The Breakers Chapter 10

~~~~OOO~~~~OOO~~~~

Chapter 10

EPOV

"Morning, Edward," Jasper says as he extricates himself from his car. I have no idea how the man manages to fold himself into the front seat every day, but he loves that car almost as much as he loves Alice. Whenever the very touchy subject comes up of him getting something less … constrictive, the man practically growls at you.

I tip my chin and raise my travel mug of coffee toward him in greeting. The nice weather seems to have taken a vacation if this morning is any indication. Heavy, dark storm clouds threaten overhead and thunder rumbles from off in the distance. Every now and then a few sprinkles fall and I actually have to wear a long-sleeved t-shirt beneath my hoodie because it's so cold.

"You ready for tomorrow night?" he asks me with a smirk.

I slide off my bike and shrug my shoulders at him, groaning just a bit as a wave of nervousness creeps over me. "Does it make me sound like a pussy if I say no?"

"Yeah, it kinda does," he answers immediately then punches me in the arm. "I don't blame you though."

We start walking toward the docks as a loud clap of thunder rings out. If I didn't know better, I'd swear that someone is telling me to man the fuck up.

He grunts as he steps onto the deck and shivers as a gust of wind rocks the boat from side to side. "Are you nervous about going on a date with Bella or about the fact that Xavier and Seth are coming along, too?"

Great.

I'd managed to forget, for a few minutes, that the bald behemoth will be chaperoning our group outing to Finn's Irish Pub in Ellsworth tomorrow night. It's been almost a week since I talked to Charlie and every day that goes by, the weight of what I need to do becomes more difficult to manage. Every time I see Bella, every time we talk on the phone, I know I need to tell her about Boston. No matter that the thought of telling her makes my blood run cold, it has to be done.

I can't keep going, feeling like I'm lying to her. It's killing me. The longer it goes on, the more time we spend together with that unseen pink elephant following me around everywhere, the worse it's going to be.

Somehow - I still have no idea what happened - the day before yesterday we were all sitting in The Breakers, discussing our date and it morphed from a date for just Bella and me to a group date. I'd been thinking, ever since dinner at her house on Sunday, how to ask her out on a real date. I'd rehearsed it in my head about a hundred different ways, each one sounding more idiotic than the one before. I even half thought about practicing in front of the mirror in my bathroom but decided that was just too lame to even attempt.

I wanted to do something nice for her, to show her how much I appreciate … everything. I know I freaked her out at first, a fact of which I have to admit I enjoy teasing her about from time to time - but only when we talk on the phone of course. The woman looks like an angel, albeit a sexy as hell one, but she definitely has a temper to go along with all that fire that's always simmering beneath the surface. No way I'm foolish enough to antagonize her in person. I'm kind of fond of my dick and I damn sure know it's fond of Bella.

Painfully fond of her actually.

Since the kiss from the first dinner at her house, things haven't progressed that far again. I want her, we both know that, and I'm pretty sure she feels the same way in return, but until I tell her everything, I just can't do what my body yearns for every time I'm around her. It makes no difference that it feels like I'm in a constant state of being on the brink of exploding; I know it would be wrong to let anything happen. I can't stop myself from touching her whenever I can: on the small of her back, her arm, her leg, or hold her hand if I'm lucky enough, but that's it. A quick kiss good night is as far as I've let myself go, and it's damn near impossible to stop when I'm that close to her. So close I can hear her breath catch in her throat and feel her nipples harden against my chest.

In the end, I managed to splutter and stammer my way through the world's most awkward moment one night and asked Bella if she wanted to go out. When she said yes, which was preceded by the longest few seconds of silence on record, I literally felt like passing out. My chest was tight, the fingers of the hand not holding the cell phone cut into my skin, and I'd squeezed my eyes closed so tightly I saw stars. The next day we were discussing what we wanted to do and Alice overheard … and now, the eight of us are going out together.

Not exactly what I had in mind for my first date in more than seven years, but I'll take what I can get.

I don my rubber gloves, nodding to Charlie and Emmett as they arrive, and face Jasper again. "Again, both. Hell, Jasper." I lower my voice and look around, relieved that Emmett and Charlie are in the wheelhouse. "I haven't been on a date in a long fucking time. Xavier hates my guts and would like nothing better than to use his freakishly large muscles and kick my ass. It's all just a lot, you know?" I'm sure I sound like I'm whining. I'm positive Jasper is going to call me a chicken-shit and then cackle like a gossiping old bitty to Emmett about how I'm acting like a pussy, but instead he just looks at me.

He has a frown on his face and his eyes are troubled, sad. A chill walks up my spine but it has nothing to do with the wind that whistles by. Another moment passes and then finally he slowly nods his head. "Yeah, man, actually I do know." His voice is low, shaky, and his mind is obviously on things long ago but definitely not forgotten.

"Ali and I have been here long enough that I forget what it's like to be the new guy," he says slowly. "The stares, the questions, the way you feel like you're being judged every time you turn around … that shit I do remember."

He shakes his head and turns to look at me. "You have a story, Edward. Hell, we all do," he says as his eyes bore into mine. "It's clear that you're," he stutters as he tries to find the right word, "trying to make a new life in Corea. I don't know what brought you here, besides what little you've told us. It's your story to tell, just like mine is."

Neither of us say anything because each of us are lost in our own thoughts. I know enough about Jasper, have picked up on the little things he says here and there, to know that his life before arriving in Corea was the stuff of nightmares. Abusive father, alcoholic mother, so poor he'd go days without eating at times. He and Alice finding each other and getting as far away from Texas as possible was the only way he survived.

"I'm trying, Jasper," I finally whisper when the silence between us stretches uncomfortably.

He nods again. Jasper never says much; he doesn't have to. I've been around men a hell of a lot bigger than him, but honestly, none of them have ever intimidated me the way he does. A bit of an exaggeration of course, but it's not far off. Murderers, drug dealers, armed robbers - I've had contact with them all, but the icy cold, back the fuck off unless I like you vibe Jasper gives off is enough to give anyone pause. He's one smooth, scary motherfucker for sure.

It's easy to forget all that though when he looks at Alice the way he does, or when he jokes around with Peyton or hugs Bella and Renée.

"I know you are, Edward, which is the only reason none of us have said too much about whatever is going on with you and Bella," he tells me. The tone of his voice makes my stomach drop out of my ass and I swallow thickly. "Charlie and Renée are the closest things to parents Ali and I have. Emmett, Rose, Bella, and Peyton are our family. Xavier and Seth, Carlisle and Esme have all welcomed us into their lives without a second thought," he states, though it really sounds more like a warning.

I'm not wrong.

"You'd better be careful with her … with both of them, or else you'll have a lot more than just Xavier to worry about."

He holds my gaze for a moment, staring straight into my eyes until I nod my head. He doesn't move for a few more seconds and then abruptly turns, letting me know that our conversation is over. Good timing, too, because Emmett walks out of the wheelhouse right then. The boat rumbles to life and we pull out slowly, beginning another day on the water.

By the time we make it back to shore, I'm cold, sore, and tired. The day was wretched, so much so that Charlie cut it short because every trap we brought up was empty. It was just a shitty day all the way around. All I want to do is hopefully see Bella for at least a minute or two and if I'm really lucky, Peyton will be in the restaurant, too.

I miss my little thing something fierce. Just the thought of seeing her cuts through the damp chill and my pace unconsciously picks up.

If there's one good thing I can say about the miserable weather, it's that it's kept all but the Corea faithful away from The Breakers for the afternoon. Apparently my presence in the restaurant and in Corea itself is done being front page news because I barely receive a glance from the few patrons as I walk inside. Renée smiles and pats me on the arm as she flits past and heads toward the kitchen. I haven't really had a lot of time to spend with her yet, but she never fails to have a warm smile for me. The fact that she knows as much about me as Charlie does always makes me a bit uneasy, but that's more my problem than anything.

I don't want Bella getting upset with either of them for not telling her what they know. It's going to be hard enough for her to find out the truth; I don't want her to add feeling like she was lied to by them on top of everything else.

Before I can dwell too much on that, I hear my favorite seven-year-old singing along to Taylor Swift as she stares at Bella's phone. I only know who it is because Peyton's told me way more than any grown man wants to know about the girl. I smile as she bobs her head, totally oblivious to everything around her as she concentrates on the screen. I don't even have to guess what she's doing, I already know.

Peyton's obsessed with Angry Birds.

Like, really, really obsessed.

"What level are you on?" I ask as I slide into a chair across from her.

She squeaks when she looks up and sees me, the phone sliding out of her hands as she jumps. Of course, she tries to catch it and in the process, the ear buds for the iPod fall out of her ears. She's a tangled mess of hair and headphone cords by the time she picks the phone up off the floor and I can't help but laugh at her. It's the best I've felt all day.

"Edward," she growls when she blows out a puff of air to get her hair out of her face.

I try, I really do, not to laugh when she gives me the stink eye, which of course winds up looking more like a scrunched up chipmunk face than anything. Fucking adorable.

Holding up my hands, I say, "Sorry, sprite."

I can feel my lips lift and I bite the inside of my cheek to keep my smirk from growing into a full-fledged smile. It's hard not to when I'm around Peyton because everything she does seems to have that effect on me.

She huffs and rolls her eyes in her totally endearing Peyton-way, and then grins at me. "Eh, it's okay," she says as she waves her hands around. "I can't ever make it past that level anyway." She glares at the phone in her hand as if to warn it that she'll be back again and ready to dominate. I have no doubt she will.

"So," she says after she stares at me for a few seconds, dragging out the word a good three syllables longer than necessary. Her head's tipped to the side. Her mouth is twisted, lips puckered as she swings her feet back and forth beneath the table, her foot hitting my leg every few times.

My stomach clenches uncomfortably because if I know anything about my best friend, my ass is about to be put to the fire. Shit.

"Yes?" It's my turn to drag out the word while I'm looking around for Bella.

She must feel me looking at her, even though she's a few tables away. When she turns, I have to shift a bit in my seat. She looks at me over her shoulder, the best of both worlds really, because not only do I get to stare at the way her ass fills out her jeans, I also get to look at her gorgeous face. Her hair is half flung over her shoulder and when she smiles at me, I immediately smile back, incredibly turned on right there in the middle of the restaurant. Thank God no one can see. Fuck, tomorrow can't come soon enough.

As much as I'm dreading being around Xavier, I can't wait for some alone, adult time with her.

Bella looks from me to Peyton. She giggles when she spies her daughter giving me the stare down - complete with quirked eyebrow and arms crossed in front of her chest.

"Hmmm, hmmm." Peyton clears her throat and I sit up straighter in my chair. Damn if the little thing doesn't have me whipped into shape.

When she's satisfied she has my full attention, quite the chore, believe me, because when Bella walks by, setting a Coke down on the table for me, I can smell her citrusy scent follow her. It takes all I have not to run after her. I stay in my seat though, and concentrate on Peyton.

"What's up?" I ask.

"You and Mom are going out on a date tomorrow?" I've of course made the mistake of taking a drink of my soda just as she asks her question and spit it out all over the table in front of me.

Kill me now.

Slowly, stupidly, I nod my head, too shocked to say anything.

"Does that mean she's your girlfriend?" she asks. Her gray eyes bore into mine making her seem way older than she is. I've known from the first moment she opened her mouth that she was no ordinary seven-year-old. It doesn't matter that I haven't ever been around another one but her.

I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, praying for some sort of divine intervention to help me make it through this. I'd take an ass beating from Xavier, take hours of talking to Carlisle, hell, I'd take days out on the boat, working in the pouring rain with just Charlie over having to answer this question.

I fidget. I run my hand through my hair. I stare out the window.

I stall.

Peyton never moves, never makes a sound, just keeps staring at me with those endless steel-blue eyes that sucked me in from the very beginning. The eyes that see me in a way no one ever has. The ones that see me for who I want to be … who my grandparents always wanted me to be. For that reason alone, I owe the little girl across from me more than she'll ever know. Because of that, I'll always be honest with her.

I shake my head no, echoing my action with words. "No, sweetheart, she's not."

I have no idea what Bella and I are besides friends at this point, and it's way too damn soon to try to pigeonhole it anyway. The only thing I do know is I want her to be in my life in whatever capacity she wishes to be. Until I come clean and tell her everything, it's all I can hope for.

Something passes across Peyton's face and then it's gone in the blink of an eye, but I've spent enough time around her to know what it is.

Putting aside how uncomfortable I am by her question, I focus solely on her. Leaning forward to let her know that she's all I'm concerned about, I say gently, "But she is important to me, just like you are."

"Don't you like her? Don't you want her to be your girlfriend?" she asks so innocently it about breaks my heart.

How to explain without really saying anything? God knows I'd rather cut off my arm than upset her, but I don't want to give her the wrong impression either.

Hoping I'm going to say the right thing, I begin slowly, "P, of course I like her. You and your mom are the best things that have happened to me in a long, long time."

Sufficiently vague, but true.

Apparently my answer isn't quite good enough for the much too perceptive girl across from me, and I practically groan out loud. Damn it all. "Well, if that's true, why isn't she your girlfriend? Last year when Andrew liked me, I was his girlfriend. Why isn't Mom your girlfriend if you like her?"

Her head's tipped to the side and I know that no matter how much I wish that I could bang my head against the side of the table, which really would be preferable to having this conversation, I have to answer her. I hate hearing the doubt in her voice. "It's a bit more complicated for grownups. Trust me, I like your mom a lot, but things aren't that simple."

She frowns and mumbles something that sounds an awful lot like, "Even grownup boys are stupid." I have a feeling there's more to that statement than I know, and I try to hide my smile beneath my hand.

"But if Mom is your girlfriend, you won't leave," she says, her voice small and sad.

I'm out of my chair and beside her, squatting so I'm eye level with her. "Peyton, I'm not going anywhere, okay? This is my home now and nothing would make me want to leave here. We're best friends, remember? We have to stick together," I tell her and tickle her sides, sagging in relief when she laughs.

She looks up when Emmett calls her name and motions for her to go see him. She gives me a quick hug then hops down off the chair, acting like everything is back to normal. I can't, don't, move for a moment as I replay our conversation in my mind, hoping against hope I didn't say anything wrong. I fall forward when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

Giggles alert me to exactly who's standing behind me. I turn around once I've righted myself, and try to glare at her, but of course fail miserably when she smiles at me.

"Are you okay? That looked like a pretty intense conversation," Bella says, her voice is concerned, questioning.

I manage to pull myself up onto the chair and nod at her. I'm totally at a loss as to what I'm supposed to tell her about what Peyton asked. Do I tell her? I sure as hell don't want to upset her, and I know as sure as I'm sitting here if I tell her what her daughter asked me, she'll freak the fuck out. We've been dancing around this subject for weeks now, and the closer we get, the more we avoid it. I think she, like me, is waiting for all the skeletons to come tumbling out of the closet before going any further.

I don't know about her, but I'm getting the point where I'm ready to bring them all out, mine and hers, front and center, and deal with them so that there isn't anything else to worry about but how … and if … we want to go forward.

I know what I want; I just hope she does, too, once she knows everything.

Reaching for her hand, I tug on her fingers until she's standing between my legs. "Just best friend talk," I tell her and shrug my shoulders, really hoping she doesn't press for more.

After a beat, she sighs and nods her head. Wanting to move to a different topic, I pick her hand up to my mouth and brush an open-mouthed kiss along the soft skin of her knuckles. "I can't wait for tomorrow," I tell her quietly, my voice low enough so that only she can hear me.

"Me, either."

Her voice shakes a little bit, just enough for me to know she's as excited as I am. It makes me feel better. I pull her even closer so that my eyes are level with her fantastic tits. It takes all I have not to lean forward and bury my nose between them like I want to. Instead, I place my free hand on her hip, slipping my thumb under her Breakers t-shirt. Her skin is warm … smooth, beneath the circles I make. My fingers curl and squeeze the curve of her ass, and I growl in the back of my throat when she lets a breathy whimper escape her lips.

I inhale a long, steadying breath and utter a harsh, "Fuck, Bella," before removing my hand.

I'm definitely not cold any more.

Neither of us move for a moment until I stand. There are more people braving the horrid weather and the restaurant is filling up. I don't want to go, but I know I need to. She has work to do and I know she'll be eating dinner with Peyton soon. Their mother/daughter moments are too precious to intrude upon.

"I better let you get back to work," I say after I run a hand through my hair, nervous but not sure why.

Tomorrow night suddenly feels very far away.

Her mouth turns down into frown, reminding me again of just how much Bella and Peyton are alike. "Fine. I guess if I have to," she grumbles.

I step forward and lower my head, letting my lips barely ghost her ear. "I'll see you tomorrow night, okay?"

She gasps when she feels my warm breath and I can feel her fingers clutch at my jacket, gripping it tightly in her hands. She nods but doesn't say anything so I decide to ratchet things up even more. Call me a masochist, but Bella's hot as hell and I can't help but enjoy the effect I have on her. It means another long shower when I get home, but it's well worth it.

I run my nose down the side of her cheek and over her jaw. When I reach the spot behind her ear, I flick my tongue out, tasting citrus and salt and Bella. Her fingers twist even more and she inches closer to me. I can hear her heart race, feel her pulse thump wildly beneath my lips. Smiling against her neck, I rasp, "Besides being invited to your house the first time, I haven't been this excited about anything in a long time."

She shivers and her voice is shaky, sultry. "Me, either."

My hand slides beneath her hair, holding the back of her neck. Lingering, I kiss her cheek, then the corner of her mouth. The sounds of silverware scraping against plates and the muffled conversations going on around us manage to penetrate the bubble I always find myself in whenever I'm around her and I groan, knowing I have to go.

Her eyes are a bit dazed when I pull back and look at her. I smirk – I can't help it.

I link our index fingers, holding on as I step away from her. Squeezing one last time I say, "I'll call you later, okay, and say good night," before I let go completely.

She smiles and sighs at the same time, a sexy combination if I've ever seen one.

I wave at Peyton and walk out of the restaurant, counting down the minutes until tomorrow night.

~~~~OOO~~~~OOO~~~~

"See you in a few." Emmett waves as he hops into his Jeep.

Nodding, I sit on my bike and take a deep breath to quell the nerves that immediately flare from his words.

Shit.

The ride home passes by quickly and thankfully when I get to the boarding house, I'm able to slip upstairs and into my room without coming across anyone. I'm nervous enough as it is; I don't need the third degree from Esme or God help me, Seth.

He's given me enough crap all week as it is; I sure as hell don't need any more. The fucker is enjoying my impending demise at the hands of his boyfriend way too much. I'm not scared of Xavier, per se, I can handle myself if it comes right down to it, but I know how much he means to both Bella and Peyton so I'd like to avoid any and all confrontations if possible. He hasn't bothered to say more than two words to me since the night we crossed paths at the store, just icy glares anytime he sees me.

It's getting fucking old if you want to know the truth, but I don't want to rock the boat any more than necessary so I just ignore it. For the time being at least. I know that sooner or later we'll have words, but I'd like for that to happen when I'm on a bit surer footing as far as Bella is concerned.

Hey, a man can dream.

My shower is fast, taking care of the necessities only: wash, shave, and jacking off - the latter a must in order to keep my sanity around Bella. It's getting hard to be around her and not give in to how much I want her. Damn hard.

Shutting down those thoughts before I get carried away and have to take care of business … again … I quickly get dressed. Donning a new pair of jeans and a plaid button-up - the finest the Walmart in Ellsworth has to offer - I decide I look halfway decent when I look at myself in the mirror. I hope Bella thinks so at any rate.

I glance at my watch, another purchase I made one Sunday when Esme took me shopping to get some necessities, and my stomach clenches.

Fuck.

I grab my jacket, quickly shove my phone and wallet in my pocket, and pick my keys up. I'm not as lucky leaving as I was getting home because Esme, Carlisle, and Seth are all sitting in the kitchen, like parents waiting to take pictures before prom … or for their kid to get home after breaking curfew. I don't know which is worse.

"What in the hell are you all looking at?" I grumble as I look around the table at all of their expectant faces.

Esme giggles but then tries to cover it up with a cough. It doesn't work. "Edward, you look so handsome," she tells me and I swear it looks like she has tears in her eyes.

So not what I need.

Embarrassed, I squeeze my eyes closed and stomp toward the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water, hoping that it will alleviate the tension settling on my shoulders. I look at Esme who's practically bouncing up and down in her seat, and no matter how hard I try not to, I feel the corners of my mouth lift in a smile.

The woman is completely irresistible. I can't help myself.

"I feel like I'm going to throw up," I murmur and then roll my eyes for sounding like a melodramatic teenage girl instead of a grown man.

Seth snorts and I shoot him a dirty look. Asshole. I really don't need any of his smirks or innuendos right now, but knowing him, I'm not going to be that lucky.

I'm not.

Casually, he says, "Nice threads, man."

"Whatever," I huff.

We get in some sort of bizarre stare down until he breaks out into a huge smile and starts laughing. Instead of it being contagious, I look at him like he's lost his fucking mind.

Carlisle chuckles then stands up, gazing at me from across the room. "I hope you and Bella have a nice time. Try to relax and enjoy yourself. And you," he says, slapping Seth on the back of the head. "Knock it off. You know this isn't easy for Edward. You're not helping matters at all," he scolds, though it doesn't sound very threatening because he's laughing at the same time.

"Thanks, Carlisle. You sound real convincing there."

There's a long pause filled with heavy silence before Esme's laughter fills the room. Once she starts, the other two join in, and unable to help myself, I do, too. It's weird because Esme and Carlisle know the real reason behind my nervousness; Seth just assumes it's all due to Xavier.

For all his blustering and for all my apprehension about him, Xavier really has very little to do with the fact that I've got a stampede of elephants rumbling inside my stomach.

As much of a pussy as it makes me sound like, I'm just really fucking nervous to be alone with Bella. When I asked her out, like a dumbass I hadn't given much thought to the logistics of going on a date and when I realized I only had my bike to drive to Ellsworth, I'd felt like an idiot. To say I'm excited about the chance to drive her Blazer is an understatement. I've salivated over the thing for a month now, but the fact that we'll be alone with no Peyton to act as a buffer if we need her is freaking me the hell out. I want everything to be perfect.

The three of them finally decide to get their shit together and they stop laughing.

"You'll have a wonderful time. You'll see," Esme tells me.

"I hope so."

She stands up and walks toward me, taking my hands in hers when she stops in front of me. I've gotten used to her hugs and kisses. I'm still not crazy about physical contact, unless it's from Bella or Peyton, but from Esme I endure, even though it still makes me cringe a bit inside. "Just be yourself, honey," she tells me. She raises one eyebrow at me and waits until I nod my head.

She stares at me for another moment before patting me on the cheek and then she leaves the room. Seth hasn't said anything else, but the way he's just sitting there makes me shift from foot to foot.

"Dude, just chill out. It's dinner and some drinks; no big deal."

I scoff at that and shoot Carlisle a look because he knows this is much more than just dinner and drinks.

Seth obviously feels the tension mount in the air because he quickly stands up. "Guess I'll head over to Xavier's. We'll see you at the pub, Edward," he tells me. He stares at me for a moment, and I can tell he's trying to decide if he should say anything else. He looks confused, not that I blame him because even I realize how weird I'm acting. Finally he just nods his head and walks out.

"Fuck," I mutter when I hear the door close.

My chest tightens and my shirt all of a sudden feels two sizes too small. A drop of sweat slides down the side of my face and I swat at it, breathing deeply in and out.

"Breathe, Edward," I hear Carlisle say. My eyes are squeezed shut so I can't see him but I nod at him and inhale and exhale in long breaths.

"I have to tell her soon. This is fucking killing me," I tell him when I catch my breath.

"You do," he agrees immediately. "But not tonight. Tonight just try to have fun spending time with her and your new friends. You can do this."

Frustrated by my body and my inability to handle my shit, I run a hand roughly through my hair. I hate the way I don't feel in control of myself, but I take another deep breath and think about seeing Bella in a few minutes.

It helps.

"Edward, I know it seems like you have this huge, wild animal, following you around, ready to pounce at a moment's notice, but really, it's not as bad as you are imagining. Xavier has his own reasons for being wary of you, but those are his issues, not yours. Bella has allowed herself and Peyton to get to know you. Jasper, Alice, Emmett, and Rose all seem to enjoy your company and Seth, for all his teasing and instigating, obviously doesn't have a problem with you either. So, just go out tonight and have a good time," Carlisle commands, though not harshly.

"You're right. I'm being an idiot," I say, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"I know I am, and yes, you are." He chuckles when my eyes snap to his. "Now, go get your girl and act like a normal twenty-seven year-old on a date," he tells me, slapping me on the shoulder.

Hearing the words 'your girl' makes my blood rush to my head … and other parts of my body as well.

Instantly, wanting to see her overtakes everything else and I'm itching to get to her house.

"See ya," I tell him, my mind now solely on the woman I'm about to take on our first date.

The ride to her house is over in the blink of an eye, mostly because I'm so focused on seeing her.

I park my bike beside her Blazer and grin as I walk past it. I really can't fucking wait to drive the thing. As I approach the front door I mutter, "Don't fuck this up." I take one more deep breath, studiously ignoring the way my hand shakes when I knock on the door.

I can hear music playing from deep inside, something with a heavy beat, but I don't recognize it. Not surprising, of course, but I make a mental note to ask Bella who it is. I laugh when I hear a thump then a hiss of, "Ouch, damn it," right before the door is flung open.

And there she is, standing in front of me all gorgeous and nervous and sexy and she totally takes my breath away.

She pushes her hair back behind her ear and when I see the flash of silver peek out from beneath the strands, I literally have to bite back a groan. Damn what that earring does to me. She waves me inside, grimacing as she bends over to rub her knee.

"Are you okay?"

There's a bright red splotch on her knee. I immediately bend down to look at it, running my finger lightly over the spot. Her skin is so smooth; it's like touching a seashell that's been warmed by the sun. I want to lean forward and kiss the spot, but I don't, feeling a bit like a perv for even thinking about it. I trace the mark once more before reluctantly removing my finger.

"What did you do?" I ask, grinning when she rolls her eyes and grunts.

"I tripped over Peyton's soccer ball and hit my knee on the edge of the end table."

We both laugh, though it sounds forced and awkward. Jesus, I hope this is not what the rest of the night is going to be like. She clears her throat and then turns to look at me, the waning daylight casting shadows across her face.

Her tongue peeks out of her mouth, darting across her lips just before she pulls her bottom one between her teeth. My dick immediately responds.

"Do you want something to drink before we go?"

Her voice is barely above a whisper, like she's telling me a secret. I step closer to her, brushing her hair back. Mesmerized, I watch as a few strands slide between my fingers, falling in soft waves over her shoulder. I lean in toward her, inhaling the citrus I've come to recognize, anticipate. My heart feels like it's being beat on like a bass drum, but it doesn't stop me from running the backs of my fingers down her cheek until I'm holding the side of her face in my hand. I turn her face toward mine. Our eyes lock. Our breaths catch.

"You're gorgeous." The words are lost in the mix of our breathing, but I know she hears me when that fucking sexy as hell blush appears on her face. Unable to help myself, though I don't try very hard, I crash my lips to hers. She tastes like cinnamon, spicy and fiery. I dip my tongue in her mouth, swirling it all around, reveling in the way her taste explodes, coating my tongue.

Her fingers move into my hair and she pushes herself against me. I drape my free arm across her lower back, letting my hand cup her ass. Our bodies move against each other's, slow and needy, want quickly spiraling out of control.

I slow my kisses down, swiping her mouth one last time before pecking her lips chastely.

"Damn, I've been thinking about that for weeks now," I whisper on a panting breath as I rest my forehead against hers.

"So have I." Her answer shouldn't surprise me but it really kind of does.

It also makes me really fucking happy.

We don't say anything and after a few seconds, she begins to giggle, which in turn makes me laugh as well.

I kiss her on the tip of the nose, and then step back. "We'd better get going if we don't want to be late," I remind her, walking toward the door.

I watch her move around the room, flitting from turning off lights and the music to picking up her coat and purse. She fumbles and drops her jacket. I can tell from across the room how nervous she is and I go to her.

Bending over, I pick it up off the floor and lay it over her arm, pulling on her fingers until she looks at me. "Hey," I say softly. Unable to resist, I lean forward and brush my lips against hers again, whispering, "Don't be nervous, we're going to have a great time."

Where my new found confidence has come from, I have no idea, but seeing her uncomfortable is just … wrong.

She nods and then sighs. When she looks at me she's smiling which makes me feel tons better. "I haven't done this for a long time," she says quietly, leading me toward the front door.

I knew that because she's mentioned it in passing a few times, but hearing it again makes my heart happy, my dick, too, if you want to know the truth. Because we're sharing I tell her, "Me, either." I snort. She has no idea how true that is or how long it's been.

I've mentioned my lack of dating experience, though not in detail, so when she looks at me with wide eyes and a quirked eyebrow, I do this weird cough-choke thing. She doesn't hesitate to laugh at my dumb ass and I try to glare at her, which doesn't work. It does lighten the mood though and then we're out the door and walking in the direction of the Blazer.

I hold my hand out, wiggling my fingers and bouncing up and down on my feet while I wait for her to hand over the keys. She enjoys my misery for way too long as she dangles the keys above my twitching palm. I have really, really been looking forward to driving her truck.

"Cherry's my baby, you know," she teases, twirling the key ring around her finger.

I roll my eyes. "Yes, you've mentioned it a time or twenty."

She narrows her eyes at me, tilting her head to the side. "I don't let just anyone drive her," she tells me and it seems like there's a hidden meaning to her words.

Plucking the keys from her finger, I take a step, making it so her back is up against the door. "I don't want to be just anyone, Bella."

My voice is low, rough, and I'm totally serious. Her mouth falls open, her tongue flicks at her top lip. Reaching up around her, I slip the key into the lock. I can hear her breathing, erratic and quick, see as her eyes dart around everywhere but in my direction.

I gently move her out of the way so I can open the door. "Come on. Up you go."

Remembering the good manners my grandmother taught me, I help her up into her monster of a truck. A flash of creamy white thigh appears when her skirt slides up her leg and I quickly say a prayer of thanks to above for the return of summer weather.

I don't know shit about women's clothes, but I know enough to appreciate the way her short black skirt shows off her legs in all the right ways and how her heels make her just the right height to hold against me and feel her in the best places. I know her shirt, some white sheer thing, molds to her chest like a second skin, putting her fantastic breasts even more on display than normal. She smells delicious, like an orange just picked from the tree in the summertime.

She's hotter than fucking hell and all mine … for the rest of the night at least, and hopefully long, long after that.

About five minutes into the drive to Ellsworth and neither one of us have said a word. It's as if we're back at the first time we saw each other and I watched her shrink from me and run away. Not that I'd let her do it again, not now.

"Was Peyton excited about spending the night with your parents?" I ask, grasping for something to talk about to relieve the uncomfortable silence.

She snorts and shakes her head, turning to look at me. "I don't know who's more excited, her or my dad. He loves his one on one time with his granddaughter."

I smile and nod, believing every word. I open my mouth to make another comment when she blurts out, "Can we … um … not talk about Peyton or my dad or anything like that? I'd like for tonight to be about us." Her voice is muffled, almost embarrassed-sounding. I'm not having any of that.

I reach for her hand and pull it up to my mouth. She gasps when I place an open-mouthed kiss to the palm of her hand. "Us? I like the sound of that," I tell her, painting her skin with my tongue.

My voice sounds every bit as sure as hers didn't just a moment ago. I hope the smile on my face lets her know how much that tiny two-lettered word means to me.

"I do, too."

This time her words come out sounding like a sigh and, like always, make me instantly hard.

I lower her hand, setting it on my thigh and cover it up with my own. The rest of the short drive passes quickly and we discuss everything but Peyton. I miss my little thing, but I don't mind focusing every bit of my attention on her gorgeous, sexy mother.

Not at all.

Every time I glance at her out of the corner of my eye, which really feels like every few seconds because I can't keep my eyes off her, she's looking at me, too. For a moment her eyes drift to my neck and I know she's staring at my scar, but her eyes meet mine before I have time to wonder what she thinks when she looks at it.

I find Finn's easily enough, Ellsworth isn't difficult to find your way around in, and as I pull into the parking lot I groan when I spy Xavier's truck. Bella looks to see what's caught my attention and I can tell she's troubled by my reaction.

"I'm sorry," I tell her, parking the Blazer in an empty spot in the corner of the lot.

She whips around to face me, her hair flying out from how fast she moves. "For what? You're not the one acting like an asshole," she says in a hard voice, complete with growl.

I open my mouth to try to defend him, though I don't know why. Maybe because I don't want to come between them and I know his problem is me, not her or Peyton. "Don't, Edward," she warns and I shut my mouth. Hard. "He might be my best friend, but he's not my father, who knows better than to tell me what to do. Xavier needs to back the hell off."

I turn the truck off and get out, hurrying to her side. When I open her door, she's taking a deep breath and running a hand through her hair. I hold my hand out, linking our fingers together to help her down. Once she's standing in front of me and I can close her door, I pull her to me. Our joined hands are on the small of her back and she has to bend backward just a bit as I lean over her.

"Let's forget about the bald behemoth and just have fun, okay?" I ask against her lips. I don't move as I wait for her to nod her head and when she does, I close my mouth around hers, kissing her to let her know that I don't give a shit what anyone but her thinks about us.

Dinner is … fun … once we move past all the bullshit. It takes a few minutes and a few drinks for some of them, like Xavier, to loosen up, but once the alcohol starts flowing and the food arrives it's nothing but laughs.

"No shit, Edward." Seth laughs, ignoring Bella's attempts to kick him under the table. "You should have seen her; I've never laughed so hard in my life."

The entire table is laughing, even Bella who tries really hard not to.

"Aww, Bell, I forgot about that," Emmett says once he wipes his eyes. He's laughed so hard his eyes have watered.

"I hate all of you," she grumbles.

My arm has been draped across the back of her chair. I pull her toward me, hooking my foot around the leg of her chair to get her as close to me as I can. "Even me?" I whisper, well, it's a bit louder than that due to all the noise. I leave my lips against her ear, taking a moment to just breathe her in.

She tips her head, an open invitation. I don't decline. My mouth slides down her neck, teeth skimming her sensitive, heated skin until I reach that delicious junction between her neck and shoulder. I suck, pulling her flesh into my mouth, laving it with my tongue. My fingers squeeze her opposite shoulder, holding her in place. I forget about everything but her. We're not in a crowded bar, surrounded by her friends and family. We're not in the middle of dinner.

The abrupt scrape of a chair across the floor a few seconds later immediately reminds me that we're not alone. I turn my head, and see the unmistakable back of Xavier push its way through the crowd. No one says anything for a few seconds until thankfully Emmett starts the conversation again, ignoring Xavier's outburst. Even Seth doesn't react. Bella scowls for a moment until Rose and Alice pull her into their conversation again.

I watch her, paying little attention to anything else. One of her hands rests on my thigh and the other waves around in huge, animated circles as she talks. Her cheeks are flushed from the alcohol and the stifling air of the pub. I stare, utterly captivated as a bead of sweat slowly slides from the hair above her ear, down her cheek and over her neck until it disappears beneath her shirt. Her fingers on my leg move back and forth. She's not paying any attention whatsoever to where they go or how she touches me, making it that much harder not to shift in my seat. I twirl her hair around my fingers rubbing the strands with my thumb. She leans back into me, pressing her shoulder against mine.

Damn, I want her.

Once the waitress comes and cleans off the dishes, Emmett and Jasper head for the pool tables. Seth goes to find Xavier, and Alice pulls Bella to the bathroom with her, leaving just me and Rose.

"Are you having fun?" she asks after a few beats.

I nod, taking a drink of my Coke. I had one beer with dinner, my limit because I'm driving. I'm not taking any chances. The very last thing I need is to get pulled over and have alcohol on my breath not to mention the fact I'm not taking any chances with her safety, either.

She stares at me, waiting until I set my glass back on the table. "You don't have to worry about Xavier; he'll come around."

I grunt and then put my arms on the table so I can lean in closer to her. "You know what?" I begin, "I don't really give a fuck if he does or not as long he doesn't upset Bella or Peyton. Whenever he pulls the stick out of his ass and wants to have a conversation with me like a grownup, I'll be happy to listen to what he has to say, not that it matters one way or the other where Bella is concerned."

We look at each other until she grins and then starts laughing, throwing her head back and slapping her hands on the table. "Oh shit, I love that," she says when she catches her breath. "Xavier is like a brother to me, but he's acting like a prick right now, so you hold your ground with him. He owes you both an apology."

I wave her words off, neither wanting nor needing one, but she nods her head vigorously back at me. "Yes, Edward, he does. He's watched Bell every day since Evan died just like the rest of us have and for him to begrudge her trying to be happy pisses me the fuck off."

My jaw hangs open and she chuckles, shaking her head at me like I'm a hapless idiot. Which I am. "She's happy, any fool can see that. Usually we have to drag her kicking and screaming to come out with us, but she's laughed and joked around all night. That's because of you," she tells me, her voice serious now. "I know we all honed in on your date with her and while I'd like to apologize for that, I won't. I miss my sister, my friend, and she's been more like herself since you've arrived than she has in a long time. We all just wanted to … be around our Bella again."

Her eyes narrow and she glares at something over my shoulder. I twist around in my chair and am standing up before I even realize it when I feel a hand on my arm. "Sit," she orders.

My eyes are hard, angry, and my fingers have clenched into tight fists. Blood pounds in my ears and I swear everything is bathed in bright red. I'll kill the motherfucker.

"Edward, sit," Rose says again, this time more forcefully.

I sit, but don't take my eyes off Bella as she and Xavier argue. He's pointing and gesturing wildly. He's so much taller than she is that she has to look up at him while he talks but she doesn't back down from him at all. Her arms are locked to her sides, but even from across the pub I can tell she's shooting fire at him with her eyes. He's obviously an idiot because he just keeps going, even going so far as to shake Seth off when he grabs his elbow. I can't read lips, but I don't need to in order to know what he's saying.

You don't know him.

You can't trust him.

You're going to get hurt.

You're going to let Peyton get hurt.

It's when her shoulders slump that I'm out of my chair and at her side before I have time to think about what I'm doing.

My arm slips around her waist and I hold her close. Bending down to her ear, I ask, "Are you okay?"

She hiccups and I see a tear leak from the corner of her eye.

That fucking does it.

"Look, asshole," I sneer at him, gripping Bella even tighter, "I don't know what you just said to her but if you have a problem with me, then come to me with it. Stop taking it out on Bella."

"You don't … why can't you ..." he stammers, unable to talk he's so pissed off.

"Because I'm here to stay. Until she tells me to leave her alone, I plan on being around for a long time," I tell him, not backing down from the death glare he shoots me.

Bella straightens in my arm and I hear her take a deep breath. "I'm going to get a drink. I'll see you by the pool tables, okay?" she asks only me as she turns toward me.

"Are you sure? We can leave if you want," I tell her, wrapping a hand around her neck and running my thumb over her cheek.

She shakes her head. "No, I want to stay. This is my first date in forever. I'm not ready for it to be over yet," she says, loud enough for Xavier to hear because he immediately lowers his head, the fight gone in an instant. She pulls my head closer, kissing me quickly on the cheek before walking toward the bar without looking back.

"Are you happy now?" he asks, sounding sad and hurt.

It just pisses me off.

"Fuck no, I'm not happy, you asshole," I spit back at him, my anger quickly spinning out of control. I take a deep breath, vowing not to do anything else to upset Bella. "Whatever your problem is with me, get over it. I've got a job, a home, and now friends and a woman and a little girl that are becoming the most important people in my life. I'm not going anywhere." I step closer, looking him in the eye. "You don't know shit about me except what you see on the outside, so until you want to know more, fuck you. I get that you were friends with Evan and I get that you've taken care of Bella and Peyton for a long time, but from what I hear, Bella hasn't been a barrel of laughs for a long time. She's happy now. That's all that should matter to you."

I nod at Seth as I pass him, barely registering the argument taking place behind me as I walk away. I make my way back to the pool tables, pushing through the crowd of people.

I find her standing between Rose and Alice. She looks fine, but there's still a dip between her eyebrows and her arms are crossed tightly over her chest. She looks up when I step closer, immediately coming to me and wrapping her arms around my waist. Her head falls against my chest and I pull her closer to me. Bending over, I kiss the top of her head and run one hand up and down her back until I feel the tension leave her body.

When she looks up, her eyes are shimmering and her smile is genuine.

Thank fuck.

"You're okay?" I ask tipping her chin up with my finger.

"I'm perfect," she tells me, her eyes dark, her tone teasing … promising.

I ghost my lips across hers, flicking my tongue at the drop of liquid there from her drink. "Hmmmm, you are. Perfectly delicious," I murmur, the taste of vodka and cranberry juice filling my mouth.

"Okay, Edward, stop playing kissy face with my sister and come play pool with us," Emmett taunts, holding a pool cue beside him.

I kiss her one more time just because I can and then turn toward Emmett and Jasper. "Prepare to get your asses kicked, boys. Rack 'em up."

I get wrapped up in the game, beating first Emmett then Jasper, and am watching the two of them go at it when I feel my body tingle. Looking up, I find Bella staring at me with her bottom lip between her teeth. Instantly I'm hard because there's no doubting she wants me as badly as I want her.

Leaning against the wall, I crook my finger at her. I need her closer.

The few steps it takes her to close the distance between us seems to take a hell of a lot longer than the three or four seconds it really is. Her hips sway, her hair swishes behind her, and she's the only thing I can see. She stops just out of my reach and smirks at me in a challenge.

Oh, little girl, wrong move.

I crook my finger again, smirking at her in return. "Closer."

She doesn't move, but I can see the way her nipples have tightened beneath her shirt. Taking a baby step that barely inches her forward, she looks at me again.

My stomach clenches as I watch her lick her lips. My dick gets even harder when she runs a hand through her hair, lifting the back off her neck. I can see the damp curls of fine hair glistening from sweat. My dick tries to push its way through my jeans. "Come here. I need to kiss you," I whisper hoarsely, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the room.

I grab our jackets off the table and we're out the door and across the parking lot before a minute even passes. In the next instant, I have her pressed up against the side of her truck, my mouth assaulting hers. The jackets in my hand hit the ground when I let go to reach for her wrists, lifting them over her head. My tongue is ravenous, delving, plunging into her warm, sweet mouth. Teeth clank. Tongues tangle and swirl, pressing forward … pulling back.

I let go of her hands, taking them both in one of mine so I can hold her breast with my free one. She whimpers as soon as my thumb circles her nipple. When I pinch the hardened peak, she arches her back. My mouth moves to her neck, nibbling and licking every inch of skin I can find. I'm crazed. I'd worry I was hurting her if I couldn't hear her breathless moans.

"Fuck, Bella, the things I want to do to you." I hiss as I push myself against her thigh, knowing she can feel how hard I am.

I roll her nipple between my fingers, sucking her bottom lip into my mouth when her mouth falls open. I push the shirt to the side, exposing the top of her breast. When I see that pale skin for the first time, I groan. Lowering my head I cover every part of her with my tongue, the silky flesh tasting even more exquisite than that of her neck.

I let go of her breast, looking around to make sure we're alone and no one can see us. Thank God we are and no one can, because I need to touch her. My hand slides beneath her skirt, and I can feel goosebumps spread across her leg. I know she's not cold so I don't stop.

My mouth finds hers again and I lick her lips, and then slowly push my tongue inside her mouth again. "Are you okay? I'm not hurting you am I?" I ask between kisses.

"No, I'm fine," she pants. Her eyes are dilated, almost completely black when I look in them.

My fingers caress her thigh, glancing the edge of what feels like barely there panties.

My dick throbs painfully but I rock my hips against her anyway. She lifts the leg I'm not touching and wraps it around my knee, opening herself wider for me.

"Can I touch you? Fuck, I need to touch you," I breathe against her neck, sucking on the skin that vibrates with her pulse.

She moans, the sound rumbling and deep, and I take that for encouragement. My hand cups her pussy. She's so hot, so wet. I rub the heel of my hand against the spot right above her clit and my fingers spread wide, covering her entirely.

She tugs on the hand above her head and I release her arms. They immediately wrap around my neck and then her mouth is on my jaw, my cheek, my neck, until she reaches my ear. "Touch me, Edward. Please," she pants, warm breath fanning over wet skin. "Let me touch you, too."

"Jesus," I rasp. I lift my hand then push it inside her panties. When my fingers find her wet, slick folds, we both groan. At this point, I'm pretty sure my dick could drill through rocks it's so hard, but I can't even think about that now, especially when I feel her fumble with the belt and zipper on my jeans. Once she's able to, she palms my dick. Fingers grip me through my boxers.

"Bella, oh fuck," I pant when finally I feel her, skin against skin once she holds me firmly in her hand. Her touch is tentative, but it only takes a few seconds before it becomes bolder. Her grip tightens; her thumb swipes through the bead of moisture on the tip. Up and down, twisting, pumping, I thrust into her hand, my body screaming, aching for release.

Our breathing is heavy … wanting, needy.

I circle her clit with my finger, my other arm wrapped around her waist holding her still. Her head's thrown back against the side of the truck and her breathing gets faster.

"Oh, God, oh, God."

My finger circles faster, matching her words and the swivel of her hips against my hand. Our hips move together, mimicking what our bodies want. "Fuck, Bella. That's it, baby, come. You're so fucking close," I whisper before kissing her again.

Her fingers tug on my hair. Her eyes burn with hunger.

"Mmmm, let it go."

I quicken my pace, fingers flying over her, touching, rolling, pressing. Her breath catches, a squeak escapes. Her leg wraps tighter and her head falls back, hair hanging gloriously down her back and then she shatters, exploding in a rush of heat and wet.

She rides my hand, her orgasm making her chest flush bright with pink. She's fucking magnificent as she shakes and shudders until she's done. She sags, almost collapsing except for the fact that I still have her pressed against the door and her hand is still in my pants. I can't help but press myself against her, my dick so hard it hurts. She begins moving her hand again, gliding it up and down my length, squeezing with just the right amount of pressure to make my breath get faster.

I pluck at her nipples, bite at her neck, as she brings me closer and closer to the edge.

"Christ … oh shit," I moan.

"Come, Edward," she breathes, staring straight into my eyes.

I mutter one more incoherent something or other, and let go, coming so hard I only see a flash of white. She doesn't still her hand, making my orgasm last longer than should be humanly possible, until I'm so spent and my legs feel so rubbery I worry about keeping myself upright.

I remove my hand from her panties, feeling my fingers cool as the night air hits them when I smooth her skirt back in place. Her hand shakes as she pulls hers out, too, and neither of us says anything.

My forehead falls heavily against hers and I rub her hips and the tops of her thighs when she lowers her other leg, hoping she's not sore.

"That was," I breathe, squeezing my eyes shut against the swarm of emotions suddenly bursting to life inside of me. What I feel for her scares me. What I need to tell her scares me more.

"Yeah, it was," she whispers, her hands rubbing my biceps.

She shivers and I feel like shit. "Oh, hell, Bella, I'm so sorry. I never meant to do that … like that." I groan. I never should have let things get so far, and up against the side of her truck, too, in the middle of the parking lot of all the damn places. Jesus, thinking about someone seeing us, Xavier, or God help me, Emmett, makes me gulp, loudly.

My hands are awkward, straightening her shirt and her skirt, wondering how to apologize for attacking her like I just did.

I want to kick my own ass.

"Edward, stop," she tells me, giggling and rolling her eyes. My hands still on her shoulders and I hang my head, mortified.

"Hey, it's okay," she tells me, running her fingers through my hair. Her voice soft, gentle and there's absolutely no trace of anything even close to resembling regret.

I feel marginally better.

"It's not," I say, shaking my head. "I really didn't intend to get so carried away. I mean, you've been driving me insane all damn night, and you look sexy as hell, so …. shit." I stop talking before I say something totally wrong and ruin what is, without a doubt, the hottest thing that has ever happened to me.

"Edward?" She waits until I look at her before she grins. She forcefully grabs the front of my shirt and pulls me closer to her, saying, "Shut up." Her eyes gleam from the lights in the parking lot. Her hair's a wild mess from my fingers and the thrashing she did against the side of the truck. Her cheeks are pink, her lips swollen and honestly, she looks like sin and sex all wrapped up in a perfect package of just … her.

The way she sounds, the way her eyes dance, the wicked smirk she gives me when I raise my eyebrow at her tone, makes most of my anxiety melt away. I can barely think, let alone wallow, when she looks at me like that.

"Yes, ma'am."

I can't resist one last kiss, though I know it's only going to leave me wanting more. This time, our kiss is softer, but somehow it means even more than before. When she shivers, I know it's from the chill in the air and I slow down, groaning … and whining … when I have to stop altogether. I can hear voices and realize that we need to either go back inside or go home.

My vote is home, especially when I see her try to hide a yawn behind her hand.

"Come on. Let's get out of here," I whisper, taking her hand and unlocking the door with the key.

There's this sort of awkward but not uncomfortable moment that passes once I get in the driver's seat. We stare at each other, neither saying a word, the electricity between us flowing freely, sizzling … crackling. There are so many things I want to say to her. She looks the same, like it's taking all she has to keep everything inside. It's right there, we both know it, but before either of us has a chance to do anything about it, the sound of her phone vibrating with a text message startles us both.

She reaches for it, her eyes grow big and a half giggle, half squeak escapes her lips as she reads the message. My guess is it's from Rose and there's no telling what she's said. Bella's fingers fly over the screen as she taps out a message, casting me sideways glances every few seconds. I'm dying to know what she's saying because apparently I've turned into a thirteen-year-old girl. Bella snorts and shakes her head while she finishes her message before tucking the phone back in her purse.

Bella puts her seat belt on as I'm backing out of the parking spot. She leans her head back against the headrest and turns to look at me, saying softly, "I told Rose we were going to go ahead and head back."

She yawns again and I reach over, running the backs of my fingers down her cheek before turning onto the street. "You should rest."

She nods and then covers my hand with hers where it still rests on the side of her face. "I had a great time tonight," she says, her voice barely louder than a breath.

"Me, too." My voice shakes, a rush of emotion overwhelming me.

Turning her head slightly, she presses a gentle kiss to the inside of my hand before settling back against the seat. She reaches for my hand and sets it in her lap, winding our fingers together, holding tight as if to keep me from letting go.

Crazy woman, as if that would ever happen. I navigate through the streets and turn to head back toward Corea. When I look at her once I'm on the highway, she's already sleeping.

"Soon, Bella," I whisper as the tires swish along the road. "I'll tell you everything. I just hope and pray you'll still want me after."

~~~~OOO~~~~OOO~~~~