Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. I am making no money…

Special thanks to Jayeliwood for your support and ideas, but most of all for your help with commas. She is the best beta a writer could ask for. I must also thank ObsessingOverEdward and TheSpoiltOne for all their contribution. All three of you rock!

Chapter 10: Art Gallery

Edward Cullen

My master plan was extremely difficult to follow through. It had been an extremely difficult week for me. It had taken all my self restraint and hundreds of gallons of cold water to keep me focused on my goal. I had to keep her craving more.

But, it was a lot more difficult than it seemed. Every single aspect of her was specifically designed to drive me wild. Her pouty lips, her expressive eyes, her full tits, flat stomach, round ass, and long legs were all the stars of my fantasies. I couldn't wait to get her back in bed. Honestly, I would even take a wall or desk right about now.

"What are you up to tonight?" Jasper asked as we made our way back to our cars. We had just finished our traditional Saturday morning basketball game.

"I have a date," I admitted before biting my tongue. Why had I mentioned it? Nobody knew about my "relationship" with Bella. I didn't want them to think I was going soft.

"A date?" Emmett repeated with an amused grin.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain brunette that works in our office," my father mentioned as they all stopped.

"You noticed too?" Jasper asked with a laugh.

"It's not that hard to notice the way you two look at each other," he commented causing me to roll my eyes. What did they know?

"It's nothing important," I answered not bothering to stop. There was nothing special about the way I looked at Bella. I was attracted to her. It was normal.

"He's going out with Bella," Jasper revealed once they had all caught up with me.

"If you knew, why did you ask?" I questioned in frustration reaching my Volvo. "And, how did you know?"

"Alice is Bella's best friend. They're girls and they talk. I just happen to be in the room and over here," he explained.

"You know Jasper is just as bad as Alice," Emmett teased causing Jasper to laugh.

"Edward, I don't think it's wise for you to go after Bella. She's a good woman and one of our employees," my father warned causing me to glare at him.

"I don't think that what I do with Bella is anybody's problem, but my own," I corrected rolling my eyes.

"I'm just looking out for the firm. You need to think twice about this one, Edward," he clarified looking down at his watch. "I'll see you boys later. I need to meet Esme for lunch."

"Dad has a point. Bella really needs this job. She's not just woman you meet at a club," Jasper reminded me.

"I don't see why you guys need to get involved. Whatever I do with Bella is my problem and hers. Not anybody else's," I stated opening the door.

"Someone is sexually frustrated," Emmett said with a chuckle. "How long has it been Eddie? A few days? A week? More?"

"None of you fucking business," I practically screamed getting into the car. It had been three fucking weeks, but who was counting.

"It's been at least a week," Jasper added shaking his head and laughing. "The master has finally met his match."

"Shut it," I said closing the door and driving off. I was not in the mood to hear my brothers make fun of me. I hadn't gotten Bella in bed, because I didn't want to. It was all part of the plan.

Bella Swan

I always hated the weekends when Mike had Matt. I always felt like I had nothing to do, but I was actually excited about my plans for the weekend. Edward and I were going on a date. He had been surprisingly well mannered throughout the week and I was very much confused. Wasn't he supposed to be arrogant?

During the past week he had shown me that he was capable of being a good guy. He was nice, sweet, and funny. Although, I was scared out of my mind, I was falling fast and hard. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to really care.

I arrived at Margaret's shop hoping to catch her before she closed. I needed to thank her for setting me up on the date. I would have never accepted, otherwise. I knew I was too stubborn for my own good.

"Bella!" Margaret called happily as I stepped into the shop. "What brings you by today?"

"I came to thank you," I admitted making my away around the register to hug her.

"Thank me for what?" she inquired a small smile appearing on her face.

"For setting me up on the date with Edward. I had a lot of fun," I admitted biting my lip.

"You're very welcome," she said studying me curiously. "But, there's much more on your mind."

"How do you know?" I asked realizing that Margaret, like my mother, could read me like an open book.

"I see the fear," she sighed taking my hand and leading me into the back to talk. "What's on your mind?"

"A lot of things," I replied not sure where to start. I wanted to get to know Edward, but I was scared of getting hurt.

"You can't expect to get anything out of life if you don't risk even a little," she added causing me to laugh.

"I just don't want to have to go through another heartbreak," I whispered looking down at the table.

"Bella, I can't guarantee that, but I don't want you to miss out because you're scared," she stated taking her hands in mine.

"I know," I sighed just as the small bell at the door sounded. There was a customer in the shop and Margaret had to go attend them.

"It's Edward!" Margaret said with a huge smile. "Wait here, don't go outside."

"I won't," I assured her wanting to know just what he would say to Margaret. Was he buying me flowers for tonight?

"Edward, this is such an unexpected surprise. Can I help you with anything?" Margaret said happily as she made her way to the front of the store making sure the pink curtain was closed. I had to make sure Edward didn't see me.

"Good afternoon, Margaret," Edward greeted his velvet voice giving me goose bumps. "I'm actually looking for some flowers for tonight."

"Big date?" Margaret asked causing me to giggle. I hadn't mentioned that we were seeing each other tonight.

"I'm actually seeing Bella again," he admitted my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I loved the way he said my name.

"You are?" Margaret exclaimed in surprise. "That's wonderful. I take it you guys hit it off then," she probed carefully.

"We sure did," Edward admitted. I was literally dying to see his face. Was he happy? Or was he just saying that?

"I'm so happy for both you," Margaret said as I heard her moving around the shop. "Are you looking for anything in particular?"

"I want something nicer than I usually get her," he stated, his footsteps getting closer to the curtain. What would he do if he found me listening in?

"Usually get her?" Margaret asked getting his attention causing him to walk back towards her.

"She's the girl I buy flowers for every morning," he explained to Margaret. I was sure Margaret was quite shocked at the revelation and will probably grill me the minute Edward left the shop.

"It seems I helped speed up the inevitable," she said with a laugh causing Edward to chuckle.

"I just want to get her something nice. I want to let her know that I like her, but I don't want something too grand. I'm afraid I might scare her off," he added as I pressed my back against the wall near the curtain. He really liked me.

"Well, all I can say is trust your instinct with her. And, be gentle," Margaret advised as I heard Edward's footsteps stop.

"I think I'll take her this one," He said. I had no idea which flowers he had picked, but I was dying to know.

"Great choice," Margaret commented. It was almost as if I could hear the grin in her voice.

It didn't take Edward too long to pay for his purchases, and head out. I still had no idea what he had picked.

"He's a keeper," Margaret told me as I stepped out into the front of the store.

"What do you mean?" I inquired curiously realizing I had to start heading home soon. I wanted to be ready on time.

"He really does like you, Bella," she said taking my hands and squeezing them in reassurance. "Try to have fun. You can't let one bad relationship ruin everything."

"I know," I answered giving her a hug. "Are you going to tell me which flowers he picked?"

"Of course not," Margaret laughed before I grabbed my purse and headed back home to get ready.

Edward Cullen

I decided to wear gray slacks with a black dress shirt and no tie. I wanted to make sure there was a clear separation from work. I was just Edward now, not Mr. Cullen. I picked up the short stemmed white orchid I had purchased from Margaret before making my way to the Volvo.

I drove through the streets mentally preparing myself for the night ahead. I had to be a gentleman. I had to be on my best behavior. I couldn't let my hormones take over and control me. I was a grown adult and I had to act like one.

I arrived at her house noticing just how well put together the house seemed. There was a small porch with a wooden swing and small flowers growing along the edge. It seemed like the suburban house of everyone's dream.

I rang her door bell taking a deep breath. I was excited and nervous, but I had no idea why. It was just a date. This was not special. It was merely a date.

"Hi, Edward!" Bella said with a huge smile once she had opened the door. She was not dressed the way I had expected, but she still looked ravishing. She wore a button down blue top and form fitting black pants. But, what really caught my attention was her long exposed neck. Her hair had been picked up, leaving her neck completely available for my attention.

"How are you, Isabella?" I asked leaning in to gently kiss her cheek. "You look absolutely stunning."

"You look very handsome," she complimented her cheeks turning slightly pink.

"I brought you an orchid," I said holding out the flower for her.

"It's beautiful, Edward," she cried giving me a hug. "Orchids are my favorite."

"Are you just saying that?" I inquired curiously my hands resting on her hips.

"Of course not,"sShe replied with a laugh reaching for the flower. "I need to go put it in water."

"I have a better idea," I said with a smile. "Turn around."

"Why?" she questioned as she turned around.

"It'll look nice here," I explained placing the flower in her hair before pressing my lips to the back of her neck. "Beautiful, actually."

"Thank you," she said biting her lip.

"Let's go," I suggested taking her hand and leading her to my car.

Bella Swan

I bit my lip nervously while we he made his way around the front of the car to the driver seat. He was the picture of perfection in his gray slacks and black dress shirt. I was finding it hard to stop myself from taking him on the spot.

"Where are we headed?" I inquired once we had backed out of my house.

"I was thinking we could check out the art gallery that just opened before dinner," he said while looking at me. "Do you like art?"

"I've never been to an art gallery," I admitted with a nervous laugh. Mike had never one to be culturally learned. His idea of a good time was usually some kind of sporting event. "But I would love to attend one."

"You'll enjoy this one," he replied with a playful smile. "It's supposed to be one of the bests."

"Have you visited before?" I inquired turning to him.

"I haven't visited this particular exhibition, but I have visited the gallery," he explained. "From what I have heard the Volturri collection is supposed to be one of a kind."

"Volturri like the other Law Firm?" I questioned curiously.

"Aro, my father's friend, has quite the extensive art collection. He's traveled the world in search of one of kind pieces," Edward explained.

"It's weird that your father is friends with the enemy, though," I pointed out. It didn't really make much sense to me.

"My dad doesn't really consider them enemies outside the office. He plays golf with them at least once a month," Edward replied as we pulled up to what appeared to be a warehouse.

"It's here?" I asked looking out the window.

"It's not very glamorous, but its better inside," Edward chuckled getting out of the car and opening my door.

"It seems almost empty," I commented as he took my hand in his.

"This viewing is by invitation only. There should only be a couple dozen people if that inside," he answered as we walked towards the building.

There was only one entrance with a tall, blond man at the door. He was definitely the type of man I would picture to like art. He looked very fashion forward and I knew Alice would approve.

"Good evening," the man greeted smiling at Edward and completely ignoring my presence.

"Hello," Edward answered with a forced smile. "Cullen."

"Let me see," the man said biting the tip of his pen as he looked down at his clipboard.

"Cullen, Cullen, Cullen," he repeated as he checked. "Of course, come right in. Please, let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you," Edward said wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me closer to him.

"Someone has an admirer," I whispered once we were out of ear shot.

"Let's not go there," he answered noticing that the doorman was still looking at him.

"Come on, Edward," I added holding back a laugh. "He has great style."

"Isabella!" he warned leading me further inside. "It's not funny."

"It sort of is," I replied leaning over to kiss his cheek.

The room was completely painted white with very dim lighting all around. There were many different paintings hanging on the walls. The bright spotlights immediately caused all focus to be on the magnificent artwork.

"Impressive," I commented as I looked around. I had no idea where to start.

"I could say the same thing," he whispered looking directly at me, before leading me towards a corner to start.

Edward Cullen

I was completely surprised over how honest I was with Bella. I never spoke about my family, yet I found myself completely at ease discussing it with her. She made me feel comfortable in a way few people ever had.

"I like this one," Bella said suddenly stopping in front a dark red, yellow, and gray painting. I had seen the painting before, but it had never caught my attention, until now. There was no real figure to it other than different paints splattered across the canvas. I saw nothing special, but it seemed like Bella did.

"Why?" I inquired curiously wanting to know her take on it.

"It makes me think of emotions," she explained my arm securely around her waist. "It's almost as if the painter is trying to say something."

"I've never thought about it," I replied my hand trailing down from her waist to her hip. "What do you think he or she is trying to say?"

"I'm not sure," she replied. My hand slowly brushed her behind causing her to stiffen slightly before relaxing.

"I'm sorry," I whispered returning my hand to her hip. I had obviously overstepped my bounds, but I really couldn't help it.

"It's alright," She whispered kissing my neck. "I really liked it."

I felt a shiver run through my body at her words. It seemed like she was slowly succumbing to my plan. I knew it wouldn't be long before I had her in my bed.

Bella Swan

The art gallery and dinner had been wonderful. I couldn't remember ever enjoying myself so much. It seemed as if Edward had brought in a new kind of excitement into my life. It was unexpected, but I knew I was falling fast and hard.

We arrived at my house and I couldn't help but smile when Edward walked me to my door. "I had a good time tonight," I admitted hoping he would kiss me goodnight. I had been dreaming of kissing him ever since the night of our blind date.

"I'm glad," he replied giving me the smile that made me turn into goo. Why was he so charming? There had to be a law against that being possible.

"I guess this is goodnight," I sighed after I had unlocked my door. I bit my lip nervously as I noticed his face moving towards mine.

"Will you join me tomorrow for brunch?" he asked his lips mere inches from mine.

"Yes," I breathed feeling his warm breath on me. Why wouldn't he just kiss me already?

He closed the distance between us his lips meeting mine as his arms wrapped around my waist pulling me close to his body. I eagerly responded practically moaning when his tongue brushed my bottom lip. His tongue slipped into my mouth gently massaging mine and I knew I had never experienced a kiss like this.

My arms wrapped around his neck my small clutch purse hitting the floor. He pushed me back against the door our kiss growing wilder and more unrestrained my entire being was calling for him. I knew I had to stop, but I didn't know how.

"Goodnight," I gasped reaching for the door knob once we had broken apart.

"I'll pick you up at nine," he said with a wicked smile.

I simply nodded in response, because I had no control over my vocal cords. I went inside taking deep breaths and closing my eyes. My heart rate was racing and I felt as if I had just finished running a marathon. He was a fantastic kisser. I was more turned on by that one kiss than I had ever been in my entire life.

After a minute or so of deep breaths I felt my body returning somewhat to normal. My legs didn't feel like goo and I was able to think straight. But, it also made me realize that I had dropped my purse during the heat of the kiss. I was a complete moron for doing so.

I carefully opened the door my cheeks burning red when I saw Edward still standing on my porch with my small black clutch in his hand.

"You dropped this," he said with an amused grin.

"Thank you," I whispered completely mortified over my predicament.

"Goodnight," He finished before walking away back to his car.

A/N: Finally they kiss! It only took me 10 chapters…LOL

I have a bit of bad news. I will be unable to post the preview on Friday since I will be out of town and have no access to a computer. I will have my regularly scheduled update for Taking Chances on Wednesday.

Please remember to go over to Twilighted to discuss this story. I tend to give away information sometime.

Next Chapter: A Dream

Muggleinlove