Thanks to Erica, as always. :)

Enjoy the fluffernutter!

I of course, do not own these characters.

(BPOV)

I knew Edward had a plan, and he had only just completed phase one, but I felt like he deserved to be wooed a little too. Don't' get me wrong, I fully intended on allowing Edward to execute his plan and I fully intended on enjoying it. I just didn't want this process, this shift from friend to lover, to be one sided. He should have a chance to feel as wanted as he was making me feel. I stood there watching him hum and pick up balloon pieces and was struck with a moment of brilliance. Now I just had to figure out the best way to ask him.

"Come to Miami with me." I suppose that works.

He turned to me confused. "Huh?" He tilted his head to the side and bunched his eyebrows together. He just looked so friggin' cute. I was momentarily stunned by his adorableness. I managed to shake it off before my cheeks gave away my admiration.

"Um, what I mean is, do you want to come to Miami with me? The magazine is sending me for a few days, and I have enough miles to cover your ticket. I mean you don't have to come if you don't want to, I just thought it would be fun. Um, the magazine is springing for a nice room since they felt so bad about the whole San Diego debacle. God that was awful, do remember how awful that was? Anyway, I mean you do–" I tried to continue, but his hand was firmly planted over my mouth. I was past any level of pride, so I took a whiff. I was pleased to find that all of him smelled delicious.

"Did you just sniff me? Never mind, I'm not removing my hand for you to talk. I would love to go to Miami with you. Just tell me when so I can put in for vacation days. Is it safe for me to remove my hand? You're not going to continuing leaking nonsense are you? Nod for me."

I am nothing if not obedient, I nodded in the negative and he removed his hand. My face grew cold, and I must have been pouting because he smirked at me all crooked like. I wanted to slap the sexy grin right off his face.

"So you'll come?" I hated that I sounded like an insecure little girl. It turned out, I really wanted him there. I really wanted a chance to show him how much he meant to me. I also really wanted to apologize. The more I thought about that night the more disgusted I was becoming with my own behavior. As much as he should not have said what he did, I should not have believed it. I owed Edward an explanation and an apology. He had shown me his willingness to put his heart out there; I owed him the same respect.

I was so lost in my own thoughts I didn't notice Edward infringing on my personal space. By the time I felt his breath on my neck, it was too late to dodge his ruthless attack on my senses.

He whispered, "Bella, I would love to come." The double entendre was not lost on me, and I blushed so furiously I think I singed the collar on my shirt. Being the epitome of a smug bastard, he chuckled and winked before turning and leaving me standing in a puddle of my own goo.

******

After all the drama of late, Alice and I decided a little R&R in the form of friends and booze was called for. Edward and I would be leaving for Miami in a week and would both have to spend some late hours at work preparing for the time away. Tonight would probably be our last opportunity to spend some time together as a group.

We gathered the troops, and before too long the six of us found ourselves preparing to sit around Jalice's living room drinking and shootin' the shit. I took it upon myself to make a pitcher of drinks and headed to the kitchen while the others got settled. After blending a perfect batch of mudslides, I piled plastic cups - I am not stupid enough to provide these goobers with glass ones - snacks, and the blender onto a huge tray Alice kept in the kitchen.

I was so focused on not tripping I didn't notice the precarious seating arrangement unfolding before me. Emmett and Rose were cuddled up on the sofa, Jasper and Alice were on the love seat, and Edward was seated comfortably in the oversized recliner. That left me three options, 1. engage in a little ménage á trois, 2. cuddle up with the carpet or, 3. share a seat with Edward.

Before everything had shifted between us, I would have hopped right on and found a happy, albeit platonic, spot on Edward's lap. If it were a man I had just sort of, maybe, almost started dating, I would choose the floor until our level of physical intimacy dictated lap cuddling. Edward was now precariously positioned between the two. Every part of my body wanted to snuggle on Edward's lap, every nerve ending tingled in want. Just as I thought my brain would melt with indecision, Edward quirked an eyebrow and wiggled his finger at me as if to say, "Don't you dare over think this, come get in my lap right now you silly, silly girl." I grinned like Billy Madison on nudie magazine day and headed towards the recliner.

As I approached, Edward opened his arms and I leaped into his lap. He made a grunt and informed me I should lighten up on my Twinkie consumption. I threatened to punch him in the junk and just like that, things were comfortable, fun, and all felt right with the world.

The more I drank, the closer to Edward I got. By the time I was polishing off my fourth drink, I was practically burrowing into Edward's tasty, tasty skin. My back was to his chest and his arms were around me. Every now and then he would whisper a private joke in my ear, and I prayed my giggle was more noticeable than my shiver. I looked around the room and couldn't help the feeling of satisfaction that filled my heart. I was sitting on Edward's lap surrounded by the laughter of my friends. Life was good.

I came back to the conversation just as Emmett was beginning to reminisce over a bit of college shenanigans.

"Oh my God we were almost toast! Where were we going Bells? Fucking hell I'm getting old."

"Emmett I'll tell it, you never do it right anyway."

"Go right ahead, Bellaboob."

************

"Ooooh! Let's get Denny's!"

"Bella, you're drunk."

"So? I neeeeed vegetable beef soup and pancakes!"

"Bell-"

"Shut up Edward. You're such a serious drunk, ugh get your hand off my boob. Emmett, I know you're in for Denny's." Emmett pulled himself from Rose's face at the sound of his name, and a light behind his eyes intensified at the mention of Denny's. He may have been a double major in Engineering and Computer Science, but the man could appreciate a Denny's Grand Slam like nobody's business.

"Paaaaaannnnnnnnnnncakes! Bellaboob you are a fucking genius!" Emmett and Rose stood and headed towards the door. I had almost reached them when Edward grabbed my wrist. I turned to face my friend. His face was flushed with heat from drinking, and his hair was a disheveled mess. He also happened to look completely terrified.

"Bella, wait. Shit, I can't go with you. I'm the RA on duty. I shouldn't be drunk, let alone leaving the dorms."

"You have the pager right?"

"Yeah, but-"

"But nothing. Crankyward, I need you to stop being a little bitch right this second. Man up and put your shoes on, we're going to Denny's. Oh and leave the Ninja Turtle pajama pants on, they're totally awesome."

By this point Emmett was laughing so hard he nearly piddled in the hallway.

I was finally able to drag Edward out of his room and that's when Rose finally spoke up.

***********

"Bella, stop right there. I'm telling the rest. I thought it would be a good idea to take the fire escape stairs. Everyone agreed, we got locked out of the dorm and Edward had to yell to a passing live-in professor to let us in. The end. Who needs another drink?" Rose shifted uncomfortably and started to dislodge herself from Emmett's grasp. He was too quick for her and pulled her back down to the couch. He covered her mouth while he added a few details she omitted.

"Oh baby cakes, you cannot leave out the part where we had to convince you not to climb down a tree from the 6th floor. Or the part where the three of us hid in the stairwell laughing like idiots while Eddie convinced the prof he got locked out investigating some noise out on the fire escape. That shit was classic!"

Rose eventually relented and erupted into a fit of unadulterated laughter. I was giggling so hard my entire body was shaking on Edward's lap. Then things got really interesting. Somewhere in the distance I could hear Jasper complaining about having never heard this story before, I was too distracted by the very distinct uprising happening in Edward's pants to care about exactly what Jasper was saying. It turns out my jubilant laughter was inadvertently causing my derrière to rub against Edward's lap. Oh the power of being a girl.

I intentionally ground into his erection just hard enough to elicit a deep growl from his chest. I couldn't help but laugh at his obvious perdickament. Oh man, where do I come up with this stuff?!

He pushed my hair off my neck and whispered into my ear, "Bella, I am exercising an extreme amount of self control here, I only ask that you not make this any harder," with that he thrust himself into me, "than it has to be. Our time will come, I promise."

He kissed the skin beneath my ear, and I scooted away from his problem area. He was right, ridiculous sex was almost our undoing. I could wait, I could be patient. Perhaps I need to push things along a little.

I turned until my mouth was at his ear. I loved my friends, but this was ours and I didn't want to share.

"Edward? Are you ever going to ask me out on a date?" He smiled and dropped his head a little before letting out a low chuckle.

"You mean Miami doesn't count?"

"No, for two reasons. One, I asked you. Two, I asked you." He laughed again and my heart thumped.

"Oh I see how it is. Okay, Ms. Isabella Swan, would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a date this Saturday evening?"

"We'll be away."

"Is that a no?"

"Yes, I mean no. I mean, I'd love to." He lowered his mouth to my neck, and I could feel his lips forming a smile. Yes, life was good.

The week was long and work was grueling. I had a deadline to meet before jetting off to Miami on Friday morning and as if that wasn't enough, my boss chose this week to "groom" me. That of course really means, "Bella, I don't feel like doing my job this week. Will you work with the layout team to create the mockup of this month's issue?"

I didn't mind it, I loved the publishing business, I just wished he would promote me. I do so much more than just write articles. I truly have become the creative director, and I was ready for my title to reflect that. Beyond fulfilling my ambition, a job as creative director would allow me the location stability I so craved. I'd be lying if I said the thought of settling down with Edward wasn't at the top of my to do list.

Edward. He was incredible this week. He worked as many hours as I did preparing for our time away, but not a day went by that we didn't speak. We sent texts and e-mails, and his was the last voice I heard every night before I went to sleep. His velvety voice always lingering in my dreams, sometimes in the peripheral, other times front and center.

Everyday Edward managed to make me smile; I could only hope I did the same for him. The more we spoke, the more anxious I was for phase two. Our official date was set for Saturday in Miami, I had a feeling I would be introduced to phase two then. Saturday couldn't get here fast enough.

I also had my own plans for this trip. I would let Edward have Saturday. After that, I was taking the reins. I reveled in the opportunity to be mischievous with a splash of romantic. I always had it in me but rarely felt an urge to express it. Edward was changing that.

I smiled as I packed everything I would need in my carryon. I should write a book about efficient packing. I had it down to a science.

I placed one last call to the hotel to confirm my plans for Sunday before curling into bed and waiting for my nightly call from Edward. Moments later my phone was ringing, and like Pavlov's dog my entire body responded to the sound.

"Edward." I could say nothing but his name all day.

"Bella, do you have any idea how much I enjoy hearing you say my name. Say it again for me."

"Edward." With a smile on my face.

"That's the stuff dreams are made of. You all packed?"

"I am; you know I am an expert packer. You?" I am so glad you're taking this trip with me.

"Packed and ready. I have to admit my level of excitement is bordering on embarrassing. I have some big plans for us."

"Oh do you now? It turns out I have some plans of my own." This is going to be a turning point for us. I can't wait. I hope I can express my smile through the phone. I am going to show you all the ways I care about you.

"I think I just wiggled my butt in anticipation."

"Save those wiggles for me. You'll pick me up tomorrow morning at 7?" I'll wait forever for you.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Goodnight love, sweet dreams."

"Goodnight Edward." Sweet dreams of you.

Tomorrow was the start of something wonderful, and I couldn't be more ready. I closed my eyes and drifted into a peaceful sleep.

A/N: Thanks for sticking with me, Miami is finally next! I'd love to get your opinion, review me. :)