*sigh* He is sooo falling for her. And he doesn't even know it. Their little conversation when she called him at work was classic. He was so worried at first and she couldn't stop smiling. It's great how everything is changing slowly. Like with the line where she talked about not know when his cockiness turned into an endearment reather than and annoyance.

I absolutely love their little swim sessions and the fact that they're getting closer to each other. And how Bella feels the need to protect Edward. Although she left, she wanted to protect him for Emmett and then she wanted to protect him from Esme and Alice and the birthday party of doom and finally from the Volturi by not telling him too much.

I also love the little sexual and attraction aspects. Like the maybe kiss there at the end and the way he looked a little too long at Bella in her suit. I love the fact that there touches have turned into a normalcy and Bella talking about sleeping with Edward was great. I kind of knew that she would want to do it again, but I thought the way that you delivered that information was brilliantly written.

All and all it was a fantastic chapter and although there wasn't anything major going on it was still very engaging. I don't know if I've said this before but this is my number one favorite story online right now. It's absolutely brilliant!

Author's Response:

Your review made me feel all warm and fuzzy, partly because of the nice things you said and partly because of all the things you noticed. I try to put a lot of things into all of my chapters, but most of the time I never get to find out what people really noticed. Yes, there was a theme of Bella wanting to protect Edward that was new. And I'm really glad you thought my delivery of Bella was good.

Some people called this a filler chapter, but it really had a lot of plot pieces being advanced, which is why it was a little choppy.

Thanks so much for taking the time to review. :)

Well I never learned to swim either, but I certainly would be willing to learn if I could have Mr. Cullen as my instructor.  I know it is just swimming lessons. Something that tons of children participate in every summer.  But the way you write those moments in that pool, I want to learn to swim!  Seriously, I would take a chance in the pool, here in KY where I live, in late December, if Edward freaking Cullen were with me.  He is just that good and so are you.  You totally have me all hot and bothered over some attempts at floating in a pool. 

Now that I'm settling down I'll move on with the review.  The chapter was good.  It is nice to see Edward being less acrimonious.  Bella really has no one that she can be close with, so it is nice to see she and Edward at least try to forge a solid friendship.  Thank you for pulling Bella out of her funk a little and giving her the courage to make a move and ask him to volunteer at the company.  That was a nice seque, by the way, to allow she and Esme to get to know each other better.  You do have me curious about the birthday now though.  Why does Edward hate birthdays so much?  I have a few theories, but I won't bore you with them.  I am totally having sympathy nervousness with Bella in regards to this party.  It could go either way, but I am erring on the side of it not ending well.  I don't think Edward will be happy at all with the surprise of a party.  Again I have some theories of something major going down at that party as well.  It should be shortly after her deposition right?  Her deposition with the Volturi.  Havoc should ensure after that, at least I think so. 

I am beginning to wonder how long Edward can distance himself physically from Bella, before he breaks.  After his little tete-a-tete with Emmett, he has pretty much squelched any hopes she had of a replay, but I have a feeling that some danger and a near death experience could change that.  That Edward is planning something when it comes to deposition time.  He's witholding the date from Bella perhaps to keep her from stressing over it unecessarily or because he doesn't want her privy to the fact that he plans to attend with her.  If she knew that he was planning to go it could leave to much potential for Emmett to find out and put the skids to the plan.

Thanks for the update.  It was great, as usual.  I can't wait to read more.

Author's Response:

Can you tell that I am a former swimmer who misses the pool? LOL. I think I am putting too much into those pool scenes, but I can't help it. I wish I had a pool.

The birthday thing is a long story that I may or may not address on the forum. I am still deciding on that one. And yes, her deposition is 6/9 and the party will be weekend of 6/20. They are close together. That is all I can really say.

Hopefully we'll get some EPOV next chapter. I think it might be done in all EPOV.

I can't thank you enough for your thoughtful review. I really appreciate you taking the time to write it.

 

amazing - that is precisely what you are! you really have a knack for writing. keep you the fantastic work :)

Author's Response:

thanks!

apart from the sex...im glad its not awkward between them, and they are actually getting to know eachother.

Author's Response:

me too :)

Thanks for reviewing!

I like seeing things from Bella in this chapter, and that the two are growing closer. Really the only thing standing in their way is Emmett and Edward probibly thinking that she couldn't really like him...

Love the story and happy holidays.

Author's Response:

I wouldn't say Emmett is the only thing standing in their way... just the biggest thing right now.

I hope they get together.  I'm sure they will, but I'm anxiously waiting.

Author's Response:

thanks for reviewing :)

"And again.  And again.  And again."  Here here, Bella:-) 

"Nothing of consequence" - I wonder if it goes beyond getting the information from Emmett about the deposition?  Maybe he was extra swamped because he started making some contingency plans for security purposes? 

The fake wedding a year from this June 20th, right? 

I absolutely love that Bella is feeling more comfortable with Edward.  I loved her banter on the phone, in his office and in the pool - even if they touched on a sensitive topic.  At least when said sensitive topic came up, neither one bolted - that's some major progress!  Edward even took the initiative to try to talk more.   Baby steps, but big for these two!

Author's Response:

So perceptive you are, jilbur... but I can't say anything really.

Yeah, the fake wedding is 6/20. Long story.

They seemed like such small steps as I was writing, but when I went back and read it then they almost seemed too big. They have a serious history of non-communication, though they have only known each other a month and a half or so. Thanks for reviewing!

I really hope Edward doesn't always listen and do what Emmett tells him to do! I need more Edward and Bella action!

Author's Response:

I think we all do.

And thank goodness he doesn't always do what Emmett says. This story would be far more vanilla flavored if he did. I adore this story. Every tense, angsty, uncertain, fearful and lusty bit of it. It is far too easy to be addicted to your turn of phrase.

 

~Mia

Author's Response:

Mia, thanks so much for your review. I can only aspire to keep the story tense, angsty, uncertain, fearful, and lusty as it continues on.

Please keep writing this.  This is such a great story and you are a wonderful writer.  I'm so glad to see an update.

As always, can't wait for more!

Author's Response:

thanks so much, KB :)

agh!  this chapter drove me crazy.  i wanted edward and bella to kiss SO BADLY!!!  good job :)

Author's Response:

Thanks! :)

Gah!!! That was a fantastic chapter!!!! I love that their swimming lessons have become such a safe, quiet reprieve for them to be themselves with each other. I absolutely loved this, it was wonderful! Esme is so very sweet. Honestly, I'm glad that you gave us a bit more of the building/strengthening of Edward & Bella's quasi-relationship/friendship before you throw them into the line of fire.

Wonderful chapter. I absolutely loved it. Thank you for helping to make my night! :D

Author's Response:

Aw, Ginny, thanks so much for the review. Believe me, one of my big motivators to post was so that I would be able to read your next chapter... I am looking forward to it so much it is crazy.