Greetings, pretty ladies.
And here we go again. I'm glad you liked the last chapter, poor guy couldn't live with blue balls anymore, lol. And boy, are you patient or what? 19 chapters? Wow, you're pretty. ;-)
Ok, so we're in the last third of this story (mid to late twenties) so there are a few things that need to be dealt with before the end. And I apparently kinda scared ya with a few things from last chapter. Sorry about that. You'll see what's going on very soon.
Many thanks to my beta Songster for her help with this, she's the fairest in all the land. Any mistake is mine.
I don't own Twilight, but I have to say it again.
Now let's see how these kids party...
O~o~O~LB~O~o~O
'Colors'
"Okay, Mom, thanks for picking up that package. I'll see you in a few hours."
"You're welcome and yes, we'll see you soon. Okay, I have to finish getting ready. Bye, sweetie."
"Bye, Mom."
I set the phone aside and go back to stand in front of the mirror to put on my tie. For the Gala. Tonight.
I can't believe the day is here, the day when I get to see Bella's dress and have her by my side. The best part will be introducing her to everyone as my girlfriend.
Since that day at my show, where the world saw us kissing, my PR team has been receiving call after call about my new collection and attempting to get the scoop on this new mystery girl I'm dating. So far, that's pretty much all they know since we always answer with a 'no comment' statement, but after tonight, that will be impossible.
After tonight, everyone will know who she is and not just as my date, but also they'll see her talent displayed in her own dress and Alice's.
I finish with the tie, which I think is a little crooked, and take the small box that Mom picked up for me earlier in the day and open it. I take a peek at what's inside and see it sparkle under the lights. I also notice the little bit of color that has reminded me of Bella since the first day I met her, and I can't help but smile when I remember that day.
I can't believe that it's been almost three months since I met her by the fountain on that hot afternoon. So much has happened since then, and I certainly never would've imagined that I'd be here tonight, actually looking forward to this party and not dreading it like I have for the past two years.
Carefully closing the box, I put it in my pocket and check that I have everything I need for the evening and text Bella, letting her know that I'm on my way.
It's just a short ride from my apartment to hers, but even that seems longer than usual with all my anticipation.
She buzzes me in and I make my way up the stairs, instantly hearing musical notes coming from her apartment. She's always playing music, whether it's loud and suffuses the rooms or a mystery tune she hums while she cooks or sketches.
This time, it's soft and calming. Someone's nervous.
"Hello? Bella? Where are you?" I open the door and find the living room and kitchen empty.
"Just checking if I have everything in my clutch." I turn in the direction of her voice, coming from her bedroom. Just then, she comes out towards me, deep in concentration while she checks her clutch.
I forget everything about tonight the moment she walks into the living room. Now all I see is her in the dress she designed and made.
The top section of the dress ties at her neck and then falls loosely down her front to her hips only to be fitted at that part. There, the same soft looking fabric, once again, drapes loosely down the rest of her body with soft ruffles lightly adorning the front of it.
"Oh, I forgot my coat. I'll be right back."
And Jesus, when she turns to go back to her room.
Backless, the dress is backless.
Her hair is up in a loose knot and it lets everyone see her entire back, with the dress tied at her neck. The bottom part of the dress, just below her hips, has a few similar ruffles like the front. Then, everything ends in a short train.
But all I see is skin. More and more skin and all I want to do is tug the tie at her neck and let the fabric fall.
Somehow, it's very Bella.
It's sexy and beautiful and soft. Even the color matches her: lively and unique.
"Amethyst?" I ask her when she comes back with her coat on her arm.
"Yes, I had a bit of inspiration a while ago." She's right in front of me and I can feel the heat of her body even through my clothes.
"Hi, by the way." Giving me a peck, she smiles and turns around, facing away from me.
I almost pout because that kiss was nothing like the one I want to get, but now all that skin is in front of me so I lose focus for a second, that is until I notice the tie at her neck and what rests there.
It's the brooch she bought when we were at the market.
"The brooch? How-? Isn't it dangerous?" I lightly touch it with my fingers. Won't the dress fall?
"Yes, it's the brooch. I had to adapt it, of course. It doesn't pinch anymore and it's not a brooch now after I finished with it. I sewed it into the fabric and now it holds the ties together. It won't fall off and it's firm into the fabric. However..." She reaches her hand back to touch the end where the amethyst of the, now non-brooch, rests. "If you tug at it with enough force, it unties the dress at the neck and the fabric falls."
Jesus, this woman.
I move forward and, after encircling her waist from behind, I trail kisses from her right shoulder, past her shoulder blades and on to her other side. I can feel her skin heating under my lips and a shiver that makes her whimper a little.
"Bella, I have no idea how am I gonna last the few hours we will be there." I groan and I mean it like never before.
"You invited me; it's your fault." Her voice is a little breathless and her hands are resting over mine at her waist.
I turn her and now that we're facing each other, she catches my lips with hers, kissing me while tugging at the lapels of my tux. I move my hands to her back, lightly touching the soft skin.
God, her skin. I'll be able to touch so much of her all night long.
Just when that thought makes me hold her tighter, Bella breaks the kiss and leans back, patting my chest.
"What's this? It's poking me," she asks, as she pats my pockets.
"That's why you stopped the kiss? Because something was poking you, not because we need to leave soon?" I laugh.
"Okay, we'll kiss when we get back then." Before she moves away, I catch her in my arms.
"Don't you dare, I need my fix now. We won't be able to kiss like this there. Well, without making it into the papers, that is."
"Shut up." She laughs and looks even more beautiful like this. All ready for a party, but not caring about messing up her hair or anything else.
"But now that you asked, I did bring you something." I take the box out of my pocket.
"I saw it online the other day and I thought you'd like this, but you don't have to wear it if you don't want to, I mean maybe you have-"
"Edward, stop rambling and give me the damn box."
"Sorry. So bossy."
Rolling her eyes she opens it and giggles when she sees what I brought her.
"Just something for good luck."
Inside the box there is a silver charm bracelet with little pearls dangling every half an inch, nothing out of the ordinary, really. And when she giggles, I know it's not at the bracelet itself, but at the single charm in its center.
A red macaron.
"I know it doesn't match your dress, maybe if you would've let me see it." I arch an eyebrow at her, but she's still looking at the bracelet. "You don't have to wear it tonight or at all. It just made me think of you and that first date we had that I didn't know was a date, but let's face it, it was."
Again with the blathering.
"Edward, stop rambling. Would you help me put it on?" Her eyes are glassy when she looks up. I kiss her forehead and help her, glad that she liked it and more that she's gonna wear it now.
"It may not match my dress tonight, but I'll wear it proudly. It means something to you, to us." She dangles it, lifting her wrist up to eye level.
"You know," she says, but doesn't take her eyes away from the bracelet. "That afternoon when we went to the museum and we ate the macarons was the first time I knew I could fall for you. I was really nervous after meeting you two days before, but that day, I don't know," she sighs, "I knew that you were different and hurting and most of all, I knew that you were much more than even you realized."
I've been staring at her while she speaks, just seeing her reactions to the bracelet, and when she finally looks back, I know she's telling me the truth. She knew me from the start, really knew me and even when she saw that I was a mess, she stuck with me.
How could I've been so blind to not see this before?
"So, no. I don't care that the bracelet doesn't match my dress, because it matches us. The hell with what people think."
"I love you. And, you know, if you're not gonna care about the bracelet not matching the dress, then maybe we can make out in front of everybody." Who cares what they think?
She starts laughing at what I said and a second later, I bring her to me and I kiss her. She's so warm and soft, her mouth always calling to me. I suck at her bottom lip and her tongue runs over my upper one. I move my hands to her back and I feel her moan into my mouth.
This only makes my body feel hot and I desperately want to get rid of our clothes. Now.
Yeah, I don't think we could do this in front of everyone.
All too soon, because with her it's always like that, she breaks the kiss and with a smile, rests her head on my chest. We're both catching our breaths.
"We really have to go, Edward. I mean, really."
"I know, just give me a second." Laughing, she moves back to her bedroom.
Tease.
While she re-applies her make-up, I try to gain some control of my body and soon we're standing at the front of the bakery.
"Wait a minute, you have a car?" She eyes the black car in front of us and the driver holding the door open for us.
"Yes, but it's not this one. This one has a driver who will take us to the party and back. I don't feel like driving."
"Thank you, Alain." I say to the driver and we're off.
"If you have a car and can use a driver, then why do you use the Métro so much?"
"Well, I don't go out that much and as you know, I live close to work so I walk every day there and back. Also, Rose and my parents live close to Métrostations, so why not? I like to walk and hate traffic, it's a simple solution. Traffic makes me moody."
"You? Never!"
"Okay, moodier. Of course, every time I have functions or more formal things, I use the driver. I'd never take you to this Gala in the Métro."
"Good to know." Now she laughs. That would be an image: us dressed like this riding the subway.
"I use my own car, whenever I go out of town. I like that the traffic is much lighter on the road."
"Okay, I guess it makes sense. I thought I was your cheap date or something." She teases and pouts.
"Never think that. We'll drive down to my parents' country house when we go there."
Minutes later, we arrive and all teasing ends.
Flashes and shouts swim all around the car and from the way Bella grips my hand, I can tell she's nervous.
"Don't worry, just be yourself. They'll love you." I kiss her hand and then the door opens.
Here we go.
O~o~O~LB~O~o~O
After an exhausting entrance with all the photographers and reporters yelling and calling my name and yelling for Bella as well, we finally made it inside.
This year, the Gala is held at Le Grand Palais on the Champs-Élysées. It's a beautiful, large structure, located right by the Seine river. I usually come here because of the museum complex, but it's at events like this that you can see it really shine.
It shows a mixture of construction techniques all throughout the structure, with its glass vault, iron and light steel framing and its use of reinforced concrete. During the day, the sunlight filters through the glass dome into the big vault and at night, colored lights dance down the walls.
Tonight is no different.
We are directed to La Nef, the heart of Le Grand Palais, with its big dome made of glass at the center. Lights are all around us, hidden in the decorations and color seems to be the theme this year, with large colorful fabrics falling from the second floor, down the pillars at the sides of the structure.
People are standing in different groups and a big stage stands at the end of the room, with a live band playing at the moment. There's a bar to our right and tables scattered around the room, near the walls, to leave space at the center for a dance floor and to have the short fashion show later in the night for the auction.
"What do you think?" There's too much noise around, so I have to talk close to her ear.
"Wow, it's beautiful. I don't know where to look first." She's looking around, taking in every detail. Instead of looking around he room like she is, I just stare at her face, seeing her reactions to things I can't see at the moment.
"Well, we're gonna be here a couple of hours; you have time to see a lot of it. We can come back in daytime if you want to."
"Thanks. I know this must be kind of boring to you."
"Usually, but not tonight." I take her hand and we enter farther into the room.
I greet people here and there and every time, I introduce Bella as my girlfriend and much like Chelsea at Fashion Week, they fall into easy conversations about fashion and the party.
After a while I notice that people are curious about Bella, wanting to know more about this woman who was able to make me change this much. Because apparently, my change is obvious to everyone.
What people think is the last thing I care about as the night advances, for what I'm most proud of is the fact that Bella is the one who surprises them with her knowledge and charm. She had been nervous about tonight, but seeing her make easy conversation with people who are usually intimidating, makes my face hurt with all the smiling.
A few days ago, we talked about what she wanted to do for her future and she finally decided: she wants her own line, her own business. I would've loved having her work for me, but that was never going to work. We are too much of a distraction to each other. So she's been putting together a portfolio with designs and creating a business plan to get financing from investors. Nothing too big, but still this is a business. I even told her I could ask Tanya to give her some names of useful people.
She won't be using my name in this, she wants to do everything by herself, but her link to me is inevitable.
"Bella! There you are." We turn from admiring the details of the arch in front of us and see Alice and Jasper making their way over to us.
I see Alice's dress and it's even better than the last time I saw it.
"We've been looking for you, but it seems everyone beat us to you." We hug and kiss and Alice beams proudly at us.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, we got here a while ago and I've been talking to quite a few people, and from the looks of it, everyone is talking about you two."
"What? What are they saying?" Bella looks worried, but I think I know what Alice will say.
"That you two make a cute couple and they want to know more about you, Bella. More about your dress and mine." Now she twirls. "I've been telling everyone you made this."
Bella doesn't speak, she opts for burying her face into my chest and hugs me tightly.
"Hey, are you ok? We can leave if you want to." I look over to Alice and Jasper and they look worried.
"No, it's just-" Looking up to my face, I see her eyes with unshed tears. She's overwhelmed.
"It's a lot," I finish for her. She nods.
"Do you feel like maybe taking a break for a bit?"
"Yeah, that would be great."
"Okay, come with me." I see Alice squeezing Bella's hand. It's not her fault this was too much for Bella.
"We'll find you later at our table, okay?" I tell them and lead Bella outside.
I only say a few quick hellos to people I know on our way outside and soon we're on the terrace of Mini Palais, the restaurant site of Grand Palais. It's closed tonight, since we'll be eating in La Nef. This is much better as there are no people around and the noise from the party is only a muffled buzz out here.
"Is this better?" I take her hand as we walk down the long terrace.
All the chairs and tables are piled up inside the restaurant, so the terrace is open and clear of furnishings. To our right, tall white columns with statues at their bases, draw different shadows on the marbled floor in front of us.
"Yeah, this is better. And pretty as well." We're standing in front of one of the statues.
It's a little chilly out here, so I pull her closer to me with my arm around her shoulders.
"I'm sorry." She whispers sadly. "I guess it was a little too much."
"Don't be sorry. I get it."
"It's been so long since I've been able to talk about fashion with someone. I mean, I talk to Alice, but it's not the same as with these people here. It's like we're equals and it made me feel good to be able to say something back and have them actually listen to me. It was the same when we were at Fashion Week."
She did look so happy talking to people. She transformed in front of me, talking and joking and enchanting them. She wasn't nervous, she was in her element.
"But then to hear Alice say that people are talking about me, even saying good things. It made me remember that time back in New York and how good it felt to be recognized by your hard work. It just didn't end very well and that made me panic a little."
I sigh and move her so that we're now face to face.
"I get it, I really do. Little things make you go back to crappy times. But Bella, that's not gonna happen again, you get that, right? I'll never treat you like that guy did and things will not end like they did then. You have the chance to do whatever you want with your designs. Teach, create, whatever you want."I kiss her forehead.
"I loved seeing you be all excited about your plans for the future when we talked the other day." I trace her cheek with my hand. "And that woman I saw just now, talking and being confident with these people, that's the woman that's gonna make it all happen. You."
It's a little dark out here, except for a few lights in the distance, but I can see her smile softly and her eyes lose their teariness. I like that I make her happy.
"You think so?"
"No, I'm sure of it. Bella, you're always so strong and confident except when it comes to your work. I really can't tell you not to do that, since I hesitate and have doubts about everything I do." She rolls her eyes and of course doesn't fight me on this. "But being with you has taught me not to doubt so much. It's exhausting and believe me, that sucks the life out of you." I've been much more creative when I let things go and stop looking over my shoulder.
"You're right, I have to stop doing that. I may not be the best designer, but I'm not a crappy one either. So, from now on, I'll do as you do: take steps forward. And I'll try not to hesitate."
"Okay then, and I'll try that no hesitation part, that was a good one. My girlfriend is smart." I tease her.
"And you're kinda cute, so we're even."
I kiss her and trail my hands down her back to the edge of her dress. I feel her skin heating and I smile against her lips.
"Thank you for saying those things." I feel her lips on my neck.
"You're welcome, but it's all you."
We stay on the terrace a little longer, with my arm around her or holding her hand. We talk about the statues to our right, and she giggles when I joke and make up stories about them. It feels like that time at the Louvre; only this time, I get to touch her as much as I want to.
O~o~O~LB~O~o~O
We find our table a while later and see everyone is already seated there. Mom and Dad, Alice and Jasper and even Rose and Emmett. Next to them there's Tanya and her date and a few people I know.
"Thought you left or something," Rose says when we approach the table.
"No, just taking some air," I tell her, and see Alice hug Bella and have a whispered conversation.
"Oh Bella, your dress is beautiful," Mom gushes and then all the girls surround Bella to see it more closely.
"I bet Edward loves it as well." Jasper says with a smirk.
I groan. Damn him.
"Dude, I'd make some jokes about it, but Bella's like my little sister. That's just wrong." Emmett is at my side and when I turn to him, he's looking at Rose.
"Thanks, and Rose ismy sister, so please don't make those jokes either way."
"It's not like that." And from the look on his face, I know he's telling the truth. He sees her like there's no one else around.
Rose looks happy tonight, laughing and interacting with others. I saw her in passing earlier and noticed how Emmett kept a hand on her back when they were talking to someone I didn't know. I know she's probably a little anxious with so many people around, but I can see that Emmett will be there for her, calming her.
"And what's this little thing?"
"That's a gift from Edward." They're all looking at the charm and giving me questioning looks. Bella was right, if she likes it, that's all that matters.
"A macaron? That's cute." I know they don't get it, but it's our own little thing.
We sit to eat and the next hour passes like this. We talk and eat; we make plans and share what we did over the week.
A few times, people I know come to our table to say hi and half the time they end up talking solely to Bella. The dress is a big hit, not only hers but Alice's as well, and she doesn't waste any opportunity to praise Bella.
By the end of dinner, I'm sure Bella made more contacts than I did when I first started, and I'm sure she'll be getting some calls next week.
I look around the table while everyone talks over coffee. Bella is talking to Tanya as I keep making these little patterns on her back with my hand. At first she blushed a little, but now she almost leans into my touch.
I'm happy. I don't mean just for being with Bella here and now, but about everything in my life.
I see Mom and Dad, he's whispering in her ear and she laughs with him. I remember seeing them do that often when I was younger. They'd share their own private stories and act like teenagers in love. I'm glad they are in my life now and I'm ashamed for pushing them away at a time when their comfort would've made all the difference. I just didn't want it. Now, I can't honestly imagine my life without them in it.
A little to the left, I see Rose and Emmett. She's talking about something, moving her hands and making gestures all around. It's like she's seeing the story she's telling right in front of her. That makes her a great author, her words always make you feel like you're inside those books. Emmett nods and smiles, but most of all he looks at her. He looks at her like she's telling him life's secrets, and he'll believe them if she says they are. I know she'll be introducing Marie to him next week and watching her tonight interact with people, interact with Emmett, I know that my sister finally found what she was looking for. Love.
Then there's Alice and Jasper, my new friends. Loyal and funny and I couldn't ask for better people to be in my life. They took care of what I love the most, and with Emmett, they'll always have a high spot in my heart. I truly believe that I can trust them. It's not about trusting them with my designs, because they have nothing to do with that, but it is pure trust that they'll be there for me and Bella whenever we need them. I couldn't ask for better friends.
And there's Tanya. My friend who, much like Rose, never gave up on me and didn't stand for my crap. She's utterly loyal and protective and seeing her laugh when she's often so serious, makes me wish that she finds someone who can appreciate her like she deserves.
I hear laughter to my left and see Bella with Tanya. Bella, the woman I love and the catalyst to all the changes in my life for the past months. Not only does she make me think of a future I thought I would never have after Renata, but she makes me want that future. She helped me see that trusting others and not trying to control things is a much better way of life, even when I have to convince myself of that sometimes.
She not only touched my life but those around me as well. Because of her influence, I approached my parents, mending something that never should've broken. They've been waiting for this for two years. She also introduced Emmett into our lives, and just by looking at Rose, anyone can see that he's changing her life.
But most of all, Bella brought love into my life. I love her and she loves me back. There's no better feeling than that. Plain and simple.
As if sensing something, perhaps because I've been silent for too long while everyone talks, Bella shifts in her seat to face me.
"Are you ok?" I lean into her palm at my cheek.
Warmth, that's the only word I think when it comes to her.
"Yeah, don't worry. Have I told you that I love you today?"
"Yes, several times actually."
"Several? Pff, that's not enough." With short kisses to her face, I say the words over and over.
"They're so cute." I hear Mom at the other side of the table.
"Jasper, are we cute like that?"
"Yes, dear. We are. We're also hot."
"Stop that, Bella and Alice are like my sisters. This is disgusting." Emmett whines.
"Come on, I want to bid on some things at the silent auction." Rose sounds almost amused.
I hear chairs scrapping and after I finish my kisses, I turn from Bella and see the table empty.
"We know how to clear a table." Bella laughs.
"If that's all it takes, I'll kiss the hell out of you." I kiss her a little more.
I barely recognize myself and how I act nowadays.
"Edward?" We both stop and see Chelsea standing next to us.
"Chelsea, lovely to see you tonight."
"I'd say the same, but I don't think you're noticing anyone else." She's right, but more than that, I just want to take Bella home and be alone with her.
"Anyway, I came to take Bella to meet some friends."
"So you've come to steal my girlfriend away from me."
"You can come meet them too, you know. Although, watch out, they're just a bit handsy."
"Yeah, no thanks. Why would I want fifty-year-old women to grope me?"
"Okay, you wuss. It's us girls then."
"Are you sure? You can come too." Bella smiles at us.
"I'm good, go ahead. I'm going to the bar and then I'll look for you, okay? Have fun."
I watch them leave and then work my way around the tables to the bar. I see that they are getting things ready for the fashion show in a little while.
I'm not the only one donating a few items of my collection. Ten designers did the same, so the organization decided to put together a small fashion show at the center of the room to show all the garments. After that, all the items will be auctioned along with other donations. There's also a silent auction going on in another room, to which I donated my services to create a design of the winner's choice.
I'm scared already. God knows what they'll ask for, but it's for a good cause.
I wait for my drinks and scan the room, looking for my family and Bella.
"Edward Cullen." A man says to my right. The voice from a man that I never thought I'd see again.
Renata's father.
"Marcus?"
"Good to see you, Edward." We shake hands and even though I'm touching him, I can't believe he's here in front of me.
I always liked Marcus; he was always a fun guy to be around. And after Renata died, he was at least civil around me. Which I can't say about his wife.
Renata inherited a few features from Marcus: her eyes and her hair. All the rest she got from her mother. So seeing his eyes at this moment, certainly feels like I'm staring at Renata for a few seconds. These are not the same eyes as before though. Once vibrant and happy all the time, they now look dull and lifeless. He looks older than his years and deep wrinkles mar his face.
"Good to see you too, Marcus. How is Gianna?" I barely managed to say these words, I have no idea what to do.
"She's... better. We're better now. She's in Italy right now, visiting relatives. I'm here on business. You know most of the time these parties are more about that than actually having fun." And for a split second when he smiles, it's almost like he's not forcing it.
"Yeah, I know. Just business meetings with better clothing."
"So, how are you? I've seen a few things here and there in the press these past two years."
I cringe.
"Don't worry, I know half of what they say isn't true. Although, they might be right this time." I see him looking past me and when I turn, I see Bella laughing with some ladies.
"Marcus, I-"
"Edward, you don't have to say anything. You're moving on and that's normal. I can't say it wasn't surprising, but I'm glad you're doing it. You know, I always liked you; you were good to my daughter, even when-" He shakes his head and takes a sip of his drink.
I nod. It's true; I knew he liked me back then. He thought I was good for Renata; that maybe she'd finally settle with me and we'd build a life. Too bad Renata didn't want that, with me at least.
Her mother was another matter. She liked how we looked, and it didn't matter to her who I was. I tried to win her affection time after time, but I always thought she was being fake towards me. In the end, she blamed me for everything that happened to her daughter. She said I wasn't man enough for Renata and that's why she sought someone else. She never saw any flaws in her daughter.
"Anyway, I saw you here and thought about saying hi. It's good to see you doing well and that what happened hasn't jaded you."
If he only knew.
"Marcus, I'm sorry about everything. I should've seen more at the time, maybe helped her more. I just-"
"Sorry? You're sorry?" He sounds incredulous. "I feel like I should be telling you this. It was my daughter who cheated on you after all." He laughs humorlessly.
"Helping her is all I think about now, how I should've seen that she needed it. She looked so happy and in love, I only wanted my daughter to look like that all the time."
Silence falls between us, as others talk around us. I'm sure some of them are watching us right now, probably waiting for a confrontation.
Listening to him, it seems I wasn't the only one taking the blame for what happened. The difference is that they ended up losing a daughter. I can't even think about their pain.
"I also came here to close up our house. We won't be coming back to Paris anymore, too many memories."
I understand that. I had to move after our divorce, I could barely stand the place.
"Well, I have to go. It was good to see you, son. Maybe we'll see each other again." And as soon as he says the words, I know that won't happen. This is already painful to him.
"It was great seeing you, Marcus. I hope you and Gianna find some peace outside of Paris."
"Me too, son. Me too." And with a firm shake of hands, the man that I called friend and family walks out of my life.
It almost seems surreal. I truly never thought we'd see each other again, but I'm glad I did. I'm glad I could tell him how sorry I am for everything, even though our talk was brief and there was much we could've said. Maybe we're done talking about this.
"Hey, are you okay? Who was that?" I close my eyes and lean into Bella's hand on my cheek. Again, warmth.
"Yeah, I'm okay. That was Renata's father, he wanted to say hello."
"Really? And you're okay after that?"
"Strangely enough, yeah I am. It was weird seeing him, but not bad. Not bad at all." With a small kiss to her temple, we go back to our table to sit with the rest of our family.
O~o~O~LB~O~o~O
When we get to the table, from the looks of my family, I know they recognized Marcus, but with a slight shake I let them know that this wasn't the time to talk about this.
A little later, the fashion show starts and then the auction. Everything is a hit and all the items are bought after an hour. The fashion show presented very well in this place, and I make a few comments to Tanya that we might want to use it for our own events in the future. I wasn't backstage this time, I had let Kate organize that part and I couldn't be more proud of her. She did a great job and afterwards, I let her know about it.
Her answering smile was enough to make think that I made the right choice with the job I gave her.
After a bit of chaos, the center runway is transformed into a dance floor, something that has Bella literally bouncing her legs in excitement.
"So, one of Chelsea's friends wants me to go to her office next week to talk business. She liked my two dresses and she's been thinking about financing new designers." We're dancing and she has her face resting in my neck.
"What? That's great, Bella. You'll have your own line in no time."
"Maybe, but still. I have to propose a good business plan to her and convince her that I'm perfect for her project. Apparently, she'll be financing five new designers, so I might not get chosen."
"You will, I know you will and it's gonna be all you."
"I'm all excited now, I wanna go home and start setting up my portfolio and maybe-" She stops when she sees me laughing.
"Look at you, all business-like. Are you gonna wear a suit for the meeting too?"
"Oh, shush." She squeals when I tickle her side. "I'm not telling you anything else, Edward Cullen."
"Pff, I have my ways." I wiggle my eyebrows at her and she keeps laughing, but soon her laughter dies and her pretty smile is gone. Now she looks… sad.
"Hey, you know I was kidding, right?" I scrunch my eyebrows in concern.
"Yes, I'm not that touchy. I was just thinking about all these plans and changes and good things in my life." Standing on her tiptoes, she gives me a peck. "And it made me miss my Mom. She'd be sohappy being here. Meeting you, talking to your parents and trying to convince Dad to dance with her, which he would in the end."
I nod and look at our table, where Mom and Dad are sitting. I'm so lucky and I was moronic enough not to appreciate it.
"She'd be so proud of you Bella. How could she not?"
We dance in silence for the rest of the song, I let her have her memories and her time to think. We always work like this. When we're ready, we talk.
"Well, would you look at that? The couple of the hour."
We stop dancing and face this asshole.
"James, what are you doing here?" I move Bella slightly away from him and from the corner of my eye, I notice that a few eyes are on us. Of course, people love to watch a train wreck.
"This is a party. Why not be here?"
He looks like he's well on his way to getting drunk, swaying a little and looking disheveled.
"Look, I don't want any trouble, so back away and let us be." I try to be the voice of reason, even though I want to punch him.
"I don't want trouble either. I was here to ask Miss Swan if she wanted to dance with me." He extends his hand to Bella. But unlike the first time they met, when I had no claim on Bella, I do now.
"She doesn't want to dance with you, and you need some coffee. Don't make an ass out of yourself."
"Why don't you let her answer? Are you her boss?" Anger drips from every word he says.
"No, he's not. And he's right, I don't want to dance with you, Mr. Cross. And I think you need to sit and calm down." God, I love her.
"Ahh, Bella, don't be like that. Just one dance and I'll show you some moves that-"
"Okay, that's enough. Mr. Cross, I think you need to step away." Emmett interferes, and I thank God he did, I was really close to punching him.
"Okay, okay."He lifts his arms in surrender when he sees the size of Emmett. "Miss Swan, I'll be seeing you around."
"The hell you will." I growl, which he returns with a smile and walks away.
"Man, I wanted it to be a fight," Emmett whines as we watch James leave.
"Thanks, man. I just wanted to punch him."
"Yeah, I saw that. I just wanted in on the fun."
"He's not worth it." Bella runs her hand down my arm. "Now, come on you two. I think it's time for some cake."
She's right, he's not worth it, but he still gets to me every time. And when he mentioned seeing her again? I almost lost it there. He taints everything he touches and no way he's getting close to her.
After the must-have cake, and Emmett's recount of what happened with James, we're finally ready to leave for the night.
O~o~O~LB~O~o~O
On the drive back, we remain silent, it was a very eventful night.
She's by my side, playing with her bracelet, something I noticed she did all throughout the night. It made people ask her about it and every time, she answered with the same statement: "it was a gift from my boyfriend." Then we'd give each other secret smiles and keep its meaning a secret.
I recognize the streets and I know we're close to her place, but I don't want the night to end, I still want to spend some time with her.
With a look at Bella, I tell the driver to take us back to my place. I want her to sleep in my bed; I want to start making memories with her there.
She smiles and leans to kiss my lips, then returns to rest at my side.
"That was fun," she says, while she takes off her coat in my living room, facing away from me.
"Yeah." I take off my tie and let it fall to the couch. My eyes are fixated on the back of her dress.
Bella doesn't turn, and if nothing else, she seems to be waiting for me.
I stand behind her, running light touches down her arms. I bend and start tracing kisses from one shoulder to the other. She shivers and leans slightly backwards, seeking my touch on her back.
"Edward."
I move my hands to her waist and with my thumbs, I start drawing little shapes on her skin. She feels so soft, she always does, but every time it's like I find something new. A new freckle, a new sound when I touch her. Things that I've been too blind to see.
And now, trailing soft kisses down her spine, I find that she's ticklish the closer I get to her waist.
I go up with my mouth, following the same path and holding her more firmly with my hands as she wriggles from my kisses.
"And now, let's see if this brooch works properly," I whisper in her ear when I reach her neck. The damn thing has been taunting me all night.
With a firm tug, I separate the two pieces and next thing I know, the front of her dress falls down, but only to her waist since it's fitted there. She moves to face me and again, I can't stop staring at her body: her breasts, her stomach, her curves.
With hurried fingers, she unbuttons my shirt and now excitement replaces everything else.
"You've been teasing me with this dress all night and yet you're the one who can't wait to get me naked." I grunt when I feel her hands on my chest.
"You've been taunting me with what's beneath this suit, at least you've seen skin. Now get naked, Mister."
"Glad that I have the same effect on you then."
With a little more fumbling, I'm naked in front of her and eager to just tug the rest of her dress down her body.
I nearly choke when I see that she had been wearing no panties underneath.
"Bella, what-"
"Stop with the words, I need you."
Lifting her up, I move us to my bedroom where I lay her in my bed and kiss my way from her legs to her lips.
She looks so good in my bed.
I kiss her again and smile when I hear her beg for me. It's been so long since I've felt like someone really needs me. Just me. And Bella shows me how much, when she's the one taking control, moving her hands up and down my body, making me regret not giving in to her earlier.
I feel hot kisses on my chest and murmured words I can't understand, but I think I know what she is saying.
"I love you, I love you. I love you." I repeat over and over. I never knew I'd be this much of a mumbling mess in front of a woman.
I grab her hips, I knead her backside, I press her waist, all in a move to bring her closer to me, to almost get inside of her. Because much like the first time we were together, it's never enough with her.
She moves on top of me and with the help of her hand, she sinks down onto me, and it's like our first time all over again. Every time with her is different, there is always love there, we're always making love, but tonight, there is something else. When she starts moving her hips and talking softly, I realize that tonight, she needs me. Not to comfort her, not to talk sweetly to her, but to make her feel good.
Lust... and with a smirk, I comply.
I watch her move above me, her muscles tensing and releasing. I touch her body, memorizing what makes her do what. Her moans, her words, her moves, everything hurries to one single moment and there is nothing else in the world but that. And when we're both at the edge, I sit up and press myself flush to her, swallowing her cries, feeling her shake against my body.
I lay us back down, still clinging to her, running my hands over her sweaty skin while she does the same to my hair.
This night, I not only got to see how my life is much better with Bella in it, for me and for my family as well, but also, I got to see how it could be as well. Not only needing someone, but also feel needed as well, in every sense of the word.
And with the way our night ended, being needed is looking pretty good.
So, I wanted something kinda 'tangible' to show how Edward's life changed since Bella is with him, hence the party. Honestly, it could've been Bingo at the community center and it would've had the same effect, but this is prettier, lol.
Much like Edward said, not only he changed, but Bella affected other people's lives with her presence. In the end, that's what we all do, most of the time without even realizing it. Wherever they end up, they touched each other's lives and that will always stay with them. As it is, this is a high high for him, both personally and professionally.
There are pics this week of the Grand Palais, the dress, bracelet and short fashion show, which you can find here: s1083 (dot) photobucket (dot) com/albums/j400/choclover82/Little%20Buttons/ just look for the Ch20 folder to the right (I recommend using the slideshow, it looks prettier), but a couple of things:
- The dress: I pictured it early in the story, before finding a photo, so that pic is as close as to what I wanted that I could find. I love backless dresses and something like this felt very Bella to me: flowy and sexy. Just imagine the color is amethyst instead of fuchsia and the back is completely bare.
- The brooch: it was the one Bella bought in the market back in Chapter 6, the pic for it is in that folder, in case you don't remember it.
- The bracelet and charm: because I suck at photoshopping, just imagine that the pic you'll see has only one charm and that it's red.
Also, the lovely girls at The Perv Pack's Smut Shack rec'd 'Little Buttons' in their Lemon Report on February 7th. :-D Thank you, lovelies. You can check it out here: www (dot) pervpackssmutshack (dot) com/2012/02/lemon-report-2712 (dot) html
Next chapter... we're going out of town.
And that's it for this week, sorry for the delay this time. Have a nice day and I'll see ya in two more weeks, hopefully with a shorter A/N, lol.