The Learning Curve: Chapter 69
Edward's Bedroom
"You love me?" Edward asked. My hands were shaking with fear that he didn't feel the same, even though he had to.
"I do," I confirmed and then waited.
After an eternity, he smiled and said, "I love you, too."
My chest filled with relief and warmth and joy. I let out the breath I'd been holding. "Is that why you've been holding back? Because you thought I didn't love you?"
He shrugged, looking at his feet. "I couldn't be sure. The way we got together was weird, and you were so reluctant about applying to the same colleges and even about the formal..."
I stepped closer into the heat of his body, and he was forced to look at me. "I was never reluctant about you," I promised.
He hugged me to him and kissed my forehead. "I just...had to be sure. I don't want what happened with Kate to happen with you. I'm not sure I'd be able to get over you."
I hugged him tightly. "I don't want you to ever get over me."
I felt him laugh. "My, how generous of you. Well, if I can't ever get over you, then you have to stay with me."
I nodded against his shoulder. "I like that plan."
We were quiet, holding each other. I listened to Edward breathe in and out, so aware of his body even now.
"Bella...I want to have sex with you," Edward said, as though he'd been reading my thoughts, "but the first time can't be spontaneous. I mean, we couldn't do it at a time like this when one of my parents could come home at any moment. We should wait until we can take our time with it."
"Okay," I agreed because he was right. "So we need to come up with a plan, then."
"Let me work on it for a few days," Edward said. "I think I have an idea."
A/N: Well, I thought about letting them celebrate Chapter 69 appropriately...but it didn't quite fit the mood.
Sorry this was a late chapter - I went to the movies with my dad tonight. Happy New Year everyone.