Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

AN: Again I apologize for the delay in posting. I really want to post more often but real life has other ideas. I promise not to abandon the story though. It will get written. I have it all planned out, I just need the time to get it all written out. Thanks again to those that review. I love hearing from all of you. Thanks again!

Chapter 8

EPOV

Kissing Bella was the most amazing experience of my life. I couldn't believe the depth of the emotion that was connected with something as simple as our kiss, and yet it had been so powerful. I have never experienced anything even being remotely closely to it before.

It wasn't like I had never been with a woman before, but those encounters were driven solely by lust and desire not by any form of emotional connection. The two kisses that I had just shared with Bella were now the only moments I have shared with a woman that I ever cared to remember. Nothing in the past was even comparable or worth remembering.

I had been so nervous to share my past that involved Tanya with Bella. I had been so focused at that time in my life to find the depth of love that I witnessed in my family members that my judgment had been severely impaired. Thankfully my family was there to kick some much needed sense into me.

I didn't want Bella to think that I was looking for just anyone any more. I had learned my lesson, and knew without a doubt that I had found my future in Bella. She was all I had ever wanted or needed. Now I just had to bide my time and show Bella that my feelings were true and real. I was more than willing to take my time and make the effort. She was worth it. She was everything.

That ass James had no idea what a treasure he had in Bella, and his loss was my gain. As much as I wanted to rearrange his face and other key body parts for hurting Bella like he had, there was that small part of my mind that realized without his actions Bella might not have become a part of my life. That thought alone caused a tightening in my chest. In such a short time Bella had invaded my mind, body, and heart.

After our discussion at the lodge we spent a little more time just sitting together and talking quietly about nothing important. We had already shared so much on a serious level that it was nice to just talk about nothing in particular. Of course we did manage to sneak in a few more kisses. Although it didn't go past that, my desire for Bella was overwhelming. I had never felt the physical yearning for another woman like I did for Bella. I knew that we were not at that point as of yet, but my body had its own opinions on the matter.

Eventually we decided that we weren't going to make it back on the slopes and decided we should probably head home. I desperately wanted to see more of Bella, but not wanting to push it, I walked her to her truck so she could go to her cabin. At her truck I did kiss her one more time not able to resist her soft lips. I didn't know when I would get the opportunity again so I was taking full advantage of the moment. I promised to call her later and check on her before she hopped into her truck and headed home.

BPOV

I felt like I was floating as I drove home from my afternoon with Edward. It certainly had not turned out like I had thought it would, but in the end I have to say that I wouldn't change a thing. Although I had dreaded revealing my past with James to Edward, I was relieved at his immediate acceptance. There were times that I hated James for what he did to me, but I was trying my hardest to get past all of it and move forward. I was eternally grateful that Edward was willing to take the journey with me.

I was shocked though that my previous need to proceed slowly appeared to be speeding up with a heightened sense of urgency. Kissing Edward might have had something to do with that I am sure. The few kisses we had shared today were magical. I had never felt that much passion and emotion from sharing something as simple as a kiss. I am embarrassed to admit that I was anxiously wondering when I would be kissing him again.

Damn I hoped it was sooner rather than later!

***

Over the last few days, Edward and I talked everyday for hours about everything, but with our crazy schedules we hadn't able to see each other since our skiing lesson. I knew that this was going to be this way, but it didn't diminish my disappointment.

I was sitting at my desk on Thursday afternoon finishing some last minute odds and ends when my phone beeped letting me know I had a text message.

Hey beautiful-

I miss seeing you. Can we meet for a drink tonight? I have the full on puppy dog face if that will assist in your decision.

-Edward

I chuckled at his pleading. As if I could refuse him anything at this point. I may not be ready to dive into a serious lifelong commitment, but I was definitely falling for him.

I responded right away.

To my favorite ski instructor-

I would love to. The lodge at 7:00?

-Bella

My phone beeped almost immediately after I sent the message.

To my favorite student-

I had better be your only instructor! I'll see you then.

-Edward X

I grinned at his reply and looked towards the clock. At least I only had to survive the next few hours until I could see him again, god even that seemed like an eternity. What was happening to me?

***

I ran home after work and changed into some more date worthy clothes. It wasn't anything special, but I didn't want to see Edward after the last few days of not seeing him in my work gear. I threw on some black skinny jeans and a deep purple blouse that flattered my figure without looking sleazy. I combed through my hair, through on some light makeup, and grabbed my coat before heading back out the door. Thankfully my truck was still behaving, so I actually arrived a few minutes early. I decided to head in and wait for Edward inside the bar.

The bar area was busy but not overly crowded. With it being a week night there weren't as many guests at the resort as on the weekends. I made my way towards the bar and ordered a drink while I waited.

A few minutes later I was sitting on one of the suede bar stools when I head a deep voice from the stool next to me.

"So have you come to the conclusion that Cullen can't give you what you need?" drawled a male voice that sounded oddly familiar.

As I turned to tell off whoever it was a pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind and leaned towards the man on the other stool.

"Newton, I told you before leave my girlfriend alone!" Edward stated these words with an emphasis that was not rude but it left no doubt that he meant what he said.

Wait, did he say girlfriend?

"Sorry, Eddie. I didn't realize you had marked your territory," he replied with a sneer on his face.

I could feel Edward's grip tighten at Newton's words, so I figure that I'd better head this pissing match off before things got out of hand.

I turned on my stool to kiss Edward on the cheek and whispered loud enough for only Newton and Edward to hear me, "Baby, you can mark me anytime you want."

As I had hoped Newton got pissed and grabbed his beer before storming off towards the pool tables on the other side of the bar. Edward on the other hand looked stunned at my words. The look on his face made me giggle. I had apparently rendered him speechless.

I slid off my stool and grabbed my drink and Edward's beer that he had sat on the bar when he had come over and led him to a booth in the corner of the bar.

He must have regained some of his composure while walking over to the booth because he pulled me into his lap and whispered seductively into my ear sending chills down my spine.

"Holy hell Bella, I'm not sure what's gotten into you, but I will not complain if you feel the urge to do that again!"

I giggled again and kissed his cheek. It was nice to know that I had some affect over Edward like he had over me.

"Good to know," I replied.

"I figured that was the best way to get rid of Newton without you two throwing punches."

Edward chuckled darkly at my theory, and then his face grew serious.

"What's wrong?" I questioned wondering if I had done something to upset him. Newton was a ski patrol member so maybe I had overstepped my bounds.

Edward was quick to offer reassurance though.

"Nothing is wrong, Bella. I was just concerned that you might have been upset about what I said to Newton about you being my girlfriend. I truly respect your feelings on taking things slow and I don't want to rush you. I just wanted him to get a clear picture that he was not welcome," he stated all of this in a rush and his brow was furrowed in worry.

My chest tightened knowing that he was trying so hard, and that I was the cause for all his efforts. Truth be told I had actually reveled in the fact that he would refer to me as his girlfriend even if his intentions were just to save me from Newton. I had to make him realize that I wasn't upset at him at all.

I reached up to smooth away his creased brow before I spoke, "Edward it's fine, honest. I wasn't upset at all about you telling him that. Not just because it means he won't bug me, but to be honest…I liked hearing you say that. I know you weren't serious, but it sounded nice all the same. I've never had someone want to protect and care for me like you do."

His faced smoothed out as I spoke and his worried expression was replaced by his crooked grin. I would never tire of seeing that smile!

"Bella, let's get some things straight. First I was dead serious when I said that. I would love nothing more than if you would be my girlfriend. I have been ready since our first date and I will continue to wait until you are ready. My decision was made a long time ago. When and if you are ready, I am yours."

My heart was racing at his honest and heartfelt speech. I was still not sure why this amazing man wanted to be with me. It truly was baffling to me. I suddenly came to the realization that I needed to take a leap of faith and see where this would go.

Deep down I wanted to have complete trust that Edward would always protect and care for me, and I would never know unless I let my guard down and gave it an honest effort.

Taking a deep breath, I whispered just two words, "I'm ready."

It took a moment for my words to register with Edward. I watched as his face switched from confusion to absolute elation. Before I could begin to say anything else he crashed his lips to mine in a kiss that easily told me how happy he was at that moment. I was happier than I could have thought possible. I was finally letting go of my past and opening my heart up to another person. The thought was both overwhelming and exciting.

I reached up to twine my fingers into his hair as we continued kissing. I knew I would never tire of feeling his soft hair running through my fingers or having his lips on mine. Edward eventually broke the kiss, but his lips didn't leave my skin. Instead he trailed hot, open mouth kisses down my jaw to the point where my neck and collarbone met.

He kissed me once more before whispering in my ear, "Thank you."

There really was nothing else he needed to say. I knew what those two simple words meant to both of us.

After a few more moments of just sitting with each other, we decided to play some pool. It was nice to just spend some time together and enjoy the evening. We made plans to go tubing the next day. His family would also be there, and I was looking forward to spending time with them. I got along well with Alice and we often had lunch together if our schedules were coordinated. I knew she would be thrilled to know that Edward and I had decided to become "official". I just hoped that I could somehow contain her potentially "enthusiastic" reaction.

Edward walked me to my truck and gave me a searing kiss good night that made my toes curl before I headed home. I was definitely enjoying the benefits of being able to kiss Edward whenever the mood suited. I could only imagine what the next phase of our physical relationship would be like.

Hmmmm? The possibilities were endless!

***

EPOV

After the events of the evening with Bella, I found that I was unable to fall asleep when I returned home. All I wanted was to hold Bella in my arms and kiss her senseless. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that Bella would have committed herself to me so soon. I wanted to shout it to anyone that was within earshot that Bella was now my girlfriend. I had never felt such a need in the past. The feelings that were coursing through me were all so fresh and new. All I knew was that I never wanted to lose those feelings. Even though we had only known each other for a short time, I knew without a doubt that Bella was the last woman I would ever need in my life. She was it for me.

Even though my sleep was minimal, I woke up feeling refreshed and excited for the day ahead. Not only would I get to see Bella so soon after leaving her side last night, but I could let everyone know that she was mine! I knew my family would be ecstatic for us.

I threw on my clothes and grabbed the essentials for the day, and headed out to my car. I was picking Bella up so that we could ride together. Not only was it silly to take two vehicles, but I honestly wanted to have her to myself for a few minutes before we met up with the rest of my family. Knowing Alice once we arrived at the tubing hill, Bella would be forced to endure her questioning for an undisclosed period of time.

I pulled up to her cabin right on time and the smile spread from ear to ear as she burst out of the front door towards my car stumbling twice before throwing herself into my arms with such enthusiasm that I could help but pick her up off the ground and hug her to my chest. She squealed as I spun her around a few times laughing at her infectious giggles. I lowered her to the ground but didn't let her go right away. I wanted to savor the moment just a few seconds longer, I also couldn't resist pressing my lips to hers for a kiss. They were just too damn tempting!

I released a groan when her tongue darted out to sweep across my bottom lip. She had no idea of the effect she had on me, and if I wasn't careful she would surely find out. I wasn't sure how long I could restrain myself around her. I deepened the kiss for a few more seconds before having to break away from her for fear of throwing her over my shoulder and running back into her cabin, tubing be damned.

I placed several light kisses across her nose and cheeks before leading her to the passenger door and helping her inside. Taking a much needed calming breath I jogged over to the driver's side and hopped in.

I finally found my voice so that I could actually speak to her, "That was certainly a pleasant way to start the day I must say! Do you think that I could come by every morning for one of those kisses?"

Her telltale blush inevitably crept up her cheeks as she grinned back at me.

"I think that could be arranged," she replied. What she said next nearly had me drive off the side of the road though.

"It would save you a lot of trouble if you just stayed at my place," she replied with a wink.

I was so stunned at this feisty version of Bella that it took all of my self control to keep the car driving on the road. I couldn't even begin to allow my mind to wander down such a tempting path at this point. I knew my limits and Bella was already testing them to their fullest extent.

Thankfully we were pulling into the tubing park's lot, so I was freed from having to respond to her little comment. Although the smirk on her face made it plain that she was well aware of the effect she had on me and I do believe she was thoroughly enjoying herself.

We both made sure that we had all of our outerwear on before walking towards the entrance. The only thing we had yet to put on were our gloves, so that we could intertwine our hands together while we walked. I was so drawn to her. I had this insane need to be touching Bella when we were together, even in the most innocent manner.

As soon as we reached the tubing park, I spotted the rest of my family waiting for us. We walked over to them and I caught Alice glance at our intertwined fingers and then shoot me a look that said 'We will talk later'. I just shrugged in acceptance. When Alice became determined about something there was nothing anyone could do to stop her. I had nothing to hide from her so for once I didn't feel overly apprehensive about the impending inquisition.

As soon as we reached the others, Emmett grabbed Bella away from me and threw her over his shoulder and started running up the hill to the start of the tubing run. Bella was squealing and pounding him on his back as he ran, although her fists did little to deter my oaf of a brother.

"Emmett Cullen! Put me down you Neanderthal!" squeaked Bella's loud but laughing protest.

Emmett just laughed and grabbed a tube at the top of the hill before plopping Bella down in the tube and jumping on it behind her as they shot off down the hill at mock speed with Bella yelling and laughing the entire way.

"Hold on tight little one!" Emmett hollered as they shot past us sending snow flying in our direction.

"Emmett, you'd better not let anything happen to my girlfriend!" I yelled as they shot past us only half joking. Emmett sometimes forgot his sheer size was twice that of most people and almost three times that of someone like Bella.

"Girlfriend, huh?" questioned Alice while quirking her eyebrow in my direction.

I let out a deep breath before responding. I knew that this was coming, but I didn't want to have Alice interfering or telling me 'I told you so'.

"Yes, Alice, Bella and I are official," I looked at her as I spoke to evaluate her reaction.

She was quiet for a few seconds and then squealed loudly before hugging in a surprisingly tight grasp given her size.

"It's about damn time brother dear," she admonished with a grin so I knew she was only partially serious.

Thankfully Bella and Emmett were heading our way, effectively ending anymore commentary from Alice. Though I had no doubt that I would hear plenty more later.

Bella finally reached me and wrapped her arms around my waist before loudly whispering in me ear, so that the others could hear, "Save me please! I think Emmett was trying to scare me to death or at the very least make me piss my pants!"

Everyone laughed and Emmett pretended to look hurt.

"Ah, Bells you wound me!" he clasped his hands over his heart to exaggerate his point.

"Don't worry, baby. I won't let the mean bully pick on you anymore," I whispered in her ear, eliciting a shiver from her. I loved that I could cause that reaction from Bella.

"Alright that's enough you two! Let's go play!" said Rosalie as she started dragging Emmett back up the hill.

***

BPOV

We had a blast tubing together for the afternoon. It we each took turns trading off who we rode with on the tubes. It was so much fun just hanging out with Edward's family.

I loved that they all accepted me so easily, especially knowing that they had never liked Tanya. It was probably a little immature, but I still reveled in the fact that they liked me better. Who cares if I sounded like I was in high school!

Alice had pulled me to the side at one point to give me a hug and tell me how glad she was that I was giving her brother a chance. I reassured her that I was equally glad that I had put trust into Edward.

It was starting to get dark and we had all had enough of the snow and cold by early evening, so we all decided to grab some pizzas and head over to Edward's house. Apparently his house was the closest to the resort and easiest to accommodate everyone.

We had a great time eating and chatting with each other. It was very relaxing and comfortable. After all the pizza had been eaten, almost half by Emmett, the others decided to call it a night and headed to their respective homes. All of them gave me a hug as they left. Emmett's being the most enthusiastic and Alice's being the tightest. I promised to call her the next day to set up a time to go shopping.

The resorts Winter Carnival was coming up the weekend after Thanksgiving and apparently I needed a new dress for the dance that was planned for Saturday night. She informed me that she knew of the perfect store to shop at and that we just had to get there soon before all the dresses were picked over. After securing a promise from me, she was willing to leave with Jasper following her and shaking his head with a chuckle. Obviously he was used to Alice's insistence when she was after something.

Edward wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me towards the couch in front of the fireplace. I smiled to myself remembering our first date and the time we had spent on that same couch. I wondered if he remembered it as fondly as I did.

When we reached the couch, Edward pulled me down onto his lap and wrapped his arms around my waist before placing a kiss on my neck just below my ear. I shivered involuntarily and felt him smile against my skin.

"Are you cold?" he questioned while continuing to place kisses down my neck to my collarbone.

"N-n-n-o," I managed to stutter out as my eyes drifted closed. I could hardly maintain any focus when Edward was kissing me.

"That's too bad," he murmured against my skin.

"Huh?" was my intelligent response.

"Well if you were cold, then I could find a way to keep you warm," he whispered as his hands ghosted across the tops of my thighs.

Oh shit! He did not just say that.

My mind was so muddled that I couldn't manage a response back. All I knew was that I wanted him to keep kissing me.

Thankfully he chose to ignore my lack of verbal skills at that point and continue with his attack on my neck and sensitive skin below my ear. I felt his hand travel up the outside of my thighs to the sliver of skin that was exposed between the hem of my shirt and waist band of my jeans, ever so slowly dragging his fingers across the skin.

God it felt amazing to feel his hands on my bare skin.

As amazing as it felt to have Edward kissing my neck, I desperately wanted his lips on mine, so I managed enough coherent thought to swing my leg around so that I was straddling his waist and crushed my lips to his. If he was surprised by this he didn't let on. He was the first to deepen the kiss by snaking his tongue out to sweep across my bottom lip. I groaned in response, between his tongue and hands I was a goner.

I wasn't sure how far I wanted this to go, but I was unwilling to stop just yet. Apparently the fates decided it was time to intervene when Edward's phone began to ring.

I was pleased to notice that he was as unhappy to cease as I was at that moment. He let out a small groan and a muffled, "Damn it!" before reaching for his phone.

"Oh Hi Mom," was his reply to whatever was said on the other line. I decided that straddling him while he talked to his mom was a bad idea so I made a move to get up, but he held my still on his lap. Obviously he wanted me to stay put, so I sat back down and idly ran my hands through his hair while he talked.

"Alright I'll ask her," he said as he closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the cushions obviously enjoying the attention I was lavishing on him.

"I was going to talk to her about it anyway. I just haven't had the chance yet. You know how crazy it's been," he was silent for a few moments and then said his goodbye before closing his phone and tossing on the couch beside us.

"God Bella that feels so incredible," he nearly moaned.

"Glad to hear it," I replied kissing his cheek.

"How's your mom by the way. I feel bad that I haven't seen her in awhile."

"She's good. She was actually calling about you. She wanted me to make sure that I invited you to Thanksgiving at their house. I was planning on talking about it with you tonight, but was distracted by a beautiful brunette that was sitting in my lap," he chuckled and winked at me.

Wow! I couldn't believe that they wanted me for Thanksgiving dinner at their house. We had only been dating a short time, and that kind of stuff was usually reserved for long term girlfriends.

"Edward, are you sure about that? Isn't that usually an immediate family type of occasion?" I questioned. I didn't want him to think that he had to invite me out of obligation.

"Bella, don't be absurd. As far as I am concerned you are part of the family. There isn't a member of the family that wouldn't say the same thing. I'll just be miserable and moping around if you don't came with me, unless of course you have other plans with your family."

"No it's not that. My family doesn't really do the big family dinner thing, so I was just going to stay here and help out at the resort."

Edward and I had never really discussed my family in depth. My parents were great and they loved and supported me, but we just never made a big deal about the holidays. It just seemed easier to stay here that try and travel back home.

"Then it's settled. You will get to partake in a true family Thanksgiving, including watching Emmett eat half the food and make an ass of himself when he realizes that his stomach does not agree with the amount of food he consumes!"

I had to chuckle at the mental picture he created because it seemed so totally Emmett.

"Alright then, I guess your family has one more for dinner on Thanksgiving then."

Edward responded with the best reply I could imagine as he grabbed my face in his hands and kissed me.

AN: I hope you liked it. I know it was exactly exciting, but I needed to move the story along. We are only 1 or 2 chapters until the prologue. I know many of you are anxious to get there. I hope I am still keeping you interested. I humbly ask again that if you read that you please leave me a quick review. Good or bad, I use them when I write. Thanks again!