AN: This took longer than I expected…but here it is! Happy reading :)

…

Chapter 17

…

Time was never on my side. It always did the exact opposite of what I wanted.

Of course, this week, I really couldn't figure out what I wanted.

Part of me wanted to procrastinate and put this off for as long as possible. And yet, Thursday couldn't come soon enough. I just wanted to get it all over with and come out on the other side… hopefully with Edward still in the picture.

My week had been busy, which was good in that it kept my mind from wandering over the looming conversation too much.

When I entered the office on Monday morning, there was an enormous gourmet gift basket on my desk. Honestly, that thing was huge. Enclosed was a thank you note:

My Dear Emmett,

I so enjoyed meeting with you this weekend and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

This is just a small token of my appreciation, but there is plenty more where that came from.

I have also taken the liberty of giving your card to a few of my esteemed colleagues.

Be expecting some calls from several promising new clients. I'll be in touch.

Yours, Aro

I stared blankly at the note in my hand, not knowing what to make of this. From anyone else, it would seem like a very generous gesture. And while it was that, it was also something much more.

The flashing red light on my phone caught my attention and I paused to listen to my messages. The sheer number of potential clients that had called was simply unprecedented. Aro was a very influential man.

Although I was grateful for the business, I was a bit worried about accepting favors from this man. There was definitely an ulterior motive here. But, before I had a chance to make up my mind on the matter, my boss came in and made the decision for me. He was ecstatic about what this would do for the firm's reputation and insisted that I follow up on these leads.

So, I had spent most of the week on the phone, setting up meetings, and doing more paperwork than I normally did in a month. Between Aro and the new referrals, I was completely bogged down.

On a more positive note, Edward and I had spoken every day this week.

It started on Sunday, when I called to firm up our plans for Thursday evening. After some serious thought, the idea had come to invite him over for dinner at my place. Not that I was the best cook, but I thought it would be a nice romantic gesture. Yeah, I guess I'm just a big old softie. Plus, this conversation could not be had in a public place, so a dinner in seemed like the best option.

He agreed to come over and, since then, we'd been calling or texting each other at least once a day. Nothing too serious or life-altering was shared; we just talked about our days and asked each other random questions. It was all very normal and I was grateful for that.

We even met up for a quick lunch at a café on Tuesday. One of Edward's classes had been cancelled and he called to see if I could meet him. It was casual, no kissing or intimate touching, but that was fine. I was just happy that he had wanted to spend time with me.

Now, more than ever, I felt the need to tell him - before it was too late. We were becoming closer and really getting to know one another. Even though there was a lot left unsaid between us, things felt effortless with Edward. If I could only get past my admission, I think we could have a real shot.

Of course, I was afraid to lose him now that things were going so well. He was already wary of commitment, how would this help?

But, I had made the decision to go ahead with this, and I was sticking to it…Only one more day…

…

***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***

…

I really don't know how I made it through the week. It had been exhausting.

Edward had been great this week. He was still a bit unsure of himself sometimes, but things were going well.

Now that my confession had been put off, I was having a hard time figuring out how to bring it up again. Nevertheless, tonight was the night. No turning back. I was seriously nervous. But, I was telling Edward no matter what. I would not be distracted or let anything stop me from sharing this with him.

Thankfully, I had tomorrow off. My boss actually told me to take the day due to all the overtime I'd been putting in.

This was a relief because, whichever way things went tonight, I knew I could use the mental health day. The only thing that remained to be seen was how I'd be spending the day - either basking in the glow or wallowing in despair.

After rushing home from work, I took a quick shower, and started cooking immediately. On the menu for tonight, was a new recipe that I got from the Food Network. On the show, they'd made gorgonzola and porcini mushroom risotto with seared chicken. It looked so good.

Now, I wasn't exactly a gourmet chef, but I wanted to make something special for Edward. This was pretty ambitious for me, though, and I prayed that it would turn out alright.

I followed the instructions to the letter and put forth my best effort, but I could tell that it wasn't going to be as good as Giada's Everyday Italian. Not even remotely. Actually, it looked pretty disgusting, but I hoped it wouldn't taste too horrible. Sometimes things that look bad can actually taste good, right? Well, that's what I was banking on.

Edward arrived exactly on time, greeting me with that beautiful smirk and a big hug. Dinner was ready, so we sat down to eat right away. I tried to make the table look presentable, laying out a table runner and some candles, in an attempt to cover up the ugliness of the food. But, whether it would work or not… I wasn't so sure.

Mom had bought me the runner years ago, despite my insistence that I would never use it. And until now, that had been true. It was very much appreciated at the moment and, with the addition of the candles, made for a romantic atmosphere.

Edward politely ate some of the dish, giving me praise, but I took one bite and spit it into my napkin. It was even worse than I had anticipated.

Mortified beyond belief, I apologized, "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry Edward. This is horrible."

"It's not that bad," he offered kindly.

"Yes it is. It's terrible. I'll order takeout, Chinese or pizza?"

…

***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***

…

I became increasingly nervous as the night wore on. Edward must have sensed this and kept stealing glances at me as we ate. But, I continued to shove food in my mouth, avoiding and procrastinating.

Eventually we'd finished eating and I'd cleaned up and was sitting next to Edward on the couch. There was no more time for stalling. He deserved to know and I had to get this off of my chest. It was like a weight had settled there and was pushing down on me, constricting me. It was becoming hard to breathe. My hands were balled tightly into fists and I was shaking my leg, trying to relieve some of my anxiousness. Edward finally put his hand on my knee to stop me.

"Hey," he began, "Emmett what's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

This was the moment of truth.

…

***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***EE***

…

EDWARD'S POINT OF VIEW

…

I smiled, internally, at the disaster that was Emmett's dinner. It was gross, maybe the worst thing I've ever tasted. But, he had made it for me. And it was his sweetness which made me smile. I was pretty lucky to have found him.

I couldn't believe how fast things were moving between us and that I was actually allowing myself to trust him. It had been years since I had opened up to someone new. Well, except for Alice.

She was different though. I don't think I ever made a conscious decision to be open with her, she demanded it of me and there was no disagreeing with Alice. But she was a good friend and I would have never ended up here with Emmett if it wasn't for her. So I couldn't be too put out with the little rascal - no matter how exasperating she could be.

To me, Emmett was perfect. What a beautiful man, gorgeous in fact. He was fun and playful, very confident and sure of himself. And he had a good heart. He was everything that I was not.

But he had told me before that he had something to confess…baggage that might make me not want him anymore. I couldn't imagine that. What could possibly take me away from this great man, other than my personal fears and hang-ups? Surely, nothing that he could say would make me leave.

Currently we were sitting on his sofa, having just finished our takeout.

Something was up. Emmett had been avoiding eye contact all evening and had barely spoken to me. He was obviously nervous, although he was trying to hide it. His entire body was tense, consumed in his worry. His jaw was clenched, as were his hands, and he was just plain jittery.

His anxiousness was seeping into me and making me nervous as well. What was going on? Was he going to break it all off? Had he had enough of me?

I'd given him plenty of space, but I couldn't take it anymore. Putting a comforting hand on his knee, I spoke gently to him. "Hey. Emmett, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

His shaking ceased immediately and he looked at me with haunted eyes. Yes, something was definitely wrong.

"I, uh… I have something I need to talk to you about. I should have told you a long time ago, but I just…well, I guess I didn't want to scare you off. You deserve to know. Sorry, I'm being so…ugh, why is this so hard?"

I had never heard Emmett sound so unsure of himself. He was beginning to sound like me with the nervous insecurity. Wanting to ease his distress, I spoke reassuringly, "Emmett, baby, it's okay. Just tell me."

He gasped in shock at the term of endearment. I was surprised at it myself, but I certainly wasn't about to take it back. In spite of the bad timing, I was falling for him. And he needed me right now.

His eyes held mine and I could see his determination as he began, "Okay… well, you know that your Dad is my doctor right?"

How could I ever forget that? I mean, that's where I first saw him – my Father's office. But, where was he going with this?

With a bit of a smirk, I answered, "Yes, I believe that's how we met."

He smiled, that gorgeous dimpled smile, before taking a deep breath and getting back to business.

"Yeah. Right…I, uh…" his smile faltered.

He couldn't seem to find the words and sighed, running his hand over his face. I hated to see him so stressed. I remembered how nervous I was the other night and how he had grabbed hold of my hand. That small act had truly touched my heart and helped me so much.

Maybe I should try it now, it couldn't hurt. And I wanted him to know I was there for him and would support him, like he had supported me.

Cautiously, I reached over and took his hand in mine. His head jerked up, brilliant blue eyes meeting mine. I tried to convey my concern and sincerity through my gaze and he gave me a small smile and seemed to calm down considerably.

He took a deep breath and continued, "Well, Dr. Cullen is not only my general family practice doctor…"

He paused, gathering his thoughts, and my own mind began to race. He couldn't be going where I thought he was going with this…could he? No, surely not. Okay, focus Edward; listen to the man in front of you.

"…he is my oncologist."

Time seemed to stand still in that moment. I couldn't even process what he had said. As soon as the words had left his mouth he removed his hand from mine, closing his eyes tightly.

I sat there in shock. How could this be true? This beautiful, strong man was one of my father's cancer patients? It couldn't be true. There must be some mistake.

Looking over, I saw Emmett's face contort with pain and realized that I was taking too long to respond. He must be hurting and here I am sitting silently, like an idiot, seemingly rejecting him. I regained my composure and reached out to touch him. I cupped his cheek gently in my hand, wanting him to know that it was okay. That I would be there for him.

As I caressed his cheek, I spoke softly, "Look at me Emmett."

He slowly opened his eyes, which were watery with unshed tears. I had never seen Emmett look so vulnerable.

I spoke with as much sincerity as I possessed, hoping some of it would show through to him, "I am so sorry Emmett. I'm sorry you felt you couldn't tell me and I'm sorry you're going through this. But, I'm not going to run away. You haven't scared me off."

I paused and smiled at him, which he returned tentatively. I removed my hand from his face but continued to look into those piercing blue eyes as I asked the question that was weighing heavily on my heart and mind. "How bad is it?"

I was prepared for the worst at this point, but was hopeful. My Father was the best around and if anyone could help Emmett through this, it was the renowned Dr. Cullen.

"Well, it could be a lot worse. I caught it really early…actually the tests came back on the same day that I first met you at the office…"

Emmett went on to explain his diagnosis of testicular cancer and the treatment he had undergone so far. He'd been through so much, and I was thankful that this type of cancer was so treatable. But, I knew it was still serious and he'd have to be monitored closely.

But, I didn't tell him this. I'm sure he was already well aware and he didn't need me to be his physician. Instead, I expressed my concern and happiness that things were going well so far. And that I had a lot of faith in my father. I even admitted, with extreme embarrassment, to wondering about his single testicle.

He told me that he was afraid to let me go down on him that night. He was afraid that I would notice and question him or even reject him. I assured him that nothing could be further from the truth and that it didn't matter to me in the slightest.

He had begun to see a therapist and was going to start group therapy sessions next week as well. As I sat and listened to this man, I was humbled by his strength and courage. He was truly a special person and I was bursting with the need to make my feelings known.

"Emmett, it might be too soon for this. I don't want to freak you out, but I think I am falling in love with you."

Yeah, I just blurted that out. I don't know why. My mental filter must be on the fritz, but I couldn't take it back now. It was true, and I might as well let him know it. Emmett brought something out in me. I couldn't hide from him, I didn't want to. I only hoped I wasn't pushing him away by saying it so soon. I mean we hardly knew each other.

At first, his mouth dropped open in astonishment. But when his face lit up and his mouth spread into that huge dimpled grin, I couldn't help myself. I leaned forward and crushed my lips to his, before he had the chance to respond.

I did an internal dance of joy when I felt him kiss me back. Our mouths moved together slowly and sensually, with unrestrained zeal. Before I could think about what I was doing, I began undressing him.

My breath caught in my throat as his beautiful muscular chest was exposed to me. I could spend the rest of my life just looking at this man. Truthfully. He was the most gorgeous man I'd ever laid eyes on.

It was hard to believe that he had chosen to be with me. He trusted me and had allowed himself to be vulnerable. Being someone with serious trust issues myself, I recognized this for the gift that it was. It was not something to be taken lightly and I only hoped I could be deserving of it.

My hands wandered over his skin as I began lavishing him with kisses. I nipped at the soft spot behind his ear, smirking when I felt him shiver. I licked the same spot earning me a groan that went straight to my groin. I continued to kiss and lick my way down his body, causing Emmett to writhe beneath me. But I kept up the slow torture, savoring the feel of his smooth skin under my lips and tongue.

I was a bit surprised at my boldness, but being around Emmett seemed to lower my inhibitions, giving me a confidence that I rarely possessed these days. I felt safe with him.

In spite of all my fears and hang-ups, I had fallen for this man and I had fallen hard. Emmett was quickly becoming my everything. And no one could be more surprised about that than me. I had vowed to never get in this deep with anyone again, but something told me Emmett was different.

Tonight was about him and I was going to focus on his pleasure. I wanted to let him know that it was okay, I would still love him even if he had cancer. This didn't change anything for me.

He was still Emmett. My wonderful, gorgeous, perfect Emmett. And I wanted him to feel all the love that I had for him.