~Edward~

I patted down my pockets, checking the ones in my jacket as well. "Shit."

Bella looked up from her plate. "What's wrong?"

"I must have left my wallet in my locker."

She grinned at me as she slipped another forkful of cake into her mouth. "Does this mean you have to do dishes to pay for dinner?"

I laughed. "If this was Rose's place, I could make that trade, but I think I need you to take care of the bill tonight."

She waved her fork dismissively. "I can do that."

"I need to get my wallet. The station is closed for the next forty-eight hours—I can't be without it for that long."

"Can you still get in?"

I nodded. "They aren't starting 'til the morning."

A problem had shown up with the building and we had to be out of the area until it was done. We were working out of a temporary place while the work happened. I'd been running late earlier and had forgotten to grab my wallet off the shelf.

"We can go grab it when we're done."

"Okay."

Bella took another mouthful of dessert, closing her eyes as she hummed at the taste.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "I thought we were sharing dessert, sweetheart. It's almost gone, and all I've gotten is one taste."

Come to think of it, she'd barely shared her dinner, too. She always shared with me. She must be extra hungry today for some reason. That didn't bother me, but the cake she was eating was damned good. If I'd known she was going to eat it all, I would have ordered my own.

Her eyes lit up with mischief. "Oh," she drawled. She lifted the fork, the dark-chocolate cake, thick and rich, tempting me. "You want some more?"

"Yes."

She bit her lip as she leaned forward, sliding the cake between my lips. I groaned quietly at the taste, closing my eyes as I savored it, slowly licking the chocolate off my lips. When my eyes opened, Bella was watching me, her eyes wide, lips parted. "That," she breathed, "was so sexy."

I quirked my eyebrow at her. "It was delicious." I moved closer to her on the bench we were sharing. "But you want to know what would taste even better?"

She shook her head, her breathing picking up. Slowly, I ran my finger though the icing on her plate and pressed the soft fluff to her lips. "This."

I slipped my hand around her neck, yanking her to my mouth. My tongue licked and teased her softness, the sweet of the icing and the heat of her breath making me groan again. She gripped my waist as I ravaged her mouth, kissing her hard and deep.

Regretfully, I pulled back, pressing my forehead to hers. "Now that—" I panted "—that was sexy."

"We need to go home, Edward. We need to go home—now."

I raised my hand. "Check!"

*()*

Our footsteps echoed in the empty station. Bella looked around at the vacant room. "It's so strange not to see everyone around."

I nodded. "It is. I imagine it's much louder at the temporary set-up. Emmett's working so it's bound to be."

Bella picked up a coat lying on top of a table. "I've never seen you, you know."

"Never seen me what?"

"In your gear. I've never seen you in your gear. I've seen you in photos and your dress uniform, but not your gear."

"No, I guess not."

"I bet you're hot. Hot and sexy."

I laughed. "Some days…very hot, but not the way you mean."

She glanced over at the pole, which gleamed dull in the light. "How sexy are you sliding down that?"

"Not sexy at all. Usually I'm hoping Em isn't following me and planning on squishing me if I don't move away fast enough."

She smiled wistfully as she put the coat back down. "Maybe one day you'll show me."

"If you want."

She nodded, stepping in front of me. "Yeah. I want." She slipped her hand up my neck, burying it in my hair and pulling me down to her mouth. Her tongue stroked mine, her breath hot and sweet in my mouth. I pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, desire flaring as it always did when she was close. She pulled back, panting. "Go get your wallet and take me home, Edward."

"Anxious, sweetheart?"

Her tongue traced my bottom lip. "I want you."

That was good enough for me. I hurried up the stairs and grabbed my wallet, pausing when the yellow color of my spare gear caught my eye.

Bella wanted to see me in my gear. She wanted to see me slide down the pole.

The station was empty.

An idea formed, and with a grin, I pulled off my coat.

*()*

~Bella~

I leaned against the counter, waiting impatiently for Edward. I wanted him home and naked in our bed. We'd been married for over a year now, and he could still make me want him with just one touch. One look from his scorching green eyes, and I was a puddle of need for him. Especially the past few weeks. I wanted him all the time.

Edward's voice calling my name made me look up.

"Bel...la…"

I frowned. "Where are you?"

"Coming to get you."

"What?"

Suddenly, faster than I could blink, Edward slid down the pole, landing on his feet in front of me, a huge grin on his face and wearing his gear. His jacket hung open revealing his tight T-shirt, and his helmet was perched on his head. "I hear you have a fire you need to put out, ma'am." He winked at me. "I think I could help you with that."

I tilted my head to the side and studied him. God, he was sexy. Tall, lean with muscles all in the right places, and so fucking perfect—perfect for me.

I smiled, running my finger down his chest to his stomach, feeling the roll of his muscles as he reacted to my touch. "Do you have the right…equipment for that?"

His voice was low. "Oh, I have what you need, pretty lady." He pulled me close, his breath washing over my face. "My hose is primed and ready for you."

I dropped my hand, palming his erection and groaning at the hardness of him. But I wanted something else first.

I stepped back. "You were pretty sexy coming down that pole."

"Oh yeah?"

"I'd like to see more of that."

"You want me to slide down the pole again?"

With a grin, I pulled my iPhone out of my pocket, scrolled through my music, and hit play.

"I'd like to see what else you can do on that pole."

"What?"

"I remembering you telling me you had moves, Edward. Show me."

"You want me to…pole dance?"

"Yes. For me."

He leered at me. "And what do I get if I do?"

I tugged my jacket off. "Me. Any way, anything, any place in here you want."

He swallowed, a slow, sexy smirk spreading curling his lips. "Good thing the cameras are off."

I nodded. "Yeah, it is." I unbuttoned the top of my blouse, smirking at him. "Show me..."

He stepped forward, placing his helmet on my head, and shrugged off his heavy jacket. "Hold these for me."

Then, with a wink, he grabbed the pole and pulled himself up.

Edward clad only in his pants and tight shirt was a wonder to behold on the pole. His arms flexed, back bowed as he swung himself around, never breaking eye contact with me. He hadn't been lying when he said he had moves. Up, around, one armed, remarkably graceful, he moved and arched, the whole time with a huge grin on his face. My eyes widened as his feet hit the floor and he turned, winking and popping his ass at me, before dropping to a crouch and thrusting suggestively to the heavy beat of the music as he looked back, head tilted, his tongue peeking out between his lips.

Fuck, he was good at this. Too good.

I sat down in the chair by the counter and watched him, desire spreading through my body like liquid fire.

His long arm reached high over his head, grabbing the pole, and he lifted himself, wrapping his legs tightly around the metal. One glove, then two, hit the floor by my feet. His suspenders slipped off his shoulders. Tapered fingers slid down his chest as he bent backward, only held mid-air with the strength of his legs. In a blink, his shirt was off and on my lap. His chest gleamed in the muted light, his tattoos a dark contrast on his pale skin. I loved his ink and remembered him telling me how fascinated he had been with legends as a teenager. He'd designed the one on his arm, which told the story of a friendship between a fierce stallion and an eagle, wanting to carry it with him forever. His newest ink shone on his chest—my name and his combined over his heart. His mythical tribal sleeve flexed as he grabbed the pole with one hand, and with the other, he opened the snap of his pants. The air around us grew even warmer, and I felt myself beginning to pant softly. I wanted him. Every part of him.

When he wrapped himself around the pole, slowly winding his way to the floor, signaling the end of his performance, I clapped and wolf whistled. He ducked his head shyly and looked at me from under his eyelashes.

"How's that fire now?"

"It's an inferno."

He crooked his finger. "Why don't you come over here and let me put it out?"

Now it was my turn to swallow. His coat and helmet fell to the floor, and I stepped over them to get to him quicker. He was breathing fast, his chest heaving with exertion, a slight sheen of sweat covering his body. Standing in front of him, I breathed him in. Spicy, sexy, musky, and all Edward. All mine.

"What do you want?" I whispered.

"You."

"How?"

He pressed closer, dropping his head to my neck, his lips ghosting my skin. "I want your mouth on me, Bella."

I shivered.

"All of me."

I dropped to my knees.

*()*

~Edward~

My head fell back against the pole as my pants hit the floor, and Bella's mouth wrapped around my aching erection. Warm, wet heat enveloped my cock, and I groaned loudly. Her tongue began a tortuous circuit, gliding up and down, swirling around the sensitive head as her hands stroked my legs, then slipped around to grab my ass, pulling me even closer to her mouth.

"Fuck!"

She hummed around my dick, taking me deeper, the pleasure increasing as she moved faster, increasing the suction, and doing wicked things with her tongue and teeth. I grabbed the pole with one hand above my head and buried the other into her thick hair. I hissed and moaned, the sensations building and pulling me into the vortex where nothing but pleasure existed.

Her mouth…her hands…her sounds.

I was overwhelmed at the feeling of her moving, her hands gripping me, taking me deeper and deeper, until I couldn't stand the pleasure anymore—it was mind-blowing. I arched into her mouth, wanting, needing, to be deep inside her.

"Stop, baby! I'm going…fuck…Bella!" I panted.

She pulled back, her lips wet and swollen. "What do you want, Edward? Tell me," she whispered, tracing her tongue along the sensitive head.

"Inside you. Now."

I pulled her up, crashing my lips to hers. The sharp taste of my precum mixed with her taste made me groan into her mouth as our tongues glided together. Bunching her skirt up, I slid my hands up her legs and between her thighs, stroking her heat. Dropping my face to her neck, I moaned. "This turned you on, didn't it, my girl? Watching me shake my ass for you, turned you on. You're so fucking wet, Bella." I nipped her skin sharply. "My naughty girl."

She mewled, rocking against my hand as my fingers slipped inside her. "Edward, please."

"Grab the pole, Bella. Lift your arms and grab it tight. Don't let go."

She did what I said, and I lifted her, wrapping her legs around my hips. One powerful thrust, and I was inside her. Her eyes widened, rolling back in her head as I started moving.

Hard.

Fast.

Deep.

Our gazes were locked, our chests pressed together, breathing heavy. Her body undulated like a piece of rope caught in the wind. Arching, curving, bowing as she clung to the pole and met me thrust for thrust. Pleasure tore through me, and I begged for her to come with me as my orgasm spiralled through my body, burning me alive as it tore through my veins, exploding in a fiery roar that echoed off the cavernous walls. Bella's mouth opened, the sexiest gasp escaping as she stilled, her arms dropping and wrapping around my neck, my name falling from her lips as she buried her head into my shoulder and quaked.

I slid to the floor, holding her in my lap. Neither of us spoke for a moment. I nuzzled her hair, my hands running up and down her sides and back as she rested in my arms.

She tilted her head back, her eyes heavy. "You…that…wow."

"Is the fire out?"

She snuggled closer. "There's embers you may have to check on."

I smiled as I grazed her head with my mouth. "Why don't we go home, and I'll do just that? Maybe a tub would help."

"Yeah, I'd like that."

*()*

Warm water swirled around us. Bella was nestled between my legs, her head resting on my chest. I trailed my hands over her arms, fingers gliding across her silky skin. Occasionally, I pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder, and she would sigh in contentment.

"You're quiet, sweetheart."

"Hmmm."

"You okay?"

"Hmmm."

I grinned against her skin. "Can't talk?"

"Hmmm."

I nipped her ear, playfully. "Did I fuck all the words out of you?"

She giggled. "Maybe."

"Oh, there's one."

"That was…"

"I know."

She tilted her head up. "I love you."

I cupped her face, bringing it closer to mine, and kissed her tenderly. "I love you."

She yawned—a wide, eye-watering yawn that made me smile. Kissing the end of her nose, I gave her a gentle shove. "Let's go to bed. I tired you out."

"Hmmm."

I laughed. "And the words are gone again."

*()*

Bella climbed on the bed, wearing one of my T-shirts which hung down low on her thighs. She knelt beside me, smiling. I ran my thumb under her eyes. "You look exhausted." Patting the pillow I smiled. "Lie down, and I'll hold you until you fall asleep."

She shook her head.

"No?"

"Not yet."

She bit her lip, looking at me, her hands clutching the bottom of the shirt. I frowned at her. "Bella, what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. Everything's…perfect."

"Then why are you looking at me like that?"

"I have something to give you."

"Okay."

She reached over and slid a small package out from under her pillow, handing it to me.

"A present?"

She nodded. "I think you'll like it."

"Of course I will. It's from you, so I'll love it."

Her eyes were glossy. "Open it."

I made fast work of the wrapping, revealing a picture frame. I flipped it over, thinking it would be a picture of her, but instead there was a childish rendering of a firefighter's helmet and boots.

I studied the words, my eyes widening as I read them.

My Hero wears a

helmet and boots,

and

I call him Daddy

My gaze flew to Bella's. Her eyes were now filled with tears as she watched my reaction.

It all made sense now. Her sudden appetite, why she was tired, and her increased libido.

My wife was pregnant.

She was in my arms in an instant, my mouth on hers. I kissed her with everything I had to give. Our damp cheeks were pressed together, both of us shedding tears of joy as we celebrated this miracle of life. I drew back, my hands cupping her face. "Say it."

"I'm pregnant."

"How pregnant?"

"About six weeks."

I lifted her shirt, covering her stomach with my hand. I kissed the skin reverently. "Hi, baby. It's Daddy."

Bella giggled.

I glanced up at her. "You should have told me…before the pole dance."

She laughed. "It's fine, Edward. It's not like I got on the pole."

I groaned just at the idea. It was almost as dangerous as the ladder. "Yeah, that won't be happening."

"The doctor says sex is fine. In fact, it's good for me."

"Oh, yeah?"

She nodded. "She practically prescribed it daily."

I arched my eyebrow at her. "Is that a fact?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well then, I guess I'll have to make sure you take your medicine."

She grinned and cast me a sexy leer, only to yawn again. Laughing, I lay down, pulling her with me so she was resting on my chest.

"But for now, I think Mommy needs to sleep."

"Mommy. I like that."

"Me too."

"Daddy sounds pretty great, too."

I grinned. "Yeah, it does."

She hummed as I kissed her, my hand constantly stroking her tummy. "Thank you, sweetheart."

"You're the one who knocked me up," she mumbled sleepily.

"I did," I stated proudly, wondering how soon I could tell everyone. I held her a little tighter. "I'll take good care of you, Bella."

She looked up, her eyes filled with love. Love that was all mine.

"You already do, Edward. You're my hero. And our child will feel the same way. You'll always be our hero."

Their hero.

I smiled. Bella always thought of me that way. She made me see it was okay to be her hero.

A hero to her and our child.

I liked that.

A lot.

Well, the ladies in my group wanted some pole action...hope that satisfied your cravings, my friends.

And that is it for our couple.

Thank you for reading.

A new fic will begin August 2nd ~ it is called Birthday Wishes.

The cover of my new book, Beneath the Scars, is being revealed on Monday and I'm so excited! You can check it out on my author page~come find me!

Melanie L Moreland, Author

See you next fic~ til then...be safe!