Any of you still with us after last chapter? We know it was hard, and probably not what you were expecting but real life is like that sometimes. Thank you for all the feedback after last chapter. Honestly, we expected many of the reactions we got. Some have flounced and that's okay, we appreciate the support you've given us so far. For those who have said they are hanging on by their teeth, thank you. Trust us; we do have a plan. . . .

karenec, LJ Summers, AshesAshes, and jakeward are our fabulous team of betas. Yes, we need four of them to wrangle us. If you haven't already checked out their work, please do so. They each are fantastic writers. LJ Summers has a new story that recently completed. Just look for Long, Tall Sally in her profile.

The last chapter was a little short, so this one is a little longer to make up for it. Song and pictease are listed at the bottom.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter Twenty: Limits

In the morning, I woke up hugging my pillow, my phone on the floor beside the bed. I picked it up to find a text message from Riley.

Last night was wonderful; I miss you so much. Love you, I'll be thinking of you all day.

I texted him back,I miss you, too. Love you always.

I spent the day with a stupid smile on my face, unable to shake the feeling of happiness whenever I thought of Riley. It felt so good to talk to him again, to lean on him when I was lonely, and have him tell me he loved me as I fell asleep. It felt right. He texted me throughout the day when he had a moment. Silly things, sweet things, a picture of the sunrise in D.C.

That night when I went home to my apartment after work, I felt light-hearted and happy as I did laundry and washed dishes. I spoke with Riley for a few minutes before I went to bed; that night I dreamed about him. In the morning, I reached for him and sighed when I realized he wasn't beside me. Still, the lingering feeling of closeness didn't dissipate over the next few days as we emailed and talked on the phone. I felt better than I had in almost a year. Even Charlie noticed my upbeat mood, commenting on it when he stopped into my office mid-day.

I looked up to see him standing in my doorway and I grinned at him. "Hey, what are you doing here today?"

"Oh, just came in to check on a few things. Sue needs me to sign some invoices and go over the schedule for the next couple of months. How are your cases coming along?"

"I'm making solid progress on the Walker case. For right now the rest are on hold. I'm waiting to hear back from opposing council about the Price Industries case. I do have a few thoughts I'd like to run by you; do you have time for lunch with me today?"

"Of course. I'm never too busy for you, Bella."

"I can head out now, if you're all finished," I offered.

"Give me ten minutes to wrap things up with Sue and we can head out. I'll meet you in the lobby then, okay?"

"Sounds good, Boss."

I wrapped up the email I had been in the middle of writing and tidied my desk before running in to the bathroom to check my makeup and hair. I met Charlie just as he finished speaking with Bree, and we went down to the street where Eleazar was waiting with the Town Car. We spent the ride to the restaurant talking about non-work-related things. I was not at all surprised when we pulled up at the Presidio golf course, just outside of Spruce. It had been a while since Charlie and I had gone for lunch though. I was looking forward to our lunch together.

Once we were seated at a table, we wasted no time getting down to business.

"So, tell me about Price Industries."

He listened attentively as I brought him up to speed on the case, making a few suggestions here and there at concerning different angles I needed to explore. To my surprise, by the time we finished talking, I had polished off my entire lunch. He beamed at me when I pushed away my empty plate. Over coffee, we moved on from casework to talking about the office.

"How are things going with Lauren?" he asked.

I laughed weakly. "I haven't strangled her yet."

He smiled but shook his head at me. "Bella."

"I know. But the other day I found her in Alec's office, rifling through his papers." I expected him to comment, but his expression remained neutral. I continued, "I asked her what she was doing, but she just said that she'd given him a file she wasn't supposed to, and wanted to retrieve it."

Charlie shrugged. "That's certainly plausible. You don't believe her explanation?"

"Well, she is constantly getting files mixed up, so it certainly isn't out of the question. But I have my doubts."

"Is there any particular reason why?"

"Just a gut feeling."

He nodded. "Well, I trust your instincts, but I think you should cut the girl some slack. She isn't trained for working in a law office."

"That's exactly why her behavior sometimes concerns me. She has no idea what she's doing. What if something she does gets in the wrong hands or information is given out that shouldn't be? I don't know. I'm just not sure about her. Remind me why she hasn't been replaced with someone else?"

"Because the temp agency is short-staffed right now, they don't have anyone more qualified. It was either one person who could work for the entire time, or sixteen different people rotating through the office, and that's even worse."

I groaned. "I am counting down the days until Gianna is back."

"I know. She's a real asset to the office, and when she is back, we'll all be happier. But in the meantime, I need you to be patient with Lauren. It can't be easy for her to come in like this. She deserves to have you give her a chance. You're hard on people sometimes, Bella." I ducked my head, knowing he was right. "You mean well, it's just because you're such a high achiever, but not everyone is capable of that. It doesn't mean they aren't valuable employees or decent human beings, though."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Just try to work with Lauren. It'll be good for the both of you."

"Okay."

After he paid for lunch, we went back to the office, making small talk about Renee's latest news. How he puts up with her I'll never understand. He walked me to my office door and hugged me.

"You look great, Bella, and you sound a lot happier. Keep doing what you're doing, it's working."

I knew exactly why I was happier. I was talking to Riley again. Every time I heard from him, it was like things were before he left. Briefly, Edward crossed my mind, though I couldn't bring myself to call him. All I wanted to do was talk to Riley. It was wrong to completely shut Edward out, but maybe this was the way things were supposed to be. Maybe Riley and I were getting a second chance at love.

~LTOYL~

Later that week, Vanessa and I went to lunch. Throughout our time at the restaurant, I was receiving texts until she finally commented on my distraction.

"Is that Edward sending you dirty texts?"

"What? No. Of course not." I bit my lip. "It's nothing." She glared at me and pursed her lips, knowing I was bluffing. "Fine, it was from Riley, okay?"

"Riley is sending you dirty texts?" Her eyebrows flew up in surprise.

"No one was sending me dirty texts. It was just a simple 'how are you doing?' text."

"Oh, that's no fun," she said dismissively. "Hmm… I saw that smile though." I could see the judgment written across her face. Instantly, my heart sank and my guard went up as I felt the need to defend my actions.

"Ness. . . I miss him," I said softly. "I like hearing from him, okay?"

"I know you do. Are you sure it's such a good idea though, Bella? You can't keep doing this to yourself. You seemed to be doing really well with Edward."

"I haven't really talked to him in a couple of days," I admitted.

"Why? Did he do something?"

"No. He never does anything. He's so fucking good to me it's ridiculous, Ness. He's perfect, and I'm treating him like shit."

"So is that what's holding you back with Edward, he's too perfect, too sweet?" she asked.

"Nothing's holding me back, Ness. I just—"

"Then stop," she said, as if it were the easiest thing in the world. "Stop texting Riley and hoping things are going to magically change because they're not. Call Edward, apologize, then drag him back into the bedroom for some really great make-up sex. He isn't going to wait forever, you know. He will find someone else. Then where are you going to be? Pining after a man you love, but can't have, and all alone again. You've said it yourself, Bella: Edward is amazing. There's going to be some other woman out there who will recognize that. You're going to be sorry when he's not around for you anymore."

I drew in a sharp breath, hating that she was right. It was half the reason I didn't talk to Vanessa about these things. She was always just a little too observant, her comments too biting. It was what made her a brilliant lawyer, but it was what always guarded me from really opening up to her.

However, when Riley called that night, it didn't stop me from giving in to the temptation I knew would bit me by talking to him. I hadn't heard from Edward since our run, and I wondered if he was giving me space. I didn't know if I wanted it or not. All I knew was I was completely wrapped up in Riley and it felt like a lifeline.

Later that week, I finally heard from Edward, though it was just a brief text.

I know things ended on a weird note the last time I was over, but let me know if you'd like to get together.

I didn't make any plans with him, but I replied with a brief text to let him know I was unavailable.

Swamped with work right now, sorry.

It wasn't entirely a lie. I was working long hours trying to get the case ready for trial. I was in the office until eight or nine most nights and weekends were usually spent writing and re-writing my opening statement. The little time that I had, I was usually talking to Riley, so things just didn't work out.

I knew that I was walking a fine line between Riley and Edward, and that what I was doing wasn't right. But honestly, having Riley in my life again was like being able to breathe again after feeling like I was suffocating. I felt like I could fill my lungs with fresh air even if it was only temporary. He had always been my center, grounding me. When I'm was with him, it felt like the world finally stopped spinning for a moment, allowing for calm amidst the chaotic mess I'd been living in since he left.

But in a lot of ways, being with Edward felt right, too and that was the part that confused me. That was the part I struggled with.

Late one night, Edward called. Since I was actually in the middle of work, I didn't feel quite so guilty for telling him I was too busy to see him. He was sympathetic, even offered to bring me dinner then leave after, but I turned him down.

I could hear the tightness in his voice over the phone. He knew me too well. I wasn't just brushing him off for work. In fact, as my stomach rumbled, I wished I could take him up on his offer. Dinner and seeing him would be really nice. But I couldn't look him in the eye when things with Riley were going so well.

It wasn't long after Edward's call that Riley called, and I was grateful that I'd turned Edward down. It would have been incredibly awkward meeting him having just talked to Riley and mentally slipping back into my role of being his. I couldn't deny that I was attracted to Edward not only physically but mentally, but I also couldn't deny that I was still in love with Riley and that I wasn't able to let go of him .

When Riley and I talked, I bounced a few ideas for the case off on him. It was nice to have a sounding board again. Charlie was happy to do it, and so were Patrick and Alyssa. But my father and other co-workers could never replace the rapport Riley and I had. He had always been my best collaborator, helping me untangle tricky issues. When we'd finished, I exhaled with relief, feeling much better about where I was on the case.

"I don't know how I've been doing this without you," I said jokingly.

He chuckled softly. "You're brilliant and I'm sure you're killing them out there. But I know what you mean."

It was crazy and reckless, and although a part of my brain told me I shouldn't say it, I suddenly wondered if it was possible to make this long distance thing work. I took a deep breath and spoke.

"Hey, Riley…what do you think about trying this long-distance?" I said hopefully.

"What do you mean, Bella?" he asked, sounding shocked. "A relationship? I thought that we decided that wasn't something you wanted. Something you could handle…"

"I...I don't know. I didn't, but I hate being without you. The last few weeks have been so good. I just...I need you, Riley."

He sighed. "You know what my schedule is like, is it really going to be fair to you? I don't even know how to make it work."

I suddenly felt hurt. "Forget it; I don't know what I was thinking. It was silly," I said, trying to brush it off.

"No, Bella, I—I just don't know how we're going to make it happen. Nothing has really changed in our situation. We're still on opposite coasts. How can we ever marry and raise a family this way? You know I want that with you, but unless something has changed, I don't know how we'll make it work. Let me think about it, okay, babe?"

I was disappointed, but I understood what he was worried about. It was the reason we hadn't tried to make a long distance relationship work in the first place.

I waited to hear back from Riley, but it was like he had disappeared. When I didn't hear from him the following day, I texted him right before I went to bed.

Hey, missed talking to you today. Hope you had a good day.

In the morning there was no reply; my phone was silent all day. My happy mood dimmed as the hours ticked by. When I called him that night, his phone went to voice mail; I left a stuttering, awkward message.

"Hey, Riley, uh, I haven't heard from you in a few days and I wanted to make sure everything was okay. I know you're probably just busy, but...um, I missed hearing your voice. Just call me when you get a chance, all right? Uh, night."

I tried not to be too upset, but it was hard not to be. I worried about him, and worried that maybe asking him about a long-distance relationship was too much. Maybe it had been a little crazy, but I'd meant it. Talking with Riley had made me feel so much better. I didn't understand why he was pulling away. Maybe he didn't want to try to make a long-distance relationship work, and he wasn't sure how to tell me. Still, Riley had never shied away from having a difficult discussion about our relationship before.

As the days passed, he didn't call or email, I grew increasingly depressed. I found myself running longer, pushing myself harder, drinking a little more each night, and not sleeping well. When I hadn't heard from him in nearly two weeks, I was sick with worry and growing irritated. Riley had always been thoughtful in the past; it was uncharacteristic of him to ignore me. I even thought about calling Amanda to make sure he was okay, but she hadn't spoken to me since he left for D.C. I didn't know what to tell her about where Riley and I stood.

I slogged through work that week. By Friday, I was exhausted and angry at him. I was just about to leave the office to head home when my phone rang. I picked it up, scowling at the sight of my mother's number. I didn't really feel like talking with her, plus, I was supposed to meet Vanessa that night. Because I had worked late, I was barely going to make it home in time to change and get to the club.

"Hello?" I said wearily.

"Isabella, it's your mother. You need to be at dinner with your father and I tonight."

"Tonight?" I groaned. "Ren—Mother, I already have plans tonight."

"Well, I'm sure you can cancel. Your father wants to see you and you've been neglecting your family obligations lately. After all we've done for you; it's the least you can do. Meet us at seven thirty p.m. at Spinnakers."

I hung up the phone, frustrated with how thoughtless she was. It wasn't that I couldn't re-schedule with Vanessa, but I was irritated by the short notice and lack of concern for my life that Renee had. Spinnakers was a wonderful restaurant with fabulous food and amazing views of the San Francisco skyline. But it was in Sausalito; the trip over the Golden Gate Bridge at that time of day would be a nightmare. Traffic was always terrible and I dreaded dealing with it. Not to mention the fact that I'd have to leave work early to make sure I made it there in time. Still, it would be nice to see Dad.

"Don't tell me you're calling to cancel," Vanessa said as soon as she answered the phone.

"I'm calling to cancel."

"Is it at least for the oh-so-delicious Edward?"

"No, Renee called to summon me to dinner with her and Charlie. I don't want to go, but it really wasn't worth the hassle."

"She really makes my mother look like a saint. And that's saying something."

"No kidding." I laughed. "Anyway, we'll have to reschedule."

"Well, text me when dinner is over, maybe you can meet me at the club when you're done."

"All right. Have fun!"

"I always do."

I packed up my briefcase before hurrying home to pick up my car. I didn't even bother to go in to my apartment, just drove to the restaurant immediately knowing traffic getting across the bay bridge at this time of the day would be killer. Once there I took a few minutes to touch up my makeup and smooth out my hair in the rearview mirror. I had worn a dress and blazer that day, so I slipped out of the blazer, shrugging back into my trench coat before walking inside. The hostess took me to the table where my parents were waiting.

I glanced around the restaurant, trying to will myself to relax. It was a large, open dining room with slatted wood ceiling, crisp white tablecloths and incredible views. The sky was so clear that the lights of the city twinkled through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was a lovely place and I'd never had a bad meal here.

"There you are, Isabella, darling, I didn't think you were going to make it," my mother chided me as she stood up to greet me with a cool kiss on the cheek.

"It's seven twenty-five, mother," I protested. "I'm early."

"Still, that's cutting it awfully close."

"You know she's always very punctual, Renee," Charlie said. "Good to see you, Bella." He hugged me tight and just for a moment I relaxed into the hug. He always knew how to make me feel better.

As we ordered wine and appetizers my mother chatted excitedly about the latest society gossip; I nodded politely, trying to tune it out without appearing like I was actually ignoring her. By the time we had finished our wine and eaten, I was reaching the end of my patience. She was forever harping on me about my supposed weight gain; it was easier to just avoid the issue all together. It wasn't really what I was in the mood for, but the food at Spinnakers was excellent. At least I knew it wouldn't taste bad. The minute I had a chance, I excused myself to use the restroom.

"I'll be back in just a moment," I promised. I took a minute to decompress and take a few deep breaths. I patted a little cool water onto my flushed cheeks as I stared at myself in the mirror, wondering how much longer would I allow Renee to plague my life. With a regretful sigh, I left the safe, quiet haven of the restroom, making my way down the long hallway that took me back to the dining area.

As I passed a beautiful middle-aged woman with shoulder length caramel colored hair, we both smiled politely at each other as we passed before it registered. I turned around to see her facing me with a huge grin on her face.

"Esme?" I said with some surprise.

"Bella! It's so good to see you! How are you liking the apartment?" She hugged me enthusiastically and I hugged her back.

"I love it, you did a beautiful job," I said sincerely. Esme Platt of Platt-Whitlock Designs had been recommended to me by Renee back when I wanted a fresh look for my apartment. We were wildly different in so many ways but if there was one thing I could trust Renee with, it was good taste in design. She had never personally worked with Esme, but Esme had received rave reviews from everyone Renee knew. Although I had been listless and depressed in the months after Riley left, Esme had gently coaxed me to help pick out fabric samples and artwork. It was one of the first steps I took once the initial shock of him being gone passed, and it did help a little.

"Wonderful. I am so pleased to hear that you are enjoying it. What are you doing here?"

"Dinner with my parents, you?"

"We're celebrating my son's birthday. We were supposed to do it weeks ago, but my husband and I were traveling for our anniversary. Actually, it's a joint anniversary and birthday celebration. Honestly, Edward didn't care if we celebrated it at all, but he's my baby and I couldn't resist."

"Edward?" I said. My heart started beating faster at the familiar name.

"Yes, he's a curator at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. In fact, I would love to introduce you two."

I suddenly felt panicked as things started to click in place. She took my arm gently, leading me to the doorway of the private dining room. I turned to look where she was indicating. Sure enough, she was pointing straight toward Edward Cullen, who was staring at us with a puzzled look. He excused himself from the conversation he was having and made his way over.

"Mom, Bella?"

"You two know each other?" Esme said delightedly. "That's so wonderful."

"Yeah… we do. What are you doing here, Bella?" he asked tightly.

"Dinner with my parents," I said, still trying to get my bearings. It wasn't impossible that we'd run into each other, though the odds were slim considering we weren't even in San Francisco at the moment. The connection had me completely thrown.

"Oh." He swallowed hard. "It's good to see you." Edward seemed a little shocked, as well, and I wondered what he was thinking.

I nodded. "It's good to see you, too."

Esme touched my shoulder. "I'll be right back, I need to say goodbye to Dr. Gerandy, it looks like he and his wife are leaving."

"How do you know my mother?" he asked when she had stepped away.

"She did the design for my apartment."

He laughed ruefully. "I should have realized it was her work."

"Does she go by her maiden name? The name of the company I used is Platt-Whitlock Designs."

"Yes, Platt; Whitlock is my sister's married name. Did you meet Alice?"

"Yes, they were both wonderful. Is Alice your older or younger sister?" I asked.

"Older, but not by much. We're less than two years apart." Alice had been so friendly and easy to get along with; she had made a sincere attempt to befriend me, and we hit it off well. But at the time, I had been too gutted to make the effort. She was persistent, she eventually gave up. I liked Alice immensely though, and I was sorry I had let the chance for friendship slip by. "We're close," he added.

I nodded, wondering if I should ask him to apologize to Alice for me, but I realized I'd done essentially the same thing with Edward in the last few weeks and the guilt multiplied.

"Happy Birthday by the way. Sorry, I didn't know..."

He shrugged. "Why would you have? It's not a big deal. It was actually on the twentieth of June, but my parents were in London for almost a month, so we pushed the party back so we could celebrate their anniversary along with my birthday."

I nodded; the silence awkward for a moment. A frown marred his forehead and he started at me.

When Esme made her way back over to us, I gave her a warm smile, grateful for the interruption.

"I can't believe I never made the connection," I said. "I can't believe you're Edward's mother, although now that I see you together, I can see the resemblance."

Esme laughed. "He did take after me. Both in looks and artistic temperament."

"I saw Edward give a speech at the museum on the Stein Collection. He was very compelling."

"He is very passionate about the things he is interested in." She shot him a meaningful look. She beamed at me and winked at Edward before looking around the room again. "Well, I'll leave you two to get better acquainted. I think they're just about to bring out dessert. Why don't you join us, Bella?"

"I would love to, but I actually need to get back to my parents. They're probably wondering where I am."

She hugged me goodbye and made me promise to call her sometime. I agreed and turned to Edward.

"I need to go; they've probably brought out our entrées already. Happy Birthday, Edward." I stepped forward to kiss his cheek and I felt his hands close around my waist.

"You've been difficult to get a hold of lately," Edward commented, holding me close to him.

"I've been swamped with cases, I'm sorry."

"You sure that's all?" He looked at me searchingly and I flinched.

"Not entirely. Just trying to deal with some things."

He nodded. "Well, I'm not trying to put any pressure on you, but I have missed seeing you."

"I've missed seeing you, too," I said, meaning it. I had let my head get clouded with Riley, but I hadn't heard from him at all since I brought up a long-distance relationship. Frankly, I was tired of feeling like I was being ignored when he was the one to initiate things again. I knew he was busy, but it wasn't too much to expect him to at least let me know he wouldn't be available. It stung that he couldn't be bothered to get back to me. And through his actions, I was unintentionally hurting Edward. I wanted to tell Edward that I was sorry, for everything, but I really didn't even know what to say. Until things were solid with Riley I really was just holding my breath.

"Well, you know my number," Edward said.

I nodded, a stab of guilt hitting me square in the chest. I gave him one final kiss on the cheek, before making my way back to the table. My entrée was waiting; thankfully, it was still warm.

"We thought you had left, Isabella," Renee said reproachfully.

"I'm sorry, I ran into Esme Platt."

"Oh, how is she?" I took a bite of my meal and noticed the immediate shift in Renee's demeanor. She sat up straighter, pushed back her shoulders and instantly her "networking socialite side" started to appear.

"She's fine. She's celebrating her anniversary tonight, and her son's birthday. You met her son at the barbecue and at the benefit. Edward."

"That young man is related to her?" Renee gave me a speculative look, still clearly judging him. "Why on earth didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know, until tonight. She uses her maiden name."

"And what is her husband's name?" I could see her mind churning, trying to find her "in." Renee was all about status, so any chance at getting her name out there in the eyes of another socialite couple she would take. Esme Platt, of Platt-Whitlock Designs, had a waiting list for clients and was one of the most sought after designers in the city.

"Cullen, as far as I'm aware."

"Interesting. I wonder if they're those Cullens?"

"I have no idea which Cullens you are referring to, Mother."

"They're very prominent in society. Both the Platts and the Cullens."

I shrugged. "Edward said his family has been in the area since the gold rush."

"Hmm. You'll have to introduce me."

"I don't really feel it's appropriate to interrupt their celebration, Mother," I protested.

"Just leave it be, Renee," Charlie said.

Renee scowled, clearly in disagreement. "Really, Charles, they would be good connections to have."

"Drop it," he said firmly and she sat back in her chair with an irritated huff. Charlie usually indulged her whims, but I was grateful that he had sensed my discomfort. Things with Edward were difficult enough; I didn't need to throw Renee's antics into the mix.

When I pushed aside my half-eaten entrée, Charlie frowned at me. "You don't eat enough, Bella," he chastised me gently.

"I'm full," I lied. Truthfully, I had been enjoying my dinner until Renee had started to push my buttons.

"I think Isabella has been looking much better lately," she said, turning to me. "You needed to lose a few pounds."

She smiled at me and I had the overwhelming urge to scream.

Charlie's expression was displeased. "I don't think that's true at all, in fact, I've been worried about how thin she is."

I gulped down a rather large sip of my wine, feeling myself flush as the heat traveled to my stomach. "Oh God, I can't handle this tonight," I thought. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Edward, Alice, and tall older man with dark hair leaving with Esme. Edward was laughing at something, his eyes sparkling and a wide grin on his face. "He really is so beautiful when he laughs," I thought. With a pang of remorse, I realized once again, how horribly I'd treated him.

They stopped by the door, and I watched as he hugged his mother and Alice goodbye. Alice's clear voice carried through the restaurant. "Are you sure you don't want to come out with Jasper and I tonight?"

"I'm sure," he answered her more quietly. I had to strain to hear his response. "I'm going to head home and crash. It's been a long week."

"Oh, fine." I saw Alice huff and kiss his cheek.

As they said their goodbyes a wicked idea popped into my head; before I had even taken the time to think it through, I was on my feet and excusing myself. "I'm sorry. But I need to head out now, I have a meeting I need to prep for tomorrow."

"Isabella," Renee reprimanded. "You are being so rude tonight."

"I'm sorry." I kissed Renee on the cheek and gave Charlie a much warmer hug goodbye. Barely stopping to grab my coat from coat check, I was out the door. I had plans for tonight. Plans to surprise Edward. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face, hopefully he would be at his place when I got there.

I drove home quickly and hurried inside. "Evening, Jacob!" I called out enthusiastically.

"Evening, Miss Swan," he replied with a slightly surprised tone.

In my apartment, I hastily stripped out of my clothing and wrapped myself in a robe. Twenty minutes later, I had smoky-eyes and glossy red lips. Frantically I dug through my dresser to find the perfect lingerie. With a triumphant grin, I found a gorgeous set and put it on. It was a never-before-worn black demi bra made from sheer pleated tulle and a matching thong, both of which left very little to the imagination. I added a pair of black sheer stay up stockings, along with a pair of spiked-heeled black knee-high boots.

I shook out my curls, found a large black leather satchel, adding a soft jersey dress to slip into later and two black silk scarves. I put on a belted trench coat and left the building, feeling eager to surprise Edward. I squirmed in my seat on the drive there, feeling naughty dressed in so little. I saw my reflection in the rearview mirror; my eyes were bright, my cheeks were flushed with excitement. Twenty minutes later, I was in front of Edward's building. I parked along the street and dialed his number.

He answered his phone sounding puzzled. "Bella?"

"Edward," I purred. "I'm standing outside your building and I have a little bit of a birthday surprise for you."

"All right," he said warily. "Do you need me to come let you in?"

"Yes."

"I'll be there in a moment." I steeled my nerves as I felt them begin to creep up, hearing the obvious tension in his voice.

When he opened the doors, his eyes met mine and then traveled down the rest of me. I teasingly lifted the hem of the coat until it was halfway up my thigh and he could see the top of my stockings. He was shirtless, wearing a pair of low-slung black sleep pants and his hair was wet as if he'd just showered. Any hesitation I may have felt quickly left as I remembered exactly how Edward made me feel every time we were together.

He leaned against the door, crossing his arms as his eyes took me in. "I take it this surprise doesn't involve birthday cake."

"No." I smiled. "But I can guarantee that you won't have any complaints."

He smirked at me and extended his hand to direct me in. "After you."

He followed me up to his loft and once he locked the door behind us, I leaned in and gently tapped a finger against his bare chest.

"I just have one rule for you. I'm in charge tonight, birthday boy."

I led him up to his bedroom and worked my thumbs into the waistband of his pants. I wiggled them down his hips and he stepped out of them, his eyes intent on me. He blinked once in surprise, as I gently pushed him back onto the bed, but didn't respond. I set my purse on the bed next to him and instructed him, "Put your hands over your head, wrists together."

He raised a single eyebrow at me questioningly but didn't protest and he did as I asked. I pulled a scarf out of my purse and his tongue wet his lips. I wound the scarf around his wrists and tied them together.

"Keep them over your head," I whispered huskily. He nodded; his breathing beginning to pick up.

I stepped back so he could see all of me. Slowly, teasingly, I untied the belt and buttons on my trench coat, making sure it didn't gap open until they were all loosened. "Do you want to see what's under here?" I asked.

When Edward nodded, I slowly opened the coat, peeling it away from my body and tossing it to the railing behind me. His lips parted and I saw his cock stiffen.

"Wasn't I naughty, showing up here like this? Driving here in nothing but lingerie under my trench coat?" I asked innocently. Something about Edward made my usual inhibitions disappear. I had been horrible to Edward in the past week and Riley had left me nothing but frustrated with his lack of communication. I was feeling bold with a slight edge.

"Y-Yes," he said hoarsely.

"All you can do is look. You can't even touch me." I ran my fingers across my nipples, feeling them tighten underneath the sheer fabric. I traced across my stomach, hips, and then down my thighs. I stepped closer to the bed and dragged my left hand up my thigh, slowly. "Do you know how wet it made me to show up this way?"

He shook his head. I let my fingers move to just below my pussy. "I'm dripping. Would you like a taste?" Though this was for Edward, I couldn't deny how turned on I was.

When he nodded, I ran my fingers up under my thong and across my wetness before holding them up to show them to him. "I don't know, do you deserve a taste, birthday boy?"

I stifled a laugh when he nodded. "I don't know that you do," I said, frowning playfully. "Maybe I should just taste myself."

I slipped my fingers into my mouth and he gasped. I licked them clean, sucked my index finger in my mouth, and released it with a quiet pop. "Maybe later, if you've been good you can have a reward," I purred.

"Please," he said in a raspy whisper.

I stepped back and slowly peeled the lingerie off me, tossing it aside. I left the stockings and boots on. I moved to the side of the bed to kneel beside him. "You're going to say that a lot tonight. I'm going to tease you, and make you squirm. You're going to be begging me by the time I'm through."

I dragged my short, manicured nails across his thighs. He gasped, the muscles tensing under my touch. I did it again and his hips began to squirm on the bed. His cock was hard; beginning to weep at the tip.

"You want me, don't you?"

"Yes," he rasped.

"You want my hot, wet pussy surrounding you…"

"Yes." His voice grew noticeably hoarser as my teasing continued.

"I think you're going to have to wait though." I straddled his thighs, kneeling over them, his cock just inches from my hand. Instead, I parted my lips and his eyes followed the path of my fingers hungrily.

"Maybe I'll just play with myself, instead." His mouth dropped open when I dragged two fingers across my wetness

"Mmm, that feels so good." I moaned quietly. "You like to tease me, remind me that you're better at bringing me pleasure than anyone else. I think it's my turn to remind you of the same thing. I'm the best you'll ever have."

He swallowed hard. "I'm going to blindfold you now." I reached for the other scarf, softly tying it around his eyes. They were brilliant and needy just before the fabric covered them.

"I'm going to touch you, taste you, and tease you until you're so desperate for me you think you'll die," I whispered in his ear. "Now I just need you to stay very still..."

I kissed his lips softly, the barest brush, before I moved to his jaw and across the light stubble there. Then I moved to his ear where I breathed hot air against it before tracing my tongue along the outer edge. He shifted on the bed when I took his earlobe between my teeth and gently bit down. He moaned quietly and I made my way down from his ear to his throat. He threw his head back into the pillows, giving me better access. I grazed my teeth across his Adam's apple, then moved to the other side of his neck, up to his ear.

I shifted to the side, allowing his thigh to nestle between mine. I felt the soft hair on his leg tickle my inner thighs and I slowly rocked my pussy across him.

"Can you feel how wet I am?" I whispered in his ear.

"Yes," he whimpered.

I moved my lips to his collarbone, licking along it in short, teasing strokes in order to make him gasp. I sat up and dragged my fingertips down his sternum. His lips parted as my fingertips moved to his right nipple and circled around it. I did that until it was hard and then I moved to the left one. His respiration picked up, his chest rising and falling quicker. I lowered my lips and flicked out my tongue. I glanced up at him to see him panting, hands clenched over his head, straining against the soft silk tie.

I repeated the movement again and he shifted under me, needy and growing impatient. I moved to the other side and gently rocked against his thigh. Although it was teasing Edward, it was teasing me just as much. I had to bite my lip to keep from moaning out loud. His cock was hard and straining; I could feel it twitch against my leg.

Reminding myself to be patient, I worked my way down his body, licking and nipping at the soft skin. I settled on the bed between his legs, hovering over his body. The muscles along his stomach were lean, beautifully defined, and I ran my tongue along the lines of his abs. He gasped, bucking upwards when my tongue met his hipbone and moved down the sculpted V. Again, I repeated it on the other side; he was panting and gasping by the time I exhaled hot air against his cock. But instead of taking him in my mouth like he expected, I slid forward and my pussy dragged over him. I lowered myself to straddle his waist. His cock twitched under me as I leaned forward to press my lips to his.

He kissed me hungrily, sighing with frustration when I pulled back.

"Please, Bella," he whispered. "I need you."

"Just be patient," I softly admonished him. If I was honest with myself though, I needed him just as much as he needed me in that moment.

I kissed him again, and he let me lead. Although I could feel him, hard and eager against me, I slowed the pace down, kissing him languidly. Slowly, slowly the pace increased and the intensity followed until we were both panting. My hips began an easy rocking rhythm and the head of his dick slid across my clit. I wanted to bury him inside of me, but I wasn't eager to get off him to find a condom.

I exhaled against Edward's mouth, returning my hands to his chest, thumbing his nipples to make him moan.

As I worked my way down his body, again he begged me softly. "Please, please, Bella...I need..."

His hips shifted restlessly, his arms lifted and then lowered again, the muscles tightening and relaxing. His wrists were lightly tied together and there was nothing stopping him from reaching for me and taking control. My hair fell forward and brushed along his hips, making his skin twitch.

I dragged my tongue from the base of his cock up to the tip, tasting both of us on him. He let out an agonized groan and I engulfed him completely with my mouth. He cried out sharply, his shoulders rising up off the bed. I pressed my palm against the clenched muscles of his chest and gently pushed him back down. Once he was quiet and still again, I began to move. I slid my mouth up and down in a slow, easy motion and he breathed to the rhythm of my movement. I brought him right to the edge, until he was panting, thrashing under me, a litany of "please," leaving his lips. Every muscle in his body was tight and straining with a light sheen of sweat covering him. When I released him slowly, he groaned in disappointment.

I got up off the bed and walked around it, the sound of my heels clicking on the wood floors as I made my way to the nightstand. My thighs were wet and I felt the ache between them with every step I took. I retrieved a condom and opened it. His head turned toward me at the sound of the tearing foil. His lips were pink and parted, wet from where his tongue had swept across them.

I moved my handbag to the floor and straddled his thighs again, gently working the condom down over him. It twitched in my hands as I slowly stroked up and down once before placing it just outside my entrance. His hips shifted and the air caught in his throat, but he didn't push upward, although he easily could have. I leaned forward, my nipples brushing his chest as I undid the blindfold. I gasped when I saw his eyes. His pupils were dilated; I could barely see the color of the iris around them.

"Please," he said desperately.

His hungry, desperate gaze urged me to sink down on him immediately. His chest rose and fell quickly, and his jaw clenched as I began to move.

I moved slowly at first, rising and falling with a gentle rhythm. His muscles clenched under me with every move I made and I shamelessly enjoyed watching his body respond to mine. I was incredibly aroused; the teasing, playful tone that I'd begun with was rapidly turning heated. I sped up a little, hearing my thighs slap against his as I rode him harder. His eyes were locked on mine, full of needy desperation, begging me for release although he didn't speak. He was panting hard; the rough pace had him gripping the silk scarf until his knuckles turned white.

He came with a wordless, groan of pleasure that reverberated through my body, making me clench around him. My orgasm slammed into me, taking me by surprise and my head came back as I cried out, our voices blending together in ecstasy. My body trembled over his as he shuddered and shook.

When I collapsed on his chest, he brought his arms, still tied together at the wrists, over my head to rest on my back. I reached behind me, fumbling to untie the slippery silk. The moment it loosened, he wrapped his arms tightly around me. We lay like that for a moment without moving and he kissed the top of my head. I could hear his heart hammering in his chest beneath my ear and he pulled me tighter, rocking me gently. Reluctantly, I pulled back just enough for him to slip out of me and I disposed of the condom. When I settled back on top of him, he wound his legs around mine, pinning me to his body. I tilted my head to look down at him, and he looked dazed and sated.

"Fuck, Bella. That was..." He sighed and his eyes fluttered closed for a moment. He kissed me gratefully and I let myself relax against his body, every bit as satisfied as he was.

He pulled me tight against him and kissed my forehead before turning onto his side and hooking a leg over mine. He slid his arm under the pillow on my side of the bed so my head was tucked up under his chin and I could feel him exhale raggedly against my hair. After a moment, his breathing came slower and deeper as his body grew heavy, his arm pinning me close to him.

"Best birthday, ever," he mumbled before he fell asleep. In minutes he was deeply asleep and I watched him for a while before I reluctantly pulled myself from his arms. I pulled on my underwear and the jersey dress I had stashed in my bag before putting the trench coat back on. I stared down at him for a moment.

"Happy birthday, Edward," I whispered before I slipped out of his apartment to head back home.

So this week was full of awesome. Not only was it Edward's birthday but it was Discordia's birthday, as well. She turned another year fabulous, so please send her some belated-birthday love. Please check out her other story Beyond the Break Room. It was in the top Five Fics of the Week over at The Lemonade Stand!

The song for this chapter is "With Teeth" by Nine Inch Nails youtu*be/c1uaGkwmDa0 Both Discordia and I love them; Trent Reznor is pretty much a genius. The restaurant Bella and Edward went to is called The Spinnaker and you can see it here: i50*tinypic*com/2vuddmh*jpg

Feel free to stop by to chat or look for teasers in the following places:
Facebook: www* /DiscordiaWriter
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