Stephenie Meyer created these characters . . . won't she be surprised.
Chapter 12
Alice and Esme practically jumped me when I got home from Bella's. They were both eager to know how the day had gone. They dragged me into the kitchen for the interrogation.
"Come on, Edward, spill," Alice demanded. Esme looked just as eager for details.
"Everything went great. Thanks so much for your help. You two did a really nice job—Bella was impressed," I answered truthfully.
"And?" Alice prompted further.
"And your prediction was entirely correct, Alice. Bella is now my girlfriend." The monster proudly preened.
That set off both Alice and Esme squealing with delight. "When will we get to meet her, Edward?" Esme inquired eagerly.
"Tomorrow perhaps. I didn't speak with Bella about it, but I thought I might bring her here to introduce you, if she's available."
That triggered additional squeals, a bit more subdued this time. Esme's excited reaction was a bit of a surprise. What was that all about?
"Now, I'm just going to take care of the picnic residue and get ready for bed. I'm wiped out," I lied through my teeth. I could hear the shower bellowing my name.
"I'll get it," Esme volunteered. "Go get some rest."
"Thank you Esme," I responded gratefully. I gave both Alice and Esme a kiss on the cheek before exiting. Then I took the stairs two at a time, beginning to unbutton my shirt on the second flight.
It was ironic that it was just this morning when the thought of any further…usage made me cringe. The ache in my balls now far outweighed any fear of…chafing. After entering the shower, I eagerly soaped myself up.
There were so many new sensations and images to stoke the flames of my imagination. All I had to do was picture myself bending Bella over the back of the couch, lifting the hem of that frothy white skirt, gently sliding one hand down the back of her lacy blue panties while the other reached around to roughly knead the soft flesh of her breast, and spunk was flying after just a few strokes. Fuck but that felt good. I leaned against the shower wall, taking a minute to recover before the inevitable occurred, a second, almost instantaneous erection. Let's see—where would I go next?
Ooh, I know—lying on top of Bella on her bed, only with no Charlie to interrupt us. This time my mouth successfully captured her nipple, my tongue and teeth inflicting delightful torment while my hand plumped and squeezed that tantalizing mound. Here in Edward's fantasyland, it was easy enough to make our jeans disappear, so that my hand stroking my cock suddenly became the clenching of Bella's wet, warm, oh so tight inner walls as I rode her hard. I groaned loudly with my second release.
My legs were shaking, so I passed on a threepeat, at least for now. I finished my shower and dressed for bed. Now that blood actually seemed to be circulating to my brain again, it was time to think. All in all, I had made great progress with Bella today. But the control issue was still obviously a real problem, one that no amount of imaginary sex seemed to eliminate. Of course, I didn't know how much worse it would be without the pre-date wanking. And frankly, I wasn't prepared to find out.
The monster sighed loudly in relief.
I needed advice from someone with experience. I had three choices. First, there was Carlisle. For once in my life though, I didn't think I'd be all that comfortable discussing the subject with him. For one thing, it'd been a while since he was a teenager. And for another thing, he was just so…rational. I actually had trouble picturing him ever struggling with the same problem. The monster nodded thoughtfully.
That left my brothers. Jasper would have been my first choice, as he was a very understanding person, but I wasn't actually sure that he and Alice were having sex. If they were, they were being extremely discreet about it. But the bigger problem was that Alice and I were very close. I really couldn't imagine discussing their sex life with Jasper, even by implication.
So, my last choice was Emmett. I was pretty darn sure that he and Rosalie were doing the deed, and since Rose and I weren't that close, I didn't feel the same degree of reluctance in talking to him. Emmett wasn't the most sensitive guy in the world, but he and I got along pretty well. So, Emmett it was. I'd have to try and get with him in the morning. That resolved, I let myself drift off to sleep.
The second thing I did after I awoke in the morning was telephone Bella. My heart did a little flip when I heard her voice. The monster shamelessly eavesdropped on our conversation.
"Good morning, Bella," I said softly.
"Good morning, Edward," she replied in a sultry tone. Christ, please tell me I wasn't getting another hard on just from hearing her voice?
"I was wondering if you were free today," I asked hopefully.
"I believe I am," Bella responded coyly. "What did you have in mind?"
Oh, I don't know. Sucking on your clit until you come in my mouth? "I thought you might like to see where I live and meet my family today."
"Okay, that sounds nice," she agreed without hesitation.
I told Bella I would pick her up at one. We talked for a few more minutes before ending the conversation. I couldn't wait to see her again. The monster began primping in front of the mirror.
I was fortunate to find Emmett alone in his room. He looked surprised when I knocked and entered at his leave. I wasn't known in my family for seeking private interviews.
"What up, bro?" Emmett asked, curiosity evident in his face.
"Emmett, I'd like to speak with you—get your advice about something," I responded nervously.
"Sure thing. How can I help?"
"Well, first of all, it's extremely personal, so I would like you to promise that you won't tell anybody, or even hint to anybody, or ever tease me about it, or do any of the other things you do when you're trying to be annoying," I demanded.
"And why should I agree to that? What's in it for me?" Typical Emmett. The monster exhaled with impatience.
"You should agree to it because you're my big brother, and it is universally acknowledged that big brothers have a moral obligation to help their little brothers with things like this. And secondly, if you ever break your promise, I'll tell Rose about your stash of porn," I warned.
That was enough for Emmett. Getting Rose pissed at him would do it every time. Besides, he already smelled a conversation about sex coming up and wasn't about to miss the chance of showing off his superior knowledge.
"All right, okay. You don't have to threaten me. I won't tell and I won't tease. Now, what can I do you for?" Emmett asked again.
"Well, I have a girlfriend," I announced with some small measure of pride. "Bella Swan—do you know who she is?"
Emmett nodded and made a leering face. The monster snickered.
"And the problem is?" Emmett prompted.
"Um, I'm having some…control issues," I admitted, embarrassment coloring my face.
"More specifics," Emmett demanded.
"I find it difficult to…I mean, it seems that I'm… Christ, it's like I'm always hard around her," I finally stammered out, plopping down on the floor and leaning against the door. "All she has to do is smile practically and I'm sporting wood. It's extremely embarrassing."
Emmett shook his head. "Edward, this is a problem all guys have. You should just beat off before you see her. It'll help, I promise."
My exasperation could not be contained. "Emmett, if I beat off any more than I do now my right arm is going to be noticeably bigger than my left."
Emmett snorted with amusement. I continued. "And when she kissed me last night, I had her on her back and was trying to steal home plate before either of us knew what happened. If her father hadn't come home in time, my little swimmers would be racing upstream to spawn right now." I shook my head in disbelief at my own stupidity. The monster had a look of fond remembrance on its face.
"Her father—did he catch you?"
"I'm still alive, aren't I?" I retorted.
Emmett looked thoughtful. "Edward, how do you feel about this girl? I mean, do you just want to fuck her, or do you really like her?"
I paused before admitting, "I'm in love with her, Emmett." The monster clasped its hands and raised its eyes to the little hearts circling its head.
Emmett sighed. "If that's the case, you're not going to want to hear what I have to say."
"I do, Emmett, I really do. I need your help," I begged.
"Okay, but don't blame me if you don't like it." He paused for emphasis before announcing definitively, "If you can't control yourself, you're not ready for sex, at least not with someone you love. I mean, you don't want to behave like an animal her first time. You need to put the thought of sex out of your head—both of them—at least for now. Just take it slow, Edward. It will be worth it in the end."
Jeez, who knew Emmett had it in him?
I must have looked dismayed, because Emmett shrugged."I'm just sayin'." A moment later he reached into the drawer of his nightstand and took something out. He grabbed my hand and shoved half a dozen foil packages in it, explaining with a smirk, "In case you fuck up. I'm not ready to be an uncle."
I nodded. Emmett was right. I needed to stop thinking about having sex with Bella—just eliminate the idea from my mind. I mean, other than fantasy sex. Like this morning in the shower when I took Bella from behind as she leaned against the shower wall and bent over in front of me, her tight little ass just looking so sweet as I replaced my exploring fingers with my hard cock and pounded…oh shit.
I shook my head to dispel the image. It was time to institute phase three of the Bella Swan Resistance Plan. If I considered sex off limits, then maybe I wouldn't be obsessing about it all the time. I was determined to get control of the situation.
As I thanked Emmett and rose to leave the room, I noticed the monster was trying to kick him in the balls.
I still had a while before it would be time to pick up Bella, so I went back to my room. First, I stashed the condoms in a drawer. Then I straightened things up a bit and made my bed. After all, she would want to see my room, right? I mean, just to see how it reflected my personality. But certainly not to have sex—that was out of the question.
As I stood for a moment staring at the gold bedspread, I couldn't help imagining Bella sprawled gloriously naked on top of it, holding out her arms in invitation, wanting me as much as I… Shit, I better have another wank before I leave—just to be on the safe side. And Emmett did advise as much.
I picked up Bella precisely at one. I had been so used to not seeing the police cruiser that it took me aback to unexpectedly find it parked in her driveway. I took a minute to prepare myself to meet Chief Swan. The monster donned a bowtie.
I swallowed my nervousness while knocking on the door. Sure enough, Chief Swan, in full uniform, appeared as it opened. I did my best Eddie Haskell impression.
"Good afternoon, Chief Swan. I'm Edward Cullen, and I'm here to see Bella," I announced politely.
Charlie extended his hand and we shook. "Come in, Edward."
"It's nice to meet you, sir," I replied formally. The monster kept a wary eye on Charlie's gun.
Bella came bouncing down the stairs as I entered. She smiled shyly when she saw me, and I couldn't help but return it. She looked beautiful. She was wearing jeans and a blouse in a color I will forever mentally refer to as "corset blue." For God's sake, not now Little Eddie!
"Where are you two going?" Charlie asked Bella.
"Just to Edward's house," Bella responded happily. "I'm going to meet his family. Don't worry, Dad. I'll be back in time to make you dinner." She grabbed her jacket and we headed towards my car. I was hoping that Charlie was still watching as I opened the passenger door for Bella. I wanted to make sure he knew that his daughter was safe with someone as considerate as me.
I drove about a block away and pulled over suddenly, reaching to place my hand behind Bella's neck to hold her steady for a kiss. I insinuated my tongue between her lips, but managed to restrain myself from ravishing her mouth. I was breathing a little unsteadily when we broke apart. So was the monster.
"I couldn't wait a minute longer to do that," I admitted.
Bella seemed just as affected as I when she responded, "I'm glad you couldn't wait."
"You look really lovely in that blouse, Bella," I schmoozed. And even lovelier without it, I'm betting…
"Thank you, Edward," she responded demurely, her cheeks coloring delightfully.
My balls tightened in response. Why did that innocent persona always get to me? The monster twirled its imaginary mustache with an evil leer.
I could have easily sat there and stared at her all afternoon, so I forced myself to get back to driving. I spent the rest of the drive holding Bella's hand and trying to suppress my body's reaction to being near her. Apparently, my dick didn't get the memo about not having sex with Bella any time soon. Relief hit me as I pulled into our driveway and could now look forward to the distraction my family would present.
Esme and Carlisle were conveniently hanging about in the living room when we entered. I introduced both of them to Bella. Esme greeted her warmly, looking enchanted.
"I'm happy to meet you," Bella responded. "Your home is so beautiful. I had no idea there was anything like this around Forks."
Esme basked in the glow of her favorite compliment. "We're so happy to see you, dear," she gushed.
Alice came bounding down the stairs then, towing Jasper behind her. "Hi Bella," Alice cheerfully announced. She introduced Jasper, who gave Bella a smile and a small nod, before adding, "I'm so glad you could come. I hope we have an opportunity to get to know each other better."
Bella responded softly, "I hope so too, Alice." Alice and Jasper drifted off.
"Why don't you show Bella around, Edward?" Esme suggested. The monster whistled impatiently, making obvious gestures about heading upstairs.
I noticed that Bella was focused on my piano. My eyes lit up as I identified a possible way for me to show off a bit. "Do you play?" I asked.
"Just a little. I've never seen such a beautiful instrument. A six foot concert grand, isn't it?"
"Yes," I remarked, surprised. "Do you want to play it?"
"I haven't touched a piano in years, but I'm tempted to try. My mom had an old upright, and she taught me to play. But I was never very good."
"Well, please give it a go, if you like. I promise not to be too critical," I added smugly as I led Bella over to the piano.
We sat together on the bench, and Bella lovingly ran her fingers across the keys. I was mesmerized, thinking of something else I'd like her fingers to lovingly stroke. Then my jaw dropped as she broke into a flawless rendition of Clair de Lune. The monster began slow dancing by itself.
After a few minutes, the notes trailed off. "That's all I remember," Bella said ruefully.
"That was beautiful, Bella," I said, truly impressed.
"Now you play something," Bella urged.
She had grabbed my hand when she stopped playing. When I released hers to begin one of my favorite Mozart sonatas, she left it lying casually on my leg. I tried to concentrate on the music, but it seemed, whether consciously or not, that her hand kept creeping up my leg. She made it to the middle of my thigh before I hit the first discordant note. I gave up entirely several bars later, taking her hand from my leg and saying severely, "You are no longer allowed to sit next to me when I play the piano, young lady." So much for showing off…
Bella laughed and stood, pulling me off the bench, saying, "Take me on a tour of the rest of your house." The monster raced to the staircase.
I showed Bella the downstairs recreation room first, then the rest of the ground floor. To the monster's great delight, we did eventually start up the stairs. To its consternation, however, we lingered on the second floor when I took Bella into Carlisle's office to look around. I was starting to get nervous about taking Bella to my room, but after a few minutes she looked at me expectantly.
"Well, I showed you mine. Now show me yours," she teased. The monster flipped open an imaginary trench coat and flashed Bella.
I indicated that Bella should precede me, wanting a repeat performance of watching her mesmerizing walk up stairs. Then I wondered if indulging myself this way was wise. Remember the BSR Plan—no sex Edward!
I pointed out the guest room down the hall before opening the door to my bedroom. When Bella saw it, she turned to me with a stunned smile on her face. "Wow, this is beautiful. You're so lucky." The monster jumped up on the bed and started patting the spot next to where it was sitting.
Bella walked over to my shelves of CDs and started perusing them. After a while, she began the same process with my book shelves. I relaxed on my couch, hands behind my head, enjoying myself immensely just by watching her. Eventually, she came and sat next to me on the couch, where the conversation naturally drifted into a lively discussion of books and music.
When our dialogue hit a lull, I found myself staring at Bella, drinking in her lovely face, losing myself in her deep brown eyes. I lifted my hand to stroke the line of her cheek. Almost without volition I found myself murmuring, "You're so beautiful, Bella."
The very next moment, Bella lifted her leg over both of mine and straddled my lap. I froze in shock. We were now sitting in the exact position we had been on that day when Bella teasingly removed her clothes and made love to me. I mean, in my head as I jerked off. My cock apparently remembered it as well.
When she leaned forward to kiss me, I responded in a restrained manner and kept my hands glued to her waist. After a few moments, Bella noticed my reticence and broke our kiss.
"Edward, what's wrong?" she asked, anxiously searching my face. The monster looked anxious too.
"I…I don't know if I can just…let go without ultimately…losing control. I'm afraid I'm going to scare you, go too far," I confessed. "I want everything to be perfect for us. I don't want us to make love just because we couldn't restrain ourselves. I want to make sure we're both ready and…and I'm just so inexperienced…" I lowered my eyes, feeling somewhat ashamed. The monster flipped me off.
"I agree with you completely. I'm not ready either. But there are a lot of steps between kissing and making love. We don't have to rush. I don't have any experience either, but it would be nice if we could learn together."
Bella picked up my hand and moved it to her breast. "For now, this is enough," she whispered before leaning in and kissing me again. This time, I returned her kiss without hesitation.
And oh my God, to have this one fantasy come true—to have her breast filling my hand as Bella's tongue roamed my mouth—was exquisite. I indulged all of my desires, kneading the soft flesh beneath the thin fabric of her blouse, my thumb scraping across the peak to coax her nipple to life. Bella moaned with pleasure, and I gave up trying to silence the animalistic sounds coming from my throat.
Surely if touching one breast was allowed, there could be no prohibition on doubling my pleasure. I slid my empty hand upwards, fondling the other soft mound in tandem, animating that peak as well. When I captured each nipple between a thumb and forefinger and gently pinched and rolled the sensitive nubs, Bella threw her head back and sobbed, "Oh, Edward."
That was enough. I knew I had to stop. My arms went around Bella's waist, and I drew her close to me. She rested her head on my chest as we both sought to bring our breathing under control. My cock was throbbing, leaking in readiness, but I didn't care. I'd fix that problem later. Repeatedly.
I tilted Bella's face towards mine to give her a gentle kiss. Her lids were still heavy with passion, and her smile was innocently seductive. I closed my eyes against further temptation.
I was content to hold Bella for a long time. She just felt so good in my arms. Eventually she lifted her head to look at the clock and groaned. "I've got to go home and make Charlie dinner," she announced with dismay.
"But I don't want to give you back," I protested, tightening my hold on her body.
Bella gave me another quick kiss before lifting herself off my lap. I stood and gave her a better kiss, savoring her taste against my tongue and the feeling of her body aligned with mine. I raised my head, smiled at her, and said, "Okay, love, let's get you home."
I dropped Bella off at her house and let her know I'd pick her up for school in the morning. On the way home, I reflected on our new understanding. It was perfect, really, and sweet in a way. Bella and I would learn about physical love together, slowly, one step at a time, over a period of weeks or more likely months, I suppose. So basically, pretty much all that time, either my dick would be hard enough to hammer nails or my balls would be aching uncontrollably. Christ, could I be any more masochistic?
The monster pointed its finger at its head and pulled the trigger.
Thanks to psymom for being a great Beta. And thank you for your reviews. I am sorry that I am unable to acknowledge them as I would like to but I appreciate them so much!
