Surprise! I'm posting twice this week. I wasn't going to do a double posting until I hit 100 reviews, but I'm only one away! I had an astounding 26 reviews this weekend―the most I've ever had in one weekend and wanted to say thank you anyways for such tremendous support. You all continue to blow my mind, so thank you.
As always, without Brie my grammar would be lost on us all! Xx
Enjoy!
Chapter Twelve – Date Night
"I wanted to do another movie that could make us laugh and cry and feel good about the world. I wanted to do something else that could make us smile. This is a time when we need to smile more and Hollywood movies are supposed to do that for people in difficult times."
-Steven Spielberg
Learning about Tanya brought out a side of me I didn't know I possessed: jealousy. I wasn't even jealous when I caught Jacob and Vanessa. I was hurt that they would do something like that so publicly, but most of all I was relieved that I didn't have to pretend to love him anymore.
Tanya was the daughter of a war hero and the commander of their academy. She did everything that was expected of her, but secretly hated the life she'd been force to lead. According to Edward she was a conniving and shrewd woman who had been his first everything. When he made the commitment to fight for our country like her father and went off to war, she couldn't―or wouldn't―stand by her man. He came back from boot camp to find her in the arms of his academy buddy. She more or less said she had used Edward to keep her father out of her life.
My shock and anger for Edward increase as he continued on with the tongue lashing―and not the enjoyable one―she gave him when he returned. He truly understood what the effects cheating could have on your own psyche because he had been through it. It hardened him, but it also made him a more determined soldier. I'd started to believe there were no good, strong, honest men left in the world, but I was glad to see I was wrong.
Tanya was a real piece of work. Was it wrong to hope she had gotten herpes and early wrinkles that even Botox couldn't fix? I didn't think so.
She had done such a number on him that he shied away from any long-term romantic entanglements and opted for the occasional 'wham-bam thank you, ma'am' as a means to scratch any itches he had. The rest of the time he was a dedicated soldier who quickly worked his way up through the ranks.
Learning about his past filled me with many different emotions. I was proud of the man he had become. I was grateful for his dedication and service. I was scared when I listened to him vaguely recount his last mission. But mostly, I was just happy to have him here with me.
I loved listening to him talk about his military career. He had been a commander the Navy―a seal, to be precise. While he didn't provide me with great details about his missions, what he did talk about was said with great detail that I could almost feel the hot desert sun beating down on my body, or maybe I was just being overheated by the images of him in the many uniforms he said he wore. Or it could have been the heated seats that were currently warming my buns. I wasn't completely sure which of those was the truth.
The more he talked, the more I wished I could give him back that life of service. He loved who he was and what he did. It felt so wrong that it had been taken away from him. He'd been on his way to sixteen years of service. I knew I would have stood by his side as he continued to do what he loved, and I told him as such. He brought the hand he was holding up to his lips and kissed it. Knowing I'd still support him no matter was a defining moment in our conversations. I was completely taken aback when he changed the subject as we grew closer to the resort.
"I'd like to take you on a date," he said.
"Like a date, date?" I asked.
"Yes, Bella."
"Bella? I like that. I think I'd like to go a date with you, Commander." I may have been teasing him, but I was damned and determined to see him in his uniform.
"Bella means beautiful, which you most certainly are." I watched as the corner of his grin rose up in a smirk.
I, on the other hand, rolled my eyes. "Okay, big boy, no need for the cheesy pick-up lines now. Everyone back home calls me Iz or Izzy. Bella's nice. I like that you've given me my own nickname. Can I call you Eddie? Or maybe Eddie-boy?"
His responding growl made me laugh. "Not if you ever expect me to answer."
"Whatever you say, Commander." I patted his arm and settled back into my seat.
His laughter filled the cab of my car. It was rich and full-bodied, and I couldn't help joining in.
"So, where are you gonna take me on this date?" I asked once our giggles had quieted down.
"It's a surprise," he said.
I groaned. I hated surprises.
~SCaSL~
The weather began to warm up pretty quickly as May arrived. Our date wasn't until this Saturday, but I didn't mind the wait and stayed busy with conversations with my father and Jasper. I posted a few pictures on my private Facebook page and updated my status to 'It's Complicated,' since we hadn't had the in-depth conversation about where we would go from here.
Edward's life was here. Minewas in California. I had already been here for ten weeks, and before my conversation with Jasper, I had only planned to be here for three more weeks. Now I would be here for eight more weeks. I'd be heading back home on July thirteenth, and we still had so much to talk about.
I sighed and shook my head; there was no need for morose thoughts just yet.
I dressed in leggings and a red sweater dress today. While it had warmed up some, it was still colder than my Southern Californian body could handle. I put on my boots, a black and white polka-dotted scarf, and my knitted hat and set out on a little walk.
The ice on the lake had really started to melt. Broken chunks of ice floated in the middle, and the peak of Mt. Bailey was still covered in snow, although the trees at the base simmered in vivid green. The grass around the property was almost fully exposed now, but it still crunched under my feet as I walked.
I took more pictures of the changing landscape and relaxed on a lakeside picnic table. I watched as birds flew overhead and listened to the nearby laughter of children playing. It warmed my heart and I closed my eyes to allow my other senses to take in the scenery. Besides the fresh air filling my lungs, I could smell the damp earth, the pine, the grass, the water. It was all new and exciting.
I was brought out of my musings by the sexiest of voices.
"You look like an angel sitting there with a shy smile on your lips and your closed eyes, face pointed up toward the heavens."
I wondered if he'd recite poetry to me as well with that panty-melting tone of his.
I smiled, but still kept my eyes closed as I responded. "I'm no angel, of that you can be sure."
His hot breath tickled my ear as he spoke again. "Whether pure or naughty, you are an angel to me."
I felt like I could melt into a puddle right along with the remaining snow around us. Who knew a big, burly man could be so romantic at the same time? I loved it.
I opened my eyes and turned to face him. "I like being your angel."
He kissed me. My arms quickly looped around his neck and he pulled me up from my seat. Fire bloomed within my belly as he held me tightly against his body. It wasn't enough, though, and as if he was reading my mind, he squatted down and lifted me so that my only option was to wrap my legs around his waist. He set me atop the table and began peppering kisses along my jaw. Edward yanked the scarf away from my neck to gain full access to the small bit of bare skin that was available along my neck. I began to grind myself against his hardness, arching my back to give him more nibble room.
I was panting hard and completely oblivious to our location as his hand closed over my clothed breast.
A sharp shrill of, "Get a room!" blasted us back into the present and giggles exploded from deep within me. Edward's head bounced up and down with my laughter as he caught his breath.
"It's a good thing I have one. Want to go back to my cabin for lunch?" I asked after I came back down.
"As long as you're on the menu, I'd love to." He spoke to my chest when he replied, but I didn't mind.
"I'm dessert, baby. Let's go!" I pushed him off me and ran carefully back to my place.
Ever since our conversation about Tanya, our touches went from PG-13 to full on R-rated. I may have had NC-17 on the brain as I ran, and that was motivation enough to lose our clothes after we ate.
Edward and I spent the rest of the afternoon in our unmentionables and we licked chocolate sauce off each other.
~SCaSL~
Date night was finally here and I was a wound up ball of nerves. I shouldn't be, but I was. This was our first date away from my cabin and his home. To me, it wasn't technically a first date, but it was our first public one.
I was wearing the navy blue sleeveless wrap dress that I had gotten at the same time as the dress for Renée's party. It hugged my body beautifully and draped nicely along my hips. I wore the diamond bracelet my father had given me after I won my first Oscar, and a pair of black heels.
When he arrived, I had been pacing the living and dining room area. I opened the door and was greeted with a fabulous sight: Edward in a suit. It was clearly custom-made to hug every inch of his frame perfectly. I was so mesmerized by his appearance that I didn't even notice the gift in his hands.
"I just need to grab my coat and then we can go." I turned to leave, but Edward caught my arm.
I turned and looked up at him. "Before you do, I have a gift for you."
"Edward, you didn't have to get me anything. Spending time with you is all I need," I challenged.
"I know, but I wanted to." He opened the package he was holding and turned me away from him.
"What―" I was cut off as his hands came into view and he slid a necklace around my neck. "Edward, it's too much."
"Hush. Nothing is too much for you." I shook my head. I didn't want him spending his money on me.
"Edward," I whispered.
"It's the infinity symbol. My love for you is infinite; it grows more each day."
"I-I-I..." I was stuttering.
"Please don't feel like you need to say anything. It's just my way of saying what I feel, it's not meant to make you confess something you're not ready for."
I nodded and said the only thing I was capable of saying right now. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now, go get your coat and we can go."
I nodded again and walked over to get my coat.
The car ride was very quiet, and I spent the time thinking while Edward held my hand, rubbing his thumb over the top of it.
I started to question myself and if I was leading him on. It may have only been eight weeks since he'd come strutting into my life, but I felt completely changed for the better. It had been a whirlwind, but it had just gotten better as the days continued to pass. In this final countdown until I returned home, I started to wonder what my life would be like when I was back in California. Would I have the same carefree happiness that I had now? I wasn't so sure.
It was a short drive so my thoughts didn't have long to wander. We pulled up to the chalet and I waited as he came and opened my door. I had learned the hard way that his manners were deeply ingrained and that woman were to be treated with the utmost respect and honor. It was daunting, but not it a bad way―no, it was more of an awed kind of feeling.
Edward led me to the elevator with his hand upon the small of my back. We exited on the second floor where the formal dining room was, and the hostess led us onto the terrace.
The outdoor dining area was set up for a private dinner for two. The fire roared and the many candles around the room flickered, making the outdoor deck warm and romantic. Although it was dark, I knew there was a magnificent view of the lake from here. It was probably a perfect place for brunch in the late morning hours.
Edward left nothing to chance, so the night was perfect.
Our meal began with potato and leek soup served with a parmesan crisp. It was light and creamy and I moaned with delight as I ate.
"Bella, you're killing me."
"Huh?" I asked, clueless about what was wrong.
"The noises. You're making it hard to maintain my gentlemanly demeanor." His hands gripped the wine glass tightly.
"Oh. Sorry." I was thankful for the candlelight hiding my blush.
"I take it the soup tastes good?" he teased.
"It's delicious, but you would know that if you concentrated on you food instead of my noises," I replied back in a cheeky manner.
"Touché," he said with a chuckle, and then dug into his soup.
Once we had finished and the first course was cleared, we talked about his family. I listened as he told me about his relationship with his sister, Alice. They were close as children and the relationship grew once Edward decided to serve the country. She became his biggest supporter―sent him care packages every week and never let a day go by without an email saying she was proud and thankful for the gift of freedom he continued to provide for her.
My eyes watered as I watched him speak with such love and awe for Alice. While it took longer for his parents to overcome the worry they had for the son being in such a hostile environment, Alice was there every step of the way. I felt the need to meet her and thank her for supporting her brother the way she did.
Our main course arrived right as we were beginning to talk about the rest of my stay here. The conversation would have to wait a little longer.
Dinner was a lovely cut of halibut with a saffron risotto and a tomato broth. The fish was perfectly flaky and the broth was slightly sweet and light. The Pinot was crisp and complimented the meal. It was another perfect course.
Music slowly began to play from the overhead speakers. Edward stood and asked for my hand.
I shook my head. "I don't really like to dance…unless I'm force or really drunk and might possibly not remember."
"Isabella." My eyebrow rose at my full name. "Get your ass out of that chair and dance with me."
I huffed. "Fine. They're your feet."
I didn't recognize the song so I let the lyric speak to me.
You know I'd fall apart without you
I don't know how you do what you do
'Cause everything that don't make sense about me
Makes sense when I'm with you
Like everything that's green, girl I need you
But it's more than one and one makes two
Put aside the math and the logic of it
You gotta know you're wanted too
The words really brought all of the thoughts I had in the car back to the forefront of my mind.
'Cause I wanna wrap you up
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
Never let you forget it
Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted
They spoke words that we had yet to say aloud, but had both most likely been thinking about.
Anyone can tell you you're pretty (Yeah)
You get that all the time, I know you do
But your beauty's deeper than the makeup
And I wanna show you what I see tonight
His deep voice began to sing the words and I melted in his arms. I had to believe we would figure it out.
When I wrap you up
When I kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
Never let you forget it
'Cause baby I wanna make you feel wanted
I could see he believed each word he sung.
As good as you make me feel
I wanna make you feel better
Better than your fairy tales
Better than your best dreams
You're more than everything I need
You're all I ever wanted
All I ever wanted
The chorus repeated, and even after the music had ended, he held me in his arms. Edward kissed the top of my head once before he led me to my seat.
The moment was so magical and I didn't want to ever wake up from this dream. He was everything I ever wanted.
Edward interrupted the quiet with a very surprising question. "So, tomorrow is Sunday, and I was wondering if you'd accompany me to dinner…with my family?"
I was shocked. I'd met Carlisle and Seth in less formal settings. I met Leah when I checked in and had spoke to Esme on the phone when I booked that fateful snowmobile ride, but I had yet to meet Alice. She was the one I was most nervous about, but I couldn't let that hold me back from such a huge step toward my ever-after.
I nodded and his hopeful look transformed into one of pure happiness. "I'd love to."
Moments later, the waitress delivered our sweet treats. For dessert, we had sticky toffee pudding. It was something I'd never tried before, but it was delicious. The caramel stuck to my lips, and before I could lick them, Edward sucked my lower lip and licked it clean. Then he repeated the process with my top lip. My panties disintegrated with his actions.
"Since my toes survived, do you feel like another dance?" he asked once we had finished.
"Sure." It was nice to move with my body glued to his.
The music faded away and his humming sung to my soul. It could have been three minutes or three hours that we swayed together, but I couldn't say for sure. He was so light on his feet and his arms felt like home. I was safe in them and time didn't matter anymore.
When we did finally stop, our lips were immediately drawn together. I felt every one of his kisses all the way down to my toes. Whether they were sweet and gentle or frenzied and rough, they were full of promise. Edward's kisses were like making love with our mouths, and I was addicted.
As we were getting ready to leave, and after Edward had helped me with my coat, the waitress handed him a single rose.
"You looked absolutely breathtaking tonight, Bella."
"So do you," I replied, causing him to chuckle.
"This is for you." He handed me the blossom, which I brought up to my nose to smell.
"Thank you."
"I spent time looking up flower meanings and this one caught my eye," he said.
"What does it mean?" I asked.
"Well, it's a thornless rose, which means it was love at first sight for me. And even now after getting to know you, I've fallen even more in love with you," he said.
"Oh Edward…" My eyes began to water. "It means so much that you see beyond who I am to the public; to the person I am when I'm with you. You broke through so many walls and barriers that I put into place to protect my heart, and right now I can't believe I've fought so hard to not fall for you. It was inevitable, though, but because of the distance that will eventually come between us I continued to deny the way I felt." I shook my head to clear the negative thoughts.
"While it may not have been as instantaneous as your love, it bloomed into something I never thought I would have―or could have. Thank you for being so patient as I discovered how to trust myself and the love you have for me.
"I love you too, Edward."
Look, look, look! No cliffy and she finally said the words back to him! Leave me love if you'd like. See you again on Friday! Hugs!
