Days Like This

Chapter 11

BPOV

"Bella? Bell-llaaa..."

I woke abruptly. Was someone calling me? What kind of dumb fuck would wake me up! Go away, dumb fuck! I'm sleeping. I'm finally sleeping... I muttered some incoherent swear words and grunted several insults.

"Bella, I'm so sorry..."

For waking me? For being a dumb fuck? For knocking me up?

Juliet! I bolted up in the bed. "Juliet!"

"Shhh...she's fine. She's sleeping right next to you. Bella, it's Edward. You're at my place, remember?"

Edward's? "Huh? Oh...yeah...oh my god! What time is it?" I actually slept! Here! And Juliet? She was sick! But she's sleeping? She's sleeping! Edward took care of her. For how long?

"It's late. Or early, depending on your outlook. Listen, I have to go into the hospital so I brought Juliet in here with you. She's been sleeping for a few hours, but she didn't even stir when I moved her. Go back to sleep. I just wanted you to know she's with you."

"We should go..." I couldn't believe I had slept so long and in his bed. I placed my arm across my boobs. They were rock hard and so fucking sore. How long had he let me sleep?

"Shh...don't wake her. Stay. Please?"

His voice not only calmed me, it made me melt. And moisten. And it brought on the let-down. Jeees-us! He stepped away and brought me a fresh shirt. He'd noticed. Great. Well how could he not?

"Just stay... I don't know how long I'll be gone, but help yourself to whatever you want. I left my spare key and my cell number. If you need anything, just call me."

His hand pressed against my shoulder, urging me to lie back down and then his long fingers ran through my hair. Shudder, gulp, flood...

"I'll see you later. Good night, Bella."

Well how the fuck could I sleep now? I wanted to pull him down on top of me and suck on his shoulder like Juliet had. And then his neck. His bottom lip... He licked it as I stared at him. In all my life, I had never wanted a man so badly. I had just cursed him out - he woke me dammit! And now he made me horny. I didn't just want a man. I wanted THIS man.

"Bella?" he whispered as I bit my lip so as not to moan. "Are you okay?"

Not okay. Horny. I need you to fuck me Edward. Would you do that for me? "Yeah. Fine. Thanks." I couldn't even breathe.

"Okay. Call. And sleep." He smiled and stroked my cheek.

Oh jesus Edward! Use those long fingers somewhere else! Please? "Thanks," I whispered again.

When I heard the front door close, I bolted for the bathroom and used his shower. He had said to help myself. He had also said I was his first dinner guest. I guess that meant I was the first to get off with his shower head too. He had a good one; nice choice Edward. Thank you so very much.

Wide awake, I dug my phone out of the diaper bag and ran back to his bed. Alice was in New York. Was it later there or earlier? Later! She should be up!

"Alice! You'll never guess where I'm calling you from - Edward's massive fucking bed!"

"No way! You go girl! Okay, just to clarify... Is it Edward's MASSIVE fucking bed, or Edward's massive FUCKING bed? Did you figure out your favourite mounting position? His?"

I giggled at my friend's enthusiasm. Such a morning person. Bitch. "I didn't mount at all, sadly."

"Aw! No peen?"

"No peen. But my god, this is the sweetest man alive, I swear." I related the entire day, in whispers. "He's gone to work now. I miss him already."

"He's gone and you're still there?"

"Yeah...he wanted us to stay. Sweet, right?"

"And you didn't fuck him? Bella!"

"I know...stop that!" I giggled. "I really want to, Alice. So bad..."

"You know, you never went on about Jake like this. NEVER."

"I know. Alice... I think I'm falling in love with him..."

"Aww!"

"And I think I called him Jake when I woke up." That possibility had been on my mind and the more I thought about it, the more I thought I most likely had.

"Oh honey..."

"Yeah. I know." Juliet whimpered beside me. "I gotta go. We'll talk later? I want to hear all about your shoot!"

After tending to Juliet, I wandered out to the kitchen and grabbed a juice and a handful of his mom's cookies. Good breakfast...I should do better, for Juliet. He had a loaf of grain bread - oats and sunflower - so I made some toast. While I waited, I saw that he had folded all of the washing from yesterday. Nice job of it too. Smiling, I swayed with Juliet in my arms around the kitchen.

"We should do something nice for him too. Yeah?"

Edward was at the hospital the entire morning. I put Juliet in her carrier for her nap; which gave me time to get some cleaning done for him. I'd seen a pile of scrubs on the floor of his bedroom so I tossed them in the washer while I stripped his bed. I had leaked everywhere during that long sleep he'd let me have. It was crusty and nasty. I was going to wipe down the dust in there as well, but it really wasn't too bad and I didn't want him thinking I had rummaged through everything.

He had a photo on his dresser - himself, Emmett and the other woman sandwiched between him. Lucky bitch. She was even close with his best friend.

I sighed and walked away. How close were they? Would I get totally screwed if I went for it? And what if I was falling for him...if it wasn't just my over-excited clit that was willing me to do ANYTHING to get near him...

Shit. I didn't want to set myself up for a big hurt. Before Juliet, fine...I'd have taken whatever risk, but she didn't need her mother falling apart over a man.

I'm a mom now.

Just be careful. Take what he offers; don't expect more.

And don't fall for him.

Then I saw his note and I knew it was pointless issuing warnings to myself:
Good morning ladies,
Hope to be home before you read this, but if not, help yourselves to anything at all and CALL ME!
Thinking of you both - see you soon. Edward

His script was neat, his words; sweet. I had wondered if he had lied about being his only dinner guest - he never had the other woman here? If it was a ruse, he was the most charming and convincing liar I'd ever met. His note, however, screamed out sincerity. And so, I called him.

"Hi! Is everything alright? Is Juliet in pain again?" He answered immediately and got straight to the point.

"She's much better. That's why I'm calling...to let you know you're the best paediatrician ever and I really appreciate everything you did for us."

He chuckled softly on the other end. "It was entirely my pleasure and I'm glad she's feeling better. How's the bum? The blisters should be starting to dry up."

"They are. I've left her bare-bummed for a short while a couple of times. I'm gonna take her home before I give her a longer run. We don't want to mess your place up if she has an accident."

"Oh! Don't worry about that at all. I'm not! Just keep putting her medication on and leave out the formula. We'll see if it's made a difference in a day or so. I'll check on her again when I get home...I don't want her open skin to get infected as well."

"Will you be home soon? I could have lunch ready for you." Did I sound needy? Clingy? Or just helpful and/or horny.

"Sorry...I'm stuck here for a while yet. But please, eat some of my mother's food! There's too much!"

"I've eaten my share of cookies, for sure," I laughed to hide my disappointment. "We should go home. But really, thanks. You were more than an excellent doctor; you were a really good friend."

"Hmm," he muttered. Meaning...? "Can I come by later on? If I don't get in too late, that is."

He wanted to see us again! "Sure, yeah. We'd love to see you."

I pocketed his note as I packed up Juliet's bag, and then took his spare key. We'd have to make two trips with all the laundry. When I returned for the second round, his phone was ringing. I listened to the machine to see if it was him calling back. Maybe he would get home for lunch!

"Dude! You missed one helluva party!" His friend, Emmett, I presumed. "Call me later, I'll fill you in - but Tanya got totally wrecked. It was awesome and disturbing at the same time...so I guess you're really glad you didn't make it. Could've been ugly. Well, uglier. Oh, and I guess Rose has told you the other news by now - I'm sure she's called your cell a dozen times already. She's completely freaking out so be warned, if she hasn't. Anyway, just call me when you can."

He sounded like a great friend to Edward. I shook my head, thinking of how I'd assumed they were lovers. Jasper was so right - it was a guy thing. It's such a double standard - two guys can't be super close friends without having assumtions made, but Alice and I were just as close, and no one mistook us for being gay! Too funny, now that I knew the truth.

From his message, I deduced that Rose was Edward's sister; Emmett's girlfriend. Tanya must be the woman I'd seen him with and she must have been pissed that he wasn't there. I thanked my lucky stars that I hadn't caved to his charms last week and agreed to go with him. I couldn't take the drama of a wasted girlfriend confronting us. Then I would have cried and leaked and maybe even punched her - and generally made a total ass of myself.

The machine picked up another call, almost immediately:

"Hey. Pick up. I know you're not working, Fuckface. Pick up! Okay, whatever...I'm too hung-over to deal with this shit Edward. Sorry for dumping this on you, but... Just call me, okay?"

Tanya, I thought. It had to be. And so, he's probably a liar and a cheat and a bit of a jerk... maybe even a fuckface. But he's so sweet with my baby and I knew he was not faking that.

Just go with it. And don't get too attached.

I put her out of my mind and left a note for Edward where he'd left mine:
Thanks again. We owe you dinner; you can collect at any time of your choice. Bella & Juliet

I drew little hearts by Juliet's name and kissed the notepaper before setting it in place. "Don't fuck us up, Edward," I whispered. "Please."

EPOV

Little Carly, tiniest of the triplets, was stable once again. Her parents had approved her removal from the machines, but quickly changed their mind when she took a few breaths on her own. She was a fighter, this little one.

I felt horrible that my mind kept straying to Juliet, at home in my bed with her mother...in my bed. But come on! It had been a long time since I had something to look forward to at home. And I couldn't help but worry about my Sunshine.

When Bella called, I was instantly worried. I honestly hadn't expected her to call me. She seemed fierce about her independence and I had been wondering if I was being too pushy - insisting she stay at my place; not only sleep there, but stay even though I wasn't home. I figured she would have packed her baby up the minute I left, but she hadn't.

Once the triplets were all tended to, I was anxious to get home. I went directly to Bella's apartment again. Both of them greeted me at the door and a smile erupted on my face. Bella was still in my scrubs. They hung on her tiny frame, not the least bit flattering to her gorgeous body, but it somehow made me feel closer to her.

"How is my favourite girl?" I smiled and stroked Juliet's head. She had two of her fingers in her mouth, sucking away.

"Still not herself, but much better. Those drops you gave us for her tummy are amazing. She doesn't seem in pain when she eats now. And she's hungry...really hungry." Bella giggled, looking bright and happy.

"Her mom looks much happier too," I commented softly.

"I haven't slept like that in months. Even before she was born, I wasn't sleeping well. I don't know how you kept her happy for so long, but thank you."

"My services are available from time to time," I laughed with a shrug. "Can I check on her rash?"

I held Juliet after examining her. She was in an active mood; her arms and legs moving continuously. "She looks like she wants to go somewhere," I chuckled.

"She tap danced on my hips and bladder for months!" Bella smiled as she caught Juliet's tiny fist and kissed it. "Very active."

"I see how sleep would have been an issue."

She shrugged. "It was okay though. I liked her moving around. I still miss it sometimes. I find myself rubbing my belly and then feel ridiculous because she's not there anymore."

I would've loved to have known Pregnant Bella. The way she spoke of it with fond memories made me think she enjoyed the pregnancy as much as she enjoyed this phase. I could see her kicking back with a plate of bacon, rubbing her tummy and urging Juliet to dance inside.

"You look exhausted, Edward." Bella's soft voice made me look away from Juliet in my arms.

"Yeah. It's hitting me now. I'll definitely sleep tonight."

"You're not still on call?"

I shook my head as I yawned. "No work 'til morning. I'm on days tomorrow. I guess I should go..."

"Oh! I forgot to tell you, you have a couple of messages from this morning - before Juliet and I left your place. And I'll return your scrubs once they're washed. They were too comfy to get out of. I had a lazy day."

"Good!" I smiled thinking of her lounging in my scrubs at my apartment. "You deserve it. And you can keep those...better yet, I'll steal you some that will fit better." Or maybe not... I currently had full view of her left tit as the vee bulged just right. I tried to not stare but couldn't seem to not take advantage of the show either.

"Your ears are blood red." She reached up and gave one a squeeze. "Cute!"

Her top shifted more and the shoulder dropped down, almost baring what my eyes were locked on. She didn't move to fix it so after seconds of open gawking, I cleared my throat and lifted Juliet up for a kiss.

"Gotta go Sunshine. You be a good girl okay? Glad you're feeling better!" I nuzzled against her neck and my scruff made her squirm even more. "I know, I know. I'll get rid of that before I see you again. She obviously likes her men clean-shaven," I grinned at Bella.

"I think she likes you anyway she can get you." She gave my knee a squeeze before she stood up.

When she bent to take Juliet from me, I got full frontal and a strong desire to bury my face in her tits to see if it tickled her the same way it did Juliet. Oddly enough, Juliet had the same idea, pulling at the vee with her mouth wide open.

"I think I'm disturbing mealtime." It was the only thing I could think of to say. I had obviously gotten a good look, it wasn't like I could pretend otherwise.

Though her cheeks were flushed, when she straightened up, she let Juliet latch on without bothering to cover up. "I don't know...the top in your size makes it easier for Juliet."

She joked about it. I figured she must feel quite comfortable with me now. Somehow, that thought made me feel almost as good as seeing her flesh exposed inches from my face. It also made me wonder how those tits would look in a proper fitted scrub top. She went braless a lot. It would cling and those would poke out... And with that in mind, I bid them goodnight and made a quick exit before I came in my pants.

The lingering scent of baby soap hit me when I opened my door. Yes! My bed would smell like them too. Awesome. I felt giddy as I dropped my bag and keys, kicked off my shoes and started stripping down in anticipation of my bed. Then I saw Bella's note. Two things struck me: She definitely wanted to carry this...whatever we had going...on and her casual script turned me on. Excited by handwriting? It had to be the residual effect of the peepshow I'd been given. Yet, not entirely. She had a tendency of writing the first initial of name considerably larger than the others...thus 'B' and 'J' popped out at me. BJ. Fuck me!

I stuffed the note in the pocket of my jeans as I opened my fly. Christ, get real. She offered dinner, not a blowjob. My hand went inside my pants and I began pumping even as I walked to my bedroom at the thought of her lips anywhere on me. I had just stripped naked when the phone rang.

Fuck it! I'm too into this...just let the machine pick up. But what if it's Bella? I let go of my dick and grabbed the phone instead.

"Edward...I'm really sorry about that message I left. I know it didn't leave you with any desire to call me back..."

"Rose, I'm in the middle of something. Can I call you back?" Fuck! I would've only needed a few minutes... I looked down at my rapidly deflating lonely prick and sighed. "Nevermind. Hang on..." I threw on my scrubs and headed for a beer instead.

"So the photographer..." Rose began.

"Yeah, listen, I'll keep trying, but I told you I've called them dozens of times and sent several emails, they're not calling me back."

"I know. That's why I tried. They're bailing on us. Can't do it. Edward...what am I gonna do now?"

Shit. My sister was crying; not fuming, like she would any other time. Crying.

"Oh fuck Rosalie! I'm so sorry...look, I'll find someone else for you..."

"You're so busy... I can't dump more on you... This is so fucked..."

Her sobs were killing me. Rosalie didn't act like this. She was always in control. "No no... I've still got my file of potentials from when I first booked. Let me pull it up and we'll go through it right now, okay? Can you go online? I'll give you the links and we can check out sites together."

I extracted the file and sent it to her and we looked through each candidate, dividing up those who seemed remotely possible. There weren't many. Tanya had insisted on only high-end professionals and they didn't take last minute bookings.

"This is pointless," Rose sighed. "Look how Tanya's wonderful choice turned out...ditching my wedding for a celeb. That's what you get from these places. They're only after the big pay shot."

"Okay, so forget these ones, we'll look at smaller businesses. I can ask a friend of mine if she knows anyone. Check out her site, see what think." I sent her the link to Bella's page and sat with a big goofy grin, admiring my Sunshine as Rose looked it over.

"You know this woman? Her shots are fantastic! Not cookie-cutter, but classy and artistic. That baby is gorgeous! Makes me want one. But see how she's faded out the background in that one one her homepage - I love that effect. Makes the baby the most important part of the photo. I want this woman, Edward. She's a friend of yours? Can you get her to do it?"

Yeah, I want this woman too... And the baby is the most important thing in the world, not just the photo. "Her? No. That's her gorgeous baby in the shots - she's not working right now. But like I said, maybe she can recommend someone else."

"Edwarrrd! Oh, this woman's perfect! I love her portfolio even more than the assholes who bailed. Talk to her for me? Please?"

"What's she supposed to do with Juliet?"

"That's the baby? Aw, she looks like a Juliet... Anyway, I dunno. Get her husband to watch her?"

"Um..."

"There's no dad in the picture, huh? So, um, how close of a friend is she? Are you...?"

"Am I what? Is that my baby? No! NO! Christ, if she were mine, the whole fucking world would know!"

Rosalie sucked in a dramatic breath. "You liiike her..."

I sighed. "Rose, really...are we teenagers again?"

She laughed softly on her end. "Sorry little bro. Old habits... So how do you know them?"

"She's my patient - Juliet. And we're neighbours."

"And you're interested...come on! You can tell me!"

"Okay, I'm interested." It actually felt good to admit it to someone out of diapers and off the breast. "She's fantastic, Rose. And her baby...fuck. She's got me wrapped around her finger."

"No surprise. You've always been great with babies. It's your thing."

"This one's different. I can't explain it. Anyway, I can't ask Bella to leave her baby right now." I had learned that lesson loud and clear. "But I will talk to her about a referral."

"Pleeeease? For me? Just ask. She can only say no."

"Ha!" I snorted, familiar with Sarcastic Bella saying no.

"Pleeeease?" she begged in a softer tone.

Sighing, I tugged at my hair. "I hate you."

"Thank you baby! You know, you're not a fuckface at all! Love you!"

Christ. What have I agreed to? Bella will tear me a new asshole if I approach this incorrectly. And if I don't ask, I'll have Rosalie's 5" heel up my existing hole. Fuuuuck. Just when Bella and I seemed to have a good thing starting...would this screw it up?

I decided to approach it entirely as a business transaction. Just as I would give Juliet the best care, no matter what my relationship with her mother, I would offer Bella this job as a potential client, not as a friend.

I emailed my request and then headed for bed.

I waited for the scents to engulf me, but they never came. What the fuck? I stuffed my face in the pillow...nothing but laundry soap and softener. Lifting the sheet - same. I laid where I had placed Juliet before leaving. Absolutely no baby smell. What. The. Fuck! That's when I noticed my pile of neatly folded scrubs. She did my laundry! Jesus...

I leapt out of bed and went to see what else she had done. My kitchen was spotless. Plants watered. Dust bunnies removed from under my desk. Bella had cleaned my apartment.

What did that mean? Did she not feel I was clean enough to have Juliet here?

Then I remembered her note. 'We owe you...' I convinced myself she bad done this as a favour, not a slight. It was the only way to not toss and turn as I sulked over losing the girlie/baby smell in my bed that I had looked so forward to.

"Well, Ms Swan. NOW, you owe me...you owe me another night in my bed to return my smell. I will collect soon. With any luck."

I grinned and snapped off my lamp. Exhaustion knocked me out.