A/N: This chapter is in Edward's POV. I needed to change it up a bit and let us get into Edward's head. Hope you enjoy!

The car ride to Bella's apartment gives me time to think about what I'm doing.

Seriously, Edward. What are you doing?

You don't know this girl. You're supposed to be getting away to clear your head so you can figure out your life, figure out Tanya. Not shack up with a stranger and play house.

But ... I can't help myself.

There's something about her. Those brown eyes, the softness of her skin, the way the tip of her mouth comes to plump point, begging to be kissed.

Fuck. I've got to stop this. Appearing at her door like a twelve-year-old with a hard-on isn't the kind of impression I want to make.

Since she walked into Carlisle's office, I haven't been able to get this girl out of my head. She's unlike anyone I've ever met. Bella's so honest and witty. Oh, and the way she bites on her lower lip, her teeth tugging against that perfect mouth ...

Dammit! I just need to turn around. Call her and tell her this was a mistake. I'll find somewhere else to stay.

I laugh out loud because I know I can't. As much as I think this isn't a good idea, I can't seem to stay away from her.

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I stand on her doorstep for what seems like forever. When the door opens, I lose all train of thought. She's wearing tiny shorts and what has to be the sexiest Mickey Mouse t-shirt in existence. I just stare, unable to form words.

"Um. Hi." Her voice is soft and hesitant.

I squeeze my eyes shut, willing a certain body part to stay calm.

"Hi." I choke out.

"Wanna come in?"

I nod and walk past her, carrying my bags inside. I set down my stuff and take a quick look around.

"Sorry, it's a mess. Didn't really expect to have a roommate tonight." Bella laughs.

"It's perfect." I chuckle nervously, not sure what to say.

"Well ..." She pauses. Bella seems as nervous as I am. "Would you like to see your room?"

"Sure. Lead the way."

The room is larger than I expected. The walls are off-white, the bed at least queen size, with a huge taupe fabric headboard.

"Is this the master bedroom?" I ask as I place my bags on the bed.

"Both bedrooms are the same size. I forgot to mention there's only one bathroom though, so we'll have to share. Our bedrooms have a connecting door to the bathroom. Is that okay?"

Bella looks up at me as she plays with the hem of her t-shirt, my mind flashes images of her in the shower, suds dripping down her stomach, her thighs ...

"Edward? You okay?"

Her voice drags me from my mental escapade.

"Yes, sorry, no, that's not a problem at all."

I need a cold shower. Like now.

She narrows her eyes at me, as if she's trying to figure something out.

She turns to walk out of the room. Her hand slides down the frame of the door. My body is about to explode.

"Well, make yourself at home. Let me know if you need anything."

"Do you mind if I take a quick shower?"

"Sure have at it. Towels are under the sink. Feel free to use whatever I have in there. That is, if you don't mind smelling girly."

I fumble through my bag and pull out my soap and shampoo, dropping them on the floor as I reply. "Lucky for me, I brought my own stuff."

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After a much needed cold shower, I towel-dry my hair and pull on a t-shirt and sweat pants. I should probably stay in here the rest of the night, avoid any further temptation, but I can't hide forever. I'm just going to have to just learn how to be around her.

I find her in the living room. She's sitting in a papasan chair, wearing headphones, concentrating on something she's writing. She smiles when she sees me.

"Feeling better?" She taps the end of her pen against her lips.

"I am, thank you."

"What is that I smell...is it...girly stuff?" She throws back her head and laughs.

Damn.

"I don't know what you're talking about?" I shrug my shoulders and make my way to the couch.

"Oh, so that's how we're playing it?" She sets down her notepad and raises her brow at me.

"I'm not playing. I have no idea what you're talking about."

You've got this, Edward. Be calm and hold your ground. You can't admit to this.

She stands up and walks towards me.

Stay calm.

Bella sits down beside me, inching herself up on her knees. I can feel her stomach against my arm, her breasts at eye level.

She leans down, her hot breath on my ear. "Do you really think you can fool me?"

Think about anything besides her. Dead puppies. Dead puppies. Grannies. Granny panties... Bella in granny panties... Taking off her panties... FOCUS!

I clear my throat. "What exactly do you think you smell?" I turn my head and look up at her.

She sits back on her heels, and grabs my hands, bringing them up to her face and smells them.

"I know I smell my new shower gel and lotion. Couldn't resist the Lemon Vanilla? Don't worry. It's my favorite, too."

She's laughing hysterically now. I've blown my cover.

"Fine. You caught me."

I lean back against the couch, my hands up in mock surrender.

"Not as smooth as I thought, Edward. We'll have to work on your 007 skills a little more."

Bella stands up and walks to the kitchen. I can't help but notice the lack of panty lines under those tiny shorts. I smile a little to myself thinking that she decided to forgo the grannies tonight.

Wait. Shit. That's not good. She wears the grannies when she's afraid she'll want to have sex with someone. Ha! This girl isn't even tempted by me. God I'm so pathetic.

"Want a drink or something?"

"No, I'm okay."

Bella's place is nice. Nicer than I thought it would be. For someone who just started her own business, she's doing quite well for herself. I notice a stack of vinyl records on a shelf.

"You have a turntable?" I nod my head to the records as she walks back into the room.

"Yeah, it's in the cabinet, under the records. I'll get it out."

I watch as she sets it up, her fingers lightly trace along the tops of the records as she searches for the one she wants.

There is something extremely sexy about this girl. She's not dressed up. Her hair is in a messy ponytail and she has little or no make-up on. She is breathtaking.

She looks over at me as she plucks one out of the center.

"Found it. This is one of my favorites."

She sets the record on the player, and gently places the needle. The familiar crackling brings back memories of being with family. Back when everything was good.

"Hope you don't mind my taste in music."

I have a feeling I will love every taste this girl has.

But when I hear the song start to play, I am shocked. Totally not what I was expecting. "You like Otis Redding?"

Bella takes a seat at the other end of the couch and pulls a blanket over her legs. She's drinking a glass of water, probably trying to keep a clear head like I am.

"I love him. I've listened to this record over and over many nights. This song ... it just does something to me."

This girl has taken my breath away. Otis' lyrics are resonating through my brain, repeating, "A Change Is Gonna Come."

I think Otis is right.

We sit there in silence, listening to the song. The sweat from Bella's drink drips down the glass and onto her fingers.

I am fucking dying here.

When the next song starts to play, I can't take it anymore. Mr. Redding is begging a girl to please come to him and I'm five seconds away from licking the water off Bella's fingers and tasting her perfect mouth.

The only thing keeping me from running from this room is the aching hard-on that luckily is being concealed by a pillow from the couch. Maybe I shouldn't have worn these sweat pants. Dammit. I've got to break the silence before I make a fool of myself.

"This is a really nice place you have here, Bella. I like your style. It's quite eclectic."

She laughs and curls her legs under her.

"I'm glad you like my style, Edward. A stylist with no style would be just plain pathetic."

I turn my body towards her, feeling the tension lighten I continue.

"So what's there to do in Forks, you know, for fun?"

Bella raises a brow at my question.

"Forks? Fun? You should have stayed in Chicago. Fun isn't a word I'd use to describe Forks."

"But there's got to be something to do. Clubs? Hang-outs?"

"Yeah, there's a few bars the usual crowd meets up at, and as for clubs, mostly just in Seattle. Nothing like that here. There's a movie theater and a few restaurants. Besides that, you've got to get creative for entertainment.

Oh, I can get creative.

"Why, you bored already?" She scoots down the couch and nudges me with her foot.

I grab her toe, deciding a laugh is what we both need. "Hardly."

I start tickling her foot and she screams, begging me to stop.

"EDWARD! Fuck!"

She's laughing so I know she's not mad. I now have both of her feet, she's screaming, trying to wiggle from my grasp.

"I swear to God you're going to get it!"

She sits up and grabs onto my arm, laughing as she pulls herself towards me.

I let go of her feet and try to block her hands from getting to me.

"Let's see how you like it!"

This girl is on a mission.

Her fingers have successfully made it to my ribs and I'm ticklish. Very ticklish.

"Not so fun on the other side, is it?"

Her hair has fallen free from her ponytail and I'm having a hard fighting her off.

"Okay, okay! I give up!"

My stomach hurts from laughing so hard and thankfully she stops her vicious tickle attack on me. We are both panting, trying to catch our breath.

"I guess I'm not the only ticklish person in the room." Bella smiles down at me and the crackling from the record starts to play the next song.

As "These Arms Of Mine" starts to play, I realize where she is. Bella's on my lap, straddling me.

I can hear her heart pounding from her chest as we both sit in silence. Her mouth is open slightly as her breath slows.

Unable to resist, I brush away a piece of stray hair from her face, letting me see her eyes.

"Bella ..."

She presses her finger to my lips, quieting me.

"Shhh. This is my favorite part of the song."

A/N: Eeek! What do you think happens next? I know what I would do if it were me!

The songs in this chapter are amazing. Please, if you have a moment, listen to the songs. You will understand what Edward and Bella were going through in that room.

Otis Redding:

First song: A Change is Gonna Come

Second song: Come To Me

Third song: These Arms Of Mine

I am overwhelmed by the awesome response this story has gotten. Every review and favorite makes me extremely giddy. To know that people actually like my words, it's amazing. A few of you have even rec'd this fic. Can't say how thankful I am!

If you want to see their outfits (and Bella's Mickey Mouse t-shirt) check out my polyvore account (link in bio).

See you next update! ~ Mazzy