Sorry it's late, folks. As anyone who visited my thread knows, I was in San Diego for a little vacay two weeks ago. That seriously cut into my writing time as did an unexpected full week of work upon my return.

Dedicated to my 3000th reviewer, who is also my friend and beta, Kristi. I love you, bb. You got me to 3000 on my birthday. What a delightful gift.

Without further ado…

Chapter 31 – First Date

Previously…

"Would you come to the premiere with me, not because I pay you and not because you 'should,' but because you want to? As my date?"

"Yes, Edward…"

EPOV

I considered the night as I drove away from Bella's atrocious apartment. I found myself doing something I hadn't done in years--thinking about my feelings. The unfamiliar effort was leaving me more confused than ignoring the emotions would have.

I discounted the uncomfortable state of affairs in my pants. The time it took to leave the bar and drive to her place was not enough to tame that monster, so I just ignored it. That response I understood. Hell, it was expected. Bella was a beautiful woman and an amazing kisser. I had no doubt she could get a rise out of dead man.

No, what confused me was the overwhelming desire I had to return to her apartment and force her to come home with me. Not for sex, though Lord knew that would be amazing, but to get her away from that horrendous place. No matter what she said, that neighborhood wasn't safe.

I wanted her to be safe. I wanted to protect her.

I thought back to the night of the club opening and the decision Jasper and I made not to leave her there. Our expensive car had attracted unwanted attention.

Now that I thought about it, it was hard to imagine that Bella coming and going in expensive clothes and at odd hours had not been noticed by the local populace, which seemed to have nothing better to do than stand in the street and keep an eye on the neighbors.

It took every ounce of my self control to not turn the car around and return to her. We had taken a small step tonight. If I went all Neanderthal on her who knows how far I could set this…whatever it was we had…back.

I grasped that straw to help settle my mind. We had taken a step tonight. Bella had agreed to go out with me--not as a job assignment, or because I paid her to--but because she wanted to.

At least that's what I hoped she agreed to.

Doubt flooded my mind. Had I been clear enough? Did I make my intentions known? I asked her out on a date--an honest to goodness first date. Did she 'get' that? I reviewed the conversation in my head. I think I even said, "date." Yes. Yes, I did. Yes, there was no way that she could have misinterpreted that.

Right?

I sighed and decided that this line of thinking wasn't helping me at all. At this point, all I could do was make sure it was a date that she'd remember. If she wasn't sure going in, she'd know by the end of the night that I meant it when I asked her to attend "as my date."

I pulled into my reserved space at my condo, and headed upstairs. Trying to plan anything tonight was probably useless. I was exhausted. It had been one of the longest days of my life. Ms. Weber had picked up right where Mrs. Cope left off, but the presentation, though successful, had still been stressful.

Giving up, I stripped as I walked through my bedroom, dropping clothes along the way. I'd be in better shape to think about the premiere tomorrow after a decent night's sleep. I'd already given Angela leave to stroll in whenever she felt like tomorrow. Perhaps, I'd take the same liberty. After today's coup, I could afford a few hours off.

The hazy morning light woke me, and I glanced at the clock on my bedside table--7 AM. For cryin' out loud, I could sleep in, and all I managed was an extra hour? I tried to close my eyes and return to my slumber, but my insistent morning wood and my runaway thoughts quickly made sleep impossible.

Sighing, I rose from bed and shuffled into the bathroom. A hot shower and a session with my right hand while remembering the feel of Bella's soft bottom on my lap yesterday, proved to be awakening. Clean and…relieved, I dressed quickly and brewed myself a quick cup of coffee in my French press, pouring it into a travel mug before making my way to my car.

Traffic was considerably heavier at this hour, compared to my usual commute time, but I didn't worry about my planned late arrival. I had expected to find my office empty, but Angela was already at her desk.

"Ms. Weber, I thought I told you to take some time off this morning?"

"I was a little late, Mr. Cullen," she offered me an impertinent grin, "Just not as late as you."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise at her unoffending insolence. I chuckled and raised my mug to her in mock salute to her verbal barb.

"Anything pressing come in this morning?"

"A few in-house calls of congratulations, nothing requiring your immediate attention."

I nodded.

"I spoke with Mrs. Cope's son. She's doing much better, recovered from the dehydration, no more fever. He says she'll be in on Monday."

"Thank you. Did we send her something?"

"Um, yeah. Bella sent her something on Tuesday, flowers and teas, I think."

I smiled. Tea, no surprise there.

"Great, thank you."

Once in my office, I took a moment to revel in the lack of a looming deadline before turning my thoughts to tonight's premiere, or more specifically, my first date with Bella.

I was surprised by my nervousness. I'd been out with Bella many times. We'd spent time together both personally and professionally. Hell, we'd slept in the same bed more than once. But this was different.

While Bella had forgiven me, and we seemed to be back on track, I still saw tonight as a fresh start, a chance to let Bella know that I was interested in something real. I mulled over the idea of the ideal first date. Movies were usually a pretty good choice for first dates, right? You weren't stuck sitting face-to-face in case conversation was stilted. You both had something else to command your attention in case you were bored.

Of course, none of that mattered, really. Bella and I didn't have a problem with conversation, and she was anything but boring. As a matter of a fact, she was one of the most interesting people I knew. The challenge tonight would be showing Bella a different Edward. Not her boss Edward, and God forbid, not the asshole Edward I'd been channeling lately.

What could I do to make our time tonight seem less like an appearance and more like a date? I searched the dark recesses of my mind for previous first-date behavior. My last first date was almost a year ago with Tanya; if you could consider hooking up after a night of clubbing a first date.

Probably not.

Well, the car was picking her up around six. What if I canceled the car and picked her up myself? That would be decidedly more date-like.

What else? Flowers? I thought back to the dances I'd attended in high school, and even my first date with Jessica. Flowers were always appreciated. Roses? Too formal. Something simple, like daisies, didn't seem appropriate. I clicked on my web browser and brought up the list of flower meanings I'd used when I bought Bella the hyacinths. I scanned the list until I saw "Sunflowers: adoration, homage, devotion."

Sunflowers didn't seem like an obvious choice, but the more I thought about it the more I liked the idea.

I made quick call to the florist, and they assured me they could put together a bouquet consisting of several stems that would be understated, but beautiful.

I scanned my email and found an alert for the website that had posted the picture of Bella and Mike. I grimaced thinking about it. I knew that there was nothing going on between them, and my conversation with the kid convinced me he was harmless, but thinking about it still bothered me.

I clicked on the link in the email.

Marking His Territory

Edward Cullen's most recent outing with his current gal pal was to the same watering hole where she was recently caught in the arms of another man.

"Edward was devastated when he found out about Bella straying," says a source close to the Chicago's Most Eligible Bachelor. "He was quite put out by Bella's public display, and the two fought terribly."

Ultimately, it seems, they've decided to give it another try by erasing the memories of Bella and her erstwhile suitor, and replacing them with memories of their own.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed at the over-the-top sensationalizing in the short article.

The picture that accompanied the article, however, set my thoughts reeling. I was immediately struck by how natural it looked to have Bella wedged in my lap. My next thought was a little less innocent as the sight of the two of us melded together from lips to hips caused my dick to twitch as I remembered her soft skin and sweet mouth. Finally, I felt the familiar annoyance at the paparazzis' blatant disregard for people's privacy.

You don't want this relationship to be private, a small, nagging voice reminded me.

It was true, but my intentions regarding the public's awareness of our relationship had changed. Before, I wanted my relationship with Bella to be public so it would serve as a shield, a way to keep the unwanted women away. Now, I wanted to shout from the rooftops that Bella Swan was mine. I wanted everyone to know, so that my presence would keep other men away.

How did this happen?

I shook my head and decided not to think about how I ended up here. Instead, I wanted to focus on where we'd go from here.

BPOV

A date?

A date.

A date!

Unless I'm sadly mistaken, Edward asked me out on an honest to goodness date.

I think.

As I lay in bed on Thursday morning, I replayed his words in my head. Yes, he had definitely said "date."

I hadn't been on a real date in a long time. What would Edward expect? Would he hold my hand and be on his best behavior like a first time date would be? Or would he want to pick up where we left off at our last appearance?

Both scenarios had their perks. A real first date with a man like Edward, well, with the man Edward could be when he wasn't going all "CEO," could be wonderful. I knew from personal experience that Edward knew how to treat a woman well.

On the other hand, picking up where we left off last night would be… No, Bella! He's your boss, not your boyfriend. Just remembering the kiss in the bar had me rubbing my thighs together.

I sighed. I really needed to wrap my head around the realities of our situation. What Edward and I did in public was for public consumption. Our private interactions were much more professional.

How screwed up was that?

Flinging the covers off, I stood up and contemplated my day. I had a noontime appointment for a set and style so that meant showering early. My Balenciaga dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, and Chanel bag were already here thanks to Riley.

After the longest shower I could take, I wrapped up and settled down at my computer. I quickly scanned my email, frowning when I saw a news alert. Clicking the link I was treated to a picture of myself, firmly ensconced in Edward's lap, at the Cock and Bull last night. The accompanying article was just short of offensive with the misleading details and an unnamed "source."

Shutting the screen in disgust, I quickly dressed and decided to head out early. I'd grab something to eat before going to the salon.

Six hours later I was nervously pacing the floor of my apartment. This was just ridiculous as I had nothing to be nervous about. I'd been seen in public with Edward many times. We'd been together at business and social functions in the past. We'd even slept in the same bed more than once. None of these facts help settle the butterflies fluttering around in my stomach, however.

A soft knock on the door grabbed my complete attention. I froze momentarily before making my way to the door. I swallowed before taking a deep breath.

Edward stood in the doorway, striking in a black on black ensemble. Then again, he could have been in board shorts and a hoodie and still would have looked fantastic. He smiled when he saw me, his eyes taking in my short dress and high heels, before settling on my face.

"You look lovely," he said appreciatively.

"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself."

He grinned in response before pulling his arm around from behind him.

"For you," he stated, holding out a bouquet of sunflowers.

"Oh!" I was both surprised and pleased. I took the bouquet, which was wrapped in layers of paper and tied with a fanciful ribbon, and tilted my head down to inhale their fresh fragrance.

"They're beautiful, thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied with another smile.

It took a few minutes to dig out a vase from my carefully packed belongings. Edward waited near my door quietly. Every time I looked at him, though, his eyes were trained on me. I picked up my wrap from the end of my bed and walked over to him as quickly as I could in my ridiculously high heels. He took the wrap from me gently and secured it over my shoulders before indicating I should walk in front of him.

We were down on the sidewalk in a few moments and walked to his car.

"I thought we were taking a limo?" I asked, confused, but not disappointed, when I saw Edward's Aston Martin.

"I wanted to pick you up myself," he answered, with a sheepish grin and small shrug. I couldn't help smiling at him in return.

"I'm glad," I told him before confessing, "I love your car."

He held the door for me, I slid into the seat before he walked around the car and got in on the driver's side. We pulled smoothly out into traffic.

"Have you heard from Mrs. Cope?" I asked, genuinely curious and concerned about Edward's assistant.

"Angela spoke with her son earlier today. She's doing better and plans on coming in on Monday."

"That's good news."

"Yes, it is."

Edward and I made small talk as we made our way to the theater where the movie was premiering. Our conversation was comfortable, and I marveled how easy it was to talk to him. Our circumstances couldn't be more different, but we found common ground on so many topics.

We joined the queue of cars pulling up in front of the theater. When it was finally our turn, a valet pulled open my door and offered me his hand. Before I could take it, however, Edward was there, shouldering him out of the way gently and offering me his hand instead. I smiled up at him as I accepted.

He pulled me towards him as we stepped onto the red carpet, and wound his arm around my waist. Edward leaned down to my ear and started pointing out various dignitaries. It was difficult to see from where we were, and the blinding flashes didn't help.

We made our way down the red carpet, separating briefly for individual pictures. I praised Alice as my stylist, and recited the names of the designers whose work encompassed my outfit. We met up again at the end of the carpet and continued inside. Edward was quiet, and I took a moment to remember my previous concerns regarding this event.

When Edward and I first started working together, just over a month ago, I saw this premiere as our first public social outing. I remembered the conversation I had with Alice. "It's not something Edward would normally take a coworker to. He mentioned that he often went to openings with Tanya. When people see us there together, they're going to assume that we're seeing each other socially."

Ha! It certainly hadn't taken a month for the press to ferret us out as a couple.

I felt Edward's hand slide from my waist to my hip as he pulled me a little closer. I looked up at him only to find him looking down at me. A huge smile came across my face unbidden, and he smiled at me in return before bending slightly and burying his face in my neck. He nuzzled me briefly before kissing me once and raising his head.

The damage was done. I could still feel his warm face pressed against my skin. I had to stop myself from touching the spot where he had kissed me. Goose bumps covered my neck, shoulder, and bare arm. Even my nipples got into the act, hardening and pressing against the fabric of my self-adhesive bra, making it even more uncomfortable than it was when I'd first put it on.

I shook myself from my Edward-induced haze and focused on the people around me. Some I recognized easily, their celebrity preceding them. Others I thought I recognized, possibly from the club; they were people well-known on the local scene. It was then that I saw Tanya.

The conversation Edward and I first had about this evening returned to me,

"Um, you received an invitation to a movie premiere for November 19th."

"Really? That's strange. I've attended plenty, but it was Tanya, not me, who was always invited. What movie?"

"I don't remember the name right now. Some supernatural teenaged romance…"

"Oh! That invitation is for me. My friend, Seth, is a screenwriter. This is his first big studio film. I didn't know they were having an opening in Chicago. We'll definitely go to that."

Tanya was always invited to local premieres. My eyes narrowed as I looked at her. She froze when she met my gaze, and I suddenly understood Edward's possessive hold on me. He must have seen her first.

We walked past her unhurriedly. She didn't exactly ignore us, and her body language was conflicted as well. She wanted to maintain the charade that she broke up with Edward, and enough time had certainly passed that it was acceptable for him to be seen in public with another girl. I'm sure she also wanted to avoid another physical altercation. I couldn't help the sly smile that overtook my features when I remembered laying her out not once, but twice when she attacked me at the club.

Edward chuckled and shook his head as if he could read my thoughts.

Off to one side, several important behind-the-scenes people were being interviewed. Edward pointed out the director and one of the producers. Their names were unfamiliar to me. However, the screenwriter, the guy Edward described as his "friend" when we first accepted this invitation, was all too well known to me.

"That's Seth," I hissed.

"I told you my friend Seth was the screenwriter for this movie. It's why the invitation came addressed to me and not Tanya."

"Your friend," I spat—with friends like Seth…

"I know, Bella. I know. We can avoid him if you like. He'll be busy all night, anyway."

I nodded and wondered why we bothered to come at all after what happened at the reunion. Edward and I made our way to the still nearly empty theater. Seating was assigned and I was pleasantly surprised with our excellent view, considering we weren't among the muckity-mucks in attendance, just a well-known local and his unknown date.

People began filing in almost immediately after we were settled. Our seats at the end of the aisle meant we were forced to stand over and over again as our rowmates made their way to their seats. It wasn't too long, however, before everyone was seated.

Pretty girls in short dresses began roaming the theater, offering us red-and-white striped, cardboard containers of warm popcorn. Edward and I each took one. Other servers offered drinks and candy, completing the whole stereotypical movie-going experience.

Several of the people involved in the movie were congregating on the floor near the screen. A long table and a microphone on a stand were before them. I grimaced when I realized the vacant row behind us was reserved for these people. We might be sitting closer to Seth than I preferred.

It wasn't long before we were being welcomed to the premiere. The director and producer spoke briefly about the show and the stars smiled and waved while cameras flashed all around the room.

Eventually, everyone began filing up the stairs to the row behind us. Despite being bothered by Seth's presence, I was excited by the obvious energy and buzz in the theater. As the lights dimmed I grinned stupidly at Edward and did a little bob and weave in my seat. Edward laughed lightly at my antics and leaned towards me.

"Having fun?"

"I am. Thank you so much for bringing me."

"Believe me, it's my pleasure." Edward maintained eye contact until it was too dark to see. As the title sequence began to play I felt, rather than saw, him settle back and turn his attention to the screen.

Suddenly, I was nervous. Again, I internally scoffed at my feelings. Why was I nervous around Edward? Our arms were sharing the rest between us and I could feel the warmth of his skin through his suit jacket. He shifted slightly and, for a moment, I thought he was going to take my hand, but he didn't.

I was instantly transported back to high school and the awkwardness of first dates. Losing sleep over the does-he-or-doesn't-he like me angst that preceded actual dating. Then, there was the uncertainty experienced before each new step: hand holding, the goodnight kiss, the phone calls, and whatever came next.

Edward and I had come close to second base in public in the past. Yet, here I was, heart racing, wondering if he'd try to hold my hand in the darkened movie theater. My anxiety level continued to rise as I worked hard at paying attention to the show being played before me.

Twice in the first few minutes I thought that he was reaching for my hand, but was wrong. I watched as the couple in front of us cozied up to one another, him with his arm around her, her resting her head on his shoulder. Other couples began relaxing together, holding hands, or leaning in towards one another.

It was nearly fifteen minutes into the show when Edward removed his arm from the rest entirely. A small wave of disappointment washed over me until he swiftly brought his hand back up and grasped mine lightly. He pulled my hand over the armrest and laid our clasped hands on his leg.

I sighed in relief, louder than I had intended, and sunk into my seat a little more, leaning towards Edward. I heard him shift as he leaned towards me as well. Holding his hand allowed me to relax and finally enjoy the movie, which was really very good. I would have loved to compliment Seth on it, had I had any intention of ever speaking to him again.

The lights came up, and I blinked a few times as my eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness. We both stood and stretched. Edward's arm settled around my waist once more as he guided me out of the row and onto the stairs.

"What's next?" I asked him

"Cocktail reception in the lobby," he replied, nodding his head towards the exit. We exited the theater and followed the crowd towards the transformed lobby. Tall tables were scattered around the large space. Several bars were set up, and I could see two distinct carving stations. Edward led me over to a table.

"Is this okay?" he asked.

"It's fine. I need to use the restroom before the line gets too long," I said, shooting a glance at the ladies' room.

"I'll wait for you here. What would you like to drink?"

"Anything's fine," I told him, before making my way to the restroom.

I was lucky to get into a stall right away. I sighed deeply and took a moment to relax as soon as I closed the door behind me. I pulled a compact from my purse and reapplied my lipstick. I was just about to leave the stall when I heard Tanya's shrill voice.

She was laughing at some comment her companion had made.

"So Tanya, I saw that Edward is here," an unfamiliar, overly-sweet voice commented.

"So?" Even I could hear her feigned nonchalance.

"So, is that the same girl he brought to the club a few weeks ago?"

"I have no idea." Tanya dismissed the question airily.

Someone snorted.

"C'mon Tanya, you must remember the girl from that night." This comment came from someone else.

"You'd think I would," she replied, obviously stung. "Must be someone different."

I heard general murmurs of agreement. I really wanted to rejoin Edward, but didn't want to have to pass through the women currently congregated outside the stalls. I waited another few moments before realizing they had no intentions of leaving soon.

Metaphorically hiking up my big girl panties, I flushed the toilet and left the stall. No one paid me any mind until I reached the sinks and began washing my hands. The girl at the next sink was studying my face in the mirror. Her eyes went wide with recognition.

Before she could say anything I rinsed my hands and began walking out, pulling a paper towel from the dispenser as I passed by.

I exited the restroom and started wending my way back towards the table Edward had chosen. I stopped short when I saw him speaking to Seth. I hesitated a moment, trying to wait him out. However, the women from the ladies' room had exited and were approaching me from behind. I took a panicked step in Edward's direction and his eyes snapped to me, causing Seth to follow his gaze.

I took a reluctant step towards the table before remembering that I had nothing to be ashamed of. Seth and his friends had treated me poorly. I maintained my dignity throughout the whole mess. Once again marshalling my inner strength, I approached the table and stood next to Edward. He kissed me lightly on the temple.

I turned to face Seth.

"Bella," he greeted me. I could detect a tinge of worry in his tone.

"Seth," I replied, nodding my head at him while maintaining eye contact.

"Um, like I was saying to Edward just now, I wanted to apologize for my behavior the last time we were together. We're not in college anymore. What happened that night, it wasn't cool. I have no excuse and don't expect you to forgive me, but I wanted to let you know that I am sorry."

It was easy to be merciful in the face of his obviously sincere apology.

I cleared my throat.

"Thank you, Seth."

He smiled in obvious relief.

"Edward's been my friend for a long time. Please don't hate me forever."

"I don't hate you."

Seth frowned, before nodding. "You're very gracious. I should never have believed those guys when they said that you were just some flavor of the month."

Edward's eyes flashed, and I couldn't help the small gasp.

"They said what?" Edward asked through clenched teeth.

"It was Sam, man. He's been such a douche since Kathleen left him. I don't blame her and who would have thought he'd even care, the way he slept around."

This seemed to make sense to Edward, but I was still in the dark, though I gathered that Sam had a problem with fidelity. However, I could sense the tension between them easing as Seth's justification explained something to Edward. They spoke briefly about friends who hadn't made it to the reunion before the man I recognized as the movie's director walked over. Seth introduced us.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Bella," the director said to me. "Do you act, or just model?"

I laughed at his mistaken impression. "I'm no actress or model, Chris, but thank you."

"Really? Wow. You have a fantastic look."

I could feel my skin heating thanks to his compliment. Edward ran his hand down my arm before leaning into my ear and whispering, "He's right. You do look fantastic."

The three men spoke briefly before Seth and Chris were pulled away to meet someone else.

Waiters were circulating offering finger foods and champagne. Edward and I eventually abandoned our table and made the rounds. During this time, he always had at least one hand on me. From time to time, he'd kiss my hand, my cheek or my temple. After a few hours, during which Edward schooled me in the fine art of schmoozing, the crowd started to thin.

I looked around with a tired sigh.

"Ready to go?" he asked.

I nodded and he offered to get my wrap and his coat. I stood near one of the tables thinking about the evening and deciding it was certainly the best first date I'd ever gone on when I became aware of someone behind me.

"Why don't I know you?"

I turned quickly and came face to face with Tanya.

"Excuse me?"

"Where did you come from? You can't be a local. I'd at least be aware of you if you were from around here. Where did Edward find you?"

"We met at work."

"Unlikely. The only women in his office are that Weber girl and old Mrs. Cope."

Tanya pursed her lips and looked at me as if considering something.

"Edward's always dated high profile women, but you seem to have come out of nowhere. No one around here knows who you are or where you came from. You're no one that the press recognizes."

Screwing up my courage I responded, "I don't know what to tell you, Tanya. We met in his office a few weeks ago."

"And what, exactly, do you do at CE?"

"The nature of Ms. Swan's employment is really none of your concern, Tanya," Edward interrupted, before I could answer.

"Edward," she responded with a false laugh. "Your little girlfriend and I were just having a friendly chat."

"Well, if you'll excuse us, it's getting late and we were just about to leave."

"Of course. Of course. So nice to see you again, Edward. And you, Bella. We must continue this conversation the next time we meet. Goodnight."

With that, Tanya waved her hand and walked away from us.

"I'm sorry about that, Bella. I didn't realize she was still here."

"It's no problem. She was surprisingly cordial, but curious. It bothers her that she doesn't know who I am."

"You've got nothing to hide, and neither do I. If she wants to waste her time digging around, that's her business." He wrapped my pashmina around my shoulders. "Ready?"

Hand in hand, we walked outside and waited while the valet brought up the car. Edward held my door as I sat inside and quickly walked around the car. Again, I was delighted by our easy conversation. We both avoided discussing Seth or Tanya, but still managed to find plenty to discuss.

I was startled and disappointed by how fast we arrived back at my apartment. When Edward got out to open my door, the butterflies descended on me once again. Was he going to kiss me goodnight? I mentally rolled my eyes. How was it that this man made me feel like I was fifteen again?

Edward didn't drop my hand after helping me out of the car. We walked to my building, about a half a block away, and slowly made our way upstairs. We were quieter now, and I wanted to ask him what he was thinking, but was afraid of the word vomit I might spew in my nervousness.

We stopped in front of my door. I turned to thank him for a lovely evening. The words died on my lips when I saw his intense stare.

Marshalling my courage, I licked my lips and opened my mouth, inhaling to speak.

"Bella…." he started, stepping closer to me before I could say anything. I took a half step away until my back was pressed against my door. Edward leaned in, his eyes never leaving mine.

"I had a wonderful time tonight."

I exhaled lightly through my parted lips, "I did too," I answered breathily.

He was so close, and I couldn't retreat any further. He eyes flickered from mine to my mouth and back. He leaned in further and my eyes fluttered shut in anticipation of his kiss.

Just as his soft, warm lips touched mine, the wail of a car alarm pierced the quiet night.

"Shit!" Edward was away from me in a flash. I stumbled forward against the sudden lack of resistance.

"I'll be right back," he called over his shoulder. "Go inside!"

Instead of listening, I followed him at a slower pace. By the time I made way downstairs and to his car, he was cursing a blue streak and appraising the damage done to the driver's side door where someone had tried to break in.

"Oh, Edward, I'm sorry…."

He cut me off harshly.

"I told you to go inside, Bella." He made a noise of disgust deep in his throat. "I've been telling you for weeks that this neighborhood isn't safe. You're not safe here. You know what?" He pointed at the car with his thumb. "Get in!" He popped the locks on the car with his remote.

"What?" My voice was incredulous.

"Get in. Now. We're starting to attract too much attention in this neighborhood. You can't stay here."

"Edward- I… What?" I was confused and more than a little annoyed by his tone of voice.

"Get in the car, Isabella. You're coming with me. Whoever did this was watching for you to come home."

He grasped my arm with more force than he'd ever held me before and starting marching me around the car to the passenger side. I had to follow for fear he'd drag me there if I didn't cooperate.

"Edward, this isn't necessary. I have nothing worth stealing. Your car is the most valuable thing on this whole block!"

"They don't know that. If nothing else, your dress and shoes could be sold for a couple hundred bucks. You are not staying here alone tonight. Let's go."

He jerked the door open and waited for me to get in the car.

"Edward…." I started.

"Now, Isabella," he growled from between his clenched teeth. He used his free hand to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"No! You're being ridiculous."

"Get. In. The. Car."

When I didn't show signs of compliance, Edward grasped both my arms and started walking me backwards. When I was in the open car door he pushed me down until I had to either sit in the car or attempt to fight him off.

I sat down with a huff. He bent over and stuck his head in pulling the seatbelt across my body and snapping it in place.

"Stay!"

"Hmmf," I grumbled. Did he think I was a dog? Edward was around the car and in the driver's seat before I could even think about escaping. He started the car and pulled away from the curb with a dramatic squeal of the tires. He accelerated well past the speed limit and shot down the block like we were being chased.

A tense silence filled the car. I crossed my arms and resolutely ignored him. He was treating me like a child, and I didn't appreciate it. I'd managed to take pretty good care of myself these last few years and was not in need of rescuing.

He broke first. "Isa-… Bella? I'm sorry, I just didn't want, I mean didn't think…gah!...It's not safe, Bella. It's not."

"I'm not a child, Edward." I retorted, shooting him a scathing look.

He chuckled darkly, looking me up and down. "Believe me. I know."

I flushed at his comment, but didn't respond. He slowed down as we began driving the familiar streets of his neighborhood. He pulled into his parking spot and turned off the car before sitting back with a huff.

"Please. I don't want to fight with you," he said in a much calmer tone. "I'm sorry I pushed you into the car. Please, just stay in my guest room tonight. You can go back tomorrow, dressed in your regular clothes, during daylight hours.

I pursed my lips into a disapproving pout before flinging my door open and getting out of the car without his assistance. I marched over to the lobby door. I heard Edward's door slam and his alarm engage as he trotted up behind me. The doorman let us in.

"Good evening, Mr. Cullen. Miss."

I nodded at the doorman, afraid of what my voice would sound like if I tried to answer him. Edward greeted him by name and followed me quietly to the elevator. He stared at me in the mirrored walls of the elevator while I blatantly ignored him. As soon as we were inside, I proceeded to the living room and plopped down on the couch not allowing him to play host to me.

He sat down gingerly leaving a cushion of space between us. I sat in silence, my arms folded across my chest, clutching my purse.

"Can I get you…?" he began.

"No." I cut him off.

"You have a bit of a temper, don't you?" The amusement in his voice aggravated me further. I turned quickly to give him a piece of my mind, but he had gotten up and was walking out of the room.

I sat in the dark room staring out at his magnificent view. He was so quiet when he returned he startled me when he spoke.

"Here. They're not your pretty pajamas, but they'll be more comfortable than sleeping in that dress." He laid something on the couch next to me. I still didn't acknowledge him, though a small voice told me that I was acting like the child I insisted I wasn't.

"Uh, don't sleep here. Use the guest bedroom." He paused. "I'll see you in the morning."

He left me alone again. I continued staring out the window. I could hear a clock ticking somewhere in the great room. The quiet, monotonous sound had a soothing effect and I found myself nodding.

I jerked awake when a chiming sound rang through the room. One o'clock. I sighed and stood up, taking the clothes Edward had left for me on the couch. I made my way through the darkened house to the guest bathroom. There was no sign of Edward and I was sure he was asleep in his room. I changed quickly into the t-shirt he gave me and tried my hardest to make the sleep pants stay up. Sighing in frustration, I finally gave up. The t-shirt was longer than some of the dresses Edward had seen me wear. It was enough.

I unpinned my hair and brushed it out before washing my face and using one of the toothbrushes Edward kept stocked. Leaving everything in the bathroom, I walked back to the living room, still too stubborn to accept his hospitality. I pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and covered myself before curling up, and pillowing my head with my hand.

Once again, I stared at the view. It didn't take long for me to fall back asleep.

We were back in my hallway, saying goodnight. Edward had me gently pinned against my door and was kissing me. He kissed my mouth before moving his lips to the side of my neck. He traced the tip of his nose around the shell of my ear causing me to moan.

I woke with a start. It was still dark. I was groggy, but I knew it wasn't near morning yet. My eyes closed, and I stretched, rolling over. It took me a second before I realized that the movement should have dumped me on the floor. And I was much too comfortable.

I rolled back over, trying to see. It was darker than it was earlier. The windows were smaller and didn't encompass the skyline view.

"Sorry," Edward murmured, so softly that his voice was part of the darkness. "I didn't mean to wake you."

I tensed, waiting for my anger from earlier to resurface, but it was only quiet and calm in the darkened room.

Suddenly, I didn't care that I was supposed to be angry with him. I reached for him, found his hands in the darkness, and pulled myself closer to him. His arms encircled me, lightly. I raised my head, lips searching, till they finally found his.

Edward kissed me softly for a moment. Then his fingers knotted in my hair, while his lips pressed under my jaw. I tightened my arms around his neck.

His hand curved around my elbow, moving slowly down my arm, across my ribs and over my waist, tracing along my hip and down my leg, around my knee. He paused there, his hand curling around my calf. He pulled my leg up suddenly, hitching it around his hip.

I stopped breathing for a moment before shuddering out a quiet moan.

"Do you mind telling me what it is about this bed that you object to?"

Before I could answer, he rolled to his side, pulling me on top of him. He held my face in his hands, angling it up so that his mouth could reach my throat.

"It's unnecessary," I managed to gasp.

He pulled my face back to his and kissed me again. Slowly this time, he rolled til he hovered over me.

"That's debatable," he disagreed. "This would be difficult on the couch."

Grabbing hold of my senses, I replied, "I mean I shouldn't be here at all. I could have slept in my own bed at my apartment."

Edward sighed, rolling back so that we were on our sides again.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I was wrong. It's much easier to have the proper perspective when I have you safely here. I won't do it again."

"Okay," I said easily. He was already forgiven.

Edward sighed heavily and I could feel him shift his hips.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"For what?" he asked.

"For attacking you just now, it's just…." I couldn't put my thoughts into words.

"Yeah," he agreed, obviously similarly confused. "I should go back to bed," he said, rising slowly. "Um, I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay. Goodnight, Edward."

"Goodnight, l- Bella."

As always, thanks to Kristi for the beta job. Thanks, also, to Dorothy's Ruby Slippers for stepping in while Lisa is off sunning her buns on the beaches of Hawaii. Bitch.

Go read DRS's story, Operation Love's Recovery. It's based on a one-shot I adored!

Sadness, I didn't make the final round of voting for the Faithful Shipper awards, even with Clipped Wings and UoEM being disqualified in the category. However, I'm reading all the fics that did make the top four in my category (AH) and recommend that you do, too.

There are some awesome fics in the other categories, as well. The Misapprehension of Bella Swan by hunterhunting and Fourteen by Crimsonmarie are well worth your time. They are as different as can be, but wonderful nonetheless.

Leo, please email Kristi for a definition of the American bases to clarify the mention in the story. Love you, Leo!

Just to clarify, Bella doesn't live in a dangerous, gang-ridden, drug den slum. But she lives in a neighborhood that is unlike anything Edward's ever experienced. However, his paranoia was a little justified this chapter. The locals did figure if he picked her up in that car, he'd probably drop her off in it as well, so a few shady characters were waiting for their return.