I received dozens and dozens of notices that THTF was put on alert or marked as a favorite this week. Thank you! I hope everyone who did continues to read and enjoy! Drop me a PM or a review to say hi!

I've also heard from reviewers that they've gotten recs for The Harder they Fall from other stories. If you found me because of another author, please let me know! I always try to thank them.

Thanks to Kristi and Melissa, who is still covering for Lisa while she wraps up her vacation.

Chapter 32 – It Doesn't Mean Anything

Waking Friday morning in Edward's guest room was delightful. Bright sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains giving the room an ethereal glow. I snuggled into the soft, warm covers debating if I should rise or not.

The distant sounds of Edward moving about convinced me it was time to get moving. Standing, I went to the bathroom and donned the robe he kept here. After brushing my teeth and hair and washing my face, I opened the bathroom door and almost collided with a fully dressed Edward as he walked down the hall.

"You're awake," he said, smiling at me.

"Just barely. Honestly, I'm contemplating returning to bed." I hesitated before sighing, "I owe you an apology. My behavior last night was childish. You only had my best interests at heart."

He shook his head. "That's true, but I really didn't handle the situation well. You're not a child, as you so eloquently pointed out. It's not my place to make decisions for you."

"I guess we both reacted poorly."

He nodded in agreement. "Well, you're welcome to stay as long as you like. I left Alice a voicemail telling her you'd need something to wear home. Someone from her office was going to stop by your place to pick up your clothes, right?"

I nodded. Riley was coming.

"Do you think they'll mind coming here instead?"

I tried to imagine Riley's reaction to finding out he was coming here instead of my place. Words failed me, though the images were interesting. I stifled my laughter.

"I'm sure it will be fine."

"Well, uh, if you want to go back to bed I won't keep you."

I shrugged. "I'm up now."

He grinned. "Oh, well, would you like to join me for breakfast? I turned on the heaters on the balcony."

I nodded. "That would be great."

"Great," he echoed, sweeping his hand out indicating I should precede him down the hallway.

I walked down the hall, through the foyer and great room and onto the balcony. A small table set with white dishes was off to one side.

"What's this?" I asked.

"I was hoping you'd join me," Edward confessed as he pulled out one of the chairs, "Please, sit."

I sat down and smiled up at him. "This is very thoughtful, thank you."

He grinned. "You're welcome. I hear the kettle whistling. I'll be right back with your tea."

I watched Edward retreat then scanned the view. Magnificent. Suddenly, my brain went into overdrive. I wondered if he was this sweet with all his dates--well, all his dates that spent the night. Was I sitting in Tanya's seat? And, if I was, did it matter?

What were we to each other today? Was this still our date or had we returned to boss and employee? If this still was a date, would it be wrong to eat breakfast while perched on his lap?

Bad Bella. Stop it.

I sighed. He hadn't done anything to lead me to believe this was anything more than a convenience or kind gesture. Boss and employee it was.

Edward emerged from the door juggling a tray loaded with dishes: one bowl of strawberries and whipped cream, a serving plate of scrambled eggs, a few slices of bacon, toast, and a ramekin of jam, a small pot of tea for me and a large mug of coffee for him.

A warm feeling bubbled up in my chest, and I smiled softly at him. He smiled back shyly before pulling his chair next to mine. We ate slowly, enjoying the brightening morning and each other's company.

"What are your plans for today?"

"Well, once Riley gets here with my things I'll probably head home. I want to plan the menu for Thanksgiving. Maybe I'll go grocery shopping and pick up everything we need. Since I'm spending Wednesday night I'll have enough time to bake desserts, how does homemade apple pie and pumpkin mousse parfaits sound?"

Edward stared at me dumbly.

"Or not…." I trailed off uncertainly.

Edward shook his head and exhaled harshly, "They sound great, Bella. You really don't have to," he continued. "I told you we can just have it catered."

I scoffed. "And I told you I'm not serving your family a catered Thanksgiving meal," I said with finality.

He grinned at me in defeat.

"Fine. But you're going to have to let me make this up to you somehow."

"If you insist, but really, there's no-" my protest was cut off by Edward's sudden kiss. This kiss wasn't like the passionate lovers' kiss we'd shared last night, but it was still intense. Alone, on the balcony overlooking the river, we kissed while thoughts tumbled through my head. What was he doing? What were we doing? Confusion set in as I felt his hand travel lightly down my side.

He must have felt my sudden hesitancy. He pulled back, then kissed me once more lightly.

"I have to go to work."

I nodded at his statement, my eyes still closed.

"I'll tell my doorman to let you back in later if you do decide to go shopping. You can store everything in the fridge, since you're all packed up for your move."

"Okay." I opened my eyes. Edward was gathering our dirty plates.

"I'll take care of this. You should go."

"Thanks. Just leave everything in the sink, I'll take care of it when I get home."

I shook my head and waved as he walked back inside. Sitting back, I enjoyed the dregs of my tea while staring out over the water. I purposely avoided thinking about what had just happened. I was almost dozing when my Blackberry rang.

"Hello?" I answered without looking at the caller id.

"Bella, darling, it's me!" Riley's voice rang out.

"Good morning, Riley."

"I'll bet," he responded enthusiastically. "So, tell me why is there a message on Alice's voicemail from Edward Cullen, telling her that you need a change of clothes, when we all know that I've slipped you enough haute couture to last you a lifetime, hm?"

"Um, how do you know what's on Alice's voicemail, Riley?"

"That's not important, darling, answer my question."

I sighed.

"Um, I spent the night at Edward's place-" was as far as I got before Riley let out an ear-splitting scream that went on and on. I yanked the phone away from my ear until I was sure he was done. When I brought the phone back to my ear, he was in midrant.

"…I knew, I just knew…" he continued on and on, speaking faster and faster, until his words were just an unintelligible cacophony.

"Riley!"

"…with that dress and those shoes…"

"Riley!"

"…and Alice owes me a day off, with pay…"

"Riley!"

"…the websites had it so wrong…"

"Riley!"

"What?" he responded as I finally got through to him.

"Are you bringing me my clothes?"

Stunned silence ensued.

"Are you still there?" he finally asked, in a hopeful whisper.

"Yes."

"On my way."

He disconnected, and I laughed as I gathered up the dishes Edward hadn't gotten to yet and brought them into the kitchen. I washed them quickly, and put everything away before heading back to the guest bathroom and showering. When I was clean and dry, I put the bathrobe back on and found the clothes I needed to return to Alice. Once everything was together, I settled down in the living room to watch some television.

Edward's entertainment system was complicated. There were too many remotes, flashing lights and boxes. I spent almost ten minutes just trying to turn the damned thing on. When I finally figured it out, I realized that there was nothing remotely interesting on. The buzzer in the foyer rang just as I was powering the system down.

I ran to the intercom. "Yes?"

"Miss, there's a Mr. Biers down here who says you're expecting him?" The doorman sounded dubious. In the background I could hear Riley shouting.

"It's me Bella! It's me! Make him let me up!"

"That's fine, sir. Please send him up."

"Certainly, Miss."

When the elevator doors finally opened, Riley was so excited he was actually vibrating. His eyes were wide, his expression reverent.

"Oh, Bella? What did you do?" Riley was rubbernecking for all he was worth, scanning every surface and room he could see.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, girl, after our talk last time there was no way I thought you'd put out so quickly, but girlfriend, I'm glad you did!"

Before I could respond, Riley stuffed the clothes he was carrying into my hands, and was off like a shot. I followed him as he zipped through the kitchen and living room before he burst out onto the terrace. He stood transfixed by the view.

I stood beside him silently once I caught up.

"Babe, whatever you're doing, keep it up. It's worth it for the view alone."

"I'm not doing anything," I protested.

"Oh, sweetheart, it's me, Riley. You don't have to lie to me. Let's have a drink, and you can give me the specs." Riley grabbed my hand and dragged me off the terrace, though the great room and back into the kitchen.

I handed him a bottle of water from the fridge while he pulled up a stool and sat down.

"Let's start with length, and we'll get into technique later." Riley looked at me with a worshipful expression.

"Riley, it…it's not like that."

Disbelief darkened his countenance.

"Bella, there's no way you woke up here, again, if you didn't sleep with him."

"I didn't sleep with him. He brought me back to my place last night, but someone tried to break into his car. He insisted I come home with him. I slept in the guest bedroom: end of story."

Riley squinted at me. I held steady under his gaze.

He shook his head minutely. "No, there's more," he finally declared.

I averted my eyes.

"Mm-hm, there's more. C'mon, tell your Auntie Riley all about it."

"Riley," my voice held a warning note.

"Bel-lah," he drawled back. "I deserve to know."

I twisted my mouth.

"Fine. He may have kissed me goodnight."

"May have?"

"Okay, he did."

"Where?"

"Where? On my mouth."

A wicked gleam came into his eye.

"No, not where on your body, where in this apartment. However, I find it interesting that you felt the need to clarify that he kissed you on the mouth when he kissed you goodnight."

I realized my mistake. My efforts to withhold information were just making him more suspicious.

"Where were you standing when he kissed you goodnight?"

"Standing?"

My question caused Riley's face to light up.

"You weren't standing when he kissed you? Were you sitting?" The look on his face let me know he was expecting my answer.

"No."

"You're going to make me pull every detail out of you, aren't you? Isabella Marie Swan, just tell me!"

"Fine!" I shouted, tired of trying to hide the truth, "We made out in the guest bed. Happy?"

"Very!" There was no doubting the sentiment. His obvious sincerity made it easy to confess the details.

"I had been so angry at him for making me come here when I knew I'd be fine in my own place. I refused to sleep in the guest bedroom and fell asleep on the couch. I guess he found me there and carried me to the bedroom. I woke up and he was there and I…I kissed him."

"You go, girl!"

I continued as if he hadn't interrupted. I traced my hand over the path Edward's kisses took last night.

"He kissed me here and here. He pulled me on top of him and kissed my neck, then rolled over on top of me. It was…uh…" I trailed off with a nervous laugh.

"And that was it? He just got up and left?"

"I apologized first-" I started, but Riley interrupted.

"For what?"

"For attacking him."

"I doubt he minded."

I smiled, "No, he didn't."

"So, what does this mean?" Riley asked.

I was confused. "Mean? It doesn't mean anything. We just got a little carried away, is all."

"So, he didn't kiss you this morning?"

"He did, while we were discussing the dinner I'm making for his family on Thanksgiving. I think he was just saying 'thank you'."

"Sticking your tongue down someone else's throat is how the kids are saying thanks nowadays?"

I shrugged. Thinking about this was uncomfortable. Guys like Edward didn't want girls like me. I wasn't plagued by doubts about myself, really, I knew I was smart and not hard to look at, but Edward and I moved in different social circles to say the least.

And he paid me. I shuddered thinking of the general opinion people had for women who dated or slept with their bosses.

"I'm going to get dressed. Would you mind driving me home?"

"Sure, honey. Take your time. I'll wait."

I walked down to the guest room and got dressed. I had nothing to pack so was done in under five minutes. I walked back down the hallway to the kitchen, but Riley was nowhere to be found.

Thinking he'd gone back to the terrace or living room I roamed through the apartment. He wasn't there.

"Riley?"

Silence. A sick feeling crept over me and I ran through the apartment to Edward's bedroom door; it was closed, but I threw it open.

"Riley!"

"In here…"

No!

"I was gone for less than five minutes, what possessed you…?" I started angrily. I trailed off when I finally found him in Edward's bathroom. He was methodically going through his medicine chest, piling everything up neatly on one side of the vanity.

"Riley, what are you doing? Stop?"

"You'd be amazed what you can learn about a person from his medicine chest."

I lunged at him, but he turned to stop me.

"Don't touch anything, otherwise I won't be able to put it back where it belongs."

I froze, afraid that Edward would blame me if he figured out that Riley was scouring his bathroom.

"Disappointing."

"What?"

"Your boytoy is disgustingly healthy and clean. There's nothing in here but soap, shaving gear, multivitamins, a few spare toothbrushes, mouthwash and band-aids." He began returning everything carefully to the shelves. "Let's see what he's hiding in his room," he continued, a wicked gleam in his eye.

"No!"

"C'mon, Pretty. Please!" He drew out the last word in an unpleasant whine.

"Riley," I warned.

"Fine. Let's just go. I'm a little disappointed, I have to say. Some of the luster is wearing off your man. He's too straight laced for me."

"I'm sure he'll be devastated."

"Don't tell him I said that. The two of you are moving so slowly, that I haven't given up all hope." He grinned.

Shaking my head, I took a quick inventory in Edward's kitchen while Riley gathered up our things. While Riley drove me home he questioned me about my new apartment.

"What size bedroom set did you get?"

"I haven't bought a bedroom set. A friend is just going to move my box spring, mattress and frame."

"What?" Riley was incredulous. "Do you spend any of the money he pays you to pretend you're his pretend girlfriend?"

I was pretty sure Riley was making a statement with his convoluted phrasing, but decided to ignore him.

"Of course I do. I, um… buy groceries."

Riley sighed and shook his head.

"Bella, you need a decent bedroom set. Who knows, you might have need of it one day. I'd go with a queen, if I were you."

"Of course you would," I commented, just loud enough for Riley to hear me.

"Ha!" he barked out a surprisingly masculine laugh, "that was actually quite funny, Bella, but you're not going to distract me with your sparkling wit right now. At some point, Edward is going to drop you off at that apartment and leave, and that's going to blow your cover. If he needs to spend the night, you're going to need a bigger bed, unless you want to get close to him while sleeping. I totally wouldn't blame you if that were the case."

I shook my head at his logic, but the idea of buying a new bedroom set was appealing.

"Do you know anyplace with good prices on bedroom sets?"

"There's this terrific warehouse outlet: fantastic stuff at clearance prices. It's only open on the weekends, so you'll have to go on Saturday or Sunday."

"I think I can go on Saturday."

Riley rattled off the address as we pulled up at my place. I thanked him for helping me out, and told him to say hello to Alice for me. He assured me that he would, "If I can pull her off Jasper long enough to get her to realize I'm in the room," he muttered. I was glad the Jasper and Alice were getting along so well.

I made my way to my apartment, and smiled at the sunflowers Edward had given me yesterday. Booting up my laptop, I quickly searched out a few recipes and wrote up a shopping list. I emailed the recipes to Edward and asked him to print them out before next week, since I wasn't sure when I'd be around a printer.

My Blackberry rang as I was preparing to head to the grocery story. It was Edward.

"I got your email," he said after we exchanged greetings. "I just wanted to tell you that it would be okay for you to use your corporate card to buy the groceries. We'll just strike the line item from your expense report. Um, Fox & Obel has my address, they can arrange delivery of whatever you purchase. That will be easier than you trying to lug all those groceries to my place on the bus."

"Thank you, Edward. You're sure about the card? I was just going to pay cash and wait for the reimbursement."

"I'm sure," he said with finality.

Shopping at Fox & Obel was different than the bodegas and quickie marts I usually shopped in. It was even different from the regular supermarkets I went to with my parents when I was younger. I enjoyed the experience, but winced as I watched the cost of my purchases top $500. Edward was sorely lacking in essentials, like flour, and I practically had to buy every ingredient for every single dish, but still $500 for one meal for eight, possibly nine people?

And that didn't include the wine, which Edward was going to choose and purchase.

I arranged to have everything delivered to his home and did a quick search on the warehouse outlet Riley had recommended. It didn't seem too difficult to find so I planned to head over tomorrow and check it out.

Well, it wasn't difficult to find, but I discovered it was a seriously insane suggestion on Riley's part, nonetheless. The place was a madhouse. Shoppers were everywhere and aggressive salespeople stalked my every step. I was just about give up when I saw it. The set was three quarters of the way back and I found it as I was trudging back out.

I guess it was here because one of the night stands was damaged, but I only needed one, anyway. The headboard was appropriate for a full or queen-sized mattress. The accompanying dresser was long and low and a coordinating mirror hung over it. I looked at the clearance tag and was pleasantly surprised. For these prices I could probably buy a new mattress and box spring as well.

Of course, now that I wanted a salesperson there wasn't one to be found. I started to step away from my new set when a cute guy stopped me.

"You interested in this set?" he asked benignly.

"Yes, do you work here?"

"Yeah, but I'm in stock not sales. You shouldn't leave the set. If someone else sees it before you get back to it they could buy it and you'd be out of luck. Merchandise turnover in this pace is insane. We're constantly moving stuff onto the trucks and setting up new stuff to take its place."

"I'm here alone and I really like this set. I need a salesperson."

"I'll send someone over to you…"

"Bella," I supplied. The stocker smiled and offered me his hand.

"I'm Max."

"Nice to meet you, Max," I replied, shaking his hand. Maybe you can explain how this works?"

"Sure, it's pretty straightforward. Once you pay for it, we load it onto the truck. When the truck is full we start deliveries. Unless you bring your own truck. If you have a pick up or something you can pay us $25 to load it on your truck or your friends can take it out of here for free."

"What if I don't want it delivered until next weekend?"

Max grimaced, "Then you shouldn't buy it now. Honestly, though, it's a pretty nice set, it probably won't be here next weekend."

"Can't I just pay for it and schedule delivery for next weekend?"

"Yeah, but the set will stay on the floor and will probably get damaged. All sales are final so if it gets damaged after you pay for it, you're outta luck." Max shrugged apologetically. "Still want me to find a salesperson?"

Resigned, I sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I'm moving next weekend so I won't have time to come back then."

Max said goodbye and, true to his word, a salesperson showed up just a minute later. It took just a few minutes to fill out the paperwork. The saleslady knocked another $50 off because I wasn't taking the damaged night stand. She also said the coordinating mirror wasn't original to the set, but it looked good, so I was happy to take it. I never liked things to be too matchy-matchy anyway.

Since I was paying cash the transaction was pretty quick. Like Max, the saleslady told me I shouldn't leave my set until the stock crew was able to put it on the truck. I sat on the damaged night stand and watched the madness swirling around me. A few times people starting eyeing up my set, but they moved on when I told them it was already paid for.

A half hour later, Max and a few coworkers arrived and started hauling the set out back to the truck.

"You don't have to worry about it now, Bella. We'll take good care of it."

"Thanks, Max. Any idea what time it will be delivered?"

He shook his head ruefully. "They'll call you when they're on their way to your house, but there's no timeframe until the drivers are actually on the road. I can tell you that the truck is almost full, so your stuff will be near the back…last on first off."

I thanked him again before leaving for the bus stop.

Five hours later a crew managed to stuff my new bedroom set into my tiny apartment. Living here this week was not going to be pleasant. I could barely move.

I got a few things done in my last few days in my apartment. I stopped in the office on Tuesday to get my key from Angela and an overnight bag from Edward. Angela was busy with work and last minute wedding stuff, so we didn't have time for lunch, but I had a nice chat with Mrs. Cope. She thanked me for the flowers and the tea I had sent to her when she had been ill.

"How did you like working in the office?"

"It was different."

"I can imagine. Would you consider taking on Ms. Weber's position when I retire?"

I was surprisingly disturbed by the idea. If I worked full time as Edward's second assistant, what would happen to my other job? Would he hire another woman to be his escort? I found that idea…unpleasant.

"I don't know…" I admitted. "I'm going to sign up for one class next semester. Once I get back into school I'll probably take classes during the day, a full-time job would make that difficult."

She agreed, and we chatted amicably for a few more minutes before I realized why I was making so much small talk with Mrs. Cope. I was hoping that Edward would come out of his office. I suppose I could go in, my desk was in there after all, but I had no handy excuse since he'd left the overnight bag in reception. We already had our plans for Wednesday all ironed out.

"Well," I finally said, casting one last look at Edward's door, "I should probably get going. Busy week ahead. I'm so glad you're feeling better. Happy Thanksgiving, Mrs. Cope."

"And to you, too, Ms. Swan. Any special plans?"

"Special? Not really." I wasn't sure why I didn't tell her I'd be cooking for and dining with Edward's family.

"Well, I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Ms. Swan."

"Thank you."

I slowly walked towards the elevator before mentally shaking myself and moving at a quicker pace. Once downstairs I decided to take a walk around…window shop. I hadn't spent much time in the neighborhood around Edward's office. The high-end shops and little restaurants were very much not the kind of place I would have frequented a short time ago.

Mindful of my bedroom set purchase, I didn't plan on spending any money. Wandering down a nearby street my eye was drawn to a luxury bath shop. I had often shopped in The Body Shop when I was still in school, and had always enjoyed the small indulgence of scented shower gels and lotions. This shop was an independent and looked high end, but the fragrance outside was heavenly and drew me in.

"Good afternoon, Miss, how can I help you?"

I smiled at the clerk uncertainly. She was a middle-aged woman, who I could only describe as compact. Her clothing and makeup were impeccable.

"I'm not sure. I was walking past your shop and the wonderful smell just drew me in."

The lady smiled as if I'd just complimented her.

"I'm Mary," she said, extending her hand to shake mine. "This is my shop and I'll be happy to assist you in finding anything you might like."

I couldn't help but smile back.

"I haven't had a customary 'scent' in a long time. Is there something you'd recommend?"

Mary stepped back and eyed me up and down before walking closer. "Are you wearing anything right now?"

"Just Ivory soap and some unscented lotion," I shrugged sheepishly.

"A plain palette is always easier to work with," she assured me.

I spent about 20 minutes in the little shop sniffing the various scents, clearing my nose with a whiff of coffee beans in between. Mary discounted the more cloying scents, as well as the citrus and spicy ones.

"I believe a light floral would suit you," she mused. "Ah!"

She crossed the shop and opened one of the glass-fronted cabinets and withdrew a fairly substantial bottle of a pale green Eau de Toilette.

"This is simply called Freesia, after its primary component. It's produced in the south of France, Grasse to be precise, by Fragonard Parfumeur, which has been selling scents since 1924. Besides the Eau de Toilette, they make a shower gel and perfumed body lotion. The three components are subtly scented, but would provide you with a hint of fragrance all day if you used them together."

Mary sprayed the Freesia on a small tester card. I inhaled lightly and instantly smiled. I looked at her.

"It's devine."

"It is and it suits you, I think. Here…." She took my arm carefully and sprayed the tester on my wrist. I raised my hand automatically to my face and inhaled again.

I loved it.

It only took a few moments to conclude my business. Although the shop was filled with very expensive perfumes, oils and lotions, this particular scent, along with the lotion and shower gel could be purchased for under $100.

Mary carefully packaged my purchases in a small shopping bag. She slipped a business card in the bag as well and bid me good bye saying she hoped I'd stop back again.

"I will," I assured her, pleased the she didn't try to simply foist off the most expensive stuff in the place on me, instead seeming to really want to match me with what would work best.

Returning home, I quickly packed the overnight back with what I'd need for tomorrow and Thursday. My outfit for Thanksgiving: winter white slacks, an eggplant-colored cardigan and a gathered neck, sleeveless, belted top were hanging in a garment bag. I packed the sensible matching, sling-back, open-toed, winter white patent leather pumps in my bag. I was about to pack my purchase from today, but decided I'd use everything when I showered tomorrow and then pack it in the morning.

At precisely three o'clock Wednesday, I walked into Edward's office. I was casually dressed in jeans, black boots, a scoop-neck, long-sleeved green top and a black, one-button corduroy blazer. The overnight bag hung on my shoulder and I carried my garment bag.

Edward was sitting on his couch, also dressed casually, watching a business report on CNN.

"Hello," I said, too brightly. It had been almost a week since we'd seen or spoken to each other, and I was ridiculously glad to see him.

He turned and echoed my greeting, a smile on his face, as well. Could he be just as happy to see me as I was to see him? I walked over to him and dropped the overnight bag at my feet before carefully laying the garment bag over the back of the couch.

Edward stood and leaned over to kiss my cheek. He stood transfixed for a moment.

"Wow."

"What?"

"You smell great," he commented and I smiled.

"Thank you, I bought some new perfume this week."

"It's very nice," he sniffed audibly, "very…nice."

I was pleased by his reaction.

"Are you almost ready to go, or are you staying until five?"

"Nope, we can go right now. No work until Monday. I've always found Thanksgiving to be a restful holiday."

"That's because you've never had to cook," I snarked.

"Bella," he started reproachfully, "I told you we could have dinner catered."

"I'm not complaining, Edward. I'm just making an observation."

"Mmm…" He eyed me speculatively.

"Really."

He smiled teasingly, and put his hand on my shoulders before spinning me to face the door.

"Let's go."

I reached for the garment bag, but Edward was quicker, taking both the garment bag and my overnight bag. I preceded him through the office and out into reception.

"Get out of here, Mrs. Cope, and have a great weekend," Edward said, "it was nice having you back this week."

"I'm sure Ms. Swan and Ms. Weber covered admirably for me."

"Yes, well, it still wasn't the same."

She smiled motherly at him before turning to me to exchange goodbyes. Edward and I hopped on the elevator, and were down in the lobby in a matter of minutes. We both said good bye to various people in the lobby and waited a few minutes while Edward's car was brought around.

He stowed my stuff inside before we headed to his place. As we drove we talked about the meal we were going to start preparing tonight.

"What do we have to do today?"

"Start the pies, make the pumpkin mousse, prep the turkey, bake the bread for the stuffing, make the cranberry sauce, it tastes better if it sits overnight. We can make the herbed goat cheese and stuff the pears so all we have to do is wrap them in bacon tomorrow. You have Grand Marinier at home, right?"

"Yes."

"Good, we'll need it for the sweet potatoes."

Edward was shaking his head.

"What?"

"I'm wondering what I've gotten myself into."

It's a pretty simple menu, really. A cheese tray appetizer, truffled Butternut squash soup, roast turkey with oyster dressing, Grand Marinier sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, simple green beans and roasted baby pears with herbed goat cheese. Apple pie and pumpkin mousse parfaits for dessert. We can also set the dining room table tonight to save us the trouble of doing it tomorrow."

"I thought you said simple."

I made an exasperated sound. "It is simple. You mentioned Jasper; is he coming?"

"Yeah, and he's brining Alice."

I smiled at the thought. It would be good to see Alice. We'd played phone tag this week, but never managed to connect. I know she and Riley were planning some sort of insane Black Friday shopping extravaganza. They had wanted me to join them, but Jake and his friends were going to help me move on Friday.

I sat back and reviewed the menu in my head. I was more than a little nervous. All the recipes were new for me, but seemed simple enough when I looked them up online. I just hoped we'd do them justice.

EPOV

Bella seemed lost in thought as we drove the last few miles to my house, so I surreptitiously inhaled the amazing fragrance she was wearing. The floral scent…freesia?...was delightful and very Bella. She'd worn perfume before, but this one just suited her to a T. She smelled intoxicating. I was delighted with the idea of her spending the night and letting that wonderful smell permeate my home.

Her recitation of the menu left me a little dazed. I was surprised by the quantity of food that had been delivered to the house, but quickly realized much of it was staples I simply didn't have on hand.

Once we got home I pulled Bella's bags from the car and followed her to my place. The doorman smiled widely at Bella, and I raised my eyebrow. Was he flirting with her? She seemed oblivious to any impropriety, returning his enthusiastic greeting.

"Nice to see you again, Miss," he said.

"Please, call me Bella."

"Very kind of you, Bella, I'm Robert."

"Nice to meet you, Robert." She offered him a little wave as we continued past.

"Mr. Cullen."

"Robert."

We walked into the elevator, and I turned in time to see Robert quickly adverting his gaze from Bella's ass. I couldn't blame him. Her ass in those jeans was worth another look. I couldn't blame him, but I didn't like it. I shot him a dirty look, and he quickly turned away.

The elevator doors closed.

"Please don't flirt with my doorman," I requested teasingly.

"I wasn't flirting with him, I was just being nice."

"Well, he was flirting with you."

"I'm sure you're wrong."

"I'm sure I'm not," I growled. "He was checking out your ass."

Bella blushed and dropped her small hands to her backside. Lucky hands.

I laughed lightly at her, and she looked annoyed before smiling sheepishly and bringing her hands back to her sides.

We exited the elevator, and I walked down to the guestroom followed by Bella. She quickly hung up the garment bag and dropped the overnight bag on her bed. She dug through it for a moment and pulled out a few things, which she scattered on the dresser, before pulling off her boots, taking off the corduroy blazer and turning to me.

"Ready to get started?"

I stifled a groan, but rolled my eyes. She looked at me with an amused expression.

"Problem?"

"If we'd had the meal catered we could get right to the relaxing part."

Bella pursed her lips and then exhaled loudly.

"I'm sorry my insistence on a home-cooked meal for Thanksgiving is such a trial for you. If you don't want to help I'll do it myself. You can go to…relax."

Feisty! I'm pretty sure she wanted to tell me to go to hell.

"Now, now," I teased, "I said I'd help and I meant it. Let's go." I started walking towards the door.

Bella didn't follow, and I sighed. Moving to stand right in front of her I gave her a warning look, which she didn't heed. Trapping her arms at her side, I threw my arms around her waist and hoisted her up and began carrying her back down the hall.

She squealed in protest and started wiggling.

"Hold still, Bella, or I might drop you."

She froze in my arms and I was treated to another nose full of that delightful scent. Unable to resist this time, I leaned my nose into her inhaled conspicuously.

"Damn, you smell good."

She giggled. "I'm going to have to thank Mary for the suggestion. She'll be pleased you like it."

"Who's Mary?"

"She owns a small bath and body shop near your office. I stopped in there yesterday after I left the office, and she recommended this fragrance."

"I may have to buy Mary something nice. You're intoxicating."

"Well, don't get too drunk; I lied when I said I could make this dinner alone. I'm going to need help."

By this time we were in the kitchen. Bella grabbed an apron from the drawer where I kept them. She wrapped the long ties around her back, and tied a little bow in the front before grabbing a towel, and throwing it over her shoulder. She also pulled her hair back in a tie she had slipped around her wrist earlier.

I watched all her prep with a shake of my head.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" I asked reaching for the wineglasses in the cabinet.

"That would be nice, thank you."

I poured us both a glass of chilled white while Bella puttered around the kitchen pulling out pots, pans, measuring spoons, and other necessities. I handed her the glass and she took a quick sip.

"Mmm, good. Thank you."

"You're welcome. What can I do?"

"Um, chop up these herbs," she said, handing me a bouquet of leafy stems, "and fold them into the goat cheese." She pointed to the cheese she meant. "Then you can wash the pears and slice them open so that we can stuff them. Tomorrow we'll wrap them in bacon and bake them in the oven."

"That sounds delicious."

She nodded. "Definitely not something you'd get with a catered meal." Her emphasis on the last two words made me grin.

We got to work. As the evening progressed I scrubbed vegetables, chopped apples, measured ingredients, and fetched things. I also kept Bella's wineglass full and she got happier and happier as the night went on, becoming more free with her smile.

"I'm starving," she finally admitted around eight o'clock.

"Me, too. What would you like?" She looked around at the disaster area that was once my clean kitchen.

"Sushi."

"Sushi?" I repeated uncertainly.

"Yeah, something that's as different as possible from what we've been looking at for the last four hours."

"We'd have to go out for sushi."

"We're almost done for the evening," she explained. "We'll just have to clean up when we get back."

I agreed to her plan and quickly called Sushi Wabi to make sure they had their regular hours tonight.

A half hour later Bella swayed her way down the hall to get her boots and blazer. I took a moment to appreciate the view before pulling on my own coat. We made good time to the restaurant as traffic was light with everyone home preparing their own Thanksgiving feasts.

The understated décor of Sushi Wabi was a welcome change from the chaos of my kitchen. Bella stopped to admire the large fish tank, and I had to pull her along to follow the host to our booth.

Bella giggled loudly, and I tried to remember exactly how many glasses of wine I'd plied her with this afternoon. Three? Four? It seemed my Bella was just a little drunk. I leaned over to her.

"Are you okay, love?"

"I'm fine," she answered with a smile before frowning slightly.

"What's wrong?"

"You're too far away."

Yeah, she was drunk.

I stood and took a step to her side of the booth before sliding in next to her. I wrapped an arm around her.

"Better."

"Yeah," she breathed before laying her head back on my shoulder and looking at me.

The ironic fact that we always were more intimate in public than in private didn't fail to escape me. However, I wasn't about to complain now. I tilted my head down, and kissed her softly. That amazing floral fragrance enveloped me, and I pressed my mouth against hers harder before lifting my head and looking down at her.

She still had her eyes closed, a very faint smile on her face. I was about to take advantage of her position once more when the server arrived.

"What would you like?" I asked Bella quietly.

"Anything," she responded, not looking at me or the waiter.

I ordered a few different items, while Bella once again pressed her head into my shoulder. I always enjoyed Saki with my sushi, but thought that wouldn't be the best idea tonight. Instead I ordered two ginger peach iced teas.

I found Bella's presence at my side, tucked into my chest, incredibly distracting, but incredibly right. I couldn't help tightening my grip gently.

The server left and Bella sighed again. I looked at her once more. She was still smiling vaguely and I wondered when she'd last eaten. We sat in silence for the most part, though Bella did ask about the dishes we'd use for tomorrow. She wasn't sure we had enough serving dishes, and was distracted by the minor inconvenience of having to use whatever I had on hand to serve since we couldn't go shopping now.

Dinner arrived quickly and we made short work of it. Bella became more animated and less vague as the food soaked up some of the wine in her stomach. She exclaimed over the iced tea, which was very tasty, and complimented my choice of the butterfish appetizer.

"What are your thoughts on Alice and Jasper?" she asked me near the end of the meal.

"Thoughts? I don't have an opinion one way or the other, really. I like them both. Their relationship has made my relationship with Alice less businesslike, but that's a small price to pay to see Jasper happy after what Charlotte put him through. I do worry, though, that I'll lose my stylist if something goes wrong."

Bella raised her eyebrow at my statement.

"That's a little selfish, isn't it?"

"You asked my thoughts. I'm like most people; I worry about how outside forces affect me. Alice would be hard to replace."

Bella pursed her lips and considered my statement before nodding once and melting back into my side. Seems I was forgiven my selfishness.

"They seem very happy together."

"Yes, they do. Why are we gossiping about our friends?"

"We're not gossiping, we're discussing," she said, offended.

"Fine, should we discuss my brother and sister-in-law next?"

Bella stuck her tongue out at me and I chuckled in response. The server returned and I ordered cha-gashi, Japanese tea cakes with sweet red bean ice cream, for us to share, as well as a pot of green tea.

While we shared our small dessert Bella asked what I'd be wearing tomorrow. I hadn't really given it any thought, figuring I had any number of acceptable outfits. Cullen holidays tended to be dress down events since we all dressed for work every day.

"What about you?"

"White pants and purple top and sweater."

"White after Labor Day?" I simpered disapprovingly in an affected, high-pitched, nasally voice.

Bella snorted and slapped my arm lightly.

"Winter white," she explained before cocking her eyebrow at me. "You do that a little too well," she commented, referring to my imitation outrage.

"Oh yeah?"

She shot me a challenging look. "Yeah," she replied, in a strong voice.

I swooped down on her mouth and kissed her hard. She was stone-cold sober now, and this was not an innocent kiss. I dug my hands into her mounds of hair and turned her head for better access. Her lips opened easily under mine, and I stroked her tongue with my own, provoking her response. She moaned quietly, I felt it more than heard it, and ran her hands up my arms to my shoulders before settling around my neck. Her obvious enjoyment spurred me on.

My hands left her hair to travel in the opposite direction of hers. I ran them down her arms, brazenly brushing the sides of her breasts with my thumbs before settling on her narrow waist. With almost no effort, I lifted her and settled her sideways, firmly on my lap, pushing down slightly so I could really feel her.

And she could really feel me.

She gasped lightly, and a wicked smirk took over my face. She made a mistake by raising her face away from mine. This granted me access to the column of her neck. Instead of stopping my assault, I pressed on, kissing the soft side of her neck down towards her collar bone. I could feel her swallow hard against me, but she didn't take her hands off my neck. Instead, she slid them up into my hair and guided me gently to the places she wanted me to kiss the most.

I was working my way towards her ear. When I reached my goal I whispered huskily, "God, you're gorgeous. I love the way you taste."

She shuddered at my confession, and I felt her nipples harden against my chest through the thin fabric of my shirt. The rest of the world melted away as she guided my face back to hers. I returned to kissing her mouth, this time her tongue darted out to meet mine.

I hadn't had sex in over a month, unless you counted my increasingly frequent bouts of self help. I didn't. If it had been a month for me, it had to be at least that long for her. My thoughts were off and running with that realization, and suddenly I wanted out of this restaurant in the worst way.

I turned my head to suggest we leave, but Bella shocked me by lowering her lips to my throat when my mouth was no longer convenient. She placed hard, open-mouthed kisses along the side of my neck before tenderly assaulting my Adam's apple. The feel of her kisses and gentle bites went straight to my cock. I became impossibly harder and couldn't resist pressing her down against my erection.

This caused her to moan once more. She twisted her hips and ground her soft bottom into my raging hard on. I nearly came in my pants. I knew if she did that again, I would. I locked my arms around her waist and pressed her down, effectively stopping her movements while still allowing me to feel her.

Bella sighed and slumped lightly against my chest, finally removing her mouth from my neck. I could feel her resistance to my restraining arms.

"Stop wiggling or you'll embarrass us both," I implored. She immediately froze and raised her eyes to mine. Her eyes were shining with what could only be described as lust, and I had no doubt my eyes reflected the same emotion.

Reluctantly, I slid her off my lap. She settled back down next to me and took a deep, cleansing breath. I closed my eyes and followed her example. My thoughts were racing. What did this mean? Could we take another step tonight? Should we? The idea of Bella in my bed consumed me.

"We gave them quite a show," Bella whispered. My head snapped up and I looked at her. She was staring out the window. I followed her gaze. Three or four photographers were gathered on the sidewalk outside. One made eye contact with me and gave me a brazen thumbs up.

My ardor fled to be replaced by confused rage. What had happened? Was Bella aware of their presence before I kissed her? Did she acquiesce to my kiss because of our audience? No! She was responding to me, not to them. She wanted me, I knew it.

My anger found a new target, the men gathered on the sidewalk. I called loudly for the check before grabbing Bella's blazer and shoving it at her.

"Edward?" she asked confusedly.

"Let's go," I hissed through gritted teeth. The server brought the check to the table and I threw down some cash without even looking at it. Grabbing Bella's hand I stalked towards the door pulling her unceremoniously behind me. I felt her stumble as she tried to keep up.

The host opened the door to the street for us, and I hastened my pace. Dropping Bella's hand, I confronted the four men laughing on the sidewalk. One, smarter than the others, took in my expression and took a hasty step back.

"Hey, man, no blood, no foul," he said in a shaky voice while raising his hands in front of him, open palms towards me.

Two of the guys were still laughing. I curled my hand into a fist and took a swing at the closest: the guy who had given me the thumbs up through the window. My hand connected with the side of his face, and he spun around from the force of my blow, but managed to stay on his feet. The smart guy grabbed one of his buddies, and they hightailed it down the street. The one I'd hit stared at me stupidly while the other started for me.

"Edward!" Bella yelled in warning, stepping closer to me and reaching for my arm. I shook her hand off and squared myself to the oncoming photographer. When the guy saw I wasn't going to let my woman hold me back, he hesitated.

"What are you, stupid? Run!" Bella shouted at him. The guy's eyes flitted to Bella before returning to me. He decided that discretion was called for, and ran down the street, following the other two who had already fled.

We stood alone with the injured man. The adrenaline was still pumping through me. I was vaguely aware of the sound of sirens. The men who'd fled must have called the cops. Two officers rushed out of their squad car, and got between me and Mr. Thumbs Up.

"Settle down!" one yelled.

"What's going on here?"

"He hit me! Edward Cullen hit me! He punched me in the face," the guy pointed to his split, bleeding lip, "unprovoked."

"It wasn't unprovoked!" I yelled back, "you were taking our picture. Leave us alone!" I thundered.

"Settle down," the second officer warned me.

I stepped back. "Did you hit him, sir?"

"Yeah," I spat and launched myself at him again. The larger officer caught me, while the photographer jumped back. I felt someone pull my arms behind me, and the cool metal of handcuffs enclosed my wrists.

"Edward!" Bella screamed. It was the sound of her voice that brought back my reason. I struggled against the cuffs.

"I said settle down," the officer repeated before shoving me backwards towards the open door of the squad car.

"Bring her with us," I told the officer.

"This isn't a taxi, sir; she'll have to make her own way to the station."

I struggled to reach my wallet, doubting Bella had the cash to pay for a taxi. Suddenly, I found myself shoved up against the car.

"Whoa! What are you reaching for there, sir?"

"What? My wallet. I need to give my girlfriend money for a cab."

"Lower your hands," the cop demanded. I slumped against the car and felt him pat at my pockets before pulling out my wallet. He handed it to Bella and she quickly pulled out $20 before shoving it back at the cop.

"Let's go," the cop said, pulling me away from the car and putting his hand on my head before helping me duck into the car and slamming the door. He walked around to the driver's side and got in. I watched the scene on the street unfold. The second cop spoke briefly with Bella. She nodded her head, and pulled out her phone, calling for a cab, I hoped. He then turned to the photographer. They spoke briefly, and the man nodded.

A cab pulled up, and Bella got in without a word to either man. I sighed in relief. The other cop joined us in the car, and we pulled away from the curb, following the taxi.

"Fucking leeches," the second cop said.

The first one nodded. "Is he pressing charges?"

"Of course he is." The second cop turned to face me.

"Are you okay, Mr. Cullen?"

I nodded in the affirmative and the cop sat back and sighed.

I was recently reviewed by the blog, Southern Fanfiction Review. Stop by and check out what Ssherrill115 had to say about my little fic.

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BTW, I didn't make up the warehouse bedroom set clearance store. Dh and I bought our set at the exact same kind of place 17 years ago. Once you paid for the set you sat on it to keep everyone else away until it was loaded for shipping or you took it out yourself. We were lucky, we only had to wait two hours for BIL to show up with his pickup truck. :P