Hi! So sorry for the long wait! Work started up again and then I got sick. Excuses, excuses!
A lot of people commented on Bella's rather pathetic tolerance to alcohol. And YES, you really can get drunk from one beer! I have. My husband pretty much runs for the hills if I announce an intention to drink.
Thanks to Katmom, for putting up with the multiple drafts of this story and giving me feedback while on vacation! A good bulk of what I have planned for the rest of this story comes from HER spectacular mind! She just posted a fantastic new story, Dragon Stones. Go to her profile to read it. Really, go read it now!
While I'm plugging fics, I beta a pretty cool story called "My Own Private Summer" by In Treatment for OCD. Check it out and show her some love!
Thanks also to those who've reviewed/favourited/alerted me! I absolutely adore reading what you have to say! Keep them coming! :)
I'm on twitter. If, for some reason, you want to follow me the link is: http://twitter(dot)com/A_Mayes. I post my writing status and teasers on there.
I've never owned Twilight and I never will.
Elevators, Strangers and Surprises - Chapter 10
The first thing Bella became aware of was a pounding headache. It stretched from her forehead right down to the base of her skull, encompassing all the area in between. She tentatively opened her eyes and was surprised to discover that it was dark.
Wincing, she lifted her head to look at the bedside clock. Eleven o'clock. Completely disoriented, Bella tried to figure out if it was the morning or evening. She was also puzzled as to how she had ended up in her bed.
Judging from how dark it was, she decided it was evening. What was she doing here? How had she gotten home? The last thing she could remember was sitting at the pub with Edward…
Her already pale face blanched as some of the events flashed through her mind. She recalled drinking her beer quite quickly; then her memory became hazy. Groaning, she rolled over, only to collide with something warm and solid. Immediately recoiling, Bella reached over to turn on her beside lamp.
Ignoring the throbbing pain the light induced, Bella looked over to see Edward asleep beside her. He was fully clothed, lying on top of the covers, one arm tucked underneath his head.
Strangely even though they had already been intimate, she couldn't remember ever feeling closer to him than she did now. The fact that he had stayed to take care of her touched her deeply. She wondered what had compelled him to stay. Bella had been fairly sure that he was going to tell her how sleeping together had been a one-time thing that wouldn't see a repeat performance.
Feeling grimy after having slept in her clothes, Bella carefully slid out from under the covers so as not to disturb Edward. Grabbing a towel and a change of clothes, she went into the bathroom to take a much needed shower. She kept the water on the cooler side, in an effort to clear her head.
After staying under the spray until her hands began to prune, she stepped out of the tub, much more alert, squeezed a generous amount of toothpaste onto her brush and set to clearing the sour taste out of her mouth.
As Bella vigorously scrubbed at her teeth, more snippets of the afternoon came back to her. She recalled being cradled against Edward's firm chest and being tucked into bed. Her face started to flame when she thought about begging him to stay with her. And Edward, being the gentleman he was, had acquiesced to her plea.
Her toothbrush halted its movements as Bella also remembered the fateful phrase that had fallen from her lips. "Oh no…" Quickly, she rinsed her mouth and brush, setting it back into its holder. She sat down on the edge of the tub.
She hadn't even admitted to herself she was in love with him. Apparently, she needed alcohol to make herself see it, much less say it. What would she do now that she knew she in love with a man who was her boss? A man who wanted nothing more than to establish that sleeping together had been mistake? She leaned her head miserably against the tile of the bathroom wall. It was only supposed to be a job…
There was no way Edward would not have heard those words. What had he thought when she'd said them? Moreover, why was he still here? Being one of the most decent men she'd ever met, Bella figured Edward had merely wanted to make sure she wouldn't vomit then choke on it while she slept.
She decided that the best thing to do would be to feign ignorance and hope that Edward never brought it up. At least that way she could quit with some of her pride still intact. Despite everything, the thought of quitting caused her heart to throb painfully. Sadly, working with Edward had become the highlight of her week, and she didn't want it to end.
After toweling off her hair, Bella changed into a clean pair of Lululemon pants and pulled on an oversized hoodie. She returned to her bedroom to find Edward still sleeping. With difficulty, she restrained the urge to throw herself onto the bed and snuggle in next to him.
Bella quietly approached the bed and sat down. She examined Edward's sleeping face. He looked entirely at peace, his features were relaxed, his mouth slightly open. Without realizing what she was doing, she reached out to trace the line of his jaw. She abruptly pulled away when Edward shifted position, moving to the edge of the bed. When she looked back at him, his eyes were open.
"Hey," he murmured, sleepily.
"Hey," Bella returned, butterflies starting to flutter in her stomach. Edward rolled onto his back, rubbing his eyes.
"What time is it?" he asked.
"Close to midnight, Edward," Bella began, "I'm so sorry about…earlier today." She grimaced. It was bad enough she got drunk from one beer. The fact that it happened before dinner was even worse. "I've never been able to drink well. So, I never do. And I hadn't eaten anything..." Hearing herself babbling, Bella stopped talking, realizing she wasn't getting anywhere. Too embarrassed to even look at him, she gazed at her hands instead.
"Bella, do you remember much after we left the pub?"
"No. Did I do something stupid?" She refused to lift her eyes to his face, her voice was tense. She was a terrible liar, always had been. By avoiding his gaze, Bella hoped to mask the fact.
Edward didn't respond immediately. The pause drew out until she chanced to look up. This time he looked away, a shadow falling over his features. Bella wondered if there was something she had said that she actually didn't remember. "Edward, what did I do?"
"Nothing. I helped you back here and put you to bed. You were pretty out of it. I've never seen anyone get drunk on one beer before." He smiled, but it seemed hollow. Bella wasn't sure to whether to be relieved or worried over the fact that he wasn't mentioning her ill-advised confession.
"Yeah, even my mother thinks it's funny," Bella admitted. "Thank you for staying. You didn't need to." She noticed a strange look cross over his face. He made to get up, sat down, ran his hands through his hair, then stood up again. The wall seemed to be of great interest to him as he spent a good minute staring at it.
Bella watched him, bewildered. He appeared to be struggling against something. Eventually, he came to some internal decision and turned to look at her with a serious expression.
"You really don't remember anything from today? Anything you said?" he finally asked.
Unable to continue lying, Bella bit her lip, clutching her comforter nervously in her fists and remained silent. Edward came to sit beside her.
"When I called you yesterday evening and arranged our…meeting, it was so I could talk with you."
"I know. You don't need to say it." Bella started to get up but Edward grabbed her hands in his, pulling her back down.
"Stop doing that! Every time I try and say this to you, something gets in the way. I want you to listen to me, without interrupting, please."
He had her hands in an iron grip, so Bella nodded, feeling hopeless. "Okay, I'll listen." Edward looked relieved.
"Bella, I was taught to keep my professional and private life separate. And I never had a problem with it. Work was work, play was play. It was almost a source of pride for me that I was able to keep such a distinct line without any trouble. I know others who've mixed things up and then had it backfire on them. I swore that it wouldn't happen to me. I would be a model of professionalism at all times. I actually wondered why some found it difficult. I'd never seen a reason to break my personal policy." Edward was now watching her intently. "Then this new assistant came along and turned all my rules upside down."
Privately, Bella was starting to believe Edward was some sort of emotional sadist. This was exactly how their conversation at the pub had started and exactly why she had felt the need to treat her beer like it was water.
"Edw…" As soon as she began to talk, Edward placed a hand over her mouth.
"No, you're going to listen to me." When he was satisfied that she would follow through he continued. "That first day, when I found out you were going to be my assistant…I don't think I'd ever been so disappointed in my life. Not because I thought you'd be bad at your job, but because you became untouchable. Here you were, this beautiful, lovely young woman, and more than that, a woman I felt an incredibly powerful attraction to, and I couldn't do anything about it.
"I told myself it was a passing thing; that I'd get over it. The last thing I wanted was to compromise you, so I tried to ignore it. It didn't work, seeing you every day, working with you only drew me deeper." His face twisted in a self-deprecating grin, "I felt like some overly hormonal teenager. That evening we worked late, I couldn't hold it in anymore and I practically attacked you. You don't know how guilty I felt after that. When you came and told me it was a mistake, I felt like some sort of monster. I was mortified at how I must have seemed to you, a guy who couldn't keep his hands to himself. Then that idiot Black came into the picture…I thought I would was going to have to hunt him down."
At this point Edward had stood up and was pacing the room. "At the conference, when I found out we would be sharing a room, I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep it together. You were too near, too available. By that time I couldn't stay away from you anymore, not that I'd done a good job of that previously."
He had stopped pacing but was facing away from her again. Bella was digesting his words, finding it hard to believe what he was telling her. At the very least, he desired her, but did he want more? She had to know, even if it meant possible rejection.
"Edward," she said in a small voice. He turned to her, looking tormented. "Do you only…want me? Is it a simple case of lust for you?"
"Is that what it is for you?"
"I asked first," Bella retorted. It was hard enough to ask that question. He was damn well going to answer first.
Edward dropped down onto the bed beside her. "Nothing seems simple where you're concerned. If you're asking me do I only want you for your body, the answer is no. That's not who I am."
Bella felt hope surging within her. She stared at Edward as he spoke, her heart thrilling as his words washed over her. He had fallen silent under her gaze, his green eyes fixed as keenly on her as hers were on him.
"I can't ignore this, and I don't want to try anymore. I want to be with you, in a real relationship. If you want to that is."
"What about work?"
Edward shrugged. "I know it'll complicate things, but life's too short. I've found you, after years of looking, and I don't want to waste any more time. So, if you're willing…"
"Yes," she interrupted. "I'm willing."
A wide smile broke out over his face, lighting up his eyes, making them sparkle. Bella watched the change with amazement. He had gone from anxious to virtually glowing in a matter of seconds.
"You have no idea how happy I am to hear that," he told her.
"Really?" Bella couldn't help asking. She hadn't been expecting this kind of response from him. "I mean, I know you…liked me but I didn't know if it was anything more than that for you. When you wanted to meet today, I thought it was to tell me we'd made a stupid mistake and that it'd never work between us."
"What did I do to give you that impression?" Edward asked, the smile replaced by a frown.
"Well…nothing." Bella said, feeling rather foolish. While he hadn't said he wanted a relationship, he also hadn't done anything to indicate he regretted their night together. In fact, when she thought back, all of Edward's actions showed he cared: his odd behavior when she went on a date with Jacob, rushing her to his father himself when she cut her arm, putting himself between her and James at the conference.
If she was going to be honest with herself, she had been the one to tell Edward the kiss was a lapse in judgment. Not to mention cutting him off at the pub before speed drinking into their present situation.
"Bella, I've been falling for you since you knocked me over in the elevator that first day."
Bella couldn't stop the smile his words produced as happiness engulfed her. She threw her arms around him.
"So have I."
Edward's look of elation returned and he leaned down to catch her lips with his. She responded to his kiss passionately, running her hands through his wild hair as sensation started to take over. He pressed her down on the bed, nipping at her lips then trailing kisses down her jaw and neck.
Bella was quickly losing herself in him. A large part of her didn't want him to stop, but she needed to. They'd agreed to try a relationship, despite work, and she wanted to actually get to know him before jumping into bed again.
"Edward," Bella breathed. He mumbled something unintelligible in response. With great determination she pushed at his shoulders. "Edward, listen," she said adding more volume.
He stopped his ministrations, lifting his head to look down at her, his eyes dark with need. He looked so deliciously disheveled Bella nearly tossed all her convictions out the window.
"What is it?" he asked.
Reluctantly, she sat up moving slightly away from him as if the extra inch of space would help her stay the course.
"This might sound ridiculous, considering we've already slept together, but I'd like to slow down a bit, really get to know you. I mean, we haven't even been on a date. I don't think we can count the pub," Bella said dryly.
Edward looked as if he wanted to argue, but then he gave a chuckle. "No, I don't think we could," he paused. "You know, it didn't even occur to me we hadn't actually gone on a date? My mother would have my head…not to mention my father."
"The circumstances are different for us, I suppose," Bella mused. "What did your father say to you that day at the hospital? You didn't really say when I asked before."
"Essentially that you were a lovely young woman, and I'd better know what the hell I was doing or he'd come after me."
"Oh," Bella said, her face falling. "He's not going to like this, is he?"
"No no, he likes you. It's me he was having a go at. Actually, my mother really wants to meet you. I think you'd like her, and she's fond of you already…though we don't have to do that anytime soon."
Bella smiled as Edward spoke. Evidently, he'd talked about her to his mother, and the thought pleased her.
"I don't mind meeting your mother," Bella said, shyly. "So, is it all right if we…wait a little?"
"I'd be pretty awful if I said 'no'," Edward laughed. "Much as I hate to admit it, you're right. Believe it or not, I usually move much slower than this. Though if you change your mind…" He raised his eyebrows suggestively.
"You'll be the first to know," Bella grinned. Inwardly, she was relieved that the minor incident of saying "I love you" had been successfully avoided.
But that thought, along with any others she might have had, fled when Edward captured her mouth once again.
*******************
Bella was in the process of walking Edward to the door when it burst open to reveal her pint-sized roommate.
"Bell…" Alice was stricken silent when she saw Edward standing in the kitchen. She looked from him to Bella…and a slow smile appeared on her face. "Hi, Edward!" she said brightly.
"Hi, Alice," Edward returned, bemused by her overly animated greeting.
"Did you two…" Alice started to say but Bella quickly cut her off.
"Edward was just leaving, Al." She looked pleadingly at him, darting a quick glance at Alice. He followed her gaze, then looked back at her.
"Yes," he agreed. "But before I go…" He reached out to grab a surprised Bella by the waist, giving her a searing kiss that left her legs feeling like jelly. "Goodnight," he said huskily into her ear before releasing her. "Goodnight, Alice," he said to the shocked pixie in a normal tone.
Edward gave the two speechless girls a final smile as he shut the door behind him. They stood, staring at the door, both collecting their thoughts. Alice was the first to recover.
"Okay, Swan. What was that? Why was Edward here? Did what I think would happen, happen?" She chattered so rapidly, Bella almost couldn't tell the words apart.
"A goodnight kiss. I got drunk so he stayed with me. And, yes, sort of," Bella answered in order.
"Drunk? How much this time, half a glass of wine?" Alice snorted.
"One and a half beers."
"Geez, Bells. What possessed you to drink? You know you suck at it."
"It's a long story…" Bella said dramatically. Alice swatted her, sticking her tongue out.
"Yeesh, just tell me what happened!"
Bella laughed and complied, relating all the events starting from the pub ("You called Lauren a bitch? Nice one!") up until the moment Alice had witnessed minutes prior.
"See? What did I tell you? I love it when I'm right." Alice was wearing a self-satisfied smirk.
"There was one little thing I didn't tell you," Bella said, picking at some invisible lint on her hoodie. "I, uh, might have said 'I love you' to him when he was putting me to bed."
When no reply was forthcoming, Bella glanced at her friend. Alice was gaping at her, rendered speechless for the second time that night. "Alice? Hello?" Bella waved her hand in front of Alice's eyes.
"You told him you loved him? I didn't think you even knew!"
"Oh, and you did?"
"Of course," Alice said, as if it were common knowledge. "I'm just surprised you didn't beat around the bush around it more. What did he say?"
"Um…I don't know. I kind of passed out right afterwards and…I told him I couldn't remember much…"
"Shit, Bella! Why would you do that?" Alice was the picture of disappointment.
"I don't know how he feels!" Bella said, defensively. "And I'm not 100% sure I love him anyway."
"For God's sake! You have to be the blindest girl I know. You love him whether you know it or not. And, if that man isn't in love with you, I'll eat my…" Alice rummaged around her purse. "Lipstick! And this is my favourite shade!" She brandished a silver tube in front of Bella's face.
The image of Alice eating her own lipstick struck both girls at the same time and they ended up dissolving in a fit of laughter, falling to the floor as they shrieked with mirth.
"But seriously," Alice gasped, when she could talk again. "If Edward is willing to bend his rules for you then it's serious. How many times do I have to say this before it sinks in?"
"I wish I had your confidence, Al. But…we'll see."
Alice pursed her lips and shook her head. "When are you going to see him again?"
"At work on Monday. And we're going to go out that evening…What?" Bella asked when Alice gave her a knowing smile.
"Good luck with the whole 'let's wait' thing. I'm betting you'll break first."
Bella tossed her head and stood up. "This conversation is boring me. I'm going to bed…again," she declared in her haughtiest manner, leaving a giggling Alice behind.
*****************
Monday found Bella unusually alert and eager for work. She had risen early, giving up on going back to sleep. Instead she got ready and arrived at work almost an hour before her usual time.
The office was dark; she had made it in even before Edward which was no easy feat.
Bella set about flicking the lights on and starting a pot of coffee. Once that was done, she settled herself at her desk, ready to sift through her voicemail.
Most were fairly standard, calls from suppliers and clients wanting to set up meetings with Edward. Bella methodically wrote notes to herself, deleting messages after listening to them.
After erasing a message from Jasper reminding her about a meeting they had later that day, an all too recognizable voice came through the receiver.
"Hello Isabella Swan of Empire One. It's James here. I quite enjoyed seeing you again at the conference. It made me think of when we were in high school. You've exceeded my expectations and grown into a beautiful woman. It would be nice to catch up and talk. Give me a call back at 213-555-6221."
The message ended there leaving Bella frozen, with her index finger poised above the delete button. She slammed the receiver down, standing so quickly she almost knocked her chair over.
When she felt a hand on her shoulder she jumped, giving a shrill shriek at the same time.
"Hey, it's me," Edward said. "What's going on? You look as if the phone bit you."
"Oh, uh…nothing. How are you?" Bella tried to look casual. Edward, as she suspected, saw right through her.
"Bella, you looked like all the life drained out of you. Who was on the phone?"
Bella sighed, she wasn't going to be able to avoid the issue.
"It was James," she told him, reluctantly. Edward visibly tensed.
"What did he want?"
"To meet and talk about old times." Disgust coloured her tone.
"You're not going to, are you?"
"Edward, what do you take me for? I'm not a complete idiot!" Bella glared at him.
"Sorry," Edward looked contrite. "I just don't like that guy."
"That makes two of us. Doesn't matter, nothing in this world could induce me to meet with him."
"I've known people like him. He'll see your refusal as a challenge." Green eyes met brown. Bella didn't want to admit she agreed with him, she had seen the way James smiled when he saw Edward.
The phone rang which Bella automatically picked up.
"Hello?" She said, forgetting to be formal. The shock of James' message had shaken her considerably. She half feared he would be on the other end.
"Is this Isabella Swan?"
"Yes it is," Bella replied, trying to place the woman's voice.
"Oh good, you're there. This is Esme Cullen, Edward's mother. Sorry to bother you at work. I found your number through the directory."
"No bother," Bella assured her, ignoring the suspicious looks Edward was throwing her way. "What can I do for you?"
"Actually…Edward's going to hate me for this, but I wanted to know what your plans were for Friday evening? After much coercion on my part, Edward told me about you two…establishing things. Would you be completely adverse to coming to our house for dinner? I couldn't get my son to agree, so I'm being horrible and going through you."
"I see," Bella laughed, already liking the woman. "I'd be happy to come over for dinner." Out of the corner of her eye she saw Edward roll his eyes as he figured out who she was talking to.
"Oh, I'm so glad! I was feeling rather left out, having been the only one not to have met you. Would seven be all right?"
"Seven would be fine," Bella said. Edward held his hand out, indicating he wanted the phone. "I think Edward wants to speak with you."
"He's there, is he? I suppose he's going to lecture me. It was lovely speaking with you, Bella. I look forward to Friday."
Bella said goodbye then handed the receiver to Edward.
"Seriously, mother. You don't waste any time, do you?" As he listened, his expression became resigned. "Fine, I'll talk with you later."
Edward hung up and turned to face her, looking exasperated.
"Sorry about that. I had no idea my mother would call you directly to pressure you into going over for dinner. I asked her to be patient, though I don't know why I bothered."
"Its fine," Bella smiled. "I want to meet your mother. She was very sweet on the phone."
"All part of her ploy to get you, and me, to go over."
"Incoming," Bella stated as people started trickling in through Empire's glass doors.
Edward quickly kissed the top of her head before heading off towards his office. They had agreed that at work they would remain strictly professional. In any case, both hated the idea of being affectionate at the workplace. They had also decided they wouldn't announce their new dating status, nor would it be a secret. If people figured it out, so be it.
With tasks swiftly piling up, James' message got pushed to the back of Bella's mind, though the undercurrent of uneasiness didn't completely leave her.
********************
Halfway through the morning, when Bella was pulling out documents in the file room, she saw Lauren go storming past the doorway. Curious, she peeked into the hall where she saw the blond girl disappear through the main doors.
Jasper came into the room, a few papers in hand.
"What's going on with Lauren?" Bella asked.
"I'm not sure, but I think it's safe to say she's upset. Edward called her into his office a little while ago and she's just come out now. Guess the chat didn't go so well."
"Do you know what they talked about?"
"No," Jasper shook his head. "Can't have been pleasant though, judging from the look on her face."
Bella thought about her rather intoxicated admission to Edward of Lauren informing her about his supposed fling with Jessica.
"I hear things are going well between you and Alice?" she said to change the subject. Jasper's face lit up.
"Things are great! I can't thank you enough for introducing us. She's an amazing woman."
"Yes, she is!" Bella agreed, laughing. "Though at times, she's a bit of a bully. I'm happy for the two of you."
"I've been informed that things are looking good for you in the romance department as well."
"Alice told you? Ah well, it's bound to come out sometime."
"Don't worry, I won't send a memo out about it. Really though, Bella I am glad for it. I think you and Edward are a good match."
"Thanks, Jazz. Well, I've got what I need, better get back to the grind."
"Catch you later."
*****************
For a Monday, the day went by quickly. Before she knew it, it was 4:30. Most of the employees were slowly starting to exit the floor.
Getting up from her desk, Bella walked towards Edward's office. The door was ajar, so she peered in. Edward was perusing some files, his sleeves rolled up as usual. Bella wasn't entirely sure what it was about his forearms that she found so appealing, but she had to force herself to look away.
Bella rapped on the door to get his attention. He glanced up, a welcoming smile lighting up his face when he saw her.
"I haven't seen you all day. The whole staying professional thing should be a breeze if this keeps up," he said dryly. "What are you up to?"
"I was going to head home and freshen up before we go out."
"You look pretty good from here," Edward said, eyeing her body with a look that caused a tightening in Bella's stomach.
"Anyway," she continued, trying to ignore his less-than-chaste gaze. "What's your plan?"
"I'll do the same. Why don't I come by and get you around 6?"
"Great. See you soon."
She left the office with an extra bounce in her step. She was going on a date with Edward Cullen.
**************
Bella was fastening on earrings when the buzzer rang. After confirming it was Edward she let him up, checking her reflection one last time in the mirror.
She opened the door to Edward looking devastatingly handsome in khaki pants and a dark green shirt that brought out his eyes. Bella noted he had rolled up the sleeves. He was holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Are those for me?" Bella asked.
"No, they're for my date after you," Edward teased. "Of course they're for you. Seeing as how this is, sadly, our first date, I thought flowers were in order."
"They're lovely!" Bella found a vase, took it to the sink and filled it with water. She took the flowers and placed them carefully into the vase. "Thank you, Edward."
"You're very welcome." He looked her over appreciatively. "You look stunning." Bella had decided to stay simple. She wore an off-white peasant style blouse and black slacks.
"Shall we?" He held out the crook of his elbow for her to take. Bella grinned, taking the proffered arm.
"Where are we going?" she asked, as they stepped into the elevator.
"Just a little place I know. I hope you like it."
As in Seattle, Edward easily maneuvered the fast paced freeways that connected Glendale and Santa Monica.
"What is it?" Edward asked.
"Huh?" Bella's eyes snapped up from his hands to his face.
"You were staring at the steering wheel for the longest time. What's so interesting about it?"
"Oh…nothing," Bella said, flustered. "I was lost in thought."
"About me, I hope. Here we are." Edward pulled into a small parking lot. After removing the keys from the ignition he opened Bella's door for her and led her to what looked like a house.
Inside, was a small, but cozy, restaurant. It possessed a warm atmosphere, with crisp tablecloths adorning the tables and a tasteful centerpiece on each that included fresh flowers as well as a small candle.
"It's so pretty!" Bella exclaimed, as a waitress led them to a corner table.
"You like it?" Edward grinned, pleased with her reaction.
"I love it!"
Once they were settled, the waitress came to take their drink order. They requested a bottle of red wine to share.
"Am I going to have to carry you home again?" Edward asked, teasingly.
"No! So long as I sip it slowly while I eat, I'll be fine." Bella reddened at the memory.
"Have you always shown such incredible tolerance for alcohol?"
"I find people around me have a better time if I stay sober," Bella said wryly.
The waitress came back with their wine, took their meal orders then disappeared into the kitchen again.
"Edward…I'm really glad we're doing this," Bella said. His face softened at her earnestness.
"So am I. Though, I wish we'd started off like this. I feel like I did everything backwards."
"So long as we're here now," Bella said.
**************
As the evening progressed, Bella found she was completely comfortable around Edward. It was like chatting with an old friend. Albeit an incredibly gorgeous old friend, whose glances were turning increasingly intense.
They talked about everything from their respective childhoods, movies and books to their general philosophy on life. Bella was pleased to find out they had more in common than she'd previously thought. Inevitably, their conversation turned to past relationships and experiences.
"First kiss," Edward said, taking a sip from his glass.
"Hmm…any kiss? Or the first romantic kiss?"
"How about both? I'm intrigued."
"First kiss…we were five. His name was Will. We kissed through the screen of the storm door." Bella tilted her head to the side. "I wonder what happened to him?"
"You started early!" Edward laughed. "What about romantic kiss?"
"I was sixteen…it was with my first boyfriend."
"Was he your first time as well?"
"No." Bella shook her head. "That was with my first serious boyfriend, Trevor. I was 22." The waitress came to clear away their dishes. "Your turn, same questions."
"First kiss, I was 15 and it was at a party…I didn't even know the girl that well. First time, I was 19 in my freshman year at college. Her name was Kate, we dated for a year."
"How did it end?"
"We were young and going in different directions. After Kate, I only had one other serious relationship."
"Really? I find that surprising."
"Why?"
"Well," Bella began, "I mean, look at you. You're handsome, charming and successful. What woman wouldn't want to be with you?"
"Do you want to be with me?"
"Yes."
"Then that's all I need. I'm not one to be in a relationship for the sake of it. And Bella," Edward continued, looking directly at her. "There's not a man in this restaurant who wouldn't love to be in my shoes right now."
Bella blushed and dropped her gaze. Edward caught her chin with his finger, lifting her face back up.
"I love it when you blush. You don't know how appealing it is."
The cheque arrived and, after a brief argument, Edward paid it, insisting that no man would let a woman pay on the first date.
He helped her into her jacket and guided her out of the restaurant with his arm wrapped loosely around her waist.
Bella delighted in the gesture. She knew women were eyeing the man beside her and she felt a smug satisfaction when he pulled her closer. That's right girls, this gorgeous man is mine.
*****************
Back at her apartment, Edward, in true gentlemanly fashion, walked her to her door. Though Bella suspected he had an ulterior motive in doing so. During the drive back and the short elevator ride, the easy camaraderie had given way to a tension as Bella became all too aware of the tall man beside her. She wondered if Edward felt it as well.
She fumbled with the key, managing to open the door after a few tries. Turning back around she was met with Edward's green eyes gazing down at her, desire was written plainly in them.
Bella's newfound morals underwent severe reconsideration as her body started to respond to the want she saw in the face opposite her.
"Thank you for a lovely evening, Edward. I really enjoyed it," Bella said, trying to keep her voice normal.
"So did I." He stepped up so that their bodies were almost touching. "May I kiss you goodnight?"
He was so close Bella could feel the warmth coming off his skin.
She nodded. "Ye…" Her reply was cut off when his lips came crushing down on hers. It wasn't gentle, but rather full of heat. She willingly allowed him to deepen the kiss, moaning when she felt his tongue enter her mouth.
He backed her against the wall, keeping their lips connected as his hand found the hem of her blouse and slid underneath it, finding her bare skin. Bella felt her knees start to buckle as his fingers easily found their way to her bra, slipping under it to pinch her nipple.
She rocked her hips against his groin and was rewarded with a hiss. He grabbed her hips to repeat the motion, all the while continuing his assault of her lips.
Heedless of their location, Bella was ready for him to take her right then and there.
The sound of a door slamming made them jerk apart. Both were panting, the chemistry still sizzling in the air between them.
As her breathing slowed down, Bella grimaced as she realized how close she had come to abandoning her 'let's wait' philosophy. She was going to have to wear a suit of armor the next time they were alone together.
"Okay, well, goodnight, Edward," Bella said, trying to grab at a semblance of sense.
"What?" He looked at her, his eyes still clouded with lust.
"Goodnight. If you don't go right now you'll make me break my resolve."
"Remind me why that's a bad thing?"
"Come on." Bella pushed at him lightly. "It's important to me…and you."
"Right." Edward sounded like he was trying to convince himself. He ran a hand through his hair distractedly. "Okay, this is going to be harder than I thought. Goodnight, Bella. I'll see you tomorrow."
Bella only nodded before quickly entering her apartment and closing the door. Another second and she would've literally dragged him into her bedroom to have her wicked way with him. Though she was sure he wouldn't have minded at all.
"You're not going to last."
Bella saw Alice smirking at her.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough. I give it two weeks, max. You're so wanting it." Alice ducked when Bella threw a cushion at her head.
"Don't you think it's a better idea to wait? Get to know each other better?"
"Hmm…usually I'd say 'yes.' In your case I say, as I did before, do what comes naturally. He's in it for the long haul. In any case it would be better than having to watch you two paw at each other where everyone can see."
"What about you, Miss Priss? I thought you and Jasper were waiting."
"Not anymore," Alice said matter-of-factly. "When it's right, it's right. Actually, he's coming over soon."
"Great, maybe I should get my room soundproofed."
"Maybe I should get all our neighbours to put on blinders," Alice countered.
"I'm going to my room, and blasting the music," Bella said huffily.
Alice rolled her eyes, as Bella retreated to her bedroom. Closing the door, Bella had a feeling Alice was right. She wasn't going to last long. Especially if Edward continued looking at her as he did, not to mention his kisses... Though she supposed he couldn't help being so incredibly sexy.
Bella fell back against her bed, frustrated and half wanting to call Edward to tell him to haul his ass back to her apartment.
Just when she was debating getting up to 'entertain' herself in the shower, her cell phone rang, interrupting her plan.
Assuming it was Edward, Bella flipped open the phone without bothering to look at the display.
"Hello?" she said, unable to keep the eagerness out of her voice.
"Hello, Bella. It's James. I have to say, you looked lovely tonight."
A/N: Thoughts? Feelings? You want to throw things at me? Let me know in a review! :)