Chapter 11
Bella took a deep, shuddering breath.
"Rosalie is coming here? When?" She looked a bit like a shell-shocked soldier. Her shoulders were squared, but her eyes were wide.
I explained the phone call I'd made in the car on the way back from the hospital.
Bella nodded along. "I'm going to take a walk," she said. "I'll be back."
"Please don't walk away."
Bella threw her hands into the air. "Do you know how hard it is to keep from getting pissed off at you right now? I know it's not your fault, but fuck—this is not okay by anyone's standards. I don't think I'm a bitch for being upset."
Easing forward and cupping her round cheek, I said, "I don't think you're a bitch at all. I'd be mad if I had to help care for your ex. Especially if he was drugged up and loopy."
I could hardly believe that just a few hours ago we were in bed having spectacular sex. We'd planned an entire week of nonstop fucking, with just enough time in between to stay fed and hydrated.
"This is a disaster," she said, echoing my thoughts. "School's been crazy for me and work's been crazy for you. I wanted a week to just be together. No interruptions—"
"Or clothes," I interjected, grinning.
Bella landed a cute smack to my bicep. "Yeah, we'll see how lucky you get this Christmas, Edward. I'm writing Santa a very critical performance evaluation. Boyfriend promises me an orgasm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And what do I get? His wounded, daredevil ex-wife and his angry daughter. Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells!"
Bella threw her arms in the air, which I took as an opportunity to wrap my arms around her middle and pin her against the dark marble of the kitchen counter. My lips met hers insistently, and I moaned out of relief when I felt her start moving with me.
My lips were still buzzing when I broke the kiss.
"I want to figure this out, but I need your help. Please be here with me."
I could see the wheels turning in her head at my serious tone of voice.
She smiled, albeit a little shakily. "I'm here."