Thanks to Kristi, MAD and Lisa.

Previously:

Tears came to my eyes unbidden and poured silently down my face. Riley pulled me to him made soothing shushing sounds. I can't imagine what he was thinking.

"It was just that one time, Riley. He hasn't touched me that way since. I…I don't know what to think. He said we need to slow it down…I don't think he feels about me the way I feel about him."

"And how do you feel about him?"

"I love him," I whispered.

Chapter 54 - It's Going to be a Long Weekend

"You love him?"

I raised my head and looked at Riley. His words were full of gentle concern. I nodded, biting my lip and sniffing loudly.

He twisted his mouth and narrowed his eyes as he looked at me. He stroked my hair as he considered what he wanted to say. Finally, he sighed. It wasn't one of his usual dramatic, eye-rolling sounds, but one of resignation instead.

"Bella…." I was almost startled by the sound of his voice. His usual affected tone was replaced by a surprisingly masculine tenor. He pulled me to the bed and sat me down, settling down beside me with none of his usual flash and flair. He held my hand and gazed into my eyes with a sad smile.

"Beautiful, I don't know what to say. I'd be lying if I said I was surprised. I'm sorry that this…arrangement has resulted in so much pain for you. Does he make you happy? At all?"

I considered what Riley was saying before answering. Did Edward make me happy? I frowned.

Before I could answer, he asked me another question. "Are you sure you love him? It's not just gratitude for the way he's helped you over the last year?"

"No," I assured him quickly. I knew I felt more for him than gratitude.

"He's a good looking and charming man, are you sure you're not just swept up in the glamour?"

My first instinct was to be offended since I did not consider myself easily swayed by a pretty face or foolish enough to fall for banal platitudes, but I quickly quashed those feelings. Riley wasn't accusing me of anything. He was just trying to help sort through my feelings.

I thought about what he said and realized something. "My feelings for Edward are the most intense when we're away from the bright lights and public settings. It's when we're alone…in the office, at his place or mine, that my feelings for him are most obvious to me; when it's just us being us. Sometimes it's hard to get close to him. He has built up walls that are pretty high, but when he lowers his defenses, when he's open to me, there's nothing better."

Riley smiled at me. "Want me to kick his ass?"

I'd be lying if I said I didn't consider his offer for a half a second, but then I smiled and giggled.

"Don't laugh, Beautiful," Riley assured me. "I could do it." The affectation was back. He held out his hands, "These babies have brought many a man low."

I snorted. "I bet."

The two of us laughed together.

"Better?" he asked.

I sighed. "Yes, I'm sorry for crying all over you."

"Don't be. That's what friends are for. So, perhaps you have a decision to make after this weekend?"

I considered what he was really saying. Going this weekend, being with Edward knowing that he wasn't going to try to bring our relationship to the next level, would likely define our relationship as nothing more than a more honest version of our previous arrangement.

Was that enough for me—an arrangement? I was starting to realize something. I deserved to be in a relationship as an equal partner. As long as Edward was making the rules and I was following them, then our personal relationship was hardly anything more than our professional one.

While I was considering, Riley was going through my drawers, tsking at the sad state of my undergarments. He held up my favorite pajamas.

"Seriously?"

I shrugged, "They're comfortable."

"Nothing here will do. What are your thoughts on 'forgetting' to pack pajamas?"

"I'm pretty sure that Edward will see right through that."

"That's the idea, sweetie."

I gave him a small smile and shook my head.

"Hm, perhaps something more instead of something less? I know what you wore in Vegas. If that didn't send him straight into your pants, then perhaps if you're fully covered he will be disappointed enough to do something about it."

"That's not necessary, Riley. Really. I'm not interested in seducing him."

"Liar."

"No," I sighed, "really. I think, perhaps, I shouldn't try so hard." I shrugged.

"Fine." He walked over to my closet and started pulling out clothes and tossing them on the bed.

"Take this for dinner tonight, this for tomorrow during the day, and this for tomorrow evening. You'll need to be comfortable and warm on Sunday morning, so bring this, this and this." A few more items were added to the pile. "Shoes…hmmm, these, these, these. These you're throwing out. These, these. Maybe these? No, this is probably enough. Have you been maintaining your waxing?"

"Um, I'm fine in that department," I mumbled, embarrassed. Riley gave me the stink eye. "I promise. I've been good."

"Mm-hm." Skepticism laced his tone.

"I'm not going to show you. You'll just have to trust me on this one."

He grumbled something it was probably better I not hear.

"Well, you pack all this and your bathroom stuff while I run an errand. I'll be right back."

Riley returned less than an hour later with new pajamas for me. Both sets were things I would choose for myself, soft, capri length sleep pants with matching tanks with wide straps and shallow scooped necklines. Very modest.

"And here." He held out a wrap that could increase the modesty further by covering my bare arms. "You can take it off right before you go to sleep."

Riley and I spent the hour before Edward arrived to pick me up talking and laughing.

When there was a knock on my door, our laughter faded. Riley looked at me one more time. "Ready for this, Beautiful?"

I nodded. He reached out and hugged me tight. Edward knocked again. Riley and I walked to the door together, his arm tight around my shoulders, and mine snaked around his waist. I opened the door to find Edward leaning against the wall across the hall, staring down at the floor. He looked up, his smile turning to a puzzled frown when he saw our intimate position.

"Uh, ready, Bella?" He nodded to Riley, who didn't return the gesture.

"Yeah." I grabbed the red suitcase from where we'd left it next to the door. Edward reached out for it automatically and I relinquished it to him before turning to face my friend. I rose on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you," I whispered, "for everything. Love you."

"I love you, too, Beautiful." He squeezed my hand once more before turning to face Edward. Edward's frown was more pronounced when he took in Riley's face. I couldn't see Riley's expression, since his back was to me. He turned on his heel and walked to the elevator, pressing the down button and waving to me before boarding.

"I just need to get my purse," I told Edward, walking over to the end table where I had placed it earlier. I used my keys to lock the door and finally stood alone with Edward in the hall.

"Everything okay?" he asked me.

"Yes, everything's fine. Why do you ask?"

He shrugged, "No reason."

"Let's go then." We walked to the elevator which Riley must have sent back to my floor as it opened before I could hit the button.

I stepped forward and felt Edward's hand at the small of my back. It sent a warm feeling through me, but my brain was still a little disconnected. I wanted to have a wonderful weekend with Edward, but I still wasn't sure that our arrangement was enough for me anymore.

EPOV

I stepped onto the elevator at Bella's apartment with a grin. Things were really looking up. Bella was done with that wretched class; First was finally home from the hospital and chafing at the restrictions he was under; and my relationship with Bella was finally making some progress.

I knocked on Bella's door running over our plans for the weekend. Illinois wine country didn't hold a candle to Napa, but there were some lovely B&Bs, great wines, and good food. Perfect for a weekend getaway with someone I was hoping would finally become more.

Hm, she didn't answer. Maybe she was on the balcony? I knocked again then leaned against the wall opposite her door. The door opened, and I looked up to be greeted by something I didn't understand. Bella and Riley were standing together, their arms wrapped tightly around one another. If I didn't know better, I'd say the embrace was romantic.

"Um, you ready, Bella?"

"Yes." She reached down for her suitcase, and I took it from her automatically. She gave me a small smile before turning to Riley. Rising up on her toes, she kissed his cheek. I couldn't really hear what she was saying until the end.

"…love you."

Him, I heard. "I love you, too, Beautiful."

What the hell was going on here?

Riley turned to face me, his expression hard. I frowned and wondered what the two had been discussing. He walked to the elevator, gave Bella a little wave, and left.

"I just have to get my purse," Bella said, interrupting my musings.

She was back quickly, locking the door.

Curiosity got the best of me. "Everything okay?"

"Yes, everything's fine. Why do you ask?"

"No reason."

"Let's go then."

The elevator opened almost immediately and Bella stepped on. I followed her, and we stood in the empty car facing forward. I could see her reflection in the shiny metal of the door. She seemed…distracted.

She wasn't talking to me; she wasn't even looking at me. I needed to engage her somehow. Um…

"So, how was your final?"

That got her attention. She looked at me with a small frown on her face.

"Um, fine. Why do you ask?"

I shrugged. "Because I'm interested."

Her frown deepened. Yeah, she wasn't going to buy that. She knew how I felt about that class. A quiet chime sounded. We didn't speak as the door slid open and we exited the elevator. We walked out of the lobby. Bella stopped on the sidewalk, glancing up and down the street.

"Over here," I told her jerking my head to the right.

"Oh." It had been some time since I'd taken her anywhere in the Aston Martin. I opened her door and held it wide. With a small flourish, I indicated she should get in. She paused at the door and offered me a small smile. Taking advantage of the situation, I closed my eyes and leaned in to give her a kiss. My eyes popped open when I didn't meet the resistance I was expecting. She was already in her seat, pulling the shoulder belt across herself.

Frowning, I closed her door and made my way around the car, stopping to deposit her suitcase next to mine.

I got in the car and glanced at Bella who was looking out the passenger side window.

"Ready?"

She turned to me with a smile and nodded. I started the car and pulled away from the curb. Bella went back to staring out the window. She seemed distracted. I thought she'd ask where we were going by now. I could just tell her, but I was starting to feel petulant. Why didn't she seem excited? I went through a lot of work to set this weekend up.

We drove in silence for about fifteen minutes. She seemed to be in unaware of our lack of conversation, but the silence was driving me crazy.

"So, what did you and Riley talk about?"

"Clothes, mostly. He doesn't like my wardrobe."

"Didn't he choose most your wardrobe?"

She laughed, a natural and happy sound. Maybe nothing was wrong. Could her aloofness just be my imagination?

"That's what I said!"

"And what did he say?"

"About what?" Now she seemed wary. What the hell had gone on in that apartment before I arrived?

"When you reminded him that he chose your wardrobe."

"Oh! He just made some comment about everything being last year's fashions."

I chuffed. "Sounds like Alice."

"Yeah…" she mused. "They're a pretty in tune pair. Hmph." She seemed thoughtful.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing. Just something Riley said earlier."

I was about to ask about it, but she continued to speak.

"So, any hints about where we're headed?"

I smiled at her and she grinned back.

"Well, we both seem to enjoy wine and good food; I thought a weekend in wine country would be interesting."

"Wine country?" Bella looked out the car windows.

"Yep. Illinois might not be known for it, but we have a number of vineyards and wineries."

"I didn't know that."

"I booked us a room at a nice B&B and made reservations for a tasting menu dinner tonight. Tomorrow we'll have a champagne brunch and then can spend the afternoon touring a few of the local wineries. And I have a surprise scheduled for Sunday morning. Sound fun?"

The first genuine smile I'd seen on Bella's face all day appeared.

"That sounds wonderful. Thank you."

"You're welcome." I decided to take a chance and reached across the console for her hand. She didn't pull away and I took that as a good sign. Raising our clasped hands, I placed a kiss on her knuckles. She smiled again, a light blush coloring her cheeks.

"I'm glad you like the idea." The silence between us was less awkward after our exchange. Bella fiddled with the sound system and commented on the passing scenery. We talked about First a bit, and Bella mentioned something she was working on for my mother. All in all it was a pleasant drive.

We arrived at the B&B a few minutes before six. The business was located in a sprawling Victorian far away from main roads. It was the perfect setting for our weekend.

"It's beautiful."

"My sister recommended it. Emmett brought her here a few times when they were dating."

I grabbed our luggage and we made our way into the lobby.

"Good evening," a short, rotund man greeted us. "Welcome to Six Creeks. I'm Liam, your host. My wife, Siobhan, just stepped out. Let's get you checked in."

I dropped the luggage near the desk and pulled out my wallet.

"I'm assuming you're Mr. & Mrs. Cullen?"

I cleared my throat. "The reservation is for Isabella Swan and Edward Cullen," I explained.

"Ah, here you are Mr. Cullen, yes. Two nights in our Bonpas Creek Suite. It's a lovely room with an en suite. Breakfast is included on Saturday and Sunday."

"We're looking forward to the champagne brunch tomorrow, but we'll be out early Sunday morning." Bella looked at me with a raised brow. I hadn't been specific about our Sunday plans, but our day would start before the birds.

"Fine, fine," Liam replied jovially. He had efficiently swiped my card and gathered up a few brochures, which he handed to Bella. I signed for the room and Liam produced two identical brass keys.

"These are the keys to your room. If you're ready I'll walk you up."

Liam walked around the desk and grabbed our luggage before I could and walked towards a large staircase. Bella and I followed.

"We call our home Six Creeks because we've named each of our suites after Illinois creeks. Besides your room, we also have rooms named after Thorn Creek, Sugar Creek, Panther Creek…."

Liam continued to tell us about his B&B. Bella was a half step ahead of me as we walked up the stairs. She was studying the space around us which was filled with rich furnishings. Thick rugs, silk upholstered sofas, marble topped tables covered with heavy knick knacks and crystal vases were much in evidence in the main room. The balustrade was highly polished mahogany.

"If you'll notice the painting as we continue up, they were all painted by local artists and depict…."

I turned my attention to Bella herself. She was dressed casually in a midcalf length skirt, sandals and a tank top. Her hair was down, making her look younger than she usually appeared at work. I was almost mesmerized by the way her heavy tresses swung with each step she took. It required all the discipline I possessed not to lift my hand and tangle it in her soft locks. I listened as she asked the innkeeper a few questions about the area.

"Oh yes! The local wineries are a delight. I'm sure you'll be leaving here with several bottles at least! Here we go…." Liam paused before a dark wooden door. Using one of the keys, he opened it with a flourish, inviting us to precede him into the room.

BPOV

Liam held open the door, and I entered the room first. Wow! I'd have to remember to thank Rose for giving the Edward the idea, even if….

I sighed.

The room was gorgeous. Suite was really a misnomer. The huge room was divided into two areas by a long cream colored couch. In front of the couch was a copper topped table on which stood a champagne bucket, two flutes, and a vase of fresh flowers. The dark wood floor was covered with a rich gold rug. Cream colored damask wallpaper covered all the walls. Two floor-to-ceiling windows were covered in delicate lace drapes. Between them was a fireplace with a dark wood mantle.

The bedroom area was dominated by a huge four poster bed with an intricately carved headboard. To one side was a long, low dresser over which hung an antique mirror. A tall armoire stood on the other side next to a door that led to the en suite.

The bathroom had a marble floor and claw foot tub. Glass block windows let in lots of light while providing privacy.

I finished exploring and returned to the bedroom. Liam had left. Edward was standing next to the bed, his suitcase open.

"I'm sorry to rush you, but we only have about 40 minutes to make our reservation."

"Oh, alright. I'll just change in here."

Riley had me bring swishy black capri length palazzo pants with a subtle shimmer. Low strappy heels and a clingy, cream-colored blouse finished the outfit. I decided to pull my hair up in deference to the formal feel of the outfit. I swiped on some mascara and a pale gloss before returning to the room.

Edward had changed as well. He was in black dress pants and a burgundy button down with a sports coat. He turned to face me when I opened the bathroom door. I watched as his eyes roamed over me before he met my gaze and smiled.

"You look lovely."

"Thank you."

He took a few steps closer to me, eliminating the distance between us. His hand moved to my waist and he pulling me toward him before kissing me lightly.

This, this is what I was telling Riley about. Edward's defenses were down and it was just us. The energy between us was undeniable when we were alone. Forgetting my decision to think with my head, not my heart, I responded to his kiss by bringing my hand to the side of his face.

Encouraged, he pressed against me a little harder sliding his lips from my mouth to my jaw near my ear. Gooseflesh erupted down my body, and it took all I had not to moan at the delightful sensation. I stroked my hand down his back as he inhaled heavily.

"You smell amazing."

"Thank you."

He slid his hand down my arm and grasped mine, tugging me towards the door. It was a short ride to the restaurant where we'd be having dinner.

"This place only serves local wines. I hope you'll like the tasting menu."

Edward and I were seated at a table along a bank of windows. It was getting darker earlier than it had just a few weeks ago, and we had a brilliant view of the sky as the sun stained it orange, yellow and purple. Edward reached across the table and took my hand in his.

"I'm glad we're doing this. I feel like I never see enough of you."

My heart leapt at the sentiment, but my head was telling me to remain calm. I smiled at him as the waiter arrived with our first course. Our appetizers included black cod, duck bruschetta, and simple chilled shrimp served with both a Pinot Blanc and a Pinot Noir. I was thankful for the miniscule portions as the wine was fantastic, and I didn't want to take up space in my stomach with food.

Our salad was antipasto and was served with Pinot Blanc. A delicate chicken soup with almond dumplings followed along with an equally delicate Chardonnay that may have had me leaving my sobriety at the door. I could feel my face flush and was starting to feel unusually warm despite the fact that darkness had overtaken the sky.

"Are you okay?" Edward asked with a smug smile.

I laughed at his concern; or maybe his lack of concern. I had found myself laughing a lot the last few minutes or so.

"I'm fine." I waved off his questioning stare. "How are you? You're driving." There, that was brilliant.

"Three glasses of wine aren't going to affect me that much, lightweight," he teased.

I tried to fake being insulted, but my acting skills, always subpar, were suffering even more for the wine. While I was trying to come up with a witty retort, the server brought our next course.

"Ribeye with sautéed mushrooms and pan seared Wahoo over brown potatoes. Your wine for this course is Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy!" I eyed the wineglass cautiously. I knew if I imbibed even a little more I'd completely throw caution to the wind and probably end up saying or doing something I'd regret later.

Edward, however, made the decision for me when he lifted his glass. I took up mine and held it carefully, staring into the rich, red liquid. I could feel his gaze on my face.

"You look lovely in the moonlight," he began. I could feel my face warming once again. "The stars have nothing on your eyes. Your sweet smell…." He reached across the table and held my free hand again, "…your soft skin. Bella, you are more intoxicating than any mere wine." He touched his glass to mine, the crystal rang softly.

My heart was pounding, and it had nothing to do with the alcohol I'd consumed. Never before in my life had a man toasted me. I raised my glass to my lips to drink along with Edward.

"E-Edward, I…."

"More water?" The waiter, who had been highly efficient and almost invisible the entire evening, chose that moment to interrupt our interaction. I stared at him dumbly.

"Yes, thank you." Edward's reply was short. Terse, even. The waiter refilled our glasses and disappeared from sight once again.

I exhaled a shaky breath, put on a nervous smile and looked at Edward, but the moment was gone.

We finished our main courses a short while later.

"Tell me about our plans for tomorrow."

Edward smiled at me. "The B&B has a champagne brunch. It's more breakfast really, but they do offer freshly baked ham and grilled steak along with the usual breakfast offerings. Afterwards we'll take a tour of some of the local wineries. We can do some shopping…."

"Shopping?" I questioned. He and I had never shopped together as far as I could remember.

"Actually, there's a gallery that I'd like to check out. I was hoping to get your opinions."

"That sounds like fun."

The declaration-blocking waiter was back with our dessert, white chocolate mousse served with a dry Brut. My head was spinning and I was having a little trouble navigating my spoon accurately. Edward laughed softly.

"Here, let me." He dipped his spoon into the dish and scooped up a spoonful of the decadent dessert. Leaning across the table, he offered me the spoon. Leaning toward him, I took the spoon in my mouth. I closed my eyes and moaned in appreciation of the incredible flavor.

When I opened my eyes, Edward was focused on me. His eyes were dark. I recognized that look. A warm feeling settled in my stomach and a flutter of hope followed. I quashed it before it could build. Taking up my glass, I sipped the sparkling wine, enjoying the way the bubbles played with the mousse still on my tongue.

"Will there be anything else this evening?"

"No, nothing," Edward replied, never taking his eyes off me. He held out his credit card. The waiter took it and scurried off. I continued to drink my wine, staring over the rim of the glass at Edward who was staring back at me.

The waiter returned and left the receipt for Edward to sign. It wasn't until he glanced away to sign his name that I was able to turn my head. I drained my glass and stood as Edward did. I wasn't aware of swaying, but suddenly, Edward was at my side, holding my elbow.

"Come on, love, I'll help you."

I wasn't sloppy drunk, but I was unsteady. I wondered why the wine had affected me so much. I gave a mental shrug. Whatever the reason, there was no turning back now. Edward and I walked out together. I shivered a bit as the cool, late-summer night air touched me. I was only chilly for a moment, however, before I was wrapped in Edward's coat.

We made our way to the car, my hand in his. He held my door as I got in. I snuggled into his coat, drowning in his scent and the residual heat from his body. Before I knew it we were back at the B&B. I might have dozed off.

We walked up the stairs to the door.

"Bella…?"

I stopped and turned to face him. "I had a lovely time tonight. I'd kick myself if I just didn't…." He trailed off, bringing his hands to my face. Suddenly, I felt completely sober. He leaned in and kissed me softly before breaking away, his lips hovering just over mine. We shared every breath for a long minute before I finally couldn't stand the infinitesimal distance between us.

I tilted my head just enough to make contact with his mouth again. I threw my arms around his neck as we kissed once, twice…three times. I let out a wanton sound and held on for dear life as his lips parted and he traced my mouth with his tongue. His hands slid inside his coat and circled my waist before sliding up my sides.

My tongue met his before retreating, inviting him to follow. We stood on the porch making out like teenagers. It was utter bliss…until I realized the reason for our location though we had a perfectly good room just a flight of stairs away.

If we did this in our room, there would be nothing stopping us. Edward still didn't want me the way I wanted him. The revelation intruded on my wine-fogged brain, cooling my ardor significantly.

I slid my hands down his arms until I reached his hands where they rested on me. Pulling them away, I gave them a gentle squeeze before turning to the door. I turned the large brass knob and stepped into the entryway. Edward moved in front of me and led me to the stairs, holding my hand, helping me balance as the effects of the wine returned.

We were in our room in minutes. I handed Edward back his jacket with a quiet thank you. I gathered my things and went to the bathroom. I hung my outfit on hangers, washed up, and slipped into my carefully-nonaggressive new pajamas. As planned, I slid into the wrap before leaving the bathroom.

Edward way lying on top of the covers, still fully dressed. He rose when I entered the room, his eyes sweeping over me. I thought I saw a flicker of disappointment, but he didn't comment before walking past me to the bathroom.

I went to the bed and quickly removed the wrap. I laid it at the foot of the bed before sliding between the cool sheets. I shivered once again before turning on my side and curling up a little to try to conserve warmth. I stared at the bathroom door waiting for Edward to come out.

But by the time he did, I was fast asleep.

This chapter is about 150 words shorter than I wanted it to be, but there was no point in moving on to the next morning now. I'm on vacation with my husband and kids starting tomorrow. I'm hoping to keep to my regular update schedule, which means the next chapter will be posted on 5/1. Hopeful

If anything changes I'll post on my blog: http:/ ironictwistisntitironic. blogspot. com.

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