AN: Would you like some lemonade? Well c'mon in then! :D lol [insert standard disclaimers, etc]
November 15
Bella,
I trust this letter finds you well. I know we've been able to speak on the phone most days, but I still don't feel it's enough, so I hope you don't mind that I continue to write you these desperate love letters.
I'm writing to you on the plane, as I fly from New York to Los Angeles. It's a dreadful flight because of its length, but better I suppose than the flights to Europe and Asia. At least I'm back in the states now, I feel a little closer to you since the time change isn't so radical, but it's still been awful without you.
And although I wish you would have been able to accompany me on the press tour, your safety is paramount and I suppose it was the right decision for you to stay in Delta. That doesn't mean I still don't miss you terribly. I am however, glad to hear that the security system I had installed during my absence has made you feel at least somewhat safer, even though I know we'd both prefer that I was there to keep you safe myself.
I have one more week without you, sweetheart, and it truly is a miracle that I've made it this long without you. I miss every single thing about you, from the way you talk to Jake to the pouty face you make when you want to get your way. I even miss you keeping me up late because you can't put down your romance novels.
There isn't a second that goes by that I don't think of you and imagine how good it will feel to have you in my arms again in seven days and forever after that.
I'm counting the minutes.
I love you,
Edward
Staring at the luggage carousal, Edward was completely zoned out and utterly jet-lagged. Though the flight attendant had said what time they'd be landing, he couldn't recall the time she'd announced. It was still light outside when he got off the plane, but just barely and it was November so he thought it must be just before five – not late enough to justify going to bed the second he got home.
He'd been in New York alone for four days to promote the movie on morning TV shows and whatever else Angela had booked for him. Normally Alice and Jasper would have been with him, but they decided to return to Los Angeles early for two reasons.
First, Angela had made the executive decision that Edward should no longer wear the blonde wig he'd been sporting to keep up appearances as his famous alter-ego, Anthony Masen – she said it was time for a change and he looked much better with short hair. He was told his hair cut was causing a media frenzy and major fangirl meltdown. His new-to-the-public copper locks were a drastic change, but he was happy not to have to worry about his hairline showing; though he was still forced to wear the contacts that made his eyes look freakishly azure. At first he'd been upset, thinking that his anonymity would be compromised, but Angela assured him she'd have tighter security and so far she'd kept her promise.
The second reason Alice and Jasper returned to L.A. immediately after doing press in London was because after ten days with Edward's miserable and depressed moping, they could barely stand to be around him. The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that by day Edward was forced to be a happy and genial Anthony Masen, promoting his movie and dishing on his bogus tropical vacation in South America, but by night he sunk to the lowest of lows, pining for Bella and worried sick that he wasn't in Delta and able to protect her.
Every time he got off the phone after having talked to her, he'd sulk alone for hours knowing that although she tried to sound positive, she was having just as awful of a time as he was. He couldn't get the image out of his mind of tears streaming down her face as she pasted a smile on and waved goodbye to him in Green Bay.
The luggage carousal buzzer began to blare and Edward watched the pieces move through weary eyes, making his way through the crowd eventually when he saw his familiar suitcase.
Luckily Jasper had booked him a flight that came in through the Burbank airport again, so he didn't have to worry about the paparazzi. Still, he wore a baseball cap, just in case. His cell phone rang just as he walked out of the sliding glass doors into the comfortable L.A. weather. He picked up the call and stayed on the phone with Jasper until he was able to flag him down.
Jasper popped the trunk for Edward's luggage. Edward muttered a quick 'hi' and 'thanks' as he shut the passenger-side door. Immediately he dialed the landline for the house in Delta, but with each consecutive ring he became more alarmed. Eventually the answering machine picked up and Edward was glad he'd put his foot down and bought one for the house, though Bella insisted it wasn't necessary.
"You've reached Edward Cullen—" Bella's voice began.
"You live here too." Edward's voice argued on the message.
Bella could be heard huffing in the background before Edward said, "And Bella Swan, leave a message."
"You ruined it! Now I have to do it over ag—" Bella's voice cut off as the machine beeped and Edward chuckled, remembering when they'd recorded it.
"Hi honey, I just landed in L.A.; I hope everything's okay. Call me when you get this. I don't know how long I'll be able to stay up, but I'll leave my phone with Alice in case you call when I'm sleeping. Love you." Edward ended the call and dialed Rose.
Jasper looked at Edward worriedly, "I'm sure she's fine, I wouldn't—"
"Hey Rose." Edward silenced Jasper when Rose picked up the phone.
"Hey, whatta ya need?" She replied distractedly.
"Have you heard from Bella today?" Edward asked and had to hold the phone away from his ear when he heard Dave's shrill cry on the other end.
"Err – no, sorry." Rose said quickly.
"Okay," Edward said, disappointed, "Sorry I interrupted you." He apologized.
"No problem, bye." Rose hung up.
Edward stared at his phone and was about to dial Bella again when Jasper took the phone from his hand. "DUDE!?" Edward snatched it back from him.
"Chill out Anthony – she'll call you – relax." Jasper shook his head.
Edward rolled his eyes, knowing he'd act the same way if it was Alice who wasn't answering when she was supposed to be at home. "Whatever." He folded his arms.
"How was your flight?" Jasper tried to make idle conversation.
"Long." Edward said shortly.
"Are you hungry?" Jasper asked.
"Yeah," Edward sighed, "But I don't want to stop for fast food, I'll just—"
"Oh, no – umm – Alice's making something."
Edward's head whipped around to eye Jasper speculatively. "You and I both know that's not a good idea."
Jasper frowned, "I know… but she's been working on it all day. We're gonna have to try it at the very least."
Edward put his head in his hands and groaned. His sister, bless her heart, couldn't cook to save her life, although the food she made certainly could have ended it.
"It'll be okay… I think," Jasper tried, but Edward knew better.
They spent the rest of the ride in silence. Edward checked his phone every few seconds just to make sure he hadn't missed Bella returning his call.
A few paparazzi were stationed outside the gate to his house in the hills, no doubt waiting for his imminent return since the premiere of his movie was only two days away. But the windows of Jasper's car were tinted in the back and Edward ducked under his hat so they didn't get any decent shots.
When Jasper eventually made it up to drive and parked the car inside the garage, he told Edward to go inside and that he'd get his luggage for him.
The moment he opened the front door a delicious and painfully familiar aroma hit his nostrils. And if he couldn't miss Bella anymore, the smell of her marinara sauce changed his mind.
But then he heard her melodic laughter float into the foyer and Edward honestly thought he'd lost his mind. Regardless, upon hearing her, he ran.
Rounding the corner and skipping up a few steps, he found her – leaning up against the counter, casually giggling at some joke his sister had made.
"Bella?" He breathed in disbelief.
She turned and her eyes lit up at the sight of him. Not caring if she was a figment of his imagination, Edward rushed forward and took her in his arms, grabbing her so forcefully, he lifted her feet off the ground.
"I missed you so much, baby." She whispered into his ear, clutching him just as tightly.
And Edward could have cared less that he had an audience when he leaned down and kissed her roughly – urgently – finally.
Alice coughed behind Edward and Bella pulled away from him, blushing.
"Why are you here?" Edward shook his head, still in shock, while he held Bella's face in his palms.
"You needed me." She said simply, looking up at him with her big, beautiful brown eyes. And Edward nearly lost it.
He pulled her into a tight hug and asked, "What about your parents – traveling?"
"Jasper sent a private jet to pick me up in Hayward." Bella snuggled into his embrace, "He said it was safe."
Edward looked over her to see Jasper and Alice smirking. He mouthed a 'thank you' and looked down at Bella again before kissing the top of her head.
"I made you spaghetti with Alice." Bella told him.
"My sweet girl…" Edward smiled, leaning down and kissing her forehead, "I love you," he said, then kissed her lips before releasing her from his hold, though he refused to let go of her hand.
Bella giggled again; it was almost Edward's favorite sound in the world, second only to the way she moaned when he touched her.
She kissed his knuckles and he reluctantly let her go to finish kneading the dough for the garlic bread.
Edward watched her move around the kitchen with the same grace she always had in their home in Delta. 'Our home,' he thought.
Jasper entered a moment later, placing a chaste kiss on Alice's cheek before handing her some shopping bags.
"Oh yay!" She exclaimed and started digging through them immediately, "They had the ones I wanted right?" She asked Jasper.
"Yup—" Jasper looked at Bella with wide eyes, "Is she making bread from scratch?"
"Yes. She is." Bella laughed, referring to herself in the third person.
"Ta! Da!" Alice exclaimed and pulled matching aprons out of one of the bags. She shoved the royal blue one at Bella and held the forest green apron at her side.
Bella looked at the apron and took a step back, beginning to panic. "Alice – I—"
Edward stepped in and grabbed the apron from Alice, she glared at him, "Can I talk to you for a second?" He said through his teeth.
Alice narrowed her eyes at him, ready for a fight, but it was Bella who diffused the situation when she came up along side Edward and gently took the blue apron from his hand. "It's okay." She attempted to reassure him as she slipped it over her head, "Thank you Alice. This is really thoughtful of you." She said genuinely.
"You're welcome!" Alice chirped, throwing her own green apron over her head, then proceeding to stick her tongue out at Edward, "You can keep it here so when you come visit, you'll have something to cook in!" She beamed.
Edward quickly moved behind Bella to help her tie the apron around her waist, "I'm sorry sweetheart, you don't have to—"
Bella stopped him short by turning suddenly and placing her index finger over his lips, "She knows," Bella said calmly.
He took her hand in his and said, "Everything?"
Bella shook her head, "No, but – well…" she glanced over at Alice who was stirring the spaghetti noodles, oblivious to their conversation. "She bought me a new wardrobe."
Edward's mouth gaped and his brow furrowed in anger, but Bella stopped him again, "It's okay, I explained my issues about people buying me things – especially clothes and she said she'd keep them after I left."
Edward raised an eyebrow in doubt.
"We're the same size, I'm just… shorter." She grumbled the last word.
Edward laughed, "Aww, I like that you're short." He kissed her forehead, "You have no idea how many things I have hidden on high shelves."
Bella frowned and shoved him away, mumbling something about getting a ladder. "Go unpack while we finish up." She ordered him.
"I like it when you're bossy." He growled playfully in her ear and slapped her butt before leaving.
Entering his old room was odd to say the least. It felt like years since he'd slept in that bed and he chuckled when he saw that it was made up. Walking across the room, he sat down on the bed and leaned over to smell the sheets – sure enough they smelled like Bella's sweet floral shampoo. He wondered how long she'd been in L.A. if she'd slept in his bed and he realized he hadn't spoken to her in at least two days because of his hectic press schedule and travel.
"You're so different." Alice's voice startled him, "I hardly recognize you." She strode toward Edward and sat down next to him on the bed with her apron still on.
"You're still not used to the hair." He joked. "She kicked you out of the kitchen, didn't she?" He laughed, knowing she'd meant something different by her comment.
"She said 'a watched pot never boils,' whatever that means." Alice shrugged and Edward laughed. "I was so scared to meet her, ya know?"
Edward turned to look at Alice, his falsely blue eyes meeting her green gaze.
"Well, she's so important to you. What if we didn't get along?" Alice reasoned and laid back on the bed with her legs dangling off the edge. "I haven't known her for very long, but I already love her."
We laughed, "She makes it hard not to; she's so sweet."
"I'm sorry about the clothes," Alice said suddenly, sitting up, "I know you told me when I got her that coat, but I didn't know—"
"It's okay; she'll get over it. It'll just take her a bit to realize you don't want anything from her." He smiled at Alice.
"But I do." She told him and when he looked at her in confusion, she said, "Have you seen her clothes?" Edward shook his head, unsure of where she was going, "She's got this hot little body and wears old baggy clothes." Edward rolled his eyes, "She's getting a make-over whether she wants one or not."
"She thinks you're keeping the clothes." Edward warned her.
"Oh sure," Alice said casually getting off the bed, "For now." She smiled, "I'll just mail them to you after you leave."
"Alice—"
"Whatever, I can be very persuasive when I want to be." She smirked, "What color dress do you want her to wear for the premiere?" She asked from the door.
"No." Edward shook his head. "She's not going to the premiere," Edward got off the bed and stalked toward Alice.
"Aww, c'mon, why not?" Alice whined, folding her arms.
"You know why not!" He growled.
"We'll see." Alice responded flippantly.
Edward would have argued further, but he caught sight of Bella approaching them from down the hall. "We're not finished with this conversation." He whispered menacingly.
Alice turned, correctly assuming Bella was close, "Bella, do you want to go to Edward's movie premiere?" She asked sweetly, much to Edward's horror.
Bella looked like a deer caught in the headlights as her eyes bounced from Alice's to Edward's and back again. "Uhh – I guess?" She replied more as a question, rather than an answer, not knowing how Edward wanted her to respond.
Alice clapped her hands.
Edward sighed.
"Wrong answer." Edward pursed his lips.
Bella looked at him in alarm.
"Ignore him." Alice chuckled.
"Dinner's ready." Bella said meekly.
Alice bounded down the hall, leaving Bella and Edward alone in front of his room.
"I'm sorry." She said quietly, her lip trembling slightly.
"Oh, no – honey, it's okay." Edward said quickly, surrounding her with his arms, "You just gave her an excuse to play dress up is all." He kissed her temple and ran his hand through her hair, "I don't mind if you go; I just don't want her to make you uncomfortable."
"Stop making out!" Alice yelled down the hall, "Some of us are starving!"
Edward rolled his eyes for the umpteenth time and took Bella's hand to lead her to the dining room after he released her. "You didn't actually let her help cook anything, did you?" Edward asked in a wary, hushed whisper.
"God, no." Bella laughed, "Her heart's in the right place, but she's a disaster in the kitchen."
Edward chuckled and pulled Bella's chair out for her. Much to his surprise, dinner was oddly normal. But when he thought about it, there was really no reason it should have been awkward. After all, Bella was perfectly charming and she made dinner like she had for them in the same way that she cooked for Rose's family every week.
Apparently Bella had flown in on a chartered jet the day before. Alice and Jasper had kept her busy by showing her around town. They'd gone hiking by the Hollywood sign, driven past Hollywood and Highland (mostly because Alice said it was dirty and full of tourists, so she didn't want to stop) and they'd explored downtown by the Staples Center. Bella seemed to have had fun, but Edward felt bad that she was completely at their mercy. However, he was glad that just like she did at home, she thanked them the best way she knew how: by being her bright cheerful self, cooking and cleaning.
After dinner was finished, Edward told, rather than asked, Alice and Jasper to clean up. Before she could protest, Edward scooped Bella up in his arms and bid his sister and best friend good night, then carried her down the hall to his bedroom.
Edward threw her on the bed and got on top of her, pinning her to the mattress. He kissed her roughly, stopping abruptly, however, when he felt her pushing against his chest. Leaning back on his haunches, Edward looked at her questioningly.
"I just have to go to the bathroom," she said, embarrassed.
Edward shook his head in chagrin, but held his hand out to Bella, helping her off the bed. "You'd better hurry back," he said huskily, to which Bella raised an eyebrow, "I want to show you how much I missed you." He smirked.
Bella's blush deepened just before she giggled in nervous anticipation. She practically sprinted toward the bathroom. However, when she returned a minute later, she found Edward fast asleep, sprawled on the bed. The jet lag had finally caught up with him.
Words couldn't describe Edward's disappointment, quickly followed by anger when he woke up the next morning without Bella as Alice leaned over him, poking at his face.
"Wake up Anthony!" She shouted when she saw his eyes crack open a sliver.
"ALLY! Get off me!" He growled.
Alice began to jump up and down on Edward's bed like a five year old, though he suspected even Vera had more respect. "Bella made French toast." Alice sang as she hopped off the bed, the stripped all the covers off Edward. "Get up." She said quickly and shut the door just before Edward's pillow made contact with it.
He knew it must have been early when he showered, but his body clock was still so off kilter, he didn't trust himself. Having finished his morning routine, he sauntered into the kitchen in search of Bella but she was nowhere to be found.
"Jasper's taking her on a bunch of studio tours today." Alice said with a mouthful of French toast.
"I didn't even get to say good bye." Edward frowned as he took a plate and began to stack the food on it.
"Sorry, you were in the shower." Alice leapt off her stool and brushed past Edward to put her dishes in the sink. "We have to leave for the press junket in fifteen minutes."
Edward groaned, dragging his hands over his face, "This day is gonna take forever."
"Hey!" Alice yelled angrily, "I need Anthony Masen to show up and blow the press away." Edward opened his mouth to respond but Alice kept talking, "You were a wreck in Europe because you missed Bella. So I gave you Bella. Now you have no reason to act like this other than just being a jerk for no reason." She folded her arms over her chest.
And the day did indeed drag. Angela kept Edward company, when he wasn't answering the same five questions for the press, because Alice was texting Jasper non-stop. And that made Edward wonder how good of a companion Jasper was being for Bella if he was constantly on his phone.
But during lunch Edward got to talk to Bella on the phone and she assured him she was having a blast getting to see TV and movie sets. Though she mentioned that they'd met a few celebrities and because she was so sheltered she didn't know who they were. That made Edward laugh because she knew every single Packer and the Badger Football and Hockey line-ups. Rose was gonna kill her when she returned and told her what happened.
She apologized for leaving without saying good bye and when she said she missed him and loved him before they had to end the call, his heart swelled as he returned the sentiment. However he hated the hesitation in her voice when he told her he'd be back late as the junket would last into the night.
But the renewed energy from Bella helped him get through the rest of the day. He was disappointed to find Bella sleeping when he and Alice returned. Edward was careful not to wake her as he slipped into the bed and pulled her body against his, whispering how much he loved her just before he fell asleep himself.
The next morning he woke up in a considerably more pleasurable way than he had the previous day. Edward had been having a particularly naughty dream about Bella and assumed it was all in his head until he heard her moan. Opening his eyes, he found her hot, wet mouth wrapped around his morning wood.
"Bella…" He groaned.
She bobbed her head up and down before releasing his erection, "I just wanted to see something…" She whispered, watching him through hooded eyes. Without warning her tongue darted out and she licked the tip again, causing his eyes to roll back in his head. She continued to lick and suck her way up his shaft, grazing her teeth along his swollen member occasionally. And when he began to lift his hips up to meet her mouth, she knew he was close, so Bella was prepared when he came in her mouth with a grunt. She swallowed and licked him clean before tucking him back into his boxers and snuggling into his side.
"Have I told you how wonderful you are?" He sighed and pulled her closer, rubbing her back.
"Yeah, but you can tell me again," she giggled.
Edward leaned in to kiss her, but she stopped him, "What?" He asked, confused.
"Are you sure you—"
"Bells, you just woke me up – on your birthday – with a blow job and swallowed; let me kiss you." He brushed her bangs out of her face and moved in, pulling her bottom lip between his to kiss her long and hard.
Except that the kiss wasn't nearly as long as Edward was hoping because true to form, Alice knocked on the door, interrupting their activities.
"Anthony, Bella and I have to leave for the spa!" Alice yelled through the door.
"Go Away!" Edward yelled and buried his head in the crook of Bella's neck.
"You've got ten minutes before I make Jasper break down the door! We have to stay on schedule for the fitting!" Edward could imagine Alice stomping her foot.
"I'll be out." Bella yelled before Edward clamped his hand over her mouth.
"You don't have to humor her." Edward scolded.
Bella shrugged and Edward moved his hand so he could finish kissing her properly.
Promising to let him return the favor after the premiere, Bella was able to convince Edward to let her go so she could leave on time with Alice. He told her he'd call to check up on her and warned her not to agree to anything she didn't feel comfortable doing. Bella rolled her eyes and told him he was being over protective, but said she'd follow his instruction anyway.
Edward wished her a happy birthday and promised not to remind Alice just before she left. He slept for a bit longer before he had to leave to tape a talk show appearance and then get fitted himself.
As soon as he was done with the show, Jasper rushed him out, worried that Alice would be angry if they were late – but they weren't.
Edward had been standing still for what felt like forever with his legs spread and arms outstretched so the tailor could get proper measurements. Finally he was allowed to move again, which was fortunate for him because he desperately had to go to the bathroom. However, as he made his way back to his fitting room, he heard Alice and Bella giggling.
Following the sound of their voices, Edward rounded the corner and found Alice pinning the hem of a striking dress that fell just above Bella's knees. The cranberry jersey dress was simplistic with a belt that was cinched around Bella's tiny waist, a conservative boat neckline and cap sleeves that accentuated her beautiful collar bone. And as he followed the seeming at the top, his mouth dropped slightly when he saw a small, but elegant diamond pendant attached to a chain, which settled perfectly at the hollow of her neck. He wouldn't have been nearly as shocked if the necklace hadn't belonged to his mother.
Letting his eyes travel down the short length of her dress, he feasted on the sight of her exposed legs and calves and when he eventually made it to her black patent leather heels, he had to adjust himself in his pants.
"Pervert," Bella half-shouted, making eye contact with Edward in the mirror.
Alice looked up at Bella, then over to Edward. She huffed but left the fitting area rather quickly.
"Tease," Edward whispered as he closed the distance and took Bella in his arms, kissing his favorite spot behind her ear tenderly.
"It's too short." She mumbled, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck.
"I'm more concerned about those shoes." He chuckled, "Are you gonna be able to walk around without breaking a leg?"
"Sure," She said honestly and pulled back from Edward slightly to bring her hand to the side of his face, "I used to wear heels that were way taller almost every day." She traced his cheek bone and when his brow furrowed in concern at her response, she merely giggled then used her index finger to smooth down the creases that had formed between his eyebrows. "It's like riding a bike." She said softly, looking into his eyes. Then she crinkled her nose and said, "I hate those contacts – they creep me out."
"I hate them too." He kissed her lips, "And the dress isn't short enough," he said daringly and grabbed her ass, squeezing it gently before she yelped in protest and shoved him away.
"I'd say get a room, but we don't have time." Alice clicked her tongue from behind them.
Edward groaned and kissed Bella shortly and sweetly before taking Alice by her arm and dragging her around the corner. "Is that Mom's necklace?" He hissed.
"Yes." She planted her hands on her hips, "Mom willed all her jewelry to me and I wanted Bella to have it. It is her birthday after all." She angrily justified her reasoning, "Not that it's any of your business, but I didn't think you'd have a problem with it."
"Ally, I don't," Edward shook his head, "But didn't she? I can't imagine it was easy for her to accept something that means so much." He tried to make his sister understand, but was immediately concerned when she diverted her eyes from his, "Alice…"
"I didn't tell her…" She said under her breath.
"Didn't tell her what?" Edward said in a hushed growl.
Alice's gaze met his defiantly, "I didn't tell her it was Mom's – I knew she wouldn't take it."
"Aww, Alice…" Edward covered his face with his hands.
"The way she talks about Mom – I knew Bella was special to her and it's so cruel that she has nothing to remember them by when they meant so much to her – saved her." Alice clearly wasn't going to back down – she rarely did.
"Okay," Edward said with chagrin, "But you have to tell her." He commanded.
Alice's mouth gaped for a split second before she abruptly closed it and said, "Fine."
"Right now," Edward raised an eyebrow, calling her bluff.
And sure enough, Alice's shoulders slumped in defeat and she traipsed back over to the fitting room with Edward on her heels.
"Bella…" She said hesitantly. Bella turned and grew concerned when she saw the look on Edward's face.
"I lied to you about the necklace I gave you for your birthday." She said quietly. And the fact that she kept emphasizing that it was a birthday gift, in order to make Bella feel preemptively guilty, should she want to give it back, was not lost on Edward.
"It's umm – it's not a fake diamond…"Alice's eyes were on the floor.
"And…" Edward goaded her.
"It belonged to our mom." Alice's apologetic eyes met Bella's. "But I want you to have it – we both do!" She said frantically looking back at Edward, "Please keep it – Mom loved you – and so do we – please!" She begged.
Bella's eyes bounced back and forth between Edward and Alice before she sighed and said, "Okay." Alice had begun clapping her hands, excited that she had won, however Bella wasn't finished, "But—" she began, "Under one condition." She eyed Alice speculatively, "You don't get to buy or give me anything else for the rest of the time I'm in L.A." She proposed.
Edward couldn't hide his smirk and when Bella looked at him for approval he winked at her, proud that she'd stood up to Alice.
"UGH!" Alice stomped her foot, "FINE!" She pouted.
Edward gave Bella a thumbs up and motioned that he had to leave so she blew him a kiss and waved good bye before he turned to find his way back to Jasper and the tailor.
Soon the fitting ended but Edward was let down when he found out he had to take a different car to the premiere than Bella, although it did make sense. Angela and Alice both accompanied him to the premiere.
Edward would never get used to the piercing sound of hundreds if not thousands of girls screaming at him outside the theater in Westwood. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the town car and helped Alice then Angela out the door.
Alice took a moment to straighten his suit and tie before resting her hand on his forearm and leading him to the front of the press line where he was all smiles and dashing charm. Inside he was freaking out and desperately searching through the throngs of fans and reporters for his beautiful and sweet girl.
However just when he had given up on getting a glimpse of her before the premiere, he saw her, arm laced through Jasper's and a look of slight panic written on her face but she was doing her very best to be brave.
But then everything changed. It almost seemed to happen in slow motion as Edward watched, just out of reach and completely helpless to aid her, unless he wanted to make the cover of every tabloid.
Jessica Stanley, a very well known socialite and famous-for-nothing celebrity approached Bella from the side, calling her given name 'Marie' and hugging her tightly the moment Bella acknowledged her. Bella gave her a fake smile, motioned to Jasper, who was frozen, unsure what to do and then Jessica turned and made direct eye contact with Edward before continuing to gush. Edward was devastated, though he was momentarily relieved when Jasper finally woke the hell up and stepped in, shooing Jessica away before conferring with Bella. Jasper handed Bella something Edward couldn't see and then she turned and left.
'SHE LEFT!' Edward's mind screamed.
Angela and Alice tried to get him back on track with the interview he was botching but there was no chance in hell he could relax until Bella was safe in his arms.
Somehow he managed to finish his interviews in a daze and he told Alice she needed to find Jasper immediately.
"What the fuck happened!?" Edward growled when he finally got a chance to talk to Jasper in private.
"Anthony." Jasper placed his palms on Edward's shoulders, "Calm down; she's safe."
"Where is she!? What happened!?" Edward was still panicked.
"I don't know where she is," Edward was about to interrupt Jasper, enraged that he'd allowed Bella to go off in L.A. alone; however, Jasper continued, "BUT; she has my phone and I have my GPS app turned on, so you can find her with Alice's cell." He took a deep breath and encouraged Edward to do the same. "Jessica knew Bella – said they were debutantes together. She recognized me too and asked if Bella knew you." Jasper winced.
Edward groaned and ran his hands over his face and through his disheveled hair, "I have to find her." He shook his head.
"You can't." Jasper said quickly.
"Dude, you have got to be kidding me here!" Edward nearly shouted.
"You're contract says you have to stay through the premiere and you have to at least make an appearance at the after party," Again Jasper stopped Edward from exploding in anger, "I'll have Alice call her every ten minutes and make sure she's okay."
"Why didn't you go with her?" Edward asked, completely exasperated and worried out of his mind.
"She wouldn't let me, so I just gave her the phone. I didn't want to make a scene – Jessica was right there." Jasper explained, clearly apologetic that things had turned out so disastrously.
"I want updates ever ten minutes then." Edward said through clenched teeth, poking Jasper square in the chest. "If anything happens to her—"
"I'm on it. Nothing's gonna happen." Jasper reassured him.
"There you are!" Angela poked her head around the corner, unaware of their argument, "We have to take our seats – everyone's waiting for you."
Edward gave Jasper one final poignant glare before he went to follow Angela into the theater. He spent the duration of the film sunk into his chair as far as it would go, with his hands covering his face in embarrassment. He made it no secret that he hated watching himself on film and that night was no exception.
Finally, the torture ended and he was whisked off to the after party, where he had brief conversations with the director and his co-star, Victoria. And it was Victoria who helped him escape by snagging Alice's phone and causing a distraction while Edward caught a cab.
Alone at last, he used Alice's phone to call Bella, but she didn't answer. Again he called with the same result. It took him a moment to figure out how to work the GPS linked to Jasper's phone and he chuckled thinking that Alice probably had it installed because she had a terrible sense of direction and got lost in L.A. all the time. But since Jasper had grown up in the valley, he could always get her to where she needed to go.
After a second to calibrate, he found her and told the cab driver to take him to the Santa Monica Pier, telling him the faster he drove, the bigger tip he'd get. And the driver did indeed rise to the challenge.
The GPS wasn't exactly precise, since he wasn't on the road, but he had an idea where he might find Bella and he didn't have to walk very far along the shore before he found her sitting – or rather shivering – alone, visible tear tracks along her cheeks.
Quickly he shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, startling her. She looked up at him – she was frightened.
"I've never seen the ocean before." She said in a trembling voice, trying to be brave again.
"I was so worried about you." He whispered, sitting down next to her, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
"I'm sorry," she whimpered, a fresh round of tears threatening to make an appearance. "I just – I couldn't stay there…" She choked.
"I know sweetheart." He cooed, brushing her soft curls with his fingers, "Jasper told me what happened." He kissed her temple.
"They're gonna find me." She hiccupped, "Jessica said they've been looking – she'll tell her parents she saw me – and they'll—"
"Bella… shhh…" Edward tried to comfort her, "Honey, what could they do to you? You're an adult. Do you think they'd hurt you?" He tried to understand.
"They'll make me go through with the wedding – Jessica said he's still hung up on me. It's been five years!" She cried in anger.
"Wedding?" Edward croaked, regretting it the second the word passed through his lips.
Bella looked up at him with tearful eyes and began to sob again, "I'm sorry…" She quietly wailed, "I couldn't tell you… how could I tell you?" She spoke to herself.
"You can tell me anything Bella. Nothing you do or say will make me love you any less." He whispered into her hair.
Bella pulled back from him, "That's not true," she shook her head doubtfully; her tone was full of shame.
"Tell me," he pleaded, "I promise."
Bella took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and what she told Edward did shock him, but it could never change his mind about her.
"I was engaged to Michael. He just gave me a ring one day. He never asked and I never answered. We just were." She sighed and pulled Edward's jacket more securely around her small frame. "I left the night before my wedding. I had one final fitting for my dress after the rehearsal dinner. I came out of the dressing room and my mom started crying – she never cried, she was never emotional about anything." Bella paused, reveling in her memory. "She asked me if this was what I wanted and I knew what she meant – she meant… everything." Bella looked up at Edward. "I couldn't lie to her – I can't lie to anyone," She shook her head, "So I said 'no.'"
Bella didn't speak for a few minutes, Edward prompted her to continue by asking, "What did she do?" In a quiet and soothing voice as he rubbed her back gently.
"She told me to leave." Bella said as if she was still in shock at he mother's response. "She told me to get dressed and gave me the keys to a car waiting for me outside – I wasn't supposed to know how to drive, but the head chef, Charlie, taught me when my parents were gone on business… he was more of parent to me than either of mine ever were. I still wonder if she asked him to do it…" Bella went off on a tangent. "Anyway, she told me to drive as far away as I could get and to get out while I had a chance. She said she'd leave a note so nobody thought something bad had happened – just that I got cold feet and ran…" Bella snuggled into Edward's arms, "It was the first and only time that she was ever a mother to me, but I'll never forget what she did so I could live a life I'd chosen for myself." Bella shook her head, "I can't let them find me."
"There's no way I'll let them get to you." Edward said firmly. "And even if they did find you, they can't force you to marry that jerk."
"Edward, you might have a lot of money, but they have so much more – if they found me – the hell they'd put you through wouldn't be worth it." She was resigned to the fact that there was a real possibility she'd have to return to Seattle.
"I won't let you go." Edward practically growled.
"No, I don't suppose you would," She laughed humorlessly, "But then again, it's not like we'd have a choice."
Edward didn't know how to respond, she was so scared and no matter what he said, she only seemed to get more adamant about the fact that they wouldn't win.
"I wanna go home." Bella's soft voice carried just over the sound of the waves crashing along the shore.
It was easy to find a cab at the pier and it didn't take them very long to return to Edward's house in the hills. Edward kept Bella tucked into his side, though he said nothing to her the entire car ride and for quite a while when they got inside.
The house was empty since Alice and Jasper were still at the after party. When they entered the house, Bella took Edward's hand and led him into his bedroom, shutting the door behind her. She pushed Edward until he sat down on the bed. He tried in vain to make eye contact with her, in an attempt to decipher what was going through her mind.
Gently she tugged Edward's shirt over his head, then proceeded to take her dress off. Clad only in a matching set of black lace panties and a bra, she stalked toward Edward and her hands went for his belt.
"Bella…" His hands were on top of hers, halting her immediately. It was then that her eyes met his and there were so many emotions swimming around in their chocolate depths that Edward was quite taken aback. There was no doubt in his mind that she still looked upset and affected by the events of that night, but aside from that, they were lustful. She very much wanted him.
"Edward…" She mirrored his tone and shoved his shoulders suddenly, which surprised him so much he actually flopped back on the bed, and again her hands were on his belt.
"Bells, sweetheart," he struggled to get up and stop her, which was especially hard when her hand grazed his erection, eliciting a low hiss from his mouth.
"See," She smirked at him, "You want me too."
"Bella, stop!" He cut her off abruptly, "I won't take advantage of you." He grabbed her face with his hands, "I love you."
"I just want to feel something… please…" She said, exasperated and removed his hands from her face. "You're not taking advantage of me!" She argued, "I want this and we would have done it in Green Bay if we hadn't been interrupted. So why does it matter if we do it now?" She stared at Edward as she stood at the end of the bed while he sat.
"Because it should be special—" Edward tried to reason, reaching his hands out for hers.
Bella took a step forward, but refused his hands, "This is special." She shook her head, willing him to understand, "I don't need candles and rose petals," she cringed and Edward wondered if Michael had tried those things, "I just need you." She cupped his face in her hands.
Edward looked up at her for a long moment, trying to decide what to do. He'd be lying to himself if he said he didn't want her, but would they wake up in the morning and regret it?
Bella moved forward and wrapped her arms around his neck as she whispered, "Please, make love to me."
And there was just no going back after that.
"Okay…" Edward said reluctantly and held her close for a minute before releasing her. "Take your bra off and get on the bed." He instructed her and Bella complied immediately, neatly setting her bra next to her dress on the vanity. Then she climbed onto the bed, sitting up slightly, waiting for him.
Edward unfastened his pants and didn't bother picking them up off the floor. Then he climbed on the bed after Bella, still wearing his boxers and used his lips and tongue and fingers to show her just how much he needed her.
Long languid kisses and sweet, tender caresses soon became urgent and passionate as they both worked their tandem arousals.
Bella cried out when Edward's fingers dipped below her panties and stroked her wet and wanting slit. Quickly he grabbed a condom and slipped his boxers off.
In a surprising move, Bella shimmied out of her own panties, throwing them on the floor without looking and took the condom from Edward. She licked the tip of his cock before unrolling the condom, as if to prove once and for all that she was ready and willing.
Bella laid back down on the bed and Edward moved closer, spreading her legs as he loomed over her. "We can't take this back," he murmured, worriedly.
"I don't want to," She panted, "I love you… please…" Bella begged.
Edward took one more sweeping glance at her beautiful and naked body spread out beneath him before he nodded. He positioned himself at her entrance, slowly stroking her with his cock to use the lubrication her body offered him. Her moans spurred on his actions.
Slowly he pushed the head into her, but stopped immediately when she cried out in pain. "Bella!?" He yelled in alarm.
Her eyes were screwed shut as she shook her head and said quickly, "I'm okay – keep going."
But Edward wasn't stupid; he knew something was wrong, "Bella, you need to relax." He said calmly, rubbing her sides and ghosting his hands over her perfect breasts. "Take a deep breath." He requested and as she exhaled he tried pushing into her just a little more, but again the pain was too much for her. Without another word he pulled out of Bella, causing her to whimper in defeat.
"No – please!" She sat up, wincing slightly, "Please, try again! I promise I'll relax!"
"Bella, it's just not right, honey." He shook his head, wondering what the hell had gone so wrong. Was it physical? Was it mental? He knew he was bigger than Michael, but he didn't think it'd make such a huge difference. She was certainly tight, but he thought most women would be if they hadn't had sex in five years – she was practically a virgin. But he couldn't help but wonder if he'd made the wrong decision in giving in to her.
"Please try again," Bella sniffed as she began to cry, "Please – I'm sorry."
Edward took the condom off and tucked his painful erection into his boxers, "It's okay. Don't apologize – it's okay." He tried to calm her down. "Let me make you feel good." He whispered, squeezing her hand and looking into her eyes.
"I want you inside me." She choked.
"Not tonight honey, I can't hurt you." He told her. They'd just have to figure something else out, "We'll try again when we get back – just let me make you feel good." His hand trailed down her body but she shoved him away and ran into the bathroom, slamming the door and locking it behind her.
"Open the door Bella." Edward's voice cracked, but when she didn't respond he rammed into the door, shattering the lock.
Bella looked up at him in terror from the bathtub where she was curled up into herself in the corner.
Without a single word uttered between them, Edward climbed into the tub, pulling Bella into his arms. He rocked her gently while she sobbed.