Bella POV
"Bella, Bella!" I heard over and over again, as blackness faded. My mind was struggling to focus on anything other than the opening chords of Supermassive Black hole and my whole body felt odd—like I was suspended or something…?
"Bella, come on, wake up. It's ok, please…" I heard over the crying guitar rift. That voice, it sounded far too pretty to be so sad and fearful?
My eyes fluttered open and they almost shut, with the gleam coming from the brilliant white smile that blessed Edward's face when my eyes opened. I was cradled against his chest as he walked me toward a seat, "C-can you put me down please?" I asked when I had finally found my voice; his chest was shaking with the vibrations of his laughter.
"Ok." He said when we walked passed the lounge in the stores changing room; he lay me down and then reached for a robe, handing it to me with a gentle smile.
It took me a few seconds for my eye sight to completely adjust as I lay still blinking—I must have still been a little out of sorts, because the man standing in front of me was Adonis incarnate.
Edward stood, a small furrow in his brow—probably from worry, in front of me in nothing else except a long pair of board shorts that had a similar design to the one on my bikini. It seemed unfair that he looked as good as he did, I mean his face was gorgeous, was it really just for his body to be lean and glorious too?
He wasn't as broad and heavy set through the shoulders as Emmett, and maybe that's because they train differently or something, instead he was lean. What I could see of his torso was nicely defined; he was maybe a runner, with abs I couldn't tear my eyes from that dipped into a 'v' with a sneaky little happy trail that I was pleased to see hadn't been removed.
My eyes eventually trailed back up to Edward's face and he looked amused—I guess I would be too if I caught someone copping a decent stare at me. Well, no. I'd be incredibly embarrassed, but Edward seemed unfazed which for some reason, emboldened me. I steeled myself as I shrugged off my robe and rose to my feet.
Edward's face changed quickly, the humor leaving his features, quickly replaced with concern. "We have a show to do." I answered, my voice unwavering.
Edward still didn't seem completely convinced, but I decided I had to do this. So I reached for his hand and tugged him along behind me toward the stage. I mean, only a minute had probably lapsed, but that was still a long time to keep the opening chords of any song playing on a loop.
"Bella, are you sure you want to do this, I can release, the Twilight, merchandise later." Alice's voice sounded as she blocked my path to the runway, her eyes full of worry.
"I am as healthy as a horse Ally. Really, I can do this." She smiled and wrapped her arms around my waist pulling me down into her frame a little awkwardly.
I wasn't tall by any means, but I had almost a whole head on Alice and she was surprisingly in flats today. So I was a whole lot taller than Alice's 4' 10 inches.
"Thank you, Bella. You have no idea how grateful I am to have you doing this for me." Alice cheered, reaching up onto her toes to kiss my cheek before she spoke into the walkie-talkie to Seth.
'Lion and Lamb are set, on cue, sparkle.'
I had a strangle hold on my adrenaline as I waited for our cue, Edward's hand slipping into mine had me turning to him. "Ready?"
Not anymore, I wanted to say. But I could do this. I told Alice I could do this. I convinced Edward I could do this, so surely that meant; I. Could. Do. This.
"M-hm." I smiled at him, which he quickly returned.
Just as we were about to walk Alice decided to consult one last time with, Edward. "Remember, Bella's a little clumsy, so please keep a hold of her until you reach the end of the run way." Before I could say anything, Edward nodded his head in confirmation before pulling me behind him. We stood, tucked behind a petition waiting for our cue. I could see a tiny bit of the crowd and the appeared restless, but not too bad.
Just as I was trying to prepare myself again, Edward squeezed my hand and started walking. In the space it took me to steel my resolve, the lights had blacked out, Alice had given Edward our cue and the music started playing through properly. I could hear the gasps of the crowd, but as it were, the only real lighting we had we dim LED floor lights that were bright enough to light our path, but not bright enough to cast a light much further than that. Behind us however—by maybe one step—a brighter trail of lights flooded the center line of the runway.
Only then, did I start to panic. What if I tripped? What if I fell off the stage? What would Charlie say? I must having been squeezing Edward's hand a little too tight because he fought my grip, pulling my hand from his. He slid his arm around my waist instead, pulling me into his.
"It's okay Bella.' He whispered. "I won't let you fall."
I hadn't completely calmed down when we came to a stop at the end of the runway. The trail of lights that had previously lit up behind us had gone off as we reached the rounded stage. I was impressed with Seth's timing, I mean, it was pretty spot-on. I half expected the down lights to come on by now, but instead, the lights behind us started flickering like mad as smoke started flooding the runway as the Emcee—whom I hadn't given much thought earlier introduced us.
"As a special treat for this evening MAB is giving you all a glimpse of her upcoming Twilight collection." Dr Cullen announced, his voice resonating with a familiar appeal.
The lights went off again, but half a second managed to pass before they were lighting up the runway. "To debut the tasty little treat this evening, making debuts of their own, ladies and gentlemen; Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan."
Silence eclipsed the audience as the whole stage finally lit up, Edward and still very much attached. Only a beat passed before the audience began clapping, one or two going so far as to wolf whistle. My eyes were stinging from the bright lights and I wasn't entirely sure if they were flashbulbs or the floor lighting.
I wasn't actually sure what to do, I mean, I'd watched a couple of these shows we did previously and we'd ask the models to interact with each other, particularly if the label they were showing had a given mood or theme. I mean it was pretty evident Twilight was a little on the sexy side and a little more naughty and mature than some of the other pieces…so what exactly should I have been doing?
Edward seemed more on the ball then I was as he stepped a little closer to me, his grip changing as he run he nails up my back—making me shudder slightly. He seemed to be hamming up the sex appeal as his hands continued to trail, moving across my shoulder blades and up the side of my neck. To play along I turned away from him, making as if I were 'the lamb' as Alice had mentioned, and I was trying to flee. I'd barely pulled more the a step away before Edward was pulling me back into his bubble. His hands roamed again, ghosting over the front of my costume—but not actually touching—as he seemed to be showcasing my outfit.
I could hear more gasps from the crowd, and a few more whistles before the lights cut out again. I thought we were going to be able to walk off in darkness, but it wasn't the case as they flipped back on. "Strut, Bella." Edward whispered quickly into my ear before turning my body so I was headed back off stage.
I wanted to question him, but he gave me a gentle nudge. I didn't know I was supposed to walk off alone and that freaked me out, none the less—considering I'd made it onto the stage—I tried to strut my way off. I hoped I looked at least a little bit sexy, but I honestly wasn't counting on it.
As soon as I rounded the petition, I slumped to floor and just took a moment to breathe. Edward knelt down in front of me when he came off, lifting my chin again so I'd meet his gaze. "One down." He smiled, but I couldn't quite return it. That still meant two to go and I seriously didn't think my nerves could take it.
I hadn't even realized I'd been chewing on my lip until Edward released from my teeth. I swore I heard him mutter something about death, or him dying—but I couldn't be sure, and that really didn't sound right. A second later he was standing at his full height and picking me up off the floor and all but handing me off to Alice.
"Quickly," Alice called, "I really don't want to have them sitting out there for too long, I think they're already getting antsy." I didn't even bother trying to fight Alice as she pushed me into the change room, pulling the curtain shut behind her. She'd got me out of my bikini so fast I was a little amazed, even more so when she got me into the next one almost as quickly.
Is it a monokini if it's a one piece with cut outs?
Angel was quick to rush in the curtained room, she checked my makeup quickly and decided I needed another coat of lipstick, before she ducked out again. Alice was a demon on a mission as she forced my feet into another pair of heels, these one covered in studs on the heel a little higher than I was comfortable. The final piece to this outfit was a cropped leather jacket. I didn't get much time to admire it, but I could just make it a crest on the back—it looked like a lion with fleur de lis, I think. Other than that the bikini seemed pretty plain, until I stepped out into brighter lighting and the black material lit up, glowing with a brilliant red luster.
"You've outdone yourself again." I offered, but Alice was too busy pulling me back toward the runway to even acknowledge I'd said anything. Too soon, I was supposed to be walking back down the runway and as luck would have it, it didn't get easier having to do it a second time—let alone knowing I had to do it a third time.
As I waited for Edward to join me—and Emmett to leave the stage—I noticed text on my suit, running along my hip bone: 'Forbidden to remember, Terrified to forget'.
"Knock 'em dead." Emmett smiled as he stepped off the stage. I smiled, but didn't get the chance to say anything to him as he was being dragged away for his final fitting just as Rose came out of her dressing room. Her last outfit on and ready. I watched her look Emmett up and down with a smirk, of which I was sure he returned—and a waggle of his eyebrows.
Yeah, because they're so not together.
I watched as the stage lights blacked out again and there was no sign of Edward, however Alice materialized. "Edward'll walk when you get half way. Follow the lights. Go!" with that she pushed me out onto the runway. I tried my best to walk a straight line, following the down lights, unlike before the center light tailed me down the runway, rather than lighting up a path; it wasn't until Edward took to the stage that the lighting made sense.
His pace down the runway was faster than mine, but as soon as he stepped foot on the stage platform the round stage lit up. Edward looked predatory in his print shorts, he circled me as I stood in the middle watching him from the corners of my eyes—until he stooped directly behind me. He closed the distance between us, his hands trailing my body again, only this time he slid the jacket from my body so it rested at my elbows. I wasn't sure if he was planning on taking it off me or not—I didn't even think he knew himself. Either way, before much else could be done, I was spinning on my heel as Edward started circling again. I shrugged the jacket off the rest of the way as I walked letting it hang long to the ground as I 'strut' off the stage.
I didn't slump to the floor this time, only because Alice didn't let me. She was waiting behind the petition and was pulling me back toward my change room. In less than a minute I was in and out of my outfit, touched up and ready to walk again—and I was exhausted. I didn't know how Rose and Jasper did it.
The final outfit was actually a full outfit. I was wearing a long sleeve leotard suit thing, the back dropped well below bra line—not that I was wearing one—and had mesh cut outs. I had no idea how Alice squeezed me into leather pants in thirty seconds, but she did. Maybe it was because of the side panels that seemed to be made of a similar material to my last bikini, or maybe she just makes really good leather pants—it really could have been either scenario. Fortunately enough my shoes didn't change this time and Angel didn't seem to need to make any changes to my makeup so I was changed quickly and waiting to walk as Esme hit the stage and Emmett stood waiting.
Emmett was dressed in a pair another pair of board shorts that were tiled with the MAB logo and a plain white V-neck tee. He looked good, his t-shirt stretching over his more the ample pecks—but I was not going to tell him that. As Emmett rounded the petition and took to the stage, Edward joined me. He too was dressed in leather pants, yet unlike mine, they didn't have the side material. They were all leather, making Edward look all man. He was wearing a shirt under the leather vest that topped the outfit, and I wasn't sure if I was happy his body was slightly more covered or disappointed.
Edward smiled at me when he caught my gaze and I returned it just as Alice started briefing us. "Okay, you two walk, do your thing when you get to end—you know, whatever feels right. The floor lights will be dimmed until you step on the platform Bella and then they'll be lit to full wattage, but the smoke machine will flood the runway before you two walk and will continue to do say until I walk. When you get to the end, both of you, just stand there, even when the lights go out. When they come back on, Rose and Jazz will walk me out and then Emmett will escort Esme behind us."
"Got it?" Then asked and I sort of just blinked. "Good get ready!" Edward chuckled as she dashed off to check something while I still tried to process everything.
"Just follow my lead." Edward tried to soothe.
"I'm walking out first."
"When we get to the stage, just follow my lead." Yeah, actually wasn't feeling any better—I was still confused and yes, Edward standing beside me in tight pants with half a shirt wasn't helping.
"Break a leg, Bells." Emmett smiled as I stood tucked behind the petition, waiting for the lights to drop so I could step out. I could already see the smoke billowing from the smoke machines either side of the runway. I ignored Emmett's comment and waited for my cue.
"Go." Edward eventually suggested after a few beats of silence and after a deep breathe I stepped out. I panicked a little as my heel slightly caught in the skirting of the light strip, but I managed to right myself—hopefully—without anyone noticing.
I knew when Edward had stepped onto the runway when I heard a rather audible gasp from the audience, but I didn't stop walking until I got to the end and waited for him. I had no idea what he was going to pull this time, but he told me to follow his lead, so I would.
Besides, it wasn't like had any idea about what we could do.
"Ready, now remember if you don't want to play along just tell me and I'll stop." He whispered in to my ear, as his hands wrapped around my waist and he spun me around, he grabbed my arm and wrapped it around his neck and shimmied down my body, once again trying his best to show off Alice's designs.
It really wasn't making me feel more comfortable, a little less actually, his affections sending a flush across my body. This time however, instead of just running his hands through the air in front of my body, he lightly trailed his hands along my body making me break out in gooseflesh.
I felt as though I wasn't doing my bit for Alice designs so I bit my lip and steeled my resolve, turning to Edward. My hands fisted the butter soft cotton of his under shirt before sliding across his chest and running under the collar of his vest as I slid it down off his shoulders.
I caught his eyes quickly as I closed the small gap between the two of us. He shocked me as he grabbed my hand, that had stopped on his biceps, shrugging his vest back on properly he spun me away from him—far too easily I believed.
Flashbulbs were all but blinding me as they went off, and I fought to rein in the ardor overcoming me as Edward slowly walked me back to him, his finger walking a blazing trail along my the blades of my shoulders.
"Too much?" a breathy voice whispered close to my ear, and voice forgotten all I could do was shake my head.
Too much of what?
Unsure exactly how to follow Edward's movements, I opted instead to try and see what he was doing, but, as I turned my face toward him he was still curled around me, his face right next to mine. Very, very close. His lips, in a soft pout about an inch from my face. My eyes kept darting from them, down to his shoulder and then to his eyes.
I didn't actually know what to do. I didn't even think he saw this happening…so what did that mean? Because his lips were right there. So close to mine and as previously stated, oh so very kissable.
I don't know who started moving in first—him or me—but the distance between our lips was lessening and like a fan to a flame the memory of his lips to mine struck me stupid and I closed the distance between our lips.
"True love conquers all boundaries, no matter how forbidden the fruit." Carlisle announced before all of the lights flashed on. My lips which were moving with passion against Edward's finally stopped, I pulled away and smiled as I quickly caressed his cheek. I was still shocked, him too as we both blinked. The previous flashbulbs had been rather brilliant and blinding, but now having the lights at max wattage lighting up the whole room it felt like my eyes had been closed before.
Still stunned, I stepped away from Edward, noticing the audience had risen to their feet. I followed the eyes of those not trained on Edward and I—Charlie, Renee and even Sue—to see Alice, hand in hand with Rosalie and Jasper walking down the runway, an unmistakable glint in her eyes. I bit my lip, but started clapping along with the crowd. From the corner of my eye I noted Edward had done the same, a little sooner than I.
I snickered as Alice walked purposefully towards Edward when she reached the platform Oand straightened his shirt, but baulked a little as she turned to me, laying a soft kiss on my lips—in front of everyone—before straightening m newly acquired vest, that had taken on the smell of Edward. It wasn't uncommon for us really, but I think she did it mostly—or so I hoped—to cover the kiss between Edward and I.
Alice caught my eyes as she stepped back a scary glint in her eyes as she raised her eyebrow at me. I didn't have time to say anything before a microphone was being handed up to her from Seth—who was standing at our feet.
"Thank you all for coming out today. MAB lines have been a work in process since Bella opened this store and I am very proud to say we are finally stocking shelves with MAB. Today has also been the grand unveiling for twilight, Bella and Edward, have kindly rocked it out for you guys and everything that they have worn and more will begin stocking these shelves soon. Thank you again for your attendance and support. I hope you have enjoyed everything you have seen tonight. Pre-orders are still available, just visit our girls over on the tills. Thank you all again, I really appreciate. Happy Shopping, and please enjoy the rest of your night." Alice ended with a smile and a wave and the lights cut out.
I hadn't even noticed Seth head back over to his station..
Once we all made it into the completely lit back stage area Alice addressed us all. "Thank you all so much for helping me do this today. Bella, Esme, Edward and Emmett, maybe you guys should think about a career change. I've had few people asking about you four, especially Bella and Edward. Now I know that you can sell your clothes on a runway, all you have to do is mingle for about an hour and you will be free to go. Is that okay?" Everyone erupted into a chorus of 'yes' and 'love to' and 'go Alice', I was a little regretful, I didn't want to have to walk around in these really tight clothes but I was happy that I was covered up, with the exception of most of my back.
"Bella can you give Edward back his jacket please?" Alice asked me with an obvious smile. I gave her a confused expression as I shrugged out of the Edward scented leather jacket.
"Oh, would you two be able to mingle together. I want people to see both sexes of the line and it would be so much easier if you two are together during this." She was wagging her eyebrows at me as she spoke, I had no idea what she was insinuating but I was definitely going to ask her when we got home.
"If you want." I said, before handing the jacket off to Edward.
"Shall we?" Edward said holding his arm out for me to take.
The hour passed by really quickly as Edward and I were frequently spoken to about our performance and the comfort of the clothing we were wearing. I spent the whole time nursing one glass of champagne as reporter after editor after talent agent approached us.
Edward and I politely declined all invitations and were just happy to help a friend.
I was surprised that my feet weren't killing me when I finally found a free lounge and headed toward it. Even if I wanted to have sat down classily, my feet were too tired and sore to care as I flopped down into the overstuffed sofa, Edward joining me quickly after shucking off his jacket and laying gently across the arm of the chair.
"Huh." He sighed, my eyes moving to his in question. "I get more interest as a model then I do in my own profession."
"Well…" I trailed off suggestively, stopping only when I noticed the horror on his face.
"If you tell me it's because I'm not good, I think I'll cry."
I laughed at his joke, but decided to soothe his ego. "Hey you must be good, I have no idea what you were talking about earlier today. 'Sides, we're probably the only boutique I know that has an I.T guy on the books."
He gave me a warm grin, as he rested his arm along the back of the chair—behind me. "Working at this boutique is the only job I have ever wanted to turn up to. I work with really smart beautiful and independent women, I never have nothing to do and your computer systems amaze me. I have never seen so much on one hard drive and your business is only young." I blushed slightly not sure of anything that he said after beautiful and independent.
"Thank you," I said and then quickly decided to elaborate, "You make our job here a lot easier, I mean we are a young business and your genius skills with the networking on our computer systems is amazing, I have asked Alice many times to congratulate you. You've given Seth a job that I know he loves too and he seems pretty competent. You should hear him gush about how much you teach him and then today you save my ass and agree to do this, and you didn't let me fall face first into a crowd with no more then a pair of heels and a bikini on. You sir are one in a million." I figured it was only fair that I shared the compliments.
"Bella do you have any idea how long I have wanted to meet you? You do know that the moment that I began working here Alice has done nothing but tell me about you. She idolizes you so much, she has never said anything bad about you and when she talks about you, it so obvious she adores, respects and loves you. I mean, much like her enthusiasm, it just radiates off of her in waves. You're amazing Bella, I thought that she was talking you up and that when I would finally get to work with you, you would be self absorbed and stupid, but you surprised me so much." He moved a strand of my hair that had fallen loose from the slid and tuck it back in, his touch was so light and warm, if I hadn't physically seen him fix my hair I wouldn't have believed it.
I heard someone clear their throat as Edward finished fixing my hair, we both turned to see a very shocked Charlie and Renee standing with Esme and Carlisle. "Hey Dad, Mom, Esme, Carlisle was it?" I greeted everyone as I leant forward and positioned my body so that it was facing everyone.
"Bella, it's nice to meet you. You looked very professional tonight, if your parents hadn't corrected me, I would've believed that you did this as a profession." Carlisle answered holding his hand out for me to shake.
Esme had a very happy smile on her face as she leant forward and tenderly wrapped her arms around my shoulders, "It was lovely to meet you Bella, and I would love to work with you again sometime. But I must be off, Edward it was nice to work with you son, I'll see you at Emmett's on Friday night." Esme quickly kissed Edward on the cheek, once she had let me go. She grabbed Carlisle's hand and they both waved a good bye to their son.
"Hi, Daddy, Mom. What did you think? I couldn't believe it when Alice told me that I had to get up there,"—I jerked my finger toward the stage—"did you enjoy the show at least, Seth had a lot to do with all the effects. It would have been Edward but he had to help Alice out. By the way have you seen her?" I spoke very quickly as I got very nervous as I watched the death glare that Charlie was giving Edward. Renee just casually flit her eyes between the two of us.
"You looked great tonight Bells, I was just coming to say goodbye. Come see your parents at home some time, Okay honey." Charlie said as he gave me an awkward hug, "Nice meeting you Edwin." Charlie said as he turned on his heels and proceeded out the back door, my mom trailing behind him—regarding Edward far more politely.
"That was strange," I said looking at Edward.
"Yeah, not going to lie. So it's safe to assume that means your Dad doesn't normally act like that?" I nodded my head.
"He's strange but that is a side to him I've never seen." And then I remembered what would make Charlie act like that, Edward and I when we rocked our outfits on the stage before Alice made her entrance. I was just imaging how much worse it could have been if Charlie had witnessed our first encounter.
I felt a quick vibration in my back pocket as my phone went off, it was a short little vibration that alerted me that I had received a text message, I pulled it out of my too tight pants and read the message.
Went to Jazzy's
U dn't need Dets
A 3
Plz lock up 4 me
I owe u XXX
I shuddered a little, she was obviously going to celebrate at Jasper's tonight, just like Emmett would with Rosalie. It was one of those times when I feared for Charlie. He was probably going to be subjected to one too many details. I quickly typed back my reply.
K
U owe me Big.
B.
I sighed as I shut my phone and shoved it uncomfortably into my back pocket. "Is everything OK?" Edward asked. He was probably watching my expression as it dropped a little, all I wanted to do was go home and kick off these heels and now I was stuck having to host a party for Alice. But just my luck, I looked around to see that there were only a few people still around, as caterers began clearing off the food spread and Jacob a really good family friend and practically another brother of mine was ushering the rest of the slacking guests out the door. All of the gift bags had been taken home, which was promising for Alice—not that they held a lot of merchandise, mostly vouchers and free fittings.
Everyone was finally out the door half an hour later. I quickly wrote out the cheque for the caterers and whished them a good night. Edward had offered to help me lock up incase someone was a little too drunk and hiding some where. I hoped no one was, my night had already been eventful, I didn't need it ending on a similar note as it had begun-a clusterfuckery.
I locked the final door while Edward punched in the security code. He was the only external employee that I had who knew all of my security codes. Of course he did need them a lot when my computer systems failed and everything needed to be re-booted or reset—which had happened twice when I'd accidentally overloaded the server.
I was just about to leave and reach for my keys in my locker when something dawned on me. Alice dropped me off to work today and Rosalie drove Jasper. I had no way of getting home.
Huh, knew things were going too smoothly.
I probably stood staring at my empty locker gnawing on my lip for a few minutes when Edward came in, "Um, Bella is everything ok, I think your lip is going to fall off." Edward said as he made his way over to me. I was still wearing the ridiculous outfit Alice had dressed me on so I was little shorter than his eye level. I shook my head slowly and pointed to the empty hook inside my locker.
"Is something missing?" he asked, and I shook my head again, "Then what's the matter?" he asked obviously confused with my lack of verbal communication skills.
"I have no way to get home and I don't want to have to interrupt Charlie or Alice this late at night." I said truthfully, Edward laughed a little and I felt taken back.
"Grab your things Bella, I'll take you home—problem solved." Edward said as he reached into my locker and pulled out my hand bag, he was going to grab the clothes that I had worn here but I shook my head and he withdrew his hand.
"I plan on wearing this home. Almost as pay back for Alice." He chuckled under his breath and passed me my hand bag, "everything is locked except the employee door, so if you're ready to go, we're all good." Edward gestured as he placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me toward the exit flipping off all the lights as he went.
"Thank you." Was all I said, as I pulled the employee door shut and typed in the security code on the handle. I followed Edward to the only car in the car park, which happened to be a very new, very shiny looking silver Volvo.
"Wow, I can't even afford a car like this." I said gesturing to the shiny new car that looked fast even when it was still.
"Well Carlisle's a doctor and he's very good on the stock exchange and since the day Emmett and I were born he began trust funds for us. He learned his saving habits from his father who, when he unfortunately passed shortly after I was born, left everyone with enough to live comfortably in any economy."
"Then why do you bother with mediocre things like working in a little boutique on computers?" I was quite serious and I loved watching the beautiful smile that spread across his face.
"Anywhere else wouldn't have the positive environment that working for you and Alice has. I also think that working here has more rewards then money. It's probably the same reason why Emmett stays as the deputy with your father, he could probably become a big time cop in New York but like me he would rather work with good people with mediocre pay then earn himself a name."
How could someone so gorgeous and well-off be so down to earth? I questioned.
Everything seemed to be in fast forward as we pulled up outside of my apartment block—far sooner than I'd have liked—I felt like asking Edward how he knew where I lived but I didn't bother. He has probably glanced at files with my address in the past couple of years.
Before I had the chance to unbuckle Edward was at my door pulling it open for me, he offered me his hand and I took it as he carefully pulled me from the car. He was such a gentlemen. But he probably had a really lucky girlfriend somewhere. Even if he kissed me twice, he was just being polite.
Edward walked me all the way to the door of my apartment, he stopped at my door and just as he was about to speak I stopped him. "Would you like to come in, you saved me a lot tonight, I'll make you a drink?" I offered and a crocked little smile played on his lips.
"I would love to." He said politely as he waited for me to unlock the door. I quickly slid my key into the lock and swiftly turned it to the left as I slowly swung my front door open very glad that Alice had offered to decorate my apartment.
"The kitchen is this way," I said pulling Edward along with me.
Edward quickly sat up on one of the stools while I proceeded to the fridge, "What would you like to drink?" I asked quickly shuffling around with the bottles in the fridge, "I have a pretty wide selection, Alice stocks my fridge."
"Do you have the fixings for hot chocolate, Esme gave me a recipe? If you want to change and take off some of your make up, I could make us drinks?" he offered and the more his velvety words flowed from his mouth the more that I wanted to comply.
"But I offered to make you a drink?" I challenged and he looked smug.
"I won't tell if you won't." Edward teased, making his way around me and into the fridge. He pulled out milk, half a bar of dark chocolate (which I didn't even know I had) from the fridge before moving to the cupboards. He managed to find the sugar container and even a bottle of vanilla essence I also couldn't remember have had purchased—ever.
"Where do you keep you mugs and saucepans?" he asked, I pointed to the cupboards and he was quick to pull out a small sauce pan and a couple of heavy (massive too) mugs.
"Are you sure you don't want me to make them?" I asked and he quickly shook his head.
"Bella, I know how uncomfortable those leather pants are and mine were no where near as tight as yours, you didn't even change when you had the chance. These will be ready by the time you're done." He said gesturing for me to leave my own kitchen. Could he be more perfect, who ever had his heart had better treat him right, I thought as I proceeded to my bedroom.
I grabbed my pajamas out from my top draw and headed into my bathroom, I looked at myself in the mirror and was absolutely stunned. My hair was pulled back with slides and made me look like the lead singer in a rock band, my lips still shone with the bright cherry lipstick that Angel had smeared on my lips and my eyes popped with the thick lashes and silver liner around my eyes. I smiled a little and then searched for the make up wipes I knew Alice had put somewhere. I almost screamed when I had found them and briskly wiped off all of the makeup on my face. It came off easy enough unlike the super tight pants that clung to every curve of my legs.
It was easy enough to slide out of the body suite and kick off my heels. Pulling on my thin cotton singlet and long flannel pajama pants felt so homey as I sighed in contentment. I picked up Alice clothes and slid them onto free hangers in my wardrobe for Alice's collection—whenever that would be.
I could smell the hot chocolate the second that I had left the bathroom. It had my mouth watering, if it smelt this good, what would it taste like? I pulled my hair up in a loose ponytail as I proceeded into the kitchen, Edward smiled toward me as he finished pouring the contents of the saucepan into the last mug.
"Feel better?" he asked with an obvious smile on his face. It was so hard not to reply with a smile of my own.
"Yes thank you. You know that smells amazing. Hey, if you want to get out of those lovely and tight jeans I have some clothes here for Charlie in the spare room. I'm pretty sure that a pair of flannel pajama pants would be more comfortable than those jeans, although I do like those jeans on you." My mouth just wouldn't shut up, as I said everything that came to my mind.
"That won't be necessary Bella, I don't mind these jeans the material is quite flexible." Was he kidding, they were new and never been worn. Like a new pair of Levis with dye they were probably as stiff as cardboard.
"Here," Edward said as he slid the mug across to me over the counter.
"Thanks, but let's drink them in the living room there was a show on while we were in the show I just want to see if I recorded it." He smiled and followed me through to the living room. He automatically took a seat on the sofa while I checked the TV, perfect it recorded. I grabbed the remote and pressed play before taking a seat next to Edward.
Time passed quickly as Edward and I asked question after question collecting as much information that we could get from each other. Edward had asked me about both of my parents, Phil—my step dad—Sue, my soon to be step mom if Charlie would open his eyes to what he has, Alice and little things like my favorite color, animal and past time. I had asked the same questions of Edward and was surprised when we had the same strange music taste.
Both Edward and I had shuffled closer and closer while we drank and talked, we were both touching each other. It sent an almost electric current through me that wasn't entirely sexual, but enticing all the same. I had always wanted someone to make me feel this way and after dud after dud, through my previous relationships I thought that it was the end for me.
Edward was casually stroking my arm and I began to get lost in his touch. I turned my whole body so that it was facing him, I knew that their was a good chance acting on these feelings so soon was going to get me bad but I hadn't had too much to lose. I had managed to tell him almost everything about me and I was hoping he had done the same.
I moved my face toward his slowly, as much as it would have hurt, I was going to give him the chance to object if he didn't want to kiss me.
Just before our lips touch I felt his hands thread through my hair as he closed the final distance. Our lips met with such passion and force that it felt so strong. Our lips were moving in perfect unison as we answered each others silent questions. I licked his bottom lip in an effort to deepen the kiss and he complied. My body was pressed tightly to his as he lay back into the sofa, I followed him placing my knees on either side of his waist.
I had kissed guys before, but it had never felt this right. My hands were completely braided through his hair, as our tongues started to explore each others mouths, he tasted like chocolate and I couldn't help but be happy about the fact the it was hot chocolate that he had just drunk rather than coffee or alcohol. My hands began moving away from Edward's and down toward his shirt, they slid under the thin cotton top that he was wearing when he caught my wrist, I grabbed his hand with my free hand and placed it tightly on my hip as I leaned closer to him. His other hand released my wrist and slid around to my waist, I felt him pulling me closer and closer as his hands began to slide under my singlet.
My hands slid back under his shirt as I lifted over his head, there was a split second when our lips parted and I felt my singlet leave my body. I knew where this was going to lead and I didn't care. Edward's lips left mine as we both began gasping for air, before his lips trailed down my jaw and down to my collar bone as he started making a circuit.
"Bella…are…you sure…you want…to?" Edward asked breathless between kisses.
"Yes." Was all I said as he shifted his weight and picked me up, I wrapped my legs around his waist as he began walking, I heard a door shut behind us as placed my lips back on to his. I opened my mouth quickly and I could taste every bit of him as his tongue explored my mouth.
He was probably the best kisser I had ever known.
I woke up late the next day, my head was on Edward's chest and his arms were wrapped tightly around me. I kissed his chest and looked up to see his eyes were still closed and he was breathing slowly and deeply in and out. I heard someone gasp by my door, my eyes shot up to see a very shocked looking…
So, uh... yeah. Um. What do you think?
