“It’s just…you do all this for me,” I motioned to the book and the diamonds around my neck. “And I had no idea what to get you and—“

Edward cut me off swiftly, kissing my lips. “Oh, my Bella,” he murmured, gazing at me solemnly with those emerald eyes. “Don’t you see? You have given me you. That was already more than I asked for, and certainly more than I deserved. You owe me nothing, love.” And he smiled crookedly.

I cuddled closer to him, trying not to let any space intrude the privacy of the moment. I pressed my face against his chest and breathed in the scent of him. One of his arms wrapped around me, bringing me onto his lap. His other hand lifted my chin so he could look into my face.

“Don’t hide from me, love.”

“I love you,” I whispered back, touching his face.

And we kissed.

-End of Flashback-

I buried my face in my hands and cried.

……….

The phone still hadn’t rung. My gaze flashed between the portable phone on the arm of the couch, the cell phone in my lap, and the book in my hand. I was trying to read, eager to attempt any method that would prevent the dread creeping up on me. It was nine thirty and Edward never called this late. Why wasn’t he calling?

I didn’t want to consider the possibility that he might not call at all, but as ten o’clock rolled around, I didn’t know what to think. I contemplated calling him myself, but I was afraid that if he didn’t pick up then my suspicions would be confirmed that he wasn’t going to call at all.

Ten thirty. I was scared now. I moved to pace the kitchen, my eyes fixed on the phone resting on the counter, willing it to ring. In my panic, I resorted to biting my nails, a habit I had deserted years ago. When I finally stopped to consider my actions, I finally realized just how dangerous my obsession was. Literally, I couldn’t live without him. I would have given up years ago, but I had to keep going, I had to live through one more year so that I could hear his voice.