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Chapter 4
BPOV
I sat glued to my chair as the children moved off to get their hats.
2:20pm
Surely the clocks wrong, can't be that time yet...
"Come on girlie, haven't you got somewhere to be, gotcha self a hot date..." laughed Angela.
I didn't respond, my voice betraying me.
"Bella?" said Angela moving slowly towards me, her voice laced with concern.
"I can't do this Ange...he's Edward Cullen for god's sake...and I'm just...me..."
Angela knelt before me, her hands finding mine, my eyes slowly meeting hers. "Just me, you are not Isabella Swan. You are so much more than that. He asked you out for coffee...not the other way round if I remember correctly...he wants this..." she reasoned.
You know this...you're fighting it...
"But what if...what if he's exactly like your magazines say...I don't want to be another notch on his belt...I-"
"You read a magazine?" Angela interrupted astonished.
"Not the point here Ange!" I sighed defeated.
"Awe Bells honey...as much as I like my weekly dose of the trash that is Hollywood, even I don't believe everything I read," she replied smiling.
"But what if..."
"Stop," Angela's voice stern yet loving. "Give the guy a chance and I'm not just saying that cause I think the guys drop dead, the letter after E gorgeous and oh just...yum!"
I couldn't help but laugh.
"I say it because I'm your friend, your best friend for that matter... and as your best friend it is my job to make sure you jump every once in a while, explore every opportunity and have the life you've always wanted," she continued her eyes never leaving mine. "Now I'm not saying that Edward Cullen is the one...but who knows what could happen? I don't want you to be sitting here this time next week asking yourself what if?"
Why can't life ever be easy?
Angela began to laugh, "Having said that, it is also my job to kick butt to Timbuktu if anyone hurts you! And we know how much I love to kick butt!"
I couldn't help but laugh along with her as I recalled the last time she kicked ass for me. It was back in high school, a week before graduation and Mike Newton was being his usual asshole self and had employed the entire football team to move my beloved truck and had them wedge it between two building so I couldn't get in and then to top it off he filled my locker with manure which promptly covered me from head to toe as I opened it to grab the books I had forgotten. I should've known something wasn't right all week; he'd been treating me nicely for once, saying how sorry he was for the way he'd treated me and how he'd finally come to realise everyone deserves respect. I spent the rest of the night mentally kicking myself for being so stupid.
"I don't want to be the girl you spends her life regretting it...I'm just so scared Ange..."
Angela shook her hands in mine. "Live a little Bells...you deserve to find what you're looking for...but to find it you gotta take a chance. I'll be right here, always."
Suddenly Leah cleared her throat gaining our attention. She looked quite shell shocked to be honest. This was unusual for her, usually she was just straight in, to the point and gone again; she reminded me very much of a cyclone.
"Leah what's wrong?" I asked, trying but failing miserably to hide the panic in my voice.
She started pointing over her shoulder towards the door on the other side of the room. "There's um…there's someone here to see you," she answered as if she couldn't quite believe what she was saying herself.
"Ah crap, I bet you it's that over the top child protection officer who freaked her out a couple of weeks ago…guy was flirting with her no end, him and his little briefcase and well Bella, the dude was just plain weird…sooo I told him to come back and see you sometime this week," said Angela scratching her head and looking at the floor.
"I guess it's sometime, thanks Ange," I replied getting to my feet and making my way over to the door, my panic over my impending date disappearing. "You owe me!"
As I started opening the door I could hear Angela talking to Leah, joking that "Bella would make the weird briefcase man go away."
Leah found her voice. "It's not the briefcase man."
I pulled the door open and took one step into the foyer looking for the visitor that had sent Leah into shock.
"Then who is it?" I heard Angela ask.
I took another step.
Oh. My. God.
"It's Edward Cullen."
Standing there in the foyer of my preschool was none other than Edward Cullen himself looking unbelievably hot.
"EEEKKK!" I heard Angela scream and I quickly pulled the door shut behind me. What happened next would have to be one of my most embarrassing 'falls from Grace' yet. I had been in such a hurry to close the door I hadn't given myself time to move out of the way allowing the door to smack me on the ass as is closed causing me to fall forward and flat on the face, my ass in the air; any sense of dignity I had was now well and truly out the door. I could feel my cheeks burning hotter than ever before. I closed my eyes and prayed to be swallowed into a very deep hole; to say I was embarrassed would be an understatement.
"Bella, are you okay," asked Edward. He was now kneeling beside me, his hand resting on my back not going unnoticed. The feeling was comforting and sensational. "Where are you hurt?"
My pride…my dignity...
"Bella?"
I was amazed by the sincerity of his concern. Guys weren't like this, they didn't care; well at least the ones I'd met didn't. As hard as I tried to stop the tears, I couldn't. They betrayed me and fell down my cheeks.
"I'm fine, really just...I'm just embarrassed," I sniffed pushing myself up to kneel on my knees, dusting off my hands, stray pieces of hair falling around my face. I reached up and slowly secured them back behind my ear. Just as I had finished I heard a small gasp come from Edward. Before I could ask or even look in his direction, his strong yet gentle fingers were wrapped around my right arm and pulling it towards him.
"Bella, your wrist, did this just happen?" he exclaimed staring at and carefully examining my wrist.
I inwardly cringed.
Nope...just another war wound from another battle lost...
I suddenly remembered how and when I had hurt it; Saturday night, racing to answer his call. "No...I um...I fell down on um...Saturday night," I started to explain my cheeks beginning to colour once more.
"How?" he asked curiously.
Well...I um...Oh just spit it out!
"My phone was ringing and um...I was running...and I tripped and hit it on my nightstand," I answered shyly somehow hoping he wouldn't put two and two together.
How wrong I was.
"Who was on the phone Bella?" The tone of his voice was somewhere between concern and amusement.
"You," I all but squeaked not daring to look at him.
He sighed slightly and shook his head; I could make out a small smirk on his face out of the corner of my eye. "I would have called again Bella," he said softly. I couldn't help but look his way. "I definitely would have called again," he continued gently stroking my wrist where it was a bruised.
I didn't trust my voice settling for a smile instead.
This man was so far proving to be nothing like how the magazine's described him. He was gentle, polite and from what I'd seen, quite the gentleman.
He started to smile, and gently laugh; I was instantly confused and it must have been evident on my face. "Inquisitive friends you have," he explained, gesturing with his head towards the door behind me. I turned to find the faces of Angela and Leah peering through the glass, ducking quickly when they realised they'd been caught. I couldn't help but laugh a little at the sight.
We were silent for a moment, Edward continuing to hold my wrist in his hand. It wasn't an awkward or uncomfortable silence which surprised me; past experience with men and silence in my life meant just one thing; then end. This felt different even though I was still as embarrassed as hell.
"So you're a bit of klutz then?" Edward asked, saving me from my self inflicted embarrassment and making me laugh a little as he helped me stand. I won't lie; the feeling of his hands on my bare arm felt incredible.
"More than a bit," I smiled, "I um…I've broken my left arm twice and my right leg once but in two places, been concussed numerous times and I've had stitches more times than I can remember."
I think that's it...
When he didn't say anything I looked up and found him looking down at me with a very shocked look on his face. It was then that I realised how tall he was."And here I was thinking my broken nose and broken arm was bad," he laughed.
"I'm on a first name basis with most of the ER doctors here and back home," I replied before my brain could stop my mouth.
Edward laughed lightly, his eyes boring into mine.
How long we stayed this way I'm not sure. At that moment time seemed to stand still as Edward lifted one hand and gently pushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
Oh god please let him do that again!
"Do you think your wrist is up to a coffee, because I really want to take you out Bella; I've been looking forward to it all weekend," said Edward his eyes never leaving mine.
Screw the wrist!
"I'd like that," I replied quietly, shyly lowering my head.
Gentle fingers slowly lifted my chin, "Will we need to get you a bubble wrap jacket or do you think you'll be okay?" he laughed. The look in his eyes told me he just playing with me but he was nervous he'd offend me at the same time.
"I thought maybe you could look after me," I answered.
OH MY GOD! I swear I only said that in my head!
I could feel my cheeks burning; I probably resembled a tomato at this moment. I closed my eyes as I waited for a giant black hole to swallow me up, but instead the feeling of warm, gentle fingers were stroking my cheek.
Opening my eyes I saw Edward smile gently. "I'd be honoured to be your bubble wrap."
It was his turn to be embarrassed. "Okay well that sounded way less corny in my head," he laughed awkwardly.
I couldn't help but laugh too. It amazed me how comfortable I felt in his presence; I barely knew the guy but if I was at all honest, I'd never felt this comfortable before. This is what I wanted; what I'd always wanted. Someone who made me feel comfortable, someone who I could be myself around, someone who...
The sound of someone calling my name pulled me from my inner ramblings.
"Bella?"
"Sorry…um what did you say?" I answered somewhat out of it.
He smiled.
Oh that smile…God!
He had that gorgeous, sexy, crooked, oh my god what's a girl to do smile plastered across his face.
He laughed as I closed my eyes in a bid to re-gain my composure.
"I said do you need to grab anything before we go?" he laughed lightly.
Grab anything before...oh right...we go for coffee. Get a grip! Focus girl!
"My bag...and um I'll just say goodbye to the girls if that's okay?" I asked nervously.
Edward offered to wait in the foyer while I gathered my bag and along the way my thoughts and composure, before saying my goodbyes.
I was beyond grateful that Edward had offered to wait in the foyer; having him see Angela in her ecstatic state that resembled Tigger was hard enough for just me to witness let alone trying to comprehend what could possibly be running through his head.
Absolute fucking fruit cake maybe...he'd be running for the hills!
He led me out to the car park and began heading towards a sleek looking silver Volvo. I was instantly hit by a wave of panic.
"Um…" I began, not really sure what to say. A million images began running through my head; Images of people with cameras flashing relentlessly in my face, my picture plastered across the front page of People magazine. I couldn't deal with that, I couldn't…
My fear must have been evidently clear as the look on Edwards face instantly went from happy to that of concerned. I felt terrible; it wasn't him I was concerned about, it was the people who followed his every move.
"Hey," said Edward me with a hint of caution, "what's wrong? Did I do something-"
"No," I said quickly cutting him off, "It's just I…well I…will the…paparazzi be where we're going…for...um coffee?" I finished shakily looking directly at his car.
He followed my gaze and then looked back at me, standing close to me but far enough away as to give me my own space.
"No, well they shouldn't be I…" he sighed and ran his hair through his already messed up hair. "I can't guarantee that they won't, but I can guarantee that I will do everything I can to keep you out of the spotlight and off the front page," he said before pausing and seeming to consider what to say next. "Bella the last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable. I've been looking forward to this afternoon all weekend but if you're not comfortable I understand…"
The tone of his voice revealed his intentions to be genuine, but it also gave away his disappointment. I felt horrible.
"I'm just worried they'll follow your car and then…" I tried to explain but not feeling any better. I really wanted to try this, give myself and Edward a chance.
Fix what you fucked up Swan! THINK!
"What if…what if we took my car instead?" I suggested timidly. "I mean, I don't mind driving if you want to navigate?"
It was like all of his Christmas' had come at once and there was that smile again.
"You still wanna go?" he asked hopefully.
Most definitely…
"I'd really like to I'm just a little nervous that's all," I answered honestly.
My father always said that honesty was the best policy.
"I'd really like to try having a normal…date…with a beautiful woman who I will do everything in my power to keep safe and comfortable even though I'm as nervous as hell I'll fuck it up… if she'll give me a chance," he finished slowly looking nowhere but straight into my eyes.
Give him a chance… don't let this be a regret…
I smiled timidly. "My car is over here," I said gesturing towards the road.
He smiled that crooked smile that was beginning to have an effect on my knees.
"Lead the way," he said before falling into step beside me.
I suddenly felt embarrassed as we neared closer to my little second hand Mazda 3. I'd had this for just over 2 years now after I was forced to face facts; my beloved red Chevy truck was just not going to last much longer. I'd had real tears the day I left her at Dad's for the last time. Now don't get me wrong, my Mazda was a trusty and reliable little car but compared to the shiny silver Volvo that currently sat in the preschool car park, she was like a piece of junk. I pressed the unlock button on my key fob silently cheering for my little car and her central locking and thanking my lucky stars that I'd washed and vacuumed her just yesterday as a means of getting my mind of the man who was now seated to my right.
"Sorry it's um…" I apologised gesturing around the car.
"Perfectly fine," Edward finished before dazzling me once again with that smile. "You know before I started acting I drove a Mazda. Loved that car, actually still have that car, so there'll be no dissing the Mazda okay?"
I couldn't help but laugh as I put my sunglasses on. "Okay."
It took us a little longer than expected to get to get to where we were headed due to traffic; Edward had me park in a quiet side street just around the corner. I turned off the engine and sat nervously waiting for him to say something. Had I talked too much on the way? He laughed lightly causing me to glance his way, that same piece of hair falling into my eyes as it had in the kitchen. Edward's hand carefully reached out and gently tucked it behind my ear again, his warm fingers grazing my cheek.
"Breathe Bella," he said softly.
I hadn't realised I was holding my breath and to have him notice made my betraying blush creep over my cheeks once again.
Oh someone please just shoot me now...
"Um...should we go?" I asked trying desperately to escape my embarrassment. I could've sworn he laughed again.
Bastard!
"Let's go," he said making his way out of my car.
As we began to walk towards the coffee house I was mesmerised by the older style buildings and the quaint little book and second hand shops that sat side by side. I didn't really tend to venture much beyond my normal route from home to preschool, or to the grocery store; in truth I was a bit of a home body.
What if Edward didn't like that? What if...
Oh shut up! You've just met him! You don't know what he likes!
My inner self was getting pissed with all my negativity and was mentally slapping me for it.
My inner ramblings were interrupted when Edward announced we were there. Standing before me was the most charming and inviting little building; it looked so cosy with its mahogany timber facade, lace curtains adorning the small bay windows on either side of the door and little flowers pots nestled against the wall on the pavement. The sign above the door read, Come by Chance Cafe.
Now if that's not a sign, what is?
"This is one of the only places I can come and get away from it all, and still feel like a normal person," explained Edward gesturing toward the quaint little door. "I um, I hope this is okay."
Are you insane? It's perfect...
"Of course its okay, I just hope you don't mind sharing it," I replied glancing again at the little building.
Edward laughed before guiding me to the door, his warm hand on my back. "I was hoping you'd say that," he said his eyes meeting mine.
All I could do was smile as at this very moment, with Edward so close and his eyes boring into mine, my voice betrayed me.
We stepped through the door and Edward guided me towards a small and cosy looking booth at the rear of the cafe. As we got closer I was stunned by the sight before me and couldn't help but gasp. There, right next to the booth was a window spanning from the floor to the ceiling which gave the occupants an uninterrupted view of an exquisite garden and pond.
Edward held out his hand, gesturing towards the seat, "Please."
I smiled shyly and all but whispered, "Thank you."
I couldn't help but slide closer to the window to have a better look; the view was amazing. Flowers of all shades of colour adorned the far fence and gazebo that stood off to the side where it led to a stone bridge, allowing passage over the slow running water from a rocky water fall to the pond below. Koi fish of all shapes and sizes swam hypnotically within the pond beneath the window; I found myself unable to look away and unable to stop the smile from creeping onto my face, it truly was magical.
"It's beautiful," I all but whispered, mesmerised.
"I come here all the time," replied Edward, "It provides a nice distraction from the chaos that is essentially my life."
I couldn't even begin to imagine what his life must be like in that sense. I mean sure he's a millionaire, lives in a mansion, drives nice cars and pretty much has everything at his disposal, but what about peace, moments of solitude; is that something he misses?
"Do you miss being able to do well, I guess simple things like walk down the street, go to the grocery store...I mean from what Angela says the world watches your every move," I asked suddenly curious.
Without breaking his gaze over the vision of calm and beauty below he calmly answered. "I do sometimes, other times I don't. Your friend Angela is right though, most of my life is pretty much public knowledge," he explained slowly turning to face me, "but then there are other parts of my life that I manage to keep to myself...like how right now, I'm sitting in my favourite cafe, in my favourite booth, enjoying the company of a beautiful woman," he smiled.
Cue my blush.
"And she's even more beautiful when she does that," he added his smile growing.
I couldn't help but turn and glance out the window, attempting to hide my tomato red face with my hands. My saving grace came in the form of a waitress; well so I thought.
"Edward, it's been weeks, where have you been?" enquired the lady who leaned in before hugging and kissing Edward on the cheek. I watched as Edward returned the gesture smiling from ear to ear.
"I'm sorry Carmen, I've been filming," he answered warmly.
"London, Australia, where this time?" she asked her hand resting on his shoulder.
Edward laughed lightly before dropping his head slightly, "Italy."
I coughed involuntarily. I'd always wanted to holiday in Italy, take a gondola through Venice, take in the sights, stay in a gorgeous hotel.I mean I know being a actor usually entailed a lot of travelling but I just hadn't though too much about it because well let's face it, I hadn't in a million years thought I'd be sitting in a coffee shop on a date with a Hollywood movie star.
I suddenly realised neither Edward or the woman he'd called Carmen were talking. I slowly let my eyes meet theirs. Edward had a small smirk on his face while the woman seemed curious.
Will someone just swallow me up please!
"I'm sorry," I whispered, "I didn't mean to interrupt...I-"
"It's okay Bella," replied Edward reassuringly, cutting me off from my imminent rambling.
Edward smiled that dazzling smile at me once more causing me to go giddy inside.
How does he do that?
"Carmen," said Edward gesturing towards the short, middle aged woman beside him, "I'd like you to meet Bella, Bella this is Carmen. She owns this coffee shop with her husband Eleazar."
Smiling warmly Carmen held out her hand to me, "It's lovely to meet you Bella."
"Thank you, you too," I replied a little nervously.
Carmen winked at Edward who laughed as he settled back into the booth running his hands through his unruly hair.
"Well Bella you're the first person our dear Edward here has ever brought along and it's a pleasure to have you here. When you're ready dear just have Edward here call out," said Carmen sweetly. The warmth of her voice told me she was being sincere.
"Okay, I will," I replied softly returning her smile.
With another pat to Edward's shoulder Carmen returned to the front of the cafe, greeting customers as she went. She seemed like a lovely woman and Edward clearly felt very comfortable here and was good friends with both Carmen and her husband, who if I was to guess was the tall, relatively well built middle aged man behind the counter currently brewing coffees.
Edward and I spent the next few minutes looking over the menu deciding what to have. I had secretly been hoping Edward would choose something to eat as well because to be honest I was starving. I'd been so nervous about this afternoon that I'd skipped breakfast and lunch in fear of it all reappearing. Now all I could think about was food, and preferably lots of it. I continued to study the menu before me.
Drinks...snacks...light meals...
It was at that exact moment that my stomach decided to make its dire situation known. I didn't know where to look. The sound of Edward's laugh made me look directly at him.
"Hungry are we?" he asked as he laughed.
"It's not funny," I replied trying my hardest to be firm but failing miserably, the look on his face making me laugh along with him. Laughing with him felt like the most natural thing in the world.
"Skipped lunch huh?" he questioned still laughing.
"And breakfast," I replied without thinking.
Edward stopped laughing, his eyes boring into mine silently asking me why.
"I was nervous...I um...I don't eat when I'm nervous," I explained quietly but honestly; I had no reason to lie.
"Are you nervous now?" he asked, his tone light but equally serious.
It amazed me; I'd never felt so relaxed on any of my previous dates. Don't get me wrong those butterflies were still fluttering within me, but they had shrunk considerably in size and number since this morning.
"Not so much I um...," I hesitated looking down at my fingers which were entwined together, "I feel comfortable here um...with you, a lot more than I thought I would, I mean," I stumbled realising how bad that may have sounded to him. "What I mean is, well in the past when I've been on a date let's just say my nervousness didn't do me any favours, it never let up and well there was never a second call."
I looked down as I finished feeling a little ashamed. "One guy left me sitting in a restaurant once…said he had to use the bathroom. I was stupid enough to believe him and sat there waiting," I shared, closing my eyes as I remembered my embarrassment when the waiter approached me and quietly informed me that the man I was with had left. That was 40 minutes after he'd left the table.
"I sat there alone for over half an hour too stupid to realise he'd ditched me."
I'd never shared this with anyone, not even Angela.
I chanced a look at Edward, prepared for his rejection, to see him run off into the sunset and any chance of something between us disappearing along with him. Surely it would hurt less now than later on, but deep down I was begging everything from the universe to the man upstairs himself to stop this guy from running and to give me a chance to show him the real me. I'd never felt this way and it both excited me and terrified me at the same time, I mean lets be serious and realistic, I'd met the guy 3 days ago.
His lips were moving. It was like my hearing had suddenly failed me and I was being forced to read lips, something I'd never been good at.
Bella...
Bella...
The sound of my name being called seemed so far away. The feeling of Edwards hand on mine however felt very close and very real.
"Bella?" repeated Edward sounding a little concerned. "Hey, where'd you go?"
I slowly gathered my thoughts and pushed aside my negative and depressing past dating history.
"Sorry I um...I –"
"If that was meant to scare me off," he began, his crooked smile melting me to the core, "well I'm afraid Miss Bella, it didn't work," he continued sighing somewhat dramatically before reaching out with his free hand and gently pushing that repeatedly stubborn piece of hair back behind my ear.
Note to self...do NOT cut my hair...
"I'm not planning on going anywhere," he finished brushing my cheek with his warm fingers, a gesture that was becoming quite familiar and almost routine and I was unbelievably comfortable with it. "That's if you want me to stay that is?" he asked, cocking his head to the side and dazzling me with that smile once again.
More than you know...
"Well," I began biting at my bottom lip, "you did promise me a coffee and well, I'd much prefer not to eat alone...again," I finished feeling unordinarily confident.
His eyes sparkled and he grabbed at his menu. "I promise Bella, that'll never happen again," he said in return his eyes, tone and words revealing nothing but the truth.
I smiled happily as I pulled the menu from the table and began to scan what was on offer. I decided on a ham, pineapple and cheese melt with fries, a blueberry muffin and a latte. I wasn't one of those skinny ass girls who only ate lettuce leaves. If I'm hungry, I eat. Turns out this was something Edward liked in a woman.
Score for Bella...
We fell into a rhythm of conversation that had us talking like old friends as we waited, and also as we ate. We talked about everything from our favourite classes in high school, classes in college, things we wanted to do before we die, to our families. Although I already knew Alice and Jasper and their beautiful little girl Maddie, it was nice to hear a little more about them, as well as Emmett, Rosalie and Edward's parents Carlisle and Esme. It was clear that his family meant quite a lot to him.
I finished up what was left of my second latte as Carmen came and cleared our table.
"Oh wow," Edward said surprised as he glanced at his watch. "Carmen I'm so sorry, we didn't realise the time," he explained.
I checked my watch; we'd been sitting here for over 3 hours. I hadn't even noticed the sun setting outside nor the fact that we were the only people left in the cafe; the sign on the front door now reading closed.
"Oh hush, not a problem at all," she said sweetly, "You're welcome to stay as long as you like." She smiled and walked back toward the front of the cafe. It was then that I noticed the beautiful painting adorning the walls. Edward must have followed my gaze as he began explaining how as well as being a wonderful cook, Carmen was also quite handy with a paint brush.
"They're stunning, the colours are amazing," I replied astounded. "Does she sell them by any chance?" I couldn't help but ask.
"She does actually, I have two hanging in my lounge room," he answered before standing and holding out his hand for me.
This was so new to me. I hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking his hand; those electric currents running once more from our hands to my chest. The feeling was overwhelming.
I could have sworn the look in his eyes told me he felt it too, his eyes travelling from my eyes to my lips and back again.
Oh my god, oh my god...
"Edward, my boy," called a male voice to our left. I watched as Edward seemed to come back to the present, closing his eyes briefly as if regaining his composure, before dropping my hand and turning towards the man quickly approaching and embracing him in a hug. I on the other hand stood rooted to the floor trying to fathom what had just happened; had I imagined it. Was he thinking about kissing me? I'll be honest, I'd felt a little disappointed when he'd let go of my hand.
"Bella I'd like you to meet Eleazar," began Edward turning towards me, his hand extended. I don't know why but I kept my hands firmly grasped around my purse as I slowly stepped forward, maybe in a hope of avoiding being disappointed once more.
"Eleazar this is Bella," continued Edward seemingly unaware of my current state.
Eleazar gently reached for my hand, "Beautiful Bella," he spoke, "Che bella donna…bello."
I had no idea what this man had just said but I still felt myself blushing as red as a tomato.
"Oh and might I add what a gorgeous blush," he added looking between myself and Edward.
"Yes it is," said Edward, his voice a little husky. I looked in his direction to find him looking anywhere but at me and running his hand through his unruly hair. I was so confused. I couldn't help but think I was imagining it all; the feeling I got when his hand touched mine or when he pushed my hair behind my ears, his fingers gently grazing my face, to just before and now when his eyes met mine and now his voice. I had no idea what to think. Relationships didn't move this quickly did they?
Relationship? Jumping the gun aren't you Bella...
"Carmen?" called Edward, "Bella was admiring your paintings, are you still interested in selling them?" he asked, attempting to change the subject, something even I was grateful for.
Eleazar, still holding my hand, gently led me towards Carmen who was putting the chairs up for the night.
"Was there one you liked specifically Bella?" enquired Carmen, stepping around the table, placing her cleaning cloths down and rubbing her hands clean on her brightly coloured apron.
I found myself torn as they were all equally beautiful. I glanced quickly around the walls where my eyes fell upon a beautifully coloured landscape surrounding a waterfall.
"I painted that two years ago while on holidays," she explained quietly. "Do you like it my dear?" she asked.
"It's absolutely stunning. Carmen, you really are a talented painter," I complimented, "and a fantastic cook. My meal was delicious," I finished shyly as I realised both Eleazar and Carmen were listening too.
"As always," added Edward proceeding towards the register with Eleazar to pay. I couldn't let Edward pay, I mean the guy had only invited me out for coffee and I'd ended up having a full meal. Not that money was an issue for him I'm sure, it was more about how rude I felt. I had to pay for my share.
"Um...Edward it's okay I'll pay, I mean," I began to scramble, "you did just invite me for coffee not lunch so um...um I'll pay," I finished shakily holding out my card towards Eleazar.
"Bella please," sighed Edward somewhere between dumbfounded and appalled, "the fact that we ate makes no difference, I'm paying," he finished handing over his card to Eleazar while his eyes stayed glued to mine. "Please, put your card away."
I stayed glued to the spot, my arm still outstretched momentarily. I couldn't help but be a little embarrassed at what I'd just done. Carmen, who remained close by to my left came to my aid and began talking once more about her paintings. I tried my hardest to listen intently to what she was saying but found myself unable to. I vaguely heard her ask me to follow her over to the far wall where two paintings similar in size to the one I liked were hanging. As I got closer I noticed there were prices on the bottom corner of the frames.
$450.00
I almost choked. I couldn't afford to splurge that amount of money on a painting, even one as beautiful as that.
"Bella," asked Carmen quickly her hand gently patting my back, "are you okay?"
All I could do was nod as I fought to regain my composure, hoping no one would realise why I was suddenly losing my shit.
"Eleazar, water," called Carmen as she led me to the little lounge at the front of the cafe within that little bay window I'd noticed on the way in. I also noticed that Edward was almost instantly by my side helping me to sit.
"Are you okay?" he asked genuinely concerned. What was I supposed to tell the man who had millions?
Oh I'm just freaking out over $450 which to you would probably be like loose change while to me it's like a months rent, utilities and food and car needs.
What was I going to do? Would they be expecting me to buy one given my interest? Maybe I could pay it off by offering to wash dishes for a year? This had just merely highlighted once more the vast difference between his life and mine.
"Bella?" he asked again, this time his gentle fingers finding my chin and slowly turning my face towards his. "It's okay," he said equally as gentle.
It's okay? He doesn't even know what's wrong so how could he...oh my god.
My eyes met his; his eyes telling me he knew exactly what was wrong as he glanced toward the painting on the wall, Eleazar and Carmen unaware as they brought me a glass of water. I closed my eyes in both embarrassment and relief; relief because Carmen and Eleazar were unaware that the reason for my sudden panic was in fact the price of their gorgeous painting, and embarrassment because Edward knew I couldn't afford it. I felt Edward gently squeeze my hand.
Carmen and Eleazar spent the next 5 minutes fussing over me and making sure I was okay. They truly did seem like lovely people.
It was little after 7:00pm by the time Edward and I walked out the door, farewelling Carmen and Eleazar who had insisted that we both visit again soon. It was here that I learnt that Edward would be returning to Italy tomorrow at lunch time for another 2 weeks of filming before returning for a couple of days and then heading to New Orleans to start production on another film.
At hearing these words I felt a strange sensation creep from the pit of my stomach to my chest. I'd never felt anything like it; it almost felt like longing, disappointment. Surely I wouldn't feel such things for a man I'd just met, a man I barely knew.
"Goodnight beautiful Bella," called Eleazar from the doorway, Carmen by his side waving to us. "It was lovely to meet you," she added.
"The same to you," I replied with a small wave before turning and falling into step with Edward. We were silent for a few minutes as we walked towards my car. I couldn't help but wish time would stand still, as corny as that may sound, I didn't want this to end. As much as I had been embarrassed this afternoon, I'd never felt so comfortable, and in the company of a man especially. I know it was only coffee and in the end lunch but I'd maintained a conversation, I'd told him things that not even Angela knew! For me this was huge.
The car ride back to preschool where Edward had left his car was a lot quicker than our journey to the cafe, much to my dismay. I parked the car and reluctantly followed his lead and went and stood on the sidewalk, unsure of where to go from here.
"I'm sorry about before Bella," said Edward quietly, breaking the silence that had formed between us. "I didn't mean for you to... I mean I should have," he began stumbling over his words. It wasn't his fault I'd reacted the way I did.
"Edward," I began stopping him from apologising again for something that wasn't even his fault. "Please, you don't need to apologise really, I'm fine, just had a moment that's all," I explained a little nervously. "I'm honestly okay, I um...I had a really good time."
Seriously? I had a really good time? Could I get any more predictable and cliché!
I sighed and looked around waiting for something, a speeding car maybe, to collect me and end my continuous run of embarrassing moments. As I stood there on the edge of the sidewalk awaiting my fate, I felt a strong hand slide into mine and a small tug on my arm. I turned slowly only to come almost face to face with Edward, his gorgeous eyes drawing me in further and further making me feel like I was drowning.
"Walk with me?" was all he said his eyes still burning holes in mine, almost reaching as deep as my soul.
Astounded that he wasn't trying desperately to be rid of me like the men in my past, I could do nothing but follow him as he lead me toward the small park across the road. As we approached the swings he gently pulled me forward gesturing for me to sit down. I wasn't quite sure where this was headed but I felt this unexplainable sense of trust towards this man. I sat down on the seat of the swing, my hand still in his. I noticed he seemed to hesitate a moment before releasing my hand and kneeling in front of me, his hands resting on the seat either side of my thighs causing my heart rate to go up a notch and me gasp involuntarily. Much to my relief Edward didn't seem to notice as his head was down, he seemed to be looking at the ground, maybe gathering his thoughts? Or maybe he was debating how best to let me down gently. I was hoping it was the first.
"I," he began sounding a little frustrated, his head still down. "I was so determined to not fuck this up and yet," he paused before looking up, "here I am honestly going out of my mind thinking I have."
I noticed his eyes had lost that sparkle I'd seen only hours before; they were now an open window to the confusion, frustration and torment that the man kneeling before me currently felt.
"From the moment I walked out of your preschool with Maddie on Friday night...I knew I wanted to see you again; I couldn't wait to hear your voice again," he shared openly with me. "Bella I'm...I'm no angel, I've had a rough couple of years and I've done some stupid things and made some big mistakes," he continued, his eyes once again showing me how embarrassed he was. "I want to get to know you so badly," he laughed seemingly frustrated before running his hand through that gorgeous yet unruly hair of his once more, "but I'm so worried and honestly scared that I'm gonna ruin it somehow," he finished looking down seemingly ashamed.
It took me a moment before it sunk in. Edward and I both had fears and insecurities coming into this.
This? This at the moment couldn't really be defined...
Edward had been honest enough to admit that he was scared. It was only fair that I do the same, especially if I wanted this to become anything more; and honestly, I really did.
"I'm scared that...that when I'm ready to tell you something," I said nervously, "you'll...you'll..." I struggled, "you'll think I'm not good enough," I sobbed throwing my head into my hands. I didn't want to cry in front of him but I couldn't hold the tears at bay. I'd spent the afternoon with a funny, honest, caring and gentle man who I felt comfortable with and trusted, something I couldn't explain. Something about this felt so right; I hadn't felt like this nor had I ever been treated like this by a man. I wanted exactly what he wanted but I was so scared I'd let him down.
The more I tried to stop crying, the more the tears came cascading down my cheeks. I felt two strong hands on my arms and Edward calling my name. When I didn't respond those two hands made their way to mine, gently pulling them from my now read and puffy, tear stained face.
"Bella," came Edward's voice again, "hey," his fingers gently lifted my chin. My eyes finally met his and that feeling from before crept from my stomach to my chest as I saw nothing but genuine concern in his eyes, his fingers gently wiping the receding tears from my cheeks.
"I can't explain what I'm feeling right now," he said still wiping my cheeks, "I've never felt anything like what I feel when I'm with you, the way you laugh, your smile, your voice," he carried on his hands now holding mine firmly in his between us, " your blush," he laughed lightly making me smile and blush slightly.
"Ah...there it is," he smiled, our eyes now glued together. "I met you on Friday night Bella, I met you by chance, I've spoken with you once on the phone, we've been on one date," he explained slowly. "I can't stop thinking about you and I couldn't care right at this moment if you told me you were an axe murderer," he laughed, me along with him. He waited for me to stop laughing before speaking again. "When I get back from Italy, I'd really like to take you out for dinner, take you to a movie, do all that stuff," he laughed, "anything to see you again."
I slowly and quietly found my voice, "I'd really like that."
"I don't want to rush this, I want to take it slowly, I want to know everything about you Bella," he explained, "even all the skeletons," he laughed.
"Can I ring you while you're away?" I asked suddenly, completely taken aback by my sudden outburst.
Can anyone say desperate?
I looked at him only to see his eyes sparkle and that unbelievably sexy crooked smile appear on that gorgeous face.
"You most definitely can," he answered, "Can I ring you while I'm away?" he smiled cheekily.
I couldn't help but laugh, "Most definitely," I mimicked. A wicked glint came across his eyes and he jumped up.
"Hold on beautiful girl," he whispered in my ear as he placed my hands on the chains of the swing.
"What?" I asked confused, and giddy from his compliment. I was suddenly being pulled backwards. "Aaarrrggh!" I cired, "Edward!"
"I said hold on," he all but whispered from just behind me, my body very aware of just how close his was to mine. Before I knew it I was sailing forward on the swing, something I hadn't done in years, not even at work. He spent the next few minutes pushing me on the swing as I laughed liked a giddy school girl.
I locked the carpark gate as Edward drove out and parked behind my car positioned on the road. My wonderful afternoon and evening was coming to an end and I didn't want it to. I slowly made my towards my car as Edward exited his shiny Volvo which was currently reflecting the light of the full moon from above. People could tell me I was insane, tell me I'm stupid or tell me I'm dreaming, but this afternoon and resulting evening was amazing. I wouldn't see Edward for weeks while he continued filming in Italy. I tried my hardest not to dwell on this and instead focus on the promise of phone calls. I mean in all seriousness, how hard could it be. Before Friday night, Edward Cullen was simply a name I'd heard.
I leant against my car, smiling as Edward approached. He came to a stop standing right in front of me, our bodies less than a metre apart. After a moment Edward reached up and pushed my hair behind my ears, "Breathe Bella," he whispered.
I hadn't even realised I wasn't.
"I don't want to leave," he sighed, his fingers grazing my cheek.
I couldn't help but reach up and hold his hand, his eyes meeting mine. I inwardly hoped that my eyes would tell him I didn't want him to either. He sighed and let his head fall back. "But if I don't then my PA will be on my ass wanting to know where the hell I am," he explained before adding, "so will my sister for that matter."
I couldn't help but laugh. From what I'd seen of Alice so far through preschool she was lovely, but something told me she could be a little over bearing at times.
As my laughing subsided we stood looking at each other for a few moments before I broke the silence, "You should go, I'd hate for you to get in trouble and for me to be the cause of it," I explained, "especially since I will more than likely be seeing her before you get back."
"Ah yes," he replied, "hopefully, if you're lucky, Jasper won't have told her yet and you'll be safe from her interrogation," he laughed.
Once again we found ourselves staring at one another, like we were both trying to memorise every detail of one another's faces before we were separated.
"Thank you for giving me a chance Bella," he said softly his hands finding mine, a feeling I was quickly beginning to love.
Wait...love
"I'm looking forward to our next date," he added.
"Me too," I replied meaning it with every fibre in my body.
This was it. This was where it would end. Much to my surprise and absolute amazement, Edward slowly moved forward and took my head gently in his hands before placing a lingering kiss on my forehead. I felt myself going weak at the knees and held on desperately to my car behind me.
He slowly pulled away, his hand reaching for the door handle of my car. "Goodnight Bella," he said, his reluctance clear in his voice, as he pulled opened the door and guided me in.
I scrambled desperately to gather myself as I sat down in the drivers seat, my knees extremely grateful. Somehow I found my voice. "Goodnight Edward," I returned as confidently and calmly as I could while in reality my mind was running a million miles an hour, "and thank you for taking a chance on me," I said, reciting his comment from earlier on.
Edward slowly closed my door as I wound down the window, which he proceeded to lean into. "You, beautiful Bella, are most definitely welcome," he answered sending my blush once again into overdrive. Smiling that smile that was quickly becoming my favourite, he pushed himself off the car and began walking to his own in front of mine, turning to glance once more in my direction and offering me a small wave, which I returned.
Two weeks was already beginning to feel like an eternity…