“And you say that I’m good at distractions.”

            “What are you talking about Edward?” Touching his lips to my ear, he whispered quietly, “You’re dazzling me.”

            I had a sharp in take of breathe at his words, and at the sudden loss of contact. He moved back to peer down at me from the doorframe.

            “So where were you today? I got so worried that I made Charlie call you. I thought Alice gave you the responsibility lecture.”

            “You!” I jabbed my index finger into his granite chest. Fat a lot of good that did, he grabbed the jammed index and brought it to his lips, eyebrows raised to challenge any other angry out bursts.

            “Edward, you don’t know what I was thinking! I was so afraid that I would come to a funeral. Yours or otherwise!” He glowered down at me.

            “Of course I don’t know what you’re thinking! If I did, we wouldn’t have to play these childish games. Where were you?” The last words were barked sharply, and made me cringe. As if apologizing, he pulled me closer to him, though still waiting for my answer.

            I stalled for time. If there was anything I could avoid, it would be telling him where I was this afternoon.

            “Edward, I…”

            “You know you can tell me anything, love.” I sighed and placed a hand against his check. Slowly, he nuzzled the hand that caressed him, making my heart jumpstart.

            “Please?” Edward looked down at me through his lashes, a trick I could not resist.

            “No fair! That’s how I get you to give in!” He chuckled, like a piano struck at the perfect fifth.

            “I’m embarrassed. Besides, you’ll laugh.” I couldn’t help but look down. His eyes were a hypnotist’s dream, and could make me spill the darkest of secrets.

            He bent his knees until he was level with me, then tilted my chin so I was looking straight at him.

            “Bella?”

            Maybe it was those eyes. Or the way he uttered my name, like a dehydrated man lead to water. It could quite possibly be the love that radiated from him, or…