Chapter 6: In the Light
In the Light by Led Zeppelin
~Bella Swan~
Monday morning dawned bright and beautiful. It was now mid-June in New York and the city was alive with visitors, people returning home and native New Yorkers just out and about enjoying the summer. But I was largely unable to notice because of the events of the past few days.
I walked to work through the park thinking about my weekend. I felt like I had been on a roller coaster in some respects. Between meeting the Apollo on Friday and seeing him again on Saturday, and then James's declaration I was experiencing a tumult of emotions. I kept going over the interactions with the Apollo over and over in my head. I couldn't explain it. I couldn't explain the heat that coursed through my body.
The problem was I was now "officially" with James. We were exclusive. He wasn't dating anyone else and I wasn't either, even though I hadn't been since our first few dates. He expressed his wish to be with me, and I agreed to see him exclusively on Saturday night. But when I woke up on Sunday, I was still uneasy.
Maybe I didn't want to see him exclusively?
Why didn't I say no?
Who the hell was Apollo and why was I having toe-curling, heart-stopping feelings for a man I hardly talked to?
Ugh. I was frustrated by the fact that my brain kept going back to him.
I was exhausted from all the thinking. By Sunday night, I was finally able to focus on some work and realized that I needed to start preparing press and event releases for the upcoming fundraiser. Every year the Met had a huge fundraising event just after the Fourth of July. This year it was set for July 8, but since June was quickly passing us by, I knew I needed to get things in order before it arrived. We had multiple event writings, press releases, updates on exhibits, updates on new programs and such to write. I knew the interns would help with a lot of it, but I would have to sign off on their work which meant additional time in the office and at home.
Not only that, as staff we were expected to attend the event and help entertain many of the wealthy donors. I remembered the first year I attended I was so nervous. Thankfully I was able to hang out with Jasper and Alice and meet Carlisle and Esme. It was so much fun I actually looked forward to it now, even if I had to do a lot of work beforehand.
But like any major New York event I knew I needed to look the part and would have to buy a new evening gown and this year a mask. The theme for the event was a masquerade ball because we were opening a new exhibition with masks from all over the world.
Which is why I needed to employ Alice for help.
Being a Design Editor at one of the major fashion magazines, Alice always knew what was "in" and what was perfect for the event. Not only that, she had access to designers, accessories, shoes, you name it. Luckily talking to her about dresses and other essentials took my mind off of James and Apollo for the rest of the night and I was actually able to get some work done.
I strode into the office at quarter after eight, refreshed from my morning run and walk through the park. I smoothed out my shirt dress and slipped off my sandals that I used to walk and replaced them with my new gray platform peep toe pumps. I had to giggle a bit every time I did this. I was so clumsy when I was younger that once I got an internship at the Met I had to learn how to walk in heels. Kate would make me walk with a book on my head down our short hallway in our tiny apartment like some old manner school hag.
I must say it worked; now I could at least put two feet in front of the other and walk like a respectable woman.
Unless I ran into a wall of muscle bearing a sexy tattoo and jade eyes.
Goddamnit! There he was again.
I shook my head and tried to push the image of those deep jade pools out of my brain.
You have a boyfriend now Bella; you can't be lusting over some random man.
I quickly sat down to check my email and then walked out to the open desk area to give out the various projects to the interns. Just as I looked up I saw a delivery man walk up to the desk with a bouquet of flowers. We didn't have a receptionist in the back office so the poor kid looked lost and I walked over to see if I could help him.
"Can I help you?" I called out. And he flushed bright red and sputtered at me.
"Um…uh…y-y-yes. These are for an Isabella Swan?" He looked at me wide-eyed. He couldn't have been more than seventeen.
Isabella? That's strange, no one ever calls me by my full name except Renee.
But I smiled at him as I made my way over. "I'm Bella, I mean Isabella. Do you need me to sign?"
He nodded. His mouth was still agape and I looked down to make sure I didn't tuck my dress into my panties or something. Everything appeared okay so I just shook it off and signed for the flowers and turned to head back to my office.
"Oooh Ms. Swan got flowers…" I heard an intern say and I immediately knew who it was.
"Lauren, Jessica, I suggest you get back to work." I quirked an eyebrow at them and at the same time I noticed the scowl on Mike Newton's face as he looked at Tyler.
Yes, my four interns were a bit of a challenge this year.
I walked to my office and closed the door and looked at the flowers. They were tall and bright blue with multiple flowers running up a rod. I knew they weren't gladiolas or orchids, but they were beautiful nonetheless. I set them on the edge of my desk and grabbed the card. It merely said my name on the front, but when I opened it there was nothing inside. No name or signature.
The card merely denoted the flower. Blue Salvia.
Huh.
I looked into the flowers thinking maybe the card was dropped in or the company switched them, but nothing was there.
Well that's odd. Who would take the time to send me flowers and not sign their name? I instantly thought of a few people it could be. It could be James after our weekend, but he never really seemed like the romantic type.
It could be Alice or Jasper because my brother's birthday was on Friday. Same with Kate or my Mom or Dad.
But they would all sign their names wouldn't they?
Maybe it's a mix-up. But that didn't seem right either because my name wasn't exactly common. I had never met another Isabella Swan. Even stranger, none of them referred to me as Isabella.
I sat down at my computer thinking it over when my phone rang suddenly.
"Hello." I stared at the flowers when I heard a loud shriek on the other end.
"Bella! I found the most absolutely perfect dress for the Met event. It's gorgeous, it's a Marchesa and it's beaded with flowers and it's bronze and chocolate brown. Oh my God, it will look so good with your eyes, and your skin and your killer bod! I am totally swiping it along with some shoes and some jewelry. I might even be able to get you a mask. You need to come over and try it on tonight." I don't think she took a breath during that rant.
"Alice, first of all, take a breath."
She giggled. "Sorry, you know how I am with fashion."
I rolled my eyes at myself. "Second, yes I will come try it on, but a Marchesa? That has to be expensive?"
"Meh, I have connections baby; you'll get it for half. Not to mention, you will be strutting it on the red carpet and at the event, so it's free advertising."
"All right Alice, what time do you want me to come over?" I shook my head and smiled into the phone.
"How about seven? I have a shoot until six but I should be home after that."
"Sounds great. See you tonight."
I ended the call and just shook my head laughing. Leave it to Alice to find "the perfect dress" only twelve hours after I talked to her.
I glanced up at the flowers on my desk when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
A head tentatively poked around the corner. "Ms. Swan, I, um have a question about something."
"Of course Tyler, I'll be out in just a minute to help you all."
I logged off my computer and walked back out of the main area without thinking about the flowers again that morning.
*&^%$#
The morning was filled with initial drafts of communications items and lunch arrived before I knew it. I asked Jasper to join me in the park since I brought my lunch that day. It was warm out and already June 8. Summer was officially underway, and we decided to eat in the park.
We walked a bit up toward the reservoir and found a bench to sit and eat our lunch in shade.
"So how was the anniversary Jazz?" I asked, as I took a bite of my turkey sandwich.
"It was great. We went to Le Cirque, and she really liked the pendant." He smiled.
"Oh, I know she did; she told me all about it last night." I laughed as I slowly chewed my sandwich, and then there was an uncomfortable silence between us. It was odd because Jazz and I usually chatted so effortlessly. I knew what it stemmed from and decided to take it head on.
"So Jasper, you said the man from Friday was an old friend? How do you know him?" I looked away as I slowly rubbed my apple.
"Um…He's really no one Bella…an old friend from high school." He shrugged and got quiet.
Why was Jazz being so secretive?
"Did you not like him or something?" I probed for information.
Jazz shook his head. "No, not at all…it's just…complicated Bella." He took a bite of his lunch then and looked away.
I knew that was the end of it. If there was one thing I knew about Jasper, he was very private with certain matters and once a subject was closed, that was it.
We chatted some more about his and Alice's anniversary and finished up our lunches. But as we made our way back to the Met, I had a strange sense that someone was watching me. It was odd; it was that feeling where the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. I glanced around, trying to see if I saw someone I knew.
"Something wrong Bella?" Jazz looked at me with concern.
"Uh, no Jazz, nothing. It's nothing."
As we returned to our offices, Jazz told me he was in for a long day ahead because they were starting a new six week educational program the next week, and he had to finish some research for it. He was likely in for a late night. I mentioned that I was going to their condo later so maybe Alice and I would just have dinner and some wine.
I'll have to text Alice later.
I looked at my desk once more; the flowers were shining brightly under the fluorescent lights, and I decided to give James a quick call.
"Hello." He sounded gruff and busy.
"Hi, it's me. Sorry to bother you at work."
"No, that's fine. What is it, Bella?"
"I just wanted to thank you for the flowers. They're very pretty." I smiled as I looked at them once again.
"What flowers?"
He didn't know about the flowers?
"The ones I got this morning. Didn't you send them?" I asked confused.
"No. I didn't send them. Someone sent you flowers?"
Shit, he sounded pissed now. Then who the hell sent the flowers?
"I…I don't know. Maybe it was one of my parents…Brad's birthday is this Friday." I said quickly.
He just harrumphed on the other end. What the hell was his problem?
"You sure they aren't from someone else?" He asked with almost a snarl.
"I really don't know who they're from, James. They didn't put a name on the card, just the type of flower." I said, evenly.
"Whatever Bella. I have to go."
"Well, can I call you tonight?" I asked, hesitantly.
"Sure." And he clicked off the line.
Cripes. Overreact much. What was that about?
I looked at my cell phone and back at the flowers. This was so odd. Who would send me flowers and not put their name on them? Maybe it really was just a mistake.
I decided to do a quick search on the internet. Maybe if I found out what Blue Salvia stood for then it would give me some indication of who they were from. I pulled up Google and typed in the line and clicked the search button.
I scanned for a page showing the meanings of flowers and scrolled through the different types. Finally I found it.
Blue Salvia- I think of you.
Hmmm. I pondered that meaning. That could be almost anyone, but I was sure it had to be one of my parents or maybe Kate or Alice. I sent them each a quick email and then shut my laptop. I needed to attend to my interns and get through a pile of drafts for communications items.
The rest of the afternoon went by at a rapid pace. At six-thirty I finally left the office and decided to simply walk to Alice and Jasper's condo. They lived on the Upper East Side on the other side of the Met.
As I walked down Fifth Avenue I warmed my face in the evening sunlight. It felt wonderful. Facing south and walking into the light; I let my strange day and even stranger weekend slip away for a bit. After I emailed Kate and Alice, they both responded that neither one of them had sent the flowers.
It was odd, but I was sure they must be from one of my parents or maybe even one of the boys in Brooklyn. I wouldn't put it past Sam and Emily to send them. Emily, Sam's wife, was always so sweet and supportive. I would just have to ask them this weekend.
Considering their thoughtful gift and the meaning behind the flowers took me back to Brad's last birthday before he died. It was his twenty-fifth birthday…
"Bella, Bella, Bo-Bella. Are you ready yet?" Brad yelled up the stairs.
"Hold on Braddy. I just need to put my hair up." I hollered back.
I started smiling as I threw my hair in a ponytail. It was the summer after my first year at NYU. I was so excited because I had just moved into my first apartment at the end of the school year with Kate. I had commuted all year to NYU because the subway ride from Brooklyn wasn't far. But now that I was interning at the Met and working part-time at the gallery in SoHo, I wanted to be in Manhattan.
Kate and I moved into a little place not far from NYU. We had only been there for three weeks, but I was back in Brooklyn for Brad's birthday.
"Belly! Let's go!" Brad shouted again.
I grabbed my purse and looked in the mirror again at my jean skirt and white tank. We were going down to MacNamara's to celebrate with all of Brad's friends and of course, Charlie.
I hustled down the stairs as I saw Brad taking a swig of his beer and his eyebrows shot up.
"What are you wearing, Bell?"
I rolled my eyes at him. "It's called a skirt Brad, sheesh."
I grabbed his beer from him and took a swig.
"Hey, you're too young for that." He mocked me.
I rolled my eyes again. "What are you going to do to me officer?"
He snorted and just shook his head. Charlie always let us have a beer at home if we wanted to. When he was growing up, the drinking age was eighteen. Even though he was a cop, he always said if you could vote or fight in a war, you should be able to have a beer too.
"You ready to go?" I asked.
"Yeah. I just can't believe my little sister is so grown up. I'm going to have to keep my wits about me and keep all the boys away."
"Whatever Braddy. Let's go." I rolled my eyes and finished his beer.
"Hey, don't call me that." He lightly punched me in the arm and tried to give me a noogie.
I slipped away. "Don't call me Bella Bella Bo-Bella." I laughed, and we turned to leave for MacNamara's.
"So, who's this boy you met?" Brad asked as we were about a block from Mac's.
"Alec. He's nice. He's in business school. His Dad works for Merrill Lynch. He's from a good family on the Upper West Side. I've only gone out on two dates with him, Brad." I stopped him before he could give me the inquisition.
"Just as long as you're being careful."
"I'm a big girl, Brad. I'll be fine." Damn overprotective older brother. "And yes, I have my pepper spray, and I remember my defense moves before you even ask."
"I know, I know." He held up his hands.
We walked into Mac's to find almost all the guys from his precinct. Many of them were still in uniform having just gotten off their shifts. Sam, Jared, Embry, Harry, Quil, my Dad, Billy and Jake were all seated at a big booth in the corner. Beers already littered the table along with onion rings, fries and chicken wings.
"Belly! I didn't know you'd be joining us!" Harry jumped up and gave me a hug. I squeezed him back affectionately. Harry was always like a second father to me.
"Hi Harry, how are you?"
"I'm good. Jeeze Belly you look so grown up, now I see why Charlie's so concerned." He held my arms and looked back at me.
I rolled my eyes again. Not just an overprotective brother but an overprotective precinct as well.
"Yeah, and now she's got a boyfriend too." Brad muttered.
Shit.
"Brad!" I snapped. The last thing I needed was all of the cops asking me about that.
"A boyfriend? Oh boy, I think I need to meet this kid." Harry said rubbing his chin. But I saw the look of amusement in his eyes; he knew Charlie and Brad would be tough enough.
"C'mon Belly, have a seat. We'd give you a beer but you know, we're cops and have to uphold the law and all that." He joked.
"It's okay Harry. I'm probably going to have to get the birthday boy home anyway."
I sat down in the booth between Brad and Jake, who of course left me a spot. He just wasn't going to get it that I wasn't interested.
We laughed and joked as the guys drank their beers and I my diet coke. Brad's friends told stories about their antics as kids and lined the shots up in front of him. By eleven we had one inebriated Brad and a pretty well lit bunch of cops as well.
Suddenly Jake was a bit too close and had been drinking along with everyone. Probably as much as Brad since it was his best friend's birthday.
"So, you're dating someone?" He asked, and I could hear the curiosity and jealousy laced in his voice.
"Yes, Jake, I believe I am a single woman in New York, and I am dating someone."
I knew my tone was a bit clipped, but I really didn't know how else to get the point across to him.
"Hmpf. Have Brad and Charlie met him?"
"No, they haven't. And if it goes somewhere they will." I shrugged.
"Hey Bella, I think your brother is ready to go home." Harry nudged me.
I looked over at Brad and started laughing. He was falling asleep in his beer. Charlie had to work a night shift tonight, so he had been drinking cokes with me before he'd left an hour earlier. I would walk back with Brad.
"I'll get him, Harry."
"You sure?"
"Yeah." I stood up and pulled Brad's arm toward me.
"C'Mon Braddy."
"Don't callllll me tat Belly." He slurred and I laughed at him while hoisting his arm over my shoulder.
"You got him, Bell?." Jake asked a bit too eagerly.
"I'll be fine, Jake. I've done this a few times." I said a bit shortly. 'And I don't want you coming home with us,' I thought to myself.
"Fine." He grumbled.
I hoisted Brad up and everyone shouted their good-byes. I just laughed as Brad tried to slur out his response.
We shuffled down the street the three blocks to our home. I pulled Brad into the house and helped him up the stairs to his room. He crumpled onto his bed like I had pushed over a stack of books. I pulled off his shoes and ran downstairs to grab him a glass of water.
"Here Braddy, drink some of this before you go to bed."
"Belly, you alwayssss take such gooood care of me n Dad." He slurred.
I smiled at him as he sipped the water with his eyes closed.
"Promise me…." He said thickly. "Something happens you take care of yourssselfff."
"Braddy quit your drunk talk. Nothing's going to happen to you or Dad." I shook my head at him. He always did this when he had too much. He was never sentimental, but once he had some drinks he'd get all emotional.
"You doooon't know that Belly…jist promise me."
"Okay, I promise." I grabbed the water from him and set it on his night stand and walked toward the door and turned off his light.
"And ifff this Alec kid hurtssss you…I'll kick his asssss." He said before he fell back on to the bed.
"Okay Braddy. Good night." I laughed at him as I rolled my eyes.
"Love you, Belly."
"Love you too, Braddy."
I turned the corner for the last block to Alice and Jasper's when I noticed a tear had slipped out of my eye. I quickly wiped it away. It was a fond memory of Brad, and I had to keep my promise to him that I would take care of myself and move on with my life. Through all of my work with the group that Alice and I attended I learned to focus on the good memories of Brad. I could be angry and frustrated, like I was for a while after everything happened. But I knew I couldn't go on living like that and Brad wouldn't want me to either.
I walked into Alice and Jasper's building waving at the doorman. He just smiled as he held the door. He knew me well since I was over here at least twice a week.
"Hi Fred. How are you this evening?"
"Very well, Ms. Swan, and you?"
"Oh Fred, it's Bella please and I'm good." I smiled.
The elevator took me to the twentieth floor and I stepped out to make my way down the hallway to their condo. I knocked before I entered, even though I knew the door was open, and then stepped inside.
"Alice?" I hollered as I set my purse on the granite island in their kitchen. I saw two glasses of wine already waiting in the kitchen, so I knew she couldn't be far.
"Bella!" I almost jumped.
"Hey Al."
"Oh my gosh, you have to see this dress. Here, take your wine." She handed me the glass and grabbed hers and then took my hand and pulled me through their condo to the master bedroom.
She and Jasper had a beautiful place. It was all clean lines and modern trim, with white couches and black and white pillows and bright artwork decorating the walls. It was a spacious two bedroom and had fantastic views of the park even though it was a couple blocks away.
"Ok, here. This is just going to be unbelievable on you." She pulled out the garment bag as I sipped my glass of merlot and looked around their bedroom. It was similar clean lines, but with a bit more warmth, with light blue walls and a large bed covered in white bedding.
I sat down on the fluffy king, careful not to spill my wine, and watched in awe as she revealed the dress. It was gorgeous. It was strapless, floor length, fitted and covered in beading. It was simple, yet the intricate bead work was the shape of flowers. It looked like an elegant mosaic as the different beads and sequins glistened in the light.
"Wow Al, I love it!" I breathed.
"I knew you would. Oooh and I got shoes and jewelry and even a mask too." She was so excited she was clapping like a child as she spun around looking for the rest. She handed me some gorgeous bronze stilettos and tsked as she looked for the jewelry and mask.
"Hmmm, I must have left them in the living room. You put it on and I will go get them."
I set my wine glass down, undressed quickly and ran my hands over the sequined bodice. The work of it was really sensational and I loved the chocolate brown and bronze. I didn't wear brown often so it would be fun to try something different.
I slipped out of my bra, standing in only my panties and slid the gown on. It fit perfectly as I zipped up the side and closed the hook and eye. Of course Alice would find something great. She knew me so well.
I stepped into the shoes and made my way to the full length mirror in the master bath and spun around in the light. The dress was really magnificent. It was understated, yet so intricate and beautiful at the same time. It was like a piece of art, which was perfect for an event at the Met.
I wondered what was taking Alice so long and shuffled out of the bathroom to make my way down the hall.
A sudden surge of electricity coursed up my spine.
Must be the wine and the excitement over the dress, I thought. I was almost giddy.
"Al, did you find the jewelry and mask? I love the dress. It really is perfect." I called as I turned into the living room and stopped abruptly.
"Oh." I gasped, and the surge of electricity shot through my entire body.
Standing in the middle of the living room was a man holding Alice in an embrace. But his gaze was over her shoulder and his jade eyes bored into mine.
Apollo.
*&^%$#
~Agent Cullen~
I spent Sunday and Monday running over everything regarding my mission in my head. I thought about the way I needed to make contact to get back in. I knew they expected me back in New York in a week. But in the underground like this, it wasn't like I was walking into an office building for a 9:00 appointment.
I ran through everything I knew about the Dracs' New York organization. They were largely based out of Hell's kitchen where I would be living. I would find a point man named Nelo and then he would direct me in from there. I also knew that the Dracs had warehouse space in the Brooklyn shipyards along with several other properties scattered about the boroughs and New Jersey.
I did know, however, that one of their main clubs, Dawnbreak, was in Hell's kitchen. It was a place that looked just like Poarta Ardeal from the front, yet in the back it was a whole other world. In the back was where the girls, shipped to the U.S., fulfilled their "duties" or were sold to the highest bidder. I figured my best chance for making contact with Nelo was to go to the club on Thursday night. I had a picture of him in my brain that Corin had shown me before I left. I also knew he would be expecting me.
The rest of the day Sunday and Monday I spent scoping out the area around my new apartment, the club, and discreetly some of the properties in Brooklyn.
Of course through all of this I tried to focus on not thinking about the woman. Bella. But I found myself running up and down East Drive past the Met twice a day hoping to maybe catch a glimpse. I even went back to Gray's for lunch thinking I might see her again.
Finally, I resolved that on Tuesday, I would go to the Met and possibly talk to her. I wasn't sure as to how, when or where exactly. I didn't want to walk into her office and I didn't know her last name…yet. But that was something else I wanted to find out.
Thus, my first stop would be to visit Alice and Jasper tonight. It was two-fold. I knew I needed to see Alice and at the same time I was hoping to get information from them on Bella. Obviously Jasper knew her, and maybe Alice did too. Hell, maybe I would even be able to get her address.
Stalker.
My rational brain screamed at me because I was fighting all rational thought and tendencies as an agent, an undercover agent no less, in even thinking about seeing this woman.
But as I resolved on Sunday during my run, I had to do it. I had to find out what the hell this electricity was between us and, if anything, attempt to get her out of my head so I could go on and focus on my mission.
Monday evening came and I still had my key for Alice and Jasper's condo. I wanted to go in the dark, but I was afraid security might actually be harder at that time considering the building they lived in. So instead I was very careful about not leaving a trail and gave the doorman a different name. I showed him the key which had the inscription of the building's name on it, and he let me through. I was sure to make my way up to the floor with the name I gave him, just in case he was watching the elevators as I ascended.
Then I took the stairs back down to the twenty-second floor, careful to keep my hat and my sunglasses on. I had bought a cheap hat at a tourist store and some big fake sunglasses which would both cover all my hair and most of my face. I also pulled up the collared shirt I was wearing in hopes of hiding my face as much as possible on the security cameras.
I knew there was a chance they wouldn't be home yet, but I figured it was a Monday so it was a more likely night to catch them in. I went to use the key to open the door, but the door was already open. I stepped in and quietly shut it.
I walked into the living area past the counter where I saw a purse and keys sitting on the granite.
Alice must be home.
I could hear talking down the hallway and I assumed she was on the phone. I hoped I didn't scare her but there really was no other way to do this. I couldn't warn her like I had my parents.
Suddenly I heard heels clicking down the hallway and Alice humming happily. I waited with baited breath until she appeared in the doorway.
She didn't see me at first, but hurried over toward the dining room and I took a step forward. Her head shot up, and her eyes went wide as she gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.
"Oh my God." She shook her head.
"Hey Al." I looked at her intently. My little sister was as fashionably dressed as usual. She was dressed from work in a fitted red dress and heels. Her black spikey hair was in a neat pixie cut on top of her head and her big blue eyes filled with tears.
"Edward." She said as she finally walked over and I wrapped my arms around her and she reciprocated. She cried into my chest and I just stood there holding her in the living room.
I missed my little sister. I missed her fun spirit and exuberant personality. I missed her laugh and the way she always knew how to cheer me up. She was a bit much at times, but I would do anything to protect her. And now, it was just she and I. I knew she felt like I was leaving her too when I joined the FBI, and I couldn't help but think back to the day I left for Romania…
"Please Edward, why are you doing this?"
"You know why I have to do this Al. It's my job." I shrugged at her as I packed up my duffle. I had been staying at their place for a few weeks on break. I was leaving for D.C. again, and then off to Romania for my mission.
"It's not because of your job. You don't have to be undercover; you could do something else, something less dangerous." She shook her head at me as she sat on the guest bed.
"Al, please, this is what I want to do. Mom already tried this with me, and it's not going to work."
"But what if something happens to you? It will kill her." She said quietly and then looked down at her hands. "It will kill me too. I can't lose you both; I feel like I already have." She was so quiet I almost didn't hear her, but I did.
"What are you talking about?" I stopped my packing and looked at her.
She tipped her head up. Her eyes were filled with tears and she frowned at me. "Edward, you haven't been the same since Eric's death, and I get it. I know, but you have to move on, we are all trying too."
"I am moving on. That's why I am in the FBI." I said through gritted teeth.
Move on. Get past it. Live your life. Everyone kept telling me that, but they didn't understand.
"You're not moving on. You're running away. You're not facing your problems or coming to terms with anything. Instead you're just fulfilling your need for vengeance and unwilling to work through the grief."
"Stop Al!" She flinched. I pinched the bridge of my nose. I didn't want to fight with her. I might not see her again and I didn't want to leave like this.
"Al, this is what I do. This is who I am." I said in a stern voice.
"It's not you Edward." The tears started flowing then and my heart clenched. "You haven't been you since Eric died, and I don't think I am ever going to get my brother back."
"Oh Al." I sighed and my heart instantly ached. I stopped my packing and pulled her into a hug. "I'll come back."
"Please, please just…be careful and come back." She said as she hugged me in her patented vice grip hug.
"I will." Even though I knew I couldn't promise her that. And I wasn't talking about coming back from the mission…
I looked down at Alice then, noticing I was in the same vice grip hug when suddenly I heard a voice and shoes walking down the hallway.
Shit someone else is here. I tensed, unsure what to do. How could I get out of this? Who could it be?
My eyes instantly went to the doorway when I heard it. Her voice.
Oh. My. Fucking.
Shit!
"Al, did you find the jewelry and mask. I love it, it really is perfect." She turned the corner from the hall and stopped.
"Oh." She said with a gasp and she looked as completely surprised as me.
I felt like the room was instantly filled with a current and my eyes were staring into hers as Alice finally turned in my embrace. But I hardly noticed.
Time stood still. She was standing before me in an elegant evening gown. It fit her perfectly, and made her look even more alluring than when I saw her on Friday.
A flood of emotions and thoughts soared through my brain. Shit. She's seen me here. This is not good, now she'll know that I am Alice's brother and she could be in danger. At the same time I was just drinking her in as she stood before me and I was absolutely hypnotized by her presence.
"Bella, this is my brother Edward." Alice said once she gained her composure.
"Edward." She whispered and shook her head like she was thinking of something. "Um…yes. We've met actually." She said walking over.
Alice's brows furrowed and she looked at me then. I realized I had been holding my breath, and I let it out slowly as my whole world had just come to a screeching halt in a matter of seconds.
"How do you know each other?" She glanced back and forth at us then.
I looked down at Alice, her question finally registering and then my gaze moved back to Bella. I couldn't take my eyes off her in the impeccable dress, her hair in a loose chignon and her beautiful long neck exposed. Her creamy skin was luminous in the light from the west facing window, and her perfect pouty lips and dark sultry eyes were mesmerizing me.
Shit. Get it together Cullen
I shook my head. "I actually about knocked her over at Gray's on Friday and then we saw each other at the museum. Isn't that right." I gave her a small smile and she nodded and bit her lip.
Fuck. That lip again.
"Really? How funny!" Alice immediately perked up and was back to her usual buoyant self. "What a coincidence. Well, Edward officially this is my friend Bella. She works with Jasper at the Met, but we've been friends since…"
Suddenly she trailed off and I should have noticed the inflection in her voice, but I was too busy staring at the goddess before me. At last Bella walked the rest of the way over and extended her hand.
"Well it's nice to meet you officially, Apo…errr I mean Edward." She smiled and blushed scarlet, and the color made her cream skin all the more beautiful.
"A pleasure." I smiled and took her hand. Warmth once again shot up my arm and straight to other places where I didn't need to be warm at the moment. But I couldn't help it. She was like a sun, and she lit me on fire and pulled me into her light every time I saw her.
Alice was gaping at us by now and I could see her eyes dancing merrily.
"Well Edward, I was just helping Bella get ready for the big summer fundraising event at the Met. Isn't her dress extraordinary?" She smiled mischievously.
I coughed to keep myself from saying what I was really thinking and nodded. "Yes, it's rather remarkable."
And not just the dress. No, you are remarkable. Exquisite really.
"Well, we have so much to catch up on. Do you want a glass of wine, or no, wait…Bella, stay here a second. I think I actually left the accessories and the mask at work. I'm going to run and get them; I'll be back in no time." Alice was suddenly in a frenzy.
"Wait, Al, no you don't have to do that, I can get them another time." Bella said confusedly.
"Of course not Bella, I want to see if they work, otherwise I will grab you different ones tomorrow because it's the last day of the shoot and all. I don't' want to risk missing out." She waved her hand and she was already half way out the door. "I'll be back soon. You make yourselves comfortable. Start dinner if you like."
"You'll be here when I get back?" She asked me knowingly and I nodded.
Fuck, I couldn't move at this point if I wanted to.
In a whirl she was out the door and I was standing in my sister's condo with the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, a woman who had dominated my mind for the last four days. I wasn't sure how it happened. The last few moments were a lifetime and the blink of an eye, all at the same time.
Oh my God. I am alone with her. With Bella.
"Typical Alice." Bella said just then and rolled her eyes. I could tell she was trying to lighten the killer tension in the room.
"Yes. Typical Alice." I said as I gave her a large smile and her eyes widened as she took a breath.
"Um, I think the wine is on the counter. Al and I were just going to make some dinner because Jasper is working late." She said quickly.
Shit, I hope I'm not gaping at her and making her nervous. Time to use a little charm, Cullen.
What? Charm? You can't flirt with this woman.
But I can get to know her…
"Oh, yes. I'll grab a glass. So you work with Jasper?" I asked.
"Yes at the Met. Hence the dress." She motioned and I couldn't help but let my eyes travel her body again.
"Well you look sensational." I murmured and she drew in a breath as we stared at each other. Blood was pounding in my ears and my breath was ragged. I could feel us moving closer together.
"You changed your hair." She said abruptly and then bit her lip almost embarrassed.
She noticed?
"Uh…yeah…I just got back from….I mean, I actually changed it back. This is the real color." I said as I pulled off my hat and ran my fingers through it.
"Oh." Her eyes followed my hand and then they were burning into mine. "Well I like your real color better." She said in a hushed tone and instantly blushed again.
She liked it. What else did she like?
I could feel the heat and the tension radiating off of both of us. I noticed we were still moving closer and I sucked in a breath and stepped back.
"I'll get us that wine." I gestured.
She shook her head. "Yes. Of course…I mean, actually I have some, but pour yourself a glass and I'll be back in a minute." She turned toward the hallway just then.
"Do you need any help?" I asked before thinking. She stopped and her eyes widened. The fire was crackling now and I instantly admonished myself.
Fuck. Did I really just offer to undress her? Jesus Christ get your shit together Cullen.
"I mean, I know those evening dresses are difficult sometimes" I blanched at my voice as I waved my hand dismissively.
"No, I'm good, but thank you for the offer." Her eyes were smoldering and I could feel my heartbeat quicken until she finally turned and made her way to the bedroom.
What the fuck is my problem? I talk to people all the time, use my charm, my wit, you name it. But I was utterly spellbound by Bella. Had I been under so long I couldn't even talk to a normal woman?
But she's not normal. She's the most gorgeous woman I had ever seen and I gravitated toward her like the earth to the sun. It was petrifying and exhilarating at the same time.
And completely wrong, and she's completely off limits. My rational brain said.
I hurried to the kitchen. Rather than pouring a glass of wine, I grabbed the bottle of Ketel One out of the freezer and filled a glass with ice and a dash of lime juice. I needed something stronger, much stronger. I was at a juncture, I knew it. I could either make up an excuse to leave and simply tell her that I needed to go, and I would catch Alice later; or I could stay.
Yes, I could stay and find out everything I possibly could in this short while and figure this woman out. Maybe that would help me deal with the emotions coursing through my body.
I sipped my drink and pondered my options as I tried to steady my breathing and the growing hardness below my belt.
Just then she walked into the kitchen. My heart stopped and my breath quickened again.
Yup, not going anywhere.
She was now standing before me in a black sleeveless shirt dress with a narrow belt cinching her trim waist. It was sophisticated and sexy at the same time, perfect for a New York working woman. Her chestnut waves were now down and hung around her shoulders. Her face was flushed pink and I couldn't keep my gaze from traveling down her body to the hot ass heels she was wearing that accentuated her long creamy legs.
Jesus. My pants were tightening and I was glad I was wearing the white linen shirt which covered below my belt line. Fuck. It's like I'm in junior high.
"No wine?" She asked with a smile.
"Ketel One instead." I smiled and held up the glass.
"Ah, my favorite other than a glass of red or a Guinness." She said as she took a sip of her wine.
Really? So she likes the Dutch Vodka. What else do you like Mijn Schoonheid?
"Guinness?" I quirked an eyebrow at her.
"Irish girl from Brooklyn. My Dad and my brother both drank it." She winked at me.
Fuck. Harder, much harder. I turned a bit and then realized the inflection in her voice as she said it.
But she set down her glass and drew a breath and walked to the refrigerator.
"What are you doing?" I was so inquisitive about this woman. I wanted to know why she bit her lip and why she ate at Gray's and why she drank Guinness. I wanted to know everything about her. What the hell?
She laughed. "I'm making dinner Edward."
"Here?"
She scoffed. "You should know as well as anyone that Alice can't cook worth a damn." She said smiling.
Ah, she's confident and funny. I remembered that from our interaction at the Met.
"No, she can't." I laughed with her and set down my glass. "Do you need any help?"
"You cook?" She quirked her eyebrow this time and her eyes danced with mirth.
"I've been known to hold my own." I bent down to her ear and whispered. But I wasn't going to tell her it was from taking a class with Claire.
She drew in a quick breath and her eyes darkened. I could feel the tension pulsing between us again. "Well then, E, show me what you've got."
God she's fucking sexy.
Cullen. Get your shit together.
I drew back and instantly willed my body, specifically my cock, to relax as I grabbed a chopping board from the cupboard. I was fighting off the desire to interrogate her and throw her over my shoulder and head to the guest bedroom at the same time.
Ask her about herself dummy, before you start humping her leg like a dog.
"So how long have you known Jasper?" And why haven't I met you before now?
She told me how she met Jasper as an intern and her work at the Met. She was very successful and I assumed she must be Jasper's age or maybe Alice's. She mentioned her interns and how they could be unruly but she loved her job. She loved art and working at the Met. I found out that she was a cop's daughter from Brooklyn, where she grew up, but her parents were now divorced.
Hmmm. Ambitious and confident. She could hold her own, I was sure of it.
I asked her about college and discovered that she went to NYU. I learned that she did a ton of volunteer work. Even though she deflected any praise I rang upon her, she was obviously selfless and simply an extraordinary person. I was completely taken by her.
Then, I found out she was actually supposed to go to Jasper and Alice's wedding but came down with the flu.
Shit, I could have met her how many years ago…Damn.
My rational brain fought those thoughts. But I couldn't help noticing how we worked seamlessly in the kitchen together. I cut up tomatoes and onions and peppers as she put together her red sauce. I found out it was a secret family recipe from her Italian-born grandmother, though the rest of her family was Irish. I teased her that I would learn it and she blushed and I wanted to kiss the red from her cheeks.
This woman will be the death of me.
Like actually could be the death of me.
But I pushed those thoughts out of my mind as I began to realize that this might be the only time I would have like this with her. Talking and laughing, preparing dinner and simply being in Alice and Jasper's kitchen. The thought was unnerving on so many levels and I ignored it. Instead, I simply kept pumping her for information.
I asked her about her favorite foods and cooking and her favorite kind of music. When she said she loved old school rock and Led Zeppelin I about dropped my knife on my foot.
Then she said she was a die-hard Yankees fan and I had to resist the urge to, yet again, throw caution to the wind and kiss her. She had a light about her that just drew me in.
A light. Mijn licht. En de licht. In the light. Led Zeppelin. Jesus Christ.
I shook my head as I thought of the Led Zeppelin song "In the light." How fitting it was.
Wait fitting? Seriously Cullen. You can't be thinking these things.
But I couldn't stop myself. How could this smart, confident, a bit snarky, obviously caring, and compassionate and sexy as hell woman have so much in common with me?
But she was with a man Saturday night. And he was obviously more than a friend.
I forgot about that until that moment and it instantly rocketed through me. I knew she wasn't married, I didn't a notice a wedding ring on her finger and I had already looked at that.
Immediately.
Stalker. My rational brain chanted again.
I determined I needed to find out who he was to her, and how serious they were.
"So did you enjoy the play on Saturday?" I asked then.
She stopped stirring for a moment and I saw a number of emotions run across her face. "Um. Yeah, it' my favorite."
"It's my favorite too." I murmured and I felt us caught in a trance once again.
Of course, another thing in common with a woman I can't have. And the only woman I wanted.
Stop it Cullen. Back to the task at hand. Who's the man?
"Did your boyfriend enjoy it?" I asked quietly.
She flinched and kept stirring. "Uh…yeah."
I went back to preparing the garlic bread and the first bit of unease settled between us. I wasn't sure how to change it and tried to think of something else I could ask when she spoke up.
"He's a bit…um…overprotective, I'm sorry for his reaction?"
"Reaction." I'd be overprotective too if you were my girlfriend. I shook the thought once again.
"I saw him glare at you. It's really nothing. I don't know why he's so possessive. We haven't even been together very long." She said quickly and her eyes darted back to the sauce.
What is she trying to tell me? She isn't in love with him? Their dating, but he's possessive and doesn't have a right to be?
Before I could think I responded. "How long have you been together?"
"Oh, just a few months." It looked like she was going to say something more but stopped.
Just then the door burst open and Alice and Jasper walked in. Alice was completely back to her crazy self. Bella and I both stepped away from each other abruptly as we had again been slowly moving towards one another again.
Alice gave us both a knowing look and grin. Shit. I knew that look; she was going to try to set us up.
And no little sister, I wouldn't be opposed to it this time.
On some other level her look also made me realize that maybe this thing with Bella and her boyfriend wasn't that serious.
"Look who I rode up the elevator with. Finally done with work for the night."
Alice gestured as Jasper strolled in behind her.
"Jazz." I walked over and gave him a hug and tapped his back with my fist.
"E. It's good to see you." I saw him glance at Bella and she raised her eyebrows. Obviously she had told him I was in town, but he didn't tell her who I was.
"Oh, I'm starving and that smell's so good. Is that Grandma Swan's red sauce?" Alice peeked into the pot and ripped off a piece of bread.
"Of course it is Alice have you ever known me to make it any different." Bella scoffed at her and Alice rolled her eyes. Oh I could see how these two were friends. Bella could hold her own against my exuberant sister.
"Swan?" I asked questioningly.
"Bella's last name Edward. Jeesh did you two stand here in silence the whole time?" Alice admonished me.
"No Alice." We both said at the same time and everyone laughed.
The sauce was finished and Jasper and I started setting up the dining room table.
"So, how long are you back for?" He whispered.
"Um…just a few days." I really couldn't tell him I would be in New York indefinitely.
He just nodded and I knew what he was thinking. He knew how much it hurt Alice every time I left, and even though he and I were friends, we had grown apart once I became an agent.
That's because you've grown apart from everyone.
I shook my head and made small talk with Jasper. I asked about his sister Rosalie and his parents. I found out he was now working in the research department at the Met but often had to prep for major educational programs which was why he stayed late that night.
Finally Bella and Alice returned from the kitchen and Bella looked a bit exasperated. I could only imagine Alice was grilling her to find out what we talked about.
We sat down to eat and I almost died at the flavor of the sauce.
"Oh my God, Bella, this is amazing." I said with a very poor mannerly mouthful, but I didn't care. The sauce was like fucking heaven; thick and sultry with a bit of sweetness, yet it had a bit of bite from the pepper. I instantly thought of how it was a fitting representation for the woman herself.
She blushed. "Thanks it's really nothing." She said quietly.
"Whatever Bella, you're a fantastic cook. You don't give yourself enough credit." Alice rolled her eyes.
The interactions throughout dinner with my sister and Jasper confirmed my insights. We laughed and joked and Bella told stories about her interns and Alice about her crazy photographers and models. Jasper and Bella teased each other relentlessly, but I could tell they were all close.
In the short time I had known her, I was growing to understand this woman.
She was a cop's daughter from Brooklyn with a bit of an edge, a slight endearing shyness and at the same time an uptown flare. She was witty and smart and down to earth, even though she worked in one of the most prestigious museums in the world. She was a walking contradiction, she loved art and music and top shelf vodka and at the same time the Yankees and Guinness and running.
A walking contradiction indeed. Contradictions that were so much like…
Me.
Holy fuck.
I stopped eating for a moment as the revelation hit me. Who the fuck was this woman and how hadn't I met her before this time? She's friends with Alice and Jasper and has everything in common with me. I almost couldn't believe it and I had to shake my head. And yet she was the one woman I couldn't have because she knew my entire family. A fucking contradiction of epic proportions and it cut me deep as the thought settled in my brain.
"Edward is something wrong? Is it work?" Alice asked me quietly, and I realized I had been tuned out of the conversation for a moment.
I put on a smile and took a sip of my drink. "No Al, nothing at all. Why?"
Up to this point we had skirted around the issue of my time in New York. I instantly determined I needed to divert any attention from the subject.
"So did you and Bella become friends through Jasper then?" I asked Alice and the table became eerily quiet.
Alice's breath caught and Bella set down her fork and took a sip of her wine. Jasper turned to look at me and I could see something in his eyes.
"Uh no, actually I introduced Bella to Alice when we began at the Met, but they became closer after Eric died." Jasper said.
I shook my head. "Oh, why?" I furrowed my brow.
"Um, my brother was killed that day too..." Bella said quietly and trailed off.
I remembered her words from earlier then. Drank. Her reference was to her brother.
Oh my God.
The realization hit me like a wrecking ball. She lost her brother on 9/11 as well.
I could feel my eyes widen and the tension in the room was palpable. Holy fuck. What do I say? How can this be possible? How can she have that in common with me as well and what the fuck did this all mean?
I cleared my throat. "I see. So you two started talking or something?" I asked tentatively.
"We went to a grief counseling group together Edward." Alice said and another ten pieces fell into place.
I remembered Alice trying to push me into attending with her and how much it helped her. I remember her telling me about her friend that she met and the volunteer work they did.
All of it snapped into place then. I felt…I wasn't sure how I felt. I was shocked and elated at the same time. I couldn't wrap my mind around my similarities with Bella and I also wanted to avoid any conversation of this topic with Alice and Jasper.
So I deflected. As only I knew how to do so well.
"Ah. I think I remember you telling me something about that. Well good for you. You seem to be close." I shrugged, hoping to sound nonchalant, when really I was dying inside. Dying to know more about this woman, dying because she was quite close with Alice and Jasper and dying because I did not want to talk about Mijn Broer.
Luckily Bella sensed the tension and changed the subject. They instantly launched into talk of the Met event. I shot her a thankful look, and she gave me a small smile.
How could she know exactly what to do? I only met her hours ago? I was baffled by this woman. But she was like a light, just drawing me in, warming me in the most unexpected ways. And even with the brief mention of Eric, she made me feel whole, lighter, than I had in years. She pulled me out of the darkness and I was enjoying myself for the first time in ages.
We finished our dinner chatting lightly and avoiding any more talk of Eric, or her brother, and cleaned up. It was getting late and Bella said she needed to be going.
Before I knew what I was doing I offered to leave with her.
"Um actually, I can accompany you. You shouldn't be going by yourself at this time of night anyway." Then I can find out where you live.
Staaaaaalkerrrrr. My rational brain said again.
What the fuck was I doing? I can't walk out of here with her. I can't be seen with her and risk putting her in danger.
But as much as my rational brain told me this, my body took over and I lost all thought once again, as I had for most of the night already.
"You really don't have to, I'll be fine. I take cabs all the time, Edward." She rolled her eyes at me. Yes, she was definitely a strong and self-sufficient woman. I was completely in her light now, drawn to her like a flower to the sun.
"It would make me feel better. Please?" I gave her my best mock pout.
"Okay." She whispered and blushed.
"Oh, you're not staying?" Alice asked sadly.
I turned to her then. "No, but I'll be in touch Al."
She smiled and seemed appeased. Bella grabbed her purse and the dress and other things Alice got for her and we both hugged Alice and Jasper good-bye. I promised to contact them and I knew that somehow I was going to be keeping that promise this time around.
I followed her down to the elevator, immediately putting on my hat and trying to keep my head down.
"Do you always wear hats?" She asked me suddenly.
My she's perceptive.
"Um. A lot I guess. Occupational hazard." I smiled but was curious why she asked.
"Oh why's that?"
Shit, I couldn't really tell her. I was already taking a huge risk accompanying her.
So I just shrugged. "Easier I guess. Have to get ready fast and all that."
"Ah." She seemed satisfied and we made our way out of the elevator through the doors. The doorman eyed me a bit warily since I had given him a different name and was now leaving with Bella. He obviously knew her.
Fuck. See Cullen, this is why you shouldn't be taking these risks. My rational brain taunted me.
But I just shrugged it off. I was already winging it tonight. What the fuck was I going to do at this point? Ditch her? Not happening.
I hailed us a cab and opened the door for her as she slipped inside. I couldn't help but run my eyes from her fantastic heels up her long creamy legs as I slid in next to her.
"Where to?" The cabby barked.
"West 93rd." Bella answered and gave the address.
So she was an Upper West Side girl. One more thing in common. Even though I grew up on the East Side, I always liked living on the West Side better when I was at Columbia. I almost shook my head. This was getting to be too much. Somewhere inside me another piece of the puzzle clicked into place and I had to work to ignore the feelings coursing through my body yet again.
We sat in comfortable silence as the cab made its way down the street.
"So are you going back to work soon?" Bella asked tentatively.
"Uh, yeah…" I trailed off.
"But you can't talk about it…I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything." She shook her head.
"No, it's no problem. But you're right. I just can't talk about it." I gave her a small smile to let her know I wasn't mad or anything.
We returned to a comfortable silence until the cab pulled up outside of an old, but well-maintained condo building a few blocks from the park.
"Well, I guess this is good night." She said quietly.
The look in her eyes was dark and yearning. She bit her lip and my hand twitched. I wanted to pull out her lip. No, I wanted to pull out her lip with my teeth and kiss her. Sitting so close to her in the cab, her scent was intoxicating. I had missed it at dinner with preparing all the food. But now I was bathing in it. Coffee and vanilla and hint of sweet berry.
She drew in a breath and I realized we were, yet again, moving toward one another.
She broke my gaze then and reached into her purse for a pen and a piece of paper.
"Um…here. I know you don't want to talk about it. But I mean, sometime, if you do…." She was flustered as she quickly scribbled something down and thrust the paper at me.
"This is my number. I know how it is. I mean, with your brother. But if you ever want to talk or anything." My eyes widened and she shrugged, even though she was blushing furiously, I could see the red in her face even in the darkness of the night.
"C'mon, you gonna get out or what? Meter's runnin." The cabby snarked.
"Just a minute." I said and turned back to Bella.
I never wanted to talk about Eric. I never wanted to think about it. But for some reason this woman was making me feel things I hadn't felt in so long, if ever, and she made me feel like I could talk to her. Something inside of me told me she would understand.
I gripped the paper and looked down at her number, instantly memorizing it, before I looked back up at her.
"Thanks." I whispered. Then before I knew what I was doing I took a piece of hair that was in her face and put it behind her ear. My fingers grazed her skin and it was even silkier than I imagined.
Her breath hitched and I was paralyzed, intoxicated by her scent and the feel of her creamy skin on the tips of my fingers. My body was on fire and I could feel us growing closer.
At the last moment I had a bit of sound reasoning. She has a boyfriend, she's off limits.
"Do you want me to walk you up?" I asked almost breathlessly.
"Um…I'm okay tonight, but maybe another night." She said and the words hung out there. But she didn't smile, we were transfixed in a gaze and time was again standing still; fire erupting as hot as the sun between us.
Without thinking I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek and then pulled away and pulled my hand from her hair. Her breath hitched again. I had to hold back every fiber of my body from kissing her on her full pouty lips. My lips were on fire from the mere touch to her cheek.
"Good night, Bella." I said in a hushed voice.
"Good night, Edward." She said breathily. Then opened the door and stepped out of the cab.
I watched her walk up to her building as the doorman opened it for her. But at the last moment, she glanced back. I gave her a small wave and she nodded and shot me a breathtaking smile, her hands full with her new items. She was standing in the light of the door. It was bouncing off of her chestnut waves even in the dark night. Until finally, she stepped inside and the doorman closed the door behind her.
I was entranced and on fire. My brain, body and heart were warring once again. I gave the cabby a false address and he sped away from the curb. But I couldn't help but think of the feel of her skin, the tingle on my lips that shot straight to my groin and the way the light shone both on her and from her simply pulling me in.
Only one thought crossed my mind as the cabby sped away. Her answer and my wanting, regardless of how impossible or wrong it might be. I had to have her. Any argument I tried to make with myself before tonight was destroyed. The woman herself tore down those walls. And her words said it all, boyfriend or not.
Maybe another night.
XXXX