A/N: Thanks to those who commented for the first chapter! I'm glad there are a few people who like it so far.

You already know what's SM's and what's mine. I'm too poor to get sued.

Enjoy!

Chapter 2

We were both relatively quiet as we got up and maneuvered our way through the party. I was slightly shocked as he opened the door and the loud music and sounds of laughter and talking flooded through the room. I'd forgotten just how loud it was while I was there in that room with Edward, and it seemed like more people had arrived. They were packed shoulder to shoulder, or ass to crotch in most cases, and I stumbled a couple of times as I followed Edward through the crowd. My heart pounded when he grabbed my hand to keep me with him. His hand was large and warm, slightly rough, and I prayed my own wasn't sweating because that would just be embarrassing and disgusting.

"Hey, Eddie!" a loud voice called just as we got outside, and I felt a pang of sadness as Edward dropped my hand and turned to the man who'd called him. I could tell immediately that the man was Emmett- though he was a bit taller than Edward and hugely muscled with curly black hair and blue eyes, there was a resemblance in the sharpness of their jaws, cheekbones, and heavy eyebrows.

"Emmett," Edward said wearily as Emmett walked up to him, slapping him heartily on the back. I stifled a laugh when Edward almost fell over, glaring at Emmett as he straightened and rubbed the back of his neck absently. "What do you want?"

"You leaving already? The party is just getting started," Emmett grinned wickedly, wiggling his eyebrows lasciviously. "Those hot chicks are still asking to meet you. It's getting harder to blow them off. I think they'd rather blow-"

I was surprised to feel another flash of jealousy and subconsciously moved closer to Edward, clearing my throat. Emmett looked from Edward to me and his eyebrows rose slightly as he looked back and forth between us a couple of times. Then he looked me up and down before grinning once again.

"Ohhh. And who is this?" he asked mischievously.

"Don't call me Eddie. And this—"

"This is Bella. Bella Swan," I answered before Edward could, holding my hand out for him to shake with an eyebrow raised.

Emmett just grinned more widely, reaching out to shake my hand. His meaty grip swallowed my entire hand, yet it was surprisingly warm and gentle. I got the same feeling about his personality- a little overpowering and rough, but caring and compassionate. I instantly liked him despite my annoyance at him trying to hook Edward up with some skanky sorority girls.

"Nice to meet you, Bella Swan. You're hot. Alice's geeky friend, right?"

"The one and only. You're not too bad yourself, though you're a little too much of a meathead for my tastes. Edward's jocky older brother, right?" I quipped back despite the blush that stained my cheeks at his compliment, and his eyebrows rose before he let out a laugh.

"I like her, Eddie. I see why you've been avoiding them." He let go of my hand, his eyes twinkling as he exaggeratedly looked me up and down again. "Her boobs are ten times better than theirs. 34C, right?"

I blushed hotly as Edward glared at Emmett. "Jesus Christ Em, could you at least try not to be so crude?"

"It's part of my charm," Emmett said with a dramatic eye flutter. I laughed as Edward rolled his eyes.

"If Rose heard you say that she'd string you up by the balls," he muttered angrily, but Emmett just laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Nah. She loves them too much." Right then, there was another loud crash and then shouting. "Oops, duty calls. I'll hold off the chicks for you, Eddie. Have fun."

"Don't call me Eddie!" Edward was too cute, the tips of his ears going red as he glanced at me quickly. I hid my smile.

"See ya later, Bella Swan," Emmett laughed, ignoring Edward and grinning at me. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" With a wink, he was gone.

"Wow. So that's Emmett, huh?" I said, and Edward shook his head before turning to me.

"Yea, that's Emmett. Sure you still wanna come with me?" he asked, looking adorably irritated and embarrassed.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm cool."

He looked at me and grinned before grabbing my hand again. My heart trilled as he quietly said, "Yea. Yea, you are."

*~*M.T.L*~*

We were relatively quiet as we walked down the sidewalk, both lost in our own thoughts. It was uncommonly clear outside for Washington and thankfully there wasn't a lot of traffic. I was highly aware of the warmth of Edward's hand around mine and of the fact that he still hadn't let go. The one time I halfheartedly tried to pull it away, he'd tightened his grip. Needless to say, I hadn't tried it again, enjoying the pleasant hum coursing through my body from the contact.

"So, where are we going?" I asked after a few moments of silence, and Edward shook his head slightly before looking down at me.

"I don't really have a plan. Maybe we could just walk and grab something to eat?"

"Sounds good to me," I said, thrilled at the chance to spend more time with him. "So, tell me more about yourself."

"Nah ah ah," Edward said, shaking his head with that twinkle back in his eye. "It's your turn to tell me about yourself, Bella Swan. Alice talks a lot about how smart and kind you are, but I don't really know anything about you personally. So spill."

"Well, it's really boring," I hedged.

His hand squeezed around mine, his smile warm as he glanced down at me. "I highly doubt that." I swooned, I'll admit it, and I had to take a second to get my bearings again.

"I was born here in Washington as well, but when I was eight we moved to Phoenix, Arizona for a while to take care of my grandma. She died of Alzheimer's about five years later, and we moved back here when I was about fourteen. I didn't do anything as cool as graduate school early, but I graduated at top of my class and went to school at Washington University for a couple of years. Hm, let's see, what else...My parents are still together too. My mom is an artist- she owns her own little store where she makes and sells pottery, jewelry, and fabrics- and my dad used to be a cop, but..." I stopped and swallowed before continuing "...He got cancer a couple of years ago and had to retire. He's had to stay at home and in hospitals since then."

"I'm sorry to hear that. That must be difficult," Edward murmured, squeezing my hand again, and I gave him a grateful half-smile, squeezing back in thanks.

"Thank you. It's definitely been...hard...but we're getting through it together."

It was silent for a moment before Edward spoke again, hesitance clear in his voice. "Is that really the reason why you stopped going to school?"

I stopped short, feeling my eyes widen and the traitorous hot sting of tears as my face heated up quickly. Edward stopped as well, turning toward me and looking down at me apologetically. I tried to pull my hand away from his, but he gripped it tightly.

"H-How did you...?"

"Alice just mentioned it one time in passing when I asked her to hang out with me. She told me she had to go to a doctor's appointment with a friend. I just put the pieces together...I'm sorry, Bella. I shouldn't have said anything. I didn't mean—"

"No, it's okay," I said, swallowing hard and dropping my eyes to the ground. I might as well get this out of the way. A man as smart as Edward might not want to be with someone who quit school. At least now he could decide whether he still wanted anything to do with me. "Yes, that's why I stopped going. My grandparents are all dead and mom and dad were both only children, so my mom needed help taking care of dad and we couldn't afford to put him in any nursing homes around here. Insurance only covers so much for a recovered cop. So I quit school and got a job and have been helping take care of him since."

"Bella," Edward murmured, taking a step closer to me, and I sniffled, batting at the stray tears that had escaped from the corners of my eyes. He squeezed my hand more tightly as he gently brought his other hand under my chin, lifting my head until I was looking at him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. But, I think it's incredible that you sacrificed your education for your parents like that. It says a lot about you."

"What, like the fact that I'm a quitter and a failure?" I blurted out bitterly.

"No, Bella," Edward said firmly, almost angrily. "You did that so you could help your parents- that just shows how selfless you are. You could have kept going and left them to struggle on their own, but you didn't. I...I admire you for that. And you should be proud of yourself for it."

I blinked rapidly as more tears fell. Could this man be real? I felt his words all the way down to my heart, where they minutely soothed the pain I'd carried since the day I'd heard the news and had to decide to let go of my lifelong desire- to go to college. I was the first woman in my family to go to college and I'd been so proud of that, so happy when I saw how proud my parents were. All of that had been shattered that fateful day and I'd been feeling so ashamed and unfulfilled with the direction my life was going in. But with just a few words Edward was making me feel better in a way not even Alice had been able to do.

"Thank you," I whispered with a tremulous smile, and he smiled down at me softly.

"You're welcome," he said quietly. His eyes studied my face a moment and I held my breath as we looked each other in the eye. There I saw everything I'd been growing a longing for- warmth, compassion, admiration...even the seedlings of affection. Everything I was feeling for him was reflected back at me, and it was a terrifying, wonderful feeling. It was happening so quickly...we'd only known each other for a couple of hours! I should have been scared, and I was, but I wasn't going to fight it. I wanted to hold on to this wonderful feeling for a little while longer. We smiled at each other, a silent mutual understanding passing between us, and he brushed his thumb against my cheek softly before dropping his hand.

"How about we go get something to eat?" he asked softly, squeezing my hand, and I squeezed back tightly, feeling a grin break out on my face.

"That sounds awesome," I said. He laughed lightly before turning around and walking again, his hand firm around mine. And as I followed him, I knew Alice was right.

Something good...No, something wonderful...was happening tonight.

*~*M.T.L*~*

"No way! Ten was way better than eleven!"

"Oh, please. Matt Smith is like one of the most epic Doctors there ever were. Admit it!"

Edward scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Women just say that because he's young and reasonably attractive. Looks don't equal skill."

I speared my alfredo, winding it onto my fork furiously as I glared at Edward. "First of all, Tennant was rather young and attractive too, so chew on that for a moment. Secondly, just because he's young and attractive doesn't mean he can't be a good actor. Come on! He was energetic, he was whimsical, and he delivered his lines with clarity and the perfect amount of emotion! Being young and good-looking was just a bonus. Plus some of his lines were just plain epic in a way that Tennant's never were!"

Edward glared back, pointing his fork at me. "Don't diss Tennant! His style was more reminiscent of the old Doctor Who- the ones that started it all. Smith's seasons had way too many weak episodes. While I will admit he had some brilliant moments, the fact is that his weak ones outweighed his brilliant ones in the end. Plus Tennant's quotes are much better than eleven's will ever be!"

"But that could be attributed to the creative team and the writer- not Matt Smith. His interpretation and execution of it was spot on. Hello? Did you HEAR his speech in Rings of Akhaten? Or how his quote about to Van Gogh?" I changed my voice to sound like a, if I do say so myself (which I do), halfway decent impression of the Doctor. "'The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant.' It was nothing short of brilliant!"

Edward rolled his eyes again, speaking passionately with food in his mouth. "That has nothing on Tennant's speeches. What about his Pandorica speech? 'Now the question of the hour is, "Who's got the Pandorica?" Answer: I do. Next question: Who's coming to take it from me? Come on! Look at me! No plan, no back-up, no weapons! Oh, and something else I don't have: Anything to lose! So! If you're sitting up there in your silly little spaceships with all your silly little guns and you've got—"

"E-Excuse me, sir. Would you like me to refill your drink?" the waitress said, and we both blinked as if coming out of a trance. It wasn't until she interrupted that I realized how close Edward and I were- we were both leaning across the small table between us, forks spearing our food, and probably looked like we were having an argument to end all arguments. We both looked at the wide-eyed waitress, who was keeping herself at a safe distance from the table, then back at each other before breaking out into sheepish laughter.

"Yes, please. Bella?" Edward said.

"Yes, please," I said, smiling sweetly at the waitress, and she smiled at us tentatively before turning and practically sprinting away.

"She probably thinks we're insane now," Edward said with a mischievous grin as he sat back in his seat, and I couldn't help but giggle.

"Or just extremely nerdy," I said.

"I'm finally beginning to think there's nothing wrong with that," he said, eyeing me with that warm twinkle in his eyes, and I felt a blush wash over my cheeks as I lowered my gaze to my food. I couldn't help the small, pleased smile that appeared on my face.

The night had been amazing. After that moment on the sidewalk, Edward had seemed to make it his personal mission to make me laugh and turned the conversation to lighter topics after we got settled in his car. We'd talked about music only to find out we had a common standpoint on it- we both loved to listen to anything that sounded good, but had a pretty strong aversion to country outside of the occasional good song. We'd had a battle to see who could guess the most song names based off of a line of lyrics, and I'd won by stumping him with Boyz II Men's No Diggity. We'd managed to find a small Italian restaurant and sat down (after he'd pulled my chair out and pushed me in), then exchanged funny stories from our childhood as we waited on our food. Our conversation had then turned to entertainment as we'd gotten our food and led to our heated discussion on Doctor Who. And I loved every minute.

Edward was so different from the other men I'd spent time with and dated. He was humble, funny, highly intelligent, mannerly, and warm and caring to boot. And of course his sexy looks didn't hurt...like at all. He was a little opinionated, but I guess that would be expected of someone who'd risen so much faster than his peers all of his life. I actually liked that; he held his ground and had strong morals and opinions, but he was open-minded as well. And we enjoyed doing the same things. He was like everything I'd ever wanted in a man rolled up into one. I never wanted this night to end; it was the best I'd had in a long, long time.

It was quiet as the waitress returned with our drinks, informing us that it was almost closing time, and I took a sip, enjoying the comfortable silence after she left.

"I can pay my half," I said once our drinks were both low.

Edward immediately shook his head. "No. I've got it."

"But—"

"I've got it," he said firmly, taking the ticket book and setting on his lap out of my reach. I glared at him slightly but let him take it. It would take too long to argue over who was paying and we'd just get kicked out. The restaurant was small and there was hardly anyone there since it was so late at night and close to closing time, but—

"Alice!" I gasped, and Edward looked around the restaurant sharply.

"Where?" he asked in confusion, and I shook my head.

"No, I mean I forgot to text or call her and tell her I was gone. She's probably worried sick." I rummaged in my purse and found my phone, unlocking it. Yep. Twelve text messages and six calls, most of them from Alice and one or two of them from Jasper.

Where are you?- A

Did you leave? I can't find you anywhere. Text me.- A

Bella! What happened to you? I'm really worried. Text me back.-A

Someone said they saw a guy dragging you out of the house. Is everything okay? Text me.-A

Where'd you go, Bells? Alice is worried. You've got me a little worried to. Text her when you see these.-J

Heading home with Jasper. Please text me, Bella!-A

The messages continued on in this vein, and I felt an immediate wave of guilt. I'd forgotten all about letting her know I was leaving. Alice had a tendency to get really worked up when she was worried or had a bad feeling. I quickly typed a message to her as Edward left to pay the bill.

Sorry, Alice. I forgot to let you know I was leaving. I'm okay.-B

You bitch! You had me so worried! At least let a girl know next time.-A

I know. Sorry.-B

It's fine. So, you're with that guy, right? Who is he? Someone I know?-A

"You ready?" Edward said, and I jumped slightly in surprise. I looked up and he flashed me that crooked grin. I bit my lip and smiled back before looking back down at my screen. "Yea," I said. I typed out a quick response to Alice before taking the hand Edward had extended out to me.

That's for me to know and you to MAYBE find out. TTYL Alice. :P-B

There, that should put her in enough of a frenzy for one night. I wanted to keep this to myself for a little while. I knew I'd probably end up spilling the beans tomorrow anyway.

I smiled at Edward as I walked passed him, feeling slightly shaky when I felt the light touch of his hand at the small of my back guiding me. We smiled at the waitress who served us as we walked out the door and into the cool night air.

"Crap, I should have brought a jacket," I said, rubbing my arms. I hate that prickly feeling when goose bumps first pop up on your skin. Gets me everytime.

"I didn't bring one," Edward said regretfully.

"It's fine. A little cold never killed anyone. Besides, my immune system is badass," I said jokingly, but Edward still looked a little concerned. His eyes lit up as if he had an idea.

"Here," he said, and I looked at him questioningly. The next second I had goose bumps of an entirely different kind as his arms came around me, pulling me against him, chest to chest. I felt my nipples tighten as they rubbed against the firm plane of his chest. Oh, god. He smelled so good- like pine needles and musk- and he was so warm and hard everywhere.

"Better?" he asked huskily, and I nodded, fighting the urge to wrap my arms around his waist and lick on his Adam's apple, though I desperately wanted to. I looked up, his full, pink lips right in my vision, and I suddenly wanted them on mine in the worst way.

"It's better, but still a little cool," I said shakily, licking my lips as I looked up into his eyes, watching as they widened infinitesimally before darkening.

"Yea?" he said, sliding his hands around my waist. I finally gave in and lifted my hands, resting them on his solid, warm back as I nodded.

"Yea. I think I can get a little warmer..."

I felt his chest expand with a sharp inhale before he tilted his head, lowering it, and I rose on my tiptoes, heart pounding as my eyes slid closed. I couldn't help the small whimper that escaped me as I felt the warm, tingling heat of his lips on mine for the first time. His arms tightened around me as soon as he heard the sound, causing me to gasp. His tongue immediately invaded my mouth, soft and sensual and so warm as it slid against mine softly. My arms slid up his back to get a more firm hold, and he groaned almost silently before he tilted his head again, deepening our contact.

Right then, there was a loud buzzing sound. Startled, we both broke apart, panting slightly and blushing. I blinked, momentarily dazed before realizing it was my cellphone.

"Sorry," I said with an apologetic look before taking my phone out and glaring at the screen. Damn Alice.

Fine. You know I'll get it out of you when you get home tonight anyway, bitch!- A

"Alice," I explained with a role of my eyes. "She's wondering when I'm going to get home. It is late." It was after one in the morning. It had been forever since I stayed out, or even stayed awake, this late. I cleared my throat and crossed my arms across my chest as Edward stepped back, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"I can drive you," he offered. What looked like flash of disappointment came and went on his face. No, that was probably me reflecting my own emotions and hopes on him.

"Oh, okay," I said, trying to smile gratefully when I really felt devastated. Had he not enjoyed the kiss as much as I had? Did he not feel the chemistry between us to the degree I did? Maybe it was all just on my part. "You probably already know where I live," I mumbled, keeping my eyes down. Edward was still for a moment, seeming to have some internal battle before he let out a breath.

"Or...You could come to my place?" he asked tentatively and my head shot up to see him studying me carefully, his eyes hopeful and apprehensive.

I bit my lip to hide my slowly growing smile, feeling my blood race as his gaze dropped from my eyes to my lips and then down to my cleavage. His eyes widened when they reached my chest and froze there, seeming unable to move. I looked down and realized it was quite obvious that I was braless out in the cool air; my nipples were rock hard and poked through the thin, silky material of my top. I took a deep breath as they got even harder under his gaze and his mouth fell open slightly before he swallowed. Hard.

"Bella?" he said, his voice slightly husky.

"Yea?" I said, slightly breathless.

He lifted his eyes to mine, pinning me in place. I gasped softly as I realized they'd gotten much darker, positively smoldering at me. "Please come home with me?"

I was silent, frozen under my sudden surge of desire and his gaze. I'd enjoyed talking with him and learning about him the whole night, but there had always been that undercurrent of attraction buzzing in a low hum between us. I had been able to ignore it for the most part and just enjoy his company, but now it sparked hot between us, coming alive and arcing. He stepped closer and lifted his hand, running it down my arm lightly and making me shiver slightly. It was my turn to swallow as I felt my panties moisten when he repeated himself, his voice lower and deeper.

"Please?"

I nodded slowly, and he smiled slightly in satisfaction, his eyes alight with lust and such promise that it took my breath away.

"Make sure you turn that phone off. I don't want any interruptions tonight," he said and I barely managed to hold back my squeak of equal parts terror and desire.

"Alright," I said shakily. I sent one last text before shutting my phone off and dropping it in my purse, taking Edward's hand and letting him lead me to the car.

You may have a long wait then, Pix. See you tomorrow. ;P-B

A/N: Ohhh, he's singing some Pendergrass right now. Wonder what happens next? I'm sure you all know :P

Please leave me a review and let me know what you thought!

See you next chapter. Thanks for reading.