Author Note: Thanks for the great response to EPOV! And welcome to all the new readers who found this fic after the updates.

Thanks again to moosals and edwardisaputz for pre-reading. Stephenie Meyer owns all characters.

Chapter 3 — Inside Out

I spend the day listening to lectures, networking and schmoozing. And trying not to think about, or worry about, Bella at the beach in that tiny fucking bikini. When we're finally released for the day, I rush back to our room to get ready for the group dinner.

"Hey," I smile, looking Bella up and down. She's wearing the new black dress that I took her shopping for last weekend and looks beyond amazing. "Nice."

"You picked it out, as if you've forgotten."

"I have good taste," I grin. But she makes the dress.

I freshen up in the bathroom, then lead Bella downstairs to the hotel ballroom where the dinner is being held. After the pre-dinner cocktails, we're served a delicious meal with fresh local fish and key lime pie for dessert.

Once our plates have been cleared, it's time for the business portion of the evening, where several of the doctors are to be recognized for their work over the past year. By the third speech, Bella and I have made a drinking game out of it — sipping our glasses of wine whenever the words "outstanding achievement" or "dedicated physician" are uttered.

It's nearly 10pm by the time we're dismissed. I stretch when I finally get the chance to stand up.

"Why aren't you drunk, too?" Bella complains, swaying a bit as she stands. "You drank as much as I did."

"Because I outweigh you by 50 pounds," I point out. "Come on, let's get you upstairs." I put one arm around her, leading her into the hallway.

Once we've reached our hotel room, I toss my jacket onto the dresser and head straight for the bathroom, leaving Bella to undress in the bedroom. I loosen my tie and pull it over my head, then yank my dress shirt out of my pants.

"Edward," she calls while I'm unbuttoning my shirt, "Come help me unzip my dress."

Stepping out of the bathroom, I toss my tie onto the dresser on my way to Bella. When I reach her, she turns around, lifting her long hair up out of the way.

I tug the zipper down, staring at the bare skin of her back as it's revealed — and what looks like a very sexy black bra.

Before I can overthink it, I place my hands on her shoulders, pushing the straps of the dress off her shoulders until it falls to the floor. Holy fucking shit. Besides her bra, Bella is wearing just a tiny black thong, leaving her luscious round ass cheeks on full display. I instantly harden as I greedily take in her nearly naked body. It's even more amazing than the peeks I've gotten over the last six months have alluded to.

Stepping out of her dress, Bella turns around to face me, while my eyes are still trained below her waist. I am so busted.

Slowly, my gaze travels up her perfect body. Her breasts are spilling over the cups of her bra and I linger for a moment on them before finally reaching her eyes, which are looking back at me in wonder. She's not covering up though; it's almost as if she wants me to look at her.

Could that be true? I stare into her eyes for a long moment, my eyes drifting down toward her lips and back again. I want to kiss her so badly, but I need to know that Bella wants it, too. My tongue instinctively moistens my lips, and Bella takes a half step closer. I'm holding my breath, waiting to see what she's going to do next.

Very slowly, she stands up on her tiptoes and leans in toward my lips. I stand frozen as her lips touch mine, just for a second. She pauses then does it again, her lips still barely touching me.

Oh God, I need more.

"Again," I whisper when Bella glances up at my eyes, as if she's looking for direction, or confirmation that I'm ok with this.

She presses her lips to mine for a third time, and I can't stop myself from kissing her back, moving my lips tentatively against hers. Oh, fuck me… I can hardly believe this is happening.

We continue to trade kisses until I feel like I'll die if I don't touch her. Placing my hands on either side of her waist, I pull her closer with one hand while the other trails up her torso, skimming over the side of her bra until I've reached her face. I tilt her chin and deepen the kiss, my tongue finally tasting her.

As if a switch has been flipped, Bella loops her arms around my neck, pulling herself even closer to me as we continue to kiss. I'm hard as a rock, and I feel like my knees might buckle from finally, finally having what I've been longing for for months.

Before I collapse, I begin walking her backwards toward the bed. She sits on the edge, then quickly scoots up the bed until her head is lying on the pillow. I climb over her prone body, kissing her again as soon as I've reached her mouth.

As we kiss, Bella's hands roam up and down my back while my fingers lightly brush her abdomen. God, I want more, more, more — but she's drunk, or at least tipsy. I have to let it be Bella's decision to take this any further. I can't take advantage of her.

Unexpectedly, I feel Bella's hands slide up underneath my shirt, and I have to hold myself back from bucking against her. Her decision, I remind myself. Bella's hands disappear from my back in short order, moving around to my chest so that she can finish unbuttoning my shirt. She pushes it off my shoulders and I gladly help her by shrugging out of it.

Suddenly her hands are all over me, as if trying to touch me everywhere all at once. She pushes on one side of my chest and I take the hint, rolling over onto my back.

I stare up at Bella in wonder as she climbs over me, touching me everywhere before sucking one of my nipples into her mouth. Her hands drift down my chest and abdomen to my slacks, and she hurriedly pulls the zipper down. I lift my hips as she removes my pants, past caring if I seem too eager.

Bella and I stare into each other's eyes as she traces her finger along the waistband of my boxer briefs. I nod to let her know I want this — God, do I want this — and she slowly begins pulling my underwear off, tossing them to the floor.

Bella just stares down at my cock, and I can't help wondering what she's thinking. I know I'm a respectable size, so I don't think there's anything that could disappoint her. My cock twitches in anticipation before she finally, finally wraps one hand around the base. I try to remain still as she pumps my cock, rubbing her thumb over the head to collect the pre-cum and then spreading it around. I'm breathing heavily by this point, loving the feel of her hand on me. So, so much better than my own.

Suddenly, she takes a deep breath, then leans forward and licks from base to tip before sucking the head of my cock into her mouth.

"Jesus, Bella," I moan in shock, unable to keep quiet any longer. "You don't have to do this." But oh God, I really, really want her to.

"I want to," she insists. Thank you, lord.

I reach out, gathering her hair up so that I can watch unhindered as she sucks my cock. I've had this particular image in my spank bank for months, but the real thing is so much better. She's fearless, just going for it — swirling her tongue around the head, taking me in so fucking deep, tonguing the slit on top, rolling my balls in her hands.

I am going to come so embarrassingly fast.

"Bella, move," I choke out, knowing most women don't like to swallow. Imagine my surprise when she sucks even harder, hollowing her cheeks. Seconds later I'm grunting with my release as I come in long spurts down her throat. I'm barely conscious enough to notice her licking me clean.

Bella sits up, and I stare into her eyes, still breathing heavily. I can't believe my best friend just gave me the best blowjob I've had in ages. After a few moments, she leans over again, kissing her way back up my torso, then cuddling up against my side and laying her head on my chest.

Need. More.

I roll her onto her back, claiming her lips again. We kiss passionately while I slip my hands underneath her to unhook that fucking sexy bra. I pull the straps down her arms then go straight for her breasts, sucking on her right nipple until I feel it harden beneath my tongue. Switching sides, I bring my hand up to squeeze and massage her other breast.

As much as I do enjoy her breasts, there's somewhere else I need to get my hands on. Sliding down the bed, I grasp the sides of her tiny thong and pull it off. Staring between her legs for a moment, I brush one finger along her pussy and she cries out.

"Is this ok?" I ask.

Bella nods furiously, and I have to kiss her again while I push one finger inside her, momentarily surprised at how easily it slides in. My thumb circles her clit and she squirms beneath me while I kiss her neck.

Oh God, she feels so fucking wet on my fingers. It's been several years since I've touched a woman, and I'd forgotten what it was like. I just had an explosive orgasm, and my cock is already twitching, just from the feel of her on my fingers.

I've never… tasted a woman though, and suddenly I need to. I stop kissing her neck, sliding down the bed and looking up at her. Now that I've decided to go for it, I panic. What if I have no fucking clue what I'm doing?

"Um, I've never done this before, so… let me know what you like, ok?"

Bella nods, and I take a tentative lick. She squirms even more, so I do it again, working up to a steady pace. I flick her clit with my tongue while I'm fucking her with two fingers. She feels so tight just around my fingers and I'm already imagining how she'll feel wrapped around my cock, which is nearly ready to go again.

I flatten my tongue against her, and she cries out loudly. Mental note: she likes that. I press harder and she shamelessly grinds herself on my face. So fucking sexy…

"Suck on it," she whispers and I quickly obey. Moments later, she's coming on my tongue, moaning and thrashing around on the bed.

"Too… much… stop now," she begs. I can't help grinning at the fact that I've made a woman come in my first attempt at oral sex.

Just as she did, I begin licking and kissing my way back up her delectable body. I suck on each breast on the way up, finishing with a light kiss on her lips.

I'm hard as a rock now and so ready to be inside her. Just enough of my upper brain is still working sufficiently to remember that I need to grab protection.

"Where are you going?" Bella pants as I move to get off the bed.

"My wallet is in my jacket pocket." She looks at me questioningly. "Condom," I clarify.

"I get the shot," she says hurriedly. "And I was tested after… the incident."

"I'm clean, too," I tell her, my excitement building. "I've never had sex without a condom before, but I get tested regularly."

"I trust you." Oh fuck!

Smiling, I stretch out on top of her again, kissing her while one hand moves to my cock, positioning it at her entrance. Slowing my kisses, I stare into her eyes as I slowly push inside.

Oh my fucking God. The feeling is indescribable. She's so warm, so wet, and I can feel absolutely everything without a condom. If I hadn't already come once tonight, I'm not sure I'd make it all the way in.

Bella wraps her legs and arms around me, silently encouraging me to move. I lean down to kiss her gently, then slowly pull back.

"Oh God," I moan. She lifts her hips to meet my slow thrusts, kissing all over my jaw and neck as I make love to my best friend. "So good, Bella," I groan, my thrusts speeding up.

I'm going to come way too fast like this, and so I wrap my arms around her, rolling us over until she's on top. Sitting up, she braces her hands on my shoulders, and I immediately reach for her breasts.

"Fuck, you look so good riding me…" I growl.

As she takes her own pleasure, she arches her back, pressing her perfect breasts into my hands. Needing to kiss her once more, I sit up and wrap my arms around her, claiming her lips.

I'm so fucking close and I need her to come with me. I bring one hand down between us, rubbing her clit with my thumb. And suddenly she's coming, her pussy squeezing the hell out of my cock and triggering my own orgasm.

"God, Edward," she moans as I jerk, spilling inside her. We're both breathing heavily as she slows her movements.

"I love you so much, Edward," she whispers, hugging me tightly.

I'm shocked speechless. She loves me? Like, loves me? As in, she's returned my feelings all along? I'm too stunned to even move, let alone tell her how amazing she is and how long I've wanted this and how much I'm in love with her.

Bella pulls away, and I realize I've lost my chance to return her declaration without having her think that I'm just saying it because she did and I don't really mean it. I close my eyes, leaning my forehead against hers and kissing her gently, trying to show her with my kiss that I love her, too.

"I need to go clean up," she whispers. I nod, loosening my grip, and she gets up and heads toward the bathroom.

We seriously need to talk, but I'm exhausted and Bella's tipsy, and…

I lie back, pulling the covers up and closing my eyes, still unable to believe all this has happened. I hear Bella come back into the room and finally climb into bed beside me. Reaching out blindly, I pull her close and wrap my arms around her. She lays her head on my chest and I can relax, thankful that I haven't messed everything up.

Later. We'll talk later.

When I open my eyes, I'm stunned to see sunlight shining through the curtains. I glance at the clock on the nightstand: 7:29am.

Shit! My conference starts at eight o'clock, and I forgot to set my phone alarm last night. As the fog of sleep clears, I remember exactly why I never set my alarm — because I was too busy having sex with Bella.

I glance to my left, smiling at the sight of her still sound asleep beside me, her long dark hair fanning out in all directions. We have a lot to talk about, but I have to be showered, dressed and downstairs in a half hour.

Trying not to disturb her, I slide out of bed and make my way to the bathroom.

I'm surprised to find Bella still sound asleep when I step back into the room after my shower to grab some clothes. Maybe she was more drunk than I thought? I dress quickly then stand beside the bed, staring at Bella's sleeping form. She looks so young and innocent in her sleep. I really hope she's not upset about anything that happened last night. I should wake her up and say goodbye, but I don't have much time; I don't want to rush the serious conversation we need to have, especially when I don't even know where to begin.

Leaning down, I kiss the top of her head gently, then head to the hotel conference room.

My phone is set to vibrate, and at some point I realize I've got a text message. Getting here late, I was forced to take a seat down front, and I don't want to get caught checking my phone. When we take a 20-minute break, I pull it out of my jacket pocket.

Are you still free for lunch?

My heart starts pounding as I read Bella's text. That doesn't sound like she's pissed at me, thank God. I know we need to talk, but I'd really rather do it in complete privacy, not in a crowded restaurant. Before I get a chance to reply, one of my favorite professors from medical school comes up to me. We chat for a few minutes and he invites me to have lunch with him later. Relieved to have a legitimate excuse, I accept then dash off a quick text to Bella to let her know.

After spending the entire morning replaying my night with Bella, I take a seat near the back after lunch, zoning out with less fear of getting caught.

And then my doubts start to creep in. I love Bella; that isn't in question. But I've never had a successful relationship with a woman before. Though I had sex with a few women during my time at Johns Hopkins, I haven't had any real relationship with a woman since I was in high school. What if I fuck something up? What if I hurt her somehow?

I mean, I won't cheat on her. I wouldn't do that to anyone. But what if I — no. No. Bella makes me happier than anyone ever has. I don't need anyone else — assuming she still wants me, of course.

I know everyone thinks that bisexuals need both men and women in their lives in order to be happy, but in my experience, that simply isn't true. I'm attracted to both men and women in the same way some straight men are attracted to both blondes and brunettes. Gender is simply an unimportant physical feature to me. It's always been the person on the inside that has truly attracted me.

And I choose Bella.

Before I know it, we're being released for the day. I start to head back to my hotel room, but then chicken out. There's really no time before dinner to get into everything Bella and I have to talk about. And so I text her that I'll meet her in the restaurant, even though I feel like a total shit for avoiding her.

I freshen up in a bathroom outside the conference rooms, then take the elevator to the top floor restaurant. I'm chatting with a couple of doctors I met at the last one of these shindigs I attended when Bella finds me. She's wearing the dark blue dress I picked out for her to wear to Angela's wedding last month and looks so fucking beautiful.

I turn toward her, pulling her close with one arm around her back and kissing her cheek. "After dinner we'll talk," I whisper in her ear. She nods and I introduce her to the doctors I'm standing with, keeping one arm around her the entire time.

Throughout dinner, I find it difficult to keep my hands off Bella, periodically reaching down to rub her thigh. I'm too nervous about our upcoming conversation to really talk to her though.

Once we've finished our dessert, I do my best to extricate myself from the conversation with the doctors sitting across from us, sensing that Bella is getting impatient with me. As soon as I can, I stand up, pulling her chair out for her like a gentleman.

With one hand on the small of her back, I lead Bella to the elevator, following behind another couple. I press the button for the Lobby, and she looks at me questioningly.

"Um, come take a walk with me on the beach," I suggest, trying not to sweat.

When we've reached the ground floor, I take hold of her left hand, leading her out a back door and down to the beach. Bella soon takes her high heels off, carrying them in the hand I'm not holding.

As we walk across the sand, I try to formulate my words, but even with all day to think about it, I'm still not sure where to start. Well, I suppose I should start with an apology. Clearing my throat, I whisper, "I'm sorry. For avoiding you today."

Bella drops her shoes to the ground, remaining silent as she stares daggers at me. Fuck.

"I just… I had a lot of thinking to do. I don't think I heard one word of my lectures all day today," I chuckle nervously. She's crossed her arms now while she glares. "My mind just kept playing last night on a loop, over and over again."

Sighing, I stop and turn toward Bella, preparing to explain from the beginning how I came to fall in love with her. "Bella, I'm gay. I've known this for over half my life, even if I didn't really come to terms with it until about 10 years ago. I—"

"Stop," she shouts. "You don't need to say it. I get it."

"What?" I ask, confused.

"I know you regret last night," she whispers.

"You think I regret it?" I blurt out. I sigh again, my hand tugging hard on my hair as I squeeze my eyes tightly closed.

"I'm fucking this up," I mumble to myself, shaking my head. "Ok, forget the full explanation."

I take both of her hands in mine as I look her in the eye. "I don't know exactly how it happened, but Bella — I love you," I declare. "I'm in love with you. You are everything I want. You're everything I need."

"But you're… I mean, what about my girl parts?" A tear trickles down her cheek. Shit.

"I kinda had fun with your girl parts last night," I reply with a grin. Boy, did I ever. And if I don't fix this, I'm never going to have the pleasure again.

"But you just said…"

"I'm attracted to men, yes. And women, to a lesser extent. I've considered myself gay for years primarily because I've had much more successful relationships with men. But I guess technically… I'd be considered bi. All I've ever really wanted was to find the one person — male or female — who could make me happy, who could complete me.

"Since you moved in with me, I've never been happier. I can't imagine you ever leaving. I'm in love with you, Bella — with the amazing person you are on the inside. That's what counts. The outside just… it dictates how we have fun," I explain, waggling my eyebrows. "I love your body and all of your girl parts because I love you."

Bella laughs through her tears, and I hope that means she believes me.

"I love you too, Edward. So much. But are you sure you can live without, you know… I mean, should I buy a strap-on?"

I laugh loudly at the absurdity of that question, until she finally slaps at my arm. "How can I put this delicately…? I have always had the more, active, role, you could say."

"You mean you're a top."

"Well, yeah," I admit, rolling my eyes. "Being with you really isn't all that much different. Of course, we could even—"

"You're not getting near my ass!" she yells, and I laugh again. She's utterly ridiculous, but I love her for it.

"Seriously, Edward," she continues, "Am I enough for you? Do you need more in bed than I can give you? Please be honest with me."

"You are more than enough, Pretty Girl." I smile, brushing a tear from her cheek. Leaning in, I kiss her gently before wrapping my arms around her and hugging her tightly. Well, after a rough start, that went better than I could have hoped.

Bella pulls back suddenly, smacking me in the chest. "What was that for?" I ask. Maybe I "spoke" too soon.

"For sneaking out of our room this morning."

"Bella," I sigh, "I'm sorry. Really sorry. I know it must've sucked to wake up alone. I just… I needed to think about us."

"Think about whether or not you wanted me?" she asks, sounding so vulnerable.

"No," I reply emphatically. "I've known for weeks — months — that I felt more for you than friendship, but—"

"You what?" she screeches. "I never imagined that you — why didn't you say something?" She shakes her head.

"It's not my fault that you're exceptionally unobservant," I grin. "I was afraid of messing up our friendship if you didn't feel the same way."

Bella moves to hit me again, but I grab her hand to stop the blow. "You know, I'm the one who should be smacking you for the way you've teased me ever since you moved in with me."

"Teased you?" she repeats.

"Walking around in your tiny little underwear in front of me," I clarify, one eyebrow raised.

"I didn't think you'd noticed," she answers, blushing adorably.

"Oh, I definitely noticed. Now how about we go back to our room so I can get better acquainted with those girl parts that you were so fond of showing me."

"I think that sounds like the best idea you've ever had."

Grinning, I kneel down in front of her, then turn my head to look up at her. "Hop on."

Bella quickly puts her shoes back on then climbs onto my back, hugging me securely around the neck as she wraps her legs around me. I stand up and she sucks hard on the back of my neck, then bites it gently.

"If you give me a hickey," I warn, "You're gonna pay for that when I get you alone."

"Bring it on, Cullen."

Oh, I plan to.

A/N: That's it all, folks! If I ever get some good inspiration for a future take, I'll write something.

Up next: I'm working on a continuation of Three's a Crowd? right now, which will post before the Stripped continuation. I've written 30,000 words of the continuation, which covers just under half of my written outline (yes, I actually have one). Of course, moosals wanted me to extend the outline… I'll post when I'm finished, or almost finished, pre-writing. I'm writing as fast as I can, so please be patient with me.