A/N: I'm so sorry for the long wait. There are no words to describe how busy real life has been for me lately. To make up for it, this is a longer chapter with the first ExB lemon!
When the sunlight hit my closed eyelids I couldn't ignore the upcoming day any longer. I was deliriously happy and just wanted a few more minutes to relax and bask in the irresponsibility of vacationing. For five more days I wouldn't have to drag my ass out of bed at an ungodly hour; it was nicer than words could describe.
I stretched my limbs lazily, half opening my eyes as I rolled my face out of the sunlight which was peeking through the billowy curtains covering the sliding doors of my beach cottage. I assessed my physical state: Hungover? Nope. Hungry? A little. Dirty? Dear God yes. I grabbed the phone next to my bed and ordered some coffee before running into the shower like I had bees chasing me.
I emerged just in time to hear the knock at the door. Wearing nothing but a bathrobe and slippers with my hair wrapped up in a towel turban, I answered the door. Instead of coffee I came face to face with Edward Cullen and his shit eating grin.
"Slept in a little?" He asked as he eyed my outfit.
I huffed. "Hell yes. This is my vacation. I don't intend to see many mornings this week."
He laughed. "Fair enough. Can I come in?"
I moved out of the way so he could enter. "I've got coffee coming any minute. Could you answer when they get here? I need to get dressed and stuff. Which reminds me, what should we do today?"
He grinned mischievously. "Wear your swimsuit."
An hour later, the caffeine was slowly working its magic in my brain cells as Edward led me to a beach at the north-east end of the hotel complex which, I noted, was quite extensive. It took us a good half hour to get there. I was perplexed until we walked up to a little kiosk on a small boardwalk a bit back from the beach. It had a sign on the front that read 'Kuilima Cove Snorkeling'.
"How did you think of this?" I asked him excitedly.
He shrugged and winked at me, which sent my pulse racing. "I asked myself what a tourist from a non-tropical country would want to do. Then I asked the desk clerk at the hotel and she gave me some brochures."
"Perfect," I said as I walked toward the little shop.
A half hour of practice snorkeling in shallow waters and I was ready for more. I noticed a group of touristy looking people about thirty metres away doing the same thing I was, but with an instructor to guide them. We waded over to the group to join in the activities.
"Are there sharks?" I asked the guide.
He smiled politely as if I was a child asking for ice cream. "Yes, but there aren't many out at this time of year. They prefer to be closer to the uninhabited islands for mating season. We should be safe."
He didn't ease my anxiety. "What do we do if we see one?"
Edward touched my arm lightly, sending sparks of electricity throughout my body. "Don't panic, and don't make any sudden movements. They usually don't go after humans unless they smell blood. And I'll be right next to you," he said.
I nodded in agreement and headed to deeper waters, but before we got too far Edward grabbed my arm.
"Are you ready?" He asked, one eyebrow quirked.
I looked out before me, where most of the others were already out floating on top of the waves comfortably. It didn't look too difficult.
"Yes. Just please, don't let go," I pleaded.
"Never," was his only reply before handing me my flippers. Once I got all my equipment in order, we started swimming toward the rocky reef at one end of the sheltered cove.
It took me a few minutes to really get the hang of it, but once I did I was glad we'd come out here. I felt like we were in another world. Everything below us was so magical and colourful, from bright pink coral to schools of vibrant fish. I'd never realized how much life was in the ocean before. There were manta rays skimming the sandy sea floor, forests of kelp waving in the slow current, and fish everywhere. I saw starfish climbing lazily on the rocks and the occasional sea turtle leisurely swim by. I was convinced one of them gave me the stink eye when it had to change course to make way for us.
I shrieked a little when Edward pointed out the eel slithering between flowery looking coral, and I'm sure my blood pressure skyrocketed when we saw a few small sharks (not Great White sharks, much to my relief), but otherwise it was absolutely wonderful. I barely noticed when Edward pulled on my arm, indicating we should head back to shore. We'd nearly swum out of the sheltered cove.
As we returned the equipment to the rental shack, I bounced up and down with glee. "That was amazing! Did you see all those fish? And how they swim together? It's incredible!"
Edward laughed and said, "I'm glad you liked it." I almost didn't notice when he grabbed my hand as we walked back toward the hotel. Almost.
"Have you ever been snorkeling before?" I said nervously, trying to unpack the meaning behind this gesture.
Does he want me as bad as I want him?
"Once, when I was a kid, Mum took me out to the Great Barrier Reef. I barely made it out of the boat I was so scared. There was a jellyfish warning that day. I've always hated those things."
I nodded and bit my lip nervously, not sure where to go with the conversation. Do I bring up our close contact? Or should I shut up and go with it? I stewed it over and over in my mind, working myself up to a decent panic attack, before Edward stopped and turned to me.
"Can I ask you something?" He said, looking almost as nervous as I felt. I nodded wordlessly before he continued. "I'd like… would… can I ask you out for a date? With me, tonight?" He stammered. If I hadn't been so focused on his words I might have laughed at his behaviour.
"Date?" I blurted out without thinking.
He nodded hesitantly. "Yes. I was thinking dinner. The hotel does a great luau every evening…"
I looked down nervously, taking note of our joined hands. I wanted this, very badly, but I was keenly aware of his words to me at LAX more than a year ago.
"We barely know each other. I can't uproot myself for someone I just met, and I doubt you would do the same."
I took a deep breath. "But you said…"
"I know what I said," he interrupted. "But that doesn't mean I didn't just spend the last year regretting my decision. So please, don't make me beg."
I looked deep into his emerald eyes which were creased in the corners from frowning. He was studying my face so carefully for a reaction, but little did he know there was only one answer I could give him.
"Okay, but I don't put out on the first date," I said before grinning as I used his words from two days ago against him.
EPOV
With baited breath I waited for her reply. It couldn't have been more than a few seconds but it felt like hours or days. Would she say no? Would this ruin our friendship?
I couldn't blame her if she turned me down. I was the one who pushed her away last year, and in doing so I hurt us both. I caused myself many sleepless nights while giving Jacob fucking Black the opportunity to traumatize my girl.
My girl?
I still didn't know what would happen after this week. We were both so completely entangled in our own separate lives on opposite ends of the globe. The realist in me – the one raised by my very practical father – screamed to sit down and rationally think this through. But I was done listening to that part of me. It only caused pain, at least in this situation.
When she fed me the lines I had said only two days ago, I couldn't help the face splitting grin I knew I was sporting. My heart swelled. My pulse quickened. And damned if my palms didn't start to sweat.
After dropping Bella off back at her little cottage, I hurried up to my room. I immediately called the front desk and asked for a reservation for the evening. Then I stripped out of my clothes and took a long, hot shower. Of course I couldn't get the image of Bella in her tiny bikini out of my head, so my shower was extended as I pumped myself to that mental picture. I figured it would be better if I didn't meet her with a raging woody all evening.
Before I knew it, enough time had passed that I could go back to Bella's cottage without seeming too eager for our date tonight. But I couldn't lie to myself – I'd been waiting more than a year for this to happen and I was nervous as fuck.
BPOV
I had seen the hotel's Polynesian dining area from a distance but hadn't been close enough to examine just how cool it looked. It was a platform of wood planks held up on stilts that were anchored into the shallow ocean at one end of the beach property. It was covered by a giant thatch roof with twinkle lights strung across the inside beams and tiki torches attached to the outer railing. Tables and chairs were made from bamboo and decorated with blue hibiscus patterned cushions and table cloths. Each table had a mini tiki torch on it and a vase of freshly picked lilies that wafted their aromatic scent through the air. There were about a dozen tables all mostly toward the sides, allowing for a little stage area with a sound system at the back and a dance floor in the middle.
When we climbed the three steps from the beach up to the platform, we were greeted by the hostess who was dressed in a grass skirt and coconut bra. She put leis around our necks and directed us to a table near the dance floor which she promised would be the best view for the show. I felt like a kid in a candy store.
"What can I get you to drink?" A waitress asked as she showed up at our table wearing the same garb as the hostess.
"I'll have a Bud," Edward answered easily. "Bella?"
"Pina colada, please."
The waitress smiled and left our table. I watched her go, wondering where the food and drinks came from, as she walked off the platform and crossed the beach to a little makeshift bar just past the sand. I saw a few people milling around the bar that I hadn't noticed when we arrived, including a man juggling fire for tips.
"I was told this is a set menu. When all the guests have arrived they bring out platters for each table," Edward said.
I turned back toward him, feeling embarrassed for getting distracted. "I suppose that makes sense. They can't exactly be wandering back and forth to the kitchen all night if it's so far away," I answered absently. I honestly didn't care, I was so focused on this evening and its significance.
Edward smiled and reached for my hand, pulling my fingers to his mouth and planting a sweet kiss on them that made my body tingle. The gesture was so simple and yet conveyed a lot of underlying meaning. I was dying to have "the talk" about our future but I kept my lips firmly sealed on that topic. I didn't want to ruin our evening. If a few nights in beautiful Hawaii was all we ever shared, then I was determined to make the most of it.
"Tell me something about you that no one else knows," he whispered as he lowered our hands to the table.
I pretended to think for a moment. "I only cut my hair once a year and only because my mother insists on it."
He burst out in loud laughter. "Really? That's too good," he said between snorts. I personally had no idea why that was so hilarious but glad he found it amusing. When he calmed down a bit he continued, "I meant something deep and profound," he explained.
"Oh!" I blushed furiously. "Oops," I added with a smile and a wink. "You first."
He gave me a knowing look and a smirk. "Hmmmm, okay. How about this. I haven't been with anyone since before you and I met."
Shocked, I replied, "Really?!"
He nodded, looking at me solemnly. I had a feeling there was more to it but I didn't want to intrude, so I let it drop.
"Okay, let me think for a minute," I said before pausing to rack my brain for something as juicy as he'd told me. "Oh, I know! I didn't tell anyone about this because, honestly, it freaked me out. A couple of months ago I thought I might be pregnant."
Edward nearly spat out his sip of beer. "What?" He said as he wiped his mouth and swallowed thickly.
"Turns out it was nothing, I was just a few days late. But it scared the hell out of me."
He gave me a curious look. "Do you not want to have kids?"
I hesitated before answering. "Of course I do, someday. Just the thought of being bound to Jake in that way…"
He nodded and smiled sympathetically. "I get it. But I thought you really fancied him?"
I looked away from Edward's face. I couldn't look him in the eye. "I knew pretty early that our relationship was mostly… physical. Jake's generally a good guy, he just… I dunno, I didn't get that feeling with him. You know, butterflies and sweaty palms kind of thing."
He gripped my hand harder. "Your palms feel kind of wet to me," he whispered in a husky voice.
I blushed and looked into his deep emerald eyes. "You're not Jake," I replied with what I hoped was a seductive smile. His responding grin lit up his entire face and made him radiate happiness.
We chatted for a little longer as the other tables filled up. I noticed it was mostly couples, including one pair who couldn't stop sucking face for more than ten seconds at a time. After another round of drinks the food was served on large wood platters with scattered flower petals around the intricate Polynesian dishes. It was incredible and mouthwatering. Edward handfed me slices of grilled pineapple and I tried to talk him into the caviar, both of us smiling and laughing the entire time.
Despite being surrounded by people the evening felt very intimate, like we were in our own little bubble. Edward's striking green eyes glowed in the waning twilight and his golden hair showed off more reddish highlights than usual. I was once again struck by his natural beauty and had to stop myself from leaning over and nipping at his chiseled jaw. He was a glorious sight to behold.
After the dinner trays were taken away, the evening entertainment began. Edward scooted his chair around so he was sitting next to me as we watched a traditional hula dance, complete with a fire dancer and drummers. The girls in their grass skirts and leis shimmied their hips and bumped to the increasingly fast rhythm pumped out by the drummers as they circled around the stage. It was entrancing and fascinating – I felt my anthropology training nagging to analyze every facet of their performance. Thankfully Edward's wandering hands distracted me from my academic brain.
He was a perfect gentleman, never touching me inappropriately or in any way that made me uncomfortable. But the feel of his fingers tracing light circles on my thigh just above the knee, or how he draped one arm over my shoulder and pulled me close sent shivers down my spine. By the time the performance hit its climax my panties were completely soaked and he had yet to kiss me.
Once the dancers cleared the stage, a large man got up and announced a drink special then turned on some slow music. Couples got up and wandered to the dance floor together, wrapping themselves in each other's arms and swaying lazily to the slow rhythm. Before I could say anything, Edward was standing and offered his hand to me.
"Can I have this dance, Miss Swan?" He asked with a cocky grin.
I took his hand eagerly and stood up. "Of course, Mr. Cullen," I replied with a short giggle.
He led me to the dance floor and held my right hand with his left while wrapping his other arm around my waist. He pulled me flush against his body and rested the side of his jaw on top of my head. I realized, with amusement, we would have been dancing cheek-to-cheek if there wasn't such a height difference between us.
I closed my eyes and relished the moment. Everything was perfect, from the refreshing ocean breeze caressing my skin to the heat of Edward's hard body pressed against me. I felt his breath in my hair as he squeezed my hand. I moved my left arm from his shoulder to his chest and then lightly touched his neck, eliciting a low moan from his chest that reverberated through my entire body. I dared to lift my chin and look up at him, only to see Edward's green eyes darkened and hooded with desire.
I licked my lips with anticipation; either he was going to kiss me or I was going to force it out of him. I was tired of waiting.
Slowly his head inched lower. My eyes couldn't leave his perfectly sculpted lips as they drew nearer to mine. A jolt of heat ran down my spine and radiated outward leaving me tingling in its wake. He moved closer and I could barely contain my adrenaline as my heart beat furiously in my chest. When his lips finally brushed lightly against mine, it was absolutely perfect. I was certain at that moment that the planets were aligned and the entire universe was in perfect harmony.
His warm, moist lips felt so perfect against mine as we moved in sync, slowly exploring each other's mouths. He parted his lips and lightly ran his tongue along my lower lip, asking for entrance which I granted eagerly. The moment our tongues collided I couldn't hold back the groan of pleasure from bubbling up and out my throat. Edward Cullen tasted divine, like lilacs and honey and cinnamon all rolled into one. And the way he massaged my tongue with his, or nipped my lip with his teeth, or how his hand slowly traveled down to cup my ass, just made me weaker in the knees.
I was a fool for this man and he wanted me. Could my life be more perfect?
What are you still doing there? Get him naked! For once I agreed with my inner monologue.
Reluctantly I pulled back and said, "My room. Now."
He snickered and replied, "I thought you didn't put out on the first date?"
I quirked one eyebrow in challenge. "If you count our time in Los Angeles, then this technically isn't our first date. So unless you have some other snappy comeback, I'd like to get you alone now," I said assertively.
His eyes darkened in response as he led me to our table where he quickly paid for our dinner. I'm pretty sure we were out of there and headed back to my cottage in under two minutes flat.
XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX
The hotel room door was barely closed before I found myself pinned against the wall with Edward's warm, moist lips devouring my neck. His hard body pressed against mine, his hands feverishly grabbing at my hips as his warm breath raised goosebumps on my skin. I couldn't stop the guttural moan pouring out my mouth as my nails dug lightly into his scalp.
He felt so good I couldn't help myself. It was like my brain turned off and primal instinct took over as my body screamed for Edward. His scent surrounded me, his heat enveloped me. Even though I couldn't think I also couldn't conceive of anything that wasn't Edward Cullen. At that moment the stars aligned and the cosmos was balanced as Edward and I finally unleashed a year's worth of pent up desire.
Edward pulled back from my neck and gazed deeply in my eyes.
"You are so beautiful," he murmured before bringing his lips down to brush mine lightly.
This sweet, tender kiss quickly turned desperate as desire flooded my veins, and my panties, inspiring me to force my tongue in his mouth and push him backward toward the bed. I felt my hands pulling his shirt out of his pants and rubbing the tight muscles of his abdomen, but I wasn't fully aware of my actions – my attention was focused on his hands aggressively palming my breasts, and the delicious feelings he stirred within me. When I ran out of air I pulled my face back from him and turned on my most seductive glare.
"Edward, take me. I'm yours."
"Oh God," he growled as he reached down and lifted my dress up over my hips. "Put your arms up," he instructed. My dress was over my head and on the floor within seconds.
Edward took in a deep breath as he stared at my body. I felt my cheeks flush as he carefully took in every detail, from my curled brown hair to my white satin push-up bra, down to my matching satin thong and manicured toes.
"Bella… you are perfect. So soft, so sexy…" he trailed off as his eyes fixed firmly on my thighs that I was rubbing together, desperate for friction. His eyes snapped up to my face as he gave me that gorgeous crooked smirk that only increased my need to be touched.
I stepped forward and allowed him to caress my hips and butt as I unbuttoned his dress shirt and pulled it off, then fumbled with the button on his pants.
"Fucking shit…" I cursed lowly as I failed at my task.
He chuckled. "Need some help?" He reached down to his fly before I could respond.
This time I took a step back and watched as Edward seductively lowered the zipper and pulled his pants down. He kicked them off his ankles and stood before me, allowing me to drink in the sight of him. And drink I did.
Though I'd seen him shirtless before, it was something else to see him standing there in only tight boxer briefs. He looked like he was carved from marble, although a bit more tan than he'd been last year. His broad shoulders and strong arms petered down to his tight six-pack abs and narrow waist, where a light trail of hair and the V-lines of his muscles pointed downward to the biggest bulge I'd ever seen. I didn't even get to ogle his prominent thighs or toned calf muscles – my eyes were stuck firmly on his member. I didn't realize how long I'd been staring until Edward cleared his throat.
"Bella?" My eyes snapped up to his face and I blushed furiously.
"Sorry, I…"
"It's okay," he interrupted. "I'm glad you like what you see." His grin widened with his words.
I gave him one last look over before jumping into his arms and wrapping my legs around his waist. We kissed passionately, our tongues exploring each other's mouths hungrily. If I lived to be a hundred years old I knew I'd never tire of kissing Edward Cullen.
I let out a little squeal when Edward bent forward, dropped me on the bed, and immediately straddled his body on top of mine. The heat coursing between us enveloped me completely, radiating from my brain and my heart all the way down to my toes. To say my girlie bits were dripping and on fire would be an understatement.
Edward removed his lips from mine and took a deep breath before kissing down my neck to my chest. He pulled the bra cup down from my left breast and took my nipple in his mouth, swirling his tongue around my hardened bud. My back arched upward as I involuntarily tried to increase the pressure.
"Oh God, Edward," I moaned.
He released my nipple to say, "Yes? Is here something you want?"
I squirmed under his emerald gaze. "Don't tease," I begged.
He smirked. "Then tell me what you want," he crooned before leaning down to nibble at my other breast.
"You… you know… what I-I want," I stammered, trying to remain coherent despite the adrenaline coursing through my body.
His mouth once again released my breast as one of his hands traced down my stomach and under the elastic of my thong, sending shivers up my spine. I watched his long, lithe fingers dance around as he tugged at the lace seductively.
"I can see you want something," he teased, "But unless you tell me what that is, I'm going to have to guess."
Edward released the waistband of my panties and traced his finger down to my intimate area, touching me lightly before moving the scrap of soaked fabric to the side and forcing my legs apart. He repositioned so his face was right between my legs, the front of his body lying flat on the bed. He inhaled deeply as he glanced at my face with dark green hooded eyes.
"My God, you smell divine…" he murmured before suddenly reaching out with his tongue and taking one long lick from slit to clit. My legs shook and my hips bucked involuntarily at the contact. "Fuck, I've never tasted anything so good…" he trailed off before attaching his mouth to my bundle of nerves as he slipped two fingers between my folds.
Edward finger fucked me slowly and carefully as his tongue swirled expertly around my most sensitive spot. Each time I felt a flood of liquid seep out of me, his mouth was right there to eagerly lap it up. I felt the pressure in my abdomen climbing dangerously high when Edward began curling his fingers to reach that sweet spot inside me.
"Edward!" I cried out. "Stop!"
He ceased his ministrations on me and looked up worriedly. "Did I hurt you?"
I took a deep, calming breath. "No, I'd just rather… finish… with you inside me," I explained between breaths as the muscles in my legs finally relaxed a bit.
Without giving it a second thought, Edward stood up and pushed down his boxers, flicking them off his foot. My eyes bulged at the sight of his stiff, throbbing cock. It had to be the biggest one I'd ever seen. To be honest it scared me a little – Jake used to complain I was tight, but Edward was much more endowed. How was that going to fit inside me?
Sensing my hesitation, Edward whispered, "I'll start slow. Do you have a rubber?"
I shook my head. "I'm on the pill and I'm clean," I replied.
He grinned and crawled back onto the bed and positioned himself above me, his monster cock barely caressing my entrance. I had to stop myself from pushing his ass with my feet to get him inside me. Edward leaned down on his elbows and caressed my face with his beautiful hands as he peppered kisses all over my cheeks, nose, and eyelids.
"Just relax, if it hurts just tell me and I'll stop," he whispered. I nodded nervously and gripped his back for dear life.
EPOV
Pleasuring Bella had been my fantasy for so long that I almost lost myself in her delicious taste. Lying there with her legs wide open for me was better than anything I'd imagined in my most erotic daydreams. I was hard pressed to stop when she asked me to.
And if I thought tonguing her was heavenly, I was taken to a whole new level as I squeezed my hardness inside her sopping wet entrance. Despite the lubrication it was slow going as I pushed my way inside of her. I had to keep reminding her to relax – I'm not normally one to brag, but I am well-endowed and women have had difficulty in the past.
It took all my mental willpower not to push right in all at once. She was so tight and hot, and my body craved her in ways I'd never experienced before. Even when I was fully sheathed inside her I wanted more. Instead I wiggled my hips a little and watched her face flush with excitement.
"Are you okay?" I asked. She bit her lip and nodded, giving me the go ahead.
I pulled out a little more quickly than I had entered and pushed back in. With each thrust I picked up the pace a little while still trying to remain in control. If I had my way I'd be fucking her senseless already.
"Unnnhhhh," she moaned as her eyes rolled into the back of her sockets. "So… good…" she panted.
"Yeah? You like how I fuck you?" I replied.
Bella pushed her hips up to meet my still quickening pace. "Oh Gooooddddddd," she cried loudly.
I watched her face twist with ecstasy as she took every inch of my rock hard member in her tight snatch. I can honestly say I'd never seen or felt anything so divine. The way her head twisted from side to side as she bit down on her lip, how her nails dug into the muscles of my back, and the loud "slap, slap" of our sex filling the room all pushed me closer and closer to the edge. But I held back. There was no way I would finish before Bella had her moment.
Luckily that moment came quickly. I felt her entire body go rigid as her mouth popped open. She opened her eyes to stare into mine and I swear I felt the earth shift on its axis as her pussy contracted around me and her body shook violently.
"Yeah Bella, come for me. Come hard on my cock," I whispered. Her only reply was to grip my body close to hers as I felt a surge of wetness between us. It was the hottest thing I'd ever experienced.
I took this opportunity to pound her harder, the muscles in my body screaming for more, as I came close to my own climax. I leaned down and took one of her breasts in my mouth, sucking and tweaking her nipple while moaning my pleasure. I felt the telltale heat in my abdomen as it radiated outward to my limbs, and within seconds I pushed as far into Bella as I could manage while releasing my seed inside her with a loud grunt. A couple more pumps elicited another large spurt before I pulled out and collapsed on my side. Bella didn't move.
"Are you okay?" I asked as my breathing returned to normal.
"Wow," was her only reply.
I couldn't help the grin from spreading across my face.
A/N: I'd really appreciate feedback on the lemony stuff. It's more difficult for me to write, so any comments/criticisms would be greatly appreciated!
