AN: Lucky you! Another chapter! Sorry for the shorter last chapter. I wanted to get another one posted in good faith. I will keep going through this next semester. Hopefully I can make some headway into this story. Thanks for reading guys!
**Stephenie Meyer owns all. I'm just borrowing the characters to fulfill my own little fantasy**
The next day, Edward heads out early, waking me up as he leaves. After I meet with the adjustor, he assures me that the window will be fixed by evening. Alice comes over and waits for the repairmen to get to my house. When I get into the office, I see that Edward is with a client so I sit down and just get to work. The next few days go by just as quickly and before I know it, it's Friday evening and I'm getting ready for the symphony with Edward.
Alice offers to come do my hair for me, but I decline. I think I can handle it this time around. I do my hair in a low loose bun. Then I do a kitten's eye with my eyeliner and put a deep berry lipstick on. I put some black tights on and then slip my dress over my head. It fits perfectly, with a low v-neck and back and a flared skirt. I put my things in a little clutch and search for the perfect jewelry to wear and my patent leather black pumps. The only jewelry I have that seems to work with this dress is a pair of rhinestone earrings that look like flowers. They have a vintage charm to them. (picture in profile)
I head downstairs to wait for Edward. The doorbell rings and I hurry and open it up. He's standing on my top step looking like a million bucks. I don't know how he always looks this good. It's ridiculous really. Not that I'm complaining.
He gives me a kiss on my cheek and pulls his left hand from behind his back. In it is a black leather box. "This is for you, you lovely creature." I smile and blush, carefully taking the box from his hand. I lift the lid and in it is a beautiful brushed gold bangle with a sprinkling of diamonds on the top.
I gasp, "It's beautiful! But I can't accept it. This is too much!"
He just shakes his head and plucks it off the velvet lining. Taking my right hand in his, he slips it over my hand and onto my wrist. It looks incredible with my dress and I can't help but twist my wrist in the light, making the stones glitter. "I want you to have this. Then, when you wear it, you'll think of me," he continues. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, let's go," I say, picking my clutch up from where it rests on the table near my door. I lock up and we walk down the stairs hand in hand to where his car sits out front. He opens my door for me, helping me in. Then he walks around and gets in, starting the engine. He tells me what restaurant he picked out. It's a posh restaurant with a great reputation. I've never eaten there before; I felt like it was too romantic and expensive to go by myself or just with friends. I'm excited to try it out.
"After the symphony, can we go to your bar?" I ask him. His head snaps towards me.
"Are you sure? It's not the most… romantic spot in the city."
"Yep, I really like it there. Plus, you can get us a cozy little table in back." I say winking at him.
After a delicious dinner, we head over to the fine arts center where the symphony plays. It's a beautiful old building with ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and plush red velvet seats. Edward has a box so we get a little bit of privacy. I can't help but stare at all the finery around me - ladies in evening gowns with diamonds practically dripping off them and men in their tuxes and shiny shoes. I feel a little self-conscious wearing my short cocktail dress but then I remember how much Edward liked it and I shake away those feelings of doubt. Plus, he's only dressed up in a 3-piece suit. Granted, it probably cost more than one of my paychecks, but it goes well with my dress. I think Edward can tell how nervous I am, because he reaches out and takes my hand. Before the concert starts, we go to get some champagne from the bar downstairs. As we sip our drinks, various people come up and talk with Edward. He makes it a point to introduce me as his date, never once mentioning that I work with him.
Everyone I meet seems very nice, save one set of couples. The women are very beautiful; tall with expertly done hair and makeup. The men are both holding glasses of whisky and it doesn't appear that it's their first, as they keep laughing way too loud for the nice setting we're in and making crude jokes.
"Bella, this is Lauren Mallory and Meg Price. These two are Mike Newton and Eric Yorkie. I went to college with Mike. The others I know through a couple of charitable organizations," Edward says, pointing each one out to me. He looks at me pointedly when introducing Lauren and I nod my head briefly in understanding.
I shake hands with each of them. When I get to Lauren, Edward places his arm around my shoulders and pulls me close, kissing my temple. She scowls at the two of us and grips my hand tighter than should be possible for a girl so slender. I just smile at her in return and tell her it's great to meet her. Once I extract my hand from her grip, Edward instantly snatches it up.
"It's been good seeing you, but it's really time for us to get back to our seats." He nods at the guys and smiles tightly at Lauren. We head back to his box and sit down, listening to the sounds of the musicians warming up and tuning their instruments. "Can I confess something?" he whispers in my ear. I smile and nod. "This is one of my favorite sounds in the world," he continues, pointing to the orchestra. I close my eyes and let the sound of the audience fade away, and focus instead on the sounds he loves so much.
Soon the music starts and we fall silent along with the rest of the audience. I sit on the edge of my seat, afraid to move or speak for the fear that I'll break the spell the music has me under. Edward snakes his hand underneath my arm and clasps my right hand in his left. Squeezing it gently, it shakes me from the trance I'm under. I turn toward him and smile. Carefully, he reaches out and wipes underneath my eyes. I'm surprised to notice that I'm crying lightly. My cheeks flame up and he just kisses the tracks that they've made along my cheekbones. Then leaning back into my chair with his hand around mine, I let myself get immersed in the music once again.
After the final note plays and the audience has long since left the theatre, I sit quietly letting the waves of emotion roll over me. I can't believe I've missed out on this my whole life. Edward slowly pulls me to my feet, hugging me tightly. I laugh softly. He pulls away, looking at me questioningly. "I am just glad I got to experience this with you. It was amazing. I... there are no words for how I feel right now."
He nods and places a kiss against my temple, hugging me to him one more time. After a long quiet embrace, we part. I feel a sense of loss once the heat from his body is removed from mine. We walk out to the car quietly, both of us deep in thought. "You sure you still want to go out for drinks?" he asks me as he holds my door open.
"Of course I do," I reply, smiling. We make our way to the bar, talking about the music we just heard and laughing about Lauren's terrible reaction to seeing the two of us together. We pull up out front and someone comes to park Edward's car. We walk hand in hand into the building and to the back corner where a table is waiting for us behind a frosted glass partition. I sit down on a low banquette and place my clutch on the chair next to me.
"What would you like to drink?" he asks. I tell him my drink order and he mentions bringing back something to snack on as well. While I wait for him to come back, I pull out my phone and shoot off a quick text to Rose and Alice letting them know how amazing this night has been so far.
Get some slut! You know you wanna tap that... - R
I hope you plan on kissing and telling - A
I just laugh at their responses and put my phone away. I have to give them some juicy details or they'll never leave me alone about the night. Edward comes back with our drinks in hand and a promise of a sweet treat to come.
"So I was wondering if you'd be interested in seeing a concert of my choosing next weekend. Phoenix is playing. Do you know Phoenix?" I ask him, then take a swallow of my drink.
"I love Phoenix. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is one of my top albums ever. I'd love to go with you." Just then, a waiter stops by holding a tray with five different desserts on it: creme brulee, a decadent looking flourless chocolate cake, some chocolate covered strawberries, some bread pudding, and a couple of scoops of ice cream. He blushes lightly and shrugs when I gape at him, surprised at the abundance of treats. "I wasn't sure what to get. Not to blow my own horn but everything here is delicious. We have one of the best pastry chefs in the city."
"Well we'll just have to try some of each then." I say, laughing. He's right; every single dessert is delicious and I eat more than I probably should. By the end of the night, I'm stuffed with dessert and my stomach hurts from laughing at the stories Edward has been telling me. We've also managed to shut down the bar, which I guess doesn't matter because Edward owns it. As we head out the door, he apologizes to the remaining staff. They all just laugh and tease him as we go.
"They're as bad as my parents. I never bring girls here so they will tease me endlessly for this." He rolls his eyes as we go, smiling lightly. We walk hand in hand to where his car is waiting at the curb. As he drives me back to my apartment, he asks me if I'd like to go to Sunday brunch at his parent's. I'm a little surprised but do want to go so I agree to it. "I'll pick you up in the morning and we can drive over together. My mom has been asking about you ever since the charity we went to together," he says, rubbing his thumb across my knuckles.
"Well I know how she feels. I don't think I've stopped thinking about you since that weekend either," I say without thinking. I blush fiercely and clench my hands together in my lap. He just laughs and pulls my hand back into his.
"I feel the same way. I think about you all the time, even when it's not the best time to let my mind wander." He kisses my knuckles and then turns my hand over, nuzzling my wrist. Inhaling deeply, he sighs. "I love the smell of your perfume. After you slept on my bed, it smelled like you for weeks."
"Do you want to come in?" I blurt out. He smiles and kisses my pulse point but shakes his head.
"No. I should get home and let you get to bed. I've gotta look over some files before I go to sleep tonight so I don't have to worry about them tomorrow. I'll pick you up around 11?"
"Okay, sounds good." I reply. He opens his door and jogs over to my side of the car, opening my door up for me. I climb out and smile when I see his eyes linger on my legs. I clear my throat. He looks up sheepishly and I smirk. "Like what you see?" I ask him.
Edward walks me up to my door, leaning in close and placing one hand on the side of my head. He slowly lowers his mouth toward mine, brushing his lips against my mouth softly. It's enough to ignite my skin and I grab his lapels, pulling him in greedily. He gasps in surprise as I kiss him as hard as I can. I fumble for the door handle, trying to get it unlocked with one hand but not let go of him either. He smiles against my lips, pulling away long enough to insert my key into the lock and open the door. Then we stumble together through my doorway and into my living room.
I pull his tie loose from his neck and kick my shoes off, throwing my clutch down on the small table by my door. He walks me backwards toward my couch, unbuttoning his vest and pulling it and his jacket from his shoulders. He lays me back gently against the couch and runs an unsteady hand from where it cups my cheek to the deep v of my dress. I feel goosebumps break out across my skin where it becomes overheated at his touch and then cold again when his fingers continue on their journey. Kneeling above me, he slides one hand down to my knee and pulls it up around his hip. He slips my tights down my legs and flings them to God knows where. Then, he presses his hips against me, excruciatingly slowly. I gasp at the sensation he's creating in me.
Just then, my eyes fly open in the bright light of morning. I sit up warily in my own bed, confused for a moment at what I'm seeing. I'm alone in bed and from the quiet around me, in my house as well. I realize that what happened just now was a dream and I groan loudly as I throw myself back against the pillow. As I wipe the haze of sleep from my eyes I think back to the night before. We only got as far as my door before Edward left like the gentleman he is. I went upstairs in a giddy daze and went straight to bed after getting undressed. I see my dress lying crumpled on the floor where I dropped it after taking it off. In fact the only thing I have left on my body from last night before my underwear is the bangle Edward gave me. I examine it, smiling as I watch it twinkle in the sunlight.
I stretch and look at the clock. I have about an hour before Edward is due to pick me up so I climb out of bed and quickly shower. I blow dry my hair and then put it in a loose fishtail braid. After, I dress in a pair of jeans and a coral polka dot shirt (pic in profile). I throw some flats on and gather up my phone and wallet, throwing it into my purse. By the time I'm done with my makeup, it's about time for Edward to pick me up so I head downstairs. He gets to my house just after 11 and saunters up to my door. I open it before he has the chance to knock and throw my arms around his neck.
He laughs and picks me up, squeezing me until I squeak. "Are you ready?" he asks, setting me back on my feet. I nod and turn around to lock the door. Edward pushes my braid to the side and gently kisses the back of my neck. I shiver lightly and feel heat rush up my back into my hairline.
Taking my hand in his, he leads me down to where his car is idling by the curb. We climb inside and start the drive to his parents house. "I'm warning you ahead of time so you don't get nervous but my mom is really excited to see you. I've never brought a girl to brunch before, so this is a big deal to her."
I just giggle lightly and squeeze his hand in mine. "Don't worry about me. Parents love me. I just hope I don't embarrass you."
"You? Never!" he says, giving me a big grin. On the way, we talk about going to the Phoenix concert together.
"This time I want to take you out," I say to him. "The concert is outside so I was thinking we could have a little picnic?"
"I'd love that. I haven't had a picnic in years. Well, I guess unless you count our little sushi lunch date a few weeks ago," he replies, giving me a sly grin.
"That was hardly a date! I didn't even know you at the time!" I say, laughing.
Soon we pull up in front of a large, modern home. More of a mansion really. It's all windows and wood, with steel beams supporting balconies and verandas. Beautiful and lush landscaping surround the house and as we walk up the stone pathway to the front door, I can't help but start to feel a little intimidated. I came from the smallest little town in the United States, where I lived in a dinky two bedroom rambler. Nothing even close to this beautiful house in front of me. I start to fidget with the handle of my bag and Edward glances down at me. He pulls my fingers off the handle and clasps my left hand in his right, stilling my nervous fingers.
"Hey..." he says softly, stopping me just before we reach the door. He slips a finger under my chin and gently tilts my face up so he can see me. "Don't hide those pretty eyes. My parents already love you. What are you worried about?"
I bite my lip and look up at him. He gives me a little smile and squeezes my hand. "I'm just nervous. It's always nerve wracking meeting the parents... even if this is my second time," I reply. He just shakes his head and kisses me on the forehead, pulling me into his arms for a moment.
"Look, if it gets to be too much, just send me a quick text message and I'll make an excuse to get us out of there, okay?" I nod and smile back at him. He lets me go but keeps my hand in his and opens the door.
It opens to a large foyer that's filled with natural light from the windows. There is a small sitting area to the left and the right becomes a wide hallway with black and white portraits lining it. It's light and airy but feels warm too. There are exposed beams on the ceilings and the floors are a dark wood with rugs placed sporadically throughout.
"Mom?" Edward calls out, pulling me forward into the room. He takes my bag and sets it on a small table near the door, the slips his shoes off. I follow suit. We walk through the hallway, and I glance at the pictures as we go. They're of Edward and his parents at various times in their lives. I smile at one in particular of him in a baseball uniform, with a glove on his hand. He's smiling broadly at the camera and has several teeth missing. He looks about 7 years old.
"You were a cute kid," I tell him, pointing to the picture. He blushes a little and shrugs. As we continue through the hall, Edward calls out for his mom again. I see her head poke around the corner with a big grin on her face.
Walking out to us she says, "Edward! I'm so glad you two are here. Come on in. Bella, you are so welcome!" She takes my hand and pulls me into the kitchen with her. The island is covered in plates and platters of food.
"Is all of this for us?" I ask, amazed at how much food she made this morning.
Esme laughs sheepishly and says, "Edward has never brought a girl home and I couldn't seem to stop myself from celebrating a little."
Edward shakes his head and blushes again. I can't help it. I poke him in the ribs and ask him if he's feeling a little warm.
"Only when you're around, my dear," he whispers in my ear, causing me to be the one to blush. Esme just watches the two of us with a small smile on her face.
"Let me go get your father," she says, walking out of the kitchen to another area of the house I haven't yet seen. I walk toward a large bank of windows behind the sink and look out at the backyard. It's gigantic with a pool, a hot tub, and more beautiful landscaping. In the far left corner I see a small building; it looks like a miniature version of the house.
"That's the guest house. If you'd like, I'll take you on a tour of the house and grounds after we eat," Edward offers.
"I'd love that. Is the house the you grew up in?" I ask.
"Not exactly. I - well I was adopted when I was six. Until then, I lived in foster homes. My biological father died when I was a baby and my mother wasn't well enough to take care of me. I was one of the lucky ones who was adopted."
My mouth falls open at this admission. I never imagined that he was adopted or had such a sad childhood. My heart goes out to him and at the same time, swells with happiness that he was adopted into such a loving home.
"What are you talking about such a sad story for on this lovely day?" I hear Carlisle say as he comes strolling into the kitchen, with his arm around Esme.
"I hadn't told Bella that story yet. She was asking about where I grew up so I figured I might as well get it out there in the open. How are you dad?" Edward asks, giving Carlisle a hug.
Esme reaches over to me, holding my hand in hers as we watch the two interact. Carlisle seems to be teasing him about something and Edward just gives it right back. She quietly says, "We miss him sometimes. Carlisle more than me, if you can believe it. Edward gets so busy with work that he doesn't have time to visit us as much as we'd like. I'm so glad he found someone like you who can help ground him; help remind him that work isn't the only important thing in his life."
Smiling I say, "Well I'm the lucky one. He's such a wonderful man. I'm just glad he hasn't gotten sick of me yet with all the drama following me around."
"Oh my. I did hear about what happened to you. Vandalized right? Nasty business. I'm glad you're alright. If you ever need somewhere to stay, you're welcome to the guest house. I hope you know that."
"Thank you Esme, that's very kind of you."
"I'm starving!" Edward says loudly, walking over to me and pulling me to his side. "Let's get this show on the road."
Esme just rolls her eyes at me. "We don't stand on ceremony here Bella. Help yourself to anything you want or need. Plates are over here and drinks are in the dining room."
With that, we're let loose to gather our food and pick our spots on at the dining table. Edward stays close behind, pointing out his favorite foods and occasionally brushing his lips against my temple. I feel a little self conscious at first with his parents watching us, but eventually relax. They have a way of making me feel right at home. We take our plates into the next room and sit down. Edward fixes me a mimosa and a bloody Mary for himself and settles in next to me to eat. Everything is amazing and I tell Esme as much when she makes her way into the room.
"Thank you. I love cooking. It feels good to create something, even if it does end up eaten in less than fifteen minutes," she says, glaring at Edward who just shrugs in response.
"What? Your food is too good to stop eating. I can't help it."
As if to prove his point, he shovels a large forkful of roasted potatoes in his mouth. I laugh at this family bonding. It's nice to see a normal family like mine, who just gets along and loves each other. As we eat, Esme and Carlisle ask me about my family and where I grew up. When we get to my college years, they ask the all too familiar question: why forensic science?
By now, we've all eaten our fill and are just picking at the food left on our plates. Edward looks at me inquisitively and echoes the question. "I always wondered the same thing."
I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. I guess now is as good a time as any, especially with Edward sharing such a personal part of himself with me. "Well, I don't know if it's good table conversation."
"Well if you'd rather not share, we don't want to pressure you," Esme says, reaching across the table to pat my hand.
"Oh no, I don't mind telling. It's just a little... off-putting I guess. When I was in high-school, I was, um... well I was raped. They never caught the guy who did it and I guess this was just my way of moving forward. I want to help those who need the same help I once did. My dad was chief of police and it broke him to have an open, and eventually cold, case dealing with his own daughter. I didn't want to be a cop, so I went into forensics instead." I realize that I've been staring at my plate this entire time and the room is deathly silent. I chance a peek at Edward. He's looking at me with such a sad expression on his face, I can hardly stand it. This is why I hate telling people about what happened to me. They get all weird and quiet and don't know what to say to me. I glance at Esme and Carlisle. He's watching Edward and Esme is wiping tears off her cheeks with a napkin. "I'm okay now, I promise. I mean, it's been years and I went to counseling and I'm fine. It doesn't even phase me. I think it makes other people more uncomfortable than me. It's just something that happened to me," I say, trying to lighten the mood.
Edward stands up suddenly and pulls me toward him, holding me tightly. "I'm sorry that anything like that ever happened to you. I will never let anything like that happen again."
I just laugh and push him away. "I promise, I'm fine. Thank you though. I will admit, I feel safer with you than I do on my own."
Esme also stands up and walks around the table, pulling Edward and myself into her arms for a big hug. "You two are so sweet together. Bella, I'm so sorry for what happened. You're a wonderful girl and it's obvious that this has made you into a stronger person. I'm proud of you for taking such a negative thing and turning it into a positive."
Carlisle nods from where he sits. "I'm not sure what to say that hasn't already been said, but you're an amazing young lady. Edward couldn't have found a better girl."
I smile at him over Esme's shoulder. "Thank you. Both of you. You raised Edward into such a great guy and he's helped me in more ways than he knows."
The tension in the room seems to dissipate then, and the three of us separate and laugh lightly. "Come on," Edward says, taking my hand. "I'll take you on a tour."
Esme starts clearing the plates. I protest until she says, "Nonsense. You two go and explore. I'll put Carlisle to work here."
We walk quietly through the house and he shows me where his high school bedroom is, along with a beautiful library and study. He points out Carlisle and Esme's bedroom, and a couple of guest bedrooms. Then he takes me down to the basement where they have a beautiful theatre, not much different from Edward's. Eventually we make our way to the backyard. He rolls his jeans up and sits down on the pool's edge, letting his feet dangle in the water. I sit next to him, feeling the cool water lap at my ankles.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he asks quietly.
I give him a mock dirty look. "Yes, I promise."
"I just want to make sure. I never want you to feel pressured into anything and I don't want you to feel unsafe around me. If you ever do, please tell me."
I elbow him and say, "Okay, I will. But it's unlikely. I have next to no episodes now. Luckily my parents got me help quickly, so I could start the healing process as soon as possible. And I had a fantastic counselor who knew just how to help me. I'm doing better every day."
He pulls me into his side and gives me a noogie. "Okay, whatever you say!"
Laughing and squirming to pull away, suddenly I find myself off balance on the ledge. I start to fall toward the water, so I grab Edward's arm and pull him in with me. Gasping at the cold water, I quickly break the surface and look around for him.
"I can't believe you did that!" he calls out to me, walking through the water with a menacing look on his face. I try to swim out of his grasp but my wet jeans weigh me down. He grabs me quickly and holds me against his chest so I can't move. He pushes the wet tendrils of hair from off my face and gently presses his lips against mine. I sigh against his mouth, enjoying the feeling of his wet lips against mine. Eventually I feel the cold start to seep into my skin and I can't stop a shiver from running through me. Pulling away slowly, he says, "We should get you out of those wet clothes," and then winks.
I blush and nod, still shivering. He helps me out of the pool, but instead of walking to the house, he directs me to the guest house.
"Don't worry, this is all part of my plan," he says, smiling at my confusion. "Well, really, I was supposed to get you into the water, not the other way around."
I'm just getting more and more confused as we walk but finally we make it to the guest house. Inside is a roaring fire and candles everywhere. A huge TV fills one of the walls and there is a stack of DVDs sitting next to it. In front of that is what I can only describe as a nest of pillows and blankets, all laid out for us to snuggle in.
"Okay, disclaimer. I wanted to spend a nice relaxed night with you but I told my parents we'd come over. So I had Alice pack you something comfy to change into and I thought we could just spend the night. No funny business," he finishes off using my own phrase against me, and holds his two fingers up in the Scout sign. He reaches behind the couch and pulls out a bag, then hands it to me. "Bathroom's over there. I'm going to go back to the house and grab my things and change. Then I'll meet you back in here."
I just watch him leave, amazed at all of this. He totally teamed up with Alice against me. I smile and walk into the bathroom, bag in hand. When I look at my reflection, I am a little horrified - my hair is stringy and knotted from our impromptu swim and I have mascara running down my cheeks. "Nice," I mutter to myself. I decide to just rinse the chlorine out of my hair, so I strip my wet clothes off and turn the shower on. After I wash my face, I climb in, quickly rinsing my hair and skin down. I turn off the water and listen quietly for any sign Edward has returned. It doesn't sound like it yet.
I open the bag Alice packed and frown at what I see. She packed a skimpy pair of shorts for me, and a little tank top. Luckily she also packed a pair of over the knee socks and a cozy cardigan to cover up with. And underwear. I wouldn't put it past her to try and go commando for the evening. I hurry and dry off and slip the clothes on, trying to pull the shorts a little lower on my legs so they're not so exposed. Then I brush through my wet hair and pull it into a messy bun. I see that she also packed a pair of slippers at the bottom of the bag so I slip those on for good measure. (picture in profile) I still feel too exposed, so I hurry and run into the living room and throw a blanket over my lap and wrap the cardigan around my torso.
Not too long after, Edward shows up, his hair damp as well and wearing a pair of sweatpants and a soft t-shirt. "What are you doing hiding way over there? I made this cozy bed just for us," he teases.
"I will kill Alice," is all I can bear to say.
"Why?" he asks, alarmed at my reaction.
"Just... she's not very considerate sometimes."
He laughs. "What? Your clothes don't fit or something? Let me see!"
I just shake my head at him and frown deeper. "No way."
"Aw come on. I'll show you mine if you show me yours."
I keep shaking my head.
"Are you sure?" he asks, walking toward me.
"Yep. Absolutely sure. I won't move from this spot until morning. Or until my jeans are dry. Either one." I grimace at the thought of staying here all night.
Finally Edward jogs over to me, pulling me up off the chair before I have the chance to move. I try and grasp the blanket but he yanks it from my hands and throws it onto the couch. "Let's see what the fuss is all about." I blush and try to cover my legs with the cardigan. His eyes slowly travel from the top of my head down to my exposed legs. It's there that they stop and his mouth drops open slightly. Then he whistles low. "Those are some nice legs you've got there, pretty girl."
I bat his hands away from where they rest on my shoulder. "Okay you've seen mine, now show me yours," I jokingly quip.
Without hesitation, Edward reaches down and pulls his shirt over his head, tossing it onto the chair behind me. Then he lies down on the little nest he made and puts his arms behind his head, relaxing as if he doesn't have a care in the world. It's like he's just inviting me to take advantage of his position. Swallowing thickly at the sight in front of me, I realize this is going to be a very long night.