So, we've started a new journey. I do have a blog for this story. A link for the blog is on my profile. On the blog, there will be picture teasers, teasers and pervy picture teasers. This story is going to be quite steamy and it's pre-written.

I also forgot to thank my beta, Sally, for magical red pen and making sure that the commas and such were in the right spot. You are amazing. Thank you for suggestions and guidance! ;-)

Now, onto the story …

Chapter Twelve

The rest of the morning and afternoon were spent lazing around Bella's new home. They watched movies, cuddled, napped, and relaxed. Bella was showered with affection: from Edward's soft caresses and gentle kisses to Garrett's wandering hands and his insatiable need to nuzzle Bella's neck. In the late afternoon, Garrett said he had to run to his apartment to get some extra clothes. Unlike Edward, who was a boy scout and carried a packed duffle in his truck, he didn't have anything in his Jeep. He promised to be back before they all went to bed.

Bella figured Garrett was giving Edward time alone with her so he could pop her anal cherry. She felt guilty about spending time with just Edward, but she wanted to know if she could handle both of them at the same time, and she only wanted Edward to touch her, back there. Perhaps, tomorrow, she could spend some time with Garrett, alone. It was only fair.

Edward was dressed in a pair of dark wash jeans and a tight, black T-shirt. Bella, after shivering for most of the morning, had slipped on a pair of yoga pants. "Let me cook you dinner, Bella," Edward said, handing her a glass of wine.

"You can cook?" Bella asked.

"One of my many talents," Edward smirked. "I lived with Garrett, and he could burn water."

"How does he survive on his own?" Bella giggled, sipping her wine.

"Lots of takeout," Edward deadpanned, grabbing some chicken from the fridge along with some veggies. "He's a health nut, though. Most guys would go for Taco Bell or McDonald's. He lives for healthier stuff. Plus, he runs marathons and works out almost daily, even with our jobs being as physically tasking as they are. My guess is he's probably at the gym, pumping some iron, and then he'll be back around ten with his bag."

"We did act like bums today," Bella said, arching a brow.

"We did, but I think we deserved it," Edward replied, winking at her. "Even I'm sore. I can't imagine what you're feeling."

"Blissfully sore," she said, her eyes twinkling. "But, I'm not complaining. I haven't felt this loved ever."

Edward beamed, not responding to her "loved" statement. He pulled out a bowl, a cutting board, and a knife from different cabinets and began dicing the chicken breasts. "Are you happy with the house?"

"Edward, words cannot describe how much I love it," she breathed. "It's exactly what I pictured when I first saw it. You and Garrett are artists."

"Thank you," Edward blushed, tossing some vegetables into the bowl. "I'm glad we could do this for you. I know Garrett asked if we could photograph it for our site."

"And you can," Bella reiterated.

"You don't mind? It won't invade your privacy?" Edward asked. Bella shook her head adamantly. "Well, before I turn in my key, I'll take some photos next week."

"Who said I want you to turn in your key?" Bella asked, looking up at him through her long lashes. Edward blushed, turning to the stove and grabbing a large frying pan for the stir fry he was creating. As he was chopping, Bella had placed some water on to boil for some brown rice. Seeing the water rolling within the pan, he poured the rice in and covered it, lowering the heat. Once the chicken was in the sauté pan, he looked up at Bella. She was idly playing with her wine glass.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Nothing," she answered evasively.

Edward sat down next to her on the stool near the stove. "Bella, what is it?"

"I like this," she whispered, barely audible. "I like you, and I like Garrett … but, this … you and me …"

Edward captured her chin and looked into her eyes. "I like this, too, love. You're smart, funny, sexy, ambitious, and everything that I've ever dreamed of."

"I don't want it to stop," she murmured, smiling tenderly. "I want to see where this goes."

Edward brushed her lips with his. "So do I," he said, pressing his forehead against hers. She wrapped her arms around Edward's neck, running her fingers through his hair. "Let me finish cooking you dinner. We haven't fed you enough. I can hear your stomach grumbling."

"It's all of the extra exercise I've gotten," she laughed as he stepped away, adding the veggies, herbs, and a pat of butter. Expertly, he sautéed the meat and vegetables and made some sort of glaze with wine, a touch of maple syrup, and olive oil. Watching him cook, Bella made a salad and set the island for their dinner. They shared their meal, laughing about Edward's college experiences.

"I can't believe your fraternity brothers did that!" Bella laughed heartily. "I cannot picture you as a blond!"

"I still struggle with the fact that I slept through it," Edward groaned. "You'd figure I would wake up while I had my hair peroxided to be white blond. Nope. I was so drunk I slept right through it."

"What happened afterward?" Bella asked.

"I shaved it all off and wore beanies for the rest of the semester," Edward answered, running his hand through his floppy, bronze mop. "I don't have a good head for baldness. Very lumpy." Bella smiled, running her fingers through his hair and massaging his scalp. "See? Feel all of those bumps? I pray I keep this head of hair until I croak." He took her hand, kissing her palm before threading his fingers with hers. "What about you? Surely, I'm not the only one who lived through embarrassing college memories."

"You're not," Bella giggled. "Mine aren't nearly as dramatic as yours, but I do have a few. All of them involve Essie." She bit her lip, thinking about what story to tell. "OH! Here's a good one. Our sophomore year, we both had fake IDs. Essie looked older and could order alcohol without any issues while I had, and still have, a baby face."

"Nonsense! You're gorgeous," Edward chided.

"Thank you," Bella blushed, kissing him sweetly. "You make me feel that way." She kissed him again and continued. "Anyway, we went to this bar in downtown Chicago. We were dancing, drinking, and having fun. There were a couple of older guys, though, who would not take the hint that we weren't interested. They always came up to us, grabbing at us and wanting to separate Essie and me. Essie was committed to Carlisle, but he had to be at the hospital and couldn't join us. I was in between boyfriends, not really looking for anything."

"They didn't hurt you, did they?" Edward asked, his eyes darkening in anger.

"No, Edward, sweetheart, they didn't," Bella whispered. "Essie and I pretended we were together, as girlfriends. Just before we left, one of the guys approached us and asked if we wanted to party with them. I took Essie's face, kissing her deeply. She grabbed my ass. Smirking at him, I said I needed to lick my girl's pussy and dragged her away." Bella snickered. "I love Essie, but that was weird. Our one foray into lesbianism. After that, whenever we went out, we made sure Carlisle, or some of our male friends, was with us. Kissing Essie was not one of my favorite things. I like kissing men."

"Good to know," Edward smiled, leaning forward to kiss her. The kiss began as soft and sweet, but quickly became heated. Hands traveled up and down bodies, the scent of arousal mixed in with the leftover food.

"I want you," Bella whispered against his lips.

"The food," Edward said.

"Will be here when we're done," Bella answered, tugging on his hands. Edward got up, taking Bella's face between his palms, kissing her deeply.

A/N: It's getting hot in here … so take off all your clothes! You know what is coming up next! Leave me some!