Well, the resurrected laptop didn't last very long. It blue screened the other day, and now the monitor is out. So, it's back to the library for me. That said, I'm trying to finish up my other AH story, Arms, this week so I may take a few days off of this one. It should be back soon though. :)

Thanks again for reading, and for all the sweet, thoughtful, & sometimes heartrending reviews & PMs. I'm touched that you're touched. You guys have blown me away with your love! (more at the bottom)

Anytime…

~(~)~

His arms encircle her, trapping the flowers he'd been holding between them. Not that either of them really notice or care. He inhales her hair and she relishes in the warmth of his neck against the chilled skin of her cheek.

"How's that?" she asks, clutched to him.

"Perfect," he answers, his voice a low rumble in her ear.

"Good."

"Hmm."

She takes a breath and then, "How are you really doing?"

"I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Mm-hmm."

She squeezes him tight. "You would tell me if you weren't, right?"

He releases her, holding her by the shoulders and staring at her hard. "You'd be one of the first to know. I promise."

She nods, a tiny voice reminding her that may not be a good thing. Then again…

"Can I ask you something else? Honestly?"

"Of course."

"How often do you consider getting high anymore?" Her voice is careful, hiding the uncertainty she feels in asking.

She's surprised when he shrugs casually. "Once in a great while. When I've had a shit day, or I'm… well, I'm bored and uh, lacking for other stimulation."

Bella laughs. He means when he's horny,though it's really not funny.

"Sorry," she says, still giggling. "I'm sorry."

He smirks. "Glad you find it so amusing."

"Oh, please, you got all flustered trying not to say what we both know you were saying."

"You're a girl, and my ex. That's just… it's…" He makes a face. "I didn't want to be crass."

She grins at him. "I appreciate that, but it's not like I expect you to live like a monk. You are a man."

He chuckles. "Uhh… thanks?"

The wind picks up again then, swallowing Bella's answering laugh and reminding them they're both freezing to death.

Edward tucks a piece of wayward hair behind her ear. "You should go, and so should I. I have a drive ahead of me."

"Yes, you do. Will you call me when you get home?"

His smile is almost blinding. "Can I?"

She feels the blood rush to her cheeks. "Well, yeah, you better."

"It'll be late."

"I know, but otherwise I'll worry."

"Okay… I'll talk to you later then."

"Later," she echoes, climbing in her truck.

Edward closes the door after her. "Thanks for a great day, Isabella."

She smiles and waves, relieved when he turns to head down the street without giving her a chance to reply.

She knows she would have told him, "Anytime…"

~(~)~

Since I'll be taking a quick break, I thought it was a good time to say some individual thanks:

To KittyVuiton, thank you so much for dropping everything to read this & leaving the first review. 3 3 3

To DreamofTheEndless, thanks for the endless Twitter pimpage! You're fntstic!

To kiwisrock, chartwilightmom, MissP, ElektraLane, OcSickGirl, AngelDolphin01, and Abbyweyr, thanks so much for taking the time to review each and every chapter! That means a lot. :)

JazzGirl, thank you for taking this journey with me & for all your words. They make mine better. *hugs*

To Susie & Pam who email me sometimes in lieu of reviewing, thank you so much for that. Your messages mean a lot and I love that you take that time out of your day to do it even when I don't always get a chance to respond!

To those of you who read all of my stories, especially my Lexicon sisters, when I see your names, even if it's only the one review, I smile from ear to ear. Thank you for sticking with me and being patient with me as I work through each of my stories.

Much Love,
Ginnie