I woke up sleeping next to Edward. He was on his back and I was settled into his side. It was a perfect fit. My hand lay on his chest over his heart and I could feel its steady beat.

Last night had been amazing. We had explored every inch of each other, numerous times, before we both fell asleep exhausted. I had not been mistaken, before he fell asleep I took his temperature and it was 102 degrees. I felt myself smile. If he had that much energy sick, I can't even imagine at full stamina.

His skin still felt warm to the touch, but his fever had broken sometime during the night. Since today was Sunday I didn't think Edward would have practice, along with the fact that an alarm hadn't gone off. He shifted slightly in his sleep giving me an opportune moment to escape. I slid out of his arms quickly without shaking the bed too much. Let him sleep.

My original plan was to stay until morning and then sneak out because I did not want to have the awkward morning after talk. It would fulfill my requirement for the night. Yet he seemed so peaceful and finally rested I wanted to help more.

I had had a nightmare last night and Edward was able to wake me before I started to scream, something Charlie had never been able to do. It was a rare occurrence, these episodes, but they always rocked me to my core. Maurice would be the only witness to testify about how often I woke up screaming, but he does not speak English so it's a mystery. My nightmare had been an old one that used to haunt my dreams in high school when I first moved to Forks with Charlie.

It started with me standing in a field. I could see Charlie and Renee as a young couple. They looked helplessly in love with each other, but slowly they would grow apart. I watched their faces change. Charlie turned sad and regretful while Renee looked restless and trapped. Phil walked out and took Renee's hand as I watched Charlie's heart slowly break. Renee and Phil looked utterly happy while Charlie slowly turned sallow. Then, Charlie aged rapidly. He sped through middle age and his elderly years until he died a husk of the man he once was. Renee and Phil didn't seem to notice. Then my mother turned slightly to the side so I could see her stomach grow. Sarah, my step sister, emerged from the woods next and joined the happy couple. It was the four of us left all alone near Charlie's grave. They waved good bye to me as they walked away smiling leaving me completely alone in the meadow with only memories of happiness.

The only thing different this time was that Edward showed up once they were gone. He smiled at me. I smiled back feeling hope and tried to walk to him, but I couldn't cross the distance. The grass spread out in front of me. I could not make it. Edward woke me when I say Tanya wrap her arms around his waist with a large engagement ring on her left ring finger, the diamond sparkling in the frail light. I felt the pain in echoes as I shook in Edward's arms once back in my own body.

I hope I didn't say anything embarrassing about his and Tanya's engagement while he sang me to sleep. Edward was a deep sleeper, the epitome of peaceful. I noticed as I watched him a few hours later. He only woke when his fever was at its worst and when I needed him. I had wiped his brow with a wet face cloth and held his hand just like he had held mine until he closed his eyes once more. It had been for the better that I decided to stay last night.

I walked into the bathroom and took a quick shower. I didn't have any clean clothes here so I rummaged through Edward's drawer and found another pair of sweats and a t-shirt. I had to pull the draw string very tight to make the pants stay up but I was thankful Alice hadn't taken my bra. I would be going commando for a while longer.

Quietly I made my way to the kitchen and started looking through cabinets for food. I was going to make Edward breakfast. It was better stocked than I had expected with the lack of use, but the eggs weren't bad and the milk wasn't sour. I could make decent scrambled eggs with that.

I put my iPod in my ears and danced around the kitchen as I cooked. I timed things perfectly. The toast popped just after the eggs were finished and the bacon was crispy. I bobbed my head slightly as I scrapped the food onto a plate. I rummaged through the fridge and found a carton of orange juice. Pouring a glass for Edward and myself I spun to check for anything I missed.

Edward stood leaning a hip against the counter with a small smirk on his face watching me dance around his kitchen. He was only wearing black silk boxers. I felt my mouth water just looking at him. The sunlight silhouetting his physique brought back memories of last night. I felt myself blush slightly but I smiled. I placed the juice on the island and pulled my ear buds out. I scooped up one glass and held it out to him.

His eyebrow cocked.

"I didn't know I had juice." His eyes watched me as he took a careful sip.

"How are you feeling this morning?" I grabbed my own glass to give my hands something to do.

"Much improved. I must say I like your way of making me feel better much more than Alice's way." I blushed again. Calisthenics aren't a normal remedy. "She just yells at me until I pretend to fall asleep or makes me drink god awful tea. Medicinal uses my ass. I wouldn't be surprised if she made the tea bags herself with pencil shavings and potpourri." He smiled and finished his juice.

"I'm glad you're feeling better." I mumbled and turned away. "I made you breakfast." I slid the plate closer to him.

"Aren't you going to have anything?" I shook my head no. I forced myself not to stare at his bare chest. I had explored it last night; every muscle and sinew was burned into my memory but I couldn't get enough. Now that he was rested and healthy I was unsure of myself. Yet again I had not asked for any type of commitment from Edward. I dearly hope Alice wasn't right about a pity fuck.

"I don't eat until after my run." I explained. I needed to go home and change before I could do anything, especially hyperventilate. He took a bite of eggs and smiled at me.

"Thank you for breakfast. What are your plans for today?" He held his plate in front of his chiseled abs drawing my eyes like moths to a flame. I watched as his food slowly disappeared licking my lips. Edward looked more appetizing than my eggs ever would be.

"I need to go home and change, and I am going to go for my run, then I was planning on writing. Why?" I stole a piece of his bacon watching him eat was making me more nervous and hungry. The bacon was all I would allow myself.

"Would you like company?" I froze. Did I want to spend the day with Edward? Of course I did, but was I ready to? No.

"I don't know. You're rather distracting." I shrugged trying to be calm. I didn't want to offend him.

"If I'm well behaved?" His eyes darkened infinitesimally. My stomach clenched at that look. I decided on a compromise.

"You can run with me, if you can keep up." I was trying for cocky but he grinned at the challenge.

"I'm going to have to go easy on you so your confidence doesn't shrivel up and die." He shrugged and finished his food as if I posed little threat. I glared in mock fury at him.

"We'll see about that."

"I'll be at your apartment in say, twenty minutes?"

"Fine." I spun around and grabbed my things. This did not leave a lot of time to get ready. I walked briskly towards the door until I felt a tug on my pony tail. He pulled the end so my neck arched back. He leaned down and kissed me thoroughly before releasing me hair.

"I'll see you soon," he whispered in my ear and planted a final kiss on the nape of my neck. Sure he would see me soon, if I could get my heart beating again.

OOOOOOOOOOo

I flew into my apartment to a waiting Maurice. He had to jump out of the way when I barreled down the hallway.

"Watch out handsome!" I called to him stripping as I went. I noticed that I left wearing Edward's clothes, which inadvertently made them stolen goods. I chuckled pulling on underwear and running shorts. I changed into a sports bra and tank top. I wonder if Edward had even noticed I was wearing his clothes.

I quickly laced my sneakers and debated with myself whether or not to bring my iPod. It gave me my inner rhythm as I ran, but I didn't want to stifle conversation. Unless Edward was a silent running 

I would want it anyway so I wouldn't be distracted by him. I brought it down the stairs with me just in case. I decided that I could always put it in my mailbox if I didn't take it along.

I took the stairs two at a time on the way up to my apartment, but I could not do this on the way back down. I walked carefully. All I had to do was twist my ankle and our run would be postponed. No doubt Edward would jibe me nonstop about backing down at a challenge.

There was still time when I reached the street outside my building. I took a few deep breathes and began my warm up stretches. This was no big deal; I was just going for my run, just like always. The only difference would be the professional football player and sex god accompanying me. Maybe I could even convince Edward to run by my gym and make that snobby girl swallow her tongue. I smiled at the thought.

No, this was about respect. I was going to run my normal speed, if not faster, and my normal route. We'll see if Mr. Quarterback can run long distance.

I pulled my left knee up behind me stretching my quad when I saw Edward jog around the corner. It was not fair how beautiful he truly was. His copper hair fluttered in the breeze catching stray beams of light. He wore a coal gray under armor tank top and loose running shorts along with fancy looking shoes.

"Are you ready Miss Swan?" He inquired once he had reached me.

"I am but we need to make a few things clear. The entire route is about five miles. I run three blocks west..."

"Bella, I'm not going to run ahead of you, no matter how easy it may be, I'll just follow your lead." He smirked and crossed his arms flexing his biceps with the motion. I felt my eyes slit.

"Fine big-shot. If you're left in my dust you'll just be lost in the city by yourself." He grinned. "Do you run with an iPod or silence?"

"iPod."

"Where is it? Are you expecting a running commentary?" I jogged in place a bit. My muscles were ready to begin.

"No, these are the new iPod Nikes. I tap with one of my toes to change the song and I have wireless ear buds. Less wires and mess. And the ladies love it." His grin grew at my skeptical expression.

"Show off." I muttered so he could hear me as I started. I fit my earphones into place within the first block and I was engulfed in my running soon after. I forgot Edward was even there. He was just a heartbeat to my left.

The heat was starting to rise from the street. I felt sweat trickle down my spine. The breeze kissed my face as our feet pounded on. I glanced up when we reached a corner. It was a red light so I ran in place waiting for it to change. Peeking at Edward from the corner of my eye I noticed that his breath was steady, but he was perspiring. His cheeks were flushed as well. I noticed his emerald eye peeking at me as well so I looked back at the traffic symbol and the road beyond.

When we were reaching the halfway point I felt an evil plot arise in my mind. This was the best time to try and lose Edward, not that I begrudged his company. He was actually an excellent running partner. He kept pace and didn't complain, not to mention I could discreetly ogle his body, but his ego needed to be brought down just a bit.

We were entering the park. Normally I would stay along the main path so I could smell the flowers as I passed, but instead I veered to the right into the public garden itself. The paths were narrower so Edward had to move behind me. I increased my speed and turned every once in a while. Every time I turned I increased my speed more until I glanced back and Edward was no longer there. I smiled at my success and made my way back to the main path.

I was expecting to find a dejected Edward sitting on a bench but I was wrong. Instead as I reached the main path I saw Edward standing with his arms crossed again. He looked more surprised than angry. Cautiously I ran over and pulled out one of my ear buds. He fell into step beside me again but didn't speak.

There aren't too many hills in Seattle so I make my own challenges for myself. There is a small skate park near my apartment with four flights of stairs leading back to my street. At the end of my runs I force myself to climb the stairs as fast as possible so I end with quivering muscles and a sense of accomplishment. Today was no different. I grabbed the rail trying to give myself momentum for the final stretch. I felt my mouth drop open as Edward took the stairs two at a time and pulled in front of me.

I felt stupid when we both reached the top. I was breathing heavily and could only jog the final block. Edward still seemed fine. He only panted slightly as we did our stretches. I glared at him while he grinned.

"You left me behind, I thought it was best to return the favor." He declared as we stood next to my stoop. My hands were planted firmly on my hips and I was truly flabbergasted. I should not have underestimated him since running was part of his job description. I had no words so my response was utterly childish.

I stuck my tongue out at him and scrunched my nose. He laughed and captured my wrist pulling me closer to his side. He radiated heat.

"Don't tell me you're a poor loser?" His eyes glittered with humor and he silently shook with laughter.

"I didn't lose. We weren't racing."

"A, touché." I felt myself pouting and tried to free myself of the emotion. It was not helping and was childish.

"I'll admit, you do have some moves." I glanced at him through my lashes as he pulled me closer. I could not begrudge him that fact.

"You have no idea." He growled. "Now let's get you some breakfast."

A/N I'm sorry this took so long to up-date. I was in a no-internet zone for the last week. I hope this appeases you.