WARNING: Yeah, this is it...it happens. Are you ready? The following chapter contains lovely smutty schmexing and I loved writing every bit of it. I hope it lives up to the anticipation that was created for it.

Thanks to: my Frumpy, always, for keeping it real. Goldstar, MsSimone for catching what I so obviously miss. And to my dear, dear Casket4mytears, you are still so patient with my addiction to the lack of comma usage. 333

Adranwen, my friend and comrade...ILY

Disclaimer: It all belongs to Stephanie..

EPOV

I handed the valet my ticket; the driver couldn't get my car fast enough. I kept glancing at Bella, rubbing the top of her hand that I was holding. Out of the corner of my eye I saw her grin. I turned and glanced at her again and I could see desire in her eyes, the same desire that was driving me to feel like an oversexed school boy. I needed to take it slow with her tonight, though; she was different and this was special. Showing her physically the way I felt about her was just as important to me as showing her emotionally. She needed to know that I was real, we were real, that I was serious about our relationship and that she could trust me.

I stilled myself as best as I could, trying not to fidget. Seriously, could the valet tell we were in a hurry and therefore set on torturing us? Huffing out a sigh, Bella moved in front of me and looped her arms around my neck and hugged me. With a half grin I wrapped my arms around her and returned the favor, moving my hands up and down her back in a soothing manner. This distraction was exactly what I needed. I was still sexually charged and burning with need, but Bella's nearness and the casualness of it calmed me. It was a very subtle step for us in the right direction. It was one thing for her to hold onto my hand or my arm, but to just step in without any prompting or persuasion and know what I needed? Well that was...more than I could have hoped for at this point.

Bella's situation had damaged her so much that, to be honest, I was surprised I hadn't had to work harder to gain her trust. For all I knew she was still holding stuff inside that I was completely unaware of. I was actually pretty certain that she was. I knew I still had a way to go in getting Bella to fully open up to me and trust me but tonight I had jumped a huge hurdle.

Finally, after what seemed like an hour, the valet pulled up with my car. Bella unwound her arms from around my neck and I instantly missed her warmth and subtle scent. I helped Bella into the car and went around, tipped the valet and got in. Putting the car into drive, I pulled away from the front entrance and wound my way through the hotel parking lot and back onto the main road toward my condo.

Grabbing Bella's hand, I wrapped it in mine and placed it on my leg. I didn't want to break contact with Bella, because I knew that if I didn't have something to keep my mind occupied then we were going to have to pull over on the side of the road. My fingers were itching to brush the straps off her shoulders and her nearness was not helping. I could already imagine my hands sliding up her silky soft legs, her scent lingering in my senses as my mind created the evening to come.

"Edward?" Her voice sounded strained and aching with need. For a brief moment I was worried, until I glanced in her direction and smiled at the sight that beheld me. She was biting at her bottom lip again and I could see her chest rising and falling in a heavier fashion than before. It seemed Bella was just as eager as I was. "Do you think you could drive a bit faster, I'm ummm..."

Heat instantly surged through my body and I groaned, "Say no more love." Giving her hand a squeeze I pressed on the gas pedal and proceeded fly down the highway towards home.

I pulled into the parking garage in record time, finding my space close to the elevators. I got out of the car and went around to help Bella out. She reached up with her hand and swung her legs around to get out. The moment her feet hit the concrete I pulled her up to me and tightly wrapped my free arm around her waist, crashing my mouth down on hers and devouring her lips with mine. Bella's fingers instantly threaded into my hair, trying to pull me closer. I was anxious and impatient, I felt like a teenager again with my hormones raging. The only difference this time was the woman. This was more than a teenage need, more than want. This, tonight, was a beginning and a commitment, and I wanted and needed Bella like I have never wanted or needed another.

Closing the car door with my foot I leaned her back up against the car as I continued to ravage her mouth and tongue with my own. I could hear the tiny whimpers being emitted from Bella's throat and this only fueled my fire. I pulled back and showered kisses along her mouth and then her jaw, Bella's head leaned back against the top of the car exposing the long white column of neck and I took every advantage of it. I made a searing path down her neck to the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat. More whimpering...I was lost, in her skin, her scent, in the very essence of Bella. On one hand I wanted it all and I wanted it now but on the other I knew I needed to step back, take it slow and not overwhelm her. I wanted her, I needed her, always.

"Edward," Bella let out a throaty whisper. "We seem to keep being drawn to parking garages," Between her sultry words she began to giggle. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm thoroughly enjoying your attention, but I do believe someone else is as well."

Pulling back from her I looked around and caught Mr. Donovan, my elderly neighbor from across the hall, staring at us in shock. Oh lord...We were probably giving the man heart palpitations. I grinned sheepishly and nodded my head at him. "Evening sir." With Bella still trying to stifle her giggling, I grabbed her hand as calmly as I could and walked her to the elevators and pressed the button for my floor.

Once inside, Bella collapsed into a fit of laughter. "Did you see the look on his face Edward? I couldn't decide if he was disgusted or taking mental notes." Bella stopped laughing as our eyes locked on each other.

"I'm so sorry that I handled you that way...again, in the parking garage. I don't want you to get the idea that-"

"Edward, would you please shut up?" Her hands slid up my arms and wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer. "Do you really think I'm concerned about the fact that you wanted me so badly that you kissed me in the parking garage, again? Quite the opposite in fact. You wanting me so badly only makes me want you more, so as I said before, shut up...Want me, need me..." She abruptly stopped, just gazing into my eyes.

Leaning forward my lips gently brushed against hers as I spoke, "Yes ma'am. Shutting up" The elevator dinged signaling us that we had reached our destination. My lips reluctantly left hers and I lead her out of the elevator and down the hall to my place. As I fished around in my pocket for my keys I felt Bella come up behind me and lock her arms around my waist, pressing her cheek to my back.

"Thank you, Edward. This night... it's been, well…, it's been special and wonderful. So, thank you for making it that way for me."

I gave Bella's hands a slight squeeze before removing them from my waist and turning around to face her. In one forward motion she was in my arms and I was carrying her into my condo. I bypassed the living room and headed straight for the bedroom. There was no way I could control myself any longer. Not mentally, not physically. Bella's caring nature, her selflessness, she had no idea of her worth. It was my undoing. It made me love her even more. This was a woman who would always give her whole heart and I hoped that one day she would share it with me.

I set her down at the foot of the bed and ran my hands up her arms and neck before they finally cupped her face. "You never have to thank me for anything. It is always my pleasure, do you hear me? You deserve much more, so much more then I can give you but I hope that you will let me to keep trying. I only want for you to be happy."

Reaching up, Bella started pulling pins out of her hair, letting it fall down softly around her shoulders in soft waves, mahogany against her creamy porcelain skin. I ran my hands through her curls, feeling the softness and dipped my head down to smell the sweet scent of her shampoo. These were memories that would stay in my mind forever. Leaning down a bit further I placed a kiss right below Bella's ear, my hands trailed up her rib cage and my thumbs brushed the sides of her breasts. I heard Bella's sudden intake of breath and knew I was on the right track. With my breath still warming her neck I whispered, "Bella, I want you, I need you."

"Oh God, please, Edward." The urgency in her voice, her hands nimbly moved up and hovered at the buttons on my shirt. She was waiting for confirmation, confirmation that she didn't need. I reached around behind her and started lowering the zipper of her dress, feeling the soft skin of her back with my fingertips, every inch I moved it. I felt Bella shiver just as the zipper reached the waistline of her dress I rubbed my lips gently down her neck to her shoulder, nipping at her before straightening back up. Our eyes locked on each other and our breathing was suddenly in unison. As if on automatic pilot, my hands moved of their own accord and slowly pushed the straps off of Bella's shoulders, her dress falling to the floor in a pool at her feet.

There she stood in all her beauty in the most breathtaking black and green lace strapless bra and matching panties. My gaze moved over her body, slowly taking Bella in. The swell of her breasts rising and falling beneath the lacy edge of her bra, the flatness of her abdomen and the little incisures that disappeared beneath the trim of the top of her panties. I wanted to trace my tongue over them and below, exploring every inch of her. Lower...her hips, tapering into her long, lithe legs. My God, how I wanted them wrapped around me. My eyes made their way back up to Bella's face. She had been watching me watching her.

Stepping out of her dress Bella began to move closer to me, her eyes never leaving mine. "You seem to be a bit overdressed Edward." Reaching forward, she placed her hands on my chest and guided me back against a wall. There was a slight smirk on her face as she began to unbutton my shirt. Her eyes raked over my chest as she parted the fabric. This was a side to Bella I had never seen and I had to admit that I was loving every bit of it. It was a pleasant change to have her in control for once. It would not last long as I was becoming very impatient to touch her but for the time being I enjoyed her devout attentions. She spread the fabric of my shirt apart and ran her hands up my chest, lightly raking her nails along my skin as she went. I was barely able to control myself with the feeling it gave me.

Impatience won and I grabbed her by her upper arms and reversed our positions, trapping her between myself and the wall. I ran my hands down her arms to her hands. When I reached them I placed them back on my chest and proceeded to feel my way up her abdomen to her breasts. My thumbs flicked over her nipples and I leaned forward, kissing the swells just above the lace of her bra. Reaching behind her I found the clasp and nimbly undid it, letting it fall down Bella's arms until it hit the floor. Her breasts were perfect. Taut, upright and just waiting for me to worship them. I leaned down and took the right nipple into my mouth as my hand payed attention to the other one. Cupping her free breast, the fullness of it in my hand I moved my mouth over lavishing attention on it as well. "You are so perfect."

I made my way lower with small bites and nibbles over her ribcage and across her abdomen until I was resting on my knees in front of her. I leaned forward and placed a kiss on the top of her panties. Bella let out a soft whimper. That was it; I couldn't take it any longer. Placing a kiss on her stomach I stood up, reclaiming her lips as I crushed her to me, moving my mouth over hers, devouring the softness of her lips on mine. At last, I reluctantly leaned back a few inches and took Bella's hands in my own.

"Come to bed with me?" It was a question of affirmation on my part, the final step in acceptance. My heart was thumping madly until I saw the loving smile cross Bella's features. Tonight there were no shadows across her heart. She was giving herself to me freely, and with pulse pounding certainty I knew she loved me too. It was enough, just to know it, I didn't need to hear it. Tonight was about her, showing her how I felt, letting her know that I would never hurt her. She was it for me; deep down, I think I had known it from the first moment I saw her. I could wait for everything else to fall into place.

"I would follow you anywhere, Edward." I felt a warm glow flow through me at her words. She always knew just what to say.

Scooping her up I carried her over to my bed and laid her down in the middle. She sat up, propping herself up on her elbows staring at me.

"See something you like?" I asked teasingly.

"As a matter of fact yes, but I was wondering..." She trailed off, teasingly.

"What were you wondering love?"

She scooted up to the edge of the bed and stood up before me. I gave her a slightly puzzled look before I fully realized her intentions. "I want to undress you Edward." Brushing her hands under my jacket she pushed it from my shoulders and it fell in a heap to the floor. Untucking my already unbuttoned shirt it followed suit just as quickly. As she was reaching for my belt buckle I was toeing off my shoes and kicking them behind me. With my belt undone and my pants unbuttoned, she lowered my zipper and my pants fell to the floor. I reached down and removed them along with my socks. Moving forward I forced Bella to back up onto the bed and fall backward. I moved over her, propping myself up on my hands and took her lips with mine, relishing in her taste and the softness of her mouth under mine.

Reaching down I found the edge of her panties and slowly started pushing them down her body as far as I could reach. Moving myself down her body I kissed her silky softness, her ribcage, the skin just above her apex, her thigh, as I continued to remove the undergarment. Once the last hampering piece of clothing hit the floor, I quickly shed my boxer briefs and moved back over Bella.

I brushed a stray piece of hair away from her face as I spoke, "Are you sure, Bella?" I did not want to spoil the mood but I needed to be sure before we went any further because in a few minutes, there would be no turning back. I wanted her, I wanted her more then I wanted to breathe, but only if she was ready for me and I would wait until the end of time if that was what it took.

"Edward? Please, I need you inside me. I need to feel you, I want you, I have never wanted anyone else the way I want you." Her heavy lashes shadowed her face as she made her confession. Her words hit me full force. Our eyes were locked on each other as I reached down to touch her, making sure she was ready for me. When I felt her wetness, I groaned with pleasure. I softly touched her, circling her sensitive nub before running my finger over it, causing her to buck beneath me. Her want was fueling me more, as was the look on her face, the way she had her lower lip gripped with her top teeth, as if she were trying to control her sounds and her actions. Her fingers were wound in the comforter beneath us, gripping it tightly and her back was slightly arched. She was ready, she was waiting, she was mine.

"Bella, look at me." Her eyes leveled with mine as I began to push inside her, savoring every glorious moment, before yielding to the searing need that had burning in me for months. I moved slowly within her, feeling her tightness around my shaft. It was as if we were made for one another, the fit was perfect. Not wanting to rush things I allowed my emotions and feelings to pour through me as we moved as one. The feeling was overwhelming as I looked down upon her beautiful face, her eyes were still locked on mine, whispering silent words of promise to me. "Mon amour ti es si belle," I whispered so softly I could hardly even hear myself. Bella had unlocked my heart and soul.

I brushed my hand over her face as I lowered my head to kiss her. Our tongues dueled as the gentle massage sent currents of new desire through me. Her arms were wrapped around me, fingers splayed possessively on my back, nails gently digging into my flesh.

I could feel Bella beginning to tighten around me and it took every ounce of control I possessed to hold back until I was sure she was ready. Her soft muffled moans became louder the faster I thrusted. Breaking the kiss I lifted up to give myself more traction. When Bella cried out I lost all control, "Oh God, Edward, please, please...I..." Her insides began to spasm and her back arched as if trying to take more of me in. I released myself into her, finally surrendering to both of our needs.

I remained there still fully sheathed, hovering above her, both of us breathing heavily. Leaning down I gave her one more kiss before rolling to my side, taking her with me. We lay there for a few minutes saying nothing, just listening to the sounds of our heartbeats and breathing.

Bella finally broke the silence, "What did you say?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"A few minutes ago, you said something in French, what did you say?" I looked down at her face, her expression was curious and filled with emotion.

I paused, the words had just poured out of my subconscious and I wasn't even sure that Bella had heard me. Giving her a warm smile I answered "My love, you are so beautiful."

Taking a deep breath, Bella asked, "Earlier, while we were dancing, what did you say then?"

"Bella," I stopped for a moment, contemplating what I was about to tell her. It could easily backfire on me.

"It's okay if you don't want to tell me, I was just curious, that all." I could hear the slight disappointment in her voice and it pained me that she felt that way. That she felt that way with me.

"Bella, What I said on that dance floor was something that I have never meant more in my life. I-I just don't want to frighten you. Sometimes I feel like you're just going to disappear."

Bella leaned up on her elbow, looking at me intently. "I'm not going anywhere Edward."

Taking a reassuring breath I made my confession, "I said, I Love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you."

Bella just stared at me. I could tell she was stunned and at a loss for words. "It's okay, Bella. You don't have to say it back. I understand and I don't expect you to say anything just because I did."

"It's not that, I just don't know if I can. As much as I want to, as much as I want to believe that what we have, and what I feel truly is love...Please don't take that the wrong way, Edward."

I placed a soft kiss on Bella's forehead. "Not at all love. Take all the time you need, I'm not going anywhere." I gathered Bella back in my arms and snuggled her closely to me. Drifting off to sleep, my thoughts wandered back to the wonderful evening we shared and the beautiful woman I was finally holding in my arms.

********

BPOV

I woke disoriented; the wall in front of me was not my own. Blinking a few times I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes as images from the night before started flooding my memory. I smiled, remembering the feelings Edward had evoked in me. I moved slightly, adjusting my position and the arm Edward had around me tightened, molding me back into his body. I felt the bed shift slightly as he lifted his head and placed a kiss behind my ear. I could get used to this treatment; it wasn't anything I had ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I wanted to savor it.

I wiggled around, turning my body toward him, my head resting on his arm. Looking into his sleepy morning eyes, I whispered, "Good morning handsome."

"Good morning yourself, beautiful." His lips hovered over mine only for an instant as he gave me a proper good morning kiss. It was wonderful, sweet and put me in a great mood. I couldn't think of a better way to start my day. "What time do you need to be home today?"

I groaned thinking about it. I had so much to get done at work and I wanted to take tonight off so I needed to get as much done in the office today as I could. "Actually, the sooner the better. I want to try to get into work early and get out of there before we open this afternoon."

"And here I was hoping I could keep you in bed all morning. I don't suppose I could persuade you?" Edward's hand cupped my breast, massaging it before moving lower along my waist, toward my heat, his fingers grazing over my center. The movement was just enough to make me shiver in anticipation.

"Mmmmm, I say your chances are improving by the second."

We spent the next hour enjoying each other all over again. Soft touches and caresses, whispered promises of what was to come. I loved the feel of Edward's body on mine, the way he moved over me, touching me, exploring my body and learning which places made me squeal. I hoped as long as we were together he would never get tired of it. For once, I felt cherished and wanted, and luckily for me, it was from a man I was completely head over heels for. I always wondered what it would feel like to truly want someone, body, mind and soul. Now I knew.

Finally giving in to the need for nourishment, we got out of bed and had a quick breakfast before I dressed in one of Edward's t-shirts and a pair of warm-up pants. I slipped on some of his socks and called it good.

We pulled up to the condo just after 9AM. I opened the front door to let Edward and I in just as Alice was coming out to get the morning paper. With a cat-like grin on her face she stopped and spoke before retrieving the paper. "Why good morning, Bella, you are absolutely glowing today."

Edward started chuckling and shook his head. I felt my face flushing as embarrassment set in. It figured I would be the one out of the three of us that would get caught sneaking in, after being out all night.

Before I opened the front door, I turned back to Alice. Hell, I was a grown woman, and Edward was, for lack of a better term, my boyfriend. We were in an exclusive, committed relationship and were completely crazy about one another. Why should I be the one that's embarrassed? If I wanted to spend the night at his house, then so be it. It was about time I got to enjoy the same benefits that Rose and Alice had been with their significant others. A huge smile lit my face, "Why thank you, Alice. After the amazing night I had, I would hope so."

I led Edward inside and placed my purse on the bar that separated the living room from the kitchen. "Thank you again, so much, for the wonderful evening. Not only the benefit, but after. Edward, I-"

"It's okay Bella, You don't have to say anything," He spoke as he wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on the top of my head.

"No, Edward, I do." I leaned back, gently wiggling out of his grasp for a moment. "Please don't take this the wrong. I need you to understand. Last night was so important to me and what we shared, I never would have if I didn't think we had something special. I care about you deeply but if I'm being honest, I don't know if what I feel for you is love." Edward looked as if he were going to interrupt again and I held up my hand to stop him. I needed to finish this, I needed it all out on the table, full disclosure. "Please believe me when I say that you mean so much to me, more than I ever thought you would and I want us to work. I want us to be 'us'," I gestured to both of us with my hands. "I just need time, that's all I ask." I looked up at him, hopeful that he would accept my plea.

Edward stood in front of me silent for a moment, then took one hand and hooked it behind my neck pulling me to him, and as he lowered his head to kiss me I heard him murmur, "Time is something I have plenty of." I parted my lips as his tongue swept inside my mouth, devouring me. My arms came up and twined around his neck, my hand covering the back of his head, enveloping him to me. There was a dreamy intimacy to this kiss, like it meant something else, something I was not privy to yet. We were interrupted by Alice coming back in from outside.

"Really you two, do you ever use the bedroom?" Alice had a silly teasing tone to her voice.

"Actually, it shouldn't be an issue. You're usually still in bed at this time of the morning. So really you're the one intruding. Why don't you go back to your room?" I raised my eyebrows, giving Alice a cheeky grin.

"Oh lord," Alice said with laughter and disbelief in her voice while looking at Edward. "What the hell did you do to her?"

"Alice, I have no idea what you're talking about." Edward replied sarcastically.

Throwing her hands up, Alice turned around and started back toward her room. "I give up! Make out, get nasty, I don't care. Just let me know when you're done so I can come out and for God's sake clean up your mess when you're done!"

I glanced at Edward who had the biggest grin on his face. I started giggling and grabbing Edward's hand, I pulled him towards my bedroom. "Come on, I need to gather some stuff up and change so I can head into work. Do you have a few minutes or do you need to go?"

"I have plenty of time. Besides, do you really think I'm going to pass up an opportunity to get you alone in your room?"

Looking back over my shoulder, I grinned at him. I only wished I had the time to take advantage of it.

I reluctantly dropped Edwards hand and walked over to my dresser where I put all the work I had brought home to look at while Edward wandered around the room looking at my pictures and other trinkets. I was gathering up my files and was about to place them in my computer bag when Edward asked the oddest question.

"Not that I'm against nice looking things, but why do you have a shelf full of empty picture frames?"

"What? I have pictures in all my frames." I dropped what I was doing and walked over to the bookcase Edward was standing in front of. I picked up the 8x10 frame that normally held the photo of my father and I and looked at it. It was empty. Glancing back up I scanned the other frames. All the photos that were supposed to be in them were missing. I chuckled. "Alice or Rose must have done this. I'm going to guess Rose."

"Bella, why would Rose do that?" Edward asked sounding confused.

"I videoed her one morning singing a Miley Cyrus song into her brush, she's probably just getting me back."

I turned around intending to gather some clothes so I could shower and change when something else caught my eye, I stopped abruptly. My journal was missing. I always kept it on my nightstand so I could write down my thoughts before going to bed. It was something I started doing after I left James. No one would have touched that; it was too personal. If anything we always respected each other's personal space. That would have been crossing the line.

"Bella? Edward said in a panicked voice. "What's wrong?"

I rushed over to my nightstand looking under my book, checking the side of the bed and the floor surrounding it. It was nowhere to be found. "I- It's my journal. It's missing." I looked up at Edward, alarm evident on my face.

"Would Rose have taken that as well?"

"No, never. It's way too personal and Alice and Rose both know that. They would never do that to me." I glanced around the room some more, noticing things. Stuff was moved around, sitting in different spots than normal. My heartbeat accelerated as I began to panic. "Edward, I think someone's been in here."

Edward rushed out the bedroom door and into the office where we set up the security monitor for the camera. I walked up behind him, astonished at what I saw. The screen was nothing but snow. There was no picture of the front door or any of the windows.

"Edward, was-was someone in my room? What wrong with the monitor? Why is there no picture?" I was speaking quickly, the tone of my voice higher than usual. I felt a knot forming in the pit of my stomach.

As if he was on fire, Edward raced out of the room. I couldn't move; it was like my feet were glued to the floor and I felt like I was going to be sick. Someone had been in my room. My sanctuary. And whoever it was, they had my journal. I had everything in that, all my thoughts, feelings, fears. It was my outlet, my place to say anything I wanted and now someone knew everything.

Edward came back into the room a few minutes later with a look of fury on his face. "Bella, call the police. The lines to the camera were cut. Someone's been in the house."

Tears formed and started streaming down my face as I picked up the phone and dialed 911.

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