CHAPTER 14
Bella was pouring herself a second coffee when Edward finally emerged, freshly showered and dressed. She looked up at him and groaned.
"Oh that's just not fair," she protested in a tired voice.
"What's not fair?" he asked as he walked up to her for a quick kiss, and then helped himself to a cup of coffee.
"You looking that good when I feel like something the cat has brought in, and then brought back up," she explained, watching him add cream and sugar to his liking. It was true. His damp hair was scruffy from a quick towel dry, and although he hadn't shaved, he somehow managed to look bright and perky.
He took a sip of his coffee and sighed with pleasure, then reached out to gather Bella against his side.
"Dunno babe, must be luck …" he said, dropping a kiss on her nose.
"Well the gods were smiling on you Cullen, I know that much," she answered. She took another sip of coffee and rested her head on Edward's shoulder.
"Poor baby, are you feeling a bit worse for wear?"
"Something like that," she sighed. She turned away to check her diary that was lying open on the counter. "They can put man on the moon but they can't take the hangover out of the bottle," she yawned. "Science has got its priorities out of whack as far as I'm concerned."
"Can't help you there, science was never my strong point."
"Tell me about it," she grouched. "Actually what was school like for you?"
"You really wanna know?"
"Yep. Spill."
"Hmm, that'd be those finely honed journalistic skills coming to the fore there," he mused, yelping as she swatted his shoulder. "Okay! I'll talk!" He sipped his coffee as he thought. "Well, I guess my school years were the same as everyone else's. I think Em had a better time of it, he was the jock but had the brains to match his muscles."
"And let me guess, you were the nerd that managed to come good?" she teased.
"Nope. I didn't get grades like him, I was more the …" he deepened his voice to a caveman grunt "Science hard. We play now?" He grinned at her. "I guess I was just average."
Bella snorted. She'd seen his high school year book photos. Even then his chiseled good looks suggested that he was going to become so much more.
"So what's your idea of average?"
"I don't know. I wasn't on the sports teams, but I wasn't in the math club either. I had plenty of friends, but I wasn't out to rule the school," he sipped his coffee again. "It wasn't until I auditioned for a play on a dare that I suddenly knew what it was that I wanted to do."
"You mean the validation of being on stage?"
He glanced at his feet. "No, that wasn't it. I guess it was the chance to become someone else. I'd drifted through school thinking that there must be more to life than that, and then suddenly … it just seemed that acting was a way to access so many different worlds, so many different lifetimes." He looked up at Bella who nodded for him to continue. "It was a way for me to be anything I wanted, instead of choosing a path and being stuck with it."
He swigged back his coffee and rinsed his cup. "How about you?"
"Me?"
"Yeah, you."
"Oh," she floundered. "Well. I guess I kind of flew under the radar at school as well. When you're in a small town and your Dad is the police chief, you don't tend to have a big social circle. My mom wanted to be more of a friend than a parent, and Dad's more of the 'if you don't have anything to say keep your trap shut' type." She gazed into her cup. "I think I spent most of my teen years reading, and I found that you could always lose yourself in a book." She finished her coffee. "I suppose that's when my affair with the written word started."
"Hmm, an affair huh?"
"Yep. It's been going on for nearly twenty years now. It's getting pretty serious, I think I'm in love."
Edward laughed quietly rinsed their cups, leaving them on the sink to dry. He gave Bella an affectionate squeeze on his way past as she flicked through her diary. She made a few notes here and there and then closed it with snap.
"What are you up to today?" he asked, tossing his keys from one hand to the other.
Bella shrugged. "I've got a couple of work catch-ups, otherwise I think I'll be working on a couple of things here. You?"
"I've got a pre-production meeting over on the lot, and I'll be going through some scripts," he replied. "Nothing really exciting, but it has to be done."
"I know the feeling," Bella replied with a yawn.
"Awww," Edward gave her another cuddle. "Someone's pretty tired today."
Bella allowed herself to snuggle into his chest as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Well someone, I'm not naming names of course, didn't let me get much sleep last night," she replied with another yawn.
"Excuse me?" he voice was a deep rumble in his chest, and Bella had to hide her grin. "I happen to recall that someone was very determined about what they wanted last night."
"Yeah, well …" she floundered. He had a point there.
"Mm-hmm. And someone knew what they wanted a few times."
"Can you blame me?" she looked up with a sheepish grin.
"Well, you've got taste, I'll give you that," he replied as he gave her a kiss. "Come on, we'd better hit the road. What was the plan again?"
"You drop me off at Angela's so that I can pick up the car, and then we'll catch up for dinner or something tonight," recited Bella as she gathered up her laptop satchel and her bag.
"Gotcha, let's do it," Edward replied as he opened the front door with a flourish. He strolled towards his car, not noticing that Bella followed after a wary glance up and down the street.
o * o * o * o
"You look how I feel," greeted Angela as she opened the door. "Need some coffee?"
"Oh please, hang on though," she turned and waved off Edward, who gave them a beaming smile and blew them a kiss before driving off.
"Hot damn, I still get a bit wobbly when he smiles like that," said Angela.
"Tell me about it," replied Bella with a grin as they went inside.
"Actually," said Angela as she led them towards the kitchen and got busy making coffee. "I'd much rather you tell me. Did you two do some talking last night? Or did you try to avoid the issue, hmmm?"
"We talked," Bella conceded. "Eventually."
"That's my girl," Angela praised. "And how did it go?"
She handed Bella a mug of coffee. Bella took a sip, and yawned again.
"Well, we don't really have a plan of attack, but he told me that we're in it together and we'll take it as it comes."
"Ohhh, and you're saying we … this is getting good!" Angela didn't bother to conceal the glee on her face.
"Gee thanks, I'm so glad we can provide some amusement for you."
"You just said it again!" Angela replied with a whoop, making Bella laugh. "It's not just amusement though Bells, it's just good to see you growing a pair and working at this a bit instead of running away."
"What? You're telling me this now? I didn't know running away was an option."
"It isn't."
"Oh."
o * o * o * o
Bella was still grinning over the conversation later that day as she left her meeting. Her work prospects were definitely improving, and things were looking good. She was going to be able to make more of a career in this town than she'd hoped, and it would be good to settle down for a while.
She unlocked the car and got in, pausing for a jaw-popping yawn. Five hours of sleep might be okay for Edward, but it was most definitely not working out well for her. She rubbed her eyes and peered blearily into the oncoming traffic, as she pondered the merits of an afternoon nap. She didn't notice the van that pulled away from the kerb as she approached.
Bella yawned again, and sped up. She was definitely going to have a nap, and the sooner she got home, the more time she'd have for one. The car in front of her began to slow down, and she flicked her glance ahead to see that the lights were still green. Great. Her eyes widened as the car abruptly braked, and she slammed on her brakes with a sinking heart, feeling the car start to skid, knowing that she wouldn't be able to stop in time.
She winced as her car ploughed into the back of the car in front, and sat motionless for a moment, feeling slightly stunned. It had all happened so fast. A couple of cars behind her blared their horns impatiently, and then grudgingly changed lanes. Bella shook her head, still dazed at what had happened, as she watched the driver in front get out of his car and walk around to inspect the damage.
Bella popped her door open, and got out to do an inspection of her own.
"Hey," she began awkwardly. "I'm really sorry, I should've been paying more attention."
The other driver was eyeing her in an appraising manner, before thrusting a meaty hand towards her. Bella took it with some surprise and managed not to wince as he shook her hand a little too hard.
"My fault too," he growled. "I thought I could jump the lights. Let's swap insurance details and leave it at that."
"Done," Bella said gratefully. She certainly wasn't in the mood for an argument, and surely it was situations like this that she had insurance for anyway.
She ripped a page out of her diary and scribbled down her contact details as the other driver did the same. With some presence of mind returning, Bella got out her cell phone and snapped a few pictures. Fortunately the damage to both vehicles wasn't too bad, but it was enough to require a claim and repairs. With an inward groan, Bella remembered that it wasn't even her car. Rosalie had kept Bella's car when Edward had arranged the swap. This was going to get worse.
"Isabella, right?"
"Uh-huh," she said absently, as she took another photo.
"You work here in town?" the driver asked, as he handed her a scrap of paper with his details.
"Something like that," Bella replied as she checked the information. It all seemed pretty straightforward.
"What line of work are you in?"
Bella looked up with a puzzled squint. How was this relevant to the accident? He gave her a grin and spread out his hands in a gesture of innocence.
"Just making sure I haven't been rammed by a lawyer," he offered by way of explanation.
"Oh, right. No I'm not a lawyer," Bella sighed. "Look I'm sorry to be rude, but if we've got all the information sorted here I really need to be going."
"Sure, sure. No doubt the insurance companies will be in touch." He said as he pocketed her details. "Thanks for your time Isabella, it's been very … enlightening."
"Um, okay then," Bella watched him get back into his car, and she did the same. They'd managed to miss two sets of lights, but were both soon on their way.
Bella thumped the steering wheel with her fist. She had been so tired, had her attention really wandered that much? Years of an unblemished driving record had just gone down the gurgler. She sighed and very carefully changed lanes. She was going to have to go and see Rosalie and Emmett to face the music.
o * o * o * o
Twenty minutes later, a red-eyed Bella had arrived at Fantastic Machines. Emmett looked up as she entered the showroom, and a grin of welcome lit up his face.
"Heeeeey, here's trouble!" he boomed. "How are you Bells?"
Bella looked at his open face and arms stretched out in greeting, and felt her eyes begin to burn. Emmett's grin faltered.
"Shit, what's happened? Are you okay?"
Rosalie had already appeared when she'd heard Emmett's greeting, and moved forward to see what was going on. Bella looked at their worried faces and felt her lip begin to tremble. Her fatigue and shock from the run-in were starting to take their toll.
"I just got in an accident," she began, stopping as she felt her control begin to slip. Then, to her mortification, she burst into tears.
"Oh c'mere," coaxed Rosalie as she wrapped her arms around Bella for a hug. "Don't sweat it babe, it's just a car."
"But it was one of your cars!" wailed Bella as she searched in her bag for a tissue. Emmett appeared and silently offered her one, giving her a sympathetic pat on the back.
"Rosie's right Bells," he added, "It's just a car, and the important thing is that you're okay." He put his face right up against hers and made a play of inspecting her minutely for any damage, making her laugh. "If Edward thinks you got so much as a scratch in one of our cars, he'll have my balls."
"That's for damn sure," added Rosalie, rubbing her hands up and down Bella's arms in brisk reassurance. "Anyways, the car you were driving was a second-hand one I'd reconditioned for sale, it's not like you've just one of the Ferraris."
"Compared to my car it was," hiccupped Bella.
"Then we'll just have to get you something else to drive my girl, and as it happens, I have just the thing," stated Rosalie, as she took Bella by the hand and led her through the showroom and out into the workshop.
"Huh?" Bella was wiping her eyes with her free hand, following Rosalie with confusion. "Emmett? What's she talking about?"
"You'll find out," he replied as he followed with a knowing grin.
"Here we are," Rosalie announced moments later. Bella stopped in her tracks and stared. It was her car, or at least it looked like it.
"Rose? Is that? I mean … "
"That's your car honey. I just tweaked a couple of things," Rosalie said proudly.
"A couple of things? My god, this is major surgery," Bella replied. She circled the car slowly, agog with amazement. On the exterior the car looked like it had a fresh coat of paint, and the hubcaps had all been replaced.
"Here," Rosalie tossed the keys, which Bella caught in both hands. "Start 'er up."
Bella got in and sat in disbelief as her car started with what could only be described as a throaty purr.
"I don't believe it," she looked up at Rosalie who was standing by the drivers' side door looking pleased with herself. "Rose, you're a miracle worker."
"I tweaked it here and there, made a few modifications … just gave it the kind of TLC that most cars can only dream about."
"Baby, how many times have I told you that you're a car's wet dream?" Emmett laughed, getting a swat over his head in response.
"Wow," Bella breathed, "this is just awesome guys."
"You're very welcome. And don't worry about the loaner, I'll fix the damage from your run-in this morning and it'll be as good as new," Rosalie added, waving off Bella's offer to pay. "Don't cheapen our relationship with money talk Bella, you know doing this sort of shit is what I love, so you just gave me gave me a good excuse."
Bella sat in her car, running her hands over the console in admiration. Somehow Rosalie had even gotten her car to smell new as well. She got out of the car and threw her arms around Rosalie.
"I love you guys, really. No-one has ever done anything like this for me before … I don't know what to say."
"Aw Bells, you know you don't have to say anything else, but now that you mention it," Emmett scratched the back of his head, looking crafty. "Some more of those cupcakes wouldn't go astray."
Bella laughed as she felt she felt her stress melt away. "Really? Is that all it takes?"
"You don't know the half of it," added Rosalie. "I always thought that the saying 'a way to a man's heart is through his stomach' was aiming too high, but with my monkey man here, it's actually true."
"Hey," Emmett objected, then he stopped and considered. "No, it's true, I'll have to go along with that."
"Well it that's the case, you want more of the same, or shall I try something different?"
"I guess that all depends, what sort of terms are you offering little lady?" Emmett was looking very pleased at the prospect of more food.
"Hmm," Bella cocked her head as she gave it some thought. "Well there's my cherry, coconut and white chocolate muffins, or cupcakes with chocolate liqueur icing, or my champagne and chocolate ganache cupcakes …" she broke up with a laugh as Emmett threw his head back and started making loud slobbering noises.
"God," he breathed when he looked at Bella, "I love it when women talk dirty."
Bella and Rosalie exchanged a glance.
"Told you, he's just that easy," Rosalie shrugged.
"Did he ever play hard to get?"
"Nope," Rosalie shook her head with a fond smile. "All it took was a grease and oil change on his truck, and my Chicken Korma .." she glanced over at Emmett as he made a whimpering noise, "and it was like shooting fish in a barrel."
"Wow," Bella said, impressed.
"Have you fed Edward yet?" asked Emmett.
"A few times now actually."
"Oh yeah … he's gone then."
o * o * o * o
"That one's a no-go."
Edward flicked the script he had been flicking through onto a pile in his agent's office. He looked at the pile in front of him, and then over at the one his agent was reading.
"Which one's that?"
Eric held up the cover.
"I'm not sure about that one Eric, it needs work."
"But what did you think of it?" Eric picked up the discarded document and scribbled some notes on the front cover, glancing up at Edward when he'd finished.
Edward leaned back in his chair and considered his options.
"I'll have to admit that it has a certain … something," he conceded.
"You want me to let them know?"
"Depends. Are they up to reworking it?"
"Sure, if you want a bigger part, then they can do whatever you want," Eric commented.
"No," Edward waved off his agent's growing enthusiasm. They'd looked through about twenty scripts so far, and there was nothing that had appealed yet. "That's not it. I'm not interested in beefing up my side of things. It's a good story. I think it could do with a bit more fleshing out is all."
"What, more special effects?" Eric's pen was poised over the script again.
"Just … I don't know. More development. Have you read it?"
Eric shook his head.
"Come on Edward, look at this lot," he said, taking in the various scripts stacked up around his office. "Do you really think I've got that much time on my hands?"
Edward had to laugh.
"I don't see why not, you're all over whatever's happening in this town – you mean you don't know everything in these as well?" he teased.
"Well," Eric tried to be affronted, but knew that it wasn't going to work. Edward had a point. Eric took personal pride in being Edward's eyes and ears of the industry. Still, when it came to actually finding time to sit down and consider the dozens of scripts that were submitted every week for his client's consideration, the summary page was as far as he was able to go. "I know these are the ones my assistant recommended. Aside from that, what did you think of that one? If you're interested they're prepared to give it some more work."
Edward leaned forward, elbows on his knees as he gave it some thought. He had to admit that the premise of the script was appealing, but the script itself was a diamond in the rough. The added appeal of course, was that the filming could be done on set and around town. His next film was taking him to Prague, so the chance to work closer to home was quite a temptation.
"You know," he began slowly, "I think you can tell them I'm interested, but," he held up his hand as Eric began writing furiously on the script cover again, "make sure you tell them that it's not all about me. This script could be a really strong ensemble piece."
"Yep, got it," Eric finished writing and looked up at him with a beam. He loved representing Edward. The guy was a major star, the work flooded in of its own accord, and Edward was actually a nice guy. "Now, how about we to work our way through the others."
Edward pulled a face and rubbed a hand through his hair, a sure sign that he would rather be somewhere else.
"Do we have to?"
"C'mon man, let's just knock over those last couple dozen and then I'll take you out for lunch."
"Deal." Edward reached out and snagged a script off one of the piles and flicked it open. "Guess if that other script doesn't pan out, some back-up would be good."
o * o * o * o
"Tell you had insurance."
"Of course Angela, give me some credit," scoffed Bella. She leaned back in her chair and jammed the phone between her chin and ear as she rifled through some papers. She had gotten home with her reconditioned car, and was settling into her work routine for the day, which included a chatty gossip phone call with Angela.
"Sorry, it's just that you've made so many cracks about your dying car that I wasn't sure if you'd let it lapse or not."
"I know babe. I'm fully covered, and we exchanged details."
"Whose fault was it?"
"Actually I'm not sure. I wasn't paying enough attention, but then again he just slammed on his brakes so hard," Bella sighed. "I guess I'll just have to wait for a call from the insurance company and we'll take it from there."
"Was the car beat up very bad? Oh crapski, I've just remembered that you've been driving your loaner – do Rosalie and Emmett know?" Angela sounded distressed on Bella's behalf now, which made Bella smile.
"Yeah they know. I went straight over to their place. Those two are so great," she said.
"That's a relief, what happened?"
"Well, they were more worried about making sure I was okay as opposed to the car."
"They sound like good people," commented Angela.
"I know, then Rosalie showed me what she'd done to my car. Oh my god, Ange, wait until you see it!"
"What? What have they done?"
"Let's just say that Rose showed my car a very good time, I can't believe how good it's running now."
"Really? Sounds like they're good to know," Angela smiled. Bella was going through enough stress at the moment without an accident adding to it all.
"Absolutely, and Rose won't let me pay for it. Mind you, Emmett discussed some payment terms that he's quite keen to collect on."
"Oh? And what were they?"
"More cupcakes," Bella laughed.
"Oh," Angela sucked in her breath. "You've started baking again?" Now Angela was starting to get excited. Bella's career had been very transient over the years, but whenever she baked it was always a clear sign that she was starting to settle in. "What did you make?"
"Oreo Depth Charge."
"What?" Angela yelped, making Bella hold the phone away from her ear with a wince. "You've made the Depth Charges and you didn't tell me? Or Ben? C'mon Bells, where's your loyalty? Didn't I put a roof over your head for a while? Didn't Ben and I help you move in?"
"Okay, okay!" Bella said, laughing. "You'll get yours too. Actually," she continued, "by the sounds of it Emmett's going to keep me baking from here to kingdom come, so you'll get more than a sample."
"That's more like it," Angela huffed. "So, what're you baking next?"
"I don't know, I was thinking of Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cookies or some such."
"God you're such a tease," Angela groaned.
"I've been called worse," Bella answered with a grin.
o * o * o * o
"Hey Bonehead, how's your day going?"
"Dickward, the day is good. What are you up to?"
"Just had lunch with Eric, and I'm off to another meeting in a few. Thought I'd give you a call to see what you and Rose are doing for dinner tonight."
"I don't think we've got anything planned, but I'll check with the powers that be and let you know. Why?"
"I fly out day after tomorrow, so I figured a dinner with you guys and Bella would be nice tonight." Edward grinned. Emmett, Rosalie and Bella seemed to have a mutual admiration society going on, and he had to admit that he loved it when the four of them got together. He made a mental note to get Angela and Ben over for dinner sometime as well.
"Have you spoken to Bella?"
"Not yet, why?"
"Poor kid, she was in a bad way earlier. You haven't heard about her car accident?"
The line went dead.
"Guess not," murmured Emmett.
o * o * o * o
Bella jumped as someone started pounding frantically at her door. She glanced at her laptop screen then closed it, then got up and hurried to the door. She looked through the spy hole. It was Edward, looking more flustered than she'd ever seen him. She opened the door just as he started to pound on it again.
"I'm here! What's going on?"
Edward grabbed her by the shoulders and propelled her back inside.
"Are you okay?" he was patting her down, assuring himself that it was definitely her, definitely standing there in on piece.
"Of course I'm okay, what's all the .." her words were cut short as Edward cupped her face in his hands and kissed her thoroughly. By the time they came up for air, she was definitely confused. Edward sighed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as he rested his chin on the top of her head.
"Edward, come on you're scaring me a little, what's going on?"
"I phoned Emmett earlier," Edward said, kissing her again.
"And that got you so fired up that you had to race over here and kiss me? Not that I'm complaining mind," she said with a smile.
"Well no, it wasn't that. He told me you'd been in an accident."
"Oh," Bella's face fell. "That."
"Yeah, that. Why didn't you call and tell me?" His expression was moving from concern to relief and back again.
"Well," Bella floundered. "No-one was hurt, and once I'd 'fessed up to Rose about the car I didn't think it was that big a deal."
"Bella," Edward sighed. "When are you going to get it through your head that you're a big deal to me?"
Bella mumbled into Edward's shirtfront.
"I didn't quite catch that," Edward teased as he held her away from him.
"I said, I'm starting to get the idea," she repeated. "But really, it was just a minor accident, you didn't need to rush over here straight away." Bella frowned. "Hang on, how did you find out where I was?"
"Emmett told me," Edward said as he brushed a kiss against her temple. He kept running his hands over her, reassuring himself that she was okay. He knew he was over-reacting, but couldn't help himself.
"He did?" Bella was surprised. "I'm surprised he didn't tell you that the accident was so minor."
"Well, I ah … kinda hung up on him at first," Edward confessed, "then I had to call him back and find out where you were."
"You hung up?"
"I guess I freaked. I don't know what the hell I was going to do, but I wanted to get in the car and find out where you were."
"And you did that by hanging up on the one guy that could give you the answers," she laughed. "Nice one Cullen."
"Hey, once I realized what I'd done I phoned him back. He told me that you were going to be here so … yeah." Now that he was saying it out loud, he felt pretty stupid.
"You know Cullen, you're not too bright sometimes," she cut off his protests by giving him a quick kiss, "but you're really cute, and really sweet."
"Thanks," he said dryly.
"Now, didn't you say you had some meetings today?"
"Yeah," he sighed.
"Did you rush off and leave those people hanging?"
"Yeah," he said.
"So don't you think you ought to call those people and get back to work?" she raised an eyebrow.
"I'd rather stay with you," he admitted.
"That would be nice, but are you telling me that your time is more important than anyone else's?"
"No." this was admitted with another sigh.
"Then get back to it," she admonished with another kiss. "I'll be here when you're done."
o * o * o * o
"Hey guys, sorry I'm running late," Edward excused as he walked towards the two men waiting for him at a table in the hotel's poolside area. Greetings and handshakes were exchanged all round, and then he took a seat.
"Not a problem Edward, Eric phoned earlier and said you might have to cancel, so we're just glad you could make it."
"Now there's a guy that earns his commission," Edward said with a grin.
"Absolutely! So is everything okay?"
"It is now. I had a family emergency earlier. Now, you wanted to catch up about the script?"
"Absolutely, how much time have you got this afternoon?"
Edward checked his watch.
"I can give you guys a couple of hours, and then I've got an interview, so we're good."
"Excellent, and are you in town for a while?"
"Sorry, I'm off to Prague in a couple of days so I've got a fair bit to get organized before I leave town," Edward said all this with a smile and a grimace, "So it's now or not for a few weeks."
"Okay, we'd better get down to business then."
o * o * o * o
Bella picked up her phone as it rang, barely taking her eyes off the text on her laptop screen.
"Hello?"
"Bella, hey it's Dave from …"
"Oh hi Dave, how are you? Funny you should call, I'm just working on what you sent through earlier."
"Already? That's fantastic. I was calling to see when you'd be able to make a start!"
"You caught me at a good time. I've got a couple of interviews I have to do next week, but apart from a few meetings this week I figured I might as well make a start on it now."
"Brilliant. That's brilliant. Listen, I was just calling to see if you're going to be in town for a while."
"What, are you trying to get rid of me already?" Bella couldn't help but tease. Dave's enthusiasm was so over the top sometimes that it was fun to throw a bit more fuel on the fire.
"Not at all! I just wanted to book you in with us before anyone else could get to you. I hear you're a wanted woman."
"Yeah right," Bella scoffed. "Dry that one out and you could fertilise the lawn."
"You wait and see, I know I'm right."
"Uh-huh. Whatever. So let's talk shop, what is it that you need?"
"We've got a few options that we'd like to discuss with you. Jasper saw your proposal and he's keen to see what we can get up and running. I just wanted to see if you'll be free for a catch up sometime either this week or next week?"
"For sure, give me a call when you want to meet and we'll take it from there."
"Great. We'll be in touch in a couple of days then. Talk to you soon."
o * o * o * o
"Urgh," Bella sank into her chair with a sigh of relief, and accepted the glass of wine that Emmett had just poured for her. "Thanks Em, you're wonderful."
"No problem," he leered, waggling his eyebrows at Edward.
"Not a chance bro. You're married for a start, and Bella's mine," Edward scoffed, moving his chair closer to Bella's and putting his arm around her shoulder.
"Oh look at our boys, we haven't even started dinner and they're into a pissing contest already," commented Rosalie, getting an amused snort of agreement from Bella. "So," she continued, "how was the rest of your day after this morning's little event?"
"It was pretty good," Bella replied with a smile. "I had a couple of meetings that I was on time for, thanks to my amazingly souped-up car," she said, getting a graceful nod of acknowledgement from Rosalie, "then some madman burst into my apartment making sure I was still in once piece."
"Hey," Edward objected mildly, "we discussed that earlier, you know why I reacted like that."
"Yes I do," replied Bella, chucking him under the chin, "and I thank you for it, you dear, sweet, misguided man."
Emmett made a gagging noise.
"Oh shut up honey," Rosalie said with a laugh.
Edward leaned back in his chair, and rested his hand on Bella's knee. The evening was going well, just as he'd hoped. He wasn't due to leave down for another day, and he was enjoying the opportunity to have some quiet time at home. He listened to Bella as she alternately engaged in conversation with Rosalie and Emmett, and dished out some loving abuse as they bantered amongst themselves. Bella seemed to have fit in with his family seamlessly, and another phone call from his mothering had him thinking that if things progressed this well, an introduction was going to be a necessity sooner rather than later.
He took another pull of his beer, mulling over how that conversation was going to go, given that his parents had found out via the internet instead of a call from their beloved son, but resolved to talk that over with Bella another time. He began to tune back into the spirited conversation that was taking place at the table, with some confusion.
"All I'm saying is that if you're going to shop it around, then you can't start talking about being so shocked that it's out there in the first place," retorted Bella as Rosalie nodded in agreement.
"What are we talking about?" inquired Edward.
Bella shot him an amused look.
"A sex tape," she explained.
"Okay, I'm interested. Tell me everything," he said promptly, earning a laugh from Emmett.
"Bella and I were talking about how yet another young celebrity," Rosalie put emphasis on the word with an expression of distaste, "is apparently shocked about sex tape she's in that's doing the rounds trying to find a buyer."
"Oh really? Who is it this time?" Edward asked.
The girls told him the name of a young starlet whose star was on the rise – and soon to be wane – on a popular cable show. His eyebrows shot up.
"Wow, and she started out with Disney," he commented.
"Yeah well, look how wholesome Britney was when she started," snorted Rosalie.
"True," agreed Bella. She turned to Edward and gave him a speculative look.
"Hey don't look at me like that," he said hastily. "I don't have any home movies like that out there!"
"Glad to hear it," she muttered, taking another sip of her wine.
"I wonder how much she'll get for it," mused Emmett.
"Not enough to help her in the long run," snorted Bella. "How the hell could anyone think a home movie of the dance of the two backed beast is going to enhance their career?"
Emmett choked massively on his mouthful of beer, and blew it out in a fine spray. He got up and staggered around, coughing and apologizing as Rosalie jumped up from her seat and followed, pounding on his back, all but doubled up in laughter himself.
Edward's hand was shaking with suppressed laughter so much that he had to set his beer down on the table.
"Bella, are you serious?"
She shot him a wry grin.
"Of course I am, have you ever thought about the faces that people must pull when they're deep in the throes?" she took a sip as she mulled over what she'd said, and shuddered at the mental imagery. "I'm telling you Cullen, it's not a spectator sport."
"Oh Bella, your descriptions … honest to God, don't ever change, you're perfect just as you are."
She was definitely going to have to meet the parents soon.
o * o * o * o
"So what's your first impression?"
Emmett grunted, but gave her two thumbs up. Emmett and Rosalie had cooked dinner, and Bella had provided dessert. To Emmett's very vocal delight, she had baked some more cupcakes. Emmett had all but whimpered with delight when he saw the chocolate ganache topping.
"He's a little preoccupied as you can see, so allow me to translate," Rosalie provided, "The grunt was Em-speak for can't talk, eating, and I think the thumbs up was more please." She turned back to her husband. "Was that right?" She got an enthusiastic nod by way of response. She beamed at Bella, and an amazed Edward.
"Let me get this straight," Edward began. "Emmett communicates with grunts, and you can understand him?"
Rosalie sighed and shook her head sadly at him.
"Oh Edward," she said pityingly. "Are you trying to tell me you and Bella don't have any little … ah … noises that the other can understand?"
Edward and Bella exchanged a glance, and then both blushed and coughed to hide their amusement.
o * o * o * o
Bella was putting some plates into the dishwasher when she felt two hands slide around her waist.
"That'd better be Edward," she warned as she kept stacking.
"What, you think Emmett would pull a stunt like this?" Edward answered, as she straightened up with a smile and turned to face him.
"Hey, did you see his face when he tried the first cupcake? Anything's possible," she teased.
"True, and they were rather good," he conceded.
"Did you manage to save any for yourself?"
"Sure did," he replied, looking smug.
"I don't believe it. Rose said Emmett's better than a police dog when it comes to sniffing out food."
"Ahhh, but Mom clued me into her little secret a while back. C'mere," he said. He led her to the refridgerator, and after a furtive look around, opened the freezer, dug about and pulled out an old opaque plastic tub. Bella looked at the handwritten scrawl across the lip and clapped a hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter. Written in sharpie was one word: Broccoli.
"Shhhhh! I haven't even told Rose about that tactic yet, because I know there's a chance she'll go hunting as well," Edward admonished as he stashed the tub underneath some frozen peas and closed the door.
"Oh Edward, that's just too cute."
He shrugged, feeling enormously pleased. "Well, Mom said she had to come up with different guerilla tactics with two teenage boys in the house."
Bella draped her arms around his neck, and gave him a soft kiss.
"And have I told you how cute I think you are?"
Edward slid his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. "Now that you mention it, not for a while."
"Guess we might have to do something about that," breathed Bella as she began to nuzzle his neck.
"Guess so," he agreed.
o * o * o * o
"Have you told Edward yet?" asked Emmett as he topped up Rosalie's glass.
"Thanks babe, and no, not yet," said Rosalie as she took a sip.
"Then when are you going to?"
"I'm trying to find the right time. I'm thinking he's going to be okay with the news but … what about Bella?"
"What are you talking about?" Emmett protested, "She'll be fine."
o * o * o * o
Bella nuzzled Edward's throat. His scent was wrapping itself around her, and she couldn't get enough.
Edward ran his hands slowly up Bella's arms, up the side of her throat before gently fisting them in her hair. His fingers curled around the nape of her neck, pulling her face towards him so that he could take possession of her mouth.
"Bella, I wish I was a writer like you, so I could tell you how you make me feel," he whispered.
Bella closed her eyes. On anyone else the line would have sounded so cheesy, but the sincerity in his voice was compelling.
"Believe me, you're doing just fine Edward," she replied, as his mouth slid down her throat to nibble and suck at her collarbone. She closed her eyes as his teeth scraped against her skin, and she rubbed herself against him. Edward reached down to pull her hips against his, and they moaned against each other's mouths at the delicious friction.
"Do you want to spend the night here, or at your place?" he whispered.
"You really think I should be negotiating traffic in this condition?" Bella answered breathlessly.
"Hmmm, good point. Plus my bed's a lot closer," muttered Edward as he kissed her again.
o * o * o * o
They eventually found their way back outside, although Bella's hair was somewhat mussed and Edward was definitely looking preoccupied. Emmett and Rosalie exchanged a knowing look.
"So, ah .. are all the dishes stacked away?" inquired Rosalie with a grin.
"Um, yeah … all sorted," Bella replied, as she reached up to smooth back her hair.
She and Edward both took their seats, and as Edward looked at her it was all he could do not to throw her over his shoulder and haul her inside to his bedroom. He sat at watched her talking, a light flush still staining her cheeks. He could see a faint mark on her next where he had bitten her. Gradually he became aware that Emmett was talking to him.
"… you even listening?"
"Sorry, what?" Edward forced his attention back to Emmett, who was grinning and shaking his head.
"Man, you're really in deep smit with this one," Emmett said in what he obviously hoped was a stage whisper.
"Thanks bro, that's really … subtle," he replied with a droll smile. He shot another glance at Bella, who winked at him and then turned her attention back to Rosalie. "What were you saying before?"
"I was saying that Rosalie and I had something we needed to talk to you about," Emmett replied.
"Uh-huh."
"We were wondering if you want a lift to the airport or if you guys are going to sort that out yourselves."
Edward and Bella exchanged a glance.
"Actually we haven't really had a chance to talk about that yet," began Edward.
"We'll sort things out and let you guys know," soothed Bella. "We've still got time to decide who's going where."
"Just so you know the offer is there," said Rosalie quietly, "Bella we know you're still getting used to some of the attention so if you're unsure just call, okay?"
"I will," said Bella, "and thanks guys."
"Anytime. You're practically family now that you've fed Emmett here, so we've got your back."
Bella shifted in her chair slightly, perhaps unconsciously, so that she was closer to Edward. He circled an arm around her, feeling her need for comfort, and she snuggled closer against him. Edward rested his chin on her head, bringing his hand up to gently stroke her hair. It amazed him that such a simple act could be so soothing.
"Aw honey, look at the cuddle bunnies," cooed Rosalie in an amused tone.
"Shut it Rose," replied Edward, feeling Bella's shoulders shake in amusement.
o * o * o * o
Finally, they had all decided to call it a night. Edward gave thanks that the bedrooms were at opposite ends of the house. His home was not a sprawling one by any standards, but there were enough rooms between them to create a certain level of comfort.
"Night you guys, don't do anything that I wouldn't do," called Emmett, getting a laugh out of the others.
Edward clicked his bedroom door closed, then turned to Bella with a slight smile.
o * o * o * o
Bella watched him close the door, and she swallowed hard. Of all the times to be nervous, why now? Focus Bella, you're about to have yourself some great sex.
Edward gave her the crooked grin that she loved so much, and then very gently, he tilted her chin and fastened his mouth to hers. He kissed her leisurely, until she thought she was going to scream if he wasn't inside her soon.
He lifted his head and regarded her for a long moment.
"Want me to stop?" he asked softly.
"I want everything you've got," she replied, tugging his face back to hers.
"Coming right up," he replied, nipping at her lips before his tongue darted into her mouth.
Bella arched towards him, and he pushed her back towards the bed, their breathing becoming faster. They fell in a tangle of limbs, as they pawed at each other, alternately helping and hindering each other as they fumbled with buttons, zips and belts. Finally, they broke apart, and with a breathless laugh Bella wriggled out of her t-shirt as Edward yanked down his jeans, cursing under his breath as he realized he still had his shoes on.
"I feel like a teenager being naughty with the folks in the house," muttered Edward as he finally half fell, half tripped back onto the bed.
"I don't know about you, but my teenage years were never this much fun," replied Bella with a snort.
"Hey," objected Edward as he saw her flick off her bra, "that's my job."
"You snooze, you lose," she said, rolling onto her back and lifting her hips to get rid of her panties.
"Who said anything about sleep at a time like this?"
Edward braced himself over her, leaning in for a kiss and working his way down her chest.
"Uh .. god, Edward, can I have you now?"
"Almost," he mumbled, swirling his tongue over her skin, alternately tasting and nibbling her.
"Please," she said, her hips twitching in anticipation. A couple of minutes later she moaned as he bit her inner thigh and moved her legs apart with his hands. As his tongue dipped inside her, she decided that if ever there was a time to die, it could happen now and she'd die happy. A very small part of her mind wondered how her parents would feel about the epitaph 'She came and went' on her tombstone, before she gave herself up to sensation.
o * o * o * o
Emmett climbed into bed and cuddled up to Rosalie, who molded herself to him with a small sigh of satisfaction as he kissed her neck.
"T'was the night before Friday, and all through the house," he began, "there were two creatures screwing, quiet as a mouse."
Rosalie choked back a laugh.
"Just the two?"
"Well, the night is young," Emmett replied as he gently kissed her neck.
o * o * o * o
The following morning, Edward and Bella were at their usual breakfast cafe. Edward was kicking back with the morning newspaper, and glanced up with a smile as Bella returned from inside.
"What'd you order?"
"I wanted something else to eat so I've just ordered a muffin and some more coffee," she replied, sinking back into her seat.
"And what's that?" he indicated what she was carrying with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh," she looked sheepish. She slowly revealed a copy of Us Weekly, cringing in mock horror as Edward sighed and shook his head.
"Oh Bella, not you too," he said.
"Hey c'mon," she defended herself. "You have your food for thought," she indicated the newspaper, "and I've got chewing gum for the eyes, so it all evens out."
"Whatever works for you," he teased as he went back to his paper.
Moment's later, his head snapped up as he heard a quiet moan from Bella. He looked across to see that she had gone white, a hand up to her mouth.
"What? What is it?" he said, tossing his newspaper onto the table and leaning over to see what she was reading.
The headline was simple. Edward's Off the Market!
"I can't believe it, they know my fucking name," Bella cursed quietly. "How the hell would they have gotten that?"
Edward had been single for a while, so the magazine had devoted three pages to images of the pair. They both stared silently at the photos of them shopping, sharing lunch, an enthusiastic greeting at Bella's door. It wasn't until Bella turned the page that Edward realized how her identity had been revealed. It was a shot of Bella inspecting her car, obviously taken moments after the accident.
"Bella, that accident you had the other day – what insurance information did you give the driver?"
"Mine, why?"
Edward pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "That's how they got your name."
"Huh?"
"The car you were driving was in a business name. They would have done a check on the plates and come up with nothing, so it looks like they decided to take matters into their own hands."
"What? Are you saying that accident was deliberate?" Bella stared at him, bright splotches of colour on her cheeks.
"It wouldn't be the first time, they've done worse than that in this town," admitted Edward.
"My god, I just can't believe they'd do that. What sort of people are they?"
"Pond scum, mostly," replied Edward, chaffing her arms with his hands, trying to reassure her.
Bella closed the magazine and threw it onto an empty chair, jumping as her phone rang. She fished through her tote bag and pulled out her phone, groaning when she saw the caller id.
"Hi Mom. Yeah I just saw it too … no I haven't been holding out on you, I just … yeah," she sighed and put her head in her hand as she listened to her mother. Edward rubbed the small of her back. Her shoulders slumped as the conversation continued. "She said what? Oh I bet they are … I don't know … I said I don't know … maybe."
Finally the conversation concluded, and Bella stowed her phone in her bag, then leaned forward resting her head on her crossed arms on the table.
"Fuck," she said quietly.
"Not good?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Bella turned her head to look at him.
"Well, it seems I'm the talk of the town. Mom's a bit annoyed that she's had to find out that I'm dating by way of a trashy magazine and Dad wants to know what your intentions are."
"And how about you?"
"I'm freaked. Actually no, I'm beyond freaked. So far beyond freaked that the light from freaked would take 1000 years to reach me."
Edward choked back a laugh at her mournful patter.
"Babe, you can't be that freaked if you're able to make jokes about it," he said gently.
Bella sat up as she saw her coffee and muffin approaching, and smiled her thanks as they were set down on the table. She began to crumble her muffin absently, and then gave Edward an uncertain look.
"What about you? You seem to be okay with this?"
Edward shrugged. "Chalk it up to experience, I've had years of everyone else making a business out of knowing my business … or even making it up when they don't." He sighed. "It amazes me that anyone would be interested, but that's the price you pay for being a celebrity."
"But doesn't that make you angry? You're working and wanting to have a good life, and yet you've got people following you with cameras and telling lies. Why don't you fight back?" Bella was squinting at him as if trying to understand him for the first time. She felt incredibly violated and powerless, and yet here she was with a man who had been enduring it for years.
"Where would I start?" he replied. "There are plenty of people out there that sue magazines all the time, but that means that someone has to read all that shit in the first place."
"It doesn't bother you that people you know are reading it?"
"If they know me that well, they know it's not true," he answered. At that, Bella seemed to subside.
"You may have a point," she admitted. She glanced at the magazine cover, unable to conceal her loathing. "But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it."
"Of course you don't," he soothed. "But there is one thing they got right."
"What's that?"
He leaned forward to give her a gentle kiss. "I am most definitely off the market."
Bella closed her eyes, leaning in and offering herself up for more, which Edward was only too happy to oblige. When they parted, she looked up at him with a small smile. "You know, it's very hard to stay upset when you kiss me like that."
"That's what I was hoping," he teased. "I'm not going to let those idiots spoil our day."
"So what did you have planned? I know I've got some work to do, but what about you?" she asked, popping some muffin into her mouth. She glanced at the magazine again. It bothered her far more than she was letting on.
"You can't get out of it?" he asked, knowing the answer as she looked at him.
"I'm sorry," she said gently. "Part of being a freelance journalist is being everyone's beck and call girl. I've got deadlines to meet."
"I know," he sighed. He sat and thought for a moment, and then looked back at her. "Call girl, huh?"
"I was wondering when you'd pick up on that," she grinned, jumping slightly as her phone rang. She picked it up again and then answered. "Hey Dave, how are you?"
Edward frowned slightly. He didn't remember her mentioning a Dave. He quickly smoothed his expression as she glanced at him. Was she looking a bit guilty? Damn. Emmett was right, he really was in deep smit.
"Look, uh … can I call you back later? Sure … yep … or you can just email that lot through. Okay, talk to you soon," she snapped her phone shut and gave Edward a smile. "Sorry about that."
"You didn't have to cut your call short because I'm here," commented Edward, knowing all the while that he wanted her entirely to himself today. And who the hell was Dave? The words were out before he could stop himself. "Was it work?"
Bella glanced at him, and then her eyes slid away. "It's something I can't talk about just yet." She put her cup down and gave him an anxious smile. "It's not that I don't want to, really I do. I just …" she looked flustered for a moment. "It's just something that I've wanted for a long time now, and I don't want to talk about it for fear of jinxing it."
"It's okay, I can wait."
The unspoken conversation hung in the air between them for a moment.
"But let's talk about something else, what's Prague like?" Bella said, tucking one leg under her on the seat and grabbing Edward's hand. "I've never been there, have you?"
"No, but I hear it's beautiful. Guess I'll find out soon enough," he gave her a hopeful look. "Maybe you could come over as well."
"I'd love to, but I just can't afford it right now," she sighed.
"I'll pay, you wouldn't have to worry about a thing," he cut in.
"It would be wonderful, but I've got responsibilities here."
"I guess," he subsided. "But it was worth a shot." He gazed at her with what Bella had called the 'last puppy in the shop' expression. "Perhaps you can come visit me another time then?"
"You can count on it," she replied.
o * o * o * o
"I think that's the last of it," Edward said with a grunt as he heaved his samsonite case off the bed and wheeled it to the door.
"Don't forget your man bag," called Bella from her reclining position on the bed. They'd barely stirred from Edward's bedroom all afternoon, emerging only when Emmett stood outside asking them if they wanted him to slide the evening meal under the door. They'd shared a meal with Rosalie and Emmett, before returning to Edward's room
Edward shot her an exasperated look.
"It's a satchel,"
"Whatever."
"Oh so it's going to be like that is it?" he growled, walking back to the bed and crawling across the mattress towards her.
"Cullen, you can call it what you like, but I'm standing firm …"
"I thought standing firm was my job," he said, making her snort with laughter. He grabbed her hips and rolled her onto her back, then straddled her, sitting back on his heels.
"And it's a job you do awfully well," she said as she wriggled slightly beneath him.
They had both gone their separate ways to attend to meetings and errands, and had enjoyed a leisurely dinner. Edward had booked a late departure, hoping to prolong the farewells until the last minute. They had both tried to keep the mood light for the evening, although the prospect of a twelve week separation was weighing heavily on their minds.
"Edward! Bella!" Emmett's voice boomed down the corridor. "You've gotta hit the road!"
"Time to go," he whispered. He climbed off the bed and held out a hand to pull Bella to her feet. "Look, if you want to go straight home from here, that's fine," he began.
"Oh shut it, I'm taking you to the airport and that's final," she retorted as she looked for her shoes.
"You are? But I thought Emmett was taking me."
"He was, but we had a chat, and I won."
"You mean the cupcakes won," he replied, wrapping her up for a kiss.
"Something like that."
"So, if you're taking me to the airport that means we've got a bit more time up our sleeves."
"Oh, really?" Bella said, trying not to smile. Edward reached out and began to twine his fingers through her hair.
"Oh yeah, vast amounts of time. Acres and acres of time that we could plant crops in."
"Mm-hmmm. And what shall we do with this abundance?" inquired Bella, glancing down in amusement as Edward's hands lowered to her jeans and began to slide down the zip.
"Well gee, now that you mention it, I don't know, but there's one or two things I wouldn't mind trying."
"C'mon guys, you're going to be late!" Emmett shouted again.
"Give us a minute!" Edward shouted back.
"Well are you coming or not?"
"Not yet!" Bella shouted.
There was a stunned silence, followed by a whoop of laughter from Emmett and Rosalie.
"I can't believe you just said that," laughed Edward as Bella pushed past him to shut the bedroom door with a no-nonsense slam.
"Shut up Cullen, get your gear off, and come kiss me."
"Yes ma'am."
"Oh I love an actor that takes direction … "
o * o * o * o
"So, I guess that's it then," Edward said as he turned away from the check-in desk, boarding pass in hand.
"Looks like," Bella replied. "We cut it pretty fine though."
By the time they had emerged from the bedroom, they were running late. Edward shouted a goodbye to Emmett and Rosalie as they dashed from the house. Edward had driven Bella's car, getting the kind of performance out of it that she'd never dreamed it was capable of. Now, as she looked at Edward, she realized that he was sporting a 'freshly fucked' look. With an appalled groan, she realized that his shirt buttons were buttoned unevenly.
"Your shirt!" she hissed at him.
"Huh?" He glanced down, and hurriedly fixed the problem. When he looked up, he saw Bella biting her lip and trying not to grin. "It was pretty good though, wasn't it."
"Oh it was more than good, and you know it."
Edward grinned at her, and reached out to smooth down her hair. Bella reached up a hand as he did so.
"Oh god, do I have sex hair?" Her hands fluttered over her face and hair, smoothing and attempting to look decent. He didn't have to heart to tell her that she had a dusting of stubble rash on her neck. A part of him liked the idea of marking her as his.
Bella looked at Edward, who looked like he had just rolled out of bed and grabbed some clothes off the floor, which had been the case. She hid her smile as she saw the love bite at the base of his throat. His t-shirt covered it for the most part, but she'd know it was there. She realized he was still giving her a goofy grin.
"What?"
"Nothing … uh .. you've got a bit of stubble rash," he reached out and trailed his finger down her neck.
"Oh yeah? Well you Cullen, have got a hickey," she retorted, pointing at her handiwork.
"Jesus, that talk of high school must have made us regress," he commented as he grabbed her hand and they started walking at a brisk pace. "You want to come with me up to the Departure Gate?"
"Sure," she forced a smile to her lips. "Sounds great."
Edward slung his satchel over his shoulder, stuffing his boarding pass into his jeans pocket before taking Bella's hand. They carefully made their way through the crowd towards the lounge area. After Bella was jostled a couple of times, Edward loped his arm around her shoulders, holding her protectively close.
Bella kept her eyes down as they walked, concentrating on keeping as close to Edward as possible. She put her arm around his waist for balance, and he squeezed her shoulder. Her head snapped up as she heard him mutter a curse under his breath. Just as she did so, a flash popped in her face.
"The hell?" she wondered, blinking to clear her vision.
Another flash.
"Edward! Hey Isabella, are you going to Prague too?"
"Isabella! You looking forward to the trip?"
"Are you two getting serious?"
"Isabella"
They were calling her name too. She shrank against Edward's side, all but tripping them up as she tried to hide.
"Hey c'mon guys, be reasonable," Edward tried to remonstrate as they slowly moved forward. The photographers weren't going to let up anytime soon. The camera flashes had attracted attention in the terminal, and with a sinking heart he could see heads turning towards the activity. He knew they had a minute at best before curiosity and word of mouth would bring people flocking.
"I've got to get through, sorry guys … throw me a bone here," he pleaded, attempting to appeal to their better nature. Assuming any of them had a better nature anyway.
A couple of the photographers grudgingly stepped aside, allowing Edward to make his way through the pack. He was clutching Bella to his side in an iron grip, his knuckles white on her shoulder now. She hadn't said a word throughout the exchange, as if she was trying to fade into the foreground (background?) somehow.
They reached the Gate, and Edward looked up to see the hostess smiling at him and making 'hurry up' gestures him. Thanks to the media scrum, they had lost what precious spare time they had. He fished in his pocket for his boarding pass, handing it over as he put his hands on Bella's shoulders.
The cameras were poised and ready. New lovers being parted at the airport, this was going to be good. Pictures like this were always worth money.
"Bella," he began, "Honey, I'm so sorry … I just didn't think."
"Neither did I." Bella looked up at him, pleased that her lip wasn't trembling even though she wanted to burst into tears. She had dreaded the idea of him leaving, and now they didn't even get to say a proper goodbye. She glanced at the photographers, one of whom immediately snapped off a series of photos.
"This is not what I wanted," he muttered as he leaned forward and kissed her temple.
"Me either too," she agreed sadly, "but you have to leave."
"Mr Cullen, I'm sorry to interrupt Mr Cullen, but we're holding the flight … could you please board?" the hostess stepped forward with a plastic smile, upping the wattage as she realized she was in the picture frame of a few cameras.
"Sure," he replied absently. He cupped Bella's face in his hands and leaned down to give her a soft kiss. The cameras started clicking in a feeding frenzy. Bella turned her head slightly at the last minute and his lips grazed her cheek.
"Edward, you've got to go," she said softly, giving him a gentle push towards the Gate.
Edward stepped away with reluctance, allowing himself to be led down the tunnel towards the plane. As he looked back over his shoulder, he saw Bella framed in the doorway, surrounded by cameras.
She looked scared and she looked as lost as he felt.
o * o * o * o