Chapter 4

a/n – Thank you so much to all of those who have read this story, put it on alert or added it to your favorites. It means to much to me and I appreciate every single one of you.

Special thanks to cullengirl08 who has so far been the only review I've received. :)

I don't own any of these characters, their South African adventure is all mine though.

Bella POV

I was quickly becoming aware that for better or worse, Edward was pretty much stuck with me for the foreseeable future. He didn't seem to mind but I felt increasingly uncomfortable with the fact that I was imposing. I couldn't leave the country without a passport; I couldn't go on to Namibia or go back to the States. There was nothing my dad could do and his flying out here wouldn't do me any good. I had to go to the General Consulate and hope that I had enough for them to verify my identity and issue me a new passport.

Edward had gone back to the airport in order to rent a car. This had given me enough time to check in with my dad and shower before running down to the lobby to wait for Edward. I had just made myself comfortable on one of the sofas when I saw him enter through the automatic doors. I waved to him as I got up.

"Hey, have you been waiting long?" He ran his hand through his hair, a compulsion I wasn't sure if I loved or loathed.

"I actually had just sat down. Thanks for getting the car, we will split the cost."

"You're welcome, and we don't have to split anything. I planned on renting a car anyway." He looked uncomfortable and awkward. I tried to think back to the previous day and wondered what was going on with him. Sunday was spent mostly in bed, eating and watching television. No funny business whatsoever. He had been the perfect gentleman, although he had obvious difficulty controlling his 'little friend', which didn't appear to be little at all. Of course, I wouldn't know, having nothing to compare it to.

A few hours later we were back at the hotel. The trip to the Consulate had been a success and I was told that I should have a passport in about a week or so. That was the best case scenario, it could take longer. I decided that since my plans were irrevocably altered I would need to roll with the punches and resign myself to enjoy my time here in South Africa. I was making plans in my head while laying down on the couch in the living room of Edward's suite. Edward had excused himself to make a phone call. I was almost asleep when he emerged. I warily sat up and covered my mouth as I yawned.

"Sorry I took so long. I was checking in with my family. Alice is excited to meet you."

"Your sister is coming here? What about her ear infection?" I blurted out the questions as he looked at me with a peculiar look on his face.

"She'll be here next week. Your passport won't be ready until then. I extended my trip on account of Alice, she was really bummed about not being able to make it this time."

"That's nice of you, although hardly a sacrifice. This place is great."

"Bella, I'm not going to beat around the bush here. I like you. I'm glad we met and I'm glad you're stranded here, with me. I'd love to take you out on a date tonight, if you're agreeable. I don't meet too many women with whom I'd like to spend more time with." He looked right into my eyes as he spoke, looking so sincere and honest that I had to look away. My smile was so wide my face was beginning to hurt.

"I would really like that. I like you too. I realized I liked you pretty much from the get go, but it was our plane ride over here that closed the deal. Where are you taking me?"

"There is a restaurant I've heard a lot about that I'd like to try, it's called Moyo. It's supposed to be really good."

I had never been happier to have packed a dress, normally I wouldn't have bothered but Jacob had insisted I pack at least one dressy outfit just in case. The dress was a simple sleeveless number, cotton, with small pleats and ruffles along the neckline. I paired it with green, jewel toned peep toe heels. A matching clutch and black wrap completed my outfit. I wondered if it was too much but decided I didn't care, I felt pretty.

Edward had insisted on getting me my own room, for propriety's sake he said. I suspected he was having a hard time sharing a bed with me and keeping his hands to himself, or maybe he was not into cuddling as much as I was. Whatever his reasoning I was thankful to have a little privacy, even though deep down I wanted nothing more than to share a bed with him again. When had I turned into such a tramp? I had barely met the guy and I was already planning my seduction of him. I shook my head, silently chastising myself for my dirty thoughts.

I had kept my makeup simple, just a bit of concealer around my eyes, neutral eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, a hint of blush and some lip gloss completed the look. I decided to forgo any jewelry, opting for a jeweled headband instead. After giving myself a once over in front of the mirror I decided to head down to the lobby to meet Edward. I was really nervous during my elevator ride downstairs. I took a few deep calming breaths and tried to settle my mind and my body. I felt uneasy, anxious. I didn't like it.

When the elevator doors opened my eyes immediately fell on Edward. He looked so handsome in his black slacks and white shirt. He had his dinner jacket draped over his shoulder, hooked onto his index finger. His hair was tousled messily which contrasted his clean shaven face. I allowed myself a few moments of ogling before making my presence known.

"You look lovely," he stated simply before leaning in to kiss my cheek.

"Thank you. You look very handsome." I smiled back.

"Shall we?" he asked as he offered me his arm. I suddenly felt as if I was in some sort of movie, or fairytale. It was the best start to any date I had ever been in.

We stepped out into the chilly night air and Edward handed his ticket to the valet. Moments later a car I didn't recognize pulled up to the curb. I was surprised when Edward walked over, opened the passenger door and motioned for me to get in.

"This isn't the car from earlier," I said to him as I walked towards the car.

"Surprise," he laughed before shutting my door and walking back to the driver's side.

"You changed cars, why? The other car was perfectly fine."

"I like nice things, Bella, and I'd like to share them with you. I figured a Jag would be a nice toy to play with this evening."

Well this was a side of him I hadn't seen before. He was being all suave and fancy. I kind of liked it.

The restaurant was amazing, it was very visually striking. There were several levels, the bar was on the main level with dining areas a floor below and a floor above. It was large but cozy and felt very African. I was immediately in love with the place.

We soon took our seats at the table and Edward ordered a bottle of a local wine while I perused the menu. There were several things that sounded delicious but I settled on the carrot and cumin soup for starters followed by the lamb m'choui. Described on the menu as "Moroccan cumin and sweet paprika roast lamb, served with a red wine gravy and fresh seasonal vegetables." Edward ordered some samoosas and a lamb curry. The food was delicious and I tried not to make a spectacle of my self by moaning after every bite. I really wanted to as everything is delicious. The mix of ingredients caused an explosion of delectable flavors in my mouth.

Our waiter cleared our plates and I sipped the last of my wine feeling content and satisfied. I was sure I could not eat anymore but Edward convinced me to try the toasted almond ice cream, "A nut studdedcrème anglaise based ice cream served with a caramel sauce." I wondered who wrote their menu descriptions as I took my first taste. As with everything I had eaten there, it was divine.

"Goodness, Edward this is so good," I exclaimed and wondered what it would taste like if we were eating it off one another. I hoped he couldn't tell I was thinking such raunchy thoughts by the expression on my face. He merely smiled as he continued to eat. I was smitten, I might as well admit it to myself. The entire evening had been a delight. There I sat with an adventurous eater, a lover of the new and foreign. He was a great conversationalist. Our entire dinner was filled with titillating conversation. We each shared little bits of ourselves. The more I learned about him, the further gone I was.

He played the piano and guitar, wrote his own music and had even performed in a few bars back in New Orleans. His music studies included music therapy and he explained in some detail what that entails. He spoke so casually and honestly about himself, no pretenses, no need to impress me. He was just being himself.

Time seemed to exist on a different continuum when I was with him. It went by faster, I noticed it less. I felt as though the evening had just began even though we had been out for over three hours. The drive back to the hotel was spent in comfortable silence, neither of us had the need to speak. I was beginning to feel a little cold and leaned forward to turn on the heat. We both reached for the button at the same time, our fingers brushing slightly. I laughed as I went to pull away but he grabbed my hand and held it the rest of the drive home.

We arrived at the hotel far quicker than I would have liked. Edward escorted me to my room, awkwardly stopping at my door as I fumbled for my key card. Once I had it securely in my hand I turned towards the door. I wondered if I should invite him in, would that be too forward of me? It would surely seem like an invitation to something more sinister. Sinister, now there is a word not often associated with sex. I must have spent a lot of time in my head because Edward cleared his throat and made to leave when I decided to throw caution to the wind.

I quickly unlocked my door, pushed it open and yanked Edward inside. I grabbed his face in my hands and before I could lose my nerve I brought my lips to his. My eyes closed of their own volition as I gave in to the myriad of feelings that seemed to flow through me. Nothing else existed in that moment, I was lost. I never wanted to be found.

~IC~

a/n

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