Chapter Seven: Living In Twilight
Revised: April 26, 2009
I shivered as Edward pulled the motorcycle into an empty lot in his building's parking garage. I relished the warmth of the indoors as he cut the motor and stood up; running his fingers through his windblown hair. I caught his attention as I held up the memento I had found while he drove through the dark streets of Chicago after 'our date'.
We were half-way down West Clark Avenue, about to turn on Addison Avenue, where Edward's loft was located. The wind whipped around us as I gripped Edward tighter; eventually slipping my freezing hands into his jacket pockets. My fingers made contact with lace, satin, and string....then I realized why I was freezing...down there...I buried my face into the middle of his back, trying to keep myself from blushing.
"Edward, darling, why do you still have my panties?" I twirled them between my fingers as I watched him turn crimson. Good. About time he did for a change.
He deftly reached out and hooked them out of my fingers with his one long index finger, balling them up once more before sliding them into his pocket. "I wish to keep these as a relic tonight. Something I can keep close for when I can't be near you."
I didn't counter back, but nodded in understanding. I allowed him to lift me off the bike, placing me on the stable concrete floor before pulling me into a intimate kiss. Afterward, he wrapped his arm around my waist and led me to the elevator; clicking the 'Up' button. We shared cherished kisses to each other's exposed flesh as the elevator descended. The doors finally opened and Edward ushered me in before hitting the button for the top floor.
The ride was silent, peaceful. This was probably because his lips were occupied with my exposed neck line. The slow, open mouth kisses were not the kind that led to sex, though. These were just kisses of expressing something deeper, more meaningful. He stopped once the doors opened again to reveal a modern hallway with white walls and black marble floors. Lacing his fingers between my own, he led me out of the elevator and down the hallway to his loft. As he unlocked the door, I massaged his shoulder blades, planting soft, lingering kisses between them right on his spine. I felt him reach back to rub my hip gently as he choked out a chuckle.
"I am happy that you can stay the night, Bella. You don't know how excited I am to have you in my bed with me; my arms around you tight...just sleeping...like a normal couple would."
A normal couple. I felt some sadness creep into my thoughts as he pulled me into his dark apartment. God, I promised myself I wouldn't think of this just yet. I wanted that with Edward.
I reminded myself what he had said earlier after we made love. We would have that. I would have the pleasure of loving Edward without the culpability. I just need to be patient.
I felt his arms wrap around my waist after he flicked the light switch, casting a warm glow around the loft apartment. It was small, but cozy as I imagined it to be. To the left side of the living room was his living room; consisting of a cream loveseat, a burgundy chaise tucked in the corner of the room. A dark cherry bookcase and a small plasma screen T.V. lined the wall opposite of the sofa. To the right was a kitchenette complete with stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar for two. Black and white photographs and a couple of guitars flanked the white walls of the multi-purpose space. The space was modest with hints of vintage charm; a true reflection of Edward. I even noticed his vast vinyl collection along with his dark paneled GE turntable console that set in a small alcove by hit front door. The console was clearly refurbished and well-maintained.
I shook my head in amazement as I walked further into the room, forgetting my previous concerns as I took everything in. I looked back at him and smiled as I slipped my cashmere sweater off, casually draping it over the arm of the sofa.
"This is incredible, Edward...it's so light...and open..."
He chuckled as he pulled me to his chest again, kissing my hair line. "What did you expect? Riding crops, dungeons, and chains?"
I laughed, "No...not the dungeons..."
He joined in with a snicker, "Not the dungeons."
My laughter dimmed down to a subtle giggle before being interrupted by a yawn. He gently massaged the small of my back, tittering some before moving both hands down to cup my bottom. "I think I wore you out..."
"No....I'm...fin-" my protests were alternated once more with another, louder yawn. He grinned and kissed my cheek before picking me up bridal style and heading down a small hallway to what I assumed was his bedroom. I whined in disappointment. I wanted to stay awake with him forever; afraid that if I fall asleep I'll wake up without him there.
He sighed at the clear indication that I didn't want to fall asleep yet. "Baby, we have all day tomorrow together plus we don't have to fall asleep right away...we can always talk."
I reluctantly nodded as he sat me at the edge of his plush bed and began to undress me slowly. His nimble fingers pulled the zipper of my dress off; allowing it to drop down to my waist. My nipples hardened at the cool contact of the night air. He bent forward and kissed both; resting his warm hand on my tummy before going back to work undressing me. He pushed the skirt of my dress up, bunching up around my hips as he began to unclasp my nude thigh high stockings to pull each one down slowly. I lifted my hips for him as he pulled my dress along with my garter belt off, leaving me naked to him again on the center of the bed.
He smiled as he looked me over, "Beautiful, as always." He bent forward to kiss my lips as he slipped a large silk black dress shirt on my body. He began to button the pearl buttons from the bottom of the top to the middle of my breasts. He chuckled as he looked at the top that practically swallowed me into a sea of silk.
"You look so hot in my clothes, baby." I blushed at the compliment as I began to help him undress as well. I didn't want to neglect him after all the attention he had lavished upon me tonight.
After some time past between our kisses and caresses, we finally curled into Edward's queen sized bed. The white Egyptian cotton sheets was feather soft against our skin and the black satin duvet radiated heat. Edward tenderly pulled me closer by the waist, nuzzling his nose against mine before kissing my lips, tugging my bottom lip into his mouth to imperceptibly suckle. I moaned breathlessly before kissing him back; weaving my fingers into his hair. He pulled away with a smirk, slipping his hand up the shirt I was wearing to massage my side before moving up to my nearest breast to cup it dotingly.
"Bella...this feels right, doesn't it? Us, together. Holding each other. Kissing. Touching. You are my missing puzzle piece. No one can fit me so perfectly."
I blushed, "It does."
He looked deep into my eyes, copying their yearning and worship to match my own. He leaned in and kissed my lips again, whispering against them, "Soon, love, we will not have to hide in the shadows of twilight. Soon, we will be able to be that couple everyone envies. You'll see."
I nodded sleepily before reaching up to kiss him once more. "Soon."
Within minutes, we were swathed into a deep slumber, holding on to each other as if the other would disappear.
Together, without the secrecy for now. Living in twilight.
Just as I imagined a normal couple would do.
