Sorry it took so long to get this one up. Between the holidays quickly approaching and spending a week sick as a dog (and working my tail off at the office!) I just didn't have the intestinal fortitude to work on anything but sleep when I had downtime!
So, this is part 2 of I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend. Thanks to everyone who's read and reviewed this story! Please enjoy and review! :)
Disclaimer: Twilight and it's characters and situations belong to the fantabulous Stephenie Meyer, without whom I would never have 'met' Edward...
~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 7: I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend, part 2
The dishes were nearly empty and Bella sat, leaning on her elbows, absently chewing on her chopstick as Edward spoke.
"It wasn't so much that I didn't want a lab partner, it was more or less that Crowley balked at having to be with me, the weird Cullen," his bright green eyes rolled.
"Why didn't Mr. Banner just tell him to go to hell?" She twisted the chopstick between her fingers.
"In case you haven't noticed by now, Mr. Banner's kind of, well, he's sort of spacey," Edward chuckled.
"Sort of? Dude, he's out there," she motioned with her hand over her head.
"Yeah," Edward nodded, smiling slightly. "He is. He's like, the mad scientist. He should be teaching chem lab," he laughed, "but they're probably afraid he'd blow up the school!"
"Oh God don't even joke about that, Edward!" She waved her hand at him. "We had an explosion in chem lab back in Phoenix. It wasn't funny at all. This guy, Laurent, he was a foreign exchange student from France. He mixed the wrong chemicals. I guess he couldn't really read the labels, or something, maybe? Well, whatever he mixed blew up in his face. He had these really thick eyebrows, well one eyebrow, actually. They used to call him "The UniBrower" behind his back. Anyway, he singed that sucker right off!" she snapped her fingers.
Edward snorted. "The UniBrower?"
"Yeah. After the explosion, they just called him Larry." She mused as she rested her chin in her hand as Edward laughed.
The waitress walked over to the table, laying the check down next to Edward.
"I guess that we've been occupying this table too long," Bella sighed. She didn't want this evening to end.
"I guess so," Edward shrugged. "Do you want to go see a movie? They have a pretty decent multiplex here. I'm sure it's nothing like you had in Phoenix," he smiled.
"I'd rather just sit in the car and talk to you," she whispered, moving her head closer to him.
"Me too," he murmured, moving his head lower, until their foreheads were almost touching.
"You want to take home?" The waitress stood pointing to the remains of their dinner.
"No, no, it's ok," Edward sat up abruptly, and reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet. He looked at the check and pulled out a few bills, handing them to the impatient server. "Keep the change," he mumbled as he stood up.
"Wow, she's rude," Bella looked at the waitress' retreating form. "Hey, I need to use the ladies room, ok?"
"Sure, I should probably go myself. Meet you out by the hostess stand?"
"Sounds like a plan," she smiled, grabbing her jacket as she headed off in the direction of the bathrooms.
Edward found his way to the hostess stand before Bella did. He sat down on one of the benches lining the walls in the small vestibule and waited. This had probably been the best date he'd ever been on, although he really hadn't been on many. He smiled to himself, thinking how easily the conversation had flowed and how effortless Bella was to talk to. He had just realized that he hadn't had a cigarette since he'd gotten home from school. He looked at his watch. It had been almost six hours.
"Checking the time? Am I that boring?" Bella stood in front of him, denim jacket slung over her arm. He couldn't help but notice how creamy and smooth the skin on her shoulders looked. How soft it looked. He had tried not to stare when she'd taken off the jacket in the store when she tried on the black jacket she bought. But how could he not? The halter top fit so well and, if he were being honest, her outfit tonight was so hot he couldn't help but be turned him by it.
"Nothing could be farther from the truth," he smiled as he stood up, taking her hand in his. "What do you want to do now?"
"What time is it?"
"A quarter to nine. We could go see a movie. Or, we can go to that little diner we passed by the pier. That's open twenty four hours." He opened the door for her to walk out of The White Lotus first. "Everyone sort of ends their nights in Port Angeles there."
"The diner sounds good! We can have coffee, since we didn't have any here, and talk some more," they walked slowly to the Volvo. It had just stopped raining.
"That sounds good," he opened the car door for her. "Just so you know, a lot of the kids go there after movies. So, we may run into someone from Forks."
"So? Who cares?" She slid into the passengers seat.
"We may run into Newton," Edward grinned at her as he got into the drivers seat and stated the car.
"Then we'll have to give him a show" Edward quirked an eyebrow at her. "You know…lots of making out. Lots of moans and groans and heavy breathing," she narrowed her eyes as she looked at him. "Lot's of groping."
"You wish, Swan," he smirked as he glanced sideways at her as he backed the Volvo out of it's space.
"Oh, admit it, Cullen. I'm your favorite fantasy," she grinned broadly out the window as she said it, and Edward couldn't help but smile at this. She had no idea.
He pulled into the busy parking lot of the diner and found a space. Once more, he got out of the car and quickly made his way around to her side, opening the door and holding out a hand to Bella as she got out.
"You're going to spoil me, Edward," she giggled, taking his hand. He couldn't help but feel a small tingle as he watched her legs as she got out. Those boots were making him think dirty thoughts.
The tiny silver bells hanging over the diner door jingled as Edward pushed the door open, allowing Bella to enter first.
"Two, please," Edward politely held up two fingers to the hostess who silently showed them to a booth for four on the other side of the room. Bella took off her denim jacket and tossed it onto the seat next to her as Edward did the same with his leather jacket.
"So, what's good for desert here?" Bella looked the menu up and down.
"The cheesecake's pretty good," he looked around to see if there were an familiar faces in the diner.
"Hey, have you ever been to New York?" She looked at Edward intently.
"New York City? Once. Carlisle and Esme took Alice and I to see the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. Why?" He looked baffled by the question and caught completely off guard.
"Because my grandparents took me once. One of my aunts lived there. My grandfather's sister. We went to visit Aunt Jane this one time, and she took me to this restaurant. I'll never forget it." Her face took on a dreamy quality. "They had this cheesecake. Real New York cheesecake. I don't think I've ever had cheesecake quite as good since!"
"So, you went to New York City and all you remember about the trip is cheesecake?" Edward let out a laugh.
"Edward, you don't understand. It was like…like…I dunno. Like Disneyland and DisneyWorld all combined into this amazing cheesecake!"
"Well, next time I'm in New York, I'll stop in and have a slice," he rolled his eyes and laughed.
"It's called Junior's. I saw it on a shopping channel on tv one night and I ordered it!" She still had the dreamy smile on her face.
"You ordered a cheesecake off a shopping channel?" He looked at her, surprised. Who ordered cheesecake off a tv shopping channel? Oh wait…Bella Swan did, that's who.
"I sure did! I still have the 800 number to call if I ever decide I need another cheesecake. And now, if this cheesecake tonight doesn't live up to my expectations, I'm going to have to order one!"
Edward laughed out loud. "You~you're killing me, Bella!"
"Dude, I'm totally serious! You'll see when you have a slice. You'll beg me to move to New York with you just to eat cheesecake!" She leaned forward and grinned across the table at him as the waitress approached the table.
"Yeah, yeah. Tell the nice lady what you want," he laughed.
"I will have a cup of coffee and a slice of your cheesecake, please." Bella never took her eyes off Edward.
"I'll have the same, thank you," Edward smiled at the waitress as he handed her their menus.
"You think I'm kidding, but you'll see," she wagged her finger at him.
"I may be going out on a limb here, but I suspect that you take your food quite seriously."
"You don't know the half of it," she sat back and waved her hand at him. "I mean, I may be veggie, but I need flavor! And lots of it!"
"Flavor's always an added extra when eating food," he laughed again. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this carefree. Bella just seemed to liberate him.
"Bella!"
Edward turned and was totally horrified to see Jessica Stanley and Lauren Mallory coming toward them.
"When did you guys get here?" Jessica was excited.
Bella looked at them, not sure what to say.
"Uh…we went for Chinese, but came here for coffee?" She glanced quickly at Edward, who was sitting slumped down in his seat with his head down.
"Oh cool! You guys wanna come to the movies with us?" Jessica seemed to bounce.
"The movies?" That's when she noticed that Mike Newton and Erik Yorkie had joined Jessica and Lauren.
"Hey, Bella," Mike waved but didn't smile. Erik only nodded.
"Hey," Bella gave a half hearted wave while Edward didn't bother to look up.
"Edward, you want to come with us to the movies?" Jessica just didn't get it, apparently.
"I'll do whatever Bella wants to do," Edward grinned and looked up at Bella from beneath his long, dark lashes.
"Well, I have a curfew," she began and looked at her watch. "I don't think I have enough time for a movie, guys. Maybe next time?" She shrugged her shoulders, trying to look as though she truly regretted not being able to join them.
"Ok, then, next time then." Jessica nodded her head. It didn't escape Bella's observation that Jessica seemed to look toward Edward when she said that.
"We need to go if we're going to make the movie, Jess," Lauren bossed. Lauren had struck Bella as a bossy bitch right from the beginning and this only proved her point to herself.
"Well, see you guys on Monday," Jessica waved as she turned to walk away, following Erik and Lauren toward the door. Only Mike Newton remained, and he moved closer to the table.
"You ok, Bella?" He shot a look at Edward, who remained slumped in his seat, head down.
"I'm better than ok, Mike. I'm awesome!" She smiled at him in a condescending manner.
"Ok, just making sure," another glance at Edward. "I wouldn't want you to be doing anything you didn't want to be doing."
"I can assure you, Mike, I am exactly where I want to be, with who I want to be with." She beamed across the table at Edward as her brown eyes locked with his emerald ones.
"Uh…well…Ok, just making sure. See ya Monday, then?" Mike suddenly felt uncomfortable.
"Only if you're luckier than I am," she chirped as Mike Newton slowly walked out of the diner, tail between his legs.
"Jesus! Of all the people, we have to run into that fucking asswipe!" Edward shook his head once Mike was out the door.
"Yeah, he's a frigging piece of work if ever there was one!" Bella sat back and crossed her arms across her chest. "Did you see the look he gave you? Where the hell does he get off? Little piece of crap."
"He thinks it's his job to protect you from the likes of me," Edward smirked.
"He wants to protect me from the nicest person I've met so far?" She smiled and leaned forward again, putting her hands on the table. The waitress came back with their coffee and cheesecake and placed it in front of them.
"Unlike you, most of Forks High doesn't think I'm nice, Bella." Edward picked up his coffee and sipped it black. "Or hadn't you noticed that small fact?"
"No, Mike sees you as a threat. You won the contest, Edward. You are his enemy now." She opened two packets of sugar and dumped them into her coffee cup, adding a generous amount of milk from the little silver container on the table.
"Lucky me," he smiled, "on both counts."
Bella stirred her coffee. "I hated Mike from the minute I met him. What a frigging tool!"
"That makes two of us," Edward cut into his cheesecake with his fork.
"The thing that kills me is his attitude. Who the hell does he think he is, trying to tell me who I can and can't be with?"
"So, are you telling me you're only out with me tonight to piss him off?" Edward stopped the fork midway to his mouth.
"Are you kidding me? That first day in Bio, I couldn't even look at you because I was afraid I'd blush if I did." Her eyes locked with his, and she could feel her cheeks warm as she admitted this to him. "When I saw you light up in the parking lot, I jumped at the opportunity to talk to you. Then, when I ran into you at the Thriftway and it was like, a bonus or something. Then, you were so damn sweet, it just made me think that if the only good thing that came out of moving to Forks was that you said hi to me at the Thriftway, it was enough for me." She felt her cheeks grow hot as she said this. Edward's green eyes sparkled like gemstones. Bella took a calming breath. "I knew that if I found out you had a girlfriend already, I'd simply die of a broken heart." She dug her fork into her cheesecake, shoving it into her mouth.
Edward looked at her, swallowing hard. She was so damn honest. He was so used to hiding his feelings. He didn't know what to say.
"What did you think when you first saw me?" She was twirling her fork now in the same way she had twirled her chopstick earlier in the evening.
"Do you really want to know?" Edward's tone was playful.
Her eyes bored into him. "I want to know everything you're thinking," she said quietly.
He sat back, letting out a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair. "Well, my first reaction was that there had never been anything at Forks High quite like you," he laughed.
"I really am an acquired taste, aren't I?" She couldn't stop the smile that was on her lips if she'd tried. "Did I frighten you?"
"Me? Hell no! I thought it was great! They had all been yammering on and on about you for a week before you even got there. It was Isabella Swan this! Isabella Swan that! Isabella! Isabella! Yadda yadda yadda!" Edward rolled his eyes. "I had figured you were going to be another Jessica or Lauren."
"Surprise!" Her eyebrows shot up.
"I think I was the least surprised," he laughed. "Of course, fucking Newton thought he'd won the lottery."
"People, they have these general ideas based on appearances," her eyebrows knit together. "They look at me and they make an uninformed judgment."
"Guys think you're easy. Girls think you're a threat. Both think you're trouble." He nodded.
"That's it exactly. And, seriously Edward, none of that's true." Her voice was low and she looked saddened for a moment.
"You think I don't know that?" He leaned forward, placing his fork in his dish and reaching for her hand. "Do you think, for one minute, that I only wanted to be with you because I thought you would be an easy lay, like Newton thought? I could never think that."
"No," she looked at their clasped hands. "I never thought that you would think that way. It was the way you spoke to me that first day in the parking lot. You weren't like the others."
Edward smiled. "You don't know how happy you just made me."
She looked up at him, a small smile on her lips, the beginnings of tears glinting in her heavily made up eyes.
"Now, eat that cheesecake and tell me if it's not as good, if not better, than that big city cheesecake you think is so great," He threaded his fingers through hers.
"It's good, I'll give you that," she chewed thoughtfully. "But, as much as you'll hate to hear this, Junior's is better!"
"Ok, that's it, Swan. You order that cheesecake and you and I are going to have a cheesecake throwdown," Edward sneered at her, causing her to laugh her loud deep, throaty laugh. The couple in the booth across from them tossed annoyed looks their way, much to Edward's amusement.
The little bells over the door jingled and for some reason, he turned his head. His face changed when he saw them.
"Shit." He slumped back down in his seat, lowering his head once more, but it was too late.
Bella looked toward the door and saw them. "Who are they?"
"My parents," he sighed.
"They're looking over here," she observed. "Didn't they know you were going out?"
"Of course they knew." He shook his head. "Turn around, will ya!"
"Dressed up kind of fancy, aren't they?" Bella kept looking as Carlisle talked to the hostess, ignoring Edward's request.
"Tonight's their anniversary. That's why they're all dressed up." He felt his body tense.
"Isn't your father a doctor?" Bella still watched the older couple as they were shown to a booth several seats down from them, and on the other side of the room.
"Yes. Doctors have anniversaries and get dressed up too, you know." He laughed in spite of himself.
"No, I meant, why would they get all dolled up like that and then he takes his wife to a stinkin' diner for their anniversary dinner?" She couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh," Edward lifted his cup to his lips and took a sip of the coffee, trying to conceal his grin. It had cooled considerably. "They went out to dinner at some fancy restaurant with the rest of them. I guess the others ditched them and Carlisle took Esme here for coffee." Edward lifted his head and caught a glimpse of Esme. He frowned. "I think she's been crying. It's my fault, no doubt."
"Why didn't they take you with them?"
"Carlisle texted me about it this morning. But, we already had these plans. I wasn't going to break our date."
"Oh, Edward. I would have understood. You don't know how lucky you are that your parents are still together and still celebrating their anniversary." Her eyes were sad.
"Heh…yeah, I'm one lucky son of a bitch," His tone was bitter and he didn't look at her. "It's just easier if I don't go with them. Weird Cullen, remember?" His jaw clenched.
"Your dad keeps looking back here." She fought the urge to wave at Carlisle.
"Ignore him," Edward ordered.
"Do you want to leave?" She could see how uncomfortable he had become.
"No. Eat your cheesecake." He picked up his coffee cup and motioned to the waitress for more coffee. She obliged. "Talk to me about something," he was edgy.
"What do you want to talk about?" She squeezed his hand tightly.
"Anything." He shoved another forkful of cheesecake into his mouth, hardly enjoying the cool, creamy confection.
"Um…oh…ok…well…you know I am living with my dad, right? Charlie?" She swallowed and looked up toward the neon lights that ran around the perimeter of the diner. "Before this, I really hadn't spent a whole hell of a lot of time with him in quite a few years. Well, my first night here, Charlie came bursting into my bedroom swinging a baseball bat, and woke me up."
"Why'd he do that?" Edward didn't look at her.
"Well, see, when I'm under stress or maybe a little too tense, I tend to talk in my sleep. But poor Charlie didn't know this. And, of course, I didn't think to tell him, because I really didn't think I was stressed or tense or anything, but, I guess I was. Really stressed. Apparently, I was yelling and screaming." She paused for a moment and thought. "If I'm being truthful, I think I was dreaming about telling old Phil off, so I was probably shouting insults and curses or something. Anyway, Charlie thought an intruder had gotten into my room and the poor man came in swinging this huge Louisville Slugger! Took the lamp on the night stand right out and damn near gave me a heart attack!"
Edward stared at her. "You…shout insults in your sleep."
"Only when I'm stressed." She popped the last bite of her cheesecake into her mouth.
"Or tense." She couldn't help but notice that he was looking past her at his parents.
"Don't you do stuff in your sleep?"
"Yeah, but I can't discuss it in mixed company," he smirked.
She rolled her eyes. "You know what I'm talking about. Don't you talk in your sleep? Or maybe sleepwalk?"
Edward shook his head. "Nope. Once I fall asleep, I'm out." He probably should have said "if" he fell asleep. A good night's sleep was a rare thing for Edward.
"Wow…you really are weird." She took a big gulp of coffee as the waitress laid the check down on the table. "What the hell is it with these waitresses in this town? They push you out of the damn restaurants!"
Edward glanced at his watch. "We really should be heading back to Forks anyway. I don't want the Chief pissed at me, not with that wicked baseball bat he wields. He going for the Forks batting title this year?"
"Only if he mistakes your head for a bedside lamp," she snorted. He really loved being with her. She had the ability to lift him out of any funk.
They got up and each put on their jackets. Edward grabbed the check and started to walk the long way around to the cashier. Bella grabbed his arm.
"Let's go this way."
"Bella," he leveled a look at her.
"I want to meet your parents, Edward."
"Why are you doing this to me," he moaned.
"Oh, come on. I am getting a sense that you don't really like them, or at least you don't like your dad. And it's their anniversary. Just saying 'hi' to them is going to make things so much better. You'll see." She tugged him around to the other side of the diner, pushing him ahead of her as they rounded the aisle of booths and headed toward the booth containing Carlisle and Esme. If it would make Bella happy, he would say hi to his parents. Even if it killed him.
"Hi Mom, happy anniversary," he leaned down and kissed his Esme on the cheek.
"Edward! When did you get here?" She was surprised to see her son. Bella could see that she'd been crying, but the way her eyes lit up when she saw Edward was beautiful.
"We were finishing up our coffee when you walked in," his eyes danced as he looked at his mother. It was obvious to Bella that they adored one another. She couldn't help but notice how beautiful Mrs. Cullen was. "Hello, Dad. Happy anniversary." He held his hand out to Carlisle, who smiled genuinely at him as he warmly took Edwards' hand into both of his.
"Thank you, Edward."
"Is this the lovely young lady who has you smiling so much these days, Edward?" Esme's dazzling smile found Bella and she felt herself blush.
"Mom, this is Isabella Swan. Bella," he pulled her next to himself.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cullen," Bella held out her hand to Esme. "Happy Anniversary."
"Thank you, dear. It's so nice to meet you." Esme took Bella's hand in hers and held it for a moment, before releasing it.
"It's nice to meet you too," Bella was graceful and natural. "Dr. Cullen," she held out her hand to Carlisle. "Happy anniversary."
"Thank you, Bella. How is your father these days?"
"The Chief is doing well. Eating better since I've been here," she smiled.
"Please send him my regards," Carlisle's tone was light as his smile was bright.
"I will, Dr. Cullen."
"We need to be heading back to Forks, Mom. Bella's got a curfew…and so do I." He glanced at Carlisle as he said this.
"Drive carefully, dear," Esme patted Edward's cheek gently as he bent down again to kiss her.
"I will, Mom. Night, Dad."
"Good night, Edward," Carlisle smiled.
"Good night, Mrs. Cullen," Bella again offered her hand to Esme again. "Dr. Cullen."
"Good night, Bella. Lovely to meet you," Esme beamed at Bella.
"Same here," Bella smiled back.
"Good night, Bella," Carlisle waved as they headed toward the cashier.
Bella could tell how tense Edward had been during the pleasant encounter with his parents, but waited until they were in the car and heading to the highway to say anything.
"Your parents are so nice!"
"You don't live with them."
"Your mom is so beautiful, Edward. And the way she looks at you! She adores you!"
"Esme is an amazing mother," he murmured.
"And your dad! He's so handsome and youthful!" Bella was just gushing over the Cullen's.
"I'm guessing you liked them," he snorted.
"I take it you don't?" She looked at him in the darkened car. His face illuminated only by the eerie lights of the Volvo dashboard.
"I love my mother. Esme is the only mother I know. I don't really remember my birth mother. Esme loved me from the beginning. That first day I met her, she brushed my hair out of my eyes with the most gentlest of touches I'd ever felt. I knew right then that I'd walk through fire for that beautiful woman." He didn't take his eyes off the road to look at Bella while he spoke, but is voice was soft and filled with love.
"And your father?"
"Carlisle is a difficult man. He's difficult to read. He's difficult to get to know. He's difficult to live with."
"So you and your father are at odds."
"That's one way to put it. The only thing I like about him is that he loves my mother, perhaps more than I even love her. Although lately, I have questioned that somewhat."
"What do you mean?" she watched him with intense eyes.
"He's just made some decisions recently that I have found, well, questionable, I guess. Decisions that are maybe not in Esme's best interest." His voice was flat and without emotion.
"Can I just say something?"
He finally turned and glanced at her. "What?" She could see what she thought was anguish in his beautiful green eyes. Although, she was willing to admit, it may have only been the dim dashboard lights. Damn Volvo. Did they think everyone lived in the land of the midnight sun?
"When your father saw you approach, his entire face lit up. His whole demeanor changed. You may not think it, Edward, or maybe he doesn't demonstrate it in quite the same way your mom does, or your grandfather did, but Dr. Cullen loves you." She reached out and touched his arm.
Edward couldn't turn to look at her. It was too hard. It was too embarrassing. He didn't want her to see the tears that her words had caused.
~*~*~*~*~*
Edward pulled up in front of Bella's house and put the car in park. They had driven much of the way in silence. It hadn't been awkward. It had just been…silent. There wasn't anything to say, really. Now they sat in the car, both staring out the windshield, neither wanting the night to end.
Finally, Edward sighed. "I have ten minutes to get you home by midnight," he smiled into the darkness.
"Then you better move that hot little ass of yours and walk me to my door," her voice danced with delight.
"My what?" He shook his head. He'd never met anyone quite like Bella Swan.
"You heard me!"
He got out of the drivers seat, and grabbed the bag containing her new jacket from the back seat before going around and opening her door for her, helping her out as he had all evening.
"You've done it, Cullen," she smiled at him as she headed up the path to her front porch.
"Done what?" He sounded surprised.
"Spoiled me rotten. Ruined me for other guys. Who else is going to open doors for me other than you?" She started up the front steps with Edward close behind.
"Maybe Chief Swan can intimidate other guys into opening doors with his Louisville Slugger. He can demonstrate on a lamp," Edward turned to face her in front of the door, his mouth twisted into a crooked smile that played into the shadows formed on his face by the dull porch light.
"Maybe you want to see the Chief in action, Cullen?" She tuned her face up toward his.
"You want your father to swing a baseball bat at my head?"
"It might be an amusing way to end the best night I've had in a long time," she whispered as she took a small step toward him.
"I can think of a much better way to end the night," he sighed as he ran his fingertips over her cheek. She closed her eyes and her breath caught in her throat.
Edward lightly cupped her face in his big, soft hands, his fingertips twisting slightly into her hair as he tilted her head up. Her eyes closed as she took a breath. He brought his head down toward hers slowly. He could feel her breathing quicken, much like his own. His heart thumped in his chest as his pulse raced in anticipation of what was coming.
Slowly, softly, his lips touched hers. He heard her take a deep breath as he did this, but never break contact. He kissed her gently at first, then, pulled her closer to him. Her hands quickly went up into his hair, twisting his wayward bronze strands in between her fingers. He dropped the bag he'd been holding onto the porch floor and slid his arm around her waist, pulling her body against his as he deepened the kiss. He slid his hand up her back to where the exposed skin was warm and soft. He moaned softly at the glorious way the heat just radiated from her body and onto his hand.
Edward's lips parted and he sucked Bella's lower lip in between his. His tongue lightly slid along her lip, flicking against the small, silver ring. A tingle ran up his spine as a small moan escaped her lips.
She tightened her grip on his hair and pulled him hard against her as she backed into the side of the house with a thud. Edward felt his hips grinding against hers as if they had a mind of their own. The sensation was more than he could bear, and he groaned softly as he slid his tongue in between her now open lips, meeting her tongue for the first time. His mind reeled, and slipped from darkness into light.
"It's 12:02am," an amused voice called. "Someone's broken their curfew."
Edward jumped back abruptly, breathing hard and not looking up.
"Evening, Chief Swan," he said to the floor boards.
"Evening, Eddie," Charlie smirked gleefully at Edward.
"Oh my God! Charlie Swan! How long have you been standing there?" Bella stood with her hands on her hips, breathing hard, then stomped her foot in a fit of anger. She wasn't angry her father had caught her kissing Edward. She was mad the kiss had been interrupted.
"Just long enough to save my daughter's reputation, I think," Charlie's eyes glistened in the dim porch light as he leaned against the door jam. Edward dug his hands deep into his jeans pockets.
"Oh please!" She rolled her eyes. "My date was just saying good night!" Her eyes narrowed at her father.
"Past curfew!" He pointed at his watch. Edward still couldn't look up at Chief Swan. He was embarrassed that he'd been caught kissing Bella. Embarrassed that her father was standing there, looking at him with the most amused expression on his face that Edward had ever seen. Embarrassed that his body had betrayed him and he was absolutely certain the Chief knew little Edward was wide awake.
"Oh Charlie!" She bent down and picked up the bag with her coat that Edward had dropped minutes before onto the porch floor. "Here. I found a coat!" She shoved the bag at her father.
"Is it Edward approved?" He grinned mirthfully at his daughter as Edward's cheeks burned red and he absently opened the bag and peered in. "Nice jacket, Bells."
"Edward, ignore my father. He's being a total ass monkey right now!" She looked directly at her father as she said this and scrunched her nose up at him.
"Settle down, now, Bells," Charlie smiled broadly at his daughter. "You know I'm just having a little fun at poor Edward's expense. Yankin' his chain and all that. By the way, you have five minutes to say good night…and I'll be timing it." He winked at Bella before moving into the hallway and giving them a moment of privacy.
"Oh my God, Edward, I'm so sorry," she started to laugh as she brought her hands up to cover her face. "My father is…well, he's a lot different from your father!"
Edward kept his head down, but he couldn't conceal the big grin on his face. "I never took Chief Swan for a joker," he looked up at her. "But, damn, Bella, he's funny!"
"You aren't upset?"
"No, not at all. Embarrassed, yes, but not upset," he laughed. "He was just getting some huge jollies at our expense."
"He's incorrigible," she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Now, I only have a couple of minutes left to say goodnight," he pulled at her arms until they unfolded and limply fell down in front of her, Edward holding both of her small hands in his. "So, let me do this right."
He leaned in and touched his forehead to hers. She lifted her face up to his, until she was looking deeply into his blazing emerald eyes. Soft as a butterfly's wings, Edward touched his lips to hers.
"Good night, Bella Swan" he sighed.
"Good night, Edward," she breathed.
"Hey, did I mention that I wanna be your boyfriend?" The crooked smile that melted her heart played on his lips.
"I think you did," she whispered. "It would be so much easier if you were, you know."
"Then I think that maybe, I should definitely be your boyfriend, seeing how I kissed you and all," his eyes danced.
"Then Charlie would tease you even more," she reached up and ran her finger along his full, soft lips. His eyes closed as he breathed in deeply.
"Bring it. I wield a pretty wicked hockey stick myself," he smirked and took her hand, touching his lips to the back of it. "Good night, Bella."
"Good night, Edward," she walked into the house and closed the door behind her, but not before Edward heard Chief Swan's big booming laugh coming from the living room. At last he knew where Bella got her laugh from.
Smiling to himself, Edward skipped down the Swan's front steps and hopped into his car, feeling hopeful about his future for the first time in a very long time.
~*~*~*~*~*
So, there's the date. I hope you had as much fun as Bella and Edward did. Of course, we all have to suffer those little slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that the Mike freakin' Newton's of the world are, right? :D
I'm hoping to have another update for you in a few days, but currently, my work schedule is precarious at best, so I've no idea how much time I'll have the next few days. I hate year end...
Please read and review! I'd love to hear what you think! :D
And thank you again for reading!
