A/N Sorry I'm a day late, but I was in Canada last week, and then with Thanksgiving coming up, let's just say it has been a little crazy in my life. If you're a reader of Here With Me, I am currently working on the next chapter, so just hang in there a little bit longer :)

Thank you to all my readers and reviewers, you guys keep me inspired, and I luvs you so much for it :)

Thank you to my beta, Breath-of-Twilight. I don't think she knows how special she is to me, and I can't thank her enough.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is a goddess and she owns all of the Twilight universe. I own the story line. Please do not steal what isn't yours. No copyright infringement intended.

All the Loves of Our Lives

5. Guest

When I finally managed to drag myself out of the studio and back home, it was after eleven o'clock and there were no lights on in either Edward's or my house. I had forgotten to turn on my porch light; I expected to be home long before now. When I finally managed to find my key and put it in the lock, the door pushed open before I could turn the key. I was absolutely terrified. Wielding my keys as the only weapon I could think to use, I slowly stepped into my house. There wasn't a sound or movement anywhere. I started to think that maybe I had just forgotten to shut and lock my door when Jakey came running from out of nowhere, scaring me half to death.

I flicked on the kitchen light and nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw a figure of someone sitting in my living room. I reached for a kitchen knife this time and slowly edged towards the figure looming in the darkness. As I got closer to the living room, I could hear the person breathing, and I could better make out their form. It was definitely a man. I came around the couch to face him, and relief flooded me when I realized who was sitting there. The features of his face were still chiseled but softer as he slept. His breathing was even, and I could tell that he was in a deep sleep. I sighed with relief for so many reasons. I was so happy that I didn't have a murderer in my house. I was deliriously happy that Edward was home and in my house, on my couch. I wondered why he was in my house and how he had gotten in, and why hadn't he called to let me know that he was home. Then I realized that he didn't have my cell phone number. Why hadn't I noticed his car in the driveway?

He started to stir, and I hurried to turn the kitchen light back off. Part of me wanted him to stay here, tonight. Just for him to be close. I found a blanket in the closet and placed it over him. Just as I was turning away, he grabbed my wrist. I looked down and could see his face partially illuminated in the pale moon light. He was staring at me with those amazing green eyes.

"I waited for you all night. I hoped that I could apologize for my behavior the other night. I'm so sorry, Bella. Please can you…"

I cut him off. "Don't say you're sorry. It's none of my business what you had to do. It must have been really important. I'm glad you're back, though. I was just going to cover you up; you don't have to go home to that empty house… unless you want to." I hoped that he couldn't hear the hope in my voice. I didn't want him to know how happy he really made me by showing up tonight, even though he had scared me half to death.

"I'd like that. Bella, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, anything, what's up?"

"Would it be too much of an imposition for me to sleep with you tonight? I promise that I just want to lay with you awhile." His voice sounded so sincere, and I could see him pleading with his eyes. I didn't think that he had any other intentions than to just lie beside me, not that I would have minded if he did. I wanted his arms around me so badly, but we both weren't going to fit on the couch.

"Yes, I'd like that. On one condition though, we have to lie down in my bed. Neither one of us will get any sleep trying to squeeze onto that couch," I said, pointing at the narrow piece of furniture.

He smiled at me and moved to get off the couch. He was so tall standing next to me, and it made me feel so small. He reached out and took my hand and said, "Well then, after you."

"I have to feed the cat before we head up stairs." I hurried into the kitchen and locked the side door. Jakey waited patiently while I scooped out his food. The gravity of the situation finally hit me. What was I doing? I hardly knew him, and now he was going to be in my bed. I wanted this badly, though, and in that moment, I knew that I would be stupid to turn him away.

I joined him at the foot of the stairs and took his hand, leading him to my room. Sudden panic rushed to the surface again when I couldn't remember what I may have left hanging around my bedroom. The last thing I needed was Edward seeing my bra hanging from a door knob. We walked through the door, and to my own credit, I must have put all my clothes and underwear in their appropriate places.

"If you'll excuse me for just a moment, I need to change. Make yourself comfortable, though. I'll be right back." I grabbed a decent set of jammies and clean underwear, and headed to the bathroom. I smelled awful after a full day of dancing. I hadn't planned on taking a shower but there was no way that I was going to lie next to him all night and smell as awful as I did. I rushed through my shower and threw on my clothes. I didn't want to seem like I was too anxious, but I wanted to see his face again, so badly.

As I walked back into my bedroom, I hoped that I hadn't taken too long, that he hadn't already fallen asleep. I wasn't disappointed. He was there, under the covers, with the sheets pulled to his waist and his bare chest exposed. It was a beautiful sight to behold. His eyes were closed and a smile started to creep across his face.

"Are you going to stand there or are you coming to bed?" he asked, in the most playful voice I had ever heard him use.

I was so nervous. He was definitely going to notice when I started shaking like a leaf next to him. I crawled in and pulled the covers up underneath my chin. He turned on his side to face me, but I was having trouble getting up the courage to look at him. I couldn't see much here in the dark, but I needed to at least try to relax. Suddenly, I could feel his hand run across my stomach. Grasping my side, he pulled me closer and our body's touched intimately for the first time. He was so warm, and as he held me close, I could feel how strong and comforting he felt. He nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck, his warm breath washed against my sensitive skin, and I smiled. Thoughts were running at light speed through my head. With him back here, and in my bed no less, I had almost forgotten that he had even been gone. Then my curiosity got the best of me.

"Edward, are you still awake?" I almost hoped that he wasn't and that he wouldn't answer me.

"Yes. Is something the matter?"

"I actually just had a question. Really, I was just curious…."

"Bella, you can ask me anything."

"Well, I was wondering where you've been these last couple of days."

"There was a family emergency. Our family, unfortunately, seems to have those quite a lot."

"Well, I hope everything is okay."

"Of course, I wouldn't be back already if it wasn't. I was worried when you left the other night that you might get the wrong impression. I didn't want to leave, Bella. You have to know that."

"Why? You hardly know me. I mean, that sounds silly considering you're lying next to me, but seriously, you don't owe me anything, Edward."

"That's not true. I owe you more than that. You deserve more than that." He leaned up and kissed the tip of my nose, but I craved a real kiss from his lips. I wasn't going to pursue one, yet, but I definitely wanted one.

We were both silent then, and I finally started to relax. There were no more words spoken for the rest of the night. I finally settled in spoon position, my back pressed to his front, and it felt so good to be wrapped up in his arms. I'd never felt so content in my whole life. I had never felt more a home and comfortable than I did in his arms. It left me strangely unsettled. What bothered me to most was I couldn't place why he would make me feel this way. It was like we had always been like this. After what felt like only a few minutes, sleep finally found me.

I awoke to a groaning sound that startled me, and there was someone in my bed. Suddenly, it hit me like a ton of bricks, Edward had stayed with me. He was really home, and in my bed, and the night before came rushing back to me. The even keel of his breathing was so soothing, that I didn't want it to end. I glanced at the clock, and the glowing read numbers told me it was three o'clock in the morning, still too early to get up. I was so tired from the night before that I welcomed the opportunity for extra sleep.

As I lay there, I thought about what being here with Edward could mean. I wanted to know so many things about him, but when it came down to it, I was way too afraid to ruin what we already had.

His breathing stopped its slow rhythm, and his husky, sleep induces voice momentarily startled me. "Bella, what's bothering you?" I could hear the concern in his voice.

"Nothing. I was just having trouble sleeping." The lies just crept so easily out of my mouth.

"Really? I find that hard to believe. I heard you mumbling to yourself, something about ruining everything. What are you on about? Do you have something on your mind that you want to talk about?"

I did. I had so many things that I wanted to say and ask him. The courage that I needed, though, was buried somewhere deep within me, and I wasn't sure if I would ever find it.

"No, it's nothing, Edward, really. I just have a lot on my mind lately, and I woke up with a beautiful man next to me. I think it took ten years off my life, Edward; it just caught me off guard. You know, I do have one question for you right now. What made you come over here tonight, and how did you get in?" His features were dark, and I couldn't see the look that was spread across it.

"Truthfully? I wanted to see you. The last couple of days have been hell for me. I couldn't stop thinking about what could possibly be running through your mind, and all my thoughts were of you. I hadn't really left you with any explanation, andI owed you that, at least. I know that you think we hardly know each other, but I know all that I need to know about you. You are such a kind, loving, generous person, Bella. When I got home, I just wanted to see you. Your door was open, so I thought I would go ahead and wait inside. It was close to the time I thought you would be home. I hadn't had much sleep in the last couple of days, and I guess I just fell asleep waiting for you. I didn't mean to frighten you. I mean, I didn't exactly think I would be asleep when you came home, either." I could tell that he was being completely sincere. It was becoming very clear to me that he felt just as strong about me, as I did about him.

"I wanted to see you, too. I was just so happy that you were finally home. To be completely honest, though, I find that I wish I knew you a little better." There I had said it. I was ready for whatever reaction he might have.

"Bella, I'll tell you anything you want to know… anything. I want you to know everything that would make you feel better about me. I mean, one doesn't get many chances at love."

Did he really just refer to love? Warmth spread through my body, and I decided not to address that right now.

"I don't even know what I want to know, specifically. I just feel so comfortable with you, but I have literally spent only a handful of hours with you. I try and justify to myself that it doesn't matter, but it just does." The last bit sounded so final when it came out of my mouth. I didn't want to hurt him. My insides hurt at the thought that I might have upset him.

"Maybe I should go." He threw back the covers and started to get out of bed. I reached for his shoulder, my hands gently touching his bare back, and he stopped moving completely.

"Please, Edward, don't go. I don't want you to leave. If anything, I want you to stay too much. Please, don't make me beg."

"Why do you want me to stay here? I mean, I'm a stranger to you." His voice was strangled, and I could hear pain laced through his baritone.

"Edward, I…," he started to leave again. "No, I can't stand you leaving again. What if you don't come back?" I could feel the tears start to well in my eyes. He immediately turned to me, pulling me into his warm embrace.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I can't promise you that I won't leave again, but I can promise that I will tell you next time before I go. Damn, I knew that I had hurt you. Why didn't you just let me leave? I don't deserve to be here with you," he said, kissing the top of my head.

"Don't be sorry. I told you that I didn't want to really talk about what was wrong.

I shouldn't have brought this up in the middle of the night when we couldn't really discuss it thoroughly. I should have waited until both of us were awake. There is something about you that I can't get past. I have this undeniable attraction to you….." There I went again, letting things slip out of my mouth.

I looked at him and saw him staring at me. I was worried that he would try to leave again and nothing would stop him this time. I just wanted to spend the rest of the night in his arms. He leaned into me and kissed me softly, peppering tiny kisses all over my face. He pulled me to him again, and we snuggled down under the covers.

The sun shone brightly through the bedroom window. I rolled onto my side. Edward was still asleep next to me. My alarm clock would be going off any minute. I didn't want to disturb him if he needed to sleep, so I reached over and turned the alarm off before it started screaming. I didn't want to get up, either. I could lay here and look at him all day, but I had so much to do and so many dancers counting on me.

I gathered up my dance clothes and tip toed into the bathroom. Even though I had a bath the night before, I really needed to be refreshed. I took a quick shower and dressed swiftly. When I went back to my bedroom, he was still asleep. He looked so natural laying there in my bed, almost as if he belonged there. I wrote a quick note to tell him that I would see him later, and hurried out of the house.

My day at the studio went much like the day before. The craziness just wouldn't let up. Once we got to the theatre, the lighting guys were late, and the sound system decided that it didn't want to work properly. By the time that we actually got to the rehearsing part, it was close to quitting time. Rose left early to go to a wedding planning appointment, and that left a massive amount of little projects for me to clean up.

When I finally was able to leave the theatre, I headed back to the studio. When I pulled into the parking lot, I immediately noticed a familiar black BMW parked in my parking spot, but didn't see anyone in the car. I thought maybe he was waiting inside for me, but when I reached the front door of the studio, it was still locked. I opened the door, went inside, and started the daunting task of organizing a years worth of material, from music to costumes. I had only been at it for a half and hour when there was a knock at the front doors. I opened the door to find Edward standing there with bags of take-out hanging from each arm.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" It was hard to keep the excitement out of my voice. I was so excited to see him.

"I wasn't sure if you'd be here or not. I came by before I went to pick up the food and no one was here. I thought it wouldn't hurt to try again, though. How's your day been?" He was so considerate. I didn't really remember Riley ever really asking me about my day, but I also hadn't asked about his. I guess we just always assumed if something important had gone on that the other would bring it up.

"Crazy as usual. This is officially my hell week. Why don't you come on in?" I moved aside so he could come in. "It can be so daunting sometimes, but in the end it is worth every minute just to see everyone dance and have a good time."

"Will the recital be over this weekend?" He sounded a little anxious.

"Yes. In fact, after Friday, we'll be finished for the year. We work so hard all year for this one night, and then we start all over again."

"Sounds like it's a lot of work for you?" he said with a little hint of concern in his voice.

"It is a lot of work, but I love being under the crunch. But, enough about me, can I ask you something? I don't really know any pertinent information about you. Since our evening was cut short, we never really got to anything about either one of us. I was just kind of curious about you; can you tell me something about yourself? Where are you from?"

We walked into the studio, and I pulled out some floor pillows for us to sit on while we ate and talked.

"Well, I am originally from London, but my family moved to California when I was fourteen. I'm now twenty-nine years old. I moved to Grass Valley because I'm doing some research and I needed a change of scenery. Los Angeles can be a very suffocating place, so I found a place that was the exact opposite. Grass Valley, in case you haven't noticed, isn't the thriving metropolis that its citizens seem to think it is." He chuckled softly to himself, and I had to join him. He was right. Grass Valley was nothing in comparison to LA, but sometimes the odd resident would dress to the nines and act as if it was. "So, why don't you tell me some thing about you?" He was surprisingly vague and basic in the information that he was willing to share, so that meant that I could do the same.

"Hmm, I'm from here. Born and raised in Grass Valley. I'm actually third generation. I, too, am twenty-nine. I've danced since I was three years old. I started this studio about seven years ago. Other than that, there isn't anything special about me. I'm just an average girl."

"My dear, there is nothing average about you." I could feel the blood rush to my cheeks. I was not someone who could really take a compliment well, and in a weird way, it sounded like he was complimenting me.

I turned away so that he couldn't see the blush on my cheeks. This man was phenomenal. He was so smooth; I was sure he could make just about anyone blush with just a simple phrase from his sweet lips. I turned to look back at him, and he had the most unusual look on his face. The only way that I could describe it was a cross between depression and elation. It wasn't something that I wanted to talk about. Not that I couldn't face it, but I didn't want to ruin whatever time I spent with him. It was all happening so fast, but at this point I had allowed a total stranger to come into my home, and I was falling hard and fast for him. Was that even possible? I felt kind of like a sucker for being so cliché and romantic, but I had read enough romance novels in my life to know that things like this just didn't exist outside of fairy tales. Why not take advantage of it while it lasted. In the end, I knew I would be the one that got hurt. Every time I was with him, it felt like I was on borrowed time, and really, I hadn't spent that much time with him.

"Bella, is everything okay?" I had been off in my own thoughts, and now he was staring at me wondering what was wrong.

"Oh, sorry. What were you saying?" I didn't even know if he had said anything. How long had I been lost in my thoughts?

"I wasn't saying anything, really. Anyway, I obviously came here to see you, but I also wanted to let you know that I will most likely be headed out of town again…..soon," his voice trailed off quietly. I wondered whether or not that meant we would also be expecting another visit from Felix. He must have read my mind.

"Felix may be coming around more. I know that it probably doesn't matter to you, but I felt that after the last time you met him, it would be nice to give you a heads up." He sounded like he might be trying to sell me on Felix. I hadn't said anything negative about Felix, but he must have been able to sense that I was not particularly fond of his brother.

"He really is a gentleman, Bella. I know that he seemed a bit rude, but he had a lot of things on his mind." I could see the distance in his eyes; he was a million miles away from here. I watched his face closely to see whether or not he was going to give anything away with his expression, but it was like he had a shield up, not a single emotion flickered across his beautiful features. We sat quietly for a few minutes, just eating and enjoying just being together in the same room together, until a knock at the door broke the silence.

"Are you expecting someone?" His tone was protective.

"No. I'll be right back." I jumped up and ran to the door before he could get up off the floor. When I got to the door, I was surprised to see Riley standing outside.

"Riley, what are you doing here?" He had to see the confusion on my face. He was the last person on earth that I expected to see.

"I noticed your car in the lot when I was passing by. I haven't had a chance to talk to you in awhile, and I was wondering if you had a second?" I wasn't sure what he expected by coming here, but I could clearly see that he was anxious. There were only a few times in our relationship that I had ever seen him get like this, and neither of the times ended well for me. The last time he acted this way he was letting me know that he was leaving me.

"Umm, I guess I have a second, what's up?" I moved outside and let the door close behind me. The last thing I needed was Edward and Riley to be within close proximity of each other. I knew that they would both be on their best behavior, but Riley didn't know there was someone new in my life. I didn't actually know how in my life Edward was, but I still didn't want to hurt Riley like that.

"How have you been?"

"Umm, okay, Riley, what's up? Why don't you just say what you came to say?" I tried to keep the pain from my voice, but the wound was still healing from him leaving me. I knew deep down that he did us both a favor, but when you spend years of your life with someone, it's hard to just turn off the feelings that go along with it.

"Bella, I miss you. I think I made a mistake…."

"Riley, stop. You have no idea what you're saying."

"I do know what I'm saying. These last couple of weeks has been hell for me. I thought that I'd done the right thing, but I can't believe that I did this to you. To us. I miss you, so much." I could hear the pain in his voice, and I half expected to hurt right along with him, but instead, the most curious thing happened… I didn't feel anything. Well, that's not entirely true, either. I did feel something, but it was for the man sitting on the dance floor in my studio. I couldn't let him say anything else.

"Riley, look, I know that we have had a bad last couple of months, and we've had a wonderful couple of years, but truly, you made the right decision. I didn't think so at first, but lately, I think about how long we spent together not completely happy, when we could have been moving on with our lives? Don't you ever wonder what you may have missed out on because you had me to come home to? You may not think so right now, but in the long run, you did us both a favor. It was only a matter of time before one of us cracked and said much worse things to each other. Riley, I….."

"Excuse me, Bella. Oh, hello, sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if you wanted me to pack up your dinner before I go?" Edward seemed like he knew what was going on and really didn't want to be the one to interrupt this conversation.

The look on Riley's face was one of utter shock. This was the one thing he obviously didn't expect. Although, I didn't expect it either. I was mildly relieved for him to know that I was trying to move on with my life. I just didn't ever imagine he would find out this way. It was so soon after our split, but really when would be the right time?

"I…. I didn't know you had company, Bella. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come here without calling first. I'll call you later. Goodbye, Bella." Riley turned and walked away without a backwards glance. He was upset. Clearly, it didn't take a genius to figure that out, but there wasn't much I could do about that. There wasn't much that I wanted to do about it. He needed to know what was going on with me. In the simplest terms, he found out the quickest and easiest way that he could have.

As I stood there in the dark, I thought about the crossroad that I was currently at, and I had clearly chosen a path. I went back inside and found Edward boxing up our dinner.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I didn't know there was someone out there with you. I would have never interrupted you." I could see the worry lines in his face. His sincerity was clear, but I never doubted him, anyway.

"No, I was actually going to thank you. That was Riley, my ex-fiancé. He wanted to have a conversation that I really didn't want to have. You saved me out there from a long and drawn out talk about things that are so much better left in the past. You're not leaving are you?"

His expression never changed. The worry was still etched into his features. I wanted to smooth the look right off his face.

"Bella, do you want to go back to him?" The question was clear. He wasn't asking because he was concerned for my benefit. He was asking because he was concerned for our relationship. In that moment, I knew that he had so much more invested in us than I had ever thought or even put forth. Why hadn't I noticed where we were headed and what was clearly written all over his face?

"No, I don't. Being away from him has given me perspective on what kind of relationship we actually had. It was good for most of the years that we were together, but I lost myself with him. He lost himself, too. We fell into a routine where we were just comfortable; repetition with no change, no excitement, no spontaneity, no passion. It was like we were roommates who just happened to cross paths daily. I want so much more from someone who I plan to spend the rest of my life with." My head hurt thinking about how Riley was feeling. I wanted to be his friend still, but after this latest development, I didn't think that that would be happening. "I think… I think that person could be…" Edward's phone started ringing.

Edward looked pained. His eyes darted from my slightly parted lips to his phone and back again. He sighed heavily and looked at me apologetically. I nodded for him to take the call, to let him know it was okay.

"If you'll excuse me for a moment." He took the call in the hallway. I couldn't hear anything, not even if he was pacing the floor. I felt the minutes tick by and still nothing. It had to be Felix. The only person that ever seemed to come between Edward and I was Felix.

Just when I was starting to wear a hole in the floor, Edward came back into the room. His face showed no emotion, but I could see pain in his eyes, again.

"That was Felix. I have to go. I'm not sure when I'll be back, but hopefully, I won't be too long." His expression didn't give him away this time. He looked indifferent, and that seemed to bother me more than anything.

"When are you leaving? I mean are you leaving soon?" I could hear my voice quiver a little, but only just. I couldn't risk that he would find out how much him leaving bothered me. I had said too much already.

"Tonight, actually. I need to leave straight away." He walked towards me and pulled me into his arms. "I was hoping that we could spend a little bit more time together, though. When are you planning on heading home?"

"Uh, well, I guess I can go anytime, really. There isn't much left for me to do, tonight." I thought he needed to leave right away?

"Would you like to come over and spend a little more time with me while I pack?"

"Yeah, I can meet you there in a few minutes. Just let me close everything up, and I'll be right over." I walked him to the door and locked it once he was outside. I didn't watch to see when he pulled out of the parking lot because I immediately ran to check and make sure that everything was turned off and locked up tight. I grabbed my bag and was headed out the door when I realized that I was still in my leotard and tights. I grabbed my sweats out of my bag and threw them on. It wasn't like he hadn't already seen me in them, but I thought maybe I would be more appropriately dressed with a little bit more on.

With the front door securely locked, I made my way home. I hadn't been over to his house since that first date. I could feel the anticipation building within me. Even though I had just been with him, being in his space was so much more exciting. It was like he was letting me into his own little world, and it felt so familiar and natural. I just felt so much closer to him in his own personal space. As I pulled into my driveway, I wondered how long I would have with him tonight. Every second that I spent with him, I felt closer and closer to him.