A/N: Well, hello there. I bet you didn't expect to be hearing from me again so soon, eh? To tell you the truth, I hadn't expected to post so quickly after the last chapter either, but someone out there provided me with a whole lot of inspiration, and this chapter is the result. It was originally part of a longer chapter, but I thought I'd give you all a little taste of what's to come.
Speaking of the person who inspired me...
It seems my baby here has been nominated for an Indie TwiFic Award. I cannot begin to tell you how shocked I was to find out about it, but I'm thrilled nonetheless. I have no idea who it was that nominated me, but if you feel so inclined, would you please drop me a line so I can thank you personally and properly?
Alright, kids, I'm certain that this chapter has a little bit of what you've been waiting for. So without further ado, let's get to it.
The song this chapter was named for is "Resist" by Melissa Etheridge. I've placed a link to it on my profile page. Listen, then read. It makes it so much better if you do.
And, as always, SM owns all things Twilight. I own Lily. She had me at hello.
Chapter Seven
Resist
Bella
I was floating on pillows made of feathers that were resting on top of fluffy white clouds. It was pure bliss. And somewhere on the clouds, there was coffee. I could smell it wafting over me, and the rich aroma was piquing my senses. This is heaven, I thought, and I'm never leaving. I buried myself deeper into the softness, drifting happily away.
A loud clatter tore me away from my reverie, followed by a string of profanities. Edward, I thought, and smiled. I grudgingly opened my eyes and rose from under the warmth and comfort of my amazing bed. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror that sat atop the dresser and smoothed my hair back from my face.
I opened the door and peeked around the corner, enjoying the sight before me. Edward's brow was furrowed and he was muttering under his breath. He looked utterly lost as he turned back to the stove and awkwardly cracked an egg in the pan. I could barely contain my laughter, and for a moment, I'd considered staying put. Seeing that perfect man so flustered over something as simple as breakfast food was highly entertaining. But like a magnet, my body pulled itself towards him – something it's gotten quite used to doing as of late.
"Need some help?" I asked, peeking over his shoulder and inspecting the poor, mangled eggs.
Edward sighed and relinquished control of the much-abused frying pan to me. "I'm hopeless," he pouted.
"Not entirely," I teased. "The pancakes were nearly edible yesterday, and you've already confessed to being able to make and mac and cheese and PB & J's. Those are three of my favorite meals, so there's hope for you yet." I grinned at him and walked over the the garbage can, emptying the contents of the pan in to it.
"I swear," he said, pointing at the pan in my hands. "I really did try to make breakfast for you. I just..." he ran his hands through his crazed hair and exhaled loudly. "I just...suck, quite frankly."
We broke out in to laughter, and I was relieved to notice that Edward was capable of being teased without flying off the handle. That was something Mike could never do, and it always caused an argument between us. Edward's ability to laugh at himself was refreshing, and it made him all the more appealing to me.
As our laughter subsided, I looked at him and realized that he was staring at me intently, his bright green eyes sparkling with wonder. Was he feeling it, too? I gave him a small smile and then looked down at my bare feet, afraid that if I looked at him any longer, he'd see right through me.
I had barely looked away for a second when I felt his presence mere inches in front of me. His strong hands cupped my shoulders and then ghosted down my arms, finally resting when they reached my hands. He held them gently, turning them back and forth several times.
"How did you sleep?" he asked.
I looked up at him and sucked in a heavy breath when his eyes met mine. "Like a baby," I replied honestly. "Remind me to tell Esme that I'll gladly give her my first-born child as payment for that mattress."
A knowing, happy smile settled on Edward's face, only serving to further highlight just how handsome he really was. Even in the morning, in a rumpled t-shirt and with his wild, chaotic hair, he was still breathtaking.
"So," I began, swinging his hands with mine. "What do you say we try this whole breakfast thing again?"
He winked at me before pulling away to grab a spatula off of the counter. He held it up as if it were a sword and he was preparing for battle. "I'm ready, captain. Give me my orders."
I snorted and snatched it out of his hands. "You're pretty dangerous with that thing. I think you'd better let me handle this. I'd prefer it if the apartment wasn't burned down twenty-four hours after I moved in."
Edward slapped his hand over his heart and stumble backwards, pretending to be insulted. "You wound me with your words, woman."
"Somehow, I think you'll get over it," I said as I smacked him on the shoulder and walked to the refrigerator.
As he watched, I pulled out the bacon and the ingredients to whip up a couple of omelets. His eyes never left my hands as I cut up the vegetables and cracked open the eggs. "Are you sure there isn't anything I can do to help?" he asked.
"You can pour me a cup of coffee if you'd like," I replied with a smile.
"I can do that. How do you take it?" he asked, pulling a mug out of one of the cabinets.
"Milk and four sugars, please," I replied.
He set the cup down on the counter and stared at me with his mouth hanging open. "Are you serious? Four sugars?"
"Edward," I said, turning to face him. "If we're going to live together, then you need to know one very important thing about me. I never, ever joke about coffee."
He snorted at me. "One coffee with milk and four sugars, coming right up."
I took a large gulp from the mug when he handed it to me. "God, that's good." I closed my eyes and savored the taste in my mouth.
"You really weren't kidding about the whole coffee thing," he laughed.
I just shrugged and grinned at him. I was about to take another sip, and then something dawned on me.
"Hey, Edward?"
"Hmm?" he replied while he set the table.
"Where's Jake? With all that's happened over the past two days, I totally forgot about him."
"I had my brother, Emmett, come pick him up when I came to get you Tuesday night. He's bringing him back tomorrow afternoon."
"Why did you do that?" I asked curiously.
"I thought it would be better for you if he didn't have his nose stuck up your butt for your first few nights at home," he chuckled.
.
* * *
"So, what do you want to do for dinner tonight?" Edward asked through a mouthful of eggs.
I laughed, partly because he looked utterly adorable with food hanging out of his mouth, but mostly because it was the type of question couples ask each other over breakfast every morning. I had known this man for less than a week and already I was living with him and planning holiday meals.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing, really," I lied. I couldn't tell him the whole reason behind my reaction. "You just looked so funny trying to talk with food in your mouth."
He smirked at me, and shook his head. "Really, though. What do you want to do tonight?"
"I was thinking I could make us a nice dinner and then cash in on that rain check for a movie from last night. And, of course, watching the ball drop in Times Square on the TV."
"Bella, I don't expect you to cook me two meals in one day. I can't cook, but I can punch numbers into a phone for take-out," he teased.
"I honestly don't mind, Edward," I replied. "I told you that I love to cook. I know just what I want to make, too."
He beamed at me, and I could tell that he was enjoying having someone take care of him. From his reactions, it seemed that no one had done anything like that for him in a long time. I could feel the appreciation radiating off of him, and it thrilled me. I could happily do this for him forever, I thought.
"Alright, I'll agree to this, on one condition," he said with a grin and pointing his fork at me. "You have to give me something to do. I won't sit around doing nothing while you spoil me rotten."
I pondered his question for a moment before replying. "You're on champagne and movie duty."
"Somehow, I'm getting the impression that you're purposely trying to keep me out of the kitchen, Ms. Swan," he stated, one eyebrow cocked in my direction.
"Really?" I answered with mock-sweetness. "What ever gave you that idea?"
His entire body shook with the force of his laughter. "Alright, smart-alec. But since I've got the easiest of the evening's duties, I insist on doing the dishes."
"That's great," I replied. "Because I was going to insist on you doing them, too."
While we finished breakfast, the easy, carefree banter continued. I was so relaxed, and it didn't escape my notice that Edward seemed to be enjoying himself as well. I loved the warmth in his voice and the way his eyes lit up when he told a particularly funny story about Lily or Emmett.
I don't know how he did it, but in a short few days, he had worked his way into my heart. After Mike...hell, even when I was with Mike, I felt dead inside. I had lived in an emotionless bubble for so long that I simply got used to it. I gave up on trying to help Mike see that there was so much good that could have passed between us if he'd only try to work for it. By the time I figured out that he never intended on fighting for our relationship, it was too late, and all the fight had left me as well. He broke my heart. No...the truth was, he broke me.
But as I sat there, across from that beautiful man, I felt a fire slowly building inside of me. With a simple touch or a wink of his eye, Edward made me want to feel something other than numbness. He made me want to fight...for my own happiness, for him...for us. I could only hope and pray he wanted the same.
"Bella?"
"I'm sorry. What did you say?" I snapped my head up to see a very concerned Edward staring at me.
"I lost you there for a minute. Where'd you go?"
"I, um...I don't know. I was just thinking about something," I fibbed. "What were you saying when I zoned out?"
He didn't look convinced by my answer, but he let it go. "I just asked what kind of movie you want to get."
That was a loaded question. If I chose a romantic movie, it could bore Edward to tears. If I asked for a horror flick, there was the potential for jumping in his lap – which was good – but there was also the potential for me to puke. I've never been good with blood. In the end, I decided on a comedy. Edward had an amazing laugh, and nothing would make me happier than ringing in the new year while hearing it over and over again.
"Have you seen "Shaun of the Dead?" I asked.
"Nope," he replied. "I have a six-year-old. The last ten movies I've seen have been animated. Is it any good?"
"Only if you like to laugh your butt off."
"Well, then, 'Shaun of the Dead' it is."
When we were finished with breakfast, Edward cleaned up the kitchen and I took a shower and got dressed. We had decided to split up for the afternoon; I'd go to the store to get the groceries for the dinner I had planned, and Edward would pick up the champagne and the movie. We also agreed that we'd dress up for dinner, which, while possibly a bit odd to do at home, excited me nonetheless. It was New Year's Eve, after all. Why not dress up and celebrate?
That left me in a quandary, however. Alice was usually my go-to girl in the dress department, but seeing as how she was thousands of miles away in Texas, I was left to my own devices. After a quick goodbye to Edward, I rushed out the door and hopped on the subway, heading to Fifth Avenue. I'd need all the time I could get.
* * *
Four hours, eight bags and two very tired feet later, I trudged back in to the apartment, only to be stopped dead in my tracks by the most beautiful melody I'd ever heard. I dropped the shopping bags in the entryway and took off my coat before quietly walked towards the bay window, where Edward's piano stood.
His eyes were closed as his fingers moved gracefully across the keys. He was so lost in the music that I suddenly felt as if I were intruding on what was meant to be a very private moment. But I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. I leaned my head against the wall and closed my eyes, letting the notes wash over me. My breath caught in my chest as the tempo increased and suddenly, the music stopped. I opened my eyes to see Edward staring at me.
"I'm so sorry I interrupted you," I whispered.
"You weren't interrupting, Bella," he replied in a gentle voice. "Did you like it?"
"It's lovely, Edward," I answered honestly. "What is it?"
He smiled and patted the empty space on the bench, gesturing for me to sit next to him. I slowly made my way towards him and sat down.
"It's something I just started working on. Shall I play it from the beginning for you?"
Amazed and unable to speak, I simply nodded. He raised his fingers to the keys and began to play, and once again, I felt the music wash over me. It was like being wrapped in a warm blanket and held in loving arms. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against his shoulder, loving the feeling of the movement as he played. It felt as if, by extension, I was playing, too.
When the song was finished, he rested his head against mine and sighed softly. "Do you really like it?"
"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Did you really just start working on it? I'm no expert, but it sounds like it's something you've been playing forever."
"Yes," he replied. "I started it a few hours ago. It's odd, though. Although it's totally new to me, I feel like I've known the melody forever, and it's just been waiting for the right time to come out of me."
"Why do you think it chose to come out of you now?" I asked.
"I'm afraid you'll laugh if I tell you the truth," he barely whispered.
"I would never laugh about something like that. Please tell me," I begged.
He lifted one leg over the bench and straddled it before placing his hands on my knees and turning my body towards his. His green eyes gazed deeply in to mine, and I lost myself in them.
He dropped his eyes and grabbed my hands, resting them against my lap. "I think it's because the song is about you."
My mouth opened, then closed, and then opened again. I tried to speak, but I was finding it difficult push the words past my lips. "I..."
Edward released my hands and cut me off before I could utter another word. "Oh, God, Bella! I'm so sorry." He ran his hands through his untamed hair, and I couldn't help but note the panic in his voice. "It's just...I mean, I shouldn't have laid that on you like that. But...fuck! Why is this so hard for me to say?"
He stood up from the bench and began pacing. I watched and listened in amazement as this beautiful man was telling me how he felt about me. I wanted to go to him, to hold and comfort him, but I was momentarily paralyzed with shock.
"Since the moment I saw you, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind...and I know it's crazy to feel this way about you after only a few days, but I can't help it...Esme told me that the heart wants what the heart wants, and it isn't governed by any clock, and while I believe in that, I know I shouldn't be laying this on you when you've just gotten out of a bad relationship...I promised myself that I would wait and give you time...it's totally unfair of me to throw this at you...I mean, you just moved in here, for Christ's sake...you must think I'm completely deranged...and, God! I know you feel something for me, too...I can feel that you do, but - "
"Stop, Edward," I interrupted, regaining my ability to speak. "Come here." I patted the bench, silently asking him to sit next to me.
He stopped his pacing and stared at me for a moment before dropping his eyes to his feet. He looked so defeated, and my heart broke for him. "Please, come sit with me," I begged.
He walked to the bench and sat down beside me. He placed his elbows on his knees and rested his head in his hands. Seeing him look so defeated cracked something open in me and at once, all the walls I'd built up to protect myself came crumbling down. While I was admittedly still petrified of jumping in to another relationship, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I wanted to try.
"Look at me, Edward," I pleaded. I gently grabbed his wrist and pulled him towards me. "I want you to see my face when I say this to you."
He turned his body and looked directly into my eyes, silently begging me not to hurt him. I nearly laughed. How he could ever think I wouldn't want him...
I took a deep breath, steeling my resolve to say the words. "I feel it, too."
Suddenly, I felt one of his strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me up and setting me on his lap, never allowing his eyes to wander from mine. I circled my arms around his neck and threaded my fingers through his hair as he lifted one hand and rested it at the base of my neck. He pressed his forehead to mine and closed his eyes. "I need to kiss you, Bella. Please let me kiss you."
Overwhelmed with emotion and completely incapable of speaking, I simply nodded my forehead against his.
I could feel the weight of the air press down on me as our lips met. It was if time stopped and there was nothing else but the everything that was the feeling of his mouth on mine. Each pass of his lips was gentle and filled with longing, desire and hope. I inhaled his every breath as if my life depended upon it.
When his tongue swept across mine, I felt the dam burst in my chest, and I poured out the flood of my emotions in to his mouth. One kiss a promise, the next a prayer. For the rest of my days, nothing would ever compare to that moment.
And when we could no longer breathe and were forced to part, a sense of rightness swept over me and consumed me completely.
Minutes passed - maybe even hours - as we sat there, holding one another before either of us spoke.
"Are you sure about this, Bella?" he whispered, hugging me tightly in to his chest.
"I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life," I murmured in to his ear. "I'm scared, but not because this is moving so fast. I'm scared because I don't want to lose you now that I've found you."
"I'm not going anywhere. This place, you...this is home for me."
I smiled and pressed my face in to his neck. "Will you play it again for me?" I asked.
"Of course I will. But can I have another kiss before I do?" he replied.
And because I would never be able to resist Edward, I placed my lips against his once again.
