DISCLAIMER: I don't own most of these characters, but the story is all mine :D
Last night I had walked Bella to the door of the master bedroom, kissed her nose and left her alone. I would have happily joined her in there, if she had indicated that she wanted company, but as we had locked up the house and gone up, I could see her nervousness.
I knew that, although she enjoyed my company and even kissing me, she wasn't ready for a physical relationship yet. First of all, physically, she was still recovering. Second, she had to come to terms with what had happened with Jake and put that behind her. And finally she had to decide on whether she wanted a relationship with me. I wanted it all. Physical, emotional and spiritual. I didn't want to just be her lover, I wanted to be her everything!
So I would wait.
She was worth the wait.
I was awakened this morning by my phone ringing. It was Jasper calling to remind me that I had to go into work today to conduct some interviews. I needed to fill the position that Jacob had left vacant.
I didn't expect Bella to be awake yet. We had a late night last night. But as usual, she surprised me. She was already up and cooking breakfast, with a pot of coffee already brewed and waiting. As I walked into the kitchen, she stepped over to the carafe and poured me a cup.
"So what's the game plan for today?" She asked, as she returned to the stove and flipped the pancakes.
I swear I was going to gain weight with the way she took care of me, and fed me all the time. I was going to have to start running again, to burn off all the extra calories I was taking in, or risk getting fat. She was such a great cook, and she was a caretaker...nuturer. It was like she had a burning need to take care of me and everyone else around her.
"I'm sorry, Bella. I have to go into work today. I have some applicants that I need to interview. I'm not sure how long that is going to take. I will call you later." I didn't want to leave her alone, but it couldn't be helped. "When is your follow-up doctor appointment?"
"Friday afternoon. Are you going to be gone all week? The furniture is to be delivered on Wednesday." She plated the food and set the plates on the counter bar top. "Do you want some orange juice?"
"Sure, I'll have a glass of o.j." I nodded as I grabbed the maple syrup. In some ways, we were so comfortable with each other...like we had been a couple for years. "I will definitely be home Friday to take you to the doctor. The rest...I'm not sure ..." I trailed off and shrugged. "Do you want to stay with Alice for a couple of days?" I asked and then took my first bite. "Uhm...these are so good." I moaned, and then took another bite.
"No. I will stay here, but I will give her a call. I'm sure we will get together, especially if you have to stay for any length of time at the station. Just let me know." In a small way, it seemed like Bella was relieved that I would be gone for a couple of days. I didn't want to pressure her...I was right last night to back off. She definitely needed time and space still...but soon.
We finished breakfast and I got up and took my dirty dishes to the sink, quickly washing them and setting them in the drying rack. It was time to go.
Bella came with me to the door and wrapped her arms around my waist, hugging me tight and holding me...preventing me from leaving. She snuggled her head into my chest and sighed deeply. Bella was one of those people who liked to touch you. She was always touching those around her...whenever she talked to you, she would lay her hand on your arm, when she greeted you, she hugged you. It was never intrusive...you just knew...if Bella liked and cared for you, she would touch you. I didn't mind at all. She fit so well in my arms and I hugged her as well, rubbing her back, just enjoying the feel of her in my arms, her body pressed tightly to mine, but relaxed in comfort. I bent and kissed the top of her head and finally said, "I got to go. I will see you soon!" Then walked out the door. I hated to leave her. My arms already missed holding her.
As I pulled out of my driveway, I looked back to the house. Bella was still standing in the doorway, watching me drive away. She looked sad, her shoulders slumped and she had her arms wrapped tightly around her body. I wanted to turn around and go back, but I knew that was out of the question. I needed to go to work.
When I got to the station, I was met by Sam Uley, who was helping out here until we filled Jake's position. If Same had applied to work here, I would have hired him in a heartbeat, but he didn't apply. I even offered him a job, but he politely turned me down. He was happy where he was at and didn't want to change companies. I had three applications sitting and waiting for me on my desk.
"Hey Sam. Thanks for helping out. I really appreciate it." I held my hand out and we shook.
"No problem, Edward. Let me know if you still need another body. I mean, if those applicants don't work out. I can always use the money. Emily is pregnant, and on an extended medical leave of absence from work. She's only getting half her pay right now, so things are tight." He frowned as he said this, but I knew it had nothing to do with the money aspect. I had never seen two people so in love, as Sam and Emily...expect perhaps my mom and dad. Don't get me wrong Jazz and Ali and Em and Rose, had a deep bond and love, but it wasn't like Sam and Emily.
Sam left right after getting me caught up on what had been happening around the station for the last couple of days. I could see he was anxious to leave, so I didn't keep him, and he left.
I sat down at my desk and perused the applications. The first two were mediocre at best, but the third one looked promising, and gave me some hope that I wouldn't have to be interviewing hopefuls for weeks to come.
I made if through the first two interviews not at all impressed. My last interview for the day was due in 15 minutes so I headed down to the lounge to wait. I was headed to grab a bottle of water when an older gentleman walked in. He looked a little nervous, and was looking around, as if getting the lay of the land.
"Can I help you?" I inquired. I didn't recognize him.
"Yes. I'm looking for Chief Cullen. My name is Patrick O'Grady, and I have any interview for 1pm." He glanced around again, taking in the lounge area, and the stairs leading upstairs.
"I'm Chief Edward Cullen." I said and offered my hand to shake his. I indicated my bottle of water, "Would you like some water?" I asked.
He swung back around to face me when I introduced myself. I could see the surprise and displeasure on his face as he acknowledged me with a hand shake. I guess I wasn't what he was expecting, but then he wasnt' exactly what I was expecting either. He seemed a little older than what he indicated on his application.
"No. Thank you. I'm fine." He said very formally. Again he looked around himself.
"Then let's go up to my office." I said and led the way back up the stairs. I ushered him in and sat down at my desk, setting my drink down and shuffling some papers around. "Please...have a seat." I pointed to the chair in front of my desk. He sat down, again looking around the room. He was making me a little nervous...and I didn't like it. I was in charge and I was in control...not him.
I took a minute to look over his paperwork, to collect myself and calm my nerves and temper. It said that he is 44 years old. He looked fit and healthy, but older than that. His once red hair was mostly white, and his skin was tan and weathered with deep lines around his mouth and laugh lines at his eyes. I guess he could be 44, but I pictured my dad, who was in his mid fifties and he looked younger than this man. I would give him the benefit of doubt. Maybe he had a hard life, and it prematurely aged him.
We were in the middle of discussing why he wanted to work at the Forks Fire Department, when we were interrupted by a shriek, followed by a loud bang and cursing. I had jumped up and was getting ready to go investigate what was going on but then the distinct laughter of two females as they approached my office. One was giggling and the other was husky laughter...Alice and Bella. They stumbled into the doorway of my office and then froze when they realized that I wasn't alone.
"Oops! Sorry Edward!" Alice giggled again. "Bella brought you some food. We will wait for you downstairs in the lounge." She linked her arm through Bella's and tried to pull her away.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt...please excuse us." Bella said to the stranger in my office, then she looked at me, her eyes twinkling with merriment. She was trying to contain her laughter, but she was failing miserably. When Alice yanked on her arm again, she let out a very unladylike snort...and they practically ran from my office. I could hear both of them as they got further away.
"Sorry about that." I said. I could see the disapproving look on his face. He actually looked a little angry even, which really didn't make sense, but I disregarded it and continued my interview. Other than his attitude, he still seemed like the best candidate. "You were going to tell me why you had chosen to leave the company in Portland..." I prompted.
Patrick shook his head briefly, and his face smoothed out to an expressionless mask. "Yes...well...I had my 25 years in. I'm eligible for my full pension, but I'm not ready to retire. I thought that maybe working in a smaller town, would be a good option...less drama, less action, less arson, less death, but still doing a job I love, helping and taking care of the people of the community.
"Well, we probably don't see as much action as a larger town, but we still have our share. And we do a lot of community service, including food drives quarterly, backpack and school supplies over the summer, warm jackets and clothes in the fall, toys and gift cards around the holidays, not to mention going to the schools for presentations, and going to the elderly to check their smoke detectors batteries twice a year. We take care of our own in a big way. Everyone who works for me is expected to help out.
Well, Mr. O'Grady, everything looks in order on your application. All the references that I called, checked out. Here is the paperwork that you will need to have in order to get your physical and drug test. I just need to know when you are available to do the timed trials, and endurance tests."
"The sooner the better, sir." He said. Did I detect a slight sneer on the 'sir'?
"Do you have any other questions for me?" I asked. We had discussed the schedule and pay rate as well as my expectations for my crew, and I felt like the interview was over. I was trying to overlook the edgy feeling I was getting from him. I didn't want to not hire him, if it was just my opinion. I would have to have Emmett tell me his take on him later.
I stood up, ending the interview and we walked back downstairs. Alice was sitting on the counter, while Bella was doing her thing in the kitchen. Alice was in the middle of regaling Bella with a story about college. Both girls were laughing hysterically when we walked in.
Bella immediately noticed me and smiled in greeting. "Good, you're here. The cornbread is almost done and should be out in a minute or two."
"What are you two up to?" I asked, then turned to the man behind me. "This is my sister, Alice Whitlock, who has her butt rudely planted on my countertop." I was laughing at her expression, and she stuck her tongue out at me. "And this is my..." I paused. I almost said girlfriend, but we hadn't established that or any other relationship, other than friendship...yet we were more. "Uhm..." I cleared my throat. "Bella Black." I pointed at the lovely women who really was my everything. "Ladies, this is Mr. Patrick O'Grady." Both women smiled and greeted him politely.
"Hello Mr. O'Grady." Bella said softly. "Would you like to join us for some chili and cornbread?" Always the generous hostess and consummate caretaker.
"Oh! You have to try it!" Ali piped up. "It's sooo good." She had a mischievous look on her face as she waved her hand in front of her mouth to indicated it was a little on the spicy side.
"Ladies." He looked at and nodded to each in turn. "Nice to meet you. No. Thank you. I will have to pass on the food today. Have a nice day." Then he turned to me. "What time tomorrow do I need to be here for the time trials and endurance test?"
"Come back tomorrow at 10am. I will have Emmett McCarty here to do the trials." I said as we shook hands again and I lead him out. I noticed the disparaging look he had given the girls as we made our way outside, and I wasn't sure what that was about either. I was getting the vibe that he didn't like or respect me, and he definitely looked down at the girls being here. If he remained respectful, than we wouldn't have a problem, but I had a feeling that it wouldn't last. I wasn't sure if he was going to work out, but I would wait until Emmett got done with him tomorrow and get his opinion.
I walked back into the kitchen and sat at the table with a big sigh, running my hands through my hair. I was frustrated.
"Eddie, what's up with him? What a stick in the mud!" Ali said shaking her head disapprovingly with a little frown on her face.
"I don't know. He is very highly qualified and recommended. He was my best hope, but..." I shrugged. How to describe the feeling I had about him. "We could really use someone with his knowledge and experience..." Again I trailed off. "He seemed a little surprised and little put out by me being the chief of the fire department. I hope it wont be a problem for him to work for me...that is if I offer him a position...and if he even accepts it. Some people have issues working for someone younger than themselves."
"How old is?" Bella asked as she set a bowl of chili in front of me and a plate of corn bread on the table. She went back to the fridge and grabbed some shredded cheese, sour cream and onions and set them on the table as well.
"He's 44 years old, believe it or not. I think he looks older than that, but some people just don't age well I guess." I muttered.
Bella grimaced. "My dad would have been 44 this year if he lived..." She mentally shook herself then focused back on me. "Do you need anything else Edward?" Her hand was resting on my shoulder but she moved behind me and placed her other hand on my shoulder as well and started to give me a massage, sliding up my neck and gently tugging on the hair at my nape. She was rubbing my shoulders and neck, working up into my hair, scratching my scalp with her nails. I could feel the tension ease out of my shoulders, and spike down into my groin. I tried to ignore my bodies usual response to Bella and started eating.
"I also brought you food for the next couple of days. There is a tuna casserole and also some chicken enchiladas with spanish rice. Both meals are packaged up and in the fridge, just microwave them when your ready. There is also a clam shell of salad greens and salad dressing and a gallon of milk. In the cupboard is some homemade rye bread and also cinnamon rolls." She finally scooped her own bowl and sat down at the table. Alice had a bowl as well along with a large glass of milk.
"Edward, do you need some milk?" Alice teased while laughing at the shock on my face.
"Damn! Girl, that's spicy!" I jumped up and grabbed myself a glass of milk as well. Bella was smirking and shaking her head at us. She grabbed the sour cream and put a dollop on her chili, then dug in. She didn't seem to be affected by the heat at all. I decided to try some sour cream too. I had never done that before, and was surprised at how good it tasted that way, not to mention that it cut some of the heat out of the chili. We all sat and ate in silence for a while. The cornbread was sweet and was a perfect side to the hot chili.
"This is so good, Bella. You really are a great cook." Alice said then looked to me. "Bella let me help with the cornbread. She made it from scratch and from memory. Is it okay?"
I raised my eyebrow at Alice then laughed, "You did good, kid." Bella just smiled at the two of us. I finished my bowl and got up to scoop myself another helping. When we were all done, Bella got up and cleared the table, wrapped up the leftovers and cleaned the dishes and countertops.
"Bella, I need to stop at the pharmacy before they close. Do you want to stay here or come with me?" Alice asked as Bella finished up in the kitchen.
"Uhm...Do you mind if I stay here with Edward. I've been running around all day, and I'm a little tired." Bella said softly.
Alice shrugged and then smiled. "No problem! I will be back within the hour." And with a wink to me, she was gone.
As soon as she walked out the door, Bella was in my arms. "I missed you! Is that crazy? You were only gone for a couple of hours, and all I could think of was you...of seeing you. Your house felt so big and silent and lonely without you there. I just wanted to talk to you...and feel your arms around me again." She snuggled into me and hugged me tightly.
Her scent surrounded me, strawberries and vanilla, and fresh-baked bread. I inhaled sharply, my cock instantly hard, when I felt her body melt into mine. We were a study in opposites...hard and soft, tall and short, tan and pale skinned.
"Bella, what am I going to do with you?" I whispered softly. I pulled back, put my finger under her chin and tilted her head back. Her big, brown eyes were filled with emotions. I leaned down and kissed her. Her lips, so soft and enticing, opened for me at once, her tongue stroking mine. I moaned and so did she as we tried to get closer to each other, her body rubbing against mine. I slid my hands down to her round, little ass and pushed her into my hardness, grinding into her then picked her up and set her on the countertop. Bella gasped but wrapped her legs around my waist, drawing me inexplicably closer to her...to her center...her heat.
I broke the kiss, to gasp for air, but continued open-mouthed kisses and licks, nipping and sucking at her skin along her jaw to her ear. I bit into her earlobe and then sucked on it, and she gasped. I moved to her neck behind her ear, licking and sucking gently and she shuddered. I stopped there and continued to suck the spot that caused her to react, and Bella moaned then undulated against me, grinding into my hard-on. I thrust against her body as I slid my hands slowly from her hips, up her sides, until my hands were resting below her beautiful breasts. I could feel her chest rise and fall with gasping breaths.
"Edward...I...uhmmm..." Bella threw her head back and arched her back, pushing her breasts out toward me.
I accepted her invitation and raised my hands until I was cupping her full breasts. My thumb rubbing over and finding her stiff nipples jutting out through the layers of her clothing.
"God! Bella. I want you!" I moaned as I captured her lips again in a deep, moist kiss. Her nipples were so hard, and begging to be touched...to be licked and sucked on. I continued rubbing my thumbs around her nipples and I ran by tongue over and around her lips, then plunged my tongue into her hot mouth, conquering her. As I thrust my tongue in her mouth I thrust my hips into her center, wishing that our clothes would just magically disappear. Her legs tightened around me and she rubbed her overheated center against me. I could feel her heat and sensed her wetness through her denim and my own. The layers of clothing did nothing to hide the heat emanating from her body.
I had to stop. If I didn't, Ali would walk into the two of us having sex. I loved and shared a lot of things with my sister, but that was definitely not something we needed to share.
I groaned as I pulled away from Bella. Looking into her flushed face, mesmerized by her beauty...and her abandon. She was panting and trying to catch her breath. Her eyes slowly opened when she realized I was watching her, and wasn't going to continue. Her flush deepened. I realized then that I was still cupping her breasts and fondling her nipples, so I slowly pulled my hands away from her perfect, tempting mounds, and slid my hands to the safer territory of her waist. I leaned in and rested my forehead to hers, trying to catch my breath as well. I hummed a little as I tried to get my emotions and my raging libido under control.
"Bella, we need to talk about where this is going. I would gladly take you to bed right now. Hell. I could take you right here on the counter. But I have a feeling that's not what you want. I need to know, what do you want from me? Where do you see this going?" Again I whispered. I didn't want to come on too strong or too desperate, but I needed to know if we were headed in the same direction.
Bella cleared her throat nervously and pulled back away from me. When I tried to pull her back into my arms, she put her hands on my chest and held me back. She looked everywhere, but at me. Then finally focused on the clasped hands in between our bodies. I watched as she blushed deeply, her eyes lowered. She opened her mouth several times, like she was trying to say something, but no words or sounds came out. Finally she shocked me, when she said. "Edward...I'm not good at sex. Jacob told me over and over that I was frigid or a corpse, when it came to having sex." She sniffled. "I want to be with you, but I don't want to disappoint you. I don't know how to do it...and I don't know if I can even enjoy sex. It was always so awful...I always felt dirty after Jacob would finish, and I don't want to feel that way with you. So far I don't, but I'm afraid if we go all the way and I fail you, I will have that dirty feeling again." Her voice was so faint...barely a whisper...filled with her insecurities.
Before I said anything to Bella, I put my hands on either side of her face and forced her to look up at me. As soon as her eyes met mine, I bent and kissed her gently on the forehead, her nose and then the corner of her mouth.
"Bella. I wont let you fail at this, and I wont allow you to feel dirty! You're not frigid or unresponsive with me, but I can understand why you were with Jacob. I also get why you would feel dirty. I'm sure that wont happen with us. We started in a different place, then you and Jake did. I get that the only person you were with was Jake, and so based on that experience you think you can't do this, or do it right, but Bella, it will be different, and right and beautiful when we make love.
The thing with sex Bella, is that for a man, it's easy. It doesn't take much to get a man hard, then off. But for women, it's a little different...and it takes a real man, to know what to do, to make it good and right for his lady. I will make it good for you, Bella, I promise you that." I kissed her again on the lips, and then her chin, along her jaw, tiny little pecks, to her ear, and again I bit into her lobe gently, then sucked on her abused flesh. "What makes you cum, Bella? What do you like to do? What positions do you like? Where do you like to be touched? Kissed? Licked? Tell me, Bella, and I will make it happen for you." I whispered seductively in her ear, then licked and sucked her ear lobe into my mouth again.
Her body was responding, she was practically vibrating and I could feel her face flush red again. She jerked her head from my grasp and looked away. "I have never had an orgasm." She mumbled.
"Never had an orgasm?" I asked, shocked. How was that even possible?
"No never." Barely a whisper and a shake of her head. Her shoulders slumped down and her arms wrapped around her body.
"But, what about when you touch yourself?" I ran my finger down her hot cheek.
"I've never done that." She looked completely mortified. Her eyes were darting around, like she was searching for an escape route, but she was still sitting on the counter with my body wedged between her thighs.
"You have never touched yourself? Ever?" I was astounded. Here I spent at least 10-15 minutes, everyday, at least once a day, self pleasuring, trying to alleviate the tension that's been building since I met Bella. And she has never even touched herself, once.
"Aren't you curious?" I asked next. Bella's eyes opened wide with some unnamed emotion, and she looked away, but she nodded her head once. She looked so tense, again not meeting my eyes.
"Well, Bella, it seems that we need to start with the basics where you're concerned. Sexually speaking, I mean. But now is not a good time to start this conversation. Alice will be back at any time, and I don't want her to catch us talking about this. Let's table this for now and when I'm off, at home and we have some privacy, we will talk about this some more." I ran my fingers into her hair and gently kissed her on the lips. "But we will talk about his, and we will come up with a way to deal with all of it, including your insecurities. Personally, I'm sure you can have an orgasm, under the right circumstances and with the right man.
She swallowed hard and looked away from me again with a small shiver, but she was nodding. She swallowed again then glanced at me briefly then slid her focus to the far wall over my shoulder. "I want to try with you Edward. You're the only man I have ever wanted to try with." She said softly.
"Thank you Bella. You can trust me. I will take care of you. I promise. You won't be sorry." I pulled her tightly to my chest and laid my cheek on the top of her head. "I won't hurt you." I assured her. My sweet, innocent Bella.
Alice came back then with a "Yoo hoo, Bella! Are you ready? Jazzy is waiting for us."
"I guess I gotta go." She looked up at me and placed her tiny hand on my cheek. "I trust you. I'll see you in a couple of days." Then she slid her hand into my hair, pulling me down to her, as she raised up on tip toe. I gladly bent down to her so she could kiss me.
"Bye, Bella. Take care of yourself. See you Thursday or Friday morning." I mumbled against her lips.
Alice linked arms with Bella once again and dragged her away. Bella looked back longingly at me as she was pulled away, and raised her hand in a tiny wave, as they walked out the door.
I had a lot to think about over the next couple of days. Professionally as well as personally. After Bella and Alice left I turned on the television to find something to distract me for a while. I was in luck. The Sci-Fi channel was playing a Star Wars marathon. All six movies playing back to back.
I zoned out and the movies worked perfectly in keeping my mind off of everything. Hours passed by without a single serious thought crossing my mind other than if I wanted something to drink and whether I should try to get some sleep or stay awake for the next movie.
The decision was out of my hands, because at some point, I fell asleep. And surprisingly I didn't dream of Bella, but of Princess Leia in the slave girl costume.
I woke early the next morning and made a pot of coffee first thing. As the coffee was brewing I took a quick shower. I was back downstairs and ready to face the day within a half hour.
As I poured myself a cup of coffee, I remembered Bella said she had made me cinnamon rolls. I opened the cupboard she had indicated and laughed in shock. There were only two in there, but each one was the size of a small watermelon. They were huge. On the ziplock holding them, Bella had written 'microwave for one minute'.
As I took my first taste, I knew these were home-made and it was melt in your mouth perfection.
Emmett walked in when I was about half way done with my monster breakfast roll.
"Hey Eddie! What's shakin'?" Em had a huge grin on his face and looked ready for a workout. He was wearing a FFD t-shirt, basketball shorts and Nike high tops.
When Emmett saw what I was eating, he started whining. "Did Bella make that? Is there any more? Come on man, I'm a growing boy."
I couldn't help by laugh at him. Growing boy my ass, but I gave in to him. I could save the other half of this one for tomorrow. "Yeah, in the cupboard there." I pointed to where Bella had stashed them.
"Holy Hell! These are huge! Does it taste as good as it smells?" He asked. He popped his roll in the microwave then poured himself a cup of coffee. "Man! Bella is spoiling you!" He grumbled.
I nodded. I had to agree. She was.
Patrick showed up as Em was finishing the cinnamon roll, groaning and licking his fingers. So Emmett quickly cleaned up, and then went out back with him to conduct the tests. When they finished, Emmett and Patrick came back inside. Em showed him where the showers were then came back down to let me know the results.
"Man, he passed with flying colors. For a man his age he is very fit. And dude, he totally looks older than what he is." Em said as he grabbed the remote control and threw himself into the couch.
"What's your take on him, Em? He acted kind of strange yesterday." I wanted to see if Emmett got the same vibe as me.
"Well, he seemed okay to me, but he did make some comments that confused me and didn't really make much sense. He was muttering about 'sex-craved children running around, pretending to be adults' and having to 'keep them in line and put them in their proper place'. But he never mentioned anyone by name. Why? Who was he referring to? Not you I hope?" I knew Em would have my back.
"Yeah, I'm afraid so. I'll explain later after he leaves." I shrugged and poured myself another cup of coffee. I jumped up and sat on the counter, while I waited for Patrick to make an appearance.
We didn't have to wait long.
When Patrick strode into the room, I greeted him.
"Hello Mr. O'Grady. How are you?" I jumped down from the counter and held my hand out to shake.
"I'm fine, Chief Cullen. Thank you for asking. How are you today?" He responded formally.
"Please call me Edward. I'm very well today. Emmett said you did well on your tests. I just need to wait for your results from the clinic. Would you like some coffee?" I offered, hoping he would refuse.
"Sure, Edward. I would love a cup...black please. And call me Pat." He offered. It seemed he was finally warming up to me, but I was still on my guard. I poured him a cup of coffee and handed it to him.
"Thank you." Pat said and took the offered cup.
I grabbed the pot of chili out of the fridge and put it on to heat, then walked around the counter and sat at the table with him and Emmett.
"So Edward, what's your relationship with Bella?" Pat asked. I had my head down, looking at my coffee cup, so he couldn't see how shocked I was that he was asking me that. Not only was it personal, but it was also a little offensive and controversial.
"Excuse me?" I said softly, after I got my emotions under control.
"You know Bel-la. The pretty little thing that was her yesterday...with your sister, who I noticed was wearing a wedding ring. Unlike beautiful Bella's bare fingers." He was observant and I was getting pissed.
"Well Pat, Bella is the widow of the man who died in the line of duty here. The man who left an opening in my department, making it possible for you to come here and apply for a job, and actually get an interview. And Bella is off-limits." I looked over to Emmett and I could see he wasn't happy with the direction of this conversation.
"Why is she off-limits, Cullen? It sounds like she's a free agent, single and in need of a man to warm her bed." He snickered. "I could hit that all night long." Was he purposely trying to goad me?
I was ready to throw down at this point but Emmett saved me.
"Listen Pat. Stay away from Bella. First of all, she's been a widow for all of two weeks. Second, she's had a hard life and doesn't need anyone making it more difficult. Third, you're old enough to be her dad, and fourth, I look at her as my little sister, and I don't appreciate you talking about her like that." Emmett had stood up and was now towering over Patrick. Pat was probably five or six inches shorter than Em, and both were built like Mack trucks, but I knew Emmett had the grace of a panther. I'm sure Em could take him, if it came down to a fight.
Patrick didn't seem too intimidated though. "Well isn't that up to Bella. Maybe she likes a more mature man." He was staring directly at me as he said this. He was goading me!
"She's mine!" I said tightly. "Stay away from her."
Pat arched his eyebrows at me and laughed. "Are you sure? You didn't sound confident of where you stood with her yesterday."
He was right, when I introduced them yesterday, I was unsure...but not anymore. I smiled then, Yeah he was being an ass, but I knew where Bella's affections lies. She wants to explore this attraction burning between the two of us, just as much as I did. That I was sure of. I know she is attracted to me, and I know she is in my house...sleeping in my bed. I didn't have to worry about her being attracted to this imbecile or impressed by him. I already knew that. Based on what she said about him, and how she responded to me after meeting him...he wasn't even on her radar.
I nodded once. "Yes. I'm sure. I'm also very sure of the fact that I am solely responsible for the hiring here at my station. I'll let you know about the position. I'll be in touch." I dismissed him then. "Emmett, can I see you in my office after you show Mr. O'Grady out."
I went up to my office to wait for Emmett. I was done with Mr. Patrick O'Grady. I sat down at my desk and wrote a notation on his application then put it with the others that I would not be hiring. Mr. O'Grady would not be working at F.F.D. as long as I was chief of the station.
About 10 minutes later, Em finally joined me in my office. "What the hell was that all about, man? What a douchebag!"
"Yeah, that's the vibe I was talking about earlier." I muttered. "Although, he wasn't quite so blatant in his disrespect yesterday, or he would have never made it back for you to test."
"So what happened yesterday?" Em asked.
"Ali and Bella showed up yesterday, and they were laughing and giggling...just acting silly. They burst into my office, not realizing I was doing Patrick's interview. Of course they apologized, and left immediately. When we came down after the interview the girls were just being themselves, joking, laughing and teasing each other. Alice stuck her tongue out at me, when I teased her back. You could tell he thought they were immature and he was really disturbed by them and the interruption. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. When he got here he was looking for me, but you could tell he was surprised that I was in charge. He probably thinks I don't know how to do my job, or that I'm too young. Shit! everyone here knows how hard I worked to get to this position. I don't take my job lightly. This place...this town, mean too much to me.
Anyway, I guess I need to keep looking. I wont have someone who disrespects, my girl, my sister and myself like that, working for me." I finished off with a huge sigh. I really hated the whole hiring process.
"Well he was an ass! I'll always have your back Eddie! You're the boss, so what you say, goes. Let me know if you need me back for any other candidates." He grinned at me, then got up and headed downstairs.
I followed him down.
"What is that smell?" Emmett said as he took a big inhalation.
"Bella's chili. Do you want some?" I asked.
"Oh, man!" Em groaned. "Yes! Please!"
I scooped two bowls and set them on the table then poured us each a glass of milk. Finally I grabbed the sour cream and sat down to eat.
"What are you doing with the sour cream?" Emmett asked.
I put a scoop in my chili and passed him the tub.
Em laughed and snorted at me. "What the hell?"
I just smiled and shook my head. "Don't knock it 'til you've tried it." Then I watched as he took his first bite. It actually took three spoonsful before the heat hit him. His face flushed and then he hollered.
"Holy Hell! This is hot!" I just laughed and pushed the sour cream at him again, and I dug into my bowl.
Emmett looked skeptical, but put a small scoop on his chili and tried it. I watched as his face changed to a look of surprise, then grabbed the sour cream tub and added more. "This is actually really good this way."
I just smiled and shrugged. "Told you so." I laughed
I always had a good time with Emmett. He stayed for a couple more hours, just shooting the breeze and hanging out with me...helping pass the time. Another day down...not that I was counting the minutes until I could go home, until...Bella.