Edward ends up taking me to a maze and I'm terrified.
"What if we get lost?" I whisper nervously as we approach.
"We won't get lost," he chuckles.
"I've never been in a maze."
"Then let this be your first, it will be fun I promise."
We're guided toward the middle of the maze in a little group and then left to find our way out. I feel much more relaxed knowing that if you don't find your way out in a certain amount of time, the guide will come and get you.
"Let's go this way," Edward says.
"Are you sure?" I ask.
"No," he laughs.
To be honest, I have no idea either. Every path looks the same. It's just an endless winding pathway of greenery and cobbled pavement.
As we begin to walk, Edward starts to speak.
"Do you have any siblings Bella?" He asks
I shake my head. "Nope, it's just me. I always wish I had though. You're lucky."
"Growing up we fought, as siblings usually do but you're right. I wouldn't change them for the world. Do you have a small family then?"
"Yeah. I only really have my parents and my step dad. I'd categorise my friend Angela as family and then of course, Chloe."
I smile thinking about her. I wonder if she misses me. I miss her a lot.
"Of course," he smiles. "How old is she?"
"Six months."
"I look forward to having children someday," he says wistfully.
"Yeah?" I ask. I'm not sure why I'm surprised. Edward isn't like many other guys I've met before.
"Definitely."
"You're a natural with Hannah. You'll make a great father."
He grins at me then, just before we hit a dead end.
"Guess it wasn't the right way," he laughs.
We both turn around and try a different route.
"Tell me how you're single Edward," I suddenly blurt out.
I just can't believe that a guy as gorgeous as him is single. Like, how? How is he not married with beautiful babies?
"I'm divorced actually," he grimaces.
I look up at him, feeling awful. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
"No, it's fine Bella. Honestly. Sometimes things just don't work out. It's life."
I'm quiet for a moment as we walk. It's getting chillier and I truly hope I'm not stuck in here until nightfall.
"How long has it been?" I ask.
"Over a year," he confesses. "I think that this past year has given me a lot to contemplate. I met her in college and I just kind of got used to her. She was pretty and always around. She was smart and came from a good family who my parents loved. As the years went by, I just decided to marry her but I shouldn't have. I stayed with her because it was easy."
I understand where he's coming from. Sometimes convenience is all you need.
"What about you?" He asks.
"Oh me? I've never really had anything close to a relationship."
He looks over at me, puzzled.
Shit. Chloe.
"It was just a one-time thing in college," I say quickly. "Uh, Chloe was my little gift from that."
He nods. "Did he, was he not interested in her?"
"Not really. He had his own life to live, one that didn't include a baby."
I desperately want to move away from this topic and I curse myself for being the one to bring it up. I feel bad lying to him.
"What a douche," he says after a moment. The abruptness of it makes me laugh.
"You deserve so much better Bella," he says seriously then, turning to face me. "Both of you."
"Thank you," I say quietly.
As we walk around, getting lost inside the maze more and more, Edward asks me an abundance of questions. My favorite colour, which is blue, my favourite music, which is alternative and old school, my favourite food, which is of course pizza. It's as if I'm a lock, and he keeps trying all the different keys to open me.
I like it.
I'm having such a good time with him that I don't even notice when the sky starts to darken a little.
"How long have we been out here?" I ask.
He shrugs. "Couple of hours I expect. We should probably be getting out."
"How?" I giggle.
He takes my hand, leading me in the opposite direction. "Come on."
The warmth of his touch floods through me. It's cheesy, but I swear I can feel the electricity between us. It feels nice, touching him.
It's amazing how efficient Edward is wen concentrating. He manages to get us out of the maze in no time and I suspect he pretended to be lost so that he could spend more time with me. Which is really cute.
"Would you like to grab dinner maybe?" Edward asks once we're back in his car. "Or do you need to get back to Chloe?"
I feel a little torn but it's still early and I like spending time with Edward.
"I suppose an extra hour can't hurt," I say.
His crooked smile is definitely worth the decision.
Edward takes me to a cute little Italian restaurant, just outside of Forks. It's quaint and relaxed and I instantly feel at peace. He opens the door for me, and we settle into a little closed off booth. I order the margarita pizza and Edward has spaghetti. We also both get a bottle of wine to share.
"This is cozy," I say, taking a sip of my wine. It's refreshing.
"I'm glad you like it. I know pizza's your favorite," he winks.
"What's your favourite?" I ask.
"I like lasagna, I'm also a sucker for anything sweet."
Note to self. Edward likes lasagna and desserts.
"I'll keep that in mind."
He raises his eyebrow. "You will?"
I nod.
Our food comes soon after and it's delicious.
"Good?" He asks.
"Amazing," I confirm with my mouth half full. He chuckles and so do I.
As we're finishing up, Edward asks when he can see me again.
"You want to see me again?" I ask, feigning surprise.
He shakes his head with a smirk. "Course I do. You're smart, fun, great company. You're beautiful Bella."
I can't help but flush at that.
"Well, I've got quite a bit of work to do over the next few days but how about Saturday?" I suggest.
"Saturday's great," he agrees.
Edward gets the check and then we walk back to the car.
"What would you like to do Saturday?" He asks.
"Well, I'll have Chloe, so I was thinking maybe you could come over and I could make you dinner?"
"Oh, I feel special."
"Shut up," I smirk.
The drive back to Rosalie's is quiet and nice. I'm excited to see Chloe again.
When we arrive, Hannah is passed out on the couch and Chloe is awake and babbling happily. I reach for her instantly.
"Hi angel, I missed you," I whisper, kissing her little cheeks. "How was she?" I ask Rosalie.
"An absolute doll," she smiles. "Hannah had so much fun with her, she's such a good baby Bella. If you ever need a babysitter, please don't hesitate!"
"Thank you so much," I smile.
Suddenly, a very tall and burly male emerges from the kitchen holding a mug of tea. He passes it to Rosalie as she flops down on the couch.
"Eddie," he grins, glancing from Edward to myself. "This must be your new girl Bella."
He surprises me by taking my hand and pressing a kiss there. He absolutely towers over me.
"Emmett," he introduces himself.
"Hi," I smile.
"She's pretty," he winks.
"Shut it Emmett," Edward grins.
"It was really nice to meet you," I say as Edward grabs Chloe's bag.
"Don't be a stranger," Rosalie says.
"I won't," I promise.
"Your family are so nice," I say to Edward as we're driving back.
"They have their moments."
We're back at my apartment far too soon for my liking.
"I've had such a great day," I say to him once we've pulled up.
"Me too."
"So, I'll see you Saturday?" I confirm.
"Yes," he smiles.
Edward walks us up to my apartment and stops short outside of the door after I take Chloe inside. It's the tense moment, when both of us feel a little awkward, not quite sure what to do.
Edward is the first one to break the palpable tension.
"I can't wait until Saturday," he says gently. He then pulls a loose curl from my hair and places it behind my ear.
I look up at him in anticipation, my heart beating fast. He doesn't disappoint, he bends down, capturing my lips between his own and the taste of him drives me into a little frenzy. I reach up, wrapping my arms around his neck as I deepen the kiss. He tastes so good and he's such a good kisser. The warmth of his hands pressed against my back is tantalising. For the first time in my life I want more.
It's all too soon when he pulls back. We're both breathless as he looks down into my eyes. Before he can speak I kiss him again and his hands rest on my hips. I just don't ever want to stop.
The sound of Chloe's cries however force me to break apart. Edward chuckles.
"I best get going," I smile.
"I'll see you Saturday," he grins.
He gives me one last kiss before leaving.