DISCLAIMER: ALL THINGS TWILIGHT BELONG TO STEPHENIE MEYER.
A/N: Thanks to my dear friend and beta, Justine! You are the olive to my martini! Alice, Kathie and Twin...'the girls' love you all in more ways then I can count! Thanks to everyone that reads and reviews, I appreciate each of you!
~XXXX~
EPOV
I roll over with a sigh. I am never going to fall asleep. I have been laying here, staring at the ceiling for an hour. I can't stop thinking of Bella; she was so beautiful tonight, it was all I could do to be a gentleman and not take her in my arms and crush her to my body. I am driving myself insane thinking of Bella.
I punch my pillow several times, trying to make it more comfortable in hopes that I might fall asleep.
I continue to toss and turn for another half hour. I give up!
Nothing is working. I might as well just get up.
I flip open my laptop and log into my live journal. I haven't posted about my trip home yet.
As soon as the page loads, I notice the icon in the corner that says there is one user online.
My curiosity is piqued.
Emmett is still at work, so I know it's not him, and I doubt my parents are up this late. That only leaves one other person... Yep, Bella is online.
nikon: Bella?
I roll my eyes at myself,feeling stupid – who else would it be?
Idiot.
chefylady: Umm...yeah... Hi.
I bet she's blushing while she is typing. The thought of her skin tinged a delicate pink goes straight to my dick.
Get a grip Cullen, you're only talking online.
nikon: Couldn't sleep?
chefylady: No.
Great, now what do I say? Do I ask why she's on my live journal at one a.m.?
Do I dare to hope that she got on looking for me?
nikon: So...I had a great time tonight.
chefylady: So did I.
nikon: Do you have any plans for tomorrow?
chefylady: No.
nikon: Would you like to do something together?
chefylady: Like what?
nikon: My folks have season tickets to the Mariners - wanna go?
chefylady: Sure, that sounds great.
nikon: I'll pick you up around eleven thirty.
chefylady: Okay, can't wait
nikon: I guess I better get some sleep before the game tomorrow…or…later today.
chefylady: Okay, Edward. Goodnight.
nikon: Goodnight Bella.
~xx~
I'm standing at Bella's door. It's only eleven o'clock. I know I told her eleven thirty, but I just couldn't wait any longer.
As soon as the doorbell rings, Bella answers the door. I almost pass out when I lay my eyes on her.
Her clothes aren't really sexy per se, but they are damn sexy on her – snug jeans, a plain white tee, and her hair up in a ponytail, pulled through a Mariners baseball cap.
How does she look like the hottest woman alive in such simple clothes?
"Hey, you ready?"
"Yes."
I grab Bella's hand and pull her closer to me so our arms are touching as we walk to my car and, to my delight, she makes no move to take her hand from mine.
~xx~
"Edward, these are great seats!"
"Thanks. My dad loves basebal; he's been getting season tickets since I was twelve. If he wasn't on call he would probably be here this afternoon."
We settle into our seats as the game starts. I take a chance and throw my arm over Bella's shoulder. Well, she didn't smack my hand away, so I guess that's a good sign. She's actually snuggled into my side, resting her head on my shoulder.
It feels so good having her against me. All I want to do is crush her to me, so I can feel her delightful little body pressed to mine. I behave myself though and am content with just resting my hand lightly on her upper arm.
The game is passing quickly and I'm barely paying attention to what is going on – I simply can't pull my eyes from Bella.
"Did you want to go?"
I blink several times, trying to process Bella's question.
"No, why?"
"Ummm, well...you aren't watching the game Edward...so I just thought maybe...never mind."
Bella is clearly flustered, which just increases her appeal.
"I'm a bit distracted."
"Oh?"
I feel the color seep into my own face - do I admit what has me so distracted?
Bella has her eyebrows knit together, awaiting my answer.
"You are very distracting, Bella."
"Oh!"
Her face is deep red now and I lean over to whisper in her ear, my lips brushing against her, "You are welcome to distract me anytime you like."
She cocks an eyebrow at me and she has a devilish smile on her face. "Hmmm... Is that a challenge?"
Wow! Feisty, playful Bella. I can tell this woman is going to keep me on my toes.
I press my lips to her temple quickly and finally turn my attention to the game.
Not even ten minutes have passed and I feel pressure on my leg. I look down to see Bella's small hand on my thigh. I watch her hand as she slides it ever so slightly up my leg and gives a little squeeze.
I'm hard immediately. Sitting in jeans and hard-ons don't mix.
I shift, hoping Bella doesn't notice.
I peek at her from the corner of my eye, she is wearing a huge smirk; she knows what she's doing to me.
She continues moving her hand on my leg in a slow rhythm and I swear my dick twitches every time her hand moves up my leg.
My god, I'm pathetic. She is only touching my pants, but her warm hand is leaving a trail of heat on my leg and it is driving me out of my mind!
It's the bottom of the eighth, and I'm more than ready to get out of here.
I move my hand off Bella's shoulder and place it over her hand on my leg, trapping her hand in mine and whisper in her ear again, "Let's get out of here."
I pull Bella up and hurry out. She has to take little jogging steps to keep up with my long stride.
As soon as we reach my car, I lean Bella back against the passenger door, taking her face in my hands, pressing my lips and body against her.
Her response is immediate. She slides those hot hands up my biceps to my shoulders and pulls herself even closer to me. I don't need a second invitation. She wants more...so do I.
I open my mouth against hers and run my tongue along her bottom lip. She opens her mouth to me, allowing my tongue in to slide against hers.
Shit!
I thought last night's kiss had been amazing, but it was nothing compared to this.
She moans softly into my mouth, and my erection twitches, almost painfully, against the denim of my jeans.
No other woman has ever affected me like this. They have all had to work a lot harder to turn me on.
Not Bella, it's effortless for her. I swear all she has to do is breathe and I'm ready to go.
As much as I am enjoying the feel of her perfect body pressed to mine, I know I need to stop before I end up ravishing her in my car.
I savor her for a few more moments before breaking away. As soon as my lips leave hers, I want them back on hers again.
My eyes meet hers and she smiles widely. I hope that means she enjoyed the kiss as much as I did.
I help her into my car, then jog around to hop into my seat. I grab her hand and give it a squeeze. "You wanna get a drink?"
She nods and I'm relieved. I want to keep spending time with her, but I know I can't take her back to Emmett's place. There is no way I'll be able to keep my hands off her if we are alone.
Bella really is like no other woman I've ever met. I want to do things right with her. I want it to mean something.
I give Bella a small smile as my car roars to life and we take off down the road.
BPOV
I'm trying not to let the huge grin I feel inside spread to my face. I don't think it is working though.
I should have known Edward would be an amazing kisser.
Gah!
I can still feel the tingle of his lips on mine and the ghostly sensation of his tongue caressing my own. I press my fingers to my mouth, wishing I could hold onto Edward's kiss.
I already want to kiss him again. I've never had a man stir so much desire in me before from just a kiss. I can't even imagine if he had touched more than my face or done more than press his deliciously hard body to mine. I probably would have attacked him in the parking lot. Just the thought of ripping off his clothes is making me squirm in my seat. I press my thighs together for some much needed pressure. I really hope he doesn't notice my fidgeting.
I glance over at him right as he looks at me and gives me a panty melting half-grin... He is going to be the death of me.
Edward pulls up in front of a little restaurant down by the docks. I'm amused by his choice. I can actually eat in this restaurant. I'm friends with the owner.
As soon as I'm out of the car, Edward has my hand. I could really get used to the feel of my hand in his.
I know I'm spotted as soon as we walk in the door. Bree, the hostess rushes up to me and crushes me in a hug. "Bella! I haven't seen you in forever. What have you been up to?"
I give Bree an awkward one-armed hug as Edward still has me by the hand.
"Yeah, work has been keeping me busy. Can we get the corner table by the windows?"
Bree eyes me with curiosity. I've never been here with a guy before and I usually sit at the bar.
"Sure, Bella. Follow me."
We follow her to the far corner of the restaurant and sit down at the table surrounded by windows that overlook Puget Sound.
"Thanks, Bree."
She nods and replies, "I'll let Kate know you're here.
Edward is smiling widely at me from across the table.
"So I guess we can eat?"
I laugh, just because Edward seems so excited about eating.
"Yeah, we can eat. I went to culinary school with the chef, Kate. How did you know about this place?"
Edward blushes slightly – wow - I never thought a man would look good blushing, but he does. Though I have the feeling he could make anything look good.
"Emmett told me this is one of the places you will eat."
I'm a little taken aback by this. I never thought of Edward and Emmett discussing me.
"So you've been talking to Emmett about me?" I try to keep the annoyance out of my voice, but I think some is still seeping through.
Edward looks me square in the eye as he speaks, "No, I was just asking about places you are willing to eat. I wanted to be able to take you on a real date.
Oh! Now it's my turn to blush.
"I liked our date last night."
Edward leans across to me, his lips so close to mine I can almost taste them, his eyes burning into mine.
"So did I."
His warm breath washes over me and I can't help but close my eyes as his lips meet mine. This kiss is soft and sweet, but it still makes every nerve in my body sing. I've never felt anything like this before. I feel like an instrument and he knows exactly the right way to play me.
I'm so lost in his kiss I don't notice anyone standing next to our table till I hear a throat clear. My eyes fly open and I see Kate standing behind Edward. Her eyes are twinkling at me and she is fighting hard to suppress a laugh. I pull away from Edward and I feel the color pool in my face.
"Well, well, Bella, this is new. Who is the lucky guy?"
"Hey Kate, this is Edward..."
"I'm the boyfriend."
Boyfriend?
I mull the word over in my head. Is that what Edward considers himself? We've only had two dates.
Wow!
This is...is...I'm not even sure what I think. It's been so long since I had a boyfriend. I hardly considered James my boyfriend before I married him.
"Nice to see ya with a guy again, Bella. I thought maybe that bastard of an ex-husband of yours had put you off men forever."
I'm going to kill Kate! Could this be anymore embarrassing?
"Ha ha, real funny, Kate; don't you have cooking to do?"
"Alright I can take a hint. You two love birds enjoy your dinner."
Kate laughs as she walks away and I seriously consider throwing a spoon at the back of her head.
I grab my menu and start looking it over, trying to ignore Edward's gaze that is raking over me.
"Bella. Will you please look at me?"
I'm really trying to ignore him, but he is using that sexy, pleading voice that is turning my willpower to dust.
I drop my menu with a sigh and turn my eyes to his face.
"Are you upset with me?"
Am I?
"No, why?"
Edward's skin colors again. Jeesh, that is adorable and distracting. I'm having a hard time concentrating on his words; I'm getting totally lost in watching him.
"I guess that was a bit presumptuous introducing myself as your boyfriend. I just thought...honestly, I'm not sure what I thought."
What do I think? Do I want a boyfriend?
I guess. I do like talking to Edward and I really like kissing Edward.
I watch Edward's face while I think. It goes from hopeful to doubtful, until the light starts to fade from his eyes, and that, that right there makes up my mind. I can't stand to see that miserable look on his face.
"It's fine. I...I didn't mind."
Totally worth it!
The look on Edward's face is priceless. His eyes shine with light and he's grinning from ear to ear.
I can't help myself, I lean across the table and place several small kisses at the corner of his mouth before he turns his face and I find myself kissing him again.
Oh, sweet Jesus, I think I really could kiss this man all day. His lips are like magic, and I am completely under his spell.
Edward finally breaks our kiss and starts to look over the menu with great interest.
After we place our orders, Edward locks eyes with me. "So, your friend seemed genuinely surprised that you were here with me. Why is that?"
"Umm...I don't really date Edward."
"Until now."
I can't help but laugh. "Yes, until now."
Edward is holding my hand, tracing patterns in my palm. "Can I ask you a few things, Bella?"
"Sure."
"That night...when I found you... What—what happened?"
I drop my eyes. He won't understand.
I feel his fingers under my chin, forcing my eyes up to his.
"Please, Bella? You can trust me."
I want to trust him – I really do. I just don't know how.
Edward's face is thoughtful, like he is remembering something. His fingers continue to trace their pattern on my hand.
"You know, Emmett found me wondering the streets when I was seven years old. I had been on my own for two weeks. I was filthy and hungry and cold. I followed Emmett home like a puppy dog."
My breath caught in my throat. I had never thought about how Edward had come to be with Esme and Carlisle.
"I'll never forget my first week with them – it was the best week of my life. I got to have my own room with a real bed. I was so excited I didn't sleep the first two nights I was there. I would just lie awake, looking at the room around me, running my hands over the clean sheets. I still remember the feel of those sheets."
I am completely stunned. Edward is telling me something that had to be painful for him, showing me I can trust him. I remember him telling me he had no secrets. He is proving to be a man of his word.
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly when I begin to speak. "My ex-husband was at the restaurant that night..." I close my eyes against the images in my brain, and take another breath to steady my nerves, "with my parents."
I can see the confusion cloud Edward's beautiful face. "Why?"
Why, indeed. I have been asking myself that very question for years.
"They still consider him their son-in-law."
Edward really seems to be struggling with that statement – I can see the deep confusion furrow his brow.
"Do they know? About how he treated you?"
This would be the test. Will he still want to date me after he hears about my family?
"Yes."
I can feel Edward's body tense beside me and see his jaw clench. "How long have they known?"
My voice is a whisper. "They found out right before the divorce."
Edward is quiet for a moment, turning my hand over and over. His voice is filled with disgust when he speaks. "How can they still talk to him if they know he hit you?"
Hit me - I wish. That would have been a relief from the crushing, horrendous beatings James had subjected me to.
"You would have to understand how my parents are."
"I would like to meet them sometime."
I smile slightly at that thought. They would hate Edward because he clearly doesn't care what people think about him and my parents are all about image. It seems that's the only thing that matters to them.
"You don't need to do that Edward. They really aren't a part of my life."
Edward looks really confused now. "But I saw a picture with you and your parents at Elite."
I mentally scan the pictures in my apartment. Ah, I know the one he is thinking of.
"That picture wasn't with my parents. My parents have never taken any real interest in the things that matter to me. That was my childhood nanny, Renee, and her husband, Charlie. They might as well be my parents though. They did more for me than my biological parents."
Edward's face gives away his complete shock, and I honestly wish I could know what he's thinking.
"Say something, Edward."
He laughs lightly, a smile spreading across his face. "I guess I never saw you as the nanny type."
Now I'm laughing. "Yeah, well I never saw you as the orphan type."
"I wasn't an orphan, Bella – I was a runaway."
Now it's my turn to be shocked. How can Edward come from this background and just be okay? People don't run from good homes.
What kind of home had Edward come from?
I want to know him, his history. Why his past doesn't seem to bother him while mine continues to haunt me.
"Chicken Alfredo for the lady and a Hawaiian Burger for you, sir."
Our waiter can't have worse timing. I can see in Edward's face that he is disappointed, and in all honesty, so am I.
Something inside me, deep down in my innards, knows I can trust Edward. I want to trust him. The mere thought of being able to unload my burdened soul sends waves of relief through me.
Edward gives me another of those heart-stopping half-grins before we both dig into our food hungrily.
RosePOV
I'm thinking today is not going to be a good day. It has been weeks since the last time I had a session with Bella and our last words were not kind.
I'm nervous as I see Bella stride toward me. She looks off, different. I can't really pinpoint it. Her clothes are her usual style - tailored slacks, white button-down shirt with rolled sleeves, and black high heels.
But there is something about the way she is carrying herself that is so different.
"Hey Bella!"
To my great surprise, Bella walks right up to me and wraps me in a hug.
I'm shocked. Bella is not one for overt affection.
"Good to see you, Rose."
I hold Bella away from me and look her in the eye. "Who are you and what have you done with Bella?"
Bella's answering laugh is loud and hearty. Seriously, who is this woman?
"Did you just get laid or something? What's up with you?"
"Nosey much? No, I didn't just get laid."
I motion Bella to take a chair. "Why the heck not? I figured you and Edward would be doing it like rabbits by now."
And here is regular Bella, back again to eye-rolling and head-shaking.
"Edward and I haven't slept together."
Wow! This really isn't like Bella; she has usually screwed the guy and moved on by now.
"So is something wrong? Because from what I gather from Emmett, he's pretty into you."
Bella's sigh and blush tell me I am getting somewhere.
"We haven't really discussed it, but it just...I don't know, hasn't been the right time. I just got back into my place a couple of days ago and Edward is still staying with Emmett, so..."
"But you want to, right?"
"Is this an interview? Yes, I want to... Hello, have you seen him?"
That's more like the Bella I know.
"We are dating and it's nice. Edward is very sweet. It's not something I'm used to, but I'm really enjoying it."
Oh my God! Well, wonders never cease. Bella Swan, Miss Anti-relationship herself, is actually dating…and liking it!
"I think Edward might be really good for you, Bella."
AlicePOV
"Bella, will you hurry up? How long does it take to try on a bra?"
"Alright, Alice, keep your pants on - I'll be out in a sec."
"So how long will Edward be gone this time?"
"Three weeks in Peru. He's only been gone for two days. Is it crazy for me to miss him already?"
"No, it's normal. He's your boyfriend - you are supposed to miss him."
"Well this is all new to me, Alice. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel."
"Just go with your gut. Bella, and you better be getting that dark blue lace bra and panties set. Edward is going to need a welcome home gift after all."
I can almost feel Bella rolling her eyes through the dressing room wall.
EPOV
I hate the jungle.
All I want is to be dry and clean...and to see Bella.
I miss her more than I thought I would.
I can't wait to be back in my hotel room and take a shower, sit in the air conditioning, and see if Bella has sent me any messages.
~xx~
I'm still rubbing a towel through my hair as I sit down at my laptop and am greeted by the delightful sight of an email from Bella.
To: Edward Cullen
From: Bella Swan
Subject: Couldn't Sleep
Hey, I couldn't sleep and was laying awake, thinking about you, wondering how you are doing.
Tonight was crazy at the restaurant. A huge bachelorette party stayed to almost three a.m. I think they drank all of our booze.
Went shopping with Alice yesterday. Sorta got you a gift.
I'm babbling, I know...I just wanted to say hi and say that...I miss you and hope you are well.
~Bella~
I'm amazed at the emotion shooting through me with the knowledge that Bella misses me. Man, I hope this assignment goes fast. I just want to be home where I can hold Bella in my arms, press her close to me, and feel her warm skin against my lips.
To: Bella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: Wish I Was There
Glad you are thinking of me, because I'm thinking of you, too. It's miserably hot and humid here.
A gift? I like gifts. It just so happens that I got you one as well.
I miss you, too.
Sleep well my Bella!
Edward
~XXXX~
A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, please leave me your thoughts!
