ONCE UPON A TWILIGHT CONTEST

Title: The Baker's Magic Buns

Author: ciaobella27

Rating: M

POV: Bella

Word Count: 7268

Summary: The Butcher and Candlestick Maker recruit Dr. Bella Swan to counsel the Baker whose buns drive the ladies of Storybook Land wild. A big girl's fairy tale. BxE AU/AH

This story is being submitted as an entry for the Once Upon a Twilight Contest, hosted by wishimight and staceygirl aka jackbauer. For complete contest details, to read the rest of the contest submissions, or if you are interested in entering, please visit the contest community at:
http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/community/Once_Upon_A_Twilight/
Entries accepted until 8/20/09

Voting begins 8/22/09

It was another beautiful day in Storybook Land. The sun was always shining. The birds were always chirping. Even those brats that lived in the shoe were happy. Me, I was late for my first patient of the day and I had yet to have a cup of coffee. As I barreled out of The Mad Hatter's Coffee and Tea Leaf, I plowed over a handful of people in my haste. Fortunately, I didn't spill anything. As long as I had my caffeine fix, I'd be fine.

I loved my job but on days like this I wondered why I hadn't decided to tend sheep with Bo. She just sat in a lounge chair in the meadow all day long, working on her tan. I usually didn't complain about my job. I loved being a therapist. I was great at it and I had a fantastic success rate. While the sun was always shining and birds were always chirping, the residents of Storybook Land were far from the picture of perfection they so liked to portray. I listened patiently to their irrational fears of spiders, their penchant for lying and their obsession with wearing tights. Remember Jack Horner who sat in a corner? Who do you think finally got him to open up? Then there was Wee Willie Winky walking around town, peeking into windows wearing a dress. Yes, he claimed it was a nightgown but that was just a technicality. Someone needed to set that boy straight. That was me too.

When my aunt, Mother Goose, retired I knew that taking over her practice was what I was destined to do. What I didn't expect, though, was just how dysfunctional the citizens of Storybook Land would actually be. While they expected to ride off into the sunset happily ever after, in reality their lives didn't work out quite as they planned. I spent the majority of my time counseling distressed princesses and irritated princes. That reminded me of my first appointment of the day. She wasn't the brightest bulb in the bunch.

As I walked through the doors of my office, I was assaulted by the sound of the phone ringing off the hook.

"Dr. Swan's office, please hold," my receptionist, Jessica, rattled off while pressing a number of buttons. "Dr. Swan's office, please hold. Dr. Swan's office, how may I help you? Yes, I understand….the earliest we can fit you in would be next Wednesday….I see…I understand you're late, we are all very busy people….okay, I will schedule you with Dr. Swan at eleven on Wednesday," Jessica sighed as she hung up.

"The White Rabbit?" I asked, guessing that he was probably having another episode. His obsessive compulsive disorder tended to flare up when his schedule became too tight. Exasperated, she nodded. "Your nine o'clock is already waiting in your office. She brought company," she added with an eye roll.

Fantastic. Like we haven't been over this a thousand times.

"Good Morning, Snow," I greeted the beautiful girl in my office. Scanning the room, I realized we weren't alone. "Snow, we've talked about this. No woodland creatures allowed during therapy, right?"

"Oh, Dr. Swan," she chirped. "I'm ever so sorry. The bluebirds just didn't want to leave my shoulder today. I was just telling Grumpy the other day that nothing cheers you up like the enchanting melody of a happy little bird."

"Um, yes," I replied, searching for the words to explain. "I'm sure that's true but I believe we've been discussing boundaries, right? Forest friends stay outside."

Without the slightest hint of disappointment, or distress, she danced over to the window and softly set the two bluebirds onto the sill. Settling behind the desk, I opened up her file to review where we left off last session. It had been a grueling hour as I tried to convince her that it was not normal to have seven grown men living with her and her husband. Dwarfs or not, there were too many people in that marriage. Not to mention, folks were starting to talk.

As the current session drew to a close I was no closer to getting Snow White to move the Dwarfs into more appropriate lodging. I even offered to introduce them to Red Riding Hood, who had been looking for a roommate. She never really got over the break-in at Grandma's house and was looking for a little security. She may not have had The Seven Dwarfs in mind but I still thought it would be a good match. Snow White would have none of it, though. I felt drained once she left and it was barely ten o'clock.

"Alice on line one," Jessica called from her desk. Alice was one of my best friends. After her adventures in Wonderland she had a hard time assimilating back into everyday life. She recently chopped off her long, golden locks and dyed the spiky remains jet black. I personally thought she looked great.

I took a quick glance at the clock, noting that I had a few minutes before my next patient.

"Hey, Alice," I said into the phone.

"Hello Dr. Bella," she teased. "I have some great news."

"I could use a pick me up," I responded, stifling a yawn.

"I met somebody and he is….simply amazing."

"So who is Mr. Amazing this time?" I asked sarcastically.

"His name is Jasper," she sighed. "I needed a few candles so I went into his shop yesterday. He's a candlestick maker and he's so knowledgeable. Did you know there's a hot wax that actually has moisturizer in it?"

"Alice! What were you doing talking about hot wax with a guy you just met?" I scolded. Sometimes I felt like her mother.

"He's the one, Bella. I just know it. I'm introducing Rosalie to his friend, Emmett. He runs the new butcher shop," she explained cheerfully.

Rosalie, the Queen of Hearts, was one of our very best friends. She had softened up quite a bit since her time in Wonderland with Alice. After a number of anger management sessions she rarely called for a beheading. I was very proud of her progress.

"The butcher's name is Emmett?" I asked incredulously. "What kind of name is Emmett?"

"That reminds me," she added, ignoring the sarcasm. "Emmett said he has a friend with a problem."

"They all have friends with problems, Alice. Did you ever consider that Emmett may be the one with the problem?" Maybe the butcher isn't packing enough meat.

"No, this is a real friend with a real problem so I gave Emmett your number," she replied. "Maybe you should meet us out tonight? You haven't been out in ages."

"Alice, we've been over this. Storybook Land is a small place and I practically treat the whole town. I know all of their deep, dark secrets. I'm bound to run into one of my patients and it's always awkward. Then there are the people who just want to gossip. I swear, if another person asks me about the Muffin Man, I'll scream."

"You need to get out of the house at some point, Bella," she admonished. "You, of all people, should know that. You're just proving that doctors make the worst patients."

"I wish you could understand, Alice. You have no idea what it's like when you're on guard with everyone you meet. I love you, really, but I'm fine."

"If you say so. Well, let me know if you hear from Emmett. His friend has some very interesting issues," she began suspiciously, "but I'll leave that to him to explain."

The next day when I arrived at the office, Jessica was entranced, staring with wide-eyes at the door to my office.

"Good Morning, Jess," I greeted her, following her gaze to the door. Nothing looked different. When I didn't get a response I called her name again. Startled, she peered up at me dreamily. "He's waiting for you," she cooed. "God, you're so lucky."

"Sure," I replied, perplexed by her behavior. There was a strange scent in the air. It was cinnamon, or maybe nutmeg? There was definitely some vanilla and maybe gingerbread. "What's that smell?" I asked her.

Half-heartedly, Jess pointed to a small box on the corner of her desk. Peering inside, I was met with the most delicious smelling muffins I had ever encountered.

"Alice dropped them off," she added, drawing her eyes back to my office door.

Maybe she needs a vacation…

I grabbed a muffin and headed into my office. My first appointment of the day was a new patient so I hoped it would be an easy initial meeting. Anything would be better than sparring with Snow White again.

I opened the door to find a man playing with the Newton's Cradle on my desk. The silver balls on the outer edges were swinging while the middle three remained still. I cleared my throat, startling him. As he turned to face me, I was able to get a better look. His strong angular jaw caught my attention first, giving way to pouty lips and dazzling green eyes. His hands were stuffed in the pockets of his khakis as he looked away uncomfortably while I ogled him. Embarrassed by my indiscretion, I was ready to utter an apology when his eyes locked on the muffin in my hand. His whole body tensed and he jerked around suddenly, knocking the Newton's Cradle onto the floor with a loud clatter.

"I'm so sorry," he stammered, grabbing it off the floor while avoiding eye contact with me entirely. His behavior was very interesting from a medical point of view. During our initial exchange he was visibly uncomfortable, but once he looked at my breakfast he looked downright terrified. I was intrigued.

"It's fine, Mr. Cullen. Please sit down," I said in a soft voice. I wasn't sure if I needed to handle him gently or not. I had no information on his actual condition.

"Um, well, I wasn't…I mean you…" he trailed off, having an increasingly difficult time expressing himself. From the way he was running his fingers through his hair I could already see he had some nervous habits. "I didn't know you were a woman. I mean, it's clear that you're a woman," he continued, motioning to me, "but I didn't know Dr. Swan was a woman. My friend…I'm going to kill him."

"Relax, Mr. Cullen," I began, "have a seat. May I call you Edward?" His eyes focused once again on the muffin in my hands.

"I think I should go," he replied nervously. "Maybe I can reschedule," he offered, still avoiding me.

"Okay. Sure, just check in with Jessica on the way out," I suggested. He drew in a deep breath, quickly shaking his head.

"Maybe I'll just call," he added. "I really do apologize for wasting your time." For the first time, since he knocked the Cradle off my desk, he looked at me and I was overcome by the anguish in his tortured expression.

"No problem," I replied softly as I watched him practically run out of the office.

"Come back soon, Edward!" Jessica called after him. Getting up from her desk, she opened the office door and shouted down the hall. "Call me!"

I walked over to my desk and, returning the Cradle to its spot, began making notes in the brand new file for Edward Cullen.

Edward Cullen ~ Session One

Intriguing behavior patterns. Ended session abruptly. Question: nervous disorder, social anxiety, cibophobia

I tapped my pencil against the desk as I reread my notes. It was a shame. He was hands-down the most attractive man I had ever laid eyes on but he most definitely had issues. They all did.

That night Alice called asking if I received a call from Emmett regarding an appointment for his friend, the Baker. She was very disappointed when I told her I had not spoken to him. Alice was always a kind and caring person. I was proud of her for investing so much energy into helping someone in need. Later that night she called back to let me know she'd be stopping by after lunch. Hopefully, it would be an easier day than the prior two.

Jessica was beaming when I made it into the office the next morning.

"What has you so chipper today, Jess," I greeted her as I flipped through my mail.

"Edward rescheduled," she replied, gazing off into the distance. I was relieved to hear that he decided to come back so soon. I honestly didn't expect to see him again.

"That's great news," I replied. "When is he coming in?"

"Right after lunch. I can hardly wait."

I picked up my mail and entered my office to prepare for my busy morning. I had a session scheduled with the Three Pigs. They were still in arbitration with the Big Bad Wolf over the damages he owed them but the pressure from the case was getting to them and they seemed to be turning on each other. I suggested group therapy for the three and it had been going well. Since I blocked off the entire morning for them I knew it would fly by.

"Listen, boys," I said to them as their time was running out, "we had a good session today. We learned that you should not place blame on each other for some rather unfortunate choices in building materials," I added, shooting a glance directly at The Third Little Pig. He looked away shamefully. "Next time we'll delve a little deeper into how to be accountable for our actions."

As the three exited the office, clearly worn out from the intense session, I glanced at the clock, rejoicing that it was time to grab a bite to eat. I had agreed to meet Rosalie at The Dish and The Spoon.

When I arrived Rosalie was already seated and staring at the menu, wearing one of her signature blood red tailored suits.

"Well, hello Doc," she greeted me as I sat down. "You look beat already. I know it isn't because you had a late night," she teased. "So I'm guessing it's been a rough day at the office."

"It's been a tough morning," I confessed. "And I have late nights," I argued.

"Bella, come on. You haven't been out on a date since…what? Peter Pumpkin Eater six months ago?"

Of course, she'd bring up Peter. I quickly learned why Peter's wife didn't want to stick around. When he wasn't stuffing food in his mouth he was trying to shove his tongue into mine. No, thank you.

"That's not fair, Rosalie," I complained. "You hated Peter, too."

"Well, of course I hated Peter, the Human Vacuum," she replied, "but that doesn't mean you stop dating altogether. This self-imposed celibacy can't go on much longer, Bella. How long has it been? A year?"

"Why are we taking this stroll down memory lane today, Rosalie? I thought we were going to have a nice, quiet lunch?"

"I'm just saying, Bella, that you don't swear off relationships just because Jack's beanstalk wasn't all it was cracked up to be."

"We've been over this, Rose. I haven't sworn off men…really. I'm just on hiatus," I explained. "The dating pool is pretty shallow when most of the men in town are my patients."

"Well, we have the Ball tonight and you, my friend, are going to find a man," she announced. Before I could protest the waitress interrupted to take our orders.

"I know you're not a big fan but I had the best salad here the other day," Rosalie added. "You really need to try it. And if you're still hungry when you get back to the office, I'm sure you can grab a snack."

"Sure," I agreed. It was a little strange for Rose to offer up a lunch suggestion but since she did, I felt that I should at least try it out. Fortunately, for the remainder of our lunch, she raved about her date with Emmett and how she couldn't wait to introduce me to him.

When I returned to the office I expected to find Alice chatting with Jessica. Instead, I was met with a different but equally intoxicating aroma, similar to that of the muffins. After the tiny salad I was given at lunch, I was starving.

"Alice isn't here?" I asked Jessica.

"She stopped by and left you those," she replied petulantly as she pointed to the same type of box the muffins came in. "She told me that you weren't eating enough and that they were only for you. The smell has been driving me crazy."

"That's weird," I replied. She hadn't voiced any concerns about my eating habits earlier. I opened the box and took a deep breath. The box was full of tiny rolls, and the scent of freshly baked bread filled the office, yet I still detected the faint scent of vanilla.

"You can have one, Jess," I offered, tipping the box in her direction.

"She told me you'd say that and I've been instructed to make sure that you eat them," she replied, still pouting. Rolling my eyes, I grabbed one and made a show out of taking a huge bite.

"There. Happy?" I asked.

"No," she retorted. "Please take them in your office since they are apparently off limits." Tired of her dramatics, I carried the small box back into my office and set it down on my desk. I had to admit I was pleased that I didn't need to share. They were the most delicious rolls I had ever eaten. I had already eaten two by the time Jessica paged me through the intercom, telling me Edward had arrived.

When he walked into the room I needed to remind myself that he was a patient, as I was overcome by the desire to rake my eyes down his body once again.

"Good Afternoon, Edward," I greeted him as he entered the office. He took a seat on the leather couch across from my chair. "Are you feeling better today?"

"Please forgive me for my behavior yesterday," he began. "My issue is complicated."

"Can we discuss your issue?" I asked carefully. He shifted uncomfortably, crossing then uncrossing his legs.

"Sure," he finally replied, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Whenever you're ready," I prompted.

"I'm having somewhat of a career crisis," he began, chuckling. I wasn't expecting this to be a work-related issue but often work brings on stress and anxiety. It was common. "I'm the Baker," he began slowly. "I don't know if you've heard of me."

"Oh, you're Emmett's friend," I replied. Alice will be so pleased.

"Yes, and Jasper's, but I didn't know if you had heard anything else," he added, searching my face for recognition.

"No, I haven't, Edward. Why don't you continue," I urged.

"I have a problem with my baked goods," he began. It wasn't uncommon for men to use euphemisms in embarrassing situations. Clearly Edward was using terms in his comfort zone.

"What exactly is going on with your…baked goods," I asked carefully. I wanted him to feel comfortable talking to me, knowing that I was on his side.

"Well, whenever someone tastes my baked goods," he explained, "they…they fall in love with me."

Now, I will admit that his appearance had caused me to behave very unprofessionally and I had struggled to concentrate as he talked about his "baked goods", but I was shocked by his admission. Was he that good?

"When you say 'fall in love with you', do they stalk you?" I probed.

"No, it wears off," he explained. "But in the moment, it gets a little intense."

"You need to be a little more specific, Edward, if you want me to help you. I know this is a little embarrassing."

"Well, for instance, I'm very proud of my buns. They've won awards in a number of competitions," he began, looking at me expectantly. I wanted to be supportive and he was clearly looking for me to respond.

"I don't doubt it," I replied nervously. I had already been caught staring, he shouldn't be surprised that I agreed.

"If someone were to take a bite of one of my buns, the effect is almost instantaneous. Some women tear off their clothes, some try to tear off mine. At first, I'll admit it was kind of enjoyable," he added sheepishly. "But it's gotten out of hand."

"Well, Edward," I began, confused, "what do you expect from these women? If you're allowing them to bite your…buns…"

"It's not just the buns," he countered. "Cookies, cakes, muffins..."

"Wait," I interrupted. "You're really talking about pastries?"

"Yes," he replied. "Of course. Me," he added, pointing to himself, "baker."

I needed to move the conversation along so he didn't realize I had been talking about his body for the past ten minutes.

"Buns like these?" I asked, raising the box Alice had dropped off up in the air.

"Those are from my shop," he exclaimed. "You didn't…eat any of them?" he asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Actually, I had two. They're delicious," I replied.

"But you're not reacting to them at all," he added, obviously stunned.

"Could it possibly be that women just find you attractive, Edward?" I asked. "This could just be a case of some aggressive women exhibiting normal behavior around a man they have interest in."

"Dr. Swan, after Old Mother Hubbard bought a dozen cookies last week I found her naked in my pantry, offering to lather me up in cake batter. Does that, in your professional opinion, constitute normal behavior?"

"No, and rather unfortunate for you," I muttered, wishing I hadn't forced him to give up that bit of information.

"You have no idea," he replied, shaking his head. "But you," he added, perking up. "It doesn't affect you. You're not in love with me."

I may have wanted to ride him off into the sunset but I was not in love with him.

"I think it's safe to say I'm immune," I laughed. "Maybe I'm just set to a different frequency. This is good for you, though. We can continue your therapy without you having to worry about me reacting adversely to your…ah…baked goods."

"I can't tell you what a relief this is," he began. "I can't maintain any type of relationship with a woman because sooner or later, they want me to cook for them and then all hell breaks loose. Or worse yet, they come by to find naked women walking around my shop."

Eww. Another nasty visual.

"Edward, I won't be able to help you figure out why your cooking affects women this way. I mean, this is Storybook Land and strange things happen everyday. But you should view this office as a safe place to sound off when things get too intense," I offered.

"Well," he began shyly, "there is something in particular I really wanted to discuss. It's actually the reason my friends have been hounding me to come here."

"Go on," I replied.

"How do I say this…" he muttered, shaking his head.

"You can say anything here, Edward," I added, encouraging him. "No one is judging you."

He took a deep breath and when he let it out, the locks of hair on his forehead blew to the side.

"I've never had to ask a woman out on a date," he announced, his brows furrowed and his expression serious. "They've always approached me….with very little clothing…"

"And your friends feel like this is a problem?" I asked.

"No, no. Emmett and Jasper don't understand why I think it's a problem. They think I live a charmed life."

"But you don't share in that opinion?"

Resting his elbows on his knees, he buried his face in his hands, dragging them down his face until they rested under his jaw. He looked so tired and dejected. I never knew an endless stream of naked women could be such a problem.

"I need more than that now," he replied firmly. "Do you have any idea how hard it is when you can't trust if someone is with you for the right reasons?"

My breath caught as he repeated almost the same words I had spoken to Alice just a few days earlier.

"It must be terribly difficult," I managed to reply, giving him a sympathetic smile. He returned it, holding my gaze for a moment longer than I was comfortable with.

"So, now I have no idea how to approach a woman that isn't "charmed" by me. And once I do talk to her, how do I maintain some semblance of normalcy when my life is pretty abnormal?"

Alice was right. Edward sure had a very intriguing issue but I had a feeling I could help him.

"Well, time is almost up today, Edward, but I think going forward we need to focus on your ability to communicate with women. I'm sure you're better at it than you think you are."

"I wish I were as optimistic," he replied as he got up from the couch. "Well, I'll see you next week then, Dr. Swan." I found myself feeling badly that he was leaving. It happened sometimes with new patients, especially the nicer ones. This one was nice to look at, as well.

"Have a good week, Edward," I replied as I watched him scurry by Jessica and dart down the hall.

The rest of the day dragged on but I wasn't able to dwell on my session with Edward as I was caught mediating a disagreement between Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

I was truly exhausted when I got home, and in no shape to make it to the Ball but I knew there would be no way out of it. One thing was for certain, I was not going to allow Alice and Rosalie to dress me up and pass me off onto some heartbroken princessless prince.

At seven thirty the chimes on my doorbell rang, signaling that Rosalie and Alice had arrived to pick me up. But instead of finding Alice and Rosalie ready for Girls Night at the Ball, I found Alice and Rosalie with their respective dates.

"Bella, this is Jasper, the candlestick maker I was telling you about," she explained, giving the tall man at her side a quick squeeze. He was definitely handsome and only had eyes for our little Alice.

"And this is Emmett. He's the…butcher," Rosalie added, eyes aflame. Emmett seemed to be returning her intense gaze.

"And I am…dateless," I quipped. "Didn't get the memo, ladies," I said, feeling annoyed. Rosalie linked her arm in mine and walked me away from the others.

"Listen, Bella, we're sorry to do this to you but we thought it was necessary. If Alice and I went to the Ball with Jasper and Emmett, you'd be forced to mingle. It will be good for you," she explained.

"Are you serious?" I fumed. "I'm not going, Rose."

"Bella, stop being so melodramatic. Have you seen the size of Emmett? He can very easily carry you there and if he has to do that and you tire him out, that will lessen my chances of getting a peek at the butcher's sausage."

"As long as you have my best interest at heart, Rose," I sneered.

"I do, Bella," she retorted. "You'll thank me."

I wasn't surprised when I saw how crowded the Ball was when we arrived. Everyone in Storybook Land attended, which meant that I'd have more than a few awkward encounters with my patients. I cringed thinking about the possibility of getting stuck talking to Cinderella and Prince Valiant. I couldn't look at them the same way after hearing about his foot fetish. Some things were better left unsaid.

Jasper immediately spun Alice around and over to the dance floor while Emmett dragged Rosalie off to a secluded table in the corner. I stood, uncomfortably looking around the room for someone I knew. I noticed Rapunzel entertaining half a dozen men. I swear there should be a sign under her window that says "Over a Billion Served". I tried to convince her to cut her long strawberry blond hair but the girl liked having it pulled.

Feeling self-conscious I began strolling around the perimeter of the ballroom, watching the couples glide across the floor. I felt a tug in my chest as I focused on their seemingly happy faces. Maybe not everyone in Storybook Land was unhappy. Feeling even more depressed I headed for the exit, not wanting to spend another minute inside. As I approached the door I heard a commotion.

"Come out, come out wherever you are," a woman's voice cooed. "You can run but you can't hide."

Peering out the door I witnesses Edward plastered up against a tree, pale as a ghost. He was clearly hiding from the woman I had heard. When he notice I was standing in the doorway he began shaking his head quickly, shushing me. I then saw why. Old Mother Hubbard was stalking through the surrounding forest in hot pursuit.

"Edward," she called. "Why don't you come out? My cupboard is bare."

"Edward!" called another voice. "I need someone to help me figure out if my bed is just right."

When Old Mother Hubbard heard the girl's voice, she stormed over enraged.

"Goldilocks, dear, I'm only going to warn you once," she began. "Run along. Edward is in love with me."

"You?" she asked incredulously. "You're like a hundred. That's totally gross. He wants someone young like me, who's willing to taste his porridge." I was pretty sure that I had enough food analogies to last a lifetime. I really needed to intervene.

"Ladies, ladies," I interrupted over their heated banter. "You both should be ashamed of yourselves. Fighting over some man that you are both chasing through the woods!"

"He's running from her," Goldilocks protested.

"I don't think so, dear. I know he wants to give me a bone," she replied.

"Enough!" I yelled. "You will both turn around, go home and leave Edward alone."

Earning a nasty glare from both, they begrudgingly turned around and left.

"Believe me now, Dr. Swan?" I heard the voice behind me ask.

"God, Edward," I replied, spinning around. "That's insane."

"That's my life," he mused. "I planned to sneak out quickly after I dropped off some desserts but Old Mother Hubbard cornered me. I have no idea where Goldilocks came from."

"What is she? Twelve?" I laughed.

"It's not nice to laugh at your patients, Dr. Swan," he teased.

"I'm sorry, Edward," I replied. "You're right. But I'm confident that we can work through this together," I added, reaching out to rest my hand on his arm reassuringly. It was a simple gesture, one I used all the time with my patients. However, once I made contact I felt my chest tighten strangely. I wasn't sure if he could read my reaction as he searched my eyes for a moment before pulling away.

"I should go before anyone else has dessert," he added. "I'll see you next week, Dr. Swan." He turned and left, bowing his head and shoving his hands into his pockets once again.

If what I had witnessed had in fact been Goldilocks and Old Mother Hubbard under the spell of Edward's baking, then Alice had some explaining to do. With two days worth of baked goods delivered to my office, she clearly wanted me to fall under his spell too. Her need to meddle in my love life, or lack thereof, was becoming annoying. I went back inside and downed two pumpkin martinis before heading home.

Over the next few weeks, Edward seemed to be making progress. I suggested he hire an apprentice to do the actual baking. He would use all of Edward's recipes but Edward would not take part in any of the prep work. Right away, the number of naked women throwing themselves at Edward decreased. But for some, his draw was too strong and he still would occasionally find Old Mother Hubbard hiding in the pantry, looking for some afternoon delight.

We spent a great deal of time addressing his difficulty approaching women who weren't already "under his spell". Having never been turned down, he was terribly insecure and felt awkward expressing himself. But as the weeks went on, he opened up and was able to speak freely to me without hesitation.

"I was thinking that we could try something new today, Edward," I suggested at the beginning of our most recent session. "Many people feel that role playing assists them in working out what to say and how to say it."

"You mean I'd try out what I wanted to say on you?" he asked cautiously.

"Well, you seem comfortable with me so it's worth a try."

Edward seemed to ponder this for a moment, lost in thought.

"Well, you see, I'm having a hard time deciding what I should or shouldn't say to her," he admitted sheepishly. I was taken aback as I wasn't aware there was a woman Edward was already interested in. I shook off the jealous sting and reminded myself that I was only his therapist.

"I see," I replied, attempting to maintain a level of professionalism. "Many people struggle with that problem. There's a fear of rejection. A fear that the object of your affection may not return the feelings you have."

"It's not just that," he added nervously. "I don't want to scare her away."

"Well, you're hardly frightening, Edward," I reasoned.

"No, but some of my feelings are a little…intense," he explained.

"It's perfectly normal to feel passionately about someone that you have feelings for," I added.

"That may be true but this is all new for me. Having to woo a woman," he added. "And it isn't helping that I think about her all the time. It's become rather distracting. Tell me, Dr. Swan," he began, looking at me curiously, "would you want to know if you were driving someone mad?"

Flustered by the intensity of his stare, I fumbled to regain my composure.

"I'm looking for your professional opinion, of course," he added.

"Of course," I stammered. "Well, I always promote honesty between my clients and their loved ones."

"So, yes," he added. "You would want to know?" he repeated. "You see, it's difficult for me. I've had to deal with women focusing solely on how I looked for so long. 'Charmed' by me, as Emmett and Jasper put it. But I'm no better, really. When I first saw her, I thought she was beautiful but it was as I got to know her that I began to unravel. Now, when she talks to me, I stare at her mouth and imagine how she tastes. And when she walks across the room, I stare at the curves on her body when she shifts and turns. The smell of her perfume drives me crazy. But that's not the worst part."

"It's not," I asked, breathing heavy.

"No. At night when I'm alone and can think only of her, I imagine the contrast of her hair against my pillow and her body below me. I imagine how soft she'd feel in my arms, how my mouth would search hers. I'm no better than those women, am I?" he asked sadly.

Again, I struggled to speak, panting at his description while harboring murderous feelings for the object of his affection.

"You're nothing like them, Edward," I answered calmly. "It's clear to me that you have very strong, genuine feelings for this woman. If you didn't, you wouldn't be here every week trying to work up the courage to talk to her."

"I don't know," he said as he stood up. He reached for my hand, pulling me to my feet. "I'm having a hard time staying away."

I gasped as my breathing became shallow, completely taken aback by his actions.

"I thought maybe she'd see through me and figure it out herself so I wouldn't have to tell her. I haven't stopped thinking about her since she knocked me over getting coffee a month ago. I nearly lost my mind when I ran into her again. Then when I saw her eating one of my muffins, I couldn't bear to see her fall under the same spell as all of the others.

"I had no intention of seeing her again," he continued. "But I couldn't stay away either. So, Dr. Swan," he asked settling his hands on my waist. "Should I tell her what she does to me?"

I sucked in a deep breath, trying to steady myself. My head was spinning and I wondered if maybe I was just as enchanted by him as Goldilocks and Old Mother Hubbard.

"I told you. I think it's best to be honest," I murmured, holding onto his forearms.

"I'm worried, though," he continued. "Once she starts talking, I'm going to focus on her lips again. This time, I'm going to have to kiss her. If she says anything, anything at all to let me know that she wants me to, I don't think I'll be able to hold back. What do you think, Dr. Swan?" His gaze lowered to my lips and I froze.

"I think…kissing is necessary to promote intimacy in a relationship," I whispered watching his lips as well. "Often times…"

"Bella," he interrupted, tilting my head up towards his. "Look at me."

He only hesitated for a moment before pulling me into his arms. When his lips sought mine I grasped at his shoulders, once again feeling the tightening in my chest as we touched. No longer shy or self-conscious, he held my body against his as he poured every one of the emotions he spoke of into a breathtaking kiss.

"I'm glad that you don't feel that kissing her would be too forward," he whispered against my mouth. "There are a few other things that come to mind, as well," he added darkly, backing me up until I collided with the front of my desk.

"Lately, I've had this fantasy," he said with a lazy smirk. "Would you like to know what it is?"

I nodded, reaching my hands out behind me to brace myself against the desk.

"When I first met her, I knocked something off of her desk. It went clattering onto the floor making the most ungodly sound," he began, glancing over to the Newton's Cradle. "Now, when I sit in her office, I imagine backing her up against her desk, running my arm along the surface and sending that decoration and every last thing on that desk crashing onto the floor. In my mind, she looks amazing laid out on that desk, waiting for me."

My breath was coming in pants as I met his fiery gaze.

"Do it," I challenged. His eyes flashed, surprised at my response. Then, with a feral growl, he slid his arm swiftly across the top of my desk sending file folders, paper clips and that Newton's Cradle flying onto the floor.

Lifting me by my waist he set me down on the desk, pulling my skirt off as he backed away. I tore at my blouse, quickly unfastening the top two buttons so that I could pull it off over my head as Edward yanked off his polo shirt. I scooted closer to the edge of the desk to reach him, pawing at the zipper on his khakis.

"Do you know how many times I've had to shove my hands into these pockets to stop myself from touching you," he whispered darkly. Dropping his khakis to the floor he launched himself onto the desk, sending me crashing down as we collided. As his mouth attacked the sides of my neck there was a knock on the door.

"Dr. Swan, is everything okay in there?" Jessica asked from behind the door.

"Everything's fine, Jessica," I panted, trying to ignore Edward's tongue tracing down my chest and over my stomach. "Everything's just…"

"Delicious," he moaned.

"Everything's great," I yelled back.

"I want these off," he growled as if he were talking directly to my underwear. I nodded, hoping he wasn't waiting for me to remember how to speak before acting. He twisted them in his hand and dragged them roughly down my legs. I discard my bra and propped myself up on my elbows as I watched him remove his boxer briefs. I felt like I was waiting for someone to unveil a work of art or something. When the baker's goods sprung to life, I never felt so hungry.

"I imagined you so many times looking just like this," he mused softly.

"It gets better," I replied hungrily.

Pushing up off my elbows I grabbed him around the neck, pulling him down onto the desk with me. The feel of his skin against mine caused me to both shiver and burn. Holding himself up on his forearms above me he ground against me, teasing and taunting but not giving me what I wanted. I wrapped my legs around him, encouraging him to move forward as my body ached in waiting for him.

"Please," I pleaded. "I need you."

With a low groan he hung his head, breathing deeply. Finally pushing forward, my torso arched off the desk as he drove into me, swiveling and grinding, each of us moaning along with the sensation. Rose was right. It had been a long time since I had been with anybody, but it never felt this good. As he rocked into me, the creaking sound coming from the desk fueled the fire burning inside me. I wanted it to break, to come apart at the seams because that was how he was making me feel. With each thrust and each jerk, my resolve was slowly slipping. All of my misconceptions about wanting or needing to be alone were destroyed. All this time. Edward needed me. Edward wanted me. Edward understood me.

His steady pace suddenly increased, becoming frantic and determined. The force of his momentum moved my body closer to the end of the desk. I thrashed and trembled, not caring that my head was suddenly hanging precariously off the edge. As he ground down against me I felt my body begin to react, the slow fire exploding into an inferno, engulfing me. Calling out his name, I clung to him as the pleasure ripped through me.

"Christ…Bella…hold…on…" he panted. He was crazy if he thought I was going to let go. Grabbing my leg and throwing it over his shoulder, he drove into me once more with renewed fervor. I was overcome by how consumed I was by this man. I wanted desperately to look him in the eyes but could no longer see him. I could hear his grunts, his groans and finally the curses he muttered as he jerked and finally tensed above me.

Still breathless and dizzy, I felt Edward grasp my hand and pull my upper body back up onto the desk. He was flushed and sweaty. His lips were swollen and red. He had never looked better. Staring into my eyes, he smiled.

"Thank you for the advice, Dr. Swan. I'm not sure if telling her about that fantasy is the best idea, though," he began with an evil grin. "It may be more polite to just ask her out to dinner."

"I think that's a great first step, Edward," I replied, kissing him softly. "I bet she'll say 'yes'."

A/N: Many, many thanks to my beta/fairy fic mother, stavanger1, for sprinkling this story with her pixie dust.

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