Bella's POV

My alarm blared at seven o'clock Monday morning, dragging me out of an increasingly sexy dream about Edward I'd been having the last few nights. I slammed my hand down on the Off button and then sat up and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. As I took my shower, I went over my clothes in my head and finally decided on what to wear for the first day open for Bella's Books.

Once I'd dried my body and twisted my hair up in a towel, I went back to the bedroom to get dressed. First on was a matching set of light blue bra and panties, followed by a pair of black slacks and a black and white printed V-neck blouse. I would probably be on my feet most of the day, so I slipped on a pair of dressy sandals, which were more comfortable than they looked.

Thirty minutes later, my hair was straight and dry, falling in a wispy layer around my ears. My makeup was perfectly, understatedly done to highlight my eyes.

By the time I finished eating a quick bowl of the new Chocolate Cheerios, I was ready to head downstairs. There was only about thirty minutes before the store was supposed to open. I needed to turn on the computer so it was ready if I needed it, and I needed to get the cash in the register so I could give out change. I grabbed the money bag from the lock box, my cellphone and wallet from the counter in the kitchen, and my keys. I locked the apartment's inside door behind me before heading down the stairs to my office.

Everything was dark and quiet downstairs. After flipping on all the lights, I went back to the office to turn on the computer. Once it was up and running, I took the money back into the main area and used the key to turn on and unlock the cash register.

Just as I finished separating out the money into the correct slots, there was a knock on the door. I looked up to see Rose waving from right outside the door, with a big grin on her face and two cups of coffee from the coffee shop in her hands. I laughed and moved to unlock the door so she could come inside.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, standing out of the way so I could lock the door behind her. I took the proffered coffee from her after turning the key.

"I couldn't let you open the store without some support, Bella. Alice really wanted to be here, but she couldn't get out of work. They move in a couple of weeks, and she wants to part on good terms, so she can't cut out on a day of work unless it's an emergency. Jasper, either, unfortunately. Fortunately for me, Emmett said he could handle the shop this morning, so I'm all yours." She smiled brightly and then clarified, "if you want the company, I mean."

I nodded. "I'd love the company! I'm hoping I'll be busy enough to need your help, as well," I said with a laugh.

"Are you ready? You open in about fifteen minutes, right?" When I nodded, she smiled. "Then let's sit, chat, and drink our coffee until it's time."

We sat in the two chairs in the main room, enjoying the early morning warmth from the sun streaming through the window.

"So how was your Sunday?"

I smiled, remembering all the time Edward and I had spent together. I told her bits and pieces, from Edward bringing me coffee in the morning, then cooking me lunch and helping me unpack the boxes of my mom's things, to dancing before I went home. I didn't tell her about nearly throwing myself at him while we danced, though. Some things were a bit too personal to tell anyone—especially his family.

"Anyway, it was a lot of fun. I'm really enjoying spending time getting to know him. I, umm, I really like him."

Rose grinned. "That's good, because from everything we've seen and heard, he really likes you, too."

I started to ask how they knew, when there was another knock at the door. When I looked up, I saw a young man standing outside, holding three big vases full of flowers. He was wearing a green jacket and matching baseball cap, with some sort of logo on them. In front of the store was a green van with a florist's name and logo on the side.

Rose and I left our coffee on the little table and got up to answer the door.

"Bella Swan?" the man asked. At my nod, he handed me two of the vases and the third to Rose. "These are for you. Have a nice day."

Once he left, I didn't bother re-locking the door, since it was very nearly nine o'clock.

"Wow, who sent you flowers?" Rose asked, smiling.

We set the flowers out of the way on the counter. I picked out a card from the closest bouquet, which consisted of white carnations, gerberas, lilies, and some greenery.

"Oh, this is from Angela and Ben, wishing me good luck on my grand opening." I smiled, tucking the card back into the flowers.

Rose nodded. "Ten to one, one of the others is from Edward."

I glanced at her. "Do you know something I don't?" I teased.

She shook her head. "Nope, but I do know Edward."

I gazed at the second vase, which was full of beautiful pink magnolias, pink lotus flowers, bright yellow chrysanthemums, white lilies, and some other tiny pink flowers I couldn't readily identify. Deciding to wait till last for those, I plucked the card from the second vase of pink carnations.

Isabella,

Sue and I are very proud of you, sweetheart. Your mom and Phil would be, too. Congratulations on starting your dream.

Love,

Your old dad

I sniffled, holding out the card for Rose to read.

"Aww, that's sweet," she said, tucking it back in its envelope and gesturing for the other. "I'm sure he wishes he could be here."

I nodded and reached for the third vase, smiling softly as I read the card.

B,

I didn't want to crowd you on your opening day, but please know I'm a phone call or a few steps away if you need me. I chose these flowers specifically for today because of their meanings.

They all signify good luck. The magnolia also symbolizes feminine beauty, the lotus purity, chrysanthemums and the small plum blossoms living an easy life. Combined with the lotus flowers, the lilies are supposed to bring extra luck.

Alice assured me that you'll have a great day, and I've learned never to bet against the little pixie.

Remember, I'm here.

Thinking of you always,

E.

I smiled and handed the card to Rose, who smirked as she read it.

"I swear, that man doesn't even have to try. Romance just oozes out his pores, doesn't it?"

Laughing, I nodded and took the card, sliding it into my pocket, just as my cell phone buzzed, signaling a new text message.

Do you like the flowers? – E

I grinned and fired off a reply. They're beautiful, thank you! – B

My pleasure. Bring you lunch today? If that's okay... – E

Always. – B

I'd just put my cell phone back in my pocket when the chime above the door rang and the young woman from the newspaper came in.

"Are you open?" she asked cheerfully.

Rose put our coffees down beside the register and then grabbed a chair from my office and sat down out of the way behind the counter. "Go get em, kiddo," she said with a smile as I greeted my very first customer.

"I certainly am," I replied, smiling at the young woman.

My first day as an entrepreneur had begun.

~*~CIBD~*~

There was a steady stream of customers from the moment the door opened. When I had a break at the register, I kept one eye on the browsing customers and pulled out another chair from the office, sitting down next to Rose so we could chat.

"Things are going well," she said, grinning encouragingly.

I nodded. "They are. The ad really helped. That last coupon made eight already this morning, and it's only—" I looked at my phone "—eleven thirty."

"I liked the little grandmother who came in about an hour ago, but she could really talk, couldn't she?" Rose laughed quietly.

"I think I know more about her grandchildren now than I know about myself," I said, trying unsuccessfully to hold back a grin. "I was glad I had some of the Babysitter's Club and Hardy Boys books for her. She promised to be a regular customer, and that's never a bad thing!"

A young woman with a handful of books in one hand and a young girl's hand in her other walked up to the register.

"Momma, I want my books now!" she whined softly.

"Wait until I pay for them, Trina. Then you can have them," the woman assured her.

I smiled at the mother and then looked at the little girl. "Did you find some good books, sweetie?"

The suddenly shy little girl hid her face, nodded, and held up three fingers.

"You've got a great selection," her mother told me. "We'll definitely be back."

I finished ringing her up and then thanked her for coming in. She gave the little girl the three children's books as they walked out the door.

Before the door could shut, someone else walked in. My heart skipped a beat, and the smile on my face widened.

"Edward," I said in a welcoming tone. "What's all that?"

His hands were full of a small basket. "Hi, Bella," he greeted warmly before turning to Rose. "Hey, Rose. I left Sasha in charge for a couple of hours, so I'm gonna keep Bella company now, if you don't mind." He looked from Rose to me and back again in question.

Rose raised an eyebrow as she looked at me. "I'm sure Emmett wouldn't be opposed to me bringing him lunch and getting some work done this afternoon, if that's okay with you, Bella."

I smiled. "That's fine, Rose. Thanks for spending the morning with me! You were a big help earlier."

She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Not a big deal. I just helped a few people find things while you worked the register. Anyway, give me a call if you need me." She waved to us both and then left the store.

"Hi, love," Edward said as he came around the counter and brushed a kiss across my cheek. "Having a good opening so far?"

I nodded. "Fantastic, actually." My curiosity won out, and I asked, "So what's in the basket?"

"Lunch," he remarked simply. "I figured you'd be too busy to run up and get something, so I thought we could eat together down here."

My stomach growled. "Sounds good. I am kind of hungry."

We took turns eating in the office while the other watched the store, and then we sat behind the counter chatting and drinking the lemonade he'd brought.

"Do you have plans for dinner tonight?" Edward asked, as we watched the customers.

I shook my head. "Not that I know of, why?"

"Emmett, Rose, and I would like to take you out to dinner tonight to celebrate you grand opening. Alice was upset she and Jasper wouldn't be here, but I told her I'd invite you to the family dinner on Friday. She was at least a little happier after that."

"That would be great, thanks," I answered. "What time?"

"Rose and Emmett will meet us at my place at half past six. That should leave you plenty of time to close up down here before coming over, right?"

Nodding, I answered, "I'll be ready."

Over the next few hours, Edward and I laughed and talked, enjoying the time we got to spend together between taking care of customers. I was beginning to learn more and more about him and his entire family. By the time he left at four o'clock to get back to his own store, I'd admitted something important to myself.

I was definitely beginning to fall in love with my stunningly beautiful neighbor.

~*~CIBD~*~

By the time Edward knocked on my door, I was ready and anxious to see the three of them. I'd locked the door just after closing and run upstairs to get ready. I'd changed into a cute charcoal gray skirt with a white collared shirt. I'd washed my face and put on some fresh lip gloss. I was ready to celebrate my first successful day as a business owner.

I answered the door excitedly and sucked in a breath of admiration when I saw Edward. "Hi."

He'd changed into slacks and a dark green polo shirt, which matched his eyes beautifully. Simply put, he looked gorgeous. Rose and Emmett stood behind him on the landing, deep in discussion with one another.

"Hi, Bella." He laughed, rolling his eyes as he glanced at the couple behind him. "Are you ready for dinner?"

I nodded and stepped out. He moved back to give me room to lock the door behind me.

"Hi, Bells," Emmett said loudly, fending off a well-placed elbow from his wife.

"Hi, Bella," Rose echoed. "Emmett's feeling especially rambunctious tonight, so beware."

"Rambunctious?" he laughed. "I'll show you rambunctious, woman!"

Edward rolled his eyes again when Emmett picked Rosalie up and flung her gently over his shoulder in a fireman's carry. He trotted off down the stairs, her loud protests following along in their wake.

I laughed as I watched them go, hearing Rose yell that he'd better not drop her. Edward took my hand, and we started down the stairs ourselves.

"You look beautiful tonight." He glanced over at me, his expression soft and sweet.

I blushed. "Thank you. I love that color," I admitted, gesturing at his shirt with my free hand. "It matches your eyes."

When we got down to the street, Emmett and Rose were already in a huge Jeep parked at the curb.

Edward climbed in and then leaned out and offered me his hand. "Here, I'll help you up. This vehicle is a monstrosity," he said on a sigh.

Emmett growled from behind the wheel. "Hey! Don't knock The Beast!"

I sat next to Edward and laughed. "The Beast? Seriously?"

Edward and Rose just rolled their eyes as Emmett grinned and pulled away from the curb.

Over dinner at a little steak place, we traded stories back and forth about interesting customers we'd all had at our various businesses. Edward was the winner, hands down. A little old man had come in and wanted to buy a bunch of instruments to make his own one-man band.

Edward ordered glasses of Asti Spumanti for everyone. I'd mentioned earlier in the day that it was one of the few alcoholic drinks I liked. As we held our glasses up, he toasted to my first successful day of business.

"To Bella and her books. You had a great start today. May your successes be many, your hardships be few, and your enjoyment be everlasting."

"To Bella!" Emmett and Rose echoed as we all clinked our glasses carefully before sipping the sweet bubbles.

I took a sip and then smiled at everyone. "Thank you guys. It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, and without your support and friendships, I'd have been truly lost."

"We're glad we could help, Bella," Rose said warmly. "Edward did ask you to our weekly family dinner on Friday, didn't he?"

I nodded. "Are you sure it's okay that I come? This is your family thing, and I—"

Edward used the arm he'd had laying across my shoulders to pull me against him and pressed his lips to mine, quickly and effectively shutting me up.

When I came out of the fog his kiss had put me in, I murmured softly, "I guess that's a yes."

He chuckled. "Of course it's a yes, silly girl."

We finished our drinks and then waited as Edward and Emmett argued over who would pay for dinner. Rose and I just laughed and shook our heads when each palmed a fist to play Rock, Paper, Scissors. When Emmett's rock beat Edward's scissors, I giggled at the look of unhappiness on his face.

I leaned over to brush my lips across his ear softly and then whispered, "You brought me lunch today, Edward. That you took the time to do that for me meant more than any dinner out."

He smiled then, and all the tension drained from his body. When the sparkle came back into his eyes, I laced my fingers with his and smiled. We made our way out of the restaurant, hand in hand.

When Emmett pulled the Jeep to the curb in front of the stores, I thanked the other couple again for dinner.

"It was a lot of fun, wasn't it?" Rose asked, smiling back at me.

"It was! Let me know if I can bring anything Friday, okay? And please tell Alice when you talk to her that I'll call her this week and tell her about today."

She nodded. "I will. Give me a call if you need anything this week."

Edward helped me out of the vehicle and then held my hand as we slowly walked up the stairs. Emmett and Rose pulled away before we even got halfway up.

"Do you wanna come in for a while?" I asked softly as we reached my door. At his nod, I unlocked the door and led him inside.

"Dance with me?" Edward looked at the stereo on the shelf and then back at me.

I nodded and let go of his hand to find the right CD. I immediately grabbed the jazz CD of sensual and romantic saxophones, pianos, and other beautiful-sounding instruments.

Edward surprised me by taking my hand and pulling me into his arms. As his hands settled on my hip and lower back, I wound my arms around his neck. I lay my head on his shoulder as we began to move slowly to the music.

~*~*~CIBD~*~*~

Edward's POV

I buried my nose in Bella's hair and pulled her tighter against me. I felt every single one of her curves against my body, and my groin tightened in response. After dancing for a few minutes, I moved my hand from her hip to her chin and tilted her face up for a kiss.

The moment our lips touched, I felt drugged with need. Soft, slow caresses of our lips soon turned into heated fire using our lips, tongues, and teeth. I hissed as her teeth nipped at my lower lip at the same time that her hands moved to tangle in my messy hair.

Bella ground her hips against mine and then pulled away from the kiss long enough to whimper. "Couch," she begged softly.

Wasting no time, I scooped her into my arms, her shoes falling to the floor in the process. I settled us onto the couch, with Bella sitting across my lap. She leaned forward and pressed her chest to mine before capturing my lips in another blistering kiss. The only air we breathed for long minutes was shared between the two of us as we pulled millimeters apart to gasp for needed oxygen.

One hand settled behind Bella to hold her upright. I trailed the other lightly up her arm to her shoulder, across her collarbone, to the slender column of her neck. My fingers traced the vee of her blouse, caressing the pale swell of her breasts beneath the shirt.

I moved down to the first button and then paused and pulled back so I could look her in the eyes.

"May I?" I asked softly.

She nodded silently, keeping her eyes on mine even as I slowly began undoing the buttons on her shirt. I made quick work of the remaining buttons and then moved both hands to her shoulders and slid the cool fabric from her arms.

I let my eyes slowly wander from her beautiful, expressive face, to her lace-covered breasts, and then back up. She leaned into me for another kiss, for which I was more than happy to oblige.

A few minutes passed, and then Bella arched her back as I began trailing damp, open-mouthed kisses away from her lips. I paused just below her ear—a very sensitive area, judging from her reaction. As I nibbled the spot with my teeth and then laved soothingly with my tongue, her responsive body shivered.

The need to touch her, to see her more intimately, grew inside me, and I moved one of my hands to her breasts. I pulled away again and looked up into her lust-clouded, half-closed eyes.

"I wanna see you," I whispered.

She understood what I meant, because she silently reached back and unhooked the clasp of her bra. The white lace fell to her lap as she moved her arms back around. I kept my eyes on hers until she'd reached down to toss the bra to the floor. When her hands moved to cup my face, she kissed me once and then released me, letting her arms relax at her sides.

Finally, I allowed my gaze to move lower. Her skin was perfectly pale and smooth. She wasn't too large or too small; her breasts were just the right size for a handful. Her nipples were a dusky pink and already hardened into little nubs, showing her arousal.

"Beautiful," I whispered, my voice heavy with reverence.

The music continued softly in the background, providing a soft, sultry sound to the moment. I used one hand to push gently at her shoulder, forcing her to lean back against the hand I had ready at her back. Once she was resting against my hand, I was free to dip my head lower.

Bella gasped when my lips captured a nipple, surrounding it with the warm heat of my mouth. My other hand moved to cup the fullness of her other breast, and her nipple slid against my palm with a gentle friction. My mouth and fingers began mimicking one another; my lips, teeth and tongue swirled and scraped and teased, while my fingers caressed and tugged and tweaked.

The taste of her skin was like a drug. I was overwhelmed with sensations: the sounds of the music in the background combined with the whimpers and gasps as she felt pleasure, the scent of her arousal, the taste of her skin. All of it combined to form a heady feeling inside me.

I was surprised when I felt her hand come up and remove mine from her breast. I pulled away and began to ask if everything was okay. She just smiled and used her other hand to press my head back to her breast.

When her hand moved mine down her body to rest on her thigh, I looked up again, all while continuing to tease her breast with my mouth. She was still for a moment, and then she tugged my wrist until my hand slid under the edge of her skirt. I raised an eyebrow, and she nodded.

"Please," she whimpered. "Touch me."

I felt my cock stir and harden further at her words. She shifted on my lap when she felt my length against the back of her thighs. Her legs parted slightly, giving me a bit more access to her body. I slid my hand slowly up her thigh, teasing her soft skin with my fingertips.

When I reached the juncture of her thighs, I felt the damp front of her panties against my palm. The heat coming from underneath the fabric was intense, and the scent of her drifting up from her parted legs was intoxicating. I needed to touch her.

I gave one last nip to the tip of her breast and then pulled my head away. I trailed kisses up her chest, her neck, until I reached her full, pouty lips. I sucked the lower lip into my mouth and bit gently as I slid my fingers beneath the small scrap of fabric between her legs and palmed her curls.

Bella's tongue swept into my mouth, teasing my gums and teeth. When she tangled her tongue with mine, I slid a finger through her curls, testing her wetness. I circled the throbbing bundle of nerves at the top of her slit, pulling a moan from her lips.

"More, Edward," she cried, her words muffled against my lips.

I gathered more of her juices with my finger and then slid it slowly inside her. My thumb made slow circles around her clit as I pulled my finger out and then pushed gently back into her. Her hands were now on my upper arms, and I could feel her nails digging into my skin, tightening more whenever I got close to a particular spot.

When she began moving her hips against my hand, I added a second finger to the one sliding in and out of her body. She was almost panting against my lips, she was breathing so heavily. I could feel her inner muscles tighten around my fingers with every thrust, and I knew she was close.

"Come for me, Bella. I wanna see you fall apart in my arms," I breathed.

My thumb pressed against her clit, stroking the sensitive nub as I curled my fingers up to press against the soft, spongy spot inside her.

Two swipes of my fingers, and Bella shattered in my arms. She stiffened as her orgasm hit and cried my name as she came. I slowed the strokes of my fingers and pressed soft kisses against the corner of her mouth as she came down from the high.

The throbbing in my cock mimicked the pounding of my heart. Seeing her come apart under my touch was an incredible feeling and had me aching. I knew we weren't ready for that big step, so I ignored the monster begging to be unleashed.

I gently slid my fingers from her body and rearranged her panties and skirt as I pulled my hand free. She collapsed against my chest, perspiration dotting her brow.

"God, Edward," she sighed. "That was—"

"Incredible to watch," I interrupted, smiling. "Thank you."

She laughed and looked up at me. "I should be the one thanking you..." She grinned.

"Believe me, it was my pleasure," I assured her. Seeing her like that...the pleasure had definitely been mine as well.

We sat in the low light of her living room, listening to the music and relaxing against one another. Finally, I broke the silence.

"I suppose I should go," I said, torn between wishing she'd ask me to stay and knowing it wasn't the right time for that.

She sighed. "Yeah, probably. I need to call Angela and Alice. I promised to tell Angela about the opening today, and I know Alice was disappointed about not being able to be here."

I leaned down, grabbed her shirt from the floor, and then helped her slide it on. She didn't button it, just held it closed with one hand as she stood up from my lap. We walked to her door with my arm around her waist.

"Will I see you tomorrow?" she asked quietly, looking up at me.

"Of course. Lunch again?"

She smiled. "That would be great."

I cupped her face with my hands and leaned down for a kiss. The long, slow kiss threatened to pull me under, begging to turn into more, until we broke apart, gasping for air again.

I kissed her once more and then quickly slipped out the door, closing it behind me. I waited to hear the locks tumble before walking across the landing to my own door.

Once I let myself inside, I headed immediately for the bedroom. The image and sounds of Bella flying in my arms had kept me achingly hard. Even after losing myself to my own release, the memory kept me on edge. I knew my dreams would once again be full of the woman next door.

The woman I was quickly falling in love with.