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 15: Morning After

Edward Cullen

I woke up, stretching out before turning my face into the pillow. My senses were immediately engulfed in the sweet strawberry scent that I knew belonged to Bella. My bed was empty, but her scent still seemed to linger.

I looked around my room, searching for her. I felt sad as I realized that she was nowhere to be seen. My bathroom door was open and she was not there or anywhere else in my room. Had she left? Why did she leave? Why did I care that she left? I knew I should have felt relief that she had gone. I didn't have to deal with awkward morning after conversations. But, she didn't seem like the girl who would just leave.

I took a deep breath trying to gather my thoughts. I couldn't understand the rush of disappointment I felt. Things were easier this way, but I still felt used. I had probably had the best night's sleep of my life and now she was gone. Why had she left?

"You're awake, sleepyhead," I heard Bella suddenly say as she walked into my room wearing nothing but my white button down shirt. I felt relief wash over me as she smiled brightly at me. She hadn't left. "I made coffee."

"You don't drink coffee," I pointed out, taking the mug she handed to me.

"I was going to make us breakfast, but your fridge is pretty bare," she commented shyly as she watched me take a sip of coffee.

"We can go out to breakfast if you'd like," I offered, placing the mug on the nightstand before taking her hand and pulling her down to my lap. "But, first I think I need my shirt back."

"Your shirt?" she questioned with a playful grin as I placed small kisses on her neck. "I think it looks better on me."

"I prefer you in nothing at all," I clarified my fingers trailing down to the buttons of the shirt. "I think it's much sexier."

"You're insatiable," she commented before pressing her lips to mine as I undid all the buttons, allowing my hands to explore the soft skin of her stomach.

"You have no idea," I added before hungrily kissing her lips. She responded eagerly as she turned around to straddle my waist.

"I thought we were going out to breakfast?" she questioned against my kiss as I removed my shirt from her body.

"I think breakfast can wait," I answered, flipping us over so that I was above her.

She smiled sexily at me as her hands traveled the muscles of my back and her lips kissed and nipped at my neck. I was literally aching to be in her again. She had no idea that she had so much power over me. She was too tempting for her own good.

I placed kisses down her neck as her hands wrapped around my hard length, massaging me lightly. "That feels so good, Bella," I whispered in her ear before sucking lightly on her earlobe. "I love the way your small warm hand feels around me."

My hands traveled down her body, touching her softly. I entered her with two fingers, loving the way she gasped at my touch. "You're so wet and ready for me," I said against her neck, licking her as my thumb grazed her bundle of nerves.

Bella gripped me with a little more force before picking up the tempo. I felt my body reacting to her touch, my hips leaning into her hand. It was almost too much to take. I felt like I was about to climax.

"Bella, please," I said, stopping her hand before reaching for a condom. I couldn't wait to be in her again.

I began to rip open the little package and was surprised when Bella took it from my hand while kissing me softly. She pushed me onto my back, kissing my lips hard before she shimmied down to straddle my thighs. She bent forward kissing the tip of my cock before slowly sliding the condom over my length. I had never seen a more erotic sight in my life.

I reached out to pull her towards me and was pleasantly surprised when she slapped my hands away. "I want to be in control," she said confidently, letting her hands travel up my stomach and chest. It was a nice change of pace for me. I always tended to be the one in complete control.

Bella smiled wickedly at me before slowly lowering herself onto my erection. She immediately began to move up and down, taking my hands placing them over her breasts. I didn't need any further encouragement. My hands touched her body as she rode me. I would definitely let her in be in charge again.

"Come with me, baby," I said, sitting up slightly to press my lips into hers. I felt her fingernails dig into my back as she cried out my name in pleasure. I arched my hips into hers finding my own release and calling her name.

Would I ever have enough of this woman?

Bella Swan

I hated the fact that I couldn't spend the day with Edward. I had to pick up Matt and had tons of housework to take care of. I couldn't lay in bed all day and be with the most gorgeous man on the face of the planet.

I had enjoyed our night and morning. He was a great lover, but I was scared out of my mind. Would he still want me? What did this make us? Could I call him my boyfriend? Did it really matter? I was completely confused.

I took a quick shower when I got home figuring that I would do groceries after I picked up Matt. As much as I wanted to stay in bed and dream about my fabulous night, I knew I had responsibilities. I had things to do.

I got into my car, laughing as soon as I heard my cell phone ringing. I had been expecting Alice's call for quite some time. I was completely surprised that she had waited this long to call. "Hi, Alice," I greeted, putting on my hands free set.

"Hey, Bella, how did your date go? Are you in the middle of something?" She inquired with a giggle that caused me to roll my eyes.

"I'm on my way to pick up Matt," I answered, trying to keep my voice neutral. I didn't want my excitement to be that obvious.

"Did he spend the night?" She questioned looking for more information. "What did you guys do?"

"Alice, I'm not the kind of person to kiss and tell," I replied, trying to keep her in suspense. I was going to tell her anyhow, but I was allowed to tease her a bit.

"Bella," she whined. "It's not nice to leave your best friend in the dark. What happened? Where did he take you?"

"We went to his place," I finally admitted with a smile on my face.

"He took you to his place?" Alice asked in obvious shock.

"In a way," I clarified. He hadn't really planned to take me there. We had just gotten sidetracked when we had arrived.

"Edward doesn't take girls home. It's one of his rules," she answered in a pensive tone. "But what do you mean in a way?"

I explained how Emmett had called for a client's phone number and how we had ended up at his place. "Then one thing led to another," I sighed in an almost dream-like state. "I woke up this morning curled up next to him."

"Do you know what this means, Bella?" Alice asked in a loud squeal.

"You're going to leave me deaf, Alice. I'm almost at Margaret's house. What does it mean?" I responded, wanting her to get to the point. This was a conversation I couldn't have in front of Matt.

"It means that you two are meant to be," she answered cheerfully, clapping her hands. "He's even having some sort of conversation with Jasper and Emmett as we speak."

"Alice, it was just one night," I pointed out, refusing to get my hopes up any higher than they already were. I was head over heels for Edward, but I painfully aware of what kind of man he was. He didn't fall for women, he just slept with them. But, I was dying to know just what he was saying. Could he possibly really like me?

"It was one night at his house. You don't understand, Bella. For Edward to take you to his home entails a certain amount of permanency. Jasper never took me to his place until he was certain I was 'the one.' Emmett did the same with Rosalie and from what I understand Esme and Carlisle worked the same way," she explained logically as I pulled up in front of Margaret and John's house.

"We wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for Emmett's call," I said, taking a deep breath. "And, as much as I like him and want to be with him, I know I can't. He doesn't like children, Alice."

"He doesn't know what he likes, Bella. Does he even know about Matt?" she inquired, making my heart stop in panic.

"I haven't figured out how to tell him, yet," I admitted, biting my lip. I had been dreading that conversation and I knew I would have to have it soon.

"I think you should tell him sooner rather than later, Bella," Alice suggested with a sigh. "He will take some time to adjust, but I know he's the one for you."

"I don't know, Alice. I'll see what happens," I replied, grabbing my purse from the passenger seat. "I'll talk to you soon."

I hung up with Alice, making my way to the front door and knocking. "Hello, Bella," John greeted me giving me a hug.

"Hi, John," I said, looking over his shoulder, spotting Matt sprawled in front of the television with a game controller in his hand.

"What are you guys up to?" I inquired as I stepped inside looking for Margaret. "Is Margaret here?"

"She had to race to the flower shop. The delivery guy was bringing in some roses she needed for a banquet this week," he explained as Matt looked up and spotted me.

"Hi, mom," he said, quickly returning his attention to the video game.

"I can't thank you enough for watching Matt," I said, trying to convey my appreciation. "I hope he wasn't too much trouble."

"Matt is never trouble. Margaret and I wish you'll leave him here more often," he clarified causing me to laugh.

"I'll see what I can do," I replied, knowing it was going to take some urging to get Matt away from the game.

"Do you want to stay for lunch? Margaret can swing by and pick up some food," he asked heading to the phone.

"Don't worry, John. I really have to get going. I have to get groceries and do some housework. I'll grab us a quick bite to eat before getting home," I assured him, turning to Matt. "Sweetheart, we got to go."

"Do we have to, mom?" he whined, almost pouting.

"Yes, we do. Now, come on, we have things to do at home," I urged, picking up his overnight bag as he put on his shoes.

"We'll play again next time, Matt," John said, ruffling Matt's hair.

"Thank you so much, John. Make sure to give my love to Margaret," I answered heading to the door.

"I will," he replied as I made sure Matt got in the car and buckled up.

"Did you have fun?" I questioned, backing up.

"I beat John at Mario Kart," he said excitedly causing me to laugh. "And Margaret gave me chocolate cookies for dessert."

"Did she?" I asked, smiling at him through the rear view mirror. "Have you had lunch?"

"I want McDonald's, mom. Can we get some?" he inquired, looking hopeful that I would agree.

"I guess we can stop by before doing groceries," I conceded since I knew I wasn't going to have time to make any lunch.

"Can I play in the Play Place?" he asked.

"Only if you eat all your chicken nuggets," I compromised as I parked. Matt tended to be a fussy eater and I sometimes had to resort to compromises to get him to eat.

After having a quick lunch I sat outside in the play area, sipping on my Diet Coke as I watched Matt play in the plastic tubes. I kept a close watch on him, but I couldn't help but notice the couple that was sitting a few tables from me.

They seemed near my age and were watching as the son played in the tubes with Matt. But, I was captivated by how gentle the man was with their baby girl. He was feeding her as his wife or girlfriend ate and shared a quiet conversation. They looked blissfully happy and I couldn't help but yearn for that.

But, the problem was I just didn't want what they had. I wanted what they had with Edward. Would he ever accept Matt? Was there hope for us as a couple? Was he capable of change?

I had so many questions and sadly I had no answers.

Edward Cullen

I sat on my couch just staring at the bookshelf. I had already flipped through the hundreds of channels on television and had tried to concentrate on anything but Bella. But, it was a losing battle. She encompassed all my thoughts. I couldn't think straight.

I had no idea what was wrong with me. I didn't fall for women, it wasn't my style. I hadn't even had a real girlfriend since high school. I didn't need the complication and drama. I did things at my own time. I didn't want to be held down.

But, I also knew I wanted to be with Bella. I was completely confused and I knew I needed to talk to my brothers. I needed to know how they felt about Alice and Rosalie before they really knew they were meant to be. I knew I would never find something like that. I didn't need that, but I just needed to make sure it was different. I needed to know for my own peace of mind.

I picked up my cell phone, fighting the urge to call Bella, dialing Jasper's number instead. "Hey, Jasper. Do you think you and Emmett can meet me for a late lunch?" I asked, hoping he wouldn't pry any further. I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to tell them.

"I'll meet you at the corner diner in thirty minutes. I'll give Emmett a call," he replied before hanging up. He always seemed to know when I needed to talk.

I managed to take a quick shower before heading down the block. I decided to walk and use the time to clear my mind. I needed to get away from thoughts of her. They had taken over and I wasn't sure if I was able to function anymore. It had become a constant yearning.

"Hey, man," Emmett called, waving me over to their table. "Jasper here says you need to talk."

"Did something happen last night?" Jasper inquired, putting his menu down to give me his full attention.

"Did you get some action last night?" Emmett asked rather loudly causing me to punch his arm.

"I don't know why I bother to ask you guys anything," I sighed as the waitress approached us to take our order.

"So, what happened?" Jasper inquired in a serious tone. I could tell that the jokes had been put aside, at least for now.

"We slept together," I admitted after a long silence and after the waitress had brought us our sodas.

"Edward, what did you do?" Jasper asked in a very concerned tone and I instantly knew he was concerned for Bella and not me. "Did you hurt her? Did you leave her?"

"I didn't do anything, Jasper. I dropped her off at home this morning," I clarified before taking a sip of my soda.

"You weren't at her house?" Emmett questioned, looking confused.

"We were at my condo," I responded causing both their eyes to widen in shock. Did that really mean anything? I mean it just happened there. It could've been anywhere. But, it wasn't.

"I think you really like her, Edward," Emmett concluded with a chuckle. "Let me guess once wasn't enough."

"Twice wasn't enough," I corrected, smiling kindly at the waitress as she brought us our food.

"What's the problem?" Jasper questioned before taking a bite of his sandwich.

"This whole thing is the problem. I have no idea what to do with myself. I can't stop thinking about her. My entire body craves her like she is some sort of drug. It's not right. I want my life back," I explained in frustration.

"I don't think you're being honest with yourself," Emmett pointed out calmly.

"What do you mean?" I asked in annoyance. I was not going to try to solve his cryptic speech. I needed guidance.

"What do you want, Edward? Do you want to give her up? If you're going to dump her, I suggest you do it now. Bella went through a bad enough divorce. She doesn't need someone else to break her heart," Jasper replied, looking pointedly at me.

"I can't give her up," I concluded with a deep sigh. "But, that doesn't mean anything. Right?" I needed her for the sex, nothing more or less, just sex.

"Whatever you say, Eddie," Emmett answered, giving me absolutely no confidence.

I still had no idea what was going on within me, but I did know I couldn't give up Bella. I was now an addict. And, a part of me felt like I needed to do something extra and I knew just what I wanted to do.

A/N: A little later than usual, but I got caught up in some stuff and just got the chance to sit down and read this through before posting.

So, who liked the hot action in the beginning of the chapter? Poor Edward is really quite in the middle of a dilemma, Right?

Remember to go check out the Twilighted thread. I post teasers there every Friday and also give some information away. The link can be found on my Author Page.

Well, I hope all the mother's out day had a Happy Mommy's Day!

Next Chapter: Back At the Office

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