Chapter Nine

The restaurant isn't as fancy as I had expected. Not that I'd expect fancy. It's just after a yacht you'd expect the Hilton. But to be perfectly honest I am pleased he went with something a little less dramatic. Our waiter is a teenager, the food is decent quality but the wine is making me want to touch him.

"So tell me more about work," he says, "I want to know if it's changed."

"Well a teenager is a teenager. I had polite kids, class clowns and oh there was this one kid who was a freshman. He seemed a little unsure of himself. He offered to show me around," I pop a fry into my mouth.

"He probably thinks you're hot," Edward smiles, "I know I do."

"No. It wasn't like that," I shake my head, "it was as if he wanted to tell me something but was holding back."

"What's his name?" Edward raises an eyebrow.

"Alex Frost I think," I say.

"I wonder if his Father is Aro Frost," Edward raises an eyebrow, "he's an incredibly powerful business man. Doesn't strike me as much of a loving dad."

"That's awful. He seems like a sweet kid," I say, "I'll keep an eye on him."

Our conversation takes a sweeter turn. We play footsies beneath the table and he even laughs at my lame jokes.

"It's getting late. Do you have a bedtime? It's a school night," he checks his watch.

"Yep. But I need a hot detective to tuck me," I smile.

"We'll get your stuff and let's get you home," he wraps his arm around me as we walk.

As he drives he keeps his hand in mine.

"Where did you actually come from?" I ask as he pulls up to the apartments.

"Is that literally speaking or?" He asks smiling.

"No. Like you're just too amazing," I shake my head, "you are the nicest guy and probably person I've met ever. That's rare for not only a cop but a man in general."

"Bella. Just because one guy doesn't see you doesn't mean I won't," he cuts the engine and unbuckles his belt.

"Come on in for a bit. I can make you some tea. Rosalie is planning the wedding in her room probably so she won't bother us," I say opening my door.

"Good. I'm not ready to give you up yet," he says getting out of his own side.

As soon as he's beside my again his arm is around me. We walk together in comfortable silence. The apartment is silent and Rosalie's bedroom light is off. She must have caved into the planning.

"I have some green tea," I say.

"Oh great," he nods sitting down at the kitchen counter.

I feel like I'm under a microscope. He stares intently at me as the kettle boils. I feel self conscious of every bare inch of me.

"So do I get date three?" He asks as I put a cup in front of him and pour boiling water.

"I think you have earned it," I smile.

"Great," those long, expert fingers carelessly dunk the teabag in and out of the steaming water.

His gorgeous eyes concentrate of the ripples he is making while the tea brews.

"I actually had a question," he says, "about our next date."

"I can bring a towel," I say.

"No a different one," he laughs, "would you be against something more outdoors? Maybe like an entire day? Say Saturday?"

"What are you planning?" I ask blowing into my brewed coffee.

His was long brewed but I didn't say anything. I could tell he wasn't a tea drinker by the look on his face when the leaves inside the bag mixed into the steaming water.

"Maybe a picnic? Some other things I'm not prepared for you to know yet." He shrugs.

"I'd love that," I nod, "I'd love to know the other things too."

"I'm not telling you. I love keeping you on your toes," he leans over the kitchen counter to take my hand, "come here."

Holding his hand I let him guide me around the table and into the gap between his knees. I place

my hands on his shoulders and lean into his chest. Both of his hands grip my back. He smiles up at me.

"Do you need a goodnight kiss?" He asks.

"You're going?" I raise an eyebrow.

There's no hiding my disappointment.

"I have work early. I've pushed myself this late," he says.

"Well in that case I do need a goodnight kiss. A really really good one," I smile leaning into him.

A burst of happy runs through me as those delicate lips join mine. Although we start of sweet it soon slips into something more urgent. Desire shifts between our lips. He tugs me as close as he can, my fingers ring through his hair. Days of tension is finally boiling over. I moan into his mouth as he stands lifting me up and onto the counter. He's careful to avoid the hot tea beside him. As he stands between my legs his hands can feel more of me. My thighs, my hips. I even love his bravery when he gives my breasts an ample squeeze.

"Sure you can't stay?" I moan.

"I really can't," His lips trace down my neck leaving lustful kisses.

"Not even to tuck to me?" I groan.

"I'm going to be honest. If I step into your bedroom I'm going to rip all of those clothes off your body," he grunts out.

"So instead you've voted to do it on my kitchen counter?" Rosalie interrupts.

Like a hard slap on the wrist Edward jumps back. I know I'm blushing. I don't need a mirror to see my flush. The heat gives me enough clue.

"I was just leaving," Edward cleats his throat.

"Oh don't let me stop your fun. I was just getting water," Rosalie smirks walking to the fridge.

"No he has an early start," I say, "you don't want to be tired."

"You're going to send him home like that? His balls must be positively navy blue," she scoffs.

Edward glares at her before leaning into kiss me again. This time it's swift. He leaves quickly with the promise to text me.

"Things are heating up quick," Rosalie remarks as I head to my room, "don't go too crazy too fast. I don't want you hurt."

"He's just a rebound right? Like you said," I say.

"You really don't believe that right? I didn't," she crossed her arms.

"No I don't. But I have to," I say.

"No you don't. Not if he's right for you," Rosalie says, "just go with it. Fall for him if your heart says to. I'll be here this time to kick his ass if he fucks it up."

"I like him," I admit.

"I know you do. So fall," she smiles.

"I'm spending Saturday with him," I say suddenly.

"Great," she nods smiling, "he probably can't get enough of you. I'm proud of you for not letting your comfort zone pull you back."

"I'm not going to let it stop me," I smile.

When I snuggle into bed the conversation with Edward resumes immediately. We text back and forth. Flirty, sexy. I am suggestive and he is seductive. I'm so invested that when a message from my ex pops up I block his number without even a second thought.

Thanks for reading!