Sending love to my Beta LOVE-TART. You are the best! Love you!
this one is for Candy! xo
Let's get inside Edward's head in this chapter, shall we?
Chapter 6 Edward's Point of View
I was still snickering over the whole condom debacle when Bella pulled her decrepit truck into the underground parking of her building. She tried to pull a fast one on me and was totally busted. And she tried to put it on Rosalie! Emmett was going to love this story. I got out of the vehicle, grabbed the grocery bags and kicked the door shut with my foot. That truck was a piece of shit.
I followed behind Bella and waited while she unlocked the door. Her behind looked fantastic in her form fitting dress - firm and round and good Lord, if I didn't have groceries in my hands I would have been palming that ass right now.
She unlocked the door, letting us into the basement lobby. We opted for the stairs, even though the bags were digging harshly into my hands. Eighteen steps later we were on the first floor and I had to catch my breath without Bella noticing. I really was getting out of shape. I'd definitely have to fit in a run tomorrow.
Bella wisely knocked twice on her front door, hesitated for a moment, then opened the door slowly and walked in. Knowing Emmett and Rosalie were alone in the apartment I thought that was a good call on Bella's part. There was no telling what you could be walking into. Trust me, I'd come across Emmett in some very compromising positions before and it wasn't exactly pretty. There are some things you can't un-see.
I walked through the living room, past Emmett and Rosalie, who were oddly quiet, and into the kitchen, setting the groceries on the counter. Bella took the steaks out of the bag and started putting together a quick marinade of garlic, Worchestershire sauce, salt and pepper and a few ingredients while I ducked outside to pre-heat the grill.
I walked past Emmett and Rose again. Rose was on the far end of the couch, her bare legs stretched out in front of her, casually flipping through a People magazine, cool as a cucumber. Emmett was sitting besides her grinning like a fool. No doubt they had gotten busy as soon as we'd left, Em's telltale grin was a dead giveaway. At least he'd been successful in erasing the memory of Mrs. Cope and her busy hands.
I shuddered at the recollection as I stepped out onto the patio where the air was warm with not a cloud in the sky. It was close to eight o'clock already and the sky was still bright, I loved Indian summer. I lifted the lid off the barbeque, turned the gas on and pressed the button to ignite it. With a 'whoosh' it fired up. I closed the lid, allowing it some time to heat up. My mind drifted back to how Mrs. Cope had molested us. She'd manhandled me a few times, rubbing my lower back, patting my butt. At least she'd only patted mine - she took a rough fist full of Emmett's. Emmett then started talking with a lisp, prancing about, doing an eerily accurate job of acting like a fairy. But apparently Mrs. Cope liked a challenge and she'd started to be even more aggressive with him. She had shown him the expansive bedrooms and raved about en-suite bathrooms each with a jetted tub and all it's orgasmic capabilities.
I opened the lid of the barbeque and used the brush to scrape and clean the grill meticulously.
Emmett had finally told Mrs. Grabby Hands we'd take the penthouse, not even asking how much the rent was. Not that it mattered. He had a great salary and, as a result, so did I. But we also had lots of money from Uncle Felix, my mom's only brother who passed away a few years ago. He made millions from his oil export company and since he didn't have any other relatives, he bequeathed his millions to us when he died. He left a little over seven million for each of us kids. It obviously wasn't something we mentioned to people; most just assumed our parents were rich and spoiled us. It was much easier that way.
Alice used some of her money to start her business and that was about it, for now. She had her eye on a new Porsche but was waiting until it was 'reasonable', meaning that her business was doing well enough for her to afford one. Ali was always practical like that.
Emmett liked to spend his money on frivolous things, a brand new, bright yellow Hummer for one. Totally ostentatious, just like him. He was having some custom work done to the stereo and it was scheduled for pick up next week. Rosalie was going to freak, I knew it. I could tell she was all about flashy things, just like him.
My money was still pretty much untouched. After my last failed relationship, my parents had insisted I live in their basement suite, free of charge. I didn't even need to buy furniture since the suite was completely furnished, a bonus from my mom being an interior designer. I had bought myself a huge sixty-inch LED high definition television and a kick ass surround sound system. I had that and a few other items in storage with Emmett's things, ready to be sent over whenever we found a place. Since we had that place secured now, I'd have to remember to call them on Monday to see how fast they could have it delivered. I was confident I could have it arranged for later in the week, for a small fee of course.
Along with buying new furnishings, I also had plans to buy a new car…or two. I couldn't handle driving a freaking Toyota Camry any longer. Not only was it butt ugly, it was painfully slow. I had my eyes set on either gun-metal grey Mercedes McLaren SLR, or a black Aston Martin Vanquish. I wondered if Bella would let me get her a new car; her truck was a piece of work. And Jacob had given it to her. Asshole. I didn't want her thinking she owed him anything. I was still pissed that I even had to buy a new car. My beautiful silver Volvo 560R had met with a bitter and untimely death at the hands a baseball bat. Correction, my baseball bat in the hands of one psychotic bitch.
The barbeque was hot, clean, and ready to go. I headed back inside to see how Bella was making out in the kitchen. Fuck, she looked adorable, shucking corn wearing a pink and green apron that said "Don't Mess With The Chef" across the chest. She had her dark hair twisted up, a chopstick keeping it in place. The steaks were in a shallow dish on the counter with tongs near by, ready for me to take out to the grill. I wrapped my arms around Bella's waist.
"Don't mess with the chef, huh?" I planted kisses behind her ear and along her sexy little neck. She brought her head back, resting it on my chest, leaving her neck more vulnerable to me. I kissed further down, sliding the strap of her dress off her sexy shoulder, sneaking a peak down her front. Her breasts were pushed up in a tantalizing way.
"Mmmmmm, that feels nice," Bella purred as my kisses made their way down her collarbone.
"I can make it feel even nicer," I told her, my hands wandering up to her breasts. I cupped them lightly and laid more kisses along her neck.
"Ahem! Are you having appetizers in here or what, bro?" Emmett interrupted us. Why were both my siblings so good at cockblocking, damn it?
I could feel the warmth from Bella's blush through her dress. I squeezed her breasts, once again letting her know I wasn't done with her yet, but reluctantly I removed my hands and pulled her strap back up. With the amount of sexual exploits I've had to witness Emmett engage in over the years, I personally didn't care if he saw me groping Bella. But, apparently she minded.
Emmett grabbed water from the fridge and started poking around in the bags. "What else are we having for supper?" He pulled out the chips and ripped the bag open, stuffing some into his mouth. "Black pepper and lime, good choice." With his mouth full, crumbs flew out as he spoke.
Very classy, Emmett.
He went back to rifling through the bags again, and when he let out a ridiculous loud laugh, I knew what he'd found. Bella's eyes went wide and she managed to grab the bag out of his hand so he couldn't take the box out, but it was too late. He'd obviously already seen the mega size box of condoms.
"Hey Rosie! Want to make another bet? A hundred bucks says these two get some action tonight!" Emmett bellowed.
Bella pursed her lips, not saying a word, her face a beautiful shade of pink. She continued to work on the corn, wrapping each ear in foil, readying them for the grill. Her eyes darted to me for help, but then Emmett started teasing me as well.
"That looked like a super sized box of wrappers, bro. I hope she has some stamina. Want me to have Rosalie give her some pointers?" he teased.
I just shook my head at him and laughed. I really should have said something to defend Bella, or socked my brother one, but she was so cute when she was embarrassed. Instead, I leaned against the counter, exchanging smirks with Emmett and watching Bella turn a deeper shade of crimson. Besides, if she was going to hang out with me, she needed to get used to the constant teasing and sexual innuendoes. Emmett was never without a witty come back or some kind of joke.
Emmett continued laughing, grabbing the bag of chips and sauntering to the couch to sit by Rosalie's feet. He lifted her legs onto his lap and gave her a foot massage while watching Sports Page.
I grabbed the steaks and corn in one arm, pinched Bella's ass lightly with my other, and headed out to the grill. God, I loved the smell of a smoky barbeque. I put the corn on first, closing the lid to give them time to heat before I put the steaks on. When the steaks finally joined the corn, they sizzled when I put them on, searing instantly in the high heat. I grilled the steaks to perfection, if I can say so myself, a little on the rare, bloody side, but that's the way I preferred them. When everything was done, I took everything back inside.
Rosalie and Bella had set the dining table, and we sat down to a nice home-cooked meal and a bottle of red wine. The conversation was easy and casual, just like we were four old friends having dinner.
"Tell us about the other tenants in the building," Emmett requested as he gnawed on his corn.
"Well, there's this hyper girl next door, apparently she has a couple of hot brothers," Rosalie teased. Emmett gave her a crooked smile looking very much like Edward.
"Angela and Ben live on the third floor, you met them at the pub," Bella explained. "They own Brown's together. Rose and I have known them both since high school." I remembered them both, they seemed like decent people.
"Then there's Jake." Rosalie made a face that I couldn't agree more with. "And Quil, his roommate. They live right above us. Quil's a good guy, really down to earth. His girlfriend Emily comes from the reservation in Forks almost every weekend to visit."
Bella took a sip of her wine, then licked her lips. I had to look away, that was way too sexy. "There's Jess and Lauren above Alice. They are the party girls, always going clubbing, bringing home different guys. Alice can attest to that." Rosalie and Bella started to giggle.
"We can't forget about Mike, can we Bella?" Rosalie was devious in her tone. What was that about?
Emmett leaned forward. "What's with Mikey, Bella?" He raised an eyebrow at her. I wasn't sure I wanted to know. Bella glared at Rosalie and blushed just a touch.
Rose laughed. "A momentary lapse in judgment is all. Mike's a car salesman, slimy as they come," she explained.
Oh great, another ex in the building. Thank God there weren't any other guys in the complex for Bella to fall prey to.
"Don't worry, Edward, I saved Bella from that jerk. More like I interrupted, but whatever," Rose laughed and winked at me. I liked that girl.
"Have seconds you two." Emmett was talking to Bella and I. "You need to keep your energy topped up for tonight." He teased. Rosalie smacked the back of his head, but I did notice they both helped themselves to another full helping after that.
After supper, we cleaned up the dishes together. It was just after ten thirty when Rosalie and Emmett bid us goodnight, Rosalie with a hug for Bella, and Emmett with some jabs to the ribs for me.
"Have a good night, Bella." Emmett was gearing up I could tell. "Go easy on her Edward. And remember to pace yourselves." I tried to punch his arm, but he jogged out of the way and out the door quickly, grabbing Rosalie's overnight bag on his way. I locked the door behind them, learning from past mistakes.
Bella was standing opposite me, her hand rubbing her neck. She'd kicked off her shoes her feet were bare, her calves slender, and I knew from touching them this morning that they were satin-smooth. Her dress hit a good two inches above her knees, hiding those sexy thighs. Her stomach was flat, her breasts perky in that low scoop neck. I took in her face, her eyes watching me survey her, and she pulled her lower lip into her mouth.
God woman, don't do that!
"You okay?" I asked.
"Oh I'm fine, just stiff, it happens once in while," she told me, her fingers continuing to rub. I'm not really sure if her neck was actually sore, or if this was another one of her ploys to seduce me. Her little 'can you put lotion on me' trick this morning had nearly put me over the cusp.
I could definitely relate to the stiffness she was feeling, though. I knew first hand how uncomfortable it could be. Happened to me last night and again this morning. Thank God for that shower this morning. I'd felt weird about taking matters into my own hands in Bella's shower, but I had been sporting wood for ten hours at that point. Certainly, that couldn't be good for a man.
"Want me to give you a rub?" I crossed the room to her in just five easy strides. "You liked it this morning," I teased.
She blushed a touch, but shook her pretty little head. "No, I'm fine," she tried to insist.
"Come on, let me." I moved behind her, placing my hands on her shoulders. My thumbs swirled downwards, feeling the stressed muscles. "You're so tight, Bella."
I shouldn't have said that, my dick twitched.
I pulled her over to the sofa. Sitting down, I indicated that she should sit on the floor in front of me. She obeyed semi-reluctantly, her legs stretching under the coffee table. Her dress rode up, and I got a glimpse of more of her gorgeous thighs.
Down, boy.
I placed my hands on her shoulders again, kneading her tight muscles, repeating the motions I had this morning, but spent more time enjoying touching her. This morning had been a battle of wills and I had tried hard to win - or lose, however you looked at it.
I took out the chopstick that was holding her hair in place. It fell down her back in waves, and I used my fingers to massage her scalp, Bella moaned under my fingertips. I parted her soft, silky hair down the middle, placing half down each side of her neck. Those dark locks cascaded down, partially covering her breasts.
My hands continued their work, kneading her tight shoulders. I pulled her dress and bra straps off, letting them fall down her arms loosely. The straps had left red indents in her delicate skin, and I massaged them ever so gently. She rolled her head down to her chest and sighed deeply.
With her straps down, the front of her dress dipped a little lower as well. Her breasts were in full view, a perky and totally irresistible swell. I was just about to reach around to cup them again.
Beep.
The text message alert on Bella's phone jarred me out of ogling her breast. "Do you want to get that?" I asked.
She shook her head. "I'm sure it's nothing important."
Beep.
Two seconds later: Beep.
Whoever was texting was a pain in the ass. I hated when people sent one-word texts in quick succession.
Beep.
Seriously?
"Sounds important Bella, maybe you should get it." I was irritated by the interruption.
Bella sighed, and reached across the table to grab her iPhone. The only person I knew who sent annoying one-word texts was Alice. Fuck, I bet she was just trying to interrupt us again, little sneak.
Bella slid her finger across her iPhone screen. I inconspicuously tried to read over her shoulder, but Bella looked at it for only a millisecond then put the phone back on the table, face down.
Beep.
I cocked an eyebrow in annoyance. Okay, Alice, it was funny the first few times. Now knock it off. Bella picked up her phone and quickly typed in a reply. There was an immediate response back.
"For fuck's sake. Is that Alice? Give me that Bella, let me get rid of her!" I grabbed the phone out of her hand and Bella's face dropped as I read the screen.
Jacob: hiiiiiii
Jacob: still up?
Jacob: whatcha doing?
Jacob: wanna do me :o)
Jacob: hellooooo?
Then Bella's response: Edward's here
Jacob: so no booty call tonight ;O(
"Fucking asshole! Are you kidding me?" I was cursing under my breath and not to Bella, but she responded.
"Sorry about that," she said quietly.
Beep.
"Oh my God!" We both said together out of frustration.
So help me Jacob Black, I will remove your balls one at a time with a rusty knife and sauté them in a hot skillet with jalapeno peppers and feed them to you.
The next message popped up on the screen instantaneously.
Jacob: Goodnight Eddie :oP
What a fucker! He knew I'd see the messages, and he was being an ass in spite of it. I stood up from the couch, stomped to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator. I slammed the fridge door shut, rattling the contents of the fridge loudly, but I didn't care. I leaned against the counter, swigging back the water, wishing I were chugging vodka instead.
Bella came to stand in front of me, but I couldn't look at her. "I'm sorry Edward. He was being a brat."
"Brat? More like a douche bag, Bella." I was pissed.
"I'll talk to him tomorrow." She touched my arm, and it felt like she shocked me. I turned to look at her, those brown eyes apologetic. "Let's go back to the living room." She took my hand and led me back to the couch. We sat beside each other in silence. I could pretend I didn't know that Jacob had given her a truck, but I couldn't pretend that he hadn't just summoned her for a late night hook up.
Bella sighed and turned on the TV. "Anything you want to watch?" she asked.
"Nope." Did I want to maim her ex boyfriend? Yup!
Another heavy sigh from her. What was she so pissed about? It wasn't my ex harassing us. Fucking Jacob. I was really starting to hate that guy. Bella found Kill Bill on one of the movie superstations and put the remote on the table. Oh, how I wished I could pull some of those moves on that asshole.
Before I knew what I was doing, I opened my big mouth. "Does that happen often?" I asked her.
"Jacob texting me?" she asked innocently.
"No, the booty calls, Bella. Do they happen often? " I was really irritated now. Why was she playing coy with me? And did I really want to know the answer to my own question? No, but apparently I was a glutton for punishment.
I heard her take a deep breath. "Not often, no," she said.
"But, they do happen. Awesome." I folded my arms across my chest. Bella turned to look at me.
"Edward, we talked about this earlier."
I could feel my blood starting to boil, but I kept myself fairly calm. "Actually, we didn't. You told me that you and he had a past together. I can respect that. I was under the impression, however, that it was over. Is it not?"
"Yes, it's over." She sounded insubordinate towards me.
Hey! I was just trying to clarify their relationship.
"Clearly you need to define over to Jacob, Bella." Then, against my better judgment, I added "Do you have booty calls with Mike, too?" His name rolled of my tongue venomously.
"I do not have to justify myself to you, Edward."
I winced at how she spat my name out. She folded her arms across her chest in defiance.
"I've known you for one day. One. Day. I really like you, and I really want to explore this insane attraction I feel towards you. But this possessiveness you feel toward me is a little much."
"Maybe I should just go." I told her. Our eyes met, her anger mirrored my own. Then, she frowned a little and her expression softened.
"I wish you wouldn't." She uncrossed her arms and put her hand on my leg gently. "Please," she added quietly, her eyes urging me to stay. "Yes, Jacob is being an ass. I'm sorry. I promise I will talk to him tomorrow. Please, don't go." Those brown eyes of hers were now begging me.
I gave her a meek smile. I really didn't want to be apart from her, and I certainly didn't want her calling back Jacob in haste if I did leave. I didn't want him benefitting from our argument.
"I'll stay." I told her grudgingly. The old Edward would have said "Fuck you" and left, but I couldn't risk her running to Jacob.
"Thank you," she said softly. She snuggled closer to me, her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her and kissed the top of her head. Her hair smelled faintly of strawberries, and I buried my nose in the scent for just a minute.
Fucking Jacob. He really fucking pissed me off! He needed a course in refinement and I'd be happy to school him, the rat bastard. We watched the movie in silence, our bodies close, but my mind was far away still on him. I couldn't believe the gall he had!
Bella covered a yawn as the movie ended.
"Did you want to head to bed?" I asked. I wasn't tired, my anger was still in my veins keeping me alert.
"Not yet. Can I just sleep on you for a bit?"
I was not going to refuse her request. I moved to the far end of the couch and put my feet up on the coffee table. Bella lay on her side, her face on my left thigh, one hand tucked under her cheek. Kill Bill Volume 2 came on next and I played with Bella's hair as she closed her eyes. I tucked a piece behind her ear and played with the length of it, wrapping the long strands around my fingers. I used my fingers as a comb and raked through the soft waves, the scent of her wafting up and assaulting my nose, but I loved it. Bella moaned quietly, and I smiled down at her. I traced my finger down her cheek, across those sweet lips, then through her hair again. Her lips formed a small smile in her slumber. She was so beautiful, and she was going to be mine.
Fuck you, Jacob Black. The next booty call was going to be with me.
I leaned my head back against the couch and watched the movie for a bit, all the while stroking Bella's locks. She started mumbling in her sleep again, nothing like that first night, though she did say my name a bunch of times, each time bringing a smile to my lips.
I woke up a while later, an infomercial for the Magic Bullet blender on the TV. I almost wanted to take out my credit card and buy one but decided against it. Bella was sound asleep, her mouth opened slightly. She looked so peaceful and I didn't want to disturb her, but my legs were cramping up. I put my feet on the floor and wiggled my toes to get the blood back to them. I lifted Bella's head from my lap carefully and held it while I stood up and turned to pick her up in my arms. She sighed, and threw one arm around my neck, and nuzzling closer to me. She felt like she weighed next to nothing in my arms. I carried her to her room and moved the covers back. laying her down on her side, her hair splayed across the pillow. I tucked the blankets around her and kissed her forehead gently.
"I love you, Edward," she mumbled quietly.
I stood still. Pardon me? Excuse me? You what?
"Edward….I love you….love…only… you"
My heart stopped in my chest and I stood as still as stone. Those words hung in the air and made me content and panicked at the same time. She loved me. Maybe the possessiveness I felt towards her was justified. Maybe she was already mine.
"My beautiful Bella." My lips touched hers and she smiled beneath me. I ran my fingers through her hair one last time, then grabbed a pillow and the extra blanket off her bed and slipped back out to the living room, closing her door behind me.
I'm sure I could have crawled into bed beside her and not been chastised for it in the morning, but I didn't want to risk waking her up and doing something I'd regret later. I turned off the lights and the TV in the living room, then pulled off my jeans, folded them neatly, and placed them on the coffee table. In my boxers and t-shirt, I settled myself on the couch for a lonely night's sleep. I lay on my back, pillow bunched under my head. I clasped my fingers resting my hands on my chest. My feet hung over the edge of the couch and I waited for sleep to come.
It took a long time for me to fall asleep. When it did, it was a restless one, broken up by nightmares and dreams. Jacob's text messages taunting me, a flash of Bella in Jacob's naked arms, his dark eyes glaring, his lips smirking in pleasure. Then I heard the sweet voice of Bella saying, "I love you, Edward" and the feeling of Bella's lips on mine, ever soft and gentle. I dreamt of making love to her. My lips on her breasts, my hands roaming down her naked back, pushing my length into her wetness, moving slowly as if we had all the time in the world. Her lips were on mine, moving down my jaw, her hands in my hair. Half conscious, I wrapped my hand around my straining cock. Those last visions were vivid in my head and dictated my desire for release. In just a few strokes from base to tip I exploded with a loud groan, uttering her name.
I quickly went down the hallway to the washroom to clean up. I splashed cold water on my face and shook my head at myself in the mirror. I couldn't love her. I couldn't do it. I fought with myself not to go into Bella's room because if I did I probably wasn't going to come back out until morning. Instead I went back to the darkened living room, grabbed a clean pair of boxers from my bag, which was still in the living room, and got comfortable on the couch again. I was asleep in a matter of minutes.
The sensation of kisses on my face and jaw, very similar to my dream last night woke me. I smiled and could feel myself already awake down below. Stretching one arm over my head, I absentmindedly rubbed my semi with the other. I heard a quiet giggle and opened one eye to take in Bella kneeling by my head, huge smirk on her face. My hand immediately stopped rubbing and I casually moved it to my side.
"Good morning, sleepy boy." She smelled of toothpaste and she kissed me again. "Did you need a minute?" A smirk was plastered on her beautiful face.
Well it certainly would only take me a minute if last night had been any indication. I did the only thing I could do - I smirked right back at her.
"How did you sleep?" I asked her, sitting up and rubbing my face with my hands. What time was it? She was still kneeling on the floor, her hair wet, a white robe cinched around her waist. I could smell fresh brewed coffee coming from the kitchen. Apparently she'd been up for a while already.
"So-so. I was a little disappointed to wake up in my bed alone." She certainly was a proficient pouter.
"I wasn't invited," I told her with a shrug.
"Let me state it for the record now then, Mr. Cullen. If you are in my home, you are invited into my bed. Got it?"
"Yes, invitation accepted."
"Good, I'm glad that's settled." She briefly glanced down at my lap and smiled. "I take it you want a shower this morning?" I gave her a lopsided grin. "I left a towel on the bathroom counter for you. Take your time. I'll get started on breakfast."
She kissed my thigh and stood up, her robe falling open just enough to expose just a hint of her naked breasts to me. Bella totally did that on purpose! She turned and shimmied her way over to the kitchen, her ass swaying sexily. I made my way to the bathroom, my dick pointing the way.
I kept the water on the cool side in the shower. In my haste to get away from the temptation known as Isabella Swan, I'd left my toiletries in my bag in the living room. I couldn't risk going out there at this point, I needed to calm myself down first. I grabbed Bella's Lush aka girlie shampoo, lathered it on my head and rinsed it out. I was going to smell like a freaking girl, but at least it was my girl.
Don't say that, I scolded myself. Bella's not your girl.
Oh but she is, she confirmed it last night when she said she loved you.
Fuck. This could end very badly, for us both.
I rubbed my face with my hands, the stubble itching.
No, it has the potential to be good. I could do this. I just needed to be careful.
As I debated the potential relationship, I also deliberated on using Bella's pink razor on my face, but thought that might be pushing the limits. I hoped Bella would find the extra days growth rugged and sexy and not reminiscent of Paul Bunyan.
I lathered Bella's body soap between my hands and washed under my armpits, and down the rest of my body, giving myself a successful pep talk as I did. I rewarded myself by turning the tap much hotter and relaxed as the spray washed the soap and my fears down the drain.