Chapter 13

Edward

When Ej passes out around three from his Christmas excitement, I take it upon myself to make Bella something for a late lunch.

I decide to fix some soup and sandwiches. It's nothing special, but it's going to be good. So that's all that matters.

As I'm moving through the kitchen all I can think about is last night. I feel like a teenager, but it's true. She's awakened something inside me that I've deprived myself of for so long. Making me want nothing more than to drag her to my bedroom and lock the door behind us.

I snap out of it though, because, really more than anything we need to talk. As much as my body disagrees. Christmas isn't the day to have either of our minds swirling with questions and unknowns.

"Lunch is served," I tell her, covering up Ej and putting on one of his shows so we have a few minutes of peace even if he does wake up.

"This looks delicious," she mumbles, coming to sit at my tiny kitchen table. Typically, I would've served us at the breakfast bar, but right now, I want to be facing her. I want to be able to look into her eyes easily enough.

"Thanks."

We eat quietly for a bit before I reach over and take her hand in mine. It's such a simple gesture, but so intimate at the same time. And it just feels right. There's so much I want to get off my chest, out into the open. But for now, I'll settle for just talking about us.

I smile at her softly before blowing out a breath. I'm nervous. That much is obvious. This morning was Bella's time and now it's my turn. "We need to talk, yea?"

She nods, staring at her soup. I hate that. So much.

I rub the back of her hand, trying to comfort her. "Bella, I just want to say last night was incredible. I need to tell you that. And honestly," I say wishing she would look at me with her sweet brown eyes. "I'd love to be able to wake up to you next to me every day."

I'm finally greeted with a small smile from her and I bask in it for a moment.

I lick my lips, choosing my words carefully. "I haven't felt this way in a long time. But I'd like to see where it goes. I feel so close to you. Like we've already been through those messy first couple dates. Like you're perfect," I tell her, grinning.

Her smile widens. "I feel the same, too. You're amazing and you must've known I had a tiny crush on you."

I shake my head. I knew nothing of the sort. After our tie moment, when my eyes were finally opened to Bella as a woman rather than just my son's caretaker, I thought she was beautiful. But never once did I think she was interested in me.

She giggles lightly. "Oh c'mon. Alice said I must've been so obvious."

I smile. "I'm pretty dense sometimes. So you could've been holding a flashing sign and I still probably would've missed it."

We both laugh softly.

She takes a drink before pursing her lips and looking me in the eye. "I really like you Edward. Like I said, I think you're an amazing friend, father, and all around great guy. But I worry about Ej."

I nod. "I did too. I've worried over the thought of bringing another woman into our lives for years. And that's been the reason why I didn't do it…before now. But Ej loves you," I murmur. "We love you. And the fact that he's already adjusted to you, comfortable with you makes my life that much easier."

She cracks a wide grin and I fall more in love with her.

"So you want to give this a try?" I wonder, still nervous. It's been a while since I've laid my cards out on the table like this.

"I'd love to," she says, lighting up.

"Thank God," I mumble, blowing out a breath.

"Worried, much?"

"Hey, it's not my fault that you can't tell what a knockout you are. Bella you're gorgeous, intelligent, an amazing business woman and pastry chef, but on top of all that, you're really great with my kid, who's pretty much been my entire life for the last five years. That's better than a game winning touchdown at the Superbowl by the Patriots in my book. So of course I was nervous. Terrified even."

She smiles and comes over to sit on my lap. I push my chair back and gladly make room for her. I love the closeness. I crave it, actually.

"I'm not going anywhere, if you don't want me to," she murmurs before pecking lips.

"Sounds good to me," I whisper back before capturing her lips for myself.

Her arms wrap around my neck and she shifts her position, straddling me. I can't even begin to help the groan that escapes my lips. She pulls back and shushes me.

And for a while we make out like teenagers in the kitchen. It's not terribly romantic, but damn does it feel good to be able to touch, hold and kiss her.

When we finally come up for air I stare into her sparkling eyes and smile. "You're amazing, you know that?"

She shrugs.

"I mean it Bella. You're incredible and I'd really like to make this work. Would you be willing to go out with me the day after tomorrow?"

She smiles. "That sounds wonderful, she murmurs before pressing her lips into mine. And once again, I'm the happiest man on Earth.