On Tuesday, March 8, 2011 this story passed 1,000,000 hits. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Special thanks to the people who've been there for me this past year and more: Kristi, LisaC, Mel/DRS and LisaJ as well as the folks over at Project Team Beta who provided beta services for the story early on. I've received so much support from the fandom and am grateful.

Chapter 52 - I Need You

BPOV

The next three weeks were hectic. Esme insisted that I stay at CE, doling out my duties at the Literacy Project to other paid staffers. I found I missed my time there just as much as I feared I would. Thankfully, or perhaps not, I didn't have time to dwell since we were always so busy.

Edward worked himself harder than I'd ever seen, and Edward was always a driven man in the office. A steady stream of people trekked through the office on a daily basis: board members, lawyers, VPs, contractors, and department heads. I greeted each in turn and compared their names to lists I'd been given. All work dealing with issues other than the proxy fight was prioritized by me and doled out to Emmett or another VP.

There were others often present. Ben stopped by to force Angela to take breaks, but most were there to support Edward. His mother made frequent after-hours visits to let Edward decompress with some friendly chatter. His dad stopped by a few times; even Elizabeth, his grandmother, came once. But it was First who became a ubiquitous presence.

Watching First in action was something to behold. Edward had a commanding presence, and though he dealt with respect issues when I'd first met him, by loosening up, he became more approachable to his employees. Most held him in high regard. But First…First was sublime.

Despite the fact that he'd been retired for quite some time, he held an emeritus position in the corporation. He'd seen CE through a few rough times over the forty years he held the reins.

First arrived at CE the day after Edward and I returned. He had an aura of power about him. There was nothing definable, just an air that commanded attention. He was escorted straight through reception by Emmett, who didn't stay very long.

When First arrived, he and Edward closeted themselves in the CEO's office. For several hours we held all calls and allowed no visitors. About an hour before the end of the day, Edward emailed me a list of employees and asked that they be called in to see him tomorrow. It was an eclectic group: executives, department heads, contractors and assistants. There was no rhyme or reason to the list that I could discern.

I released the extra assistants assigned to the office around five. Angela went home at seven. She toted her laptop and I knew she'd put in a few more hours from our apartment. I remained behind, not wanting to leave until I was sure that Edward didn't require anything else. It was after eight when Edward and First finally emerged from the office.

"Bella!" Edward said, obvious surprise on his face. "I didn't realize you were still here."

Suddenly, I felt foolish, like a schoolgirl hanging around hoping to see her crush.

"Isabella," First greeted me, while shooting Edward a look, "it's a pleasure to see you again."

"Hello, First," I replied with a genuine, but small, smile.

"How have you been, dear?"

"I'm well. And you?"

"As well as can be expected with all this hullaballoo happening," he replied, waving his hand around to indicate the general atmosphere.

Edward approached me and settled a hand along the small of my back.

First sighed. "I'm off. Elizabeth will be rolling her eyes at the late hour." He turned back to Edward after he pressed the elevator button.

"Remember what we discussed, son."

Edward nodded. The elevator doors opened and First stepped into the car.

"Goodnight, Bella."

"Goodnight, First," I called, right before the doors slid closed.

Edward slid his arms around my waist and pulled me to face him. "You didn't have to stay," he said quietly.

"I wasn't sure if you'd need something…." I shrugged. "I'm sorry. I'll go."

Edward made an exasperated sound. "Bella, I said you didn't have to stay, not that I'm not glad you did." With that, he leaned down and kissed me. I kissed him back, sliding my hands up his arms until they were around his neck.

He broke away eventually. "Have you eaten?"

I shook my head.

"Join me?"

It was a nice night, so the two of us walked down the street to the Cock and Bull, the bar where I had played darts with Mike Newton so many months ago. We ate burgers. Edward had a beer and I sipped a soda. We didn't talk much, but the atmosphere wasn't strained. I could tell he was preoccupied.

"It was nice of your grandfather to stop in."

"Yeah. I think he'll be around a lot for the next few weeks." Edward frowned when he said this.

"Is that a problem?"

"No." He shook his head. It's just…. Do you remember when we talked about why I was made CEO so young?"

"I think so. You said your dad wanted to be a doctor and that First always supported that so he obviously wouldn't be interested. You said First gave you a lot of opportunities. You interned and worked summers…."

"Right. But First really isn't that old. He's not even seventy yet. He stepped down because of a health scare a few years ago."

"Oh. Can you tell me…?"

"It's his heart, Bella. Nothing too serious, just signs that the stress of running the company was taking its toll. Elizabeth begged him to step down. He'd do anything for her, for any of us, really. My father said I was saving First the heart attack that was sure to come."

We talked a bit more before walking back, hand in hand, to CE. Edward drove me home, kissing me on the sidewalk because there was no parking.

That evening seemed so long ago when I considered all that had happened since then.

Everyone in the office was working at least ten hour days. Angela and I often stayed longer. There was a constant parade of people in and out. Edward and I spent no time together as anything other than employee and employer. Well, mostly. He did allow his hand to ghost over down my arm or across my back when we were alone. We'd shared a few kisses, but any personal conversations were backburnered.

Then, last week Edward came out of his office near the end of the day and asked me to come inside to speak with him. I followed him. No sooner were the doors closed then he turned and kissed me. Hard. He pressed me gently against the door and held my face while kissing me thoroughly.

Dazed, my head fell forward when he pulled back suddenly.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I've been thinking about kissing you for the last five hours."

I squeezed my eyes shut and swallowed hard.

"That's..." My voice was barely a squeak. I cleared my throat. Edward smiled. "That's okay."

He moved towards me again. This time I was prepared and gave as good as I got. When I finally raised my head, Edward touched his forehead to my neck. I could feel his hot breath coming in pants against my skin.

I took a moment to calm down before speaking. "Is that why you brought me in here? To kiss me?"

He hummed an indeterminate response, but his hands were doing plenty of talking, running a loop up and down my sides and around my waist.

"Edward?"

With a muted growl he embraced me and kissed me again, parting my lips easily and kissing me until I forgot where we were. I found myself returning his touches, running my hands over his back and shoulders, through his hair, along his jaw and back down his arms.

Being pressed up against the door was becoming uncomfortable. I didn't know what he had planned, but whatever it was couldn't happen here. I pulled my head back gently.

"Edward, ah... Oh! Edward, what…?"

I held him as he moved his head to my neck. His kisses continued but they were softer now. Less needy. My heart started to slow. He held me more loosely, resting his head on my shoulder. I rubbed his back gently.

"No." His voice was husky. He cleared his throat. "No, this isn't what I asked you in here for. I just seized the moment."

I giggled. "Yes, you did." Edward grinned at me.

"What I wanted to know was if you'd join me at the shareholders' meeting next week?'

"You want to bring a date to the shareholders' meeting?" I asked wryly.

Edward held my hand as we walked over to the couch and sat down.

"No, it's a closed meeting, but there's a reception afterwards…."

"Oh. Um, yes, of course."

"You sound hesitant."

"Well, what if things…don't go well."

Edward sighed. "Well, then, I'll really need you there, won't I?" He paused. "Actually, Bella, at this point the meeting is really more of a formality. J.J.'s little plan did manage to gain a number of followers, but most of the momentum crumbled when we started fighting back. The problem with a proxy fight is that even when you win, you need to play nice because ultimately, we're all on the same side. The reception afterwards will give us a chance to do just that."

"When is it?"

"Next week. Uh, I'm going to ask Alice to help you with your outfit. While we'll all be one big happy family again afterwards, it won't hurt to remind people of who's in charge while we're there."

I nodded.

"Thanks for all you're doing right now, Bella. My mom says she misses having your around the Lit Project."

"I miss it, too."

"Things will slow down soon."

"I'm just glad that this is happening now instead of in August. I won't be able to help as much next month."

Edward gave me a puzzled frown. "Why?"

"I have a class next month."

His face grew darker.

I quirked a brow at him. "What?"

"You're taking another class? Why?"

"I need to bring up my GPA."

Edward sighed, exasperated.

"Bella, why are you doing this to yourself? You don't need it. I mean, I'm all for furthering your education, but right now you have two jobs that need you. What else will it take to convince you that you don't need that stupid certificate?"

Edward clamped his mouth shut, realizing he'd said too much, but it was too late. The damage was done. I stood up.

"It's not stupid, Edward. I'm giving myself a safety net here. I can't go back to where I was. What if things don't work out the way you're planning next week, and I'm out of job here? I can't survive on my part time salary from the Lit Project. Esme's been hinting that more hours will be available soon, but it's a nonprofit. It doesn't pay that well!"

"I already told you," Edward gritted out from between his clenched teeth, "the proxy fight has lost its legs. Even if there were a chance I'd be out next week, it doesn't mean you'd lose your job."

"Yeah, right. C'mon Edward, what executive is going to keep on his predecessor's girlfriend as an assistant? Despite what you think, I'm not stupid."

I stood up and took a step back.

"I never said you were stupid."

"No, just that my goals are stupid."

Edward wiped his face wearily.

"When were you going to tell me? Were you planning on bailing on First and Elizabeth and the cruise to Alaska?"

"You're still going?" I was incredulous.

Edward shrugged. "There's no reason why we couldn't. The meeting will solidify my family's hold on the company, and we'll all need a break afterwards."

"My class doesn't start until the ninth."

Edward nodded before standing and walking closer to me. "I'm sorry I snapped at you. And I didn't mean to say that your goals are stupid. I know the certificate is important to you, but the reasons you started the course no longer apply. Your resume is pretty impressive at this point. I wish you'd think about just taking a break."

I was about to let him off the hook, but the next thing out of his mouth solidified my anger.

"Besides, I'll never get to see you." At another time his concern might have been sweet, but right now it just seemed selfish. I clamped my mouth shut before I said something I'd regret and spun on my heel, marching towards the door.

"Bella, wait!" he called out. I kept walking.

"Babe, please…."

I froze and closed my eyes before turning around slowly. The look on his face went from hopeful, because I stopped, to wary, when he took in my expression.

"What. Did. You. Call. Me?"

"Uh, Bella?"

"After that."

"I don't know. I'm sorry, Bella." The words rushed out of him. "You're mad at me, and I'm upset. I don't want to fight with you. Not now. Not ever."

A small niggling of guilt was starting to gnaw at me. There was so much going on in his life right now, very little of it good. Now was probably not the time to do this.

"Edward, I'm going to go back to my desk and finish up what I need to do. Then I'm going to go home…."

He looked like he was going to interrupt me, but I held up my hand to stop him.

"No. I'm not in a good place right now but I don't want to fight with you either. It would be better if I just left. Yes, I will go to the stockholders' reception with you, but right now I need a little space."

"Okay." He looked defeated, and I was tempted to just forget the whole mess, but….

"Just please, never call me 'babe' again. Okay?"

"Yeah."

"Goodnight, Edward."

"Bye, Bella."

I left his office. He didn't follow me. I was able to finish up pretty quickly. Yes, there was more work to do, but I didn't want to start something new today. I had been working long hours and deserved to cut out a little early today, even if early was forty-five minutes after quitting time.

The whole Cullen family was in attendance at the stockholders' meeting. Each individual member, including Carlisle and Rose, held a significant chunk of stock in their own name. As Edward predicted, the vote was overwhelmingly in his favor. The tense atmosphere of the previous weeks dissipated like so much smoke. Alice and I had sat outside the meeting room waiting for news. When we were informed of the results we hugged each other.

The doors opened and people started to exit. There was a rush, which slowed down to a trickle before we were able to work our way in. The whole family was still inside, talking in small clusters. First and Elizabeth were sitting in chairs off to one side, talking quietly, while everyone else hovered around a smiling Edward who was seated at a long table on a raised dais.

The crowd parted as I approached. If possible, Edward's smile got even bigger when he saw me. We had silently agreed not to discuss what had happened last week. I would go to school and he would accept it that this was something I had to do for myself.

I climbed the steps in my ridiculously high heels and red dress. Alice had picked out my outfit to coordinate with Edward's charcoal grey suit and red power tie. Edward stood as I neared him and engulfed me a strong hug.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

"You look happy."

"I am." He smiled down at me before kissing me lightly. "Are you ready to go?"

I nodded and he escorted me down the stairs and out of the room. Everyone followed except First and Elizabeth.

"Dad? Mom?" Carlisle called over to them as we neared the door.

"You go ahead, we'll be right with you," Elizabeth said.

The whole group of us including Jasper and Alice made our way down the long hallway towards the ballroom where the reception was being held.

An hour later, Edward and I had circulated through the majority of the invited guests. People were enjoying a lavish display of appetizers and snacks and an open bar. White gloved waiters wandered among the crowds offering bacon-wrapped scallops, wild mushroom polenta, Vidalia onion tartlets, sesame chicken, crab cakes with remoulade sauce, and coconut shrimp. There was an extensive cheese display, platters of cold antipasto, fresh cut fruit and four stations serving pasta with various sauces, chicken and beef stir fry, roasted turkey, and shrimp scampi.

Most of the investors offered Edward their congratulations and a few kind words. He was humbly grateful. He never failed to introduce me. At one point, I caught Esme's eye and she nodded at me with a bright smile on her face. I was so caught up in the whirlwind of activity that I didn't notice the man dressed in the hotel's livery until he was right next to us.

"Mr. Cullen, I'm afraid there's an emergency back in the meeting room."

The color drained from Edward's face as he realized just as I had, that First and Elizabeth had never joined us.

"Find my father," Edward said to me, as he took off to follow the staff member. I quickly found Carlisle standing with Esme and Rose.

"Carlisle…."

"Bella, dear," Esme replied, "is everything alright?"

"No, it's First. Edward asked me to get you."

"Where are they?" he asked.

"In the meeting room."

Carlisle hurried away, followed closely by Esme. Rose went to find Emmett. I looked for Jasper, who was deep in conversation with a man I didn't know while Alice stood nearby.

"What's wrong?" she asked me.

"It's First." Alice's eyes widened. She interrupted Jasper's conversation and told him what was happening.

"Bella, you should go," Jasper said. "I'll stay here and finish out the reception. Tell Edward to just go and not worry about us. Please, keep us informed."

"Thank you."

I hurried through the crowd and down the hallway to the meeting room. EMTs were already in the room, but Carlisle was clearly in charge of the situation, relaying information to the hospital via the radio. Edward and Emmett were hovering near their father.

I spied Rose and Esme sitting off to one side comforting Elizabeth and hurried over. "What happened?"

Rose explained that they thought it was First's heart. It had already been decided that the ladies would go home to change and gather less formal clothes to bring to their husbands at the hospital.

"Do you have a key to Edward's place?" Rose asked.

I shook my head.

"I have one," Esme said, digging into her purse and pulling out her key ring. She quickly removed a key and handed it to me.

"Can you get home and to Edward's place?"

I nodded. "I'll borrow Alice's car."

The four of us stood to the side as the stretcher bearing First, his eyes closed, a breathing mask over his nose and mouth, was wheeled past us. Carlisle followed close behind and Elizabeth joined the group. Emmett came over to speak quietly with Rose, while Edward approached me.

"Bella, I'm sorry. You should go home. I'll call you…."

I put my hand on his arm. "Edward, it's fine. You're mother gave me a key to your place. I'm going to find you some more comfortable clothes and I'll meet you at the hospital in a little while, okay?"

Edward nodded. "Thank you." He hugged me tightly and was still holding me when Emmett walked over.

"Ready, bro?" he asked.

"Yeah, let's go." The two men turned and hurried off.

It didn't take me long to find Alice. She agreed to let me borrow her car. I hurried home and changed into jeans and a button down top. I pulled on comfy Keds and threw my hair into a ponytail before heading over to Edward's place.

I was able to find a change of clothes for him easily since Alice had organized his home closet as well as the one in his office. I threw everything into a duffle I found and rushed over to the hospital. Following the directions of a friendly receptionist, I was able to find everyone who had already made it to the hospital. Edward and Emmett were pacing in the waiting room, while Elizabeth sat stoically next to Esme, who had already arrived after changing at home. She had a bag similar to mine, which I was sure was full of clothes for Carlisle.

Edward rushed to me as soon as he realized I was there.

"Thank you," he said, taking the duffle and kissing me. He walked off to change. I sat with Esme and Elizabeth. Emmett came over and sat with us silently. Edward returned quickly and placed the duffle bag near my feet.

"How is he?" I asked.

"We don't know. My father hasn't come out yet."

We didn't really talk much. There was a television hung in the corner, but none of us were watching it. Rose arrived eventually and Emmett went off to change.

An hour later Carlisle finally emerged from the closed door. Everyone was on their feet, but Carlisle went right to his mother and embraced her as she began to cry.

"He's resting right now," Carlisle said. "We ran every test we could. All signs point to a heart attack. We'll know better when the results come back."

Carlisle spoke quietly with his wife and sons, while Rose and I stayed with Elizabeth. Eventually, he went back inside. Edward came over to me.

"Bella, you should leave. There's not much any of us can do here. He's stable and resting. I'm going to head home in a little while. Would you go to my place and wait for me?"

"Of course."

When I left the hospital, I called Alice. She answered on the first ring.

"What's going on?"

"It looks like First had a heart attack. I'm heading back to Edward's now. Do you want to come get your car?"

"Jasper will drive me over."

Two hours later, I sat on Edward's couch watching some inane sitcom with the sound turned off. Alice and Jasper had just left. I thought about calling Edward, but figured he'd call me if there was any news. Despite the midJuly heat, Edward's place was cool from the central air. I pulled an afghan from the back of the couch and curled myself into a ball.

It was hours later when a noise woke me. The TV was playing some silent infomercial. I froze, straining to hear what it was that woke me up. It wasn't until I heard the sound of keys hitting the table in the foyer that I was sure Edward was home. He must have followed the flickering light from the television because he came right into the living room.

"Hi," I whispered.

He sat down heavily next to me. I slid closer so I could touch him.

"Edward?"

He turned his head and I gasped at the sight of his reddened eyes. Tears were rolling silently down his face.

"Oh no! Edward…what happened?"

"It's my fault," he whispered.

"Is First okay?" I asked in a panicked voice.

"He was still resting when I left. It's my fault, Bella. If I had had better control of the company…if I had been paying better attention, this never would have happened and he never would have felt the need to come in and straighten things out."

I embraced Edward awkwardly. As soon as I touched him, he threw himself over me, pushing me back with his deadweight. He held me tightly. A small sob escaped him and I felt my heart clench at the sound.

"Oh, Edward…."

"I need you…." I tried to look at the man whose arms were clenched around my body, but his face was buried in my neck. I could feel the wetness that was smeared on his cheeks. I raised my hand to his hair and ran my fingers lightly along his scalp.

"I'm here."

"Please…," he whispered in a strangled voice.

"I'm here."

"Bella…."

"Shhh…." I continued to stroke his hair. "I'm here."

Edward slid his tear-slicked cheek along mine as he raised his head. He brought his hands up to hold my face. Slowly, so slowly, he brought his mouth to mine in a serious kiss. The kind of kiss they write poetry about. His lips were soft and warm, insistent but not intrusive. He kissed me over and over, murmuring inaudibly.

And I knew. I would be here for him-tonight and tomorrow and for as long as he wanted me. I loved this man and wanted nothing more than I wanted to be with him.

"Bella…," he breathed against my mouth.

I parted my lips to inhale the scent of him and got the taste of him, too, as he lightly touched my lips with his tongue. My tongue met his, touching and tasting, stroking and swirling. Our bodies mimicked the actions, our hands touching and stroking one another. My hands ran down his back as his ran up my sides. With infinite care, he brought his palm to my chest and gently cupped my breast.

I inhaled sharply at the feel of his hand on me. My head fell back as I luxuriated in his caress. His mouth moved to the exposed column of my throat. He placed warm kisses along the side, lowering his head to my shoulder where he sucked lightly on my skin sending a jolt of desire through me.

A moan, his name mixed with a wordless throaty sound, escaped me. The sound spurred him on. He leaned back and pulled me over him, my legs parting so I straddled him on the couch. His hands, which had held me as we shifted, began to roam. He raised one to cup the breast he hadn't held before, while the hand that had been caressing me earlier slid down over my ass and pressed me against him gently.

I couldn't get enough of him. My hands traveled up his arms, over his shoulders and into his hair, before moving down to trace his damp face. Unable to stop myself, I continued down, bringing my hands to the hem of his shirt. I hesitated only a moment before sliding them under and across the taut, smooth skin of his stomach.

Now it was his turn to gasp. His hands disappeared from my breast and ass, only to move to my jean-clad thighs. He rubbed up and down as my hands continued to creep higher and higher under his shirt.

He slid his hands over my hips and around to my backside, again pulling me to him harder. I could feel him, hard against the crease of my thigh. Involuntarily, I pushed against him slightly, eliciting a groan.

The upward path of my hands was now halted by the restriction of his shirt. He sat up quickly, keeping me pressed against him with one hand. The other scrabbled over his back, until he found purchase on his shirt and was able to pull it over his head. His arms came around me tightly, pressing me to his bare chest. I could feel his heart pounding against the soft flesh of my chest.

He raised his mouth to mine and kissed me hard, our tongues coming together again, this time frantically. Around and around they went until he finally pulled away. Forehead to forehead, we panted, eyes closed, my hands stroking his chest as his pushed/pulled my hips in a slight rocking motion.

"Bella…?" His questioning voice was raspy and full of need. Even if were inclined, denying him would be impossible. Swallowing hard, I nodded slowly, exaggerating the motion so there'd be no doubt regarding my consent.

His arms came around me again as he rose from the couch. I wrapped my arms around his neck and closed my legs around his hips as he strode from the living room, through the foyer and down the hallway to his master suite. There was no way he could see where he was going; my hair formed a curtain around us. We kissed as he moved, yet his steps never faltered, never slowed.

He carried me to the huge bed against the wall of his room and bent over to lower me gently. He followed me, pushing us both up towards the pillows, while kissing my mouth, my jaw and my neck. I finally opened my eyes, desperate to catch a glimpse of his face as he moved his mouth away from mine.

The shadows were deep, the only light coming from the pale moon and stars outside the huge windows. I could see nothing of his eyes, only the more prominent planes of his face. I raised my hands to trace those lines as his hands moved to the buttons of my blouse.

He started at the bottom, slowly, but unerringly, opening each one. He kissed every inch of skin he exposed, until the material fluttered open and slid away. He sat back and gazed down at me. More of his expression was becoming clear as my eyes adjusted to the dim light. He was staring down at my newly exposed flesh.

"Beautiful…," he murmured, lowering his head to kiss the tops of my breasts where they strained against the cups of my bra. I clasped his head, holding him to me. His hands were at my waist, grazing the skin there, causing goose bumps to erupt along my flesh. I shivered.

"You're cold," he said, trying to pull away from me.

"No," I insisted, pulling him back down, and throwing all of my desire into a kiss.

He groaned again and collapsed against me. I welcomed the solid weight of him. He broke away from my mouth to kiss down my jaw and throat until again reaching my breasts. His hands came up to cup them before he pulled the lacy fabric down, exposing me to his questing mouth.

His lips closed over one hardened peak, causing me to cry out as desire stabbed through me once again, setting up a delicious ache between my legs. It had been too long since I'd been with a man this way. Truly, I'd never been with a man this way if you didn't count the fumbling caresses of unskilled, overeager frat boys.

My hands roamed over the soft skin and hard muscles left bare when Edward took off his shirt. I kissed the top of his head repeatedly as his mouth moved from one breast to the other. I couldn't stop the mewling noises coming from me to accompany the moist sounds of his licks and kisses. I felt, more than heard a deep rumble in Edward's chest. His hips began a seductive rhythm against mine. I didn't even try to quell my natural response, spreading my legs, allowing him to settle between them and rub against my warm center.

Time seemed to slow as we both explored each other with hands and mouths. My hips bucked involuntarily when Edward sucked on a small patch of skin under my ear. He moaned loudly and ground his hips into mine when I lightly bit the join between his neck and shoulder.

I could no longer wait. I moved my hands to the button on his jeans. When he realized what I was doing, he drew back slightly, giving me room to work. I popped the button and slid down his zipper. I brought my hands to his hips to pull his pants away, but he stopped me. Instead, his hand went to the front of my jeans. Before opening them, he slid his hand between my legs and squeezed me lightly.

"So warm…."

He made fast work of the button and zipper before slowly pulling my jeans down my legs. The rough material slid over my hypersensitive skin. I hissed and arched my back. Then my pants were gone and Edward was over me once more, nothing but his open jeans and my lacy bra and panties between us.

Edward kissed my breasts once more. I strained upwards as he slid his hands around my body to undo and pull off my bra. His hands then went to the lacy material at my hips, but I stopped him by sliding my hands into his now loose jeans and pushing them down.

My eyes had fully adjusted to the weak light and I could see his pupils darken when he pressed against me once more. Desire shot through me again and I moaned loudly. Wanting to make him feel this good too, I snaked a hand down between us and grasped his cock through his boxers. I moved my hand up and down his hard length.

He grabbed my hand and pulled it away.

"You're going to make me come."

"That's the idea."

"Not yet." He grasped my hands in his own, threaded our fingers together and brought his arms up near the sides of my head. He leaned his head down, so his mouth was near my ear. "I want to be inside you when I come."

The thrill that shot through me at his declaration was like nothing I'd ever experienced before.

"Edward…."

He released my hands and moved down my body again, this time pulling the sheets that were still beneath us down with him as his kissed my breasts, my belly button, my hip, the lace-covered mound of flesh between my legs, my thigh, the side of my knee, my calf and ankle. When he reached the bottom of the bed, he got up, and pushed his underwear so it slid down his legs. I watched as his previously trapped cock bounced free, hitting his flat stomach with an audible thwack. Then he reversed his path, pulling the sheets over us while kissing up the other side of my body, until he was once again settled on top of me.

His long, thick cock was pressed against me. His hips rocked against mine. I strained up trying to intensify the friction. Edward's hand pressed down on my hips to slow me down before he reached to the side of the bed and pulled open the drawer of his nightstand. He scrabbled about in the drawer a bit before finally pulling out a wrapped condom.

Sitting back on his knees, he tore the wrapper open quickly, and rolled it on. Settling over me again, he resumed kissing me, the cold condom quickly warming up between our overheated bodies.

It was only moments before we reached our previous level of need. The feel of him against me and the teasing touches along my sides and breasts made me curl my fingers, digging my nails into the flesh of his back. He hissed before biting down into the flesh of my shoulder. The pain mingled with my overwhelming want, causing my hips to buck off the mattress.

"God, Bella."

"Now, Edward, now. Please…."

His hands disappeared from my body. He reached down as I spread my legs wider. Grabbing his cock, he guided it to my entrance. I watched him, unable to stop the slow rocking motion of my pelvis. Slowly, carefully, Edward pushed forward. I felt the tip of him slide inside and my body stilled and then pushed up towards him. He advanced again, and his hands moved to my hips, no longer necessary as a guide. Edward looked at me, his eyes full of desire and need. I thrilled to the emotion I could feel emanating from him. Edward leaned forward and slid all the way in.

I gasped at the feeling of fullness, and slid my hands up to Edward's shoulders. He groaned as he lay over me, holding still, letting me adjust. I touched his face and he raised his head to stare in my eyes. I nodded minutely, but he understood. Gently, slowly, carefully, he pulled out and slid home again. My eyes fluttered closed at the feeling.

"Look at me. Please. I want to see you."

I forced my eyes open only to be captured in his gaze. He nodded at me as he pulled out again and slid back once more.

"Ohhh…." An exquisite feeling was building inside me. He thrust again and again, circling his hips to touch me just where I needed it.

"Oh, Edward."

I slid my hands up and down his back, over his shoulders and down his chest. He lowered his head to kiss me as his pace increased. We both moaned as the quicker thrusts offered increased pleasure. I'd never come from intercourse before, but the feeling building low in my belly was a familiar one.

Edward raised his torso off me by straightening his strong arms. I whimpered at the loss of contact until he lowered his head and captured my nipple in his mouth, sucking gently. The added sensation sped up my fast approaching orgasm. I writhed beneath him, raking my nails over back.

His pace quickened again and each thrust was like a step towards my goal. I couldn't stop the mewling, frantic sounds escaping me.

"Oh, oh! Oh! Oh! Aaahhhh!" My eyes squeezed shut as the tightened coil in my abdomen exploded. Edward grasped my face lightly, and kissed me hard as I came apart underneath him, moaning loudly into his open mouth. He slowed down until his quick thrusts turned into long slow strokes, extending my orgasm.

When I was finally spent, I fell back onto the bed. He followed, resting most of his weight on me. He buried his face in my neck and murmured sweet words in my ear.

"God, you're beautiful. That was beautiful. God Bella, you're so sexy."

Edward's pace increased as he continued to talk. I rocked against him, hoping to help him reach his release. Edward's words trailed off as his thrusts became harder and more insistent. With each thrust he grunted. His face was strained. I wanted to relieve him of the tension he seemed to have.

Stretching up as best I could, I whispered in his ear. "God, you feel so good. You made me feel so good. Let go, Edward. Please."

My words seemed to spur him on. His hips moved impossibly faster and suddenly he was saying my name.

"Bella, God, Bella."

His hips jerked erratically. Instead of trying to follow him, I froze, letting him take what he needed to feel as good as I did. With a final, incoherent moan, he stilled atop me. I kissed whatever part of him I could reach: his shoulder, his ear, his jaw, the side of his neck. He panted in my ear before taking a long, shuddering breath and easing off me.

I felt bereft without his warm weight.

He rolled over quickly and pulled off the condom. He tied it shut and dropped it who knows where before turning back to me. We lay on our sides, next to one another, staring into each other's eyes.

"That was amazing, Bella," he said, touching the backs of his fingers to my cheek. I closed my eyes and leaned into his hand.

"You were amazing," I whispered.

He leaned towards me for another serious kiss. His hand trailed along my side as I slid mine over his chest, once again enjoying the definition of the muscles there. Our kiss eventually slowed, turning into sweet, closed-mouth kisses. Edward shifted his head, kissed my cheek and whispered, "Stay."

I nodded, my heart filling with contentment and joy.

Edward grabbed me and pulled me closer. Lying back, he continued to pull me until I was draped over him, my head on his chest, my leg between his and my arm around his waist. He played with the sheets for a moment, ensuring I was covered before wrapping his arm around my waist, and settling his hand on my naked hip. I lay still across him, listening to his heartbeat, feeling the rise and fall of his chest under my cheek.

It was just a few minutes before I realized his breathing had become deep and regular. I traced my finger along his side. He didn't move.

"I love you," I whispered into the dark and quiet room. Weariness swept over me, and soon I joined him in slumber.

EPOV

So warm…. I was having the most amazing dream. Bella and I were riding my Ducati along the dusty roads outside Vegas. But it was so warm. Too warm. I shifted, trying to get more comfortable.

"Eh-dward…." Bella's throaty, sleepy voice drifted to my ears in the darkness.

I froze. The events of last night came flooding back to me as I looked down at the gorgeous, naked woman I had pulled over me like a living blanket.

Oh my God! What have I done?

Dear Readers, I hope it was worth the wait. I humbly ask that you not spill the news on Twitter for 24 hours or so. If you wish to talk about it now, please go to my board on Twilighted or hit the blog. Thanks for understanding. –IT

Board: twilighted. net/forum/viewtopic. php?f=44&t=7258&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Blog: ironictwistisntitironic. blogspot. com/

In case you're wondering, yes, First's health issues were mentioned previously in this story. You'd have to go all the way back to chapter 9 to read it, but it's there.