CHAPTER 13

She shot a sideways glance as the phone shrilled, but kept on with the task at hand. After another couple of rings the answering machine kicked in.

Hey, this is the fridge. The answering machine can't get to the phone right now, but leave a message and I'll stick it to my door with one of Bella's magnets. *beep*

Her head jerked up in surprise as she heard a familiar voice.

"Bella? It's Edward, are you there?"

She dropped everything and scrambled for the phone.

"I'm here. Sorry, I'm screening my calls." She explained as she jammed the phone between her ear and chin so that she could wipe her hands.

"I guessed. Uh, that voice sounded familiar, was that Ben?"

"It was. He must've put the message on when he and Angela were helping me move in." She couldn't help the chuckle in her voice.

"I like it." There was an awkward pause before he continued. "So, have you had to screen many calls lately?"

"I've been out and about a bit, so you're the first one," she admitted. "I had a call about some photos from our night out, but I managed to bump the issue for a day or so, and then after that, we'll just have to see what happens."

"How did you do that?" he was curious.

Bella laughed, and he was surprised at how much better he felt when he heard it.

"Well, the first call I got was from one of the magazines that I've done a lot of work for. It really helps when you know the Editor has a sweet tooth, so I'm just finalizing the bribe now."

"Hmm, this is getting interesting. What sort of bribe are we talking about?"

"They're one of my specialties. Oreo Depth Charge Cupcakes."

"Sounds pretty serious. You know if Emmett ever finds out about those you're never going to hear the end of it."

"Hmm, I'll have to make him some then," she teased.

"Hey hang on," he protested, "forget about him, what about me?

"Oh, poor boy." She propped her hip against the counter and glanced at the batch that was waiting to be frosted. "Tell you what, if you come over I think I'll have something here you'll like."

"Sold. See you in thirty minutes."

"Edward! I was talking about cupcakes."

"Oh, really? When you said you'd have something I'd like, I guess my mind kind of wandered off track."

"Off track?" she scoffed. "More like one track, Cullen."

"I don't hear you arguing," he countered.

"Well, that's entirely different," she grinned, swiping a finger into the frosting bowl and noisily slurping it off.

"What's that? What are you doing?"

"Mmmm? Oh I was just helping myself to some frosting. It's delicious. I melted some chocolate through it so it just tastes …"

"Dammit, Swan. I'll be there in ten."

She giggled as the call was disconnected. Who would've thought that cupcakes could get that kind of response? She hung up the phone and headed back over to check the cupcakes that were cooling on the rack, feeling better for the first time that day.

o * o * o * o

Edward had been true to his word. There had been a rapid tattoo on the door ten minutes later, and after a quick check through the peephole, she had thrown open the door with a welcoming beam on her face.

"So where's the fire?" she asked, her eyes widening in delighted surprise as Edward swooped her in his arms for a searing kiss. As their kiss deepened, she curled her fingers against the nap of his neck, all but purring with delight.

"Bit hard to say," Edward commented as he fluttered kisses across her face. "Seems to me that things are getting pretty hot right here."

"You won't hear me arguing," she breathed, running her hands down from his neck to gently tug at the neck of his shirt so that she could run her fingers across his collarbone. She jumped as he ran his hands over her hips and slid his hands into the back pockets of her jeans so that he could pull her closer. Closing her eyes in anticipation of his kiss, she grinned as Edward whispered in her ear.

"Bella … you know what I want."

She turned her head and nipped at his ear. "You'd better come inside then. They're on the counter."

Before she could register what was happening, Edward bent down and forwards, throwing her over his shoulder in a fireman's lift and carrying her inside, kicking the door closed behind them as Bella squealed in delight.

Edward had been in a hurry to get to Bella's apartment, so he hadn't noticed the motorbike that had done a swift U-turn when he had driven past it, and continued to follow him at a safe distance. He didn't notice it park a few feet away from his car as he got out and hurried to her door and then again moments later, when wrapped up in each other's arms at her door, neither of them had noticed the camera.

o * o * o * o

"Oh god," Edward moaned. His arms curled around her to clutch her closer to him. Bella hummed in agreement and kept kissing his neck.

"You like that, huh?"

"I think you know I do." He licked his lips and went in for more. "I've never had a cupcake like this."

Bella grinned. They were one of her favourites as well, a chocolate cupcake with an Oreo cookie baked inside. She had piped a lavish amount of frosting on top of each, finishing them off with half an Oreo for decoration. She disengaged herself from his arms and went back to frosting the remaining cupcakes. Edward's arm snaked past her and snagged another one, and she looked up to see him give her a look of wide-eyed innocence as he took a healthy bite.

"Men," she mumbled as she went back to work. "I swear, you all have big bodies, but on the inside you're still little boys."

Edward wandered around to stand behind her, leaning over her shoulder watching her pipe on the frosting as he continued to chew. His breath tickled her neck, and she grinned as he slid a hand up and around her waist.

"Edward," she warned. "I'm working here."

He stepped closer still, pulling her hips against his. Bella was still slightly bent over the counter, biting her lip as she tried not to grin. She was willing to bet Martha Stewart didn't have this kind of distraction in the kitchen.

Edward was in a great mood. He was with his girl, sharing a quiet moment at home. No distractions (other than each other), no intrusions, just the two of them together playing house. Edward finished his second cupcake with a sigh of satisfaction, and started to lick some leftover frosting off his fingers. Once that was done, he snuggled closer to Bella and began to nibble on the back of her neck. The frosting on the last cupcake looked decidedly wobbly. Bella had ended up having to shoo Edward away to perch on a kitchen stool as she packed up all of the cupcakes but six, which didn't escape his attention.

"What are the spares for?" he inquired, arching an eyebrow.

"Emmett."

"Heeeey, how come he gets six but I only had two?" he protested.

"How old are you today, four? Two are for Emmett, two are for Rosalie, and the other two are for you," she explained, counting them off with her fingers as she explained. She rummaged through her cupboard until she found a container that they would fit in, and snapped on the airtight lid. "I've got to drop the others off to George, but after that I thought maybe we could go see them?"

"Hmm, only on one condition," Edward countered as he slid off his chair and got his keys. "That we spend the day together."

"Deal, but we go in separate cars," she clarified.

Edward looked surprised.

"Come on, after the other night I don't want to be seen any more than I absolutely have to," she stated in a firm tone.

"Even if you're with me?" Was she ashamed of him?

Bella paused as Edward's question registered. He looked a bit hurt, and that was the last thing she had intended.

"No, what I meant was that I just don't want any more cameras. You got angry the other night, I don't want us to have to go through more of that, and … what?" she had paused as a slow grin had spread across Edward's face.

"You said us," Edward replied. He snagged her waist and started to rock her as he began to sing in a cheesy croon, "You want to hold me, you want to kiss me …"

"Yes," Bella threw her hands up in surrender, latching them around his neck. "You finally saw through me. Now have at it Cullen, and then let's hit the road," her sentence finished on a whoop as he dipped her, straightening her back up quickly and kissing her nose with a flourish.

"Done deal, let's make tracks," he scooped the smaller container up in his hands and snatched at his keys.

They were talking and laughing with each other as they exited Bella's apartment, and Edward slung his arm around her shoulders as they walked towards his car, his happiness evident. The camera lens tracked them lovingly all the while.

o * o * o * o

That evening Bella put her key into the deadlock and leaned with her back against her door. Edward put one hand on the door by her head and leaned towards her, a knowing grin on his face.

"Kinda looks like you're putting a move on me Cullen," she teased.

"Could be," he said with a slow smile, "but there's only one way to tell. C'mere"

Their lips met softly, meeting again and again before becoming something deeper, more urgent.

"Want to stay the night?" whispered Bella as Edward nuzzled his face against hers.

"I'm not going anywhere."

They went indoors, leaving the world outside.

o * o * o * o

Angela walked through the office, calling out greetings and smiling as she made her way towards her cubicle. She tossed her bag into her desk drawer, and had just sat down when she had a visitor. Jessica Stanley, receptionist and office gossip appeared by her desk.

"Hey Angela, what's your friend's name again?"

"And good morning to you too, Jessica," Angela said by way of reply. She looked at the bottle blonde's eager expression and suppressed a sigh. It looked like she wasn't going to be getting her morning coffee just yet.

"What?" Jessica looked blank for a moment. "Whatever," she waved off the rebuke and continued. "I just wanted to see if I was right." She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Angela couldn't tell if the woman was impatient, needed the bathroom, or if her unfeasibly high heels were killing her already.

"Jess, this might come as a shock, but I actually have more than one friend in the world, so you might want to be a bit more specific."

"You know," Jessica huffed in irritation. "The one that was staying with you for a while, she came in here a few times and did a couple of pieces. The writer."

"You mean Bella?" replied Angela, mystified. Where was this going?

"Ha! I knew it was her! I'll send you the link, and then you've got to tell me everything!" Jessica nodded in satisfaction and headed back to her desk, tugging her short skirt down as she walked. Angela watched her go, and shook her head. What a flake. She logged onto her computer and then got up to head off to the lunchroom for her coffee, wondering just what all the fuss had been about.

Ten minutes later, Angela returned to her desk, laughing at a bad joke she'd just been told, and flopped down into her chair. She took a leisurely sip of her coffee and opened her email. True to form, Jessica had sent a message, with an imperative subject header – Read this now and tell me I'm right! Angela rolled her eyes and grinned as she clicked on the email. No doubt it was another chain letter promising 10 years of good luck and great sex. Maybe she should just delete it. The message contained no text, just a link to TMZ. She clicked on it. Her eyes widened as the photos appeared on her screen, and the smile slowly drained from her face. There were three pages of images. Whoever had taken them had certainly been thorough.

"Oh Bella, honey," Angela whispered. "What are you going to do now?"

o * o * o * o

Rosalie left the workshop and cut through the showroom as she headed towards the office.

"Hey guys," she greeted the two men who were eyeing off a couple of vehicles with a broad smile and a wink as she walked past. She was already popping the top buttons on her tight-fitting coveralls, and missed their awestruck expressions as she passed. She tossed her blonde hair over one shoulder and began to shimmy out of the top of her coveralls, exposing her tanned shoulders and the white wife beater she wore underneath.

The men watched her enter the office and kick the door shut behind her, then glanced at each other. One whimpered quietly, and the other answered by biting his knuckles. Emmett watched them with a slight smile. That's right, you can look but you can't touch fellas, she's my girl.

Rosalie shucked her coveralls to her waist and helped herself to a coffee. She flicked a quick glance at the door, and not hearing any activity outside, quietly opened the concealed bar fridge and drew out an opaque container she had stashed at the back of the top shelf earlier that morning. She popped the airtight lid and carefully took out the last of Bella's cupcakes. She was reasonably certain that Emmett had lost track of how many he'd eaten, but technically this cupcake was his. She felt a moment's guilt, but then bit in, consoling herself with the thought that she had been working awfully hard and deserved a reward.

At that thought, she turned and made herself comfortable at Emmett's desk, cupcake in hand as she flipped open his laptop. Still chewing, she made a little 'mmmph' of amusement as she saw Emmett's screen. It was a glamour shot of herself she'd had taken as a wedding present for Emmett. She was sprawled on a sheepskin rug, wearing a barely there bikini, curling herself around an enormous spanner. Emmett had often made the joke that he had been the only man that had the balls to take her on, so she'd retaliated with the photo. Ever since, any comment she made about tightening nuts put a very big smile on her husband's face.

She clicked on the bookmarks tab, and then selected her guilty pleasure for the morning. As the page loaded, she took another bite of the cupcake, doing a little happy dance in her seat at her successful cupcake heist. Glancing at the screen, she stilled for a moment as her eyes flickered over the images, and then read the headline a second time.

"Shit," she cursed quietly, and put her thumb and forefinger in her mouth to whistle. She grimaced and quickly licked the frosting and crumbs off her fingers, and had a swig of coffee for good measure. Then she tried again. The whistle was very loud in the small office, but it would have the desired effect.

o * o * o * o

"Hi baby."

"Hey," the voice was husky with sleep. "You must have crept out quietly this morning."

"I know. I had to come into the office to get a few things done."

"I can think of a few things that need doing here too babe," the voice was heavy with cheesy innuendo, making her laugh."

"And believe me, I'd like to do them too, but girl's gotta make a living," she countered.

"Oh, I think someone wrote a song about that …" there was a pause, and she heard him take a deep breath before singing loudly into the phone. "She works hard for the money … so hard for the money …"

She whooped with laughter. "Just what are you referring to there, the workload or your morning glory?"

He laughed, the very sound of it making her feel all mushy. God she was so in love with him.

"Let's just say it's a little from Column A, and a little from Column B."

"You're a funny man, why am I with you again?"

"Because, my hot, sexy Angela, I make you laugh," his voice dropped to what he no doubt hoped was an erotic whisper, "and I go off like a firecracker in the sack."

She gave a startled whoop of laughter, earning her a censorious glance from her co-workers for disturbing the morning quiet. People's caffeine levels were definitely not up to speed yet.

"So honey," he continued, "to what do I owe the almost-pleasure?"

"Well," she hesitated, "I've just been sent some photos of our girl … you know … with that guy."

"Aw crap. You mean the kind of photos that are going to freak her out?"

"Yeah."

"So basically I need to make sure there's ice-cream and vodka in the freezer. I'll get on that today."

"Ben, you're such a good man," Angela said gratefully. And to think she'd once lusted after Edward Cullen. What the hell was she thinking when she had someone like her guy?

"I know," he replied. "Modest too."

o * o * o * o

At the sound of Rosalie's call, Emmett began to stroll towards the office. As he passed the two men, he gave them a wink.

"Back in a few, guys. Sounds like my wife wants me."

He flicked a glance at their expression as they realised that Rosalie wasn't just spoken for, but was partnered with someone well beyond their metrosexual league. Damn that felt good. He opened the office door in time to see Rosalie whip a hand under the desk and look up at him.

"You called, I came …" his words sank in and he snickered. Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"Babe," she warned. "Now's not the time."

"Yeah, but you have to admit it was like that earlier," Emmett replied as he strolled around to desk to give her a quick kiss. He straightened up and licked his lips, then glanced back at his wife who was looking a little too innocent. He bent down again and gave her another kiss, deepening it. Rosalie sighed as his lips and tongue flickered and teased, leaning in for more. He abruptly wrenched away.

"I knew it! Where did you put it"

You mean this?" asked Rosalie in a small voice, revealing the half eaten cupcake that she had been trying to conceal. "Oh, I thought it was mine."

"Woman, you know you ate two yesterday, that one's mine."

"Wait, before we start talking about that, there's something else," she broke in, trying to distract him from her theft. She pointed at the laptop, and Emmett leaned in to read what was on the screen.

"Shit," he muttered. "Do you think they know?"

"I'm not sure," mumbled Rosalie. Emmett's head whipped around to see that his loyal, devoted wife had stuffed the last of the cupcake into her mouth.

"Aw Rose, that's not playing fair …" he protested.

o * o * o * o

Edward woke up feeling the most relaxed he had felt in a long time, and he knew he owed it to the woman who slept beside him. Correction, make that the sensuous naked woman who was curled around him. She was sleeping with her head on his chest, one thigh sprawled across his. He pulled her closer, rubbing a hand on her back as he gave her a gentle kiss. She awoke slowly, rubbing her instep up and down his legs, all but purring with delight.

"Morning," he smiled as she blinked sleepily at him. She gazed at him for a moment before an answering smile lit her face.

"Hey," was all she said as she offered her lips up for more.

The kiss started out slowly, but quickly became intense. Her breasts rubbed against his chest as she rolled over on top of him. He reached down and cupped her buttocks, urging her on as she began to writhe against him.

They both groaned when his phone rang.

"Let it go to voicemail, it can wait," he urged as he pulled one of her nipples into his mouth. She clutched his head to her chest, throwing her head back as the sensations rippled through her.

The phone rang again, making them both falter.

"Dammit!" Edward cursed, dropping his head back onto the pillow.

"Maybe you should get that," suggested Bella as she leaned forward to nibble his collarbone. "It might be important."

"I don't see what's more important than this," he replied, pulling her against his hips for emphasis, getting a breathless laugh out of her.

The phone rang a third time, and Bella cocked an eyebrow at him. Edward cursed again and snatched up the phone. He glanced at the caller ID and groaned, then answered the call.

"Hi Mom," he said. Bella's eyes widened, and as she took in the scene of the dutiful son about to have a conversation with his mother, whilst being straddled by his naked girlfriend, she began to shake with silent laughter.

Her shaking did interesting things from where she was sitting though, and she had to bite her lip to stop the moan of pleasure that wanted to escape. Edward could do nothing but close his eyes and clench his fist in the sheets.

"No, it's okay I just woke up. How are you?"

"I'm good honey, I just thought I'd phone my boys and see how they're going. It's so hard to keep track of the pair of you these days," his mother's voice continued. Edward gritted his teeth. With Bella moving so delightfully on top of him like that, it was going to be hard to follow the conversation. He gripped her hip in silent warning as his mother continued.

"Sorry mom, what was that?"

"I was saying darling, that the best way I have of seeing what you're up to is seeing what's online."

"Okay, I get the hint, I'll call more often."

His mother gave a gentle laugh.

"Oh I wasn't phoning to give you a guilt trip, it's just that we've seen how happy you are, and your father and I were wondering when we were going to get a chance to meet the lucky girl."

"Huh?"

"Now now, don't play coy. I've just been looking at a lot of pictures of you with a very nice looking woman. They didn't print her name, but it looks like you're spending a lot of time together lately. You're looking so happy darling, I'm really pleased for you that …"

Edward glanced up at Bella, who gave him a puzzled smile.

"Uh, just how many photos are there?" he asked quietly. Bella quickly got the message. Her eyes widened, and she scrambled off to curl up beside him. Edward wrapped an arm around her shoulder as his mother kept speaking.

"I didn't count, but there must be about 20. When do we get to meet her?"

"Mom, I love you, but can I call you back?"

"Of course honey, your father and I will be wanting some more details!"

Edward finished the conversation with a bit of small talk and hung up. He was silent for a moment, and then looked at Bella, who was obviously waiting for him to speak.

"So," he cleared his throat. "It seems that we had a bit of company yesterday."

o * o * o * o

That evening, Edward let himself quietly into the house, and was helping himself to a beer from the refrigerator when Emmett entered the kitchen.

"Hey Bro, Mom called and …"

"I know," Edward cut him off. "She called me first, that's how we found out about the pictures in the first place." He gave a wry smile. "Mom and Dad want to meet her."

"And they're going to love her," Emmett replied, "But what was the reaction on the home front?"

Edward opened his beer and took a long swig, wiping his mouth and staring at the floor for a moment before responding.

"She's pretty freaked," he looked up at Emmett's concerned face. "Shit Em, I thought she was kinda cool with it all, you know? We'd talked about it, and we agreed that she's a private person but there would be some interest. I really thought she'd be okay." He shook his head.

As soon as he had gotten off the phone they had both scrambled for Bella's laptop. They had been followed all day and hadn't even known it. Edward had cursed himself. How could he be so stupid? The pictures had documented their breakfast together, visits to bookstores, a leisurely lunch. Everything, even the two of them entering her apartment for the night.

Bella hadn't cried. She hadn't ranted. She had just gone quiet. A little too quiet. She had reassured him with quiet words and tight smiles, but he hadn't been reassured at all. Finally she had told him she had to work, and she knew he had appointments that day as well. They had parted ways, sharing a tender goodbye inside the apartment before he had departed, heading towards his car, checking for any cameras all the while. Little good that was now.

Edward took another swig of his beer, then tipped the bottle at Emmett.

"You want?"

"Nah, I've got one out on the deck. Rosie and I just sat down for dinner if you're interested."

Edward shrugged. "Sure, why not"

"Don't overwhelm us with enthusiasm. Come on," Emmett cuffed his shoulder. "Talk it out with my girl, you'll feel better."

o * o * o * o

"Oh honey, are you okay?" Angela gathered Bella in for a hug.

"I'll live. It was just such a shock," Bella replied, hugging her back.

Angela ushered her inside, and Ben looked up from the TV with a grin of welcome.

"Hey girl," he got up and gave her a bear hug. "You're my cue to leave," he released her and started to get his keys.

"No, wait, I didn't mean for you to," she began to protest, and Ben waved her off.

"It's cool Bells. Ange and I talked about this earlier. You need your girl therapy, and I need to reach level 12."

"Huh?" Bella looked blank.

"Game talk," Angela clarified.

"Oh. Right."

Ben gave both women a hug and a kiss, albeit a more lingering one for Angela, and made his departure.

"Come on, I've got all the therapy we need right here," Angela said, leading Bella towards the kitchen.

"Cookie cream commotion?"

"You know it," Angela replied with a grin as she pulled out the tub.

"What would I do without you?" sighed Bella as she got out a couple of spoons.

"Probably lose a pound or two," commented Angela. "Do we need the shot glasses just yet?"

"No, but get them out and put 'em on standby," Bella replied as she headed towards the living room.

It was going to be a long night.

o * o * o * o

There was a thoughtful silence once Edward finished speaking. Rosalie had cooked some lasagne, which Emmett was eating with gusto.

"So, what are you going to do about it?" asked Rosalie, after she had taken another sip of wine.

Edward shrugged.

"I don't know. I guess I'll have to wait and see how she takes it all. I think she's still getting her head around it."

"You think?" snorted Emmett.

"I'm sure she is," soothed Rosalie, after shooting Emmett a quelling look. "The thing is, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I live here," Edward replied.

"Well done, but what I meant was, what are you doing here while Bella is thinking this all through?"

"She said she wanted to think it over, so she's catching up with one of her girlfriends," he said. He took another bite. The lasagne was good, but his appetite wasn't at its usual level.

"And you're leaving her alone," Rosalie stated.

"Well, yeah. I thought she'd want some space," Edward was bewildered. Wasn't he doing the right thing?

o * o * o * o

"How's Edward?" Angela asked as she passed the ice-cream tub back to Bella.

"He's okay I guess. I think he's worried about me, but otherwise he's fine," replied Bella as she dug into the tub for another spoonful.

"Mmm-hmm," Angela's reply was muffled as she sipped her drink.

"What?"

Angela shrugged. "I just don't get why you head for the hills when you get scared, even though you've told me you feel so comfortable around this guy."

"Well," Bella paused. She didn't actually know what to say.

o * o * o * o

"Dude, just get off the cross, someone else needs the wood," sighed Emmett. He had finally pushed his plate away and was finishing his glass of wine. He had been listening to the back and forth between Rosalie and Edward, and had reached saturation point.

"What?" they both looked at him.

"Just look at you guys. First bump in the road and you both freak out and spend the night apart. I'm guessing that neither of you are feeling too hot right now, so why don't you just grow a pair and do something about it?"

"Honey," said Rosalie in tones of admiration.

"Just get your act together Edward, or you're going to lose her." Emmett continued.

"All we want is some privacy to sort this out," Edward said quietly.

"Yeah well people in hell want iced water. You're a headline, she's a byline, but there's no law saying you can't get together. Just work out what's really important and stick to it, and the rest will fall into place."

The two brothers stared at each other.

"So that's it? You done?" Edward said finally.

"Guess so," Emmett replied.

Rosalie moved her chair closer and leaned against Emmett, who absent-mindedly put his arm around her.

"So," Emmett said after a pause. "What are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be getting to your girl?"

o * o * o * o

Angela and Bella stared at each other.

"So," Angela began.

"So," Bella repeated.

"What are we doing to do with you?"

Bella ran her hands through her hair. "I don't know, but my guess is you're going to tell me," she sighed.

Angela nodded and reached for her cell phone. She hit a couple of buttons and waited. "Hey honey it's me, yeah we're good. Listen, do you think you could come get our girl and take her home?" Angela paused, listening to Ben's voice. "No, it's all good. She just needs to be home to talk things through with Edward." Another pause, and then she gave a whoop of laughter. "I'll tell her that! Nope, too late, that one's too good not to share. When will you be here? Okay … right … love you too."

Bella gave Angela a curious look. "What was all that about?"

"Just Ben being a guy. He said you might want to talk things over before you hit the bedroom, because he said it's rude to talk with your mouth full."

The two women looked at each other, and then burst into drunken giggles.

"Okay, you win, I'll call," said Bella as she fumbled in her bag. She finally found her phone and called the number she knew by heart. "Hey Edward? … yeah I've had a lot to drink, and ice-cream! Huh? Oh yeah … I'm on my way home soon," she paused, listening to Edward's panicked voice. "No it's okay baby I'm not driving, Ben is going to deliver me … he's just arrived so I'm gonna go .. but can you get to mine? Uh huh … okay, I'll see you soon."

o * o * o * o

Bella had only just waved off Ben when she saw Edward's car pull up. He got out, locked the car and loped towards her.

"Are you okay?" he asked as he reached her, gathering her in his arms and checking her hurriedly.

"I'm fine, I just wanted to be home. Actually," she amended, "Angela told me I had to be at home. With you." She had been speaking to his shirtfront, as she had been worried to see what his reaction would be. Instead, she had been startled to hear him laugh.

"Funny, Emmett and Rose told me the same thing," he smiled at her. "Guess we should take their advice, huh?"

"Yup," Bella grinned at him, and then swayed against his chest. His shoulders started to shake with laughter as she hiccupped.

"So, how much did you and Angela have to drink?" he asked as he took her keys off her and opened the door, propelling them both inside.

She blinked up at him owlishly. "Not that much," she frowned, "not has much as we've had before anyway." She gave him a heart melting smile. "But I feel kinda good."

Edward chuckled and ran a hand behind her ear, running his fingers over her warm skin.

"Whaddya doin'?" she burrowed into his chest. He smelled nice.

"Checking for gills. The combination of you, Angela and alcohol seems deadly."

"Ha ha, funny man," she shot him an amused look and began to head to the bedroom, pulling off her shirt and dropping it on the floor, followed by her jeans.

"That's what I like," countered Edward as he followed in her wake, "a woman with a one track mind."

"Follow the breadcrumbs Cullen," she said, as her bra hit the floor.

"Oh I'm following," he replied under his breath, as he pulled off his shirt.

She turned to meet him as he entered the bedroom, and he sighed as her naked breasts rubbed against his chest.

"So," he began, catching his breath as she started to nibble the base of his throat, "seems our friends think we have some talking to do."

"Uh-huh," she agreed, before capturing his mouth with her own, kissing him hungrily.

He was surprised at her more aggressive style, but then he hadn't seen her under the influence of alcohol before. He made a mental note to repeat the experience under more controlled circumstances another time, as she lightly scratched her nails up and down his back, making him shiver.

She turned him, propelling towards the bed until he fell back onto it. She was instantly on top of him, prowling up his body to kiss him again, before starting to work her way down his body.

"Bella," he moaned as her tongue flickered against his nipple. "Honey, we've got to …" his head fell back as her hands made quick work of his jeans and began to tug them down. The rational part of his mind at knew that the two of them had issues to discuss. The other 98% of his mind however, had him lifting his hips to assist her, kicking off his shoes as she pulled his jeans down and off.

"I know," Bella murmured as she cupped him in her hands, crawling back up him to nibble at his shoulder. "We've got to talk, but right now there are other things I want to do."

Edward tugged at her neck to bring her to him for a kiss, but she twisted free and wriggled down, looking up at him as she took him in her mouth. She scraped him gently with her teeth, following with a long glide of her tongue as he groaned incoherently. She looked up to grin at him, and was startled when he lunged towards her and flipped her on her back.

"My turn this time," he said, as his hands and mouth began a slow exploration of her topography.

Bella could feel him, pressing hard against her thigh as he nibbled and sucked his way over her body. As his mouth closed over her breast, his hands moved lower, and with a deep sigh Bella began a little moving of her own, while her hands sought him out to wrap around his length. An eternal moment of this had them both breaking away with a gasp, and Edward reached across her towards the bedside table. She stopped him by pulling him back towards her.

"I'm protected, please … I need you," she breathed against his ear.

Edward closed his eyes and shuddered as she tongued his neck before kissing him deeply. He shifted his hips, poised above her as she restlessly tried to pull him down. He kissed her chest and she sighed at what was about to happen.

"Bella, look at me," he coaxed. "Don't close your eyes, look at me," he said, and slid into her with one long thrust as their eyes met and held. They both held their breath for a moment, and then they began to move.

Edward clenched his jaw as he sank into her warmth, ducking his head against his shoulder as she hooked one of her legs around his hips to urge him deeper. He struggled for control as her gasps and whispered encouragement for more, harder undermined his restraint.

He pulled out of her and began to work his way down her body, making strategic stops that set her gasping again. When at last his tongue dipped inside her, she almost cried out, arching her hips to meet his hungry mouth. She was hovering on the gold edge and he pushed her over into pure sensation. She was trembling with aftershocks as he moved up her body to plunge into her again, and again. He was kissing her, and she felt the pressure building again, gathering them both as he rocked hard and sure into her. Edward groaned as his release shook through him, and Bella whimpered as she was picked up and carried along for the ride as she succumbed again.

Edward collapsed on top of her, and she gloried in the feel of the weight of his body on top of hers. After a long moment, he rolled off, gathering her close as he dusted kisses over every part of her face that he could reach. She brushed his hair away from his face, and looked at him. His gaze was intent, and she knew he was waiting for her to speak.

"Wow … Elvis had it right," she said at last. "A little less conversation, a little more action please …"

Edward's eyes widened, and he roared with laughter, rolling them over so that she was straddling him.

"If I'd known you were this much fun after a few drinks, we should have arranged this sooner," he said at last.

"Anytime," she said with a grin.

Edward hesitated for a long moment, some of the pleasure leaving his face.

"We still need to talk though babe," he said at last.

"I know," Bella replied, "but I'm cold."

Edward let her move to lie beside him, as they both wriggled their way under the covers and curled themselves around each other.

"So," Edward began.

"Hmmm," Bella replied, concentrating as she drew spirals and circles on his chest with her finger.

"Are you okay," he asked, chuckling as Bella shot him a look of disbelief, "about the photos I mean."

"I don't know. I'm still pretty freaked out about it," she snuggled closer. Nothing seemed so bad when she could breathe in his scent. It was as if his basic smell was hardwired to her brain, to instantly make her feel better.

"I know, it's all pretty new for you," he answered, stroking her hair.

She snorted.

"Try brand new," she clarified. "I'm pretty scared of it all."

They were both silent for a moment, exchanging soft kisses, stroking each other gently for reassurance.

"Don't be scared," Edward whispered, "there's two of us now."