Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.

Thanks & love to Bridgette who beta'd, & Ffaddward & Reyes who preread! Liv & Julie- thanks for putting up with me. I don't know how y'all do it sometimes.

Chapter Twenty-One

It had been the longest and busiest three weeks of my life.

One week after speaking to Charlie about helping with the cost of Gram's care, Carlisle set up a meeting with Emmett and I to get the inheritance business sorted out. At the end of the week, once the money was finally in our respective accounts, I felt no different than before.

I wasn't exactly sure what I was expecting to happen. Was I supposed to suddenly have all the answers? Was I supposed to be happier, more mature? Because I knew none of those fucking things had happened. I didn't feel any different. Nothing had really changed.

I had Bella to blame for that.

As cheesy as it sounded, she had shown me you didn't need money to be happy. Sure, it really fucking helped, but I had a feeling even without all of the zeros in my bank account I'd be just as happy sitting with Bella on a couch watching reality television.

That last thought pissed me off. Bella even made horrible reality television tolerable for me.

A week after I finally received my inheritance - when I wasn't busy working or getting my ass handed to by Seth in FIFA - I spent my time apartment searching.

Emmett was horrible at being subtle with the whole you-need-to-move-the-fuck-out thing. He didn't hold back on the noise level while he and Rose...I can't even finish that thought. He also began leaving the door open while he shit. He obviously had issues, and I needed to get the fuck out. Fast.

Esme offered to tag along for most of the apartment searching which really fucking helped. She ended up asking most of the questions, and I just nodded or shook my head when asked if I liked whatever place we were deciding on. I finally chose a one bedroom apartment with roof access and a huge fucking kitchen. I couldn't help but think of Bella when I signed the papers. I figured - if she wanted anything to do with me - I could teach her a thing or two in the kitchen. Burned toast gets you no where in life.

In the midst of all of these changes, Bella and I had yet to speak. Sure, we had texted a handful of times within those three weeks, and I even made her 'lol' a few times, but still. There was no mention of her wanting to hang out, and there was definitely no mention of Gram. Her silence on both of those topics made me feel uneasy. I wasn't sure how much longer I could go without seeing her.

I was trying to be understanding by giving her the space she asked for. Exactly how much space and time did one person need? I wasn't that fucking awful, was I?

Carlisle kept me up to date with everything regarding Gram. Apparently, she had been successfully moved back into The Summit with no trouble at all. I couldn't seem to thank Carlisle enough. I think he was more shocked than I was that the words "thank" and "you" actually existed in my vocabulary. That didn't mean I wouldn't still give him a hard time. I was just laying off for a while.

Everything was finally coming together, and I wasn't sure how to feel about that.

"Oh. You're still here," Emmett noted as he walked in the door.

"You're still a fucker," I quipped as I stretched out my arms above my head.

"You should be used to that by now." Emmett laughed and dropped his bag by the door. "If you're being emo again, I'm outta here."

"Screw you," I spat. But yeah. I was probably being emo.

Again, I had Bella to blame for that.

Emmett rolled his eyes. "Don't be sad about moving tomorrow. You'll still see me all the time."

"Let's hope not," I joked.

"You know I wouldn't be kicking you out if it weren't for Rose."

"Time to spread my wings and all that shit. It's cool." I paused to give him a look. "And you'd still totally kick me out even if Rosalie weren't being all Rosalie about this."

"Okay. Yeah. I'd still kick you out. But seriously, sleeping on a couch cannot be good for your back."

He stole the remote from me and threw himself on the beanbag as he flipped through the channels. I still hadn't told him about mine and Bella's time on the beanbag. I figured he didn't have to know, but I'd definitely be buying myself one of those for my new place.

"You think Bella will show up to the party Saturday night?" Emmett questioned as I walked towards the fridge.

"I don't know," I said honestly, grabbing two beers and a bag of Cheetos Puffs. "I called her and left a voice mail with the address. Who fucking knows anymore."

"You know you're pussy whipped, right?"

"Right," I concurred. "Although, I'm pretty sure Bella had me by the balls before we ever did anything. Just don't tell anyone else that," I added before shoving the puffy, cheesy goodness in my mouth.

"Eh. I'm pretty sure everyone already knew that though. But your secret is safe with me," Emmett promised before stealing the bag of Cheetos from me.

I'd miss the dude, but I was glad to finally be moving into my own place with my own puffy Cheetos.

It was time.

After work on Friday, I went straight to pick up Seth. He had enough energy and excitement to help me move the last of the boxes from Carlisle and Esme's house to my new place, so I figured I'd put him to work. I may have also bribed him with a new video game, but Carmen didn't need to know that.

"You're like a grown up now," Seth giggled as I opened the blinds to let in some light.

He set the box on the wood floor as I playfully glared in his direction. I wanted to rebut what he just said, but then I realized...nah. Kid had a point in a non-fucked up way.

"First things first- we need to set up the Xbox in the living room," I instructed, and Seth saluted me.

There were only four things in my apartment aside from a shit ton of boxes. A new bed, courtesy of Esme; a newly purchased television, courtesy of my inheritance; two kegs, courtesy of Emmett. He had them sent over yesterday with a note that read 'And stay out!'. I could appreciate the sentiment.

"What are these?" Seth asked as he kicked one of the kegs.

"Ha." I laughed. "Housewarming gift from Emmett. I'm throwing a party tomorrow night. Er...Emmett and Rose are throwing a party. I didn't really have a choice."

"Can I come?"

"Not that kind of party, kid. But you're welcome here anytime, you already know that."

"Is Bella invited?" Seth asked with bright eyes.

"You know she is," I mumbled under my breath.

"But is she going to come see you?"

I didn't answer this time.

He sighed and caught the gaming controller I threw his way. "Maybe someday you'll be good with the ladies like I am," he said with a wide grin.

"Oh yeah?" I felt the corner of my mouth turn up. "The ladies finally dig the Twizzlers you give them?"

"I didn't have to give them anything. I'm just nice and know good jokes," Seth replied easily, and damn. Kid made a second point tonight.

I needed some new jokes.

After I took Seth to eat at P. Terry's, I offered to let him kick my ass in FIFA for a while until Carmen got off work. He claimed to be a tough kid, but I knew he hated staying home alone the nights his mom had to work late.

Sleeping in later than usual, I woke slightly disoriented in my own new room Saturday morning. I laid in bed for about an hour, working up the courage to give Bella another call. I pussied out and showered instead, hoping she would at least contact me about tonight. Even if she couldn't make it.

The rest of the day passed by too fucking slow.

Emmett came by around five, and we promptly began taking shots as Rose struggled to move all of the boxes into my bedroom. We were eventually guilted into helping after she broke a nail. But not before first laughing our asses off.

Ben came by close to eight and set up an area of the living room to handle the music. I drank enough by then to bust out a few beats before I was told by Rose I wasn't allowed to be any form of entertainment at any part of the night.

They were assholes for laughing.

A little after ten P.M. my apartment, which was empty of furniture, was completely full with people I didn't give a fuck about. Emmett and Rose had taken over the guest list, meaning they sent out an invite to every single one of their Facebook friends.

They all stood around, fake smiles plastered on their faces, eating my fucking food and drinking my beer while pretending to be interested in what the other person in front of them had to say.

I had no interest in pretending with these fuckers. But I also knew that's what would make the night go by faster.

So, I schmoozed with people I'd attended college with. I listened intently and pretended I was interested in my new neighbors as they gossiped about the other people who lived in the building. I smiled politely when one of the older tenants of the building introduced me to her niece.

Her hair was too blonde and her smile wasn't warm and her eyes were full of lust.

I kept my distance.

I didn't want her.

I wanted Bella, who was was un-fucking-accounted for.

My eyes would dart towards the door, mid-conversation. My ears perked up when I thought I heard someone say her name. My fingers twitched as I cursed the silence of my cell phone in my pocket.

I was looking for her; waiting for her.

According to Emmett, who noticed my aloofness, I was losing my mind.

The bass from the sound system Ben had installed, along with the whiskey, lulled me into some sort of trance, helping as I went through the motions again.

I schmoozed when someone familiar approached me.

I listened when their mouths moved.

I smiled when expected.

Schmooze, listen, smile.

When I was finally able to sneak away, I grabbed an almost full bottle of whiskey before refilling my cup with beer.

Ignoring the glances my way as I pushed through the crowd, I opened the front door and stood in the empty hallway for a second to gather my thoughts. I unscrewed the bottle of Jack and took a long pull before chasing it with the beer.

My eyes lingered on the door at the end of the hall and I looked behind me before walking towards it. I walked through and climbed two flights of stairs before opening the door to the roof, embracing the warm breeze that smothered me.

Making my way over to the brick ledge, I safely placed my beer and whiskey bottle together before I hopped up.

I turned my body to appreciate the view of the skyline and the city lights.I laughed bitterly as I thought of Bella enjoying the view; I pictured her body bent over the ledge, moaning in pleasure.

I brought the bottle of Jack to my lips and and closed my eyes at the familiar burn in my throat before turning my back to the city.

When I opened my eyes, Bella was standing a few feet away from me.

The wind had picked up, and it was blowing her hair in all different directions, making it hard for me to see her expression. Her arms were crossed over her chest before she brought one hand to tame her wild hair. I was assaulted and caught off guard with a soft gaze.

"Surprise, surprise," I said with a throaty laugh. I took in her appearance: skin tight jeans, loose tank top and shoes that probably made her stand as tall as I did. "You look hot," I blurted out, unable to hide my attraction for her.

"You look drunk," she said with a sly smile. "But you look good, too."

I patted the ledge and she hesitated before walking over. She pulled off her heels and I grabbed her hand to help her up. We sat, thigh to thigh, on the roof of my building.

It was quiet but not uncomfortable.

"Nice place," she finally murmured and accepted the bottle of whiskey I offered. "Very...you."

"Is that a good thing?"

"Of course."

"I'm surprised you came," I admitted, narrowing my eyes as she winced from the alcohol.

"Well. I'm surprised you invited me."

"That's ridiculous. I've been going out of my fucking mind lately-" I stopped and realized I was already getting worked up, so I reined that shit in. "Of course I'd invite you."

"Thanks," she whispered softly and took a nice swig from the bottle. "I brought spring rolls. I suppose it was a housewarming gift, but Emmett ate them - all of them - in exchange for telling me where you were."

"That fucker."

"He's cool," Bella said softly. "You know. I haven't been trying to be a bitch lately. I was just occupied with finals and then all of the mess with Gram. I was trying to sort a few things out."

"You don't need to explain yourself, Bella. It's fine," I insisted. Because it was fine.

She was here now. That's all that fucking mattered.

"Edward. I know it was you," she accused, and for a second, I had no idea what the hell she was talking about. She must have noticed my confusion because she started again. "I know you're the one who helped out with the funds to get Gram back into the nursing home."

"No, I didn't. That was all Carlisle."

Bella shook her head and looked over her shoulder at the skyline before turning back to me. "But without you it wouldn't have been possible."

"Huh. Well..." I trailed off and gave her a small smile. "It was the least I could do for the reigning champion of gin rummy. Really."

Bella's laugh was light, and I reveled at the sound. "You have no idea..." she started to say, then stopped herself.

"What?" I urged her to go on; to say whatever the fuck she wanted to say. "You're always too guarded," I blurted out loud.

"Me? No. Really?" Bella snorted and pried the bottle from my hands.

"How'd you find out anyway? I hope it wasn't Charlie who spilled the beans. I had such faith in him."

"No." She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and held her hair away from her face. "Actually. He did everything he could to avoid me these past few weeks. I questioned the reason behind Gram suddenly having the funds to move back in, and he offered some lame excuse about her winning a raffle. I should've known."

"A raffle? You believed that?" I asked incredulously before bursting out in laughter. "Come on, Bell."

Her eyes lingered on me before staring down at her lap. "I've always liked that, you know; when you call me Bell. I don't know why."

I bumped her shoulder with mine, trying really fucking hard not to kiss her.

And then I thought- fuck it. Why not?

I leaned closer, keeping my hands to myself as her lips met me halfway. Bella brought her hands to the back of my neck as she deepened the kiss. I groaned as my hands trailed over her exposed skin, pushing the strap of her tank top down her shoulder.

I pulled back, or she did, as we gathered ourselves for a second. Meaning I adjusted the hard-on that was threatening to rip a hole through my jeans.

"Sorry," I said sheepishly. "It's been too long."

"Don't apologize for kissing me," she scolded. "Um. What was I saying?"

I racked my brain for a second. "Uh. Raffle?"

"Yeah. Anyway," she began again before clearing her throat. "One of the doctors mentioned something about it being nice that Dr. Cullen offered to help out. Then I realized I was an idiot. I don't know why I believed the crap about winning a raffle. Sleep deprivation can do odd things to a person. Things I'm not proud of, like eating an entire can of Pringles in one sitting."

"And believing Gram won a raffle for free room and board for an expensive assisted living facility," I pointed out.

"Yeah. And convincing myself we weren't good for each other," she added.

"Man. Sleep deprivation convinced you we aren't good together? What an asshole. Where does he live?"

"Why? Are you gonna punch him?" Bella laughed and bumped my shoulder this time.

"Don't start with me. I have been working out lately, if you haven't noticed."

"Hm. I have noticed. You don't have to strain as much to lift the whiskey bottle."

I scoffed and brought my hand to her thigh. "I see you haven't gotten any funnier since the last time we've hung out. That's a shame."

"I've been a little busy. Haven't had time to learn any new jokes," she said as she squirmed from my touch.

Pulling my hand away, I said, "You've been done with finals for a while now, and Carlisle told me Gram moved back to the nursing home two weeks ago. What have you been doing that has kept you away from me?"

"I told you I had to sort a few things out."

"Uh huh." I laughed humorlessly and cleared my throat. "Stop be cryptic and acting all girly. Shit. Talk to me."

"Well, for starters, you're a really fucking hard person to fall out of love with, you know that?" Bella blurted out with a huff.

I couldn't stop the grin that was plastered on my face. "Now why would you want to go and do something as silly as trying to fall out of love with me, huh?"

"I don't make the best decisions sometimes, you see," Bella said as she quirked an eyebrow. "You know, one time this guy offered to pay me a shitload of money to pretend to date him, and I agreed. I mean, who does that?"

"This guy you speak of...is he extremely funny and good looking?" I asked as I leaned closer to her.

"Yes."

"Well then, don't be too hard on yourself. It sounds like he's cool and has great fucking hair. I'm sure you had no say in the matter."

"I'm a sucker for good hair." She laughed, left her spot beside me and situated herself to straddle my lap.

"This is highly dangerous," I mumbled, grabbing her ass trying not to lean back and, you know, fall off the building.

Bella kissed my neck while grinding against my hips.

"Fuck," I hissed. "So. You love me, huh?"

She pulled back, and I kept my hands on both sides of her face. "I do love you."

"About fucking time," I mumbled as her lips frantically crashed into mine.

Bella moaned, and I laughed as she rubbed against me. "Too fucking long."

"I know."

"When is this party going to be over, huh?" she asked.

"Uh. Like...five minutes," I said seriously, patting her ass. "C'mon. Let's throw 'em out."

Bella hopped off the ledge holding her heels, and my hand as I reached for the bottle of Jack.

I pulled her against me and smiled against her lips before we opened the door to the stairwell. She moaned and dropped her heels to the ground, reaching her hands up under my shirt.

"Give me, like, five minutes, and I'll kick all of those fuckers out," I promised as she shook her head before moving her hands to my belt.

"No. Too long. I can't wait."

"Damn," I hissed and set the bottle on the cement.

"I want you right now. And then we can kick them out," she explained. "And then we can fuck again. And again..."

I was down.

I pulled Bella against me, and she shivered as I unbuttoned her jeans, pulling them down. She did the same for me before I carefully pushed her back against the brick wall.

Dropping to my knees, I pushed her underwear to the side and felt her hands tangle in my hair as I brought her clit to my mouth. She moaned so fucking loud and so fucking good as I slid two fingers into her, feeling how ready she was for me.

"Shit, shit, shit," she hissed over and over again as I worked my tongue.

I suddenly stopped and smirked up at her.

"You're evil."

"I'm also not going to last long," I admitted, pulling her underwear down before standing to my feet.

She pulled out my dick and rubbed her thumb over my head that was already dripping.

"Fuck," I hissed before lifting her against me, her back staying put against the building as she wrapped her legs around my waist. "Ever fuck on a roof before?" I asked as she slid down onto my dick.

"N-no," she panted, and I lifted her shirt. "Only you."

"Fuck. You feel so good," I mumbled, bringing her breast to my mouth.

"I missed you," she whispered. I pulled back to stare at her, slowing my pace.

"I missed you too, Bell." I kissed her over and over again, grunting as I felt that familiar feeling building up.

Too much.

Too soon.

"Don't stop. Please," she begged.

"Never," I mumbled, grinding my hips against hers and gripping the brick with one hand. "Damn. Baby."

Her nails dug into my neck, and she buried her head in my shoulder as she cried out her release. I picked up my pace and pinched her nipple as I felt myself losing control.

"Fuck," I groaned as I came, her legs tightening and walls constricting around me.

I stayed inside her for a minute or two, trying to catch my breath as her fingers played with the back of my hair.

"This totally makes up for not indulging in the bathroom sex," I mumbled against her neck as she lowered her legs.

"Well, kick everyone out and maybe you'll get the bathroom sex you want," she said with a smirk.

I kissed her lips. "What about kitchen sex?"

"We can't leave the kitchen out."

"Hey," I whispered. "I really am glad you finally admitted you love me," I teased, searching her face as she rolled her eyes. "Because I really do fucking love you."

"I really love you, too. And I'm sorry-"

"I'm sorry, too. But we're past all of that. Seriously."

Bella nodded and softened her gaze as I kissed her head.

We quickly dressed and walked downstairs to my apartment, interrupting a limbo game Emmett had started. I was about to throw everyone out when Emmett pulled Bella over and forced her to limbo.

I let the party go on for a little while longer. It was tolerable once Bella was there, sitting in my lap, whispering in my ear.

It was two in the morning after everyone finally left. Bella had promised bathroom sex, but she also couldn't wait long enough to actually get me in the bathroom, so we ended up making love against the door. And then the bathroom.

We laid in my bed exhausted but touching everywhere as we made promises to each other.

"I promise to try to not be such an asshole," I said, causing Bella to laugh loudly.

"Seriously, that's like asking you not to breathe. Or drink."

"Well?" I kissed her thigh.

"I promise to learn how to not burn toast; only if you promise to eat the toast that I do burn."

This time I laughed loudly. "I am not promising to eat burned toast, Bella."

"Oh, come on! You ate burned toast at Ben's!"

"That was before I got into your pants," I pointed out as she slapped my arm. "Fine. I'll eat your burned toast if you let me fuck you on the counter."

She thought for a second. "Done."

"I promise to cheat with you in Monopoly."

"I knew you and Emmett were cheating, oh my God."

I shrugged. "Your turn."

"I promise to never let you wear pleather."

"Ha! Trust me, you don't have to worry about me ever wearing pleather."

"But I don't know," she mumbled and straddled me. "I think your ass would look hot in pleather."

I gave her ass a slap and pulled her head down so I could kiss her.

"I promise to not let you ever buy shitty vodka again."

"Fine. I promise to let you buy quality vodka with your inheritance money," Bella said with a grin. "Last one. Go."

"I promise to love you even when you go crazy eyes on me."

"I don't go crazy eyes..." she trailed off before kissing me. "Fine. I promise to keep the crazy eyes to a minimum."

I laughed against her lips and thrust my hips against hers.

Finally, after all of our ridiculous promises to each other, I felt like I had changed. Not completely, but enough to know I had a good thing with Bella, and I wasn't going screw it up.

I couldn't assure her we wouldn't fight.

I couldn't guarantee everything would be easy from here on out.

All I could promise was that I would love her and give her some of the best goddamn roof sex ever.

A/N: Thank you for patiently waiting for this to update! I'd started writing First of the Month and then...yeah. Things got out of hand. I do apologize.

I truly appreciate everyone who read, reviewed, and rec'd this story! You guys made this entirely too much fun for me to write :')