Happy Sunday to everyone. I offer you this chapter as we gather at the church of Horseward to worship.
I don't own any of the characters, we all know who does, blah blah blah.
Thank you millions of times to my lovely reviewers. You made my week!! And the best one word review I've ever gotten came from Kiera, "Fuckawesome." A lovely word, I will be adding to my vocabulary.
So, did anyone else need to have their heart restarted seeing the videos of the New Moon clips at Comic Con? I started shaking, is that pathetic? If it is, then I fully embrace being pathetic.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 11
BPOV
Oh holy hell, somebody pinch me. This wasn't real. This wasn't something that happened to me. I was on the observation deck of the Space Needle, with the most gorgeous man I had ever seen confessing he's falling for me. The stroke of Edward's hand on my face left a trail of electricity in its wake. His green eyes sparkled with a happiness I had not seen in them before. I wasn't sure what it was he had wanted to do for awhile, like he said, but my heart was hoping it was to kiss me. I closed my eyes because the anticipation building between us was becoming almost painful.
I felt his fingers wrap gently around the nape of my neck and thread into my hair lightly. Then his lips were on mine. The moment that our mouths made contact I felt a shock of warmth flow through my body. I wrapped my arms around Edward's neck and stepped in closer to him. Our lips moved together, softly. Underlying the gentleness of his kiss was a restrained passion that made my toes tingle. I had never felt anything like this before in my life.
Reluctantly we parted and Edward leaned his forehead against mine. I opened my eyes to see that his were still closed, and one corner of his mouth was curled up in a smile. His eyes opened and looked into mine, searching for something. Whatever it was he must've found it because he smiled wider. I leaned my head into his chest and sighed.
"What are you thinking Bella?" Edwards's hands stroked down my back and held me close to him.
"I was thinking that I'm pretty sure I'm either dreaming, or I've died and gone to heaven." I closed my eyes and inhaled Edward's scent. It brought me more contentment then the smell of the stables.
Edward chuckled low, and murmured in my ear, "Well I can assure you, you are very much alive, and very much awake." The feeling of his warm breath on my ear sent a new bolt of electricity down to my toes, and I shivered a little.
"Are you getting cold Bella?" He held me closer to him, which was absolutely fine with me.
"No I'm fine Edward. Can I ask you what you are thinking now?"
"Bella you can ask me anything you want, anytime you want. I was thinking that if I had known this is where things would go for us, I would've kissed you at your graduation." He pulled back a little to look down at me, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
I giggled, thinking of that day. "I think that would've rendered Alice speechless for the first time in her life."
"Probably. Shall we go back in and have another dance or two, before we head home." The look on my face must've betrayed my longing to stay out here, just the two of us. "I would love to stay out here but Alice will come looking for us eventually."
I couldn't disagree with that. We walked back in, Edward's arm snugly around my waist. Alice and Jasper were dancing wrapped up in each other's arms, but Alice saw our return. She raised an eyebrow at me, and I couldn't help but blush and smile. Alice gave me a huge grin back and indicated with her hand I was to call her tomorrow. I nodded, looking up at Edward who had an eyebrow raised at Alice. Alice stuck her tongue out at him and turned her attention back to Jasper.
Edward pulled me back into his arms as we began to dance. "Let me know if Alice gets too obnoxious, and I'll get her to back off."
I laughed. "Thanks for the thought Edward, but you and I both know nothing gets Alice to back off, especially not over this. Don't worry, I can handle Alice."
Everyone else was with us on the dance floor; all wrapped up in their own private bubbles. I snuggled into Edward's chest, not really wanting the dancing to end. I felt like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, when she sings 'I Could've Danced All Night.' At least I could dance all night with Edward. As we turned on the dance floor, I could feel Edwards lips press occasionally on the top of my head.
It was almost midnight when Edward whispered in my ear, "I hate to say this, but we should head home. It's getting pretty late." I reluctantly pulled away and nodded. Edward smiled "I hate to see the evening end too."
We quietly said goodbye to everyone. Alice gave me a look that I knew meant that if I didn't call her tomorrow, she would hunt me down and beat me with a stiletto. We stood hand in hand as we made our descent in the elevator. As we walked outside, Edward shrugged out of his tuxedo jacket and draped it over my shoulders. The valet retrieved his car and we started driving for home.
I knew I had a silly smile on my face, but I couldn't help it. Edward reached over and took my hand, holding it in his on the console between us. We drove in silence, but seemed to be saying all we needed to through our hand connection.
Edward pulled into the stables all too soon. He came and opened my car door and took my hand again. I looked up at him as I exited the car. "Thank you Edward, for such a wonderful night."
"You're welcome Bella, thank you for sharing it with me." His crooked smile appeared, and my heart skipped a beat.
I started to pull my hand from his to walk to my apartment, but he grabbed it back. "What do you think you are doing?"
I looked at him confused, "Um, walking to my apartment Edward. Do you have a problem with that?"
"A gentleman always escorts a lady to her front door, or in your case, her kitchen door." He smiled at me and began to lead the way.
I could help but play along. "Well thank you kind sir. I appreciate your concern for my wellbeing."
He chuckled, "One can never be too careful. A beautiful young woman alone could be the target of unsavory characters. I couldn't bear it if I allowed that to happen to you."
We walked up the stairs and when we reached my door I took his jacket off and handed it back to him. He reached up and brushed a few curls back off my bare shoulder. "It's too bad this dress is completely impractical in the barn, I'll miss seeing you in it. I guess I will have to find a reason to get you dressed up again."
"As long as you are dressed up too, it's only fair." I gave him a wink.
Edward leaned forward and placed three chaste kisses in a row on my lips. "Get a good night's sleep Bella. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night Edward, sleep well." I opened my kitchen door and Edward gave my fingers a squeeze before he released my hand. After giving another crooked smile, he headed off down the stairs. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it with a sigh. Tonight had changed everything, and I felt a bit out of control. For once, I was embracing the feeling.
EPOV
I woke up Sunday morning early, but with a huge smile on my face. I laid in my bed for a few minutes recapping last night in my mind. Kissing Bella been everything I had imagined. It took everything in me not to just crush my lips to hers. I managed to keep my desires in check. Bella's lips, I could spend hours just thinking about them. They were so warm, soft, and sweet.
I bounced out of bed, something I hadn't done since I was ten I think. Grabbing my jeans I quickly got dressed and headed out to feed, taking my coffee with me. It was looking like it was going to be a beautiful day. I hoped Bella would wander down to the barn early.
As I was cleaning the first stall I heard a small voice behind me. "Hey there." I turned and Bella was leaning against the open door, a shy smile on her face.
"Hi beautiful, did you sleep okay?" She had on a dark blue v neck t shirt and jeans, but for once her hair was down loose. I put down my stall pick and moved to stand in front of her.
Bella blushed as she replied, "I did actually. I had some pretty amazing dreams that this really handsome man in a tuxedo was dancing with me."
I grabbed her hand because I found it impossible to not touch her standing that close. "Do tell? Really handsome huh?"
Bella nodded, "Yep, drop dead gorgeous in fact." She looked down and bit her lower lip. She had no idea what that unconscious habit of hers did to me.
"Well that's quite the coincidence because I had dreams about dancing with a breathtaking woman." I wrapped my arms around Bella's waist and pulled her to me.
"So this is all still real right? I didn't suffer from hallucinations last night? We were really at the Space Needle and you really kissed me?" She shook her head and grinned.
"I think you need a reminder that it's still very real." Before Bella could say anything else I brought my lips to hers. She instantly melted into my chest and I relished in the feeling of her body pressed against mine. I ran my tongue lightly along her lower lip and her tongue darted out, briefly connecting with mine. I was positive I had never tasted anything as sweet as Bella's mouth as my tongue sought hers again. Bella gripped onto my shoulders trying to pull closer to me. We broke finally, both needing some oxygen. Bella's breaths were coming as fast as my own. I stared intently into the brown eyes that were gazing up at me.
"Was that a sufficient reminder? Or do I need to convince you some more? I don't mind having to argue my case further." I gave her a wink.
Bella blushed again and let out a soft laugh. "You are very persuasive Edward, and I think you made your point. But I will probably need reminding throughout the day."
I hugged her to me again, "No problem, I'll make sure I keep you reminded. Now that you are here, if you help me out with a couple stalls, I think we should go on a trail ride? How does that sound."
"Sounds great, do you want me to pack us a lunch again?" Bella's eyes danced with happiness.
"Absolutely. While you put together some lunch for us I will tack up Aston and Mimosa."
We finished chores and Bella disappeared back to her apartment to change. I always kept a spare pair of breeches in my office so I quickly made the switch from jeans. I was almost done tacking both horses up when Bella was back, a small backpack over her shoulder.
"Ready to head out Miss Swan?" She nodded at me.
"After you Mr. Cullen." The way my last name rolled off Bella's tongue, sounded entirely too good.
I lead the way out, a different direction then before. Bella didn't question the change; she just rode along quietly next to me. One reason I had picked a different trail was it was wide enough she could ride beside me, and I could look at her as much as I wanted. The other was a surprise I had to show Bella.
"Shall we play twenty questions again Bella?"
She looked at me out of the corner of her eye, "Sure, who goes first."
"Ladies first, always." Even though it was my suggestion, I didn't have a question in mind for Bella yet.
"Okay, let me see. What is your favorite season, fall, winter, spring or summer?"
"Hmm, I have to say fall I think. I like the falling leaves, the change in the air, enjoying a fire in the fireplace, the smell of the air after a rain. Plus its football season and I do have a weakness for football."
"Football, really? Well we will have to watch some Seahawks games together."
I gave Bella a grin to show her I liked that idea. "My turn now, what is your favorite holiday?"
Bella's eyebrows came together as she thought for a moment. "That is really hard to decide. My gut reaction is Christmas. I love the decorating, the cooking, finding that perfect gift for someone. Waking up Christmas morning is still almost as exciting to me as it was when I was a little girl. Emmett still jumps on my bed too to wake me up, at least when we are in the same place for Christmas morning. Sometimes he is still an eight year old."
"I did the same to Alice, but I have to admit I haven't since I was 13. The tables turned and Alice started becoming the one waking me up. She had some of the rudest ways too if I didn't get up at her first request." I shuddered when I remembered some of Alice's more memorable alarm methods.
Bella laughed loudly, "Frozen marbles?"
"Oh no Bella, she got you too? That one is one of the worst." Alice would take marbles she had put in the freezer, and dump them on my feet, legs, and any exposed skin.
"Yes, Alice unloaded a few of her methods on me too in the four years we were roommates. The marbles one is pretty bad, but the wax one was worse."
That was not one I could remember, the wax one? "Wax one, what was that? I don't remember Alice doing anything with wax to me."
Bella shuddered a little. "I'm a pretty sound sleeper, especially if I don't want to wake up. Apparently Alice had tried to get me up to go to this major sale, and I wasn't coming to. So she took a little of her leg wax, warmed it, spread it on my forearm, and RIP, I was very awake. I was also very pissed."
I couldn't help but laugh. Bella gave me a bit of a dirty look. "I'm sorry, I'm sure it hurt. I'm just glad Alice hadn't discovered that beauty product while she was still at home. My legs are hairy enough she could've sent me into shock from the pain." Bella giggled.
"Well I took three of her favorite pairs of shoes and hid them for a week. She never brought out the wax again." Bella paused, "Okay, my turn again. If you were trapped on an island, and could only bring three things, what would you bring?"
"I am assuming I don't need to worry about shelter or food etc?" Bella nodded. "Okay, then I would bring my iPod, which for this answer, has unlimited battery life, a toothbrush, and you." I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye waiting for the expected blush. Yep, there it is. We rode in silence for a few minutes, Bella wearing a small smile on her face, and me with big ass grin on mine.
"Okay one more round, we are almost to our destination. What is your favorite movie?"
Bella groaned, "I have to pick just one? That's almost impossible. Can't you give me a couple categories or something?"
I sighed, "Fine, favorite drama, favorite classic, and favorite comedy?"
Bella paused for a moment, pursing her lips as she thought. It was a good thing we were on horses because my urge to kiss her was enormous. "Drama I would say Seabiscuit, classic All About Eve, and comedy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail."
"Good choices, final question for me?"
Bella suddenly got a mischievous look on her face, which couldn't be good. "How old were you when you had your first kiss?"
Okay it was my turn to have my face redden a little. "I was 12. It was a girl at summer camp, her name was Kelly. I don't remember her last name. I do remember it was really awkward. New questions will have to wait because over this little hill is our destination."
We walked down through the trees into one of my favorite places in the world, my meadow. It is on the far reaches of my property, and I found it wandering around on Aston one day. Almost a perfect circle of trees surrounded a field of grass and wild flowers. I liked to ride out here, turn Aston loose to graze and just relax.
I watched Bella's face for her reaction. Her eyes grew huge as she took in the sight before her. "Wow, this place is incredible. It almost seems magical."
I hopped off Aston, removing his bridle so he could munch some grass. "Well I think it is." I walked over to Mimosa as Bella dismounted, and turned her loose like Aston. The two horses stood side by side quietly grazing. I took Bella's hand and walked her a few feet away and we sat down in the grass. Bella unpacked lunch and we ate quietly side by side. After we were done eating I motioned for Bella to come sit between my legs. She shifted over and joined me, leaning back against my chest. I pulled the band out of the end of her braid and let her hair loose, twining one of her curls between my fingers.
"How did you find this place Edward? Are we even still on your land?"
I wrapped a second curl around one of my fingers, turning it in the sunlight to admire the different hues. "Yes this is still part of my property. Found it by accident trail riding on Aston. Actually, you are the first person besides me to see this place. I wanted to share it with you. I knew you would appreciate it."
Bella twisted her face up to look at me. "Thank you Edward for sharing it with me."
"You are welcome." I planted a small kiss on the end of her nose. She smiled and went back to leaning on my chest. Reaching out she interlaced the fingers of her left hand with mine and wrapped our two arms around her waist. I was still playing with a few of her curls, which smelled faintly of strawberries and flowers to me.
We sat in silence; the only sound our breathing in synchronization. The horses wandered slowly around the field near us. I released Bella's curls and wrapped her other hand in mine and turned it to look at it. Her fingers were so small and delicate. The only fault, if you could call it that, was I could see that Bella bit her nails. Somehow that made her more real to me. If she was too perfect maybe she was a figment of my imagination.
Finally it was time to head back, and I said so to Bella. She sighed and squeezed both my hands before she got up. Reaching down she offered me her hand to pull me up. We rounded up the horses. Bella was fastening Mimosa's bridle when I walked over and offered her Aston's reins. "Want to trade?" Her reaction was priceless. One would've thought I'd handed her a million dollars.
"Are you sure Edward?" Her hands shook just a little as she took the reins from me.
"Absolutely. You will be fine. Besides, you and Aston are buddies now." I took Mimosa from her and gave her a leg up on Aston. Hopping up on Mimosa, we headed back side by side to the barn. Bella had my favorite radiant smile on her face. Occasionally she would reach down and pat Aston on his neck, or give him a scratch. I watched him flick an ear back as if he was listening to her every time she did.
Too soon the ride was over and we were back at the barn. I could tell Bella was reluctant to dismount from Aston. I got off Mimosa and looked up at Bella sitting on Aston. I wished I'd had my camera, my girl on my horse. It was a perfect sight. "Bella I promise you will get to ride him again. There is a lot he can teach you, especially since he trusts you now."
Bella dismounted and stood in front of me. "Remind me please." It took me a split second to understand what she meant. I wrapped my free arm around her and kissed her lips softly.
"Do you remember now?" I asked. Bella shook her head.
"Nope, another please." She looked up at me innocently.
I gave a stronger kiss, lingering a little longer and as I pulled away I took her lower lip between mine and gave it a little pull. "How about now?"
"Still a little unreal, one more please." I think there is a distinct possibility that Bella may kill me. I kissed her lips once, then ran my lips up her jaw and kissed right behind her ear. I felt a shiver run through her.
"Feel real enough to you now?" I whispered in her ear.
Bella pulled back and smiled at me. "Yes, very real now. Thank you."
"Anytime."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
So, I hope everyone enjoyed pt II of the date, and their little trail ride. You know I had to sneak the meadow in somehow.
I think I would fake amnesia to get reminders from Edward, hee hee.
Review, review, review please. A happy author puts up chapters faster. Yes, I'm blackmailing you just a little.
