Chapter 2
BPOV
My friends were saying, "Bella, are you ready to go to your birthday party at the Horsemen's Club?"
"Yes, give me ten minutes to wrap up what I am working on."
"Ten minutes is all you have because we are not at the office; it is going to take us a good 45 minutes to get there from the stadium if we are lucky. Since you are the guest of honor, we do not want to be late."
I had been with this public accounting firm for a couple years now and they had made all the arrangements for this party at the Stockman's club. My boss really liked everything I was doing so he had made all the arrangements. I was actually turning 25 the next day. We were currently auditing the books of Cowboy stadium and we were still working on the on-site portion of the audit. I cleaned up my work area and we headed out to our cars. There were six of us out there working on the audit together. Summer football camp had started for the players about two weeks before that. As we left the stadium, we walked by a couple of the players and they whistled at us and we just kept on walking ignoring the arrogant football boys ogling us. Without us noticing, they had to have heard us talking about our plans for the evening. Little did we know what was going on behind us.
"Now it is your turn –"
EPOV
As we left the stadium, we saw four of our teammates looking at you lovely auditors passing them. Jasper, Jacob and I jogged up to the over guys quickly and easily.One of them asked, "How did we get so lucky that we have six good looking auditors in here this time?"
"Yes, and sexy, too" said Jasper
Jacob said, "Well, if you want we can follow them they are headed for a birthday celebration at the Stockmen's Club. One of them is having a party there and if they aren't interested we can have beers, great steaks, and there will be other ladies there as well."
"I'm in," we all said together. So off the eight of us went.
"Now it's back to you, Bella," as I smiled at her and ran my hand along her beautiful face.
BPOV
We got to the Stockmen's club as four of my other coworkers had just finished decorating our table. "HMMMM," I said as we approached the table, "I guess I will sit on this end of the table."
Their response was, "No way, get down here. You have to sit under your birthday balloons. The roses are from Aro with a note that says, 'Enjoy your evening' and he is sorry he couldn't be here." Once I was seated a round of strawberry margaritas showed up. Everyone raised their glasses to me and we started in on what was to become a wonderful evening. We then ordered our dinner and headed out onto the dance floor where all ten of us danced together having a good ole time.
EPOV
"While you were out there dancing, we arrived and got our own table for eight. Little did you know, we were watching you all as we had our first round of beer."
After a couple of songs you returned to your table and enjoyed some more of your drinks.
"All of us were still watching you from across the dance floor and I that is when I commented to Jasper. It must be the girl in the pink boots and pink shirt birthday. She is the most beautiful of all of them. She is not the sexiest; but she is very beautiful. Her eyes and face are extraordinary. I wouldn't mind kissing those lovely soft lips. "
Jasper responded with, "Wow, you actually did not find a flaw in her and you want to actually kiss her."
"No I am not seeing a flaw. Yes I would love to kiss her lips and dance with her," I said a little amused with myself.
Jasper then said, "I believe you may have to just meet this lady. Now how do we get her attention is the next question. I know, why don't I find out from one of her friends her favorite song and we can dedicate it to the birthday girl. Then you can ask her to dance once we get her onto the dance floor and find out her name. Then maybe you still won't find any flaws with her and want to kiss her eventually. Alice says we need to find someone for you to date so that we can double and she will have another girlfriend."
"Okay sounds like a plan to me. Jasper, that is why I keep you around. Plus then you help me keep away the ones that I don't want to deal with."
Now let's set this plan in motion. Then Jasper left me at the table to avoid the rest of the barflies. Jasper and my teammates set the plan in motion and then Jasper waved me down to the dance floor once everything had been arranged. All of your dinners showed up and you enjoyed some of the best steak around. Different friends were passing presents to you and also going out onto the dance floor and dancing with different guys some of them being my teammates. You really weren't sitting so that you could see the dance floor to know who they were dancing with fortunately.
The next thing I knew the lead singer of the band was calling your name from the dance floor asking you to come to the dance floor. You looked at your friends that were still at the table with you. And what did you say to them.
BPOV
I said, "No way, you know how I feel about all this. This is already too much public attention." I waved my hand around the table and the decorations on it.
Some of them looked at me and said, "We didn't do it!"
Then the entire bar started chanting my name and then my friends came over behind me. They pulled out my chair and escorted me to the dance floor where the lead singer asked with me next to him and all my friends around me. "Are you Bella?"
I said, "Yes, unfortunately."
"And is it your birthday today?"
"Yes, again unfortunately."
"Well I think the bar needs to wish you a Happy Birthday." So the entire restaurant started singing Happy Birthday to me and as all of the bar did I looked at everyone in my group with deaf glares for doing this to me and they all shrugged their shoulders suggesting that they were innocent of the whole mess.
EPOV
While all of this was going on Jasper and I were getting up close to you and your group of friends without you knowing it. As the round of applause ended for the birthday song cheer, the singer said, "We also hear that one of your favorite songs is 'You lite up the sky.'"
"Yes, but how did you know?"
"Well that's for us to know," and with that the band started playing the song.
BPOV
I interjected and the next thing I knew as I started to dance with my friends again, there was a tap on my shoulder and someone asking, "May I please have this dance with the birthday girl?"
As I turned and looked up to meet his face, there stood Edward Cullen star quarterback for the Cowboys.
"Sure," I said and you took my hand. You led me a little away from my group of friends and we kind of fast danced to the music. It wasn't a real fast paced song but it definitely wasn't a slow hold on tight to your partner song.
"You said," as we were dancing "Happy Birthday, Bella."
"Thank you" I said, "What are you doing here?
EPOV
"A group of us heard where all you girls were going after work and decided to follow and see if we would have any fun. Plus this place has the best steak in town."
"Yes it does. Are you good ole boys responsible for this show on the dance floor and getting me down here?"
"Yes, but we had a little bit of help from some of your friends."
"I am sure you did because most of them know that I hate being the center of attention. They knew there would be nothing I could do about this either."
"I'm sorry. They told us that to but it was the only way we could figure out how to get you to dance with me. I hope you are not to mad."
"No, I guess I shouldn't be and that I should be flattered instead," Bella said.
"I think your birthday party is about to get a little bit bigger."
You asked, "Why?" With that I grabbed a hold of you, pulled you into me and then spun me back out so that you could see that your coworkers and my teammates were moving around even more tables so that all the players could join your party."
As the music started to end, a slow song came on and as you started to walk away I held onto your hand and pulled you back into me and asked, "How about a second dance while they finish moving around the tables?"
"No," you said with a smile. "How about a second dance because you want to continue dancing with me?"
"I would love that." With that I pulled you in a little bit closer and we gently started moving around the dance floor again this time more slowly in a slow country two step. "Am I correct that you are at the stadium working on our audit?"
"Yes, I am. Oh and I believe that you are the quarterback of the Super bowl champion Cowboys."
"Yes, you are right and funny too." So we chatted quietly together as we continued to dance.
Then the song slowly came to an end and then one of your friends came up and tapped you on your shoulder, "How about coming back to the table and having some cake and bring Edward with you? All your other teammates have already joined the party? Plus Bella it looks like you are having fun with Edward."
"Okay," and back to the table we went. As you sat down in your chair, your friends made sure that I was seated right next to you. Then two of your friends came up on the other side of you and slid in the chocolate cake with chocolate icing with candles on it. Then your friends and my teammates sang happy birthday to me once again. As you went to lean forward to blow out the candles, I leaned into your ear and whispered, "Don't forget to make a wish!"
"Oh I think I'll make 2 - The first one being about my friends not embarrassing me anymore. Then I thought about the second wish my real wish. So I blew out the candles all in one breath."
"By the way what was your birthday wish?" I asked.
"That you were real and wouldn't disappear"
A couple of my friends started cutting up the cake for me. You were given the first piece and I was handed the second piece.
As I was about to finish up my cake, I said, "Bella."
You looked at me and said, "What?" I picked up a napkin and said, "You have a little bit of icing in the corner of your lip." I then gently wiped it off my face. I stayed very close to your beautiful and soft face then whispered, "Are you up for more dancing?"
"Sure. Can you line dance?" you asked me "because that is what it looks like they are doing?"
"Yes, I can birthday girl. Let's go and I will show you how well I can." With that I got up and pulled out your chair, took your hand and said, "Let's go." I then turned to my teammates and said, "Come on guys. Let's show these ladies that we can dance as well as play football." So they did; the other seven guys grabbed your friends' hands and we all headed for the dance floor and made our own line and had a grand time. The band played two more line dancing songs for us. You finally admitted that we boys were really good.
BPOV
As the song was coming to an end, we heard them warming up the mechanical bull that they kept in the back corner of the bar section of the restaurant. One of the guys challenged another saying I can stay on longer than you and other guys jumped in. My friend looked at me and smiled. "Hey guys can us girls get in on this too?" she asked.
"Sure but you have to put your money where your mouth is?" Jacob said.
Another of the guys piped up and said, "No, (COMMA) we will only charge them half price to enter the contest. Okay let's go boys." and we headed past our table where everyone grabbed our drinks and headed for the bull.
You started to look at me and said, "Are you sure you want to do this you can get hurt?"
"I don't know. It looks like fun. If I decide to and I get hurt, I will let you kiss my bruises okay?"
"I guess now I am hoping that I get to see you fall off."
"Are you going to ride the bull?" I asked.
"I don't know. I really shouldn't with camp starting but if you are going to try then I should at least have a go at it, too," you said.
"Why because you won't feel manly if I do it and you don't?"
"Something like that?" you said.
"Well it's up to you but it won't affect what I think of you if you don't."
With that we were off all off into the contest. A couple of the guys laid out $100 bills and took their turns and lasted around 45 seconds until it started to really speed up on them. Then one of the girls went out and went for 50 seconds and took hold of all the money. A few of my other friends then came close. Next one of the guys went and got 55 seconds and then he had about $800 from everyone. You then added your $100 and went for a ride and lasted about 50 seconds.
Your buddy Jake said, "Well, I guess I win."
I said, "Hold up Jake I haven't gone yet." I handed him my $50.00 as I walked by him.
You had walked with me not wanting to let go of my hand and kept asking, "Are you sure?"
"Yes," I whispered. I handed my pink hat to you; I held it up and blocked our faces with it and whispered, "Will you hold onto this for me so that it doesn't get crushed?" Next I reached up on tiptoes and said; "Wish me luck." then quickly and gently kissed you on your lips.
Edward interjected into our trip down memory lane "By the way beautiful angel, I was in love with you at that moment."
"Well, that moment was very easy and relaxed for me because I knew how easily I was going to blow you boys away on the mechanical bull so I couldn't resist flirting with you a little bit. All the girls were wolf whistling and cheering for me!" I then finished handing my hat to you and said, "Can you give me a leg up?"
With that, you put the pink hat on your head briefly. You gave me more than a leg up; you quickly and easily scooped me up. Next you set me on the mechanical bull and this time everyone went nuts. You leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Remember my promise."
"Oh, I will!"
Then the bull up started up and I was off. 30 seconds piece a cake; 45 seconds I was working up a little sweat. 50 seconds I was still in control but really working. 55 seconds my form was starting to slip but I was determined to hang on. At one minute, the girls went nuts then 65 seconds and 70 seconds, my form was really starting to slip. Finally at 75 seconds, I lifted my one leg up and hopped off the bull, rolled onto the mat to the side, so I was out of his way from the next bounce. I got back up and the girls were going nuts and the guys were clapping but looked a little stunned. I walked back towards Jake and said, "Thanks." as I took the handful of money from him. I made it back to you and said, "Thanks for holding my hat" and slid it back on my head.
Jake then looked at me and then the rest of the boys and said, "I think we have been played."
I said, "I think you're right boys." As I said that I gave the girls back their $50.00 bills, I guess maybe you boys should check out all of a girl more often instead of just their behinds and chests and even our pretty faces. Because Edward would you like to tell the guys what my belt buckle says on it?"
With that you scooped me up and sat me on the edge of the bar and said, "Princess of Texas Rodeo Competition 2002."
I looked down at you and smiled, "I haven't lost much of my skills, have I?"
You said, "No, you haven't."
With that I looked down at you and said, "How about a dance for the winner, since you don't get to kiss any bruises? I will buy you a beer."
You said, "Yes" as you lifted me off the bar ledge. As our lips passed you stopped lowering me to the ground, looked into my eyes and then briefly kissed me again. You said, "Sure, I would love another dance but I am buying the drinks you just put your money away and enjoy spending it on something for yourself! Right, guys! She got us; she has definitely been wearing her buckle with pride all night." So you got us a couple of drinks from the bar and led me to the dance floor. You looked down at me as you pulled me back into another country two step and smiled.
"Why are you smiling?" I asked.
"Because you got my friends and you were very impressive on the bull. How long is the longest that you have stayed on a mechanical bull?"
"Two minutes."
'What is the worst you have been hurt riding in the rodeos?'
'A concussion, bruised ribs and one time a broken wrist otherwise I have been fine. I believe in wearing all the padding that one can. But I have to tell you one thing, while I was on the bull tonight I pinched some of my skin down on my hand."
"Really."
"Yes."
"Well then, come here."
You then walked me off the dance floor towards a quiet corner table.
You said, "Sit down on this bar stool."
So I did. You then took my hand that I had told you I had hurt and then pulled my hand up to your lips and started to kiss it. You then looked at me and smiled and I smiled right back. You then brought your hand that was holding my hand down close to my lips, leaned down with your face close to mine and said, "How's that?"
So I brought my lips even closer to your face and said, "That is so much better. Thank you." I kissed your lips again.
"Well, Edward this has been fun. It is getting late and I need to probably be going. Thank you for joining in my birthday celebration."
"You're welcome. Can I see you again?"
"Of course you can. We will be at the stadium for another week. I will see you Monday I'm sure."
"No I didn't mean like that but I will definitely make sure I see you there now."
"Oh really, what did you mean?"
"I was hoping; I might be able to convince you to go on a real date with just me."
"Oh, but practice is just starting for a new season."
"I can make time to go out with a beautiful lady like you. Come on just agree to one date?"
"Okay, okay."
"How about next Saturday? We can make day of it. Do you ever just ride horses and do you already have plans yet for next Saturday?"
"Yes, I love to just ride horses, too. No I do not have any plans for next Saturday yet."
"So does that mean you will agree to go out with me next Saturday?" you asked.
"Yes," I said.
"Will you give me your number so that I can call you later?"
So I leaned around to your ear and whispered my phone number to you.