A/N: Hello! I'm baaack! This is something totally different than my last story. It's actually set to be a really short story. . .five chapters at the most. I might even be able to wrap it up within three chapters.
Stephenie Meyers created the Twilight universe and I for one, am extremely grateful!
BPOV
I swiveled around in my chair, opened the credenza drawer and pulled out my purse to search for a stick of gum. I saw a shadow on the wall, which alerted me to the fact that someone was leaning over my cubicle. I figured it was probably Mike Newton. He was such an annoying asshole. I sighed deeply and turned to scowl at him with my best bitch face.
"Hey what's – oh- my bad- I didn't mean to interrupt you."
It was Edward Cullen, my segment partner and reason for the constant tingling in my nether regions. He had a slight frown on his face.
My eyes widened. "No- Edward- gah- I thought you were Mike." I whispered conspiratorially.
A huge smile spread across his face and he laughed loudly. He smirked at me and whispered, "So you mean you don't think his new haircut is a turn on?"
I rolled my eyes and pulled a pack of gum from my purse. I held it up to him in offering. He brushed his fingers against mine as he took a stick from the pack. A surge of heat coursed through my hand, up my arm, caused my heart to beat triple time as it continued its journey through my belly until it reached the valley of my vag. All of that from a feather light touch of the fingers? I would probably disintegrate if he ever really touched me.
I stared at him with my mouth slightly open and he smirked at me. Bastard. Was he aware of the power he possessed? Things had surely changed since I first arrived at the station. We used to be sworn enemies. I thought he was an egotistical, insecure prick and he thought I was a man-eating, over confident bitch. But over time and forced team building exercises, I actually began to see another side of him.
He was actually very smart, his mind bordered on genius and he was funny too. Really funny. We both shared a morbid sense of humor and loved old episodes of Monty Python. He was also very sensitive and kind. He had shared a story with me about his ex-girlfriend leaving him for his best friend; which had left him devastated and cynical about relationships.
And since we were sharing and I was slightly drunk at the time, I told him about that asshole Jacob breaking up with me and taking back his engagement ring. And that's how our newfound friendship started: over alcohol and past heartbreaks.
Although we'd technically only been friends for six months, I counted him as one of the people closest to me. I really felt I could be myself with him and not worry about expectations or judgment. We were really good buddies but there was one problem- he was too damned good looking! I mean like ridiculously, stupidly gorgeous.
So yeah, even though we were pals I'd be lying if I said there weren't times I wanted to grab him and kiss him senseless. Or times when he touched me that I didn't feel that same exact surge through my body making me wonder what it would feel like to have him inside -
"Earth to Bella!" he snapped his fingers in my face.
I blinked twice knowing my entire face was probably flaming red.
I cleared my throat. "Sorry, what?" I asked trying to avoid staring directly into his eyes.
"I was just saying thanks for the gum and I was about to ask you if you were all packed before you zoned out," he frowned. "Are you okay?" he asked concerned.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and smiled. "I'm sorry, I'm fine. I guess I was doing a mental checklist in my head. Yeah, I'm good. All packed and ready to go."
Our production team, which consisted of me, Edward and Mike Newton, was headed to a three-day conference in San Francisco. Our flight was leaving later that evening.
"Uh-huh," he eyed me skeptically. "So where is Casanova? I haven't seen Mike all morning."
"I don't know. Now that you mention it he's been M.I.A," I frowned as I slowly placed a stick of gum in my mouth.
Edward stared at me with a strange look on his face as his lips parted but no words came out. I raised an eyebrow.
"I guess I should be asking you if you're okay," I teased.
"Oh yeah, fine, I'm actually pretty stoked about this conference," he smiled as he ran his hand through his hair. Oh, how I wished it was my hand weaving through those locks.
"Me too I wonder-,"
I was cut off by our station manager, Phil Dwyer. "Hey, glad both of you are here. I just got a call that Mike was involved in an accident this morning,"
"What?" I exclaimed. I didn't like Mike but I didn't want him like seriously dead or anything.
Phil sighed. "He's fine, well except for a broken arm and a slight concussion."
Edward's eyes bugged out of his head. "Are you serious? What happened?"
"He swerved to avoid a squirrel in the street and ended up colliding with a parked car and then a light pole fell on his car. He had the top down,"
I placed a hand over my heart as a gesture of sympathy but inside I was laughing as I visualized such a turn of events happening so randomly to someone like Mike Newton. I was honestly glad he wasn't severely injured but that shit was funny. I chanced a look at Edward and I could tell he was trying not to laugh as well.
"So, looks like it will be just the two of you at the conference. Represent us well." Phil said as he patted Edward on the back.
A big gush of air left Edward's mouth and he looked panic stricken. I stood up and made sure Phil was in his office before I started to talk.
"A squirrel, a parked car and a light pole. Only Mike Newton. Dude seriously needs to get a four leaf clover or something," I chuckled.
"Or a rabbit's foot," Edward said absently and I snorted. He suddenly looked like he was in pain.
I covered my mouth. "I'm horrible." I dropped my hand and my head in shame.
"What are you talking about?" he frowned.
"I shouldn't make fun of him- that could've happened to anyone- me or you even," I said genuinely remorseful but also confused why Edward was so torn up by Mike's accident.
"Yeah right," Edward rolled his eyes. "Mike Newton might as well have a sign around his neck that says 'random shit happens to me'. He's that guy that gets struck by lightning ten times in a row," Edward laughed and so did I. I bent over on the waist and howled.
I wiped a tear that had pooled under my eye. "So, what was that look for? I thought maybe I crossed a line or something,"
"What look?" he asked innocently.
"Oh, so we're playing that game? Okay fine. .. let's see, Phil came over and told us about the accident-," I used air quotes. "Then he said we'd be going to the conference alone and you looked like something crawled up your ass- ah- so you don't want to go to the conference alone with me?" I frowned.
"What? Okay, that's ridiculous. Why wouldn't I want to go with you? Besides we're not going to technically be alone. I mean there will be thousands of people there," he rambled as he bit his thumb nail. I knew his body language very well. He was lying and he was nervous. But I didn't understand why.
"Well, maybe we should cancel until Mike can join us?" I sat down at my computer and brushed my fingers over the keyboard.
"Bella, be serious. I told you- I'm excited! We are going to have an amazing time. It's probably for the best that Mike and his black cloud of doom aren't going to be with us," he laughed. I studied his face and decided he was being sincere.
"Cool. I can't wait," I smiled.
My friend, Rosalie dropped me off at the airport later that evening and I met Edward at the ticket counter where we both checked bags. After we finally got through the security checkpoint we made our way to the gate. There was a comfortable silence between us. But the longer it went on the more uncomfortable I became.
"I think-," I started.
"Do you-," he said at the same time.
We both laughed.
"You first," he smiled.
"I think I'm going to get a cup of coffee," I nodded in the direction of the Starbucks next to our gate.
"I was going to ask you if you wanted coffee," he grinned.
We walked past our gate and stood in line for coffee. I linked my arm with his and pinched him.
"Ouch, what was that for?" he scowled at me.
"Don't make this trip miserable. I'm getting a weird vibe from you and I don't like it," I warned.
He sighed and his expression softened. "Whatever. Order your coffee and keep your pinchers to yourself," he bumped my hip and just like that things were back to normal.
We sat next to each other on the plane and chatted about work, the conference and our plans for Thanksgiving. Soon my eyes fluttered close despite the caffeine I'd consumed with the hopes of staying awake.
Two hours after we departed SEA-TAC we were touching down at the San Francisco airport. After getting our bags and catching a taxi, sleep tried to claim me again but suddenly my stomach growled.
I stared wide-eyed at Edward totally mortified that such a raucous sound had come from my body. Edward bit his lip before he laughed loudly. The driver eyed us curiously through the rearview mirror.
I playfully punched his arm. "Shut up! All I had were those stupid bagel bites for lunch!" I protested.
"I told you, you should have eaten something when you got home," he laughed.
"I wasn't hungry then. I'm starving now," I held on to my stomach for emphasis. "But I'm also sleepy," I pouted.
"Order room service," he said as the taxi stopped in front of the hotel.
"That'll take forever," I groaned.
"Poor baby, I have a pack of Mentos you can munch on until your food arrives," he offered as we exited the taxi.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head to decline his offer. Edward paid the taxi driver and we pulled our luggage into the hotel and checked in. We were actually one floor a part, I was on six and he was on seven. We parted ways with plans to meet early the next morning to walk to the convention center.
As soon as I was in my room, I called down to order a burger. It was 10:18 and I had no business eating that late but knew I wouldn't be able to go to sleep if I didn't eat.
Just as I pulled my sweater over my head and attempted to get comfortable, the phone rang. I sighed harshly. I was about to be seriously pissed if they told me they were out of meat or something.
"Hello?"
"So, did you place a rush order for a pound of bacon to be delivered to your room?"
I forgot how sexy he sounded over the phone even when he was making fun of me.
"Shut up!" I laughed. "Besides I only ordered half a pound,"
"I bet. So what are you doing?" he asked.
"Changing into my pajamas,"
He started coughing. An uncontrollable choking kind of cough.
"Edward? Are you okay?" I asked concerned. I absently place a hand to my throat as if I could feel him choking. I then became very conscious of the fact that I was talking on the phone to Edward practically topless. My nipples instantly pebbled.
"Fuck-," he cursed hoarsely. "Sorry, shit, I was drinking water and it went down the wrong way,"
"You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I chastised as I began to search through my suitcase for a tank top.
"Me? You're the one talking on the phone half naked," he accused.
I gasped as my paranoid eyes darted around the room and I held my discarded sweater to my chest. "What? You can't see me- how did you know- you don't know what I'm wearing," I rambled.
"Oh my god, you are half naked, aren't you? I was just teasing you, so right now you're talking to me in your underwear," his voice dropped an octave and my legs gave out as I slumped down on the bed.
"I-," I had no idea what I was about to say but it was sure to turn into some version of 'so what are you wearing' and possibly leading to phone sex but I was saved by a knock at the door.
"Shit- someone is at the door. Probably my food. I've gotta go,"
"Put some clothes on first!" he ordered.
"Maybe if I show him the goods, I can get it for free," I teased.
"Bella- don't- are you-," he stuttered right before I hung up the phone. I pulled my sweater back over my head and went to welcome the beef.
The next morning, I met a very grumpy Edward in the lobby of the hotel. He was holding two cups of coffee and looked like he was hung over. His hair was disheveled and his shirt was in desperate need of ironing.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Shut up," he said by way of greeting as he thrust one of the cups at me.
I shrugged. "I guess I don't need to ask how you slept. I actually slept very well, thanks for asking. I ate my burger and fell into a deep coma like sleep. It was wonderful," I sang.
He grumbled some unintelligible response. I could have sworn I heard the word 'naked' slip through his lips.
We walked in silence for four blocks to the convention center. It was a really beautiful day. I started humming some random tune as I watched people getting on and off the trolleys.
"Bella, seriously, if you don't stop being so goddamned chipper I am going to strangle you," he said flatly.
"Wow, are you PMSing? Let me check my purse for Midol," I replied as I pretended to rummage through my bag.
He laughed. "I didn't get much sleep last night," he sighed.
"Really, I couldn't tell. Anything you want to talk about?"
"No," he said quickly as the tips of his ears turned red. I found that quite peculiar but filed it away for later.
"Okay, fine. But can you at least tuck that wrinkled shirt inside your pants? We've got an image to maintain," I looked at him pointedly. "So, I was thinking we should attend as many breakout sessions as possible today and then tackle the exhibit hall tomorrow? What do you think?" I pulled out the schedule as we entered the lobby of the convention center.
"Sounds like a plan. Step over here for one minute," he said as he moved to an empty corner. He gave me his messenger bag, so that he could tuck his shirt inside his pants.
He raised his arm on one side and right before the material was tucked, I got a glimpse of his happy trail. I think I may have drooled a little. I swallowed the saliva that had pooled in my mouth and stared around the area avoiding eye contact with him.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Huh, yeah- big turnout this year," I nodded.
"Yeah, things are definitely different this year," he commented. I turned to meet his face to decipher his comment and his eyes were smoldering as he fixed his gaze on me.
I blinked rapidly and shoved his bag at him. "Come on we're going to miss the keynote address," I turned on my heels and walked towards the large conference arena.
The day flew by at warp speed. Who knew there were so many topics on the impact of technology in broadcast media? We attended six sessions on that topic alone. We ate one of the boxed lunches from the conference and grabbed another sandwich from a deli on the way back to the hotel.
Edward looked like he was about to pass out, so we parted ways once again to floors six and seven with plans to meet bright and early again the next day.
The next morning there was a very different Edward waiting for me. He was clean shaven, freshly showered and looked as though he'd gotten some much needed sleep. He was wearing a nicely starched white oxford shirt tucked inside his dark blue khaki's. And his beautiful hair was actually corralled in place on top of his head. I wanted to tackle him to the ground and straddle him.
"Good morning sunshine," he passed me a cup of coffee as he smiled brightly.
"Wow. Who are you and what did you do with Mr. Grumpy?" I teased.
"Ten hours of sleep does wonders for your attitude," he grinned.
"So, am I going to be threatening to strangle you today?" I asked.
He rolled his eyes. "Nope. Because I won't be humming Don't Worry, Be Happy while we're walking down the street,"
"Whatever," I laughed. "So do you think you'll be up to hanging out at the wharf later?" I asked hopefully.
"Definitely, I feel like I wasted a perfectly good night in San Francisco, but I was totally exhausted. I'm sorry,"
"No apologies, me and the room service guy hooked up again, so it's all good," I joked.
His face fell and he stared at me with a strange expression. "That's not funny," he growled as he poked me in the side.
"Ow. Hey, what's your problem? I'm just joking. Do you think I'd just hook up with some random guy on a business trip?" I asked on the verge of being angry at him.
He bit his bottom lip and narrowed his eyes at me. "I know you were just joking. I just didn't think it was very funny," he clarified.
"And why not?" I demanded as I placed a hand on my hip. Did he think I was incapable of a one night stand or maybe he didn't think anyone would find me attractive enough to have a one night stand?
"Because-," he started softly. "You're not that girl. And the thought of you ever- you just- you deserve better than some random hook up with some nameless, faceless person,"
A lump formed in my throat. He was who I wanted. Edward Cullen with the staggering smile and beautiful eyes not some nameless, faceless person.
I smiled faintly and looked away. "So sleep has made you a little sappy, huh?" I teased.
He bumped my shoulder. "Come on," he laughed.
We were overwhelmed by the number of vendors in attendance and all of the products and services available. I was on a quest to collect a pen from every booth. Edward however was looking for the latest in Bluetooth enabled headsets. We separated but kept our cell phones close by.
I had stopped at nearly half the booths when I realized I'd rather be sitting on the dock watching the sea lions. I scanned the exhibit hall looking for Edward with hopes that he would also want to escape. I noticed him a few aisles down talking to a blonde with silicone enhanced breasts, she was wearing one of the coveted headsets. She was smiling brightly and had her hand on his arms, which were crossed in front of his chest. He had a serious expression on his face and I could tell he was really intrigued by her product and totally ignoring her obvious flirting. I smiled inwardly.
I walked slowly in their direction and stopped at several booths along the way collecting more pens. At one point little miss silicone took a headset from the table and tiptoed to position it over his ear and rubbed her breasts against him in the process. I narrowed my eyes and clutched my pen collection tightly.
I wasn't delusional enough to think Edward was a monk and I definitely didn't have a claim on him, so I had no right to really be jealous or mad. But I was both. I knew Edward very well and I knew he had more sense and class than to get involved with someone who looked like a reality show reject. Or at least I hoped.
He stepped away from her with a slight frown and made a motion towards the headset. She stared up at him and licked her lips before nodding slowly. I'd had enough. I took a deep breath and walked confidently over to the booth.
"Hey, there you are. I've been looking all over for you," I smiled.
Edward smiled at me and his eyes widened as I placed my arm around his waist and stepped closer to him. I heard miss silicone sigh harshly.
"Is this your sister?" she smirked.
"Ah- no- she's not my sister," he smiled down at me.
"I'm your competition. We're selling headsets in the booth two aisles over. But they aren't as overly manufactured and dense as your product," I smiled sweetly.
Edward snickered under his breath as he removed the headset and placed it back on the table.
"These are the best headsets in the industry! Everyone uses them!" she argued totally missing the jab.
"I just bet they do. All flash and no substance. You don't strike me as that type of consumer," I smiled at Edward.
He smirked. "You know me so well," he winked.
"I totally don't think you're supposed to steal customers," she pouted.
"I can't steal what was never yours to begin with," I smiled as I led Edward away from her booth.
"Um, okay, not that I'm complaining but what was that all about?" he asked after we were several yards away from miss silicone.
I dropped my hand from his waist and shrugged. I was suddenly embarrassed by my actions. I had totally cock blocked him.
"I don't know I just- were you interested in her? I'm sorry I shouldn't have-," I started as I stared down at my feet.
His long, warm fingers lifted my chin until I looked at him. His green eyes were practically glowing like emeralds.
"I was definitely not interested in her," he smiled lazily.
I smiled widely showing all of my teeth. I was about to reply when he suddenly he gripped my arm.
"Bella, oh my god- look! The new PS gaming console," he whispered reverently as he pulled me in to a room off the exhibit hall.
I forgot what a nerd he was sometimes. I couldn't believe he was so excited about a video game. I really didn't see the big deal. It reminded me of the Wii game console that's been on the market for years. Edward told me I had no idea what I was talking about. Apparently the new gaming system was stronger, better, faster, whatever.
He figured he would school me and show me how to play one of the games. I didn't tell him I kicked ass in that same game on Wii when we had game night at Ben's two weeks ago. So, he was totally annoyed when I kicked his ass on the new fancy PS version.
"You played like a girl," he pouted.
"Yeah, a girl who kicked your butt!" I exclaimed as I did a Rocky victory dance.
"I want a re-match!" he shouted.
I doubled over with laughter. "You're such a baby. Hey, I was thinking we should totally leave here and go enjoy the rest of our time in San Fran. What do you think?" I asked excitedly.
"Um, I think I need you to never say 'San Fran' again and I also think that is a kick ass idea," he smiled.
"Kinda like I kicked your ass on that game in San Fran?" I giggled.
He pulled me into a headlock and walked us out of the convention center. We hopped on a trolley and enjoyed the cool open air ride to Fisherman's Wharf. We got off right near the wharf sign and Edward pulled out his iPhone.
"Hey, let's get a picture," he suggested. I was surprised when he grabbed me around the shoulders and pulled me next to him. Our backs were to the sign and he extended his long arm out in front of us. "Say cheese," he said before he snapped the picture.
I begged him for a retake when I saw that he was smiling for the picture while I stared up at him.
"No, I like it. It looks like you're looking at me with love and adoration," he said in a whack French accent.
"You are so corny!"
"Speaking of corn, I am starving! Let's get something to eat," he grabbed my arm and locked our elbows together as he pulled me down the wharf.
We ended up eating at a seafood restaurant that overlooked San Francisco bay near Ghiradelli Square.
"I love this view," I sighed wistfully as I looked out at the sun's reflection on the bay.
"Me too," he said but when I looked at him, he was looking at me.
My face felt hot and I knew I was blushing like an idiot. "What are you talking about? You're not even looking out the window," I sipped from my water.
He smiled. "Do you know what you want?" he asked studying the menu.
Yeah, I knew what I wanted all right. Edward for a starter, main course and dessert. "Definitely," I stared at him.
He looked up at me and smirked. "Really? You haven't even opened your menu. Have you been here before?"
"I know they serve fish," I shrugged as I opened my menu.
We made small talk until our entrees arrived and then the conversation took an interesting turn.
"So, are you dating anyone?" he asked in between bites of his red fish.
I almost choked on my salmon.
"Well, that was out of left field," I remarked.
He laughed. "No, I was thinking or thought- you know you never talk about anyone so, I wasn't sure if maybe you had met someone," he created an intricate design in his mashed potatoes with his fork.
"Oh- well, um, no. I haven't- I mean I'm not dating anyone. I went on a blind date a few weeks ago,"
His head snapped up.
"You never told me that!" he frowned.
I suddenly realized the road we were traveling on. The almost phone sex, the intense gazes, the sweet comments and now the love life inquiries. My heart beat triple time in my chest.
"I know- I- it was a disaster. I was embarrassed," I said softly. I used my thumb to wipe off the condensation on my water glass.
"What happened?" he asked in a clipped tone.
I hesitated but met his eyes.
"My friend set us up and it was awful. We had nothing in common; he spent the entire night bragging about his law practice and his new car. He told me I had potential and proceeded to give me some suggestions on how I could polish my look and my speech,"
"Are you fucking serious?" Edward asked angrily.
"Unfortunately. But after I poured my drink over his head, I assured him as long as I had good aim, I was just fine the way that I am," I giggled. "I couldn't believe I did that. Childish, huh?"
"He sounds like a real ass hat and I think you let him off easy," he muttered. Then he mumbled something that sounded like 'perfect'.
I was afraid to even ask but I had to know since we were crossing all sorts of lines now. "What about you? Any dates or new girlfriends?" I asked shoving a forkful of fish in my mouth, so that I wouldn't scream if the answer was yes.
He smiled faintly. "Nope," he said cryptically.
I swallowed and raised an eyebrow. "No one?"
He chuckled. "You're the only girl I really hang out with," he admitted shyly. And my toothy smile was back in place.
"Because I'm so awesome?" I laughed.
"Totally awesome,"
We finished lunch and got a ton of chocolate from the Ghiradelli store to take back to our co-workers and shared one of their famous sundaes. We walked around the wharf and parked ourselves on a bench watching the sea lions for almost an hour before we ended up going back to our hotel to put away our bags. We met downstairs at the hotel lounge for a few drinks and to listen to the deejay spinning cheesy 80's songs- my favorite!
We took a couple of shots of tequila and fell into an easy, flirtatious conversation.
"So, since you obviously don't like obnoxious, asshat lawyers. What is your type?"
I laughed. "My type. Hmm. I don't really think I have a type," I shrugged.
"Oh come on, everyone has a type. I bet you like big, buffed guys who play in garage bands on the weekend," he laughed.
I rolled my eyes. "Okay, that was totally random. Let me see. . .I guess I like a guy who's smart, funny and kind," I said intentionally remaining vague although he definitely possessed all three qualities.
I ran my finger along the edge of my wine glass. "Good looks without a good heart is a turn off," And he was a definite turn on. I wasn't sure if it was the wine and tequila or just the amazing day we'd shared but I could literally feel myself falling into an Edward induced daze of euphoria. I imagined this is what being on some really good drugs back in the 60's must have felt like. Edward was my very own acid trip.
His eyes widened. "So now we're talking about turn on's?" he grinned as he waggled his eyebrows.
"Gah! You are such a boy!" I shoved his shoulder. "Don't change the subject. What about you? What's your type? Lemme guess blond, big tits and able to sit through an entire sports game without uttering a word," I laughed.
"Ha ha. And now I'm shallow?" he smirked. "Actually I like a woman with much more substance than that, thank you very much. Someone who's smart enough to challenge me and someone with a big heart. And I actually prefer brunettes," he winked. And I almost fell off stool.
Suddenly I was saved by a song blasting through the speakers. I stood and stumbled a bit before I grabbed his hand and pulled him to the small dance floor.
"I love this song!" I shrieked.
His mouth fell open. "I am so not dancing with you. I wouldn't be caught dead dancing to-,"
I looked up at him from under my eyelashes and pouted. "Please," I begged as I pressed myself against him.
His mouth fell open again but this time he just nodded his head.
I grabbed his hands and gyrated around singing loudly. I was such a cheap drunk. I knew I would totally regret this tomorrow and wish for death before facing him but right now I was enjoying every second of being with him.
"Music can be such a revelation, dancing around you feel the sweet sensation," I sang slightly off key. Madonna was so kick ass in the eighties.
Edward laughed and danced right along with me. We danced to another up tempo song before the deejay slowed things down with Wham's Careless Whisper.
I was prepared to resume my spot at the bar to catch my breath but Edward had other plans as he grabbed me around the waist and pulled me close to him.
I gasped as my body came in contact with his.
"Uh-uh, now this is one my favorite songs, so your turn to dance with me," he grinned as he started to sway. My body followed his lead.
We were both silent as our breathing and heartbeats slowed to a normal pace although being this close to him I doubted my heartbeat would ever get back to normal.
He sighed contentedly. "Today was incredible. This has been one of the best dates I've had in a long time," he smiled down at me. His eyes were hypnotic and his face was so close I could barely focus.
"Date?" I squeaked. I knew it was a Freudian slip but it still made me breathless.
His eyes widened. "Day- days, I meant one of the best days," he stuttered as the tips of his ears turned red.
Of course he did, I tried not to take it personally.
"I know what you mean- I feel the same way- and no it's not a date because people kiss on dates," I said staring at his mouth. Where the hell had that come from?
He exhaled deeply through his nose and I felt the warm air on my face. A little closer and if I tilted my head to the left he could totally kiss me.
He gasped.
"What? What's wrong?" I asked.
"You just- what you said- did you say you wanted me to kiss you?" he asked wide-eyed.
Kill me now.
"Um-did- what?" I tried to pull away from him.
"Because I want to so fucking badly," he admitted as he pulled me back closer to him with one arm.
I looked up to see an almost pained expression on his face and his eyes were dark and glazed over. He brought his face closer and rested his forehead against mine. I swallowed hard as I realized what was about to happen. I tiptoed and wrapped my arms around his neck.
His other arm hung limply at his side as I ran my nose against his.
"This is crazy. The way you make me feel-," I trailed off not sure what I should reveal. Should I tell him how I dreamed about him almost nightly and that I was always anxious until I saw him or heard his voice on the phone? Or how nothing in my life made sense without him. Probably not. Because although we were obviously crossing a sacred line, I didn't want to scare him off with my psychotic attachment.
"Say it. Out loud," he demanded as he brushed his lips against mine. My panties were instantly drenched.
"Kiss me," I whispered against his mouth.
Both his arms came up and grabbed me firmly around the waist and he kissed me fiercely. It felt as if the floor had given way and I was free falling in to an abyss. And when his tongue slid against mine, light exploded behind my eyes and I felt like I was being transported to another world.
When he pulled away, I was breathless as I stared up at him still reeling from the effects of our kiss.
"Wow," he exhaled. "That was-,"
"I don't think a word exists yet," I grinned and that's when I realized several other people were grinning too. At us. Standing alone, making out on the dance floor.
"Oh my god," I buried my face in his chest as a few people started to clap and whistle.
"Where did all these people come from?" he whispered.
"I don't know. Be still and maybe we'll disappear," I suggested.
He kissed the top of my head. "I don't think so. Time to take the walk of shame,"
We paid the bartender and made a quick exit. Two minutes later we stood awkwardly at the elevator in silence.
"I'm sorry- I-," he started but I covered his mouth with my hand.
"Don't. Please. Don't say you're sorry for kissing me," I said sadly.
The elevator arrived and I dropped my hand and stepped inside. I held my head down as he followed behind me.
"I'm not sorry I kissed you," he said once we were alone in the elevator.
I slowly raised my head to meet his eyes. They were slightly hooded.
"I'm sorry I got carried away in a public place," he clarified.
I smiled as he stalked towards me and backed me into the corner kissing me again. The second kiss was hungry and needy and made me want to take off all my clothes in the elevator.
A loud ringing noise cut through the sounds of our panting and scared us both. We had forgotten to push the buttons to our respective floors.
I reached out and pressed my floor and just as I was out to press Edward's he grabbed my wrist. We rode up to the 6th floor gazing intensely at each other trying to answer unspoken questions.
Were we really about to have sex? I sure as hell hoped so!
Once we entered my room, Edward wasted no time pushing me against the back of the door and grabbing my face between his hands. His lips and tongue worked in tandem to drive me to the brink of insanity.
"I should go- I should leave now before-," he said in between kisses.
"If you don't want to be here, I won't beg you to stay," I lied as I clutched his shirt tightly.
"There is no fucking where on Earth I want to be more than I want to be with you right now," he breathed against my neck.
I whimpered.
"What if this is just alcohol and hormones?" he licked my neck. "What if you hate me tomorrow?" he asked, his voice tight. "It would kill me," he rested is forehead against mine.
I placed my shaky hands on either side of his face this time and slid them up to his silky strands of hair. It was even softer than I'd imagined.
"I could never hate you, Edward. You make me feel so alive; I've never felt this way about anyone ever," I admitted.
"I feel the same way. I never knew- ," he decided to shove his tongue down my throat instead of finishing his comment. And I did not complain. "Tell me to stop," he pleaded as his hands slipped up my sides and came to rest on my breasts as he squeezed them firmly.
"Why do I have to be the rational one?" I panted.
"I'm too far gone," he grabbed my legs and wrapped them around his waist and carried me to the bed. We fell down together and the make out session went into overdrive.
He pinched my nipples through the fabric of my shirt and I grinded myself over his thigh.
"Fuck, fuck, I don't have any condoms- I mean- not that I wanted to have sex- I mean I do, fuck I really do but we can't not like- is that what you want?" he rambled as he shifted me on top of him and grabbed my ass.
"Edward I was practically dry humping your leg. You do the math," I straddled him and ground myself over his dick, which was desperately trying to escape his pants.
"Shit- Bella, if we're not gonna- you need to stop," he whimpered as he clenched his eyes shut.
I held my hair out of my face with one hand and leaned down and pulled his bottom lip between my teeth.
"I just changed birth control so it's gonna take at least a month to make sure it's in my system otherwise you'd already be naked," I whispered.
He grabbed my waist and flipped us over and pinned my hands above my head.
"Well in that case, I guess we're going to have finish the dry humping session you started," he growled in my ear.
We pushed, pulled and rubbed against each other fully clothed until we were both sweaty and screaming the other's name. I was buying an enormous box on condoms when we returned home.
Afterwards we both lay on our backs staring at the ceiling and gasping for air.
"There are no words," he said softly.
"I know,"
He sat up and stared down at me with a stupid grin on his face. "You okay?" he asked.
"Better than. You?"
"Awesome. But a little sticky," he chuckled.
"Oh yeah, there's that. I should take a quick shower," I frowned wishing I could just stay in the same spot next to him forever.
"Oh- of course, I can go- I need to take a shower too," he stood quickly with a nervous look on his face.
I sat up and frowned at him. "Will you come back?" I asked.
"Huh?" he asked obviously surprised.
"I know we didn't technically have sex but I like to spoon afterwards," I smiled.
He laughed. "You want to spoon with me?"
I nodded. "Go shower, put on some pajamas and come back and snuggle with me,"
"Now who's being sappy," he teased as he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
"Hurry back," I pouted.
After Edward left I took a hot shower and changed into a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. The effects of the alcohol had worn off and I was exhausted not to mention extremely nervous about what we'd done.
What did this mean? Were we now friends with benefits or more? Did he even want more? Would we lose our jobs if anyone found out?
My head was suddenly clouded with doubt. I paced my room and contemplated calling his room and telling him not to come back. I needed time alone to think. But just as I was about to pick up the phone, there was a knock at the door.
I opened the door to find a very nervous Edward looking utterly delicious and adorable in his plain white t-shirt, flannel pajama pants and slightly wet hair. He stood clutching a pillow.
"I um- I brought an extra pillow," he said shyly.
I just stared at him suddenly hit with the epiphany of how much I loved him. It scared me shitless.
"Um, if- it's okay if you changed you mind," I heard him say.
I blinked rapidly and shook my head. "No, no." I grabbed his arm and pulled him into the room.
We settled under the covers with my back to his front. He draped an arm around my waist, pulled me closer to him and kissed my shoulder.
"We'll make this work," he whispered.
I nodded, unable to speak all of the emotions parading through my mind. I just hoped like hell he was right.
End notes: Edward POV up next! Please let me know your thoughts!