Chapter 7
Puzzle Pieces from the Clay
BPOV
Shopping with Alice and Rosalie was always a traumatic experience. Our excursions usually consisted of Rose dragging me to the most expensive stores in Seattle and prompting me to sit in a comfy chair in the corner of the store. From there, Alice would hunt through the racks of designer dresses – and when she found something she liked – she'd promptly toss the dress in my direction and send me straight to the dressing room. Whether I liked the dress was irrelevant, she'd always say. But Alice had impeccable taste and an eye for fashion, and she'd invariably find something that both she and I could live with. As soon as my dress was chosen, Rosalie always completed the ensemble with shoes and jewelry. They were like a well-oiled machine, and I was just happy to be the beneficiary of their expertise.
I had never felt comfortable at fancy events, and thankfully, I'd never been forced to attend many. But Edward had asked me to be his date, and it surprised me how much I wanted to go. Perhaps it was the idea of having a "grown-up" evening out on the town that excited me. Or, just maybe, it was the fact that I'd be dancing in Edward's arms throughout the night that was keeping the permanent smile etched on my face during the entire afternoon of shopping.
"That dress is adorable," Alice cooed as we admired my gaze in the mirror. She dutifully raced away to find a bag to match.
"You don't look adorable. You look hot. Edward won't be able to keep his hands off you," Rosalie smirked as she handed me a pair of heels. I fearfully eyed the treacherous height of the shoes before slipping them onto my feet.
"Rose, it's not like that," I attempted to argue. "He had an extra ticket, and he didn't want to waste it."
Rosalie's forehead creased. She looked skeptical. "Is that what he said when he asked you?"
"No, but it's not hard to figure out."
Her face relaxed as her face erupted with a wide grin. "Bella, the charity gala has been sold-out for months. My brother could have sold that ticket. He wanted to take you."
I couldn't ignore the butterflies in my stomach.
"Why are you fighting your feelings for Edward?" Rose asked as she played with the single strap of my dress. "This strap is absurd. Only Alice would find something so ridiculous."
"It's a pretty dress, though," I murmured as I glanced once again in the mirror. "And I'm not fighting anything."
"Right," Rose smirked as Alice suddenly reappeared with a matching gold clutch. "You look perfect. My brother will actually enjoy himself this year."
"He doesn't usually have a good time?" I asked as Alice pulled us toward the jewelry. She handed me a pair of dangly pearl earrings. I held them up to my ear and looked in the mirror.
Rosalie shook her head as she fastened a black and silver bracelet around her wrist. "He's usually too busy keeping his drunken bride out of the other lawyers' laps to actually have a good time. He's always told me it's the most embarrassing night of the year for him." She took my earrings and handed them, along with her bracelet, to the lady behind the counter.
"I'm so glad you're going to be there, Rose."
"It's a family tradition," she shrugged as she accepted the bag from the lady. "Seattle Children's Hospital is near and dear to Dad's heart. He's a major benefactor, and he expects his children to make an appearance. Now, let's find me a dress to match my bracelet and shoes."
I couldn't help but giggle. That was how confident Rosalie Cullen was when it came to fashion. She chose the accessories first.
"I'm so jealous," Alice whispered wistfully as I watched in fascination as Rose chose the first black dress she could find. She handed us her bag and sprinted toward the dressing room.
"Rose offered to get you tickets at the Cullen table," I reminded her.
"But Jazz has a gig in Sacramento that weekend, and I want to be there to support him."
"Jazz?" I smiled brightly. "We call him Jazz, do we?"
"My Jazz. And I'm completely crazy about him," she whispered earnestly. Her eyes were sparkling with emotion.
"I'm so glad you've found someone, Ali. You deserve it."
"So do you. You know, Jazz says that you're all Edward talks about. Even during Riley's piano lessons."
I sighed as I glanced out the window. "It's complicated, Ali."
"It doesn't have to be."
Thankfully, Rosalie reappeared with dress in hand, effectively ending Alice's badgering. "Fits like a glove."
"Of course it does," Alice and I said in unison.
Rosalie just smirked as we made our way to the front of the store.
EPOV
"Fucking tie," I grumbled as I struggled with the last piece of my tuxedo. I had been fighting with it for the past half hour, trying desperately to get it straight.
"Daddy, you said a bad word," Riley whispered as he made his way into my bedroom. He climbed up on the bed and snuggled against the pillow. Our matching emerald eyes locked in the reflection of my bedroom mirror.
I smiled. "Sorry, buddy. Daddy can't get his tie straight."
"Carmen says you're nervous."
I grimaced.
Damn intuitive woman.
"She's probably right. I think I am a little nervous."
This seemed to confuse him.
"Why, Daddy? It's just Bella. She doesn't care if your tie is crooked."
I stopped fiddling with my tie and glanced at my little boy, marveling at his five-year-old wisdom. I knew he was right. I was also amazed that he'd finally embraced the fact that things didn't have to be perfect.
Definite progress. And it was all because of her.
"You're still okay with this?" I asked as I climbed onto the bed and pulled him against my chest. "It's okay that I borrow Bella for the night?"
He shrugged. "It's okay. Dr. Jane said that you and Bella need grown-up time."
I had alerted Riley's doctor that we were going to test his separation anxiety issues this weekend. He'd been quiet on the ride home after that particular therapy session, but Bella and I had both sat him down and explained that we were going to a grown-up party, and that we'd be home by the time he woke up the next morning. He'd seemed hesitant at first, and it was only after he made me pinky-promise to bring her home that he'd finally accepted the news. Carmen – giddy that I'd taken her advice and invited Bella – had planned a night of pizza and movies for the two of them.
"Are you going to dance with Bella?" Riley asked curiously.
"I certainly hope so," I whispered fervently.
Honestly, I'd thought of nothing but dancing with her since I'd finally found the nerve to invite her to the gala. It wasn't so much the dancing aspect that excited me. It was the fact that I would be able to touch her – to actually hold her in my arms – without worrying about boundaries and limits and imaginary lines in the sand. I didn't care if we stood like two statues on the dance floor as long as I was allowed to have my hands on her body in some way.
The past week had been excruciating. Ever since the flower and her kiss on my cheek, I somehow – unbelievably – had become even more attracted to her. Keeping my distance was even harder now that I knew how her lips felt against my skin. It had been such a simple, sweet gesture, but it had been just enough to keep me awake at night. Watching her continue making progress with my son – and watching him fall more and more in love with her each day – had only added to my affection for this woman.
I was falling so fast, and it unnerved me. Not that I had a frame of reference, of course. My feelings for Jessica had been youthful and impetuous, and it was that recklessness that led us to get married at such an early age. I'd tried – desperately tried – to love the mother of my child, but by our first anniversary, I had accepted that I wasn't in love with her, and I probably never had been. But I'd placed that ring on her finger, and I had resolved to remain faithful to our vows for the sake of my son.
Unfortunately for Riley, his mother hadn't shared in that determination.
"Bella looks pretty in her dress." My son's voice tore me away from my reverie.
"You saw her?"
"She's in the living room." He then grew thoughtful. "Girls sure do take a long time to get ready."
I couldn't keep from laughing as I pulled him into my arms and hugged him close. "Sometimes they do." He grinned up at me, and I kissed the tip of his nose. "Come on. Let's see if Carmen can help me with this tie."
Riley took my hand, and as we walked toward the living room, I mentally prepared myself for this night. I hadn't enjoyed this gala in years, and I was determined to have a good time tonight. I deserved it. Bella definitely deserved it. And she deserved to be treated like a lady and not have some hormonal, sex-starved attorney groping her all night.
I would be courteous. I would be respectful. I would be a gentleman.
And then I saw her – standing next to the piano – and all of my chivalrous ideas were shot to hell.
Bella turned our way, and when her doe-eyes locked with mine, she smiled the most heartbreaking smile. And I was certain I had never seen anything so beautiful in my entire life.
Her dress was ivory and gold, and her mahogany hair hung down her back in loose waves. My fingers itched to touch her porcelain skin, and I took solace in the fact that I would have her in my arms soon enough.
"Told ya she was pretty," Riley smiled up at me.
"You were right," I grinned at him. I looked back to her, and she was blushing. She literally took my breath away.
"He's right," I whispered eagerly. "You look so beautiful, Bella."
"Thanks," she smiled shyly. "You look pretty handsome, too. Do you need some help with your tie?"
I could only nod as she slowly made her way over to us. Very carefully, she expertly maneuvered the bowtie. Not that I actually watched her handiwork. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her face long enough, and frankly – at this moment – I couldn't give a shit about my tie. This gorgeous woman was going to be on my arm tonight.
In my arms tonight.
Suddenly – for the first time ever – I couldn't wait to get to the gala.
"There you go," she smiled sweetly at me. Her fingers softly grazed the lapel of my tux.
"Thank you," I murmured as we continued to gaze at each other. I could see Carmen in my peripheral vision with a huge smile on her face. She was absolutely loving this.
Damn intuitive woman.
Bella blinked rapidly and finally broke the spell. She looked down at Riley. "Promise to be a good boy tonight?"
"Promise," he smiled brightly. "Do you promise to dance with daddy tonight? He wants you to."
I inwardly groaned but couldn't deny it. Bella's eyes flashed to me as her cheeks flushed. I could hear Carmen chuckling behind me.
"I promise to dance with your daddy," she vowed before kissing his cheek. He leaned in to kiss her back, but hesitated for just a second. I stiffened as I recalled the times when an all-dressed up Jessica refused a kiss on the cheek from her son for fear of messing up her make-up.
"Can I kiss your cheek?" Riley asked quietly.
"Of course you can! I'm going to miss you tonight, so I'm definitely going to need a kiss on the cheek from my favorite boy."
"I'm your favorite boy?"
"My very favorite boy," Bella assured him. With an ear-splitting grin, my son leaned in to kiss her. It was such a simple gesture, and yet, it meant the world to him.
Carmen stifled a quiet sob. She kissed me and whispered in my ear. "She's amazing, and so are you. Have fun tonight. You both deserve it."
Overwhelmed with emotion, I leaned down and hugged my son. He wrapped his little arms around me and squeezed.
"I love you, buddy, I'll see you in the morning."
"Love you, daddy."
I smiled contently as I turned to her and offered my hand.
"Are you ready?"
"I am," she whispered as she laced her fingers with mine.
"I know it's for a good cause, but I hate these damn tuxedos," Emmett grimaced as he pulled his tie away from his neck.
I grunted in agreement. To the casual observer, the gala was a roaring success. The wine was delicious. Dinner had been devoured. Prizes had been auctioned. Millions of dollars had been raised. Everyone was laughing and joyous.
Everyone – that is – except for me.
My beautiful date had been ripped from my arm as soon as we had entered the banquet hall.
I glanced over at Bella, who was sandwiched at the end of the table between my sister and my mother. She had been the center of attention all night. My parents had practically worshipped at her feet when I introduced her as Riley's nanny. I had kept them informed about his progress, and the thankful grandparents lavished her with praise. If she was flustered, she certainly hid it well. Every time I looked at her, she was smiling or laughing. And sometimes – when I looked at her – I'd catch her looking at me, and I wondered if she was as eager to be in my arms as I was to have her in them.
"You've got it bad for Bella, huh?" Emmett chuckled.
I tore my eyes away from her just long enough to glare in his direction.
And then inspiration struck.
"Why don't you ask my sister to dance?"
Em shot me a disgusted look. "Why the hell would I do that? You know I hate dancing."
"Because if you dance with my sister, maybe I can drag Bella away from my mother, and then I can dance with her."
He was incredulous. "You want to dance with your mother?"
"Damn it, Emmett. No, I don't want to dance with my mother. I want to dance with Bella."
He chuckled. "Please. You don't want to dance with that girl. You just can't wait to get your hands on her, and dancing is a convenient excuse."
He laughed even harder when I didn't bother to deny it.
"I don't know what the hell my sister sees in you," I grumbled, which only made him laugh harder.
"Man…you really like this girl," he surmised. "Well, Cullen…here's a novel concept. Why don't you just ask her to dance?"
On cue, Mike Newton – an intern at our firm – appeared out of thin air, and I watched in quiet fury as he walked right up to Bella and offered his hand to her. Irrational jealousy coursed through my body, and it only subsided when Bella's eyes flashed to mine. Newton glanced in my direction and nodded before promptly slinking away.
"I feel like I'm at the freaking prom," Emmett groaned sarcastically as he downed his drink. "Go dance with that girl."
Sighing, I finished my own drink before finally making my way to the end of the table. Bella's eyes had followed me from the moment I rose from my seat, and our eyes remained locked until I reached her seat.
"I'm stealing my date," I announced firmly, never breaking my gaze from hers. A small grin crossed her features as I offered my hand to her. I ignored my sister's and mother's smiling faces as Bella placed her hand in mine. Without another word, I led her to a quiet corner of the dance floor.
"What took you so long?" She asked quietly as I pulled her into my arms. My fingers pressed softly against the bare skin of her back. Her skin was so soft, and just that simple touch caused my traitorous body to react to her close proximity.
"You seemed engrossed in conversation with my mother and sister," I murmured as I gazed into her face. "They adore you."
Bella smiled softly. "Rose is my best friend, and your mother is wonderful. But still, I would rather have been dancing with you. We promised Riley, after all."
"We did promise Riley," I agreed with a nod. "He'll be happy to know that I finally got the nerve to ask."
Bella laughed lightly as the song changed to a soft tune, and our bodies instinctively moved closer together. I pressed her closer to me, and she sighed softly. Bravely, I ran my fingers through her hair, admiring the soft texture of the silky strands.
"You're the most beautiful woman in this room."
Her face flushed crimson, and I couldn't resist brushing my finger along her cheek. She sighed as she leaned into my touch. Our bodies swayed in rhythm to the music. Our faces were so close, and it would be so easy to lean in…to just let my lips brush against her scarlet cheek.
And so I did.
It was pure ecstasy – the combined sensations of her strawberry scent and the touch of her creamy skin. I moaned softly as my lips ghosted across her cheek, and she trembled in my arms. I tightened my hold around her waist as her arms wrapped around me. I could feel her breath on my face, and I knew that all I'd have to do is turn my head, and I'd finally have the one thing I'd fantasized about for the past month.
I'd have her lips on mine.
She sighed softly and nuzzled my neck as we swayed to the music. She felt so good in my arms. Her small frame pressed against me – and we molded perfectly to each other, just like puzzle pieces finally finding their homes.
It was frightening.
It was overpowering.
It was heaven.
It was everything I'd ever wanted but never dreamed I'd find.
"Edward…" she whispered softly, her deep, chocolate eyes gazing into mine as she clung to me. Her eyes were pleading, penetrating, and full of wonder.
She felt it, too.
I whispered her name as my lips softly brushed her earlobe, and a soft moan escaped her lips. The sound was almost my undoing, and I brushed my hand along the nape of her neck. My fingers lingered in her hair as I tilted her face toward mine. With a panting moan, I brought my forehead to hers. I stared into the deep pools of her eyes, trying desperately to control the dormant desire that was coursing through my body. I wanted this girl, and the need was unlike anything I'd ever experienced in my life. The urge was primal. Possessive. Feral.
And then she uttered the words that caused me to lose the very last ounce of control I had on my sanity.
"Kiss me," she whispered breathlessly.
