.
Who let the dog out?
.
.
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Sunday came and went in a flash; the entire weekend came and went in a flash. So the gang and I made the most of our last day at Lake George Escape. After Alice convinced Jasper her pregnancy wasn't a handicap, we spent the morning hiking and the entire afternoon canoeing.
The balmy sun had no mercy, which resulted in another swim in the lake. Finding our own little private section, Edward and I sat upon a small sandbar in silence and marveled at the beauty around us. The only sound was our friend's distant laughter and a squawking raven that circled above. The air was rich with sunlight and heat and grew even hotter as the sun beamed down on us. The relief of a constant, cool breeze was a reminder that summer would soon be ending.
I quietly lay in Edward's arms while the soft wind made the green leaves dance on every tree. With memories of a younger Edward flashing through my mind, it was almost surreal how much this place reminded me of Lake Sunapee, and our youth.
With the fall season right around the corner, the evenings were becoming cooler. It was the last night of our camping adventure. I sat with my back against Edward's chest as we snuggled close on a wooden pier. With his arms tightly wrapped around me, he rested his chin on my shoulder, and I could feel his warm breath on my neck. It was exhilarating having him so close.
"It's almost time," Alice announced as she handed out thin throws to Edward and me, then Rose and Emmett before taking a seat beside Jasper.
Within seconds, the black sky was exploding with splashes of color as the boom of explosions rattled the pier. The smell of gunpowder and charcoal filled the crisp night air. It was perfect.
"The stars are falling just for us," Edward whispered, causing a huge smile to spread across my lips.
"Just for us, huh?"
"Just for us," he confirmed with a hint of laughter in his voice.
"I don't wanna go home. Let's stay here forever," I told him, gazing up into his eyes. "This has been the best vacation ever... this has been the best summer ever."
"Better than the summer I taught you to play volleyball?"
"Oh yes, the summer right before I turned sixteen." I recalled. "The summer you spiked a volleyball, hitting me in the face. I remember it well, and yes this summer was a lot better."
"I forgot about the ball - not me, but rather the ball - hitting you." He grinned. "But I mostly remember boobs bouncing...so..."
"Perv."
"Only for you."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
I leaned my head back into the curve of his collarbone as we continued watching the sky light up, and the stars falling... just for us.
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~ F, L & G C ~
.
The fire popped loudly as a stone exploded, causing me to jump back and then laugh. Edward was watching me closely with a smirk as I readjusted the two marshmallows on the stick.
"Alice and I have something to tell you guys," Jasper said, directing all eyes on him and Alice.
"As you well know, we'll soon be having a baby," Alice interjected. "And we've decided we wanna live together."
"And we're not saying we have to start this process as soon as return home. We just wanted to let you guys know ahead of time what our plans are."
"So you guys will be moving?" Rose asked.
"We thought about moving, finding a place together, but we love where we live now," Alice answered. "Se we were thinking, instead of getting a new place, maybe Emmett and I can just switch apartments."
"In other words, you'd be living in my apartment with Jasper, and I'd be living with Rose and Bella?" A sneaky grin crossed Emmett's face. "That's hot... oh, the possibilities. Bella, are you opposed to threesomes?"
"Hey..." Edward's eyes narrowed on Emmett.
"Oh..." Emmett broke out in song and dance. "Come and knock on our door... we've been waiting for you." He pointed toward me. "Where the kisses are hers and hers and his..."
"Sit down, Jack Tripper," Rose interrupted, shaking her head with laughter. "Maybe I'm not ready to live with you. Maybe I'd rather have another female roommate."
"I can live with a foursome." Emmett winked at Rose.
"If you guys are against this, we'll just work something else out. Like Jasper said, we don't have to start moving as soon as we get back home. You guys can just think about it. But we really wanna be in one place before the baby is born."
"Nah, I was just kidding. I have no problem with it, if Bella doesn't. I'm over at Emmett's place more than I'm home anyway," Rose replied.
"I know," Alice agreed. "I didn't want to leave Bella hanging though, or put her out. We just figured this way would just be easier on everyone."
"It's your apartment, Al. I don't wanna put you out either," I told her. "If you and Jasper would rather stay in your apartment and have Rose move in with Emmett instead, I can find another apartment."
"Absolutely not. I'm keeping you close by, Aunt Bella." She smiled. "I'm gonna need all the babysitters I can get."
"But it's your apartment," I reminded her.
"I have a solution," Edward said. "Bella could live with me. She'd still be close by... just right across the street."
I didn't reply to Edward's offer. To be honest, his offer caught me off guard and scared me a little. This would be a huge step. Were we ready to live together?
"I don't know," I finally spoke when I noticed wandering eyes - five sets - all looking toward me for an answer.
"Come here." Edward held out his hand and led us inside the RV. "I know this is happening fast, but it just makes so much sense, don't you think?" His voice was high, excited. "I mean, we're practically living together now. If I'm not at your place, you're at mine."
"I know, but..."
"But what?"
"This is a huge step, Edward. We've only been dating a couple of weeks. It feels rushed... I don't know, like you said, a solution to a problem. Are we ready to make such a huge commitment?"
"Bella, I'm ready for any kind of commitment with you." He hesitated before moving his face closer to mine. "And besides, if we live together, I won't have to go commando anymore."
Pressing my lips to his for a quick kiss, I laughed. "Are you asking me to move in and do your laundry, pretty boy?"
"Bella Swan, will you please do me the extraordinary honor of moving in and washing my laundry?" His boyish smile and pleading eyes made it a little hard to say no.
"Okay."
"Okay?" His lips curved into his famous crooked grin.
"Okay... but this is totally insane," I told him. "I hope we're making the right move here. Besides, you're right; we're practically living together as it is."
"You're really saying yes." His lighthearted mood was contagious, and before I knew it, we were wrapped in a celebratory hug.
"I can't believe you're saying yes... I'll wake up to you every morning, go to sleep next to you every night. Kinda like we're already doing, only now you'll be doing my laundry, cooking my meals, massaging my feet after a long day..."
"Hold up, I didn't agree to any of that. Maybe I'm only agreeing to this because I'm curious about being tied to your bed."
"Oh, baby, this is gonna be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I can already tell you and I are gonna make great roommates."
"Yes, I agree. Together we'll do the laundry, clean, cook, and you'll massage my feet."
"I will." He promised. "I'll massage your feet right now, if you want."
We soon joined the others outside where we spent the night by a cozy campfire, sharing stories and small talk. The next morning, the gang and I loaded up the SUV and headed back to Manhattan - home sweet home. I hated to see our wonderful weekend end, but it was back to life and the reality of work.
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~ F, L & G C ~
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Waking up in Edward's arms is always a plus. However, having to leave the warmth of his arms already had my Tuesday morning off to a bad start. I wanted to stay right where I was, but working in fashion required more than just reading magazines, sketching and watching The Devil Wears Prada.
I loved fashion; I loved my career, and deep down inside, I had always known that's all I ever really wanted to do. And as glamorous as the world of fashion may seem, the behind-the-scenes chaos was enough to drive anyone insane.
I walked into work, dragging and sipping on my coffee in hand. It was like any other work day, people flitting to and fro, phones ringing and papers flying; kind of like a madhouse filled with swarming bees.
"Excuse me," I told people as I squeezed past them.
As if fashion week wasn't demanding enough, we were preparing for another fashion show the upcoming weekend. This time for charity, but nonetheless, some of the biggest names in fashion would be attending, and Angela made it loud and clear she wanted me there, taking notes.
"Isabella, darling. Good morning," Angela greeted with her usual proper tone. "It's lovely to see you. How was your weekend? Did you finish those sketches? I need to speak to you in my office... we'll have lunch in my office," she added in one breath. I didn't even have time to answer her before she was off greeting others.
I walked into my office and shut the door behind me. Pulling my sketchpad from my briefcase, I sat down behind my desk just as my cellphone buzzed.
This is gonna be a long day... I miss you already. - E
Tell me about it. I miss you too. - B
Wanna skip work today and meet back at my place? I mean, 'soon to be our place'. We can practice the art of tying you up to my bed :-) - E
No can do... as much fun as that sounds, Angela needs to speak to me... in her office. Sounded serious. - B
It's not even 9 a.m. and you're already in trouble. Sounds like my Bella. - E
I love being your Bella. - B
You'll always be my Bella. I have to go, since I have no one to tie up, I guess I'll teach these youngsters some art. I love you - E
Love you too. - B
I had the goofiest grin on my face when I tucked my phone away and began working. All part of the Edward effect, I guess.
By the time lunch rolled around, I managed to finish the sketches Angela had asked for. One day early, that had me feeling pretty accomplished. So I placed them inside a folder before walking over to her office.
"Isabella, come in," Angela smiled when I softly tapped on the already opened door. "Close the door behind you and have a seat."
I did as I was told and then handed her the sketches. I watched anxiously as her smile faded and she laid the folder down in front of her.
Great. She hates them.
"Did you have a good weekend?" She's asking about my weekend? This was new.
"I did. Thank you for asking."
"Good," she replied, putting on her over-sized, red-framed glasses and looking at the sketches once again. "Isabella, I don't mean to pry, your personal life is none of my business, but is everything okay at home?"
I had no idea where this was going or how to answer her. I automatically panicked, thinking I was going to get fired. I mean it was obvious she hated my sketches, and she was asking about my personal life.
"Everything's fine at home." I swallowed thickly. "Why do you ask?"
"You're an excellent designer, Isabella. We're lucky to have you, but your heart just doesn't seem to be in it anymore. These designs are okay, but not your best work. You and I both know you're better than this. Do you not like working here?"
"I-I love working here." I stumbled over my words. "I've just been really busy lately... new boyfriend."
"Oh." She smirked. "That explains it."
"Explains what?"
"That daydream look in your eyes." She winked. "So tell me. How did you meet Mr. Wonderful?"
"Actually, we grew up together in New Hampshire."
"Even better, reuniting with a high school sweetheart."
"Something like that." I didn't want to share the details of my relationship with my boss.
"I believe in love- " A huge smile formed on her lips - "Love 'em and leave 'em, that is."
We both chuckled before Angela's face turned serious again. She continued looking over the sketches as she removed her glasses, placing them on her desk.
"Do you have plans this evening?" she asked.
"I was planning on meeting Edward - Mr. Wonderful - for dinner. Why?"
"I have a business meeting with the suits and ties, and although it's not required you attend, I really wish you would. Of course you don't have to..."
"I want to," I told her. I mean, as badly as I hated canceling on Edward, this was my boss. I surely didn't want her thinking my heart wasn't in my work or I wasn't eager.
"Perfect. I'll send my assistant over with the details later," she said. "I want you to redo a couple of these sketches. Try to have them ready by in the morning. Now, tell me more about Mr. Wonderful."
One small salad and chicken sandwich later, Angela and I had covered everything from the latest trends and styles to my Mr. Wonderful - Edward. When lunch ended, I wished Angela a good day and left.
Upon returning to my office, my mind was scattered. I knew I had to step up - pick up the slack when it came to my work. Without paying attention where I was going, I ran right into a tall, sophisticated, preppy-looking man with a long, black ponytail. Just when I thought I was going to hit the floor, his hands were around my waist, catching me, and pulling me back upright.
A little confused and beyond embarrassed, I shyly peeked up through my lashes. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"
The tall, muscular man, who was wearing a really tight, black silky t-shirt that clung to his massive chest, laughed at my question. Why was he laughing at me? I couldn't help but smile myself, though, when I caught sight of his dazzling, white smile.
"I should be the one asking you that," he said in a husky tone.
"I wasn't paying attention," I explained.
"It's fine." He gazed down at me, offering his hand. "Jacob Black."
As soon as he spoke his name, it sounded familiar. I gazed into his dark brown - almost black eyes - trying to place him.
"Isabella Swan," I introduced myself. "Do you work you? I don't think I've seen you around."
"Umm...No. I'm here on business." He flashed yet another charming smile. "I take it you do work here."
"Yes. I'm a designer."
"Good. Sounds like you may know your way around this place."
"Sure."
"Great. Can you show me where I can find Angela Webber's office?"
"It's actually right there." I pointed across the hall, carefully studying the man standing before me. "Your name sounds so familiar."
"Black Art," was all he said.
"Am I supposed to know what that means?"
"I guess not." He chuckled. "My father, Billy Black, owns an art museum here in Manhattan - Black Art."
"Oh..." It finally dawned on me who this man was. "I know who you are now."
"You've been to Black Art?"
"No. My boyfriend is a huge fan of your work. He has your paintings hanging in his nightclub."
"Your boyfriend owns a nightclub?"
"Yes. Club Cullen. You've been?"
"Never heard of it," he said in an unimpressed tone. "And the owner of Club Cullen is your boyfriend?"
"Yes."
"Too bad."
"Why would you say that?" I asked in a somewhat defensive tone.
"Isabella, I mean no disrespect toward your boyfriend. I simply meant too bad for me... you have a boyfriend."
"Oh." I wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. It was beyond awkward, and clearly, I wasn't interested in what he meant by it. "Angela's office is right there." I showed him once more before smiling and walking back inside my own office.
Damn. I thought as I pulled out my cellphone.
I'm not gonna be able to meet you for dinner. Sorry :( - B
Why? - E
Angela wants me to attend a meeting with the suits and ties. - B
Sounds important. - E
Not really... just a bunch of suits and ties sitting around calling all the shots while we do all the work. - B
I'll leave you a key with Alice. Come over after work. - E
I can't... not tonight. I have to redo a few of my sketches. - B
Can't you do that tomorrow? - E
Tomorrow is the deadline. - B
Then I'll help you. - E
You can't help me... you'll only distract me. - B
I promise I won't tie to you to the bed... tonight anyway. Scout's honor, I will help. - E
You were never apart of the Boy's Scouts. - B
I'm leaving you a key with Alice. Come over! I will be the naked guy waiting on the couch. - E
See you're already distracting me. - B
I like distracting you. - E
Fine... I'll see you tonight. But don't wait up; I don't know how late I'll be. - B
:) - You just made me a very happy man. I'll see you tonight. Love you. - E
Tonight :) Love you. - B
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~ F, L & G C ~
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On our way over to the meeting, Angela explained Jacob Black would be apart of a new project she and I would be working on together. Our company was interested in launching a t-shirt line with designs of his paintings on them.
"Sounds like fun," I said as we stepped on the elevator.
"Oh yes... he sounds like a lot of fun." She winked.
"Love 'em and leave 'em?" I questioned.
"God, I hope. What I'd give to have a piece of that fine ass."
Two hours later, we were sitting around a long oval conference table surrounded by Armani suits and Tom Ford ties. All I could think about was Edward; I missed him. Glancing down at my watch it was already after nine, and this lame meeting was nowhere near being over.
I bet the gang is at the coffee house... I miss Central Perk; I miss good coffee. My mind wandered while I watched a younger man drumming his fingers against his forehead; clearly, I wasn't the only one bored.
By the time I got home, it was almost midnight and everyone was already in bed. I picked up the small envelope with my name on it and fetched out the key inside.
After a short shower and packing an overnight bag, I headed over to Edward's apartment where I found him sound asleep on the couch.
He was still wearing his reading glasses with his open book lying on his chest. I hated to wake him.
"What time is it?" He removed his glasses with a yawn.
"After midnight," I answered. "Come on, let's get you to bed."
A/N
Hello, dear readers, I just want to say, I wholly appreciate each and every one of you. Thank You for your continued support; you guys never fail in putting a smile on my face :) I adore you!
I know we have some anti-Jacob readers out there, and some readers prefer to leave the dog caged, but I do like adding him into my story lines because he's an important character to the saga. Think about it, had there been no Jacob, there would have been no Bella past New Moon... then the saga would have kinda sucked.
However, with that being said, I want you to bear something in mind, no matter where this story line goes, this is an overall Bella and Edward Romance, and they will get their happily-ever-after and their forever. *Scout's Honor*
Until Next Time,
Minerva