A/N: Here is another treat for you my lovlies! Once again, I was FLOORED by your reviews and all the alerts I received. It made my day! Of course..it could have been due to Edward in the shower... *wink* I know you ALL liked that! If I missed responding to a review I apologize, FF is having some issues responding to reviews. I will try hard to get to all of them!
I do not own Twilight or the characters, I do have a cup of tea- care to join me? Have fun with the next chapter!
Chapter 8
"Come Alice, you got to give me something!" I know my voice was bordering on whining but I am beyond caring. That evil little pixie knows something and she's not telling me. The knowing smirk that greets my pleading lets me know I am right. We are on our way to school, it is Friday and I am ecstatic that I get to spend uninterrupted time with Bella. Now, if Alice would ever tell me about their conversation after I left school yesterday, I may know how she feels about me. She shakes her head as she laughs. She is getting way too much enjoyment out of making me beg. It's not my fault I can't hear Bella's thoughts. Alice is my only window into her mind and she is deliberately withholding information.
"Oh, lighten up Edward. Having a little mystery where relationships are concerned is good." I quirked an eyebrow at her in disbelief and then I snorted for good measure.
"This coming from you! Miss- I-See-Everything- So –There-Is-No-Mystery?"
She laughed at me, again. That was starting to grate on my nerves. We were almost to school and she was remaining tight lipped.
"For you I think it is a good thing. It gives you balance. You don't know what she is thinking so you have to talk to each other." She winked at me. By this time we were parked and she was climbing out of the car. A low snarl erupted, I was frustrated and she was pushing my buttons. While this may be fun and games to her, this was my life. A lot was at stake. She glanced at me and saw the irritation that was evident.
She let out a sigh, "Ok, we did talk about you, briefly. She was more worried that you left than anything. So when I asked her if she liked you she blushed." She let it hang there for a second. I did not see what the bid deal was about that. Bella blushes quite frequently, over very little. It's completely adorable.
"Well let me show you." She paused and showed me her asking Bella if she liked me. A blush spread on her face and down her neck. It was deeper than any blush I had ever seen on her. But what had me captivated was the slight nod of her head before she turned to face the teacher, her back ramrod straight. She didn't talk to Alice for the rest of the class and bolted out as the bell rang.
"Does that suffice for you?" She did not allow me time to answer for she turned and walked away. However, you may want to tell her you like her. She may be more willing to open up with me. Also, don't forget that while you can't read her mind, you do have a bit more insight than you think. With that she flooded my mind with the visions she has already had of Bella and me. As usual she was right. While I may not be able to see into her mind, I did have the benefit of Alice's visions. Trouble was that I knew that they were not always accurate. But that could be due to us misinterpreting them. I could count on one hand the number of times Alice was wrong. It's one of the reasons why we never bet against her, ever.
I was pulled from my thoughts by the sound of Bella's truck. My body turned unconsciously towards the sound. I was anxious and twitchy and all I craved was to see her, to smell her, to touch her. My body was starting to react to the very idea of her. I took a few calming breaths as I walked over to where she was attempting to park her car. I hated that thing. In seconds I tabulated an appropriate list of replacement vehicles. Ok, so I know she won't let me buy her one anytime soon, but if she is my mate, well I can dream.
The smile was already plastered on my face by the time she looked in my direction and the welcoming one she gave me was beautiful. I held open her car door as she hopped out. Simultaneously we reached for her bag and greeted each other. Her laugh was sweet and melodic. I fought down an urge to pull her close. Now was not the time. I had some things I needed to know first.
It was cute how we both walked toward school, but at a slow pace. As if neither of us really wanted to get there fast. Every so often our hands would touch and small jolts of electricity would hum through my body. I loved that feeling. Somehow my mind was invaded by Newton making snide comments about what he now called us 'The Freak Couple'. It made me realize that Bella had to work with him last night. After what happened in school, that had to be an uncomfortable night.
"Sorry I took off yesterday. I knew if I stayed, things were going to get ugly. I hope he didn't give you a hard time last night." I motioned to where Newton was standing with a jerk of my head. Her eyes flicked in that direction and she gave him an exaggerated eye roll before her mouth turned into the cutest little grimace. It was then that it hit me. While I may not be able to hear her thoughts, her body language and face were incredible indicators of how she felt. Was this what Alice meant?
"No, I handled him." She scoffed at that and my curiosity was piqued.
"What do you mean 'you handled him'? Was he rude to you? Did he make you uncomfortable?" My mind was filled with all the rude and obnoxious things he could have said. I could feel myself start to get angry, how dare he do anything to what is mine.
Bella must have sensed my agitation, for the back of her hand brushed mine and she made soothing noises.
"It's ok. He started talking shit and I told him that if he didn't shut up that I would have to show him what a daughter of the police chief is capable of doing. Of course, that statement had impact because I was stocking shotgun shells and happened to show him." Her snicker was infectious and I couldn't but help to laugh as well.
"So, do you know how to use a gun?" For some reason that thought was a bit exciting and I closed my eyes to get myself under control. No need to get hard this early in the day.
A very un-ladylike snort escaped at that question. "Edward, I can barely walk and talk at the same time and you think I could safely use a gun? No, thank you. I will leave the guns to my dad." She was right, she was extraordinarily clumsy and it was endearing.
"I guess that makes sense." I paused; there was no time like the present to figure out if she liked me. "Speaking of yesterday, I am sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable by implying that we are together. I mean, I like you, a lot. You're smart, funny, and beautiful. But if it makes you…" I was silences by two of the warmest fingers on my lips. I wanted to flick my tongue out and lick them. But all I could do was stop and stare at her where I was meet with her customary blush and a bemused smile.
"It's ok. I like you too, a lot. It doesn't bother me unless it bothers you?" There was a tremor in her voice. Maybe she was fearful that I was looking for a way out. Her eyes were downcast and she wouldn't look at me.
I placed a finger on her chin and lifted. I wanted to see her; I wanted her to look at me when I spoke. "It doesn't bother me in the least. I like you. I want to spend time with you." I gave her a smile and her eyes were full of sparkle. She was pleased by my words. Her heart was thumping erratically and it made her smell sweeter.
"I want to spend time with you as well." Her voice was soft, but there was a conviction in her tone. She was being honest.
"Good, then it's settled." With that we both reached for the others hand and sighed deeply when they connected. It was like coming home. The flow of energy from her to me was continuous and made my entire body tingle. I squeezed her hand, letting her know that I loved the feeling.
"I love that." It was said so softly that I was sure she did not want me to hear. It made me smile wider. Not only did she like me, she also felt and enjoyed our connection. Could it be possible that she was feeling a mating connection as a human and even more, embracing it? For the first time I had hope and I was going to relish in it.
With our conjoined hands I motioned towards school, "Shall we?" The wistful expression told me she'd rather be anywhere else. I as well wished I could be somewhere else, preferably with her. She nodded her head and we continued on our way. Outside her classroom I stopped and turned to face her.
"See you soon." I swung her book bag off my shoulder and placed it on hers, without thinking I pushed her hair off to one side and swept a lone finger across her cheek. It was so soft and warm. Her heart skipped a few beats and I could not help but smile at that. Her eyes were slightly unfocused and I chuckled at her. She shook her head, blushed again, and walked into her room. I had to keep from skipping down the hall like a lunatic, but the huge grin I sported could not be contained.
It was a given that I would follow her every move since I left her. I couldn't stop thinking about her. I couldn't stop thinking that she liked me, that she wanted to spend time with me and enjoyed our connection. It was all I was hoping for and it didn't take forever to find out. Of course there was a still ton of stuff to sniff out. Like if the connection would affect her in any similar way that it did me. Did it come with the urge to claim? How intense were her feelings for me?
The only downer was the fact that to truly get the answers I needed, she needed to know all about me. It was a nerve wracking thought. How do you tell someone that you're a mythical figure and that yes, vampires really do exist and one could possibly be your mate for life? It's not your typical high school conversation piece. But like everything so far, I needed to have faith.
It felt as if time passed too slowly, but soon enough I was waiting for Bella outside her first period class so we could walk to English together. The smile she greeted me with was something I could never tire of seeing. Even better was that she made the move to reach for my hand, she was seeking out contact with me. I was still amazed that the temperature of my skin was not repulsive to her or that she hasn't even made a comment about it. Could that be due to the connection? It was a thought to examine later.
Once settle in class we had no time to really talk as Mr. Berty launched into an exhaustive lecture on the sonnets we were covering. My mind tuned him out and concentrated on Bella. The heat from her body had warmed my entire right side. It was amazing. I savored the feeling, the sensation of warmth. It was during my hyperawareness of her that I realized how we moved together. It was curious. When I would shift a little to my left, Bella would shift to hers. We constantly bumped our legs and knees together, creating a low hum around us. It was like we were centered around each other and we had a need to be close and in some contact. I wanted to believe this was part of the connection and could not wait to talk to Carlisle about it.
Class ended far too quickly and before I knew it, I was walking her to her class with Alice. Speaking of the pixie, she was outside the room waiting and watching us. You two look cozy. I take it things are going well? I prayed that Bella did not see the smug little smile on her face. I give her a small nod and faced Bella before Alice could interrupt.
"Would like to sit with me for lunch?" Shit, why did do that? Now I am going to have to eat human food. I held back a shudder. But it's worth it just to see the happiness in her eyes at my question. I made her happy and I loved it.
"Um, sure, that would be great." Her face held a faint blush and it only enhanced her pale complexion. I gave her hand another squeeze and reluctantly left her in the hands of my sister. Now that Alice knows something is up, she is going to be relentless. Don't worry Edward; I'll take good care of her. I let out a small snort to let her know I did not trust her in the least. It's safe to say, I was in Alice's head the minute Bella was out of my sight and she knew it.
She looks happy and they were holding hands. I wonder if she will talk to me about it more. I listened as Alice asked about me. I was riveted on Bella's reaction when she flushed furiously, but admitted to Alice that she really liked me. She also admitted that she had never felt like this with anyone, ever before. If I could, my dead heart would be racing. The hope I had in me that Bella could be my mate flared and I was giddy.
Hmm, maybe I need to spend some girl time with her, to really see what's going on. We can make it a study session. I watched as Alice flipped through several possible outcomes before deciding that arranging a study session would reap the most benefits. She slipped Bella a sheet of paper asking her if they could do a study time. Bella answered yes and after several more going back and forth, settled on Sunday afternoon at her house. I was pleased; things seemed to be moving quite well.
Lunch wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Alice joined us and the three of us spent time talking about music and books. Alice tried to hint about taking Bella shopping, but Bella was pretty non-committal. We were able to get away with ingesting no food as we were all so busy talking that I don't think Bella noticed. But the best thing, by far, was that I was able to keep in physical contact with her throughout lunch. Her hand, or legs, or arms, it was perfect. I even managed to lightly stoke her cheek. It was so soft and warm. I was starting to learn more about her and she was fascinating. We had similar taste in music and it gave me all sorts of ideas about possible concerts we could go to. I loved listening to her heart as it sped up or thumped irregularly. I noticed that it would happen most often in reaction to something I would do to her. Hmm, that's an interesting observation. I will have to file that away for further consideration.
If I thought lunch was the best part of the day, I was wrong, it was only getting better. We strolled hand and hand into the Biology room and took our seats. We were so busy talking that it wasn't until the excitement level in the room notched up that we realized something was going on. We both turned to the front of the room to see Mr. Banner rolling in a TV and video player. It was movie time. I would be able to spend all hour touching and holding Bella, life could not get any better right now.
With the lights off, I scooted my chair closer to her and moved her so that her back was to my front. We held hands on the top of the table and my other rested on her leg. The current was going crazy between us. I swear we were glowing it was moving so fast. My body was reacting to her nearness and I didn't have it in me to care. How could I when she was so close to being wrapped up in my arms. I moved closer still and pushed all of her hair to one side and rested my chin on her bare shoulder. She shivered in response. I made to pull back but she whimpered and leaned back, seeking me out. A thrill raced through me that she wanted me close. So put my chin back on her. I could feel her body relax and that and heard the small sigh of relief.
With me being so close I wrapped the hand that was on her leg around her waist and I held her close. I nuzzled her neck and inhaled. She smelled so good and there was something new to it. She smelled more potent or enhanced. I could not name the new scent. But on her it was delicious. I placed several small kisses on her neck and shoulder. Her heart was racing and I felt giddy that I was causing that reaction. Of course, by being so close to her and in combination of her heighted scent, I was getting harder by the second. I was almost wrapped completely around her and I had to quell the idea of pulling her closer. I did not know what she would think if she felt my hardening dick in her back.
Half way through the class she began to draw random patterns up and down the arm at her waist. Her fingers were soft and smooth and her touch only magnified the energy between us. It was exhilarating and maddening all at once. I longed to kiss her and feel her lips on me. I knew we would fit together nicely. Her curves and body molded to mine and it only added to my conviction that she was my mate. I continued placing soft kisses on her cheek, her neck, her jawbone and a sweet and soft spot behind her ear that I found. Her heart actually missed a beat when I did that and she gasped softly. I watched as her eyes fluttered at the sensation.
She was beautiful to watch. So I did it again. She had the same reactions except her scent grew even sweeter. I inhaled deeply trying to place that scent. I never would have figured it out if I didn't notice her subtle shifting of her hips, they were minute but rhythmical. In that instant I knew I smelled Bella's arousal. The knowledge made me impossibly hard and I had to fight the urge to claim her. The need was strong, but not so bad that I could not think logically. I knew the safe thing to do was to disengage us, but I was loathed to do that. Instead I locked down my urges and just held her. I stopped kissing her as I worried that may arouse her further and make it harder for me resist her.
So it was with a mixture of reluctance and willingness that I pulled away a few minutes before the end of the period. The pout of her lips nearly pushed me over the edge and I stifled a groan. Her lips were just too damn kissable and we were in no place for a first kiss. I chuckled at her expression and whispered in her ear, "I feel the same, but class is almost over." I placed a swift kiss on her cheek just as Mr. Banner turned on the lights. Bella blinked furiously against the sudden influx of light and faced me with a sweet smile.
"That was nice; too bad it wasn't long enough." The fast moving blush proved that she was a bit worried about what she said. I needed to put her at ease, let her know I was just as affected by her. "I couldn't agree more." Reaching for her hand I led her out the door and to her next class. Suddenly I could not wait till we were alone at the library.
A/N: *sigh* I wanna make out with Edward in a classroom..heck I'll make out with him anywhere. Please leave me some love! Edward will smile on you and give you a kiss!
