Chapter 10

It was sort of an unspoken rule between them.

Bella's locked bedroom door.

In the real world, a locked door could mean different things.

I like my privacy.

Do not disturb me.

But he knew that in this case, it meant only one thing.

Don't tempt me.

Sexual tension was a crazy thing. It could make you brave. It could also make you stupid, so he was grateful that Bella had taken the initiative to keep him out.

But he had to tell her about his parents. He couldn't just let her wake up tomorrow to find Carlisle and Esme Cullen on her front steps.

With a deep sigh, he placed his fist against the door and gently knocked. He heard movement, and he wondered if she was looking for a robe. He looked down at his own clothes. A cotton t-shirt and a pair of pajama bottoms.

What did she wear to bed? Did she wear anything?

Focus, Edward.

The door opened, and his eyes swept over her. She was wearing a long t-shirt that fell just above her knees.

Simple.

Sexy.

"Hi."

He cleared his throat. "Hi."

Bella reached for his hand and pulled him inside, letting the door close behind them. She led him over to the bed, and he went willingly. He sat down on the edge of the mattress as she stepped between his legs. Edward placed his hands against her waist and pulled her closer.

He was here for a reason. He was sure of it. But the reason escaped him when Bella grinned sexily at him and reached for the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head and tossing it aside. Her t-shirt was next, and he stared, mesmerized, at the creamy flesh and the gorgeous curves of the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Her panties remained, and he was grateful, because a sexually frustrated man who liked instant gratification could only handle so much temptation.

Bella framed his face with her hands and smiled down at him.

"What took you so long?" she whispered.

And then she kissed him.

Deep. Hard. Wet.

xxx

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?"

"Because I attacked you."

"Did you hear me complaining?"

"Well, no, but . . ."

Edward grinned and kissed her forehead. "Don't apologize. It was amazing. And much needed."

She grinned. "I'm not usually that forward. It's been a while, and well, the afternoon kisses had me a little . . . worked up."

Embarrassed, she hid her face against his chest.

"Bella, please look at me."

She lifted her face, and he brushed his fingers against her crimson cheeks.

"Loved it," he whispered.

Bella smiled shyly, which made him chuckle.

"I'm funny?"

"The fact that you're blushing is funny, yes."

She grinned.

"Thank you for not pushing for . . . more."

"We aren't ready for more," Edward said softly. "No matter how much I might want it. And please don't doubt for a second that I really, really want it."

"I want it, too. That's why I was so happy when you knocked on my door."

He suddenly remembered the reason for his visit, and he sighed heavily.

"You might not be happy when I tell you why I knocked."

"What do you mean?"

Edward played with a strand of her hair. "I got a call from my sister. It seems that my parents believe that I'm still a child and can't be trusted. They'll be here in the morning. I thought you should be prepared."

Bella frowned. "Your parents are coming here?"

"Yep."

"And that's why you knocked on my door?"

Edward nodded.

She buried her face in her hands. "Now, I'm really embarrassed."

"Stop that," he murmured, pulling her hands away from her face. "Trust me, I loved the distraction. It made me momentarily forget that my parents are on their way here to completely humiliate me."

"They don't trust you."

"Not even a little bit."

Bella sighed. "We've had a really perfect weekend."

He couldn't argue with that. It had been the best weekend of his life.

"We won't let them ruin it," Bella said, her voice strong and brave. "I'll make a gigantic breakfast. What do they like? Ham? Eggs? Or is your mom one of those 'I'll have a grapefruit for breakfast' kinds of people, because I think I have some . . ."

Edward smiled as she continued planning out the menus for the day. He'd nod when necessary and answer questions when asked. She'd breathed a sigh of relief when he assured her that neither parent had food allergies or required a special diet.

Suddenly, Bella frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"It just dawned on me that I'm meeting the parents."

"I was wondering when you were going to panic about that," he said. "I could leave, Bella. I could pack my bags and leave tonight. Then, they'd have no reason to bother you."

"But if this goes well, I'll have to meet them eventually, right?"

"I suppose so, yeah . . ."

"So, I might as well meet them here—where I can tempt them with pretty scenery and good food."

Of course, this made perfect sense to her. Home turf. Country cooking. Who could possibly resist?

Edward didn't have the heart to tell her it would take more than a pretty inn and delicious food to charm Esme Cullen.

Instead, he pulled her close, wrapping her in his arms. He nuzzled her hair, and she rested her head against his chest.

"My mother isn't a very nice woman, Bella. She can be . . . blunt. Hurtful."

"It will be fine," she said softly, pressing a kiss against his chest. "I'm strong. You'll see."

He closed his eyes and held her tight.

For the first time in his life, he had something worth protecting.

And he would.