I cannot even begin to desrcibe just how sorry I am for making all of you wait so long for an update. I know that this won't make up for it, but I hope that you will all continue to give me the support you have given me so far as I continue this story. Like the last chapter, this is going away from "practicing", but this is a particular story line which has been nagging at me for a while. I promise that it will go back to practicing in the next few chapters, so for now, enjoy!
Edward hesitated in the doorway as our lips moved passionately against each other, my arms clinging to his neck with all the strength I had. I could feel Edward's hands against my skin, holding our bodies tightly together, memorising the feel of his smooth fingertips as they caught the bare skin at the small of my back. As soon as his cool hand came in contact with the boiling skin of my back, I gasped, my body rippling with a shiver of delight.
Edward once again misinterpreted my body's reaction to his cool, smooth skin, releasing his arms from my waist whilst untwining my fingers that had made their way into the bronze tresses of his hair. My groan came out much harsher than I had planned when our bodies parted, trying desperately to pull myself closer to Edward, despite his restraining arms.
"I'm not cold. I promise," I whispered breathlessly, struggling to reach my lips up to his again. After a moment of thought, Edward crushed my body to his in a motion that felt both rough and gentle at the same time. Before I could smile in smug satisfaction at Edward's close proximity, I felt cool lips press against mine with enough force to tip me off balance. Of course, Edward's arms prevented me from moving my body, even in the slightest. Not that I ever wished for our bodies to be even an inch apart.
Reluctantly, I pulled away from his slightly parted lips, gasping for the air as my silly human nature required me to do. Edward chuckled, never letting his lips leave my skin as they trailed down my throat, gliding along my collarbone with a feather light touch which made me twitch as his smooth skin tickled my boiling shoulder. All I could do was hold him as close as possible while I frantically caught my breath, gripping my arms as tightly as I could around his muscular waist. Edward responded with the same enthusiasm for a moment, before breaking away, leaving only our entwined fingers touching. I could feel my mouth slip into a pout at our lack of contact.
Edward laughed, smoothing my forehead with the back of his hand and leading me towards the giant bed occupying the middle of the room. I had to admit, I was more than fond of this bed now. Once annoying and unnecessary, the bed has demonstrated just how essential it is. My mind jumps to the memory of my first night in the bed- or at least the part of the night when I was conscious Edward was with me. Blush surfaces I my cheeks as I recall Edward' actions that night...the way his hand felt against the skin of my calf...how perfectly my leg fit around his hip...the feeling of his body against mine as he hovered weightlessly over me...his perfect tongue tickling my lips. As I looked up, I met Edward's curious eyes, blushing even deeper before, a feat I would have thought impossible.
"What are you thinking?" Edward asked in a voice more angelic than anything I had even heard before. His free hand scooped me up in his arms faster than I could ever imagine, and suddenly I was lying sideways on the middle of the bed. Edward's body lay parallel to mine, still holding the underside of my knees as if I was still cradled to his chest. I was mesmerised by the way his body curved around mine, his lips only a few inches from mine. A cool hand titled my chin, causing our eyes to meet when I realised Edward was still waiting for an answer. My brain struggled to think what the question was.
"Um..." I stammered, focusing more on his angelic features and less on my response. "I was just thinking how much I have come to like this bed. And I was considering forgiving you for spending too much money on unnecessary things for me." Edward's smile faltered slightly as I spoke that last sentence, quickly dipping his eyes before I could see whatever emotion he was now feeling. As he had done with me many times before, I placed a finger under his chin, raising his eyes to meet mine. His face was the perfect mask of concealment, trying to hide whatever thought he had held when I mentioned him spending money on me. I tried to lighten the mood.
"Yes?" I asked with a smile on my face, attempting to sound seductive, but it came out much more playful than I had aimed for. Edward delicately cupped my face with the hand that hadn't settled on my waist, smiling in a way that made me hard skip a beat- then pick up double time. He was forever the master of distraction. I waited until he was ready to speak, trying-and failing- to ignore the way his fingers travelled along my waist, over my hips and resting on my thigh.
"I am guessing you wouldn't want to go out with me tonight, then?" Edward asked, and I could see the glimmer of hope in his eyes. I tried to repress a sigh. Edward couldn't understand why I didn't like people spending money on me, especially him. Although I had explained on many occasions that just giving me himself is enough, Edward insists on giving me more. In some ways, it is flattering that he thinks I deserve more than just him- as absurd as that is- yet I can't help gritting my teeth as he wastes money on unnecessary indulgences for me.
Looking into Edward's mouton butterscotch eyes, I lose all parts of coherency. I am aware that I would do absolutely anything to make Edward happy, as I know he would for me. Sighing, I gave in, smiling back at him with as much happiness as I could muster. Edward waited patiently for my reply, a smile twitching at the edges of his lips as he guessed what I was about to say.
"Of course I will go out with you, Edward," I whisper, twisting my fingers through his hair to pull myself closer to his beaming face. "How could I say no when you-" His lips abruptly cut off what I was saying, not that I could even remember a word of what I was about to whisper anyway. When he pulled back to let me breathe, his eyes were alight with the passion he rarely shows. His lips curled into that one sided smile which made me believe Edward was no more than a beautiful dream.
"Yes, love?" Edward prompted, realising I was in no state to give a coherent reply. I had to unwillingly break away from his burning gaze just to be able to think again.
"Uh..." I said in a breathless, voice. "I can't remember. You dazzled me," I accused, narrowing my eyes in false annoyance. We both knew that I had no objections to the way he was smiling at me just moments ago. Once again, Edward smiled at me, pulling us both into a sitting position on the end of the bed.
"Since you so gracefully agreed to go with me," Edward smiled crookedly, "Where would you like to go? Seattle, maybe?" He suggested in a way that made me think he had put a little more thought and planning into this evening than he had let on. I nod in agreement, before noticing the casual attire I was wearing. Clothing far too casual for any of the expensive places Edward was bound to take me to. Edward seemed to notice my train of thought, and helped me up from the bed, leading me out of the room and down the large, elegant staircase,
"Not that I don't think you look beautiful in everything you wear," Edward murmured, causing my cheeks to blush furiously. "But we may wish to change into something a little more formal for where we are going." Of course he had it planned. Yet I struggled to think of any other emotion as Edward twisted his arm around my waist, letting it settle a bit lower than normal as his fingers brushed my hip.
We came to a slight pause outside Alice and Jasper's room. Edward opened the door, leading through the large space to what I had come to recognise as Alice's monstrosity of a walk in closet. Arguably, the room full of racks and drawers of clothing was more of a room in itself, filled with the smell of new and expensive clothing. As Edward's hand continued to massage my hip, my heart beat furiously. Hoping Edward would right that off as a reaction to the closet no doubt containing many items of clothing for me, I peeked up at his face. Edward was not fooled, smiling at the blush I could feel rising in my cheeks. I looked around for a distraction, my eyes settling on a large rack of clothing which looked to contain items slightly bigger than what would fit Alice's tiny frame.
When I tried focusing on some of the items flowing innocently from the hangers, I could feel my eyes widen and my mouth gape. In what world would I ever wear some of the items Alice has deemed 'appropriate' for me to wear? Even as a vampire when- with any luck- my body will be worthy of wearing such expensive and obviously designer clothing, I could hardly picture any of these items in my own wardrobe. The rack was filled with tops diving much too low for my taste, dresses ending in what I can only assume is very very high up the leg, colors that would make everyone in the room turn heads and worst of all, shoes in which I twist my ankle just looking at them. Edward watched me carefully as I all but stalked towards the rack, following closely beside me, his arm still holding me against the side of his body.
"Why don't I help?" Edward suggested, no doubt seeing the slightly hysterical look in my eyes as I thought of various ways I could get back at Alice for subjecting me to this. Like I was a sulking child, Edward scooped me up, holding me carefully in one arm while he sifted through the clothing at an inhuman pace. A few moments later, Edward pulled out a deep blue dress, the fabric looking like very expensive silk. Setting me down on the ground, and taking a step backwards, he held the dress up for my inspection.
"What do you think?" Edward asked hesitantly, as any male would when faced with a wardrobe full of women's clothing. It wasn't too bad. The top did come down lower than I was used to; looking more like a bikini top than the scoop necks I had become used to wearing. The material synched in at the waist, looking very form fitting until it flared out at the navel, the skirt ending about knee length. Oh well. It could have been worse. I flashed my glance back to the rack of inappropriate clothing, before gazing into Edward's expectant eyes.
"It's pretty. I like the color," I said casually, reaching out to touch the silky fabric where it flowed into a weightless skirt. Edward closed the distance between us, bending down to press his lips against my temple, then whispered in my ear.
"Me too," he breathed, his voice seductive as his cool breath blew against my skin. Stepping back again, he handed me the dress, an obvious signal to get changed. Leaning down to peck me on the cheek, I grabbed Edward's arm before he could leave.
"Please stay," I pleaded, not willing to stand even a second apart from him. Smiling Edward sat down on one of the many stools scattered throughout the closet, and closed his eyes. I couldn't resist staring at his beautiful, flawless face as a slight smile curved on his lips.
"The longer you take, Bella, the faster I will have to drive to get us there on time," Edward laughed, knowing how little I like his fast, manic driving. Unwillingly, I tore my eyes away from his face, quickly undressing. Thankful I had worn a pair of seamless underwear which Alice had placed in my drawers a few days ago; I pulled the dress over my head. As soon as the fabric was in place, I noticed the slight breeze I could feel on my back. Spinning around to look in the mirror, I gaped.
The skin of my back was exposed as the dress hugged along the edges of my back, coming to a point just below to skin on the small of my back. Aside from the small ribbon of silk under my chest which tied to form a bow above the middle of my back, my skin was bare.
"Bella?" Edward asked, concerned, appearing to make an effort to keep his eyes closed at my gasp. "Bella? Are you ok? Can I look now?" his voice became worried, no doubt thinking I hurt myself, or I was in pain.
"I'm fine Edward," I reassured him, not sure if my voice was convincing enough or not. After all, with the back- or lack of- on this dress, I was certainly not fine. "I'm done changing now," I added, not meeting eyes with him as he opened his eyes. Eventually the need to see Edward over passed the embarrassment of what I was wearing, and I peeked up to see his expression.
When I gazed into his eyes, I could see the awe in his expression, like I was some kind of angel in his eyes, instead of the other way around. As he continued to gaze upon me, his eyes darting over my dress, then back up to my eyes, I could feel the pink colour returning to my cheeks. As soon as I looked away in embarrassment- and insecurity in this over exposing dress- Edward flashed to my side, his hands wrapping around my body. The touch of his cool skin against mine sent what felt like jolts of electricity throughout my body, and instinctively I arched closer to him, pressing my burning cheek against his throat.
"Do you know how absolutely breathtaking you look, Bella?" Edward whispered, tilting my chin up to meet his eyes. "When will you ever see yourself clearly?" He asked, interpreting the look of doubt in my eyes.
"Shouldn't we be getting going soon?" I prompted, trying to distract myself from Edward's passionate eyes as he roamed his hands over the bare skin of my back, causing me to shiver and pull myself closer to him in delight. Leaving an arm wrapped around my bare waist, Edward released me, grabbing a pair of dangerously high looking stilettos, the same deep blue color as the dress. As I spied the thin strap holding the thin, breakable looking heel to my foot, I opened my mouth to protest. Edward cut me off with his lips, silencing my complaints very effectively.
"You think I would ever let you fall?" Edward asked as soon as he pulled away to let me breathe. In no state to reply, he continued, "I won't let go of you once tonight. I promise." And I could not argue. Edward did have an incredibly good track record for holding onto me for extended periods of time, something I enjoyed very, very much.
After quickly brushing my hair and pulling it into what I could only hope was an elegant up-do, Edward led me back up the stairs to his bedroom, holding onto my shoes and a small black clutch bag which looked to be much more expensive than any other object of its size should be. I waited patiently on the bed while Edward searched through his closet, taking only a few seconds before he found a stunning black suit.
I closed my eyes just as he did, not knowing if I could even trust myself not to peek while Edward gets changed only a few feet away. Only a second later and I feel something cool against my back, then Edward's smooth, perfect lips as he presses them against mine. Our parted lips eventually break apart, and my gaze flashes to his irresistibly flawless body. Once again I am reminded of just how dazzling Edward's looks in black, the color creating the most beautiful contrast with his pale skin.
"Ready to go?" Edward asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. I entwine my fingers with his, marvelling at the smoothness of his skin once again.
"Sure" I smile, letting him pull me up from the bed and out of his room. Obviously human pace was not quick enough for Edward, as he scooped me up in his arms, darting through the house and into the garage in seconds. Edward set me down in the Volvo's passenger seat, buckling me in like I was a young child, before kissing me on the head and gliding into the driver's seat. Once he was in the car, he handed me the shoes, fighting a smile as I grudgingly put them on my feet.
The car sped down the winding driveway in a fashion that would have alerted any policeman. Once we were out on the open road, we really sped up, shooting through the empty streets at more than twice the legal limit. I watched Edward as we sped along the streets, never able to look at his perfect features enough. Edward turned to face me, smiling and reaching out to stroke my cheek.
"Eyes on the road, Edward" I said uselessly, though the car did not sway an inch from its perfect positioning in the centre of the lane. Edward laughed as he turned his face back to stare out the wind screen. Humoring me, no doubt. I was about to tell him to put both hands on the wheel when the hand on my cheek came to rest palm-up on my thigh. Sighing, I wrapped my fingers around his, stroking the back of his hand with my thumb.
"Where are we going?" I asked as we entered the blocks of Seattle. Edward didn't reply. He simply smiled, beaming at me, paying very little attention to the road as we passed through the now busy streets at a speed to great.
"It's a surprise, isn't it?" I asked rhetorically, already knowing the answer. Edward continued to smile crookedly, knowing my weakness.
"Naturally," he sung, his voice like music. I couldn't help but smile back. Despite my hatred for surprises, seeing the pure happiness in Edward's eyes made everything worthwhile. Within minutes, Edward pulled over, stopping the car soon after.
I won't make any promises this time, but I am certain I will be continuing this story over the next few days, so hopefully I will be able to post another chapter very soon. As always, I love reviews, so tell me what you think, as well as any ideas you may have.