16. Never Been Kissed

EPOV

Fate gave us one last shot and we both took it, both of us at the same time. Seeing her standing there, the sting between us was sparking all around like a cloud of dust, the rain intensifying the scene. It was one of those moments when you feel like everything around you slows down but you and that other person continue on; together.

The rain was heavy around us, the lightening flashing above and the thunderous echo off in the distance could be heard. Her hair was wet, sticking all over her face like she'd been running through it. She was running to get to me, no other explanation for her to be here; three hours away from home in a town where she knows no one.

Not until then did I realize she wasn't wearing a jacket, nothing to shield her form the icy cold and wetness that swirled around us. I hurried her to the awning that covered the front door to my apartment building and there was where it happened.

The kiss that sealed the deal, the one that told me everything she didn't need to say. I felt her emotions as they mirrored my own, the urgency, the need and the walls were nonexistent. I told her I loved her because I'd wanted to for so long, 11 agonizing years. She cried and it worried me at first until she reassured me that they were tears of happiness. After that I took her into the warmth of my building and we couldn't get into my apartment fast enough.

Bella knew exactly where to touch me to drive me wild with lust; where to run her fingers lightly and where to pull me tight against her. Every touch of her skin against mine burned so good, it's presence lingered on every part of me and I wished she could cover me completely and just swallow me whole. She was desperate for me too, I could sense it in her heavy lust filled eyes and the way she bit her lip every time our lips parted. She pulled my shirt off without a thought and crushed herself against my bare chest. My chest that bared her initial, the tattoo that once was a reminder of my failed accomplishment now stood as a symbol for forever.

Fuck she felt so good, my insides were going crazy and I wasn't sure how long I could take it. It's been a long time, especially for me and Bella was like the finest wine after an alcoholics recovery. She was seducing me in the worst and best possible ways, it was almost painful.

I had to be sure this was what she wanted because I wanted nothing more, I needed to have her here and now and she needed to know the seriousness of the situation.

She fucking took her shirt off, no warning, no preparation, just lifted it right off of her succulent body only to reveal my favorite color pushing her breasts into the most mouthwatering position imaginable. I stared, damn right I did, no man alive could resist. She was stunning and fucking sexy as hell.

Bella told me she loved me and I might have been a little over the top about it but she needed to know I was serious when I said it. She convinced me she was too, but the way she moved and the look in her eyes bore no lies. I had to have her in my bed, it couldn't wait any longer, I'd dreamt about it enough, it was time for the real thing.

When she was under me I looked and waited for any sign that she didn't want to be there; I found none. She gave me further proof when she arched her back to shove her chest into mine, desperate to feel me against her. Her hands found my buckle and she started removing it. I had to assist but we got them off and I eagerly removed hers sweat pants as well.

The sensation from the thin fabric between us was so raw so pure that I blurted the thoughts that came to mind. "You're so fucking beautiful," I grunted, not intentionally and pressed myself against her warmth, causing my body to spasm from the feel of it. "God, do you have any idea what you do to me?" she had to know, if she didn't I would tell her.

She already knew, by reading my journal she knew everything; dreams included. So I wasn't nervous or ashamed when I told her I'd dreamt about how many different ways we could make love.

This was one of them.

She told me she was mine, as if she was reassuring me that she wanted it as much as I did and I was done waiting.

I looked into her eyes and gave her one last chance to turn away, to change her mind and probably cause me to explode in the process. "Yours," she breathed and I had to hold myself back which was not an easy task and also an embarrassing one.

She was mine and I was hers; no more second guesses, no more insecurities, and now we were making it official. "Mine," I told her. I didn't ask, I didn't assume, I demanded and she obliged.

I woke up to Bella's beautiful sleeping face. She looked peaceful and happy, I didn't want to bother her so I watched her as she slept. I thought back on the previous night, how fucking amazing it was. Hands down best ever, and I'm not proud to say but I have a lot of different comparisons.

I've never felt the way I feel when I'm with Bella, like my adrenaline is always pumping. I'm giddy as I watch her sleep soundlessly, that has to mean something.

She finally stirred and her eyes flickered up to mine. I was lying on my side, my hands resting under my head and my gaze on her. She blushed before she pulled the sheets—that I wanted to bundle up and put in a frame on the wall like a trophy—up to cover the bottom half of her face.

Her eyes squinted and I could tell she was smiling; could hear it in the tone of her voice when she said, "Hi."

"Good morning, did you sleep well?" I don't know how long I sat and watched her sleep but I could have done it all day and been content.

"I did, did you get some rest?" Her hand was cupped over her mouth protectively.

"Best sleep ever," I said before pulling her hand away from her face.

"Ever huh," she questioned trying to keep the sheet shielding her. I pulled it down and moved it; I could give a fuck less about morning breath.

Before I made the connection I had to tell her again how fucking fantastic it was sleeping next to her. "Best ever," and she didn't hesitate to kiss me back.

Afterward, she put the sheet back over her face and I smiled at her. "So what now?" she asked.

"What now about what?" I teased. I knew what she was referring to.

"Well, what are we going to do about this," she gestured between us.

I didn't want to jump the guns and offer to move to Seattle so we could be close to each other, of course I wouldn't move in with her. Jasper and Alice would have to give up their extra bedroom, I knew they would. "What do you want to do about this?"

"What do you want to do about this?" she pushed the question back on me.

"I…want to lay here all fucking day with you," I pulled her into me and she didn't object.

"You know what I mean Edward, what is going to happen when I leave to go back home?" her eyes were boring into mine and I wished I knew the answer she was looking for.

"I really don't know, but I do have an answer for Mr. Jones."

"Who's Mr. Jones," she asked.

"Mr. Jones is my boss, he wants my answer tomorrow," I re-informed her.

"You aren't going to New York are you?" her face was worried and I couldn't help what came out of me.

"Hell the fuck no, they couldn't pay me enough. Portland is too far from you." I hoped she didn't want me to go as much as I didn't.

"I don't want to be the reason you turn down the job of a lifetime. Don't do it for me, do it because you want to."

"I don't want to," I said quickly and without hesitation. This decision is solid and she needed to know that. "I would live on the streets in a box if it meant I could be with you. Jobs are a dime a dozen and you, Bella, are one of a kind." She melted into me and I melted right back into her. To have someone share the feelings you have just as deeply is such a rewarding feeling.

"I love you," she whispered into my neck before she kissed lightly at the nape.

"Oh and I love you, more than you know." I pulled her tighter to me.

BPOV

Last night was amazing; that's the first thing that came to mind when I woke up in the morning. Everyone was right. All the talk and hype of making love was exactly right. I felt the connection between us being made tangible and I couldn't hold in my moans of pleasure during the whole sexcapade—which now I felt a little embarrassed about the ruckus we made. Hopefully the neighbors weren't disturbed.

It was just…"Fucking amazing", as Edward would put it.

We talked about what we were going to do about our situation but we never decided on what was actually going to happen. Except the fact that Edward was turning down the job offer he had. I felt a little guilty about that but I also felt relief. I don't think I would have survived his absence again, not after last night.

I didn't want to suggest that he move in with me, since he was losing his job because of me, but I did want to suggest he move in with Alice and Jasper. He could stay there until he found a job and got his own apartment; then I could see him whenever I wanted. That thought had me smiling from ear to ear and I couldn't contain my happiness. We had already gotten up and Edward was in the shower. I wanted to tell him now that I wanted to see him every day.

I opened the door to his bathroom, the steam blinding me at first until my eyes adjusted. His shower was surrounded by glass and the fog was making it impossible to see him. I could make out his silhouette though, and it was driving me crazy. I took off what clothes I had on—one of Edward's button up shirts and my underwear—and slid the glass door open. I startled him and when he saw me his eyes trailed down and back up. "Well hello," he said reaching out for my hand and then pulling me into the hot stream of water.

His kiss was soft and seductive, toe curling, and I wanted more. I wanted to have him again, right here and right now. I felt like a nympho and I didn't care, I would be crazy not to be one with Edward around. I don't know how I waited as long as I did.

We washed each other with soap, it smelt so good. His fingers traced over me, every part of me and I was starting to lose my mind.

It wasn't an easy thing to accomplish, sex in the shower, but we made it happen. Actually, he made it happen, I didn't do much. But when he had me in his arms, my legs wrapped around him; Oh My God. He hit places I've never felt before. It was fucking amazing. That's the only expression I can find to explain what it's like. Mind blowing is another good one.

We managed to make it to the living room without touching one another but by the time we were in the kitchen he had one of his hands wrapped around my wrists behind my back and his other hand was cupping my face. He caressed my cheek while he lightly pecked at my lips.

"I need to make something for lunch," I laughed between kisses. "Since we stayed in bed all morning."

"I can do without," he released my hands and I wound them around him; I wasn't done quite yet. His arms came to rest around me too and I had to work hard to keep the task at hand in my sight.

"No, you need to eat."

"Grr," he let go of me unwillingly and leaned against the counter. "Do your thing," he said gesturing with his hands for me to get started.

I did what I was told and gathered the items to make tuna sandwiches. It was all he had, just enough mayo left and five pieces of bread. "Isn't that always how it happens?" I showed Edward the uneven number of bread.

"You're so cute when you're irritated."

On more than a few occasions I had to put him back in his place, leaning against the counter. We ate lunch at the bar; Edward refused to let me eat unless I sat in his lap. It didn't take much convincing because it was exactly where I wanted to be.

Around 2:30 my phone rang and I wasn't surprised at all by who it was. "Bella, where are you?" Alice's demanding tone could be heard through the phone. "Did you really forget what today is?"

I had to think through all the jumbled thoughts I had about Edward, last night, this morning. It was next to impossible but I figured it out.

"Shit, I'll be there in a few hours."

"Isabella, what are you doing?" she demanded again.

"I'm sitting on the couch watching, um, it looks like Maury maybe or Montel."

"Are you freaking kidding me? What's gotten into you?" Now she walked right into that without even knowing it.

"Edward," was all I said with a laugh. Then during her silence of shock I added, "Twice."

EPOV

Best shower ever!

Best breakfast/lunch because it was two in the afternoon, ever!

Today was proving to be one of the best days of my life, better than fucking fantastic. I'm about to become unemployed, I'm soon to move to Seattle Washington after I speak with Jasper and Alice, but best of all; I have had Bella in my arms all day.

What could be better than that?

"Edward," Bella came in with a panicked look on her gorgeous face, her deep brown eyes were wide with worry. "I am such an idiot, I have to go."

"What?" my expression turned to shock and I sat the magazine I had in my hands hard down beside me on the couch. "Why, what happened? What did I do?"

"No, Edward. I forgot about the show tonight, it's in three hours. I have to go, like now."

My heart kicked back in as she gathered her things. "Oh," I felt like an idiot myself. "I thought…never mind. Do you mind if I join you?"

"I would really like that but I have to go…now, so I'll meet you there." She leaned down toward me, her hand slinking behind my head. "I love you," she said in a sultry tone before she kissed me roughly. I pulled her down on top of me and kissed her back just the same.

"I fucking love you," I replied as she scurried up and hurried out the door. No words have ever rang so true in my voice.

It didn't take me long to leave and I caught up to her on the freeway around La Center. I tried a few times to get her to race me but she wasn't having it. She liked to drive cars fast, yes, but she also liked to keep her license. The most I got out of her was a fast take off at a stop light in Tukwila and the only reason she got me was because I wasn't expecting it. I followed her to her house and she ran in like a wild woman. She had 30 minutes before the show started and she still had to talk to her students and make sure they were all ready.

By the time I got into the house and found her room, she was slipping on a long dress. She grabbed an over coat and threw her hair up in a half ponytail, "Are you going or are you waiting here for me?" She asked as she hurried through the house gathering her things.

I didn't want to assume it was okay that I go but I wanted her to know that I really wanted to, "I'm going, if that's alright?"

"Let's go then," she exited the apartment and I locked the front door behind me.

We made it to Beacon with 10 minutes to spare. We drove my car so I dropped her off at the entrance and parked the car. The school was nice, top notch and elegant. It was exactly what I expected of a specialty school.

I found my brothers and claimed the seat right next to Jasper, "Yo bro," I practically sang. He jumped back and the look on his face was pure terror.

I watched as he regained his composure and replied. "What are you doing here?"

Emmett looked over his shoulder and smiled widely.

"I came to watch the show," I settled back into my seat and looked forward at the lit up stage before us. We were in the middle, fourth row back.

"You drove three hours to watch the show?" he reiterated.

I smiled secretively, "Two and half actually, and no, I came to watch Bella."

"Does she know that?" Jasper continued to badger me with questions until Alice showed up right beside me; her hair sticking out like horns on a devil.

"Do you realize," her voice was strong and had a serious edge to it, "That this is Bella's first and only chance to prove herself skilled enough to perform as the conductor of this school? She has been looking forward to this day since she started college…What did you do?" she asked accusingly.

"I didn't do anything," I put my hands up in a defending manner, "We however," I cleared my throat and smiled deceivingly, "Talked." I left it at that, the rest was our business and they had imaginations, I was sure they could figure it out. I seemed to be in a deceiving mood tonight. Maybe it's the fact that I am finally getting everything I have wanted and dreamed about. Even better, maybe it's because I can finally relate to my brothers on a level I never thought I would.

Alice's expression had changed from sister's wrath to sister's love in a matter of seconds. She sat daintily in the seat beside me, opposing Jaspers, and rested her hands on my arm. "Really, what happened? Did you guys work out your differences?" The fact that she was upset with me vanished like it was never that important in the first place.

"I guess you could say that," I was fighting back a smile because it was more than working out our differences. It was more like setting our future in stone, our irrevocable promise to one another.

"Edward, you better give me more than that," her fierce persona was back, this girl could change moods at the drop of a hat. It almost made me dizzy trying to keep up with her.

Thankfully the lights dimmed and everyone hushed around us.

"This isn't over," she hissed close to my ear. "Trade me seats," she demanded in a teasing tone. I switched with her quickly after giving Jasper an exasperated look. He shrugged and wrapped her up in his arms when she took my seat.

I thought about how I felt when I had Bella close to me before we left. I imagined that's how Jasper felt in that moment. I understood then, and even before this moment, why they tried so hard to find them back when we were in college. I would have done the same thing if I would have met Bella then.

The sound of the curtains moving caught my attention and my eyes were glued to the back of the woman facing away from the audience. It was dark where she was looking, I squinted my eyes to try and make something out but to no avail.

Her hand came up in an elegant fashion, her wrist tweaked in a way that made my skin rise. A violin's note came to ear and lingered on her finger tips. Her other hand came up, mirroring the other and then a low bass could be heard.

Then there was silence.

The lights flickered, one right after another, in a row across the children sitting and standing in front of Bella as her hands started moving with grace and structure. The flutes, trombone and clarinets came in along with all the others on their cue producing a beautiful powerful tune.

Bella was fierce, graceful and majestic as she moved, like it was natural, like it was what she lived for. It reminded me of the way I used to feel when I played the piano; it's been a long time. It was silent again and Bella turned to face us. She walked forward to the microphone and positioned herself in front of it.

"Thank you all for coming, we have an exciting night planned for all of you: The parents especially." She didn't seem nervous; she seemed more excited than anything else. "We will be going along with the itinerary that you should have been given at the door, so if you want to follow along feel free to do so."

"So I guess we'll get started, give our 4th grade orchestra a round of applause." She returned to her students and I could see her giving them words of encouragement, her thumbs up in a reassuring gesture.

Flawless, I thought.

BPOV

I jumped out of Edward's car the moment I was able and ran into the school. I didn't stop until I arrived in the choir room behind the stage. All of my students were there, preparing; my TA Melanie taking charge of the situation.

"I am so sorry I'm late, I had a family emergency. Where are we at? Is everyone here?" I was desperately trying to hold on to my sanity; I needed to calm my nerves if I was going out in front of an auditorium full of people.

"Mrs. Swan, thank god you're here. Mr. Fairview was worried you weren't going to make it. He's been pulling his hair out all morning." Mr. Fairview is the school's principal. She rushed me over to the desk and pulled out a long robe that I was to wear during the show. It was a deep green and dark blue color; our school colors.

We had ten minutes before the show and I took the opportunity to tell my students some encouraging words. I turned to face them. Some were smiling and looked ready to perform in front of an audience. Some looked flushed, worried and even scared. "Hey guys, are you ready?" I asked in an animated tone. No one answered. "This is what we have been practicing for," I tried to sound hyped up. I pictured a football coach giving his team their pep talk before the big game. "Mrs. Swan," Lacy spoke out. "I feel like I'm going to be sick." She swallowed loudly and put her hand over her stomach.

"You're just nervous sweetie, and you don't have to be." I used the most reassuring soft tone I had available, just for these moments. "All those people out there know that you're going to give your best; they don't expect anything more than that. Don't let that scare you, you are very talented lacy."

Lacy plays the clarinet, and very well I might add. She's been attending Beacon since preschool and she's been learning to play ever since. She has the skill to be something great but she also has the self esteem and confidence that I do. Always worried about what other people think.

"I guess," she trembled.

"If you're that frightened you can sit out. But," I had to add this because it was what teachers do. "You know the orchestra is nothing without all of its players."

"I can't let everyone down," she whispered, "I have to do my part."

"Do you think you can?" I asked energetically.

"I think I can try."

"I know you can do it," I smiled at her and she cracked a small smile back in return.

"It's just about time everyone, get into your positions." Melanie helped me with my robe and I made my way to the stage where all the kids were ready and in their spots. "Okay, remember what we practiced. Watch your hands and pay attention to the lights for your cue." I had my back to the curtain and I waited for it to rise. When it did I felt it as it lifted passed me and I could instantly feel all the eyes on me. Most of all I could feel Edward and his presence was passionately noticeable to my mind.

Every movement that I made I felt him shoot through me; his love, his passion, his sweet nature and his kind soothing voice. Feeling him helped me stay calm as I spoke to the audience and continued to do so during the whole show. Even when Lacy fouled up the one time, it didn't take me off beat and she caught back up quickly. I don't think anyone noticed.

After I congratulated the group and talked lightly with the parents, Alice and Rose found me. "Spill," Alice ordered in her joking demeanor.

"Spill what?" I asked as if I didn't know what she was asking for.

"Oh hell no," Rose broke in, "You are not keeping this from us, this is big. We want details Bella Marie; we deserve them."

"You deserve them do you," I asked perplexed. What the hell did she mean by that and what was her reasoning.

"Don't give me that; we have been seeing you miserable for years, tried to help and tried to understand. Now everything you were fighting to steer clear of has ended up seemingly close." She referred to Edward standing and leaning against a wall talking to his brothers. I was trying not to act like his very presence was effecting me not just mentally but physically all the same.

"Okay, I went to Seattle to talk to him and we ended up doing a lot more than that." I've never been on this side of the conversation with them before. Usually I was the one to listen and give feedback. I couldn't give them much though, not with Edward watching me.

"Bella, he's gonna think you're such a whore," Rose barked.

"Oh whatever, at least I know his name," I shot back with a devious smile.

Edward left while I was mingling with the parents and staff. I didn't want him to think I was ignoring him but I had to do my job. I couldn't get him off my mind as I talked robotically to the people surrounding me. After too long though I was released of my duties and I left with Alice and Jasper; they'd agreed to drive me home.

There was very little conversation on the way to my place, which is the opposite of what I expected to come from Jasper. I figured he would want to look at the psychological side of the situation as he does all other things. I noticed Edward's car when I got out and I didn't keep it to myself that I was excited to see that he was here.

"Be safe," Alice said rolling down her window. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

I entered my apartment blindly, shutting and locking the door behind me. I slipped out of my shoes and the feel of him almost knocked me down. It was all around me, almost giving me an eerie vibe. I walked down the dark hall and into the living room where I searched for him but found nothing but darkness.

I continued to the kitchen which was just as dark as the rest of the house. When I saw he wasn't there I went to check my room and was hopeful that I would find him there. The door was open a crack and I slung it open freely, looking directly at the empty bed.

I huffed, "Where the hell is he?" I whispered.

I felt him standing behind me and my whole body tensed; waiting for his touch and anticipating where it would be first. Some places even warmed inside me, begging for his contact to come sooner than it was. He was so close to me now, I could feel his breath on the back of my neck.

I felt his hands hovering over my shoulders and I shivered from the sensation it caused all over my skin. His fingers wrapped around my coats collar and pulled it down over my shoulders, dropping it to the floor. His lips touched my shoulder momentarily causing the skin there to rise.

Then his fingers trailed lightly down my shoulders to the tips of my stretched fingers. His breath was hot and ragged against my skin; I had to fight with myself not to turn around and face him. When his lips pressed firmly right in the center of my back just below my neck my resolve was broken and the moment was ruined by my sudden attack on the man that was driving me crazy; he didn't seem to mind though.

Lying in Edward's arms in my bed was so surreal; I never thought it would happen, only in my wildest dreams. I cringed to myself at the thought of Edward knowing about the dreams I've had in this bed. Thank God he can't read minds.

"Did you ever dream about me?" he asked through the darkness, his voice heavy with fatigue.

I started to second guess my previous thought, "Every night I saw you in my dreams. It's like our subconscious wasn't going to miss out just because we were too blind to see it. But now, when I feel your presence, I don't dream at all."

"I don't either," he said contemplative, "I wonder why that is?"

"I don't know, but it doesn't bother me. I have you in reality so what could be better?"

Short A/N as I don't really have much to say about the story right now. I've only got three more chapters done so updates might become scarce. I will let you know if it comes to that. I have been super busy with homework and I thought I would be able to juggle both. Not as easy as it seemed when I started.

I love the love that Bella and Edward have...in any fanfic...so it will continue to blossom in the coming chapters. Life isn't happy and peachy keen yet, it seems that way but not for long.

REMINDER: THIS STORY WILL HAVE A HAPPY ENDING!

Thank you to Scrimmy and to all you lovely readers that keep reviewing...thank you sooo much.

Leave me sum luv...lil' button just below

(

)

(

\/