A/N:

Chapter Song: I Still - Backstreet Boys (yes, yes I know...but it's a GOOD song! Go listen on the blog! they own, I don't!)

Enjoy!

All songs and photos: http:/ marie-cullen . blogspot . com (take out the spaces)

I vaguely remember the drive back to the apartment from Seattle, or taking off my clothes and climbing into bed, but as morning came and I regained consciousness, the pounding in my head reminded me of just how much I had had to drink the night before. I pulled the covers up over my head and groaned. Hangovers suck. At least I wasn't too far-gone last night to remember everything, or to spend it praying to the porcelain gods. Lying there with my eyes closed, I began to replay the previous nights events, and a smile spread across my face. I recalled being in Edwards arms in for the last dance of the evening, the way he wrapped me in his arms for the goodbye hug and the look in his eyes when I gave him my number. My heart fluttered.

Pulling the covers back, I looked at the clock. One-fifteen. My stomach did a little flip-flop and I figured I might as well get up and eat something. I headed into the kitchen, turned on the coffee pot, made myself a bowl of cereal and sat down at the bar to eat. I must have been really lost in thought, because I didn't even hear Angela make her way into the kitchen.

"I take it from the look on your face this morning, that you must have had a really good dream. Could it have possibly been about a certain blue-eyed hottie you danced the night away with last night?" she asked. Smirking, as usual.

Did I? I don't even remember dreaming last night, but if I had look on my face, I'm sure had everything to do with Edward.

"It might." I smiled.

"Well, all I have to say is that man was totally in to you last night. I watched the way he looked at you and it made my heart melt."

"Yea sure." I paused. "You think? I haven't been able to get rid of the damn butterflies in my stomach since I first saw him last night. You think he'll call?" Good grief, I sounded like a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl.

"I'm almost positive he'll call. Ben said that he was asking all kinds of questions about you. Like if you and Jacob were dating, or if you had a boyfriend at all. He said that he really seemed interested in finding out details about your love life." She winked.

I couldn't help the huge grin and blush that covered my face. "Oh my God Ang!" and I jumped up and danced around like an idiot, throwing in a few fist pumps. I couldn't help it. I was so excited and it had everything to do with him. Deep down, I was trying very, very hard not to get my hopes too high, but I couldn't help it. Maturity be damned, I was crazy about this man, and I couldn't hide it.

After I finished my little outburst of craziness and my breakfast, I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed to my room to take a shower and hopefully begin to feel a little bit human again. Just as I finished and was wrapping my hair in a towel, I heard my phone ringing and immediately my heart began to beat wildly at the mere thought that it could be him. I grabbed my robe off the back of the bathroom door and ran into my room. Grabbing my phone off the charger, it was definitely a number that I didn't know, but I answered anyway. I was suddenly extremely nervous.

"Hey Bella, it's Edward."

SWOON!

"Hey Edward!" I answered, maybe a little too excitedly and a little breathless. "How are ya?"

"I'm good. How about you? You feeling ok today?"

"Doing better now. I just took a shower, so I don't feel quite as bad as I did when I woke up." A huge calm came over me, and I was no longer nervous. Hearing his voice was amazingly calming.

"Yea, I was sure you were going to have a nice little headache today. You seemed pretty happy last night."

"Well, I was pretty happy, but it really didn't have anything to do with the alcohol Edward." I rolled my eyes and smacked my forehead. Bella, you're such an idiot.

He chuckled. "Is that right? So, do you have any big plans for today?"

I laid down on my bed and pulled the covers over me. "Nope, just planning on a little recovery time from last night. But it's also nice to know that I don't have school on Monday, and I don't start my summer job for another two weeks, so laziness it is!"

"Well, I was wondering if you'd be interested in going to dinner with me tonight?"

"Really? I mean, it's sort of a long drive just for dinner isn't it?" Who cares Bella! He just asked you out!

"It's only about an hour really, and if I get there early enough, then it's not too late to drive back. Plus, I'd like to see you again if that's ok."

Every nerve on my body was on fire with those words. He wanted to see me again! Could this be for real?

"Sure! I would love to go to dinner! What time were you thinking?"

"Well, if I get ready and leave now, I can be there around three. Is that okay?"

"Of course!" Simmer down Bella! "Umm…do you have a pen handy? Let me give you directions for once you get into Port Angeles, and then I'll see you in a little while."

"Ok. Thanks! I'm gonna grab a quick shower and then I'll be on my way!"

"Ok, see you soon! Drive carefully!"

"I will. See you soon Bella!"

"Bye Edward."

We hung up and I did that girly, teenage excited kicking of the feet and squeal under the covers. Edward was coming to see me! If I am dreaming, I don't ever want to wake up.

"ANGIE!"

About forty-five minutes later, I was dressed in one of my favorite summer dresses. It was a white strappy dress with a cross over front and had a cutout pattern on the front with a little touch of yellow fabric showing thru to accentuate the design. It was very lightweight and comfortable, and I didn't fidget in it. It made me feel confident. I left my hair down, curled the ends and pushed in a headband. Simple and not too showy for a first date with Edward. Date? Is that what this was? My nervousness came back full force as I was now anxiously awaiting his arrival.

"Here, drink this!" Angie said, shoving a glass of white wine in my hand. "You're nervous, I can tell, and this will calm you down."

"No Angie, I want a clear head. I want to remember every moment, and not have one ounce of alcohol haze. But, thank you! I know you love me!" I smiled and gave her a big hug.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK

"He's here!" We both whisper-squealed together.

"Ok, I am making myself scarce. Have a wonderful time and don't do anything I wouldn't do!" She called as she went into her room and shut the door.

I took a deep breath and went to the door. I smoothed my hands down the front of my dress, took another deep breath, kept one hand on my stomach and opened it. Rock my world he's beautiful! He was wearing khaki shorts, a white Polo shirt and flip-flops. Yet I've never seen a man look so handsome in such a simple outfit.

"Hey." he said, smiling and beautiful, his hands in his pockets.

"Hey yourself." I responded stepping back to let him in, and again, all my nervousness was gone. However, when he stepped up and hugged me the butterflies took flight. "How was the drive?" I asked.

"Not too bad, it was quicker than I thought it was going to be."

"Well, that's good." I said, turning to walk into the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Sure, I'll take some water, thanks!"

I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and handed it to him as he took a seat at the bar and leaned forward on his elbows.

"Nice place you have here." He said as he opened it and took a sip.

"Yea, we like it. It's one of the nicer complexes near campus, and the rent is reasonable. There are plenty of students that live here too, so we also get the thrill of the occasional college party down at the pool. We've seen some wild and crazy nights down there." I laughed.

"I can only imagine." He smiled back. "You ready to go?" He asked, placing his hands down flat on the counter and standing up.

"Sure am! Let me just grab a sweater." Yes, it's summer in Washington, but the nights here are usually breezy and sometimes a little chilly. I peeked into Angie's room and waved goodbye. She blew me a kiss and winked. I grabbed my purse and headed to the front door. Edward was standing in the living room looking at all the photos on our bookshelf. There were plenty of photos of Angie and myself, of her and Ben, of my parents, her parents and then group photos from different parties we'd gone to with other friends from school. I stopped at the end of the hallway and took a moment to really look at him. He had his hands in his pockets again. His shirt fit his body so perfectly and I could see the build of his back and of course, how nice the view of his ass was in his shorts. Damn. I may or may not have licked my lips.

"All set." I said, and he turned to me, looking at me like he was just noticing my dress for the first time.

"In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight." He said, as he made his way to the front door and opened it for me.

I smiled and walked out the door. We walked side by side to the parking lot, and he led me over to his car. "Don't make fun, but this is my baby." He said as he opened the passenger door of the silver Volvo. I slid in as he shut the door and walked over to his side.

"Edward, I would never make fun of your car. You have yet to see my baby." I smirked. "It's a 1959 rusty Chevy truck, and it rarely makes it to fifty-five miles an hour, but I love it anyway."

"Good to know! This is a 1990 Volvo 240 and she does go over fifty-five!" he chuckled as we pull away from the apartments.

"So, where are we headed?" I asked.

"Well, I was thinking either seafood or Italian?" he suggested looking at me smiling.

"Hmm…I think I'm in the mood for Italian tonight. I know a great little place that's not usually too busy around this time of day. It's right off First street and it's called…."

"Bella Italia" he finished for me.

"Yea." I was sort of stunned. "How'd you know?"

"Lucky guess." He chuckled.

We entered the restaurant and were seated at a cozy table in the corner. The waitress asked for our drink order. I ordered pink lemonade and Edward ordered a soda.

"No beer tonight?" he asked, leaning across the table, a teasing little smirk on his face.

"No, I'd like to think that I drank enough last night to get me thru the weekend, thank you very much." I laughed back, returning his smirk.

Dinner was fantastic and the conversation was very easy. He told me about the game that forever changed his football career. We talked about our majors and what we wanted to be when we "grew up". We laughed as we talked about that summer school class, that forever ruined me on men, and how overly bubbly Mrs. Cope had been. He told me how he worked part-time as a waiter and also as a bouncer at a sports bar in Bremerton. I told him that I worked summers in a tourist shop designed after a really popular best selling book, which happened to be right down the street from where we were. We talked about last night at the club and how he was there with his roommate, Jasper and his best friend Emmett. Emmett played football at the University of Washington and they had been roommates their freshman year before Edward got hurt. I could tell that he both loved and hated talking about football. I can't imagine what it must be like to love something so much, have so much passion for it, only to have it ripped away with no chance of ever getting it back. I swallowed the lump in my throat as he continued to talk, fighting back the urge to reach out and hold his hand across the table.

When we were done, and I was feeling like a stuffed pig, he paid the bill and we headed out. Summer in Washington is simply stunning, as it stays light out much longer than most other places and the sunsets are to die for.

"Would you like to take a walk?" He asked, holding his hand out for mine.

"Sure!" I smiled as I slid my hand into his and we headed down the block. He interlocked our fingers and I decided at that very moment that I was encroaching on very dangerous territory. I already had extremely strong feelings for this man and I wasn't even sure how he felt about me, or what he was even looking for in a girl. Could I possible be that girl for him? I had known a long time ago that he was "Mr. Popular" and I was just a wallflower. Sure, he knew I existed back then, simply because we were project partners, but he never saw me that way then. Could he possibly now? Was I worthy enough for this man? Was I good enough for him? I already knew that answer…he was much too good for me. I was plain ol' Isabella Swan, and he was stunningly handsome, no gorgeous, Edward Cullen. We'd never run with the same crowds.

"Penny for them." He said, gently squeezing my hand.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing really. Just noticing how beautiful it is tonight." I lied.

"Present company included." he said looking sideways at me and bumping my shoulder.

I simply smiled back. I was at a loss for words. Am I good enough?

We walked about two blocks towards the harbor and headed towards the Port Angeles Pier. There weren't any major events going on this weekend, so it was pretty deserted as we crossed through the parking lot and made our way onto the pier. It was about six-thirty, and the sun was low in the sky, and with the cloud cover, it was casting beautiful hues of purples, oranges, blues and reds across it. Of course, it was very romantic. We were still hand in hand, as we walked very slowly towards the end of the pier.

Edward took a deep breath and stopped. Pulling me towards him up against the side of the railing. He leaned sideways against it and I stood facing him, leaning on the railing as well. He slid his arm around the small of my back and pulled me into a side hug as we looked out over the harbor. Butterflies.

It was a comfortable silence we shared as we stood there. Strange really. We didn't really know each other that well; yet, it was like we'd known each other forever. It was comfortable, never awkward.

"It's so beautiful." I said as I watched a pelican glide over the surface of the water.

"I was just thinking the same thing." Edward said, and I chanced looking up at him to see him looking down at me.

He grabbed my hand again, and we walked to the end of the pier to the tower.

"Let's go up." He said, his eyes shinning and a big grin on his face. How could I resist?

We walked up the stairs to the top of the tower and the view was even more breathtaking from up there. I turned in a slow circle enjoying the view all around us. It was if I had never seen the harbor, or the sunset or the mountains before.

"Wow" I breathed. I turned to Edward and he was smiling too, but only at me, not the view. He took two steps towards me and placed his hands on my hips. He pulled me closer and closed the gap between us eliciting a gasp from me. My hands instantly went to his biceps as he stared intensely into my eyes. He eyes went to my mouth and back to my eyes before he slowly leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. It was soft and sweet at first and I slid my hands up his arms to the back of his neck and into his hair. He wrapped his arms around my lower back and pulled me in even closer. I felt his tongue slide across my bottom lip and I opened my mouth in response. Our tongues tangled and our breathing picked up. Oh please, please don't let this be a dream! I unwillingly pulled back, but I had to catch my breath before I passed out. He leaned his forehead to mine and he was breathing pretty heavy too.

"I'm sorry." He whispered.

"For what?" I whispered back, as I leaned my head back and looked into his eyes. They were dark with desire and…oh honey, the things I would do to this man. I stood on my tiptoes and pressed a soft, yet firm quick kiss to his lips letting him know I was not sorry, and there was no need for him to be sorry for that kiss. He smiled.

"Bella, can I ask you something?" he was still speaking softly.

"Of course you can." I replied, trying not to look confused as I stared into his eyes.

"Well, I didn't think that I was really in a place yet to want…well…Bella, I…I really enjoy your company. God! This is going to sound so high school," he chuckled and turned his head to look away, "but how would you feel about us dating? I mean, I realize that this is our first date, and that was our first kiss….but I am very drawn to you. I haven't been in a relationship in a long time, but ever since I saw you last night, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. I don't feel nervous around you. It's very comfortable and easy, and I haven't experienced that with a girl since, well…ever! So, it might be premature, but…"

"Edward?" I interrupted.

"Yea?" He looked into my eyes, looking nervous.

With a shy, sweet smile and a soft laugh, I said, "Shut up and kiss me again….please!" and with that his lips were on mine again. One of his hands went into my hair, one hand on my back. Both of my arms were under his and around his back, pulling him to me by his shoulder blades. The kiss was primal, yet gentle. Chills ran up my spine and the butterflies took flight again. Yea, I was just going to have to accept the fact that in any given moment with him, they would be there. But, that was a good thing right?

Why settle for anything less than butterflies?

WOW!…there are no other words to possibly describe our date, but WOW!..and maybe 'ohmyfreakinggod that was amazing!' It was so incredible how we just were, and it was perfect. No uncomfortable silences, no awkward small talk, not even weirdness at the physical contact. Just like we were meant to be here in this moment with each other.

We walked slowly back to his car and he drove us back to my apartment where I invited him in. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to him just yet. Angela was on the couch watching a movie when we came in, hand-in-hand and gave a sly smile when she saw us.

"Hey Edward! How are ya?"

"Hi Angela. I'm doing great, how about yourself?" He smiled back.

"Great!" she replied, as she faked a yawn and then stretched. "Oh man, but I'm tired. Must have been our crazy night out last night." She winked at me. "I hate to be rude, but I'm gonna go to bed. See you in the morning Bells! Good to see you again Edward!"

"You too, Angela." He replied.

And with that lovely, and not so subtle display, we were standing in the living room alone. I for one was trying not to crack up laughing at her ridiculousness, and Edward had a shy grin on his face.

"Subtle." I giggled. "Would you like to sit down?" I asked, pulling him to the couch with me. I kicked off my shoes and sat down sideways on the couch with my feet under me, my right hand proped up my head. He sat sideways, one leg curled under him, his left arm along the back of the couch.

"I had a really good time tonight Bella. Thank you." He says sweetly as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"You didn't forget!" I smiled. "I had a really good time too, so thank you." I couldn't resist leaning forward and pressing my lips to his again. So this was allowed whenever I wanted right? He was asking that we take a step towards being together, together right?

He slid his right hand along my thigh and up to my hip and pulled me towards him. Next thing I knew I was straddling his lap, my fingers in his hair, and his tongue in my mouth again. I sighed. He sighed. I pulled back to look into his eyes again, I couldn't get enough of them, and he kissed my nose. Both of his hands were resting on high up my thighs near my hips under my dress and he was rubbing small circles with his thumbs. Chills.

"Bella, I don't want to go too fast? I can honestly say that I've never had a rush of feelings like this for someone before, the way that I do for you. I don't want to push you or make you do something you don't want to do, but I can't seem to get enough of you."

Was he for real? I would jump his bones right now if he asked, reputation be damned.

"I would tell you. I know I won't do anything that I am not ready for, but I have never felt this way about anyone." I blushed and dropped my eyes to my lap. "Maybe it's too soon for me to tell you that, but I've been crazy about you for years." He put his fingers on my chin and lifted my face to look into my eyes. Nothing needed to be said. My heart clenched and I knew without a doubt that I was forever changed. No matter what happened from here, or where the road leads us, Edward was the first man to ever completely touch my heart. There was no question about that. I was in love with him, and I knew there would never be anyone that would take his place in my heart. My eyes may have given all of that away, but I wouldn't let my mouth speak the words, not yet anyway. He placed a soft gentle kiss on my lips and then moved me off his lap. I snuggled into his side as he pulled me to lay next to him on the couch and we tried to focus our attention on the TV. That was really just pointless as we decided that making out was much more interesting. Hands and mouths were everywhere as he kissed me down my neck, across my collarbone to my shoulders and between my breasts; his hand hitching my leg up over his hip and cupping my ass, pressing himself into me. Oh God! A few times we got close to carried away before we both stopped ourselves and calmed back down. I had the pleasure of straddling on top of him, feeling his hardness between my legs. That brought me crazy excitement. I kissed down his neck and chest and tasted the beautiful flavor that was all Edward. I would have this man, and soon.

At some point in the night we must have fallen asleep, because the next thing that I remember was the smell of coffee brewing. I took a deep breath and began to stir awake when I felt two arms pull me in close, and was bombarded with the heavenly scent of Edward. My heart began to flutter when I felt him shift beside me and tighten his grip around me. I smiled and snuggled in closer, nuzzling my nose into his neck and wrapping my legs up even more in his. I could feel his breath blowing past my ear every time he exhaled, and it sent shivers down my spine.

"Mmmmm…good morning beautiful." He whispered as I felt him turn his head and kiss my forehead.

"Good morning yourself." I nuzzled in more to his neck and kissed under his chin.

"I'm sorry I fell asleep. I had every intention of driving back home last night." He said as he shifted himself onto his side to face me. "But I haven't slept that good in a really long time."

"I'm not sorry you fell asleep. I enjoyed waking up like this." I pulled my head back to look into his eyes smiling. He kissed my forehead again.

"Good morning sleepyheads!" Angie said as she came into the living room. "I made coffee if you guys want some, and Edward I have a brand new tooth brush I just bought for Ben, but he hasn't opened it yet, if you'd like to use it."

"Thanks Ang, you're an angle." I said, sitting up a little shocked and trying to finger comb my hair, which I was sure, was a complete mess. I leaned over and kissed Edward on his nose before getting up to go to the bathroom and brush my teeth. He followed me into my room without me realizing, and as I came out of my bathroom, he was sitting on my bed smiling at me, holding up a brand new toothbrush. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Isn't a toothbrush the first step to moving in with someone?" he asked jokingly.

I laughed back and shook my head. "Ok, you're moving too fast. I'm not ready to live with any stinky boys yet."

"Stinky?" he sniffed under his arm. "Do I stink?" he winked.

I just laughed again. "Dork." I left the room to go get my much-needed cup of coffee and leave him to himself in the bathroom. Angie had just poured me a mug of coffee and placed the creamer and sugar on the counter. She was the best roommate ever.

"So…" she started, and then just sipped her coffee and stared at me.

"So?" I smiled back at her. My body was humming with the excitement of him even being in the next room.

"Sleeping together on the first date huh? Moving a little fast aren't you?"

"Emphasis on sleeping, Ang. That's all, aside from a little, ok maybe a lot of, making out, but nothing more…MOM!" I teased as I sipped my coffee.

Her face got really serious and she lowered her voice as she leaned across the bar to me. "Just be careful Bella. I know how much you really liked and do like this guy, but I also don't want to see you get hurt. He's Edward Cullen for crying out loud. I can tell he's really in to you, but I…" She paused, looked down at her coffee cup and then back up at me. "Just promise me you'll go slow and not get carried away with him. I'd hate to have to kick his ass and throw his body into Puget Sound." She winked and smiled.

I knew she meant well, and I loved her to death for it, but there it was…I was in no way good enough for him, and it was only a matter of time until he broke my heart. So, the question I needed to ask myself was, was he worth it? Was having loved and lost Edward better than to never have loved him at all? Could I handle loving and being loved by him knowing in all likelihood he'd break my heart?

He walked out of my room, having freshly showered, rubbing a towel in his beautiful copper hair, wearing nothing but his khaki shorts from last night, and looking fucking glorious.

"I think I washed off all the stinky boy." He smirked.

I had my answer. No matter what the future held, I was going 'all in'. If this was my one and only chance to open my heart up and be completely vulnerable to a man, then I was doing it. I would give myself one hundred percent to Edward and I would relish every moment that he allowed me to love him. I don't know if he will ever love me the same, but in that moment I resolved that he will be the one that gets all of me, forever.

See it? Right down there? You know you wanna...just hit it and tell me whatcha think! :)