AN: Thank you so much for your continued support and reviews on this story. So many of you loved meeting Edward's family. The love for the spaghetti pie and banana pudding was real! Though it isn't a combo I would normally serve together for a meal, it was what brought comfort to Edward. Family, food, and conversation is what life is about in the south.

Big thank yous go out to my prereaders and my beta. Nothing could be done without your love, support, and wisdom.

***Fiddling was had. All mistakes are mine.

Chapter 5

"Your eye whispered, 'Have we met?'

Across the room your silhouette

Starts to make its way to me

The playful conversation starts

Counter all your quick remarks

Like passing notes in secrecy

And it was enchanting to meet you

All I can say is, I was enchanted to meet you

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go

I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home

I'll spend forever wondering if you knew

I was enchanted to meet you.

Please don't be in love with someone else

Please don't have someone waiting on you."

"Enchanted" by Taylor Swift

~oOo~

Edward looked in the mirror and adjusted his tie. It was his second day off and he was getting ready to head to the St. Regis hotel for a charity gala event to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Of course, it would have to be black tie. His black tuxedo was custom cut perfectly for his body. He loved a nice suit and cared about the way he looked; however, his hair wasn't cooperating. His stylist had tried something new, but he was having trouble taming his hair since it was so thick. Frustrated, he used some product and tried to beat it into submission. Satisfied enough with the result, he gathered his keys and prepared for the drive into the city.

He and a few other players from the team were attending the Braves had a game tomorrow night, so he planned to make it an early evening. Luckily, he would have enough time to be well rested before heading to the stadium.

Edward pulled his truck up to the valet and received his ticket, arriving right on time. Walking into the St. Regis was always quite the vision, but the committee for the event outdid themselves transforming the ballroom. The room was bathed in golds and creams, with flowers everywhere the eye could see. Extravagance at its very best.

Edward looked around for his teammates. Seeing no one familiar, he decided to get in line at the bar. There were waiters walking around with flutes of champagne, but that was the exact opposite of what he wanted. As he patiently waited in line, he decided to pull out his phone and text Bella. The last time he was in a bar line, he was with her. He felt bad that he had been remiss the last week texting her, but he noticed she had been silent as well. So, he decided to send her a quick text to see if she was in town.

As he was staring down at the screen on his phone, weighing what he was going to say, he felt the presence of someone behind him. Not thinking a thing of it since he was in line, he continued to work on his text.

"Well, if it isn't the Darling of Atlanta."

His back went rigid at the sound of her voice, then he turned to face the recipient of his text standing before him.

"B…Bella?" Edward faltered. "I was just…just texting you." He shook his head in disbelief as he held up his phone to show her.

"Ahhh, I see." She smirked at him as she glanced at his phone.

"When did you get back in town?" He ran a hand through his hair, gripping the ends tightly, trying to calm his nerves. Her presence was so unexpected. Edward couldn't deny being happy to see her, but the sight of her rattled him. He needed more time to prepare before he saw her. He couldn't help but feel embarrassed that he'd dropped the ball as far as she was concerned.

"Today, actually. I arrived with just enough time to get ready to be here. You representing the Braves tonight?"

"That I am. You?" He gazed at her, appreciating how beautiful she looked. Her black and white dress accentuated her toned body perfectly. Her long, dark hair was pulled up into a messy bun, which showed off her long neck and smooth, creamy skin. Her beauty was effortless yet could stop a man dead in his tracks. He wasn't the only one to take notice either. He caught several men glancing her way as they walked by.

"Representing as well. The Storm, that is." She giggled at the absurdity of the situation.

They made it to the bar before Edward could ask her another question. The bartender, busy yet pleasant, asked for their order.

"The lady will have a Chardonnay and I'll have a club soda with lime."

"You remembered." Bella beamed, genuinely surprised.

Shrugging his shoulders, he tapped his temple. "Details. I always try to remember the details of a date."

Edward tipped the bartender and handed Bella her drink. She murmured her thanks as they walked across the room to a high-top table.

"Was that a date?" she teased. She wasn't going to let that comment go.

"I would like to think so. I mean, I did show you my—"

Bella reached up to hush him with her hand. "Oh my God, Edward. Don't finish that sentence." She blushed profusely.

"Church…" He laughed out loud. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Swan."

Bella looked around to make sure they hadn't caused a scene, as more and more people poured into the ballroom.

"That was naughty of you, Cullen." She took a healthy sip of her wine as she composed herself. "About that night…" Bella started. "I don't want you to think I go to hotel rooms with strange men all the time."

Edward raised his brows. "Strange men? Do I look strange to you?"

"Well, no. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply…" She shifted uncomfortably, looking at her wine. Their night together was not a night she could easily forget. She was bold and confident with him, yet what he actually thought of her mattered.

Edward stood there stunned at the words coming out of her mouth. "I'm not sure what you're sayin' here, Bella. Are you having regrets? 'Cause from what I remember, we both had a great time." His eyes searched hers for an answer. "Did I not treat you well?" He took her hand in his, holding it softly as he waited for an answer he was afraid to hear. The night began to replay in his head.

"No, no, you did. I had a great time. I'm sorry, Edward. I didn't mean to imply you didn't treat me well. I just didn't want you to think I made that a habit. I kind of behaved like a groupie." Her eyes met his with a tinge of embarrassment. She hated that she made him second-guess his actions, and the thought of her behaving like a cleat chaser made her stomach turn.

Relieved at her response, he took a deep breath and lowered his voice before he spoke, wanting to make sure his words were clear and sincere. "Bella, I never for one moment thought of you as a…," he cleared his throat before saying those degrading words, "…groupie. What I saw was a gorgeous, self-assured, self-confident woman who knew exactly what she wanted and wasn't afraid to ask. It was sexy as hell, and to be honest, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you."

His eyes commanded her attention. Bella couldn't have looked away even if she'd tried. Edward threaded his fingers with hers, hoping his words gave her the reassurance she needed. Their night was nothing to be regretful about, and he was going to make sure, if nothing else, she walked away knowing that.

Relieved they were on the same page, Bella squeezed his hand, looking up at him with a beaming smile.

"Thank you."

"We okay?" Edward asked.

"More than okay. And Edward?"

"Yeah?"

She looked into his eyes once more, a soft blush blooming across her cheekbones. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you either."

"I'm glad." He leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Let's go find our seats."

~oOo~

Dinner had just finished. They were seated at different tables, yet that didn't stop the eye contact they shared. Ready to leave and spend some time with Bella, Edward pulled out his phone and sent her a quick text.

Wanna get out of here? ~E

Bella's phone vibrated in the pocket of her dress. She pulled it out to see Edward's text. With dinner over, it was the perfect time to make a quick escape before the auction began.

Thought you'd never ask. ~B

After receiving her quick response, he began to politely say his goodbyes to his tablemates, feigning an early departure due to the game tomorrow. He wasn't lying, but if he was going to lose sleep, it was going to be with the stunning brunette he was making eye contact with as he pushed send.

Damn right, I'm asking. Say your goodbyes. I'll meet you at the valet. ~E

Edward looked at her as he cocked his head toward the doorway, letting her know he was already on the move, shaking hands with people on his way out.

Saying them now. Be there in a sec. ~B

Bella rose from her seat and gathered her purse as she began her farewells and thanked the people she had been sitting with for an enjoyable evening. She walked to the front of the St. Regis and went straight out to the valet. Seeing a few men milling around in tuxedos with their backs to her, Bella spotted Edward right away. He stood out like a beacon. His tall frame, broad shoulders, and signature hair weren't to be missed.

She walked up behind him, appreciating his form, as she seductively laid a hand on his back and whispered in his ear. "Are you ready for me, Mr. Cullen?"

Edward turned around, smiling at her. "Ready as I'll ever be," he muttered, his eyes taking her in once more. "May I have your valet ticket? I'll give it to the guy with mine."

"I Ubered here," she replied.

"Then consider me your ride," he responded gallantly, handing the valet his ticket.

They stood under the lights, waiting for Edward's ride to appear. Moments later, the valet pulled his blue GMC Sierra Denali truck to the curb. Edward rushed to beat the valet, opening the door for Bella and helping her inside. The drive was easy, and within thirty minutes, they were pulling into her driveway.

Edward stared at the charming, historic, blue bungalow, appreciating the curb appeal. These homes filled Atlanta, nestled into tree-lined, fairy-tale streets, carefully landscaped with flowers and foliage.

"So, this is me," Bella spoke, breaking Edward's gaze on her home.

"It is indeed." Edward got out and went to her side, helping her down from the truck. Her heels had to be three inches high, and he was not risking her getting injured in those damn things.

Bella was keenly aware of the charismatic man beside her, as Edward's fingers lightly danced on the small of her back. They strolled up the walkway, the front porch light illuminating their path. When they reached their destination, she grabbed her keys and opened the door, leaving it wide open as she walked into the house.

Edward stood there for a moment, taking a breath to collect himself. After the talk they had tonight, he didn't want to assume anything. He would have been content to walk her to the door and give her a goodnight kiss.

Peering in, he saw Bella look around the corner, as she asked, "Coming in?"

"Thought you'd never ask." He winked at her as he closed the door.

Ready to get out of his tux and be a bit more comfortable, he pulled off his bow tie, undoing the top button of his shirt in the process. He shed his jacket and laid it over her sofa. As he pocketed his tie, he took in the ambiance of her cozy home. Walking through the living room, he glanced at the pictures and paintings on the walls. Bella loved color and pillows—her sofa and chairs were filled with them—along with a warm, fluffy blanket. She had some beautiful decor in place, reminding him that his home looked less than lived in.

Edward followed Bella's path into the next room, finding the back door wide open, but she was nowhere in sight. Just as he was making his way to the doorway, the cutest little, white dog came running into the house with Bella in tow.

"Well, hello there. Who are you?" he spoke to the dog. She was on her hind legs, pawing him, begging for attention.

"This is Millie." Bella smiled just as Edward scooped her up. He started to scratch behind her ears, and that seemed to do the trick. She was putty in his hands.

"What a pretty girl you are."

"Oh, doesn't she know it." Bella giggled. "She's quite the princess."

"What kind of dog is she?"

"A Maltese."

As if she knew they were talking about her, Millie's tail wagged like crazy. When she began to fidget, he gave her one last scratch behind the ears, then gently put her on the ground. Millie immediately ran to her bed and curled up with her favorite chew toy.

"Sorry, she has no manners when it comes to company. She's just a bundle of excitement."

"More like a bundle of love," Edward corrected. He loved dogs and contemplated getting one, but his travel schedule always made him hesitant.

Bella walked into the kitchen and took off her shoes, placing them on a counter stool at the island. She moaned in satisfaction as she walked over the cool tile, soothing her aching feet.

The sound drew Edward's attention. He knew the things he did to her to elicit a moan like that. So, like a moth to a flame, he was in motion toward the kitchen, ready to give her what he was hoping she was really seeking.

"Would you like some wine?" She glanced over her shoulder as she reached to pull two wine glasses down out of the cabinet.

"No, thank you," Edward replied, staring at her ass as the hem of her dress rose inch by inch with each stretch of her body.

"Coffee?"

"Nope."

"Cocktail, water, Powerade?" She squeaked out as he got closer into her space.

"No." He shook his head slightly.

Edward's body pressed into hers. His splayed hands rested on either side of her on the counter, caging her in. He was intoxicating, his body strong and hard against her. Bella broke out in goosebumps as Edward's nose skimmed across her shoulder; his beard stubble tickling against her skin. She turned in his arms and grasped onto his broad shoulders, her heart beating out of her chest with his proximity.

He dipped his head, resting his forehead against hers. Staring into her eyes, he wanted to make sure she knew in no uncertain terms exactly what he desired.

"There's only one thing I want right now." Edward grazed her lips with his. He nipped and teased her, kissing his way up her throat and behind her ear, making promises with each brush of his lips. "You," he breathed into her ear.

"Edward…" Bella's whimpered response incited him more. Their mouths collided, their kisses grew more heated. They were hungry for each other as their tongues searched and tasted each other; their breaths shuddered with each moan they shared. Their hands roamed, finding purchase wherever they could.

Bella ran her fingers into his thick hair, pulling at the ends, eliciting a groan from Edward. He felt too damn good, running his fingers over the sensitive areas of her body, making her feel grounded in the moment, yet out of control in the next breath.

Her breathing accelerated, knowing the effect she had on him. She was ready, willing for whatever he wanted…because she wanted it too. It had been all she had thought about over the last six weeks.

"Edward…I need… I need you to touch me." Bella gasped, panting harder as his fingers molded over her breast, squeezing and taunting her.

"Fuck." A breathy moan escaped. "It's all I've thought about since the moment I saw you tonight." He pulled down her zipper, revealing her breasts. Her nipples were hard and reaching, just begging him to kiss and suck. He took one in his mouth, rolling it with his tongue, sucking and toying with her.

Bella pulled him tighter to her chest. "Oh, God"

The next moment became a frenzy of discarded clothes and lustful touches. They couldn't get enough of each other.

"How do you want this, Bella? The kitchen? Bedroom?" Edward's deep, gravelly voice took on a demanding tone. He was aching, hard in her hand. Her strokes were unrelenting, and if he didn't stop her, the evening would end sooner than either of them wanted.

"Bedroom." Bella hopped up and wrapped her legs around his waist, kissing him soundly.

He cupped her ass, holding her tightly against him. "Show me."

Luckily, the bedroom wasn't too far. They ambled down the short hallway to her room, kissing and groping as Bella ground her pelvis into his, bringing her the most delicious sensations. Edward laid her on the bed, pausing to appreciate her in all her brilliance as the ambient light shined in from the kitchen.

"You're so beautiful."

He possessed her mouth, kissing her with a passion that hadn't cooled from the kitchen. His hips bucked against her, feeling her wet and ready for him as he settled between her gorgeous thighs. Brushing her tousled hair away from her face, Edward smiled down at her. The sexual tension between them was still unmistakable.

He ran his thumb over her plump lips as he teased her mouth. Bella captured his thumb between her lips, sucking and swirling her tongue around it as she pulled it into her mouth.

Imagining his cock was in its place, Edward lustfully started to move his finger in and out. With a hushed, "Fuck," he grew harder as he stared darkly into her eyes. With the way she looked at him, he knew her desire echoed his. Unable to hold back any longer, he cupped her face, and kissed her with all he had.

"Shug," he murmured against her lips. "Fuck, I want you so damn much." His voice turned raspy, urgent.

"Yes, God, please. I want…" She moaned as her body submitted to their mutual need.

In one fluid motion, he thrust into her. Their groans were simultaneous as they savored the connection between them. With the urge to move, he pulled back and thrust again, slamming harder into her. Her moans were loud and throaty as she bucked back into him, urging him to take her, to fuck her, and fuck her hard.

"More…I need…" She shivered. She was unraveling with each stroke. He felt so damn good, hitting her just right.

"Is this where you need me, baby?" Edward growled as he swiveled his hips and plunged into her again and again. "Is this the spot deep inside you that makes you crazy? Makes you want to scream my name?" He was unrelenting, coaxing Bella with each stroke. "Can you feel it? Can you feel what you fucking do to me?"

Bella gasped at his words. She moved her hips up to meet him, seeking more friction, as she relished the feel of him inside her. He possessed her with his body, and it overwhelmed her in all the best ways.

His hands moved under her ass to grip her firmly, pressing deeper into her. She felt her orgasm rolling in fast, as he continued to get harder with each pump. It was tipping her over the edge.

"God, you feel…I'm not… I'm not gonna last." Edward's thrusts became erratic, his pace changing as he tried to hold off for her release.

"Edward… God, I'm gonna… gonna…."

"Come, baby, come." He growled as his teeth grazed between her neck and shoulder, biting down when he felt her spasm around him.

Bella screamed out her release, white stars shooting behind her eyes. Her fingers dug hard into his back with each orgasmic wave.

Edward, unable to hold back anymore, thrust hard, pulsing inside of her. He grunted into her mouth as he kissed her wildly while his orgasm shook him to his core.

He collapsed on top of her, unable to move a single muscle as his breathing gradually evened out. Bella ran her fingers over his back, soothing and calming them both with the repetitive movement. He groaned as he broke their connection, rolling away to take the weight off her.

He moved onto his back and pulled her to him. Her head rested over his heart, and he wrapped his arm wrapped around her torso. Bella could hear the staccato beat of his heart as it fiercely clamored against his chest. As she waited for her own racing heart to slow, she mindlessly ran her fingers through the smattering of chest hair Edward possessed, gliding her fingers back and forth.

They both enjoyed the quiet, each pondering the mind-blowing sex that had just occurred.

Once his breathing returned to normal, Edward broke the silence. "That was just …damn, Bella," Edward whispered into her hair. His fingers combed through her long locks as he breathed her in.

"Yeah, amazing." Bella blew out a long breath. Her mind and her body still felt the electricity zinging through her.

After resting for a few more moments, Bella kissed his chest and rolled out of bed, heading to the bathroom.

"I'll be right back. Need anything?" She looked over her shoulder at him.

"I'd love some water," he replied groggily.

"Okay, I'll be quick so you can use the bathroom, and I'll grab some."

"Thanks." He smiled at her as she walked away, appreciating her retreating form.

Edward lay there, sighing heavily as he burrowed a bit more into the pillows, finding her bed extremely comfortable. He replayed the evening in his head. He was blown away by how much he enjoyed being with Bella; their chemistry was insane. He knew the moment he saw her tonight that he had to have her. She completely distracted him with her presence. Coming to her home, seeing where she lived, gave him a better view of this woman who was creeping into his life, and he couldn't say he minded it one bit.

"The bathroom's all yours," she remarked as she walked to the kitchen, draped in a floral bathrobe.

The realization hit him the second he put his feet on the ground to head to the bathroom. He wasn't wearing a condom. Panic hit him. He was internally chastising himself for not thinking to use one. That had never happened before. Well, not since…

He was paralyzed, repeating the word, "Fuck!" in his head over and over again. He was sitting on the side of the bed, fingers knotted in his hair, when Bella entered the room.

"Hey, you okay?" Bella walked over to him and kneeled down. She was nervous he was regretting the evening, even after everything they had just said to each other. She tried to calm her voice, and sweetly asked, "Edward, what's wrong?"

His eyes met hers when she called his name. Bella took one of his hands and entwined it with hers, holding it tightly. He cleared his throat, embarrassed he was going to have to admit how careless he was.

"Bella," he croaked as his eyes met hers. "I'm so sorry, but I just realized I didn't use a condom. I just wasn't thinking—"

"Edward, it's okay. I'm on the pill. I knew we didn't use one. Hell, there wasn't really any time to even put one on the way we were going at it." She chuckled. Bella watched as he visibly relaxed.

"Thank God," he said with a sigh of relief. "I just got so caught up in the moment, and I don't want you to think I disrespected you or put you at risk." He squeezed her hand, looking a bit less worried. "I never have sex without a condom. I want you to know that. I'm clean; I get tested all the time."

"I figured, and I get tested all the time too. Just so you know."

She felt his thumb running over the top of her hand. The tension in his body gone. Edward's face was back to the smiling, boyish one she reluctantly adored.

He kissed the top of her head as he released a slow, stuttering breath. "I'm just gonna…" He gestured his thumb toward the bathroom.

Bella nodded as she got up from the floor and fixed her robe, pulling the ties a bit tighter around her. "Do you want to stay? Or do you want to—"

"I'd like to stay…if you'll have me." He stood and lightly kissed her forehead before he padded to the bathroom.

"Absolutely," she called to him right before the door shut.

Bella was glad that discussion was out of the way. She knew he was as responsible as she was, but the way he panicked hurt her heart a bit. She certainly didn't feel like she was a cleat chaser; he told her as much. She couldn't shake the feeling, though, that she was someone simply to turn and burn. God, she hoped she was wrong.

After her last relationship, she would never be the woman someone turned and burned, unless it was on her own terms. No matter how good-looking or how sweet they were. She deserved better. Edward Cullen was many things, but he certainly didn't come off as a player. His charm was alluring, and she enjoyed her time with him. He made her feel like she was the only person in the room when they were together, and she wasn't just talking about the sex.

They seemed to have some sort of a connection, and she wanted to explore it a bit more. She was enjoying the casualness they had. The zero expectations if someone didn't text or didn't call was appealing, and it certainly seemed to be working for them. They were both busy people, and so far, no one was getting hurt in the process.

Breaking Bella out of her thoughts, Edward walked back into the room, a towel wrapped around his waist. "I hope you don't mind. I helped myself to a quick shower."

"I don't mind at all," she assured. Bella handed him a bottle of water as he got back into bed. Once they situated themselves, he gulped most of the bottle in a single turn.

"Damn, I was thirsty. You gave me quite the workout," he teased.

"That goes both ways, darlin'," she teased back as she held up her nearly finished water bottle.

With a shared quiet chuckle, Bella nestled back into the nook of his arm. Edward relaxed her as he combed his fingers through her hair once again. The soothing motion lulled them both to sleep, just as the clock ticked midnight.

AN: Well, there you have it. Their second encounter. Whew, it's a little "Hot in Herre"! I know Bella felt better talking to Edward about her feeling like a groupie, and he felt better knowing she didn't appear upset by his lack of contact.

Would love to hear your thoughts and theories, so please kindly leave a review.

See you in two weeks.

~Be Happy

~Be Kind

~Be Blessed

~DrivingEdward