Welcome back again folks, and hello to all my lovely new readers. Sorry it's been a while again. RL has truly been hell on earth this week.
I'm dedicating this chapter to a dear friend of mine who passed away earlier this week at the tender age of 37. Farewell N, we will miss you.
I'll get straight down to it as I've kept you all waiting. Epic A/N to follow.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, it belongs to S. Meyer. But I do now own several footballer's autographs and a signed photograph of Angelos Epithemiou. One nil to me I think.
This storyline is still mine though, so please no playing with it without my permission
Chapter 10 Waiting For My Prince To Come...Again
After Edward leaves, I pull myself together and get back into my usual Sunday night routine: plan for the week ahead, catch up on laundry and finally indulge in a relaxing bath before bedtime. Keeping busy helps occupy my mind. I manage to get everything done and am just about to run my bath when my phone rings. Instantly my heart gives a little leap, but sadly it's not Edward- it's Rose.
"Bella, are you home? I thought I saw Edward's car earlier. Aren't you coming over to fill me in?"
From the tone of her voice, I can picture her bouncing with excitement. Actually, a little girl time sounds like fun. I tell her I'll be over in five, grab my phone and keys and head over there.
As I walk into the kitchen, I nearly trip over Rose, she is so keen to greet me. She looks me up and down, peering at me expectantly. I frown at her, about to quiz her on what she is doing, but before I can speak, she grabs me by the hand and tows me to the table. A cup of tea is unceremoniously plonked in front of me and she takes a seat opposite.
"Well?" She raises an eyebrow. I decide to torture her a little, as payback for the brunch date set-up.
"Well, what?" I blink at her, and take a slow sip of my tea. She is not amused.
"Bella, don't you dare. You know I want to know everything and I want to know it now!"
Poor Rose looks like she is going to burst. I decide to put her out of her misery. I tell her about our meal, the walk along the river, and the visit to Edward's new apartment. She interrupts me at this point.
"You went to his apartment? What for?" She gives me a knowing look, and I swear, she winks."
"Um, well, Edward wanted to show it to me," I look down at the table. Rose cracks up laughing. What is so funny? Oh. Crap. I walked right into that one.
"So did he...ummm...show it to you?" Rose is trying to reign in her naughty giggles. Hmm... well actually he did, but I'm not going into details just yet!
"Yes, he showed me around," I carefully explain, avoiding any double entendres this time.
"And then? Jesus, Bella! This is like pulling teeth. You were gone most of the day. I'm guessing it wasn't a five minute tour."
"We stayed for a while, yes," I admit. As thoughts of what we were doing creep into my mind, a blush spreads across my cheeks. Oh hell. Now I really am busted.
"You DIDN'T?" Rose gasps. "Did you? Not that I would have a problem with that. It's just...well...I didn't think you would have just yet." She is struggling to get the words out fast enough. I wait until she stops rambling, before I respond.
"No. I didn't, but we did get closer. Then he took me home and stayed for a while." That's as much detail as I'm giving, unless she drags it out of me.
"So how do you feel about him now?"
The good news is Rose has moved away from one subject, the bad news is she has moved on to another uncomfortable one.
How do I feel about him? I like him. Very much. It hurt to be separated from him earlier. I'm on pins waiting for his next call. Oh hang on, Rose is waiting for me to answer.
"I...I...I really like him, Rose." It's hard to get these words out, but once I do, I feel much better. Rose is smiling at me. She takes my hand and squeezes it.
"Oh Bella, I'm thrilled for you. I told you he was a nice guy. It's good to see you finally interested in someone at last. So what happens now?"
"I'm seeing him on Wednesday, after work." I confide. Rose seems satisfied with this.
We chat for a while, over tea, before I leave to take my long awaited bath and sink into bed. I feel emotionally exhausted today after everything that has happened. I just want to sleep, so I am refreshed and ready to face the week ahead.
Unfortunately my brain has other ideas. It refuses to let me get to sleep. Images of Edward keep replaying in my head: his smile, his sweet words, his kisses...other things. Then the worrying starts. He's never had a girlfriend. Why? Why is it me that he wants? The self doubt from before, all the nasty little comments Jacob used to whisper when no one was around, come back. Eventually, my brain decides it too is exhausted after all and I drift into a deep sleep. At least the bad dreams leave me alone and I get some rest.
When I wake on Monday morning, I feel better. My day is fairly full. I have lots of work to be done at home. In the afternoon I take a break and work the horses. Both are in good spirits, and even Freddie behaves himself. By early evening I'm exhausted and head home to relax. As I get through the door my phone rings, making me jump. I glance at the screen and smile, it's Edward.
"Hey there," he says, and I can almost hear the smile in his voice.
"Hi," I breathe, grinning like a fool. Good job I'm at home and no one can witness this. I go upstairs, and start getting things ready for a long bath, while Edward tells me about his day. It sounds tedious, lots of back to back meetings. He's in a hotel room right now, thinking about ordering dinner. He asks lots of questions about my day, wanting to know every last detail. When I think we are nearing the end of the conversation I walk into the bathroom and start the water.
"What are you doing?" Edward asks. "Is that water I hear running?"
"Yes, I was just about to have a bath," I say. Then there's an awkward pause.
"Oh...so are you um...getting undressed?" Edward's voice has become slightly husky.
"Umm...yes?" I mumble. Well, it is sort of true. I did just remove my socks. I swear I hear Edward groan slightly in the background.
What on earth is he doing?
"I had better let you...get in it then." Edward replies, his voice still a little rough. "I need to jump in the shower anyway. I'll call you later to say goodnight, beautiful." He ends the call abruptly, before I can say goodbye.
Hmm what was all that about?
Edward seemed in a hurry to end the call. I wonder why.
Oh wait a minute. He wasn't...was he?
An image of Edward in the shower pops into my head and I feel a tingle all over. These thoughts entertain me while I have my bath.
I fall into bed later, still thinking of him, and missing him a little, even though it's only been twenty four hours. This time, sleep comes fairly quickly.
Unfortunately I am not so lucky tonight. The dream comes back. The same one as before. I walk into the office, expecting to meet Edward. But instead I am greeted with sniggers, whispers and humiliation. I wake up shaking. It's three in the morning. I decide to get up and have a glass of water, but once I'm up, I'm wide awake. I take my drink back to bed and get a favourite book down from the shelf. Hopefully this will calm me and I can get back to sleep. I notice the screen of my phone is lit. I'm sure it wasn't like that when I went downstairs?
1 new Text Message
From
Edward Cullen
*Bella I couldn't stop thinking of you tonight. Wednesday can't come soon enough. Ex*
I feel comforted by this. Edward is thinking of me. I get back into bed and fall asleep. This time I sleep through until the morning. When I wake, I'm a bit groggy from my broken night, but feeling mostly okay. I try and push the dreams and doubts from my head and get on with things. Tuesday passes quickly and before I know it, evening arrives. I decide upon an early night, so I am well rested for my big day ahead, and am tucked up in my bed by ten. Sleep comes mercifully quickly and the next thing I am aware of is my alarm going off.
I rush around, having breakfast and then getting ready. Luckily, Rose helped me pick my outfit yesterday. For once, I don't drag my heels. I almost feel a spring in my step at the thought of going to the office, knowing Edward will be there. He has called and texted me several times over the last couple of days, to finalise plans for today. He's travelling here this morning, and should hopefully arrive in time for lunch.
I walk through the office doors, without feeling any trepidation at facing Jessica. I make it past her with a polite hello, ignoring her giving my outfit the once over, and disappear into the sanctuary of my little office. Hoping that it will make the morning pass quickly, I get down to work immediately. I immerse myself in reports, until I am disturbed by a knock at the door. I look up, startled. Leaning against the frame is Jasper, wearing his usual disarming smile.
"Hey you," he calls, looking far too smug at making me jump. "I wondered if you fancied some lunch?"
"Lunch?" I blink up at him, baffled. It can't be lunchtime already. I haven't heard from Edward. I look up at the clock which has ticked round past one o'clock.
"Yeah, you know that thing we do in the middle of the day, we eat, take a break." Jasper smirks, smug bastard.
"I know what lunch is, thank you," I glare at him. "I just hadn't realised it was that time yet." What do I do? I don't want to look like a lovesick fool, hanging around for a would-be date, but I don't want to miss Edward either. Luckily Jasper comes to my rescue.
"I know Edward was supposed to be here by now, but he's running late. He said to go on and take lunch without him. Hopefully he'll be here later." Wait a minute. Edward said he was coming here and taking me to lunch. Now it sounds like a group outing. Did I misunderstand? Have I just made a big idiot of myself? At least I didn't dress myself up to the nines. He did promise we could do something later, but if he's running late, then it's extremely unlikely he will be able to leave early.
"Earth to Bella," Jasper calls from the doorway, pulling me back to the here and now. "Come to lunch, sweetheart. Take a break- that's an order." He tries to look stern, and fails miserably. I comply, jumping up and grabbing my jacket. Soon we are in Jasper's car, heading to our usual haunt. Jasper is full of conversation, filling me in on how he has spent his last few days. He mentions that Edward has been extremely busy while he's been away.
We sit at our usual table and order. I try and relax, but feel twitchy. Is Edward going to join us here? I await his arrival during the whole lunch. Alas, he doesn't appear. Before I know it Jasper and I are on our way back to the office. He escorts me to my door, ever the gentleman. I say a quick farewell and go back to work.
This time I am unable to focus. My reports are written and the software is busy running. Nothing left for me to do except sit and wait, which is torturous. It gets to four in the afternoon and there's still nothing from Edward. The day's projects are all done, I just need to deliver the payslips to Angela in HR. I debate whether to take them now, or on my way out.
The decision is made for me when my phone rings. I jump instantly, hoping its Edward, but again, it isn't. It's Angela. She's leaving early, asking if I have the payslips for her. Explaining that they are indeed ready, I grab them and wander off in her direction. The office seems strangely quiet as I walk through it. I start getting nervous misgivings in my belly, a feeling that something is a bit off.
I chat briefly with Angela, but not for long as she is keen to get away. As I walk back to my office, I pass the two large offices where Jasper and now Edward (if he ever gets here) work. Unfortunately I am accosted by Lauren as I pass. She is trying to smile, but it looks more like some sort of twisted leer.
"Hi Bella," she says, in that unpleasant nasal voice of hers. "I have a message for you." She's waving a piece of paper in front of me. "Edward called and asked me to pass this on." But as I am about to take it she suddenly snatches it back.
"So why is he calling you?" She asks, nosily. "You don't work directly with him, do you?" Her beady eyes are boring into me. I feel ill. I've been more than a little edgy today, and her scrutiny is making me squirm.
I take a deep breath and try not to let her get to me.
"Sometimes I do," I say firmly. "Can I have my message please?" She huffs and hands it over. I dash back to my office, anxious to read it without an audience. Once I am sitting at my desk, I unfurl the paper.
Bella, sorry I'm running late. I'll be there soon.
Hmm. No wonder Lauren was so intrigued. Bet she was on the phone to Jessica as soon as I was out of earshot. Ah well. I decide to stay a while longer. There are a few things I can do here that should take me at least another hour or so. If Edward isn't here by then, well he'll just have to find me at home. If I sit here for too long I am going to go mad with the anticipation. Just when I think I am finished, I realise the file I need is in my car.
Damn.
I was in such a rush to get here this morning I forgot to bring it in. That means I have to brave reception and Jessica, who will undoubtedly have been filled in by Lauren.
Double Damn.
I try and rack my brains as to where the fire escape is. I seriously consider it, then give myself a mental slap in the face for being so feeble.
I brazen it out and walk out the doors without a word. I can feel the staring, the eyes boring holes into my back. I focus ahead and make it to my car. I grab the offending file and march back in before I lose my nerve. I push through the doors and the conversation inside instantly stops. I look up, although I really don't want to, and freeze.
It's my dream. Jessica is standing behind the reception desk, with a smirk on her face. Lauren is next to her, also smirking. A couple of colleagues from the sales floor are lurking and staring. I feel the panic rising.
What do I do? Try and ignore them? Brush it off? Maybe I'm just being paranoid?
Deep breaths, Bella.
I walk slowly across the floor, intent on making it to the stairs. Someone calls my name.
"Bella?" Shit. It's Jessica. Shit, shit, shit. I turn around and fake a polite smile.
"Yes?" See Jessica? I can do this fake thing too.
"You have a visitor." She puts an awful lot of emphasis on the last word. Nosey cow.
"Oh, okay, where?" I look around. There is no sign of anyone waiting for me. Maybe Rose has popped in for a visit? I can't think who else it might be.
Who would come looking for me here?
"In your office." She is almost vibrating with excitement. She still looks amused. Great, glad she finds my life so entertaining.
The panic starts to subside. It seems they are just being excitable over someone coming to see me. It isn't my dream at all.
I climb the stairs, relieved. I open the door to my office and stop dead. Edward is sitting on my desk, long legs hanging over the edge. He has a goofy grin on his face.
"Hi," he murmurs, trying not to laugh. The expression on my face must be priceless.
And how the hell did he sneak in here?
"I've been here a little while. I wanted to surprise you. I'm so sorry I missed lunch. Hopefully I can make it up to you now?" He raises an eyebrow.
I shake myself out of my stupor and walk over to him. Once I'm within range he grabs my hand and I am pulled very, very close.
"Hi," I mumble, unable to really manage much else. I look up, and fall victim to the tractor beam, again. Our lips are inches apart.
"Hmm," he hums, and the vibrations travel to my lips. Then his hands are in my hair, and we're kissing. I reach up to grab a hold of him, my legs feel a little unsteady. As I start to lose myself in him, I suddenly realise where we are. I can't do this here! I break the kiss and take a step back.
Edward blinks at me, stunned.
"Is something wrong?" He asks, looking a little hurt.
"N-not here," I manage to stammer, gesturing at the office and my still-open office door. Luckily it looks like there is no one else around.
"Oh, right," he looks relieved. He promptly crosses the room, closes and locks the door, and pulls the blinds.
"Better?" he smirks at me, before pulling me into his arms and backing me into the wall. We kiss furiously, neither of us able to get enough. He presses into me, harder, I can feel his erection nudging my belly through his suit trousers.
Oh my goodness! He wants me. Right here.
I reach up and grab his hair, pulling slightly. He grunts and thrusts into me even harder. His lips move to my neck, sucking and kissing my bare skin.
I am a mess, legs trembling, body quivering, panting as he works his magic. I'm not sure what we are going to manage to do while propped against the wall, but it feels so good. I've missed his touch over the last couple of days. I even regret that I am not wearing a skirt. It's official, Edward has scrambled my brains. I never wear skirts!
His lips travel back up and he nibbles my ear. I can hear and feel him panting. He takes a step back, turns me around, and walks me backwards until my legs brush against the desk. He lifts me so I am sitting on it, legs on either side of him. He steps closer and moves in again, kissing me hungrily. I melt into him, one hand in the hair at the nape of his neck, the other gripping his shoulder.
He kisses a trail from my lips, down to my collar bone, then I feel him push his tongue into the little hollow there. I whimper at the scrape of his tongue on my soft skin, clutching him closer. Now I'm the one panting. He does it again, and I feel a tremor run through me. He gently blows on the wet skin. I whimper again. What is he trying to do to me? I will melt into a puddle of lust in a moment.
His hand snakes under my top and moves upwards. He caresses my breast, over my bra, rolling my rock hard nipple with a finger and thumb. I gasp, and arch my back involuntarily, thrusting my breast into his hand. He chuckles and carries on touching me, fingers kneading and pulling at my flesh. It's not enough, I need more. He seems to sense this, pushing the neckline of my top to one side so he can kiss my bare skin. He pushes further, and my bra strap goes the same way. He leans closer and his mouth washes over my bare nipple. It's hot, wet and feels so good. His tongue swirls around my heated flesh. I'm totally lost in the feeling, lost in him. Thank heavens he locked the door!
I grab his hair tightly, pulling, clutching him to me. He grinds his hardness into me again, grunting. I slide a hand down his back, and squeeze his firm bottom- his very firm, muscular bottom. He grunts again, and I feel him sucking on me, harder. I'm a squirming mess. His hand that was squeezing and teasing my other breast, moves lower, lower and suddenly he's undone my trousers and has his hand in my knickers. Oh my.
He's hungry, all want and need. I want to touch him, but I can't reach as he's so close. His fingers burrow further, until they are right where I want them. His lovely long fingers are stroking and twisting as he pushes inside me. I'm panting, writhing and whimpering. He just doesn't stop. With some careful manoeuvring I manage to get a hand between us and unzip his flies, sliding my fingers in to stroke him. He's hot and hard and willing, thrusting into my hand.
Whoa. This is getting intense. Does he want to have sex on my desk?
He carries on with his movements, firm and deep. Oh God! It feels so good. I've never got carried away like this with someone. I'm close to an orgasm. Like a speeding rollercoaster ride, I can't stop. The waves suddenly crash over me and I'm convulsing in his arms, panting and moaning, face buried in his shoulder. He holds me tight to him as I ride it out, murmuring sweet words in my ear all the while. I slowly drift back to the here and now, and realise I am sitting on my desk, half undressed, with my hand wrapped around a man's cock. Way to go Bella - this is a new one.
I realise that while my need has been met, Edward's certainly hasn't. He's still hard, hot and pulsing in my hand. I stroke him gently, unsure as to what he wants, or needs right now. He cups my chin and kisses me softly, as he removes his fingers from me. Ever so gently, but firmly, he pries my fingers from him, and zips himself back up. I blink at him, startled that he seems to have had enough. It didn't feel like that just now.
He smiles, warmly, and leans in to whisper in my ear, "Later, sweet Bella, later." I almost melt all over again.
I right my clothing, and Edward helps me to my feet. He pulls me into his arms for a hug, and I nuzzle into his shoulder. He strokes my back, gently. It's nice, just to be held for a moment. I raise my face to look at him. He's smiling, warm light in his eyes.
"So..." He winks, cheekily. "Hello."
We both burst out laughing.
"Hello." I smile back at him. He strokes my face.
"Listen, I'm so sorry about today. My meetings overran then I got stuck in horrendous traffic trying to get here. I promise I'll make it up to you later." He winks.
"Oh, that's okay. These things happen." I sympathise. All my earlier worries have flown out of the window now that he's actually here with me.
"So...are we still on for later?" Edward asks, hopefully.
"Of course, what did you have in mind?" I reply. I just want to spend more time with him.
"Well, I'd still like to take you to dinner. I have a few things to do here. How about I pick you up from your place a little later? Save you hanging around here waiting?" Edward still looks a little apologetic. He's so thoughtful.
"That works for me," I agree. It's a little different from what we planned, but I can go home, and get ready there. Maybe take a shower and recover from our intense encounter.
"I guess I had better get to it."
Edward pecks me softly on the lips and walks to the door. He turns in the doorway and winks at me before he goes.
Once he has gone, I finish my report for Jasper and gather my things together so I can leave. I walk out, through reception, where there is mercifully no sign of Jessica, and out to my car.
Once home, I unload my car and put everything away. I have a little time before Edward is due, so I make a cup of tea and plonk myself down on the sofa. I try to relax but it's futile. Instead, I head for the shower. Ten minutes later, I wrap myself in a towel, sit down and wonder what on earth to wear. Fifteen minutes on, the contents of my wardrobe are strewn over my bed and I'm still none the wiser. Panic sets in. I quickly call Rose for advice. She comes over bearing several dresses. I balk a little.
"A dress? Rose? This is me, remember?"
She is insistent.
"Just try them, Bella, promise me?" She disappears before I can argue with her. I suppose it's worth a try. The first dress is dark grey in colour, off the shoulder and to my relief, not too short. It looks decent on. Hmm. It's a possibility. I try the other one which is a deep red. No. That's not me. The first one it is. I dress it up with my silver jewellery, and a pair of ballet flats. No heels as I don't own any. That's a sprained ankle waiting to happen. A little light makeup and I am ready to go. Not a moment too soon. I'm just heading downstairs when there's a light knock.
My heart gives a little flutter and I go to answer the door. I'm not disappointed.
Standing on my doorstep is Edward, smiling hugely. He's changed his slightly crumpled suit from earlier and is wearing a dark blue dress shirt, and black trousers. Freshly showered, his untidy hair is still damp and his scent is intoxicating. He takes my hand and kisses it softly.
"You look beautiful, Bella, simply beautiful. Shall we?"
I grab my bag and off we go. I, Bella Swan, am going on a date. This is going to be an interesting evening.
A/N
Sorry this is going to be a long one. Please bear with me.
Sadly, as I write this, two beloved fandom members are undergoing serious health issues. Now I don't like to beg, but please send your prayers (if you say them) goodwill and messages of support if you can.
Messages for AllyinPerth/ChampagneAnyone can be left here
http:/wishesforally(.)/2010/07/dear-all-we-would-like-to-thank-you-for(.)html
Messages for Trayce/Monamour can be left here
http:/faithexiststrayce(.)blogspot(.)com/
Now on to happier news. FMLW has been nominated for a Golden Lemon Award. Frankly, I'm stunned. Voting is now open and the link is here
http:/www(.)goldenlemonawards(.)com/nominations/timetovote/
( ) added to comply with FFN regulations. Just remove them and the links should work.
Come and play on the Twilighted thread. The link is on my profile. You can also follow me on Twitter, I'm hongkongfooey73. Edward now has a Twitter, you can find him as Cuddleward. AwkwardElla still hasn't got one yet. We're working on her.
Grovelling time…
Thanks to everyone who has read, reviewed and rec'd this story. It has been lovely to see so many new readers recently.
Thanks again to my awesome pre readers annetteinoz, pearl421 and lemonmartinis. As always, you guys have been a huge help making sense of my ramblings.
Last but not least, my BetaMax EMCxo, who worked her magic on this, as always, in record time.
Finally some recs
First some beautifully written canon Edward and now complete
"Practice Makes Perfect" by Rhian0000
Two stories that might have escaped your attention and totally own me.
"Moving Pictures" by BreakfastatBellas
"Strings" by jdbeaner
And something a little bit different. Not a Twilight fic as such.
"What happens in NY stays in NY" by ClaireP
My time is limited at the moment, due to RL issues and school holidays. Next update...hopefully next week but don't hold your breath.
Til next time