CHAPTER 11

"Edward?"

"Bella! God it's so good to hear your voice. I got your email and wanted to call straight away but it was 4 in the morning and I didn't think that-"

"Edward?"

"Yeah honey?"

"Breathe"

"So .. uh .. yeah… ok… I guess I was babbling." Edward admitted.

"You certainly were … and you call yourself an actor," Bella teased.

"You know, this is so much easier when someone else is writing the lines."

They had both laughed at that.

"So Bella," he cleared his throat. "We've got a lot to talk about, and I really wish this wasn't all happening over the phone."

"I know, but it's the best chance we've got for a few more weeks Mr Movie Star."

"True."

Edward waited a moment, but when Bella didn't speak he rushed in to fill the silence.

"Bella, there's nothing going on with Tanya and I. Absolutely nothing! I swear to God. We've had lunch a couple of times, and gone for coffee, but it was nothing more than that. She's very happy with Marcus, and I'm … "

"… you're what?" Bella asked in a soft voice.

"I'm very happy when I'm with you."

"And I'm happy when I'm with you too Edward," she replied. "But this is so strange." She sighed. "We were just getting to know each other and then we both got involved with our jobs."

"But are we going to let that stop us?"

"I don't know." She paused. "I guess I was feeling like, I don't know, like we were too busy to give 'us' a chance. Then we went our different ways and … you know … all those pictures and articles."

"And like you said, there are two sides to every story."

"I know, I get that."

"Is that why you sent me that email, saying you were going to be quiet? Because of those magazines?"

"Yes," she admitted.

"Bella, why didn't you say something? We could've talked it out."

"I know. I guess it was just instinct. Those articles told me everything that my ego had already been telling me?"

"What are you talking about?"

Bella gave an exasperated sigh.

"Edward, you're … you're Edward Cullen. Have you looked at me? I mean really looked? I'm five and a half feet of average, and you're an international movie star. You could have anyone you want Edward."

"But I don'twant just anyone Bella," Edward said, amazed at how calm he sounded. "I want you."

"You do?"

"Yeah, you." He chuckled. "Why so surprised?"

"Well … I don't know. Are you sure?"

"Bella, I'm very sure."

"Oh."

Bella was silent as their conversation sank in.

"So," she ventured.

"So," he agreed.

"Here we are then."

o * o * o * o

Bella opened the door and practically threw herself at the man that stood framed in her doorway.

"You're here! I can't believe you're actually here!" she cheered.

"You called, and I came. Is it really that hard to comprehend?" he laughed as he picked her up and gave her a huge hug.

"I know but … wow. This is real commitment."

"You're totally worth it."

"Oh stop it, you'll have me blushing next." She said, cuffing his shoulder and laughing as he set her down.

"So, where do you want me?"

"The kitchen," she replied, and watched his face fall.

"But I thought maybe … " he gave her a smoky look and then winked, "perhaps the bedroom?"

"Nice try Ben, but the kitchen is where I'm starting today."

"Angela said you'd be difficult," he said with a sigh, turning to move the trolley of stacked boxes through the door.

After much discussion with Jacob and the magazine, Bella had cut short her time on the tour with Wolf Pack. Her LA work options were gaining momentum each week, and the situation had gotten to the point where a commitment had to be made. It was, for her, a decision that was made fairly easily.

"Are you running away from me, or running towards LA?" Jacob had asked.

"A little of both, but more towards LA" Bella had admitted.

"Fair enough." He had shrugged. "Still, if that jackass hurts you at all, you just call. The boys and I will take care of you."

"Thanks Jake, that's really sweet … and disturbing."

"Don't worry Bells, we'll make it look like an accident."

Now she stood in her apartment. Hers. She had put Angela on the case, and gotten back into town with enough time for a quick inspection and to fill out the application forms. She and Angela had then spent the following evening offering up all manner of promises to the Rental Gods, prayers that of course, had been amplified by champagne and copious amounts of Baskin Robbins.

She had phoned her parents in Forks to tell them the news, and to get her things out of storage. Whilst they were thrilled to hear that she was putting down some roots, they would have been happier if she had been closer to home. Renee had recovered from her surgery and had been coaxing Charlie into trying yoga, and they were already asking she could visit them again.

"It never ends." Bella had commented as she hung up the phone.

"Tell me about it. It's not any easier when you've got siblings either," commented Angela, who looked up from the box of glassware she was unpacking.

"Really? I thought they'd be able to run distraction."

"No way. My grandma used to tell me that 'a son's a son 'til he takes a wife, a daughter's a daughter for the rest of her life' …"

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"Nope, just pointing out a fact is all."

"Thanks."

"So," said Angela as she held up some wineglasses in silent inquiry, turning back to her task as Bella pointed to a cupboard. "Have you told Edward about this latest development yet?"

"What, the apartment? Yeah sure I told him all about it the other night. He was really pleased."

"Mmm-hmmm. And the other matter?" Angela kept unpacking, but heard Bella pause.

"You mean about work? No, not yet. I really want to make sure that things are locked down a bit more first."

"Right."

"You got something to say there?"

"Me?" Angela turned around and gave a wide-eyed look of innocence to Bella. "No ma'am. Nothing at all ma'am."

"Then get back to work."

o * o * o * o

"So how's the place looking?"

"Oh Edward it's great. I just love it!" Bella enthused, "I mean, it's nothing like your place, but it's got a really nice feel to it."

"Eh, my place isn't that great."

"Are you kidding? Your house is enormous compared to this apartment, and you've got that great pool, and a kitchen to die for … "

"But it doesn't have you in it," Edward replied in a quiet voice.

Bella didn't answer, so he continued. "Too much?"

"No … " Bella said in a voice that only quavered slightly, "I think that was just right actually."

"I wish I was there."

"I wish you were too."

"It won't be long now."

Since the pair of them had admitted their mutual attraction, they had both made a concerted effort to speak to each other daily. Words were important to both of them. As a writer, Bella was used to getting her meaning across clearly and concisely, without ambiguity. Edward was used to working with words, finding the emotions they contain, and expressing them honestly and with integrity. Once they made the decision to be open and truthful with each other, this unique ability to communicate so well, profoundly deepened their relationship and quickly produced a level of emotional intimacy that neither had expected.

The emails flew thick and fast, and they had made an unspoken rule to speak to each other either first thing in the morning, or at the end of the day. Bella had gotten used to being roused from her sleep by the phone, and having sleepy conversations with Edward about his day. Hearing his voice helped her sleep, and hearing her voice made him forget the trials of the day. It was as if, without this daily interaction, neither was able to feel at peace. It became as necessary to their daily lives as the air they breathed and the food they ate, except their daily chats nurtured their very souls.

To:Edward Cullen

From:Bella Swan

Subject:Welcome Home

Edward

I don't know if I've told you this enough, but I'm looking forward to seeing you. Call me when you get in, and then come straight over.

Bella

To:Bella Swan

From:Edward Cullen

Subject:RE: Welcome Home

I'll be there. I miss you.

o * o * o * o

Edward checked the scrap of paper in his hand and looked up at the building again. This was the place. He parked his car and made his way through the apartment complex. It was a small Spanish style group of apartments, each one with a wrought iron balcony and lush gardens. It was charming and typical Bella.

He found her apartment door and stood there for a moment, feeling unaccountably nervous. He was about to knock when he realised his hands were clammy, and he hastily rubbed his palms on his jeans before knocking.

He heard movement inside, and then the door was opened. There she was.

Looking over her shoulder, he could see that she had lit some candles, so the room was filled with soft warm light. He looked back at Bella, and the charming words of welcome he had prepared earlier disappeared and remained unsaid on his lips.

Her eyes glowed, and her hair fell over her shoulders in soft waves. She also had a finger pressed to her lips for silence, as she reached out with her other hand to draw him inside. He followed, and stood watching her as she quietly closed the door and turned to face him.

She smiled at him and stepped towards him, standing close enough to run her hands up his chest and onto the nape of his neck. She tugged gently, and he bent his head so that her mouth was level with his ear. He wrapped his hands around her waist to pull her closer still. She whispered, her breath tickling his ear and sending a shiver through him.

"Edward," she said quietly. "For the first time in my life I think I'm sick of words. Please … just show me what you feel."

o * o * o * o

"Where's Edward?" Rosalie had walked out onto the back deck to have a pre-dinner drink with Emmett. "I thought he was due back in town today?"

Emmett poured her a glass of wine and handed it over with a wide grin.

"He's back in town yeah, but I don't know that we'll be seeing him anytime soon."

"Does that mean what I think it means?" Rosalie said, a speculative glint in her eye as she sat down beside him.

"Yup."

"Thank god. He's sounded so miserable over the phone, and I thought I was going to have to get you to kick six types of shit out of him so he'd finally see some sense."

"You'd get me to do it?"

Rosalie gave him a peck on the check.

"Oh honey, you know how I like to delegate."

They both sipped their wine.

"So, I wonder what they're doing now." Emmett mused.

Rosalie quirked an eyebrow at that.

"Emmett, do you remember what we were like when we first started dating?"

"Oh yeah ..." Emmett said, a reminiscent grin on his face.

"And do you remember how we celebrated our one month anniversary?"

"Mmm-hmmm." His grin grew bigger, if that were possible, making Rosalie grin in response. Hell, she had a pretty good memory too, and dammit he was good.

"And these guys have known each other for what, nearly three months now?"

"As it been that long?" Emmett's brow wrinkled as he tried to remember.

"Just think … " Rosalie continued. "Nearly three months of flirting, and practically most of that has been spent on foreplay."

"Jesus." Emmett blanched.

"So when you think about all those conditions, what do you think they're doing?" Rosalie asked.

"I'd say they're probably doing what we're going to be doing pretty damn soon."

"Oh really?" Rosalie said, setting down her wineglass as Emmett leaned towards her for a kiss.

"Well, I'm an optimistic kinda guy," he breathed as their lips met.

o * o * o * o

Bella had set some music playing softly in the background, but from that moment on, Edward would never be able to recall what it was. His whole attention was wrapped up in the woman that stood before him. Edward held her in his arms with exquisite care. His hands moved to cup the back of her head, dipping his head to capture her mouth with his own, their tongues meeting and dancing. With a soft hum he gathered her closer, moulding her to him as he coaxed her response.

At last they released each other, and Bella stood with her head on his chest, listening to his heart racing at a pace that must surely match hers. Their bodies swayed slowly, as close as they could possibly get with only their thin layers of clothes between them.

Bella drew back, and Edward looked down at her in silent question. She stepped back further still, taking his hands in hers, and tugged him gently. Her eyes luminous, she led him towards the bedroom. Once they were there, she slid her hands gently around his waist, tugging at his shirt and running her hands up his sides. Edward held up his arms and allowed her to remove his shirt. Then he reached towards her to do the same.

Her t-shirt was disposed of quickly, and he turned her around, running his hands ever so softly over her shoulders and down her back to unhook her bra. The cups of lace slid down her torso, and he ran his hands up and over her arms to gently cup her breasts, pulling her back against his chest, nestling his face in her hair. As their bare skin came in contact they both gave a soft hiss of pleasure, shivering at the sensation.

Bella turned in his arms once more and began to fumble with his jeans. and They both laughed breathlessly when they discovered he had yet to kick off his shoes. Stepping out of the denim puddle around his ankles, he reached towards her with a small grin, flicking down her zip and hooking his thumbs in her belt loops and sliding down her body to pull her jeans down and off.

He stayed kneeling before her, reaching up with his hands to trace her ribs, cupping her buttocks gently as he pulled her close to plant a single, hot kiss at her centre. She shifted restlessly, and he marvelled at how delicate she seemed in this moment. His gut clenched with heat as he slowly rose to his feet, dusting her body with kisses as he went.

Bella sighed into his kiss, and together they both half sank, half fell onto the bed. She could feel her body, soft and pliant, moulding itself to his hardness. She felt drunk with sensation, as if she could crawl up inside his chest and stay there, warm and safe. Her awareness shifted, focussing on that pleasurable ache which demanded attention. She moved her hips, trying to get closer to him, moaning in frustration as he brushed against her and then moved away.

Edward loomed above her, pressing his knee between hers, seeking entry. She threw her arms around his shoulders and arched her back so that she could stay as close to him as she could, desperate to meet his lips for a kiss.

He eased into her slowly, their eyes locked on each others, and they both held their breath when he was at last fully sheathed. Words couldn't do this justice. Bella's head dropped back on the pillows, mouth open as she sighed with delight. She felt pleasurably full, and whimpered as he grasped her small hips in his hands and began to thrust.

Edward's body moved in long, sure strokes, creating a friction that they could hardly bear. They moved together, their bodies flowing moving of their own accord in a slow, sweet tempo. They barely spoke. Their kisses were punctuated with soft murmurs of encouragement, each treating the other as if they were afraid they would shatter.

Bella's breathing began to quicken as her aching need began to reach for release, and Edward moaned as he felt her muscles began to grip him. He nuzzled her shoulder, clinging to her in desperation as their orgasms roared through them.

They remained locked together, Edward's hands stroking her hair, Bella's mouth brushing his throat. Bella was lying there in quiet amazement, her body tingling. She had felt utterly worshipped by a man that others treated as a god. Edward held her close, revelling in her softness, throwing his leg possessively over her for good measure. So entwined, they both drifted off to sleep.

o * o * o * o

Sensing movement beside him, Edward opened his eyes. Bella had rolled over in her sleep and lay on her back, one arm thrown up over her head onto the pillow. Her movement had pulled the sheet down over her body, and he gazed at her exposed breasts. Giving into temptation, he propped himself up on one elbow and leaned over to circle a rosy tip with his tongue.

Bella gave a sleepy hum of pleasure and arched her back, offering herself up for more. Edward slid a hand around her waist and pulled her closer, as he moved his devotion to her other waiting breast. She hooked a leg around his hips as he dropped open-mouthed kisses across her chest and neck, before claiming her mouth. Bella's hands were never still. She had wrapped her arms around him, one hand roaming across his back, rubbing and scratching lightly as the other threaded itself through his hair to hold him to her.

Edward groaned as he felt her moist core against his. He shifted his hips slightly, and effortlessly slid into her wetness with one slow thrust. He was amazed at just how in sync their bodies were. After a moment, they both began to rock against each other slowly. Edward opened his eyes to see Bella gazing back at him. They stared at each other as they continued to move in silence, neither one wanting to break contact.

Bella's breathing began to quicken, and Edward shifted his hips slightly. She caught her bottom lip in her teeth at the sensation. The moment was building for both of them, and they clutched at each other in silence, waiting to be thrown over the edge. Bella's nails sank into his shoulder and he gave a quiet hiss of pleasure, dipping his head to nip at her throat. His thrusts became harder, more urgent desperate to lose himself in her again, and she wrapped her legs around him in encouragement, urging him deeper still. Edward felt his release begin, and looked at Bella to see her lips quivering, her mouth open in a silent gasp of pleasure as their mutual release shook through their bodies.

They subsided against each other, wordlessly content. Bella cupped Edward's face in her hands and gently kissed his closed eyes. With a sigh, Edward wrapped himself around her, and rested his head on her chest. Entwined in each other, feeling completely loved, they drifted back to sleep.

o * o * o * o

"Hey girl."

"It lives!" Angela exclaimed, prompting a laugh out of Bella.

"Oh come on, I haven't been that bad." It was a token protest at best. Finally showered and changed, Bella was curled up on her sofa with a fresh cup of coffee.

"You know, I tried calling to see how you were but I couldn't get through to you at all." Angela said accusingly.

"I knew you'd call, which is why I took the phone off the hook and switched off my cell."

"Oh really."

"Yes really." Bella deadpanned.

"So I take it things went well?" Angela asked in a tone that implied the phone call would not be ending before she found out what she wanted.

"You could say that."

"So well in fact, that you had to take your phone off the hook and left your best friend hanging for a couple of days, dying of curiosity."

"Yup."

"I see." Angela paused.

"Well you know how it is, Edward and I .. ah … had a lot to talking to do."

"Did you?" Angela replied in a dry tone. "I have to say I'm surprised to hear that, given the amount of emails and phone calls you guys were having leading up to him getting back in town."

"Uh, well it's different when you're face to face."

"Mmm-hmmm."

"No, really it is."

"Oh I don't doubt you at all," Angela said. "You guys must have just been talking and talking until there was no air left in the room. Just do me a favour though Bella."

"What's that?"

"Wash your sheets before they crawl off in search of an ovum."

"Angela!" Bella gave a whoop of laughter, "We weren't that bad."

"Honey, I know how bad I am when I haven't seen Ben for a few days, so the two of you … well … nuff said."

"Thanks babe."

"Don't mention it. So if you had enough strength left to make it to the phone, I'm guessing that Mr Sexy isn't there at the moment."

"Ha ha. Yes, you're right. He's gone back home to change for a couple of meetings, and then we're catching a movie tonight." Bella tried to sound cool, but couldn't help the smile that broke through. She felt absurdly happy.

"Bella, can I ask you something?" Angela said quietly.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Are you happy with this guy?"

Bella paused.

"He makes me feel … I don't know Ange, this just feels like the most, comfortable, I've ever been with a guy. I can't explain it but …"

"Let me guess, you feel like a total sex goddess and completely normal in your own skin at the same time?" Angela supplied.

"Exactly."

"Hang onto this one babe, I think you've got a keeper."

o * o * o * o

Bella was waiting outside her apartment complex when Edward's car pulled up to the kerb. By the time she was inside the car Edward was already leaning towards her for a kiss.

"Why did you want me to wait for you outside instead of coming in?" she said a little breathlessly when they both finally came up for air.

"Because I knew that there was a good chance that if I came inside again we'd never make the movie." Edward replied, rubbing his nose against hers. "I can resist anything except temptation."

"I know the feeling," Bella laughed, resting her hand on his thigh as he drove.

Having parked the car, Edward and Bella joined the queue for tickets at the cinema. The two of them stood hand in hand, talking quietly as the queue slowly shuffled forwards. Bella noticed a couple of quiet gasps, and comments of "I think that's …," but for the most part, they were left alone. Bella nudged Edward, who gave her a look of inquiry.

"You're being left alone tonight."

His mouth quirked up into a wry grin.

"It happens sometimes, when the planets are in the right alignment."

"Really? You've put a lot of work into it then." She teased.

"Oh sure. I've got Emmett in a circle of powdered cow skulls at home too, it seems to help."

"Well," Bella shrugged. "If it helps you have a quiet night out, and it keeps him off the streets, it can't be that bad."

Edward chuckled and drew her closer to him.

When they finally had their tickets they headed inside. Finding a couple of seats, Edward popped up the dividing armrest so that Bella could lean more comfortably against him.

"It's been a while since I've gone necking at the movies," Edward commented as Bella snuggled against his side.

"Hmm, you might be disappointed then Cullen, because first we have to play the alphabet game."

"The what?"

"The Alphabet Game. It's great. We've got until the movie starts to find all the letters of the alphabet in consecutive order."

"You're serious aren't you?"

"Hey," she punched his shoulder. "Don't knock it until you've tried it."

"You're kinda weird sometimes," said Edward as he pulled her in for a quick kiss, "but you're sexy and funny so I'll go along with your plan."

"And don't you forget it." She replied.

Soon the cinema lights dimmed, and the pre-show advertising began. It wasn't long before the two of them were completely engrossed in the game, fussing over the usual 'tricky' letters to find.

"J!" Edward said in a loud whisper.

"Excellent," Bella whispered back. "Well spotted, now we're on to K …"

The game progressed, ending up in the pair of them quietly bickering their way through the trailers, their shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

A couple of hours later, they were leaving the cinema with the other movie patrons, still arguing the outcome of the game.

"I don't care what you think you didn't see there was a goddamn 'Q' in that kitchen commercial."

"And I think you're delusional," retorted Bella.

"Whatever," sighed Edward. "I'll just have to live with the burden of knowing I was right and you were blind."

"I guess we all have our burdens to bear," commiserated Bella, patting his arm. "Come on, let's get some dinner."

There was a small Italian restaurant within walking distance, so Edward took Bella's hand and led her across the street towards it. They opened the double doors and stepped inside, standing quietly by the counter for a table. A hostess walked towards them with a bright smile, sales patter at the ready.

"Good evening sir, can I … Oh!" she stopped dead, obviously flustered when she recognised their famous customer.

"Hi," Edward flashed her a broad smile. "I don't have a booking, but is there any chance of getting a table for two?"

"Uh," the hostess fumbled with the bookings register, and looked up with an over-bright smile. "Certainly Mr Cullen, if you'd just follow me …" she set off across the restaurant, stopping at a table that was near the centre of the room.

"I'm sorry, but is it possible to get a table a little more secluded?" Edward asked. He gave her his most winning smile, and Bella watched in amazement as the hostess seemed to melt before their eyes, and promptly led them to a section of the restaurant that afforded them a little more privacy.

"I have to say Edward, that I'm impressed," Bella said later as they enjoyed a glass of wine. "That act you pulled on the hostess was pretty damn smooth."

"What do you mean?" he asked, looking up from where he had idly been tracing patterns on Bella's hand with the tip of his finger.

"Flashing her the Sexiest Man Alive smile, dazzling her like that … " Bella shook her head. "It's almost cruel to release so much charm on an unsuspecting female."

"I dazzled her?"

Bella snorted.

"You most certainly did. The woman was putty in your hands."

"Really. Are you saying that you're immune?" he asked, picking up his wineglass for another sip.

Bella watched him as he considered her over the rim of his glass. His green eyes flashed at her as he drank, and she felt the familiar warm tingle begin to shiver through her body.

"If this is the disease, I hope there's no cure," she replied quietly, jumping slightly as Edward picked up her hand and nibbled her fingertips.

"Burn baby, burn."

It was late and the two of them were wrapped up in each other's company as they settled the check for the meal, but their bubble burst as soon as they left the restaurant.

"Edward!"

His name erupted from dozens of people, and Bella's head whipped around in amazement as she tried to take in the scene before her. Camera flashes were popping constantly, blinding her as she stumbled slightly on the sidewalk. She heard Edward curse beneath his breath as he caught her by the elbow and yanked her against his side.

"Edward! Who is she Edward!"

"Where's Tanya tonight? Edward!"

Bella felt completely disoriented, trying to shield her eyes from the camera flashes and find her way. Edward propelled the two of them along the sidewalk, as they were pursued by the combination of paparazzi, fans and curious bystanders. Before she realised knew it, they were at his car. She fumbled for the door, getting in and staring out at the scene unfolding before her.

Edward looked furious. His jaw was clenched and his eyes were stormy as he tried to make his way through the scrum towards the drivers' side of the vehicle. He kept his head down, barking terse replies here and there, but for the most part not responding to some of the more intrusive questions. Finally he got into the car, and revved the engine, nudging the car forwards. The crowd continued to surround the car, but as Edward continued to nudge the car forward they got the message and reluctantly began to disperse to allow passage.

As soon as they were clear, Edward floored the accelerator and the car peeled out of the carpark. Bella stared wide-eyed in the side mirror to see that there were already a couple of vehicles in pursuit.

"Godammit!" Edward snarled, slamming his fist on the steering wheel, making Bella flinch.

Bella remained silent as Edward drove, taking tight corners and running a couple of amber lights in a bid to shake off the pursuing cameras.

A few moments later, Edward flicked his gaze to the rear view mirror and noted with satisfaction that they seemed to be free. His attention had been focussed solely on getting away as quickly as possible, and it was only now that he remembered to check to see that Bella was okay. He looked across to see Bella huddled in her seat, white-faced. She looked scared.

"Bella, are you okay?" His eyes snapped back to the road as he reached across to touch her. "You haven't put your seatbelt on yet."

She fumbled jerkily for the seatbelt, clicking it in place and then looking anxiously at Edward. He was still driving at breakneck speed, but every so often he was looking across at her. He gave her a thin smile and kept driving, his hand squeezing her thigh in what he hoped was a reassuring manner.

They arrived back at Bella's apartment, and walked together in silence to her front door.

"Bella," Edward said as he cupped her face. "What's wrong? You haven't said a word?"

She gazed up at him, biting her bottom lip. It was a clear sign that she was nervous. He pulled her closer and wrapped her in his arms, resting his chin on her head as he spoke.

"I'm sorry honey. When I saw all those people I just wanted to get you away from them all."

Bella wrapped her arms around Edward, listening to his words reverberate in his chest as he spoke. The warmth of his body was soothing, but his anger had been a side of him that she hadn't seen before. She sighed. The evening had taken a very unexpected turn.

She twisted her head to look up at him, and kissed his chin, not trusting herself to speak in case the tremor in her voice gave her away.

"Come on, let's go inside." He soothed, turning them towards the door.

He led the unresisting Bella inside, and took her to her bedroom. They undressed and crawled under the covers, curling up in each other's arms.

"Sweetheart, you've barely said a word since we left the restaurant. What's wrong?" Edward asked, brushing her hair from her face.

She gave him a tired smile.

"I'm fine. It was just … tonight was quite a shock." She sighed. "For someone that's used to feeling invisible it was a hell of a lot to take in all of a sudden." She reached out the smooth away the frown lines that appeared between his eyes. She didn't like to be the cause of those lines.

He learned forward and gave her a soft kiss.

"I'm sorry you were scared honey, but things will look better in the morning." He drew her closer and nuzzled against her neck, closing his eyes.

Bella lay awake beside him, staring into the darkness.

o * o * o * o