Chapter 10—Enchanting Dance
When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way.
Wayne Dyer
Bella's POV
Grandfather pulled me aside when all was done and told me that he didn't have any solid answers concerning my fainting spells. He was going to speak with the clan midwife and doctor to see if they could postulate a theory, but it was going to have to wait until he returned to Scotland since it was dangerous discussing certain things on the phone.
"I'll see you later tonight," Grandfather said after he kissed my cheek. Before I could snap out of my stupor to ask what he meant, he was walking toward the front door with Christina.
Slowly, I made my way to my room, needing to lie down; I was exhausted after the grueling interview. I was surprise to find Alice going through my closet.
"Argh!" she exclaimed. "I wish Edward would have told me about tonight's dinner yesterday." She turned. "Oh. Hi, Bella."
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to help you get ready."
"Ready? For what?" I asked, scratching my head.
She looked at me with raised eyebrows. "Didn't Edward tell you about dinner?"
Dinner! Oh, right. To celebrate my birthday. "Ms. Cope did, and Edward confirmed. Aren't we eating here?"
"No. He's taking us all out."
Groaning and swallowing hard, I thought, I was going to be the center of attention. I hated that.
"But you don't have a thing to wear."
"What do you mean? I have a closet full of clothes."
"That's true, but nothing that screams 'It's my birthday.'" She went back to the closet. "Maybe I can make something work with the right accessories."
Groaning again at the prospect of dinner out, I turned and noticed the garment on the bed. Unzipping it, I revealed a beautiful baby blue dress with a cream an overlay. I had a good feeling that the boxes that Ian had sent would have shoes, a coat, and a matching clutch.
"How about this?" I asked, getting Alice's attention.
"That's perfect. Why wasn't it in your closet?"
"It was delivered while I was spending time with my grandfather."
"Edward mentioned that. Do you know where Emmett was hiding?"
"Emmett? Is he a big brute who likes to hog all the pancakes?"
Her eyes bugged out. "You nailed him. How?"
I shrugged. "I have a knack for identifying little quirks about people."
Alice said nothing as she grabbed the dress and walked out of the room. Not knowing what else to do, I followed her straight into Edward's spacious bathroom.
"Sit," she ordered, motioning to the closed lid of the toilet.
"Hmm," I said, biting my lip.
"I'm going to fix your hair and makeup, silly." She pointed to the toilet again.
It was then that I noticed all the products on the counter. I gulped, suddenly nervous. The only person besides my mother to play with my hair was Angela, but they only used a little styling mousse and hairspray. I wasn't one to wear makeup—a little lip gloss every so often, nothing more.
"Shouldn't I put on the dress first?" I asked, vying for time to get used to the idea of Alice dolling me up.
"Good idea. I'll get a couple of towels to drape over you."
I changed out of my sweater and jeans and donned the gown. When I looked in the mirror, I was awed. I was stunning, and the way the dress hugged my curves made me feel—dare I say it—beautiful. Ian was a genius.
A giggle had me turning.
"From the way you're staring at yourself, I have to wonder if you've ever looked in a mirror before," Alice said with another giggle.
I noticed she had spread a towel over the toilet seat and then asked me to sit.
An hour later, Alice turned me toward the mirror again. I was afraid to look but did. Speech was beyond me as I reached up and touched the soft curls. Crystals adorned my hair, and there was a dusting of color on my eyes and cheeks. She handed me some gloss for my lips. With a shaking hand, I applied the rosy color.
"Something's missing," she said, tapping a finger on her lips. "I know!" She snapped her fingers and disappeared.
"Can I have use of my bathroom, Alice?" Edward asked. He sounded a bit impatient. "We have a dinner reservation, and it's going to take some time to get to the restaurant."
"In a moment," she responded before lowering her voice so I couldn't hear.
"I'll take care of it. Go help Rose and Esme."
I turned when I heard footstep behind me. Edward stopped dead in his tracks.
"Wow!" he exclaimed, blinking a few times. "You're … you're beautiful."
I felt my face heat. "Thanks."
"But Alice is right," he said, having regained his composure. "Something's missing."
"Is she right about everything?"
He laughed. "Not always, but about fashion, yes."
He placed a velvet box on the counter after taking something out of it.
"Turn around," he instructed. He continued once I had. "I understand why you couldn't accept this, but you deserve to be showered in jewels."
He slipped his hands around my neck, like he had when he put his family's crest on me, and clasped the sapphire and diamond necklace around it. The necklace hung right above the rise and fall of my breasts.
"Wrist," he instructed.
"What?"
"Let me see your wrist," he murmured against my ear.
When did he get closer? I was dizzy, but I didn't sense that I was going to collapse. It was more of giddiness—I was extremely happy. Spinning around, I got lost in his eyes for a brief second.
He took hold of my left hand, fastening the matching bracelet around my wrist. His face lifted to find me staring at him as he turned my hand over, placing the earrings in my palm.
Without question, I put them on.
Edward smiled at me. Leaning forward, he kissed my cheek. "I'll be ready in fifteen minutes. The others are in the living room."
Edward's POV
I was stunned when I walked into my bathroom with the velvet box Bella had given back to me. From the moment I first saw her, I believed she was beautiful, but now—wow! She took my breath away, and it took everything in me not to gather her in my arms and kiss her full on. It was dangerous when I kissed her cheek—her lips being so close.
My shower was a much-needed cold one. When Bella turned after I had secured the necklace around her neck, I had looked down at her lips. The need to kiss her was growing harder and harder to resist; if I hadn't resisted, I was afraid of where the kiss would lead.
Fifteen minutes later, I sauntered into the living room, still adjusting my tie. Bella was laughing hard, holding her side.
"He didn't really eat the whole thing, did he?" she asked. I could hear the curiosity in her voice.
"I'm afraid Edward did. He ate the whole chocolate pie in three minutes, beating Emmett and Jasper by thirty seconds," Esme answered.
I groaned. I can't believe my family is telling Bella this story. "And as I recall, we were all sick as dogs after that dare. I still can't look at chocolate pie, whole or a slice, without feeling queasy."
Bella's eyes were twinkling with unshed tears and laughter when she turned her gaze to mine. "I can only imagine."
My breath caught in my throat at the smile that graced her enchanting face. I'd thought it before, and I would do anything to see her smile. I never imagined, in this moment, that her grin would make my heart swell.
"Mr. Cullen," Ms. Cope called. "The limo has arrived."
"Um … Did she say 'limo'?" The beautiful smirk vanished as Bella's forehead wrinkled, showing her … confusion?
"Yes. Special events call for distinguished transportation," Alice remarked, bouncing where she stood.
"Is that a problem?" Jasper asked.
Bella took a deep pull of air and let it out slowly. "No. It's just …" she started, sighing. "I don't like to be the center of attention."
"I don't either," Esme stated, wrapping a protective arm around Bella—Bella flinched, but relaxed into Esme's side. "And maybe we'll get lucky and won't be noticed."
Right! Maybe not going into the restaurant, but coming out. Once the paparazzi got wind that I was dining out, they would be all over the entrance. Luckily, I knew the owner and secured one of the private rooms on short notice. It paid to know people and have money.
"There's no need to worry," Emmett said. "Someone gets too close, this baby will be revealed." He showed Bella the holstered gun hidden under his dinner jacket.
"You do know how to use it, don't you?" There was a teasing tone in her voice.
"Of course," Emmett replied with mock hurt. "The FBI wouldn't have issued me a gun if I didn't." He offered Bella his hand, helping her up before turning to his wife.
Once we were in the entrance hall, I took the wool coat Alice held out to Bella.
"Let me help you," I said, holding the coat open.
Bella eyed me and then looked around. I was glad Carlisle had taught my brothers and me how to be gentlemen. When she saw Jasper helping Alice into her coat, Bella turned her back to me, and I stepped closer as she slipped an arm into each sleeve. My hands rested on her shoulders for a moment as I leaned in and whispered, "I know you're afraid. There'll be extra security present, and the other restaurant guests will think it's because your grandfather is dining with us."
Our lips met briefly when she spun to face me. We both jumped back.
"Um," I started, faltering to find the right words.
"We should go." Bella motioned to the open front door.
The others were getting into the stretch limo when we exited the house. Before sliding in, I spoke quietly with the driver to ensure he knew where we were going and how to get there.
"So, where are we going?" Jasper asked after we had passed through the gates. "I know it's somewhere that requires suits and ties." He put his finger between his collar and neck, tugging.
I just sat back and grinned. "It's for me and the driver to know."
"You'll know when I know," Bella said. "And I want to know now. I hate surprises."
A jolt of electricity shot through me when Bella touched my arm.
"Please, Edward. Tell us where you're taking us."
I closed my eyes, inhaling through my nose. Did I have it in me to deny what she is asking? For some strange reason, I booked the restaurant I typically hold the periodic evening meeting at. I'd never taken a girlfriend, in the rare moments I had one, there. But when I went to make reservations, only one place came to mind. Bella was extraordinary, and she deserved an exceptional restaurant, and the place I was taking her was both—extraordinary and exceptional.
"Bella's right," Ms. Cope said. "We'll find out eventually. Might as well tell us now."
Exhaling, I opened my eyes. "Canlis," I stated. "I've booked a private room."
The faces of my family showed shock. They knew me, knew I what I didn't do.
"You heard me right," I said. "We are going to celebrate Bella's birthday at Canlis."
I looked straight at Emmett, thinking I heard him mutter, "Glad you're paying."
Bella's POV
With Edward's aid, I stepped out of the car. From what I saw, this place looked more like a house than a fine dining establishment. I quirked an eyebrow at Edward; he either didn't see my questioning gaze or chose to ignore it.
A blush crept over my face when Edward placed his hand at the small of my back and guided me to the door. It opened a moment before we were directly in front of it.
"Good evening, Mr. Cullen," the person holding the door greeted.
I let my eyes travel up to Edward's face. Does he come here that often that this person knows him?
"Ms. Swan," they said as we passed.
Okay, now that was odd. I've never been here, and, yet, they knew my name.
The attendant greeted each and every one in the party. I was pleasantly surprised to see not only Grandfather but Ian waiting for us in the lobby.
"Ladies, I'll take your coats," the attendant said.
Edward stepped aside and allowed Grandfather to help me out of mine. He handed it to the attendant before gathering me up into his arms.
Ian was quick and gathered me up as Grandfather released me. "Simply divine," Ian whispered. "You in this dress"—he took a step back, appraising me—"better than I could ever imagine."
I tittered. "You always say that."
"And it's always true."
The inevitable blush crept up my face once again.
Shortly after Ian embarrassed me, we were escorted to the private dining room Edward had secured. The view out the floor-to-ceiling windows was breathtaking. Twinkling lights could be seen off in the distance, as could the Cascade Mountains.
It took some effort, but I managed to pull my gaze away from the windows to take in the room. It was huge. The single table was set for eleven and looked dwarfed, given the size of the room. A grand piano was situated near a sitting area.
"Would you like something to drink?" Edward asked close to my ear.
I nodded, still in awe over … everything.
Soft music began playing as Edward handed me a glass of … champagne? I turned to face him, one brow raised questioningly.
"Sparkling cider," he remarked, saluting me with his glass. Addressing the others, he continued, "I've already chosen a few starters and ordered salads. Your main course is for you to decide."
"Jazz, dance with me," Alice said, standing right after everyone had made their main course selections.
The server had informed us that the chicken course Emmett and Esme ordered would take an hour, and the first course selections would be brought in shortly.
I watched in envy as Jasper and Alice danced. The way they moved with such precise steps, not once stepping on the other's toes, was mesmerizing. Jasper would slide a foot one way, and Alice would mimic the step with such grace and elegance that it appeared they were one. Not once did she look down at her feet to make sure she wasn't about to crush his toes. It was the same when Carlisle and Esme and Emmett and Rosalie joined in.
I wished I could dance with someone like that. Every guy I danced with at the last social event I attended just swayed with me. It was sad but far better than sore, bruised feet.
Edward's POV
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and the night wasn't over. The limo ride was a riot. Emmett had everyone laughing as he told Bella about a prank that backfired on him.
"I had Edward and Jasper rig a bucket above the door of Mr. Banner's science classroom," Emmett said.
"How?" Bella asked, glancing at Jasper and me.
"Pulley and trip wire," I answered, winking at her.
"So, Tyler walks in the room ahead of me. I expected him to shriek, but the bucket didn't topple. The moment I entered, splash," Emmett went on.
Bella's laugh was beautiful and rich.
"What went wrong?" Esme asked.
Emmett scratched his head. "I still have no idea."
"There was no trip wire," Jasper said.
"I had hold of the wire and pulled," I added.
The laughter that resounded from everyone, including Emmett, was priceless.
A hand came to rest on my shoulder and drew me out of my thoughts. I turned my head and found it belonged to Malcolm.
"Why don't you ask my granddaughter to dance?" he whispered. His gaze moved to Bella, as did mine.
Bella was sitting on one of the couches, a glass of sparkling cider in her hand. She was transfixed, watching the others dance. A wistful expression marred her face; her lips weren't turned up or down.
What was causing her … sadness?
"Dance with her," Ian echoed.
I walked over to Bella, extending my hand. She looked up at me and then back at where my family danced.
Kneeling in front of her with one hand out, I whispered, "Do you want to dance?"
She glanced back at me, her interest piqued. "I'll step on your toes."
"Is that so?" I asked playfully as I stood, praying she would take my hand.
After a moment and a fretful look over her shoulder to where Ian and Malcolm were sitting, she took my hand and stood, placing the glass down on a small knee-level table.
Joining the rest of my family on the makeshift dancing floor, I drew Bella to me. Lifting her slightly, I placed her feet on mine. Her eyes held a curious gleam. "You can't step on my feet if you're already on them."
Her blush was beautiful, and not able to stop myself, I reached up, stroking her cheek.
A camera flash went off, but neither us of turned, seemingly not caring. In truth, I didn't think I could turn away, trapped as I was in the depths of her rich chocolate, brown eyes.
"Kiss her, Edward," Alice instructed as another flash went off.
That broke the spell; Bella stepped off my feet. I turned and raised an eyebrow at my little sister.
Seriously?
"Oh, get over it. We know you've been secretly dating Bella. It's written all over your face," Rosalie said.
"And there's the way you're acting," Alice picked up when Rosalie fell silent.
The door opened, and two servers came in, carrying trays with the appetizers. I was saved for now, but I would have to answer my sisters' questions at some point.
A/N: Thanks to Jennej and JCat for their assistance with editing this chapter. If it weren't for them, Bella would have sat on "towel seat." LOL! That was a great find JCat found.
Bella's dress is on my blog and Facebook page. The links to both can be found on my profile.
Do you have any favorite scenes or lines? Let me know.