A/N: Thank you so much for all of your reviews! I really appreciate them and I'm glad everyone liked chapter 1! Chapter 2 has arrived and I think it's pretty good, but I am biased! Reviews keep me writing so drop me a line!
Thanks to my beta sendmeonmyway and tnuccio!!
OK without further ado-Chapter 2.....So Happy!
Disclaimer: I do not own....Steph Meyer does! I just like to make them do crazy stuff! ;)
Chapter 2 ~ So Happy
Saturday morning dawned with a knock on my door. I jumped from the bed hastily and flung the door open.
"Morning sunshine," Edward smiled at me, holding two coffees in his hand. "It's moving day," he exclaimed.
"Where's Jordan?" I squeaked out as he entered the room.
"She had to go into work. She probably won't be home until late tonight, but she said she'd call later. She's worried I am going to scare you off," he laughed lightly.
I shut the door and gladly took the coffee he offered. I stretched my muscles and enjoyed the smell of the coffee. I relished the warmth from the cup as I realized I was barely dressed.
"Um...can you give me a minute?" I blushed slightly, looking down at my barely there boy shorts and tight fitting tank top.
Edward chuckled, "Sure, you might want to put some clothes on."
"It's not my fault you're up freakishly early on a Saturday morning. I would have been ready to go if you had come at a decent hour."
"Whatever," he replied simply while he made himself comfortable in the tiny sitting area next to the bed.
I walked into the bathroom and closed the door. I took a long swig of the coffee before brushing my teeth and groaned as I realized I'd forgotten to bring clothes into the bathroom with me. I pulled on my silk robe and went back out into the room.
"I forgot clothes," I muttered as Edward glanced at me. I grabbed a blue tank top, lacy bra and matching panties, and some black cotton yoga shorts. I hurried back into the bathroom and started the shower. I made quick work of getting clean and gave up the ritual of standing under the hot stream of water to relax my stiff muscles. I hoped Jordan would have a comfortable bed in their guest room.
Within twenty minutes I was back out of the bathroom completely refreshed, but not totally awake. I was craving my morning Kashi bar I usually grabbed from the 7-11 down the street. Unfortunately, today, I would have to go without.
"I brought you something for breakfast," Edward crooned from across the room. I turned to look in his direction and he tossed me a foil wrapped granola bar.
I looked at him with utter amazement, "How did you know?" I whispered in surprise.
"Jordan says you're a creature of habit. She assumed that you hadn't changed much since high school."
"Wow. I guess she's right."
"Well that's a good thing then. We'll get along just fine," he mused as he scrolled through my iPod which he'd taken off the small table next to the bed.
"Why do you say that?" I asked curiously as I unwrapped my Kashi bar and took a bite. I turned to start pulling clothes from the closet.
He laughed lightly and glanced at me sideways. "Jordan spent three hours last night telling me your complete history right down to your awesome purple Trapper Keeper in third grade."
I giggled as my face blushed lightly. "So then you know a bit about my existence."
He nodded and I shook my head disappointingly.
"What?"
"It doesn't seem fair. I don't know anything about you."
"We have all day Bella. Actually we have weeks I'm sure. We'll be in very close proximity until you find an apartment, and Jordan is literally never home. I am sure you'll have a genuine chance to get to know me. Hopefully I don't scare you away though," he let out a dark, quiet chuckle and I tilted my head to see his expression. He quickly turned his head to avert my gaze.
"So, you like yourself a little Theory of a Deadman?"
"Mhmmm," I mumbled with a full mouth.
"Seether?"
I nodded again.
"Brad Paisley?"
I giggled choking slightly on the granola that was now lodged in my throat. I coughed hard and, managed to suck in a cleansing breath. "Damn, man. You need to be careful what you say when someone is eating."
He laughed and put my iPod down to help me pack. He pulled out a whole line of shirts and piled them on the bed, before he started folding neatly. We continued in a comfortable silence for quite some time.
When we had all of my clothes packed I looked around for anything I could have missed. "I think I just have my bathroom stuff to pack and that's it."
"Alright, well I'm going to go start loading boxes into your Yukon."
I smiled at him as he looked around the room. "Thank you for helping me Edward."
"It's my pleasure, Isabella," he smiled as he walked out with three boxes stacked on top of each other.
I quickly gathered my bathroom belongings, stuffed them into my travel clutch, and threw it into my suitcase.
Edward was back within minutes with an irritated look painted on his face. "It would help if your truck was unlocked."
I couldn't help but giggle at his clearly flustered state. "Sorry," I mumbled while I handed him my keys and watched him retreat through the door again.
I stared at the door for several minutes just thinking about him. He was in my head dominating every single thought, and that was such a horrible thing. I didn't know much about him, but he seemed so perfect. His features were strikingly beautiful and he had a kindness in his eyes that I hadn't seen in such a long time.
I contemplated turning down their offer to stay with them. As much as I wanted to stifle my desire for him I couldn't. I felt an involuntary pull towards him. I knew getting to know him better would do nothing good for me, but I couldn't help myself. I was a glutton for punishment and I seemed to always want what I couldn't have.
After another three trips to my truck I was completely packed, and checked out of the Barclay Cottage. As I was following Edward's silver Volvo back towards Sandbridge, my phone vibrated and the caller id flashed with a number I didn't recognize.
"Hello?" I answered as we turned onto Birdneck Road.
"Do you want to stop at South Beach and get some lunch?" The smooth voice crooned into my ear.
"How did you get my number?" I questioned
He laughed and said "Jordan."
"Ah...I see. Well, seeing how it is eleven thirty we might as well stop and get a bite to eat."
"That's my girl. See you in a couple minutes," he said and hung up. The phone stayed to my ear and my mouth hung agape slightly. I knew he didn't mean it the way it sounded. I was not his girl, Jordan was.
Yet, I couldn't stop the involuntary thrill his words sent through my body.
I am so going to hell.
We pulled into the parking lot where South Beach was located and parked next to each other. We made our way inside and sat at the bar. We both ordered a beer. I chuckled slightly at the old men arguing over what the actual retail price of Polident is in the drug store versus on The Price is Right.
"Can we get some menus please?" Edward asked the devastatingly handsome bartender. He smiled and winked at me showing his dimples and perfectly straight, white teeth. I looked down and blushed slightly as he handed us menus.
"I haven't been here in ages. Everything is exactly the same."
"Sure is," Edward replied. "I bet you get tons of looks like that don't you?"
"Huh?" I asked taking a swig of my beer.
"That bartender was totally checking you out," he replied while he looked at the menu. He looked up and finally met my puzzled expression and sighed deeply. "Bella, do you honestly not realize that men throw themselves at you all the time?"
"Huh?" I repeated trying to understand where this conversation was going.
He laughed and muttered "Exactly what I thought. You're way too innocent and unsuspecting."
"Hey, I'm not that innocent," I retorted recoiling slightly from his condescending tone.
"Bella, Bella, Bella," he softly chanted my name staring into my eyes. The way my name rolled off his luscious lips, all quiet like and breathy. I felt myself getting wet at the sound. He turned his eyes from me slightly, "You really have to be careful. I wouldn't want you to get hurt. There are a lot of heart breakers in this town sweetie," he finished with a gentle pat on my hand. So much for being turned on, he totally just ruined that moment. It was a condescending and patronizing gesture, and it just got my blood boiling.
I shook my head trying to make sense of his words. "Edward, are you not aware that I lived in New York City for four years? If I made it through that unscathed I highly doubt living here will be my demise."
I looked up at the bartender who was standing in front of us again wearing that same dimply smile. "What can I get you guys?"
"Can I have the rock fish and a salad, please?" I asked keeping my anger in check. He nodded and winked at me again.
Edward had ordered, but I paid no attention to him. Instead I turned my attention to the television behind the bar and pretended to be watching the last of The Price is Right while I thought about Edward's words.
"Why are you so worried about me and my well being Edward?" I asked as I finally turned my attention back to him.
"I just don't want you to get hurt Bella. Any friend of Jordan's is a friend of mine."
I nodded in understanding and quietly muttered a "Thank you." I wasn't used to anyone looking out for me, but myself. New York wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, although I hardly ventured far off campus. I was terrified of living there by myself, but I made it. Virginia Beach was no New York City so my fears were eased a bit. Now Edward was bringing them all back to the surface.
We ate a quiet lunch and headed towards Sandbridge to my new temporary home. I took a good look at my new, spacious bedroom as I brought the last box in.
"Yeah, so we are going to have to go buy a bed," I jumped slightly at his voice. I didn't hear him come in. "Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you."
"It's alright. I'm just not used to other people being in my living space. I may be jumpy for a little while. Most of the time I live in my head, I'm not 'here' so don't be surprised if you make me jump often." I offered a smile of reassurance and he nodded. "So, yeah, I need a bed. Have any suggestions of where I should go?"
"Well why don't we head out now and get something for you?"
"Really, Edward, I don't want to bother you with trivial stuff like that. You've already helped me move everything here. I couldn't ask you to help me pick out a bed on top of everything else." I gave a nervous laugh as I ran my fingers through my hair realizing the potential of double meaning behind that last statement.
"Nonsense, Bella. I completely cleared my schedule today for you. Plus, I don't normally work on weekends. Also, you didn't ask me to help you pick out a bed I offered. So, what do you say? We can go pick something out and then get some dinner."
My head was swimming. I don't remember actually answering him, but I soon found myself in the passenger seat of Edward's Volvo. I was lost in thought as we made our way to Lynhaven Mall.
"Do you like Paramore?" He asked breaking me from my trance.
"Mmmm...Yeah," I replied still staring out the window. I was astounded at how much empty land had been developed in the four years that I had been away.
That was Edward's only question until we pulled up in front of a furniture store outside the mall. "Do you know what kind of bed you're looking for?"
"Huh?" I asked as I shook myself from my tangled mess of a brain.
"Boy, you really do live in your head don't you?"
"Yeah I told you that."
He laughed and got out of the car. I followed his lead and we headed inside.
"So...firm or soft?" He asked quietly as we walked through the double doors of the store.
I laughed lightly as I replied, "I'm not sure."
"Well I think I can be of assistance with your decision."
"Oh yeah and how's that Mr. Cullen? Are you a mattress expert?"
He got a mischievous glint in his eye and his sideways smirk appeared before he grabbed my hand and led me to the back of the store where the mattresses were located. "It's really just a matter of science, my dear."
I tilted my head toward him. "Really? Care to elaborate?"
He continued to pull me through the store as he glared at me. "I was getting there. Give me a minute."
"Sure. How about I just lay on them until I find one that I like?"
His eyes had a mischievous glint as he replied. "What's the fun in that?"
"I didn't know mattress shopping was supposed to be fun, Edward," I replied with a small giggle.
"Watch and learn." He led me to a short, stocky sales woman and dropped my hand quickly. "Excuse me," he called to the woman.
"Yes sir how can I help you today?" The woman's eyes raked Edward's body appreciatively.
"Well I am trying to help my friend here shop for a mattress and I was wondering if you could answer some questions."
"Absolutely, I'm Shana and I would be happy to help you in any way you need." She replied flashing a wide smile at Edward.
"Thank you, Shana," he replied as he walked over to the first mattress. I followed suit behind them. "Now this mattress Shana...can you tell me how much pressure it can take?"
She stepped closer to him as she purred. "Well, I assure you it can take quite a bit."
"Has it been tested Shana?"
"Yes all of our mattresses are tested with a thousand pound roller weight three hundred times each. They can withstand quite a bit of abuse," she shifted uncomfortably at that last statement.
"I see. Well, unfortunately, I'm not a robotic machine, and neither is my friend here. So I was wondering if you know of anyone that has physically tested this type of mattress." Edward was really turning on the charm with her. I almost felt bad for this poor unsuspecting sales lady. Almost.
I threw my hand over my mouth trying to stifle the laughter. Edward stayed completely composed and since Shana's back was to me I couldn't see her expression, but her ears turned a bright red.
"Well, sir, I don't know anyone personally, but I can assure you that this is our best selling mattress. It has memory foam and is built to last."
Edward nodded his head slowly and turned his gaze to mine. I still had my hand over my mouth, but quickly removed it and composed myself when Shana turned around to face me.
"Thank you for your help, Shana. I will let you know if we have anymore questions," I said as I smiled apologetically.
She nodded and quickly retreated to the back room. I walked over to Edward and slapped him playfully on the arm. "What the hell was that?"
"What?" he feigned innocently.
"You tortured that poor woman." I tried to hold back my giggles while maintaining a mortified look upon my face. Alas, in the end my giggles brought through and I fell onto the very bed Shana insisted could handle the physical abuse. "Okay, I have to get this bed and we need to be sure Shana gets the sale. That poor woman, you dazzled her, she's probably back there cleaning out her panties."
Edward chuckled and flopped down on the bed next to me. "Dazzled huh? Okay. Are you going to pick out bedroom furniture also?"
"Yes, I think I will," I replied getting up from the bed and heading to the section of bedroom furniture next to the mattresses. I couldn't help but relish in the giddy feeling I had in the pit of my stomach. I was sure I hadn't ever felt this happy and I was intrigued by this strange man that was the center of my desire, wondering if he was the cause.
Fuck. Me. I'm in trouble.
A/N: Gotta love pervy, snarky, protective Edward! He is WIN! ;) So...leave me a word or two of review! Do you want to see something in this story? Is there something you hate? Let me know! I respond to ALL reviews! I love to know what you all think!! Until next week!