Twilight 1. Chapter 1

**Hiya my lovely readers. I have had this idea running amok in my head for a while now and it wasn't until recently that I've had an attack of the plot bunnies and was able to get this down on paper. I hope you enjoy my take on an alternative Tattward and Inkella love story. It's a little to no angst love story of two people that come together over a shared love of good music, tattoos, baked goods and vintage muscle cars.**

**Enjoy!**

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**BPOV.**

I sped down the highway in my sleek little back VW Bug convertible. The sun was on my back and the wind was in my hair, or at least the part of it not covered by a headscarf. The radio was blaring out music while I belted out songs along with it. I sang out of tune as my hands beat out the rhythm on the steering wheel. I didn't care. The road was deserted so no one could hear or see me. The only one who could pass judgement on me was curled up fast asleep in the passenger seat. My little black and white french bulldog, Milo. He is my life and joy, aside from my job. He's also my biggest critic. Especially towards men.

I had to go on a pity date with a guy called Mike after Milo bit him on the ankle. Thankfully he didn't break the skin and Mike wouldn't press charges if I agreed to the date. By the end of the evening I wanted to bite him and not in a good way either.

The only time he was wrong was with Embry, but let's not dwell on that. Life is good. I'm good and a fresh start we shall make. As I neared the city limits I turned the music down a tad and took to humming along instead of singing. Wouldn't want to offend someone with my awful voice now. The streets became busy and more vehicles appeared on the road. The little town was bustling with life. I turned left and took the coastal road. The sea air always invigorated the senses. Milo had woken up and his little black nose was twitching out the window. His tongue lolled out as he tasted the salty breeze, occasionally yapping at seagulls as they swooped overhead.

It wasn't long before I pulled up at the first stop on the way to my final destination. My car companion was instantly excited, bouncing in his seat, tail wagging a-mile-a-minute. I stepped out of my car and Milo bounded over to my seat and promptly sat down. My clever little boy knew what was coming next. I gave him a quick scratch under the chin and a kiss on his nose. "Milo. Guard." I commanded. At once my lovable pup calmed down and his lip was curled back in a snarl, ready to have a go at anyone who came too close to my car. I smoothed down my dress, pulled off my head scarf and grabbed my purse. Leaving Milo on guard, I strode off towards the building.

The front lobby was empty save for a vast fish tank with three dead goldfish in it. I rolled my eyes and made my way to the side of the lot. Here is where all the life was. Fancy kitted out cars were up on jacks, tires in all sizes and colours were stacked against one wall while power tools adorned the other. At the back of the garage was a small office and a work bench where two men stood hunched over some paperwork. Both are pretty muscular, although the shorter of the two could of been the poster boy for steroid use. The leaner one ran a hand through his slicked back hair and I couldn't help but lick my lips at the ink that covered his skin. I bit my lip as heat pooled deep in my belly. That's an image to be locked away in the spank bank for later.

I put my hands on my hips and cleared my throat, finally getting the attention of the two fine specimens in front of me.

**EPOV.**

Damn Emmett and his useless accounting skills. The books were a mess and if Rose ever caught a glimpse of them our testicles would be her new hood ornaments. I ran my hand through my hair in agitation for what felt like the hundredth time. The loud sound of a throat clearing behind us caught our attention.

I turned around and instantly I was hard. A vision of beauty stood in the gap made by the raised garage doors. She had deep red hair, almost the same colour as blood, in one of those fancy up-do's that Rosalie favours and a tight ass dress that accentuated all the right places. She could put every last one of those Sailor Jerry pin-ups to shame. I couldn't see her eyes as they were obscured by a large pair of retro framed sunglasses. And those fuck me heels, I was suprised she could walk in them. I'm pretty sure my mouth was hanging open, but right now, I didn't care.

"I'm here to see a woman about a welder." Oh that voice and those lips, what I could do with those lips.

I was suddenly bought out of my fantasies by a high pitched squealing. I blinked and had to rub my eyes at what I saw. Rosalie had vaulted herself out from underneath a car she was working on and ran squealing at the beauty in the doorway, before flinging herself into the woman's arms.

I rubbed my eyes again.

Now they were bouncing on their toes and waving their hands wildly, talking about what I can only assume women talk about.

A painful slap to the abs had me almost doubled over winded. "What the fuck, Emmett?" I growled at my best friend. Here merely grinned and motioned towards the women making their way over to us. _Okay Cullen, play it cool._ I gave myself a mental pep talk. _She's hot yes, but you've been around hot women before. Dear lord, please don't let Emmett embarrass me_. Rose and the mystery woman stopped in front of us and I think I stopped breathing. Up close the red head was a thousand times more stunning than I first thought. Ink dotted her skin in brilliant designs and her lips were coated in red.

"Guys, I'd like you to meet the best of best friends, Bella Swan." Rosalie beamed. She fucking beamed! The only looks I have ever seen cross Rosie's face is irritation and lust, especially when she's at a vintage car show. "Bella, this is _my_ Emmett and Edward, my buisness partner." Rose finished the introductions. "Fellas we're going to close early today. Bella has arrived a whole week before she was meant to, so we need to sort out our spare room Em." She took a hold of Emmett's bicep and lead him through to the office, leaving myself and Bella alone.

I opened my mouth to speak but nothing but a high pitched squeak came out. I cleared my throat and tried again. "Where did you originate from Bella?"

Bella cocked her head to the side and bit on her plump ruby red bottom lip. "I guess you could say I originated in my mothers uterus, but if you want to be really scientific, I guess you could say I started off in one of my fathers testicles." She dead panned.

My mouth hung open as loud laughter emanated from the office doorway. I glared at my two friends as I realised what I had said. I quickly began to back track. "No - I - I didn't mean - I..."

"Don't sweat it Eddie, I'm just fucking with ya." Normally I hate being called 'Eddie', but on Bella's lips I didn't mind so much. "I'm from Seattle originally, actually more of a little podunk town sort of south west from there. Forks." She grimaced at the name. "I don't suppose you've heard of it. Not a lot of people have."

"Forks? No fucking way! I grew up a little in Forks. Moved to Chicago when I was about ten. My father was the dean of medicine at Forks Hospital."

"Then he probably knew my father, Charlie Swan. He's the chief of police." Rosalie and Emmett stood there with their mouths agape. Probably not expecting us to have something in common.

"Did you go to Forks elementary?"

"Yes, Mrs Clearwater's class. You?"

"Same here. I don't remember you. How old are you?"

"You're asking a woman her age? Did your mother not teach you any manners?" She smirked. I felt my face grow hot as she got me flustered again.

"Well yes. I didn't mean - I'm sorry."

Bella giggled, "relax Eddie. You're so highly strung. Does he not understand humour?" She directed her question at the two in the doorway.

Rosalie smirked while Emmett guffawed loudly. "Oh Bells, there is a lot our Edward doesn't understand. Come on, let's go. I want to show you my home." Rose extracted herself from Emmett's embrace and took Bella by the hand, leading her out of the auto-shop.

"Dude your face. For one minute there I thought you'd explode. Bella, she sure is something alright. If I didn't have my Rosie I'd totally make a pass at her. Wow." He whistled through his teeth and clapped me on the back, making me stumble forward.

Ass.

I grabbed the account books and locked up the office, before switching everything off for the day and closing up shop. I was walking to my car when a frantic yapping and snarling caught my attention. I glanced over and saw my big oaf of a friend cowering away from a VW Bug convertible. I jogged over but stopped when Bella and Rosalie burst out in fits of laughter.

"Emmett, I told you not to go near my car." Bella strode over and plucked a little dog from the vehicle. "Calm Milo." The dog instantly relaxed and licked Bella's face. "Good boy. Who's my good boy? Here you go." She pulled a treat from her purse and fed it to the beast before kissing the top of his head.

"That thing is lethal. I almost lost a finger." Emmett whined.

"Oh shush you big baby. He barely touched you." Rose chastised, but kissed the tip of Emmett's finger anyway.

Bella noticed me staring. "Edward, come and say hi to Milo."

"Uhh, I'd rather not Bella. I kind of need my fingers for work and such." I replied, keeping my distance from the mutt relaxing in the beauties arms.

"Oh he won't hurt you. He was just in guard mode. Watch." She bent over and put the little dog on the floor, giving me a great view of her ample cleavage. "Milo, GUARD!" The dog, who had been attempting to sniff his own behind was immediately on his feet, ears pricked up and his lips curled back in a warning snarl. The brute spied Emmett again and picked up where he left off, yapping and snarling, straining against his leash to get to his intended target. "I am the only one he will listen to when he's like this." Bella spoke over Milos tirade, tugging on his harness to make him sit. She crouched down to pet the animal and I had to bite back a moan at the sight of her dress pulled taut around her perfect ass. "Calm Milo." She cooed, patting his head.

"Wow." Emmett, never the one with words, "is he like...some sort of superdog?"

Bella looked at him quizzically. "No." She said slowly. "He's just well trained. Want to feed him his treat?"

"NO!" Emmett yelped, stepping back with his hands up. "I'm not putting my hands anywhere near that dogs mouth."

Rosalie coughed and muttered something that sounded like 'chicken shit'. I barked out a laugh while Emmett feigned hurt. She smirked and pulled the treat from Bella's hand, feeding it to the sappy bundle of fur that was once more in his owners arms. "Who's a good boy?! Who's a good boy!?" She spoke in a ridiculous baby voice, getting the dog all riled up and excited. I didn't see the appeal myself but Milo obviously thought it was great, giving Rose a slobbery lick up the left side of her face which showed a mingle of shock and disgust. She straightened up and stalked over to Emmett, who had been laughing loudly at the whole exchange, lifted his shirt and proceeded to wipe the drool off onto it. The laughter soon stopped.

I shook my head at their antics and turned to go back to my car. "I'll see you guys later." I called over my shoulder. I was just about to get into my 1967 Pontiac GTO when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and Bella was barely a hairs width away from me.

"It was nice to meet you Edward." Jesus my name had never sounded so erotic before, but hearing it falling from her lips nearly done me in. She had removed her sunglasses and her eyes were captivating. Simply enhancing her beauty that much more. The deep chocolate orbs had me ensnared in their grip. I couldn't look away if I wanted to. "Rose and Em are going to have a barbecue tonight. Are you going to come?"

Oh I'm going to cum alright, but I'd like to get out of these clothes before I do or I'm gonna need a change of pants. "Uhm." I squeaked. Squeaked? What the fuck is wrong with me today? I cleared my throat. "Sure. I'll bring the beer." I nodded.

"Brilliant," she beamed, before leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. I felt my eyes close as my world exploded. Her lips, so soft, felt like heaven on my skin. She withdrew and strutted off, swaying her hips as she went.

Yep, I'll take that change of pants now.

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**So... Was it good? Shall I continue posting it? Let me know what you think people?! Also does anyone have any ideas on what Edwards job could be? Yes he's Rosalie's business partner but that is not his everyday job.**

**Much love readers **

**xx**


	2. Chapter 2

**Wow! I have been quite blown away by the amount of response the last chapter got. I really appreciate you all for taking the time to read my fic.**

**Oh yeah, that little bit of angst I mentioned, there's a tad in this chapter.**

**So here we go. On to chapter two :)**

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**BPOV.**

I couldn't resist giving a little extra sway to my hips as I walked away from Edward. He just looked so cute and flustered when talking to me, I couldn't help but tease him a little. I almost wet my panties when I saw his car. A deep green Pontiac GTO, I could rub myself over that car anyday of the week. A classic car I would kill to get fucked in. I nearly passed out in ecstasy when I heard that beast roar to life and Edward peeled out of the parking lot, honking as he went past.

I really hope Rose and Emmett don't mind that I lied about the barbecue. I just needed an excuse to see Edward again. I picked Milo up from off of the floor, where he was making a right meal out of licking his balls, and plonked him onto the passenger seat of my car. Rose sauntered over and gave me a brief hug. "Just follow Em's Jeep okay?" "Sure. Uhh, Rose? How do you feel about having a cookout this evening? I want to try some of my grandmas recipes. I never had the chance before, living in a high rise flat in the middle of a city." Wow the lies were coming thick and fast today.

"Sure hon. That sounds like a great plan. We can pick up the meat on the way back if you like?"

"I think it's best if we send Emmett out for it later. Milo would eat a rump steak in less than ten minutes." At the sound of his name, milos ears perked up but he was behaved enough to not start barking.

"Okay then. We'll see you there Bee."

"Laters Ro-Ro." I re-adjusted my shades, pulled on my headscarf and followed the massive blue Jeep back out onto the coastal road. Fifteen minutes later we pulled up outside of a gorgeous sea front home. The pale grey brickwork and sea foam siding contrasted beautifully against the bright blue ocean and vivid plant life.

I parked alongside Emmett's vehicle and stepped out of my car, grabbing Milo along the way. "Rose this place is gorgeous. I'm so jealous."

"This is nothing Bells. Wait until you see inside." She linked arms with me and steered us towards the wrap-around porch which lead to a wide spacious deck. There was five steps leading down onto their own personal section of beach. A hammock hung lazily between two large palm trees a little ways down the sand. The view is spectacular.

"You can let Milo off his leash." Rose said as she swung the gate leading to the beach closed. "There is no way for him to get loose." I closed the side gate and set Milo down before unclipping his lead. Rosalie went inside to get some drinks while I set down my baby's water bowl and blanket in the shade. I filled his bowl and laid a few treats down on his bed before following Rose inside, leaving Milo to explore the deck.

The kitchen was light and airy, decorated in pastel blues and whites. A large island work surface stood in the centre of the room with stools along one side to create a mini breakfast bar. There was a large archway that lead to a combined dining room/ living room area with large bay windows that looked out onto the street in front of the property. I turned full circle, taking in all that Roses home had to offer. There was floor to ceiling windows by the dining area giving brilliant views of the beach and ocean. Plush white sofas surrounded an empty fireplace, with a large mirror hanging overhead of the grate. The colours were in the same pastel shades as the kitchen with darker blue pieces accetuating parts of the room.

"Rose this place is gorgeous." I repeated my sentence from outside. "I never expected you to have a home like this. I imagined you as more of a crypt keeper." I joked, referring to her college years spent as a goth.

"Nah, I outgrew all of that. I've found a happy medium." She grinned pointing to the gothic artwork adorning the walls. "All mine. The beach brings out the best in people, or at least me. Drink?" She asked, holding up a bottle of gin.

"Maybe later. Right now I could kill a cup of coffee."

"On it." She chuckled, sauntering back in to the kitchen and flipping the switch on the percolator. Emmett, who had left Rose to give me the grand tour, came jogging down the stairs. He had changed into a white vest top and a pair of khaki shorts. His own ink shining through the material of his top. He had a large, oriental style back piece of a dragon fighting a tiger.

"So ladies, what's on the agenda?" He asked, clapping his hands and rubbing them together.

"Well you're going to the store so we can have a cookout tonight and Bella and I are going to relax on the deck and chat about why she's here a week early."

I rolled my eyes and wrote down a quick list of ingredients for Emmett to but at the store. Rose waved him off while I went and sat down on the steps leading to the beach. I slipped off my heels and pushed my toes into the sand, wriggling them around as the soft grains encompassed them. I rest my cup of coffee on my knees and stared blankly out at the ocean. Milo, always in tune with my moods, came and sat down beside me nudging my elbow with his wet nose. "Hey boy." I whispered, wrapping my arm around his shoulders. "It's a new start for us Mi. A place to be happy, away from those who put us down."

**RPOV.**

I couldn't believe my best friend was here. For years I had been begging her to move away from the city and down to the coast, but she always had some sort of excuse. 'I can't afford it.' 'My business is just taking off.' 'I met someone.'

Okay so I can't fault her for the last one. Bella had been alone for so long, I was happy she was in a relationship. But now, as I stand at my backdoor gazing across the deck at my sister from another mister, I see a sadness there that she doesn't allow to show on the surface. I snapped a quick picture on my phone, ready to use as inspiration for my next painting. Now don't get me wrong, cars are my passion especially restoring old classics, but art is like therapy for me. It's my release from the world. Even Emmett knows not to disturb me when I'm in my studio.

I slipped off my boots and padded over the sandy wood to where Bella was sitting, taking a seat on the step beside her. "Spill it missy."

"Never were one to beat around the bush were you Rose?"

"Nope. So what's up? Why the sudden change? I thought things were going great in Seattle."

"They were."

I cocked an eyebrow at her. "Really?! Bella you're here for a vacation a week early. That's pretty spontaneous, even for you. In college you always had everyday planned out, from the time you woke up to the time you went to bed. What's really wrong?"

Bella gave a deep sigh. "I've left the city. I'm not going back. I want to make a life here. I closed my business, packed up my shit and just drove. Here I am." Her shoulders slumped while Milo licked her hand.

"What happened?" I pressed, knowing I'd get tot the truth eventually. She was always a shitty liar.

"I-I caught" sniff "I caught Embry in bed" sniff "with someone else." Her head fell forward as tears dripped into her coffee. I pried the cup from her hands and set it down before wrapping my arms around her.

"You're better off without him you know. He was never good enough for you."

"What's wrong with me Rose? Every guy I've ever had a relationship with cheats on me. Tyler has an affair and gets his bit of fluff pregnant. Turns out _I_ was the one James was having an affair with and Em-Embry, he just wasn't man enough for me, turns out I don't think he's man enough for his boyfriend either." She was full out sobbing now, tears and snot flying everywhere. It was kinda gross. Glad I don't cry. Eurgh, such a messy business.

"Wait a minute, did you say Embry is gay?" Bella nodded and started to cry harder. I helped her up and lead her to our guest room. I laid down with her on the bed, while Milo curled up by our feet, and just held her as she cried herself to sleep.

I made sure she was sound asleep before slowly raising myself from the bed. I moved Milo up to lay next to her and he licked my hand in response. "Good boy Milo. You take care of her okay?" The little mutt snorted and cocked his head to the side. I patted him on the head and walked out of the room. I went to my studio, opened up that picture and began to paint.

**EPOV.**

It didn't take long for me to speed home and jump in my shower. I breathed a sigh of relief as I finally stepped out of my very restrictive jeans and under the warm spray. That Bella sure is something. Every teenage boys wet dream.

I worked myself into a lather before gripping my throbbing erection. I wasn't going to last long.

I closed my eyes and pictured the sway of Bella's hips after she had kissed me with those soft pouty lips. I pumped myself harder and with a strangled cry I released all over the tiled shower wall. I felt somewhat dizzy as the build up of tension left my body. I stood there panting for a minute as the realisation of what I had just done sank in.

Here I am, a fully grown man, jerking off in the shower like some hormonal teen.

_What is wrong with you Cullen?_

I finished my shower and cleaned my mess off of the wall before grabbing a towel and going to lay on my bed for a bit. I folded my arms under my head and let my mind wander. I felt my eyes slowly close.

I woke with a start. There was laughter coming from downstairs. I stood up and pulled on my boxers, discarding the towel in the laundry basket. _Since when have I had a laundry basket?_ Must ask mom about that. She probably dropped it off. I opened the bedroom door and the noise got louder. It sounded like the T.V.

"Alice?" I called out for my sister, who usually popped in after her college classes were over for the day. I got no reply. I cautiously made my way downstairs to the kitchen. There was distinctive clangs of pots and pans being moved about while the strong smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted up the stairs.

"Mom?" I called as I stepped into my kitchen. What I saw sure as hell wasn't my mother or sister.

A breath-taking beauty stood dancing in front of my stove. Brunette hair piled high in a messy bun on top of her head with a few bits that had worked their way loose hanging down her back. Her dainty left foot rubbed absently at the back of her heavily inked right calf. She was dressed in nothing more than one of my button up shirts.

"Bella?" She turned around with a wide smile on her face and one hand resting on her protruding stomach.

My eyes bugged out of their sockets.

"Morning baby. I made you your favourite." She gestured to a plate piled high with french toast and bacon. I think I've died and gone to heaven.

The shrill sound of my cell phone broke through this moment of bliss. I sat bolt upright in bed. It was getting dark out and I still had the towel from my shower wrapped around my middle. It was a dream. Just a dream. I checked the time, it was a little after seven in the evening. I had three missed calls from Emmett and a couple from Rose. I quickly rang Emmett back, hoping like hell that no one was injured.

"DUDE! WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?" He bellowed down the phone. I had to hold the device a foot away from my ear in the hopes to keep my ear drums from bursting. "YOU'RE MEANT TO BE BRINGING THE BOOZE! WE'RE ALL STARVING HERE WAITING FOR YOU."

What the hell is talking about I wondered before realisation dawned. Oh shit. The barbecue! "I'll be there in twenty." I didn't give him a chance to reply. I hung up the phone and hastily got dressed, pulling on an old band tee and a pair of black cargo shorts. I raided my pantry for beer and wine. _Two crates and three bottles should be enough right?_ I grabbed my keys, slipped my feet into my flip-flops and was out the door in under ten. I made it to Rose and Ems in record time, thankfully the roads were pretty clear. I hoisted the alcohol into my arms and nudged my car door shut. I kicked open the side gate open and made my way to the deck out back. Tinkling laughter filled the air accompanied by yapping. Bella and Emmett were fighting over the grill with Milo joining in by having a go at Emmett. Rose was busy pouring drinks and was the first to notice me standing here.

"Hey E! Come on over, the food's almost done. Dump those in the cooler." She motioned to the beer in my arms after waving me over. Bella had stopped arguing with Emmett long enough to watch my advance over the deck, resulting in Emmett being able to snatch the barbecue tongs from her hands and do an unnoticed fist pump.

Bella elbowed him in the ribs, called Milo and made her way over to where Rose and I was standing. "Hi Edward." She smiled. "Glad you finally made it. I didn't think you were gonna show."

"I'd never miss a cook out on the beach. Especially one of Ems." Rose gave Bella a funny look and went inside to collect more dishes. Bella followed soon after. Milo sat by my feet with his head cocked to one side. "Hey boy." Tail began to wag. "You got a great mommy, huh?" yap-yap "She's brilliant, but you can't tell her I told you that. She might think I'm weird." I realised I was talking to a dog. _Yep, I really am weird_, I thought to myself while taking a long draught of my beer. Milo didn't seem to mind. He had rolled over onto his back with his tongue hanging out. Crazy pooch. I gave him a scratch on the tummy and a pat on the side. I looked up to see Bella looking at me interact with her dog. Her mouth was slightly agape and tears sparkled in her eyes. "Is something wrong?" I asked, panic setting in.

"No nothing's wrong." She sniffed. "It's just that Milo never does that for anybody except me. He never even did that for Embry."

_Embry? what sort of name is Embry for crying out loud?_

A giggle-snort had me believing that I had just asked that question out loud. Stupid defective brain filter. "He's a native American. It's an old family name, apparently." The way Bella said that had me believing that she didn't buy a word of it.

"Oh." Was my wonderful reply. An awkward silence fell upon us. The waves crashing upon the sand in the distance sounding a hundred times louder. I swigged lazily from my beer bottle while Bella absently chewed on her thumb nail. Rosalie walked out with a couple of her signature dishes in each hand.

"Wow, did someone die?" She asked while setting down the plates. "It's quieter than a morgue out here. Bella. chuck us your iPod. We need some tunes to get this party going." Bella passed the little device to Rose who shoved it in her dock and cranked up the sound before pressing play.

_"LOVE IS HELL, LOVE IS SHIT. CAN'T YOU TELL I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF IT."_

The blaring lyrics had us all jumping out of our skin. Rose quickly turned the volume down and selected a different song.

"Sorry guys. I forgot I had it turned up in the car." Bella turned a deep shade of pink.

"Don't sweat it hon. Nothing like a bit of loud rock music to blow away the cobwebs. Ooh now here's something we'll all get along with."

_"So sick of the hobos, always begging for change. I don't like how I gotta work and they just sit around and get paid."_

My ears perked up at the sound of Tyler Connolly's gravelly voice crooning from the speakers. Theory of a Deadman. My favourite band.

"I love this band!" Bella and I both spoke at the same time. We grinned at each other and both jumped in to sing the chorus.

_"I hate my job, all of my rich friends. Hate everyone to the bitter end. Nothing turns out right, there's no end in sight. I hate my life."_

Bella fell about giggling while I sat there with a massive cheek splitting grin on my face. As the dusky evening sky turned into dark night Emmett lit his fire pit and we all pulled up chairs to sit around and chat. The rest of the night went in the same manner. We had great food, plenty of booze and awesome comapny. Bella and I would randonmly burst into song and occasionally Emmett and Rose would join in.

Life couldn't get much better than this.

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**Aww, don't you just love hanging with friends and singing along to great music? Theory of a Deadman are great for catchy tunes that are easy to sing along with. I love them. **

**So let me know what you think.**

**Reviews are better than little French dogs called Milo :)**


	3. Chapter 3

**Hello my dears. I am still amazed by how well this is going down. I love you all.**

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**BPOV.**

The hunt was on.

Sort of...

I had spent a total of five weeks just lazing around in Santa Barbara, California and I really needed to get my finger out of my ass. Sure the 'vacation', as Rose liked to call it, was nice and much needed but now I was bored.

I had finalised the sale of my old store in Seattle for twice the asking price. Apparently my store had some vintage feel about it that some random hipster with too much cash just 'had to have'. He agreed to double on the premises that I sell there and then. So I signed on the dotted line and here I am, a quasi beach dweller bored outta her brains with an overflowing bank account. I really needed to start up my business again and soon.

I had found the perfect little store that had a studio flat above it and all I had to do was convince the current owner that I wasn't a hellion about to ruin the quaint feel about the place. Rose, Emmett and Edward had offered several times to come and help convince her, but I knew this was something I had to do on my own.

I was on my way to meet with her once more, at her request, to go over the plans I had for the place. Her decor was a little dated. Seventies wallpaper, lino flooring and a grease stained ceiling is not my cup of tea at all. That's not quaint, that's retro. Bad retro.

"Morning Maggie." I called out as I went to join her in the little garden out back. Maggie Flaherty was of Irish descent but had moved to the U.S back in the sixties as a small child. Her parents had owned this store ever since they had emigrated here and had passed it down to Maggie before they died.

"Good morning Bella dear. I see you have come prepared this time." She replied, motioning to the folder in my arms.

"I have indeed." I sat down opposite her at the patio table and laid my folder open for her to see. "These are my visuals for the front of the store." With Emmett's help as a graphics designer I had come up with a series of mock photos of how I wanted the store to look. Good old photoshop. "As you can see, I've taken ideas from a few English tea rooms and some from French cafes and this is my end result. I would like as much natural light as possible to filter in. Out the front would be a small patio with extra tables and chairs. The dying flower beds would be replaced with paving slabs to allow for this, leaving a small part of them clear to plant seasonal blooms so the front would always be alight with colour. This garden would be well maintained and rented out for private tea parties.

"The interior is decorated in pastel and neutral colours to give the place a calm, antique feel. This isn't going to be just another Starbucks ma'am. I have taken the liberty of printing off some of the customer feedback from my last store. As you can see it was a raring success and I had doubled my profits in the first quarter." I could tell I was babbling and that Maggie was getting increasingly more bored, but I just couldn't stop the flow of words falling from my lips.

"Bella, please stop rambling." Maggie placed her hand on my own to calm me and smiled at me warmly. "I didn't invite you over here for this." I shut my mouth and listened to the woman. "Much better. Now what I wanted to say is that my daughter is having a baby and this place has been the only source of income for myself and my family for quite some time." My face fell. She wasn't going to sell the shop. She needed it to provide for her family. "Bella don't frown, you'll get wrinkles."

"I'm sorry. I had my heart set on this place. I guess I'll leave you in peace and keep looking." I gathered my paperwork and made to get up but Maggie's warm hand on my arm stopped me.

"Where are you going dear?"

"I'm leaving. I'll be out of your way. All the best Mrs Flaherty."

"Stop! I didn't ask you all the way over here just to say you can't have the place. I asked you here because you can. I need to sell as quick as possible. I'm moving back to Ireland to be with my daughter Siobhan and her husband Liam."

I stood there for a few moments looking like a fish out of water. My mouth open and closing as I fought to find the right words to say. "I - I... Wow. Uh - I..." I was quite literally speechless. I sat back down and finished the last of my tea.

"Now Bella," Maggie continued. "I would like to have the sale sorted by the end of the month, if you have the funds necessary. I can have my lawyers write up something by the end of next week."

I just nodded, still a little stunned that my dreams were coming true. I stood on shaky legs and practically flung myself into Maggie's arms. "Thank you, so much." I breathed." You have no idea how much this means to me." I was on the verge of tears now and I blinked furiously to keep them at bay. Maggie hugged me tightly and gave me her e-mail address so I could keep in touch and send her photos when the place is back up and running. We bade each other farewell and I nearly skipped back to my car. I was buzzing with excitement.

There was so many people I could call and tell right now. Rose and Em were working only a few streets away and they would have been my first choice. I couldn't call my parents as they were away on vacation. Charlie had surprised Renee with a Mediterranean cruise for their thirtieth wedding anniversary. The only person I was really interested in calling was the one person whose number I didn't have.

Edward.

** EPOV.**

With a frustrated sigh I pushed against my desk and sent my chair swivelling across the polished wooden floor. I came to a stop near my cd collection and perused the albums before choosing the cd that always calms my mind. I was doing an apprenticeship in England back in 09 when I first heard their music played on the radio. The first few strains of Sigh No More played softly through the speakers and the tension in my shoulders slowly began to ebb away. I rubbed my neck and dragged my hands down my face. My groove was gone for the day. I left the music playing and went to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

My heart sank a little at the cold, empty space. I just couldn't shake the dream I had of Bella barefoot and pregnant in this very room. I'd had the same one twice more since then.

I shook my head to rid it of the images playing in my mind and pulled a cup down from the shelf. My home phone rang from the other room. I didn't bother to pick it up as friends and family always called me on my cell. I let the answer machine pick it up as I poured myself some much needed caffeine. I had just taken the first scalding sip when I heard her voice. Needless to say the coffee didn't stay in my mouth for long.

_"Edward? Uhm...hi, it's Bella. Uh... I hope this is Edwards home I'm calling and not some random creeper. If you are a random creeper I'm sorry for calling you a creeper. I'm sure you are a lovely person. Anyway what was I saying?... Oh yeah it's Bella, I have some news I wanted to share with you. I never did get your cell number and I found this number in Roses filo-fax. I didn't think people still had those. I'll give you my number the next time I see you. I don't really fancy the idea of leaving my number on an answering machine just in case this really is a random creepers phone number."_ She sighed then. _"Look, I know I'm rambling, but if this is Edwards home I'll see you around. If not, don't call ba-"_ Her voice was cut off as the time span for messages ended. I couldn't help but grin to myself. Dear sweet Bella had filled up and entire two minutes with crazy ramblings. I listened to the message twice more before realising I had to go and see her.

I clicked off the music and quickly changed out of my coffee stained tee shirt before grabbing my keys and heading out the door.

The drive to Rose and Ems was quiet and uneventful. I pulled upoutside and used my spare key to let myself in. Milos barks came from somewhere in the kitchen. I quietly slipped through the sitting room to the dining area. I peered through the arch leading to the kitchen and was met by a wonderous view. Bella, who was dressed in a pair of skimpy hotpants and a baggy Theory of a Deadman tee shirt knotted at the waist, was bending over dishing out some form of cubed meat into the little dogs bowl. I had to bite back my groan as I felt the familiar stirrings in my shorts.

"Who's my good baby? Oh Milo, you're such a good boy." She scratched his head and pushed the bowl towards him with the tip of her fingers. "Here you go." Milo gave a little yap of appreciation before diving face first into the bowl. Bella gave him a pat on the bum and stood up. She was gathering her hair into a messy bun on top of her head when I finally decided to alert her to my presence.

"You know, I'm really glad you didn't leave your number on some random creepers answering machine." I smirked, walking into the kitchen.

Bella, who had yelped in surprise and clutched at her chest, turned around and gave me the stink eye. "It's not nice to scare people."

"It's also not nice to fill up someones answering machine with the ramblings of a crazy person."

Bella narrowed her eyes and jutted a hip out. "Are you calling me crazy?"

"Maybe... Just a little bit." I went to hold up my finger and thumb but had to duck quickly as a dish rag sailed over my head. "Hah! Mis- omph!" My triumph was short lived as a tea towel smacked me square in the face.

Bella gave a giggle snort as she hightailed it out onto the deck. I counted to ten to give her a head start before following after her. The little minx was already halfway down the beach.

I kicked off my vans and ran as fast as I could to where she was doing a victory dance in the sand. She squealed as I caught her by surprise, lifting her up bridal style and sprinting down towards the water. I was in up to my knees by the time Bella realised my intentions.

"NO EDWARD! Don't you dare drop me in the water!" Her grip on my neck grew almost painful as she desperately tried to cling to me.

"Tell me who's the best."

"I am!" She lifted her chin in indignation but couldn't hide the mirth dancing in her eyes. I let my arms drop momentarily, catching her again as she squealed once more.

"Who's the best?" I asked again.

"Emmett?" She giggled. "No, wait, is it Rose? Or Milo?" She cackled gleefully. The water was now mid-thigh, as I took another step with each incorrect answer.

"One last chance Bella." Her eyes widened as she felt the water lapping at her feet.

"Okay, okay! You're the best. Edward Cullen is the best!" She yelled, looking over her shoulder at the water surrounding us. She looked back up at me with big puppy dog eyes and a slight pout. "You won't drop me, will you?"

"We'll see." I smirked. Her eyes glazed over as she stared at my face. She moved closer as her tongue peeped out to wet her lips.

_She's going to kiss you. You have to do something to stop her._

_Why should I?_

_Because she's only just broken up with her long term boyfriend. She needs time. Think of something!_

"You know, that's all I wanted to hear." I glanced back before relaxing my knees and making both of us fall backwards into the warm salt water.

Bella stood up screaming. "You're a jerk Edward!" It was only then that I noticed she wasn't wearing a bra as the sodden material of her tee shirt clung to her slight frame. She kicked me under the water and stomped off towards the house.

I shook out my hair and pulled off my top, tugging it through a belt loop in my shorts before running off up the beach behind her. She still looked pissed as I passed her on the sand, so I carried on jogging straight up and into the house.

Rose and Emmett were in the kitchen and looked up as I jogged through. "Hey guys. Bella's pissed, I'm going for a shower. See you in ten." I called, as I ran up their stairs.

I lingered longer in the shower than necessary, hoping like hell that Bella wasn't too mad at me and had cooled off a little. I opened the bathroom door and got the shock of my life to see Rose standing there. I instinctively went to cup my junk as she stepped forward with a sickly sweet smile on her face.

"Rose."

"Edward." Rose raked her eyes over my half naked form and got an evil glint in them. She stepped closer and I was backed up against the door frame. With a hand as quick as lightning she reached out and grabbed the barbell in my nipple between her finger and thumb. I held my breath in anticipation of what she was going to do. "You know Edward. you have a nice body. Amazing ink. Interesting piercings." She tugged on the barbell. "I would hate to see something happen to it." She twisted the metal anti-clockwise, taking my nipple with it. I hissed in pain and her eyes narrowed. "Hurt my friend and a sore nipple will be the last of your worries." She threatened, twisting harder before releasing me all together and walking away. "By the way," she called over her shoulder, "get dressed, we're going clubbing."

I rubbed my chest and groaned. I hated clubbing.

* * *

**Okay, hands up. Who thought that Rose was hitting on Edward? *me! me!***

**Any body have any ideas what Bella and Edwards jobs are?**

**Let me know what you think.**

**Much love x**


	4. Chapter 4

**Hello lovelies. Are you all well? Just to get a few things clear, no this story is not beta'd. No I will not be getting a beta and I am not interested in ever getting one. I'm sure some of you are amazing beta's and are lovely people but bad experiences with beta's in the past have left me not wanting them to review my chapters before they are posted.**

**A teensy bit of angst at the end of the chap, but it's short lived.**

**Normal disclaimers apply.**

**Enjoy!**

* * *

**BPOV.**

I finished applying my lipstick and tied a folded bandana around my pumped up bun. I smoothed down my black skinny jeans and left my room, bumping into Rosalie on the way.

"Hey chicka. Calmed down now?" She asked, rubbing my arm.

To be honest, I wasn't really mad at Edward. I was more mad at myself for misreading the situation. There he was just being playful and sweet and I go and fuck it up by trying to kiss the poor sod. So I feigned anger in an attempt to cover my embarrassment.

"Yeah, I'm good Rose. Ready to get your freak on?"

"You know it biatch!" We linked arms and made our way downstairs to where the guys were relaxing. Edward was scowling, while Emmett shook with silent laughter. "What's the matter with you two?" She queried with an arched eyebrow. "Em, just let it out." Emmett, who was slowly turning more red in the face, let out a deafening roar of laughter and Rose rolled her eyes at his antics. She turned her questioning look to Edward, who threw one arm across his chest and the other cupped his junk. Now I was even more confused.

"What's going on?" I had to practically yell to be heard over Emmett's guffaws. "EMMETT! SHUT UP! You laugh like a donkey being raped." That did the trick. "Now...what the fuck?" I threw my hands up in the air and glanced at each of them in turn.

Edward was the first to cave. "I told Emmett that Rose gave me a titty twister." He mumbled, turning pink in the cheeks.

"Why on earth would you do that?" I asked my best friend.

"He upset you and I was putting him in his place."

"Rose." I sighed. "I'm not even mad at Edward. He did nothing wrong. I misread the situation and I was angry at myself. Rose, you're more than just my friend, you're my sister, but please, less of the mama bear act. I have to fight my own battles."

"I just hate to see you hurt Bells. I will try to reign it in." She conceded with a deep sigh.

"Thank you babes." I gave her a quick hug. "So who's ready to get their drink on?" I was met with a couple of hoot and hollers and one non-committal grunt.

At the bar Edward had relaxed somewhat but still flinched slightly anytime Rose went past him. We had forgone the clubbing and opted for a bar instead. Only after a valid argument on my part, of not wanting to be dancing dirty in a mass of sweaty bodies to badly auto-tuned music composed on a laptop.

No thank you!

I'd rather be dancing dirty in a mass of sweaty bodies to some fuck awesome rock music!

So here we were, in a corner booth of a darkened bar listening to a live band covering some great hits and some classics. Each of us nursing a pitcher of beer, or rather myself and Edward were nursing our beers, Emmett and Rose were playing tonsil hockey. I rolled my eyes at them and gave Edward a half grin.

"You never did tell me your news earlier." He piped up. I gave him a quizzical look. "In your message. When you filled my answering machine. You said you had some news to tell me."

Realisation sank in. I had completely forgot to tell everyone about my shop. "Oh my days! I can't believe I'm such an air head! Maggie sold me her shop. I'm finally going to be back in business." I grinned from ear to ear.

"So you're sticking around for good then B.B?" Emmett had finally released Rose long enough to ask a question.

"I sure am. By the end of the month my little tea room will be in the process of being back in business and you'll finally have your home back to yourselves."

"Aww I'm gonna miss you Bella-bee. Your sass livens up the place. One thing I wont miss though is your little beast of a dog." Emmett shuddered, remembering all of the times Milo has gone for him I suppose.

"He's always nice to me." Edward chipped in.

"That's because his owner loves you. Where's the love for Emmett huh, Bella? Where's the love?" He feigned mock hurt, wiping away an imaginary tear.

I couldn't respond. My face was flaming in embarrassment. "Excuse me. I need the bathroom." I stood abruptly from the table and made a quick exit.

I pushed through the pulsing crowd. The band was currently doing a cover of Def Leppard's 'Pour Some Sugar On Me'. Always a crowd pleaser that one. I stumbled into the bright white florescent lit ladies room. The smell of pine cleaner and piss a nauseating mix. I wet a paper towel and dabbed it on my overheated skin. I took a few calming breaths but the smell didn't help matters much. I would of used the facilities to relieve myself but judging by the state of the first two cubicles I could only imagine what the third would be like. I straightened the bandana in my hair and topped up my lipstick before exiting the room.

The crowd was relatively quiet as the band had gone on a quick break. I went to the bar and ordered two shots of Jagermeister, downing both in quick succession.

"Take it easy there little lady. You'll be on the floor if you carry on at that rate." A tall tanned man next to me said.

I turned towards the voice. "What do you know huh? I bet I could drink your sorry ass under the table."

"Name your poison."

"I'll stick to the Jager. You?"

"Tequila." I supressed a shudder. That stuff tasted like paint stripper.

"What's the catch?"

"The first to down five shots of their preferred drink gets to sing the next song on stage."

"Oh shit! You're the band singer?"

"Sure am. Alistair Brown at your service m'lady."

"Pleasure to meet you. Bella Swan." I held my hand out for him to shake. He kissed the back of it instead. I gave him my best bitch brow. Rose would be so proud. "Hmm, you're buying and I hope your band can keep up with me."

"They're good musicians, just don't pick any of that pop crap." The bartender pushed the shots across the bar towards us and Alistair slapped down a fifty.

I picked up the first glass and clinked it against his. "Cheers." He nodded in response and our battle begun. My hand moved like lightning as I downed each shot, the smooth liquid warming me on the way down. I slammed down my fifth and final glass just as Alistair put down his fourth.

"Well done Miss Swan. Give me a moment to gather the lads and you can pick your song." He disappeared into the crowd and I made my way to the side of the small stage. Butterflies played havoc in my stomach but that could be the seven shots of Jager settling themselves down, ready to be absorbed into my bloodstream. Alistair reappeared followed by four guys, each of them dressed in varying rockabilly styles.

"Lads, this is Bella 'tough-as-nails' Swan. She's our guest vocalist for the next song." The men all smiled warmly at me as I requested my song of choice. They approved and made their way back to their instruments.

Oh boy. Here goes nothing.

**EPOV.**

I was getting a little worried. Bella had been in the bathroom for quite some time. No one takes that long to go to the toilet. I tried to get Roses attention so she could go and check the out ladies but I was drowned out by the roar of the crowd as the band came back on stage.

"Thank you. Thank you. As a special treat for one night only we have a guest singer." The lead singer called across the room. I tuned him out as best as I could while I scanned the crowd for signs of Bella. The band wasn't all that good, doing mediocre covers of classic songs.

I stood from our booth and slowly made my way to the bar at the back of the room. I would be able to see the crowd better from that vantage point. Everyone hooted and cheered as the mic passed hands to the new singer. I highly doubt they would be able to do a better job.

"Thank you, Alistair." I stopped dead in my tracks as that voice carried over the rows of people. I slowly pivoted towards the stage and there she was, behind the mic looking all types of sexy.

"_We could just go home right now. _  
_Or maybe we could stick around, for just one more drink, oh yeah. _  
_Get another bottle out. _  
_Lets shoot the shit. _  
_Sit back down, for just one more drink, oh yeah_."

My mouth ran dry and I'm pretty sure my eyes bugged out of my skull. Boy could Bella sing. She put Lzzy Hale to shame.

_"Here's to us. _  
_Here's to love. _  
_All the times that we fucked up. _  
_Here's to you. _  
_Fill the glass. _  
_Cause the last few days have kicked my ass. _  
_So lets give 'em hell. _  
_Wish everybody well. _  
_Here's to us. _  
_Here's to us."_

I glanced over at our booth to find it empty. A large clap on my shoulder let me know where my friends were. I didn't turn to greet them as I was having taking my eyes off of Bella's form rocking out on stage for long.

"_Stuck it out this far together. _  
_Put our dreams through the shredder. _  
_Let's toast cause things got better._  
_And everything could change like that. _  
_And all these years go by so fast. _  
_But nothing lasts forever_

_Here's to us. _  
_Here's to love. _  
_All the times that we messed up. _  
_Here's to you. _  
_Fill the glass. _  
_Cause the last few nights have kicked my ass. _  
_If they give you hell, _  
_Tell em to go fuck themselves. _  
_Here's to us. _  
_Here's to us._

_Here's to all that we kissed. _  
_And to all that we missed. _  
_To the biggest mistakes that we just wouldn't trade. _  
_To us breaking up, _  
_Without us breaking down, _  
_To whatever's come our way._

Here's to us.  
Here's to love.  
All the times that we fucked up.  
Here's to you.  
Fill the glass.  
Cause the last few days have kicked my ass.  
So let's give em hell.  
Wish everybody well.

Here's to us.  
Here's to love.  
All the times that we messed up.  
Here's to you.  
Fill the glass.  
Cause the last few nights have kicked my ass.  
If they give you hell,  
Tell em to go fuck themselves.  
(Go fuck themselves)  
Here's to us.  
Here's to us.  
Here's to us.  
Here's to us.

Here's to us.  
Here's to love.  
Here's to us. (Wish everybody well)  
Here's to us.  
Here's to love.  
Here's to us."

The crowd was going wild for the little hell cat as she belted out the chorus for the last time.

"Here's to us." She crooned the last sentence in a sultry manner before giving a quick bow and skipping off stage.

I pushed myself through the throng of bodies towards the stage exit. I got there just as Bella had finished descending the steps. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was a mess, but she was still the most beautiful woman in the world in my opinion.

"Edward!" She seemed startled as she saw me standing in front of her.

"Bella, that was...wow. I didn't know you could sing so well. Is there anything you can't do?"

"I can't speak french." She frowned a little.

"What?" I laughed, pulling her close and kissing her head.

"I can't speak any other language actually. I always wanted to learn but found it too time consuming." She pouted as though this was actually bothering her.

A squirrely looking guy came over and interrupted our conversation. "Hey, I think we both know why we're here tonight." The sleezebag slurred, gazing at her chest.

"Sure I do." She purred, making the guy think he was in with a chance. I felt sick. Is that what Bella wants in a man? A scumbag drunk to pick her up in a bar? A bitter taste formed in my mouth at the thought. "Let's go and pick up some girls!" Bella finished before leaving me and the sleeze behind to go and slap Roses ass. They locked lips and linked arms, leaving the bar hand in hand.

"Sorry dude, she's a lesbian." Emmett said with all seriousness that I nearly believed him. He clapped the jerk on the shoulder and we left him there to pick his jaw up off the floor.

We exited the bar and the cool night air had a mild sobering effect. We found the girls a few feet down from the building waiting for us. They were giggling nonstop. I think both of them had had a few too many. I wrapped my arms around Bella's shoulders as she shivered in the cold.

"You were truly amazing on stage. Could have passed for a professional." I murmured in her ear.

The beauty turned in my arms to face me. "Only when I've got a stomach full of liquid courage can I sing that well. I'm not becoming an alcoholic just for a singing career." She rolled her eyes and glanced over my shoulder. "You'd have thought that they could have waited until we got home." She said, spying our friends practically dry humping behind us.

I chuckled and hailed us a cab.

Back at the house Rose and Em ran straight to their room to finish what they had been building towards all evening. Bella and I slumped on the sofa, neither of us feeling the need to sleep right now or to witness the rampant rabbits upstairs.

"You know, I don't know much about you at all Eddie." Bella pouted, her head lolling to the left to meet my gaze. "I should know more about you. What's your middle name?"

"Really Bella? You want to play twenty questions at one in the morning?"

"Well, yes. How else am I going to get to know you?"

"Okay. I'll play your game. It's Anthony. Yours?"

"Marie." She smiled, pleased that I was playing along. "What's your shoe size?"

I couldn't help but snort at the randomness spouting from her mouth. "Twelve. Yours?"

"Wow that's huge. Seven. Is it true what they say about mens feet? That they're the same size as their dick?"

I sputtered out a cough and I was glad I wasn't drinking, as I don't think Rose would appreciate her sitting room covered in backwash. "Uhh no, I don't think so Bella. My penis is not an eleven inch donkey monstrosity."

"Heh heh heh, you said penis." She cackled. Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.

"Bella, I think it's time you went to bed.." I made to get up but she climbed into my lap, straddling my thighs preventing me from going anywhere.

"NO! No no! I haven't finished my questions yet." She pouted.

"Fine. One more question and then it's bedtime for you."

"Okay... Okay, what's your favourite colour?"

"Black."

"No, that's not a colour. C'mon, you've gotta give me something."

"Okay. Midnight blue." I replied, spying the strap of her bra peeking out of her top. "Yours?"

"Green. Deep emerald green." She stared intently at my eyes. "Take me to bed Edward." She slurred, her eye lids drooping under the excess alcohol. She got a wild glint in her eyes as she began clawing at my clothes.

"Woah woah woah! Bella, what are you doing?!" I asked, prying her hands away from my belt buckle.

Tears instantly began to well in her eyes. "Don't you want to sleep with me Edward?"

"NO! I mean yes, but not like this." She began to sob and I felt like shit for making her cry. "Please don't cry Bells. God I want to sleep with you so badly, but not while you're drunk off your ass. I'm not that kind of guy. I like to date my women before I bed them. I don't take advantage of inebriated girls."

"Fine no sex. Just touch me then." She attempted to release my belt buckle again.

"Stop B. Not like this." Her shoulders sagged in defeat as tears silently ran down her face.

"What is wrong with me?"

"Nothing is wrong with you. You're perfect, but you've only just broken up with your ex. Don't you need some time to get over that?"

"Embry and I haven't been together for quite some time. Not like that at least. I haven't had sex in six months! The only time he had for me was spent on an awkward finger fuck and an extra long hand job. That's not a relationship. _I_ don't even know what that can be called. His excuse was that he was too busy for 'us' time. Yeah, too busy shagging his male assistants brains out."

I sat there in stunned silence while Bella sat in my lap raging about her ex. What a douche for treating this beautiful creature that way. He should have been honest with her from the start. "I'm sorry for the way he treated you Bella. He's a pillock for not being upfront with you. Not all guys are like that, I promise. Come on, let's put you to bed." I cradled her in my arms as I slowly ascended the stairs.

I nudged open her bedroom door and Milos ears pricked up as he heard us enter. I pulled back the covers on her bed and laid her down before slipping off her shoes and tugging the blankets up to cover her.

"Thank you Edward." She mumbled. "I look forward to our date."

I chuckled silently to myself as I closed her bedroom door.

Looks like I have a date to plan.

* * *

**Poor Bella, all she wants is a good fucking but Edward is too much of a gentleman. **

**The song Bella sang is 'Here's To Us' by Halestorm. Check it out on youtube. It's a good song.**

**Anyone have any songs they want to see featured in this fic?**

**Let me know.**

**Much love xx**


	5. Chapter 5

**Hello sweet readers. Sorry for the delay in posting. Work was kicking my ass and I didn't have time to write.**

**Normal disclaimers apply.**

**Enjoy.**

* * *

**BPOV.**

My head hurt and my mouth felt like I had been making out with the beach. I rolled over and groaned at the too bright light glaring through the window. I pulled the covers back up over my head and closed my eyes, waiting for the blood to stop pounding behind them.

I heard the distinct chirp of my cell alerting the arrival of a new text before I felt the vibrations down near my ass.

What the fuck is my phone doing down there?

I lifted the covers and saw that I was still fully dressed, sans shoes. My head span wildly as the memories from last night assaulted my brain.

Oh my god! I can't believe I accosted Edward like that, He must think I'm a right slut.

I decided to get up knowing that I wasn't going to get anymore sleep this morning or this afternoon, as I glanced at the clock on my nightstand and noticed it was a little after midday.

Wow! I must of been smashed.

I never sleep past twelve.

Ever.

Not even when I'm sick.

My phone chirped again and I Jumped slightly at the buzz in my pants. I rummaged around for the little device, successfully freeing it from my back pocket. I had three messages and a facebook notification. I tapped on the facebook one first.

_**Alistair Brown wants to be your friend. Would you like to accept?** _

Alistair? Alistair? Who the fuck is Alistair?

I brought up his profile page and a picture of a skinny blonde guy popped up. He was on a stage with a band and with...me?

Oh now I remember. He was the guy who I won against last night. He bought me all the shots. I accepted the request and went to check my texts. Two from Edward, yes we finally swapped numbers, and one from Rose. I opened up the one from Rose first.

_Hey B. We're at the garage if you need us at all. Big client called in a last minute job. xx_

Fair enough. Now I know why the house is so quiet. I checked the ones from Edward. The first was sent at ten this morning.

_Bella, hey. Hope you're feeling well this morning. I got Rose to leave a glass of water and some Tylenol on your bedside table. TTYL, E x_

I looked over at my nightstand and there was indeed a tumbler of water and two pills. I swallowed the meds and chugged back the water the water, feeling somewhat better after doing so.

The other said :-

_B, I have been thinking about last night. A lot. I would really like to go on that date with you tonight. Let me know by midday so I can plan it. TTYL, E x_

Oh shit. I glanced at the time. It was nearly a quarter to one. I missed Edwards deadline. I quickly tapped back a reply.

_Hey Edward. Sorry, I've only just risen from my slumber. Can we reschedule for tomorrow night instead? x B_

I laid back against my pillows, relishing in the quiet. Like this I can faintly hear the waves crashing against the shore. My phone pinged with a new message.

_Bells that's fine. Gives me more time to plan. I want our first date to be perfect. How are you feeling this morning?_

_E, I'm hanging so bad. Remind me not to drink like that again. I really want to apologize for what I did last night. Thank you for being a gentleman. x _

_You're welcome. How are you going to be spending the rest of the day? _

_Relaxing on the deck with a good book. You? _

_Not much. Meant to be working on some pieces for work, but I really have no motivation to do so. Want some company?_

Oh shit! Edward wants to come over here and I'm still in bed dressed in last nights outfit.

_Sure. Give me a few to feel somewhat human again. _

_Great. I'll see you about 1.30? x _

_See you then x_

I had less than forty five minutes to look marginally presentable. I scrambled out of bed and stripped before cleaning my teeth and jumping in the shower. I emerged twenty minutes later clean as a whistle and freshly shaven. I left my hair damp and clipped it to the top of my head. I pulled on a pair of denim cut-offs and a white wife beater over top of my bright green bikini.

Leaving my feet bare I padded down stairs towards the deck out back. I opened the back door to let Milo out and grabbed a fruit cup and a bottle of water from the fridge before settling myself down on a lounger in the shade. I had just gotten comfortable when I realised that my book was still in my room.

Oh fuck. Sod it. I can't be assed to go and grab it. I'll just play on my phone instead.

I saw I had another facebook notification. I opened it up and saw it was a message from Alistair.

_** Bella, thanx 4 adding me. U did gr8 last nite. Hope u r well this morn. **_

Ugh, I hate text speak. Use the English language for crying out loud! I quickly typed back a reply.

_**Thank you Alistair. I had a lot of fun. Had a pounding head when I woke up but I think I'll live. **_

I wrote a status before browsing the rest of todays timeline.

**Bella Swan...Is hanging badly but I'm a survivor :) **

"Yoohoo! Bells?" Edward is here.

"I'm on the back deck." I called back. He emerged looking all sexy and hot in a white muscle tee and some tight black jeans that were turned up to his mid calf. I think I just melted a little.

He sat down on the lounger next to mine and pulled off his aviators. "You alright then sunshine?"

"Just peachy. The headache has dulled somewhat. Thank you again for last night."

"Don't sweat it. I wanted to make sure you were well looked after. I thought you were going to read a book?" He asked, spying my iPhone in my hands.

"Well that was the plan, but then I realised I left it upstairs and I'm being too much of a lazy biatch to go and get it." I smiled over at him. "Why are you shirking your work duties?"

"I'm being too much of a lazy biatch to bother with it." He repeated my words back at me. I stuck my tongue out at him and drew my shades down to cover my eyes.

The sun was getting really warm now and was chasing away the shade on the deck. I pulled off my tank top, not registering the swift intake of air next to me. I settled back down on the lounger and glanced over to Edward. He looked pained. "Are you okay, Eddie?" I asked concerned. He stiffly nodded, not looking at me. "O-kay then. Could you rub some lotion on my back? I don't want to burn." I held the bottle out for him to take but his hands were balled into fists in his lap.

"I don't think that's wise right now." He muttered through clenched teeth.

"Fine, if I get skin cancer I'm blaming you!" I lathered up the areas I could reach, which left a small area in the middle of my back. "Please Edward. It's just that space there." His eyes darted to me once more before he slowly released the breath he was holding.

"You make it so hard for me to be a gentleman, Bella." He groused, snatching the bottle up from the floor.

"Maybe I don't want you to be a gentleman." I quipped, as my stomach got that all too familiar flutter. "Maybe I just want to be ravished. A nice headboard-banging-against-the-wall fuck..." I was abruptly cut off by Edwards lips upon mine. He had vaulted himself off of his lounger and was hovering above me. His lips were fierce but soft at the same time as he pushed his tongue past my teeth and wrestled with my own.

He ground himself into me, causing me whimper and for him to still. Edward drew in a deep breath and blinked down at me. Remorse filled his eyes.

"No! No Edward, don't you dare say you're sorry. Please." I choked back a sob. Dear lord don't let him regret what he's just done.

"I'm not sorry for the kiss Bella. I've been dying to do that since you first sauntered into the garage. What I am sorry for is the way I went about it. Pouncing on you like that. You deserve to be treated better. I promise to behave until after our date tomorrow." His eyes softened and he grazed my cheek with the back of his fingers. "You're special Bella and I don't want to fuck this up."

My insides felt all warm and fuzzy while my hoohah grumbled about me postponing our date until tomorrow.

Stupid Bella.

Stupid hangover!

**EPOV.**

I felt completely abashed at what I had done. She had managed to snap all of my carefully composed self control. It started with the removal of her t-shirt. Did she not realise her skimpy green bikini top was practically see through? She might as well have just removed that too! Then she wanted me to rub lotion into her skin. She obviously didn't understand that I wanted to rub more than just sun cream on her.

Of course she doesn't dip-shit. She can't read your mind. She doesn't know of all the perverted things you want to do to her.

Thank goodness for that. She'd run screaming back to Seattle if she did.

Unless, of course, she's into that sort of kink.

A wriggle of movement beneath me had me snapping out of my fantasies.

I blinked once.

Twice.

Bella's beautiful brown eyes were gazing up at me.

God I love this woman.

Wait! What? Love? Surely you mean lust?

Yeah lust.

Think again dumbass! You dream of her in _your_ clothes, carrying _your_ child, in _your_ kitchen. It's love.

I leaned down and kissed her lips once more before pulling back completely and returning to my own lounger.

A cell phone chirped and Bella dazedly sat up to check hers. She tapped open the message, shrieked and dropped he phone like it was a hot rock. Her eyes were wide and she had a horrified look on her face.

I quickly picked up the device, hoping that it wasn't bad news she had gotten. I glanced down at the screen and was surprised to see facebook open instead of her messaging service.

I scrolled down a little and saw why she freaked out. There was a picture of a middle aged man with a moustache dressed in nothing but a bright orange pair of speedos and flip-flops. The photo was by a Renee Swan and Bella had been tagged in it.

"Bella, is that your...?"

"Uh huh." Her eyes were screwed up and she had a disgusted look on her face mingled with horror. I had to bite my tongue to prevent me from laughing. "This is why I should never have introduced my mother to the internet and never should have accepted her friend request on facebook. God I need to bleach my eyes and my brain!" She dug the heels of her hands into her eyes. "Edward, make it go away." She pouted.

I tapped on her screen and the photo shrunk back to her timeline. "Sorry there's no way for me to un-tag you on your phone. You'll need a P.C or laptop for that. Oh, you have a message from a guy called Alistair."

"It's probably just the singer from last night. You can read it out while I try to erase these mental images of my mother and father."

"Okay. It says 'Bella, I've got a proposition for you'." Bella looked confused, while I felt sick.

Is she playing me like a fool? Have I fallen for a devious womans charms once more? My head spun with wild scenarios of Bella laughing at me while in the arms of multiple faceless men.

"Hello! Earth to Edward!" Bella was standing directly in front of me, bent over and I had a perfect view of her cleavage. She waved her hand in front of my face and cocked her head to the side a concerned look on her face. "Are you okay?" When I didn't reply she pried her phone from my hand and sat down, muttering to herself about 'men'.

Does she not realise my heart is breaking right now?

Of course she doesn't pea-brain, you haven't told her the extent of your feelings yet.

"Oh! He wants me to guest vocal on their set tomorrow night. I will have to tell him no. I don't want to miss our date." That caught my attention.

"You're still interested in going?"

"Of course I am." She looked at me over the top of her shades. "If you're still interested, that is." Bella bit her lip. A nervous habit of hers that she doesn't realise she's doing.

"You have no idea." I muttered.

"Edward, are you jealous?" She asked out of the blue. "I have a lot of guy friends. I hope that's not going to be too much of a problem?"

"No, it's not. It's only a problem if they hit on you."

"Who's hitting on me? I haven't had a guy hit on me in a while. Not even you've hit on me."

"What about the guy at the bar last night?"

"He dropped an over used line, but that's not the point. I throw myself at you and it's all you can do to ask me on a date! And now we're here, two people with a strong attraction to one another not doing a damn thing about it. We're just hanging out waiting for a date, which at this rate is not likely to happen. There's too much pressure on making this perfect, but we both know it's going to be perfect because it's us. Be spontaneous. Do what feels right. Seize the moment!"

She was right. She's always right. I should 'seize the moment' as she said. Which is why I'm going to do what feels right, right now.

I stood from my lounger, picked up Bella and hoisted her over my shoulder in a firemans lift before running upstairs.

I'll let my conscience deal with my actions tomorrow. Right now, I'm gonna get me some lovin'.

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**Oh no, did I just? Yeah, I guess I did.**

**Who can tell me what's happening next chapter ;)**

**Reviews are better than being thrown over Edwards shoulder!**

**Much love xx**


	6. Chapter 6

**Hiya folks. **

**Sorry for the wait. Its been a busy couple of weeks for me. I know this is the chapter you are all dying in anticipation for so I wont make you wait any longer.**

**Normal disclaimers apply.**

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**BPOV.**

It was happening. It was finally happening. After five weeks of DIY orgasms I started to think it was never going to happen and I'd end up with carpal tunnel.

My hands roamed over Edwards back, feeling the way the muscles moved under his skin with each step he took. He was warm, tanned and heavily inked. My stomach clenched in anticipation of what was to come.

We entered my room and he kicked the door shut with his foot before tossing me onto the large bed and hovering over me. Wild unbridled passion burned furiously in his eyes which made me gasp when I met his gaze.

He pulled the hair clip from my head, letting my hair fall around my shoulders in a red wave. I ran my hands up his sides, tickling his skin as they went. He breathed out a slight chuckle which then turned into a moan as my thumbs grazed over his nipples and barbell.

I could feel his arousal hard and heavy against my thigh as it strained against the denim of his jeans. I scooted down the bed under him so my mouth was level with his chest and I could take his erection in my hand. I placed open mouthed kisses down his sternum as I grasped him lightly through his clothes. I'm pretty sure I heard him whimper.

I worked my way across his chest to his piercing, sucking his nipple into my mouth and stroking the flesh with my tongue. He gasped out loud as my teeth bit down on his sensitive skin, tugging on the metal in the process.

Without realising it my thumb had started to circle the head of his cock. His hips bucked into my hand as I fought to undo the buckle on his belt.

_Why do they make these things so hard? Is it the males way of getting their own back for the clasps on women's bras?_

I released his skin from between my teeth so I could concentrate on what I was doing and figure out how to get this damn contraption open. It was like trying to get into Fort Knox.

I glanced down to see what was going on only to realise that the buckle had come loose already and I was just fiddling with the ends.

I mentally slapped myself.

_For fuck sake Bella! Get it together. You're fumbling like a fucking virgin!_

I pulled the leather from his waist and dropped it on the floor beside the bed. I looked up at Edward and he had his eyes screwed shut.

"Are you okay?"

He nodded.

"Do you want me to stop?"

He shook his head in the negative.

"What's the matter then?"

"I'm trying to find some control. At the moment I'm failing. If you carry on I fear I'm going to rip off your clothes and pound into you like a wild animal. I don't want to hurt you."

"Edward, you're over thinking again." I huffed. "Don't be a gentleman. Just fuck me!" I lifted my hips to rub them against his and I felt the groan in his chest before it rumbled out of his mouth.

"Oh Bella. You'll be the death of me." He opened his eyes and they were nearly black with desire. He dragged me up the bed and fisted my hair in his hand, pulling it back to expose my neck to him.

His mouth descended and he began to suck furiously on the skin between my neck and collar bone. I made noises that a wanton hussy would be proud of. His teeth grazed my skin, sending little jolts of pleasure to my already tingling lady parts. Edwards other hand ran up my side, grazed my breast and continued on its journey to the back of my neck, where my bikini top was tied.

With a sharp tug my top came off and sailed across the room. I didn't even realise he had undone the back tie.

His kisses moved down from my neck, across my chest to the tips of my breasts, where he subjected them to heavenly torture. He suckled and nipped at one while flicking and rubbing the other. My thighs rubbed together in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure building up. It wasn't working. I bucked my hips in the hopes of getting the message across but Edward removed the hand holding my hair and placed it on my hip instead, keeping me firmly in place.

"Oh please, please." I don't even know what I was begging for. I just knew I needed more.

"What do you want Bella?" He asked, releasing my nipple with a faint pop.

"You Edward. I want you. Please." I tried to move my hips again but was held tight.

"Are you ready for me?"

"Yes! Yes I'm so ready. Fuck me! Fuck me hard!" At once he was kneeling at the foot of my bed, tugging my shorts and bikini bottoms down over my thighs.

"You're so wet baby. Is it all for me?"

"Yes it's all you. Just for you." I panted, bucking my hips in the air again. I almost hit the ceiling when I felt his finger trace from my clit down to my entrance. "Oh god." I groaned, writhing beneath his touch.

Edward lowered himself down and began peppering my abdomen in feather light kisses. Occasionally his tongue would poke out to trace patterns on my skin. "You have such beautiful skin, B. I'd love to ink you sometime." He murmured against my skin, the vibrations of his voice sending my sex into overdrive. He raised his eyes to meet mine and smirked a little before plunging his tongue into me. My orgasm came quick and fast, making me see stars.

I ran my hands through his hair, holding him to me as I rode out the last of my high.

_Bella let him go. He's probably suffocating in your hoohah!_

I released his hair and stroked the side of his face. He gave me a couple of long licks making me shudder and tremble beneath him. He raised his head and a lazy grin was plastered on his face.

Edward sat back on his knees and I sat up so we were nearly face to face. I caressed his bicep where a wilted rose adorned the skin. I made a mental note to ask him about some of his pieces later.

I kissed him long and hard, tasting myself on his tongue and lips. With his belt already out of the way I made quick work of undoing his button and fly. The waistband fell away revealing black cotton boxers that barely contained him. The material stretched taut over his impressive length. Edward panted as I worked the rest of his clothing out of the way, kissing my shoulder while I squeezed his ass in my hands.

"Oh B, I need you. Now. I can't wait any longer." He gently pushed on my hips, laying me down on the bed. He hastily stood from the bed and removed the rest of his clothes. "Should I wear a condom?"

"I'm clean and on the pill. I trust you." I said softly, never breaking my gaze from his.

Edward was back on the bed in a flash, kissing me hard as he lifted my leg up over his hip. He moved his hips back and forth a couple of times, coating himself in my wetness. "Bella," he panted. "I've waited so long for this." He lined himself up and pushed forward, stretching me with his girth. He closed his eyes once he was all the way in, stilling himself to allow me to get used to the feel of him inside me and for him to regain some composure. I have never felt so full. It was heaven.

"Edward, you can move. I'm not going to break." Those few little words did the trick as Edward gave a muffled growl and began to mercilessly move back and forth within me.

My second orgasm was building quickly as Edward managed to hit my G-spot with each forward thrust of his hips. Without warning he reared back on his knees taking my hips with him, my shoulders and head left flat on the bed. I held on tight to the bed sheets while Edwards pace quickened.

"Uh Bella." He grunted pulling my hips tighter against him. I wrapped my legs around his waist, locking them in place by my ankles.

"Oh E, I'm so close. Harder." I wailed, letting go of my senses and just concentrating on the feel of him pounding me into oblivion. His grip on my hips tightened and he rolled onto his back, pulling me on top of him.

"Ride me baby." He moaned, pushing his head back into the pillows. Using his chest as leverage I slowly began to find my rhythm, feeling him go deeper inside of me in this position. I flicked at his piercing and he growled at me. I clenched my inner muscles around him and flicked his nipple again. "Bellllaaa." He growled, causing a rush of wetness to leak from me. I scratched my nails down his chest and sat up straight, undulating my hips above him. Edward reached up to fondle my breasts and I leaned back with my hands on his thighs, my hair tickling his legs as it fell down my back.

Edward moved beneath me and I jumped slightly when I felt his mouth on my chest and his fingers on my clit. "Come with me Bella. I know you're there. I can feel it." I sat up and moulded my lips to his once more, while his fingers dance around my sex sending me into a frenzy.

"Oh god. Oh yes! Oh...oh... Edwaaaarrd!" My body shook and seized around him as he thrusted a couple more times before emptying himself within me.

I lay limp against his clammy body as he slowly lowered us back down to the mattress. The new position caused him to slip from my body, making us both moan at the loss of contact. Edward held me tight against him as I felt a wave of exhaustion overtake me. My eyes slowly closed while Edward stroked my hair away from my face. The last thing I heard before I slipped into slumber was, "Sleep my love. Tomorrow will be a good day."

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**Phew. Who's as hot under the collar as I am? **

**So... Thoughts?**

**How many of you guessed that Edward is a tattooist?**

**Let me know what you all think.**

**Much love :) xx**


	7. Chapter 7

**I am so sorry for the delay in posting. I've been working on the plot for chapters later on in the story and I had difficulty writing this chapter for some reason. No matter what I wrote I didn't like it. Had to re-write it three times before I came up with this. **

**Hope you like it.**

**Normal disclaimers apply.**

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**DATE NIGHT.**  
**EPOV.**

I adjusted the knot in my skinny tie and rolled my sleeves to my elbows. Dabbing on some aftershave I knocked a small box sitting on my dresser.  
I smirked to myself as I recalled the conversation I had with my mother when I went and asked her for it.  
Needless to say it didn't end well.  
_'Edward you can't give your grandmothers ring to some floozy you've just met!'_  
I ignored her displeasure, took what was mine and left before I said something I'd later regret. It took my mother two weeks before she finally cracked and called me, begging for a visit. I relented and went to see her. That was the very first time I had seen my mother so unkempt. Gone were the trouser suits and pleated dresses; replaced by worn jeans and a plain white tee. Hair lank around her shoulders. We sat and drank coffee and she apologized for her behaviour. She was just worried about me. I may be a grown man but I was still her little boy at heart.  
My cell phone buzzed on the bed snapping me back to the present.  
A text from Emmett, **'Dude the women have been hogging the bathroom all afternoon. I sure as hell hope this date is worth it.'**  
Oh Emmett, you have no idea. I chuckled to myself and did the three pat down checks. Keys, wallet and mobile. I snapped a quick photo and sent it to Alice. Moments later my cell pinged with a reply. **'Approved! Have a great date. A xx'** I rolled my eyes and slipped my phone into my pocket.

My insides were writhing like a barrel of snakes. I was nervous.  
_Snap out of it Cullen, you're not the nervous type!_  
I rolled my head from side to side, easing some of the built up tension.  
"Oh man, you look like you're gonna vom. Relax mate, it's just Bee-Bee." Emmett said, swigging from his beer bottle.  
"You make it sound so easy. I just want tonight to be perfect. Bella is special. I can see myself growing old with her."  
Emmett raised his eyebrows. "You saying you love her?"  
"No! I don't know. Maybe?" I was so confused. "My heart is saying yes, but my head is telling me to be realistic. I don't want to send her running for Puget Sound." I went to run my hands through my hair and groaned when I was met with resistance. Stupid hair products!  
"Okay, I so don't want to sound like a chick right now, but you don't tell a girl you love her on the first date. You'll end up like that guy from How I Met Your Mother."  
"You watch that?"  
"Rose is always watching re-runs of it. I can't help it if I'm in the same room. Although I must admit it is pretty funny and the two chicks in it are hot. It's got that crazy chick from the American Pie movies and that hot agent from The Avengers. What's not to love?"  
"Okay Em, I'm going to go see what the girls are up to before you start trying to braid my hair." I made to get up from the couch when I heard footsteps behind us.  
"No need. We're here."  
Bella and Rosalie stepped off of the last step on the staircase and sauntered towards us. Both of them were dolled up to the nines. Rosalie had on a deep red spandex dress with black and red heels, her hair left flowing down her bare back and Bella had on a black fifties style dress with little white anchors all over it. Simple white sandals finished the look. The front part of her hair was pulled up and back into a quiff which ended in a swirl at the back of her head while the rest of her hair was swept over her left shoulder and held in place by a large white silk flower.  
"You look stunning." I said, walking over and taking her hand in mine.  
"Thank you." She blushed.  
"Where are you guys going?" I asked, looking over to Rose and Em. "We're not double dating are we? Because I have never done that. Ever. And I don't intend on starting now."  
"Relax Edward. We're going to a vintage car show in town. We won't be back until late, so don't wait up." Rosalie winked before sliding her hand into the crook of Emmett's arm and kissing him on the cheek.  
"Nice! Well have fun." I say while leading Bella out of the door. We head towards my car and Bella is practically vibrating with excitement. "Are you okay?" I queried, concerned something is wrong.  
"Who me? I'm perfect. Are we going in your car? Please tell me we're going in your car."  
"Uhm...Yes."  
"Woo!" Bella pumped her fist. "You have no fucking idea how much I've wanted to _take a ride_ in this car." She said, putting extra emphasis on 'take a ride'.  
I discretely readjusted my junk and went over to where Bella was running her hands over my pride and joy. "Have you finished eye fucking my car?" I asked with a smirk as I unlocked the door and held it open for her.  
"Not yet, but it'll do for now." She quipped, sliding into the passenger seat. I ran around the car and climbed into the drivers side. "Edward, am I dead?"  
"Uh, no I don't think so. Dead people don't usually talk. Why?"  
"Because I'm pretty sure I've died and gone to heaven." She moaned, relaxing back into the leather.  
"In that case I better give you some mouth to mouth resuscitation." I growled, leaning over and capturing her lips with mine.  
I don't know how long we spent making out, but we broke apart once Emmett and Rose exited their house and started hooting and cat-calling us. We both flipped them the bird as they honked the horn on Emmett's Jeep and peeled out of their drive way.  
"We better get going." I said, reluctant to pull myself away from Bella.  
"Yeah." She said, panting. "I'm starving."  
I drove us up the coast a little ways and pulled into a parking lot near the pier. Bella climbed out of the car and looked around with her mouth agape. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and looked at me with a worried glance.  
"Edward, please don't tell me we're eating at one of these seafood restaurants."  
"Yeah. I got us a window seat over looking the bay at the best lobster place in town." I took her hand in mine and lead her towards the row of restaurants.  
"Oh no." She groaned, holding her head in her hands.  
"What's the matter?"  
"Oh Edward, I wish you had told me before you booked a table. I'm allergic to all seafood. Like blow-up-like-Shamu-and-turn-lobster-red allergic."  
My heart sank and we stopped walking. "Oh. Uhm okay. No worries. I'll just cancel the table. I'm sure they will have no trouble filling it. Oh boy. I wish I had thought about something like that. Uh where would you like to eat then?"  
Bella leaned up on her toes and kissed me. "Relax Eddie. I'm not a fancy girl. You don't need to impress me, you already have me. I'm a burger and fries kind of gal. Any decent diners do that nearby?"  
"Actually there is one, but it's always jam packed."  
"That's okay, we can take our order to go." She linked her hand with mine and we walked back to my car.

Just like I suspected the diner was heaving with people. It was loud and crowded but the smells wafting from the kitchen were heavenly. I kept my hand linked with Bella's as we pushed our way through the over crowded tables to the counter.  
"How may I help you?" Came the nasally voice of a pimply teen to my right.  
"Bella, what would you like?"  
"Oh my god Edward, everything looks so delicious. How is a girl meant to decide?"  
The assistant rolled his eyes in a bored manner and went back to texting on his phone. I flicked my eyes to Bella who looked appalled at the service. She got a wicked gleam in her eye and gave me a sly wink.  
She leaned over the counter and read the guys name tag." Hey Aro." She purred, giving him full view of her cleavage. "How about you be a good little boy and get the fuck off of your phone and take our order before I find your manager and have you fired. How does that sound?" The kid nodded his head dumbly and slipped his phone into his back pocket. I had to bite my lips to keep from laughing out loud. "Great. Now we'll have two double bacon cheeseburgers with onions and extra pickles, two sides of sweet potato fries with one strawberry malt milkshake and a coke to go. Thank you." She smiled sweetly as the teen got to work.  
"Woah, Bella can you eat all that?"  
"Edward I could eat three of those and still have room for pudding."  
"How do you stay so tiny?" I asked, shocked that she was still a petite size four.  
"It's called exercise my dear and besides, we can fuck the calories off later." She said with another wink.  
Several forks clattered to plates as the men near us all looked at Bella with their mouths agape.  
A throat clearing alerted us to the fact that Aro the pimply teen was back with our food. "That will be twenty six eighty five, please." He squeaked.  
I handed over the cash and picked up our food before taking Bella by the hand once more and leaving the diner.  
"You really are a minx, you know that?"  
"I know. Now, where are we gonna eat? I'm starving."  
"So you've said. Come on, there is a little picnic area near the beach." I lead her across the road and over a green to where the grass meets the sand. There were five picnic tables here next to a small play area for children, three of which were occupied by young families.  
We took the table nearest the sand and spread out our food. "How did you know what I liked in my burger?" I asked, before taking a bite of the meaty goodness.  
She took a mouth full of her milkshake before answering me. "I didn't. I just figured that what ever you didn't like you'd pick out and I could eat it." She smiled, shoving fries in her mouth.  
I shook my head at her and we continued to eat in a comfortable silence.  
"Uhm Edward?" Bella broke the silence, "Please tell me that's your hand on my knee." With a confused look I held up both of my hands which were currently wrapped around the remainder of my burger. "Okay. I think there is someone under the table!"  
I set down my food and wiped my hands on a napkin before ducking down to peer under the wood. I was met with rosy cheeks, brown eyes and dirty blonde hair pulled back into mismatched pigtails. The little girl had on a filthy dress and no shoes.  
"Oh. Hello." I smiled. She smiled back, showing off the gaps in her teeth. She looked to be about five. "Bella, we have a dinner guest it seems." I chuckled, sitting up straight. The little girl followed my lead and climbed up onto the bench next to Bella.  
"Hello little one. Where's your mommy?" Bella asked, nudging her fries toward the child.  
"Thee's over there kithing her boyfwiend." The little girl whispered with a lisp, probably due to the fact her front two teeth were missing at the top. "I like your dreth."  
"Thank you. I like yours too." Bella smiled.  
I glanced over to the table furthest from us where a couple were making out. The woman couldn't have been much older than Alice, while the guy she was kissing looked old enough to be her father.  
"Is that them over there?" I asked, pointing to the odd couple. The child nodded, sending her pigtails flapping all over the place.  
"What's your name sweetheart?" Bella asked, squeezing more ketchup on the fries.  
"Tharlotte." She said, picking up another fist full of fries.  
"Well Miss Charlotte, I'm Bella and this is Edward. How old are you poppet?"  
"I ith thith many." She giggled, holding up four sticky fingers and a thumb. I was correct in assuming she was five.  
"That old huh. Would you like a drink?"  
"Yeth pleath." I handed her the remainder of my coke while Bella took care of the trash, only she didn't just stop at the bin, she carried on going straight over to where Charlottes mother was still kissing the older man. I couldn't hear what was being said but the two sprung apart quickly and the young mother started looking for her daughter. Bella pointed in the direction of our table but wouldn't let the couple come over here. Her arms were waving wildly and I could see her cheeks were flushed as she continued to shout at them. The man flipped her off and walked away while the woman burst into tears. Bella sat down beside her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She said something and the girl nodded before they both got up and started walking over to me and Charlotte.  
"Hey Charlotte, your mommy's coming over." I said, nodding in their direction. Charlotte swung her head around so fast I was afraid she'd get whiplash.  
She stood up on the bench and waved her arms. "Mommy! Mommy!"  
The woman with Bella waved back and they both picked up their pace. Once the woman was close enough Charlotte leapt into her mothers arms. "Mommy, dith ith Bella and Eddard. They are thuper nithe."  
"That's great baby, but I think it's time we went home okay?" The little girl nodded and laid her head on her mothers shoulder, sucking her thumb. "Thank you for looking after her." The woman smiled and began to walk away.  
"Makenna." Bella called out. Remember what I said okay, otherwise it's going to be a continuous vicious circle."  
Makenna nodded and carried on walking.  
"What did you say to her?" I queried.  
"I just gave her a few home truths and offered her a job when the shop is up and running."  
"That's nice of you." I smiled, taking her hand in mine.  
"All she needs is for someone to give her a chance. Too many people fall through the cracks if they're over-looked too often." I squeezed her hand in mine and tugged her towards the beach. "Where are we going?" She asked, following me willingly.  
"Just for a walk. The beach at sunset is a glorious sight."  
"I'm sorry I ruined your original plans.  
"Don't sweat it sweet thang. I'm having a blast just being in your presence." Bella rolled her eyes and tugged me to a stop. I looked back to see she was pulling off her sandals. Taking her hint, I toed off my own shoes and let my feet sink into the fine sand. The grains were still warm from the evening sun.  
"Ahh this is more like it." She said, hooking her index and middle fingers through the straps in her sandals and wriggling her toes. She took my hand again and we began a relaxed, slow pace towards the surf. "I'm having a really good time, E. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun on a date. Actually, I can't even remember the last time a had a date."  
"I'm glad, Bee. None of it went as I planned, but we've had great food, amazing company and best of all the night is still young." We had stopped at the waters edge and the cool water washed away the sand stuck to our feet.  
"Oh boy, that's cold." Bella gasped, stepping backwards away from the waves.  
"Wuss." I teased, tugging her back towards me. She responded by sticking her tongue out and giving me the stink eye. "Either put that away or put it to good use." I pulled her so our bodies were flush against one another. Bella licked her lips and I moved my head down to capture her lips with my own. I continued to kiss down her neck when she broke away for air.  
"Oh Edward." She moaned. "You were right. The beach is magnificent at sunset." She took my hand and pulled me back up the beach. We sat on a sand dune and watched as the brilliant oranges and pinks slowly gave way and turned into purples and grey. We sat there until the first few stars of twilight began to twinkle in the sky. Bella shivered beside me and shifted on the sand. I stood and offered her my hand before we made our way back to the car.  
We had just gotten seated inside the vehicle when the heavens opened and it began to rain heavily.  
"Wow we made it just in time." I chuckled, looking over at Bella. My mouth fell open at what I saw. What I originally thought were decorative buttons on the front of her dress were undone and the panels were gaping open at the breast. Her eyes were heavy lidded and full of lust. Her chest was heaving making the front of her dress part further with every breath. "Bella, what are you-...?" I was cut off as she launched herself across the car and into my lap. Her mouth was on mine in an instant.  
"E." She panted, hastily undoing the buttons on my shirt. "I need you. Now." Her mouth was crushed to mine once more as she wriggled relentlessly in my lap.  
A knock on my drivers side window had Bella pausing and looking like a deer caught in the headlights of a fast moving truck.  
I rolled down my window once Bella had climbed back into her seat. I looked out and was almost blinded by a police officers torch being shone into my car. "License and registration please son." I recognised the voice instantly.  
"Marcus, haven't you got better things to do than break apart horny couples?" I asked, handing over the required documents.  
Marcus bent down and looked in my window. "Edward? Bloody 'ell me ol' mucker." He exclaimed, his cockney accent showing thick. "What the dickens are you doing ahht 'ere?"  
"Making out with my girl in my car." I replied, looking over at Bella who had a deep bush on her cheeks and her lip between her teeth. I reached over and grabbed her hand, squeezing it slightly to assure her that everything was fine. "When are you gonna let me finish your back piece?"  
"Times are tough Edward. I can't afford it at the mo, mate."  
"How about you let us off here and I'll do the next session for free?"  
"Edward! Are you bribing a police officer?" Bella hissed wide eyed.  
"Of course not love, we weren't doing anything wrong. I am well known down at the station and if any of the guys knew I was caught making out with my girlfriend in my car, I'd never hear the end of it when they come by the shop." I caressed the side of her face and looked back out to where Marcus was still stood in the rain.  
"Make it two sessions and you've got a deal." "You trying to make me go out of business?" I chuckled shaking my head.  
"I can call the rest of the squad out right now." He said as his hand twitched towards his walkie talkie.  
"Fine! Fine you have a deal." I thrust my hand out of the window into the freezing rain to shake Marcus' hand. "Laters old man."  
"Oi, watch it you young whipper snapper." We shook hands and Marcus jogged back to his patrol car. I rolled up my window and turned back to Bella. She had a worried look on her face and was back to chewing on her bottom lip. "What's the matter?" I asked, pulling her lip free.  
"I'll pay for Marcus' tattoos. I don't want you losing out on profit because of me. It's my fault we got caught. I'll be more reserved in future."  
"You'll do no such thing. Did you once hear me complaining? No. I've had such a great evening with you. I don't want it to end. If it wasn't for the interruption I'd be balls deep in you right now. How about we take this somewhere a little less confined and a lot more comfortable?"  
"Take me to your place, Eddie." She breathed, affected by my words.  
I didn't respond, just put the car in drive and peeled out of the parking lot.

* * *

**So...thoughts?**

**The price for their food I just made up as I have no idea what prices are like in the U.S. I just based it on an average meal for two here in the U.K and added ten pounds/dollars.**

**Please feel free to let me know where you think this story should be headed. I will take all thoughts into consideration.**

**Much love xx**


	8. Chapter 8

**Hello everyone. I am so sorry for the delay in posting. I had not one, but two more car accidents. I suck I know. So if any of you have stuck around here's the next chapter.**

**Normal disclaimers apply**

**EPOV.**

The drive back to my house took little to no time at all. We both got drenched as we dashed to the front door and I fiddled with my keys, dropping them several times in my haste to unlock the damn thing. Finally we were in and I slammed the door closed behind us, effectively blocking out the wind and rain.

Bella stood facing me, her chest heaving as her sodden clothes stuck to her curves and her hair a tangled limp mess around her face.

I licked my lips at the sight, not caring that our clothes were causing puddles on the floor.

In an instant Bella was in my arms, her lips moulded to my own as her soft breasts pressed against my chest. We swallowed each others moans as she rubbed herself against me.

"Bedroom?"

"Can't wait. Now. Couch?"

We stumbled awkwardly backwards, knocking over a couple of ornaments that my mother had bought and that I had no care for, along the way. In the end I just picked Bella up and carried her to the sofa.

She unceremoniously extracted herself from my grip and almost slid over on the polished hardwood floor. I caught her by the shoulders before she could hurt herself.  
"What are you doing?" I asked, bewildered.

"I don't wanna get your couch wet." She said simply.

"Oh." She had a point. That shit would take days to dry. I lost all train of thought as she tugged on my tie and her mouth crashed to mine once more.

She kicked off her shoes and worked the buttons on my shirt open. I gasped slightly as her cold fingertips brushed against the skin of my abdomen, the muscles flinching away from her cold touch.

"Sorry." She breathed, pink tinting her white cheeks.

"Don't be." I replied, popping open the buttons on her dress. I freed her breasts to my touch and now it was her turn to gasp. I smiled against her lips as I fondled the flesh, feeling her nipples harden at the cold.

I ran my hands up towards her shoulders and back down her arms, taking her dress with them. The soaked material slid down to her waist where it stopped at the swell of her hips. I flicked open the last three buttons and let gravity take hold. The dress pooled at her feet with a soggy thwack.

Bella stood before me in nothing more than a lacy black thong. Goosebumps pebbled her skin and she let go of me to rub at herself to warm up. I couldn't help but stare as her breasts jiggled with the movement.

She caught me staring and raised a brow at me. "Like something you see?" She teased, cupping her boobs and sliding her hands up to cover them from my view.

I pouted in disappointment at the obstruction while Bella smirked and turned her back to me, bending over to take off her thong.

I groaned out loud this time making Bella chuckle and wiggle her ass a little. I stepped forwards and placed my hands on her hips, rubbing my jean clad erection over the crease of her pert little ass. She drew in a deep breath at the feel of the cold, damp material and wriggled away from the sensation.

"Uh uh uh, Mister Cullen." She waved a finger in my face and had a stern look on hers, much like a teacher scolding a student. "If you want to touch you have to catch me first." She pushed on my chest, making me fall backwards onto the couch and took off running out of the room. I sat there dazed for a moment before I realised what she had said. I was off the couch in seconds and sped out of the room after her.

The hallway and stairs were silent but the lights for upstairs had been turned on. I took the stairs two at a time before realising it was a ruse. None of the bedroom lights were on and all of the doors were closed.

I leant over the bannister and noticed that light shone from under the door of my office.

_Oh no! Please lord don't let her be looking at my sketch pads._

I swiftly ran down the stairs as quietly as I could and entered my office. The sight that was before me quite literally took my breath away. Bella was perched on the edge of my desk with her knees bent in front of her, one leg crossed over the other and a sketch book lay open on her thighs.

_Shit._

"Well Edward, I knew you were talented but I didn't quite realise just how far your imagination wandered." She put the book to one side and leant back on her elbows before uncrossing her legs in a lethal attraction type of way. "Tell me, what were you thinking when you drew me in this pose?" She was fully on her back now, arms thrown over her head and one leg dangling off the table. I was so hard it was painful. She was the spitting image of the one on the open page. It's like my fantasies were coming to life.

"I.. Well I..." I rubbed my hand over the back of my neck, embarrassed at being caught out. To be honest I had drawn those pictures a few weeks ago, not long after she had arrived in town.

"Don't sweat it Eddie. I'm actually quite flattered." Bella was back in a sitting position swinging her legs to and fro while beckoning me closer with her index finger. I stepped towards her until I was close enough for her to reach, by that point she had her fingers hooked in my belt and tugged me the final step. I was nestled between her thighs and her breasts brushed against my naked chest. Her mouth crashed down upon mine in a fiery urgency that I reciprocated in an equal hunger.

I barely noticed that she had been working my belt and jeans loose until I felt some of the confining pressure ease off of my poor dick. I gasped against her lips when her small hand found its way inside my boxers and stroked my throbbing cock.

"Oh baby that feels so good." I rested my forehead against hers and lost myself in the sensations she was creating in me. I was so close to coming it was painful. "Babe if you carry on..." I didn't get to finish my sentence because Bella had slid off of the table and enveloped me in her mouth, swirling her tongue around the head of my penis.

I threw my head back and groaned, grasping the edge of the table until my finger tips went white. I thrust my hips slightly as she hollowed out her cheeks and created some suction, the flat of her tongue caressing the underside of my shaft.

I felt her hands move around and grab at the contours of my ass, squeezing the flesh until it was almost painful. With a light grazing of her teeth over the head of my cock I was coming in thick hot spurts down her throat. To my utter amazement she swallowed it all down and even licked me clean.

Bella stood from the floor and wrapped her arms around my middle, laying her head on my chest. The top of her damp head barely scraped the bottom of my chin. "Edward, I'm cold. Warm me up." I felt her shiver in may arms and I picked her up, stepping out of my jeans and boxers I headed upstairs to my shower.

**BPOV.**  
Edwards bathroom is a dream. While I may have been cold and shivering I can still appreciate how amazing this room is.

Marble tiles with porcelain sinks and tub. Silver fittings and a large bay window really bring the room together. But it was the massive shower that really caught my attention.

Multiple jets enclosed by floor to ceiling glass with a wooden bench at one end.

Steam filled the room, warming me slightly while Edward grabbed us some clean towels from the dryer.

I pulled the dozen pins from my hair and placed them on the counter. I didn't wait for Edward to return before I stepped under the warm spray of water.

Goosebumps erupted over my skin as it adjusted to the temperature. I tipped my head back under the spray and closed my eyes. It wasn't long before I could sense Edwards presence in the shower behind me. A warm wash cloth with a sweet, citrus scented soap was brushed over my skin.

Edward was so gentle with me, never rubbing too hard or lingering in one area for too long. I felt so cherished in that moment as he took care of me. Now I understood why he was so reserved about taking me to bed yesterday. He really did want to do this properly.

A sensation bubbled in my chest that I haven't felt for quite some time. It's too soon for me to be feeling that, isn't it?

I pushed those thoughts aside and moaned in pleasure as Ed began massaging shampoo into my scalp. His strong nimble fingers worked deftly through my long tresses, untangling the ends and separating the knots. He made sure all of the soap was washed away before letting me turn around in his arms.

"Thank you, Edward." I laid my head upon his chest once more and we just stood under the torrent of water, embraced in one another. Edward shifted his footing and I could feel his need against my thigh.

I raised my head and kissed him, pushing him towards the bench. Once he realised my intentions he complied and sat down opening his arms to me.

I sat on his lap facing him and put one leg each side of his torso. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. This time I battled for dominance and pushed my tongue into his mouth, savouring his taste.

My ass slid on the slick skin of his knees and I could feel him right there, nestled between my folds. We both moaned together and I lifted up just slightly for him to slip inside. I groaned again and clenched around him. I don't think I will ever get used to the amazing sensation he creates when he's inside of me.

Edwards breath catches in his throat as I start to move. My breasts rub up against his chest, the cool metal of his piercing tantalizing my skin each time they come into contact with each other.

Now the heat isn't being caused by the water temperature.

Faster and faster I move upon him, his hands cupping my ass and squeezing every time I'm on a downward thrust. My insides quiver as the pressure builds in my abdomen, making my movements more erratic and shaky.

Edward takes over and stands, lifting me in his arms but never breaking our connection. I gasped out loud as cold tile met the overheated skin of my back. I locked my ankles around Edwards waist as he drove into me again and again.

I clawed at the skin of his back and felt the muscles undulate with the force of his movements.

"So close." I breathed in his ear. He shifted me in his arms until one was under my butt, holding me up and the other was snaking between us to find my sweet spot. His fingers brushed my clitoris making me clench around him once again. "More." I demanded and he happily obliged, using his skilful fingers to manipulate my centre.

The coil of pleasure wound tighter in my stomach and two, three, four more thrusts later I was coming undone around him. My insides spasmed as I soared on my high. Edward released with a strangled cry and I felt him still within me. I rest my head upon his shoulder as we both caught our breath.

"Babe, I think we're gonna need another shower."

* * *

**There we go. I hope it was worth the wait. Once again I am really sorry for the delay in posting. Fingers crossed I should be on a more regular schedule from now on.**

**Reviews are better than hot, steamy shower sex! :)**


	9. Chapter 9

**What's this? Another chapter already?**

**Yes my dears. **

**Enjoy!**

**Normal disclaimers apply.**

* * *

**BPOV.**  
I awoke early the next morning hot and naked. The sun was shining brightly, no trace of the rain clouds from last night.

I was a little disorientated and unsure of my surroundings until a body moved beside me and it all came flooding back. Edward and I had fallen asleep tangled in each others limbs after two more rounds of wild love making. We tired each other out and neither of us had moved from the position we fell asleep in. I stretched enjoying the pop and ache of well rested joints and muscles.

Looking over at Edward I saw he was still fast asleep. I took the time to really look at him while he was peaceful. This mornings stubble darkened his jaw, while his features looked serene in slumber. He looked like he should be carved out of marble and placed upon a podium.

My gaze travelled to his upper body. The areas of skin not covered by masses of ink was tan and taut, stretching nicely over well defined muscles. My eyes roamed over the rest of his body and as soon as they landed on his cock it twitched, like it somehow knew I was staring at it. He really did have an impressive length, even when flaccid.

"Like something you see?"

The unexpected sound of Edwards voice made me jump an look up. His eyes were open and the green of his irises shone in amusement.

_Ass!_

"Yes actually, I do. Not too keen on the person it's attached to though." I replied with a smirk.

"Hmmph." Edward feigned mock hurt. "That's not what you were saying last night. _'Oh Edward, that feels so good. Harder! Harder!'_" His voice took on a high pitched tone as he pretended to be me.

I narrowed my eyes and punched him on the bicep, he didn't even flinch. "You're a jerk!" I made to get out of the bed and he was on me in a flash, pinning me to the mattress.

"No I'm not. Admit it, I'm adorable."

"Adorable huh? Just wait until I tell Em-" His lips upon mine cut me off and I moaned as his tongue wrapped around mine.

"Yes adorable." He replied, letting go of my lips. "Go on, admit it. I know you want to!"

I opened my mouth ready with a snarky retort, but erupted into peals of laughter instead. Edwards fingers were working overtime on my ribs.

"No! No please stop!" I gasped out, all the air leaving my lungs as his hands worked their way higher. My limbs were flailing all over the place, but still I couldn't wriggle away from his torture.

"Say it. Out loud. I'm adorable."

"FINE!" I screeched between bouts of laughter. "You're adorable!" He finally let up and I gasped for air, dragging in big lungfuls of it.

Edward waited until I had calmed down somewhat before resting his forehead against mine and looking me in the eyes. "I've had such a great time with you B. I really don't want it to end."

"You're making it sound like we're never going to see each other again." I cupped his cheek in my palm and kissed the tip of his nose. "Come on, I'll make you breakfast." I pushed against his chest and he rolled off of me but captured me round the waist when I sat up.

He peppered kisses across my shoulders and up my neck. "Can I keep you?"

"Of course you can, now let me up I gotta pee!"

Edward finally left me alone long enough for me to take care of business and freshen up some. I was busy washing my hands when I caught a look of my self in the mirror.

My hair looked like it could house a couple of nesting birds, my face was free of make-up and I had that thoroughly fucked glow about me. But none of that really mattered, what I really noticed about myself was that I was smiling. I just couldn't help myself. Normally smiling is something I force my face to do, but this, this just came naturally. I was happy. Really bloody happy. What I also noticed is that I was still stark bollock naked. My clothes were still in a soggy pile in Edwards living room and I had no spares.

_Bugger!_

I stepped out of the bathroom with every intention of asking Ed for something to borrow but the bedroom was empty. I wandered to his closet and pulled out one of his button up shirts. I slipped it on and thankfully the hem stopped mid thigh. I had to roll the sleeves up quite a way before I was happy that they wouldn't hinder me while I was cooking and left the bedroom.

I could hear whistling and running water from a room down the hall letting me know that Edward was in the main bathroom. I left him to it and made my way to the living room. I grabbed our wet clothes from last night and, after much searching for the utility room, put them all in the washer. I swept up the broken ornaments and retrieved a hair tie from my purse.

Pulling my hair up into a messy knot on top of my head I wander into the kitchen. It was like a chefs wet dream. Kitted out with top of the range pots and pans, a built in stove on the island and a walk in pantry. I was in kitchen heaven.

I hastily tiptoed over to the fridge. Despite the kitchen being bathed in sunlight the stone tile flooring was ice cold to the touch. I pulled open the heavy door to find minimal products worth salvaging. Throwing away all of the rotten fruit and vegetables, a jar of jam that looked like it was ready to settle down for winter with a thick fur coat and a tub of three month old guacamole, I was left with just a carton of eggs, some milk and a packet of bacon. I could work with that.

I left them on the sideboard while I rummaged in the pantry for the rest of the ingredients. I finally found the vanilla, maple syrup and powdered sugar shoved in the corner behind multiple bags of chips and a whole variety of dips and condiments.

Ugh! How can someone live on all this junk?

I rolled my eyes as I pushed all the bags back onto the shelves and exited the cupboard, kicking the door closed behind me.

I set the oven to preheat, put on a pot of coffee and pulled a frying pan down off of the rack. Once I was happy that I had everything I needed I got to work.

Breakfast was almost ready to be plated by the time I heard Edward enter the kitchen.

"Hey baby," I said without turning around. "Breakfast is almost ready if you want to pour the coffee."

"That's nice, but who the hell are you?"

That was not Edwards voice.

**EPOV.**  
I emerged from the bathroom clean and freshly shaven. I had assumed Bella was going to be a while in my ensuite and I didn't want to disturb her but when I entered my bedroom the door was ajar and Bella was nowhere to be seen.

I pulled on a pair of loose lounge pants and made my way down stairs. I had to do a double take at what I saw.

Bella was wearing one of my button up shirts, her hair a messy pile on top of her head and she was making breakfast.

Ever get the feeling of deja vu?

The dream I had when I first met her has never left my mind. I can still recall every detail with perfect clarity.

I ran a hand down my face and let out a sigh. I know full well this isn't my dream come to reality. This Bella, the real Bella, doesn't have enough ink, her hair is red not brown and no, she's not carrying my child.

I sighed again and mentally slapped myself before walking the rest of the way down the stairs. As I drew closer to the kitchen I could hear voices.

"-the hell are you?"

"Oh my god!"

I rounded the corner as quickly as I could to diffuse the situation I knew was coming.

"MOM!" The women both looked round at me standing in the second doorway, my mother was standing in the other.

"Oh, Edward darling."

"This is your mother?"

They both spoke at once.

"Mom, what are you doing here?"

"Your father and I was just on our way to brunch at the pier and thought we'd stop by so I can collect that art piece you are working on for the charity gala next weekend." I couldn't help but notice that my mother kept giving Bella sidelong glances and checking her hand to see if I had proposed. Like I was _that_ stupid!

Bella was staring down at the work surface and thankfully didn't notice the looks from my mother.

"Oh for goodness sakes. Mom this is Bella, Bella this is my mother, Esme Cullen." I went to stand behind Bella and put my hands on her shoulders. She was incredibly tense. I rubbed her spine with my thumbs to try and relax her somewhat.

"It's very nice to meet you Mrs Cullen." Bella is always so pleasant to new people, shame the same thing couldn't be said about my mother.

"Pleasure, I'm sure." She said with an air of distaste and I felt Bella tense once again.

"Mother!" I growled. "Be nice or leave. The painting is not here. It's at the shop where _you_ said _you'll_ pick it up this afternoon, remember?" I said through clenched teeth and a little more force than was necessary.

"Yes I know." She simpered, looking a little sheepish.

"So why are you really here?"

"Can't a mother come and visit her son every once in a while?"

"You don't normally." I replied flatly.

Esme didn't reply.

"Okay then. Well it was nice seeing you Mom but Bella and I have plans, so I will see you soon." I said, ushering her out of the door against her protests. "Okay, love you. Bye." I waved to my father who was waiting in his car and closed the door. I leant against it and breathed a sigh of relief before pushing away from the wood and going back to the kitchen.

Bella hadn't moved from the spot where I had left her and jumped when I spoke. "Sorry about her. She's a right busy body but means well in her own way."

She didn't reply, just bit her lip and nodded.

"Hey, what's wrong? We were having a great morning. Don't let my mother spoil it."

"I don't think she likes me."

"Babe, I don't care what my mother thinks. She's never good with first impressions. My father on the other hand will absolutely adore you."

"Oh god he's not here is he?" She said, pulling the hem of my shirt lower down her thighs.

I spun her around and lifted her onto the counter. "Nope. There's no one here but me and you." I said before spreading her knees and stepping between them. Capturing her lips with mine I swallowed her protests about more people walking in. "Bee, will you relax. No one else is going to walk in. The only other people that have keys are Emmett and Rosalie and my sister Alice."

"Yeah because that really puts my mind at ease." She huffed, while I fought the urge to chuckle.

"Come on, lets take this amazing breakfast into the living room and have a relaxing morning just talking and getting to know each other better." I lifted her down from the counter and picked up a tray for her to set the plates onto.

"I like that idea. There are a few questions about your ink I've been meaning to ask you."

"Really? Well ask away." I set the tray on the coffee table and sat down before helping myself to three slices of french toast and some maple syrup coated bacon.

She stroked her hand over my left pectoral muscle and the black rose that was adorned there. "This one. Tell me about this one."

"That one is in memory of my Grandmother Gianna. She always grew these amazing roses in her greenhouse back in Chicago. So many different colours. She had vases of them all over her home. I got this one on the day of her passing."

"That's sweet. I didn't know any of my grandparents. Not well any way. They all died while I was young. Okay, tell me about this one."

"Nuh uh, I think it's my turn to ask you about one of yours." I replied, sipping my coffee. "That one on your right bicep. What's the story behind that one?" Bella flushed bright red and so I set down my cup so I could pay more attention.

"That one is quite embarrassing. It's who I inspired to be when I was in my late teens." She said, rubbing her fingers over the red headded pin up girl. "My mom was always telling me I should be more of a girly girl and not such a tomboy when I was little. I guess this was just a big middle finger to her and her ideals of what I should be. We had a massive argument about it when she finally saw it but she's eventually come to realise I am my own person and loves me for who I am."

"Well I think you don't need to aspire anymore. You've already surpassed her by miles." I said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear.

"Thank you. So tell me about that tattoo."

"This one is also my first. My father and I had a major disagreement over why I refused to go to medical school. He said I should become a respectable person in society that people could look up to. I hated the thought of becoming a pompous idiot and so I stormed out. I spent four hours walking the streets of Chicago until I stumbled upon Chaos Tattoos. Caius the owner was just shutting up shop when I begged him to let me get one done. I was underage and angry but he did it anyway. I paid him double. My parents were so mad when I came home in the early hours of the next morning with a skull tattooed on my neck. My father refused to speak to me for a week until I sat him down and explained that being a doctor was just not what I wanted to be. We had a really big heart to heart and now he's my biggest supporter." I felt a little bit pensive bringing up all of these old memories and changed the subject to a much lighter one. "So why did you become a baker?"

"The same reason you became a tattooist I suppose. It's something I'm good at." Bella shifted in her seat and scooted closer to me on the couch, throwing her bare legs across my lap. "I guess we're a lot alike. I make edible art and you make indelible art. That first day I met you, you were at Roses garage. Why did you take her books home with you?"

"I'm her business partner." Bella looked very surprised. "You didn't know?"

"No. Not at all."

"I've been friends with Emmett since I was eighteen years old. We were room mates in college. We both majored in art. He became a graphics designer specialising in automobiles. When he and Rose met they hit it off, but I guess you already know that seeing as you're her best friend. Rose and I never really liked each other to begin with, she was always too brash. Too self assertive and confident. It wasn't until one night I overheard her crying while talking to Emmett that no one was ever going to take her seriously as a female mechanic and none of the garages around here wanted to take a chance on her. So I interrupted their conversation and told Rosalie to stop looking for work at other garages and to open her own. She raised half of the cash and I paid for the other half out of my inheritance. I told her that I wanted nothing to do with the running of the place, I was to be a silent partner. I just go over the books every quarter to ensure everything is in order."

"Wow. She never told me that. You really are something special Edward." Bella leaned over and kissed me, running her tongue across my lips before diving right in and massaging my tongue with her own.

The kiss got heated very quickly and I laid her out on the couch beneath me. I ran my hand up her creamy thigh and was very shocked to feel that she was not wearing any panties. No wonder she was so embarrassed about meeting my mother earlier. Things were just starting to get interesting when the front door burst open and Emmett and Rose strode in.

"Woah! Horizontal tango on the couch!" Emmett practically yelled while mock covering his eyes. "People have to sit there ya know!"

I don't think I ever lost a boner so quickly.

"What the hell you guys?!" I said in exasperation.

"We have some great news that we just couldn't wait to share any longer." Rose was nearly convulsing in excitement.

"What is it?"

"We're getting married!"

* * *

**Aww aren't they just so sweet? **

**I hope that cleared up some confusion about Edwards job role and why he was at the garage that first day.**

**Who else thinks Esme is a bit of a snooty cow? I sure know I do!**

**So let me know what you think. Reviews are better than waking up next to a hot tattooed Edward!**


	10. Chapter 10

**Hello my lovelies. Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Sorry I didn't get around to replying to many of them. Just know that I really do appreciate every last one of them and love you all for reviewing. **

**This chapter takes place a while after Bella and Edwards date.**

**Normal disclaimers apply.**

* * *

**EPOV.**

The weeks flew by quickly and before we knew it Bella's bakery was almost ready for its grand opening, which is why Emmett and I found ourselves out on his back deck at five o'clock on a friday morning.

Two U-Haul vans were parked in his driveway and our cars were locked up in Roses garage.

The sky was a cloudy grey, the sun not yet risen enough to be classed as day in my book. I sat quietly nursing a very strong coffee while the silence was interrupted every so often by deafening snores coming from the lounger beside me. I nudged Emmett with my foot again and he merely grunted and shifted positions.

God knows what the girls are up to. They kicked us out here half an hour ago and claimed they would _'just be five minutes'_.

I stifled my yawn and took another gulp of coffee, grimacing at the taste. I could feel my eyelids drooping at the same time the girls and Milo came bursting out of the back door. Both of them were carrying overnight bags and were dressed in baggy tees and yoga pants. Emmett jumped up wide awake as though he hadn't just been roaring from his nasal cavities.

_Ass._

"You lovely ladies finally ready?" He asked, rubbing his hands together.

"We are, thank you Emmett." Bella replied, hoisting a bag of sandwiches onto her shoulder.

"Here, let me take that babe." I said, tipping away my now cold coffee.

"Thanks sweetie. So does everyone know the battle plan?"

"Yes. You and Edward take one van while Em and I take the other. You're taking the food so that Emmett doesn't eat it all and we're to follow you. It takes seventeen hours to get to Seattle from here providing traffic is running smoothly." Rosalie recited off like a drone. "Sorry B, but we've gone over this plan five times already this week."

"No, it's fine. I just want to make sure that everything goes right. I have a deadline to meet and I can't afford for anything to go wrong."

I took her hand and pulled her close. "Everything is gonna go great love. C'mon, let's get this show on the road."

I waited for Bella to climb into the van before passing her Milo, who quickly curled up on the seat next to her. We had agreed that Em and I would take the first three hour stint at the wheel and then we'd take turns every three hours after that.

About an hour into our drive Bella began rummaging in her bags for something. It wasn't until she began talking that I realised it was a walkie talkie. "This is Bumble-Bee to Red-Rose, how is everything faring with you and Ermagherd? Over."

It was crackly but we could hear Rosalie's reply well enough. "_Everything was going great until Ermagherd heard his codename. Over_."

We could both hear Emmett's protests in the background. "_I don't wanna be called Erma. I should be like a fucking white stallion or some shit_!"

We both sniggered at his petty-ness until I realised that I don't know what my codename is. Oh god, what if they called me Gertrude or something?!

"So Bee, what's my codename?"

"Hmm? Oh, yours is Ed-Wood."

"Oh." I can't lie, I was a little bit disappointed that they hadn't come up with something more creative for me. "Is that it? Nothing funny?"

"No. We decided it's easier to tease Emmett. You're too serious."

"I am not! I can be fun loving and handle a bit of teasing with the best of them."

"Good." She said matter of factly.

"Why's that?"

"Oh, didn't I tell you? We're not going all the way to Seattle today."

"We're not?"

"Nope. We're stopping in Forks. We're going to spend the night. At my parents."

Gulp!

_Is it too late to turn around?_

_***  
_

By the time eight a.m rolled around everyone was hungry and busting for the loo. We pulled into a gas station for a fifteen minute pit stop. It felt nice to stretch our legs.

I let Bella rush to the bathroom first even though my bladder was fit to explode from all the coffee I had drank this morning.

Milo lazed happily in the van, not moving until he heard the sound of Bella's giggles as she and Rose rounded the corner of the toilet block. As soon as she was close enough I sprinted across the lot and into a cubicle.

Oh the relief..._and what the fuck is that smell?_

Eurgh! I hate public toilets.

I washed my hands three times but still didn't feel clean. Once I was back at the van I begged Bella for some of that hand sanitizer I know she carries around in her purse.

After much ribbing and a quick breakfast of cold bacon sandwiches we were back on the road. This time the girls were driving leaving Emmett and I to joke around on the walkie talkies. "This is Inked Eagle to White Stallion. Do you copy? Over."

_"Sup Eagle?_" Came Ems reply. He and Rose were a couple of vehicles behind us so I was surprised that the walkies still worked.

"Not much, I think it's time to put some tunes on."

_"Hells yeah! Do you have your copy?"_

"Sure do!" I flipped open the glove box and pulled out the mix disc Em and I copied a couple of days ago. I had stashed them in the vehicles last night once the girls were in bed. "Ready? Three!"

"_Two_!"

"One, go!" I pushed the cd into the player while Emmett did the same. We expected the some heavy riffs to begin blaring out of the speakers, instead we were met with Aqua's 'I'm a Barbie Girl'.

_"WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT?"_ We said in unison as the girls began singing along.

I rummaged in the glove compartment for any other cd's but all I found was driver manuals and a copy of our vehicle loan.

"Bella? Where's my cd?"

"You mean the ones we swapped out for our own? They would be on Rosalie's kitchen table." She said with a smirk. "You can't out wit us."

"_We are women. HEAR US ROAR_!" Rose screamed over the walkie in my hand.

"Em? Dude?"

_"I know man, I know."_

We finally crossed into Forks at eight fifteen in the evening. Bella, who had been sleeping with her head on my shoulder, woke when she heard Emmetts voice whoop over the walkie talkie.

_"At long fucking last man. How far until Bella's parents? I am so sick of this truck!"_

"Not much longer Erma. The parentals are just outside the middle of town. Follow us." She snuggled back against my side but kept her eyes open. "Take a left down here and follow the road to the end." I did as she instructed while Milo climbed into her lap to look out of the window. "Hope you brought your rain coat Eddie, it's gonna pour down any minute."

Sure enough as soon as she said that rain drops began to spatter down on the windshield. Lightly at first, just the odd drop here and there, then all of a sudden it was like the flood gates had opened and I could hardly see the road in front of me.

"Where to now, Bee?"

"Take another left, but be careful on this road. It's prone to flooding and accidents."

At eight thirty we finally reached Bella's parents home. Pulling the vans up to the side of the road we saw a couple of figures illuminated by their porch light. Bella opened her door and Milo hopped out, running straight through the rain and into one of the figures open arms.

The drivers side door was yanked open and a shotgun was pointed in my face. "You know you're illegally parked boy?" Came a gruff voice from the other end of the gun.

"DADDY!" Bella scolded. "PLAY NICE!"

**BPOV.**

I watched as all the colour drained from Edwards face. I should have known my dad would pull a stunt like this. I climbed out of the van and pulled my hood up.

"Mom." I whined. "Rein him in." I pointed over to where Charlie had Edward over the front of the van and was patting him down.

"Charlie, leave the young man alone. You're not in the force anymore. Come and great your daughter and her guests like a normal person." Renee shouted over the rain, while Milo lazed in her arms.

"Woman, you spoil an old mans fun!"

"I don't care. Get in the house." Renee turned on her heel and went back inside the building, probably to check on dinner.

I cringed at the thought of moms cooking and went to follow her indoors but was caught up in a hug from Charlie.

"How's my little girl then?"

"I'll be fine when you stop terrorizing my boyfriend." I wriggled out of his grasp and went to check on Edward.

He was lingering near the truck and was unsure about whether or not he should move. "Ignore my dad." I said, placing my hands on his chest and pulling him in a for a kiss. "Come on inside, you're saturated." I took hold of his hand and tugged him with me, past where Charlie was greeting Emmett and Rose.

"Dad stop hitting on Rosalie, you've met her before."

Edward and I stepped into the warmth of my parents home. The walls were still jam packed full of old family photos. My dads tatty old recliner still sat in the corner of the room and my moms sewing machine sat in the other. It was just the same as it had always been with the exception of a large flat screen TV Charlie treated himself to upon retirement.

I lead Edward upstairs and pointed out the bathroom to him if he wanted a shower. I lingered outside of my room a little longer than was necessary and Edward picked up on my discomfort.

"What's the matter B? Still have all of your My Little Ponies on display?"

"No, quite the opposite really. I don't want you to think I was some sort of sadistic teen." I grimaced, remembering the time Rose came home from college with me and we gave my collection of dolls a gothic makeover.

I pushed open the door and hid behind my hands, letting Edward go in first.

"Wow babe. This isn't what I had in mind for your old room."

"It's bad isn't it? Really bad."

"Define bad." I peeped out from behind my hands and my mouth fell open in shock

"MOM! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY ROOM?"

Gone were my band posters. My purple walls had been painted over in pale blue. My vase of dead red roses were replaced with a vase of fresh white daisies and my black bed frame had been spray painted gold.

It was like walking in to an old ladies retirement home.

"MOTHER! WHERE'S ALL MY STUFF?" I yelled over the bannister.

Renee appeared in my line of sight at the bottom of the stairs. "Bella, do stop shouting. It's in the attic. You are a grown woman and should be acting like one. You don't need any of that stuff and if you did you would have taken it with you a long time ago. Now hurry on down, dinner is served."

I waited until she walked away before growling under my breath at her. I stomped over to the bed and sat down heavily. Even the scorch marks on my bedside table had been sanded away and glossed over. I flopped backwards and closed my eyes.

I knew she was right but the petulant child in me felt the need to throw a tantrum.

The bed dipped beside me and I opened my eyes to see Edwards face mere inches from my own, a mischievous look on his face.

"Edward no, don't you dare tickle me."

"Tickling? The thought hadn't even crossed my mind, but now you mention it..." He trailed off and raised a hand to hover above my ribs.

"No, Edward please." I gave him my best puppy dog look which made him falter a little, just enough for me to get the upper hand. I flipped us over so Edwards was on his back and I was straddling his waist. "Oh Mr Cullen, what a compromising position we find ourselves in."

"Yes indeed. You, the fearsome warrior princess and I, the hapless man servant."

"Pssh, innocent my ass." I slapped his chest and made to get off of him but he held me steadfast by the hips.

"I am innocent. It's you that lures out the beast in me." He growled deep in his throat and my insides clenched in desire.

I leaned down and kissed him lightly on the lips, he tried to take it further but my bedroom door flew open and Rose stood cackling in the door way. We both jumped and I made to cover myself up before realising I was still fully dressed.

"What the hell Rose?!" I screeched.

"What the fuck has happened to your room?" She asked, looking at the decor in horror.

"My mother. What did you want anyway?"

"The food is getting cold. Your mom has cooked a really nice looking pie and Emmett is practically salivating over it. Will you please hurry up and come down before he covers the kitchen floor in drool."

"We're coming. Edwards just got to change."

"You would have been coming a different way if I hadn't have put an end to it."

"Oh my god! You heard that?"

"Every last word, oh fearsome warrior princess." She did a mock curtsey and dodged out of the way of my pillow missile.

"Witch!"

"You love me really." She yelled, running down the stairs.

"Come on, we'll finish this later." I pulled Edward into a sitting position and tossed him a dry tee from his duffle bag. I bit my lip to stop from whimpering as I watched him change his top. Curse my mother and her punctual dinners.

I had to turn away before I jumped him right there, dinner be damned. We reluctantly left my room and made our way to the small kitchen annex. All eyes were on us as we sat down, Milo automatically coming to sit by my feet.

"Smells good mom. What's in the pie?"

"Beef and tripe."

Several forks clattered to plates as a majority of faces at the table turned green. Even Emmett looked uneasy and nothing ever seems to bother him.

"Mom, really?!"

"What? I found it in one of my grandmothers old cookbooks. I thought it would be nice to try." I gave my mother an incredulous look. Those recipes had been written in the eighteen hundreds and passed down through our generations.

"No mom, just... no."

"Charlie will try it, wont you dear?" She offered him a fork full.

"Of course love." He gave us all a pleading look before opening his mouth for the proffered bite. He looked on the verge of vomiting. "It's a little chewy."

With that four sets of chair legs scraped away from the table. "Okay we're gonna go to the diner."

"Here Bells, you can take my car." Charlie followed us out of the kitchen. "For the love of god Bella, bring me back a burger!"

"Will do dad, but you have to be nice to Edward."

"Fine. You drive a hard bargain kiddo."

"Love you dad." I kissed his cheek, making him blush a little.

"Love you too, Bells." Charlie flicked the porch light on for us as I backed out of the drive way in his old Ford Mustang. Thankfully the diner was just a five minute drive away but with it being a friday evening the place was packed out.

"Emmett for crying out loud your stomach is not eating itself!" Rose snapped after several minutes of his whining.

"Table for four was it?" Came a familiar voice I hadn't heard in quite some time.

"Jess?"

"Bella? Wow what are you doing here?"

"Visiting my mom and dad. You?" I wasn't surprised to see that she still looked like the same girl I had gone to school with. Wildly curly hair, low cut top and the all too familiar scent of her cherry flavoured gum. _Karma you are a magnificent woman. I praise the ground you walk upon_.

"Oh I work here now. Mommy looks after Ryan while I do my shifts here."

"You have a son?" I asked with genuine curiosity.

"Yeah. He'll be nine soon. Such a smart boy." She pulled her phone out of her apron pocket and flicked to a picture of a sweet looking little boy with missing front teeth and his mothers curly hair.

"Wow, you're a lucky girl Jess. I'm happy for you." I surprised myself with how sincere I was.

"Thanks. So what are you up to these days? Last I heard you owned a shop in Seattle."

"I did. It's been relocated to Santa Barbara now, right along the coast. I'd had enough of city life."

"Or rather she'd had enough of me."

My blood ran cold and my insides churned. The owner of that voice I never wanted to hear again stood right behind me. I turned slowly on the spot and looked up into the dark brown eyes that had captivated me all those years ago.

"Hello Bella."

I felt sick. "Embry."

* * *

**Uh oh! The ex is in town.**

**So what do we think? **

**Is he here to cause trouble? Make amends? Rub everything in Bella's face?**

**Find out in the next chapter ;)**

**Reviews are better than getting to watch Edward change!**


	11. Chapter 11

**Hey my lovely readers. So this story has been recommended in the Fic Dive over at ADF. I have no idea what that is, but I thank whoever did it from the bottom of my heart.**

**Normal disclaimers reply.**

**Enjoy the chapter.**

* * *

**BPOV.**

Seeing him again caused a fight or flight response in me and once again I felt the need to run away. Edward could sense it too and wrapped and arm around my waist. The movement didn't skip Embry's attention and he narrowed his eyes slightly.

"I see that you've moved on. I'm glad."

The cocky way he said it sparked an un-rational surge of anger within me and I pushed away from all of them, storming out into the parking lot.

"Bella! Wait, I'm sorry!" Embry had run out of the diner after me and was standing in the middle of the lot.

"NO EMBRY! YOU DON'T GET TO SAY THAT YOU'RE SORRY. YOU DON'T COME HERE AND PRETEND TO PLAY NICE. YOU CHEATED ON ME WITH ANOTHER MAN!" I was pacing and screaming at him and could feel my throat getting raw so I took it down to a more tolerable level. "I really loved you. We were supoosed to get married. Why couldn't you just talk to me? Explain how you felt? I would have understood."

"No, you wouldn't have." He said simply, looking me in the eye and showing all of the remorse he felt.

"Okay, maybe not at first, but I would have eventually. I'm not a homophobe Embry. I watch _Glee_ for crying out loud!" I threw my arms up in the air like a crazy woman. I surely must have looked it to all of the patrons in the diner. I know I felt like it.

I sat down heavily on the wall surrounding the lot and Embry followed suit, but kept his distance.

"I watch it too. Jacob got me into it."

"Kurt and Blaine, right?"

"No, I watch it for the show tunes, but Kurt and Blaine are cute."

"Did you plan it?" I blurted out. I just had to know the truth.

"Excuse me?"

"When I caught you. Did you plan it so I would find out that way?"

"No, not at all. I did plan on telling you that evening though. You did look really pretty in your dress, even if you did turn into a demon hellcat and threw every ornament in my office at me. I knew in that moment that I had dragged you along for too long. I should have come clean to you much sooner. I'm really sorry for that."

"EMBRY? ARE YOU OUT HERE?" Came a call from the front of the building.

"I gotta go, that's-"

"Jake. I know. He took enough of my calls for me to recognise his voice."

"I really am sorry Bella. I hope maybe one day we can be friends once more."

"Maybe. I'll let you know." I rubbed my palms on my thighs and stood from the wall, walking towards the diner doors.

"I'd like that." He said, stepping into stride with me. "Your new boyfriend really does love you, you know. I saw it on his face. He is your soul mate. The other half to your whole. Don't let him go."

"I don't intend to." I stopped under a street lamp and wrapped my arms around myself. "Have a nice life Embry."

He stopped next to me and hugged me loosely, which I didn't reciprocate. With that he jogged across the parking lot to where Jake stood. They embraced quickly before going back inside.

"You can come out of hiding now." I called into the darkness and sure enough Edward stepped out from behind my dads car.

"How did you know I was there?"

"Because I know you Edward and I know that you'll always be looking out for me, whether I want you to or not. Come on, let's go and get some food."

\/\/\/\/\

With our stomachs full of mediocre diner food and a doggy bag for Charlie, we all made our way back to my parents house. The porch light was still on but all the other lights were off. We entered as quietly as we could but that didn't stop all of us from yelping and jumping out of our skin when the small table lamp next to Charlies flicked on.

"Christ dad! Give us all a heart attack why don't you!"

"What ever Bells, now where's the goods?"

"Sure, make it sound like we're doing some type of dodgy deal." I grumbled, thrusting the bag in his direction. "We're gonna go to bed. It's been a long day and we have another one tomorrow."

"Alright sweetheart. Sleep well."

"Thanks dad. G'night."

Emmett and Rose slunk off to their room downstairs while Edward and I wearily climbed the stairs. I kicked off my shoes and pants before sliding under the blankets. Edward did the same and pulled me against him until my head rested on his chest.

"Thank you for today Edward. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome B. Anytime." He yawned deeply, letting me know how tired he was.

"I love you." I whispered.

His arms tightened around me before his breathing grew steady, I knew then that he had fallen asleep.

_Maybe I had said it too soon._  
_Maybe he didn't hear me._  
_What if he did and he doesn't feel the same?_

I lay awake for quite some time. The thoughts running rampant in my head.

It was nearing two A.M when I finally gave up on getting some sleep. I slowly extracted myself from Edwards arms and crept out of the room, softly closing the door behind me. I made my way downstairs, being careful to avoid the creaky step at the bottom.

I rounded he corner and was surprised to see the kitchen light on.

"Dad? What are you still doing up?"

"Your mothers cooking is playing havoc with my digestive system."

"Are you sure it wasn't the cheeseburger you scarfed down in three bites?" I asked, pouring myself some juice from the fridge.

"Bells I get a cheeseburger special from the diner at least once a week. It's definately not that. I love your mom dearly but the woman can't cook for shit." He grumbled, rubbing his gurgling stomach. "What are you doing up so late, or should I say early?" He asked, glancing at the kitchen clock.

"Couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind."

"Want to talk about it?"

"I saw Embry at the diner last night." Charlie grimaced. "It's not like that dad. He's still with Jake."

"I'm just glad you found out what he's really like before I walked you down the aisle to him."

"Me too, but I don't think he would have let it get that far. He apologised." I sat down at the table opposite Charlie and toyed with the glass in my hand.

"What did he say?"

"He said I should have never found out the way that I did. Apparently he was planning on telling me the truth."

Charlie snorted and shook his head.

"What?"

"Kiddo, I don't believe for a second that's what he intended to do."

"What do you mean?"

"He was fired from his firm for being gay."

"What?! That's discrimination. They can't do that."

"I know that Bells, but that's the way it is. They have evidence of his illicit behaviour with Jake and said they didn't want someone like that working for a family friendly firm."

"What sort of evidence did they have?" I was so shocked. No wonder Embry looked so remorseful at the diner.

"Video evidence. There was cameras all over that building. They have documentation of everything."

"How do you know all of this dad?"

"Jacob's family live down on the reservation and you know I fish not far from there. I broke up a couple of fights, made the men talk to me. One of them was Billy Black, Jake's father. Billy's a traditional man and didn't take it well when his only son came out and started dating other men. He kicked the lad out and never saw him again until a few months ago when Jake came back with Embry in tow."

"And you learned all of this after breaking up a fight?" I was a bit sceptical on Charlies side of events.

"Well no, not exactly..." He trailed off.

"You got them drunk, didn't you?"

"Not both of them, just Billy. He's quite a decent man. He realised his mistake and has patched things up with his son. We go fishing together."

"Wait a minute, back up there dad. You go fishing with the father of the man that stole my fiance? That's great dad, real great!"

"Now hold your horses Isabella Marie Swan. Billy black is a good man and can not be blamed for the actions of his son. Now I understand you're hurtin', but you were not the only one who got hurt in all of this."

"I know dad. I'm sorry." I rested my chin in one hand and picked at the table top with the other.

"It's okay kiddo. I'm gonna head off back to bed before your momma knows I'm missin'. G'night Bells."

"Night dad." I got up from the little table and kissed Charlie on the cheek before he climbed the stairs. "Love you, old man."

"Oi, less of the old man." He grumbled, stepping over the squeaky stair.

I laid down on the couch and covered myself over with one of my moms knitted blankets before flicking on the t.v and adjusting the volume to the lowest setting. What my dad said about Embry being out of work played over in my head. I knew what I had to do to help.

I don't know how long I was there channel surfing before sleep finally took me. The last thing I remember was a pair of arms enveloping me as a warm body settled on the couch behind me.

\/\/\/\/\

"Oh they look so peaceful like that. I need to take just one more picture." Came a hushed whisper.

"Ren, just leave 'em alone. The poor kids had a long drive yesterday and they have another long one today. Let them be."

"Charlie she's my only child. How many more opportunities am I gonna get like this, especially with her living so far away now."

"Renee, she's living in Santa Barbara, not Spain! You can visit anytime."

I shifted on the couch and felt a familiar pair of arms constrict around me, which helped me relax back into my dream world.

\/\/\/\/\

The sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen roused me from my slumber. The smell of fresh hot coffee had me alert in no time.

"Morning kids." Charlie spoke from his recliner where he was hidden behind the sports pages.

"How'd you know I was awake?"

"The snoring stopped."

"Hey! I don't snore!"

"No but your boyfriend does."

"He does?"

"I do?"

"Oh you're awake." I looked at Edward in alarm. "I didn't wake you did I?"

"No, the smell of coffee enticed me from my dreams." He rubbed at his eyes with the heels of his palms. He looked so adorable fresh from sleep, with his hair all rumpled and shirtless body.

"Oh good, you're awake." Renee stepped into the living room, a dish towel slung over her shoulder and a flour covered apron wrapped around her middle.

"Morning mom."

"Good morning Mrs Swan." Edward said, pulling on his discarded tee from last night.

"Oh Edward, you're such a darling." She tittered. "You can just call me Renee. Bella, breakfast is ready. Would you care to wake your friends?"

At that precise moment Rose and Emmett decided to let us all know that they were already up and active, with a series of loud moans and 'Oh yes!'s sounding through the walls.

"Oh, err, hmm, Charlie dear, would you care to put the radio on. Give our guests some privacy." Renee went pink in the cheeks and disapeared back into the kitchen. Charlies moustache twitched as though he was fighting back laughter while he got up to switch on the radio. Edward and I just sat there awkwardly on the sofa.

_Hello palm, meet face!_

**EPOV.**

Breakfast was actually a decent affair, especially after last nights disaster. Renee had managed to cook something edible. Freshly baked warm scones with home made peach preserve and a large bowl of fresh cut fruit filled the centre of the little kitchen table. A carafe of coffee and a jug of juice sat off to one side.

Milo was sitting in Renee's lap and she was hand feeding him bits of last nights pie, which Bella was not too happy about.

"Mom don't feed him at the table. I just got him out of the habit of begging for food at meal times. He has his own food in his bag."

"Bella stop fussing. What's the point in having a pet if you can't spoil them every once in a while?"

"Yes but there's spoiling and then there's teaching bad habits."

"Oh shush. This is probably better for him than that processed stuff you get in a can."

"Hey, that food came recommended by his vet. MILO DOWN!" Bella pointed to the floor but the greedy little dog was too busy paying attention to the morsel of food pinched between Renee's finger and thumb. "I give up! If he gets sick mother you will be paying his vet bill."

"Who's being dramatic? Is your mommy being dramatic? Yes she is. Oh yes she is." Renee spoke in a sickening baby voice to the now over excited little dog.

Bella rolled her eyes and ate the rest of her fruit in a moody silence. I rubbed her knee under the table in a comforting gesture which made Charlie narrow his eyes.

"Hands above the table boy." He grumbled.

"Dad leave him alone, and his name is Edward. Say it with me Ed-ward. Not boy."

"Bella it's fine. This is your parents home. We should respect that." I said, not wanting to start any arguments this morning. I placed both of my hands on the table in Charlies line of sight. Bella looked like she wanted to say something else but was interrupted by the appearance of Rosalie and Emmett finally joining us for breakfast.

"Morning face fu-rends." Emmett caught his slip of the tongue just in time. I highly doubt Mr and Mrs Swan would appreciate being called fuckers this early in the morning.

"Good morning. Did you both sleep okay?" Renee asked, finally putting Milo down to grab some more plates and cutlery for the pair.

"We did, thank you, That bed is amazing Mrs Swan. Where did you get it?"

"A couple of the men down on the reservation made the bed frame and the mattress came from Bed, Bath and Beyond."

"Well it was very comfortable."

"I bet it was." I mumbled, shoving a bit of apple into my mouth. Bella nearly choked on her coffee. I didn't think anyone had heard me, but obviously my girl was paying more attention than anyone else was. She set her cup down and turned towards me, giving me the widest grin I had seen from her in a while.

"Feeling better love?" I asked, brushing some hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear.

"Yes, thank you. You always know how to lighten my mood."

"Good." She leant forward and kissed me lightly on the lips. "I love you too." I whispered in her ear before she could sit back down. I knew she thought I hadn't heard her say it last night but I was dead to the world before I could say it back.

This time Bella launched herself out of her seat and was sitting sideways on my lap. Not a care in the world that both of her parents were scowling at me. I held her close to me as she flung her arms around my neck, peppering kisses along my jawline.

"Okay break it up you two. We need to get on the road soon if we want to beat the traffic again. Saturdays are the worst." Emmett spoke through a mouthful of chewed up scone.

"Ew, Emmett close your mouth." Rose scowled. "He's right you know though. We do need to get going soon. Are you two nearly ready?"

"Yeah because you know, we travel in sleep pants and vest tops." Bella snorted.

"Ha ha." Rose deadpanned. "You know what I mean."

"Yeah yeah, we know. Come on sweet, lets go and get ready while the morning bunnies recuperate their energy levels." Bella pulled me up from the chair and we ran up to her old room. "Did you mean what you said to me?"

"Of course I do. I love you Bella, with every fibre of my being. You are my world. One day I'm going to marry you and make you mine forever."

"I'm glad because I have some news that you might not like."

"What is it?"

"I'm going to give Embry a job."

* * *

**Sorry for the delay guys. It would have been up last weekend but I spent a majority of the time in bed with the flu.**

**Hope you enjoyed the chapter. As always reviews are very much welcome and If anyone cares to explain what the Fic Dive is and how I can get to it that would be very much appreciated.**

**Much love x**


	12. Chapter 12

**Hello faithful readers. **

**I apologise in advance for the shortness of this chapter but there is a reason for it, I promise.**

**Normal disclaimers apply.**

* * *

**EPOV.**

_"I'm giving Embry a job."_

Her words stunned me. I stood there speechless as thoughts went flying about my head. Was she crazy?

"Edward say something. Please."

"Are you crazy?"

"What? No!"

"Then why give him a job B? What's he gonna do? Roll out pastries for you?" I angrily pulled on my jeans and shoved my feet into my boots, not bothering with socks.

"Of course not. I want him to be my accountant."

"I could do your books Bella. I do mine and the garages."

"No, I prefer to keep my personal life and my business separate."

"How can you do that? That business is your life Bella!"

"That's not fair Edward! Yes my business means a lot to me but my personal life will always come first. Why do you think I'm hiring people? So I can have some more free time."

"To do what exactly? Because it's not like I can just leave work at the drop of a hat and Rose and Em are gonna be busy too."

"So you're saying you don't want to spend time with me?"

"No, what I'm saying is I'm not always gonna have free time. What will you do then?"

"I don't know. I'll figure something out I guess. I could pick up a hobby. Skype with my parents more. Teach cookery classes."

"Bella be realistic. The shop isn't even open yet. What if it tanks? Then what will you do?"

"You think I'm gonna fail? You have no faith in me do you?!" She threw her arms out to the side before folding them across her chest in a huff.

"I didn't say that and you know it. Now why are you really going to give your cheating ex a job?"

"Does it really matter why? He needs a job and I need an accountant. End of. I'm not discussing this with you anymore."

"Fine you don't have to discuss anything with me anymore. Do it all by yourself and don't come running to me when it all ends badly." I snatched my hoodie from the end of her bed and stormed from the room, not giving her a chance to reply or to try and change my mind.

I was down the stairs and out the front door in an instant. I didn't know what direction to head in so I just followed the road we took last night in the hopes that I would come across a shop eventually. It had started to rain lightly a few minutes into my journey and by the time I found a little convenience store I was almost drenched to the skin.  
The store was quiet inside, probably three or four people milling about. I hurried up to the register and did something that I never thought I would do again.

"A packet of Marlboro please." I patted down my pockets before I realised that I had left my wallet and cell on Bella's nightstand. Fuck! "You know what, forget it. I forgot my wallet." I turned to leave the store and almost smacked into the person behind me. "Sorry mate." I looked up and my stomach sank. Charlie stood there glaring at me.

"You and I need to have a little chat, boy."

I supressed the urge to push past him and made my way to the front of the store. I stopped under the awning outside and watched as the small puddles grew into much larger ones while I waited for Charlie to finish up inside. I sat down on the small wooden bench to the right of the entrance and held my head in my hands. How did everything get so fucked up? What on earth did Bella want to keep a reminder of her past around for? I was so lost inside my own head that I didn't hear anyone exit the store. A poke in the shoulder made me jump and a packet of smokes were thrust into my line of sight.

"Didn't peg you for a smoker, son." Charlie sat down heavily on the bench next to me.

"I quit eight years ago."

"How old are you Edward?"

"Thirty years old last summer sir."

"A couple of years older than Bells then."

"Yes."

"Huh." Charlie rubbed at his stubble covered chin.

"I'm sorry Mr Swan, but is there a point to this conversation?"

"Yes, now you gonna open those or what?" he groused, nodding to the cigarettes in my hand.

"No, here you take them. I'm sorry you wasted your money." I handed him back the packet and rested my elbows on my knees.

Charlie chucked the packet in the trash can next to the doors and muttered to himself. "Disgusting things. Now, you wanna tell me why you made my little girl cry?"

"Bella's crying?" I looked round at him and he was relaxed back against the bench, hands interlocked behind his head.

"Yup." He offered no more than that.

Charlie and I sat there on the bench just listening to the rain fall for quite some time. I felt bad for making Bella cry, but she just wasn't seeing things from my point of view and I wasn't really understanding things from hers.

"Why would she offer him a job, Sir?"

"Less of the 'sir' nonsense. You can call me Charlie. It's fine."

"Okay, Charlie."

"My girl has a big heart Edward and while others may think that she is acting un-rational, Bella believes she is just helping someone in need. Embry was fired from his job for loving another man. Put yourself in his shoes, son."

"I don't think I can Sir."

"I don't mean literally. Just imagine being told you can't work somewhere because of who you love. It's not right or fair is it?"

"No, it's not Sir."

"Cut it with the sir crap! What is it that you do Edward?"

"I'm a tattooist."

"You're not gonna cover my little girl in more silly pictures are you?"

"That's entirely up to her S- Charlie."

"Hmm, I guess it's her body after all. She's a grown woman. I can't tell her what to do anymore."

"I guess not." I let what he had said sink in a little bit. I couldn't tell her what to do any more than Charlie could. "I see what you did there Charlie. I'm not surprised you made it all the way to chief of police a such a young age."

"What? What did I do?" Charlie feigned innocence but the twitch of his facial hair gave him away.

"I can't tell Bella what to do. She's a grown woman and it's her decision who she does or does not employ. I just have to be there and support her if it all goes wrong. I won't say I agree with her choice and I will be keeping an eye on that love rat ex of hers, but I'll be there by her side all the while she wants me." I wondered briefly if this was how he interrogated any criminals that happened to fall across his path.

"Good. Now you've reached this little epiphany of yours can we go back to the women folk? It's freezing out here and no doubt you're going to catch your death in those damp clothes."

"Of course Sir."

"Y'know Edward, you're gonna have to get used to calling me Charlie. I won't stand for all this 'Sir' garbage when I'm your father-in-law." I sat there with my mouth hanging open while Charlie went and opened up his car. "You coming boy?"

I followed Charlie to his car. He was right, there was a definite chill to the air.  
Charlie cranked up his heating and drove around town for a bit. I suspect to let me warm up and give me time to think over what we had discussed.

"Can I ask you something Sir...Charlie?"

"You just did, but you can ask another." We were stopped at some red lights near the outskirts of town, Charlie took the scenic route to his home.

"What did you mean back there? Has Bella said something to you? I swear I haven't proposed to her. I wouldn't do that without your blessing first."

"Relax Edward. I just know that it's inevitable. You look at her like she hung the moon and she has a light in her eyes that I haven't seen for a long, long time. You move around each other like a well rehearsed dance that only you two know the steps to." The light finally turned green and Charlie stepped on the gas. Too late did I notice the truck coming towards us. Charlie didn't notice at all as he carried on talking.

"So yes Edward, I give you my blessing. I know you haven't asked me yet, but it's there anyway."

"CHARLIE LOOK OUT!"

It was too late. The truck that had been speeding down the wrong side of the road collided with the passenger side of Charlie's vehicle with the high pitched keening of twisted and buckled metal.

Pain erupted down the whole of my right side and the world went black.

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***hides***

**Sorry for the cliffie and the shortness of this chapter, but the next chapter is going to be extra long and in Bella's point of view as she deals with the aftermath of the argument and the accident.**

**Thoughts are very much appreciated.**

**See you next chapter.**


	13. Chapter 13

**Hello my lovelies. **

**Sorry for the cliffie last time. I like to instill a bit of suspense.**

**Normal disclaimers apply.**

* * *

**BPOV.**

I couldn't believe Edward had reacted in such a manner. I thought he understood me.

I sat on the sofa, eyes raw from crying, surrounded by the two most important women in my life. My head was resting on my moms shoulder while she stroked my hair and Rose just sat quietly holding my hand. She was probably plotting E's demise in the worst way possible.

Emmett, uncomfortable with all the crying, took Milo outside to play on the porch.

"Honey, it'll be alright. He just needs to let off some steam. Your father will talk some sense into him and they'll be home before you know it." Renee tried her best to be soothing but she was failing so remained silent after that.

I'm not sure how long we sat there in silence but all three of us jumped when the phone rang.

"I'll get it." Renee extracted herself from my grip and went into the kitchen to pick up the call. I wasn't prepared for what I heard next. An anguished wail came after a soft 'Hello, Swan residence.'

Rose and I sprung up from the sofa and darted to the kitchen as Emmett and Milo burst through the front door.

"Mom!? What's wrong?" We found her sitting at the small kitchen table, the phone hanging off of its hook on the wall. I knelt down in front of her, trying to get her to talk to me while Rose picked up the discarded phone.

The conversation was one sided but I kept my ears open to any changes in the tone of Rosalie's voice.

"Hello?"

...

"No, I'm sorry Mrs Swan can't come to the phone right now."

...

"I'm her house guest. Can I take a message?"

...

"No but her daughter is here."

...

"She's with Mrs Swan at the moment."

...

"Look here lady, neither of them can come to the phone. Now you either tell me what's going on or I want to speak to someone higher than you."

...

"Thank you."

"Rose, what's happening?" I asked, looking over to my friend who had a worried look upon her face. My mother still hadn't moved. She was pale and her eyes held unshed tears.

"I'm on hold." Rose sighed, slightly aggravated.

"Who is it?"

"The hosp- Yes hello, I'm here." She put the phone back up to her ear. As she listened to what was being said on the other end of the receiver her face slowly grew more pale before she turned to face the wall.

"Rose? What is it?" I was very anxious to know what was going on. I didn't like to be left out of the loop.

"Thank you." She hung up the phone and turned to look at me. "Bee, that was the hospital. There's been an accident."

\/\/\/\/\/\

The four of us sat in the waiting room for what felt like an age but was actually just thirty minutes. The moment the word 'accident' left Rosalies lips I flew into action despite the turmoil I felt inside.

Everyone piled into my moms old station wagon and I drove like the hounds of hell were snapping at my heels. The normally twenty minute drive was over in just under ten.  
We raced inside and were shown to the waiting room where we were currently situated.

I sat quietly bouncing my knee and gnawing on my thumb nail. Mom sat staring at the wall, her eyes still full of unshed tears and Rose was huddled up with Em. Both of them were ashen faced. Edward is not only their friend and business partner, he's like a brother to them.

I grew more edgy as the time ticked by. I had the most to lose if the outcome was bad. I wouldn't be able to handle losing both my father and my love.

Another ten minutes ticked by before a nurse finally entered the room. Each of us flew out of our seats and surrounded her before she could get very far.

"Nurse what happened?"

"How are they?"

"Are they dead?" Everyone turned to glare at Emmett. "What? Somebody had to ask."

We turned our attention back to the nurse. "They are both okay. Mister Cullen is a little more banged up and might require surgery. The doctors are with him now, so it will be a few more minutes before you can see him. You are welcome to visit Mister Swan though." She gave us all a timid smile and left the room.  
"Oh Bella, I'm so relieved." My mom cried, tears finally streaming down her face. "Come on, we have to go and see your father."

"Guys you wanna come and see my dad while we wait for Edward?" I asked Rose and Em, who had both gone to sit back down. "Saves waiting around in here."

"No, it's okay. You go Bella, he's your dad." Rose said dismissively.

"Come on. He'd like to see you."

"No Bella! We'll just wait here for Edward." She crossed her legs and started examining her nails. I gave Emmett a questioning look and he just shrugged in response. I shook my head at their antics and followed my mother from the room. I'll get to the bottom of their problems later.

As we drew closer to the curtained off cubicles we could hear my fathers gruff voice from one of them.

"I'm telling ya, it's a heart attack. If I drop down dead I'm gonna sue y'all."

"Mister Swan," came the voice of an exasperated nurse. "For the last time it's not a heart attack. The pain in your chest was caused by your seatbelt. It will be sore for a few days. And if you did drop down dead how exactly do you plan on suing the hospital?"

"Fine, I'll come back and haunt you." He grumbled.

The poor nurse pulled back the curtain and rolled her eyes when she saw us. "He's all yours."

I peered around the cubicle and a topless Charlie was sitting on the edge of the hospital bed grumbling to himself. "Snooty nurses think they know it all. I'll show them when I wake up dead tomorrow."

"Daddy, leave the nurses alone." I said stepping into the cubicle.

Renee ran past me and flung herself at my father. "Charlie! Oh Charlie you had me so worried." She stepped away from him and her hands flitted over his body. "All my life I've been dreading a phone call like that, although I always expected a worse outcome. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would come after you left the police force."

"Stop fretting woman. OUCH! Don't touch that!" My poor father was covered in faint purplish bruises that would take a while to fade and he also had a nasty red welt running from his left shoulder down to his right hip where his seatbelt had been.

"Dad, what happened?" I sat down in the little plastic chair while Renee was still fussing over her husband.

"It all happened so fast Bells. I had stopped at some red lights and was chatting away with Edward." This made me incredibly happy that they were getting along. "Edward saw the car before I did. He yelled then it struck us. The car was a mess and I couldn't get Edward out. I'm just glad I put those reinforced side panels in otherwise this might be a more sombre affair."

Yelling from a few cubicles over gathered all of our attention.

"DON'T TOUCH IT! DON'T TOUCH IT! DON'T - ARGH YOU FUCKING FUCK!"

I recognised that voice. It was yelling at me just a few hours ago.

Edward.

I was up and out of that cubicle faster than you could blink and running towards the sound of Edwards yelling. I yanked back the curtain and ran to his side. "Edward! Oh my god Edward. You're okay." Hot fat tears fell down my face as I thrust it in his lap and my body heaved with heavy sobbing.

"Bella? Bella baby please don't cry. I don't like it when you cry." He awkwardly patted my head. "Leave us." He barked at the nurses.

"Mister Cullen, please -" One of the nurses started.

"I said leave. It's not like I'm gonna bloody go anywhere."

"I'll get the doctor." One of them said as they left the cubicle.

"Please stop crying love. It breaks my heart to see you like this."

I forcefully calmed my breathing and looked up at him. His hair was matted with blood and there was cuts all down his face. His right arm was in a sling and what I didn't notice before is that his right leg was in a cast from the knee down and he was wearing nothing but his boxers.

"Oh god Edward. I could have lost you. I can't believe that the last thing we did was have an argument. I would have never been able to tell you again how much I love you if the outcome of the accident had been worse. How bad is it?"

"Fractured leg, dislocated shoulder and a few cuts and scrapes. I'll be fine. Look B, about this morning -"  
He never got to finish his sentence as the cubicle curtain was flung back and a doctor walked in followed by the two nurses from before.

"Right Mister..." He glanced down at the flip chart at the end of Edwards bed. "Cullen. I understand you refused medical assistance. Do you realise how dangerous that can be for your health?"

"I didn't refuse anything. I just merely asked them to leave for a moment while I calmed down my girl."

"Okay, while that may be Mister Cullen, the longer we leave your arm out of socket the worse it's going to be in the long run."

"I understand that."

"It will affect your ability to work."

Edwards face paled. I could see the confliction in his eyes. Tattooing was his life. If he didn't have that he'd be lost.

"E, let them do it." I touched his left arm and took his hand in mine. I kissed his knuckles and nodded at him.

"Okay do it, but she stays." He said, looking me straight in the eye.

"Fine, Miss Swan if you wouldn't mind just staying out of the way." Doctor Gerandy said, stepping up to Edwards right hand side. "Now Mister Cullen there is gas and air here for you to breathe in to take off the edge. There will be a tremendous amount of tugging and then a slight pop. Relief should be instantaneous. Are you ready?"

"Yes, just do it." Edward said through clenched teeth.

"Try not to tense please. Here we go three, two, one." The doctor maneuvered Edwards arm and shoulder in such a way it looked more like he was going to tear it off instead of fix it.

Edward screamed out in pain but never took his eyes off of mine. It killed me to see him in so much pain and I felt my eyes begin to water once more.

This was all my fault.

If I hadn't have wanted to give Embry a job, Edward wouldn't have left and my father wouldn't have gone after him and they wouldn't have been in the accident at all.

Edward frowned at me. I hated that my emotions played out on my face.

"Mister Cullen, how is the sensation in your hand and arm now? Can you move your fingers?"

Edward finally looked away from me but not without giving me a look that said we would discuss this later. "Thank you doctor. I have pins and needles in my hand and my arm has a dull achey feeling to it."

"That's to be expected. I'm glad there is no nerve or ligament damage. Now I want you to keep this sling on for at least four weeks, if not longer."

"I can't be off of work for that long!" E was bordering hysterical. I'm not sure if it was the news the doctor gave him, the pain he was in or the fact he could have died today. Maybe it was a mixture of all three.

My guilt on the matter tripled and I tried to pull away from Edward but his grip tightened around mine. "Where do you think you're going?" He asked, eyeing me as fear flashed across his features.

"I was just going to let everyone know you're okay." I lied.

"No. Please stay with me. I want to be incredibly selfish and have just you here for the time being. Does that make me a bad person?"

"Oh yes, the absolute worst." I said, leaning in for a kiss.

We managed a chaste one before Doctor Gerandy cleared his throat. "Mister Cullen we just need to fill out your paperwork and we can then move you to one of the hospital wards."

"No! I don't wanna stay overnight. I want to be discharged."

"Edward, be reasonable. You've just been in a bad accident. They need to keep an eye on you. It's only for one night." I tried to make him see sense but he's a stubborn mule.

"No, I am going home. I am discharging myself. I don't care what you lot say about it." He struggled to sit up with jus one working arm and a leg in plaster.

I pushed him back down on the bed. "You're not going anywhere. Carry on like that and you're going to hurt yourself even more. Please E, do this for me." I gave him my best puppy dog look and he finally conceded to stay one night and one night only.

I stayed with him until the doctors made him comfortable on the private ward and then made to go find everyone else. "Hey, where are you going?" He asked, slightly groggy from the pain medication the doctor administered.

"Just going to let everyone know how you are. I thought you were sleeping."

"Nah, just resting my eyes. The nurses leave you alone quicker if they think you're asleep." He winked at me and shifted slightly in the bed. "Come and join me. There's plenty of room for a little one." I bit my lip but went to join him anyway. Careful not to jostle the bed too much I snuggled up to his good side and rested my head above his heart, relishing in the sound of it beating strong beneath me.

"Bella we need to talk about this morning." Edward was stroking my hair with his left hand and I felt his lips upon the top of my head. I smiled into his skin and shifted to look up at him.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry." We both spoke at once and laughed a little.

"What are you sorry for?" I asked, cocking my head to the side.

"For making this morning such an issue. I should have never run out on you but I needed to clear my head. I just didn't understand why you would want to hire someone who caused you so much heartache. What are you sorry for?"

"For wanting to hire someone that you weren't happy with. This is all my fault. If I hadn't argued with you then you never would have left and my dad wouldn't have gone to get you and the accident would have never happened." My eyes started to water again, blurring his features.

"Baby, don't get upset. We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's no ones fault but the drunk driver who hit us. If Charlie had driven us straight back to your parents home instead of driving around town for a bit then we wouldn't have been at those cross roads. If I had just stayed and heard you out instead of running off then Charlie wouldn't have needed to come after me. There are a lot of factors involved and none of them lead back to you. Don't dwell on the what ifs, love. I'm here, I'm alive and so is your father. Please don't cry." He rubbed at my cheeks with the thumb on his left hand and cupped my cheek in his palm. "I love you."

"I love you -hic- too." I hiccupped and closed my eyes, pressing my cheek into his palm further. He kissed my forehead and wrapped his good arm around me, pulling me against his side. I waited until his breathing evened out and he had fallen asleep before slowly climbing off the bed and going to let everyone know where and how he was.

I stepped out of the double doors leading to the ward and crashed into a wall of muscle in hot pink scrubs with little turtles all over them.

"Woah little lady, you need to watch where you're going. Bella?"

"Jake?" I looked up into the face of the person who ruined my life. Not much had changed about him. He still had flawless tanned skin and his height still shocked me. The only thing different was his once slicked back hair was now a crazy mess, sticking up all over the place. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm an orderly. I normally work over on the children's ward but they were short staffed up here. Getting work where I can these days. Um... how are you Bella?"

"I'm okay. I fell in love again." I shifted my footing and looked down at my hands, never feeling more uncomfortable in my life.

"That's great. Embry told me you had met someone. What are you doing in the men's ward?"

"My father and boyfriend were in a car accident this morning."

"Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that. Are they both okay?"

"They're fine. Look I've gotta go." I made to go past him but he stopped me in my tracks.

"Bella please. We used to be friends once. Can't we at least try to get along once again?"

"You what?" I asked incredulously. "You ruined my life and you expect me to just put it all in the past. If it wasn't for you I'd be happily married and not worrying about the health of the man I love and that of my father."

"Yes, but you'd be living a lie. I pursued Embry because I knew from the beginning what he was. You let your love for him cloud your judgement. You can't deny that deep down you knew he was gay."

"Leave me alone Jake." I pushed past him and hurried away down the corridor towards the lifts. I stopped and waited for one to arrive, taking a deep breath that I had gotten away from him. What I wasn't expecting when the doors pinged open was to be bundled inside from behind and have the lift stop between floors.

"Bella you're going to hear me out. Embry told me that he spoke to you outside of the diner last night, told you his side of the story. Now it's my turn." Jake seemed to grow in size, filling the small space with his giant bright pink presence.

"Jake let me go." I was trembling, my back pressed up against the wall of the lift. I wasn't afraid of him being sexual in any way towards me, but those muscles that bulged beneath the material of his clothing could put quite a bit of force behind a bitch slap.

"Bella, please." His shoulders slumped and his voice quavered before he sunk to the floor, a giant sobbing mess. "I'm sorry for what I've done to you and yes it's come back to bite me on the ass, but I love him and for that I will not apologise. He's my other half Bella. I don't feel complete without him in my life. Everything is a mess. I lost my job, had to come crawling back to my father who kicked me out in the first place because of my sexual orientation. Embry is the only good thing in my life. You can't deny me that."

"I'm not denying you him, Jacob. The only thing I refuse to give is my forgiveness. Now let me out of this lift."

"You forgave Embry." He sniffed in small voice.

"I haven't forgiven him anything. It's going to take some time before I do anything of the sort. I just don't hate him any more."

"But you still hate me."

"I don't have it in me to hate anyone but the idiot who crashed into my fathers car right now. Please let me out."

He reached up and pressed the button to get the lift going once more, but didn't get up from his spot on the floor.

When the doors finally pinged open on the ground floor Jake still made no motions to get up. He just sat there with his folded arms resting on his bent knees and his head back against the lift wall. I quickly stepped over him and rushed into a more crowded area.

What a mistake that was.

Rosalie and Emmett stood in the middle of the ER. Rose looked furious and her anger was directed at me.

"Hey guys."

"Don't you 'hey' us!" Rose spat. "Thank you so much for letting us know how and where Edward is." Her eyes narrowed and hatred flashed across her face.

"What's the matter with you?" I demanded. "Ever since we got here you've been angry at me. What the hell did I do to you?"

"I could have lost everything today. Not only would I have lost my silent partner, I would have lost my whole fucking business. Edward has a majority share in my garage and if he dies then his side of things goes over to his next of kin and I'm not exactly Esme's favourite person. Why did you have to bring up your ex? Why couldn't you hire anyone but him? Do you ever think of anyone but yourself Bella?" She was screaming at me in the middle of a crowded emergency room. Everyone had stopped what they were doing and was just staring at the three of us. "I can't afford to get married if I have to buy his fucking mother out of the business!"

I saw the security guards advancing out of the corner of my eye and kept my mouth shut. I knew that they had no cause to throw me out if I didn't retaliate to her insane screaming.

Emmett must have see the security guards too as he tried to get Rosalie to quieten down. "Don't Emmett. Have you got nothing to say on this matter either? It wouldn't just be me out of business, you'd be out of a job too! You could have lost your best friend. He's like your brother. SAY SOMETHING!"

"Miss if you wouldn't mind stepping outside please?" One of the guards said, stepping in front of her.

"What?! Are you insane? Get out of my way. I haven't finished with her yet!" She lunged at me but was caught around the middle and frog marched out, screaming along the way.

Emmett shook his head and made to follow her but I stopped him before he could get very far. "Em?" He turned to look at me, sadness in his eyes. "Edward's okay you know. A dislocated shoulder and a fractured leg. They're keeping him over night. He'll be discharged in the morning. I'm sorry, for everything."

"It's not your fault Bee Bee. Thank you for letting me know how he is. Don't listen to Rosie. She's just very tired and upset over the whole ordeal. Maybe it's best if we left for home. It will give her some time to calm down and see things from a more reasonable perspective." He scooped me up in a bear hug. "Love you B."

"Love you too Em. You're the best brother from another mother a gal could ask for. I'll see you in a few days then."

"Yeah. We'll take one of the U-haul vans back with us in the morning and I'll make sure Rosie doesn't destroy all of your stuff when we do get home."

"Thanks Emmett."

He gave a brief wave and went in the direction of where the guards had taken Rosalie.

The ER, which had grown slowly more busy once Rosalie was dragged away, was teeming with people. I couldn't find my mother or father anywhere so I went to the nearest nurses station to enquire on their whereabouts.

"Sorry Miss Swan, your father was discharged quite some time ago. Your mother said to tell you they left for home and that they would see you there."

"Thank you nurse." I contemplated going home but decided against it. I didn't want another shouting match with Rosalie if she was there. My stomach grumbled loudly and I realised I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast time and it was now four in the afternoon.

I slowly walked towards the cafeteria, my mind mulling everything that had happened today over and over again.

I ate a tasteless meal and gulped down a bitter cup of coffee before making my way back to Edwards hospital bed.

He was still fast asleep, so I curled up in the small chair and covered myself over with my jacket falling quickly into a dreamless slumber.

* * *

**There we go. They're both okay but Rosalie has opened a whole can of crazy.**

**So... thoughts?**

**Until next time my dears xx**


	14. Chapter 14

**Hello everyone. **

**I'm sure you all pretty much hate me as it has been over six months since my last update. I apologise for that. Writers block is a cruel, cruel bitch. The amount of times I have started this chapter and tossed it because it didn't sound right in my mind, or flow easily enough for my liking, are countless. **

**But now I'm banged up in hospital with a broken ankle and have had nothing but time to put my mind to this chapter and finally get it finished. Hopefully while I have all of this spare time on my hands I should be able to get more and more chapters written up and posted as soon as I can.**

**Please enjoy and let me know what you think at the bottom.**

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**Chapter 14**

**BPOV**

It was roughtly three months after the accident in Forks.

Edward and my dad both made great recoveries and after much blood - Emmetts, sweat - also Emmetts and tears - yes you guessed it, Emmetts, my little shop was up and running, proving to be a great success. I even had a little article in the local newspaper when I finally opened.

I had moved all of my stuff into Edwards to look after him while he healed and it seems to be working out pretty well. We make a good team.

The only problem that hadn't really sorted itself out was that Rosalie still wasn't talking to me. I had rarely seen her since the screaming fit in the hospital. Emmett barely came around to see me either but at least he still spoke to me via text.

Kate turned out to be an excellent employee and managed the front of store brilliantly while I slaved away in the kitchen making all the buns, cakes and sticky treats we constantly had on display. It was a nice way to keep my mind off of everything else that was happening.

I was in the middle of pounding out the dough for my popular pumpkin cinnamon rolls one Wednesday when Kate popped her head around the door. "Uhm, Bella? Could you come out here for a moment please?"

"What is it Kate? I'm kinda in the middle of something right now." I replied, punching my fist into the mixture on the countertop.

"It's important." She sing-songed.

I gave a deep sigh and brushed the flour off of my hands onto my apron. I ran my forearm across my forehead and followed Kate out onto the shop floor.  
The shop was empty save for a couple of tall men in black suits and sunglasses.

"Kate? What's going on?" I gave her a sideways glance but she just stood there wide eyed.

"Are you Ms Bella Swan?" The dark skinned man asked.

"I am."

"Send them in." This time he spoke to a device on his wrist instead of addressing me.

The shop doors swung open and two very well dressed people walked in, followed by about eight other people dressed in similar black suits to the two already in the store.  
The well dressed couple approached the counter and took off their sunglasses. It was none other than latino music mogul Eleazar Hernandez and his italian supermodel fiancee Carmen Visini.

I felt like I couldn't breathe. Two of the most popular people in the country were standing in my little bakery.

"Miss Swan." Eleazar spoke, his voice sounding rich and smooth. "I apologise for the interferance in your trading today, but my dear fiancee couldn't wait any longer to meet with you." He grasped Carmens hand and gazed at her lovingly.

Carmen blushed a little and hid her face under the wide brim of her oversized hat.

I blinked a little in confusion and finally found my voice. "Mister Hernandez, Ms Visini; to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?"

"Miss Swan; may I call you Bella?"

I nodded.

"Bella, we would like you-"

"To make our wedding cake." Carmen interrupted him. "Please say you will. I refuse to have anyone else design and create the masterpiece for our big day."

"What do you say?" Eleazar asked.

"I would love to, but why me?" I was so stunned and confused.

"You made the cake for James and Victorias wedding, did you not?" Carmen asked, referring to the very first celebrity wedding cake I had ever made back in Seattle.

"I did."

"Then you must make ours. We were at that wedding and the cake was pure heaven. I had three slices!" Carmen admitted.

Wow I guess supermodels do eat stuff other than salads.

"Then I would be honoured. We will have to arrange a more formal meeting so I can get ideas for designs, flavours and guest numbers. Then we will have to go over prices, when and where you'd like it, allergens and the such like."

"Excellent! This saturday at the Marble Palms hotel. We will wait for you before we fly back to New York in the evening." Carmen was practically buzzing with excitement.

Eleazar picked up my hand and kissed the back of it. "Until saturday then Bella. We look forward to a more formal and prepared meeting." With that they filed out of the shop followed by their entourage.

I waited until the limousine outfront had disappeared from view before letting out a very unladylike snort of laughter.

"Oh my god Kate. Did that really just happen?"

"Yes, yes it did."

The rest of the day remained quiet so Kate and I just joked around about how elaborate a cake Carmen and Eleazar would want. Each idea became more and more ludicrous before neither of us could top kates idea of vinyl thin layers of cake topped with matchstick model figurines. The cinnamon bun dough was left forgotten on the kitchen countertop.

/\/\/\

It was a quarter to six in the evening and I had sent Kate home fifteen minutes before. I was busy closing all of the blinds on the windows when the shop door burst open and a very fierce looking Rose stood in the open doorway. I jumped in suprise and could do nothing more than blink at her.

She stomped to the counter and helped herself to a tray of red velvet cupcakes, stuffing them into her mouth one after the other.

"Oh please, by all means help yourself. Only the first one is free though." I continued to close the blinds before shutting the open door.

"You're a really shitty friend, you know that?" She mumbled through a mouthfull of cake, spraying crumbs and frosting everywhere.

I wrinkled my nose in disgust. "How the fuck do you figure that out?! You're the one that had a screaming fit at me in the middle of a busy hospital while both my father and my boyfriend where admitted there at the same time. Then you left me and Edward stranded there with one van and no furniture for my store. Edward couldn't help me because of his injuries and I couldn't do it by myself. You refuse to speak to me for months, then just storm in here help yourself to my profits and call me the shitty friend? Where the fuck do you get off? What is your problem Rosalie?" I yelled. My chest was heaving from the force of my anger and I just wanted to slap the cake out of her mouth. I refrained from doing so because after all she had done, I still cared for her. She was still my friend.

"I needed you and you wasn't there for me." She cried.

"What are you talking about? You never needed me otherwise you would have called."

"I did need you Bee. I- I- I had a miscarriage." Her tears turned into gut wrenching sobs and I could do nothing but watch as my tall, strong friend crumpled to the floor a broken woman.

I was at her side in an instant, cradling her blonde head in my arms as she cried and cried. And just like that our friendship was mended.

We sat on the floor for quite some time as Rose let it all out. The sky outside grew dark and the street lamps came on, yet still we stayed there. It had been about five minutes since Rose last sobbed and I feared she had fallen asleep on the shop floor yet when I looked her eyes were still open but were filled with unshed tears. I shifted slightly and Rose sat up.

"Want to talk about it?" I reached up and handed her a handful of napkins from next to the till. She blew her nose on one and tried to hand it back to me. I flicked it from her palm and it skittered across the floor. I love her but I ain't touching that.

She sniffed a couple of times and took a deep breath. "I found out about the baby about two weeks before we went to forks. I'm sorry I never told you, but I just wanted to keep it between me and Em until I was further along."

I patted her knee in understanding.

"When the accident happened I was scared. If something really bad had happened to Edward I would have been stuck without a business partner and I couldn't let that happen. So I fled back here and put plans into place to buy out Edward and create a plan if something ever happened to myself and Em after the baby was born. Then you came back and I was ashamed of my behaviour but I still couldn't tell you what was wrong. So I hid when you collected your stuff and as time went on it became harder and harder to speak to you. I know I should have done and, maybe if I did, I would be sharing happy news with you instead of this.

"I was at the garage by myself when it happened. Em had driven across town to drop off some parts at Jerry's Motors and I was looking under the hood of an old Chevy pick up when the pains started. I called Emmett straight away but by the time he got back and we made it to the hospital it was too late. The docs said it was just 'one of those things' because they couldn't find anything wrong. I was inconsolable. I've been spending time speaking to a therapist, helping me come to terms with everything. She's been telling me for days to come and see you, let some of what I've been feeling out. I just had to find the courage to do so. Will you forgive my behaviour Bee?"

"There's nothing to forgive Rose. It's all been forgotten. You're my sister, that's never going to change." I hugged her close and she breathed a deep sigh of relief onto my shoulder. "Now, how about we take a tray of these caramel brownies to my office and watch some shit on Netflix?"

"Sounds like a great idea but I'm going to have to raincheck. I've got to meet Emmett in..." She looked at the clock on the wall, "Oh shit! An hour ago!" She scrambled up from the floor and brushed the cake crumbs from her top. After helping me up she hugged me once again and darted to the door.

"You still owe me for six cupcakes!" I called to her retreating form.

"Put it on my tab!" She laughed, disappearing into the darkness.

/\/\/\

It was almost ten by the time I got back home. While the mess Rose had made was easy to clean up, the forgotten dough left in the kitchen was not.

"Bella? That you?" Edward called from the kitchen.

"Yeah. Sorry I'm late." I replied, kicking off my shoes and hanging up my purse. I padded barefoot into the kitchen and Edward was sitting topless at the island with an ice pack on his shoulder, the one he dislocated in the accident. "Please don't tell me you over did it again? You know what the doctors have said." I went to his side and massaged the sore area.

"I know, I know." He sounded resigned as he let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry for nagging but I don't want you to hurt yourself any more." My voice must have quavered, for he turned on the stool he was sitting on and cradled my face in his hands.

"Stop blaming yourself Bee. I don't blame you, so you shouldn't blame you. It was an accident and it happened. Now, are you going to tell me why you're so late home?"

I took the stool next to him and plucked a few grapes from the bowl on the table. "Rose came to see me." I said, popping one of the little red fruits into my mouth.

"Oh? How did that go?"

I told him everything that happened, but his expression never changed. "You already knew didn't you?"

"Em told me of their loss at the weekend. I'm sorry, but I promised I wouldn't say anything to you until Rose did."

"It's okay. I understand. She still owes me twelve dollars for the cupcakes though."

Edward laughed and stood, scooping me up with his good arm he took off running up the stairs. He laid me down on the bed and began to massage my feet. It wasn't long before his roving hands started massaging other areas and things quickly became heated. We made love, me on top as Edwards shoulder was too sore to hold him up, and after a good couple of rounds fell asleep tangled in each others limbs.

/\/\/\

Saturday came around much faster than anticipated. I had baked extra batches of our more popular lines the night before and was busy leaving Kate a list of things that needed completing while I was gone for the morning.

"And don't forget to double check everything that the suppliers drop off against the ordered amount. I'm not paying for five bags of flour when I only recieve three."

"Bella!" Kate grabbed me by the shoulders and made me take a breath. "Relax and go. I've managed the shop before and I know how to handle Garrett." Her cheeks tinged pink and I knew instantly that there was something between them.

"You're filling me in about the two of you later. Now, do I look okay?" Kate took in my outfit of a red silk blouse under a short black jacket and tight tailored pants. "You look amazing. Do you have your note pad?"

"Check!"

"Cake samples?"

"Check!"

"Then what are you waiting for?"

"I'm nervous."

"What? Why? You've done this before."

"I know, but not with people this famous. James and Victoria are Z listers compared to Eleazar and Carmen. Oh god I can't do this!" I sat down in a booth and started hyperventilating.

Kate shook me by the shoulders and stared me in the eyes. "Bella get a grip or I'm gonna have to slap you!" Her eyes suddenly went wide as she realised what she had just said to her boss. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I'm fine. I'm going." I stood from the booth and took a deep breath, or five, before stepping out into the bright midmorning sun.

/\/\/\

The drive to the hotel was quicker than I expected it to be. I pulled upto the front and a valet was instantly at my side, opening my door for me.

"Thank you." I grabbed everything I needed and reluctantly handed the youth my keys. "Damage my baby and you will have two very angry women breathing down your neck." The valet gulped and nodded before climbing in my car and slowly driving it into a numbered space.

I stepped into the cool marble foyer and walked over to the woman at the welcome desk.

"Reservation number?" She asked in a bored voice, without looking up.

"Excuse me?"

"She rolled her eyes and looked up. "Res-er-va-tion num-ber." She said slowly. "You know the number you get when you book a room."

"I know what one is, I just don't have one." I was appalled at the rudeness of this woman.

"Then what are you doing here?"

"I have a meeting and I'd like to speak to your manager." I was mere inches away from beating the rude cow silly when a slightly overweight man burst out of the room behind her.

"Hello Ma'am, I'm Mister Jenks the manager of this fine hotel. How can I help you today?" He wore an ill fitting suit and had a mustard stain on his tie.

So much for this being the best hotel in town. So far it looked like it was being run by clowns.

"Well first of all you need to either retrain your staff member or fire her."

"Vanessa, my office now!" He barked. The girl slowly got up from her seat and went into the office in a huff.

"And secondly, I'm here for a meeting with the Hernandez/Visini party."

The mans face paled and he mopped at his brow with a hankie. "SETH!" He shouted at a bellhop walking past, making everyone in the vicinity jump. "Please take this fine lady up to the penthouse suite, pronto!"

The poor lad looked like he was going to shit himself in fright if he didn't move asap and almost fell over his own feet trying to get to me.

"Clumsy boy!" Jenks shouted. "Stand up straight and walk like a respectable human being."

Not being able to stand near this man any longer I went and met Seth halfway, giving him a reassuring smile. He lead me over to a set of extravagant looking elevator doors and allowed me to enter first. The ride up was pretty silent and I could tell Seth was really nervous so I tried making small talk.

"Do you like working here?"

Seth looked shocked that I had spoken to him and his mouth open and closed a couple of times before any sound came out. "It's okay, I guess."

"If you don't like it, why do you do it?"

"My father passed away a few months ago and my mother has been struggling. I guess I'm just trying to help her out in any way possible until things sort themselves out."

"I'm sorry for your loss." My heart panged for this poor boy. He couldn't be much older than seventeen and it seemed like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Thank you." He said quietly. The doors to the elevator pinged open and Seth lead me down a corridor to a set of doors that matched the elevator. The two men from my store were standing outside.

"Thank you for the escort Seth. Here," I handed him one of my buisness cards and a spare piece of cake. "If you fancy a change of scenery and a decent manager, come and give me a visit."

Seth looked like he would cry. I gave him a smile and patted him on the shoulder before turning to the two body guards outside of the room who ushered me in without a second thought.

The room was not as extravagant as I expected a penthouse suite to be. In fact it looked pretty bland. The only sign of extravagance in the room was a large marble palmtree statue in the middle of the room.

Who the hell owned this hotel? An idiot with no eye for taste or decor?

I found Eleazar and Carmen lounging out on the balcony. Both were wearing pale colours, showing off their remarkably tanned skin. Oh how I envied the italian and spanish for their warm olive tones. I go outside for too long and I almost burst into flames for my skin's so pale.

"Miss Swan for you sir, ma'am."

"Thank you Trent." Carmen waved a dismissive hand. The bodyguard nodded and went back inside.

I took a seat furthest away from the balconys edge. Never was one for heights.

"Mister Hernandez. Ms Visini. Pleasure to meet with you again." I placed the items I had brought along with me on the glass table top and removed my jacket, before crossing my legs and putting pen to paper.

"Bella, welcome." Eleazar got up from his lounger and came to join me at the table, buttoning his shirt as he did so. Shaking my hand he sat down opposite me, leaving a space for Carmen between us.

Carmen slid her incredibly long legs off of her lounger and stood, pulling on a short cotton kimono as she did so. "Thank you so much for doing this for us Bella." Carmen leant down and gave me air kisses both sides. Needless to say I was a little shocked. She took her seat between Eleazar and I and leaned over so she could see my notepad. "We postponed our wedding for almost a year after we heard you had sold up shop in Seattle. I was devastated to begin with. Had to get people to ask around, see where you had disappeared to. Then we heard about the fiasco with your fiance. Sorry about that by the way."

"No problem." I was a little intimidated that they had gone to such lengths for a wedding cake.

"Then two weeks ago one of our wonderful staff was browsing through an old newspaper they found in a waiting room and came across the article about your grand opening."

"It wasn't that grand." I blushed and lowered my eyes a little.

"Nonsense." She smiled. "It was all I needed to get the wedding ball rolling once more and wallah, here we are." Carmen pushed her sunglasses up onto her head and rested her chin on her hand. "Where shall we begin?"

I spent almost three hours going over every last little detail for their cake. I was exhausted and my brain was spinning. Almost ten pages of notes to go over and come up with a design to send to them by next friday. My head was so preoccupied on the drive home that I ended up taking two wrong turns, making my journey that much longer.

I was ready for a nice, long hot soak in the bath and curling up with a book afterwards. No such luck though. As soon as I got in the door Edward was at my side.

"Honey, my parents are here."

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**So what do you think? Is this chapter good enough for me to be forgiven?**

**As always, leave a little love x**


	15. Chapter 15

**Peeks out from behind sofa. **

**I am so sorry this chapter has taken me so long to get out to you all. I sure do suck. This chapter has taken me a good two months to get written. I get distracted a lot. I know that's no excuse but it's the best I have.**

**Please enjoy the chapter :)**

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**EPOV**

The house was in darkness when I pulled up on the drive. Normally Bella would be home by now, especially on a saturday. Checking the time on the dash it was definately after seven in the evening, she was probably held up with a batch of cookies or something. Thinking no more of it I climbed out of the vehicle and went inside, flicking on lights as I did so.

It was the turn of the season and the nights were getting darker earlier. With the house being empty all day it was quite chilly inside so I went straight to the utility room and flicked on the central heating. Stepping into the kitchen I headed to the fridge to check on supplies for dinner, thinking I could treat Bella to a nice hot meal for a change.

Unfortunately the fridge was nearly empty, apart from a few containers in the back with a written warning from Bella to keep my hands off of them and a bag of fresh spinach.

Well there goes that idea.

Scratching my head for more ideas I was startled when the door bell chimed.

"It's open!" I yelled, sticking my head in a cupboard in the search of food. The faint clicking of heels on hardwood did little to garner my attention. "Forget your key again babe?" I asked, head still in the cupboard.

"I didn't think I was allowed to let myself in after the last time I was here and you chucked me out."

The voice made me jump and I banged my head on the top of the cupboard. "Fu-lip. Mom! What are you doing here?" I enquired, rubbing the bump on my head.

"It's your fathers birthday. We always come here on his birthday, unless you have forgotten?!" She said while setting down her purse and taking off her coat.

_Shiiiiiit!_

It had totally slipped my mind. I really hope She doesn't start anything with Bella this evening. I am so not in the mood for that.

"Of course not." I lied. "Happy Birthday Pa." I said to Carlisle as he entered the kitchen. I stepped around my mother and gave him a man-hug-pat-on-the-back thing.

"Thanks son." He smiled releasing me from his embrace.

"Edward, where's all the food?" My mother asked but I ignored her and continued to talk to my dad.

"I have a couple of gifts for you, they're in my office. Unfortunately Bella didn't have time to wrap it for you and you know how bad my wrapping skills are." I clapped him on the shoulder and went to retrieve his gift. It was a framed copy of his very first paper to have been published in a medical journal and a silver wrist watch.  
"They're from both of us. Bella came up with the gift ideas. I hope you like them." I handed the gifts over and watched as Carlisle's face lit up at the sight of the framed paper.

"Son, they're perfect. I love them. I think I will hang this in my office at the hospital. Will Bella be joining us this evening? I'm very much looking forward to meeting her at last." He enquired. Dad had only ever spoken to Bella on the phone when he called to check in on me during my recovery.

"I'm glad you like them Pa. Yes, Bella should be joining us. She should have been home by now. It's unusual for her to be home late on a Saturday."

"Edward, where's all the food? Your fridge is empty!" Esme piped up again. "I don't know how you expect her to look after you when she can't even look after the stocking of your fridge!"

"MA! I don't expect Bella to be my maid! We share the house duties and neither of us have had the chance to go shopping this week. And besides I don't need looking after any longer. I'm healed and back at work, have been for a while now." I stopped my little tirade abruptly before I gave my mother a few home truths that I would probably later regret.

The three of us stood in an awkward silence in the kitchen when I finally heard Bella's car pull up outside. I decided to give Bee the heads up about my parents. Her and my mom have never really seen eye to eye, and it went from bad to worse when Esme found out about the accident in Forks when she had popped over one day. A big screaming match had errupted and I threw my mother out of my home after she called Bella some really unsavoury names.

"Oh that should be Bella now." I left them in the kitchen and met Bella at the door. It didn't escape my notice how tired she looked. "Honey, my parents are here." I said in a hushed tone as Milo dashed past both of our feet and into the living room.

Her shoulders sagged a little and she rubbed her hand across her forehead. "Oh I'm such a ditz. I completely forgot they were coming over this weekend." She replied in a whisper. She set her bag and keys on the side table and brushed some stray hair out of her face. "How do I look?"

I used my thumb to wipe away a lipstick smudge at the corner of her mouth and cupped her face in my hands. "You look ravishing as always." I took in her look of a red blouse and black pants ensemble and I had a semi. That will have to wait until later though. I gave her a quick peck on the lips and tugged her towards the kitchen by the hand.

Esme and Carlisle looked up when we entered. "Dad, I'd like you to finally meet the love of my life. Bella, this is my father, Carlisle." I tucked her under my arm and lead her over to my father. His eyes lit up and a large, warm smile spread across his face as my mother scowled in the corner.

"Bellissimo. It's a pleasure to meet you at last my dear. I've heard so many great things about you from my enamoured son here."

Bella blushed a beetroot red and flicked her eyes to me before looking back to my father. "Thank you Doctor Cullen. It's a pleasure to meet you too." Bella must have noticed the gifts on the table as she asked him about them next.

"Please call me Carlisle. I absolutely love them. The paper is perfect and such an unusual gift. I never thought I would have ever recieved anything like this in my lifetime."

"You're welcome, Carlisle." She smiled at him warmly and I could visibly see the tension leave her shoulders, but then she turned to face my mother and the tension returned. "Hello Mrs Cullen." Esme forced a smile in return. "Who's ready for some dinner?"

"And what exactly are you planning on cooking?" Esme scoffed and crossed her arms. "Your cupboards and fridge are empty."

Bella's back stiffened and I stepped behind her to rub her shoulders before she blew her top at my mother. She relaxed slightly and turned to look up at me. "Babe, why don't you get your parents some drinks and then set the table in the dining room. Dinner should only take about thirty minutes."

"What are we having? Ramen noodles?"

"Esme!"

"Mom!" Dad and I both shouted at her together.

"What? There's nothing in these cupboards."

"Don't worry Mrs Cullen," Bella said in a deadly calm voice. "I'll make sure not to put too much water in yours."

I had to bite my lips to keep from laughing out loud and it looked like dad was doing the same. Mom had a shocked and horrified look on her face, as though she had been slapped by a fish.

"Come Esme, let's go and relax in the living room and let these kids get on with dinner. I'm sure Edward will be in soon with our drinks." Carlisle steered Esme from the room with his hand on the small of her back.

Bella and I both breathed a sigh of relief, before starting to chuckle. I kissed her once, twice, three times before she pushed me away, so things didn't get anymore heated, especially with my parents in the next room.

"So what are you going to cook?" I asked, as I made my parents some cocktails. "Nothing. It's already cooked. Unless you count reheating as cooking?" Bella was pulling the containers out of the fridge and tipping the contents into pans. "Could you please put Milo in the utility room? I don't want him to ruin dinner."

I took the drinks in to my parents and put the small dog in his bed before returning to the kitchen to make ours. "Ooh what's that?" My senses came alive as the aroma of spices and herbs hit my nose. I stopped what I was doing and went to examine the pots which were now simmering away on the lit stove top.

"It's your dads favourite. You told me a few weeks ago when I made you something similar." Bella stepped up beside me at the cooker and emptied the bag of spinach into a large skillet with a knob of butter. "Could you grab me the salt and pepper while I quickly wilt this down?" She was frantically stirring the contents of the pots as the sauces all came to a hard boil. I set the seasonings on the counter next to her and took over the stirring of a large pot of braised short ribs.

"Thank you." She turned the heat down and took the wooden spoon back from me. "Can you please set the table now? Dinner will be just a couple more minutes."

"Yes ma'am." I kissed her cheek and honked her boobs before stepping away quickly. I know how lethal she can be with a wooden spoon. Unfortunately, I didn't step away fast enough and she swatted my ass with the dish towel that was previously slung over her shoulder. I walked off rubbing my ass cheek, grabbing cutlery from the drawer as I passed.

I had just put the finishing touches to the table settings when Bella walked in carrying the first of many dishes.

"Mom, Dad, dinner's ready." I called them in from the other room and went to help Bee with the remaining food. I found her standing next to the kitchen island swigging the cocktail mix straight from the bottle.

"Babe, what are you doing?" I took the bottle away from her and set it down behind me.

"Hey! It was only a couple of mouthfuls."

"You're meant to dilute it with soda water, not drink it neat! Sweetheart look, I know my mother is the biggest bitch on the planet but just try and get through this dinner. Please? For the sake of my father?"

"Okay, I'm sorry. I really like your dad. Now I know where you get your charm from." She leaned up and kissed me quickly. "Grab the water jug and spinach for me." She picked up a large dish of garlic mashed potatoes and went through to the other room.

I let out a deep sigh and rubbed the back of my neck.

_Oh well, here goes nothing._

I got the dishes she asked and followed her into the dining room. I set the dishes down and took my seat next to Bella, across from my mother.

"Well dig in everybody. Carlisle I made your favourite dishes. I hope I've done them justice. Edward was telling me just the other day how much you loved this growing up. He gave me the recipes from your mothers collection."

"Well it smells divine. I'm sure it will taste superb." Carlisle flashed her his trademark smile and tucked into his plate of food.

Esme started on hers too and it didn't escape my notice that her eyes nearly rolled into the back of her head.

"Bella this is amazing! Tastes exactly like my mother used to make. Oh how I've missed this." My dad plowed through his first plate and dove in for second helpings.

"So no Alice this evening then?" I asked my parents.

"No, she had tickets to an art show with her group of friends. It's for her degree." Esme bragged, with a pointed glance at Bella.

Pfft yeah right. She's probably out getting drunk at a rock show, but my mother wouldn't believe that. Lets just say she had rose tinted glasses when it came to my dear little sister.

"I'm beginning to think Alice isn't real." Bella joked. "I've never met her."

I saw my father wince as Emse set down her cutlery. "Of course Alice is real." She started, but Carlisle put his hand on her forearm and gave her one of his _'stop this bullshit right now'_ looks. Esme clenched her jaw and picked her fork back up. "Alice is just very busy studying to get her degree."

"What's her major?" Bella kept trying to get the conversation flowing to avoid too many awkward silences.

"Design, with a minor in art history. She should graduate next summer." Carlisle answered her with a warm smile, helping himself to the last of the ribs.

"Not _should_ Carlisle, she _will_ graduate. Alice is a hard working, smart girl. She'll be top of her class."

_Oh mother if only you knew!_

I refrained from rolling my eyes but my dad couldn't control his. Luckily Esme didn't notice a thing.

The table fell silent as everyone finished the last of their food.

"Bella, that was the most delightful meal I've eaten in a long time." Carlisle rubbed his stomach and pushed away from the table slightly to adjust his belt.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it Carlisle. I hope you've left room for pudding though." Bella smiled warmly at him. "Who's up for some cake?" She asked the table at large.

Carlisle's eyes lit up. "Don't tell me you made my favourite cake as well."

"That depends. Is your favourite cake mango with banana cream frosting?" Bella gave him a cheeky wink and began clearing the dirty dishes away. "Edward if you wouldn't mind finishing this off for me I can go and get your fathers cake."

I stood from the table and took the dishes out of her hands before she dashed upstairs.

I was just taking the last of the dishes into the kitchen when Bee reappeared with a large blue cake box from her bakery in her hands. "Oh good you're already out here. Can you help me sort this out please?" She set the box down on the counter top and opened it up before lifting out a large single layer cake.

"Bella please don't tell me that's all for my dad."

"No, if you're lucky you might get a slice." She set about putting some candles in the top of the cake. "E, could you take in the little plates and some forks while I light these up and turn on the coffee machine" I did as she asked and put the plates out on the table. Bella followed me in with the cake and we all joined in with singing Carlisle a happy birthday.

"Make a wish dad, before all your candles burn my dining room down." I joked. Esme huffed in the corner but little attention was paid towards her.

"Very funny son." Carlisle deadpanned. "I'll remember that when it's your turn." It took a couple of tries but eventually he got all of the candles blown out.

"Well done old man." I clapped him on the shoulder.

"Just a small piece for me." Esme snapped, as Bella began cutting and plating up the dessert.

"Sure thing. Wouldn't want to expand that middle age spread any further would we." Bella quipped back, handing her a plate. "Carlisle, how much would you like?"

"I guess saying a bit big enough for the corners to hang off the plate is not an exact measure."

"Not quite." Bella smiled, cutting him a large slice.

Once the plate was within his grasp Carlisle tucked into the cake like a starving man. All we heard from him was little groans of pleasure as he shovelled more forkfuls into his mouth.

"Easy there dad, you're gonna give yourself indigestion."

"I apologise." He mumbled around a mouthful of crumbs. "But that is the best damn cake I have ever had. Thank you so much Bella. This has truly been the best birthday meal in a long time."

"You're more than welcome Carlisle. Would you like me to box up the rest for you to take home?"

"Maybe just a small portion of it. I can imagine myself putting on the pounds if I did take the whole thing. It wouldn't last very long where I'm concerned."

I tucked into my own slice while Bella disappeared to get a disposable container for my dad to take his cake home in. He was right. It really was the most delicious cake I had ever eaten.

"Coffee in the living room everyone." Bella said as she re-entered the room with the container. My parents rose from the table and made their way to the living room while Bella started to clear the cake away. I waited until they had left the room before pulling Bee into my arms and locking my lips with hers.

"Oh my. What was that for?" Bella gasped, breaking away for some air.

"Thank you. You have really made my fathers day. I think he will remember this birthday for years to come. You truly are an amazing woman Bella. I love you."

"I love you too E. It's been my pleasure getting to know your father. He's a wonderful man. I now know where you get all of your charm and good looks from."

"You've said that already this evening, but thank you anyway."

"Have I? I'm sorry. I guess the day is catching up with me."

"It's alright. Come on, let's go and sit down for a while. Give you a chance to relax." I tugged on her hand and Bella left the plates where they were but grabbed my dads cake before following me into the living room. My parents were sat together on the loveseat leaving the spacious sofa for Bee and I. Bella set Carlisle's piece of cake down on the table and sat on the edge of the sofa. I flopped down onto the couch and pulled Bella against my side, tucking her under my arm.

The conversation flowed more easily here. Dad was regaling us with stories of his interns antics. I didn't realise just how tired Bella was until her head lolled against my chest and a couple of light snores came out.

"Oh dear. Looks like my stories have bored poor Bella to sleep." Carlisle chuckled.

"It's not you dad. She was up super early this morning. I'll just carry her upstairs. I'll be right back."

Careful not to jostle Bella I stood from the couch and slid my arms underneath her slight frame, lifting her into my chest. Carrying her upstairs was so easy, she barely weighed a thing. I laid her down gently on the bed and slipped off her trousers and blouse before covering her with the duvet. I had a feeling of deja vu before I remembered that I had put her to bed once before. It was the day before we first slept together.  
Smiling at the memory I crept from the room and made my way back to the living room where my parents were pulling on their coats. "You're leaving?" I asked, shocked that they would have left without saying goodbye.

"I think it's wise son." Carlisle said, picking up the cake container. "It's getting late." I glanced at the clock, ten thirty already. Wow time flies.

"Okay, I guess I'll see you both soon then." I followed them to the front door and hugged them both goodbye before waving their car off from the porch.

I returned indoors and let Milo out of the utility room and into the back garden so he could go for one last toilet of the night. "Hurry up bud, it's fucking freezing out." I said, shoving my hands in my jeans pockets as the small dog trotted off into the dark. I hunched my shoulders to keep warm and started pacing the decking. I waited five minutes before giving the short sharp whistle that Bella had taught me to call him back in. Milo came running and went straight indoors to his bed in the living room. "Good boy buddy." I locked the door and set the dish washer to clean all of this evenings dishes. Not feeling tired after the coffee earlier I went into my office to do some work.

I was busy updating my online portfolio when I heard a noise in the kitchen. I looked at the time on my screen. It was real late, ten past one in the morning. I crept from my office and looked in on Milo. He was fast asleep on his back with his legs in the air. I rounded the corner into the kitchen and a vision of beauty met me.

Bella stood in the dark kitchen and had her back to the doorway but was lit from the hallway light. She was wearing one of my button down shirts and was bent over the counter top licking frosting off of her finger from the piece of cake that sat in front of her. I stepped up behind her and she jumped slightly as I began kissing up and down the side of her neck, nipping occasionally at the juncture where her neck met her shoulder. A small whimper left her mouth as she leaned back into me and rested her head on my shoulder, giving me more access to her neck. I ran my hands down her sides and back up, bringing the material of the shirt with me. She was completely naked underneath.

I run my hands around the front, caressing her abdomen before going higher to her breasts, feeling her nipples pebble under my touch. She rubbed her backside over my erection that was still encased in my jeans and arched her back, pushing her breasts further into my hands. I run my hands back down to the tops of her thighs and work inwards. Bella was panting against me and I had barely started yet.

I stop what I'm doing and go back to the material of the shirt, slowly undoing each button as I work my way back up. I separate both sides of the material and she is almost naked under my hands.

"What has gotten you so worked up love?" I asked in a hushed tone, afraid that full volume would ruin the moment.

"You." She gasped. "You always do this to me."

I wrapped my left arm around her, just under her breasts and moved my right back down to her centre. She was so wet for me and certainly let me know it, thrusting herself into my hand.

"Oh please. Please." She panted when I did nothing but cup her intimately.

Knowing how much she wanted me and how much I needed her I forwent all foreplay and tugged down my jeans. I bent her over the cold marble countertop and lifted the  
shirt at the back. She was already on her tip toes but I nudged her legs apart anyway and pushed right in. We both let out a unanimous moan as I let her adjust to me from this angle.

I lifted her hips a little more and her feet were fully off the floor at this point as I continued my thrusting.

No sounds were made apart the gasping breaths from both of us and the smacking of skin against skin.

I was so close and I could feel that she was too but this angle was too hard to maintain. I pulled out, much to her disappointment, and flipped her over. Sitting Bella right on the edge of the counter and wrapping her legs around me I drove myself back in. Her head fell forward onto my shoulder and I could feel her panting against my skin. I kissed the side of her head but never let up my rhythm.

Bella lifted her head and I seized the opportunity to kiss her. Her tongue forced itself into my mouth and she fought for some control but in the end I ended up dominating her fully.

"Come for me love." I breathed, pulling her torso against mine. That was all it took for her to come undone and start spasming around me. Her movements invoked mine and I came with a low groan, slowly stopping my thrusting.

Bella flopped forward and mumbled something against my chest.

"What was that babe?"

She lifted her head and stared at me in the half light. "I said I think you fucked the hunger right out of me. Let's go to bed."

I lifted Bella off of the counter but refused to let her down as I carried her upstairs once more, her half eaten slice of cake left abandoned on the side.

* * *

**I hope that makes up for my absence.**

**You can make Carlisle's birthday cake with this easy recipe:**

**For the cake**

**Two and a half cups of peeled and mashed ripe mango**

**Two cups sugar**

**Two eggs**

**Two cups of all purpose flour**

**Two teaspoons of baking soda**

**One cup of chopped pecans or walnuts**

**One teaspoon of vanilla paste**

**In a mixing bowl, add the first three ingredients; stir to combine.  
Add in the flour, baking soda, nuts and vanilla; beat until fully combined.  
pour batter into a greased and floured 11x11 inch baking pan and bake at 350 for 35 - 40 minutes or until a pick comes out clean.  
Leave to cool before turning out onto a rack.**

**For the frosting**

**One quarter cup butter, softened**

**Half a cup of ripe banana, peeled and mashed**

**One teaspoon of vanilla paste**

**One to two teaspoons of banana extract (More if you prefer a stronger banana flavour)**

**One teaspoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice**

**Three and a half cups of sifted powdered sugar**

**Beat together the butter, banana, vanilla, banana extract and lemon juice until creamy.  
Add in the sugar, one cup at a time, until frosting is light and fluffy but still kind of soft. Needs to be easily spreadable.  
Spread the frosting on top of the fully cooled cake in an even layer.  
Refrigerate the cake for at least thirty minutes before cutting and serving.  
Leftovers (if there is any) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.**

**I hope every one enjoys a slice of cake, if you choose to make it that is.**

**Until next time my lovelies. xx**


End file.

Twilight, Humor, Romance