A/N: Warning: this chapter contains some sexuality. You're welcome. :)
Bella attempted to make Rosalie a surprise dinner. Though she wouldn't be able to eat it, she still enjoyed the smells and knowing that Bella was eating regularly. Bella had gotten as far as chopping some vegetables but had to stop when she sliced her palm. She quickly ran water over it, then held an ice cube while she found a bandage. Carlisle and the boys were back from their trip now, and the house was much louder. Esme offered to help with the cooking but Bella decided she'd rather be alone with Rose anyway.
Rose, she wrote in her best handwriting. Meet me at Jalisco's-their favorite place-around seven, but take your time. There'll be something special on the menu tonight. Yours, Bella.
She folded the letter and went to ask Alice if she'd give it to her. She searched the house and surrounding trees but couldn't find her. She, trusting him the most, asked Carlisle instead.
"Of course," he accepted, not even glancing at it before placing it in his pocket. "I'll give it to her the second I see her."
"Thanks, Carlisle."
"How are you doing by the way, dear? Are you comfortable here?"
"Yes, I'm fine, thank you for letting me stay."
"You're always welcome. Do let Esme or I know if you need anything."
"I will," she said appreciatively.
Before she turned to leave, she did think of something.
"Do you know how my dad's doing?"
"I spoke with him the other day actually. You haven't?"
"No, I guess not..." Bella was stunned she hadn't even called him since the fire.
"Well he's doing fine. A little more beat up than yourself but he's strong. He'll be up and kicking in a few more weeks. Billy's watching him closely."
Bella nodded. "I may go see him."
"Just let me know when, I'd be happy to take you."
"Thanks Carlisle. I really appreciate everything you've been doing."
"I'm not sure what I've done, but you're quite welcome Bella. You mean so much to the girls, and of course everyone else."
Smiling, she allowed herself to hug him. It had been the first male contact she'd had since... But he was nothing like those creeps. They were malicious and seething. Carlisle was more like Rosalie; cool and comfortable but with the demeanor of her father. He didn't linger in the embrace, but it was strong and supportive. He smiled once more before opening the door for her, handing her her jacket. She stepped outside, heading for the garage. Rosalie could run faster than her car, so she borrowed it, loving the feel of the leather steering wheal in her hands. She put the white protective top up, starting down the road. Not five minutes later, she found Alice dancing merrily along the side of the road towards the house. She called to her without stopping and Alice looked up, grinning and waving before jumping over a speeding car lightly and running the rest of the way to the passenger seat, landing easily while simultaneously fastening her seatbelt.
"Hello Bella!" she greeted enthusiastically.
Bella couldn't help but laugh, glad to see Alice so uplifted. "What's new?"
"I just got back from Natalie's. It was great."
"Really? Alice that's awesome! What did you guys do?"
"Oh..." Alice hesitated. "Well mostly I just watched her play guitar and read."
"Did you talk at all?"
"Um, no. She didn't really... know I was there you see."
Bella's smile decreased. "You little stalker."
"I know! I just-"
"What, did you follow her home?"
"Maybe..."
"Alice!"
"Okay, yes! But I couldn't help it. I didn't want her getting hurt or something. You humans are such danger magnets and I... I just wanted to see her."
Bella sighed.
"Next time just ask if you two can hang out. She looked like she liked you, so she'd probably say yes."
"You think she likes me?" Alice's eyes grew wide and she leaned in closer.
Bella rolled her eyes but smiled, ruffling the vampire's already tousled hair.
"The only way to say for sure is to get to know her," then she added, "properly."
"Alright I get it. No more stalking. So where are we going?"
Bella hesitated. "I was actually going to meet Rosalie... for dinner."
"Oh. Sorry about dropping in like this."
"No, you can come."
"No, it's your date. I don't want to be the third wheel."
"You could never be that way to us."
"You know what I mean, Bella," she said seriously. "But maybe soon we'll get to double date, eh?"
"Yeah, that would be fun."
"Awesome. So will I see you two later tonight?"
"Probably not," Bella smirked. "I'm not really planning on getting her home at a decent hour if you know what I mean." She winked slyly.
"Ahhh," smiled Alice. "Well, have fun then."
"Promise."
Grinning widely and squeezing Bella in a short embrace, Alice propelled herself from the convertible, landing gently in a field of tall grass, her short frame dissolving into the greenery.
When Bella arrived at Jalisco's, Rosalie was already waiting at a cozy table near the back. She looked like she'd strayed right from an old forties movie. She'd pinned up her hair elegantly and her black dress contrasted strikingly with her porcelain skin. Bella had only seen her wear lipstick a few times, a deep, sleek red. Her lips parted into the smile that always made Bella go weak, her long fingers reaching up to call her over. Her eyes, a dark amber, hit hers and Bella blushed a little. It still shocked her that they were together at times. Rose watched her walk over, pink cheeks on either side of her naturally colored lips, her ordinary but flattering clothes. Ignoring the other chair, Bella sat right on her lap, melting into those delicious red lips.
"What took you?"
"What rushed you? I told you to take your time."
"I suppose I was just too anxious to see what the menu has in store tonight."
"Well you'll have to wait a bit longer. Oh, here comes the server."
Bella went to the other seat, smiling innocently up at the slight man.
"Can I start you off with anything to drink ladies?"
"I'll have some hot tea," Rosalie said, fully aware that the waiter was staring wide eyed at her. "What about you, dear?" she asked Bella, empathizing the last word. The waiter didn't seem to notice though, and didn't look at Bella while she ordered her lemonade.
"Has Alice mentioned anything about this Natalie girl?" Rosalie asked, prodding at her uneaten salad with a fork. Bella hesitated, but told her about what she'd learned from Alice in the car.
"Alice will ask her out eventually. She's not the stalker type. I don't think there's anything to worry about. She's just excited."
There was a pause as the waiter removed their salads and returned with their entrées.
"Rosalie..." Bella asked, her fork hovering over her plate. "Do you feel at all... that is, do you-"
"I miss her too, Bell."
Bella let her fork fall, leaning back in her seat. "I've never been more jealous in my life. I don't get it!"
"We're both very close to Alice, and recently we've, uh," she cleared her throat pointedly, "become even closer. It's natural to feel some withdrawal."
"But then what does that say about us? I love you Rose. I don't want to be with anyone else... But Alice..."
"I know, love." Rose leaned across the table, scooting the candle out of the way to take Bella's hand. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't have feeling for her. Of course, they're nothing compared to my feelings for you... but they're still there."
"Exactly," Bella agreed. "So what do we do?"
Rosalie pondered this for a moment. "We need to let her explore all her options. What happened between the three of us was a fluke. If she can form a normal relationship with someone else, I think she should. If things don't work out with this Natalie, or perhaps another girl, and she wants to go back to the way we were..."
Bella nodded, and they both silently agreed to leave it at that for now.
"Would you ladies care for anything from our desert menu?"
Bella met and held Rosalie's stare, nodding slowly but purposefully. Rosalie grinned, taking the hint.
"We're both quite satisfied, thank you." She paid the bill, leaving her usual substantial tip.
Bella let out a short giggle when the waiter had gone, smiling from ear to ear. "Let's get out of here. I'll show you 'quite satisfied'," she winked.
Before Bella made another move, Rosalie had her seat-belted in the ruby convertible with her shoe on the gas pedal.
"I want to take you some place new," Rosalie explained.
"Where is it?"
Rosalie, not wanting to spoil the surprise, only took Bella's hand in response. To Bella's slight worry-which was quick to dissolve into arousal-Rosalie held Bella's wrist by one hand while the other steered, sliding Bella's bandage off with her teeth. Rose's mouth lined her wrist with small kisses, adding just the right amount of pressure to the sensitive skin. The cut hadn't gotten a chance to heal yet, and fresh blood met Rosalie's already crimson lips. Her tongue traced tiny circles over it gently while Bella relaxed into her seat, closing her eyes in pleasure. She gasped when Rose's teeth grazed it, but it was far from painful. It was the sort of miniscule pinching that occurred when Rose playfully nipped at her neck. Rosalie always knew just how to handle her, and was always in control.
When Rose released her, Bella stroked her jawline sensually before replacing the bandage. They'd stopped in front of a tall, intricate rot iron fence where Rosalie leaned out to press a brass button. She spoke briefly and a buzzing sound soon came, the gates opening smoothly. Bella had no idea what to expect as they passed tall, luxurious buildings painted a striking blue with brass accents. They drove in the parking lot before Rosalie cut the engine, stepping out of the car and opening the door for Bella, who linked arms with her.
"Go on," she leaned into Rosalie's soft but stable frame. "Tell me."
"It's our place," Rosalie told her, keeping the air of mystery for as long as possible. But once Bella saw the pool and Jacuzzi, it wasn't hard to piece together after that. Rosalie shut the freshly painted door behind them, handing Bella her own brass key. Bella was met by a stunning, open room with dark hardwood flooring and elegant furnishings. Rose took her jacket and hung it up along with her own, brushing a bit of lint from her voluptuous black dress. Bella explored excitedly, yelling out questions from room to room as Rosalie made a fire in the hearth.
"This is amazing! Rosalie! Wow! Look at the bathroom. The kitchen's so-" she gasped, feet skipping against the carpeting. "the bedroom!"
Rose chuckled, fetching a bottle of red wine. 1951, she mused. Good year. Uncorking it, Bella zoomed back into the living room, face bright as a child's.
"This is all for us?"
"You and me, babe." She opened a cupboard and pulled down two wineglasses.
"Rose it's incredible. I hope it isn't too-"
"Cheap?" she teased. "I still have enough to buy and keep two places twice this size in Hollywood if you'd prefer."
Bella chuckled, accepting the wine. They toasted their new apartment and Bella snuggled into Rosalie's lap on the sofa that was softer than any bed Bella had slept in, both the fire and the wine warming her quickly. Rosalie leaned down for a kiss, but Bella, unexpectedly, pushed her away.
"So that's your evil scheme. Lure the poor, helpless human into the fancy apartment, get her drunk and have your way with her. I'm on to you, Dracula."
"You caught me," Rosalie said, setting her glass down. She swept Bella off of her, leaping on her menacingly. Her teeth grazed Bella's ear, down to her neck and shoulder, brushing her shirt sleeve aside. "Or is that the other way around?"
Bella resisted her smile, something easier said than done, pushing on Rosalie's shoulders.
"But if you kill me now, you'll never know that surprise menu item I mentioned."
Rosalie pursed her lips, appearing to be deep in thought. "The mortal makes a fair point... Alright then."
Rosalie followed as she was led by the waist into the new bedroom, shutting the door behind them out of habit, though they knew no one would disturb them here. She got chills from Bella's long fingers sliding down her sides and bare arms. Bella unclasped Rosalie's hair, the seductive scent of blossoms and spices flittering to her. Rosalie gathered her hair out of the way while Bella slowly unzipped and disposed of the dress. Though they'd been together many times, Bella still wasn't prepared for the perfection of her girlfriend's body, every inch of anatomy seizing her eyes. She kissed lightly down her bare back, simultaneously massaging the perfectly shaped breasts. Rosalie allowed herself to lean slightly back into Bella. Though she was clearly the stronger of the pair, Bella wasn't as weak as she appeared, and Rose was far from heavy. Bella supported her, caressing her up and down until Rosalie couldn't take it anymore. In a frenzy, she turned, tugging Bella's shirt up and over her arms. Bella laughed but didn't speak. Their eyes said it all.
Bella fell back onto the bed, completely naked. About to follow, Rosalie sniffed the air suddenly, eyes darkening a little.
"Bella...?"
"That's right," Bella nodded sinisterly.
Rosalie glanced down at the pile of clothes on the floor, noticing a feminine pad inside Bella's underwear. It was red.
"You're abhorrent," Rose scolded her.
"Are you saying you don't want it?" Bella challenged, pressing her thighs back together.
Rosalie couldn't help but simper. After a moment of excitement that she wasn't completely sure she should be feeling, she let her expression go stony.
"Since when, dearest damsel, has want had anything to do with it? I can't control these urges you see. I had a taste of you in the car..."
"Desert time?" Bella offered, pulling Rose on top of her. Their bodies tumbled and ground into each other, the bed strained from the movement. Time itself stood in awe of the passion being created in that luxurious room, their cries and moans of ecstasy trumpeting through the apartment. When at last, early the next morning, they fell apart, panting and throbbing, Bella caught her breath enough to ask Rose one thing.
"So. How's that for 'quite satisfactory'?"
The two broke into a fit of laughter, smiling contently as, at last, Bella let out a yawn. Rosalie tucked her into the fresh sheets, cuddling close throughout the remainder of the morning.
A/N:
There's at least a little lemonade for you. Was it to your liking?
Thoughts on Alice? Natalie? The threesome? Also tried to make the chapter a bit longer.
As always, love to hear your theories and wishes. :D