Trease: *peeks in* Hello out there! Did you guys miss me? I missed you guys! Nyddi wanted me to apologize but I came up with this...you all have to wait for greatness. And I promise there is greatness here. But I am sorry for the wait! LOL

Nyddi: *collapses after editing. True story*

Chapter 3

The Couch. The Movie. The Kiss.

BPOV******

"Good Morning!"

I heard the annoying chime of my damn alarm going off, effectively ending my dreamless slumber.

My hand went blindly searching for my phone (I was dying to turn it off) while my face buried itself further into the damn pillow.

I did not want to wake up at all.

While my hand continued with its endless searching I heard a loud crash followed by a muffled groan. I shot up quickly. Taking in the surrounding area and wondering what the hell I was doing out on the damn couch.

"What the hell am I doing out here?"

Pushing my rats nest of hair out of my face after realizing my phone was in my room, I started searching for my glasses while still trying to figure out how I got out there.

Especially when I remembered falling asleep in my room.

And what the hell was that noise?

Then, it hit me.

Edward.

Coming over in the middle of the night. Drunk as hell. His arms wrapped around me, me tucking him into my bed, him telling me I was beautiful, him..

Possibly coming over after a late night romp in the sheets with Miss Monica.

Right! Like I'd ever forget that.

Soon as I felt myself wanting to get upset at that whole situation again, I heard him. Feet pounding on the hardwood floors.

"Damn it, Swan, I could sleep in your bed all day but you have to shut that fucking phone off."

You know how when they wake up, the voice of some people changes into that horrible, scratchy tone that is just ugh?

Yeah, this was so not one of those cases.

Massive. Throb.

Must you narrate?

I think Lauren was in the middle of warning me not to turn around.

But I'd already jumped up at the sound of that voice.

It was only a matter of time.

I almost slipped right off the couch, managing at the last second to catch myself.

My hair fell forward, it, too, trying to save me from what was coming.

Hah. Yeah, right. Humans can be quite stupid creatures.

Here's my moment.

One of many.

Shut the fuck up!

Without stopping to think, I sat my ass back up and did the most idiotic thing I've ever done.

I moved my hair away from my eyes.

Why did I do that to myself?

Crystalline tinkles filled my ears but I couldn't even try to make out where they were coming from.

I think it had something to do with the light.

The sunlight.

Yeah, that.

The thing that was spilling in through my window and concentrating into one single, luminescent shaft that shot straight through.

All the way.

Right up to the...

Skin...

It'd been dark last night, so I'd known it was hot but...

Abs...

God help me, Jesus, please. Give me strength!

And it got worse.

So...much...fucking...worse...

The tinkling intensified, an odd and disconcerting backdrop as my wide eyes just froze.

Almost fell out of my head, I think.

My jaw lost all functionality.

My salivary glands pretty much did the same.

My tongue fucking hurt as I took in the perfect little dumbbell.

Pierced right through the sexiest nipple I've ever seen in my life.

Bar fucking none.

Bella...just imagine. If the nipple's that sexy...SUNLIGHT, BITCH! TAKE ADVANTAGE!

So I did. Like a good girl, I listened for once.

And oh. My. Fucking. God.

My eyes took in the pec that nipple was attached to.

The defined groves that followed.

Help me something, my hands were tight fists destroying my covers.

Lines that I hadn't been able to decipher caught my eye. His entire right shoulder was covered with dark, heavy lines that stood out starkly and sensuously against his skin.

The tribal sleeve covered everything down to his elbow.

It looked painful.

Bold.

Purely male.

Considering that I could barely breathe at that point, I should have just stopped right there.

But I couldn't.

I was hungry.

Needed to take in more...

Another harsh breath left me when my eyes fell down the middle of his chest.

Straight into the abs.

All eight of those motherfuckers.

A huge lump appeared out of no where, stuck in my throat and dangerous to everything.

Worse and most fascinating part?

There was a lump somewhere else.

And it wasn't on my body.

Oh, no...

Holy shit...

You guessed it. My eyes had fallen down to take in the white boxer briefs.

The ones that barely stretched across his cock.

Yeah. Edward's cock.

Oh. Holy. Shit.

EDWARD'S COCK!

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her tumble.

Fall.

Arms flailed and I swear, imaginary or not, I wanted to help her but I just couldn't move.

Lauren's choked sounds reached me as she thrashed around in what looked like a violent seizure.

I don't even know if I was breathing at that point. I mean, I had to be since I didn't just pass out and die, right? But I couldn't think.

Then...it saluted me.

I kid you not.

With one mighty twitch, the thing rose up and introduced itself.

Lauren wheezed pathetically, the sound feeble.

A throat cleared.

I blinked, but didn't move.

Couldn't.

Edward's cock just twitched again.

I bit my lip, wondering how seeing it could make my stomach feel so hollow.

"Ahem," I heard again, followed by movement.

Movement that snapped me right out of it.

I felt my face heating. Knew I had to be at least beet red at the moment. Edward had just caught me.

Staring.

At his cock.

Ugh! I swear I could never get a black hole when I really needed it.

I had my face pointed down. Hair producing a curtain for me. I was really trying to figure out how I was going to talk my way out of this one.

Hell, I honestly didn't think I could.

Face it Swan, your ass is screwed.

I fucking know!

I was still thinking of a way out of this situation when the solution fell out the sky.

Thank you, Jesus!

What was it?

Edward's phone rang. From his coat pocket. On the floor in front of the other couch.

My eyes snapped up to him. Watched him as he watched me then looked in the direction of the ringing phone.

We had this long silent stare off as he moved towards it. Leaving my doorway open.

He finally reached his jacket. Kept his eyes cast on mines as he crouched down to reach in the pocket.

Oh my goodness. The muscles in those thighs clenching and tightening as he moved...

What the fuck are you waiting for ,Swan? The path is clear! Run, BITCH RUN!

I didn't have to be told twice. I was up and halfway across the room before Edward could blink.

In my peripherals I saw Edward turn and reach for me but it was too late. I was already in my room when I barely heard my name over the blaring phone but it went unanswered as my door slammed.

Loudly.

My back slid down the door 'till my ass hit the ground.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!"

What was this man doing to me?

Bug-eyed, breathless, heart rebelling inside me, I stared off into space.

Thought I'd been through the worst of it already.

I was soooo wrong.

It was in that moment that my phone decided to come out of snooze.

The alarm blasted through the room once more, making me jump and squeak in a way that only served to make me redder.

Unsteadily, I got to my feet, rushing over to my bed to turn off the offending machine in question.

The quiet in the room was so sudden it left me no choice but to focus on the other sounds in the house.

Mainly?

Edward's baritone of a voice, loud, aggravated, and partly amused.

But this time, it wouldn't be his voice that would scrape at my insides.

It would be what I heard.

And it went something like this...

"I know,Tanya. I know. I'm sorry, I should've called you to let you know I wouldn't be making it home last night."

Tanya?

Who the FUCK was Tanya? And why is she upset Edward didn't go home last night?

Hold on, Edward stays with a woman who seems upset that he didn't come home last night...Hmph. Sounds like a girlfriend to me.

Girlfriend?

This asshole more than likely had a girlfriend.

That he stays with! Don't forget that.

Right! And he stayed out all night with Miss Monica!

He's a fucking cheater!

Oh my God!

I felt it the very second it started. My blood. Boiling. Raging.

I.

Was.

PISSED!

I knew he had to get around...

Well of course! A man that gorgeous has been rode more than a few times.

...but to be a fucking cheater is just so unacceptable.

That was it. He had to fucking go. I didn't want his cheating ass in my living room any longer.

I couldn't get off the bed fast enough. Had his clothes in my hands. Folding fiercely. Had to get him his shit so he could get the hell out my house.

Yes, I was going to kick his ass out. And I gave no fuck about how he got home, either. I just wanted his cheating ass away from me A.S.A.P!

Bella, why are you so mad? You weren't this pissed when some chick lied and said she had sex with Em' while dating Rose and he's like a brother. You barely even know Edward.

That stopped me. Got me to really thinking about why I was so pissed.

And, boy, when the reason hit me, I got even angrier.

I was fucking jealous.

JEALOUS!

Of what you ask?

Those girls.

I know you're probably thinking what fool is jealous of women who are only used for pleasure or getting cheated on and trust me, that's not what I meant.

I was jealous because at the end of the day I would NEVER be one of those girls.

The beautiful woman he went home to at night and woke up with the next morning or the hot chick that he gets to fuck for one night.

I'd never be someone he desires like that. And that thought alone was very disappointing.

Well, he called you beautiful so some part of him may feel that you could be.

I rolled my eyes at Lauren and got angry again.

He was also drunk out of his fucking mind.

Well, you know what they say about drunken slurs...

Yeah, speak a sober mind my pale white ass.

I was crossing over my room, headed to the door, hand on the doorknob when I heard him end his call. His closing line cutting through me even more than my jealousy.

"Yes , HURRY! I'll see you soon. Love you!"

Shit! What was I gonna do now? I felt trapped! I had this whole scenario of yelling at Edward while he was on the phone with Tanya.

But the call was over. What the hell!

Well I guess I didn't have to think for too long because he knocked on my door, effectively startling me from my thoughts.

"Um, Bella? Are my clothes in there?"

I froze.

Insecure.

Knowing that I was completely out of control and not knowing how I was going to hide it.

Breathing deeply, I turned towards the door, his folded clothes in my hands. I shifted the pile onto one hand, stopping to bend and pick up his huge sneakers.

Somehow managed to open the door with all that shit in my hands.

Shoved it straight at a startled Edward.

"I have to get ready for work," was all I said before slamming the door back in his face.

Because I was a coward.

Yeah.

Shaking like the pathetic girl I was, I walked towards my dresser, resolving to take a shower when I got home.

I changed as quickly as I could, a part of me thankful that Edward had the day off today.

When it came time to brush my teeth, my ass, like the coward it was, peaked through the door and out into the living room.

No sign of Edward.

I told myself the feeling that went through me was relief.

I knew better.

He'd left without saying goodbye.

You did slam the door in his face.

Well, at least he got the point.

I trudged into the bathroom, avoiding any look at myself in the mirror as I brushed my teeth.

Five minutes later, purse and Ipod in hand, I stepped out of the front door.

And promptly choked as I came face to face with Edward.

Standing on my porch.

Lord just take me now.

I couldn't stop the groan that slipped past my lips as my head tilted back while I locked the door.

Seriously. Like I can't escape this man.

I turned around and intended to walk past him but he wasn't going to let that happen.

"Bella?"

I felt his hand grasping my forearm, stopping me dead in my tracks.

And his sigh after saying my name just about did me in.

"Look, Bella, I know me just coming over in the middle of the night must have been a bit odd for you."

I had to turn around and give him my fiercest bitch brow yet while fighting the urge to really tell him how odd the past nine hours had been, but he quickly continued.

"With that being said I must apologize for putting you in such an uncomfortable situation."

Oh boy, if ONLY you knew.

There was nothing uncomfortable at all to me.

Lauren...

"But thanks for putting up with me and my shit, Bella."

You know, Edward never let go of my arm so imagine my surprise when he used it to pull me into a hug.

Yes. A hug. Nothing too sensual but it definitely made my breath hitch, body tingle and toes curl.

"I owe you one Bells."

His lips ghosting across my earlobe and his warm breath in my ear.

And just when I thought I was gonna be able to effectively recover from this he went for the fucking kill.

He kissed me.

A quick peck on the cheek but I'd be damned if it didn't have me all school girl crushing.

He pulls back and gives me a dazzling smile.

Not that annoying half smile that drives me wild but a full on all 32 teeth bearing smile.

I couldn't help returning it.

"It's fine, Edward. No biggie. Umm, what are you doing out here?"

As soon as the words left my mouth a sexy little red sports car pulled up and honked its horn. I couldn't make out much of the driver other than it was a SHE and blonde.

Just my fucking luck.

I turned to look at him and saw that damn smirk again.

"Well I was gonna wait for Tanya to pick me up but she's here already."

And with that he took off down the stairs. I heard him utter a quick 'Hey hun' after opening the door.

To say I was a tad bit heartbroken was an understatement.

I was utterly devastated by this.

And before getting in the car he turned around, flashed me that huge smile again.

The one that sent my heart flying.

"Thanks again, Bella! See ya later!"

Then he got in, closed the door and Tanya immediately sped away.

I put my earphones in, pressing play on my iPod as I started down the street.

Trying not to put much thought into Edward's actions from the past few hours and effectively convincing myself that it was nothing.

*******4 Hours Later*******

Work was slow as fuck. No one was coming in the damn store. A few stragglers here and there but other than that the place was empty.

Nyddi had been in her office since I walked through the door so the idea of her entertaining me was a no go.

So where did that leave me?

Standing at this huge counter. Bored. Lonely...

I'm here!

Right! Stuck with Lauren and my thoughts of Edward.

Stuck with me? What the fuck does that mean?

You, Lauren, are keeping me from being absolutely pessimistic about Edward!

How?

Every pessimistic thought I have you meet me with an optimistic one! What the fuck?

I will not allow you to drown in negativity, Missy!

What the fuck ever! I was really about to go there with Lauren when I heard the automatic doors sliding open.

Turning my head in the direction of the door I caught sight of a beautiful strawberry blonde woman.

Her hair was long and curly, green eyes that were slightly darker than the ones I had been seeing lately, and her body was a perfect mixture of womanhood and hard-ass muscles.

My insecurities screamed and ran like the cowards they were.

I swear I could see the little fuckers attempting to dig a hole by one of the book cases.

I couldn't blame them. In the face of so much beauty, I wanted to run and hide my plain ass, too.

I have no doubt that I was frozen there, just staring with the Bambi eyes all over again as the gorgeous Amazon locked eyes with me and headed straight towards me.

I looked her over one more time, the apparent slow down of time lending a hand to my masochism. In a black leather jacket with tight leather pants and combat boots the woman walking towards me was everything I was not.

Everything I would never be.

And still, I couldn't stop looking her over.

Regardless, she was still headed towards me.

"Hey, are you Bella?"

I fought the urge to point at myself while mouthing 'me' because I knew damned well there wasn't anyone else up here or in the store for that matter, but me.

"Um, yea, that's me. And you are?"

That damn blonde then proceeded to give me a very familiar smirk before answering me.

I was momentarily distracted by the adorable nose stud she had.

Until she said two words that had me flying straight into hyper-focus.

"I'm Tanya."

WHAT?

To say I was confused was an understatement.

"I'm sorry, you're what?" I asked, shaking my head.

The woman calling herself Tanya burst into a full laugh.

One that enchanted me and enraged me at once.

Why was she here?

Was she jealous or something? Because if she was, she was barking up the wrong tree.

Not that I'd point her in Monica's direction, no matter how much Edward deserved it I wouldn't do that to him.

"I'm Tanya," Tanya repeated, that beautiful smile still on her face.

"Ok..." I responded, at a loss and looking side to side for help.

Damn it, where was Nyddi when I fucking needed her?

"I just had to come introduce myself after this morning," Tanya continued, her smile slowly slipping away. "Edward's been telling me so much about you and I just had to come meet you in person!"

Say what now?

Why would Edward be talking to his girlfriend about me and WHY was she so damn excited about meeting me?

Well while I wasn't one to get the other woman an ass whooping, I sure as hell wasn't gonna let Edward stop me from asking questions.

"Um, okay Tanya, may I ask you a question?"

Her brow shot up in what I'm guessing was surprise, a small smirk appearing before she nodded her approval.

Alright here goes...

"Why are you excited about meeting the girl who had your boyfriend over all night?"

As I said this I watched the smirk fall, the eyes widening, the mouth form a huge 'o' shape.

It was safe to say Tanya was horrified.

See what happens when you try to go badass?

I just asked a damn question!

You should've kept your damn mouth shut!

I was just about to cuss Lauren the fuck out when a loud laugh disturbed my internal musings.

I snapped back to reality only to find Tanya nearly bent over in front of me, her musical laugh filling the entire store.

"Oh...my...God..." she wheezed, clutching her stomach. "You...I...Edward...you think..." and she fell into another round of laughs so loud they were starting to compete with the noise of New York City outside.

What the hell is wrong with her?

I have absolutely no idea but I think its safe to say this bitch is coo-coo...

I had no doubt that when she finally recovered from her laughing fit, Tanya could see every ounce of confusion on my face.

"Oh my goodness Bella, you're hilarious." She was wiping her eyes. I guessed she laughed that damn hard. "I'm sorry Bella. Let's try this again, Bella, I'm Tanya Cullen. Edward's older cousin."

I literally felt my face drop at the word cousin.

Seriously?

Cousins?

I'm guessing my facial reaction was just too much for Tanya because she immediately burst into laughter again.

I could honestly say I was embarrassed at the situation. I snapped and went ice queen on Coppertop for absolutely no reason.

"And...why are you here?" I asked slowly. Defensively.

Looked around the store, already planning my means of escape.

"I just wanted to come and thank you in person. Edward would've been really fucked last night if you hadn't helped him. How drunk was he by the way? Nevermind. He's still at home bitching about his wicked hangover," Tanya rambled on in a friendly tone, clearly as nervous as I was.

Something in me finally softened the guard. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, I attempted to smile at her.

"It was no big deal. As annoying as he was and is, Edward has been pretty helpful since we've met. It was the least I could do."

Tanya then flashed the same huge smile Edward gave me the other day and I briefly wondered what their family looked like.

If Tanya and Edward were anything to go off of then they had to be freaking gorgeous.

"I'm sorry," Tanya said, smiling and being oh so beautiful.

It runs in the family.

Clearly.

"Don't be. You just caught me off guard," I answered, looking around again.

"I'm interrupting you while you're at work though. Fuck, Edward's always telling me about my timing..." she mumbled almost to herself.

It was official.

I was endeared.

To another Cullen.

Do shut it.

"Hey Bella, what do you have planned for the night?"

Huh?

"Nothing," I answered automatically, too shocked to stop myself.

"Awesome! We're having a night in. You're invited. Edward mentioned you get off at four, right? I'll be by to pick you up. It was nice meeting you, Bella!"

And she hugged me.

I squeaked, taken by utter surprise at her action.

Then, she was gone like the whirlwind she was, not even dust in her wake.

Just a frightening memory that eerily resembled Alice.

Where the hell had I just been invited to?

Why the hell did Edward speak so much about me to his cousin?

More importantly, come the end of my shift, how was I going to talk myself out of this situation?

I needed Nyddi! Surely the woman could find it in her soul to give me an hour overtime.

Or four.

Turning, I rushed straight for her office, knowing she was my only hope.

***3 Hours Later***

Fucking Nyddi.

Fucking traitor.

I should've known she wouldn't be there for me in my greatest moment of need.

Nervous as fuck, I pulled the hood over my head tighter and tried to go tiny as I walked outside.

"Hey! Bella!"

Obviously, that did not work.

Stop being such a glum about it, Edward's over there!

Exactly!

"Um..hey, Tanya," I said, stopping in my tracks and slowly lowering the hoodie again.

Tanya jogged up to me, looking too fucking graceful for a woman in combat boots. She was smiling excitedly but behind it I could still see something that looked suspiciously like nerves.

I'm telling you, you're being an asshole. She's being perfectly nice and trying and here you are, embarrassing us both by acting like a weirdo.

I tried to smile at Tanya as she finally stopped in front of me.

"Are you still free to hang out?"she asked hopefully.

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to fight my anti-social tendencies.

Just this once.

"Yeah," I finally answered, my throat going tight.

Why did I feel like an anvil had just fallen on the inevitability of my existence?

Wow...and you say I'm dramatic.

"Great!" Tanya answered, her smile returning full force. "We don't live far from here, we're right on Union Square," she continued, already turning to walk.

Determined to face my fate for the night, I swallowed and followed after the whirlwind in front of me.

Tanya asked me how my day at work went, clearly trying to keep me at ease by sticking to a mundane subject.

About five minutes into our walk, I was grateful for how hard she was trying but mostly pretty annoyed.

At myself.

Because really, what kind of energy did I give off that people felt the need to treat me like I was fragile?

Seriously, trust me. Tanya wasn't the first nice person I'd encountered who seemed just as nervous around me.

Hell, I still remembered the day I met Alice.

Then, a more horrible thought went through my mind.

Obviously, Edward had spoken about me to his cousin. Had he mentioned something about my unrelenting awkwardness?

The thought was enough to make my face go red even though it was still pretty chilly outside.

"Bella?" Tanya asked, shocking me out of it. She was walking next to me, looking at me with a worried expression. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I automatically answered, desperate to pretend I was normal.

"Ok," Tanya answered, dropping it. "We're almost there. We live in the building with the Best Buy..."

"Are you serious?" I asked, surprised.

I mean, I'd kind of guessed Edward had money but to live there...

"Yeah," Tanya said, looking sheepish for some reason. "Edward never told you?"

How did I explain to her that Edward was just my tentative friend, at best?

She seemed to think I was a lot closer to her cousin than the reality, hence her little kidnapping of me.

Kidnapping?

You know what I mean.

Stop being such a grump, I said. A hot, delicious man is waiting for us inside that building.

Exactly what I was worried about.

Aforementioned building came into view, towering up into the Manhattan skyline. It wasn't the biggest building in the city, by far, but it was a well known to anyone who knew Union Square.

Tanya had gone silent next to me as we made our way through the busy streets and closer to the building.

I shoved my hands in my hoodie, uncharacteristically nervous at the idea of going into Edward's home.

And that was saying something. I was a nervous creature by nature, but right then I was being crushed with the need to flee.

Which only brought my attention back to the fact that Edward was having an unprecedented reaction in me.

A bad one.

I say it's good.

I say you should shut it.

"Here we are," Tanya said once we'd crossed the street. The sign over the glass doorway read One Union Square South and right next to it was the separate entrance into the huge Best Buy.

I followed Tanya into the lobby, watching as she waved to the doorman at the desk. My heart was unnaturally loud in my ears as we stopped to wait for the elevator.

Tanya threw me a nervous smile. One I returned as I my stomach twisted inside me.

The oddest sensations were battling inside me. My typical nerves were mostly to blame but what made it even worse was the strange...giddinessI felt as I rode the elevator up with Tanya.

Lauren was beyond excited and since I wasn't so far gone as to fully deny that she was part of my psyche, I knew what it really meant.

Putting it simply, a part of me was beyond excited and admitting that to myself was scary.

Made me want to run and hide so I'd never see Edward again.

The thought actually hurt, which didn't help my situation in the least.

We got off on the tenth floor. I could feel Tanya looking at me out of the corner of her eye as we walked down the hallway.

Feeling like a bug under a microscope, I concentrated on breathing as calmly as I could.

I had even managed to calm myself down by the time Tanya opened the door.

That wouldn't last for long.

We had just stepped into the apartment and Tanya was closing the door when another door to my left opened.

Steam bellowed out, followed by a sight I was no where ready to confront again!

Edward stepped out of what must have been the fucking bathroom in nothing but black briefs and a towel working at his hair!

Oh, and the drops of water slowly sliding down his shoulders, chests...the abs...

Light glinted, sparkling and catching my attention.

The nipple piercing. It was the damned nipple piercing.

Overload. Sheer overload.

"Eep!"

Yes...that was me.

Even worse? I'd taken off and ran.

Behind Tanya. I ran and hid behind Tanya.

O.M.G, Earth swallow us now.

"Edward!" Tanya snapped, making me jump as I continued to cower behind her. "You're traumatizing our poor guest!"

"Guest? What gues...Bella? What are you doing here?"

Fuck. Oh, fuck me.

Clearly, Tanya had not informed her cousin of her invitation to me.

Jesus.

"Um...hey, Edward," I said, stepping out from behind Tanya and averting my eyes from the glistening physique in front of me.

The sheer fact that I knew his body was still damp alone proved that I was in a very dangerous situation.

I could see Lauren on her knees, crawling towards Edward and meowing like a cat.

Help me, Jesus.

"Tanya invited me over..."

"Yeah...cool. Need to put on some clothes..." and he took off, his legs all muscle and his ass even more so as he ran down the hall and into another room.

The sound of the door closing echoed loudly in the apartment.

"So," Tanya said too cheerfully, clapping her hands. "I'll order some pizza. We have juice and beer in the fridge and we were planning on just staying in and watching a movie tonight? Is that cool?" She was already walking towards the kitchen as she spoke over her shoulder.

Damn it, I had to make sure Alice and her never met. That would be creating a dangerous monster, indeed.

I breathed deeply, feeling a little more than disconcerted. The fact that Edward hadn't known I was coming only made me feel even more awkward.

I turned around, looking for something to do. Took my bag off and gingerly placed it on the couch as I moved to look at the bookshelf next to the T.V.

I tried to use it to distract myself from my nerves but I was so gittery the letters in front of me blurred.

Heard the door opening behind me. The tips of my ears were burning by then. I couldn't even bring myself to turn around.

When Edward walked straight into the kitchen without saying a word, I felt my stomach fall back down to street level.

I could hear Tanya and him speaking in hushed tones but couldn't make out what they were saying.

I hugged myself, my brain screaming at me to run for the door.

I was still battling my intense need to flee when Edward came up behind me, scaring the fuck out of me.

"Hey."

"Fuck!"

I slapped my hand over my mouth, eyes wide while I saw Edward's face break into a smile. The moment it registered that he was laughing, annoyance flared inside me and my nerves were instantly forgotten.

"Hey! Don't laugh, asshole! You're always scaring me," I snapped, slapping at his bicep.

Edward laughed even harder, taking a step back away from me and bringing my attention to the two beers he was holding. "Easy there, tigress. I bought you beer. How dare you shun my peace offering before I've even had a chance to give it?"

I bit my lip, torn between the need to slap him and the irrational urge to laugh. The latter won, and I could do nothing but try to hold my glare as I fell into giggles.

"You're an ass. But fine, give me the beer and I might give you peace tonight."

He shoved the thing in my face so fast, I was momentarily offended.

I was still glaring at him as I raised it up to my mouth and took a sip.

Something in Edward's eyes flashed.

Something odd. Something I'd like to say I'd never seen before, but I had.

Last night.

I blinked, pulling the beer away from my mouth and wondering what the hell was he staring at.

It wasn't until I licked my lips that I realized just where his eyes were.

My own snapped wide open.

Convinced I was imagining things, I almost missed the way his eyes had slid half-closed.

He really was staring intently at my mouth.

Oh, God, I had to find a way to close it.

Nuh-uh. It's perfectly fine the way it is. Tempt the boy!

I snapped my lips shut so fast, I gave myself a headache.

"Ok, guys. Pizza's on the way. What are we watching?" Tanya asked, walking out of the kitchen with her own beer in her hand.

Her eyes flickered and looked between me and Edward. It wasn't lost on me, but at the moment I was too confused to know what it meant.

"Let Bella choose. She is the guest," Edward replied, snapping back to his annoying, aggravating self along with full-on smirk attached.

I made a face at him before turning to look at the DVD tower that was next to the bookcase. Made of the same white wood as the bookcase and TV stand, it looked ridiculously expensive.

I swallowed nervously, forcing myself to pay attention and looking through the movies.

Gladiator caught my eye. Biting my lip, I reached for it, and for some God forsaken reason, my cheeks were hot when I turned around to show it to Edward.

Because it's only his opinion that counts.

I turned a little towards Tanya, in order to assuage my conscience.

"Fucking A, girl. Good choice," Edward said, smiling and taking the DVD away from me.

I tried to ignore the way my skin broke out in goosebumps at the way he said 'girl'.

Really, if I knew any better, I would leave. Leave before I stayed around any longer and got more attached to something that I would never have.

At least he's my friend.

I took a seat next to Tanya on the couch, trying to ignore the fact that the thought and its seeming endlessness hurt something deep inside me.

I was grateful to have him as my friend.

But he would never be more. I wasn't into being an easy fuck, hence my 'despairing situation', as Alice called it.

If I could even get a guy like him to look at me that way to begin with.

Edward bent down to insert the DVD into the player.

I was mid-drink and barely managed not to choke and just die at the view.

Tanya coughed next to me, making me look at her in confusion.

She was blankly staring at the floor as she took a sip of her own beer.

Huh?

Edward put the movie on and ran to throw himself across the couch next to us, his entire long frame dominating the thing.

"You slob," Tanya said, her lip curled with content.

Edward and I burst into laughter, Tanya following right after.

I felt myself start to relax after that. Then the movie started and it took only five minutes for me to forget almost everything but what was going on on the screen.

Almost everything.

See, Edward seemed to really like that fucking movie, and more than once he'd jumped in and started quoting lines.

It was impossible to look away from him. His entire face lit up, those eyes enticing as they sparked.

"Oh, shut it!" Tanya snapped, throwing a throw-pillow at his face. "You're supposed to be hungover, asshole, act like it!"

Of course that caused another round of laughs from me and Edward.

Seeing their interactions was strangely warming. Of course I'd come to the obvious conclusion that she was his girlfriend and knowing that wasn't the case was...relieving.

I'm not going to lie.

I was fully back into the movie when out of no where, right at everyone's favorite fucking part, Edward jumps back in, full fucking force.

And bellow.

"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?"

"ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE?" Tanya returned, her eyes bulging and her chest heaving just as badly as mine.

Holy shit, he'd fucking scared the fuck out of us!

"You're no fun!" Edward shot back, looking oddly like an eight year old.

Something in my ovaries went wrong.

I felt it.

"You need to calm the fuck down," Tanya snapped, taking a large swig of her beer.

I was tempted to follow suit but I wasn't really a drinker.

And the last thing I needed was to get drunk.

"Seriously," Tanya continued, "I know you're all worked up over your...frustrating night, but keep the aggressive energy under control, will ya? I mean, really, why do I have to suffer because you couldn't find it in you to get one up and fuck that chick at the bar. What was the bimbo's name? Monica?"

There was total silence after that.

Well, from the people in the room, at least.

Maximus was still kicking ass in the background, and my heart was kicking my own from the inside out.

Then, out of no where...

"You are such an asshole."

"Am not!" Tanya said, looking back towards the TV.

But the damage had been done. Done, I tell you.

Because something in me was demanding I get off the fucking couch and do somersaults right across that fucking living room.

I was sick.

I had to be.

I shouldn't have been so happy about knowing that Edward hadn't fucked stupid Monica, but I was.

God help me, I was.

Suddenly, I felt like I was in hell. Because I knew what it meant.

Knew I had to stop it.

Didn't know how I was going to.

Or how worse things were about to get.

****Six Weeks Later****

I was at home changing for movie night at Edward's. It had become a tradition after that first impromptu hang out with him and Tanya.

Sometimes Em, Jazz, Rose and Allie would come hang out, as well.

Along with Tanya's flavor of the week.

Tonight was different, though.

Just Edward and me alone.

Everyone else had dates with their significant other so he randomly decided to hang out.

No biggie. Just gonna be me and Edward. Alone. In a dimly lit room. Sitting on the couch watching movies.

Oooh, sounds like one of those high school scenarios where the innocent geeky girl loses her 'V' card to the popular jock of the school.

Well that definitely isn't happening and you are so damn dramatic.

It would be so hot though!

I had to roll my eyes at Lauren as I continued getting dressed. My khakis and favorite grey cardigan.

Ugh, do you have to put that on?

Yes! I'm not wearing my sweaty gym clothes over there.

Man you need a damn makeover! A.S.A.P!

And you need to get the fuck outta my head!

NEVER!

And that'll be just my damn luck, too!

I had just finished braiding my still damp hair when my phone beeped with a text.

It was Edward saying he was outside.

I'm glad he didn't blow his horn. I know how much you hate that.

Amen!

I slipped on a pair of shoes, grabbed my purse and headed out the door.

Heard Alice and Rose yelling to have fun and not do anything they wouldn't do.

I kept my smart ass comment to myself.

Just this once because I didn't want to keep Edward waiting.

Anxious, aren't we?

Hush, Lauren.

I'm just saying.

I had just turned around from locking the door when I looked up to one hell of a sight.

It was Edward, of course, standing in front of his sexy ass car.

Now I had never been one of those girls that was into cars but I really fell in love with this one.

It was one of the newer Dodge Chargers. It was midnight black with some red and black rims that Edward raved about all the time.

While the car was fairly simple it demanded attention in the streets.

Just like its fucking owner.

Edward was wearing his leather bomber jacket, hair gently blowing in the breeze as he threw me his signature smirk when we finally locked eyes.

I immediately felt my cheeks heating up but blamed it on the cold New York wind.

"Stop lusting over my damn car and get your ass in here so we can go!" He told me as he opened the door for me. I got in and watched him jog to his side of the car.

Watched his ass the whole time.

And damn it if it didn't look nice.

"I still have to stop by the store for your snacks." He had just climbed in the driver's seat when I reached over and hit him.

"Ouch!" He was rubbing where I hit him.

Sometimes I forget that I actually do hit hard for a girl.

"What the hell was that for?"

"Because you don't have my damn snacks and you know how things can get while we're in the damn store together. We'll be lucky if we can get out in 30 minutes!" I couldn't help the pout that appeared or the arms that crossed over my chest.

"Aw, stop your damn whining, Swan. We won't be that long."

And with that he pulled off.

Asshole.

But a hot one.

Shut it.

"I cannot believe we were in the damn store for almost a hour. Seriously, Edward! Did you have to get all this shit just for movie night?" I had just opened the door to his place since his hands were full.

"Damn it, Swan, you wanted snacks I got fucking snacks. Chill out please."

Damn, I love it when he gets bossy. Imagine that kinda attitude in the bedroom. Or the couch. Or the bathroom. Or the-

I get it Lauren. Shut up!

"Aw, Cullen, please! I don't eat most of this shit! We have seven bags. My snacks are in two. You have to come better than that asshole." I was putting his beers and Gatorades in the refridgerator.

"Oh, what the fuck ever, Swan." He walked over and snatched the last beer out my hand and pushed me in the direction of the living room. "Just go and pick out the first movie of the night, you asshole. I'll be out with your snacks in a moment."

A smack on the ass would've made this a perfect moment.

O.M.G, Lauren you're such a perv!

I'm just saying...

After rolling my eyes at the perv, I walked straight to the movie rack. We had pretty much watched everything on it with the exception of the ones that still had the plastic on them.

I finally just said 'fuck it' and threw Red in. I sat down on the couch, slipped my shoes off before really getting comfortable. I was starting to worry if Edward was ever coming to watch the movie when I felt the couch dip under me and saw popcorn placed on the table.

"Bout time you got your ass in here." I had pressed play on the movie anxious for it to start looking at the scenes on the title menu.

"Prepare to be entertained!" I almost jumped out of my damn skin when he all but whispered that in my ear.

"Damn it, Edward!" My hand was across the back of his head quicker than I could blink.

"Ouch Bella! What is with you hitting me today?" He was rubbing his head and pouting at me. That shit wasn't working today.

"What's with you being an asshole today?" I countered while giving my fiercest bitch brow to date.

"Come on Swan, you know I live to annoy you." He tugged on my now dry braid while saying this in my ear.

It sent shivers down my body. I quickly snatched my braid out his grasp and attempted to focus on the TV screen.

If little acts like this were to continue I was in for a long night.

"Come on, Edward! You promised!" I whined.

Yes, I fucking whined. Its what girls do when they aren't getting their way.

And Edward was not letting me have my way.

"Bella, do we have to watch that stupid vampire movie?" He fucking pouted.

Seriously!

He was adament about not watching this movie with me. I had finally got him to agree to watch the movie with me but it may have only been because I was holding my Oreo pie hostage.

"Oh my fucking goodness, Edward! You promised! I watched that dumb ass Rider Ghost movie with you! Why can't you watch this one with me?"

"Ugh, fine Swan! We'll watch the damn thing. Only because I promised and that Ghost Rider movie was pretty lame." He snatched the DVD out my lap and put it in.

The first few scenes of the movie went along with our playful banter. Edward clearly didn't appreciate me mentioning how much he and the lead actor favored each other.

That caused a huge argument. We had to agree to disagree on that one.

That was pretty much how we spent the movie. Arguing. Edward disagreeing with everything the characters were doing.

"Shut up! You're ruining the movie with your stupid accusations." My favorite part was coming up and I didn't want his big mouth ruining it for me.

I think I might've sent a glare his way because he definitely didn't respond at all.

Good.

It was deathly quiet in the room when my favorite scene came on.

I don't know what it is about this kissing scene but it affects me every time. Maybe it was the whole both were virgins sharing their first kiss, which always meant something to me since I was a virgin that hadn't experienced a kiss before.

Or the fact that the kiss was fuckhot!

I was so enthralled in the scene I didn't notice Edward watching me.

"Hells Bells, what's wrong?"

Oh shit! I immediately jumped out of whatever trance I was in and silently prayed that I didn't blush but it was in vain because I felt the flushing before my prayer was complete.

Damn it! Now he's really going to start asking questions.

"It's nothing Edward. Really it's not."

The quirked brow he sent my way let me know that he thought I was lying.

Damn blush!

"Tell me, Bella. Please? Or I will be forced to take more desperate measures."

He proceeded to wiggle those...long, thick, delicious...fingers at me.

My eyes widened in both fear and lust.

Fear because I knew this fucker was gonna attempt to tickle my secret out of me.

And lust because I knew of some way better things he could be doing with said fingers.

Still, I couldn't get to the other side of the couch fast enough which was useless because he moved right along with me.

Fuck my life!

I watched his hand rise. Hovering right over my stomach. I looked up at his face. Saw the look of warning lingering there. Of course I didn't take heed to it. He would've done it anyway.

Coppertop was definitely not above tickling the hell out of me to get what he wanted.

"Tell me Bella or I'm going in."

All that fucker did was reach and I cracked!

Your so easy!

Can it, Lauren!

"Okay, okay! I'll tell you! Just stop it!"

This ass would get every damn secret out of me using tactics like those. He smirked in return. Jackass had me right where he wanted me.

Damn him!

"So what embarrassing thought has you pink this time?" He had the nerve to give me this huge smile. As if he had just won something.

Like the cat who just ate the damn canary!

I rolled my eyes while turning away and mumbling about sexy but insufferable assholes.

Not realizing my mistake until I felt the constant passing of his hands on my waist. Sent me thrashing all over the couch and damn near screaming bloody murder.

I wasn't gonna get away from this one.

Jigs up. Might as well tell him. There's not much tickling you can tolerate anyway.

"Okay! Oh my God! Okay! I said I want my first kiss to be like that!"

Everything immediately froze.

His hands, my laughter, Lauren's raving and my heartbeat.

I sat up and attempted to regain my composure as I watched Edward watch me. In complete silence.

Bring on the awkwardness.

"Your what?"

I threw him a look that I'm sure said 'you heard right fucker' before sighing deeply as I stood up.

I might as well explain since this ass couldn't comprehend.

"Yes, Edward, you heard me right. First kiss," I felt the heated tone in my voice.

I happened to turn around and saw Edward standing there but I didn't let that deter me one bit.

I was digging myself a hole as it is? Why not finish the job?

Besides, the man wouldn't let go unless I told him.

So, I went on.

"I mean you remember me telling you about high school and my dad. No one wanted to take out the police chief's daughter. And I mean, it wasn't just that. Look at me. Who the hell would want me?"

I hated life in Forks. Those years in high school were just so damn crazy for me.

Not 'partied like a rock star' crazy, either. Just plan old weird! And being the police cheif's daughter made it worse. I wasn't invited anywhere.

Other than Mike, I had zero friends.

You had me!

You are a piece of my subconcious that makes me aware of things I really want when I want to deny myself, and consequently has to die from it. Nothing more.

Touche, Miss Swan. Tou 'fucking' che.

Anyway, I really didn't wish to relive those days. And I don't understand why Edward was so damn shocked. He knew I was a damn virgin. No thanks to Em but he knew nevertheless.

I was still going on, now whether it was internally or externally I have no idea, when I felt Edward slip his hands on my hips.

I know we both heard the shocking gasp that left me.

Bells, what the hell is Coppertop up to?

Hell I'm just as stumped as you Lauren.

I looked up at him with questioning eyes. My mouth couldn't actually form the question due to shock and confusion. This bastard actually smirked in return.

This fucker thought this was a damn joke. Whatever. I started right back up with my external rant.

"…like who takes their secretly gay best friend to…"

I didn't get very far before I felt Edward's lips decending on mine.

My eyes snapped wide open.

Reality froze as I started to lose my God damned mind.

I had to be losing my mind.

There's no way...

I mean, he just...and I...

He just took my first kiss.

Edward pulled back, looking down at me.

My mouth was hanging wide open, I'm sure.

I tried to fight down the panic, really I did, but it all kept coming

back to one thing.

He took something from me that I would never get back.

And for the split second that it'd happened, it'd felt soul shaking.

"What...why?" I finally asked, trying to stop myself from hyperventilating.

"Bella, please relax. Let me do this for you. Let me be your

first. Please?" Edward asked, his voice dropping down to a level that

was bad for me.

Bad, I tell you!

I bit my lip, trying to fight back Lauren and every single cell in my body

that screamed for me to say yes.

I wanted to.

I did.

But why did he want this from me?

"Edward, I..."

Shut up. I just shut up. Because his hand was on my chin and the heat

of it was doing strange things to my uterus.

And that was nothing compared to what I saw in his eyes.

"Bella, please?" Edward asked, his eyes locked with mine.

For a second, my breath actually caught and I was reminded of the way

he'd stared at me the first night he'd come over drunk to my house.

It was a look I'd seen since. But never this long. Never that close.

It was nearly impossible to breathe let alone come to a decision and

for once, I was at a loss for words.

My head was raised further.

That gorgeous face was in my eyesight again and for the life of me I

couldn't break free of whatever had me in its hold.

"Bella?"

The way he said my name made it harder for me to concentrate and make sense of what was going on.

Before I knew what I was saying, I was saying it.

Lord help me.

"Yes, Edward."

Aww, fuck yes, Bella! Let's do this hun!

"Yes what Bella?"

This fucker was gonna make me say it!

If this was any other type of situation I would've said fuck it and walked away.

But I couldn't. I couldn't tell this man no if I wanted to.

"Kiss me Edward."

This man could've asked for my virginity and I would have given it to him. Gift wrapped and on a platter with no questions asked.

Since when was it okay for one person to have this much control over another person?

Edward must've really wanted to do this for me because I instantly felt his grip on my hips tighten. His other hand enclosing around the nape of my neck.

I couldn't stop the shivers that passed through me or the fluttering of my eyelids as he tilted my head back.

He stopped for a second, just watching me.

His pupils dilated as he watched me. I fought the urge to tremble, watching as he shook his head.

Then he was leaning down towards me and there was no holding back the way I started to shake.

My mouth went dry as he got closer.

Saw his eyes focused on my mouth.

Licked it.

Then it was over. His lips were back and I was officially lost.

Irrevocably lost.

His lips were unbelievably soft and gentle. Barely touched mine. It took everything in me not to claw at him and force him closer.

I'd waited a lot longer than most people for this but even so, I didn't care. Edward's lips were perfect to me.

I don't really remember who moved first. One moment we were standing perfectly still, the next Edward was moving his lips softly against mine.

I exhaled, surprised at the shock that went through my whole body.

Another soft brush of his lips. I lost it, enveloped in the moment. I felt a rush go through me, one that had me opening my mouth.

I tasted his lips.

The sound he made sent another contraction through me.

I recognized it for what it was even as I opened my mouth and licked his lips again.

His lips were deliciously wet against mine as he tilted his head.

Opened his mouth.

I felt his tongue and a sound I'd never heard left me.

Didn't even have time to be embarrassed about it.

Edward pulled me tight towards him.

My hands somehow wound up pulling on his hair.

Just like that, everything got out of control.

He pulled away first. And just stared in my eyes. I'm sure the lust I saw in his was mirroring the lust I knew mine were reflecting.

Fuck, I wanted him!

So much it hurt.

As he moved his head to rest on my neck, I was really trying to figure out what the hell this was that I was feeling.

I shouldn't feel this way about Edward. He was like my fucking best friend. And here I was thinking of said best friend under me as I rode him six ways to Sunday.

You're always thinking about riding him six ways to Sunday. You just deny it to yourself.

Oh, God, I heard my inner voice gasp, feeling the heat of Edward's tongue sliding across my neck.

His strong hands squeezing my ass. Dammit I wished we were naked.

It wasn't long before his mouth was back on mine. Lips desperate on my own. His hands resting on my thighs right under my ass.

All he has to do is lift and we'd be right on his cock.

I was visualizing it when he drew my bottom lip into his mouth. Sucking hard before biting down and releasing with a loud popping noise.

My panties were officially ruined!

No joke.

I had officially lost it. I wanted him closer.

No. I NEEDED him closer. And I knew just how to go about getting it.

My hands were vicious as I held him still. The moment my nose skimmed his neck, his scent took over all cognitive functions.

Hungry, I flicked my tongue out, moaning like the whore I felt myself turning into the moment I tasted his skin.

Possessed. I felt fucking obliterated and starving beyond anything I could properly comprehend.

Couldn't stop myself even if I wanted to. Next thing I knew, I had his pierced earlobe in my mouth and the little sound that left him had me biting and licking away at it.

"Edward?" I hotly whispered into his ear, quivering everywhere.

"Yes?"

Jesus help me, the sound of his voice. I was done.

"Edward, pick me up."

He wasted no time in doing so, either.

My legs were wrapped around his waist in an instant.

Pussy rubbing against hard abs.

Shit!

My mouth was back on his. Tongue back in his mouth . Lips still moving frantically over his.

I felt the quivering in his legs.

I knew I wasn't that heavy so I had no idea what could've caused it.

I didn't have long to think about it because in the next second I found myself planted on top of him. Straddling his lap.

And his hard dick.

I gasped as I pulled away. I was not expecting that at all.

Hell! Who fucking cares? Embrace this shit!

Edward leaned back on the couch, looking hotter than anything I'd ever seen in my life.

One move and I barely held back another gasp, feeling myself come in contact with a part of him I had really not been expecting.

He grabbed onto my hips, hard enough to almost hurt, and held me still while he...

He...

And I...

"Uh, shit, Edward," I moaned, throbbing heat eclipsing everything with every grind of his hips.

Edward was breathing heavily, the sounds adding to the need I felt.

There was no doubt in my mind what I wanted but even more surprising, there was no doubt in my mind what he wanted.

In the state I was in all he had to do was ask and it would've been his.

I was drenched. Panties were beyond soaked.

His mouth was firmly planted on mine again. Swallowing my moans and whimpers.

I couldn't stop them if I wanted to. He was making me feel so good. Introducing my body to sensations I never knew could exist.

I was only beginning to see what all the hype was about.

His hips were constantly thrusting up. Meeting mine with every pull of his hands. His tempo steady.

He was hitting it right on point. As if it was a target and he had perfect aim and shot with such concentrated precision.

Ungh!

This man was gonna kill me.

And your clothes are still on. Imagine what he's capable of inside you!

Well fuck me!

Is it possible for your eyes to cross and roll back all at once?

Because I swear mines did with just the thought...the THOUGHT of Edward over me.

Under me.

Working me over.

Stroking me.

Pleasing me.

Him just...

FUCKING ME!

Oh shit.

Just the thought of that alone had my hips moving on their own.

Faster.

More demanding.

I had no control over it.

I just know my body craved more of the deliciousness that was flowing through it.

My hands were tugging at his hair. Moans getting so loud, even with Edward's mouth covering mines, that I oughtta be embarrased but I was too far gone to even give a damn.

Edward went to pull away but not before he got a dose of his own medicine.

I caught that bottom lip between my teeth before biting down. Hard. Before sucking on it then releasing it with a loud pop.

I should've known I was no match though. He saw the mischievous look I gave afterwards and went in for the kill.

Those lips went roaming over my neck until he found that ONE spot that made me moan a bit louder. Ground my hips a bit harder.

Damn this fucker had me. And he knew it too.

"You like that, babe?" His voice was breathless in my ear.

My hips ground in a circle then, which caused him to hiss. I guess he thought I was playing games because he went back to that spot. Was relentless in his kissing, licking, nipping and sucking. I swear he was gonna leave a damn mark if he hadn't already.

I couldn't even respond verbally so I just nodded my approval.

"Have you ever had an orgasm before Bella?"

Damn him and these questions! I just wanted to enjoy this. Whatever it was . And he wanted to ask a million questions.

Bella you do realize you're on the verge of an orgasm right now, right?

Is that what that tight coiling feeling in my stomach that was quickly spreading down was?

He sucked at that spot harder. Coaxing my answer from me.

"No...UNGH...never had one...shit...I've tried but couldn't..." that ramble barely left me.

I'm guessing Edward was determined to give me this orgasm just like my first kiss (not that I'm complaining) because his hands were back on my hips. Tugging harder.

Faster.

That coiling feeling sank a little lower and at that moment I knew that my orgasm was approaching quickly.

"Are you close, baby?"

With his dick hitting my clit spot on, him constantly licking on that one spot and that gravely voice murmuring in my ear, I was seconds away from my first orgasm.

And there was definitely gonna be some power behind it.

I don't know how but I found the voice to answer him. "Yes Edward...so fucking close...just a little bit more...right there...don't fucking stop!"

Edward pulled back, the look on his face searing me.

It felt like my brain was trying to suck in every detail. I heard myself moan, my body in disbelief of how good it felt.

At the fact that it was happening with him of all people.

Another moan was ripped out of me.

The way he groaned had me tearing at his shirt.

"Shit Bella! I'm gonna cum," he moaned, his face looking pained.

Teeth bared and brow hard.

The throbbing sped up, spreading through everything...

"Cum with me...baby, please?" Edward breathlessly pleaded.

It was too much.

It was all just too fucking much.

I think I managed to nod right before...

I tried to moan his name but no sound came out. The most overwhelming, delicious feeling I had ever experienced exploded deep in my pussy, shooting out and electrifying every limb.

My back arched, eyes rolling back into my head. I felt my teeth come down on my lip, hard, as I tried to brace myself.

The pleasure was so intense it almost hurt.

I couldn't get enough.

And right when I was riding the peak, Edward growled my name, his body pressing roughly against mine.

His moans caressed every tingling nerve on my body.

The way he clawed and tugged on my hips would forever brand itself in my memory.

The way we felt, straining and desperate together, was perfect for those few seconds that it lasted.

And just when I thought the moment couldn't get any better it did.

His hand cupped the back of my neck, bringing me closer to him before his lips met mine again.

My body reacted instantly, but this wasn't like our other kisses. Lips lightly caressing the other's. This was soft, gentle and for a moment it even felt a bit affectionate.

But it wouldn't last long before Edward abruptly pulled away.

I was still too out of it to make sense of much.

I stared at Edward, trying to catch my breath. Hands braced against his chest.

Stayed like that for a few minutes until he shifted under me, clearly trying to move me off.

Sanity returned in that moment, rushing through me with the fury of lava. Face red, I scrambled off his lap.

Almost fell off the damned couch.

"Woah, there," Edward said, catching me before I could fully go down.

"You ok there?" he asked, staring at me with concern while helping me sit safely next to him.

I couldn't meet his eyes, embarrassment starting to choke me. I managed to nod, I think.

"Ok...I gotta..." and he motioned towards his jeans, looking completely out of place.

I nodded again, unable to say anything else.

It wasn't lost on me how he couldn't look me in the eye as he got up.

The movie was still playing. It did nothing to block the sound of his bedroom door opening and closing.

Aggravated and antsy, I lunged for the remote.

Turned of the movie.

Almost jumped when the bedroom door opened up again.

I peaked out of the corner of my eye, seeing Edward walk out of his bedroom and head straight to the bathroom.

More blood rushed to my face.

I bit my lip, fighting back the millions of emotions dying to be processed.

I knew he was in there...cleaning up, as it were. Knowing that made the cataloging my brain was doing even worse.

I could feel it going on replay, experiencing and filing away every detail where it would be available for my torture later on.

By the time Edward came back out of the bathroom, I was ready to jump straight out the window to escape having to face him.

I don't know why, but my heart sped up inside me when he went back into his room.

Almost did an instant stop when he came back out later, shrugging his jacket on.

I looked away from him, not able to stare as he made his way back into the living room.

Not able to stop the tiny disappointed voice inside me that was whispering.

That's it?

"Hey, you ok?" Edward asked, catching me by surprise.

I blinked and slowly looked up at him.

He was staring at his phone.

"Tanya just text me. Apparently, she's drunk as fuck already and her date left her hanging."

I bit my lip, trying my damnest not to laugh at that.

Failed. Especially when Edward looked up, saw me fighting it, and let out a low laugh of his own.

It felt good to laugh with him like that for a split second.

Unfortunately, the moment our laughter died down was the moment awkwardness returned full force.

"You...want to come along for the ride?" Edward asked in a low voice.

I turned away, pretending to look for my purse. My face was beyond fucking hot and I was desperate to hide it.

More than that, I was desperate to hide from him how I was feeling.

I picked up my purse and breathed deeply as I stood up and followed him out of the apartment.

Out in the hallway, Edward completely surprised me when he grabbed hold of my arm and brought me closer.

"Bella, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I squeaked, jerking my arm out of his grip and taking a step back.

I couldn't handle the concern in his voice right then. Knew what it meant.

Knew that my friend was realizing what he'd done to me and he was starting to get worried.

"Maybe we should..." but he was interrupted by his phone. Scowling, he swiped his finger across the screen before bringing it up to his ear.

"Hello? Yeah, yeah. I know, we were on our way...yeah. Bella."

I knew it was Tanya on the other end, could hear her tone leaking through. Edward turned from me, pacing agitatedly towards the elevator.

I hugged myself and followed, trying to keep it together.

Trying to keep my analyzing brain from going off.

I have no idea what Tanya was rambling on about but she managed to keep Edward on the phone during the entire elevator ride.

I caught him staring at me with concern out of the corner of his eye more than once.

I had to look away, feeling my cheeks heat up again.

The fact that he was feeling bad for me...

"I told you we were on the way. Just...dude. I'm about to leave you stranded. Hang up the phone, control your drunk ass, and wait 'till I get there. Tanya, I don't need to get into another fight for you," Edward warned, getting off the elevator as we got down to the parking level.

"Jesus," he breathed, finally hanging up the call and unlocking his car as we got closer.

I was literally shaking at the thought of getting in the car with him but knew I had no choice.

I couldn't let him see what was happening inside me.

Anymore of his pity and I'd just throw myself in front of a cab.

Stop being such a morose bitch. You're acting like a freak!

Lauren was probably right but my emotions were wrecked and I had never felt anything as confusing before.

Edward had turned on the car but still hadn't pulled out of the parking spot.

I looked out the window, afraid to turn and see what was the hold up.

"Bella," he mumbled, almost making me jump.

"Edward," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "Tanya is waiting for us."

Let him talk, bitch!

NO! I know what he's going to say!

And if I heard the words 'I'm sorry' from him, I just might slap his ass.

"Right, well I guess I ought to..." His voice trailed off as he finally threw the car in gear and pulled out into the cold New York streets.

I stared out the window. Willing my brain not to replay anything from the evening. I honestly don't think I could bear it at this point.

I was stuck in this car with this man. Tension thick in the air. So thick you could see the electricity crackling between us. I was so ready to throw myself out the car.

The awkwardness was just too implacable!

I finally focused on what was going on outside my window and saw that we were close to my place.

I had a choice. I could ask to be dropped off now or I could stay here and deal with this mess which would be 10 times worse with Tanya in the car. Even drunk she was too damn insightful. She'd pick up on this vibe too quick.

And once again I wasn't ready for it.

Every action has a consequence.

Yeah, well, I definitely wasn't ready to deal with them.

My choice was made instantly.

"Hey Edward, I'm pretty tired and my house is like around the corner. Could you go ahead and drop me off there?"

I couldn't even look at him as I spoke but I did hear the sigh he let out before giving me a quiet 'Yeah'.

My shoulders sagged in relief. It wouldn't be long before he'd be pulling up to my place so I distracted myself by rumbling through my bag looking for my keys.

Still no further words said between us. Even as we pulled up to my place.

Well maybe if you would've let the man talk earlier!

I don't see him busting his ass to say anything now. I've been stuck in the car with him for the past 12 minutes! He could've said whatever his heart desires by now.

Whatever Bella!

I had my bag on my shoulder, keys in hand and was going to pull the door handle to release myself from my own personal hell when the devil himself grabbed my arm while uttering my name.

Well he was roaring it earlier...

As if I needed that damn reminder.

I looked into his face. Seen all types of conflicting emotions cross it before it settled into nothing.

He dropped my arm and went to raking his hands through his hair. Tugging hard when he reached the ends. I knew what those actions meant.

"G'night Bella," he whispered softly.

I couldn't even reply. I was quickly out of the car.

I might've slammed the door too but at this point I could care less. I HAD to get away.

Quickly running up the stairs and opening the door, I slammed my head against the front door soon as it closed.

Repeatedly.

Heard Edward finally pull off before I turned and walked to my room. In my quiet house.

Where I was alone with my thoughts. Bombarded by memories of firsts. That he took.

Fuck!

As much as I enjoyed what went on tonight, I wasn't prepared for how it would leave my friendship with Edward.

And with that I realized that nothing would EVER be the same between us again.