This message isn't fair to the many readers I have that actually love this story and GET it, so for that I apologize.
For those that don't like it … It's my turn to rant. For those of you that insist Bella got "bent out of shape" in Chapter 1 when Edward wouldn't talk to her, I suggest you re-read the chapter then get back to me. We will discuss it once you have your facts straight.
Let me try to explain something you clearly don't get. It would be helpful if you could see this as a work in progress and not try to assume I haven't considered all the things that are irritants to you right now. You insult my intelligence by doing that. You are complaining about things that I have already addressed in future chapters and if you can only wait and just enjoy the story, you will find that I have thought of everything such as:
Similarities between Edward and Anthony: Check
Smells: Check
Sound of voice: Check
All of this is covered … Just freaking trust me.
And if you STILL don't like it …. Quit Reading It
I smile when I get comments that tell me you understand this is fantasy. I would never do what Bella is doing either and that is what's so great about the power of the pen (or computer in this case). So, just sit back and enjoy the ride.
And don't think I have forgotten you Cintia and Kris. Without you, this would be a ridiculous mess!
CHAPTER 9:
Edward's walk winds up taking longer than he expected, snapping hundreds of pictures in the few hours he's been out. Thinking he should get back to the cabin before it gets too dark, he turns around, slinging his camera over his shoulder. Putting his hands deep in his pockets, he walks down the dimly lit path, his thoughts again returning to Bella.
It's been a while since he's allowed himself to feel for a woman. Not since Aria. But Isabella has worked her way in. What concerns him the most is that he sees her as two separate women … Isabella and Bella.
Isabella lets herself be free and sexual. Bella is cold and withdrawn. Perhaps Isabella is Bella's alter ego. Contemplating these thoughts, his eyes are cast downward, focusing on his feet as he places one foot in front of the other. He certainly enjoys the way Isabella gives herself over to him, no questions asked.
When he first met Bella, she appeared stiff and, well, bitchy. But the more he thinks about it, the more he sees that she's opening herself up to him. This morning, for example, when they bumped into each other. She acted more shy than rigid and reserved. She was even a little flirtatious and nervous. She even stuttered. He had to grin at that, actually.
It's dark and cold outside by the time he reaches the cabin, and, unfortunately, the fire has died out. Making that his priority, he tosses a few good-sized logs into the fireplace, and the fire is roaring once again. Turing toward the kitchen, he puts the kettle on the stove for a cup of tea and while he waits for the pot to boil, he opens his laptop, excited to review his photos.
After the kettle begins to whistle, Edward hurries to prepare his beverage, anxious to get back to the computer. He likes what he's taken so far and is excited to get out on the lake tomorrow to take more pictures. While he's stirring a spoonful of honey into his Earl Grey, he nearly drops the cup onto the floor when his phone rings.
Looking to see who it is before he answers, he smiles when the word 'Mom' appears, and he lifts the phone to his ear.
"Hey, Mom."
"Hello, Son. I just wanted to call to see how the apartment is working out. Everything all right?"
"Yep. Everything's fine. I've only stayed a couple nights, but it's nice not having to take the subway home when it's a late night for me, so thanks for letting me use it." Edward rolls his eyes at himself, knowing that he would get the tongue lashing of his life if his mother knew what he was really using it for.
"Actually, the reason behind my call is to let you know your father and I are going to put it on the market. We never make it to the city often enough to justify it with the accountant," she explains. "It's costing us more than we are getting out of it."
"Really?" Edward asks in a curious tone, sitting up straight. He's always liked the apartment and its location, and although he often thought about speaking to his parents about it, his work always got in the way. "You wouldn't want to sell it to me, would you? I've had a realtor bugging me to sell it claiming I could make a ton off of it, so the deal would be quick."
"Oh, honey, you can't afford to keep that place up. The taxes alone are a fortune," Esme declares.
"Mother, if I didn't think I could afford it, I wouldn't be talking to you about it. However, if you plan on price gouging me, we may have to talk," he says through a chuckle.
"Let me speak to your father about it. He may be willing to make a deal with you to avoid the high realtor fees. He's been talking about selling it for a while now, wanting to buy a yacht he's had his eye on. This way he can pay cash for it without liquidating other assets."
"Will the furniture be included?" he asks shyly.
"It would have to be. I have everything I need here, and that place is decorated beautifully. Besides, I bought that piano for you anyway," she adds. "It's yours."
"Perfect. Let me know, because you know I've always loved that place. It's in a perfect location, and the realtor thinks I may already have a buyer for my place."
"I will. Your father will be home soon, and I'll talk it over with him. I'll have him call you tonight, all right?"
"Sounds good," Edward says preoccupied while he reviews his photos.
"When is your next assignment?" Esme asks, bringing him back into the conversation.
"Um … at the end of the month. I'm going to South Africa for a week or so. I'm doing an article on Nelson Mandela," he says through a bored tone. "As if there isn't enough written about him as it is. I don't know why TIME even wants to do it, there's so much out there that's already been written," Edward says frustrated.
"I can imagine, but you, my son, are the creative one, and I have no doubt you will come up with something. Just respect his family and the fact that he's deceased. No need to raise anything scandalous," Esme reminds her son.
"I won't, mother. Right now, I'm up at Blue Mountain Lake taking pictures. It's so beautiful here," Edward says, changing the subject and admiring the pictures on his monitor.
"Oh, your father and I spent a weekend there several years ago. It is beautiful. I can't wait to see some of your photos. I love every single picture I have of yours hanging in my house, honey. You are so very talented. I especially favor your black and whites. You have an eye for that. Not everyone can pull it off, but you do," she says, lovingly complimenting her son.
"I'll email some to you when I get home. Just let me know which ones you like, and I'll have them framed for you."
"Good. I'd like that," she says. "All right, I'll have your father call you. I love you, Son."
"Love you too, Mom. Talk to you later."
After Edward hangs up the phone, he goes back to reviewing his photos and while he's clicking through the file, he's shocked when a close-up of Bella pops up on the screen. He can't help but stare at it, trying to recall when he took this particular photo.
"Beautiful," he whispers, sitting forward in his chair. He knows his heart is in trouble, because if his memory serves him correctly, he doesn't even think he felt like this even with Aria.
Shutting the laptop down, he paces the floor. Running his fingers through his hair, he thinks about the last time he was with her and how her narrow hips felt in his hands as he eased her over his cock. The memory of how she felt … of how her insides caressed the length of him as he moved his hips against her, has taken permanent residency in his inside of her feels as soft and satiny as she feels when he glides his fingers into the wet folds of her smooth, bare lips.
Is this lust? He mentally asks himself in an attempt to make sense of it all.
"Yes," he answers out loud, stopping in his tracks. In a futile attempt to discern lust from love, he mentally defines each. Lust is when all you can think about sex, love is when you're interested in things other than sex. Isabella has it going on in the sex department, but Bella intrigues his mind.
"Yep. I'm fucked," he says loudly to no one.
Turning out the kitchen light, he stokes the fire and turns on the television to wait for his father's call. Edward is more determined than ever to buy his parents' apartment now. It's where he thinks he may have fallen in love with Isabella, after all.
~.~
After Rosalie and Bella take their seats on the plane, both are excited that the trip to Chicago turned out to be very successful. Bella's first show at this particular gallery went very well, and both have acquired a new client. Bella will show and sell Phillip Dwyer's work in her galleries, and Rosalie will be his art broker. It's a win-win for both women.
"So, what are you going to do about Phillip's attraction to you?" Rosalie opens the conversation as soon as they are comfortable.
"I don't know. So far, he's kept it professional, but once I show his work in my New York gallery, I'm certain he'll let his feelings come the surface more. But when he looks at me through those blue eyes, it's written all over his face." Bella says more to herself than to Rose. Bending forward, she pulls the in-flight menu out of the pocket in front of her.
"He does have pretty eyes, doesn't he?" Rosalie asks. Bella nods as she opens the menu.
"I'm hungry for a snack. Do you want to split something with me?" Rose leans over to share the menu, both deciding on the fruit and cheese plate.
"Are you going to see Stephen again?" Rosalie asks, more shyly than normal.
"I don't know," Bella answers. "He's nice." The thought of dating someone else feels more like cheating on Anthony … a man she's fucked but has never even seen. She huffs and shakes her head at the same time.
"What about this sex with benefits guy? Are you going to continue to see him?" Rosalie asks, making Bella cringe at having to make that decision.
"I don't think he would like it very much if I slept with someone else," Bella says quietly. "Um … Rose, if someone who was just a friend with benefits relationship asked you not to sleep with someone else, would you agree to it?"
After Rose contemplates the question, she shrugs, "I don't know. It all depends, I guess."
"On what?" Bella asks, looking over at her friend.
"On whether I liked him or not."
"Of course I like him! I wouldn't be fucking him if I didn't," Bella says rather loudly. Loud enough to cause the flight attendant to stop in the aisle.
Bella knew she was about to get into a long, drawn out explain-yourself conversation and needed to stop that from happening.
"Well then —"
"Rosalie, please," Bella says exasperated. "Like I said earlier, it's complicated."
"Okay, I give up. It's just that with Alice and me dating Jasper and Emmett, it would be nice to be able to include you in some of the things we do, you know, couple stuff."
"I know. Maybe someday," Bella says quietly.
After a relatively quiet and turbulence free flight, Bella and Rosalie exit the airport to find a cab home, only to see a very handsome Emmett waiting at the curb. Once he sees Rosalie, he hops out of his convertible and takes the three long strides to get to her before taking her in his arms, lifting her off the ground. Rose wraps her arms around his neck, throwing her head back, laughing at his antics as they twirl, clearly happy to see one another.
The two lovers aren't aware that Bella is watching and how much her heart aches to have that.
Emmett gently sets Rosalie down and lightly touches his nose to hers. "Come on, let's get you home. I've missed you," he says before kissing her thoroughly once more. Bella turns her back on the two to allow them a bit of privacy, pulling her carry-on behind her.
After Emmett drops Bella off at the curb in front of her building, she still hasn't shaken feeling melancholy about being alone, and walking into her very own crisp, white, pristine condominium reminds her of exactly that. Looking around, it hits her at how very alone she is.
~.~
After spending the week hiking, boating and driving around the area, Edward determines he has enough photos and decides to head home a day early, planning on leaving in the morning. After packing his bag and equipment, he settles down for the evening with a mystery novel and a crackling fire.
It doesn't take long before his mind wonders to Isabella and his desire to see her again. Setting the book down on his lap, Edward pulls his Bella-cell from his front pocket and composes a text to her to let her know he wants to meet her.
Will you meet me tomorrow? ~ Anthony
Bella sits behind her desk in her home office and is so focused on the report that Leah forwarded her concerning the Chicago opening, she didn't hear her cell phone ping the text.
Anthony continues to glance at his phone for the reply that doesn't come, and he assumes that she's either out or is still at work. Either way, it disappoints him that he doesn't get to talk to her, so he goes back to his book in an attempt to refocus his mind on something else other than her.
Bella stares at the computer so long that her eyes begin to burn and water. Sitting back in her chair, she rubs her palms over her eyes, massaging them. Focusing her attention back on the report, she becomes frustrated at not being able to see through her tired eyes, so shuts it down planning on returning to it in the morning.
Sitting back in her chair, she picks up her phone to check for messages and quickly sits forward when she sees she has a text from Anthony.
"Twenty minutes ago?" she says, looking at the time when the text came through. Hastily, Bella taps out a response.
Yes, I will meet you. ~ Isabella
Edward is startled when he hears the pinging of her text. Sighing at her answer, he sits back hard against the couch and smiles.
Do you remember where? ~ Anthony
Yes. I remember your instructions. ~ Isabella
I can't wait, Isabella. ~ Anthony
Excited about their meeting, Bella quickly dashes to her room to pull the bag out of her closet that contains the very small red plaid skirt, a crisp white blouse and tie that she purchased in Chicago. She has the perfect pair of white knee socks and Mary Jane's to complete the 'school girl' look. Bella giggles when she decides to wear her hair in pigtails with red plaid ribbons.
Smiling at how perfectly the outfit came together, she jumps in place, clapping her hands at how excited she is.
The following day, Bella and Alice meet at the attorney's office one last time to finalize the signing of the contracts for Alice to begin building her design studio.
After the two girls walk onto the sidewalk of New York City, Alice skips and does a pirouette with a huge smile on her face. Walking backward, she looks at her best friend and says, "Bella, you won't regret this. I will make you anything you want for the rest of your life!"
"Alice, you don't need to do that, but an occasional gown or cocktail dress would be great. I will wear them proudly," Bella giggles. "Come on, let's go meet with the contractor to see the design he's come up with for your studio."
After a long afternoon of meetings, Bella looks at her watch and is shocked to see it's ten after six. Getting up from her desk, she grabs her bag containing her outfit and hurries to her private bath to change.
Taking one last look in the mirror, she giggles and rolls her eyes at the same time not believing she is doing this. Then she shrugs, brushing it all off because she's having fun and hasn't felt this alive in years.
After Bella calls a cab, she locks the door behind her when the car arrives. She grins when the driver doesn't even give her a second look at her outfit. Even though she is wearing a trench coat, her white knee highs, Mary Jane's and pigtails should give something away. But after some of the characters she's seen on the streets of this city, this is nothing to be concerned about.
After paying the driver, Bella rides the elevator to the top floor of the parking garage, and once the doors open, she steps out, suddenly feeling very alone. Not seeing a single car or human being around, she becomes a little nervous. She knows he's here … somewhere.
Walking to the far corner where the large utility box is located, she places her bag on the ground, then removes her trench coat. After stepping up to the railing, she holds on to the cold metal tubing as she looks out over the city lights. Taking a deep cleansing breath, she takes a step backward, spreading her feet wider than shoulder width, and waits.
She doesn't have to wait long.
"You dressed up for me. I like it. Do you know how fucking sexy you look, Isabella?" Anthony asks, running his a warm hand up the inside of her exposed thigh. The higher his hand goes, the more he feels her heat emanating from her. Unable to wait, he cups his hand over her to find her literally dripping with wetness.
"You can't wait, can you, Isabella?" he whispers as he bends over her back, smearing her juices over her. "Do you know how wet you are?" Bella answers by shaking her head.
"You did well with this outfit. Watching you walk toward me in those white socks and pigtails, my cock was hard just waiting for you to reach me. But when you took off your coat and I saw your cute little ass peek out under the hem, I wanted to fuck you like you've never been fucked." Working his fingers inside her, he barely touches her sweet spot when she jumps, gasping at the sensation.
"You're quivering around my fingers, baby. I can't wait to feel that around my cock," he says low into her ear as his free hand works its way under her blouse. When Bella exhales a shuddering breath, he pinches her pebbled nipple, making her whimper.
"You are not to come, Isabella. Don't come until I fuck you with my mouth, do you understand?" Anthony hisses.
All Bella can do is nod in acknowledgment, hanging her head in concentration so she doesn't come by the sheer sound of his voice alone.
Anthony brushes his long finger over her hardened clit, then dips it inside her again all the way to the last knuckle. After he removes his hand from between her thighs, he places that wet finger inside his mouth to suck her off of him, enjoying her flavor.
"I've waited all week for this, baby," he says quietly, lifting the scant piece of material over her firm, round ass. Kneeling onto the ground, he spreads her cheeks to get a good look at her bare lips. His cock twitches at the sight.
Taking the flat of his tongue, he slowly licks her. He doesn't slip inside, he just licks. He chuckles when Isabella pushes her hips against his face, wanting him to touch her clit.
"Don't be hasty, girl," he growls against her. Taking his thumbs, he parts her lips exposing her completely to him.
Once his tongue finally touches her, Isabella lowers her forehead to the railing, unable to maintain her balance. Her heart is nearly beating out of her chest, and all she wants to do is shout at him to fuck her. She needs to come.
"Please," she finally whispers. For that, she gets a firm smack across her right cheek.
"Did I say you can speak, Isabella?"
Taking his tongue, he finally gives her what she wants and sloppily devours her. He makes a mess of her as he licks, nibbles and sucks on her, all while avoiding her tight bundle of nerves.
Feeling his own need intensify, Anthony finally gives her what she wants.
"Come for me, Isabella. I want to taste your cum all over my lips." And with that, he pulls her swollen clit between his lips and flicks his soft tongue over it, sending Isabella over the edge.
"Oh … God. Oh, fuck," she squeals into the night. Clamping her mouth shut, she moans behind her lips that are held tight between her teeth. Moving her hips over his glorious mouth, she holds onto the railing so she doesn't slip and fall. Once the powerful orgasm subsides, she lets out a deep dreamy sigh.
Anthony stands, running his hand over her drenched pussy, giving it a sweet smack. "Did you like that?" She rewards him with a giggle and a nod.
"Good. My turn," he threatens through a ragged breath. Taking a condom from his pocket, he drops his jeans and briefs down around his ankles.
Bella hears the rip of the foil and knows what's coming next, and she holds on tight, spreading her legs even wider for support. She knows he's going to fuck her hard.
Placing his hands on her hips, he watches as his cock easily glides inside her. Loving the snugness of her, still tight from her orgasm, his head falls back at the intense pleasure.
Anthony leans over her, dropping his head on her back as he enjoys feeling her clamp around him, gripping him as he withdraws from her. She whimpers when he forcefully thrusts back into her, making him growl in return.
Reaching around in front of her, Anthony begins thrusting hard into her, knowing he's going to come if she keeps rolling her hips over him the way she is.
"I fucking love it when you move like that, Isabella," he whispers, circling her clit as they both fuck each other. "Not only does it feel exquisite, it's fucking sexy as hell."
"You're about ready to come, aren't you, baby?" he growls against her neck.
"Yes," she whimpers again.
"So. Am. I," he says with each thrust. "Come with me. I love it when you come with me," he says seductively in her ear, causing her to push harder and faster against him.
"I'm …" she begins. And that's all it takes for both of them.
Anthony empties himself inside her while fondling her clit, allowing her to ride hers out until the very painful end, and when she can't take it any longer, she grabs his wrist making him stop.
Pulling out of her, he removes the condom, ties it off, placing it next to his foot so it will remind him to dispose of it properly.
Standing Bella up straight, her back against his chest, she raises her hand to cup the back of his neck.
"May I ask for something?" she says.
"Yes," Anthony replies.
"Will you kiss me before you go?"
"Close your eyes," he says nibbling on her neck.
"They're closed, and I promise not to look."
Anthony cups her jaw, turning her face toward him. As soon as he lowers his mouth to hers, it isn't long before they are involved in a blistering kiss that makes him want her all over again.
Separating their mouths, he turns her face forward again, and whispers in her ear, "Thank you. Thank you for agreeing to meet me, thank you for allowing me to enjoy you, and thank you for fulfilling every man's fantasy by dressing up for me like you always do."
Bella leans back against his chest, clamps hands around his muscular thighs and lays her head back on his shoulder.
"Thank you," she says quietly. She thanks him for so many different reasons she can't list them all. One important thank you is for him bringing her out of her shell and being the woman she feels she can be when she's with him.
She knows that as soon as she lets go of him, he will leave her. She wishes, just once, she can have him all night.
She hears the musical notes of the keypad as he dials his phone, and in a quiet hush, he orders a cab for her, instructing that it be put on his account.
"I'll be watching so you are safe," he says standing behind her once again. Lowering himself to his knees again, he uses his tongue to take one last taste of her, then allows his nose to follow the same path, inhaling her scent deeply. After standing, he gives her pert little ass a flirtatious smack.
"Here," he says, handing her a small brown paper bag. "This will hold you over until you get home," he whispers, gently kissing her ear before hiding so he an watch for her as she leaves.
She knows he's gone and as she opens the bag, she giggles when she sees a bag full of round balls. Taking out, she pops one in her mouth and moans.
"Mmm," she moans, chewing on two more fried sausage and cheese balls before deciding the roof top is nowhere to be alone. But she knew she wasn't alone. She knew he was still here.
Standing in silence, feeling the coolness between her legs where he just kissed her, she turns to retrieve her coat. After she ties the belt around her, she grabs her bag and heads toward the elevator, her eyes scanning her surroundings, secretly hoping to get a glimpse of him, even if it is only a silhouette.
After making sure she made it to her cab safe, Edward walks down the street, his mind completely filled with Isabella. The feel of being inside of her is unlike anything he's ever experienced. The taste of her is pure honey, and her kisses are filled with passion. And everything is wrapped up in a sweet little package that's all Isabella. Just one touch of her lips on his and he has a need for her that won't be satisfied until he's with her again.
Edward knows himself. He knows that soon he won't be able to walk away. He walked away from Aria … he knows he won't be able to walk away from Bella.
A/N: Sorry about my earlier rant, but I needed it. I have little patience for ignorance. Any who, Anthony got his school girl fantasy sex and Bella had fun playing the game. She has three potential lovers … Stephen, Phil, Anthony/Edward … shit's gonna hit the fan very soon! Thanks to all of you that faithfully review and I've seen the new ones come in too and it's so good to hear from you…don't stop with Chapter 8! So, anyone ever dress up like Britney Spears singing and dancing down the hallway of your school? For those of you reading over on TWCS, I hope you are enjoying the pictures. Till next time …
