DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight not me. I just love playing around with the characters we all know and love. :-)
Authors Notes:
***Back to Bella this chapter
***Last chapter had a lot of heavy stuff so this chapter will be all about the fun. :-)
***I wrote this whole chapter while fighting a very annoying cold, so hopefully everything makes sense.
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CHAPTER #11: An Appealing Offer
BPOV
"Angela?" I had heard the apartment door open but Angela was scheduled to work tonight so I wasn't expecting her to be home. She never got Saturday nights off due to be the newest nurse at the hospital. "What are you doing home?" I really hoped my voice sounded more casual then I felt right now. I was speaking to her from inside my closed room where I was getting ready for tonight. I had specifically not told Angela about what I was doing tonight because I didn't want the third degree I knew she would give me. With any luck she was just stopping at home for a change of clothes or something.
"I live here you weirdo." Her voice was getting closer so I knew she was going to come into my room to talk to me as her room was in the opposite direction. I closed my eyes in anticipation just before the door opened and she saw me. I turned to her from my bedroom mirror where I had been working on my hair. Her eyes were wide as she looked me up and down a few times while her lips opened and closed like a fish. "B, what are you wearing?" I looked down at my black evening gown and blushed scarlet. It was a modest but beautiful gown that hugged my body tightly while still looking elegantly soft. It was a wrap style dress so it flowed comfortably, much like my usual sun dresses and the waistline was hugged by a large golden belt that matched my peep toed wedge shoes. I had also accessorized with a gold necklace that had just one simple round foe-diamond hanging from the center. I had curled my hair and was currently tying it up so that my neck was fully exposed in my attempt to try and look as 'adult' as possible.
"I'm going to a school fundraiser tonight..." I felt my skin continuing to heat up as she looked me over. She stepped forward and gestured for me to spin around. I sighed but obeyed.
"You look beautiful Bella but how formal is this party?"
"H...He just said it's formal... so I went with this. I figured black is always a safe bet right?" I normally preferred color in my dresses. Colored and patterned but that was for more casual wear. Formal meant solid colors and black was always a good color. "Does it look okay?" I was suddenly worried I didn't look right.
"He?" She ignored my questions and went with her own. I looked up and she was smirking at my discomfort with a great amount of joy.
"We're just friends." I blurted it out before she could comment further and she smiled devilishly.
"You are not dressed for a 'just friends' outing. You look H-O-T, HOT." I blushed and smiled at the compliment.
"Thanks Ang." She nodded before gesturing for me to sit back down so she could finish my hair. I had been trying to put it all up in an elaborate bun but she seemed to want tendrils of hair to come out of it. I bit my lip as I waited for the third degree. "You have such beautiful hair B, you shouldn't hide it all." I smiled at her casual comment. She was very good at always making me feel pretty. I knew she did it due to me having always felt out of place among my peers. She was always acting like both a best friend and a big sister. I supposed in every way that mattered she was both so it made sense.
"Thanks." I was so nervous about tonight. I had never really gone to something so formal before and I was at a complete loss of how to behave. What do I talk about? Should I just smile and nod at what everyone else says?
"Why haven't I heard about this fundraiser until now?" She gave me a pointed look in the mirror and I shrugged softly. "Hmm..." She continued to glare at me so I gave her a small innocent smile, hoping she wasn't mad at me. She rolled her eyes but continued with my hair.
"I'm sorry Angela. I didn't want to keep it from you..."
"But..." She was pretending to be annoyed but she was smirking.
"I was afraid you'd tell mom and she would blow this out of proportion." I remembered the conversation I'd had with my parents in which I mentioned Jasper and how despite me avidly denying having any interest in him, my mother didn't seem to hear me.
"I wouldn't tell her if you didn't want me to B." She narrowed her eyes at me and I laughed. While it was true that she willingly shared a lot with my mom, she never did if I expressly told her not to.
"You're right. Again, I'm sorry Ang."
"Hmm..." I watched her through the mirror as she pondered my apology.
"What?"
"I don't know if I can so easily accept your apology." I starred at her in shock. Angela never held grudges, she was to much of a free spirit for that.
"I really am sorry."
"How sorry?" She smiled at me while wagging her eyebrows suggestively, leaving me puzzled.
"Umm..."
"Sorry enough to say... let me plan your ENTIRE 21st birthday?" I blinked into the mirror as she held my hair while waiting silently for my agreement.
"Angela... I'm not sure..." she cut me off by shaking her head.
"I would never plan anything that I knew you would hate Bella. I just want to have fun with my best friend on her most important birthday." Her eyes were pleading and despite knowing I was being baited into agreeing with this I felt myself giving in. Originally we were going to do what we always did for our birthdays together. We would go out to breakfast together, then lunch, a movie and dinner, followed by home for birthday cake. It wasn't much but considering that we'd been doing it since I was 12 it was a pretty big thing for me. As we got older, especially with Angela being a few years older than me, we occasionally had a hard time making time for each-other. However no matter what else we had going on we ALWAYS made time for each-other on our birthdays.
"Is it really that important to you?" She nodded eagerly and I sighed before nodding in agreement. She immediately squealed and gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek.
"I promise you wont regret this." I somehow doubted that but I wasn't going to say it. She would probably plan something that I honestly wouldn't care for but I knew she had the best of intentions, so for her I could stick it out.
"Do you promise not to do anything to crazy?" She looked at me through the mirror as she finished my hair, gave me an innocent smile, then a wink and left the room without a word. I got the feeling I was going to regret this...
…...
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. I was sitting in my room when I heard the knock. I was about to head for the door when I heard Angela's door slam into the wall, making me jump in surprise before noticing her make a be-line for the front door. "Angela..." I whisper yelled as I followed as fast as I could in my shoes and gown. She rested her hand on the door knob before looking at me with a smirk.
"I just want to meet your date."
"We're just friends." I mumbled uselessly as she rolled her eyes and opened the door. I didn't get the chance to see him first as Angela took up most of the doorway.
"Good evening. Is Bella here?" I shoved past Angela as gracefully as I could and smiled at Jasper kindly.
"Hi. I'm all ready to go." He smiled and was about to speak but Angela interrupted.
"Oh no, please come in for a couple minutes." Angela shoved me aside gently while opening the door widely for Jasper to walk in. He entered easily with his usual easygoing smile.
"You must be the mysterious Edward Cullen." Jasper seemed puzzled before I stepped in, red blush firmly in place.
"Angela this is Jasper Whitlock, the principal at my school. Jasper, this is my best friend Angela."
Now it was Angela's turn to look puzzled. I felt my face heat up under her gaze. I couldn't believe she actually thought I had a date with Edward... If only that were the case... My heart fluttered at the sheer idea. They shook hands and Jasper seemed unconcerned by the mistaken identity. "Any friend of Bella's is of course a pleasure to meet." He gave her a small head nod and a smile and she laughed at his charm. He made sure to take a moment to compliment my outfit and unsurprising to anyone I turned red under the attention but he didn't call any attention to it, he just smiled and chuckled softly.
"So what are you two doing tonight exactly?" Angela was having an inner battle of pushy versus courtesy as she spoke but he took it all with ease.
"Nothing to exciting I'm afraid. I'm required to attend this fundraising event hosted by one of our largest providers. They have the chance to ask us about our programs and success rates..." He trailed off at the semantics he clearly found dull. He gave me a small smile before wrapping his arm around my shoulder kindly. "Bella here was gracious enough to agree to come with me as I despise coming to these things alone."
"That all sounds pretty important." To my surprise he laughed as Angela cast me the side eye. I narrowed my eyes at her as I didn't know what she was up to.
"It is but that certainly doesn't make it much fun. I'll have to make it up to Bella later." With that Angela shot me a look that could only be described as victorious and I could practically hear her chanting 'I told you it was a date. Told you, told you, told you...'
"What are friends for?" I spoke with a smile and he laughed. I shot Angela my own 'ha' face but she acted like she hadn't seen it. Luckily we were able to excuse ourselves from her nosiness fairly quickly afterward.
"Your friend is hilarious." He chuckled as we got seated in his car. We were carpooling since I had no idea where we were going plus apparently parking was a little tight.
"She certainly thinks so." I couldn't fight my own smile as I laughed with him.
"Who's the guy she thought I was? Edward?"
"Umm, no one. A friend of mine." My face turned red at the mention of Edward, and Jasper clearly noticed as he raised a skeptical brow while smirking playfully at me.
"A friend huh?" I nodded weakly while averting my gaze to the passenger window. He didn't speak at first so I hoped he was letting the topic drop. "He sounds like a very lucky... 'friend'."I swore I could hear his smile through the sarcasm, but I chose to ignore him. He laughed again but let it drop.
We talked about school, especially the upcoming PTA meeting which I was eager to get his insights on involving the extracurricular activities. He was surprised by my concern that all the teachers hadn't shown all the options at the start of the year and said he would look into it. The fact of the matter was that good, bad, fair, or ugly extracurricular activities were a huge pull for the school due to the notoriety they gave. In a lot of ways they were just as important as the students academic success. We needed the programs to be given full dedication from every teacher if we expected to keep our funding and accredited scores.
…...
I was beyond surprised when we pulled up to a huge building that appeared to be full of various offices. I looked at Jasper in question and he shrugged. "Our largest contributors are a couple hospitals and law offices." He gestured to the building which I gathered was the latter. He managed to find a spot to park in the 5 tiered parking garage and I was beyond shocked by how full it already was. We were still technically early yet there were little to no spots left.
"What should I expect?" I felt like Alice down the rabbit hole as we rode the elevator down to the first floor of the parking garage.
"Nothing worth white knuckling over." He gave me a pointed look while gesturing to my hands that I had clutched into fists at my sides. I slowly loosened my grip and he gave my shoulder a friendly rub.
"I'm sorry I'm being such a basket case. I just have no idea how to act around something like this."
He shrugged easily, always so calm and easy to talk with. "I've been doing this for a few years now and I still don't know what I'm doing to be honest." I nodded weakly and he laughed. As we walked the short distance to the building he explained that for the most part we were just rubbing elbows with the right people, answering their questions about our programs and all the successes of our school. Luckily I was very familiar with all the extracurricular programs as I'd been doing a lot of research on their progress as homework for the upcoming PTA meeting. Regrettably I knew very little about sports other then basic our schools basic success stats. I was never much of a sporty girl and all things sports tending to go straight over my head. Fortunately Jasper knew everything about sports so between the two of us we would know our stuff when asked.
Of course Jasper was an avid history buff since that was his passion and as a result he knew everything involving where our students were in all branches of social studies, government, and everything else. I was the English expert of the two of us and knew quite a bit about where our school sat there as well. As we discussed all of this I felt quite a bit better. I knew I was being ridiculous as our school was one of the top in the state for student success rate in all areas and as a result we should get plenty of notoriety from investors. At the same time though I really didn't know what to do here so I would just have to play it all by ear.
When we walked into the event I couldn't help my eyes bugging a bit. It was more or less a ball room .There was a stage at the far side with a microphone and chairs set up and the rest of the room was full of tables seating 20 people each. Jasper led us to a table towards the front but off to the left side and I saw Jasper's name and guest was placed at two of the seats. We sat down and talked as we waited for more people to show up. Even-though most people were probably here already very few seemed to be in the ballroom with us right now. Jasper explained that they were probably touring the law offices. Apparently it was rare to host the events here for various reasons and people wanted to look around as a result.
"Where are we exactly?" I hadn't seen a name anywhere to know where this event was even taking place and it felt weird to not know.
"Roman & Volturi." My eyes widened but he luckily didn't notice as he was drinking water and looking towards the door where more people were entering. "It's the largest law firm in the state and one of the biggest financers to our school, a few schools actually." I just blinked a few times as he spoke casually. THIS was Roman and Volturi? This was where Edward works. What are the chances of that? Would I see him? Would he even be here? I knew he was on the board for his firm since he was CLO but I didn't know if that meant he attended events like this or not. We had talked a lot with each-other lately though usually about Lizzie or school, since those were the two biggest things in each of our lives, but I didn't know much about his duties with his firm. "Are you okay?" My eyes went to Jasper who was looking at me strangely. I realized I was probably being obvious in my sudden desperation to scan the growing crowd for signs of Edward.
"I'm fine." He was probably going to press the subject but we were approached by the superintendent and his wife. I had never met him before as I was very new to the school but he was amazingly nice and down to earth and his younger wife, Maria, was actually very funny and seemed to recognize my nervousness immediately and was able to calm me down. She was very interested in my art program and wanted to know if I had plans to expand it to the older students. Apparently she had minored in art in college just like I had and thought I could create an art history type program to pull more students into the art field as it usually isn't given a lot of serious thought as children get older, at least not by their parents. She was absolutely amazing to talk to and I was a little sad when her and her husband had to go talk with someone else.
"It seems you made a friend." Jasper laughed as Maria and I exchanged contact info.
"I guess I did." I blushed but managed to keep the tone pink instead of my trademark red.
"Maria is wonderful and I think you two will have a lot in common. She may have been a history major in college but art has always been her passion."
"How do you know her?"
"We dated in college." He shrugged it off easily and my eyes widened. He dated his bosses wife? He saw my face and started laughing hard. "Your face is absolutely priceless right now."
"Um... how, why... um" I didn't even know what to say. That had to be awkward when he discovered who his boss' wife was.
"Everyone's got a past." He again shrugged it off and I was beginning to understand what he had told me about him and I not being the most interesting gossip around here. I was almost curious about what would be revealed about everyone else.
Thanks to Maria I relaxed a lot and was able to enjoy talking with a lot of different people. True to what Jasper had warned me about people did ask amazingly personal questions when I let it be known that Jasper and I were 'just friends' and I almost wished I'd just let them think we were an item. It would have been easier that's for certain. Jasper seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself as I was asked these questions in place of him and at each available moment I was shooting him dirty looks which just made him laugh at me.
Eventually the room was completely crowded with people and we spoke with heads of other elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and every other type of school. I was amazed by the amount of people here involved in the same stuff as us. I met other art teachers and even a couple teachers with similar backgrounds to me. I was amazed at how much fun I was having here and Jasper was great company to keep as he was able to tell me who most everyone was.
…...
After awhile a few small speeches were made from the heads of the fundraiser. They were remarkably good at calling to people to open not just their pocket books but their time. All of the schools heavily relied on the support of parents, teachers, coaches, and contributors to get everything done as we didn't have all the resources that public schools had involving the government. Aside from that disadvantage though, the upside was that the private schools seemed to have a tight community feel to them. Almost everyone I ran into seemed to know everyone else and that was amazing to me.
As the evening progressed we began to meet a few of the professionals that we were trying to get donations and support from, including several attorneys from Roman&Volturi. Of course the moment I met the first lawyer I was on edge that I would run into Edward and all my nerves returned at the thought. It wasn't a bad nervousness that I felt, but more of a pleasant foreboding. I enjoyed all my time with Edward but the man was sinfully confident, charming and could effortlessly render me speechless at my own place of business, where I had the high ground. What exactly could he do to me here, where he held all the cards? I shivered at the thought, though I couldn't deny how much I wanted to see him despite his power over me. It had been over a week since we saw each-other and truthfully I missed him.
…...
"Jason Jenks, family law." I had only caught the tail end of the introduction between the man and Jasper as I had been talking to another couple with the firm who had a son who would be enrolling into kindergarten next year and wanted to know about our programs. The man was a bit older, perhaps mid forties, average height, brown eyes and short black hair.
"I'm Jasper Whitlock, principal of Evenfall Elementary." They shook hands and Jasper pulled me forward. "This is Bella Swan, my number one Kindergarten teacher." I rolled my eyes while laughing before shaking the man's hand.
"It's nice to meet you." He smiled pleasantly as he shook my hand though he gave me a curious look, like he was trying to figure something out. The three of us spoke casually before Jasper's attention was pulled to another lawyer that seemed to know him. I continued speaking with Mr. Jenks as he had a lot of interesting things to say involving co-parenting. He wasn't threatening in any way but I couldn't shake the way he was looking at me, like I was a puzzle he was trying to solve.
"Is something wrong?" I spoke kindly as he wasn't being rude but my curiosity was peaked. He shook his head before smiling apologetically.
"I apologize. It's just your name seems a bit familiar to me but I can't place where I've heard it."
"Hmm? I'm not sure where you could have heard of me. I'm new to the school, so this is my first time at an event like this." He nodded politely as I spoke. "Plus I really don't know many lawyers... just one actually." I wasn't sure why I volunteered that but it somehow slipped out.
He laughed. "Most people that aren't lawyers don't really enjoy spending time with our kind." I laughed with him. "Again I'm sorry for staring. I just hate when I can't place something."
"Well the only lawyer I do know works here. Maybe that's how you've heard of me?" I very much doubted Edward would have mentioned me but its possible given Jenks field of family law. It would make since for them to be very familiar with each other. "Edward Cullen?"
A look of dawning spread across his face as he nodded his head. "That must be it." He didn't elaborate on why I would have been mentioned but I suppose whatever the reason was must be confidential so I didn't press the subject.
"How do you know Edward?" I idly wondered if I should refer to him as Mr. Cullen, given that this was his place of work, but it was to late now.
"He's my boss, well one of them." He laughed and I smiled. Of course given Edward's CLO position he was the boss of ALL the attorneys here.
"His daughter is one of my students. Lizzie's such a little sweetheart."
"Yes I've met her a few times. She's a delight to be around. I'm not sure where she gets her bright disposition given her fathers more serious nature." I smiled but shrugged at the same time.
"Mr. Cullen has a sunnier side. I just don't think he lets many see it." I really shouldn't have said that as Mr. Jenks smiled, almost knowingly after I did. Luckily the subject dropped from Edward quickly after that.
We continued to talk for awhile and he actually had a lot to say involving custody agreements in schools. I had told him how much of a surprise it was for me when I became a teacher that I had to know such personal stuff. He had laughed at that and agreed with me on how much of a surprise things were in his own career. He had never expected to learn the dirt he did on people simply because it came out during a divorce hearing. He had some hilarious examples of things that were said both in and out of court and I had to laugh at the situations he'd been forced to stay 'professional' in.
"Jason." We both turned at the sound of the very familiar velvety voice coming from directly behind me. Even before I started turning I knew exactly who would be standing there as I would know that voice absolutely anywhere. Absolutely no one else had a voice that perfect. Sure enough there was Edward, in all his impressive glory. He was wearing a pitch black fitted suit with a green pinstriped tie that brought out his incredible emerald eyes. Said eyes went straight to me the moment I turned around and I saw a wide smile spread on his face, of course turning me red immediately. How did he always manage to do that to me with just a look?
"Bella." I swore his eyes lite up as soon as he saw me before practically purring my name. "Well isn't this is a surprise."
"Hi... Edward." Again I didn't know if I should use his first name here but it didn't feel right to call him Mr. Cullen, given our relationship... whatever that was. He smiled at me widely in response so I gathered he didn't mind. Jenks reached for Edward's hand, which he took but kept his eyes on me. I saw his gaze move to take in all of me and his smile widened ever so slightly as a result before he looked to Jenks and they spoke briefly. Oh God, will this blush please go away?
"Bella." I looked over and saw Jasper approach with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry for leaving you. Peter is a friend of mine from college and he wanted to catch up." We had agreed not to abandon each-other at this event but Jenks had been good company so I hadn't minded at all. I smiled timidly as I was still flushed from Edward's presence. I still couldn't believe he was actually here...
Mr. Jenks seemed to excuse himself just as Jasper's eyes met Edward's. Was I imagining the contemplative and cold look Edward was giving Jasper? I smiled in an effort to keep the atmosphere light and decided to just introduce the two. "Jasper Whitlock meet Edward Cullen." They reached forward to shake hands with each-other. I couldn't help but notice their similarities as well as their glaring physical differences. Jasper was a bit younger than Edward as I placed him to be about 28-30. Edward was a bit taller than Jasper though both of them had a very similar lean build. Edward had his unique messy bronze hair while Jasper had his longer than average dark blonde. Jasper had kind hazel eyes while Edward had his piercing emerald that bore right through me with just a glance. Then their was their smiles. While Jasper's was kind, just like his eyes, Edward's were all encompassing. It was completely and utterly impossible to look away from him when he smiled. It somehow managed to be intimidating, stimulating, and incredibly beautiful. I had an idol thought that I really hoped he never realized just how much I loved his smile. He had enough power over me without that knowledge.
"Jasper is Lizzie's principal." Edward nodded and I could almost swear he seemed slightly relieved by my statement. "Edward is Lizzie's father. She's one of my students."
"Edward huh?" Jasper smirked at me and I fought the red in my cheeks the best I could to no avail. It figures that Jasper would remember the name. It's not like you heard such an old fashioned name all the time.
"Yes?" Edward responded tentatively while he looked between us with a slightly confused expression. Obviously Jasper's remark had his attention but he didn't know what it meant, for which I was beyond grateful. I did not need Edward to know that I spoke about him... often with my best friend, and that my said friend was not shy about broadcasting my obvious crush. Thankfully Jasper didn't elaborate upon Edward's curiosity, though I was sure I'd get a few comments from him later.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." The three of us were only speaking for a few moments before an absolutely beautiful woman came over to us. She was just slightly older than me, maybe 23-24, and had gorgeous pitch black hair and big green eyes. Amazingly enough her eyes were very much like Edwards except softer. She immediately grabbed the drink Edward had been holding and took a sip before grimacing and giving it back to him and shooting him a dirty look.
"Ugg, how do you drink that stuff." She made a disgusted face that I would consider funny if it wasn't for my discomfort at how familiar she was with him. Who was this woman? He didn't seem annoyed by her?...
"Perhaps that will teach you to get your own drinks." He rolled his eyes before he continued to drink from the glass.
She shrugged with an unworried expression. "Probably not." He chuckled before clearing his throat and gesturing to us. "Alice, meet Jasper Whitlock and Bella Swan." She smiled while shaking each of our hands happily. "Mr Whitlock is Lizzie's principal and Bella is her teacher."
I could tell Edward was about to say more, maybe introduce who this mystery woman was but before he could she squealed and pulled me into an amazingly powerful and crushing hug. I didn't know what shocked me more, the level of strength coming off this girl who was actually shorter than me or the fact that a stranger was hugging me like we were best friends. "OH MY GOD. You're Ms. Swan?!" She asked as she pulled back to look at me but still stood quite close. I had no idea what to say so I just nodded while wearing an expression that I was sure was wide-eyed and slightly scared. She squealed again and gave me another hug, even more powerful than the first. I looked to Edward and he was clearly very amused by this as he was trying to hide his laugh in his glass as he drank. His eyes met my most likely frightened ones and he seemed to take pity.
"Alice..." He chuckled as he casually reached for my arm and gently pulled me away from her and into his side protectively... AND cue my bright red face as I felt his body touch mine and smelled his scent which reminded me of both snow and warmth at the same time. Why oh why can't I control my red face? "...please don't crush her. Lizzie would be heartbroken." I glanced up at him and he gave me a discreet wink that no one but me could see. Even with others around he could charm me like it was the easiest thing in the world to do. Did he practice in front of a mirror or something?
She seemed undeterred by his playful scolding as she continued to smile at me happily. I had NO idea why she was so excited to meet me but given that Edward was still holding me close and she didn't seem jealous in anyway, I gathered their relationship was innocent so I smiled back at her tentatively. "Lizzie talks about you ALL THE TIME." She gushed as she slowly took in my outfit. "WOW, she said you were pretty but WOW... you're gorgeous." Her smile turned a little calmer as I turned even redder. Of course I heard Edward chuckle but I was smart enough to avoid looking at him. Who knew what he would do to me in response to THAT comment.
"Thank-you. Umm, how...how do you know Lizzie?" My voice sounded like a whisper when compared to how loudly she'd been talking. She laughed and shook her head.
"Sorry I got ahead of myself. I do that sometimes." She waved it off as Edward scoffed. I looked up at him and he was watching her with an amused expression.
"Yes Alice... sometimes..." His voice trailed off and there was that smile of his that of course I was lost in, however briefly, before he glanced at me when he spoke. "Alice is my sister, Lizzie's aunt." I felt my body relax significantly at that revelation and then I felt like an idiot for having been slightly jealous of the woman who turned out to be Edward's sister. I had heard her name a couple times from Edward plus she was on the list of people that could pick Lizzie up.
I glanced at Jasper and he was smiling, though not at me. His eyes were trained on Alice, not that I blamed him. She was absolutely gorgeous and so free-spirited and it was impossible not to be caught up in her aura. "My niece talks about you ALL the time." She smiled sweetly at me and I smiled right back.
"Lizzie is such an amazing girl and an incredible artist." Alice nodded her head eagerly in agreement. She immediately started talking to me about Lizzie's art and how much she loves the art class and has shown everything she does in class to her whenever they spend time together. I learned that despite Alice being in medical school she spent an amazing amount of time with Lizzie and I smiled at how close the family was. Lizzie was a lucky little girl.
After a few minutes Alice said she needed to get something to drink and before I could blink she was practically dancing away. I also noticed Jasper quickly excused himself to follow her. That left just Edward and me. I smiled softly at him and he wore that disabling grin he always did. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight Bella."
I reigned in my blush as best as I could but gave him a genuine smile. "Thank-you. You look very nice as well." I hope that didn't sound as bad as it did in my head. He chuckled before stepping a bit closer to me.
His eyes lingered on my hair and I wondered what he thought of it as he'd never seen it up before. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming to this? I would have brought you myself." He smirked as I turned just a bit pinker.
"I didn't know it was being held at your firm. Jasper asked me to come with him to a fundraiser for the school but I didn't know where it was being held at the time."
"Oh he did, did he?" His tone held innuendo but his eyes held humor so I gathered he wasn't jealous of Jasper... exactly, but rather wanted some information.
I swore he shifted just a little closer to me and I felt my breath hitch at our closeness. "Yes." It wasn't necessary to answer his obviously rhetorical question and he smirked when I did anyway. His eyes held me and I felt compelled to elaborate. "He said it's impossible to come to these events alone."
To my surprise, relief, and disappointment his consuming gaze lifted as he laughed at my explaination. He agreed with Jasper and pretty much confirmed everything that Jasper had said about people being extremely invasive with their questions if you came alone. "That's why I bring Alice every time. Since she's my baby sister no one questions me about my relationship status. I'm just written off as a wonderful brother." He winked at me and I laughed. He was so much fun to talk to.
"That's diabolically intelligent of you Mr. Cullen." My voice came out soft but teasing and he narrowed his eyes while smirking. He placed his cup on a passing tray before getting even closer to me then he had before. I wouldn;t have thought it was possible to get closer but he managed.
"You know, Ms. Swan..." He smiled as I flushed, knowing he was going to say something to render me powerless momentarily. "The problem with you and Mr. Whitlock attending this together is that the other guests wont see siblings, co-workers, or friends for that matter." I watched his eyes as he held my gaze. "They will see him, a man, with an absolutely gorgeous woman." I smiled at his compliment as he continued to watch me. "They will assume you're his." I didn't miss his word choice. He could have said something like 'they will assume you're together' but instead he used possessive pro-nouns.
"I'm not."
"I know." His gaze didn't waver as he spoke and I swore I could almost hear the unspoken statement of 'You're mine' but felt ridiculous for thinking it.
As was always the case with us, after the intimate tension managed to pass we fell into easy conversation. I asked him about his firms interests in the fundraiser and he explained that it donates to all levels of education, college especially and even offers an all expenses paid scholarship plus internship every year. He never stepped back from our closeness but I didn't feel uncomfortable by it and in fact I loved it. We'd never seen each-other outside of school, just the two of us. He was as carefree as he was on our almost date with Lizzie and I relaxed more and more in his company.
We had just started talking about Lizzie's art class when Edward suddenly tensed. His jaw flexed slightly and I followed his gaze to across the room where Tanya was standing with a bunch of people I hadn't met yet. I looked back to him and the tension in his body was obvious desite how light and happy he'd been before seeing her. "Are you okay?" I couldn't help giving his arm a quick reassuring rub. He smiled down at me but it was clearly forced. Obviously their relationship wasn't improving though I sensed there was more to it, not that I was going to ask.
"I'm fine." He glanced back in her direction before smiling more genuinely at me and offering his hand to me. I took it without question and he gestured with his head for me to follow him so I did. He led us out of the room and offered to take me on a tour of the building. I happily accepted as the building was huge and actually quite beautiful considering it was a bunch of law offices. My curiosity was peaked about his job and the fact that an impromptu tour gave me the chance to be alone with him for awhile was more then enough to put a smile on my face.
Just one level up from where the party was being held was another open area, just as nice as below but featured a large fountain in the middle of the room and lots of casual seating all over the place. He explained it was a waiting room for appointments. I was a little surprised that there was so many different fields of law practiced here as he explained all the different areas. I asked how so many fields came together and he gave a very brief, so as to not bore me, history of the founding partners who had very different law backgrounds.
"Most of the fields seem more corporate oriented." He nodded at my observation before I added that I didn't see really where branches like family law tied in. He explained that every field had something to offer and it was a great way to expand each-others knowledge to work with one another on cases where more than one branch overlapped.
"Who's your least favorite lawyer here?" I don't know why I asked that but I did. He laughed as we got into the elevator for the top floor, where he said his as well as well as a few others offices were.
"That's easy, James Hunter." He looked at me as I awaited explanation. "He's our top trial attorney and wants absolutely everyone to know it." He rolled his eyes before explaining that the guy was extremely entitled due to his father being the CFO of the company. I sensed more behind their rivalry but didn't know how to ask.
"CFO... is that a bigger deal than CLO?" I smirked as his eyes narrowed at me. How can he make such a look so attractive?
"This is a law firm, Isabella. There is no position here with more power than mine." I smiled at his firm tone and tried not to laugh at his facial expression which was both irritated and amused.
"Did I strike a nerve, Mr. Cullen?" I couldn't resist teasing him. He ALWAYS had the advantage between us and this was my chance to get him befuddled for once.
He took a wide step closer to me in the small elevator and my smile faulted slightly at the look on his face which could only really be categorized as predatory. His deep green eyes watched me before a wide smile spread and he leaned down to whisper in my ear. "As always you are beyond striking Ms. Swan." He finished off his statement by gently but far to briefly brushing the back of his finger down my cheek. Despite just doing it one time my cheek felt like it was on fire where he'd touched me. I smiled and he chuckled before leading me from the elevator. He led me to a large room divided into a few sections. He led me to the furthest one with a couple couches and 4 desks before leading me to a closed door.
"My office." He explained before opening the door for me. I didn't know what I expected from a law office as I'd never seen one but it certainly wasn't this. The room was extremely large with a lot of open space. One wall was an entire window overlooking the city and right next to it was a gigantic cherry wood desk with a very comfortable looking black office chair and across from it were three other black chairs. On the wall behind the desk was a series of floor to ceiling built in cherry wood cabinetry. Against the glass was a large couch and on the far wall was a series of bookshelves and two doors, but I wasn't sure where they led.
"Wow." He led me in all the way so I didn't have to just stare from the outside. I automatically went to the window, staying near the desk, and looked out at the city. I couldn't see much given the time of night but it was still beautiful. He followed me quietly and stood next to me. I let me eyes fall back on the professional but comfortable office. "It's beautiful." He gave me a raised eyebrow and I shrugged, not feeling apologetic for calling his 'man space' beautiful. I went to the bookcases and browsed through his collection. Most everything were legal books but one shelf had more more personal looking ones, though I couldn't quite tell what they were as there were no labels on the bindings.
We continued where our conversation had left off downstairs about Lizzie and his vacation with her. I told him I'd never gone there but that I loved Disney Land in California. "Next time we'll have to bring you with us then." I laughed expecting him to be joking but he just watched me with a serious expression.
"I wouldn't want to intrude on your time with Lizzie."
"Bella..." He reached for my face and held me so softly just below my left ear, cradling me in a strong hold. "...you are never an intrusion." His eyes held me even more that his touching words had. "Lizzie would have loved to have you with us." Lost in his emerald gaze I felt the atmosphere change between us. It got tenser, stronger, scarier, and all-consuming. The first time I had felt this 'shift' was the night he came over to my home for Lizzie and we spoke in the kitchen. It was where he had held me for the first time. Yes he had held me briefly in my classroom before that but that was before there was even an illusion of 'us'. That night, in my kitchen, was when things officially changed between us. As confused and vulnerable as I had been that night I still knew that we had something more than before. No matter how innocent his touch may have been intended that night I knew he felt what I did. Just like the energy I felt then I knew something was evolving now. I had no way of explaining it, even to myself, but I still knew I wanted it. "I would have loved it too." His hand gently stroked my face as he said the second part. I breathed in deeply and couldn't take my eyes off him as he gazed right back at me.
"Why?" What I really wanted to ask was, in what way he saw me there with them. As a friend? As Lizzie's teacher? What was I to Edward now? Despite mending the awkwardness of our relationship in the aftermath of my age reveal we still hadn't defined what this relationship actually was. I was understanding of the limbo we were in given the horrible situation Edward was dealing with involving his ex-wife not to mention his very much needed and deserved week away with Lizzie. Despite understanding it all though I still wanted to know where we were. What we are...
I had repeatedly told Angela we were 'just friends' but are we? The way he looks at me, talks to me, and especially the way he touches me is way more than 'friendly' and I wanted to know what it meant. I knew that I wanted more, much more than friendship with him. The question was, what did he want?
I actually expected Edward to answer my vague question, most likely with a charming remark but instead he just watched me for a moment holding my gaze intimately and waveringly. It felt like time stopped as our eyes held the other right in this moment. His eyes were searching mine for something and I wished I knew what he was trying to find. A few more long moments and his gaze changed from searching to knowing and determined. His hand reached back towards the back of my head just slightly as he started to lean down to me. My breath caught as I felt his whole body shift ever so closer to me. My body matched his, welcoming him into my space without a moment of hesitation. I wasn't sure if I was in shock or if I was just as ready for this as he now was. Regardless of the reasons behind my physical reaction, I didn't want to do anything that might make him hesitate with me. Instead I closed my eyes and then his lips were on mine.
Warmth, power, excitement. His lips consumed me the moment they touched mine. So soft but somehow still managed to be strong. His hand was still holding my head gently while the other had wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer to him. His hold was possessive and comforting. In the back of my mind, what little could focus on anything besides this man kissing me, I realized that possessive and comforting described Edward perfectly. He was a dominate man, there was no denying that, but he was never cruel, crass, or disrespectful about it and everything he did felt safe and right.
I melted into his kiss the moment our lips touched, kissing him just as much as he was kissing me. It was a tender embrace, and so much better than anything I could have imagined. Despite the control he always displayed in everything he did, this was the softer side of him that I knew few saw. He was always n control but with me I saw something else. He's always so gentle and caring with me, and I loved every second of it. My hands found their way to his shoulders where I held on softly as our kiss slowed to the point that he placed a few small kisses on my lips before resting his forehead to mine. My breathing was ragged but then again his was too. Not as bad as mine was of course but it was still noticeable against the drumming in my ears. I could feel his warmth as he exhaled. I had yet to open my eyes as I felt him pressed to me, just feeling this moment, our first kiss. Edward had actually KISSED me... My mind was a buzzing of frozen thoughts and swirling emotions. Blank while managing to work in overdrive to process what had just happened. He kissed me.
"Go out with me." His hold hadn't changed as he spoke so gently, like he was afraid of disrupting this moment between us. He pulled back slightly which prompted me to open my eyes. I was greeted a sea of green, holding my gaze once again. Not that I would even want to look away. He had a small smile on his face, so soft compared to the rest of him. Nothing could hide my own smile in the face of what had just past between us in combination with his words. He was asking me out, without actually asking me. I wouldn't call it a command exactly but it wasn't really a question either. Regardless of not having a word for it, I knew it was so perfectly Edward.
I didn't stop to think about it or ask when, where... because honestly I didn't care. "Yes." I almost didn't recognize my own voice because of how happy I sounded. That beautiful smile took over his face and he leaned in to kiss me, on the side of my lips this time as his hand slid up a small bit to my hair giving me tingles. As I tried to control my racing heart he leaned up to kiss my forehead making me want to never leave his arms. I loved everything about how he handled me. He managed to sweet and so incredibly powerful all together.
Possessive and comforting. Tender and strong. He was a man with many facets. That was Edward Cullen and for whatever reason he wanted me. Maybe even as much as I wanted him...
END NOTES (Don't read until after you've already read the chapter as there may be spoilers):
-PLEASE REVIEW
-It's more traditional to go on the date BEFORE the first kiss but hey, Edward plays by his own rules...
-So they FINALLY had their first kiss and Edward asked her out in which of course she said yes. As if she could refuse. I hope it was all worth it to you all. I know I tend to write 'slow burn' romance but I can't help it. I like a relationship to develop purely with a basis of friendship not just attraction. I DO NOT write romances that start with sex filled nonsense. Call me old fashioned but I believe that if a relationship starts with sex that's all it will ever be. I build a relationship with the stuff that will make it last :-)
-For some reason this was the hardest 'first kiss' I've ever written in any story I've ever done. LOL. Hopefully it turned out right. :-) I'm not sure why some intimate scenes are easy and others are so difficult *Grrrrrr :-[*
-What will Edward have planned for their first date? You'll just have to wait and see...
-I honestly had no idea what to write for a fundraising event like this until I did a lot of research. Apparently they can differ drastically from one another depending on the situation. The events can be a casual little thing where everyone dresses normally or they can be major black tie events, so I chose a more formal occasion as I wanted it to be a fundraising event for all levels of education.
-What fun will Angela torture Bella with for the big 21st birthday?
