Author's Note: I had been working on a chapter that includes Renesmee, which is now Chapter 6. While I was writing that, though, it occured to me that Rosalie wouldn't be too pleased that Edward and Bella went on a date arranged by Jacob, and, even worse, enjoyed it! I figured she'd be determined to prove that they'd have a much better time with her and Emmett.
"This is what you do for fun?" I stared at Rosalie in shock. It was Saturday night, and we were perched on stools at a high table in a very fancy and crowded Seattle bar. She stroked her thigh, unnecessarily smoothing her dress over it, and pretended to drink some of her dacquiri.
The mysteries surrounding this excursion had suddenly become clear to me. Rosalie and Emmett had invited us to join them for an evening out. Well, insisted was probably a more accurate word than invited. My brother and sister wouldn't tell me what we would be doing. Edward knew, of course, but he had promised not to tell. I remembered what he'd said earlier, before I went to the house to let Alice and Rosalie dress me: "We agreed to participate, and I agreed not to tell you what's in store, but I won't be comfortable unless you and I have an agreement just between us. If you don't like it, if you want to stop, tell me in your thoughts, and I will deal with Emmett and Rosalie." His words and serious tone made me apprehensive, and I promised to let him know if I wanted out.
We'd driven in separate cars. Rosalie and I took her red car and Emmett went with Edward. And now I understood all of it. Rosalie liked to arrive somewhere by herself, dressed to kill, sit by herself and soak up attention from all the men and most of the women in the room. People actually called their friends to join them in order to take a look at her. Rosalie could hear the whispers, the comments, the bets that her admirers thought were private. She fielded a steady stream of requests to buy her drinks, to sit with her, to reveal her phone number, to take a picture of her, to retire somewhere more private, to run away together. After she enjoyed a suitable period of worship from the unsuspecting masses, Emmett would appear, pretending not to know her. Of course, his large and very attractive presence would cause another stir. They would flirt, leave together as the crowd watched in surreptitious or open fascination, and spend the night at a nearby hotel.
This evening Edward and I were expected to take part in this charade. Rosalie had just informed me that when our husbands showed up, they were going to pretend to be strangers to us, and I had to play along.
"Bella, you promised to give it a try," she reminded me. The waiter approached and indicated another group of men who wanted to join us. Her smile was glorious as she politely declined again.
"Yes, I did," I confirmed. "And I will. But I don't get why you like doing it."
She waved her hand slightly to indicate the room. "Everyone is looking at us. Seeing the two of us here, they can't believe their eyes. Doesn't it feel great? And when Em arrrives, it's so exciting. We know what's going to happen, but it's always different. Everyone thinks Emmett picked me up, persuaded me to leave with him when the rest of them struck out. He loves it. Edward will too."
"You think so?" I was dubious. I had always thought it bothered Edward when other men paid attention to me. He couldn't avoid hearing their thoughts.
"Well, he knew what this evening was all about. He's known for ages that Em and I do this. And he agreed for you two to come along, didn't he?"
She had a point. But he could have agreed just to please—or placate—her, or because he thought I would enjoy it. I didn't want to spoil his hopes, but I decided to take him at his word. If I didn't like it, I'd tell him silently and we'd leave Rosalie and Emmett to their fun. "Can I ask one more thing?"
"Of course. I want you to know how it all works."
"When does the game end?"
She smiled hugely and her eyes sparkled. "Afterwards," she said, raising her eyebrows significantly.
"OK, Rosalie," I said, rolling my eyes. "I get it."
The waiter was at her side again. "Two gentlemen over there would like to meet you." I followed his gesture and gasped. Edward was so radiantly handsome, so mesmerizingly attractive that he looked as if he were in a spotlight. As if he were in color and everything else were black-and-white. The waiter smiled at my reaction. "Yes?" he said to Rosalie. "Your friend likes that one."
"Very well." Rosalie passed the waiter a tip. "Please say we'd be delighted." He returned to our husbands, and I saw them head towards us.
I took a deep breath and turned away to stare at the glass on the table in front of me. Edward's delicious scent was wafting towards me. It intoxicated me more than the alcohol in my drink ever could have. I wanted to throw myself in his arms, taste his mouth and feel his body against mine. This was not going to be easy.
"Thank you for inviting us to join you," said Emmett smoothly. He looked very handsome and far more put-together than I usually saw him. "I'm Emmett McCarty. My buddy here is Edward Masen. We're in town for a convention. This is the kid's first business trip, and I'm introducing him to some of our clients. But I didn't expect we'd be meeting the two most beautiful women on earth."
"What a sweet thing to say," Rosalie purred. "I'm Rosalie. Rosalie Hale."
It was my turn. I looked at Rosalie's exquisite face. She nodded at me encouragingly. Emmett was admiring her. I flashed a glance at Edward. His eyes were down. His expression was very thoughtful.
"Isabella Swan," I said. I felt it would be easier to keep up the pretense if I used a less familiar name. The first time Edward had ever spoken to me, he already knew, to my surprise, that I preferred to be called Bella.
"Great to meet you, Isabella," said Emmett, grinning. He sat down next to Rosalie and began chatting with her. I turned to his companion. Edward Cullen's mind, body and spirit had captivated me at first sight. Edward Masen looked the same. How soon would I fall for him if we were meeting for the first time tonight?
"That's a lovely name," he said. His voice was luscious.
"It's kind of old-fashioned, don't you think?" I commented.
"Yes," he agreed. "Maybe that's why I like it. I like old-fashioned things."
"Really? Like what else?" Our eyes met briefly, and I was jolted by the beauty of his clear golden gaze. I was better off not looking at him directly.
"Well, one of my favorite things to do is play the piano. Not very cutting-edge, is it?"
"It depends on what kind of music you play."
"The classics." I caught the familiar crooked smile. "And also my own compositions."
"You write music? Isn't that modern?"
"I see your point. But my pieces are pretty traditional."
"Are you a musician?" I asked.
"Yes, but not professionally. Emmett and I sell medical equipment to hospitals and clinics and doctor's offices."
"Do you enjoy your work?" Asking open-ended questions was the best way to get to know someone.
"I'm just starting out. I like it because there's a technical side, learning the characteristics of all the products and understanding the scientific and medical basis for them. But there's also a personal side. We meet a lot of people. In order to be effective at sales, we have to discover their concerns and show that our products will solve problems for them."
"I bet you're good at it."
He chuckled. "I can be fairly persuasive when I try."
"Is that a warning?"
"Do you have any problems I could help you solve?"
"Maybe."
"What do you do? Are you in school?"
"I'm taking some time off before college. I'm working as a nanny to a little girl."
"Is she a problem for you?"
"No, not at all." I couldn't help smiling at the thought of Renesmee. "She's delightful. Very precocious. She's a real charmer."
"I can tell that you enjoy your work too."
"I do. Being with her is not really work at all."
"And I bet you're good at it. What sorts of things do you do with her?"
I laughed. "She keeps me busy. It's a good thing I have a lot of energy. We like to read stories together and spend time outdoors, in the woods. But you don't want to hear all about her, do you? Most guys our age are not interested in little children."
"How should I answer that? If I say I am interested, you'll think I'm peculiar or worse, just giving you a line. But if I say I'm not, it would be rude."
"You could tell the truth."
"The truth," he said meditatively. "The truth is that I'm interested in you and I want to know about everything that's important to you." I chanced another look into his eyes. The light amber glowed with warmth and pure goodness. I was starting to melt. "You said you had a problem I might be able to help you with."
I tilted my head towards Rosalie and Emmett. They were totally engrossed in each other. "I think Rosalie has found a new friend. That's a problem because she was my ride home."
"I see. Well, I'd be happy to solve that problem for you. It would be an honor to see you home safely."
"That's very kind of you. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you."
"It would be my pleasure, truly."
"It's still early, though. Do you have to take me straight home?"
He smiled. His eyes were like molten honey as he leaned closer. "This must seem very forward of me," he said in a low voice. "I've never done anything like this before. Everyone says that, but it's true. I've never felt this way about anyone. Would you like to come to my room?"
I nodded. I was already breathing faster with anticipation. Would I ever have left a bar with someone I just met? No way, unless Edward was the one asking. From the very beginning, I would have followed him anywhere.
He stood up. "Emmett," he said. "I am going to take Isabella home. I'll see you in the morning."
"No problem, kid." Emmett turned to me with a broad smile. "You can trust Edward. He'll take care of you." Rosalie giggled.
"It was nice to meet you," I said to Emmett. "Bye, Rosalie."
"Bye!" she said brightly, winking at me. "We'll talk soon."
Edward helped me put on my jacket and escorted me through the door. As Rosalie had predicted, I could hear a murmur of comment at our departure together. Did Edward get a thrill from leaving with me on his arm? Did he hear envy or disappointment in the minds of the other patrons? Glancing up at him, I did feel a surge of pride and pleasure at the sight of his beautiful features. But I always felt that way.
"My hotel is right around the corner," he said, with a small smile. "If you're sure."
"I'm sure," I said quietly.
"I said I would take you home, and I will, whenever you want to go."
"You seem like a really nice person," I said. "I didn't think I'd meet someone like you in a place like that."
"It was Emmett's idea," he said.
"Well, please thank him for me. This is my lucky night."
He smiled. "I have to disagree. The good fortune is all mine."
It was raining lightly. Raindrops sparkled in his hair, only increasing his allure.
"I'm so sorry, Isabella. I don't have an umbrella for you," he said.
"It's OK, really. I don't mind a little rain."
He took a deep breath, and I knew he was pulling my scent from the moist air. "Neither do I."
He led me through the lobby to the elevators. Someone else was waiting, and none of us spoke as we boarded the elevator and ascended. She exited on the fourth floor, leaving us alone. Edward took my hands in his. "Isabella," he said. "You're so beautiful." He approached me very slowly. He didn't embrace me. We were still just holding hands, our bodies were still separated, when our lips gently met. The contact was electrifying. He ended the kiss and looked at me intently.
"Is that OK?" he asked softly.
"Yes," I gasped.
"More?"
"Yes!" He pulled me toward him and kissed me again, much more deeply, more passionately, more urgently. The feel and taste of his mouth and tongue on mine was quickly making me delirious. I slid my hands into his damp hair. He wrapped his arms around me. The elevator bell rang and the doors slid open. Without breaking the kiss, he picked me up and carried me down the hall.
He put me down and leaned into me, trapping me between his body and the door at my back. The pressure felt wonderful. "This is my room," he said in a husky voice. He bent his head to kiss my neck. I heard the door unlock. He had slipped the card into the slot while he was kissing me. He pushed down on the handle and swung the door back, still pressing me against it with his body and still kissing me. I needed him to keep touching me. I couldn't stand it if he stopped. When the door was opened wide enough, he lifted me again to carry me through it.
The door slammed closed behind us. We were alone. Off-stage together for the first time since I had left the cottage to meet Rosalie. But according to my sister, the game wasn't over yet. In a flash, he had thrown me down on the bed and was lying on top of me. The weight of his body was thrilling. He pulled his mouth away from mine, leaving me panting. "I want you," he said fiercely. The room was unlit, but I could see his eyes fixed on mine. "From the first moment I saw you in the bar, I wanted to bring you here. Do you want me?" I nodded. I was limp with desire for him. Having him play the part of a stranger who proceeded slowly and asked permission for every advance was driving me wild, and he knew it.
"I don't know what you like." His hand stroked the side of my face. "You must tell me if I do anything wrong."
I reached up to pull him close again. "You won't," I said breathlessly.
He didn't.
Edward lay on his side next to me, propped up on one arm. He had snapped the bedside light on. "Isabella," he said, very seriously. I frowned slightly. I assumed Emmett had instructed him on the same rules Rosalie had given me. It was "afterwards," so shouldn't we be back to our usual selves? I looked at him uncertainly. He continued, speaking slowly. "I know we just met. It's all very sudden." He laughed briefly. "You're going to think I'm crazy. But there's something about you, about being with you…" He watched his hand as he ran it over me, molding the sheet to my form. His breathing was uneven. His velvet voice was intense. "It makes me feel like I don't ever want to leave you." His eyes met mine, and I was drenched in the golden warmth of his gaze. "You don't have to answer right away, but I have to ask. Isabella Swan, will you marry me?"
I laughed. "I'm sorry," I said lightly. "I'm already married."
He whipped the sheet away and looked at my body. "He's a lucky man," he murmured. "Do you mind if I leave the light on?"
I shook my head, responding to his question and his statement. "I'm the lucky one."
"No, I am." His hands and mouth were on my skin now. Excitement was flooding me again. I closed my eyes, losing myself in the sensations he was creating. "Bella?"
"Edward?" I gasped at his knowing touch.
"We don't have to check out until 11:00."
We didn't.
Author's Note: As always, I'm very eager to hear your reactions. Do you think Rosalie's idea fits her? Did you enjoy my story?
As for the next chapter, well, I was curious about why Edward agreed for them to participate, so....I wrote the whole thing from his POV.
