Picking up the Pieces

Chapter Twelve

This story is dedicated to my friend, Pam, who recently lost her husband to cancer. She's a wonderful friend with a beautiful soul who didn't deserve losing her best friend to such a devastating and deadly disease. I love you, girl.

Up next, continuation of this chapter and Mother's Day, perhaps introducing the kids to Esme. The next chapter will probably be a bit sad, but we'll see. Leave me some lovin...Please?

Not mine...Just sayin...

Chapter Twelve

In the Hummer, Edward and I sat in the back, cuddled on the bench seat. The drive home was quieter than the drive down. Rose dozed off in the front seat and Alice was playing with Jasper's hair. I looked up at Edward and saw that he was just staring at me with a goofy grin on his face. I smiled, feeling something shimmer through my body. He leaned forward and pressed a sweet kiss to my forehead, humming contentedly. I weaved my fingers with his, letting the sense of protection and happiness wash over me. We stayed that way until we got to my house.

We clambered out of the Hummer and Edward walked me to the door. Opening it up, I smiled at him. "I had an amazing time today, Edward. This was so much fun," I murmured.

"It was, Sweetness," he said, tucking a hair behind my ear. "I don't want the day to end. I loved spending time with Alice, Jasper, Rose and Emmett, but I love spending time with you even more."

I looked into his evergreen eyes. "Who says the day has to end?" I asked. "Stay..." His eyes darkened and he nodded, waving behind his body. Emmett honked his horn and I heard them leave, but my eyes were trained on his.

"Do you mean that?"

"Let's play it by ear," I said nervously, "but for now, I need you." Tugging on his jersey, I pulled him inside and his lips crashed against mine.

His hands moved to my ass once we were inside. He picked me up, spinning me so I was pinned between the doorway and hisbody. My legs latched around his waist as he hungrily kissed my mouth. Threading my fingers into his thick hair, I wanted him closer to me. Our kisses were wet and sloppy, but I loved every moment of it.

Edward pulled back, his breathing heavy. His lips stayed on my skin as he dragged his mouth down my jaw. He nipped and sucked along my neck. I was whimpering, angling my head so he could have access to my body. His hands were firmly clamped on my ass, massaging lightly. "Bella," he panted, sucking my ear between his teeth. His tongue flicked my earlobe. I squirmed against him, rocking along his hardened length. "Fuck, baby, you feel so good."

Moving us away from the door, he carried me to the couch and sat down. I was perched on his lap, allowing my hands to caress his skin, pull on his hair and kiss his lips. Edward pulled me flush against his body. I could feel his arousal pressed between my legs. "Yes," I breathed, rolling my hips. My panties were drenched, seeping through to my jeans. My breasts yearned for his hands, his mouth, anything. Gliding my hand down his arm, I guided it up my body. He caught on quickly, palming my breast with his hand. His other hand tossed my baseball cap onto the ground and twisted it into my hair. I was losing myself in his passion. I was not ready to make love to him.

Move further? You went to a baseball game...round second base.

"Edward," I panted, pulling back. We were breathing heavily, like we had run a marathon. "As much as I'm enjoying this, I want you to know that I'm not ready for..."

"Making love?" he asked, his lips swollen and glistening. "Me neither, baby. Kind of not prepared. I mean..."

"No condoms," I chuckled. He blushed and nodded. "Edward, if and when we make love, I don't want you to worry about that. I'm covered. I'm on birth control, if nothing other than regulating my period. I trust you, too. But, not tonight."