Chapter Rating: NC-17 for sexual content

That's right peoples. You read it right. If sex makes you uncomfortable, skip the first section.

Note: This chapter is 13, 557 words.

Author's Note to follow at the end (b/c I know you want to start reading!)

Chapter 12 “Fuse”

Kiss me with your cherry lipstick

Never wash you off my face

Hit me I can take your cheap shots

leave you with the love we made

“Night Drive” by Jimmy Eat World

Bella settled into the guest bed and reveled in the flannel sheets. The warmth that they retained were perfect after spending hours out by the lake. She wished she had brought a pair of lounge pants to sleep in. She was in such a rush this morning that it didn't occur to her that she might need them. But the soft feel of the brushed cotton felt nice against her skin and soon she was enveloped by them.

Her mind drifted to the conversation she'd had with Edward by the fire. There were so many new revelations about how they perceived each other. Bella turned them over in her mind. She almost could not believe that he didn't see her as a sister. She was relieved that he considered her a friend, but what really shocked her the most was the fact that he had thought about her in the most intimate way a man could think of another woman.

He had asked her if it bothered her that he had thought of her that way and she was honest when she said no. Surprised at the time, yes. But now? She wondered what he imagined them doing. How far would they go in his mind? What would he do to her? She groaned and flipped on her back. She knew she shouldn't torture herself this way, but she couldn't help it.

Her eyes fluttered shut and just as she was drifting away into a dream where she and Edward were the main stars, she heard a noise that caused her eyes to snap open. It sounded like something had fallen on the floor. Startled, she flipped on the bedside table light and saw that everything was in place.

When she didn't hear anything else, she switched off the light and flipped on her side. She was about to drift off to sleep again, when she heard a muffled thump and giggle. Bella crawled out of bed and went to the door. She opened it a crack, but the living room was empty. The giggling continued, so Bella went to the door that lead out to the solarium and slowly opened it. Nothing in there either. She pulled the curtain back from the double French doors, but the trees and lake were still.

She didn't hear anything for a while, so she crawled back into bed. However, as soon as she pulled the covers over herself, instead of giggles, Bella could hear a distinct moan and the name Emmett being said.

Bella sat up in her bed again, but this time she covered her mouth from yelling out loud. She couldn't believe this was happening.

She mumbled, “They wouldn't, would they?”

And just to erase any doubts, Rosalie's voice got louder and Bella could hear her expressing the type of moans that can only be created when a woman was in the throes of passion.

Bella covered her ears, but it was as if they knew she was listening because Rosalie became louder and suddenly she could hear the sound of springs in a bed being tested to its limits.

She jumped out of her bed and tore the comforter off it. She threw open her door and ran out to the living room. Then she wrapped the comforter around her shoulders and sat on the couch in the dark. She couldn't hear them as clearly out in the living room, but she could still hear the bed springs squeaking.

“Bella?”

She jumped up from the couch and let out a yelp. Edward was standing in the archway of the living room.

He held up his hands. “Whoa, are you okay?”

She wrapped the comforter tighter around her shoulders and shook her head.

Edward walked over to her and cupped her face in his hand. “What's the matter? You look scared.”

She struggled to get the words out, “No. They. . . the noises. . .”

He leaned forward. “What?”

She looked up at him with a pained expression. “They. . . Rosalie and Emmett. . .”

Understanding dawned on Edward. He withdrew his hand from her Bella's face. “Yeah. They're quite. . . amorous right now.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “You heard them, too?”

He shifted in his spot. “My room is across from theirs.”

“Well, mine is right below.” She looked up at the ceiling. “What about Alice and Jasper? Do you think they can hear, too? I mean, if we could, they probably can too, right?”

He shrugged. “I don't know. I didn't hear any movement in their room or see any lights go on. Alice seemed pretty jet lagged from the flight.”

Bella let out a sigh of relief. They stood in the living room for a minute. The only sound was the muffled squeak-squeak originating from upstairs.

She wanted to crawl under a rock and die. It was such a mortifying experience to hear her brother having sex.

“Why don't we sit out in the solarium for a while?” Edward picked up one of the blankets he had left on the couch. Then he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided Bella out of the living room.

He lead her to the wicker love seat and they sat next to each other. Bella was wrapped in her comforter and Edward unfolded the blanket he brought and wrapped it around his bare shoulders. They couldn't hear anything anymore which caused Bella to sit back and let out a heavy sigh.

He looked over at her. “I thought you were okay with them being together.”

She looked at him with an expression of disbelief. “Well, yes, but I don't need to hear it.”

He chuckled. “They could be more discreet.”

She shook her head. “Or they could just not do it.”

This time he looked at her with disbelief. “So, they're just supposed to forget about having sex the whole weekend because they're not alone?”

“Um, yeah.”

“That's being unreasonable.”

Bella sat up in her seat. “How is that unreasonable?”

He turned to face her. “Well, they obviously. . . care a lot about each other. I think it's unfair to not let them. . . show how much they care about each other.”

Bella let out a frustrated breath. “So, the rest of us are supposed to lose sleep while they. . . go blind caring about each other?”

“If they were at a hotel, it wouldn't be a big deal.”

“No, it wouldn't be because they wouldn't have to see those people again in the morning.”

“Bella, what's the big deal? Emmett and Rosalie have sex. I mean, that's hardly a surprise.”

She didn't respond.

He continued, “It was bound to happen anyway. I don't see what's wrong with wanting to be with someone you care a lot about.”

Bella had half buried her face among the folds of her comforter. It was a moment before she said, “There's nothing wrong with it.”

Edward moved closer so that their blanketed shoulders were touching. “Then why does it bother you so much? Is it because it's Emmett?”

She shrugged. “A little, I guess.”

“Then?”

She rested her head on his shoulder. It took another moment for her to respond. “I. . . When you make love with someone you care a lot about, it should be private.”

Edward waited for her to continue.

“Shouldn't that be the one thing that's sacred in a relationship?” She drew the blanket tighter around herself. “I couldn't be like them. Don't they realize that it's not just between them anymore?” She lowered her voice. “If I'm going to be with someone like that, I want to feel like we're the only two people in the world at that moment.”

When Edward didn't say anything, Bella lifted her head to look up at him. She couldn't read his expression. “What?” she asked.

He looked at her for half a minute before he said, “I. . . I should go check if they're. . . done.”

She had an alarmed expression on her face. “How are you going to do that?”

“I was just going to go inside and listen.”

“Oh.” She smiled. “Well, if you go in the guest room, you should be able to hear them pretty clearly.”

He chuckled and went through the door in the veranda that lead to the guest room. He was back in no time. “Um, they're still. . .”

Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

He nodded.

She narrowed her eyes. “I swear I'm going to make Emmett pay for this.”

He gave her a small smile.

They looked at each other unsure of what to do. There was an extra wide wicker chair with a foot stool in the corner of the solarium across from the guest room. He walked over to the love seat where Bella sat and picked up the blanket he had left behind.

He held out his hand. “Come with me.”

She hesitated before she took it. “Where are we going?”

“There's a chair that my parents had custom made. They use it when they want to sit in here and watch the lake.” He led her to the corner of the solarium. The chair was facing in toward the veranda. Edward moved it and the stool around so that they were facing outward to the lake. He draped the blanket over the back and sat on it.

He held out his hand to her.

She looked at the chair. “There's barely enough room for the both of us.”

A corner of his mouth pulled upward. “That's the point.”

“Oh,” she mumbled. She took his hand and he guided her to his lap. It was awkward with the blanket wrapped around her. Then she belatedly realized that Edward didn't have a shirt on. “You must be cold.”

He was about to deny it, but Bella stood up and partially unwrapped the blanket. She sat on his lap again and adjusted it so that it pulled over them both. She was surprised at how easy and comfortable it was for them to sit together.

Bella rested her head in the crook of his neck. “This is nice.”

Edward placed a hand on her knee, securing her place on his lap. He wrapped his other arm around her.

Bella tensed at the contact. She couldn't control her reactions to Edward's touch.

“Are you alright?” His voice was low.

She nodded and felt her muscles relax. “How long do you think we have to wait out here?”

He gave a gentle shrug. “I don't know.”

Bella concentrated on Edward's steady breathing. She was tired, but couldn't seem to fall asleep. She was reminded of the night she slept with him in his bed. The current of energy had returned, but it didn't feel as urgent or oppressing. It was slightly unbearable, but it was manageable when Edward held her close like this.

Just when she was starting to drift off, there was a loud, distinct thump-thump against the wall. The sound of the thumps began to increase in frequency.

Bella lifted her head and looked up at the wall where the sound was coming from. “Geez. They're going to tear that room apart. I can't believe that they're still- We're never going to sleep-”

She was silenced by Edward's lips on hers. His lips were soft and warm. There was a restrained urgency in the way he moved over her mouth. He withdrew his lips just when Bella thought his kiss would become more intense.

She caught her breath and gave him a surprised look.

He reached up and cupped her face, brushing her lower lip with his thumb.

She stammered, “You-you just kissed me.”

His eyes roamed her face. “I did.” A corner of his mouth pulled up. “On purpose.”

She hesitated before she said, “I know Rosalie and Emmett's. . . activities are pretty hard to put up with, so. . .”

His expression became serious. “Kissing you had nothing to do with them.”

She had a confused expression on her face.

He studied her. “Do you think it was a mistake?”

“A mistake?” Her expression fell. “Do you think it was?”

“I asked you first.” His hand fell away from her face.

She bit her lip before she said, “No.”

“Then. . . you didn't mind?”

She almost laughed. “No.”

“Bella.” He returned his hand on her face and his thumb brushed her lower lip again. “Are you sure you don't-”

Before he could finish his sentence, Bella returned his kiss. She wasn't as restrained as Edward and was quick to touch the tip of her tongue on his lips. He did not need any more coaxing than that and allowed her to gain access to his mouth. She threaded her fingers through his hair and tilted his head to the side so she could intensify the kiss.

In response, Edward's hand found its place back on her knee. Bella withdrew her tongue from his mouth, only to take his lower lip into hers. She was applying gentle pressure by sucking on it. Edward's hand glided up her thigh, but stopped when it hit the hem of her shirt.

Just when he thought he couldn't take anymore, Bella let go of his bottom lip and kissed his upper lip. She withdrew her mouth from his and looked at him.

His breathing was ragged and his eyes fluttered open. He had an expression that was a mixture of shock and amusement. When he recovered his breath, he said, “I guess you don't mind then.”

Her cheeks burned and suddenly she felt shy. “I'm sorry. I got carried away.”

He shook his head. “No. No. Don't apologize.” He kissed her on the apple of her cheek. “I've never been kissed like that before.”

She looked at him with surprise. “Really? I thought you and Gianna-”

He chuckled. “No, I meant, I've never had a kiss drive me crazy like this before.”

This time Bella touched his face and traced the outline of his jaw. “Me either.”

This physical need to be with the other person was so strong and yet so new that they each weren't sure how far they should test their limits. Edward did not want Bella to feel pressured into doing something she did not want. He also remembered what she said about making love and this wasn't the ideal situation. He wanted to make her feel special and if it meant that they had to be alone, he'd wait.

In an attempt to reassure her, Edward's hand on her knee slowly rubbed back and forth on her bare skin. It was a mistake. He was about to tell her that they should stop when a soft moan escaped from Bella's lips.

It was his undoing.

His lips crashed onto hers. With just the one touch, her mouth had become so pliable and he was welcomed with no resistance and met with equal eagerness. He tried picking her up, but ended up standing with her in front of him instead. He slid his hands onto her hips and guided her to the door to the guest room.

He had left it partly open when he had gone in the first time, so there was no fumbling with the door knob. Once they had made it into the bedroom, he somehow managed to shut the door without taking his mouth off of Bella's. The action to shut the door caused him to get pinned against it. Bella used it to her advantage and ran her lips down his neck. While her mouth explored the hollow of his neck, her hands slid down the planes of his chest. When they found their way on his hips, she hesitated for a second before she slid down his pajama pants.

The room was dark and the only sounds came for their uneven breathing. Although there was no light, there was no mistake about the tent in Edward's boxers. Bella looked up at Edward with a shy expression. His eyes were trained on her, waiting and hoping his involuntary response was welcomed.

Bella leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss. He responded with an equally gentle kiss. She wanted to let him know that she had no doubts about what was going to happen, but Bella was unsure about how to convey her feelings. Edward noticed her hesitation and moved to pull his pants back up. Bella caught his arm and Edward stilled his movements. She hesitated before she reached down and brushed her fingertips against him which caused Edward to let out a quick gasp and then he gave her a rough kiss. Encouraged, Bella's touch became even more bold, ending with her circling her thumb on the tip of his shaft.

Edward groaned and pushed off the door and quite determinedly picked up Bella and pinned her against the door. Bella gasped at the impact of his body against hers and being pinned against the door. He tried to copy her actions by dragging his lips down her neck, but when her shirt impeded his progress, he pulled it off of her in one quick motion. Then it became a frenzy for Edward to cover his lips over every part that had been obscured by the shirt.

She bit her lower lip to stop the sounds that wanted to escape. Edward's mouth was wet, warm, and soft. When he looked at her to see her biting on her lip, a curious expression occupied his face. Edward never took his eyes off of her when he lowered his mouth onto her breast and swiped his tongue on her nipple.

Bella threw her head back and let out a whimper. Edward was thorough in his exploration of her breasts. He traced every curve with his lips, and then he would deliberately lower his mouth in an attempt to illicit more than just a soft whine from her. Then she pulled his face to hers and launched her mouth onto his, seeking out the tongue that was driving her over the edge. She hooked a leg over his hip and tangled her fingers in his hair.

Edward would not be deterred. He cupped one of her breasts in his hand and lightly brushed his thumb over her nipple while imitating the same movement with his tongue in her mouth. Bella could no longer hold back and she let out a throaty moan on Edward's lips.

Edward ground himself onto her, grabbing the knee that was over his hip to hold her in place. The shock of feeling how aroused he was against her stunned Bella for a second, but when he moved himself on her again, Bella steadied him by clutching his hip and adjusted his movements so he no longer caused friction on her inner thigh.

He let out a guttural sound at the slight adjustment, realizing that only thin pieces of cotton prevented him from being inside of her. Bella's thoughts were drawn to the same conclusion and she tugged down on his boxers. Edward did not need any more encouragement than that. He gently put Bella down and slid his boxers off.

At the sight of Edward's naked body, Bella fumbled to get her underwear off, but Edward stopped her. She let out a frustrated noise and Edward muffled the noise with his lips. She felt a smile on his lips while he kissed her and slipped her underwear off in an agonizingly slow pace. She tried wiggling out of her underwear, but Edward would not go faster. He couldn't help letting a small laugh escape.

She talked against his lips. “What's so funny?”

He kissed her again. “I didn't know you could be so impatient.”

She pressed herself against him. “Why are you torturing me?”

He breathed a kiss on her neck. “I want us to enjoy every minute of this.” His hand glided down her stomach.

“But I want-” She let out a surprised gasp when she felt one of Edward's fingers gently press the sensitive spot between her legs. Then he began to tease that area which caused the tension pooling between her legs to become really unbearable. She felt like her knees would give out at any second.

Her breathing was shallow which caused her to sound out of breath when she said, “I want you inside me.” Then she crushed her mouth onto Edward's.

Edward reached down and cupped her bottom, then lifted her up. Bella wrapped her legs around his waist, crossing her ankles behind his back.

They barely made their way to the bed and tumbled on to it. Her legs were wrapped around him so tight, it drove Edward into a passionate frenzy. He needed to know if she would hold on to him as tightly if he was inside of her.

He shifted his weight, reaching down, intending to continue what he had started doing to Bella, but she caught his hand.

“No.”

“But, I want to-”

She shook her head and then shifted her body, so she was under him again. Bella could feel that Edward was positioned right outside of her. “Please.”

“But, Bella I want you to-” There was a deep grunt from his chest. Bella rubbed herself against him. “I can't believe how wet you are.”

He lowered his mouth on to hers and their tongues joined. Bella had shifted enough so that the tip of him was already inside of her. They both groaned against each other's mouths. Then Bella bent one of her knees up, wanting more of him. Edward responded by gliding the rest of himself inside of her.

He moved in and out of her with slow and deliberate thrusts. Their mouths had been joined at this point, muffling Bella's moans. Edward pulled his mouth away and scattered kisses down her neck, but his true motive was to listen to Bella's ragged breathing and moaning.

She fisted her hand in his hair and the other hand slid down on his hip, attempting to move him faster. Bella enjoyed how she could feel the length of him inside of her, but the slow pace was driving her crazy.

In a rough voice, Edward said, “Jesus, Bella.”

She barely managed to say, “What?”

He cupped her breast which caused Bella to whimper. “I never thought I'd get the chance to feel you like this.”

“Like wha-” It was at that moment that Edward's thrusts quickened. With each thrust, more tension was building inside of her and it was getting more difficult stifling the sounds coming out of her mouth.

Edward's tongue swiped at one of her nipples. “Am I really making you feel this way?”

One of Bella's hands reached back and gripped the headboard. In between ragged breathes she moaned, “Yes.”

Edward's breath was becoming ragged as well. “This is a problem.” He reached under her, pressing their bodies closer together. Bella loved the feeling of Edward's body pressed so firm against hers, and Edward used the opportunity to get deeper inside of her.

She could barely manage to say, “Why?”

“Because. . . I'm going to want to be inside you all the time now.” He had wanted to be gentle with her, but the way she sounded and moved her hips to encourage him caused Edward to practically pound against her.

When he realized how rough he was being, he hesitated for a second. “Bella-”

“Don't stop.” She wrapped her legs around him.

He gave her another rough kiss and continued driving into her. Soon, the escalating pressure was becoming unbearable and he was desperately trying to keep from letting himself go. He didn't want this to end. He wanted to be inside of Bella longer.

He thought about the low white blood cell count from his last lab results in order to distract himself.

Bella gripped the head board with both hands now. It had never been like this before. It was usually over before she even got worked up. Sex had been sometimes awkward, sometimes sweet, and most times brief. This was sensual, intense, and she never imagined that it could go on like this.

She behaved in such a brazen manner. Edward evoked feelings in her that she never thought she was capable of. She wanted to touch and taste him, but she also wanted him to do the same things to her. The minute their mouths met, it felt like her body was set on fire. Common sense told her not to play with fire, but if she was going to get burned, she was going to do it thoroughly.

The pleasure was relentless. At first, Edward's gentle, unhurried movement inside her made her feel like he was savoring her. Bella had never felt so wanted, so beautiful before. As the pleasure was building, so did Bella's need for Edward. She didn't understand how she could want him anymore when they were already joined, but Bella couldn't seem to get enough of Edward and it certainly seemed like he couldn't get enough of her.

Her greed for him caused her to embolden herself and move and say things to Edward that she would've never have said before to incite him to drive into her with not so much reverence. Words like 'harder', 'faster', and 'more' fell from her mouth, while at the same time she moved her hips to feel Edward plunge deeper inside of her. Her behavior was shocking, but she was enjoying Edward too much to care about her wanton attitude.

Once Edward got the hint, Bella felt overwhelmed by the sensation welling up inside her. What she felt before was exquisite. Their frenzied movements made her toes curl and she grabbed hold of whatever she could find to brace herself or else she would shatter. Then suddenly she felt herself start to fall away.

She loosened her grip on the head board and held on instead to his hips. “Oh, god, Edward.”

He felt Bella tighten around him. “Christ, Bella.” She was matching the rough movement of his hips.

Bella's breaths were shallow, trying to keep in time with Edward. Another part of her was falling away and she felt her muscles convulse involuntarily. Suddenly, Edward felt different inside her. She wouldn't have believed it was possible for him to be even harder than he already was, but this was something else. At that moment, he lifted her hips up just a little and then she felt his enlarged tip plunge deeper inside of her.

This new, delightful pressure caused her to raise herself even more and soon Bella no longer had any part of herself to hold on to. Her muscles convulsed wildly around Edward and she didn't realize she was making so much noise until Edward covered his mouth over hers. He plunged his tongue into her mouth and she eagerly took it into her own, lapping and sucking on it. This pushed Edward over and he withdrew his mouth from hers and threw his head back, letting out a groan that settled in his chest.

After a moment, Edward's head fell forward and he gave Bella a deep, slow kiss, their hips still rocking. When he pulled his mouth away, they were both out of breath and Edward tried to roll off Bella. Instead, she entwined her legs with his, so he couldn't leave her. Edward shifted part of his weight onto his side, but remained inside her.

Edward began to drag his lips on Bella's neck. In a low voice, he said, “That was unexpected.”

Bella let out a short breath at the feathery sensations he was creating on her skin. “It's never been like this for me before.”

Edward lifted his head and looked at Bella.

“What?” She looked back at him, trying to read his expression, but she could not.

He shifted off of her and reached for the lamp on the night stand and clicked it on.

Bella's eyes squinted against the light. “Why did you turn on the light?”

Edward settled in his place between Bella's thighs. “It's never been like this for me either.”

“Really? I thought you and Gi-”

Edward silenced her lips with his. After a moment, he said, “Nothing compares to this.” Then he slid back inside her.

Bella reached up and traced her fingers all the way down to his backside. She gave it a gentle squeeze which caused a butterfly sensation inside of her.

She managed to breathe and say, “But why's the light on?”

He breathed a kiss on her collarbone. “This time I want to see everything.”

Her eyebrows shot up when she felt him moving inside her. “Edward?”

He cupped her breast in his hand. “You didn't want to sleep, did you?” He breathed a kiss on her nipple.

Her voice was a low moan. “No.”

Now that they weren't covered in darkness, they moved purposefully, trying to memorize which touch would illicit what reaction. Their lovemaking moved at a measured pace. Neither of them was in any hurry for the other to leave.

However, there would be something that would spur on the other and their lovemaking took on a fervor of urgency. For Edward, it was the way Bella's mouth would part when her breathing became ragged. Another time, Bella lost herself when she saw Edward biting his lower lip, trying to hold on before she shattered into pieces.

When they finally fell asleep, they lay on their sides. Edward was behind Bella with his arm draped across her body, holding her hand.

Bella turned over. She was having vivid dreams about Edward. It was the wall thumping, obnoxious sex kind of dream. In her dream, Edward was kissing a trail down her navel and then he started placing gentle kisses on her inner thighs. She woke up with a start.

Her dreams with Edward had never been that graphic before.

She felt a little guilty for having such naughty thoughts, but it was quickly dispelled and she was immediately possessed by desire. She felt it pool in the pit of her stomach like molten lava. She needed release.

Bella reached for Edward, but the bed was empty. She sat up and saw that she was alone.

The desire that was churning inside her quickly dissipated and was replaced with fear. She started to doubt what happened with Edward last night. Then she checked herself under the sheets. She was still naked and there was an unmistakable soreness in her thighs and a scent on her skin that left no doubt about what happened.

She shook her head. She remembered his touch, the look in his eyes, and how he tasted. Last night really happened. She and Edward had made love.

She threw her shoulders back. Feeling upset that he left her hot and bothered, Bella hopped off the bed to go confront Edward.

She had her hand gripped on the door handle when she heard voices in the kitchen. She also heard dishes being moved around. It sounded like everyone was awake and getting ready to have breakfast. Bella cursed to herself.

She couldn't very well march out there naked, demanding why Edward wasn't in her bed this morning ready to satisfy her needs.

Bella was frustrated, but mostly hurt that he left her before waking her up. After all that happened last night, he could've at least told her he was leaving.

But why did he have to leave?

She marched to the guest bathroom. Once she got in the shower and soaked up the warm water, Bella realized that it would look really odd for him to emerge from her bedroom this morning especially when things were still a little unclear between them.

There was no doubt that they were attracted to each other and being naked together was close to a divine experience as she could get, but they hadn't actually talked about their feelings. Suddenly, she was gripped with anxiety. What if this was a purely physical thing? That would explain why she was feeling so bothered when she woke up alone.

Last night, she and Edward were so open about being attracted to the other person and about sex. But could it ever be more than just a physical attraction? She hoped they could still keep being open and talk about how they felt. She was more than willing to give her body to Edward and her heart already belonged to him, but did he feel the same way? She knew he had no problem with the physical aspect, but what were his feelings toward her?

Bella quickly finished showering and got dressed. She checked herself in the mirror and realized that she wanted to look nicer. She found a compact hair dryer in one of the drawers of the vanity table in the bathroom. She looked in her toiletry bag and pulled out her lip gloss and brush. She would be a little late joining the others for breakfast, but if she was going to try and get Edward to talk about his feelings, Bella decided that there might be some advantage if she looked nice trying.

Alice flipped the last of the pancakes from the pan onto a serving plate. She had bacon and eggs warming in the oven. The coffee was made and she just had to take the juice out of the fridge.

Jasper stood behind her and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Breakfast smells delicious.”

She smiled. “Thank you. Since Bella made dinner last night, I figure I should pull my weight around here and make breakfast today.”

Jasper took a mug out of the cupboard and then poured himself some coffee. “I'm surprised you're up early enough to make breakfast. You didn't sleep well last night.”

Alice lifted one shoulder up and then down. She took the eggs and bacon out of the oven. “I'm a little tired, but I just couldn't sleep anymore. I'm still adjusting to the time difference.”

Jasper gave her a sympathetic look.

She gave him a reassuring smile and said, “Don't worry about me.” She took syrup and butter out of the fridge. “Besides, I think there are more interesting things to be concerned about.”

Jasper sat on a bar stool in front of the breakfast bar. “Like what?”

A little smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Since I was up early, I noticed that Edward wasn't in his room this morning.”

Jasper's eye brows shot up. “He could've been out for a morning walk.”

Alice raised an eyebrow at him. “Would he have gone on a morning walk with no shirt and just his pajama bottoms?”

Jasper leaned over the table. “He could've fallen asleep on the couch.”

“Maybe.” The grin spread across her face. “But I saw him come out of Bella's room.”

Jasper sat up in his seat. “Alice Mary Cullen, are you spying on your brother?”

She let out a short breath as if she was offended. “I was doing nothing of the sort. I was on my way downstairs when I heard a noise. I hid in the hallway and saw Edward walking upstairs.”

“How do you know he came from Bella's room?”

“I think the noise I heard was him shutting her door.”

He shook his head. “Alice.”

“What?” she asked in that all too familiar innocent tone.

“Stay out of it.”

She looked at him with a surprised expression. “I wasn't going to do anything.”

He rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “I'm sure they're doing fine on their own.”

Alice had her index finger on her chin like she was contemplating something.

Jasper's brow wrinkled. “What now?”

Her eyes widened in recognition and she held her finger. “I bet that's why there were strange noises coming from Bella's room last night.”

Jasper picked up a piece of bacon. “What are you talking about?”

“Last night, I came down to the kitchen for some water. I just thought that maybe she was moving around in her room, but maybe she was with Edward.” She had this silly grin on her face. “Do you think they're-”

“Alice, it's none of our business.”

“Jasper, he's my brother. She's my best friend. I think it's fair for me to speculate even a little about what the nature of their relationship is.”

He reached for another slice of bacon, but Alice gave him a light smack on his hand. He gave her a soft frown and said, “Whatever the nature of their relationship is, they'll tell us when they're ready. In the meantime, just leave them alone.” He picked up his mug and stood up.

Alice let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine.”

Jasper gave her a warning look. “I'm serious, Alice.”

She held up her hands as a gesture of surrender.

Jasper helped Alice put breakfast on the table. Once they were done, he asked, “Should we have waited to put breakfast on? We don't know when everyone will be up.”

Alice shook her head. “People will be coming down shortly.” She went to the refrigerator to get the juice and not a minute later, Emmett showed up with Rosalie in tow.

Emmett rubbed his hands together. “It smells great in here. Is that bacon?” He went straight to the table.

Rosalie went to the cupboard to take out some mugs for coffee. She greeted everyone. “Good morning.”

Alice said, “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

Rosalie had a mild smirk on her face. “It was gorgeous.”

Alice was taking out glasses for juice and at Rosalie's description she paused and gave her a curious look.

Rosalie sipped her coffee. Then she looked at Alice. “Being out her in the wilderness just. . . leaves you breathless.”

Emmett choked on his pancakes.

Alice raised an eyebrow at Rosalie. “Really? I've never heard the area described in that way before.”

Rosalie walked to the table with two mugs of coffee. She set one of the mugs in front of Emmett who was sitting at the head of the table. She took the seat on his left. “But it is. I especially love the trees.” She gave Emmett a knowing smile. “They're so tall which makes them seem to go for miles. And did you notice how thick they are?” She placed her hand on his knee under the table. “I'm sure the trees have lived through some pretty exciting times, but I think that just adds to its character.”

Emmett swallowed hard. “My favorite are the mountains.”

Rosalie arched an eyebrow at him.

His eyes grazed her breasts and then he looked back up at her. “The snowy peaks are tantalizing in the winter.”

Jasper focused his attention on the local paper. He had tuned out the conversation when Rosalie made the comment about being breathless. He knew his sister too well. Alice just shook her head at both of them and started eating her breakfast. Edward had heard the whole exchange and cleared his throat.

Edward took the seat on Emmett's right. “Well, the next time you guys decide to. . . share your enthusiasm about nature, try to keep it down at a reasonable volume.”

Emmett's eyes widened.

Rosalie grinned. “Sorry, Edward. I hope our. . . appreciation for the great outdoors didn't keep you awake.”

“I would've gone back to sleep eventually.” He gave Emmett a pointed look. “But, Bella had a hard time ignoring all the. . . unrestrained admiration for nature.”

Emmett sat back, causing his chair to scrape on the floor. “She heard. . .”

Edward nodded, and then sipped his juice.

Emmett ran his fingers through his hair and Rosalie bit her lower lip. The self-satisfied expression gone from her face.

Edward served himself some pancakes. “You guys must've had some really. . . heated conversations. I mean, the furniture was moving.”

Emmett's fork made a loud clink on his plate.

“Look, we can't help that we have a very healthy. . . enjoyment for nature.” Rosalie's eyes narrowed at Edward. “Unlike some people who would love to. . . admire nature with someone else.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Emmett looked at Edward and then at Rosalie.

Rosalie blinked several times. “Uh. . . nothing.”

Emmett looked at Edward.

Edward narrowed his eyes at Rosalie who looked away. After a moment, he said, “Nothing, Emmett.”

Alice said, “Emmett, would you like more bacon?”

Emmett was momentarily distracted, but it wasn't enough to throw him off the trail. He shook his head and asked, “Edward, what's going on?”

Edward looked at Emmett. “Nothing's going on.”

Emmett narrowed his eyes at Edward. “Were you with Bella last night when. . .”

Edward didn't look away. “Yes.”

Emmett pushed his plate away.

Jasper had long put aside the paper. “You guys maybe we should-”

“What happened?” Emmett asked.

Edward contemplated what he was going to say next. “I came downstairs when you and Rosalie. . . I was going to the kitchen. When I got downstairs, Bella was out in the living room wrapped in her blanket. She was sitting on the couch.” He hesitated before he said, “She looked upset.”

Emmett was looking down at the empty spot on the table where his plate had just been. “So, she heard everything?”

“Yes.”

The silence at the table was tense and seemed to last for hours, but it was only seconds before Emmett said, “I'll go talk to her.”

He made a motion to stand, but Edward held up his hand. “It's alright. She's fine now.”

He sat back down, but he had a doubtful look on her face. “She's not upset anymore?”

“I don't think so.” He leaned forward in his seat. “She's a grown woman, Emmett. She knows about. . . what happens between a man and a woman.”

His eyes widened. “You're talking about Bella.”

Edward held up his hands. “Yes, Bella. She's not a little girl anymore.”

Emmett thought for a moment before he said, “I should still try to-”

Before he got to finish what he was saying, Bella entered the kitchen. Rosalie stood up and moved one seat over away from Emmett. She gave Rosalie a confused expression before she took the vacated seat. Emmett was now in between her and Edward.

And they were all openly staring at Bella.

She actually hadn't looked Edward in the eyes when she took her seat, but she could feel his eyes boring into her more so than the others. Bella shifted in her seat and said, “Did I miss something?”

Jasper cleared his throat and returned his attention back to the paper. Alice poured Bella a glass of juice and passed it to her. Rosalie sipped her coffee. Bella helped herself to some pancakes, using that as an excuse not to look at Edward.

After a moment, Emmett said, “Bella, I'm sorry.”

Her brow pinched. “Why?” She looked around the table. “Damn it, Emmett. Did you eat all the bacon?”

“What? Yes. But that's not why I'm apologizing.”

“You should be apologizing. I picked out applewood smoked bacon because I was really looking forward to having some this weekend.” She narrowed her eyes at him.

Alice said, “There's still more. I can make it.” She got up without waiting to hear Bella's response.

“Do you need any help?” Rosalie asked.

“I want you stay, Rosalie,” Emmett said.

She looked at Emmett and nodded.

Jasper said, “I'll go help Alice.” He left the table.

Edward stood up.

Emmett said, “No, I want you to stay too, Edward.”

This time Bella finally looked at Edward and she saw that his expression was composed, but his eyes had an intense look.

She looked back at her brother. “What the hell is going on?”

Emmett held up his hands. “I just wanted to apologize for last night.”

Rosalie's mouth fell partly open.

Bella saw that Emmett had a very sincere expression. Then she looked at Edward whose expression had softened.

She looked at Rosalie who seemed tense, but was keeping a calm expression on her face.

Bella shifted in her seat. “What's there to apologize for?”

Emmett turned to face her. “Edward said that you were upset.”

She couldn't help narrowing her eyes at Edward. He was surprised by the action.

Emmett held up a hand. “Don't get mad at him. I asked him to tell me what happened.”

At this, Bella tried to keep her face calm. She snuck a look at Edward to try and gauge just how much he told Emmett. Judging from his composed expression, Bella realized he hadn't told Emmett everything that happened. She cleared her throat. “But why are you apologizing?”

“I didn't mean to upset you.”

She shrugged. “Don't worry about it.”

“But, Bella-”

“Emmett.” She held up her fork at him. “Yeah, it was kind of weird last night hearing you and Rosalie. . . like that and I'd bleach my ears if I could, but. . .” She put her fork down. “You care about Rosalie, right?”

Emmett sat up straighter. “Yes, of course I do.”

She turned to look at Rosalie. “And you care about my brother, right?”

Rosalie nodded. “Absolutely.”

She snuck a look at Edward before she looked back at Emmett. “So if you both care about each other so much, then. . . I guess it isn't wrong that you'd want to. . . show how much you care.” She was holding her fork and turning it over and over between her fingers. She knew Edward was looking at her, but she didn't have the courage to look back at him.

“Bella?”

She looked up at the sound of Emmett's voice.

Emmett put his hand over Bella's and she stopped turning the fork between her fingers. “Did you know you're the best sister in the world?”

She raised an eyebrow at him.

He smiled. “I meant, in the universe.”

She returned her smile, but then her face became serious. “There's just one thing.”

Emmett withdrew his hand and waited for her to continue.

“I forgot to bring my earplugs this weekend, so I'd appreciate it if you guys kept it down a little. I think I had various wild animals scratching at my door last night, trying to figure out what all the noise was about.”

The tops of Emmett's ears were red.

Rosalie snickered and then said, “Good one.”

Edward let out a small laugh.

Bella narrowed her eyes at him. “Why did you tell him?”

Edward's eyebrows shot up. “He asked if I was with you last night, and I told him I was.”

Bella's mouth dropped.

Emmett said, “Hey, don't get mad at Edward. He was being a good friend.”

Her head snapped toward Emmett. “What?”

Emmett continued, “I think that was nice of him to stay up with you and talk to you while we. . . while it was hard for you to get back to sleep.”

Bella's mouth was partly open. She looked at Emmett and then at Edward and then back and forth one more time.

She tilted her to the side and looked at Edward. “Yeah. Edward was being a really good friend last night.”

Edward's eyes widened.

Bella continued, “We had a very interesting. . . discussion about sex.”

Emmett looked at Edward who shifted in his seat.

Rosalie turned to face Bella. “Really?”

Bella turned to face Rosalie. “Yeah. I always thought that sex was something that people did because it was just part of being in a relationship.”

Rosalie raised an eyebrow at her.

“Kind of like when you have a car, you have to make sure you take care of it. Like getting tune-ups after a certain number of miles. It's just something you have to do.”

Rosalie chuckled. “I appreciate the car analogy.”

Bella smiled. “But Edward helped me understand that sex could be so much more than just something you have to do.”

They both looked at Edward who had his head in his hand. Emmett's brow was wrinkled, trying to process what Bella was saying.

Rosalie said, “So, what did Edward teach you about sex?”

Bella had a small smile on her face. “Well, I never thought that people had sex because they really want to. I mean, if you're going to have sex with someone, you should want to, but there's a difference between having to and wanting to.”

Bella picked up her fork again and started turning it between her fingers. “The whole concept of wanting to have sex with someone so much because you want that person never occurred to me until last night.”

Rosalie stifled a laugh and instead said, “Wow. It sounds like you and Edward had a very. . . in depth conversation.”

“Well, it was because of you and Emmett.”

Rosalie chuckled.

“I mean, no offense, but I thought you were exaggerating.”

This time Rosalie let out a hearty laugh. Edward sank deeper into his seat and Emmett's mouth dropped.

Bella continued, “But, Edward helped me understand that women don't exaggerate if they really. . . enjoy what they're feeling.”

Rosalie had an amused expression on her face. “How did Edward help you-”

Emmett turned to Edward. “What the hell, Edward? Why are you talking about sex with my sister?”

He sat up in his seat reluctantly. “It was kind of unavoidable last night.”

Bella narrowed her eyes at Emmett. “There's nothing wrong with us talking about sex.”

Emmett cringed. “That's just wrong.”

Bella tried to hide the hurt in her voice. “Why is that wrong?”

“Because you guys grew up together. You're practically like brother and sister.”

Rosalie said, “They are not brother and sister, Emmett.”

“No, but they might as well be.” His brow was wrinkled and he looked at Bella. “You know, if we were still in high school, I'd beat the crap out of Edward for talking to you this way.”

“We're adults now,” Bella said. “Besides who else am I going to talk to about stuff like this?”

“How about Alice?”

“I already do.”

“Then why do you need-”

“It's not the same.”

“Why not?”

“Do you really want to know what girls talk about when we talk about sex?”

“No! But what difference does it make?”

“Why does it bother you that I talk about sex with Edward?”

“Because he's my best friend!”

“Emmett. Bella.”

They both looked up at Edward.

He hesitated before he said, “I'm sorry, Emmett.”

Bella's mouth dropped. Then she said, “Why are you apologizing to him?”

Emmett answered before Edward could. “Bella, let it go.”

“Fine. I won't talk about sex with Edward.” She narrowed her eyes at Edward. “Ever again.” She stood up. “Maybe I'll find someone else who would be more interested in talking about sex with me.” Bella didn't even look at Edward before she left the room.

Emmett held his hands up. “Why is she mad now?”

Rosalie let out an exasperated sigh. “You're such an idiot, Emmett.”

“Me? What did I do?”

She rolled her eyes and then looked at Edward. “And you,” Rosalie narrowed her eyes at him, conveying her disapproval.

Edward recoiled back in his seat.

Alice returned with Jasper behind her. “What's going on? Where's Bella?”

Rosalie stood up. “She's upset. I think she went to her room.”

“What? Why?” Alice asked with concern.

Rosalie fisted her hands and put them on her hips. “Her brother and his best friend are total idiots.” Her voice had gotten louder. “She deserves way better than either of you.” She dropped her arms, but her hands were still balled up at her side. “I'm going to go check on Bella.” Rosalie glared at them both before she left the room.

“What happened?” Alice asked.

“I don't know.” Emmett shrugged and then proceeded to retell the entire conversation between him, Bella, and Edward. When he was done, Emmett was surprised to see Alice glaring at him.

“What now?” he asked.

“Emmett, sometimes you just. . .” She threw her head back and let out out a frustrated sigh. Then she looked at Edward. “And you!”

Edward looked at her. “Alice, I-”

“I can't believe you. Emmett is Emmett, but I expected you to be at least. . .” She spit out the word, “better.”

Alice set the plate she was holding down with a loud thud on the table. “Enjoy your bacon.” She left the room to join Rosalie and Bella.

Emmett stood up. “What the hell is up with these women? Why are they acting so crazy? And pissed?”

“Geez, Emmett.”

He turned to look at Jasper. “What?”

Jasper shook his head. “You're going to have to accept that Bella's a woman.”

“I know she is.”

He held up his hands. “No, really. Bella is a woman.”

Emmett looked at Jasper.

He continued, “She's a woman who has needs.”

“Jasper.” Emmett groaned.

“One day, she's going to want to be with someone.”

“That's fine.”

“Emmett, she's going to want to have sex.”

Emmett cringed. “Why are you talking about my sister that way?”

Jasper held up his hands again. “What I meant was, she's going to find someone that she cares about very much and she's going to want to. . . show him how much she cares. Are you going to be okay with that?”

It took Emmett a moment to answer. “I guess so.”

“Are you sure?”

He shrugged. “I mean, I'm going to have to be, right?” He ran his fingers through his hair. “But thankfully that's not going to be for a while.”

Jasper looked at Edward.

Emmett caught the look between them. “What?” He looked at Edward. “Do you know something?”

Edward stood up and held up his hands. “No, but. . .”

“What?”

Edward dropped his hands to his sides. He looked at Emmett and said, “I want to be the one she cares about.”

He gave him a confused expression. “She already does.”

Edward took in a deep breath. “I know, but. . . I want to be the only one, Emmett.”

“Edward.” Emmett looked at his friend with different eyes. “What are you saying?”

He hesitated before he said, “I. . . I'm in love with Bella.”

“I know you love her,” Emmett said.

“What?” Edward looked at him in surprise.

“I know you love her and care about her. You look after her like she was a sister.”

Edward shook his head. “No, Emmett. I mean, I do care about her and love her, but I don't see her like a sister.” His jaw tensed before he said, “I'm in love with her.”

He looked at Edward one more time before he collapsed in his seat. “Does she know?”

Edward sat back down. “No, but I'm hoping she'll give me a chance.”

Emmett closed his eyes and said, “Man, I'm an idiot.”

Jasper took the seat that Bella had been sitting in.

After a moment, Emmett said, “So, how long do you think they're going to be in there?”

Jasper shrugged. “Who knows?”

Emmett picked up a piece of bacon and started nibbling it.

“Wait, that's it?” Edward asked.

“What?” Emmett crammed the rest of it in his mouth.

“That's all you're going to say?”

He picked up another piece. “What else do you want me to say?”

“I thought you'd be pissed. I thought you'd tell me to go to hell.”

He inspected the piece of bacon in his hand. “Why would I do that?”

Edward gave him a look of disbelief. “You did that with every guy who tried to get near Bella in high school.”

“Well, okay. If we were still in high school, I'd probably react the same way, but we're not.” He reached for another piece of bacon. “And, I don't know. I'd like to think that I'm a little smarter now than I was in high school.”

He stuffed the bacon in his mouth and picked up his mug and took a sip. He cringed at the lukewarm temperature. “I've seen the guys Bella's dated over the years. There weren't that many, but. . . she deserved better.” He wiped his hand on a napkin. “And if it has to be someone, it should be you.”

Edward stared at Emmett with his mouth partly open. He recovered himself and said, “So, you're actually okay with me being in love with your sister?”

He shrugged. “I'm dealing with it.” Then he smiled. “But who's to say she'll even give you a chance?” He laughed at his own joke.

Jasper and Edward didn't.

After a second, Emmett sobered up and said, “But I hope she does.”

After a moment, Edward couldn't help smiling.

Jasper, who had been silent the whole time, said, “Finally.”

Emmett said, “What?”

“Edward's finally admitted his feelings, but it's to the wrong Swan.”

Emmett chuckled.

Edward made a move to Bella's room.

Jasper caught him by the elbow. “Give them some time. I have a feeling if you went in now, they wouldn't be too friendly.”

Edward nodded and walked over to the window looking out onto the lake.

Edward was suddenly overcome with anxiety. A great burden had been lifted off his shoulders. A big part of why he didn't tell Bella how he felt all those years ago was because he was afraid of ruining his friendship with Emmett. At least that's what he kept telling himself. It had become a built in excuse not to share his feelings for Bella and eventually the excuse had become the reason to bury his feelings.

Lately that reason seemed so trivial. Gaining Emmett's acceptance unsettled the resolve he made so many years ago to stay away from Bella.

Now, it seems that things wouldn't have been as bad as he thought. They definitely would've gone through a rough patch, but Edward suspected that they would've been able to ride it out. Why hadn't he taken a chance sooner? What else had held him back?

Not only was he overcome with anxiety, but he also felt remorse creeping in. He couldn't explain why, but he realized for the first time that leaving Bella all those years ago probably wasn't a good idea after all.

Bella paced back and forth in her room. She felt like a caged animal. If she was back at home, she would've locked herself in the garage and beat the crap out of the punching bag.

She opened the curtains to let in more light and was studying the outline of the trees near the lake. She was considering how hard it really would be to rip out one of the those trees, when there was knock on the door. Bella's eyes narrowed at the sound.

“Bella? It's Rosalie.”

She felt her muscles relax and she said, “Come in.”

Rosalie let herself in and then she looked at Bella. “Are you alright?”

Bella was standing by the French doors that lead out to the lake. She turned around when Rosalie walked in. She shrugged.

Rosalie took a few steps into the room. “You know, I don't know how you grew up with those two.”

Bella chuckled. “It definitely wasn't easy.”

Rosalie moved to the bed and sat down. “On their own, they're not too bad. But together. . .” She shook her head. “It's like the moronic brotherhood united.”

Bella laughed.

There was another knock on the door. “It's me, Alice.”

Bella let out a sigh. “Come in.”

Alice also let herself in and shut the door behind her. “What is it with those two? Whenever they're together, their IQ's plummet.”

“Look, it's not a big deal.” Bella sat on the bed with Rosalie.

Alice sat on the other side of Bella. “I forgot how annoying they were.”

“I just want to. . . punch something.” Bella fisted her hands beside her.

“Well, I can distract Emmett, and then we can string him up,” Rosalie said.

Alice and Bella laughed. Then Bella said, “I think I just need to clear my head. I'm going to take a walk.”

Alice and Rosalie stood up. Alice said, “We'll come with you.”

Bella stood at the French doors. “You guys don't have to do that.”

Rosalie had a small smile pulled at the corner of her lips. “Do you think Emmett would approve of you walking by yourself in the wilderness?”

Bella rolled her eyes, but didn't argue with them. They went out through the French doors and descended the small porch connected to Bella's room. They walked down a beaten path.

Bella said, “Your mom did a really nice job renovating the guest room.”

Rosalie said, “It really is a nice place to get away for a while.”

They walked in companionable silence through a thick coppice of small trees before the lake came into view. It was a relatively short walk and Bella welcomed the change of scenery. She picked up several flat rocks and then walked to the edge of the lake. She looked down at the palm of her hand and picked a medium sized black rock. Bella held it out and skid it across the water.

Alice tried skidding a couple of rocks, but instead became more interested in the various shades of the stones and began grouping them accordingly. Rosalie stood as close to the edge of the water and watched as the sun light began to dance on the surface.

After a moment, Alice said, “Bella, I'm sorry my brother was a jerk.”

She had her hand held up, poised with a rock, but she held back. Bella turned to look at Alice. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

Alice was crouched down on the ground. “But it always seems like he's on Emmett's side.”

Bella returned her attention to skidding rocks. “What else is new?”

Alice straightened up. “We're not kids anymore.”

Rosalie said, “I could talk to Emmett.”

Bella let out a small laugh. “Don't bother. He'll always see me as his kid sister who needs protecting from everything. I just thought Edward. . .”

Alice took a step toward her. “What?”

Bella stopped and turned around to face them. “I thought for the first time that maybe he'd take my side.” She dropped the stones on the ground and walked away from the shore.

Alice and Rosalie followed Bella back toward the cabin.

Alice ventured to speak. “So, has anything happened between you and Edward while you were staying at my parents' house?”

Bella slipped a hand in one of her pockets. “No.”

Alice raised an eyebrow at her. “You don't sound very sure of yourself.”

They cleared the thicket of small trees and they could see the cabin. Instead of returning directly to it, Alice steered them in the direction of the clearing beside it.

Bella shrugged. “Well, nothing did happen, but I thought. . . I'm such an idiot.”

Alice and Rosalie waited for her to continue.

She continued, “We had been getting along so well and at times I thought Edward. . . I felt something more.” She let out an exasperated sigh. “And then last night-” Bella stopped in her tracks.

Alice and Rosalie stopped and turned to look at Bella.

They were just a few feet away from the house. Bella shifted in her spot. “Maybe we should get back. I'm sure the guys are wondering what-”

Rosalie said, “So, last night, when you said that you and Edward talked about sex, did you guys. . .”

Bella opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

Alice and Rosalie both took a step toward Bella.

“Um. . .” Bella felt her cheeks burn.

They talked at the same time.

“Who started it?”

“How far did you guys get?”

Bella rolled her eyes and started walking back to the cabin. “I can't talk about this.”

Alice trotted to catch up with Bella and then stood in front of her. “You can't just drop that bomb on us and leave. Tell us what happened.”

Rosalie caught up with them. “I want to hear what happened, too.”

After a moment, Bella took a deep breath and told them everything. She told them that Edward initiated it by kissing her. After that, things happened so fast. Bella said she'd never experienced anything like it. She had totally forgotten herself and all she could focus on was Edward.

Alice's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets. “Oh my-” She placed her hands on Bella's shoulders. “So this is for real? You and Edward -”

Bella held up her hands. “But, the way he was at breakfast. . .”

Rosalie shook her head and let out a few choice expletives directed at Edward.

Alice said, “I can't believe Edward took Emmett's side like that.”

After a moment, Bella said, “The thing is. . . it's never been like that for me before.”

Alice placed her hand on Bella's arm. “What do you mean? Isn't Edward your first?”

Bella looked away. “No.”

Alice's mouth dropped and then she said, “What?”

Rosalie looked at Alice and then looked at Bella. “Wait, so you -”

Bella took a deep breath. “It was someone else.”

Alice's hands were still on Bella's shoulders and her grip tightened. “Who? When?”

Bella took Alice's hands off her shoulder and rubbed the soreness her grip left. “It was freshman year at Washington.” She hesitated before she said, “It was Jared.”

“Jared!” Alice practically shrieked.

Bella winced. “Yeah. He was really nice.”

“Nice? I guess if you like. . . nice guys.” Alice had a disdainful look on her face when she said the word nice.

Rosalie said, “So, you've had sex with a nice guy. Great. Now, can we talk about you and Edward.”

Bella rolled her eyes. “What's there to talk about? It's probably not going to happen again.”

Rosalie asked, “Why not?”

Bella said, “Well, you heard him this morning. He's probably going to stay away from me now since Emmett's made it really clear that he doesn't like us even talking about sex. Can you imagine what Emmett will be like if he found out if we actually did it? I'm sure Edward doesn't want to upset him.”

Alice said, “Edward is an idiot if he choses your brother over you.”

Rosalie said, “Emmett will regret interfering.”

Bella held up her hands. “Wait, you guys. Please don't say anything. You're making a big deal out of this.”

They were about to disagree with Bella when she held up one hand to silence them.

Then she said, “Besides, I don't know if I should have sex with Edward again.”

Rosalie and Alice exchanged surprised looks.

Alice asked, “It couldn't have been that bad.”

Bella said, “No, it was. . . how do you describe. . .” She let out a frustrated sigh.

Alice smiled.

Rosalie said, “When you said your first time was with a nice guy, did you also mean that the sex was nice?”

Bella nodded.

Rosalie raised an eyebrow at her. “Do you mean nice like. . . vanilla nice?”

Alice said in a warning tone. “Come on, Rosalie.”

Bella asked, “What does that mean?”

Rosalie let out a frustrated sigh. “I bet you guys only did it in one position.”

Alice cried, “Rosalie!”

Bella said, “We tried other positions.”

Rosalie gave her a doubtful expression. “Tried? There's a difference between trying and liking other positions.”

Bella shook her head. “I'm not having this conversation.” She walked toward the house.

Alice said, “Wait! Okay. We won't talk about that, but what else is bothering you?”

Bella stopped and it took her a moment to turn back around.

Alice waited for Bella to speak.

Bella looked at Rosalie and then at Alice. She said, “I don't know if. . . what if this is just a physical thing.”

Rosalie had a small smile on her face. “There's nothing wrong with that.”

Alice rolled her eyes.

Bella said, “But, it seems like we've talked about everything about sex except. . . our feelings.”

Alice's brow furrowed. “Do you mean. . . you're not sure how he feels about you?”

Bella looked down at her hands again and shook her head.

Alice placed her hands on her hips. “You mean my brother had sex with you, but he hasn't told you if he has any feelings for you?”

Bella looked up. “Well, when you say it that way, it sounds kind of bad.”

Alice cursed. “How can he be such an idiot?”

Rosalie said, “He's not the type to just have sex with anyone.”

They both gave her a questioning look.

Rosalie held up a hand. “Look, I'll admit. When I first met Edward, I was curious. He is attractive and I made it pretty obvious that I was more than willing to-”

“We get the idea,” Alice said.

Rosalie continued, “Anyway, he told me that he wasn't interested in me that way. I thought at first he was playing games, but he really meant it. And during all the times he's accompanied me on events for clients, he never once tried anything.”

Alice said, “So what's your point?”

She gave her a look of disbelief. “Alice, I've had guys try to get in my pants since I was sixteen. Edward was the first who didn't try. I thought he was just playing hard to get, but. . .” Rosalie looked at Bella. “Edward's not the type of guy who's lead by his package.”

Bella was stunned, but was quick to recover. “So, what? Am I supposed to feel grateful that we had sex? I'm not the kind of person who has sex on a whim. I. . . I can't be casual about this.”

Alice gave her a small smile. “Geez, Bella. Don't you realize what you're saying?”

Bella gave her a confused expression. “What are you talking about?”

Alice said, “Neither of you are into casual sex which can only mean one thing.”

Bella looked at Alice and then at Rosalie. “What?”

Rosalie and Alice groaned.

Rosalie said, “Does it have to be spelled out for you?”

Alice said, “Look, you're just going to have to figure it out, Bella.”

She was about to say something else when they heard the sound of a door being opened and closed. Rosalie and Alice turned to see who it was, but Bella already knew.

Edward had come out through the door from the kitchen and descended the steps. He stopped a few feet away from the house unsure whether or not he should join them.

Alice turned to Bella. “I think you and Edward need to talk.” She gave Rosalie an expectant look and she nodded. They both left Bella in her place and walked back to the cabin toward the door Edward had just came out of.

“You guys-” Bella tried to stop them, but they were already at the door. They didn't even bother to stop to say anything to Edward. Once they were inside the house, Edward walked over to Bella. There was a slowness at his pace as if he was expecting Bella to tell him to leave.

When she didn't, he picked up his pace and he was standing in front of her in no time.

They stood in front of each other for a moment before he said, “How long have you guys been out here?”

Bella shrugged. “When Alice came to my room. That's when we took a walk down to the lake.”

His eyebrows shot up. “So you guys have been out here a while.”

“We have?”

He nodded. “It's been a little over an hour.”

Bella shifted in her spot. “Oh.”

Edward hesitated before he said, “I wanted. . . I would've come out sooner, but Jasper. . . said I should be more patient.”

She looked away from him and after a moment, she said, “Well, I guess we should go back inside.” She started to walk past him, but he caught her arm.

“Bella, wait. I'd like to talk to you.”

She stopped and turned around to look at him. “What is there to talk about?”

“This morning with Emmett. I'm sorry.”

“There's nothing to apologize for.” She looked away at the trees in the thicket in the distance. “I shouldn't have expected anything different.”

“Bella.” He took a step toward her.

She took a step away from him. “Can we just forget about it?”

He plunged forward. “I'm sorry I was such a jerk. Emmett's sorry, too.”

She shrugged. “Fine.” Then she turned back around to return to the house.

This time Edward took her hand. “Bella, what's wrong?”

She turned to face him again. So many thoughts filled her head, but all she could say was, “And what about this morning?”

“This morning? I thought we just talked-”

“No.” She took her hand back. “Why did you leave?”

“Are you upset about that?”

She lifted her chin. “Last night you made it seem like you didn't want to leave, and then this morning, you disappeared.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “You were talking in your sleep.”

She had opened her mouth, preparing to argue with him, but she was not expecting that comment. “I was?”

He nodded. Edward raised his hand and grazed his thumb across the apple of her cheek. “The things you said. . . actually, they were mostly sounds. . .”

Bella felt herself get warm.

Edward took another step toward her. “I almost. . .” He looked down at her lips and then back at her eyes. “I heard someone moving around upstairs and I realized that if I didn't leave right away, we might be caught. . .”

Bella's brow had a soft crease. “You still could've let me know you were leaving. Those dreams were. . .” She cleared her throat. “Graphic.”

Edward's eyebrows shot up. “Really?”

She rolled her eyes.

A corner of his mouth pulled up. “Well, from the sounds you were making, I shouldn't be surprised.” He cupped her face. “Were you alone in these dreams?”

She swallowed hard. “No.”

He lowered his face so that it was only about an inch away from hers. “Was I with you?”

Bella barely managed to nod.

Edward gave her a piercing look. “Let me just clarify something. You had graphic dreams of us together and when you woke up I was gone. Were you upset because I wasn't there to. . . help relieve some of the. . . tension?”

Bella felt her whole body flush. She pulled away from Edward and took a step back. “When you say it like that. . . it sounds pretty desperate, but I'm not usually. . .” She wanted to bury herself under a mountain of dirt. She turned to walk back to the house.

This time Edward got hold of one of her shoulders. He spun her around, placed a hand behind her neck, and his lips crashed down on Bella's.

Bella was stunned and at first just stood there, but then Edward's other hand found it's way around her waist and he drew her toward him. She gasped at the sudden contact of their chests against each other and Edward took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. He was hesitant at first, testing with the tip of his tongue, but the action only encouraged Bella, so she widened her mouth to welcome more of Edward's tongue inside hers.

One of Bella's arms snaked around him and the other found it's way entangled in his hair. The kiss became more fervent and Edward's arms wrapped tighter around her, fisting her shirt in his hands.

Bella closed the distance between them and she couldn't help letting out a soft moan escape through their kiss when she felt his hardness pressed against her hip.

The sound Bella made caused Edward to reach up behind her head and gently fist the hair at the nape of her neck. He broke away from the kiss and started to lathe her neck, starting at the spot just below her ear.

Bella tried to catch her breath, but her breathing was uneven. She could barely keep her eyes open. Edward's mouth was soft and warm and occasionally he'd nip at her neck. Without thinking, she adjusted her hips so that she could feel him right over her zipper. She rubbed her hips against his which caused Edward to groan.

He breathed a kiss at the base of her neck. “I'm sorry I left you this morning, but I will make it up to you.” His voice was rough.

“When?”

Edward lifted his head to look at Bella. Her eyes were so drunk with desire that he couldn't help smiling.

The smile caused Bella to snap out of her lustful state and she blushed. “I-”

He silenced her with a soft kiss. He pulled away just enough to talk, but his lips brushed on top of hers while he did. “God, I want to be alone with you right now.”

There was something nagging in the back of Bella's mind, but it was difficult concentrating especially when her body was pressed against Edward's like this and his lips were still on hers, but he wasn't kissing her.

Then it hit her and she pulled her face away from his. “Um, there's something we need to talk about.”

Edward pulled away and loosened his grip just enough so that he could concentrate on what she was saying. “Talk about what?”

“Well, it's just. . . this is moving fast and I don't normally just. . . jump into bed with someone so quickly.”

He gave her a concerned look and touched her face. “I don't either, Bella.”

She leaned into his touch. “But, I. . . It's clearly obvious how much we want each other, but what happens afterward?”

His brow wrinkled. “Afterward?”

Bella steeled herself to get the words out. “Is this going to be a one time thing? Because if it is, I don't do casual sex.”

This time Edward let go of Bella. “I don't either.”

Bella plowed on as if she didn't hear him. “If this is just a purely physical thing and we do this to get it out of our systems, I don't know if I can handle that. I'd rather we stopped-”

Edward took her face in his hands and kissed her.

Bella pulled away reluctantly. “Edward-”

“There's something I need you to listen to.”

Bella wore a confused expression. “What? Right now?”

He nodded and took her hand then lead her back to the cabin.

“But, Edward. I don't understand. Can't we just talk?”

They stopped right in front of the door that lead into the kitchen. He turned to look at her. “We can talk, but it's just really important to me for you to listen to this.” He turned to walk up the steps.

Bella still held his hand, but pulled on it which caused him to turn around again. “Listen to what? Why is it so important?”

He reached out with his other hand and brushed away the hair across her forehead. “It's a piano piece that I wrote. It'll help explain. . . everything.” He gave her an anxious look. “Will you listen?”

Bella was surprised by his uneasiness. He was usually so calm and collected. “Of course, I'll listen.”

He grinned and kissed her lips one more time before he lead her back into the house.

Author's Note:

Holy cow! This story has over 1,200 reviews. That is insane. You guys are awesome and welcome to the new readers who have caught up. That is amazing b/c this story is so effing long and I'm in awe that some of you guys just didn't give up reading it. But to everyone, thank you for sticking with the story and rec'ing it to friends. I'm really flattered by all the attention and support you guys have shown me.

This is also my first lemon, so I hope you'll forgive any awkwardness. I wasn't going to go in that direction at this point of the story yet, but after much discussion with my betas and evaluating Bella and Edward's relationship at this point in the story, it seemed like a natural progression. (Plus, I don't think they could stand anymore cockblocking.) :)This is part of the reason why it took a while to get this chapter ready. I spent a lot of time with my betas' feedback revising that scene. I feel like it's finally gotten to the point where it's acceptable.

I also wanted to apologize for the long wait in between posts. I've been sick a lot lately, but things are starting to turn around. I wanted to assure you all that even though it may take me a while to post, I'm still going to finish this story. I'm always thinking about it and when I can, I'm writing. So please don't get discouraged if it takes a while for me to post. I always hope that when I do, it was worth the wait.

Special thanks go to spotzle and vjgm for being so generous and supportive betas. I am so thankful to have you guys beta this story.