Thanks to my beta, Besotted, and my BFF pre-reader, Twaffle. I couldn't have done any of this without either of you.
Antiques Roadshow
For the last two months, Bella and I have seen each other whenever we've had a chance. I've followed her from city to city as often as I can, and thus far, we've had no more run-ins with James. This is mostly because Bella's been so busy with work she hasn't been around much, and James has been in constant contact with me regarding his work schedule. All has been running smoothly, knock on wood.
Bella's just flown in from San Francisco this morning, and I'm at the airport to greet her. Emmett dropped me off with a grin, ribbing me about how in love I am. I just shot him a smirk as he drove off, leaving me to surprise my girl.
I couldn't make it to the San Francisco event because Alice predicted that the weather would be nice and sunny every day. I feel like I'm crawling out of my skin with the need to see Bella because her trip was extended to six days when it was originally supposed to be three. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and all that. There will never be a time where my feelings for Bella will wane, and I intend on making her aware of that all the days of my existence.
I wait anxiously at the arrivals gate, my heart full of love for the woman walking toward me with her luggage. She's hasn't yet looked up, too busy trying to make sure she has a firm handle on her rolling suitcase. I walk closer, unable to wait any longer, and will her to look my way. For some reason, I have "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles running through my head, and I think it's a wonderful description of the way I feel about Bella. My life is by no means dark and hopeless without her in it, but she is the sun. She's bright and warm and has brought me the kind of happiness that I wouldn't have known without her.
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right
Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right.
I hear a gasp come from in front of me, and my smile can't be contained. I guess it doesn't matter that I was just busted singing out loud. I didn't even realize I was singing out loud. Bella's thoughts are shocked, sweet, and a tad smart-assed.
Edward! You're such a welcome sight for my tired eyes. Oh, thank you so much for greeting me here! You're the best boyfriend in the world! But… didn't I tell you not to sing?
She giggles lightly in a teasing manner as she drops her luggage and wraps her arms around me, melting into my embrace. The feel of her against me is magnifying my desire tenfold because it's been so long since I've been in her presence.
You know I'm just kidding, right? You're free to serenade me anytime you want.
"I know you're kidding, sweetheart," I answer, kissing her head and relishing in her petite form molding to mine. She hums contentedly, just as unwilling to be parted from my body as I am to be parted from hers. We finally break our hug and smile at each other like giddy teenagers as I gather her luggage and she leads the way to her car.
Bella has me place her belongings in the trunk as she waits for me, leaning against the driver's side door. Her thoughts let me know she's feeling playful and that she just wants more of me.
I just need a kiss or two… or for the kiss not to end. I just want to feel you. Can I feel you, Edward?
"Anytime you want," I say with an innate drive to satisfy my mate. As I press my body closer to hers, I feel the thrumming hunger coursing through my veins, demanding I please her. "Anything you need," I whisper into her ear before our lips consume each other, moving together with more urgency than I've ever felt between us before. Bella's sounds, taste and scent, all wash over me at once, and I feel compelled to make her moan my name in pleasure. Later, I remind myself. We haven't even made it inside the car yet. But it will happen. I want to feel her come undone for me, and it doesn't matter how. It will be my touch she feels on her skin, my words of desire that release her moans, my heart that captures hers forever. And as I slow the kiss down, I find that I can wait no longer to tell her how I feel. She's had me since I met her. She'll always have me.
I slowly part my lips from hers with a soft groan, sucking in a large breath of air I don't need, and cup my gorgeous girl's face with my hands. She's looking at me with curious eyes, wondering if we've been caught kissing and wondering what's going on inside my head.
"I love you," I whisper, stroking her beautiful skin and watching her expressive brown eyes widen and tear up simultaneously. Her thoughts are still and tell me nothing, but her smile is as bright as the sun.
Bella exhales a shuddering breath as she places her own warm hands on my face. She looks at me with such love that I think I won't surface from it. Why would I want to?
"I love you, too," she says as she runs one hand through my hair, keeping the other on my cheek. And as she brings her lips back to meet mine in conviction, her thoughts are flooded with affection.
I've loved you for a while now. This is the best day ever. I'm so happy, and you make me feel so cherished when I'm with you. I still can't believe you're mine. Thank you, Edward.
As she parts her lips from mine this time, I'm the one beaming at her. "You're so very welcome, sweetheart," I reply, as we finally gather our bearings and get into the car. We drive to her home, holding hands in the silence, reveling in the love we've confessed for one another.
Bella tells me to make myself at home as she's putting her things away, and I do just that. Her home is cozy without being too small, and there are touches of Bella's personality everywhere. When she first gave me the tour, she told me that she bought it for a steal a couple years ago, using part of her grandmother Swan's inheritance. Apparently, granny Swan schooled her friends in playing rummy on a weekly basis, and she was a wise saver.
We spend the morning on her bed, propped up on pillows, talking and laughing as Happy Gilmore plays in front of us. I'm so enthralled by watching my beautiful woman smile at the screen that I miss what Ben Stiller has just said in response to Happy's grandmother. Bella didn't, though. She's laughing and snorting – while quoting the lines.
"You can trouble me for a warm glass of shut-the-hell-up! Now, you will go to sleep or I will put you to sleep. You're in my world now, grandma."
She's still giggling and wound up, minutes after the scene has played out, and I find myself grinning at her in adoration. She finally realizes I'm looking at her, and her laughter slows.
"What?" she asks, looking at me with questioning eyes. She begins to fidget, feeling self-conscious, and I bring my body closer to hers. "Nothing at all, love," I croon, taken with every part of her personality. "You're so beautiful, especially when you laugh," I say, softly kissing and licking my way from the column of her throat to her ear. "Your eyes shine, your face lights up… and you make me want you more with every passing minute," I whisper heatedly, possessing her lips with mine. The kiss grows in intensity, and before I know it, I'm laying her down, hovering above her on the bed and watching her body react to my touch. Her hips have begun shifting into mine as she seeks gratification from the ache we've both created. And the ache feels so incredibly good.
"May I please you, Isabella?" I purr, digging my hand into her hair and sampling her delicate flesh with my tongue. I hear my beautiful girl moan for me in reply as her fingers find their way through the belt loops on my jeans, tugging me into her as roughly as she can.
God, yes. I want more. You really need to say my full name more often.
Her inner voice is laced with lust, and I'm pleased that she feels she can express herself like this. I plan on giving her everything she wants from me, but I will need to speak with Carlisle about whether it's safe for me to make love to my mate while she's still human.
"Oh, my love," I growl, grinding into her where she needs me most and letting her feel how hard she's made me. "I'll give you more," I say, joining my tongue with hers once again while my other hand slides slowly under her shirt. I'm unprepared for how soft she feels, how undeniably feminine she is. I'm purring and growling in earnest, igniting Bella's desire even more.
Oh, God, your sounds. Fuck.
Hearing that word come from her unleashes more of my primal side, and my hand finally makes contact with her round, supple breasts. Her breaths are hot and panting on my cool skin and her eyes are fluttering in bliss. I can't stop watching her face, enthralled by every move she makes. I gently work my hand over her, palming and pinching her tight, darkened nipples with a moan. She sucks in a sharp breath, breathing my name in ecstasy for the first time.
"Edward…"
"Mmm, Isabella… do you know what it does to me to hear my name fall from your lips like that?" I ask while lowering my head to her stomach and brushing soft, wet kisses up her torso. My mouth hovers over her nipple as I look into her eyes, daring her lids to close as my tongue finds its destination. Bella arches her back, eagerly giving me more of her body as I suck and nip at her heated flesh. My cock is straining against my jeans and I know my own release will be indescribable.
I raise my body some, trailing my hand from her breasts and down her stomach before slowly removing her jeans and panties, pausing in my pursuit to touch her most intimate place.
"Do you want my touch, love?" I purr, assessing her mind and her body, which are both ready for me. "Do you want my hands, my fingers, here?" I ask, slowly stroking her wet clit with the pads of my fingers. The smell of her arousal and the sound of her voice crying out for me is enough of an answer.
Yes, Edward. "Yes," she answers in a wail, writhing for me. Only me.
"God, your scent," I groan, unhinged and feral. "You smell so incredible, Bella," I whisper hoarsely, still stroking her up and down, watching her eyes trail my fingers. "Do you know what else, sweetheart?" I croon, teasing her opening with two fingers before slipping them inside her. Fuck, she's wet and hot for me. She feels amazing constricting around my fingers, willingly giving me her pleasure. "I bet you're going to taste even better."
"Jesus, Edward," she moans, reaching her head up to kiss and bite my bottom lip, and with that bite, I can take no more. I need to see her come… and I need to come with her.
I enhance my efforts with my fingers moving in and out of her tight heat, rubbing her clit with my thumb and watching her body react to me. She continues to watch me as I palm my cock through my jeans. I'm so hard, and I want to release myself from the confines of my pants in order to find some sort of relief, but I'm unsure how Bella will react. I don't want to push her too far too fast.
Oh, yes. Touch yourself, Edward. Please… I want to watch you…
"Are you sure, Bella?" I whisper, wanting to make sure I'm not being too forward.
Yes, Edward. Nothing would turn me on more right now… please?
"Mmm, beautiful girl," I growl, freeing my length with ease and touching myself slowly from base to tip. "You're so sexy," I reply, stroking my shaft with more force. I quickly pull my fingers from inside her, cover my cock in her arousal, and put them right back into her with a loud, rumbling growl. The feel of her on my skin makes my skin roll and tingle, begging for the greatest orgasm in my life. Bella's skin is flushed and her hips are moving languidly in rhythm with my fingers, and she's been reduced to incoherent moans as she chases her orgasm. I curl my fingers inside her, stroking the spot that should make her fall apart, and I watch in rapt attention as her legs begin to shake. I need to tell her just one more thing before she lets go.
"I love you, Bella," I moan, watching as she begins to come for me. She constricts around my fingers so tightly that I barely have time to think about how she'll feel wrapped around my cock before I feel her hand on my balls, squeezing them in the throws of her orgasm. The feel of her hand on me puts me over the edge, and I stroke myself hard as I come all over the skin of her stomach. Just seeing myself on her intensifies my release, and I'm a growling, panting mess of a vampire before it's all said and done.
As I calm down, I look at my mate, and she has a satisfied, satiated smile on her face. Her thoughts make me feel like a God among men, and so very honored, as well.
Phenomenal, impressive, well-endowed and attentive… I just can't verbalize. You've given me a first sexual experience to remember. I may not need my toys anymore…
This piques my interest and I vow to broach that topic again in the future. She doesn't look embarrassed by her admission, and there's no reason for embarrassment, anyway. I'm just hoping we can use them together. Or, that her use of such toys will allow her to feel good the first time we make love, instead of feeling pain. To be honest, I'm hoping she'll only have to endure discomfort.
I tenderly wash her skin before settling in next to her prone form. Bella lays her head on my chest and makes herself comfortable as I wrap my arm around her waist and stroke her hair. We enjoy the silence, relishing in being close. I listen to the melody of her heartbeat, steady and strong, and I feel like I could listen to it forever. But that's not entirely true. I'd rather have her forever.
"Would you like me to make you something to eat?" I ask, mindful of her quietly rumbling stomach.
"Maybe after I take a nap," she says in a drowsy voice, succumbing to the sleep her body needs.
I tear myself from her warm body half an hour later in order to make her lunch. I'm sure she didn't eat much on the plane, and I want to take care of my mate. I search in her fridge and pantry, grabbing bread, olive oil, fresh basil, bacon, provolone cheese, and tomatoes in order to make a panini. I'm going to wake her up soon, and I'd like for it to be to the smell of an Italian sandwich. At least I know it won't be burnt. As a family, we've all kept our kitchen skills current throughout the years. We cook for local homeless shelters as time allows; we think it's a small price to pay for the foul stench human food creates.
As I'm cooking, I hear Bella stir, waking from her nap with a yawn. "Do you feel well-rested, sleeping Bella?" I ask in a playful manner, flipping the sandwich in the pan and utilizing the panini press.
"Much," she says, walking into the kitchen. "Are you making me a sandwich, Edward?" she asks, wrapping her arm around my waist, looking up at me hopefully.
"Of course I am," I reply, kissing her cheek. I slide the sandwich on a plate and serve it with a bow, grinning.
You spoil me, Edward. But I'm certainly not complaining.
Bella eats her lunch as we talk about how difficult it was to be apart for so long, and the ache we've both experienced in our hearts because of it. When we're separated, it thrums at a constant, low buzz, and when we have to be separated for longer periods of time, it gets worse. I want to bring up the subject of possibly moving in together, but I don't think it would be a wise move just yet.
As Bella finishes her lunch and takes her plate to the sink, my phone starts ringing. I sigh heavily, wanting to throw my phone through the window. I made an executive decision a few weeks back to set a ring tone for work. Now, when they call, I have my ring tone set to Lykke Li's "Possibility." Because there's a high possibility of my getting called in. The song's depressing as fuck for a reason. I remind myself that I usually like my job before I answer. This is what being a boss entails. Suck it up, Edward. Bastards.
"Hello?" I say, forcing myself to be nice.
"Sir, we've had a security breach on the floor in your usual area and we need you to come deal with the employee, as well as HR. Riley's got it covered for now, but you know how he is. He's about to have a nervous breakdown," Bree says in a rush, gasping for air.
I snort as I reply. "He's your fiancé, Bree. Can't you calm him down?"
"He's currently twirling his pen around like a tweaker on his second night awake, muttering something about counterfeit poker chips and fiber one bars. He won't calm down for me!"
Riley's the pit boss for my area today, and he's covering for Gianna, who's taking a sick day. Gianna is much more level-headed in crisis situations. She'll look angry men losing their money straight in the eyes and tell them they can't put their feet on the gaming tables, no matter how much indignation they display. Riley, on the other hand, gets extremely nervous and fidgety, and his thought processes go haywire. He has a hard time with problem resolution, and I suspect he has issues with his digestive system when he gets stressed out. He always carries chewable Pepto Bismol and he has a cache of fiber one bars in his locker, along with actual prescription irritable bowel syndrome medication. He hasn't said anything to Bree, because he doesn't want her to think he's weak. I think I'm going to have to have a chat with him about the female mind, because she's going to be more disappointed that he hid it from her.
I sigh heavily, depressed that I'll be separated from Bella so soon. "I'll be there in a few, Bree," I say, ending the call. I'm in no mood for this, but I really have no choice. Bella's looking at me forlornly, already knowing I'm going to tell her that I have to leave.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," I say, making sure she sees the sincerity of my apology in my eyes before I kiss her softly. I step back from her warm embrace before I say 'screw it' and decide to stay.
It'll be okay, Edward, I understand. I've had to do the same to you before, and it's not like this happens all the time. It just sucks it had to happen after just being reunited, is all.
The sadness displayed on her face makes me want to quit my job. Sure, I can afford to be irresponsible, but I can't afford having the people I manage think so, and I don't want to give Bella the wrong impression, either.
"I'll be back in a few hours at most, I promise. You'll still be here, right?" I ask, knowing a smidge of insecurity has seeped into my tone.
"I'll be here, Edward," she whispers with a soft smile on her face. "I'd wait for you forever," she says, stepping forward to send me off with another kiss. She may think that I always ground her, but she's the one that always grounds me. Her words lift my spirit and my heart, and I leave her home on a singular mission. Take care of this work problem, and get the hell out.
An hour later, I've heard every account from security and my employees that I could, and I've given James the okay to take the offending con artist, as well as the offending employee, to security. Apparently the counterfeit poker chips were accepted by an employee trying to work an inside job. James will be the one taking the command post once Riley punches out, anyway. All I have to do now is have a talk with Riley, and I'll be back in Bella's presence. I motion for him to come and talk to me, and we walk towards the employee break room. The poor guy is still nervous, and now he's afraid he's going to lose his job.
"Yes, Mr. Cullen?" he asks as calmly as he can, though his thoughts are panicked.
Oh, hell. He's going to fire me, I just know it. It wasn't my fault the guy carried in and effectively used counterfeit poker chips! Oh, no. No, no, no. How will I support Bree? How will I be able to afford my shit pills?
"Riley, you're fine," I say, trying to calm him down. He's going to give himself a coronary at this rate. His heart is beating frantically and he's sweating, too. I'm thinking human resources didn't do such a good job when they placed him in this particular department. Jesus.
"It wasn't your fault that a disloyal employee and a con artist teamed up and tried to scam the casino. We've definitely seen worse. What we need to do is work on your problem resolution and stress management skills. I can see that you're stressed out and nervous, and it's unhealthy. Would you rather work on taking some classes, or would you perhaps consider working in a different department?"
Oh, thank God. I don't think I could've dealt with being fired today. Mr. Cullen is pretty cool, actually. And I fucking loathe being on the floor. It makes me too nervous, so I'm really glad he asked that.
"I'd rather not work on the floor, Mr. Cullen," he says, shifting his weight back and forth. "I was wondering whether there might be any internal, behind-the-scenes openings HR might consider me for, instead."
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Riley," I respond with a light squeeze to his shoulder. "I'll put in a good word for you with HR, and I'll make sure they place you somewhere you're more comfortable, alright?" I ask, turning to make my way back to the casino floor.
"Awesome, Mr. Cullen. Thank you!" he replies, fist-pumping the air.
Maybe I'll be able to get rid of my inhaler!
I am shaking my head, hoping Riley really will be able to get off of some of the medications he's on, when I see James walk towards the entrance of the casino. This is where guards check purses and persons as a preventative measure, and James is planning to update them on the situation inside.
Without warning, my worst nightmare plays out in front of my eyes.
The woman I live for walks through the same security screening gates as James does. His reaction is instant, and I'm immediately scared for Bella's life and ready to commit murder. I gave James one chance to prove he could control his bloodlust, and now the blame for this situation lies entirely with me.
Oh, yesssss. Now. You do it now. Drain. Feed. Feed. Feed. Now. Now. Now.
I'm such a fucking moron. I should have known James wouldn't be able to control himself. He obviously displayed abnormally strong bloodlust in her presence before, and I should have known he wouldn't be able to control himself if his path crossed Bella's again. God, if he touches her, it will be all my fault.
"James, no!" I growl lowly, trying not to alert humans' ears to the scene playing out in front of them as I race to get to Bella in time. Just as James reaches for her, grazing her arm with his hand, I say the only things I know to hopefully stop him.
"Your life will be forfeited if you kill her. You will leave your mate alone for all of eternity," I say, finally making it to Bella and tugging her off to the side, away from prying eyes. I shield her behind my body and try to talk James down some more.
"Do you want that, James?" I ask, trying to bring him back to himself. "Do you want Victoria alone? Do you want to die?"
Goddamn it, Edward… her blood… you don't understand…fuck! I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I can't apologize enough. I don't want to die. I'd never want to leave my mate alone.
I position us further away from James, even though he's calmed down some. "We'll speak about your options later. I'm going to need to transfer you to another location. Right now, I'm leaving. I wasn't supposed to be here today as it is," I say, realizing that I made a grave error when I told James to keep me aware of his schedule. I never told Bella to let me know when she was going to come to the casino. Again, I'm a moron.
James lets me know he understands in his thoughts, and he truly feels like a monster. I'll let him know I don't believe he is one later, after this has all blown over. Right now, I have to deal with my mate. And as I look at her wide, frightened, and questioning eyes, I know I'll have some groveling to do.
A/N:
Obviously, I referenced Happy Gilmore, circa 1996. The price is wrong, bitch!
Also, I very subtly referenced another movie in this chapter - which was Casino, circa 1995. It's an awesome movie, filled with Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. Anyone remember the scene where the cowboy wouldn't keep his feet off the gaming table? *wink*
Thank you all for your comments, funny lines and stories, tweets, and your love for Antiques Roadshow. I just want to hug you all.
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