Beta'd by cejsmom and preread by Twi-mom12292005

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Dogward/Brokenward/Virginward/Beachward

Chapter 29

BPOV

Things are going well for Edward and I, especially considering how we are forced to be together because some psycho from my past is stalking me.

There has been no sign, word, or locating James. The Restraining Order has yet to be served to him. Edward's people and the police haven't been able to find him. He's wanted for questioning, thanks to my dad and his connections.

All in all, I feel comfortable and safe. Edward has made sure I am. I'm just glad my safety equals his safety. If I were to go back to my house, he would send everyone to protect me, leaving him vulnerable. That's not right, but that's how Edward is.

He's gone to his appointment with his therapist. He seemed stressed when he left, but I guess that's to be expected. He's kept whatever his story is all wrapped up inside himself. I get the feeling his family doesn't even know everything he's gone through. It has to be a scary thing to face your past after all this time.

I'm not mad about Tanya anymore. I get it. I get him. I've never met a kinder, gentler man. But it still scares me; it scares the crap out of me, because no matter his intentions and his good heart, he is a man. And in my book man is synonymous with "I will eventually fuck this up" or worse "fuck you up."

When I look at Edward, look into his eyes, I can't help myself. I want to help him. I see how he puts everyone ahead of himself, how he denies himself. I know he has wants and needs, but he doesn't ask for anything. In fact, he denies himself even the simple things in life. He is selfless.

I'm hoping that by opening himself up to me he can shed some of his baggage. Loosen up a little, have some fun. That's my goal during this forced time together. "Operation help Edward relax and enjoy himself more."

I'm anxious waiting for him to return from his appointment. I've seen him close up and shut down. That is my worst fear in all of this. I'd like to think that the two of us are beyond that, but anything can happen. I'll follow his lead and let him open up at his own pace.

When he gets home the look on his face is calmer, more peaceful. I feel better just having him back with me. We plan a day at the dog beach together. I can't help the feelings I have when I think of my first experience there. It wasn't pleasant, but without that day I never would have met Edward. I can't imagine my life without having Edward as my friend.

I'm lying on the towel at the beach watching a shirtless Edward throw the ball to the dogs. God, he is yummy to look at. Slightly tanned, wild hair blowing in the wind, his arm muscles flexing, and don't even get me started on those abs. One of these days I'm going to lick them. He catches me ogling him, I smile innocently. What else can I do, I'm busted.

His voice jolts me out of my mini fantasy about his abs. "Do you want to play smash ball?"

"Sure, but I'm not very good." I say as I strip out of my clothes. It's his turn with the ogling. My bikini is kind of tiny.

I really do suck at this game. Most of my exercise is coming from bending over to pick up the ball I missed hitting with my paddle. When I do hit the ball I try to make Edward stretch to reach it. I'm a glutton for punishment. I just really like his abs.

I can tell he's getting impatient with my lame smash ball skills. He keeps looking out at the water while he waits for me to retrieve and return the ball.

I miss the ball yet again and bend over to grab it. When I stand, he's there. Pressed up against the back of me, making me gasp in surprise and shiver from his touch.

He pulls me tightly against him and I can feel his arousal; hard and big on my ass. I resist the urge to press into him and rub up against him. He kisses my neck and shoulder sending waves of pleasure down my body. I don't think he has a clue how responsive my body is to him. One touch and I'm his. I can't pull away if I wanted to; I'm intensely drawn to him.

He whispers in my ear, "Can you feel what you do to me?"

I can barely answer with a "Yes" between the goose bumps and shivers he's causing.

He abruptly pulls away from me, and walks out deeper in the ocean, leaving me swaying and stunned with desire. But my biggest feeling is disappointment. I didn't want the moment to end. I crave being physically close to him.

I can pretend that's not the case I want, but it wouldn't be true. I want to touch him and I want him to touch me. I may just have to make the next move.

Here goes nothing. I join him in the water and press my barely covered breasts to his back. My nipples are hard as I brush against his warm body. I want him to know how profoundly he affects me, but my body isn't as obvious as his.

"My problem may not be as big as yours, but my body reacts the same way to you." I say, bringing my hands around to rest on his hard stomach. The abs I've admired from a far.

When he lifts me onto his back we both groan at the contact, my hot center on his bare body.

"I can feel you." He groans.

"Umhmm." Is all I can articulate as he takes us deeper into the ocean.

I'm enjoying the closeness, but my mind is going a mile a minute.

Now that he knows what he does to me, does to my body, will that be enough to encourage him? Will he make the next move?

Sleeping next to him in his bed has been the most wonderful torture. Every second I'm awake I think about how I can jump him. And when I'm asleep I dream about him jumping me. My sexual needs have never made themselves more present. It's both good and very, very bad. I don't know how much longer I can be a patient lady.

~MEB~

We stop at the grocery store on the way home from the beach. Seth goes in first and speaks to the manager.

"All of the back doors are closed and locked. The only way in and out is through these front doors. I'll wait out here for you." Seth informs us.

"Keep an eye on the dogs, Seth." I yell as we head into the store. He gives me an exasperated eye roll.

Shopping together is light, easy. We like most of the same foods. "Can we get some ice cream?" I ask. "Chunky Monkey is my favorite. What's yours?" I ask reaching in the freezer for my pint.

Edward laughs. "Where do they come up with the names for these flavors? You know they say the flavor of your favorite ice cream says a lot about your personality."

"Are you saying I'm chunky, Edward?" I tease.

He gets all serious and leans into my ear and says. "You are anything but chunky, but I'm not sure about the monkey." Kissing my neck just below my ear.

The tingles vibrating through my body leave me stunned once again. When I regain my composure Edward is looking very hard at the tile floor. He's embarrassed.

So I grab his hand and give it a squeeze. He looks up and sees that I'm smiling and smiles in return. He gives my hand a little squeeze, but doesn't let go. Instead he laces his fingers in mine. We stay like that until we need our hands to unload the cart.

I almost whine when he lets go of my hand, making him chuckle at my expression. I glare at him.

"What?" He asks far too innocently. I shake my head and take the groceries out of the cart.

Back at his apartment, we take turns showering, we make dinner, clean up and settle on the sofa for a movie. He hasn't touched me again since the store, but we sit on the sofa with our sides touching each other. My body is humming simply from having any contact with him.

I am ridiculously distracted during the movie. I'm taking in his scent, listening to his breathing, glancing sideways at his profile. God, I'm becoming obsessed.

When we get into bed I sense his tension and anxiety. He is lying on his back taking deep breathes, like he's readying himself.

I curl up next to him resting my head on his shoulder, my hand making circles on his chest, trying to give him some reassurance.

After a few cleansing breaths he speaks quietly and slowly.

"I was born in England, Edward Anthony Mason III. I was an only child and when I was four my parents died. I was adopted by Esme and Carlisle when I was almost six." He stops.

I have so many questions but I wait for him to continue. He doesn't.

I glance up at his face. His eyes are open wide, pain visible in his expression.

I lean in and kiss his neck and jaw. "Thank you. I know this is hard for you." I whisper.

"I know it's not much, but I'm trying." He starts, his voice strained. "I promise I will tell you more, just please give me some time."

I lift my head and look him in the eye. I see pain and fear. The pain of his past and the fear that this, that he, is not enough.

"Edward, this is a great start. You should be proud of yourself, for going to your therapist and talking about your past. I'm proud of you. You are a kind, caring person. Give yourself some credit, please." I plead. He is so hard on himself, never giving himself the benefit of the doubt.

During my speech he closes his eyes, like he is trying to calm himself.

I wait. I am so focused on making Edward comfortable that I don't notice how close we are.

I am laying across his chest our faces only inches apart. He is so beautiful. Strong jaw, straight nose, full lips, a five o'clock shadow and tosseled hair.

I just want to kiss those lips. Make him feel good, wanted, help him forget his past, even if it's just for a minute.

Like he can read my mind his green eyes open and focus on mine. The tension between us amps up causing my already excited body to hum.

"Can I kiss you?" I blurt out without thinking.

His eyes widen in surprise, but he nods.

I lower my lips onto his gently. His lips are soft, but firm. The last time we kissed alcohol was involved. I'm so much more aware of everything this time.

He smells amazing, clean and manly. I feel the softness of his lips on mine, his scruff on my cheek, his warm breath caressing my face.

My hand moves from his chest, into his soft hair. I've wanted to do that for so long.

I break the kiss. I'm not used to being the aggressor, the dominate one.

I cuddle into his side and fall asleep to the steady beat of his heart.

~MEB~

The days that follow are simple. Edward and I are in our own little bubble. The only people we've seen for a few days now are Seth and Paul.

We cook together, sleep together, and cuddle together. Edward has taken me down to the rescue and taught me the routine for caring for the animals. They are so cute and in need of a safe haven. Edward has done a good thing here.

We steal affectionate touches, and chaste kisses. All initiated by me, but he stops us before we get carried away. I want to get carried away. I want more, much more. I think I'm out of control and he is way too in control.

We have fallen into a nightly routine also. When we settle into bed and the lights are off, he tells me about his past. Last night he told me about the dog he had growing up and how he's always loved animals.

Tonight is no different.

"Growing up, my dad's sister's family lived close to us. My cousins and I were all about the same age. I lived with their family after my parents died, but once they realized that they had no access to my trust fund they no longer wanted me. I haven't seen or spoken to any of them since I moved here."

I listen, but I don't ask him to give me more. When he's done sharing, we snuggle up and fall asleep.

Mornings are always awkward. Edward wakes up first and untangles himself from me, and is gone quickly, off to the bathroom and then to start the coffee.

Today I wake up first because Edward is moving and talking in his sleep. I initially think he's having a nightmare. It's not a nightmare, but a dream... of the sexual nature. I stay very still and listen. Who am I to interrupt a good dream?

We are spooning, Edward is behind me. I can feel his erection on my ass. His hand is wrapped around me pulling me tighter against him.

He's moaning and thrusting into me. I can't help pushing back against him and wiggling my ass a little, just a little.

His breathing speeds up and he moans my name. He's dreaming about me. I'm glad I'm not the only one whose subconscious is on sexual overdrive.

Listening to him, feeling him, is getting me all worked up. I'm seconds away from touching myself when his hand roams up to my breast and starts massaging it.

A moan escapes me before I can stop it.

He freezes behind me. Crap he woke up.

He jumps away from me. "Wow, that was close. Sorry." He groans.

I turn to face him. I don't want him to be sorry. He has needs, so do I. Sleeping together isn't easy. I'm surprised something like this hasn't happened before. I was concerned it was going to be me humping his leg.

Before I can turn all the way around, he's sitting on the side of the bed with his back to me. He's breathing heavily. Poor guy. No happy ending for him.

"Edward, don't be sorry. I didn't mind. In fact it was kind of... hot. You're a healthy man sleeping with a healthy woman, it's perfectly natural. I just wish you could have finished before you woke up." I joke, but I really mean it.

"I didn't mean to.."

I interrupt his apology. Let's see what he thinks about this. "When I felt how hard you were thrusting against my ass, it made me so wet. And when you said my name that was, was really hot. It felt so good when you pulled me close to you and touched me. I was going to touch myself so we could both cum. How would you feel about that?" I reach up and run my hand down his spine as I talk.

I feel him shudder and moan. I think I just dirty talked the boy to orgasm. Mission accomplished.

He quickly recovers, and excuses himself to the bathroom without glancing my way.

I giggle.

Well, he got his big finish, but I'm still hot and bothered. Story of my life lately.

A/N

Oh, Edward. Can't you let your guard down when you're awake?

Wonder what Edward's take on this is. Should he be embarrassed?

Any new theories on his past? We've gotten a little bit of info.

Thanks so much for reading and giving me your support. I really need to get writing...