop stuff until we pull into Charlie's driveway. I expect her to make one of her quick getaways. She opens the door, but instead of getting out she sits back and leans into me – fuck she smells good, don't move, Cullen. She then brings her mouth close to my ear, ugh, cupping her hand over her mouth.

"Just so we're even. I was really, really wet."

Before I can react, Bella is halfway up the driveway.

"8am Edward!" she cries.

Fuck.

Bella

I run into the house and slam the door behind me. I did not just do that. I did! Oh my God. Yes! Yes! Yes! He looked terrified. The look of shock on his face was priceless. It is going to be so awkward tomorrow. So awkward. Ugh.

What did you do, Bella?

He was so hard. He looked big.

Not that I have anything to compare it to.

Charlie's not home and I can't sit still. I'm freaking out. I go through my closet, trying to figure out what I want to wear tomorrow. Jeans, definitely jeans. Alice is supposed to take me shopping after work but I don't think I want anything new for this party. Maybe I don't have to change after work. Yeah, I'll just go in whatever I'm wearing. So what am I wearing?

After an hour in front of my closet I decide to wear a simple black dress I have. It's a baby doll dress with quarter-length sleeves and it hits right above the knee. Cute but suitable for work. Not sexy, but playful.

The phone rings. Who's calling Charlie?

"Hello?"

"Bella?"

"Yes, this is she. Who's speaking?"

"It's Edward."

"---"

"Bella, are you there?"

"Yeah, I'm here."

"---"

"Ummm."

"So you'll be ready at eight?"

"Yeah."

"Cool. Sweet dreams, Bella."

"Uhh bye."

What was that all about?

I can't think anymore, I go up to my room and throw myself onto my bed. Tomorrow's a big day, Bella. Better get a good night's rest.

***

I jump into Edward's car in the morning and yeah, it's really awkward. He mumbles a hello and turns the radio on again and my heart sinks. Nothing. I totally grossed him out last night. Who wants to hear that?

But knowing he's hard turns you on.

I'm in way over my head.

Halfway to Port Angeles, Edward speaks.

"So first big girl party tonight, huh?"

I roll my eyes at him.

"Come on, you're not even a little excited?" he teases.

"I don't know anyone there."

"You know me and Alice."

"Yeah, Alice will be busy," I point out.

"I'll keep you company, introduce you to people. You can mingle."

"Thanks."

"And when you get bored, we'll leave," he says, looking over at me.

"That's not necessary, you should enjoy the party. I'll be fine."

"I know... We're going to have fun."

We.

"You should take my number, Edward. It's more convenient than calling the land line," I tell him.

"Sure."

"Want me to add it to your address book?" I offer.

"Sure."

He takes his phone out of his pocket and hands it to me. I make sure our hands don't touch. Not yet. Tonight.

Tonight? You're crazy, Bella. He is definitely not interested. He completely ignored you. You told him you were wet and he said nothing, did nothing.

But I never gave him a chance. Maybe I should bring that up, apologize. Not in broad daylight. I'd rather die.

I program my number into his phone under 'Bella'.

"Here," I say, holding out his phone, "now you don't need to call the house number."

He smiles. I hesitate before I say, "this way I can call you if I get bored at the party. I can find you."

"No need. I'll never be far enough from you for that to be necessary."

There are some words that take on whole different meanings when used by a specific person. "Never" is one of them. He'll never be far enough... I want to believe that he's acting like more than just a good boss, friend, big brother. But let's say he is. That's pretty scary. That's all you want, Bella. It's everything you dream of, all night. Edward. The second things change he'll notice that I'm just a kid and he'll regret it. Regret what? This is all in your head.

"So what do you think?"

"Hmmm?"

"I asked you if you want to leave early today since it's a Friday. Most people do," Edward says. "You and Alice can go shopping and relax before the party. No need to rush."

"Thanks Edward."

He smiles at me again.

"You haven't brought a change of clothes with you," he points out.

"I don't think I want to change for the party. Wait… do you think I should?" I ask him.

"I think you look great."

I'm blushing again.

Edward

She's blushing again.

I have this ridiculous urge to reach out and touch her skin. I'm sure it's incredibly warm under her blush. She's so beautiful, with her hair a mess on the top of her head. Her pale skin and red lips in stark contrast to the dress. Since her revelation yesterday I'm fairly certain that anything she feels is purely sexual. I'm pretty sure it's the same for me, but I have this uneasy feeling about the whole thing. I no longer think she's this innocent being I can't touch. But I don't want to touch her in the way I wanted to touch her yesterday, or the day before.

Ok, I'm not gonna lie. I do. But it's more than that. The images that flood my brain are of us just sitting together, holding each other. I'm placing chaste kisses all along her jaw line, her cheeks, her forehead. I am holding her tiny hands. I think about her every second of the day. I feel this pull towards her, and I can't describe it. This calms me, because I no longer feel like I'm nothing more than a disgusting predator, preying on Bella. But it also fucking scares me, because at the end of the day, what can we ever be? She wouldn't want to be with me, she has her best years ahead of her. She has to live, experience life, forge her own path, do her own thing. She doesn't want to be stuck with an old man in Forks. What's the point of starting anything, unless it's completely sexual. But it can't be, Edward. That's not what this is. That's not what this can be about.

I know.

Just so we're even. I was really, really wet.

I sigh. She's wet for me. Well, she was wet for me. The second I got home last night I collapsed on my bed and had the most intense orgasm imagining that wetness on me. Actually, the first thing I imagined was feeling her wetness with just the tip, that first touch. The best fucking feeling in the world. The moment that makes you shudder, where you forget to take your next breath. Intense. Now, imagine all that, but with Bella. Bella, whose scent hits you with a force that leaves you breathless, grasping for more. Bella, whose eyes you lose yourself in at least ten times a day. So yeah, I came hard. All over myself and my old comforter. It wouldn't fucking stop. Afterwards I felt gross for a second, thinking I just jacked off to images of a 16-year-old girl whose father entrusted her in my care. But as I fell asleep with dreams of her, the guilt faded away. Waking up an hour later I decided I had to call her, just let her know what she's doing to me, but that I can't do anything about it until she's older, until she's no longer my intern, until she's ready to make a decision about what she wants. But all I could come up with was something about picking her up in the morning.

Smooth, Cullen.

I wanted to say she looks beautiful, wonderful, incredible. But 'great' will have to suffice.

She still looks worried, and I wonder whether it's about this stupid party. Who the fuck knows? For all I know she has tons of shit going on in her life, friends, a boyfriend maybe, school stuff. This isn't her entire world.

Then why has she become my entire world in five short days?

Like the pussy that I am, I'm just resigned to this at this point. In Bella's own words, 'whatever'. If this is how I'm supposed to go down, so be it.

We get to the office, and I notice her shoulders are slumped and she looks upset. I just want to comfort her. I don't know what to say. I quicken my pace until I'm walking alongside her and place my left hand on her right shoulder. A simple gesture. Hey, I'm here. No worries. I'm your friend. I feel this wonderful surge of warmth inside me, and more warmth emanating from her body. It's hard to take normal breaths. I half expect her to jump, to pull away, but she looks up smiles. The smile doesn't reach her eyes. It's almost a sad smile. I read my own words into her smile. I know we can have something, that we do have something, but what can we do? This is all we'll ever know, some flirting and banter and tension, a smile and a look and some gestures, maybe a touch or two. It's all we can have for now.

I know that this is what she is telling me with her smile, and it kills me. I squeeze her shoulder and drop my hand, letting out a breath I had apparently been holding. The fact that she understands how impossible the situation is kills me, because I need for her to take charge, do something. I can't be responsible for anything that happens. I am one hundred percent ready to go with the flow, to follow her, wait for her if need be, just do whatever she thinks she wants, whatever she thinks we should do. And if that smile was an acknowledgement of the impossibility of the situation, then fuck. There is nothing else I can do.

As we walk down the final hallway leading to our section, I feel the slightest of touches on the back of my hand. Her tiny fingers have brushed up against my hand. It was deliberate. My heart bursts with joy in a way it never has before. Instinctively, I scratch her palm. She wraps one finger around one of mine for a second, and lets go.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I fell in love with Bella Swan.

Bella

I'm on cloud nine. He acknowledged my fingers on his hand. He wants this. I feel like I should write this on post it notes and stick them all over my cubicle to remind myself, because it's really fucking easy to forget. I have absolutely no idea what "this" is, but that doesn't matter. I sit in my chair and bring my knees up to my chest, swirling in it, closing my eyes, remembering the scent of Edward, his fingers scratching my palm, his voice as he said never and you look great.

"Earth to Bella!"

I think someone uses that phrase at least once a day to get my attention nowadays.

"Hey Alice."

"I'm SO excited that Jasper is coming tonight. And it's going to be an awesome party. I can't wait! What are you wearing?"

"I was thinking this dress, Alice," I tell her.

"I love the dress, Bella, but not for tonight. Let's go shopping and see what we can find. We can keep it casual, but I want you to say you trust me."

"I trust you, but I think I can choose my own clothes," I say.

Alice frowns and makes me agree with letting her help me. Whatever, it'll be cool. I'll veto anything I find appalling.

I daydream some more, try to get some work done, read a few papers, and check out the new Harry Potter trailer on the computer. But I'm basically just thinking about Edward, wondering whether he will try to touch me tonight, or say something, or... I don't know.

Alice catches me reading about The Half Blood Prince online and squeals.

"Omigod, we're so seeing that together! Midnight! Yes! We'll go to Seattle and see it in IMAX."

"Uhh, sure," I shrug, "I don't think we need to go all the way to Seattle, or see it at midnight, but I'd love to see it with you."

"Not just me, Bella. Edward LOVES Harry Potter. He's obsessed with all of the books and all of the movies except for the Goblet of Fire, he kinda hates that one. It's weird."

"Yeah," I agree, "that was one of the better ones."

Alice nods. "Cedric's hot, I never know what's going on with the magic and that big castle or school."

Wow. Not too bright, as we? "Hmmm. Cedric is cool. He and Harry had mad chemistry."

"You're so odd sometimes, Bella."

"So I've been told."

At around noon I realize Edward probably doesn't want to have lunch with me today. I'm a little disappointed, but I take out my sandwich and start to eat it, thinking I have the entire night and seven weeks ahead of me.

My disappointment only increases when he passes by my cubicle with barely a nod in my direction. He chats with Alice for a while, mostly talking about about HP. Are all these adults closet Potter fans? It's fools like them who give the rest of us a bad name. He leaves the office and returns twenty minutes later. Alice is gone, and the only other cubicle is empty, because this Jacob character hasn't started yet. Edward walks up to me and sits on my desk, biting into his sandwich. I can't help but smile at him.

"So..." he starts.

"What are you eating?" I ask him.

"Tuna melt," he grins.

"Smelly."

"You're just jealous."

"Maybe a little, but I have my pb&j," I say, showing him my sandwich.

"Let's share."

"No."

"Come on Bella, just one bite," he begs.

"Fine."

I hand him the second half of my sandwich. He bites into it. He has a perfect set of teeth, they look sharp. He licks a little bit of the grape jelly off his bottom lip. I feel the wetness returning and squeeze my thighs together.

"Fucking delicious."

I smile.

"Ooops. I shouldn't use that sort of language in front of my intern," he smirks.

His right hand is flat on my desk. I take a quick look around to make that no one is around and brush my fingers against it. Just barely, but I hear him gulp.

"Bella..."

"Edward," I tell him, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

I get up quickly and walk to the bathroom. My heart is racing and my brain is working at crazy speeds and I have to hold onto the wall when I'm finally inside because my knees are weak.

Edward

She is the fucking girl of my dreams.

The rest of my life begins tonight. This is a fact.

Bella

Alice and I leave at four. We go to the mall and she picks out a pair of very dark skinny jeans for me. They are too expensive, but I put them on the credit card my mom gave me. when I left Phoenix. Since she married Phil she has been more comfortable financially. She wants me to wear cute things, and encourages me to buy them. So thank you Renee, you have played a part in the seduction of Edward.

We look for tops. She makes me try on a lot of silky ones, flowy ones, off the shoulder ones. I don't know, they are not me. Some simple tanks, some shirts. Nope.

I see a light blue tube top that is not something I'd ever wear, but the color catches me eye so I grab it. Alice looks at it, disapprovingly. I frown. As I get ready to put it back on the rack she stops me.

"Actually, wait… that's promising. I'm not pro-tube tops like that, but I like it," she says.

It has an empire waist and hits me at my hips. There is nothing special about the front, but I love the back. The part covering my boobs actually ties in the back and is separate from the rest of the material, which scoops down low, so that there are about three to four inches of my back exposed between the two strips of material. It's very simple and casual, light blue jersey material, but it's also cute and sexy. Alice grins, I smile. I try it on over the dark skinny jeans and it's perfect.

"Do I need shoes?" I ask. My black flats don't really go with the rest of the outfit, even though they don't clash either.

"Bella, do you own tennis shoes, sneakers, anything casual?"

"I have some beat up Converse that I carry around in my bag everywhere."

"I think that will work," she tells me.

I'm surprised, but happy. Those old things make me feel comfortable. Everyone has a pair, there is nothing original about a teenager – or anyone, really – wearing them, but who cares? Haters better shut the fuck up.

When we get to her apartment she piles my hair up higher on my head into an even messier bun, mahogany strands falling here and there. It's important to leave my back exposed, and the look is pretty sexy. Some mascara and a little bit of lip gloss, and I'm done.

"Omigod, Bella you look PERFECT."

"Thanks, Alice," I mumble, but I'm genuinely pleased with how I look.

Jasper, Rosalie and her boyfriend or whatever he is are supposed to show up at around nine. People have already started to arrive, so I go stand by a window that looks out into an inner courtyard area. Alice is running around, opening the door, greeting her old friends, making sure that I'm ok. I tell her that I'm fine. I am playing with my phone and looking out the window once in awhile. It's a beautiful night. It rains a lot here, but tonight is one of those rare clear nights, so I can see stars. All of a sudden I feel a presence. I'm normally pretty jumpy and would just turn around to see who's there but I don't. I feel something hit the back of my neck, pleasant, like a gust of warm air. I know what it is. It's Edward's breath. He is standing very close behind me, but we are not touching. I arch back a little, and feel a jolt of electricity as my body is that much closer to his. I feel his breath again, this time against my left shoulder, and I feel his hair brush up against my ear. For the longest time we just stand there. I don't know what he's looking at. I mostly have my eyes closed. He is leaning forward, his head bowed down, his right ear right by my left one, his hair tickling it. The rest of our bodies are not touching. I don't know what's next. I have no idea what will happen after this. I don't care. I know that when I look back at my life someday, I will remember the stars, his breath on my neck and shoulder, and the pain in the fingers of my right hand as I clutch my iPhone tightly. Terrified, but blissful.