Warning: Anything Twilight is SM's. No copyright infringement intended. TSS works are mine and Rated Mature. Story may contain some graphic content.
Chapter 13: Manic Mondays
Bella Swan
I awoke with a start. It was the first part of June and the last month had been crazy at work. The primary was only seven weeks away and the state legislature was racing to end its session to gear up for campaign season as well. I had literally run through the last four weeks of work, I felt like my hair was on fire most days. Luckily, I was able to keep focused at work so it didn't cut into my time with Harper or Edward too much.
Especially my night times with Edward.
Well that was the one benefit to the campaign season.
Whenever we were away from each other for a few days it made our reunions all the sweeter…err more like hotter. My only concern was his father's new campaign associate.
I jumped out of bed ready to start off another work week and hit the treadmill for my morning run. I thought back four weeks to the first manic Monday of the past month.
I had been sad that he was leaving for Yakima and had to get up so early he couldn't spend the night. But it was probably good as we were forced to get adjusted to a more normal schedule of seeing each other. It wasn't that I didn't love having him over every night; I just knew it wouldn't always be the case and the longer we did it, the harder it would be to give it up when the time came.
He had arrived back from Yakima on Tuesday after I had my most stressful workday yet at CARE on Monday. I had been on the run most of the day helping Liam contact legislators over a major piece of legislation which CARE was opposed to. The state senator's tried to tack on an amendment to a funding bill for education which required an abstinence only approach to sex education up to the tenth grade. We were feverishly trying to get the amendment stripped because we knew it would hold back education funding for pre-K programs and after-school programs. I normally didn't contact legislators personally, but I knew Liam needed my help and we made a concerted effort to get it off the bill.
Needless to say that night when I spoke with Edward on the phone I was exhausted. He sounded tense and a bit off, and I chalked it up to my crappy day and misinterpreting things. But when he returned on Tuesday I could tell something was bothering him. He came over and had dinner with Harper and I and we took a walk around the neighborhood to enjoy the rare sunny Seattle evening.
Once Harper was in bed we had opened a bottle of wine and sat on the sofa listening to some music. I wanted nothing more than to wrap myself around him, but he seemed off, tense.
"Edward, is something bothering you?"
He sighed, "Bella, there is something I need to tell you. I was hoping not to have to have this conversation now, after getting back from my first stint for my new job, but I just…I don't want it hanging out there."
"Okay..." I took a sip of my wine and waited for him to get it out. I didn't generally worry, but I was a bit nervous from his shiftiness and the trepidation in his voice. He set down his wine and raised his hand to my cheek and looked in my eyes.
"Bella, I love you and I care about you more than anyone…ever. But I haven't always been a stand-up guy. I have only been in a handful of relationships and nothing even close to this serious." He took his hand from my cheek and turned away, putting his head in his hands and running his fingers through his hair. I could tell he was contemplating how to tell me and I needed to reassure him.
"Edward whatever it is, I am not going to be mad. And if it has to do with your past relationships, well that's just what they are, in the past."
He chuckled darkly. "Fuck. I wish that was the case, unfortunately it has come back to bite me in the ass somewhat."
I grabbed his hand from his hair and turned him to look at me. "Edward. Just tell me. Just trust me."
I realized that in our very short and intense relationship, this was the first time we sat down to a conversation like this. I knew I loved him and he loved me and we had this unbelievable connection that brought us together like some sort of crazed magnetism. But we had not had some of the serious conversations that couples needed to have yet. I had a feeling we were going to have one now and I knew where this was going…
He blew out a breath and rubbed his face with his hands again. Then he grabbed my hand and looked down. "I found out in Yakima that there is a new campaign coordinator working for my Dad's campaign. And she and I have a history…"
"You've slept with her."
"Yes," he blew out another breath and cringed. "But there's more than that."
"She's your ex?" I questioned.
"No. Not technically, she was never my girlfriend, but we had an arrangement of sorts….for a long time." He looked up at me then and I could see the worry in his eyes.
Ah. I got it. "You were fuck buddies. Friends with benefits." I said matter-of-factly.
"Jesus...Bella…Fuck. Yes." His hands were back in his hair."I hate the way that sounds, and if I knew then what I know now, I never would have had that kind of err…arrangement with her." He said dejectedly.
"Edward. I know several people who had friends with benefits, it's not that big of a deal." I paused. "How long did you have this arrangement with her?"
"Six years, but we probably only saw each other a few times a year, when we were both in D.C. at the same time." He blew out a breath again.
"And it was never anything more?"
"No." He shook his head profusely. "She wanted more, about a year ago, but I didn't and I ended it then. I haven't been with her in over a year."
"Ok. Did you have any other fu-arrangements like this."
"God. No! It's not like I had a woman in every port or something." He looked at me worriedly.
"Edward listen to me, even if you did, I didn't know you then, and I can't judge you for your actions in the past."
"But don't you think I am a terrible person? I mean, I have been with a fair share of people probably far more than you. God what was I thinking, I am a monster for acting the way I did. It went on for a long time and the way I broke it off wasn't exactly pleasant. Aren't you mad or worried?"
"No. Edward I trust you. If you said you ended it, then I believe you." I thought for a moment. I figured this was as good of a time as any to get this conversation over with so I pressed on. "How many people have you been with?
"I was hoping you weren't going to ask me that, but you have a right to know…" He blew out another breath. "Let's just say I can't count them all on my fingers and toes…"
"So more than twenty?"
He sighed. "Yes."
"More than fifty."
"No. Twenty-six, including you."
"Ok." I thought for a moment. "Well you are right. I have only been with four…including you. Seth was my first and then…well just two people after his death."
I had this discussion long ago with Seth, he had only been with two people before me, but I knew that in general, men tended to have more partners. I knew from my brother and my friends that was the case. But I also had girlfriends who had several partners and even friends with benefits. It wasn't that I liked the idea of him being with a lot of women, but he was an incredibly attractive man, I would be stupid to think women didn't throw themselves at him all the time. And he was a Cullen, so I knew that had to be the case.
"God. You must really think I am horrible." He put his hands in his face again. I pulled them away and lifted his face to look at me.
"Edward, you are…well were a 33 year old single man, with how many years of sexual experience?"
"Uh, yeah, sixteen…" He cringed.
"Sixteen. You are bound to have a fair share of sexual partners. As long as you have always been safe and it was consensual, I can't judge you. Hell, if I wouldn't have been married and with Seth for so long, I don't know what my number would be." I shrugged trying to reassure him.
I could tell he was thinking something again. "So Seth was your first too?"
"Yes. But it wasn't like I was saving myself for marriage. I knew I cared about him and my mom was always…how should I say it…encouraging about trying that part of a relationship out to make sure you were compatible." I laughed. I could tell he was pondering what I said.
"So tell me about her, what is this new position going to entail?" I asked, wanting to find out more.
He groaned. "Her name is Lauren Mallory, I met her when I first moved to D.C. and she consults with campaigns around the country. She's ruthless and manipulative in campaigning. To be honest, I am surprised Peter hired her, but she is very good at her job. I just think it's odd that she showed up here. It's not like my father needs the assistance with his campaign." His brows furrowed. "That's the other thing that worried me, I feel like Jacob had a hand in this…but I don't know why."
"Jacob? Hmm. Well that's interesting."
"Yeah." He sighed and then took my face in his hands again. "Bella, are you sure you are okay with this?"
"Edward. I love you and I trust you. I am glad you told me about this and you need to always tell me right away. I am not going to run away or shut down, I will always listen. But you just have to trust me too. Ok?"
"God I love you so much." He said and pulled me into his embrace and kissing me fiercely.
"I love you too." And we spent the rest of the evening reuniting with one another…
I hit the stop button on the treadmill and toweled off. I still wasn't sure what to make of Lauren, but I trusted Edward and he told me immediately, so I knew there weren't any feelings there from his side.
I made my way down the hall where I could hear Harper stirring. We went through our usual morning routine. I dressed in a red cowl neck dress with a skinny black belt over some lacy black boy shorts and matching bra. I knew Edward was coming home today so I wanted to be prepared. I walked into CARE at 8:15 only to see Jessica scowling at me over the reception desk. I still didn't know what her problem was but I figured I would kill her with kindness.
"Good morning Jessica."
"Morning." She grumbled.
I sat down at my desk and checked my email while I sipped my morning coffee. I knew Edward would be back in town today; he had been in Spokane since Thursday campaigning and attending fundraisers. He had an early breakfast and was flying back this morning. I hoped maybe we could get lunch together.
I had an email from Kate and Angela suggesting lunch that day as well. They had yet to meet him and I instantly thought maybe the four of us could go together. Just then my phone chirped.
B- Hey gorgeous. My plane lands at 11:30. Want to do lunch? Missed you-E
E-I was just thinking of that. Would you mind if Kate and Angela join us? Missed you too- B
B- Sure. I am excited to meet them. 12:30 at Brasa?-E
E- Perfect. I'll let them know. Love you! –B
B- Love you too! Can't wait to see you! –E
I smiled to myself. Hmmm, what to do for our reunion tonight. I let my mind begin to wander a bit when I heard a knock at the door.
"Bella? Do you have time to sit in on a conference call today? I need to go to a last minute doctor's appointment." Rosalie said.
"Sure. What is it for?"
"It's really not a big deal. It's actually just a strategy session for a fundraiser in September. We aren't even a big part of it. We are just one of the sponsors. You won't even have to say anything, just buzz in and if they ask any questions you can answer off this sheet or refer them to me." She handed me a one pager of information.
"It's no problem. Is everything okay? You look a little green." I noticed now she was a little peaked looking.
She chuckled. "Well, by ok if you mean will I get over it. Yes. At least the worst part in about two months."
"Oh my gosh Rose, are you pregnant?" I asked her excitedly.
"I think so, well at least the at-home says I am and I have been having morning sickness for about a week. But today was the only time I could get into the doctor since we are leaving for vacation on Wednesday."
"Well you have to text me and let me know officially!" I got up to give her a tentative hug. "Congratulations! I mean, I am sure everything is fine."
"Thanks. We have been trying for about eight months. It took a little longer this time, but I am hoping this will be it." She smiled. "That reminds me, do you have any plans for Edward's birthday? It's right after we get back from vacation."
Crap. I had completely forgot about it with our busy schedules and getting into a routine. I would have to figure something out.
"I'll let you know Rose. Probably something like Emmett's birthday, we can all go out or something."
"Ok, just shoot me an email or text. I better get to my appointment. Thanks for covering the call Bella."
"No problem and good luck." I gave her another quick hug and sat back down to email Kate and Angela about lunch.
I quickly analyzed a few cases up for argument in the Washington Supreme Court and checked the latest news on legislative updates. I conferenced into the call for Rose at 10:00 and stated my name and organization.
The other callers launched into planning for the fundraiser in September. They were discussing the decorations for the windows at the venue when I let my mind wander to the night of Emmett's birthday two weeks ago, hmmm windows….
Edward had been in Walla Walla for four days and returned Saturday afternoon for Emmett's birthday party. Rose decided to rent a room at a local restaurant and invited several of Emmett's friends from his firm as well as other close personal friends and family.
I took Harper to Alice and Jasper's and Alice's parents were going to watch all three kids for the night, allowing Edward and I to have a night for ourselves. Needless to say, I was excited and couldn't wait for the post-party to be alone with Edward.
We drank and enjoyed appetizers for the evening. I was able to meet some of Emmett and Edward's childhood friends and hear entertaining stories about their college and high school days. I watched Edward work the room and I couldn't help but notice how he lit up the room, even though it was Emmett's birthday, he had a presence about him that was undeniable and extremely sexy.
I was at the bar getting another drink when I felt that familiar electric current behind me. Two arms made their way around my upper body and a tingly feeling shot through my veins.
"Do you want to get out of here?" He whispered seductively in my ear.
I chuckled. "I believe you asked me that about three months ago and I had a similar response."
He laughed and pulled me into him. "Well this time I am pretty sure of your answer."
I spun around and put my hands on his chest and placed a light kiss on his lips. Then I wrapped my hands around the nape of his neck and pulled his head down to whisper in his ear. "Oh don't worry, I am a sure thing…" I nipped his ear lightly and he growled and pulled me into him.
We quickly said our good-byes to Emmett and Rosalie and Alice and Jasper, who laughed at our hasty exit. Edward hailed a cab and we jumped in the back.
I maneuvered my hand up his thigh to the growing bulge at the apex of his pants.
"Bella, we can't do this in the cab." He groaned.
"Hmmm. I am not doing anything." I whispered in his ear and continued to lightly stroke his erection on the outside of his pants. I had draped my pashmina over us now, hiding anything my hand was doing.
"You naughty minx." He shook his head. I felt his hand sneak around behind my arm and lightly graze the side of my breast, while the other hooked my leg over his and ran up my thigh, still covered by the pashmina.
We continued to stroke and tease each other when we pulled up outside my building.
"Let's go to your place." I said. He nodded and we practically sprinted up to his apartment. Edward opened the door and I escaped into the darkness, a plan forming in my head.
I walked through his apartment over to the windows looking out from the twentieth floor over Seattle and the mountains in the distance. The moonlight was the only light in the apartment and I could feel his approach from behind me.
He moved my hair from my shoulder and attacked the juncture of my collarbone and neck with his lips. One hand coming around to cup my breast and the other pulling me back into his arousal.
"You have been a very naughty girl, teasing me like that in the car and wearing these heels."
"Well, I guess you will have to punish me then." He growled and spun me around and pressed me up against the window, attacking my mouth with his. His tongue plunged into my mouth as his hands working feverishly over my body. I grabbed his ass and pulled him into me, and he ground himself into my stomach. I was burning with desire, it had been four days since I had seen him and I wanted him to take me right there against the window. I began unbuttoning his shirt and ran my fingers down his bare chest. He was so perfect, the hard lines of his muscles illuminated in the moonlight.
I started unbuttoning his pants when he stopped me. "Oh no you don't, you are going to pay for that little stunt earlier."
I quirked my eyebrow at him and lifted my arms, his eyes were burning when without notice he pulled down the top of my strapless dress, exposing my breasts and pushed me back against the window. Slowly he teased my nipples with his fingers and licked and nibbled along my neck. He ran his hand from my breasts down my stomach and hitched one leg around him as he reached under my skirt. Painfully slow he stroked me with his finger while his other hand made his way to my ass and he bent down and took my nipple in his mouth and bit. I cried out in pleasure.
"You're so wet for me. Tell me, what is it you want Isabella? "
Holy shit he used my full name! I usually didn't like it but it was sexy as hell coming from him like this.
"I want you."
"Hmmm. That's not good enough." He continued to lightly stroke outside my entrance, grazing my clit and never moving under my panties as his other hand made its way back to my breasts and his mouth teased my nipple.
"I want you to take me here." I sputtered. I was so turned on as he looked at me, his emerald eyes blazing and he leaned in to kiss me. I moved to kiss him back and he turned his head at the last second making his way down my neck with his lips and tongue. His hands continued their slow and painful torture.
He spun me around again and this time unzipped my dress and pushed it to the floor. I could hear clothes dropping and his belt clanging. Before I knew it, I was pressed against the window, my hot breasts smashed against the cool glass causing my nipples to pucker even more.
Edward lifted my hands above my head with one of his and his lips were on me again, sucking and licking at the base of my neck. I was dying for him, my panties soaked. I was against the glass in nothing but my panties and red heels. He reached an arm around my waist and pulled me into him tighter. Then I felt him press his naked body to mine, his erection into my ass and lower back and I instinctively pushed back into him.
He growled again and he used his knee to spread my legs open. "Is this what you want?" He said as he ground himself into me.
"God yes." His hand made its way down to the juncture of my thighs as he slowly and torturously rubbed my clit.
"Tell me Isabella, you have to tell me what you want you naughty girl."
"Fuck. Edward, I want you."
"What do you say, you have to tell me?"
"Please. Edward. Please."
Without another word he ripped my panties off and lifted me slightly and thrust into me from behind. His one hand spread across my lower stomach pulling me back into him while his other kept my hands above me pressed into the window. He pulled out and stopped.
"What do you want Isabella."
"More, please, more."
He thrust into me again and stopped. Fuck, I was so turned on, I couldn't think straight at this point, my entire body pressed against the glass, his lips on my neck and his hands holding me splayed across the window.
"More. What more do you want?"
"I want you to fuck me against this window."
With that he slammed into me and I pushed back this time, wanting to take all of him in. I clenched my muscles around him.
"Jesus. Fuck Isabella." He thrust into me again and let go of my arms. I pressed my hands against the glass to gain leverage and pushed back into him again. His hands found purchase on my hips and he pulled me back a bit bending me.
"Ung. Fuck. Edward." The new angle caused me to spasm. I knew it wouldn't be long with the build-up as he continued to thrust into me, hitting my spot over and over.
"That's it Isabella, come for me." He reached around and pinched my clit and I screamed out his name as my muscles clenched around him. Before I could even come down he spun me around and threw me back up against the window, lifting one of my legs up over his shoulder and attacking my mouth with his.
He thrust into me again and again, while his mouth devoured mine. I could feel myself crescendo. The angle was so deep; I knew I was going to come again. My leg was quivering and Edward placed one hand against the window and took one of mine and placed it over my clit. I rubbed myself, moaning wildly from his thrusts as his hand then grabbed my ass and pulled me into him.
I felt like I was going to snap in two. My legs were shaking as he slammed into me. I could feel he was close too and I needed him to come to push me over the edge.
"Edward, please, I want you to come inside me." With a growl he thrust into me two more times and spilled into me.
"Fuck. Isabella." It instantly sent me over the edge and he covered my scream with his mouth as he lowered my leg, caressing it. We collapsed against the window, panting, wrapped in one another for what seemed like ages.
"Jesus Christ Bella, that was so hot. Is that why you wanted to come to my apartment?" He finally asked.
"Well actually I was hoping to use that fine tub of yours but I saw this window and just couldn't resist."
"Hmmm. Maybe we will have to put that tub to use next." He said as he nuzzled my hair and wrapped his arms more tightly around me and picked me up to make his way to his bathroom.
"Ms. Swan?" Huh?
"Ms. Swan are you there?"
Shit! I am on a conference call. I let my daydream take off like a wild banshee.
"Yes. Is there something you have a question about?"
"I just asked what you thought about the windows." I smirked.
"I think what you have proposed sounds just fine." I said as I almost laughed to myself.
We finished the conference call twenty minutes later and I was able to mostly focus on what they were saying. I finished up my legislative analysis and made my way downstairs at 12:15 to catch a cab.
I walked into Brasa only to see a devilishly handsome Edward wearing a black tailored suit, light grey shirt and black tie. He was on his blackberry texting furiously and looking down. His hair was perfectly disheveled as always, and after my daydream on acid this morning, remembering our night against the window I instantly wanted to run my fingers through his hair and have my way with him.
Then I remembered I was at a restaurant.
And we were meeting my friends.
Damn. No lunch quickie today.
I walked up behind him and snaked my arm around his waist and turned up to give him a kiss on the cheek. He froze and then looked down at me and smiled.
"Hey gorgeous. It's so good to see you." He hugged me and gave me a kiss on the cheek as well.
"Hey handsome. You too, I missed you."
We hugged for a moment when I heard a familiar throat clear behind me.
"Ahem." I turned to see Kate with her arms crossed and smirking and smiled.
"Kate Monroe this is Edward Cullen. Edward this is one of my best friends Kate."
"A pleasure to meet you. I have heard so much about you." Kate said.
"A pleasure to meet you too, all good I can only hope."
"Mostly good." She winked and he laughed.
"Is Ang here yet?" I asked her.
"She was parking the car actually. She picked me up from home and insisted she drop me off since I haven't exactly felt great."
"Well you should be almost over the hump with that. How far along are you now?"
"12 weeks. So yes, supposedly it will be better in a week or two."
"Edward, Kate and her husband Garrett are expecting their first child."
"Oh, well congratulations." Edward smiled warmly and then he thought for a moment. "Is your husband's last name Monroe as well."
"Yes. Why?"
"He didn't happen to go to Stanford for his undergrad degree did he?"
"He did." Kate looked at me strangely and Edward chuckled.
"I went to school with him and had a few classes with him. He and I even hung out outside of class a few times. What is he up to these days?"
"He's a history professor at U-Dub."
Edward chuckled again. "Let me guess his specialty is the Revolutionary War."
Kate laughed. "Yes. You definitely must know my husband."
"Well you will have to let him know we met, it would be great to get together with him and grab a beer, catch up and all."
"I will." Just then, Angela came into the restaurant and we started the next round of introductions.
We talked and laughed through lunch and I kept trading glances with Edward. At one point he slipped his hand on my upper thigh and I jumped. Kate and Angela kept giving me funny looks.
Toward the end of lunch Edward's cell phone rang and he scowled. "Sorry. Love I need to step away for a moment to take this." He grasped my hand and I just nodded as he walked away from the table.
"Holy Shit Bell!" Kate practically shrieked as soon as he walked away from the table.
"Love? Beautiful? Gorgeous? Can that man get any sweeter? He is completely and totally head over heels for you!" Angela said.
I sighed. "I know, I am pretty head over heels for him too. This past month has just been. Wow. I mean..." I could feel myself dazing.
"Seriously Bella, he is like freaking gorgeous, I mean he looks like he just stepped out of GQ. The suit, the hair, those eyes, Jesus! How did you meet him anyway?"
Oh shit, here was the part I was not looking forward to. I hadn't had a chance to tell them about how I met Edward since we had been so caught up in one another for the last month. Plus I knew they were going to kill me so I had been putting it off and just told them I started seeing Edward. But I knew I had to get it over with.
"Well you remember a few months back, the night before we went out for girls night?" They nodded. "Well he's him, he's the guy from Murphy's that was from D.C." I braced myself.
"Bella, you are without a doubt, the dumbest smart person I have ever met!" Kate laughed heartily. "How in the hell could you let that" she gestured toward the lobby, "go back to D.C. and not call him?"
"Wait. Edward is Edward from Murphy's? Like Adonis that left you a sweet note and Tylenol?" I nodded. "Holy shit Bell you are an idiot." Angela started laughing.
"So how did you finally get back together? All you have told me is how you have met someone and how great he is with Harper?" Kate asked. I looked for Edward and could see he was still on the phone in the lobby so I quickly told them about the Fundraiser and figuring out who he was exactly.
"Ok wait, so he is Edward Cullen, as in that Cullen, as in Senator's Cullen's son, as in your boss's son?" Kate asked.
"Yup. And apparently when he got the job offer to come back here, Esme was going to try to set us up anyhow. But he decided to take it the night after we met."
"Wow. That's just…wow." Angela said dazedly. "Edward freaking Cullen."
"That's what I said." I sighed.
"What did you say?" He asked, coming back to the table.
"Nothing." I shot Kate and Angela a look. "How was the call?"
"More campaign nonsense, apparently they want me on the road for the Fourth. I was really hoping to spend it with you and Harp." He put his arm around my chair.
"Well, that's ok, we were going to head back to Forks for the Fourth anyway."
"You know Bell, Forks always has the biggest celebration outside of Port Angeles, maybe you could do some campaigning there for the Fourth." Angela piped in.
"That's not a bad idea. I will talk to Peter and see if I can't cover whatever is in Forks that weekend and then someone else can take Vancouver, where they were going to send me." Edward agreed.
"If you are sure, I don't want to mess up the campaign plans?" I asked hesitantly, but secretly I was hoping he would be able to join me in Forks.
"No, I want to. Then I can meet your parents and Emily right?" He said.
"Are you sure about that, Charlie has a gun remember." Kate jabbed and winked at me. I just rolled my eyes.
Edward went pale. "Oh yeah, I forgot about that." We all laughed at him.
"Charlie's harmless, and you will love Renee." Angela said.
Edward blew out a breath. "Well, I suppose I should get it over with sooner rather than later." Edward looked at his watch. "I have a 1:30 meeting in my father's office so I need to go, but do you care if I stop down later."
"Of course not."
"Ok, bye gorgeous. I love you and I'll see you later." He bent down to kiss me twice and stepped up.
"Love you too." I smiled.
"Ladies, it was a pleasure to meet you. Hopefully we can do this again sometime."
Kate and Angela just smiled and nodded, I thought they were going to swoon. We all watched as he walked away, chatting again on his blackberry.
"Don't worry, he does that to me all the time." I quipped as I turned back to them.
"Seriously Bell if you are not hitting that every chance you get, I would kill you on the spot."
"Oh don't worry. I am." I smiled mischievously, thinking about our reunion tonight. We asked for our check, only to find out Edward had already taken care of it before he left. We proceeded to get up and walk out to Angela's car. She was going to give me a ride back to work.
"So Bella, I think Edward is really great. But are you doing ok today?"
"Today?" I shook my head in question.
"It's June 5 Bella." Kate added, turning around to look at me.
It suddenly dawned on me. June 5 was the date of Seth and I's first date. We had always considered it more of our anniversary than our wedding anniversary. Today would be thirteen years to the day we were together. I took a deep breath and for once, I didn't feel the searing pain shoot through my chest as I had the last two years.
"I'm good actually." I saw Kate and Angela exchange a glance and I added. "Really girls, it's ok."
They nodded and Angela dropped me off at my building.
I jumped out and ran into the daycare quickly to see to Harper. She was busy playing with Bree and some of the other two year olds. Bree had just joined her room and they were completely attached at the hip. I smiled at how independent my little girl was.
I got on the elevator and noticed a woman with blond bobbed hair and a capped sleeve birdseye suit with a wide belt. She was striking and dressed to kill. I had never seen her before and when I noticed the button was hit for the 24th floor I realized she was going to CARE.
"Do you have a meeting at the CARE Foundation?" I inquired. She looked up from her blackberry.
"Yes, actually I am meeting with Esme Cullen. I have to discuss her campaign agenda for Senator Cullen's campaign."
"Oh do you work on his campaign?"
"I am a coordinator."
I thought I might as well be pleasant and show her into CARE. I told her I was the Associate Legislative Affairs Director and I could show her in. We stepped off the elevator and I offered to take her back to the conference room.
Just then, Edward stepped out of my office. "Hey what took you so long to get back, I was hoping…" He stopped cold and his eyes widened as he looked at the woman next to me.
"Edward I was just showing Ms….? I'm sorry, we never exchanged names? I'm Bella Swan." I looked at her and held out my hand.
She shook it meekly and dropped it. Glancing from me to Edward. "Mallory. Lauren Mallory."
Oh boy. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle and I could see her piercing Edward with a stare. I instantly saw red and for the first time in my life became jealous from the way she was looking at him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked coldly.
"Well, hello Edward, it's nice to see you too. I am actually here to meet with your mother about her campaign schedule. I could ask you the same thing. Aren't you supposed to be in Spokane?"
"I just got back this morning." He grumbled. I knew he was uncomfortable and for some odd reason I had the incentive to mark my territory.
"Actually, Edward was waiting for me. Isn't that right, love?" I smiled at him sweetly as I emphasized the last word and stepped back to put my hand on his arm.
"Hmpf. Well, I better get to my meeting." Lauren said scornfully as she turned to the conference room door.
"It was nice meeting you." I called after her a bit too sugary.
She just nodded and didn't say a word as she walked into the conference room.
"God. Let's go in your office." Edward groaned.
We stepped in and closed the door. As I set my purse down on my desk I instantly felt arms around my waist and lips attacking my neck.
"Edward? We're in my office." I whispered.
"I know, but seeing you put your claim on me like that was so sexy. I love it when you are all strong and confident. Just like the night we met."
I smirked as I turned around. "So that's what drew you to me, my spilling a drink on Mike Newton and then stalking off?"
He gave me a devilish grin and kissed my neck. "Oh yeah, and of course these black shoes." He lifted my leg slightly and pressed into me.
Just then my phone rang and my visions of him taking me over my desk flew out the window.
Damnit, as if I wasn't already worked up enough over my daydream this morning.
"Crap. I have to get that." I leaned over and pressed the speakerphone on my desk as Edward composed himself.
"This is Bella."
"Hi Bella, it's Tia, down at dayCARE. I was just calling because I don't think Harper is feeling well and I think you might need to come pick her up."
"Shoot. Ok, Tia. Well, I will have someone come pick her up as soon as I can. Is she sniffling or the stomach flu. I was just down there and she seemed ok?"
"She hasn't felt well all afternoon. I think when you were here she was distracted enough playing with Bree. But when I went to put her down for her nap she felt warm and was shivering. I think she might have a fever."
"Ok Tia, I will be right down."
"Thanks Bella." I hit the button again and looked at my watch. It was 2:30 and I had a big meeting this afternoon with some local scholars on legislation that was passed during session. I knew it would be difficult to reschedule. God, why were my Mondays so crazy.
"What's wrong love?"
"I don't have time to go home with her today. I have a huge meeting at 3:30 and I really can't reschedule it. I wonder if Alice could pick her up." I began to reach for my cell phone when Edward stopped me.
"Hey, I can take her home. I don't have anything else going on today other than checking some emails and reading up on some policy proposals. Why don't I go pick her up?"
"Are you sure you don't mind? I mean I don't expect you to…" He silenced my lips with his fingers and shook his head and smiled at me.
"I don't mind. Plus I missed her too, and now I can give her my gift from Spokane."
I sighed. He kept bringing her back things from around the state when he was out on campaign stops. "You know, Bud," I poked him in the chest "you really need to stop doing that. She already loves you."
"I love her too, that's why I like doing it." He tapped my nose. "Really, it's fine, I will go get her and we can just order some pizza tonight. It's not a problem."
I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him soundly. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it."
"Anytime." He bent over to kiss me back. "I'll see you later."
"Ok, I love you. And thank you."
"I love you too." He stepped out of my office and I leaned back against my desk. How the hell did I get so lucky, a man that completely enraptured my body and my mind, and he was willing to watch my sick child for the afternoon.
I called down to Tia and let her know Edward would be picking up Harper and began to prepare for my meeting.
My meeting lasted for three hours and I was beyond frazzled by the time I left the office at 6:30. I was worried I had stayed for so long that I was overextending Edward's kindness. I rushed in the condo at ten to seven to find a site that literally brought tears to my eyes. Edward was laying on the couch, in his dress pants and dress shirt, tie off and sleeves rolled up looking all perfection and man and fatherly. Harper was sound asleep, spread out on his stomach. His arm was around her and she had Buddy clutched to her chest.
I walked over to them and lightly stroked Harper's cheek. She began to stir and clutched onto Edward's shirt more tightly. Edward's eyes fluttered open and he gave me a groggy smile.
"Hey." He whispered. "Sorry I fell asleep. What time is it?"
"It's fine. It's just a little before seven." He reached out with his hand and touched the corner of my eye.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. You are just….so good with her." I smiled.
"Come here." He held his arm open and shifted a bit on the couch. "I climbed up and snuggled into him, Harper still asleep on his chest."
I sighed contentedly as he kissed the top of my head. After the crazy day I had, there was nowhere I would rather be.
I looked at Harper and noticed a little bracelet on her hand. "Edward, so what did you get her in Spokane?"
"The bracelet. It's a charm bracelet and I thought instead of getting her all kinds of gifts, from now on I could get her a charm from each place. So the first one has a little raft on it for whitewater rafting, since that's big in Spokane. But I also got another one while I was there."
He lightly turned the bracelet so not to wake her and I noticed a little miniature husky.
"A miniature Buddy?" I asked smiling.
"I was thinking you could get her a wolf one too if you wanted." He looked at me seriously.
"You know. I think this is just for you and her. I think keeping it at the places you go is just fine." He kissed my head again and wrapped his arm more tightly around me.
Just then the doorbell rang and I shimmied off the couch to get it, disappointed in being interrupted in our perfect little moment.
"I bet that's the pizza. I ordered it about an hour ago to have it delivered at seven." Edward said.
I made my way to the door and paid the pizza man and brought it into the kitchen to put out our plates and drinks. Edward brought a sleepy Harper in and set her up in the high chair. He mentioned that her fever seemed to go down during the afternoon and she slept a lot after he gave her some Infant's Tylenol. I smiled at his knowing to call a doctor to find out how much to give her, after he read it on the package.
We fed a sleepy Harper and caught up on our four days apart. He cleaned up while I changed Harper and put her to bed. I walked out of Harper's room to hear the tub running in the master suite. As I stepped in I could hear some light classical music playing from my I-pod station. I found Edward in the bathroom filling the tub.
"Here you look tense, like you have had a rough few weeks." He rubbed my shoulders and I closed my eyes.
"Mmmm. That feels so good." I lolled my head back and I could feel the heat from his body next to me. His breath tickled my ear and sent tremors down my body as he slowly unzipped my dress.
"Why don't you get in and relax for a bit?"
I turned around and put my hands on his shoulders and looked at him, my eyes smoldering and my voice husky. "I only want to get in if you are going to join me." I kissed him lightly, briefly nibbling his lip and he whimpered a bit in my touch.
We slowly undressed each other, not saying a word and slipped into the bath. We took our time kissing and caressing one another. Eventually we both reached our peaks and Edward held me and lightly ran his hands up and down my arms, my head against his chest. The water finally turned cold and he lifted me out and wrapped me in my robe. I slipped on a light nightgown and crawled into bed as Edward wrapped his arms around me.
I heard a light cry from the other room and I looked at Edward whose brow was furrowed.
"She must be awake." I whispered. "Let's just give her a minute. She hasn't woken up at night in awhile.
When I heard another cry from Harper, I moved to get up.
"What do you usually do?" Edward asked.
"Well usually when she wakes up I rock her, but if she's sick, sometimes I bring her into bed with me."
"Bring her in, I don't mind." He moved to put on a t-shirt with his boxers and I ran down the hall to Harper's room. She looked so tired and I could tell she still didn't feel well.
"Hey baby. Oh you don't feel good do you?"
She shook her head with her thumb in her mouth and sniffled.
"Do you want to come to bed with Momma?"
"Yeah. Bud?"
"Bud's here too. Is that ok." She nodded. I picked her up and brought her back to my bedroom and crawled into the bed. She reached over to Edward who grabbed her and tucked her in between us. He lightly stroked her hair and she just looked at him and smiled sleepily.
I could feel the tears in my eyes again and he looked up and just stared at me intently. There were no words spoken. There didn't need to be. I just knew in that moment, this was what I wanted, him here with us, as a father for Harper and with me. I hadn't thought about getting married again or more children in a long time. I thought back to Angela and Kate's concerns about today, being Seth and I's anniversary, and I hadn't even flinched. I thought maybe today was a new start to something great and I knew in that instant, I wanted it all with Edward and I smiled contentedly as I slipped off to sleep.
*&^%$#
The next two weeks until Edward's birthday were much calmer. Work settled down once the legislature finished their session, but that meant campaign season was in full gear. Our focus at CARE switched from monitoring legislation to monitoring the candidates who were running and the various proposals they trotted out during their speeches and town hall meetings.
I attended a fundraiser for Jasper and brought Harper and Edward with me to help garner support for him. He was so charismatic he didn't need much, but it was also good for Senator Cullen's campaign to support a local politician, not to mention there was continued talk of Jasper running for Governor in two years.
Edward only had to go out of town once in the two week time period and we had grown infinitely closer. I couldn't put my finger on it, if it was the day Harper was sick or when but something else clicked into place even more tightly and the intensity of our relationship increased. I thought about him all the time. We spent every night together when he was in town and he practically lived at my place. He had even picked Harp up another time when I had a late meeting at work. We spent a Saturday at the rec center and the zoo and joined Rose and Emmett and Alice and Jasper and the kids for a day at the park.
Kate and Angela joined us for a barbecue at Alice and Jasper's one evening and couldn't get over how good he was with Harper and how much they seemed to take to one another. And I couldn't get out of my mind the thoughts of him being it. Of marriage and more children and sharing a home. Of him holding a baby and rocking it to sleep like he did with Harper.
But I knew it was too soon for all of that, and he hadn't said anything outright, so we simply enjoyed our days and nights together. And boy were we closer at night. I had felt, what I thought, was a high level of intimacy with Seth, but the way Edward made me feel was indescribable. I had never felt closer or more passion for someone in my life. I was more daring and willing to do things I never considered or thought possible before, but I was comfortable doing them with Edward. But it wasn't comfort, it was intense, exciting and erotic and I couldn't get enough of him. The way he made me feel, the way he worshipped my body and knew exactly how to touch me to set me on fire was unbelievable.
So there I was on June 20 at Alice's shop trying on the sexiest lingerie I had ever laid eyes on. She had ordered me some things from France and I couldn't believe some of the outfits. Edward and I decided to just go out for a romantic dinner for two rather than having a happy hour or large group outing. Edward said he was sick of parties and large groups and just wanted to spend the night with me. Alice offered to watch Harper.
I slipped on a gorgeous dark blue corset and thong. I knew it was perfect the second I tried it and I knew Edward would love the color. Alice handed me a fitted strapless dress from her collection that was a deep chocolate brown. She gave me pair of matching platform pumps with an ankle strap and bow. I knew Edward was going to go crazy for those since he had a thing for shoes.
Alice insisted she do my make-up and hair and pulled me into the small bathroom at her shop. With her final touches and a gold clutch, I was set and ready to take my boyfriend out for his birthday.
"Jesus Bella he's not going to be able to keep his hands off you in that."
"He can't anyway." I giggled. "But that's kind of the point."
"Where are you taking him?"
"To a new bistro down on the waterfront, it's supposed to be very good. I rented a limo too and thought we could drive around for a while."
"Hmmm, some back of the limo action, I like it." She snickered.
"Well I will say this Alice, I have become much more adventurous with Edward."
"Honey if you weren't trying to jump his bones at all times I would think something was wrong with you." She giggled.
"Thanks Ali. I hope Harps isn't too much trouble for you tonight since we just started this whole potty-training thing."
"Psssh. Please, she's always great. You go have a good time now." She kissed me on the cheek and I made my way out of her store.
I drove home and hurried up to my condo before Edward was to arrive at 6:30. It was a Tuesday night so I knew we weren't going to get too crazy, but I didn't want either of us to drive.
I opened the door to see all 6'2 inches of my gorgeous Adonis on the other side. He looked impeccable in a tan suit with an oxford blue shirt and the top buttons opened.
"Dear God man, how do you always do it, looking so painfully sinful?" I asked him.
He just smirked at me and came forward to give me a kiss and ran his hands across my sides and to my ass. "I could ask you the same thing, you are going to be the death of me with all of these shoes." He whispered seductively in my ear.
I shivered. I knew he would love the shoes.
Just wait until he sees them with the corset and with what I have planned for later…
"We better go then, I wouldn't want you to die on your birthday." I kissed him back and he groaned as we made our way down to the limo.
Our dinner was fantastic and we drove around Seattle for a bit afterward, groping and touching until we couldn't take it anymore. Edward wanted to just get after it in the limo, but I shut him down. I had other plans. We walked up to the condo and Edward couldn't keep his hands off me.
I opened the door and stepped inside. I was trying to keep my wits about me, which was difficult with his hands and lips all over me.
"Wait here."
"Bella." He groaned.
"Trust me Edward, it's part of your birthday present." I smiled at him deviously.
I walked to the master bedroom and lit the candles I set out earlier. I set up my I-pod and set the chair in the middle of the room like I planned.
I went back to get Edward who was looking out the window in the living room and wrapped my arms around him.
"Come with me." I whispered in his ear and ran my hands up his thighs and grabbed his hand and led him to the bedroom.
His eyes popped open in shock and he looked like he was going to pass out from excitement. I led him over to the chair and sat him down and he grinned up at me wickedly as he went to grab my waist.
"What have you done here Ms. Swan?"
"Ah, ah, ah. No touching until I tell you, just like at a real club."
"Club?" He swallowed.
"I think you know what I am talking about Edward." I leaned over and gently nibbled his ear and ran my hands down his chest to push off his jacket. "And you have to call me Isabella for the rest of the night and tell me what you want me to do."
I slowly pulled away and stalked over to my I-pod to turn on the music. I slowly bent down and let my dress ride up so he could see my thong.
"Holy shit."
I quirked an eyebrow at him over my shoulder.
He gulped. "This is going to be the best birthday ever."