Welcome back to Volume 2.
A special thank you is being given to misticbutterfly for her help with getting me past my writer's block and for her friendship. Thanks to my Beta Berlywood, who is the best in the world!
I do not own Twilight or any of the Characters created by Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter 2 – The Morning After
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
BPOV
I was apprehensive about going into work that morning. I had never resigned from a job before and it was more difficult because this was my perfect job. I had a whole speech prepared to ask Mr. Banner about the possibility of me working as a freelance writer for the magazine.
I was nervous and excited at the same time, because a whole new chapter of my life was beginning to open for me. I left Edward peacefully asleep with a half pot of coffee and a note on the refrigerator with instructions on how to find food in my kitchen.
I hoped Edward would use the time today to sleep-in and relax because he still needed to recover from the grueling summer tour he just finished. Edward had lost some weight and he needed to regain some of it back before he started the Fall tour.
It was extremely difficult to leave my apartment and return to work. I was leaving behind two days of bliss and Edward naked in my bed. I clutched at my commuter mug full of coffee, and drove distracted on the freeway towards the office.
I arrived at the office slightly earlier than anyone else and paced in front of Mr. Banner's locked office, repeating my pitch over and over in my head. I knew no matter what Mr. Banner decided to do with me, I would be cleaning out my desk in two weeks.
Mr. Banner finally arrived at the office and he was surprised to see me waiting for him in front of his office door. "Swan, feeling better today?"
I had almost forgotten about my fake food poisoning early morning phone call I made yesterday as my excuse to stay in bed with Edward. "Much better sir, thank you. Could I have a moment of your time?" My palms started to sweat and my heart raced. I hated to disappoint Mr. Banner, because he had mentored me and offered me many opportunities to help my writing skills develop.
"Sure Swan, come in and sit down." Mr. Banner sat behind his desk and placed his cup of coffee on the coaster with the LOUD logo on it.
"First I would like to tell you how much I appreciate the support you have given me regarding my submissions and the wonderful opportunities LOUD has offered me." I could hardly swallow.
"I have never been disappointed with your work Swan. It sounds like you are preparing to tell me you're wanting to resign."
"Not exactly sir, I was hoping that I could continue to work for LOUD, but as an independent freelance contributor." I crossed my fingers tightly under the desk praying I would still have an income to count on.
"What do you propose?" Mr. Banner sat up straighter and gazed across his desk at me.
"I've been invited to join 'The Pattinson Project' on their Fall tour and being on the road would expose me to many story possibilities and new ideas along with the freedom to arrange scheduled interviews."
"When do you expect to be leaving?"
"I would like my last day in the office to be August 14th." It was almost two full weeks and it would give me the time I needed to finish up what I had already started.
"Well Swan, it seems like your mind is made up. We will miss you around here."
My heart sank because Mr. Banner didn't seem open to offer me a freelance position, and accepted my resignation. He stood up from behind his desk signaling that the meeting was over. I slowly stood up from my chair and kept my eyes to the floor.
"I'll have my assistant type up an offer and a word rate for you to approve. Having you still part of the team will be great for the budget." He smiled and offered his hand for me to shake.
"Thank you Mr. Banner." I was shocked and relieved at the same time. The first major step of becoming part of Edward's life was accomplished.
The adrenaline pumped through my veins and it made it hard for me to sit at my desk. I still needed to look over the first draft of Angela's work from the House of Blues party that she so gracefully stepped up to do for me when I had to leave the party early Friday night. I still needed to transcribe my Slash interview too. There was plenty of work to do today and a lot of loose ends to wrap up before I left to go on the road with Edward.
I sent Edward a text because I didn't want to wake him up with a call if he was still sleeping. Step One: Freelance – Check
I went to the office kitchen to pour my second cup of coffee and returned to my desk determined to work. My 'Kings of Leon' interview needed a quick read-through before I submitted it. I placed my ear buds in and started to work on my transcribing.
EPOV
After a late night of making love and relaxing with Bella, I didn't struggle waking up this morning. I could smell Bella's coffee brewing and it brought a smile to my face. The scent of coffee would always be a subtle reminder of my incredible luck of having Bella love me. I lay in bed wrapped up in the sheets and I rolled over to Bella's side and her scent engulfed me, lingering even after she had left hours ago.
I sat up and got out of bed picking up my boxers from the floor so I could go to the kitchen and find something to eat for breakfast. I went straight to the refrigerator to look for some orange juice. A big yellow Post-It was on the refrigerator door a note from Bella leaving instructions about where I could find food and to remind me to make myself at home. She drew a little heart and left little x's and o's. I peeled the Post-it off and found my notebook and stuck it between the pages as a keepsake of my first love note from her.
As I drank my orange juice and hunted around in the cabinets for something to eat, I began to think about my conversation with Bella last night requesting she quit her job and go freelance. I was asking a lot from her without revealing my intentions of proposing to her soon. Bella was putting her trust in us without a huge commitment from me, and thankfully it wasn't going to be done in vain.
I was surprised to find a box of Pop Tarts in the cabinet and I decided to skip my usual healthy breakfast for a package of empty calories and a cup of coffee before I pulled out my computer to check my emails and do a little work.
I found my cell phone and checked my messages. I had a text from Bella, "Step One: Freelance – Check." I was so proud of her for taking that huge leap of faith for me. I would do something special tonight to celebrate. I sent a text reply, "CONGRATULATIONS. I love you…How about dinner out tonight?" I listened to the message Emmett left pertaining to the next tour and I needed to get online to contact Newton about the details. I was used to being stuck in one place without a car and I knew how to manage my day while Bella was at work. I set up my laptop on the coffee table in the living room and worked for a few hours on band business.
I filled most of the day being online and playing my guitar. I tried not to turn on the T.V. because the daytime programming was mostly courtroom shows and mind-numbing talk shows. Before I knew it, I needed to shower and shave before Bella got home from work. I had a pair of dress slacks packed in my bag that needed to be steamed while I was in the shower to get the wrinkles out along with the shirt I wore the other night. I didn't have many things packed, but it should be enough to get me through until we got back to Seattle. I stared at myself in the mirror for a minute. I had a four-day growth of beard and hardly recognized myself and I smiled remembering how much Bella was turned on by my whiskers, but it was time for them to go.
After I stepped out of the shower, I paraded around the apartment in a fresh pair of boxers to straighten up the place from my clutter before Bella got home. I called and made a reservation for our dinner at Ruth's Chris in Beverly Hills. I thought a nice steak dinner would be a perfect way to celebrate Bella's new freelance title. I placed a couple more calls to add to the surprise I was arranging for Bella tonight.
BPOV
Edward's text read, "CONGRATULATIONS. I love you…How about dinner out tonight?" The message made me smile and it was so sweet of Edward to make plans for tonight. I was enjoying having him so close and knowing I would see him again when I got home from work. I replied to the text, "You're ON!"
"Hey Bella, are you going to join us for lunch?" Angela and Jessica were standing next to my cubicle.
"I'm starving," I pulled my purse out of my drawer. "I need to take a break."
We went to the café downstairs and went through the line selecting our salads and we found an open table to sit together.
"So Bella, tell us all about your food poisoning." Jessica was still as nosey as ever. She probably knew more about Edward and I than I wanted her to, because she must have hooked up with Mike Newton Sunday.
"I resigned today. Mr. Banner is allowing me to go freelance and my last day is August 14th." I knew that comment would distract them enough to let me avoid talking about my weekend with Edward.
"Bella, oh my God…we're going to miss you," Angela said her fork full of salad pausing in the air.
"I take it you and Edward have kissed and made up?" Jessica didn't seem as surprised as Angela was with my news as she proceeded full speed ahead into my business.
"Yes we did. I'm going to be joining the band on their Fall tour." I couldn't help, but sound a little smug. I didn't know what it was that constantly got under my skin about Jessica.
"I'm so jealous." Angela commented quickly helping me to distract the conversation and to focus on the tour.
"Being on the road should give me plenty of opportunity to get some good stories."
"I wish Mike would invite me to join him on the road." Jessica really must like Newton, but I was grateful that Jessica wouldn't be joining us on the next tour. Tour mangers have it rough and they have to travel with the crew and equipment truck, and it was not a situation that welcomed a girlfriend.
"Maybe you'll get to see him at one of the shows." I wasn't wishing that it would be soon.
The conversation turned to Angela and my interviews from the House of Blues event over the weekend. Before lunch was over, I had promised to complete my half of the article and return it to Angela before 6 p.m. I knew I had to focus when I returned to my desk because I was no longer going to put in any more overtime hours. The pile of work I had on my desk made my day pass amazingly fast. I finished my pages for Angela as promised and I shut down my computer for the night before I called Edward to tell him I was on my way home.
I was excited to get home and see what he had planned for our evening out. The traffic was reasonable and I was happy at how quickly I got home, and I ran up the stairs and Edward opened the door before I was able to put my keys in the lock.
"Welcome home baby," Edward was handsomely dressed and he embraced me while I was still standing on the landing. "How was your day at work darling?"
I slapped his arm, "Quit being so silly." He was making me laugh with his 50's housewife routine.
"I made reservations for 8 p.m. so you'll have plenty of time to have a glass of wine first." Edward was being so wonderful to me and he led me to the couch to sit where a goblet of Merlot was waiting.
"I could get used to all this attention." I relaxed and slouched down onto the cushions and made myself comfortable with the wine glass in my hand.
"Congrats on going freelance." Edward sat on the armrest of the couch next to me.
"I gave them a two week notice to allow myself some time to clean up what is already on my desk," I placed my hand on Edward's knee. "You were planning on staying in town that long right?"
"Sure, I can stay with you until then. It still gives the band a couple of days to rehearse." Edward placed his hand over mine and gave it a squeeze.
"So how should I dress for tonight?" I sipped my wine, curious what plans Edward made for us.
"Would it be asking too much to see you in the blue dress you wore in Chicago?" Edward flashed me a crooked grin.
"I think I could make that happen." I needed to freshen up change into matching lingerie as a special surprise for Edward when our evening ended.
EPOV
I wished we had a limo to sweep us away to our romantic dinner in Beverly Hills. I Googled a map to the night's destination so that I would be able get behind the wheel of Bella's car and drive so she could relax and enjoy herself.
Bella stepped out of her bedroom in the blue, sexy, scooped-neck dress that I loved seeing her in. She always managed to take my breath away. Her shiny chocolate curls rested softly over her bare shoulders and she was absolutely stunning. I was drawn to her immediately. This beautiful woman loved me and hopefully Bella would agree to be my wife so I could spend my forever with her.
The only thing that was distracting me was my raging hard-on that I would have to try and control for the next several hours.
"Bella you're stunning." I gently kissed her exposed shoulder and placed my arm around her waist drawing her near me. I was determined to make tonight perfect for her.
Bella's head tilted towards my kiss and she touched my jaw and the electricity from her fingers shot through me. "You're extremely sexy," she purred.
"We need to get going if we're to make our reservation." It was difficult not to drag Bella back into the bedroom, but I had several surprises planned that I didn't want her to miss.
"I'm ready." Bella dangled the car keys for me to take from her fingers as she smiled at me, relieved that she didn't have to drive. I had to admit that she had gotten better at driving since I was last there, but she still was a little too tense for my comfort.
I had no problem navigating my way quickly to the restaurant in Beverly Hills and handed the car over to the valet. I met Bella standing at the curb and we entered the restaurant holding hands.
"Good evening Mr. Pattinson, your table is waiting." I didn't even have a chance to check in before the attractive blonde hostess recognized me. I didn't know how I was supposed to get used to strangers calling me out in public.
"Good evening." We both followed the hostess to the back of the restaurant to a small private section with only one table set up, just as I had requested with a bucket of champagne chilling.
"Mr. Pattinson, I'm impressed." Bella replied sweetly. I pulled her chair out for her and slipped it slowly under her while she sat.
I found my seat and the waiter arrived and filled our flutes with the Brut champagne that I selected earlier today while we glanced over the menu. Before we took our first sip I proposed a toast. "Congratulations beautiful." Our glasses clinked together.
Bella blushed as she placed the glass to her lips and sipped. "Is this all because I quit my job today?"
Her comment made me chuckle, "No, it's because you are going the be the best music freelance writer in the world."
"I hope so." She lowered her eyes and blushed slightly while sipping her glass.
"Would you care to share the Porterhouse with me?" We both loved our steaks rare and Bella wouldn't have to order an entrée that was too large for her to eat.
"I trust you to place the order for the two of us." Bella folded the menu shut and set it on the edge of the table and then placed the napkin on her lap and folded her hands on top.
The waiter returned to our table and I ordered the Porterhouse for two, lettuce wedge salad, mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus. He refilled our champagne before he left us alone again.
"Sweetheart, we never had a chance to go on a real date alone. Tonight, hopefully, will make up for that." As I was finishing my sentence my planned surprises arrived.
A messenger stepped into our private dining area to deliver a nosegay of blush posy calla lilies and red roses along with a blue gift- wrapped package. He politely handed it to Bella, much to her surprise, and then left quietly.
"Edward," Bella blinked and stared at the flowers. "They are so beautiful. Thank you…what is this?" She inspected the small flat box that she was holding in her hand.
"It is just a little something, love." I enjoyed watching her face. I've never given Bella anything except for a few CD's and a used Clash T-shirt. This gift was only the beginning of a lifetime of spoiling her.
BPOV
The flat square Tiffany blue box took my breath away. I had never received anything from Tiffany before. I was already completely happy with the dinner and flowers. My hand shook as I held the box and stared at it. I knew from the shape that it wasn't a ring, not that I was expecting one from Edward.
"Bella love, please open it." Edward was eager for me to see his gift.
"Okay." The white satin ribbon easily pulled away and I lifted the lid of the box to find a bright sterling silver bracelet with an inscription that read 'Let Me Count the Ways'. While I gazed at the magnificent bracelet Edward stepped to my side of the table and took it out of the box and slipped it onto my arm then kissed the inside of my wrist.
"I love you Bella." Edward bent down and kissed my cheek tenderly before returning to his seat.
For that brief moment it felt like time stopped and I knew from that moment on I would never have any regrets regarding being a part of Edward's life. "Edward, the flowers and bracelet are very lovely and thoughtful," I was beginning to tear up as I twisted the bracelet with my thumb and finger around my wrist. "It will be hard for me to ever take it off. I love you so much." No one had ever been so romantic and chivalrous in my life.
"This is only the beginning of our life together Bella." Edward's deep green eyes were looking at me and he had the sweetest smile on his face. We toasted our glasses again before our salad arrived at our table.
We spent a leisurely time savoring our meal and enjoying the special attention the staff was providing us. Edward had planned the perfect evening and I looked forward to getting back to the apartment so I could thank him properly.
We had consumed such a large quantity of food that neither one of us had room for dessert. I had achieved the perfect champagne buzz and I picked up my flowers from the table while Edward helped me out of my chair and escorted me to the car.
The valet quickly pulled my car to the front of the restaurant and Edward held the door open for me and made sure I was comfortably sitting before he shut it. He slipped behind the wheel after tipping the valet and took my hand as we drove into the night.
"Edward everything was perfect." I closed my eyes and enjoyed the happiness I was feeling.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." He started to make little circles with his thumb on the top of my hand.
"I loved it."
Thankfully it didn't take long to get home because I needed to get naked with Edward as soon as possible. We both ran up the stairs to my apartment and Edward struggled with finding the right key to place in the lock. Once the door was opened we were tangled together kissing and pulling at our clothes.
I playfully pulled away and ran to the dark bedroom, pulling my dress over my head because I couldn't get to the zipper fast enough. Edward was right behind me, quickly unbuttoning the top button of his slacks, skipping and almost tripping as he tried to step out of them.
I stopped at the side of the bed and Edward's fingers weaved in my hair, "Oh baby you are so perfect," he murmured before his lips were hungrily kissing mine. His tongue darted in my mouth, fervently massaging my tongue and driving me wild. He released a throaty moan, pulling me closer. I could feel his fingers slip underneath the strap of my bra and he quickly released the tiny clasp.
My hands raked down his chest until I reached the waistband of his boxer shorts. I slipped my fingers inside the band, tugging them down past his hips and they dropped to the floor revealing Edward's incredible body. I couldn't resist as I licked his hard abs before I sat down on the edge of the bed to admire the view. Edward knelt down in front of me resting between my legs, crushing his lips with mine once again.
His hands gently cupped each of my bare breasts, rubbing his callused thumbs over my taut nipples. His hands feathered down to my hips as his fingers gently slipped just underneath my tiny lace panties. As if Edward was torturing me now, he slowly inched them down and I rested my hands behind me as I lifted my hips up to assist him so he wouldn't tear them. Finally we were both completely naked and I knew I was dripping wet waiting for him to fuck me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and we continued to kiss madly and out of control. I ran my hands through his hair, massaging and pulling on his silk locks. I felt his hands running up and down my body exploring, touching and groping all the right places. I closed my eyes while I enjoyed the sensations Edward was causing my body to experience.
I could feel his cock pressing hard against my thighs and his breathing quickened. My breath hitched as he grabbed my hips and pulled me closer to the very edge of the bed and I could feel him fully enter me.
EPOV
Bella was sweet and wet and I was worshiping her completely as I knelt between her soft thighs. I pulled her hips closer to the edge of the bed and I sheathed my eager cock deep inside of her and thrust my hips forward as our bodies began to rock in unison. I eased her back onto the bed, taking in sight of Bella's beautiful body. I greedily sucked in her left breast, tasting and licking every inch of her tender flesh. I massaged her other breast, rolling my thumb and forefinger, capturing her nipple and teasing it as I worked the other nipple with my tongue.
"How did I get so lucky? Tell me you belong to me." I begged Bella to tell me again that I was her man.
"I belong to you," Bella bit her lower lip and moaned loudly. "I love you Edward." She could only manage a whisper as I thrust in and out of her. Bella's measured breathing and my full view of her spread openly for me over the bed, made me wish I could prolong this for hours. Perspiration was beginning to form on my forehead, as I felt tension building in my muscles and my stomach tightening as both of us were drawing near to our climax.
I watched my cock as it slipped in and then fully out of her, glistening with her wetness.
"Ahh…yes, right there." Bella pulled at her hair before our bodies took control and we accelerated our rhythm and pushed together harder and her sweet sounds grew louder. Her breasts bounced with every thrust and I couldn't help myself from pushing harder.
I caught a glimpse of the silver bracelet around her wrist and the thought of what it represented caused my blood to rush once again, and I spilled uncontrollably deep inside of Bella. It felt so powerful that it was almost painful as the wave of pleasure rushed through my body, and I screamed out my ecstasy as her walls gripped and constricted around my diminishing erection.
My thigh muscles were twitching as I slowly released myself from Bella's body and helped her pull herself up onto the bed. I crawled up beside her and rested on my stomach with my arm draped over her.
Bella reached over and switched on the fan she had on the floor next her bed and the breeze felt cold over my wet skin. I'm not the type who normally falls asleep after sex, but I was so contented and completely relaxed that I must have dozed off for a few minutes.
I could feel Bella's fingers playing lightly over my arm and could hear her quietly humming one of my songs as I pulled myself awake. "I'm sorry love, I didn't mean to fall asleep." I rolled closer to her body brushing my cheek against her ribs.
"That's okay," she smiled down at me and her eyes caught the moonlight in the room. "I love to watch you sleep."
I rested my head on her stomach and Bella began to run her fingers through my hair comforting me in a way only she could. "You're so good to me." I could hardly keep my eyes open. "I love you."
"Thank you for a perfect evening," Bella was purring as her fingers twisted in my hair. "No one has ever loved me the way you do."
"I'm glad you're pleased," I kissed the soft skin of her stomach. "I promise never to stop."
Bella's fingers slowly stopped moving over my head and could hear her quiet breathing deepen. She was asleep and I smiled to myself from the contentment I was feeling before I joined her.
I hope you are enjoying the beginning of this sequel and that you will take the time to post a review to show your support. Thank you for reading!