A Betting Man
Chapter Two
He leads me onto the dance floor, amongst the crowd of bodies and sweat and heat. His hand grasps mine firmly until we reach a suitable spot. He suddenly turns around to face me, our chests nearly flush. He's almost a full head taller than I. I stare up at him, into those intense green eyes, which now regard me shrewdly.
Involuntarily, I blush. What is going on...? No man has ever elicited such a reaction from me before. He grins. Can he see me flushing in the dark? The strobe light pounds over our bodies, giving me brief glances of his perfect face.
Suddenly, he pulls me flush against his body, and I gasp at the new contact. His hand is still grasping mine as he begins to move, his other hand sneaking to my hip - and he leads me. He's a great dancer. I realize that dancing is easy with a knowledgeable partner and some proper guidance.
Edward never breaks eye contact with me. I want to look around and find Rose, but I can't tear my gaze away. His eyes have captured mine, unrelenting and unwilling to release. He's the predator, and I'm the prey.
I lose my balance for a moment, nearly stumbling backwards in my heels - but before I can move away he's gripping me harder, pulling me tight against his body again. I'm embarrassed, but thankful that he's a good enough dancer for the both of us. I see silent laughter flickering in his eyes - stretching upwards.
I bring my lips closer to his ear and say, "I told you I wasn't a good dancer."
I inhale on the last word, getting a whiff of musk and spice and man. He smells delicious. I unconsciously lick my lips...
"You're doing great," he says, his words seductive again. Is he trying to talk this way? I figure he is - he's on a mission, too. I musn't forget that. "Trust me, Bella. I was watching you for a while - I couldn't take my eyes off you."
Wow. What a line...I'm sure he uses it often. He certainly isn't a beginner at this little game.
"Thanks," I mumble. I doubt he hears it over the loud music.
"I've never seen you here before - you come here often?"
"Not really. Just a few times."
"I guess that's good for me or else someone surely would've snatched you up by now."
Is he suggesting that he's "snatched me up?" The cocky bastard...well, two can play at this game.
I shrug my shoulders innocently. "I guess I'm not that easy to catch." He's probably reeling over what James has told him about me now...that should give him something to think about.
Before he can respond, I get bumped, rather harshly, in the back by another dancer. It pushes me even harder against his chest - if that's even possible at this point. I turn to glare at the offender and see that it's Rose, still dancing her ass off with a big burly man with dark, curly hair. She winks at me and mouths "Oh my God..." She's referring to Edward and his fine piece of ass.
I grin and turn back to Edward to witness him having a similar exchange with burly man...minus the "Oh my God" girliness. Do they know each other? This should be interesting...
I stretch up again, getting as close to his ear as possible. I greedily suck in his scent while I'm at it. "Do you know him?"
"Yes, he's a good friend of mine."
Oh good Lord. Did James include Rose on his little bet somehow? I may need to warn her...
A few songs later and we're both sweaty and panting. It's kind of...hot. I don't really want to stop, reveling in the feel of being pressed against this gorgeous stranger, but Edward has other ideas. He grabs my hand and pulls me to the bar. Both Jake and James are nowhere to be found.
"Can I buy you a drink?" he asks, standing close to be heard. My mind spins. Oh no...what did Rose always say about accepting drinks from strangers? Would he sink so low as to...drug me...to get me into bed and win this bet?
I'm standing so close, surely I'd be able to catch him if he tried to slip something in. But I'm still wary, my paranoid subconscious taking over.
I'm also parched.
"I think I'm just going to have a water," I politely decline.
"Sure. Allow me." He calls the bartender over and orders - the water is placed in his hand and straight into mine. I watch it like a hawk and, seeing no evidence of funny business, take a small sip.
He'd ordered a water for himself, which he all but chugs. He's sweaty, and I can see a small bit of perspiration clinging to his neck. I have a sudden desire to lick it off...
Wait a second...what? No, Bella! I scold myself. I'm going to need a clear head if I plan to pull this off for two weeks.
He sets his glass, now nearly empty, on the bar.
"Do you live here in Seattle?" he asks me.
"Yes...not far from here." Crap! Why did I tell him that? Well, I'm sure he'll find out where I live eventually...
He grins. "That's great." Is it? "Would you like to go out sometime?"
Part of me - my sane, rational side - is telling me to run away screaming and get out of this before something stupid happens. But my other side - playful and daring - is wiggling her eyebrows suggestively, giving me a little push on the behind to urge me forward.
I never see that side of myself. Now that she's here, her presence is like a small, welcome breath of fresh air...
I smile flirtatiously. Flirtatiously!
"There's actually a place close to here I've been wanting to try - Palisade?" It's a fairly expensive restaurant located on the marina. I pose my statement as a question, wondering if he's game.
"I've been there," he says, unaffected by my choice. "It's very good. Can I pick you up tomorrow night?"
Hot damn. If nothing else I'll at least get a good dinner out of his arrogance.
"Is seven o'clock okay?"
"Seven o'clock sounds great," he says, crooked grin in place again. I have to look away - it's my only defense. I stare at my hands, cooled from the glass of ice water. I wonder if James is watching our exchange right now, hidden in the shadows like the little creep he is.
"Can I get your address?"
"Oh...sure." I grab a bar napkin, but I don't have a pen. I'm about to flag down the bartender when Edward stops me.
"Here - what's your phone number?" He has his cell phone out. "I'll call you so you have my number and then you can just text me the address."
He sure is confident - what if I never text him? I give him my number. When he has it saved he grins. "Got it."
I glance over and see that Rose and Jake are sitting at a table. Jake must have filled her in on what happened, because they're both glaring at me - great. I don't want them to ruin this for me - I need to go explain myself, pronto.
"I really need to get back to my friends," I say. "Thanks for the dance and the er...water."
He laughs. "No problem. It was a pleasure meeting you, Bella."
I love the way my name rolls off his tongue. I can imagine the way his sweet tongue caresses his palate as the "L"s come out effortless and seductive. Oh my...
"You, too."
"Tomorrow, then?"
"Yes, tomorrow." I smile despite myself, already looking forward to our little date. If nothing else it should be...interesting.
I walk away. I can feel his eyes on me all the way back to the table. Rose stiffens in my presence - as soon as I sit she leans over and hisses, "What the hell, Bella?"
I tense, defensive. "I can explain," I say hastily. Jake is shaking his head in disbelief.
"Yes, please do," Rose grumbles. She crosses her arms and leans back, waiting for me to begin. My paranoia makes another appearance.
"I'll explain in the cab. You guys ready?" I take a huge sip of my water...please don't be poisoned...but how could it be? I watched the bartender make it - gah, paranoia, go away!
"Yes," she huffs, standing up. "I just have to know what the hell you were thinking."
Together, we make our way outside and hail a cab. We cram inside - Jake in the front, Rose and I in the back. Rose immediately pounces.
"Spill the beans, Swan."
Sheesh...give me a moment. I eye the driver carefully, wandering if I want to divulge this crazy, messed-up part of my life with him here. Screw it.
"Well, Jake told me what he said, of course...about James. And I just figured...I dunno...that I could string him along for a little bit. Then I'd have a date for the wedding..."
Rose rolls her eyes. "Is that all you care about? Having a date for the wedding?"
"No! I mean, it would be nice to have one..."
"Are you going to sleep with him?"
"Rose! Are you serious? You know me."
"Yes, but I never thought you would do anything like this!"
"What's the big deal? I let him buy me dinner a few times, act like I'm interested. Then after the wedding, I kick him to the curb where he belongs."
"I just don't wanna see you get hurt, Bella."
I roll my eyes. "No worries, Rose. I know how he is...I'm not stupid enough to let myself get attached to him. It'll just be good fun."
She doesn't look convinced. Staring at her hands, she's thoughtful...and then unexpectedly she breaks out in a big, goofy grin. "You know what? You're right. You can really have fun with this. You should order the most expensive thing on the menu! Do you know where you're going yet?" It's like we're teenagers again - she's bouncing in the seat with glee. Jake rolls his eyes at her.
"Well, I don't think it's a good idea," he grumbles.
"Trust me - I plan on it," I confirm, feeling wicked. "We're going to Palisade...if he can get a reservation. I don't know. And don't worry, Jake. It's just for two weeks. I can take care of myself."
"If he touches you, let me know. I won't hesitate to whoop his ass."
"I'll keep you on speed-dial," I promise with a grin. I'm feeling good about my plan again - it only seems that much better with my two best friends here for support. This is going to be fun.
"Palisade - good choice. I've been there once. It's easy to rack up a high bill there." Rose approves of my dining choice.
I grin and nudge her. "So what about you and big burly?"
She cocks an eyebrow. "Big burly?"
"That guy you were dancing with."
"Oh! His name's Emmett. He seemed really cool - I gave him my phone number." She's all smiles again, looking slightly sheepish. This is so unlike her - she's never affected by a man and she rarely gives out her number, preferring to take their number instead. That way, if she changes her mind by morning, she can chuck it and forget it ever happened.
Whoa - this Emmett must be some character. I hate to rain on her parade, but as a friend I have no choice. It all comes down to possibly protecting her from the evil doings of James. She at least deserves to be forewarned.
"I hate to tell you this, Rose, but he's friends with Edward. So just...be careful, okay?"
She's confused. "Who's Edward?"
"Edward...the guy..." I realize I'd never told them his name.
"Oh!" She looks slightly put out, but quickly regains her composure and forces a smile. "That's okay," she assures. "I can take care of myself, too." Her happy glow is still there, but it's now only a dull gleam.
The driver, who'd remained professionally silent, drops me off first. I make for the elevator and head to my apartment. It's a little place - small and cozy, with matching furniture and tons of pictures on the walls. I love pictures - they're the only thing that effectively mask the loneliness that's encompassed here. The loneliness which screams at me - "Bella, you're twenty-four. Why can't you find a decent man?"
I check my phone and realize I have a text from Edward. It was sent some time ago - probably right after I gave him my number.
Save my number, beautiful. I'll be picking you up at seven sharp, just send the address. - E
I smile, despite myself - I'm looking forward to our little "date" - and quickly text him back my address before chucking the phone on the kitchen counter.
I head straight for the bedroom, bypassing the loneliness - just for now - and go to sleep.
Hope u enjoyed! I know this chapter was a bit short...I tried to make it longer, but it was having none of it. Anticipate most chapters to be around the length of chapter one. It's either short and often or long and...not so often. I prefer it this way...disagree? Let me know what you think, I aim to please.
Next chapter in EPOV. We'll finally get inside the mind of the betting man...
Come check out this story on Twilighted - I'm posting chapters there first, for now.
-mybluesky
