Thanks so much to Fran for fixing this up for us and 2browneyes for pre-reading.
He opens the door and offers me his hand to hop up into the cab. He's quickly on his side, and as I look at his silhouette, I can't get over what a rugged, good-looking man Edward is. And to know that he has a kind heart as well, makes me all the more excited for the evening.
We end up having a great time at dinner. I learn Edward has a younger brother and is close to his parents. He's never been married and has dedicated himself to building up his ranch, which he's successfully done. Damsel is his first pet cat, but he has a couple of yard dogs at home.
In turn, I tell him about my parents and the fact that I'm an only child. I tell him about my crazy two best friends and how hard we've worked to build my practice since I bought it from Ms. Cope. I also tell him about the variety of pets I've had over the years, thanks to my flighty mom who'd buy some exotic animal on a whim and leave me to care for it, which is what led to my love of animals and my desire to be a veterinarian.
As the night wears on and we talk, we find we have a lot in common. He's a bit more of an action fan when it comes to movies while I prefer drama, but that's easy enough to overlook.
By the time we break from our bubble, I notice we're the only customers left. No wonder the waitress has been hovering. Edward pays the bill and leaves the poor girl a large tip since we took up her table and stayed so long.
His hand rests on the small of my back as he escorts me back to his truck, and I feel safer and more cared for in those few moments than I can ever remember when with a man. It's difficult to believe this is only our first date.
The ride back to my car is spent in comfortable silence, both of us lost in our own thoughts. As we pull back into the parking lot of my practice, I can't help but wish this night didn't have to end.
He parks next to my car and turns off the truck. "I had a really good time tonight, Bella."
"Me too." I scoot a bit closer to him on the bench seat.
"I can't tell you how happy I am that it was your clinic I came to the day I found Damsel."
"Me either." Alice's words come back to me. "Maybe it was fate."
"Maybe it was. I haven't believed in fate in a long time, but when I met you, I felt something I don't think I've ever felt. Especially not when first meeting someone."
I turn my body so I can face him completely. "I never really believed in fate either. My friend Alice talks about it all the time, but I thought it was a silly thing. To me, we make our own fate. Now … "
His hands cover mine, and he tugs me closer. "Now what?"
"Now, I think maybe it isn't so silly."
I'm not sure if I lean in, or he does, but suddenly his mouth is on mine. These kisses are even better than those we shared earlier, and those were amazing.
Our tongues dance together, slow and languid, until I've fully faced him and my body is pressed close into his side. Heavy pants escape as our lips change positions. His fingers trail down my side to land on my thigh, and the muscle tenses automatically beneath his touch.
He pulls away with a groan. "Darlin', ya driving me crazy." His other hand reaches up and cups my cheek. "As much as I want to take ya right now, I think we should slow it down a little."
Instead of letting me respond, he leans down again to close his lips over mine. This kiss is slower, softer, but the effects of it travel to my most sensitive place all the same. Never have I felt so consumed by a simple kiss.
By a simple man.
As our tongues retreat and all that is left are small pecks, a smile curves my lips. "I think you're right," I say softly.
His hand moves higher up my thigh, his thumb stroking a steady arc along my inner leg. "Yeah? What did I say? You make me forget all reason, darlin'."
A giggle escapes at his teasing manner, but I still place my hand over his, stopping its movement. "We should slow it down. I'm not that kind of girl."
He picks up both our hands, bringing mine to his lips. "I never thought you were that kind of girl." He then motions to the hardness in his jeans. "And it's killing me to walk away, but just think of how good it'll be when we do get to that point."
I sigh and soak up his presence, knowing that I have to let him leave. "I had a wonderful time tonight, Edward."
He tangles his hand in my hair and pulls me to him for one more delicious kiss before emitting his own sigh and opening his door, moving around to my side. After assisting me from his truck, he leads me to my car.
I already feel lonely.
After unlocking my door, he holds it as I get in. "I'll call you tomorrow."
He leans over and gives me one last lingering kiss. Breathlessly, I tell him, "I'll be waiting."
Once he's in his truck, he waits for me to pull into the street before following behind. He trails after me for a bit until we come to light and he turns left as I go straight. I miss him already and realize I'm in major trouble if I feel this way after only one date.
We talk and Skype during any free time we have over the next week. He makes me laugh more than any man I've ever known. Not polite giggles but full belly laughs. The kind that has you bending over and clutching your stomach.
He learns I'm not a morning person when he calls me early on Sunday, and I discover he's not a coffee drinker, which I can't even begin to understand.
"How can you not love coffee? I'm afraid this is a definite notch against you, Mr. Cullen."
"Darlin', for you I'd drink coffee if it really matters. Even if the stuff does tastes like ass."
I'm not sure if I should laugh or swoon. Instead, I tease, "I think you've just never had the right cup of coffee. I'll make a java lover out of you if it's the last thing I do."
"I like the thought of that. I am sorry about waking you up. I wasn't thinking. I'm so used to being up early every day that I forget not everyone is up before dawn. Want me to let you get back to sleep?"
"No. Talking to you is better than sleep, and that's saying something. Now entertain me since you woke me. Tell me something."
He chuckles. "Like what?"
"Hmm … Tell me why you became a rancher."
He tells me that his grandfather was a rancher and lost his ranch when he became ill. Carlisle, Edward's dad, didn't know what was happening until it was too late. Instead of following in his father's footsteps, Edward's dad became a doctor. Edward, however, always knew he wanted to be a rancher.
As soon as he was old enough, he got a job as a ranch hand and saved every cent he could while learning the ropes. Eventually, with his own father's help, Edward was able to buy his own place. He has worked his ass off making it a success and paid his dad back completely.
"In the last couple of years, things have really taken off, and I was able to make my grandfather proud to know there was a new Cullen Ranch before he passed."
"Oh, Edward, that's amazing. I'm sure he was so happy." I sniffle a bit.
"Now, darlin', I don't want you crying. Tell me about how you came to own your vet practice."
I tell him about graduating and wanting to be close to my father since I didn't spend enough time with him growing up. "Once I moved back, I started working with the local vet here, and when she decided to retire, she sold it to me. It took a while to get people used to a new doctor since most had been going to Dr. Cope for years, but I'm finally starting to earn the town's trust."
We continue to talk, and it's funny to think that I know more about this man, and him me than any man I've ever dated. I keep telling myself to go slow, but I find my life—embarrassing moments, first kiss, how I felt when my parent's divorced, how nervous I was to buy my practice—spilling from my lips any time we talk. Maybe it's the fact that I can't see his face, see his reactions. Maybe that's why I feel so safe telling him things I've never said to another man. Really, though, I'm pretty sure it's just him. It's the way he makes me feel.
As wonderful as it's been learning so much about each other, I want to see him again. To touch him and kiss him. To find out if the feelings he brings out will still be there face to face. He must feel the same because he brings up seeing each other on our next call. "How would you like to see my ranch? Is there any way you can come up for the weekend?"
My mind quickly thinks over my schedule. "I could come up as soon as we close on Saturday since I'm usually only open half a day."
"That'd be great. If you want, you can pack a bag and plan to stay overnight. No pressure, I have a guestroom." His voice is soft but firm as he gives me an option aside from his bed.
I feel my heart start to race at the idea of spending the night with Edward. "I can do that." And just to mess with him, I add, "Is there a problem with your bedroom?"
He releases an unexpected cough, causing my lips to lift in a secret smile, but recovers quickly, his voice dropping even lower. "I'll have you know my bedroom is perfectly suited for company, darlin', if someone were to elect to stay there instead."
My brows lift, even though he can't see them. "Has it had a lot of visitors, then?"
"What? No," he sputters before regaining his composure and leveling me with his sexiest voice yet. "None, but I'd love to change that … with you."
My breath catches as he lays it out in the open, giving voice to what we both want to happen. "Let's just see how it goes," I say lightly with a shrug. "Who knows, I might decide to run screaming before nightfall."
He chuckles, and the rich tone of his voice causes goosebumps to rise on my skin. "I suppose I'll have to be on my best behavior to keep that from happening."
I lower my own voice and pull the blanket a little tighter around me. "Maybe I don't want your best behavior."
He groans, and a smile curls my lips. "Bella," he says, sending a fresh wave of goosebumps rushing over me. "Please, don't toy with me when you're so far away."
I let out a light laugh. "Sorry. Now, where were we before we went off track?"
"I think you were telling me how excited you are to see my ranch," he replies without missing a beat.
I humor him, and he gives me a crash course on all the things he can't wait to share with me. When he describes a picnic lunch out by the lake on Sunday afternoon, the scene forms inside my mind, relaxing me instantly. Our conversation stays light the rest of the night until he needs to get off the phone.
After we've hung up, I allow the conversation to drift through my mind. Once the realization of exactly how Saturday night might go hits me, I decide it's time to buy some new lingerie.
The week drags by slowly, and I find myself second-guessing the depth of my feelings. I've never met someone and clicked on such a deep level, so much so that all I'm doing is looking forward to when I'll see him again, instead of enjoying my work like I've always done before.
Thursday night, by the time Edward calls, I'm almost uneasy about how quickly he's taken over my life. It's a baffling conundrum to fiercely miss someone you've only just met a handful of times.
I try to sound normal, but we've barely talked ten minutes before he notices, which shows how well he's gotten to know me. "Is something wrong?" he asks after a brief period of silence.
"I'm not sure," I answer hesitantly. When he doesn't respond, I sigh. "I find myself thinking more about you this week than the business I love so much."
The line is silent after my confession, and just when I worry he thinks I'm crazy, he says, "Me too."
I grab my chest and blow out a breath of relief. "Really?"
"Yes, Bella. Really," he confirms, his voice sure and solid. "I've spent every single day fighting the urge to climb in my truck and just show up at your work. My foreman thinks I've gone insane." He chuckles a little, but I'm not sure he actually thinks it's funny. "What have you done to me, darlin'?"
I smile to myself, even though we're a sad pair. "Hey, it's not my fault I'm so awesome," I reply jokingly, even though it is kinda true.
He lets out a deep, rich laugh, and I can picture his head thrown back and the wide smile on his face when he's done. "No, it's not," he agrees easily. "Maybe you could dial it back a notch?"
I mock gasp. "Now why on earth would I do that when I have you right where I want you?"
"Not quite," he responds more seriously. "But don't worry; you can have me any way you want me this weekend." His voice lowers even more. "Shit, Bella. Even our playful banter is making me hard."
The tone of his voice is so desperate it makes my thighs clench. "Edward," I say, even though I'm not sure if I'm begging for more or warning him to stop.
The line is silent for a few seconds before he finally speaks. "I … I just can't wait to see you."
His words are raw and simple and everything I need to hear. "I feel the same. This long distance thing is going to kill me."
"Me too, but things can change."
Sighing, I wish I could see a way for things to be different. "I'm not sure how, but if things work out, we can figure something out when we get to that point."
"No if, Bella. I've known since we met that there was something there and that feeling is only getting stronger. As for the distance, don't stress over it. These things have a way of working out, and I already have some ideas. Trust me. For now, I want to focus on learning everything I can about you."
My heart sputters and races at what his words could mean, but I don't ask him to elaborate. Right now, I want to focus on being happy. "Everything? Hm. You already know so much. I think I might like to keep a bit of mystery. Otherwise, you might realize how dull I am."
"You dull? I seriously doubt that. My only concern is that the more I learn, the harder it will be to let you go at the end of this weekend." His words pour over me like warm honey.
"I doubt I'll want you to let me go. And you know it works both ways, right? If you get to know everything, then I want the same."
I hear his deep chuckle. "I'm an open book. Feel free to ask me anything."
My mind immediately fills with all the possible questions I can ask. "You may regret that."
We both laugh and things turn to lighter topics. The rest of our conversation is simple and feels like we've known each other forever. I hang up the phone feeling more enamored than before we spoke.
While our talk did cover some heavier topics, I can't be sure it resolved any of my previous concerns. I still can't wait to see him, and I'm still measuring the time between then and now as more of a hindrance than anything productive.
I spend Friday putting my all into every single patient that comes into the office. Even though I'm consciously making an effort, by the end of the day I feel more satisfied than I have all week.
That's it, Bella. You just needed to put forth more effort, I tell myself as I'm grabbing my things.
As the girls and I are locking up, Alice says, "You know, Bella, you could always take tomorrow off too and head on down to see your man." I start shaking my head, but she holds up her hand. "Rose and I can handle the office until noon, and if we get an emergency, which is unlikely, we can call in Dr. Cope. She's already agreed to be on call until Monday morning anyway."
"But I didn't ask her to be on call until noon tomorrow," I say in objection.
"Pfft," Rose breaks in, linking her arm through mine as we walk to our cars. "You know as well as I do that she loves nothing better than a romantic gesture. One little phone call is all it'll take to have her on board."
My heart rate automatically picks up speed when I imagine myself following their suggestion. With a simple phone call and an extended drive, I could be with Edward tonight. This is the most appealing thought I've had since I got in my car and pulled away from him last Monday.
"So?" Alice says, unable to take my silence any longer. "Are you gonna do it?" She's practically dancing in her spot as she and Rose stare at me with barely-restrained excitement just waiting to burst forth.
A slow smile spreads over my lips, and before I can even say the words, both girls are jumping and throwing their arms around me. "Geesh," I say with a laugh. "You girls are more excited than me."
Rose pulls back and lifts a brow. "You know good and damn well we just want all the dirty deets." She smirks and gives me a push toward my car. "Now get outta here! Go see that man so you'll stop moping!"
While they both laugh, I'm mortified. "You noticed?"
"Of course we did," Alice says, offering her own gentle shove. "We're your best friends. Go! We'll see you Monday morning."
I walk to my car almost as if in a daze, but by the time I've pulled onto the road, my phone is already at my ear. After a quick conversation with Dr. Cope, my focus switches to the absolute surprise I'm about to lay on Edward.
At home, I take a quick shower, put on a set of my new lingerie and pack a bag—including more new lingerie—and am in the car less than forty-five minutes later. It isn't until I've pulled onto the interstate that my doubts start to kick in. What if he isn't home? Or doesn't want to see me yet? I let out an audible gasp as one other thought races through my mind. What if he already has company?
Company? I hope not! ;)
Thanks so much for following our journey so far. If you're interested in seeing the video that inspired this just enter the following number/letter combo into to youtube dot com's search bar.
8IB54dT976o
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See you tomorrow!