Well, that last chapter got a little steamy, don't you think? Sexual tension always makes for interesting reading. Anyway, thank you for sticking with me if you're reading this far! As always, reviews are love 3

"Are you ok?" Edward asked as I drove towards Port Angeles. I looked at him briefly, frowning in confusion. "You just seemed a little off, before we left. You were really spaced out."

"Oh," I breathed, feeling a little embarrassed. And the tiniest bit pleased that he had been worried, but I pushed that back quickly. "It's just something I do. I've been subjected to a lot conversation that I didn't want to hear. I suppose it's a bad habit I've developed."

He didn't say anything in response, just turned away to stare thoughtfully out of the window. Keeping one hand on the wheel, I picked up the Ipod and chose shuffle, waiting to see what come on, smiling as the calming beat of Bedouin Soundclash floated from my speakers. Relaxing into the seat, I sang along softly, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. Edward looked away from the window, glancing at me then the Ipod.

"Do you mind?" he asked, motioning to the Ipod. I shook my head and watched as he scanned the library of my outdated blue Ipod mini, bulky and massive in comparison to the tiny new Ipods that I had shunned, preferring to stay with the same player I'd had for the past three years. I liked its simplicity and its individuality, as well as its familiarity- it was like a comforting old friend. Of course, it was also practically indestructible- I had dropped it, spilt water on it and who knows what else, and it still worked like new.

"This is quite the collection," Edward laughed, shaking his head as he put the Ipod back. "You like a lot different genres don't you?"

"No, I'm just indecisive," I answered quickly, surprising myself. He laughed again, a spontaneous, deep laugh that shook his seat. I smiled, giggling a little, feeling slowly more at ease with him.

"You laughed!" he cried, staring at me in amazement. I glared at him, thinking he was mocking me. But his face was genuinely pleased, his smile reaching his eyes. "I was beginning to think I'd suddenly become horribly boring."

"Why?" I asked, frowning as I watched the road. I felt amused at the thought of him feeling discomfort because of me. He shook his head, running one hand through his hair exasperatedly and I had to smile, pleased I was irritating him as much as he had earlier irritated me.

"You mean apart from your complete lack of interest me? As well as the fact that nothing I say is funny to you in the slightest."

"I'm not easy to impress," I replied, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Really? You seemed at least a little impressed with me when you ran into me in the bathroom," Edward argued, amusement creeping into his voice. I blushed furiously, my face turning bright red, unable to mask my embarrassment. I sped up instinctively, suddenly desperate to get to the restaurant. I could see him in the corner of my eye, grinning smugly. I slammed my foot hard on the accelerator, trying to control my breathing.

"I was just shocked," I mumbled, massively grateful of the lack of traffic as I swung into the car park. I practically fell from the car in my desperation to escape, almost running to the entrance. The restaurant was packed claustrophobically full- I was nearly knocked over as we waited for our table, but Edward caught me, one hand resting on my lower back, steadying me.

I thanked him quietly, but he didn't move his hand. I could feel my colour rising again, intensely aware of his touch, my heart rate quickening. I saw a few girls glance in our direction with put out expressions, and realized that, stood so close together we looked like a couple.

After what seemed like an eternity, the waitress announced our table was ready, signalling for us to follow. Edward stayed close, gently steering me to the table, letting me sit before he did, his knees brushing mine as he stretched his long legs under the tiny table for two.

"So," Edward began after the waitress left to fetch our drinks. "You were just shocked?"

"I didn't expect you to be there," I replied coolly, holding his gaze steadily, miraculously managing to stay composed.

"Obviously," Edward mused, his hair shining in the dim light of the restaurant. "Since you neglected to remember to wear any trousers."

"Hence why I came into the bathroom," I retorted, the atmosphere between suddenly tensing. I looked at him, careful to remain impassive, struggling against the intensity of his gaze. I smiled politely at the waitress as she set down our drinks and handed us both a menu. I played with straw, rolling it between my fingers before sipping deeply. "Obviously, you impressed with me, since you noticed."

His face stiffened, his jaw clenched tight as his eye's smouldered. I waited, trying to remember to breathe. He opened his mouth to reply, only to be cut off by the waitress, ready to take our order. I smiled sweetly as I ordered, pleased to have gained one up on Edward, giving me the higher ground.

I sipped my drink slowly as she left, looking everywhere but Edward for a few minutes before turning back to him with a polite smile.

"So, how do you like Forks?" I asked pleasantly. He eyed my suspiciously, taking a moment before answering.

"I like it. And I think it likes me. Mostly,"

I knew he was referring to me, so I carefully sidestepped him by asking about his family. His face softened and I breathed easier as the tension between us eased. He talked quickly, and I found myself actually listening as told me about his parents and siblings- a brother, Emmett and a sister, Alice. I found myself oddly captivated as recounted his life in London, leaning towards him to hear him more easily. He inhaled deeply when he finished, running his long fingers through his messy hair, random tufts of bronze sticking up at unruly angles.

I chuckled, reaching out without thinking to smooth down his hair. His hand shot up, covering mine, holding it there for what seemed to be minutes, but could only be seconds, not moving until the waitress came with the food.

The rest of the meal passed quickly, with talk of school, subjects and friends. I was careful to keep my distance, my heart thumping loudly in my chest every time his eyes held mine. Later that night, as I lay in bed unable to sleep, I replied the day over and over. Each time I thought of Edward, the incident in the bathroom, the feel of his hand over mind in the restaurant, I felt my heart skitter and my breathing become irregular.

I banged my head against the headboard- I was driving myself insane. Desperate to escape, I grabbed my headphones, letting music fill my head, coaxing me into another place, lulling me into sleep.