Patience is a virtue, that's all I've gotta say…
EPOV
She was sent to torture me; I've finally figured it out.
How else can you explain the way she teased me last night; got me so hot I couldn't think straight, and then turned me down?
OK, that's not fair. She said she wasn't ready just yet, and maybe the timing wasn't right. But dammit, I hadn't been that ready to be with someone in all my life.
I just keep reminding myself that Bella is more than worth the wait; even if she wanted to hold off until we were back in England, I'm sure I'd gladly suffer through it.
Although, I did have to excuse myself after her refusal and take a cold shower; I didn't know an erection could be so painful. When I got back to my room, she was still there -- she fell asleep in my bed. I sighed and pulled the blankets up around her before settling for the night in the chair next to my bed; I sat there, watching her sleep, until I finally dozed off.
The next morning, I felt a soft pair of lips graze across my eyelids as I awoke.
"Good morning," she said as she smiled sweetly at me. "You know, you didn't have to sleep in this chair last night. I bet your back and neck are killing you."
"I was already too tempted," I replied.
She nodded in understanding then started to walk to the door. As she was reaching for the knob, I was right behind her; I wrapped my arms around her waist and held her close to me.
"I'll wait forever for you; you know that, right?" I whispered into her hair.
"Yes, I know," she sighed. "Thank you for understanding. And, you know I want you just as much as you want me, right?"
I brushed her hair from the back of her neck and placed one, searing kiss on her shoulder, "I know."
I rested my cheek on her shoulder as we stood there, just wanting to feel close to one another.
"I'd better go," she said.
I gave her one last kiss on her cheek and let her slip out the door. I'm gonna need another shower, I think.
BPOV
I'm not sure how I was able to say no; I had this man – well, really, he looked more like a god – standing before me, naked, waiting to make love to me, and I said no. I must be out of my mind!
But, I knew that as wonderful as the experience would have been, it wouldn't have been as special as it could be. My first time with Edward should be more than just a sweet, quiet romp; it should be epic. At least, that's how I'd like it to be. And, with two kids and my boss in the house, I know that epic love-making just isn't in the cards for this location. I'd need to devise a plan.
We were going to stay around the house today, and I was thankful for that. Every time I think about what Edward and I did last night, I lose myself in thought. I think if I had to be out in public, I'd crash into people from my constant distraction.
I got the kids up and downstairs for breakfast as Carlisle was getting ready for the day; it took him longer than usual. When he walked into the kitchen, he had a grave expression on his face and I thought for sure that I was busted; he had heard me and Edward.
"Bella," he said. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
I hesitated ever so slightly before following him into his study. He turned toward me with that same expression and I started to feel like I was going to be sick.
"Bella, I have some bad news," he began.
"Yes?" I was bracing myself for my termination.
"I have to return to England for a couple of days. Business just can't seem to wait until the end of the summer, there's just no way around it."
I was finally able to take a breath, "Oh no, that's awful!"
"Yes, but I don't want to take you and the kids back. Your holiday shouldn't be interrupted just because mine is; I wanted to give you this," he said, handing me a credit card. "This is for emergencies only. I have to fly out in two hours, so I'll tell the kids after breakfast."
I had never felt so relieved in all my life. I thought for sure I was going to be sacked! We walked back into the parlor where Edward had joined the kids for breakfast. Once we had finished, Carlisle spoke up.
"Emmett, Rosie, I have to go back home for a couple of days," he said.
"No daddy!" Rose cried. "I don't want to leave!"
"You don't have to, darling," he said gently. "It's just me who has to leave; you'll stay here with your brother and Bella."
Edward cleared his throat softly.
"...And your cousin," Carlisle added warily. "You'll be so busy having fun with Bella; you won't even notice I'm gone."
Rose relented but continued to pout while Emmett seemed indifferent to the news, but I could see a brief flash of hurt in his eyes. He resented how much his father worked.
Once Carlisle had left, Rose and Emmett went to their rooms to sulk. I could tell this wasn't going to be a fun couple of days. Edward and I sat on the couch in the living room and watched TV; I had my legs resting on his lap and he was gently massaging my calves. I couldn't concentrate on the program or his wonderful attentions, though, my mind was elsewhere.
"What's wrong, Love? You're distracted," he said, moving his hand up past my knee.
"I'm worried about Emmett, he's just so angry all the time! I wish I knew what to say to him to make him feel like everything is going to be OK."
"I think he just needs time, Love. He's still misses his mum and he's choosing to mourn on his own terms. Maybe it's healthy that he's reacting this way."
"I don't know, I think he may need to vent some frustrations but he doesn't know how or who he can turn to. Carlisle seems so distant with him sometimes."
"He's mourning too, Love."
"Yeah, you're right. But, I wish I could get both of them to sit and talk and maybe just have one big cry or something."
Edward chuckled and kissed my knee, "you're too sweet for your own good, Love."
"Bella?" Rose had finally wandered back downstairs again.
"Yeah sweetie?" I pulled my legs off of Edward's lap and got up to see what she needed.
"What are we going to do today?"
"Whatever you want," I said. "Do you want to go shopping again?"
"No."
I'm sure my eyes went as wide as saucers; Rosie didn't want to shop.
"Well, what do you want to do?"
"Will you watch a movie with me? You and Edward."
"Of course, sweetie! What do you want to watch?"
"Can we watch Finding Nemo again?"
"Absolutely."
I found the DVD and put it in the player as Rosie jumped on the couch next to Edward. She was snuggling up close to him and I sat on the other side of her; I smiled at the two of them, they looked so sweet together. We were at the part where the barracuda was about to attack Coral when Rose grabbed my hand, she buried her face into Edward's shoulder as she squealed, "I don't like this part!"
"Shhhh, it's OK, Rosie," Edward whispered. "It's just a movie."
"Can I look now?"
"Yes," I said, stroking her hair. "It's all over."
I tried to pull my hand away, but Rose had a tight grip on it.
We sat there for a bit longer until I noticed Rose was pulling my hand and arm across her body; I was about to ask what she was doing when my hand came in contact with another hand I was quite familiar with: Edward's. He took my hand as we looked at each other curiously. I turned to Rose, "Why did you do that, sweetie?"
She rolled her eyes and looked up at me, "You know you wanted to."
"What do you mean?" Edward asked.
"Don't worry," she said calmly. "I won't tell Daddy."
"Won't tell him what?" I asked.
"That you and Edward are girlfriend and boyfriend," she answered.
"How do you know that?"
"Puh-lease," she huffed. "It's so obvious! You two look at each other all the time."
"Rose, that doesn't mean we're dating," I said.
"Whatever," she said as she quietly watched the rest of the movie.
I gave Edward a worried look and he shot one right back to me; then his expression softened, as if to say 'don't worry, everything will be fine.'
I sure hope so.
EPOV
Bella took Rosie upstairs to play with her dolls after the movie. I sat on the couch for a while, trying to summon up the courage to talk to Emmett. I steeled myself and went to his room.
"What?" Emmett grunted when I knocked on him door.
"It's Edward. Can I come in?"
"Fine."
I opened the door to find him reading a comic book; he didn't look up as I entered.
"What are you reading?"
He lifted the front so I could see it: The Punisher.
"Nice! Didn't like the movie, though. It was kind of stupid."
"Yeah."
I looked at his stack of comics: X-Men, Spiderman, Dare Devil, etc. These characters have taken over for actual human contact for this kid. It made me really sad.
I sat on the edge of his bed and thought of something to say; but I was coming up with nothing.
Finally, I took the plunge, "Are you upset that your dad left today?"
He mumbled something that sounded like 'I don't know.' I'll take that as a yes.
"You know, your dad probably works so much because he misses your mum; it takes his mind off of how much he's hurting. Just like you and these comics, you don't have to really think about anything, you just read and get lost in the story."
I turned to him to find his nose still buried in the comic. I couldn't tell if he was absorbing what I was saying, but continued anyway.
"I know you're sad; I'm sad too. I miss Aunt Esme very much."
He scoffed, "What do you care? You only care about yourself."
"That's not true," I said quietly. "I care about you all; but I've been very angry at the world, just like you. I've been angry that my dad left and he's never tried to contact me. I've been angry that I let myself get so reckless, and then that anger just made me do more stupid things. I remember what I was like when I was 11, Emmett; I didn't talk to people and I buried myself in comic books and music just like you're doing now. I don't want you to end up like me."
"What makes you think I'll end up like you?" He asked defensively.
"You remind me too much of me," I said. "And, you may very well head down the same path. You might not, that's true; but I've been there, and I know that falling through the cracks is easy to do."
"I'm not you," he said, rising up off his bed. "And I'm not my father, either! I'm not going to end up like either of you!"
"You could do a lot worse than ending up like Carlisle," I said.
"I won't! I won't be like him!" He started to cry. "I hate him! And I hate you! I wish everyone would just leave me alone!"
"We can't do that, Emmett. We love you too much! You can't just give up on people you love."
"Dad did! He's given up on me! He doesn't care!"
"That's not true, he loves you!"
"He doesn't! Just go away! I don't want to talk to you anymore!"
"OK, but just remember that your dad is hurting just as much as you are. You need to let him know how you feel."
"GO!!" Emmett screamed as he collapsed on his bed in tears.
I walked out and ran into Bella in the hall.
"What's going on? Why is Emmett crying?"
"I was trying to talk to him, but he doesn't want to communicate right now," I said.
"What did you say?"
"Just that everyone is hurting and he should talk to Carlisle to let him know how he feels."
She took my hand, "At least you tried. Let's just give him some space right now."
I kissed her hand, "That's what I was thinking."
BPOV
I was thankful that Edward took the initiative to talk to Emmett. Even though it wasn't as productive as he had hoped, I'm sure it at least lit a fire under Emmett, and maybe he's thinking about talking with his father now.
Or maybe I'm being naive.
Once the kids were in bed for the night, Edward and I sat on the couch in the same position we were in earlier. I leaned my head back against the arm rest as Edward massaged my legs; he really has a wonderful pair of hands on him. His right hand was working on my right knee as his other hand slipped down my thigh towards my hip.
"What are you up to, Mr. Cullen?"
"Shhhh, just relax. I want to make you feel good, Love."
"You want to get me into trouble," I said; I couldn't get the grin off my face.
"Maybe," he teased. "I certainly want to see you naked."
I covered my mouth to suppress the guffaw that hit me, "Evil man."
His hand move past my hip and up my side where he found a sensitive part of my body. I jerked away in response as the look on his face went from evil to downright maniacal.
"Ticklish?"
"No."
He hit the spot again and I made a high pitched squeaking noise.
"No," he mocked. "Not a bit ticklish."
"Stop!" I cried as he went for the spot again. "You'll wake the kids up!"
"Good, maybe they'll come down and help me torture you!"
"Edward!" I squealed as he continued his attack. I was saved by the doorbell ringing.
"Who would stop by at this time of night?" I asked, debating whether to call the cops or answer the door.
Edward stood and went to the window, "What the hell are they doing here?"
"Who?"
He opened the door to reveal Jasper and Alice.
"What are you two doing here?" Edward asked.
"Well, when you told me your uncle went back to England for a couple of days, I thought it would be a good time for me to visit," Jasper said. "And, of course, I had to bring the little pixie along."
"Are...are you two seeing each other now?" I asked as Alice blushed.
"I guess you could say that," Alice replied.
"You gonna let us in, mate?" Jasper inquired.
Edward stepped aside to let them in; Alice bound up and gave me a hug. "I've missed you, Bells! Haven't seen you in days!"
"I've missed you, too! It's nice having a girl my own age to talk to."
"Well, isn't this lovely?" Jasper commented. "Now! Where does your uncle keep that nice, aged scotch of his?"
"Jasper," Edward warned. "My cousins are right upstairs!"
"We're not going to get drunk," Jasper said. "Just have a little scotch while we sit around and shoot the breeze."
"I don't know, Jasper," I said. "I really don't want one of the kids to come down and find me drinking, even if I don't get drunk."
"Don't worry! We'll sit outside and enjoy this lovely night."
"It's OK, Bells," Alice said. "We won't do anything naughty."
I looked to Edward who had the same worried expression as I did; he shrugged his shoulders in defeat. "Alright, as long as we don't drink too much or get too loud."
I walked towards the stairs, "I'm going to check on the kids really quick."
"Hurry," Alice said.
I made sure Rosie and Emmett were fast asleep before I headed out onto the balcony outside of the kitchen. Jasper had already set up four glasses with ice and scotch and Alice handed one to me.
"I've never had scotch before," I said, sniffing the golden-brown liquid. "Isn't it supposed to be strong?"
"If it's good," Jasper said, raising his glass in toast. We all held our glasses up to his. "To friends and loves, both new and old."
"Here, here," Edward said as he gave me a wink.
We sat out there for two hours talking, I was getting a bit tipsy, and so I set my drink aside for the night. However, I was still willing to spill my guts to Alice as we sat across the balcony from the boys.
"So, how are you and Edward doing? Last time I knew, you wanted to slap him in the face."
"Things change," I said.
"Clearly; have you two done anything, yet?"
"Kind of..."
"Oh, you can't leave me with that! What did you do?"
"Well, the other night we got pretty hot and heavy," I said. "We were in his room making out, and he started, you know..."
"No, I don't know; what?"
"He got into my panties, and...you know ... fingered me."
"Nice! Was that all?"
"Well, yeah! We can't do much else in a house with his little cousins! It'd just be wrong!"
"You could be really quiet."
"I don't want to be really quiet! I want it to be passionate!"
"Oooo, listen to you! Miss I-want-romance-novel sex! Well, what are you going to do?"
"I'm not sure! I can't think of a way for us to get away from the kids for a night. I can't just leave them with someone!"
"You could leave them with me and Jasper."
"No! I can't do that; it's my job to watch these kids. If I leave them with someone while I go have sex with Edwards, I'd be so ashamed of myself."
"Wow! You have morals the likes of which I've never seen, Bells," Alice said. "I'm very impressed."
"Yeah, well sometimes I wish I didn't have these morals! It'd make my life so much easier!"
"True! Look at me! I have no morals and my life's a bloody breeze!"
We laughed as the boys walked over.
"What's so funny, then?" Jasper asked.
"Oh nothing," I said. "You're just dating a ho."
"Hey!" Alice laughed, hitting me in the arm.
"OK," Edward said. "I think it's time we go back inside."
He lifted me out of my chair and threw me over his shoulder; I tried not to scream as he carried me inside.
"Put me down!" I said in as hushed a scream as I could manage.
"In good time, Love."
He set me on the couch as Alice and Jasper followed us into the living room. The clock on the wall said it was already 1 a.m.
"Wow, I didn't think we'd been out there that long," I said.
"Wasn't that long," Jasper said. "Now, where can we crash for the night?"
He looked to Edward who shrugged. "Couch maybe?"
"It'll have to be the couch," I said. "All the rooms are taken. Unless..."
"Unless what, Miss Bella?" Jasper asked, sitting next to me.
"You two could have my bed," I suggested. "And I could stay with Edward."
"Sounds good," Jasper said, pulling Alice up the stairs as I walked up to show them to my room.
I flipped on my light and led them in, then showed them where the bathroom was before heading back down the hall. Edward was sitting on his bed with his head in his hands when I got to his room.
I stood in front of him and ran my hands through his hair; he looked up at me with a thoughtful gaze. "How are we going to do it, Love?"
"I still haven't figured it out," I said, sitting next to him and putting my head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around me and sighed.
"I don't mean to sound like I'm pushing; I just want it so bad. You understand, right?"
I nodded.
"And you know that I'm not only interested in the sex, right? I love you; you're everything I want in a woman."
I turned to look at him and saw his face was full of adoration and wonder. He brushed his nose against mine before capturing my lips in a kiss. I debated deepening the kiss, but decided we should probably go to bed before either of us gets too excited.
I pulled away, "Goodnight, my love."
His smile got even bigger, "Goodnight, my sweet Bella."
EPOV
There was a knock at the door at 6 a.m.
At first, I thought it was going to be Jasper, playing a joke on us. I walked to the door and threw it open.
"What Jasper? You cu..."
Standing there was a woman who looked remarkably like my late Aunt Esme.
"I'm sorry," I said quickly. "I thought you were my friend trying to be funny."
She gave me a smirk, "No, I'm not known for being funny."
"I'm sorry, can I help you?"
"I'm here to see my niece and nephew."
"Oh! Are you Esme's sister?"
"Yes, I'm Elizabeth. Sorry I didn't call, but I knew Carlisle would be at the summer home, and I wanted to see Emmett and Rosie."
"Oh no, it's OK. But, Carlisle isn't here right now, he's in England taking care of some business. I'm his nephew, Edward."
"You're babysitting, huh?"
"No, actually; the kids have an au pair, Bella. You'll love her, she's great."
I let her in and excused myself to my room; Bella was still fast asleep.
"Bella! Wake up!"
"What?" She asked, coming out of her haze.
"My Aunt's sister is here, we've got to get everyone up!"
Bella shot up in the bed and threw the covers off of her; she ran down the hall to get the kids up as I took care of Alice and Jasper.
"Jas, get up mate! My Aunt's sister is here, you've got to go!"
"Hang on, hang on," he moaned, "Five more minutes."
"No! Now! You both need to get up!"
"And what? Shimmy down the drainpipe?"
"I don't care, as long as she doesn't see you!"
"Thanks mate."
I ran back to my room to put on a shirt and got back to the top of the stairs as the kids were greeting their aunt.
"Auntie Lizzie! I missed you so much!" Rose cried.
"Oh, and I missed my little Rosebud! And Emmett, look at you, you're all grown up!"
"No I'm not," Emmett replied with a blush; it's the happiest I've seen him in the past week or so.
Bella came out of her room and we both walked down to where hugs were being exchanged.
"Hi, I'm Bella; I'm the children's au pair."
"Hello, I'm Elizabeth; it's nice to meet you. How long have you been with the children?"
"A couple weeks now; I'm just going to be with them for the summer."
"Well," Elizabeth said, looking to the children. "I haven't seen these dear little ones in too long. I was hoping I could spend all day with them, if that's alright?"
"Oh," Bella said. "I don't know, they're father's not here right now."
"I'm sure Carlisle won't mind," Elizabeth said. "I just wanted to be with them; maybe take them into Dublin. I won't be but a few hours."
"Please Bella?" Rose pleaded.
"Yeah, please, Bella? We haven't seen Aunt Lizzie since mum died," Emmett said.
That clinched it; I saw Bella's eyes well up a bit as she said, "Of course, go ahead."
"Splendid," Elizabeth said. "Why don't we have some breakfast and then you kids can get ready to go?"
Bella and I walked to the kitchen, it seems in all of the commotion Beatrice decided to get up a little early; she was already making breakfast.
"Be ready in a moment," she said.
After breakfast, Rose and Emmett raced back up the stairs to get dressed. Bella and I stood awkwardly in the doorway with Elizabeth, just trying to make conversation.
"So, how has the weather been here?" Elizabeth asked.
"Very nice," Bella replied. "Though, I've never been here before; so I have no frame of reference for that."
We all chuckled lightly as the kids came back down.
"Ready?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes," they said in unison.
"OK," she looked to me and Bella. "We'll be back before dinner."
She handed Bella a card, "That's my cell phone number, in case you get worried or something happens."
They left and I was there – alone with Bella.
She turned to look at me as if she were thinking the exact same thing I was.
I chased her back up the stairs.
Once again, put your weapons down! The lemony goodness is coming! I just didn't want to rush into it…but, next time…