Disclaimer: Yo, Steph! Thanks for giving us Twilight! Luv ya, babes 3
I have to warn you that some of what is to come, after this one, will be dark. You might not want to continue reading. I'm sorry, but…
I have also been busy reading other FF's, and one excellent one is called "Expectations and Other Moving Pieces" by Chrometurtle. I am in awe of this talented writer. Also, go read Belgravia by MsRobPattzMasen…a great WIP read…encourage her to continue…she's a great friend.
OH! The biggest news of this week: I have a new blog doing author interviews Twi-Crazi...can't remember if I'd mentioned it already...but this week I interviewed...*drumroll* Sebastien Robichaud, who wrote University of Edward Masen! I know! I couldn't believe it either. Please have a gander... www(dot)twi-crazi(dot)blogspot(dot)com/author-interview-with-Sebastien
xxxxOOOxxxx
We had a 40 minute drive from the airport to the house that Edward was staying in. It was right on the beach. It was a white wood board bungalow with pink climbing rose vines surrounding it on trellises and pergolas. The fragrance was deliciously sweet as we approached the front door.
He opened the front door with his key, turned around and faced me with a look that was drop-dead gorgeous. It took my breath away and left me dizzy.
He grabbed me, pulled me into his arms, and spun me around so that I was inside the entryway of the house before I realized what had happened. Still not releasing me, he closed the door with his foot, and leaned against it. He repeatedly kissed me, hovering slightly so that I could feel his cool, mint-flavoured breath in my mouth, between each one.
He looked pleased to finally have reached our destination. It was a long, albeit interesting, trip. I let out a deep sigh and sunk into his long, sinewy arms.
"Now let me show you where you can put your things," he said as he led me down the entry hall and then to the right being a smaller hallway which had three doors.
He stopped at the first door on the left, which was the washroom. Yeah. We'd have to share.
Then the second door was the master bedroom, and a door on the right side was another bedroom, to which he motioned for me to enter.
He had a mysterious, quizzical look on his face though, which I didn't comprehend.
"What is that look for?" I asked, too tired to figure it out for myself.
I dragged myself to the plush, chintz-covered chair beside the bed. There was a big flat screen TV on the wall across from the bed. It was a pretty room, mostly in sky blues and yellows. Floral wallpaper covered the wall behind the bed. There was an eyelet duvet cover, with matching pillow covers and lots of blue and sea-foam green accent pillows.
"Nothing…I'll let you freshen up. If you aren't too tired, come out into the living room after, ok?"
"Mm-hmm, I will. I won't be too long."
It already felt like I could fall asleep standing up. Didn't know why I was so tired. Didn't we just spend all that time 'relaxing' in the plane?
I didn't think I was going to be staying too long, but I sorted my stuff into drawers anyway. Then took my travel bathroom bag and went to the bathroom. I decided to have a shower at bedtime.
Changing my clothing was definitely a must and I was glad I'd packed my yoga pants and comfortable, light, black long-sleeved sweater. It was perfect for an evening in.
I finally entered the living room, which was totally beautiful, with sand-coloured walls. A floor to ceiling river stone fireplace covering one side wall, with a small fire alight. There was another huge flat screen TV on the wall in the opposite wall with two very comfortable, light blue, leather easy chairs facing it.
I looked for Edward, but he wasn't in there but as I turned around I found him walking out from the kitchen, holding two mugs in his hands.
"I made some coffee. Starbucks, of course. Interested?"
He looked proud of himself. He had changed and was totally enticing in his tan khakis and green, long-sleeved sweater. I would have tackled him right there, had he not been holding hot liquids.
"Put those down, you…I want to show you something…" I attempted at coyness, not sure if it came off as such, until…
He placed the mugs down on the nearest flat surface, and stepped slowly toward me. I could see a hint of mischief in his emerald-green eyes and I suddenly didn't think I was the one to surprise him.
Instead, he lunged for me. I shrieked and tried to escape his grasp. It turned into a game of chase, until I couldn't outrun him due to intense laughter.
We landed on the white leather recliner sofa in front of the fireplace. He was gently on top of me, rumbling into my neck, which put me into hysterics.
We continued laughing, until we were breathless. Then we just collapsed onto the sofa, trying to regain composure, staring into the fire.
We rearranged ourselves so that he was holding me from behind, to prevent me from falling off the sofa. He rested his head beside my cheek after kissing my neck and ear.
It was surreal to me. So peaceful. His arms were holding me and I felt secure. I very nearly fell asleep. My eyelids wanted to close so much.
I wanted to see his face, to see if he looked as tired as I felt. I slowly tried to turn around to take a peek. His breathing had slowed and I wondered…I think he had fallen asleep.
How absolutely innocent he looked. I totally relaxed into his slightly muscular arms, then let myself fall asleep.
With the fire still burning, I woke up to Edward kissing my neck again. I could tell it was only a short time later due to the light cascading in through the glass wall.
"I guess we were a little bit exhausted, huh? Do you want me to make another cup of coffee, or would you like a glass of wine?"
He sounded like he was up for anything now. I still felt tired, and didn't want to get up yet. I hugged his arms around me.
"Um, not sure, you?" I think I just wanted to sleep more. Jet lag, I think. I struggled to raise myself off the couch, but he held on tighter. It made me giggle, which once again ignited his tired laughter.
"We should try to stay up a bit longer, so that the time difference won't screw up our days too much. I'll get some wine, it's easier. Unless you want me to nuke this coffee…"
Edward unwrapped his arms leaving my body instantly yearning for him to come back to me. He swung his legs off the sofa, stood up, stretched, and gave a long yawn. It caused me to stifle a yawn but I stayed seated.
The fire was mesmerizing.
He came back after a short while with two wine glasses.
He thought it would be nice to go out onto the deck, so I followed him out. Maybe it would wake me up a bit. He had also grabbed some cheese and crackers, which I supposed were already in the fridge, waiting for us.
I was hungry but hadn't realized it yet. My stomach let out a slow growl. He laughed and stuck a piece of cheese on top of a cracker into my mouth. I returned the favour and he licked my finger.
"You know, we aren't going to get anything done, if you keep up that kind of thing," I teased as I took his hand and licked his finger, too.
"That's it!" He sprung up out of his chair and took my arms, pulling me to my feet. He lifted me into his arms and with powerful strides walked inside, through the living room and straight to the master bedroom.
I squealed with excitement in his arms. He nuzzled my neck with kisses. As we neared the bed, we both became silent. Our desire-filled questioning eyes searched each other's. The answer was 'yes'.
He placed me down gently and began to undress me - one agonizing button at a time. I wanted to just tear the buttons off, but he was the gentleman.
I began my ascent into bliss by pulling up on his sweater, revealing a perfectly toned torso.
Oh my! My heart quickened as did my breathing.
He had managed to complete his task of removing the clothing from my upper body and began to kiss me sweetly in random spots.
My collar bone.
My shoulder.
My ear.
My jaw.
My lips.
My now bare nipple.
Wait! My nipple…I'd like him to just linger there for a lot longer. I arched my back in response to his ministering. He was a most kind, responsive lover and, without so much as a word, continued to suckle and nip at it, then the other.
Oh…that was so good.
I grabbed a fistful of his hair, pulling his face up to mine. I kissed him hungrily, greedily never wanting to stop. He returned the kiss with his tongue claiming my mouth.
I was now on fire!
I think his desire was making its presence known as he ground his hips into mine.
Now all that was left was to remove any obstacles that prevented us from consummating our wants and needs.
I lifted my hips to meet his, too impatient for his languorous tormented methods.
"Edward," I huskily breathed, "…now…please…"
He stalled for an instant, burned me with his most sexy gaze and acquiesced.
"Yes, baby…," his voice trailed off as he thrust into me.
It was sublime. Each thrust was with as much passion as he could muster and I welcomed him with thrusts of my own in return .
He was not stingy, forcing himself to reach deeper and deeper into my core.
"Aaaahh….baby…so sweet," he crooned into my ear, licking it and biting it.
Then the momentum really began to build. I could feel myself being pulled up..up..up…
The control I didn't realize I had had suddenly vanished. I just needed him to reach and feel me…gripping…it was uncontrollable.
The emotions overflowed the body's reactions.
This was it. Fuck!
I lost control. I clenched around him inside of me…hard. Over. And Over. And over.
It caused him to come into me with violent surges.
"Baby…you're…amazing," breathlessly Edward whispered. Then he retreated himself and collapsed beside me.
xxxxxxOOOOOOxxxxxx
Waking up in his room, with the curtains billowing in the breeze, through the open sliding glass door, was again, surreal.
He was stroking my hair and starting to kiss me from my hand up to my shoulder, then toward my neck. It made me giggle.
I turned to him and intertwined my fingers through his hair, pulling him toward me. He was a fabulous kisser. I didn't believe I ever could get tired of it.
"Would you mind terribly if we didn't venture outside today? I seem to have developed other plans to keep us busy…," he breathed into my ear.
The thrill of his voice sent me spiraling into a deep chasm of joy. Could life get any better? Every single moment was heavenly.
xOx
As he went to prepare some breakfast and coffee for us, I hopped into the shower. I'm sure my hair was something to see, after the long flight and glorious night.
There's only so much a man must endure. I needed to give him a break. I took my time, drying my hair and putting some freesia scented lotion all over. Now I felt more human, decent even.
There was a purple silk dressing gown hanging on the door hook, which I slipped on.
Why would he have one of those here? I'd have to ask him later.
As I stepped out, he was sitting outside on the deck, sipping his coffee, feet up on the chair opposite his. He turned his head as I stepped through the doorway and took my hand in his and kissed the back of it softly.
"Mmmm…you smell nice. Are you trying to see how many different methods of torture it will take to put me over the edge, or what?"
He then yanked me onto his lap, and I lost my balance and fell into it rather clumsily. He wound his arm around my neck and kissed me square on the lips forcefully.
I thought it best if I wormed my way out of his clutch, in order to have a chance at eating. Eating didn't seem to be much of a priority when I was with him, but I didn't want my stomach's insistent growls to spoil any mood unexpectedly.
He didn't want to release his grip on me, but I persisted and eventually he let his hold weaken.
I hadn't realized how much I'd missed my morning coffee, and this was the best tasting I'd had. He was good at so many things.
I let my mind wander for a second. Mmmm…
He had also prepared toast with fruit jam and a hard-boiled egg.
"Thank you for this, it's delicious. Where did you learn to take care of a lady, anyway? Oh, and whose dressing gown is this? Is it ok for me to wear it?"
"Taking care of you is purely instinct, I believe, my love. You make it easy. And it's for you. I was being hopeful and asked my assistant to pick it up for me."
"An assistant? That makes sense, I guess. There must be tons of things that need to be taken care of by an assistant. How many other people know that I'm here?"
I was suddenly growing uneasy, not as confident. What would other people think of me being here… with him? It had been different, not having anyone he knew know about me. Like it was a make-believe world, not real.
"Yes there's always appointments, flights to arrange, hotels, that kind of thing. I'm still getting used to having one. And nobody else knows about you…yet. I can't wait though. They'll love you. I was thinking that I'd invite a few people here tomorrow, sort of a barbecue thing. Would that be ok with you?"
He looked so excited at the thought, and I silently cringed.
I didn't know if I was ready for being' out-ed'.
I think he could tell by the pained expression on my face that I was apprehensive. He slid his chair closer to mine and put his arm around my shoulders, kissing the side of my face.
"No need to worry, Tracy, really. Just be yourself, no pretenses here. They're all really nice people and down to earth. They're not your regular Hollywood types. They are my friends."
"Are you really sure you want to expose yourself to their reactions so early. I mean, what if what we've begun here doesn't last. You'll probably get bored of me soon. I won't be upset. You've given me a lifetime worth of absolutely divine memories so far. I couldn't ask for anything more," for some inexplicable reason my brain was spiraling down toward the pits of despair, "maybe we should set a time limit, so that you won't feel awkward about having to cut if off…"
I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I tried to look away from him, so that he wouldn't feel pressured. Fortunately the tears escaped on the opposite side from him.
"Is that what kind of man you think I am?" He paused, at a loss for words, his brows furrowed and he reached up to run his fingers through his mess of hair.
Uh-oh.
He looked angry for a few seconds, then leaned back in his chair, folded his arms and stared out to the crashing surf. I didn't know what to say anymore. I had definitely ruined the mood. I just didn't want him to feel trapped.
"I'm sorry…my self-confidence won't let me enjoy anything for too long. I have to brace myself for the fall, because it always comes. I guess it's a way of self-preservation or something."
I stroked the back of his hand, trying to coax his arm to reach mine. He didn't turn his head to look at me choosing to gaze out into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean . He looked incredibly hurt.
I got up to walk away. Might as well let him be alone, to think. Maybe I should have saved that speech until it was time for my visit to end. I'd obviously ruined the most amazing thing I'd ever had.
That was stupid. I thought I was going to lose my composure any second, so I hurried to "my" room. I closed the door and buried my head into my pillow and proceeded to lose it. I tried not to make it too loud.
Then I felt his hand stroke the hair from my face.
He pulled my arm, to make me turn over onto my back and brushed the hair out of my face. I was embarrassed, my face showing obvious signs of a pity party crying session. I covered it with my arm and tried to turn over in the other side.
He was having none of that. He partially laid down beside me and held my cheek and started to kiss my tears from my face. I couldn't look at him no matter how he tried to engage my eyes to his.
Not wanting to suppress the sobbing that was bursting from my insides anymore, I buried my face in his shoulder. He hugged me closer. No words were spoken between us. He just continued to stroke my hair and back in a comforting way.
It took a pretty long time, but eventually I couldn't squeeze anything more out. My erratic breathing took a while longer to settle down, though.
"Are you quite done yet?" he asked as he lifted my chin up in order to gaze into my swollen eyes.
He kissed me once on each eye so tenderly it made my heart ache. How could he still want to look at me, let alone show any affection toward me? I must look like an emotionally unstable crazy person to him.
I just wanted the earth to swallow me up now, before I got any more insane.
"You know, I didn't know you could act, too…I thought you were as into me as I was into you…" he was half smiling, half quizzical.
"You fooled me pretty good. I'm embarrassed to have been taken for such a fool."
"What? No!" My brilliant response to his opening of his soul.
I didn't know if he was being serious. I didn't know how to respond to what he was saying. I didn't understand why he was saying this. He was into me? It's really over. It's my own fault, I know.
"Okay, now I feel like you're jerking me around. First you're mad, then you're comforting me, then you're…you're…I don't know what you're doing now…I really can't process it right now. I don't know what you want me to say."
"Me - jerking you around! What did your little speech on the patio mean? You spend the night with me and then you tell me that you think we should end this, this…whatever this is…I thought it was all good, no, great actually…I finally met a woman I could be myself with, have a laugh with, without any pretenses…I was so elated…my guard was completely down…" He looked like he was about to lose it.
His lip was quivering just a bit, and he turned away, but I noticed.
"Oh…I'm an idiot…I'm so, so sorry…forgive me, please…please…" I sat up so that I could wrap my arms around him. He was hunched over, totally deflated.
I started to kiss his face –every single square inch of his beautiful face. His eyes remained shut as I kissed his eyelids.
As I reached his lips, his limpid green eyes slowly re-opened. He slightly responded to my lip kisses. They were bittersweet.
I sensed that there was hope. I continued kissing them, over and over and over until he started to return my attempts.
And when he did, it was like a dam bursting. I was totally swept up in the rush. I hadn't dreamed that it could get any better, but I was so wrong.
It was total relief and elation. I closed my eyes and let him have me.
A/N: Even if you just accidentally clicked on this story and found yourself in this chapter, let me know what you think. Please.
The rest of you…The Drill!
Ready? Set! GO!
Mwah!