Author's Note: Thanks again for the reviews!

Warning: There are suggestive themes in this chapter. If it makes you uncomfortable, skim through it! It's towards the end…

CHAPTER 24: Sunsets and Sunrises

Ever since the incident, I've been more paranoid about leaving the premises. Paparazzi have slowly gathered around the villa, Aro doubling security. Every car that entered or exited the gate, snapshots automatically went off. Even on set, everyone is now required to show their access badge to make sure they are actually a part of the staff. Edward and I continue to text and the occasional phone call when he's on break. I mostly sit in my room staring out the window, watching the security guards walking around the property. I'm glad Alice bought me some of the books I've wanted to read so wasting my days away reading this time wasn't so bad. However, I did miss the walks around the neighborhood and actually stepping foot inside the dimly lit bookstore.

Time is slowly ticking every time I glance at the clock on the wall. I've been waiting for Edward to return home all day. I was hesitant on his idea about going on our date tonight, with the sudden hype around us, but he assures me it'll be fine. I want to believe him but I can't help the trepidation and anxiety I'm feeling about the whole thing. All the special moments I want to share with Edward I want to keep between us; not for us to share with the entire world. I'm very protective about my privacy because I've managed to stay under the radar but there's nothing I can do about it now. As they say, if there's a will there's a way, and I'm sure the paparazzi will find a way to get what they want.

I'm finally starting to get engrossed in the current book I'm reading when I hear a faint commotion outside my window. A white van with tinted windows is driving through the gate with the paparazzi clicking away. The security guards are trying to stand in their way until the gate closes. Luckily, the driveway is long and curves around into a U-shape so the house can't clearly be seen from the gate. I jump to my feet and head downstairs, hoping to see Edward. I wait patiently inside the doorway by the window where I can peek outside without being seen.

Edward gets out first, stretching his arms to the sky. He looks exhausted. After him come Riley and Jessica. And that's it. I wonder where Angela and Mike are. I open the door to greet them, immediately locking eyes with Edward. He smiles as soon as he sees me and hurries in my direction. With one swift move, he picks me up by the waist and carries me back inside the house, my arms holding onto his shoulders for support. "Edward!" I exclaim, laughing with him as we gaze at each other. He sets me down a few feet from the door and gives me a chaste kiss. He makes it brief because Riley and Jessica are coming. I blush when they see us. "Hey, guys."

"Hey, Bella," Riley yawns.

Jessica only gives me a half-smile and looks away briefly. She looks embarrassed or uncomfortable, I'm not sure which. "I'm going to get some rest. I'll see you guys later." She gives a quick wave and scurries off. That was…weird.

"Where's Mike and Angela?" I ask the two, dismissing Jessica's strange behavior.

"Still on set," says Riley. "It's their last day."

"Last day?"

Edward has his hand on my back, rubbing it gently. "They're done filming after today," he tells me.

"Oh…" So does that mean they're leaving soon? I thought everyone would leave together but I forgot they only have supporting roles in the movie. It wouldn't make sense for them to be on set if there was no need unless they stay the extra weeks covering their own expenses, which I doubt they'd want to do. I, myself, can't afford this trip alone without Aro's help.

"I'm gonna go see what's there to eat. Catch you guys later," Riley does the same short wave as Jessica and heads to the kitchen.

"Are you hungry?" I ask Edward. It was late in the afternoon and dinner won't be prepared for a couple of more hours. I have no idea what they feed them on set.

"No, I'm fine for now," he smiles and kisses me sweetly on my temple. I close my eyes. "Let's go out on the deck." He can tell I'm hesitant because the paparazzi are swarming the area. He smiles again. "It's okay, Bella. They can't see pass the walls and security is all over the place. We'll be in the shade in the backyard." He reaches for my hand pulls me outside. If he was okay with it, then I should be as well.

And it does feel good to finally be outside. The sun is shining warmly again. Edward sits down on the hammock Aro set up and takes me down with him so I'm sitting on his lap. We watch in the shadows, waiting for the security guards to pass us so we can talk more openly. "Long day?" I ask after he yawns into his sleeve.

He nods his head before answering. "I was on set since 5 a.m. this morning. I think Riley and Jessica got there around two, that's why we finished earlier today than the rest."

"Have you not gotten any sleep since then?" Poor Edward. He's been working longer days even though it barely shows on his gorgeous face.

"I've gotten in a few power naps," he grins. "I'm fine, though. So—are you ready for our date tonight?" he asks, quickly changing the subject.

I fiddle with my fingers. "Umm, yes and no."

A sweet, quiet laugh graces my ears. He holds me tighter, kissing my jaw. "You worry too much."

"So I've been told," I mutter.

"Is it really that bad to be seen out with me again?" he asks cautiously, examining my features. "I really don't care if they see us or what they say. Like Aro says, they'll make up any stories they want. I've accepted that. I've had to deal with it before…" He frowns for a moment like he just remembered something.

I know he's thinking about Tanya. I couldn't resist searching online about articles on their breakup. All sorts of stories hit the gossip columns and online message boards when she was seen out with James Nomad. Different stories talked about Edward going off the deep end and his supposed drinking binge. It didn't seem like Edward at all. I had to snort at the article I read about him trying to sending her a dozen roses everyday until she took him back. Hardly. If the media did their homework a little better, they'd know he's allergic to them. It was definitely an eye-roller.

"Are you really not worried about Tanya?" I can't help but ask about her. I know I shouldn't stress so much over this woman but she's such an intimidating person even though we've never really spoken face-to-face. And come to think of it, I'd rather not. Ever.

Edward shakes his head. "She's my past, Bella. There's nothing more between us, whether she thinks that or not. Don't let her intimidate you. I know she's not the nicest of people to interact with but I won't let her get in between us." He says his words with conviction and it comforts me. I don't doubt he no longer has feelings for her, it's just her reaction and what she might be capable of if she doesn't approve.

"How do you think she'll take it?"

He shrugs. "I know she'll be upset but I'm done catering to her mood swings." He says it as if it's left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Why did you even put up with her while she was here?" I almost sound bitter about it, and I am.

The softness in his eyes leaves. I know the subject frustrates him and, well, I feel the same way. But these questions have been looming in the back of my mind for far too long and I want some answers. I want to know what he's thinking. "She's not a bad person, Bella," he murmurs. "I know she's done things in the past she's not so proud of—but who hasn't? I've forgiven her in my own way and I prefer to leave that past buried. I've dealt with it and moved on."

"But…she's still acts like you're together," I frown.

"I know. And it's my fault because I haven't set any boundaries between us. But I promise you I haven't done anything with her since she's showed up in Volterra. Tanya is…complicated. Both her parents were alcoholics so it wasn't like she grew up in a loving home. After they died in a car accident when she was about eleven, her grandmother legally adopted her. I guess because she didn't get the kind of love she deserved from her parents, her grandmother spoiled her and gave her everything she wanted. And that's what she's used to."

Holy cow! I never knew. That probably explains why she's the way she is toward him—always wanting the attention and being in the spotlight. But that didn't really explain her foul attitude. Maybe it was also an example of her parents? "Did her parents ever…" I let my words trail, uncomfortable to say the words.

Edward sighs and takes a moment to answer. "From what I know…yes—by her father when he would argue with her mother. After he took his anger out on her, he'd also take it out on Tanya." I pang of guilt hits me. Should I feel any kind of sympathy for this person? I know I do but because it's Tanya, it's a confusing type of pity I feel. "Tanya has her good moments. She holds an annual charity banquet to help recovering alcoholics with children and I know for a fact she takes care of her grandmother's treatment expenses at the hospital. She hasn't been doing very well this past year."

Well, huff and puff and blow me away again. Tanya actually sounds like a nice, helpful humanitarian. I'm sure her modeling career has helped open many doors for her with her charity and providing the kind of care her grandmother needs. It's actually good hearing another side of her from Edward. All I've heard so far is how she was like a Hydra with four heads from Alice. My nerves ease up a little. Maybe her finding out about us won't be so bad after all? If she can show that kind of compassion toward others, she should understand. Right? A part of me agrees while the other part says 'fat chance!'

"Hey," he caresses my cheek with the back of his fingers. "You still with me?" I blink a few times and nod as I'm brought back to the present. "I don't want to talk about her anymore. It's over—been over, like I said."

"Okay," I breathe.

"So," he smiles again, his mood seemingly lighter after he closes that subject, "can you be ready in half an hour?"

"So soon?"

"Yes. So I can wine and dine you before our walk on the beach," he gives me his crooked grin, which makes me melt and giddy all over. But I know I have to compose myself.

"I think I can manage that," I grin back shyly. In my haste to get to my room, I almost tumble out of the hammock. Good thing Edward still has a good hold of me. I blush embarrassed.

And he's laughing softly at me. "I know you're excited, but please try to get back to me in one piece." I merely roll my eyes at him and leave him still laughing by himself. Jeez.

I take a quick shower, not bothering to wash my hair, and pretty much ransack my room looking for something to wear. I want something nice for dinner, yet comfortable and warm for when we hit the beach because it's cooler at night. I've finally gotten used to Alice playing dress up with me, and having clothes already prepared makes things so much easier because I never have to figure out what to wear. But my fashion wardrobe expert isn't around. Then it hits me. I still have some new clothes from my birthday I haven't opened when Alice and I went shopping before my surprise party.

Everything is still wrapped in boxes and neatly folded in tissue paper. I rip it apart like Christmas wrapper and look through what Alice has bought me. The price tags make my heart stop at how expensive some of the thin garments cost. That's another thing about my pixie-haired friend. She never looks at price tags. She buys what she wants. I choose the light purple, one shoulder sweetheart chiffon short summer dress and grab a thicker cardigan and some flats. I'm never good with makeup like Alice so I only put on mascara and lip gloss; and can't do much about my skin color except pinch my cheeks to bring some life into them. I rush back downstairs to meet Edward.

He's on the phone in the main foyer, dressed in different attire himself. He's wearing dark jeans and a white fitted short-sleeve dress shirt tucked in that hugs his body well and a thin leather jacket, and his messy bronze hair that makes him look even sexier. He looks like a sophisticated bad boy—my sophisticated bad boy that I wouldn't mind living in sin with. "Yeah…I know, Emmett…Don't worry about. No. Good-bye, Emmett…" He hangs up with a sigh and has to do a double take when he finally notices me enter. He looks surprised and stunned with his mouth slightly open. "Bella…you look beautiful."

"Thanks," I blush. "So do you. You look very handsome."

He gives me a shy smile. "Living with Alice, you pick up a few things," he chuckles. I remembered she's also his stylist so he should know what looks good on him. In fact, everything does. He can do no fashion wrong in my eyes. Again, even if he was only in a sack of potatoes, he'd still look sexy in it. "Ready?"

I nod and he takes my hand as we walk outside to wait for our ride. "What did Emmett say? Is he mad that you're going out tonight?" I have to ask because I don't want to get him into trouble. We'll both have to answer to Rosalie if I do. If the ship sinks, I'll probably be handcuffed to the railing unwillingly. The thought of my near-death experience on Marcus's boat reappears in my mind. I shake it away quickly and focus back on Edward.

"No, it's fine. I've told him where we're going so he knows exactly where we are if I don't pick up my cell for any reason. But I told him to show up only if it's an emergency."

"You don't seem worried about the paparazzi?" I raise curious eyebrow. "In fact, how are we getting out of the house without anyone following us?" He only smiles a mischievous smile at me. What's he up to?

"C'mon, the town car is here." I see it pulling up the driveway and parks right in front of us. Felix steps out and greets us with a smile.

"Buonasera," he says.

"Good evening, Felix," Edward answers. "We good to go?"

"Si signore," he nods.

Edward opens the back door of the car for me and climbs in after I've scooted over. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," he winks. Felix looks at him in the rearview mirror and they nod to each other. It was like a secret code between them and soon, Felix has the car on the move.

Thank goodness the town cars we have are equipped with tinted windows because the camera flashes can be so blinding. I know they can't see us as we exit the villa when the gates finally open, but I still duck my head against Edward's chest anyway as he holds me protectively. "It's okay, Bella. We're in the clear," he says after a few moments. I slowly look up to see that we're now on the road, the streets dimly lit and only a few people passing by on the narrow sidewalks. I look behind us and no other cars are there. Edward seems amused by my paranoia.

"What?"

"Nothing. You're just very adorable right now."

I blush, taking a glance at the front seat. Felix is trying to suppress a smile in the rearview mirror with his eyes still set firmly on the road. "If you say so," I mutter quietly.

"Relax, Bella," Edward chuckles. "I promise not to let anyone ruin our evening." He kisses my hand as if it was a promise. I try to relax next to him.

Soon, we pull up to a restaurant with the hostess outside standing behind a podium. She's checking guest names and having another person with menus usher them inside. It looks very elegant with lights decorating the outside and the entrance resembling a fancy hotel with a red carpet that leads inside the main door. "This is a nice place," I comment, staring at the other cars and passengers exiting. I suddenly feel under dressed. Some of the older women are in cocktail dresses.

"Felix," Edward nods to him again. Felix nods back and picks up something on the front seat floor next to him. He hands Edward a small briefcase and a brown medium size purse. Edward takes the briefcase and hands me the purse. I look confused at it. "Put your clutch inside and pretend it's the purse you've brought with you." I do as he says, no questions asked. Inside I notice there's something in it, but I can't tell what it is because it's dark in the car and it's in a velvet bag. "Ready?" he smiles at me again. I nod slowly.

Edward opens the door and steps out with the briefcase in hand. He waits for me to exit with my new purse before he closes it. We reach the hostess who goes googlie-eyed at him and blushes. I roll my eyes inwardly. Who doesn't this man effect? "Signore Cullen?" she bats her eyes at him.

"Yes," he smiles politely. "For two."

The dark-haired hostess with bright red lip stick glances at me and forces a fake smile. "Of course," she says back to him. He grabs my hand and squeezes it as if to tell her that yes, I am his date for the evening. I give her an inward snooty glare. She probably wishes she was in my shoes, but she's not! I smile on that fact. She calls for someone to usher us in like the other guests and we are led to a secluded booth in the back away from the main diners. There are two large chandeliers dangling from the ceiling and a live orchestra playing soft, soothing music in the corner. The place looks very posh. Glancing around, we're the two youngest ones here.

"You should have told me where we were going so I could have picked a better outfit," I whisper to him.

He looks back and grins. "You look perfect, don't worry."

We sit opposite each other in the booth. Another waiter comes and pours water into our glasses and leaves. I open the menu and can't read it because everything is in Italian and looks very expensive. The same waiter returns with a variety of breads and cheeses. Edward thanks him and he leaves again.

"Edward…I can't read the menu."

"You don't need to. We won't be staying long."

"What?" What does he mean by that?

The mischievous grin returns on his face. "Just enjoy the bread for now." He rips off a piece and places it on my plate with a slice of cheese. He does the same for himself. I am still utterly confused. The waiter comes back and Edward dismisses him, still glancing over the menu trying to decide what he wants. Is he going to order for the both of us? The bread we have is almost gone when he glances at his watch. He looks around the room and no one is paying attention to our secluded little area. He suddenly leans into the table as if he's going to tell me a secret. I lean in as well, attentively listening. "Grab your purse and make your way to the restroom. There's a note in the inside pocket. Read it and I'll meet you right by the bathroom hallway."

"Huh?"

"Trust me," he grins. "Go. Now."

Again, I do as I'm told, casually heading toward the bathroom with the purse on my arm. I enter the massive bathroom and luckily the attendant leaves to get more fresh towels and toilet paper, I'm assuming. I open the purse and look for the inside pocket and unzip it. Sure enough, there's a folded note inside. I glance around again before reading it.

Put on the wig and glasses and ditch the purse in one of the stalls. Take this note with you. Meet you outside.

Edward

Wig? What wig? I suddenly remember there's the velvet bag inside. I take it out and undo the strings to the bag. Inside there's a wig and dark sunglasses—just as the note says. A red wig, to be exact. I scurry into one of the stalls and put it on as best as I can without a mirror to avoid someone walking in on me and seeing my disguise. Whatever Edward has planned for us, it's making me giddy with excitement. I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us.

I leave the purse in the stall behind the toilet, making sure I take my clutch and the note with me as instructed. I check myself in the mirror and feel almost astonished on how different I look. It's a short red wig with bangs. The attendant returns and merely smiles at me and proceeds to restock the shelves. I blush but she doesn't seem to recognize me. I've never had hair this short before so it's a shock. I've never really thought about wearing bangs but it doesn't look that bad with the wig. I put on the dark sunglasses and make my way back outside. I don't see Edward around except for a man with a long, blonde pony-tail in the hallway with his back to me and his jacket draped over his arm. Where is he?

The blonde-haired man turns around and smiles at me. I give him a short smile back still waiting on Edward. "Bella?" he suddenly says, taking off the dark glasses. It's Edward! I'm shocked at his disguise. I barely recognize him. He approaches me and smiles again. "Felix did a good job."

The long hair on Edward has me staring at him in disbelief. "I didn't even recognize you!"

"That's the point," he winks. "C'mon." He takes my hand and leads me to two swinging double doors toward the kitchen of the restaurant. The briefcase is no longer in his hands either. He must have left it in the bathroom. We quickly make our way pass waiters and cooks, getting strange glances and people stopping what they're doing to gape at us. He politely smiles, not waiting for anyone to potentially tattle or run after us for trespassing.

We're finally outside the back entrance to the kitchen, the cool breeze hitting my face. He takes off his wig and sunglasses and throws them in the nearby dumpster. I do the same and soon we're running down the alley. Good thing I wore flats! I'm giggling like a little girl from the rush and anxiety of not knowing what's going to happen next. Edward is laughing with me, seemingly amused. We finally reach the end of the alley on the side of the restaurant, both of us panting quietly. "I've never done anything like that before," I chuckle.

"Neither have I," he smirks. A car suddenly pulls up to the curb where we're standing. It's Felix. We hurriedly climb inside, still laughing. "Thanks, Felix." Felix nods and smiles in the front seat.

"What a rush," I exhale, slumming into my seat.

Edward takes my hand and caresses it. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I kind of wanted it to be a surprise. I knew there would be paparazzi following us so I had Felix buy us some wigs so we can escape out back."

"Very clever, Mr. Cullen," I nod with a grin. "I had fun. But I didn't see anyone following us earlier?"

"They were already there in the restaurant watching us among the other diners."

"Oh…" So that means they know we're out tonight. I wonder what will be out in the papers tomorrow.

"Bella, you okay?" he looks at me with concern. "I tried hiding us as best as I could but they still might have taken a few pictures of us and…I'm not sure how you feel about it." Edward looks disappointingly at my hand that he's caressing because he knows I don't like my face plastered on the tabloids.

"Hey," I murmur. He looks up at me with worried eyes. "It's okay." I try to smile reassuringly. "At least they still think we're at the restaurant, right?" Surely they couldn't have taken that many pictures. We were barely even there to enjoy our second helping of appetizer bread. He only smiles—more relaxed, softly kissing the back of my hand and looks onward at the road. After the disguise and running away from the paparazzi, I start to wonder what else is to come. "Are we heading to another restaurant?" I finally ask when the main city starts to disappear behind us.

My handsome Adonis merely smiles a secretive smile at me. "Not quite. You'll see." I raise a curious eyebrow but leave the subject matter alone for the meantime.

A few more turns here and there and we are at the beach close to where Edward's sun set scene was filmed a few weeks ago. But this time, there are no barricades to hold off crazy screaming fans. The waters are calm and it looks very peaceful out tonight—romantic even. The sun barely beginning its journey over the horizon reminds me of that night where I watched Edward in action for the first time. He has a natural talent for acting and the way the evening light hit his features made him look like a true god from the heavens. He almost didn't seem real. I can picture plenty of girls swooning at him on the big screen when that particular scene comes up at the movie's release.

Jogged out of my reverie, we're suddenly driving on gravel. Where are we? I haven't been paying attention to the road, thinking Felix is going to drop us off somewhere along the waterfront. It's dark and I don't recognize the area. The path is bumpy so Felix is driving extra slow. He practically parks right near the water shore where the waves want to come and meet us. "Sorry about the road. It's not really meant for cars," Edward sheepishly grins. He steps out of the town car and extends his hand for me to follow him. I hear Felix pop the trunk open.

Edward goes around the car and lifts the trunk wider and proceeds to take things out. I walk over to him and see a picnic basket and blankets. We're going to have a picnic on the beach! His surprises keep getting better and better. This must be one of those secret spots he's discovered on his ventures around the beach he's mentioned before. He sees the expression on my face and smiles. He hands me the blankets and closes the trunk. "Thanks, Felix." Our chauffer for the evening nods again and puts the car in reverse.

After we wave good-bye, I follow Edward down the gravel path until we hit soft sand, grass, and splashing waves. The moon is starting to make its appearance in the sky, the spot he picked for us looking very romantic in its wake. There's also something hiding underneath a blue tarp on the side by a tree we pass, and I'm curious to know what it is but I don't ask. He places the picnic basket down and takes one of the two blankets from me and unfolds it so we have something comfortable to sit on besides sand. We both sit barefoot with our shoes discarded as he empties the contents of the basket. "This is really nice," I say shyly.

"It's not a five star meal at a restaurant but…" he chuckles when he takes out cheese, bread, sandwiches, fruits, and wine. Wrapped in cloth are two wine glasses and a knife for cutting the cheese.

I giggle at the set up. "It's perfect. At least I know what's on this menu," I smile, referring to the earlier menu in Italian that barely made any sense to me.

We talk for what seems like hours, laughing and teasing each other, and shyly gazing at the other person. Edward and I have a good handful of things in common so it makes our conversation very informal and more relaxed. This is our very first sit down, getting to know you date. I tell him about my time in Phoenix with Renee and Phil and when I moved to Forks to be with Charlie. I also tell him all the crazy stunts Jacob would pull and my battle scars for agreeing to join him in his escapades. "You know how to ride a motorcycle?" he looks disbelievingly at me.

"Yes, I do," I nod proudly with a smile. "The first time I forgot which handle was for the gas and break and ended up flying off the bike, hitting my head on a rock. Charlie would have had a heart attack and Jacob's license suspended if he knew I busted my forehead like that. But it didn't stop me. Much to Jacob's concern, he gave me a few more lessons till I got the hang of it."

Edward was very impressed on how resilient I am, knowing full well how something unfortunate could easily happen to me with my attraction to unforeseen danger. But he didn't look very happy when I told him I flew off the bike and injured myself, given how overprotective he is. If it were him giving me lessons instead of Jacob, that bike would be scrap metal the next day. Seriously, I still didn't understand the need for my constant safety. But, I continue on with stories about surfing, whale watching, and cliff diving at First Beach in La Push, and whatever other extra curricular activities my friends and I back home could think of.

"What's next on your list? Bunge jumping and skydiving?" he teases.

"Maybe," I roll my eyes with a smile. "But—enough about me. I'm sure you're utterly bored to death. What about you?"

"Actually, I find you very fascinating," he produces his crooked grin. I blush. I'm thankful he can't see the flush on my face that well out here in the dark. The only light we have is from the lighthouse search light in the distance that cascades its light on the water a few yards from our location, which still masks us in the shadows of the trees. "It's nice having a normal conversation for once."

"Well, I want to know more about you," I say quietly. My beating heart quickens, debating with myself whether or not to ask. "What was…your childhood like?" I peek up at him from my lashes. For a moment his green eyes are wide, in shock, but he quickly gathers himself.

"I don't really talk about my childhood much," he whispers, looking away with a crease in his brows.

I suddenly feel bad for bringing it up knowing what Alice has told me. "It's okay…we don't have to talk about it." I fiddle with my fingers, trying to figure out a different topic to discuss.

"I was an angry kid," he murmurs, his eyes distant. I'm caught by surprise that he's willing to open up to me, thinking that subject was closed. I sit and listen quietly attentive to whatever he wants to tell me about his past. He looks pained trying to remember what it was like. "I was bullied as a kid and it made me bitter toward others. When I got older and was finally able to stand up for myself, I didn't care about how I acted or the consequences of my actions."

"Edward…you don't have to tell me…" The pain in his eyes is too much. This must be a hard subject for him.

"No," he shakes his head adamantly, "it's alright, Bella. I've been suppressing my past for far too long and it's about time I faced it." I sit quietly again, my face warm in the cool breeze. A sudden chill tickles my skin. "Are you cold?" He unfolds the second blanket we have and drapes it around his shoulders inviting me into his open arms. I crawl over to him, my back against his chest as he hugs me tightly. His warm embrace inside the blanket feels good and I can't help but close my eyes momentarily. He gently plants a kiss in my hair, lingering there. "My whole family was worried about my behavior," he continues, "and they didn't know what to do. I dabbled with cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol and did a lot of stupid things I now regret and told myself I'd never be like that again." Drugs and alcohol? Holy cow! He must have only been in his early teens at the time. Alice never told me that. Maybe she felt uncomfortable about it or perhaps she never knew that about her brother. "When I got into theater in high school my outlook on life changed. Ever since then I buried my past and never looked back again. I'm very fortunate to be where I am today."

I slightly turn to face him; his lovely features weary with discussing his youth. "I'm very proud of you, Edward," I half-smile at him. "Not many can turn their life around like you did. I'm sure your family was there to support you, trying to help you turn your life around, but ultimately, if you didn't have the kind of drive and motivation to make a better life for yourself…you wouldn't be where you are now. So, you should also feel proud of yourself for your accomplishments."

"Thank you…" he smiles shyly at me. A look of relief washes over him as if a heavy burden has been lifted off his shoulders. He hugs me tightly once more, kissing my cheek tenderly. "I'm glad you spilled coffee on me that night." I can feel him grin against me.

"You mean on your leather jacket?" I scoff playfully. "I think you'd be more upset at me if I actually burned you."

"Perhaps," he shrugs. "The water you spilled on me during our first meet-and-greet dinner definitely cooled me down, though." I roll my eyes and teasingly try to elbow him as he laughs softly at me.

"It's too cold now for a nice walk on the beach. Would you mind if we just sit here for a while?" he asks softly. I shake my head. Wrapped in his warmth inside the blanket is where I'd rather be. "Thank you, Bella…"

I glance at him again. "For what?"

"For being you," he caresses my cheek with the tip of his nose. I flush under his touch immediately. Edward's eyes darken as he leans to kiss me. I cup his face and deepen it, allowing his tongue access to mine. He repositions himself, pushing me onto my back, his weight gently on me; the blanket still covering us. His hair feels so soft as I rummage through it with my fingers, pulling him closer to me. A quiet moan escapes his lips that send tingling sensations throughout my body. "Bella…" he breaks away, staring at me with heated eyes. We're both panting, trying to catch our breaths. Edward's past and present is what makes him the man I fell in love with and I don't want to let him go. Never in a million years would I have imagined us together like this and it feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity. "Bella…I…" he looks away briefly like he's struggling with himself. "I'm not going to lie…I want you—all of you—but…we don't have to do this."

He's eyes look expectantly at me. "It's okay, Edward. I want you, too," I murmur. He's still assessing my words as if I'm going to change my mind, gazing at me, searching my eyes for something else—what, I don't know. My heart is beating in my ears. I pull him again toward me so he knows I want this just as much as he does. The wine we finished is also making me feel a little bolder than usual. "It's okay…" I whisper against his lips and kiss him again. Edward's hand suddenly travels to my breast making me moan into his mouth. Soon the longing we both feel for each other returns and we're lost in our passion for each other.

I'm spooning with Edward when soft rays of light force me to stir. I flutter my eyes open adjusting to the dawn that's now approaching us. Edward's angelic face is still asleep as he quietly snores next to me. Looking back on last night's events makes me grin like a goofball. Strangely enough, I feel like a new person today. Happy and light as a feather, all thanks to his beautiful man who has his arms protectively wrapped around me under the blanket we shared all night.

"Good morning," he says with a sleepy smile, the day probably waking him up as it did with me. "Sleep okay?"

"Good morning," I smile back. "And yes, I did."

The morning is chilly like it was last night, more so now because we're naked underneath our covers. I blush remembering what we did last night and how amazing Edward was. Given my lack of experience with guys, I hope I did okay by his standards. He seems like such a pro at it! I turn brighter red at the thought, which I have to dismiss. Thinking about him and Tanya like this leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

"You okay?" he caresses my cheek with his fingers.

"Yeah, just kind of cold," I lie. He smiles and sits up with his upper body exposed, making sure to keep the blanket covering me. His body is exquisite. It's finally starting to become lighter. He gathers our clothes that we discarded in a pile and hands me mine as he puts his wrinkled dress shirt back on. I try to dress as best as I can underneath the blanket, Edward quickly in his boxers and jeans. Makes me think he does this sort of thing often. Again, I have to dismiss the idea. We gather the remaining food and empty wine bottle back in the picnic basket and roll up the two blankets we used. He carries the basket and I carry the blankets. "Is Felix going to come back for us?"

"Nope," he smiles and takes my free hand. He leads me over to the tree with the blue tarp covering something we passed by last night. He lets go of my hand and uncovers the tarp revealing a moped underneath. Oh, I see. Something to throw the paparazzi off. He straps the basket and blanket in the back with threaded rope and hands me a small helmet. I take it from him and wear it on my head. He helps me with the straps and gives me a quick kiss before moving the moped away from the tree. "We'll have to walk it over to more even ground or we might skid sideways in the gravel."

"Safety first," I quip with dry humor. He only shakes his head with a smile, getting my reference to his safety precautions when it comes to my safety.

Finally on the main road, Edward puts on his own helmet and tells me to get on. "Hang on tightly," he instructs, which sounds more like a command, when he's finally sitting in front. The automatic transmission comes to life when he hits the start switch. Using the throttle we start to move, set for the road heading back home as the dawn chases us. Last night was a night I will definitely never forget.

Author's Note: Yes, for those of you with curious little minds—they did it! Sorry if some of you aren't comfortable reading that kind of stuff but I did warn you. I didn't go into complete detail (which I could have) so changing the rating for the story didn't seem appropriate to me.

Hope you enjoyed! Please review!