Okay. Sorry it took so long to get this up. I am thinking of divorcing the internet service on my laptop. I want to find a more reliable one. One that will be there when I need it to be. : )

I also took another nursing assistant written and skills assessment on Thursday. That took a lot of time. This one was for national nursing assistant certification, and I passed!!!

Anyways....

I am going to just come right out and say that I have the best reviewers ever! I loved all the reviews I received. Thank you!!!! Glad to have such a positive response to the BIG kiss scene. : )

This chapter and the next is going to be sort of... "fluff" I think is what it's called. Just the beginning of Bella and Edward's more romantic relationship. A lot of sweet moments. : ) I wouldn't say this is one of my best chapters though.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. I do own Mel, Joe, and Rachel.

Please R&R. Hope you enjoy : )

Ha ha lots of smileys today.

Chapter 18

I could have stayed like that forever.

Of course we finally pulled away panting for air. I disentangled my hands from his hair, but kept them around his neck.

Edward still had not let me go either and I was glad.

We just sat there and stared into each others eyes for what seemed like forever.

"I should probably get you back," he finally spoke. He sounded slightly disappointed. "Alice will probably be wondering where you are."

I nodded, still not fully in control of my breathing.

Edward stood up and pulled me with him. His arm was still securely wrapped around my waist as we walked back to the house.

I rested my head on him fully content.

I woke up Sunday morning in a room, that just like my party, was very pink. It took a moment for me to remember that I was in Alice's room. I had slept over.

After Edward and I had come back in last night we had went to find Alice. We had finally found her when we made our way through the crowd, to the kitchen. She was in there talking with Rose and Jasper.

I smiled as the memory of how Edward's arm never left my waist. The feeling of him holding me.

Alice seemed just excited as me. The look on her face when she saw how Edward and I walked together, I thought she was going to burst. I avoided her all to knowing looks the rest of the party.

Once the guest had left and the house was cleaned up it was around one in the morning. Since Joe and I stayed to help we called home to get permission to just spend night.

We were lucky Renee answered the phone. She agreed without asking too many questions. If it were Charlie, well I might still be on the phone with him.

"Bella are you going to lye around all day," Alice asked as she bounced into the room.

"Morning Alice," I smiled.

"Wow are you always such a morning person or does a certain brother of mine have a reason for the smiles?"

Alice and Rose have been trying to get me to give them details about where I was when I disappeared from the party yesterday. Me, not being the person who would kiss and tell, would not say anything. They have no idea that last night I kissed Edward.

Our first kiss.

My first kiss.

"Are you thinking about him again? Jeez Bella you have a huge grin on your face right now. I bet you are thinking about him."

I blushed and looked down at the blankets.

"She is," came Rosalie's voice from the door.

"How cou-"

"Bella, don't even try to deny it," Alice cut me off. "Now you have your clothes we bought yesterday if you wanted to stay here, since you're going to be here for dinner anyway. Or I can take you home if you want."

I still haven't met Esme and Carlisle yet, but Alice says that Esme has already extended the offer. Renee and Charlie would be over around six for dinner.

Last night though, they were at a dinner in honor of a charity that they are a big part of. Alice told me these events usually last into the early morning hours. The people who gather have all become good friends.

"I guess I can just stay here if that's okay."

"Of course not Bella," Alice smiled.

Alice showed me to the bathroom and lent me the necessary supplies needed to shower.

Once I was done with my shower I slipped on a bathrobe Alice had given me and wrapped my hair into a towel. I then left the bathroom to head back to Alice's room to get changed. When I got to the her door, I noticed the room at the end of the hallway had the door wide open.

While I have been here, that door had always been closed.

I just wanted to walk down there and take a peek in. It would be rude though. I sighed and stepped into Alice's room.

Alice wasn't in there, but on the bed she had lay an outfit out for me. It was a pair of jeans and a red empire waste top that I had bought yesterday while in Port Angeles.

After changing into the new clothes, I unwrapped my hair and began to brush it out. I was thankful when I found a hair dryer sitting on Alice's vanity. With my hair blown dry and myself fully dressed, I decided to go look for Alice.

When I stepped out of the room I noticed that the door was still open at the end of the hall.

I looked up and down the hall. No one was around. Curiosity got the best of me as I started to walk toward the room. I stopped at the doorway and looked in.

Inside there was a thick gold carpet down. The far wall was completely taken up by a window that offered an amazing view of the wilderness that was beyond their backyard. In front of the window there was a leather couch. On the wall to my left, there was a giant bed that was covered with a gold and black comforter. What took me by surprise was on my left the wall held several of shelves of CD's.

Without even thinking about it I took a step into the room toward the rows of music. I wanted a better look at what there was. I smiled at how the CD's were arranged in alphabetical order, just like my own.

The music was mostly classical. My heart fluttered as I realized that this must be Edward's room.

Oh my gosh, I have to get out of here. I am in the room of the boy who I have been falling deeply for.

I quickly turned to leave before I was caught in here by Alice or Emmett. Even worse. Edward.

Too late.

I was startled to see Edward standing at the door.

"Hello Bella," he smiled.

I smiled back timidly, "Edward I'm sorry to be in your room. I know I have no business being in here. I just saw all of your CD's and became curious."

Edward took a step into the room, "It's okay. No need to apologize and you can borrow any CD you want."

"Tha-anks," I blushed.

He then took a few more strides into the room as if he was walking toward the window.

"It's a beautiful day out," he said as he stopped and turned to me. Edward only stood two feet away from me now.

"It is, for a rainy town like Forks," I said amused.

He was discussing the weather with me. I couldn't care less about the weather than I do at this moment. I just wanted to be close to him again.

Forgetting all about the fact that we were in his bedroom -just like I forget many things when he's around-, I walked the last couple of feet to Edward. He held his arms out for me and I walked into them. It felt so nice to be in the warmth of his embrace. It was the second best feeling.

The first was the feel of his lips on my own. Which I felt when he pulled my chin up. The sensation from last night of his lips moving against mine came flooding back stronger than I had remembered.

Much sooner than I wanted, Edward pulled back slightly, breaking the connection of our lips. He rested his forehead against my own. I felt myself pout at the loss. That crooked smile played across his face.

He brushed his lips softly against my own. I could feel the corners of his mouth still turned up in a smile.

"What are you kids doing in here," came Joe and Emmett from the door.

I felt my cheeks grow hot, embarrassed at having my little brother see me kissing.

Edward, sensing my embarrassment, let me go, but held onto my hand. "We are going down to get breakfast now."

"Looks like you guys were going to eat each others faces," Joe smirked.

"Hush up Joe. It did not," I snapped.

He rolled his eyes at my attempt to be mean. "Relax Bells. I am only giving you a hard time. Now come on, Esme just made breakfast. She sent me and Em to get you two. Who knew we would only need to look in one place to find both of you."

With that Emmett and Joe turned to leave.

Edward still holding my hand pulled it up to his lips and kissed it. He then let them down to dangle in between us as he led the way out of his room.

When we arrived in the kitchen I saw Rose, Alice, Emmett, and Joe all crowded around the table. At the stove there was a woman with her back to us cooking, who I assumed was Esme.

She turned around and I saw that she had a kind, heart-shaped face. Her caramel-brown colored hair was in curls around her face.

"You must be Bella," she smiled, when she spotted me.

I let go of Edward and made my way over to her.

I smiled, "It's nice to meet you Mrs. Cullen."

"Oh call me Esme dear and it's so wonderful to meet you. The kids are always talking so fondly of you and your brother. Edward especially hasn't stopped talking about you," she smiled a motherly smile at Edward, who was looking everywhere, but at his mom and me.

"Eddie boy has developed a bit of a crush," Emmett commented with a mouth full of food.

"Emmett Cullen, don't talk with your mouth full," Esme scolded him.

I instinctively reached for his hand to provide comfort, just as he always does for me.

This made Esme's eyes brighten.

"You are such a beautiful girl, I can see why he developed a crush."

I blushed.

"Oh this is Joe's sister, Bella," came a voice from behind me.

I turned around to see a blond man with a handsome face standing there.

I reached out to take his hand, "Nice to meet you Mr. Cullen."

"Call me Carlisle and it's a pleasure to meet you too."

"You two, go take a seat so you can. I made french toast and sausage," Esme said.

*****

After breakfast, the Cullen "kids", Rosalie, Jasper, Joe, and I all settled in the game room located in the basement of the house.

Down there they had a big screen TV, a pool table, and tons of DVDs. There was also a mini fridge packed with different kinds of sodas and bottled water.

"Oo lets play pool," Alice exclaimed. She then grabbed onto my arm, "Two teams of two will be able to play at a time. I call Bella."

Ugh. I am going to make such a fool of myself.

"I got Joe," Emmett went over and gave Joe a high five.

"Wait. Someone is going to be left without a partner," Rose pointed out.

Seeing the opportunity to avoid embarrassment, I spoke up, "Really guys I am absolutely terrible at this. I will sit out."

"Oh Bella, I am sure your no worse than us," Alice said next to me.

"No, really I am," I then turned to Joe, "Tell them."

A smile broke across his face, "Ah come on Bells, your not that bad."

I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Yeah your right, she's rather dangerous with a pool stick in her hand."

I wish he wouldn't have added 'dangerous.' I hoped, but with no luck, for that to go unnoticed.

"Dangerous," Emmett asked, trying to hold back laughter.

"Well last time Bella played played pool it -"

"Joseph Charles Swan don't you dare," I threatened.

Emmett complained, "Oooh.. Now you have to tell us."

"Sorry Bells," Joe shot me an apologetic look. I hung my head down.

"Well the last time Bella played pool, she managed to give herself a bloody nose and land Rachel, our older sister in the hospital."

"How," this time it was Jasper asking amused.

"She lined up to try and make a shot, but when she pulled the pole back to hit it she smacked herself in the nose with the stick which seemed to have caused her to loose her balance and she fell backwards into Rachel who ended up falling on her ankle the wrong way," Joe finished explaining.

I heard everyone burst out laughing. I looked around the room to see Emmett and Jasper had fallen off their chairs from laughing so hard. Alice and Rosalie were trying to contain their laughter behind their hands.

I looked over to where Edward was standing only to find him missing. I then felt strong arms wrap around my waist from behind. I then turned around in his embrace to face him.

"I'll be on your team," he whispered. He then pulled me a little tighter.

"Well, well, well," Emmett's voice really does have a knack for interrupting.

I pulled away from Edward to face the rest of the room. They were all staring at us.

"Edward can take my spot with Alice. I really don't care."

"No Bella you're on my team," Alice whined.

"How about it be all three of them on a team since Bella seems to have a handicap at this game and Alice is not a whole lot better," Emmett suggested.

Everyone agreed. The teams were Alice, Edward, and me. Joe and Emmett. Rose and Jasper.

The first game was between our team and Emmett's.

Alice and I were not very good. Alice knocked in a couple of stripes. Too bad we were solid.

I couldn't hit anything to save my life. Edward tried to help me, but that only distracted me from the game. He would lean in so close to help me line-up the shot. My mind wandered.

I did stay injury free though.

Joe and Emmett came close to winning when there was only the eight ball to get in. Emmett just barely missed it going in.

They were both very good though.

Edward was just better.

When he finally took his turn, he ended it. With some fancy shots and set ups, he had the game won.

The game with Jasper and Rose went pretty much the same way.

Once we were done with pool and Alice and I had finished our undeserved gloating, we decided to watch a movie.

Joe grabbed the recliner. Rosalie sat on the end of the sofa and Emmett rested his head in her lap. Jasper grabbed some pillows and laid down on the floor. Alice put her head on his side. Edward sat down on the love seat.

I put the movie in since everyone had already gotten comfortable. I sat down on the armrest of the love seat and waited for the DVD to load.

The next thing I knew I was being pulled back onto the love seat. Edward held me gently to his body and smiled down at me.

"I thought you would be a little more comfortable this way," he whispered.

"Yeah," I managed to gasp.

Edward always seemed to take my breath away. I know that seems like such a cheesy line, but there was no other way to describe it.

He leaned down and kissed my forehead, before the movie started.

When the movie was over, I honestly could not tell you what it was about.

All I felt were Edward's hands playing with my hair. Also the cool feeling of his breath on the back of my neck every time he laughed.

That would send shivers down my spine. Thinking that I was cold, Edward would hold me a little bit tighter. I was not complaining.

Six o'clock quickly came and my parents arrived. They hit it off well with Carlisle and Esme.

Dinner passed, and much too soon, it was time for Joe and I to go home with Renee and Charlie.

I thanked Esme and Carlisle for allowing me to stay. I then gave hugs to Alice and Emmett.

When I reached Edward, he pulled me into a one-armed hug and kissed me sweetly on the lips. He held something in his other hand out of view.

I gave him a questioning look.

He gave me an innocent smile and then pulled his hand out and revealed a wrapped gift. From the shape one can predict it was a book.

I opened my mouth to complain, but he beat me to it.

Yesterday I had received many envelopes that contained cards and money, from my peers. Alice had bought me some designer purse, that I am sure I will never use. Emmett had bought me a new stereo for my truck. Rose gave me a pair of earrings. Jasper gave me a matching bracelet.

"Before you can get mad, just open it first."

I nodded, "Okay."

"Bye my beautiful Bella. I will see you tomorrow," he kissed the top of my head before I followed my family out the door.

***

When I arrived home I said good night to my parents before heading up to my room. I debated on whether or not I should wait to open Edward's gift. I knew it was a book, so it could not be that expensive. This gave me some relief.

I stuck the book on the dresser and grabbed my bag of toiletries and went to take a shower. While I was scrubbing my hair I thought about what book he could have gotten me. I was coming up blank.

Back in my room after I was showered, had teeth brushed, hair dried, and clothes picked out for tomorrow, I finally went to open it. What was inside made me smile.

It was a barely used copy of my favorite book Wuthering Heights. I knew it was not brand new because of the creases in the spine, but it was in a lot better condition than my own severely battered copy.

What was written on the inside made me laugh:

Bella,
Happy Birthday!
I know you don't like when people spend money on you, but before you can complain I didn't spend any money on YOU. I bought this copy of Wuthering Heights for myself after I saw you reading it. I have never liked the book, but decided to give it another try. And you know what? I still don't like it. I guess there's just no hope for me. Anyways, I was going to donate this book to the library, but I figured you were in more of a need for it. Your own copy looked like it was reaching the end.
I hope you like it. Don't be to mad at me,
Edward

I flipped through the pages and found Edward had written little notes along the sides of the them. It would be very comical to read his point of view about different situations in the book. I smiled.

I closed the book and put it on my bed side table. I flipped off the lights and crawled under my covers for sleep.

My mind was much to tired to do any logical thinking. I was very grateful.

I was overcome with sleep, being pulled into dreams of Edward and me.

Okay be honest. What did you think?

Not my favorite, but I look forward to some of the future chapters, that are already in the works with how the story is going to go. Just bare with me.

Please review

Love,

Jane