The Learning Curve: Chapter 42

Edward Cullen's House

Tuesday afternoon. I was burning with nerves as I stepped onto Edward's porch. Everything felt different now that we'd basically declared ourselves, now that we were official as far as the world was concerned.

Edward met me at the door.

"Hi," I said shyly as I stepped inside. His arms came around me and I went to him without resistance. His kiss was sweet and completely natural - like we'd been kissing all our lives.

"Hi," he said after kissing me breathless. "Come upstairs?"

I nodded, in no shape to argue. In the secluded comfort of his bedroom, I felt more at ease. I allowed myself the luxury of wandering around the perimeter of his room, peeking at his possessions. His music collection, I found, was broad and unexpected. He had some good books on his shelves, too. If I hadn't liked him before, seeing my favorite book in his room would have made me instantly infatuated.

I turned around and found Edward watching me closely, looking a little pleased and a little nervous.

"You have an insane amount of music," I observed teasingly, hoping to end the tension. "Have you even listened to all these?"

He laughed. "I have, honest."

I walked the few steps over to him. "Will you play something? Something you think I'll like?"

He pursed his lips and then nodded. I watched him go straight to a particular shelf, grab a CD, and move to his stereo. When he returned to me, he was smiling, and the song that was playing was sweet and simple, a mix between soothing and sensual.

"How did I do?" he asked, watching my face as I listened.

"This is beautiful," I said. The look in his eyes made my stomach twist with anticipation.

"It reminds me of you," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Dance with me?"

I shook my head and watched his face fall. "It's not you," I murmured. "I just can't dance."

Edward rolled his eyes and drew me closer. "Everyone can dance alittle." He wound one arm around my waist and took my left hand in his right. Gently, he began to rock with me to the beat, and I allowed him to lead me in a few simple steps. The song wasn't over before I tripped over his foot and fell into him.

He laughed, catching me. "Okay, maybe you really can't dance after all."

I glared at him. "You made me do it."

"Sorry," he chuckled. He hadn't let me go yet, and I found myself curling my fingers into his shoulders, breathing in his spicy scent.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?" He seemed content to stay like this all afternoon.

"I want to touch you again," I admitted in a quiet voice.

I felt his chest vibrate with a throaty groan. "You can touch me any time you want."

I dragged my hands down his chest, breathing through my nose. "I want you to touch me, too."

His hands tightened on my waist. "I want to touch you all the time," he said hoarsely.

I met his eyes, and he leaned in slowly to kiss me. I responded hungrily, ready to devour his lips and tongue. As one, we moved toward the bed.

A/N: Sorry, this is behind schedule. Work was...not what I expected today. I usually get my writing done during work hours/on my lunch break, but not much of that happened today. :(

On the bright side, you guys voted this story as the Best Drabble Fic at the Short 'n' Sweet Awards, so thank you so, so much!