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: I'm back. I know it's a long time between updates, but I have to balance all of my responsibilities. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 18

BPOV

It was hard to believe that it was just a few days until Christmas. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of events. Thankfully nothing else major had happened in regards to James after the night that he showed up unannounced. Edward had made sure that security at the resort was informed of his description and they were told in no uncertain terms that he was to be removed from the premises immediately if he were to show up again. I sincerely doubted that I would ever see him again, but Edward was not taking any chances.

I had officially moved in with Edward the following weekend after the "James' visit", and we had adjusted amazingly well to cohabitation. I guess the fact that we had basically been living together for the last few weeks had already accounted for the adjustment period, that and the fact that I had little to move in other than my few personal belongings. Edward made a point though of making sure I felt comfortable in the house. He made room for me in his closet and dresser, along with clearing space on his bookshelves for my well worn books that I had brought with me.

The best part though was the knowledge that I got to come home to Edward every night. Most times we just cooked a simple dinner together and hung out. It was calming to settle into a life with less drama and more normalcy. God knows we had experienced enough drama to last a lifetime.

Today was the first day since the accident that I was going to spend away from Edward other than work hoirs. The rational part of me knew that this was healthy for a couple, but the rest of me dreaded the idea of not seeing him for hours on end. Truth be told, I knew he felt the same way.

Alice and I had made plans to go have a girl's day out. Not only did I need to finish Christmas shopping, but Alice was insisting on some pampering, now that I was completely healed and my cast was gone. I wasn't sure that the pampering idea was something I would have chosen to do for myself, but I had missed spending time with Alice in the past few weeks. Thankfully once I got back to work, she and I were able to at least grab lunch together a few days a week. Sometimes Esme or Rose joined us as well. Even the guys made an appearance now and again. Although they were also busy with the season now in full force. All of the ski patrol was out patrolling or manning the headquarters to make sure the skiers and snowboarders were safe.

Knowing that Alice and I would be heading out fairly early, Edward had made his own plans with Emmett and Jasper. Apparently they were working on some project. I wasn't sure that I wanted to know what they were up to. It probably involved Edward spending too much money on something for me. I had repeatedly told him to not spend a lot of money on me for Christmas, but I am certain his idea of too much money and my idea are not the same thing!

Thankfully I didn't have much time to ponder what he might be up to because Alice came bounding into the house shortly after the boys had left to go wherever they were headed.

"So Bella are you ready for some fun?" she questioned as she bounced on the balls of her feet.

I knew that an answer wasn't actually required. Her question was only rhetorical. So I nodded and grabbed my things before following her out to her car. Unfortunately with the season at the resort being so busy right now, I had yet to go car shopping. Thankfully I was able to get around to where I needed to go by catching rides with Edward or Alice if need be. Car shopping was on my list for after the New Year though.

Alice was just as enthusiastic a driver as she was when she was buzzing around the office. Thankfully I had ridden with her enough times to know that she was a speed demon, but always safe. Although since my accident she was more cautious with me in the car. I was still unable to not tense up when I had to ride past the section of road that I had crashed on. The guard rail had been replaced and there was little evidence of the fact that anything had happened there, but I knew that I wasn't likely to forget anytime soon. My thoughts were rational, but my subconscious had other ideas.

Alice kept up a constant chatter as we drove down the windy road. I knew she was trying to distract me and for that I was grateful. Once we were well past the accident scene and on our way into town, I relaxed and felt my muscles release the tension.

Within 10 minutes we were pulling into the spa parking lot, and Alice was nearly vibrating with excitement. I had asked Alice why we didn't just use the services at the resort, and she told me that it was weird to have people that you see in social settings performing some spa services, so she just always came into town to use this spa.

The spa was set up inside a restored Victorian home. There was a pretty little sitting room just inside the front door, and we were greeted by the receptionist as soon as we entered.

Alice had a quick discussion with the receptionist, who had introduced herself as Gayle before we were led down a hall to a set of changing rooms.

We were each given thick, white terrycloth robes and sandals to put on. I hated to admit it, but I was already feeling relaxed just by being in such a peaceful setting. An attendant came out to greet me in the sitting room and introduced herself as Carrie. She explained that she would be performing my services for the day and led me to a room filled with all kinds of lotions and assorted products. I sincerely hoped that Alice did not get any bright ideas about having any of my lady parts waxed because I was not even going there!

Thankfully Alice for once in her life did not plan any wicked surprises! My day was filled with a deep tissue massage, a manicure, a pedicure, and a facial. All of which was new to me, but I think I could seriously get used to doing this a few times a year. Normally I was not one to make a fuss about myself, but who honestly didn't enjoy a day to just relax!

I had just finished up and thanked my technician, when Alice came into the room looking stunning as always.

"So Bella, did you enjoy yourself?" she asked as we made our way out of the spa.

"Actually, Alice, I really did. I wasn't sure how I would feel about all of the treatments, but it was nice to relax and unwind."

"Well it seems that we may make a girly girl yet."

"I wouldn't go that far, Alice!" I shot back. I certainly did not want Alice to take this as her permission to take me shopping and dress me up in high fashion. A day to relax was one thing. But playing Bella Barbie was another. Give me my jeans and sweaters any day over high heels and dresses.

Alice just stuck her tongue out at me and we laughed as we walked down the main street of the town. I still needed to get Edward something for Christmas and for the moment I was totally stumped.

"Alice, I am in need of your assistance. I have no idea what to get your brother for Christmas. I want to get him something special, but I can't think of anything. He already has everything he needs and wants. Any thoughts?"

She wrinkled her little nose in thought, "Hmmmm, I know what you mean about him having everything, but I think I know just the thing. Follow me and I will show you!"

She grabbed my hand and pulled me across the street at the intersection and led me to a storefront not too far away from where we were at a minute ago.

I glanced at the displays on the windows and looked at Alice as if she was nuts.

"Alice, I am not sure that Edward would find much value in that?" I was seriously questioning her mental faculties at that moment.

"No silly, that is for you. The gift for Edward would be that," she declared as she pointed at the shop next store.

I quickly glanced at the neighboring store front and a smile spread across my face.

"Alice you are a genius! That's a perfect gift!" I exclaimed.

"Tell me something that I don't know," Alice scoffed before smiling at me and pulling me into the first store.

About an hour later, I was officially finished shopping for Edward and I knew that he was going to love my gift!

Thank god for Alice. She may drive me crazy, but she can be a true lifesaver!

As soon as we got back to the house, I quickly stashed my purchases and made my way to the kitchen to see what I could put together for dinner. Alice had just dropped me off, saying that she had some last minute things to do herself to get ready for the holidays.

I was just finishing up the last few preparations for dinner when I felt two strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind.

"Hi, baby. I missed you today," he whispered into my neck as he ghosted his lips across my skin. You'd think by now that I would have adjusted to Edward's presense somewhat, but every time we were close to each other, I felt the same tingle and surge of electricity run through my body.

"Mmmmm, it was good. I had a nice relaxing trip to the spa with Alice, and then I finished my shopping."

"I am glad you had a good time at the spa. You deserve a little time to unwind. Did you get me anything good?" he questioned with a glint in his eye.

"Like I would tell you! You will just have to wait until Christmas. You are as bad as a kid or Emmett!" I admonished, but I honestly loved that I had someone to spoil a little bit this year.

"Fine," Edward replied pretending to pout and give me his best puppy dog eyes.

Realizing that this was not working, he switched tactics and began tickling my sides.

"Aghhh, Edward! Stop that before pee my pants!" I gasped as I wriggling out of his grasp and darted across the room to hide in front of the couch.

He just laughed and chased after me, catching me around the waist before falling onto the couch with me pressed underneath him. Now this was a turn of events that I could live with!

"Now that I have you trapped, I wonder what I should do with you?" he pretended to ponder his options, but his body betrayed him instantly. I could feel what he wanted to do, and I was definitely not opposed to the idea.

"Well we could play a board game," I suggested knowing full well that it was the last thing either of us was interested in doing at the moment.

"Well I am not opposed to playing a game, but Monopoly wasn't exactly what I had in mind," he replied leaning closer to my lips as he spoke.

"Oh really," I whispered back licking my lips in anticipation of his kiss.

He pressed his lips against mine and I groaned at the contact of his mouth on mine. God I loved kissing this man! The kissing quickly became heated and filled with passion. I reached up and threaded my hands through his hair and tugged his face closer to mine, sliding my tongue across his bottom lip, and he immediately granted my access. His hands drifted under the hem of my shirt and ghosted across my stomach before gliding up towards my breasts.

I arched up towards his hands and slid my hands from his hair down his back and grabbed his shirt and began to tug on it. I wanted to feel his skin under my fingertips. He readily complied and broke the kiss only long enough to pull his shirt off and toss it across the room.

I groaned at the sight of his finely sculpted chest. He was the sexiest thing on two legs. Not being able to help myself, I leaned forward and trailed several open mouthed kisses along his chest and up his neck before reclaiming hi mouth with my own.

I was rewarded with a moan from Edward that came from deep within his chest. It was so empowering to know that I affected him the same way that he affected me.

Edward sat back on his heels still straddling my hips and looked down at me with lust filled eyes.

"God Bella, what you do to me! I think we need to even things up a bit though don't you?" he asked before pulling me up enough to remove my shirt and bra before tossing them across the room to meet his shirt from on the floor.

Before I had a moment to react to his words and actions, he leaned down and latched onto my left breast while palming my right. The dual sensations sent me back to my blessed out state from a moment ago.

"Guh, Edward that feels so good!" I moaned out as I dropped back onto the couch. I could feel his grin against my flesh before he continued his assault on my skin as he made his way down the valley between my breasts to the top of my jeans. Before I knew it, he had them open and was tugging them down over my thighs taking my panties with them.

I was so consumed in my own desires at this point that I felt like my skin was going to combust from every touch that Edward laid on my body. I was not beyond begging at this point and that was exactly what I did!

"Please Edward!" I begged in a voice that I barely recognized as my own. It was raw and gritty and filled with intense need.

By now he was perched between my thighs and placing tiny butterfly kisses all around the very area that I desired him the most.

"What baby? Tell me what you want me to do. I am all yours," his voice was pure seduction. He knew exactly what he was doing to me and he was reveling in it.

"I need you!" I panted. "Please touch me!"

"How could I refuse a request like that," he responded before diving between my legs and assaulting me with his mouth and fingers until I crashed over the edge in a tremendous climax.

I arched my back off the couch and I swear I saw stars! It felt like hours passed before I regained any sense of reality.

Just as I was regaining my composure from the pure pleasure I had just received at Edward's hands (and mouth)! I felt him shift above me as he removed his own jeans and boxers.

His eyes were darkened with desire and his erection was prominent and to be honest delicious looking. I couldn't stop myself. I leaned forward and took it in my mouth. I just had to taste him. It wasn't about returning favors. It was just a need I felt deep in my soul.

To be honest this was not something I had done much in my past experiences because I honestly did not see the appeal, until now that is. There was just something about seeing Edward coming undone at my touch that was so extremely erotic.

"Oh god Bella!" he moaned and twined his hands into my hair. Not in a way that was offensive either. The whole experience was bringing me right back to the edge again as I lavished my attentions on him. I could tell that he was close because his breathing had sped and the sounds he was making were primal.

"Baby as good as this feels I want to feel myself in you!"

I drifted back making every last second count before coming back to rest on my heels. He wasted no time grabbing me around the waist and wrapping my legs around his waist as he thrust into me deeply.

The feeling was nothing short of amazing. We fit together so perfectly that I knew that he was my forever. I didn't care that we had only been together for a short time. There would never be anyone else for me. He was it!

We continued to move together until we were both ready to reach our peak again. In one more hard thrust we fell over the edge together and Edward collapsed on top of me and buried his head in my neck trying to rein in his breathing.

"I love you so much, baby," he whispered against my neck as he placed several small kisses along my collarbone.

"I love you too, Edward," I whispered back enjoying the afterglow of our lovemaking. These were the moments I relished the most. We could have fun together, but there was always this underlying current of passion that was just too powerful to ignore.

AN; I know that this one was a little short, but it just seemed like the best place to end it was here. The next chapter will be Christmas. Any thoughts on what they are going to get each other? Please review!