How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #16
[Edward to Bella:] "Are you still faint from the run? Or was it my kissing expertise?" How lighthearted, how human he seemed as he laughed now, his seraphic face untroubled. He was a different Edward than the one I had known. And I felt all the more besotted by him. It would cause me physical pain to be separated from him now. (13.255)
Bella is totally infatuated with Edward. She seems to be becoming addicted to his presence. Does this seem like normal teenage behavior, or are Bella's feeling more extreme?
Quote #17
[Edward to Bella:] "I'm just pleasantly surprised," he clarified. "in the last hundred years or so," his voice was teasing, "I never imagined anything like this. I didn't believe I would ever find someone I wanted to be with…in another way than my brothers and sisters. And then to find, even though it's all new to me, that I'm good at it…at being with you…" (14.174)
Edward is delighted. He has discovered romance after almost 100 years of being alone. He and Bella are in relatively equal positions because they are both experiencing romantic love for the first time.
Quote #18
[Edward to Bella:] "Thank you." He smiled. "You see," he continued, looking down now, "I wasn't sure if I was strong enough." He picked up one of my hands and pressed it lightly to his face. "And while there was still the possibility that I might be…overcome" – he breathed in the scent at my wrist –"I was susceptible. Until I made up my mind that I was strong enough, that there was no possibility at all that I would…that I ever could…" (14.180)
Edward had never kissed Bella because he did not think he could pull back. Finally, he convinced himself he was ready.