A/N: Hello all I apologize for the long wait but I hope this chapter makes up for it. Thanks to my Beta Rachellm4187... good looking out....Enjoy...
Chapter 10
How could I be so stupid! Edward berated himself.
His feet automatically keeping up the steady rhythm of his pacing. Of course now that he had seen her again she was all his mind seemed to wander to and imagine, his mind conjuring the two of them in some sincerely compromising positions as well. The decision had been made, and now he would be seeing more of her on a nearly daily basis, just not in the capacity he would have wished.
"Why don't you just call her already?" Emmett asked propping his feet on the coffee table and taking a deep swig of his beer. If Edward had been paying more attention he probably would have grimaced at the lack of a coaster, and the ring that begun to appear on the expensive wooden side table but his mind just couldn't focus on anything but trying his best to figure out the inane situation.
Edward shrugged and grunted in response. "I don't know what to say to her." As much as he had resolved himself to call her his courage had failed him, once again. How she had the ability to bring him back to him bumbling teenage self, where he was unable to even talk to anyone of the opposite sex was beyond him. His confidence seemly evaporated when she was around and now he would have to face her on a daily basis he wasn't sure what to do. His hope was to be able to build up a comfortable rapport with her by seeing her everyday, one of the added bonuses of her being Hailey's teacher. Would it be unprofessional of him to even call now that she would be his daughter's teacher? Should he cross that line? Would she let him?
"What do you mean? You already asked her out now you just need to follow through," Emmett began shaking his head. "But then again you were always awful when it came to following through," Emmett teased chuckling to himself.
"Shut it before I kick you out," Edward muttered continuing his pacing.
"If you're gonna do that would you at least stop doing it in front of the TV, I am trying to watch Big Brother," Emmett complained. Edward grunted plopping himself down on the loved seat and rubbing his aching temples in a vain attempt to soothe his fried nerves. "You know you should just call and get it over with, the sooner you do it the sooner you might actually get laid."
Edward chuckled humorlessly. "Have you always been so crass?"
Emmett shrugged taking another gulp from his beer. "Yup, it's part of the reason you love me so much."
"That's just what we let you think."
"Just suck it up and do it. If you can't, I will."
Edward glared at Emmett daring him to try. Emmett's booming laughter rang through the room, his short attention span quickly refocusing elsewhere. "I love this shit," he exclaimed pointing to the man running around the enclosed backyard in a unitard. "Who would want to put their lives on camera for everyone to see?"
"You! How many tapes have you sent in trying to get on this show?" Edward questioned eyeing Emmett's expression. His smiled faded and he grimaced. Edward couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Shut up," Emmet retorted sulkingly. "I only sent in a couple and I would kick ass on that show! I would like hot in that unitard and you know it." Emmett defended as Edward continued to laugh at his best friend. "Yeah well, at least I'm not afraid to try, and I'm not scared of rejection like some people I know."
Edward grunted getting up and heading towards the door away from Emmett and his running commentary. "And use a damn coaster will you!" Edward called as he headed towards the steps. Sighing he ascended the steps apprehensively running his hands through his hair. He needed to make up his mind, the indecision of what to do beginning to weigh heavily upon him.
There were too many unknowns for him to foresee how the whole situation would play out. He could call her and she could reject him. Or he could call her and she could say yes, which would be the best resolution. Edward cracked the door to Hailey's room, watching his sleeping daughter. Sighing the other option was what scared him, after all he would have to see her now; there was no way around it. What if he didn't call at all, what would she think of him, how would she react to his presence when he dropped Hailey off. But on the other hand, what if he called and she thought his actions were unprofessional. Now that Hailey would be involved in the crossfire he wasn't sure he wanted to take the risk.
Yet, his own desire seemed to outweigh the risk, if he could at least talk to her, know where she stood it would make the whole situation easier to navigate. Closing the door he headed towards his own bedroom closing the door behind him before sinking down onto his plush bed. There was only one way out of this whole affair that he could see. Emmett was right, Edward was terrified of rejection. The worse part of the rejection would be having to face her constantly, something he was not looking forward too. If things worked out, like he hoped, that wouldn't even be a problem. Edward rolled onto his stomach burying his head into a pillow and screaming out of frustration. Why couldn't thinks just be clearer, he wondered trying to shake of the level of hopelessness that loomed over him. Was the risk even worth it? he thought, his pessimistic side surfacing.
However, there was a part of him that longed to know what could happen, what would happen. Weren't all the signs there for success? Reaching for his phone he dialed the number he had memorized before he could change his mind. Heart beating rapidly, Edward made a pitiful attempt to calm himself as the phone rang. With each ring his heart beat faster as he tried to compose what he would say, half hoping to get her voicemail instead.
"Hello."
Edward froze suddenly wishing he hadn't taken Emmett's advice and followed through. Impulsivity was never a strong point and now he would was tongue tied. Clearing his throat he shook his head trying to literally clear the negative thoughts out of his mind. "Bella?" he questioned as if he wasn't aware her of presence even over the phone.
"Edward?" she asked, her voice soft and questioning. Her tone alarmed and guarded. Palms sweating, Edward breathed deeply trying to sound aloof, yet feeling more nervous than even moments before.
"Hey, how are you doing?" he asked forcing an air of nonchalance but his voice sounding detached and so unlike himself.
Bella laughed, her voice sounding like a cherub and Edward found himself completely entranced. "I am great, and yourself?"
"I'm okay," he answered running his hands through his hair trying to pull his scattered thoughts together into a coherent sentence. Silence engulfed then and before he could stop himself the words flew out of his mouth. "So, how have you been?"
Bella laughed again. "You already asked that."
"Right," he answered feeling more and more like a teenager. Somehow the awkward tension that Edward had been feeling building up within him break by the humor he heard in her voice. Her voice brought a sense of warmth he hadn't felt ever. "So, I was wondering if you still wanted to go for that cup of coffee. I mean its okay if you don't want to but I was just wondering…" his voice trailed off hoping rejection would not follow his request. There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line; Edward's own heart seemed to pause waiting for the answer.
"Yeah, I would like that," Bella answered simply. Edward's heart restarted as the words sunk in. she had said yes, she had not rejected him. Internally he was jumping for joy bit kept his voice as steady and confident as he could.
"Oh great. How about tomorrow at noon?" Edward asked still attempting to keep the sheer excitement out of his voice. Be aloof, he reminded himself.
Bella chuckled seemingly able to sense the palpable anticipation in the air. "I work Edward," she teased humor still in her tone. "I won't be available till six. Is that too late?"
"Oh right," Edward answered feeling like a fool. How could he forget that she worked and with his daughter being in her class. "So let's do six?"
"Six it is," Bell answered a smile in her voice. Silence filled the space between them once again but no awkwardness accompanied it. It was nearly pleasurable and held promise and hope, two things Edward had not allowed himself to even dwell upon. "Will I be seeing you tomorrow morning?"
"Why would you be seeing me toward morning?" Edward asked confused wondering if she wanted to see him that badly.
"Oh, wow I feel silly," Bella began sounding more like she was thinking out loud than anything else. "I was under the impression that Hailey was starting school tomorrow."
"Oh my goodness," Edward returned chuckling loudly. "Yeah, she is starting tomorrow but I won't be the one dropping her off, it'll be my mom. I have some business to take care of," Edward began to explain but not quite sure of the reason behind it. He was sure of one thing, he wanted to get to know her and part of doing that was being completely honest. Even though he wasn't sure he was ready to share everything about himself he needed to start somewhere.
"Right," Bella answered still sounding chipper. "Okay then, I suppose I'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Yeah, I guess you will."
There was a long moment of silence where neither of them spoke. As awkward as it could have been, Edward found himself feeling calmer; it was as if a silent connection had been forged between them. "Alright then," Bella said her voice low. Edward heard shouting in the background but couldn't make out what was being said. "I have to go," Bella began her voice lower than it had been moments before. "I suppose I will see you tomorrow," she whispered followed by the distinct click of the phone call ending.
Edward didn't understand what had just happened. Whatever the interruption had been it had broken the connection that had been developing. Either way he couldn't fight the smile that willed itself on his face. He was getting what he wanted, he had been scared of rejection but instead it sounded like she was actually looking forward to his call; like she had been waiting to finally find his courage. She had willingly agreed without needing any coaxing or convincing which was encouraging. After all in just a few short hours she would be having coffee with him, they would actually be going out.
Maybe Emmett was right, Edward mused putting himself out there would yield some amazing rewards. Yet his fears would just hold him back. He had been so afraid of rejection yet it had turned out better than he could have ever imagined. Not that he would ever let Emmett know that he was right; he would never live it down.
**********
Edward's feet carried him back and forth in front of his car, checking his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, his mind spiraling out of control. How could he not, it was nearing six thirty and she had yet to emerge from the building. He knew the school closed at six so where was she.
Doubt began to cloud Edward's thoughts bring down his once jubilant ideas of the way the evening would pan out, his odd bout of optimism slowly beginning to fade away being replaced by his usual pessimism. Once again he had awoken with the heaviness of all the possible scenarios, a habit that had formed after everything with Tanya had occurred. It was part of the reason why his business sense was so relied upon in his father's company. He would overanalyze everything to the point where the risk would be so inconsequential he could nearly predict the outcome.
Yet with Bella it seemed he was in unfamiliar territory, the more he seemed to analyze the situation the worse the outcome seemed to become in his own mind. It seemed as if there was no positive outcome to this situation. While he was able to foresee good, somehow his mind was able to conjure more negative scenarios than he could keep up with making this whole thing a huge risk, the biggest risk he had taken in a long time. He hated taking risks but not taking this risk was something he couldn't imagine.
For the first time in as long as he could remember taking a risk, risking himself, seemed like a worthwhile investment. The outcomes, as disastrous as they could be could also yield great rewards, and that was the outcome he had come to hope for. The reason he had arrived in the parking lot of the school so optimistic. He needed to know the truth; she was the first woman he had been attracted to in a long time. It had to mean something.
Edward froze as the door to the building opened revealing the woman of his dreams; his eyes followed Bella as she walked out, cell phone attached to her ear. A deep scowl etched into her beautiful features. Edward's instinctual reaction was to rush to her and kiss that scowl away but he forced himself to remain by his car taking in her form. Bella wore a pair of fitted jeans, with a set of layered tank tops that clung to her body showing off her exquisite body. Edward's surveyed her, she stood frozen at the bottom of the steps staring at the black top, her lips barely moving, the scowl deepening. Edward's heart raced as he waited for her, impatience slowly beginning to overwhelm him, his leg tapping in an attempt to stop himself from pacing. Had she forgotten about their coffee date or had something else happened?
Bella was talking in a low voice, suddenly her eyes scanned the parking lot, searching he hoped for himself. He smiled when her gaze locked on him and fought the urge to once again rush to her side. She smiled weakly and waved at him but didn't approach.
Leaning against his silver Volvo Edward attempted to emanate an air of confidence he could not feel. She spoke more quickly into her phone voice still muted from the distance between them; her scowl becoming more prominent. Whoever she was speaking to was not putting her in the best mood, nor were they having a pleasant conversation, that much Edward was able to easily deduce. It was unnerving for him to be so out of control, he tried to control every element of his life he could but moving here had changed that. Everything had become so unpredictable, even himself.
Hanging up her phone the scowl turned to a genuine smile as she approached him stopping feet away. "Hi, sorry I'm late," Bella breathed fiddling with the phone in her hands. Edward couldn't help but notice how the phone appeared to be held together with tape. Something within him demand himself to take care of her in every way, even buying her a new phone. He barely knew this woman and yet he wanted to buy her everything, take her in his arms and make sure he never saw that scowl again. Her smiled was enrapturing, and he found he could easily drown in it.
"I was starting to think you were trying to blow me off," Edward admitted running his hands through his hair and ruffling it even further than before. He chuckled trying to sound off handed but the sound he made just seemed off.
Bella shuffled her feet rocking back and forth before stuffing her phone into her back pocket. "I would never," she began her voice soft eyes fixed on her hands. There was a hint of something in her words Edward couldn't understand, "We should get going. There is this great little café just up the road. Is that okay? I didn't know if you had some place picked out…" her voice trailed off as she attempted to try and explain herself looking up at him and smiling brightly. Her eyes gleamed with hope of pleasing him.
"That sounds great," Edward answered chuckling again and feeling a little more like himself. She seemed just as nervous as he felt on the inside which helped to ease some of the nerves. "I don't really know this area yet so I was hoping you would have some place in mind."
"Perfect," she breathed out a sigh of relief and smiled. "So do you want to just follow me?" Her bottom lip stuck between her teeth, hands squished together as she shuffled her feet, Edward couldn't help but notice how nervous she was as well.
Edward nodded and watched her climb into her decrepit vehicle before getting in his. Suddenly he found himself glad for the few minutes he had to himself as he followed her. His thoughts were in a blur. What would he say to her? Why had he decided this was a good thing? He wasn't ready for this. Yet time had run out as he pulled into the empty parking space next to her in the parking lot of a quaint looking coffee shop. Climbing out of his car Edward attempted to put on an air of aloofness in an attempt to exude confidence. Alice's words echoing in his head, Fake it till you make it.
They met up by the trunks of their car and walked in silence towards the entrance. It was a quaint looking place with a homey appeal, Edward immediately liked it. As much as he enjoyed his corporate coffee places, little mom and pop shops like these reminded him of his college days. Opening the door for her the aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air. It was a comforting scent that only helped to bring about a sense of ease, calming his apprehension. It must have worked for her as well, her whole body seemed to relax upon entering the small shop.
Small cozy tables were around with several couches in an open meeting area. A makeshift stage was set up in one area, and by the counter there was a huge bakery case with every type of pastry Edward could imagine. Walking to an empty corner they settled into two overstuffed arm chairs with a small round coffee table between them, each steal gazes at the over their menus. Soft jazz music played in the background and Edward was glad she had chosen such an idealistic stop for them to have coffee
"What can I get for you?" an older woman asked holding a pad in her hands waiting for their order. Bella placed her menu down between them and smiled.
"I'll have a half café latte with skim milk," Bella said leaning back into the plush cushions, her attention focusing on Edward for the first time openly.
"I'll have an espresso," Edward answered following Bella's lead and placing his menu down on the table. "Would you like something to eat, you must be hunger just coming off of work."
Bella bit her lower lip propping her feet up on the corner of the table contemplating. "I dunno, they do have amazing Panini's here. I can't deny that."
"What do you suggest?" Edward asked leaning forward and feeling actual confidence surge through him. He found he was flirt, actually openly flirting with her.
"Well, their vegetarian is good and so is the Italian," Bella breathed smirking. Turning her attention to the waitress still standing, observing their exchange Bella began, "I'll take the vegetarian."
"Then I will take the Italian," Edward answered. The waitress looked like she wanted to roll her eyes but said nothing just walked away
"You know," Bella began breaking the silence between them. "How a person takes their coffee says a lot about them."
"Really?" Edward asked leaning back trying to appear as confident as he could. "And what does black espresso say about me?"
"Well," Bella began leaning forward and smiling easily. There was a teasing edge in her tone as she cocked an eyebrow in his direction. "Are you sure you want to know what I think?"
Edward found himself chuckling. "Now I am more than intrigued. Please go on."
"You asked for it, no sugar or cream, you're a strong confident person who knows what they want. But I suppose it says your personality is quite flavorful, so you probably form strong bonds with the people and things you love. You're intensely focused on your goals, so if anything stands in your way, you'll steam-roll right over it, maybe somewhat bitter."
"Is that so?" Edward asked chuckling lightly. She had pinpointed a lot about him that was true but where she got all that information from he wasn't sure. "So what does a latte say about you?"
"It's a half café latte," Bella corrected, her tone light and playful, still flirting. "Oh, it just means that I'm a light and fluffy like the froth," she teased. The waitress chose that moment to arrive with the coffees. Placing them down on the small table they were once again left alone.
"That's all it says about you?" Edward asked chuckling to himself as he took a sip of the steaming hot liquid. "You wrote a book about espresso but a half café latte means just light and frothy."
Bella shrugged. "Fine," she breathed picking up her cup of coffee and blowing on it tentatively. "Me it is a happy medium between high-intensity focus and spaced-out daydreaming. It means I am a bit indecisive, because I tend to choose the safe, middle ground in any debate, but other people appreciate my non-confrontational ways. I am easygoing and willing to compromise, so my friendships and relationships probably last a long time."
Edward chuckled leaning back into his seat. "Where did you get all of these little facts?"
Bella shrugged still smirking. "Rosalie and this stupid quiz she had us all take a while ago," Bella explained.
"And you remembered all that detail?"
Bella nodded tapping her forefinger against her temple several times. "I have photographic memory."
"Ahh, that explains a lot about you. So tell me is it true? Are you indecisive and avoid conflict?"
Bella smiled leaning forward. "Are you strong and bitter?"
"Touché," Edward answered. The ease of their conversation and building electricity in the air between them sparking a new interest and resolve to get to know her. "I would say it is partly true. And you?"
"Same," she answered as the waitress arrived with their food. They settled into a comfortable silence as they began to eat.
"So," Edward said feeling more secure than ever, their food eaten. Bella's nervousness had seemingly vanished over the course to their conversation which had only lead his own to calm down enough for him to honestly be himself. "Tell me more about yourself. How long have you been working at that center?"
Bella leaned back and exhaled still smiling widely. "I have been there since I graduated high school which was a long time ago. I started working there while putting myself through college. I'm actually kind of sad about the whole thing," Bella answered honestly picking up her nearly empty cup of coffee and cradling in her hands.
"Why is that?" Edward asked confused. Was she sad for the way her life had turned out or that she worked at a daycare, he didn't understand her but the more time he spent with her the more he wanted to know everything about her. What she hid behind those beautiful brown eyes that remained so guarded.
"I'm leaving."
"You're leaving?" Edward repeated. Bella nodded her smile faltering. "Why?"
"Student teaching. It's so weird, you know. I have been building to this for so many years finally doing my student teaching so that I could actually graduate and have my degree but I am not sure that I am ready to leave my job. I have been there is long that they are like my second family and besides you don't get paid for student teaching," Bella mused laughing humorlessly to herself.
"Wow," Edward returned. Whether she knew it or not Bella had opened herself up to him and he found her openness extraordinary. From the moment he had first seen her, he sensed something about her, something that made her different. "So what are you going to do?"
Bella shrugged closing her eyes. It was obvious the whole situation weighed heavily upon her from the way her shoulders slumped and her body held tension. Sighing the scowl that had graced her features transformed into a small smile. "What about you? Why did you move here from…" her voice trailed off as she laughed. "I don't even know where you moved from."
"I moved from Dallas. My father wanted me to take on the New York office, thought I could shape it up since it is newly acquired," Edward began smiling at the thought. "I didn't want Hailey to grow up in the city, just didn't seem right for her to have to grow up there so I bought a house out here. The commute isn't so bad, it's exhausting but I would do anything for Hailey, what can I say."
"So it's just you and Hailey then?" Bella asked but her question seemed to hold some hidden meaning. When he didn't answer quickly she continued to ramble. "I mean, I just assume your mom isn't going to stay forever. And Alice…" her voice trailed off, eyes glued to the contents of the mug.
Edward smirked; he immediately understood what she was asking. She was asking about his sister, as if she were staking her claim. "Alice is my sister," Edward began keeping his eyes fixed on her features. "She is engaged to this really great guy and runs her own party planning company in the city. It is just me and Hailey, the two of us," he breathed. Her eyes flicked up, lip between her teeth.
"Right, so it's just the two of you," she repeated sounding reassured.
"Yup, what about you?" Edward asked.
Bella's smile faltered for just a moment. "My mom lives down at Seaside and my dad is a cop in Montclair."
Edward nodded feeling like there was something missing, he got the distinct impression she was skipping over something but before he could even ask she changed the subject. "So what exactly do you do?"
Bella smiled and nodded as they continued to chat. Even after the coffee and dinner had been consumed, the conversation still flowed easily. They discussed movies and music, their comfort level growing with every added piece of information. Bella was a puzzle and Edward found himself wanting to solve it. Bella was just explaining why she despised curry when her cell phone began to chime. Grabbing it out of her back pocket the scowl returned to her face.
"I have to take this, do you mind?" Bella asked, lip between her teeth. Edward nodded leaning back into the plush cushion and stretching his legs out. He had been sitting for so long her body felt stiff but Edward didn't care he was just glad he had been able to spend time with her, and moreover it had been a completely successful meeting. Or was it a date? He wasn't sure but it didn't matter he needed to see her again, and he'd be damned if he didn't. Turning her head away from Edward she sighed. "Yes, I am on my way…" her voice was muted and eyes flickered between Edward before looking away. Edward scrunched his features noticing the scowl had returned full forced. Over the last couple of hours he had been graced with smirks, smiles, and her wonderful laugh, this was something he just wasn't used to seeing and didn't want to get used to. "… I heard you the first time." Without as much as a goodbye she shut her phone and turned to Edward exhaling deeply.
"I guess you have to get going," he breathed still smiling brightly. Checking his watch he noted the time. "I hadn't realized it as so late, I'm sorry for keeping you." Yet he wasn't sorry at all, the last three hours they had spent together was the best time he had had with anyone outside his family in a long time.
"Not at all, it was my pleasure," Bella answered a bit of hesitance in voice. Throwing a few bills onto the table Edward led the way out the door and into the parking lot. He wanted to reach over and grab her hand. Feel the softness of her skin against his. Walking Bella to her car she paused. "Edward there is something that I need to tell you."
In one incredibly swift movement, Edward closed the gap between them unable to resist and cupped her jaw in the palm of his hand savoring the feel of her skin against his palm. Her breath hitched as her eyes bore into his, searching. Edward pressed Bella against the door of her car, their bodies melded together as if they were made to fit together.
"I had a good time," he whispered, his thumb caressing the apple of her cheek.
"Me too but Edward…" Bella stammered, her tongue darting out of her mouth wetting her luscious lips.
"Bella," he murmured his breath against her lips.
Lifting her face to his, Edward pressed his lips to hers. Her lips molding to his the building electricity between them igniting, his hands gripping her hip pulling himself closer to her. Her lips were warm and soft but most of all he noticed that she was kissing him back. Her hands snaked themselves into his hair pulling it slightly, eliciting a moan. He kissed her bottom lip before slipping his warm tongue into her mouth. It seemed to only take her moment to realize what he was doing before she responded, her breathing heavy. They were both panting heavily, having given into the desire that had been building between them the whole evening. Before he had a chance to deepen their kiss further her hands rested on his chest pushing him away lightly. Pulling away slowly, face flushed, lips slightly swollen, Bella sighed.
"Edward," she began gazing up at him, her brown eyes half lidded with lust. "I'm engaged."
A/N: hope you enjoyed! If you did review..... if you review i will send you a preview of the next chapter! Please review!
