So, yeah... An update. Bet you didn't think it would ever happen.

Chapter 11

"Babe, we can't," I said trying to put distance between myself and Edward's lips.

"Oh, but we can."

"No, we can't. Your cousins, Alice and that chick Jasper brought are all sitting in your living room waiting for us to bring out snacks and drinks so we can start the movie." I moved to the pan of fudge-swirl brownies cooling on the counter and began slicing them.

"Bell," Edward whispered, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "I can easily kick my cousins out. And I'm pretty sure Alice would be more than willing to go with Sawyer." He kissed up my neck, sucking my on my ear lightly. "Just think about it. You, me, alone… Mmm, sounds like a good time."

I put the knife down and turned to look at him. "It does sound good, but…"

"But what?"

"It's just," I paused and let out a frustrated huff. I was having trouble trying to say what had been on my mind for a while. Edward and I had gotten closer over the past few months. But when it came to rebuilding the physical aspect of our relationship, I couldn't find it in me to go past making out and some heavy over-the-clothes petting. "Have you gotten tested since then?"

"Tested?" He looked at me with wide, disbelieving green eyes. "Like STD testing?"

"Yeah."

He took a step away from me and swallowed hard. "I didn't think of that," he told me. "Guess it didn't occur to me. I mean, I should be fine. I don't think they'd give me anything, they're not like that."

"You don't think so? They both hooked up with you, knowing the other did, too. That doesn't leave me with the best thoughts about the type of women they are." He looked so ashamed after I pointed that out. He also seemed kind of shocked and guilty. "We can't do anything until you get checked out, okay?

"Okay. I-I'm sorry I didn't think of it myself. I'll give my doctor a call tomorrow to set it up," he said and pulled me close for a hug. "I love you, Bella. I'm sorry I fucked everything up, but I swear, I'll make things right."

"I know," I told him, kissing his cheek. "Now grab those plates, I'm afraid of what'll happen if we don't get back out there soon."

Entering the living room I found Sawyer holding Alice back as she screamed at Jasper. The girl he had brought, who I think was named Heather, was throwing pillows at his head.

"What the fuck happened?" Edward asked as he quickly put the dishes down.

Nothing!" Jasper exclaimed, as Alice yelled, "This asshole was practically humping her! When I told him to cut it out, he asked me to join!"

"J?" Edward gasped. "Really, man?"

"What? You can't tell me it wouldn't be hot! Imagine Bella and Alice together. Or all three of the girls!"

I didn't even have time to argue before Edward tackled Jasper to the ground and socked him in the gut. Sawyer was right behind, landing a shot to his brother's cheek.

"Stop being such a fucking dick," Sawyer yelled. "I don't give a fuck about you bringing a different girl around all the time, but don't be disrespectful to the ones E and I are with."

"Okay," Jasper gasped. His face still showing the shock by his younger brother's outburst.

The guys all got up and we started the movie. The tension slowly faded as we watched Alan and the other guys search for Doug.

A week later I was at work helping one of our regulars, when Edward walked in. He had a smile on his face so big, it was bordering on creepy. He walked up to the counter and stood next to the woman.

He waited until I had finished with her before he leaned over and gave me a sweet kiss. It was clear he was in an overly happy mood, I was curious why, so asked what was going on.

"The doctor called, I'm good."

"Wait, what?"

"The doctor called," he said with wide eyes. "In regards to my appointment earlier this week."

"Oh."

"Yeah, oh," he laughed. "I'm good," he said again, with a little shake of his hips.

"You're such a dork," I laughed and snagged a cookie from the display case. I handed it to him and watched as he took a big bite, the goofy smile never leaving his face.

"Yeah, but I'm a dork who's good to go." He laughed again, then finished his cookie. "That was good. How much do I owe ya?"

"'Owe me'?" I shook my head at his silliness.

"Well, I was thinking… If you slid another snicker-doodle my way, it'd equal a night out on the town, my treat."

I pretended to contemplate his offer for a moment, before smiling. "If two cookies gets me a date, what'll I get for a cupcake? Cinnamon roll? How about a cannoli?"

"Well, if it's cannoli we're talking about…" he joked before sobering. "In all seriousness, Friday night, what'd you say we go out? Just the two of us-dinner and maybe a show or concert. And, I know we just joked about it, but I'm not expecting anything more than a night out with you, okay?"

"I think," I let out a sigh, "I think it sounds wonderful."

"It really does." His smile was so wide and bright, I had an urge to take out my phone and snap a picture. "I hate to run, but I've gotta head to the field for practice. I'll call you later, okay?" He gave me another kiss, this one laced with the taste of sugary cookies, and headed towards the door. "Love you, Beautiful."

Driving to Edward's house on Friday night, I couldn't deny I was nervous. He said he had no expectations other than a nice evening out, but I knew we both were wanting more. And, even though I had forgiven him, I hadn't forgotten what happened. It was causing my insecurities to stay on the forefront of my mind.

As I pulled in the driveway and parked I gave myself a mental pep talk. I just kept thinking that he was with me, putting in the effort to make us work. And if he didn't want me, he wouldn't be with me-but he was.

I got out and reached into the backseat, grabbing my overnight bag. Regardless of what we did or didn't do tonight, I was spending the night. And forcing him to make me breakfast in the morning.

Edward met me at the front door, opening it up to allow me in. He grabbed my bag and gave me a quick peck on the cheek, telling me I looked beautiful before disappearing down the hall. I wasn't sure why, maybe because of the possibilities the night held, but his comment had me blushing.

"So, you ready to head out? I thought we could go to that hibachi place near the park. Is that okay?" Edward asked as he came back into the room.

"Yeah, sounds good," I smiled at him.

After grabbing his wallet and keys, we headed out. It was clear from the moment we left his house, Edward was putting his gentlemanly manners on display. He led me to his truck with his hand on my back and opened the door for me. When we pulled up to the restaurant, he helped me out of the car and after kissing my hand, placed it in the crook of his arm while we walked to the door. He opened doors, pulled out my seat and prompted the waiter to take my order first.

By the time we left, pleasantly stuffed with food and full of smiles from our table chef, I didn't think the night could get any better. I was wrong. He brought me down the road to park, straight to a large fountain.

We sat on a bench with his arms around me. It was so peaceful, just watching the lights bouncing off the flowing water.

"Bella," he whispered, breaking the stillness. "Do you know the story behind this fountain?"

"No."

"They say that if you throw in a coin and make a wish for love, it will come true. But I don't need to wish for love to come to me." He shook his head. "I have love, I have you."

"Oh, babe," I sighed and leaned in to kiss him. He gave me a small peck on the lips, but pulled back.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out two coins. Holding one up, he told me. "This one is for you, to wish however you want, for whatever you want. And this one's going to be mine, it's a wish for our future and all the ways our love could grow. The way I feel for you, Bella, that's not changing. I know we've been through hell and it's my fault, but my feelings have never wavered. Weather you say it or not, I know you love me. So make your wish, no matter what it is, you deserve for it to come true."

He pulled me up and walked us to the edge of the water. While he stared into my eyes, he brought the coin to his lips, kissed it and then tossed it into the water.

"Edward," I whispered, choked up. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled his head down so I could kiss him. I put everything I could into it and while we were locked together I threw the coin. It's splash made him pull away. "I love you, Edward."

"It feels so good to hear you say that," he told me while letting out a deep breath.

"It feels good to say it." I laughed. "Now take me home, I think we need to feel it, too, lover boy."

We quickly made our way back to the car and started our journey back to Edward's house. He held my hand as he drove and when we were a few blocks away he interrupted the soft music. "As much as I'd like this to happen, Bell, I don't expect it. I told you, no pressure, I just wanted to spend time with you."

"I know," I acknowledged, squeezing his hand. "But, baby, I'm done holding back. We're at a good place and I want this. I want you. I've missed this part of us, so damn much. Now take me home," I told him as we pulled into the driveway.

When we walked into the house he led me to the kitchen and asked if I wanted a drink. I shook my head no, anxious and just so ready to move on to the fun stuff. Edward on the other hand seemed hesitant. He immediately walked to large liquor cabinet and began mixing juice and liquor from a bunch of bottles.

I walked up to his back and placed my arms around him. "What's going on? You okay?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "I'm good."

"Then why are you mixing cranberry juice with vodka, whiskey and Bailey's?"

"What?" he stopped what he was doing and looked down to the strange concoction he'd created. It was an odd color and as he passed by me, the smell was just as funky. Once across the kitchen, Edward dumped the liquid down the drain, before leaning against the sink. He stayed there, staring at the dark tiled floor before gazing into my eyes. "I'm nervous. I just, I want to let go of everything that's happened but my brain isn't forgetting it. I keep thinking 'how could she forgive me'? I was such a dick. 'How could she want to be with me'? It's stupid, I know, but its what's in my head."

"Are we really going there again?" I asked in an exasperated tone. "I thought the point of tonight, the fountain and all that, was to put it in the past? I haven't forgotten about anything, but I do forgive you. And I want you, in all ways I can have you."

"I know. It's just-"

"No!" I yelled. "Do you want to be with me, Edward?"

"You know I do."

"Do you love me?" I asked, my hand over my heart.

"More than I can express, Bella," he said with an earnest expression on his face.

"Then that's all the matters," I stated, stepping in his direction. I pulled him down to me and kissed him. He responded immediately and slipped his tongue between my lips.

I knew his nagging thoughts had faded away when I felt both his hands grabbing my ass. He used the tight grip he had to pull me forward, where I could feel how hard he was. Running my hands slowly down his chest, I didn't stop until I reached his belt.

When I started to pull at the leather to loosen it, Edward pulled back a half step, causing me to look up at him. He was breathing heavily through his open mouth, desire written across his face, but his slow head shake threw me off. "Not here, baby," was his gruff response after a moment. He pulled me close again, and picked me up, wrapping my legs around his waist while he stalked out of the kitchen. "I miss seeing you in my bed far to much."

Once in his room, Edward laid me down on the large bed. He climbed on top of me and kissed me hard. He raced to undo the buttons on my shirt and pants. His scruff scratched sensuously against my skin as he nipped and licked down my neck and chest.

"Bella, Bella, Bella," he murmured softly into my stomach. Peeking up, the green of his eyes mesmerized me for an instant.

"Take this off," I directed, pulling at the fabric of his sweater. Edward flung the garment across the room. While he had been shedding the fabric, I began pulling his belt until it was undone.

"Oh, no you don't," he growled, grabbing my hands and pulling them away from the button I was trying to free. "You won't be seeing more of me until I get to see a little more of you."

I lifted myself as Edward's hands slowly skimmed up my sides, bunching my shirt as they went higher. The feeling of his thumbs sliding over my breasts caused a shiver to run down my spine. I raised my arms, giving him a clear path to get my top off.

Once my shirt joined his on the floor, Edward was frozen. His eyes were traveling over my skin. In his moment of admiration, an idea formed in my head and without warning, I was pushing him to his back and straddling his waist.

"Bella," he said, looking at me in surprise.

"You were taking too long, baby." I shook my head while reaching behind my back to unclasp my bra. "It's been so long, I don't want to wait anymore. I want you, I want you now."

As I began to pull his jeans and boxers down, Edward nodded. "Anything you want, Bella. Anything."

Once he was naked, his clothing blending with mine on the carpet, he rolled me to my back once more. With a newfound determination, he peeled away my last layer.

As Edward settled between my thighs, lining himself up to my entrance, he stared deeply into my eyes. "There are so many things I want to do to you right now." He paused, licking his lips. "But I said I'd give you whatever you wanted." And with those words he entered me, pushing in as deep as he could.

The pace Edward set was steady. It wasn't the slow, sweet torture of love making, but it also wasn't a frenzied, headboard-banging fuck. He found the middle point, showing all the passion and love he had for me.

We continued to rock into each other, climaxes getting closer with each of our thrusts. I was teetering on the brink, each swivel of Edward's hips had me breathing deep, barely able to catch my breath. "So close, baby," I choked out. When that overwhelming sensation of bliss finally hit, I dug my nails into Edward's back and called out his name.

I was coming down from my orgasm when Edward's rhythm started to differ. His face was tight, teeth gritted together and brows furrowed. I could tell he was close, but trying to hold off. "Don't fight it, baby," I whispered, "take what you need." And he did, groaning as he came.

Minutes later we were laying in each others arms, coming down from our highs. "I've missed this, so much, Edward."

"Me, too," he agreed, kissing my head. "I love you, Bella."

If you're still out there, thanks for reading. I don't even know if anyone will read this after such a long hiatus, but I'm committed to finishing this story. Even if it's just for me. Even if it takes me years-which I hope it doesn't. I could tell you all about my crazy life and why I haven't updated, but it doesn't matter. What does matter is that I'm starting to find the time to be able to write, as well as my groove. I can't make any promises for future update time frames, just know this is a story I think about and want to write, even when I haven't been able to.

Also, big THANK YOU's to CallMePagliacci for her beta'ing help. My typical beta, Laura, was under the weather and I didn't want to bother her, so I reached out and CMP lent a kind hand.

~Ash