DISCLAIMER: THE TWILIGHT SAGA IS OWNED BY S.M. – I just like to screw with the characters a little.
I have NO EXPERIENCE IN BDSM and this is a fictional story – it is not politically correct and is meant to be fun! I have a wild imagination and that is what this is – my flight of fantasy as such. Now enjoy!
End of chapter 20
She shook her head and walked to the dressing room and turned to look at him, "No can do, Honeybunch, I am in training remember!" And with that she disappeared into the bathroom.
Edward stood staring at the door. "I have created a monster and I will die a happy man!"
He said to the room and sprinted to the shower.
CHAPTER 21 – PEOPLE LIKE US
They eventually climbed out of the shower when they both had prune fingers and the water was turning chilly. They dressed in jeans and Bella threw on a tank top and a hoodie of Edwards and he pulled on an old The Cure t-shirt that he refused to let go.
"What do you want for dinner, Babe?" Bella was standing in front of the fridge, hoping to be inspired. Edward sat at the kitchen table drinking a cold beer.
"Why don't we just order in tonight?"
Bella smiled in agreement. They decided to order some antipasto dishes and they sat on the carpet in the den, in front of the fire that Edward had made and listened to music as they ate a buffet of olives and feta; roasted mushrooms, various cold meats, cheesy bread, an assortment of cheeses as well as ravioli and linguini alfredo. They sipped chilled white wine and played Scrabble.
Edward discovered a few things about Bella that night. She was sharp and quick witted and although these were things that he knew about her, he also found out that she was a cheat. A very bad cheat.
After a particularly pathetic attempt to once again cheat her way to a win, he pounced on her.
"Sexty? Really? Sexty? Bella, what the FUCK is sexty?" He had her pinned to the floor.
Bella was giggling so hard, she could barely breathe, "Um…it's when you have sex at sixty?"
He burst out laughing and tickled her until she was screaming. "Oh my God! You are as bad as Emmett. Except you are a TERRIBLE liar! You are such a bad liar that I know the minute you think of cheating!"
They lay on the carpet smiling at each other. He leaned over and kissed her softly. "I love you so much. Shall we go to bed?" he asked quietly with dark, lustful eyes.
Bella licked her lips, "Yes, please"
Edward's hand tightened on her hip. "You ask so nicely, little girl. Are you eager?"
She nodded.
"So, what do you want to do tonight?" His voice was gruff and husky and sent shivers down her spine. His cock was hard and throbbing.
"I want to take me roughly and I want you t-to, um…s-spank me a bit." She was scarlet now but she forced herself to keep meeting his gaze, "I've been bad..." she whispered. She was nervous about been so vocal about her needs. Would Edward understand?
He sat up and frowned as he looked down at her. "Bella, remember that we agreed not to do any scenes…"
"But this isn't!" she quickly interrupted him, "This is just me, Bella asking her lover and boyfriend Edward to get a little aggressive and Caveward with her!"
She got to her feet and began to pace in front of him. She looked at him, "I'm not teasing you or going back on our agreement. I'm just telling you what I want, what I need. Is that okay?"
She was standing in front of him, twisting her fingers around and biting her lip. She looked so fucking delicious and enticing.
Edward looked at her; he could see the vulnerability in her eyes. She was opening up to him. He got up slowly and walked over to her. His hands went to her ass and he gently squeezed and Bella yelped, "Is it sore?" he was concerned.
She had refused to remove the plug, "No. It's good, it feels really good actually!" She grinned at him.
"Bella, you can trust me with your fantasies and desires. I will not abuse your trust." He leaned down and kissed her deeply while he drew her against his body and leaving her in no doubt as to his arousal. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his hips.
"We're not going to make it to the bed right now", he muttered.
He walked over to the wall of windows that overlooked the expansive deck and the outside pool and expansive garden.
He unlocked her legs and let her slide down his body. He undressed her slowly. He kissed her exposed skin, caressing her gently. Bella wound her arms around his waist. She had been in a state of constant arousal with the plug inside her, moving as she shifted. She felt her juices wetting her panties and her jeans.
"Edward, please. I need to feel you inside me." She pulled the hem of his top and he lifted his arms as she took it off. She fumbled at his belt and he put his hands over hers. "Wait. Let me. Take your pants off. Now." Bella almost passed out at the sound of The Voice. She was in a hurry and was clumsy as she stepped out of her jeans and panties. She felt the plug move inside her.
Edward pulled her against him. He devoured her lips, "Turn around and put your hands on the window" he growled at her. She spun around and spread her hands across the window, bracing herself.
He kicked her feet apart, "Wider!" was all he said.
Bella obeyed and felt the plug move is if it would come out. She quickly reached behind her but Edward swatted her hand away.
"I said put your hands on the window", he gave an almost evil chuckle, "Don't worry about the plug, Baby, I will take care of it. Are you ready for me?"
Bella could feel her body shaking in anticipation, "Yes!" she shouted at him.
She was not prepared for the smack on her ass. She yelped and then groaned loudly as she felt the plug plunge deeper inside her. "Oh! Fuck!"
Edward laughed again, "Not yet, but soon! Now, you have been naughty haven't you Bella? Hmm?"
Bella's heart was racing, "Very naughty, Edward."
"What should I do about that?"
"Spank me and then please fuck me, hard"
Edward bit down on her neck, "You wish is my command".
And then he spanked her. He pushed the plug in further every time his hand landed on it. Bella pushed against his hand as he rubbed and then landed a few more blows on her pink cheeks. He pushed her flush against the glass and she gasped as the cold rubbed against her body.
"I can't wait to fill your ass up with my cock. You will beg me to cum inside you over and over again. You will cum so many times as I work my cock in and out of you. I will fuck your little cunt with a vibrator as I cum inside your other fuck hole." Bella could feel her eyes roll back inside her head just listening to Edward's words. He bit her ear lobe and she could feel her climax mounting just from having him talk to her this way.
"I'm so close, Edward! Please, Baby, I need your dick inside me."
Edward bent his knees and in one movement he ploughed into her centre.
"FUCK! EDWARD!!"Bella screamed as the plug was pushed into her and she came as Edward pulled out and then set a fast and deep pace. He was unrelenting as he moved faster and deeper. They felt the tension building and then they were plunged over the edge. Edward held Bella around her stomach as she felt her legs give way.
It seemed like hours before they moved. Edward stepped back and picked Bella up into his arms and walked upstairs.
Once there he took her into the bathroom and removed the plug and washed it. She had another quick shower as Edward made up the bed and tidied up. He washed the vibrator and put the lube away.
Bella came out of the bathroom and put on a pair of sleep shorts and a tank top. Edward showed her the various toys that he kept in the bedroom and also instructed her on the various butt plugs that were there. He explained how they were to be used and in what order. He was very careful to explain about using lubricant and how to insert it.
Bella was amazed that as they spoke she could feel her embarrassment melt away. Edward had been very quick to put her at ease and he made sure that their conversation was not sexual, but rather instructional in nature. She asked him questions and he answered her as much as he could.
Bella went and made a pot of tea and toast and they sat in bed talking until the early hours of the morning. It was one of the most honest conversations that she had ever had with anyone.
"Have you ever thought of having a part of your body pierced?" Edward was lying with his head in her lap as she scratched her nails against his scalp gently and sipped her tea.
She frowned, "like what part of my body?"
He chuckled as she scrunched her nose, "Like an eyebrow or a – nipple or maybe your clit?"
She almost choked and he sat up and patted her back, "You are twisted, do you know that?" her eyes were dancing though, "I mean I love the nipple clamps and I think I would like to try a clit clamp, but there is NO WAY that anyone is coming near my flower or my nombies with a needle!"
"You're NOMBIES? Oh shit! Baby, don't call them that! They will get upset; they are your beautiful titties or breasts or my dummies or, but not nombies!"
"So what did you call your um, dick when you were little?"
Now she was laughing as he looked embarrassed. "My mother used to call it our winkies or our wee-wee's. Yeah, but my dad took Emmett and I aside one day, I think I was five or so, and he told us that Cullen men had shafts or dicks, but we weren't to tell Mom."
They giggled.
"Can I ask you something?" the playfulness had given was to a careful look in his eyes.
"Sure" she felt nervous suddenly.
"What did Jacob do to you when he cornered you in your bedroom? You never told me and it won't make a difference to me, but I would like to know."
Bella took a shaky breath and let it out slowly, "He tried to – rape me after he had hit me a few times, but he couldn't get it up. It's actually quite funny when you think about it – here he was six and a half fucking feet tall, a great big gorilla that everyone was so afraid of and he couldn't get it up."She laughed more to relieve the tension in the air than anything else. She and Edward were sitting cross legged facing each other. She leaned over and stroked his thigh, "Babe? He didn't rape me with his penis, okay?"
Edward felt a fury and a sense of dread building inside him. "What did he do?" He worked to keep his voice neutral. Stay calm! Stay calm! Don't loose it now, fucker, you asked her to tell you! His thoughts were racing.
Bella looked down at her hand on his leg. "He, um, he used his fingers to break my hymen and then he – used a candle that I had next to my bed..." She didn't cry this time and she could feel that she was in control of her emotions so she looked up into his shocked face.
"Oh my God! Bella!" He pulled her into his arms. "Oh God! I wish I could have...I wish I had...Fuck! I don't know what to say to you...there are so many things I want to say..." She wrapped her arms around him and rocked him.
"Its okay, Edward! I know. There is a good side to the story you know." She whispered into his ear.
He sat back and looked at her in shock, "WHAT? How can you say that? He fucking RAPED you, Isabella! He hurt you!"
Bella sat quietly as he ranted for a few more minutes. She knew that he needed to vent his feelings. When he had quietened down she took his hand, "Listen to me. I got up when he had stumbled off and got dressed and I packed my bags and I left. I got myself into therapy when I tried to date a guy in college and I freaked out when he tried to touch me. His name was Paul and he was very sweet and he said that I should get some help for my... problems. I never went into any details or anything, but he could see that there was something wrong with me."
"So I went to the awesome on campus clinic and I went into therapy. I got better. I learned things about myself. Good things. I learned to like myself although I still have a way to go on learning not to blame myself when things happen."
She smiled into his eyes. He was so concerned for her; she could feel his stress rolling off him. "Having you in my life is the best thing that happened to me, Edward. You have shown me that I deserve to be loved and treated like a princess. You spoil me rotten and I love it. You have shown me in the short time that we have been together that I am not damaged goods. Having you love me is so surreal. Thank you for being my best friend Edward." She leaned up and kissed him gently.
He relaxed his shoulders and made his tone light, "You are fucking welcome, Miss Swan. Just don't let Alice hear you call me that – there will be bloodshed!"
They laughed softly. "Thank you for telling me, Baby."
They settled back into bed. Bella lay on Edward's chest with her leg thrown across his. Edward wrapped his arms around her and they spoke of Edward's preparation for his upcoming movie and the schedule that he would most likely have to follow. They also spoke of Bella's plans for the following week until she started her job. She told him about the art gallery where she would be working and the owner Mona.
"I'm keeping you from your art." He said as he kissed her hair.
She kissed his chest, "No silly. I will pick it up again when I go back to the apartment, but right now I am where I want to be. Everything I want is right here."
Edward switched off the bedside lamp and they drifted off to sleep.
Bella woke up with a knot in her stomach. She knew it was because he was leaving the following day and once again she felt the urge to shut her emotions off. To pull away before he left. This time she was determined to fight that old fear of being left behind, of being forgotten. It seemed as if people had seemed to forget that she was around as a child.
The phrase 'out of sight – out of mind' seemed to apply to her parents and teachers and even her peers. She had heard a lot of variations of 'Oh Bella, I forgot that you were here!' from people.
Edward lay on her chest with his arms still holding her securely around her waist. She lay half on her back and he was almost laying over her.
She put her hand out and gently ran them through his crazy beautiful hair. She looked at the odd shades of browns and auburns and copper – just like the autumn leaves outside.
Edward hummed in his sleep against her nipple. Bella realised that she was naked again and the memories of the night came flooding back.
She blushed as she remembered her boldness about wanting to try anal sex with Edward. She realised that the more she vocalised her desires, the easier it became to use her voice and tell him what she wanted.
Edward began to awaken and he nuzzled his face into her chest. His slightly scruffy beard tickled and scratched her skin gently. His lips passed over her breast and he groaned and his tongue darted out of his mouth to lick her nipple. It hardened instantly and his lips closed over it and he began to suck on it. He moved one hand down and laid it heavily on her mound. His thumb brushed against her lips and he found her clit and began to rub it. Bella jerked upwards and tugged at the hair that she had been stroking.
"You little pervert! Is that the first thing on your mind? You could actually kiss me on my mouth before you molest me!" she admonished him even as her hips pulsed in time to his thumb.
Edward reacted by smiling against her nipple and curling his fingers into her folds and slipping two fingers into her hot core as his thumb flicked over her clit. His soft kiss on her nipple became a bite. Bella hissed and bucked her hips up to try and find deeper penetration.
Edward smirked as he propped himself on his elbow of his free hand and looked down at her. "Good morning my Bella. Do you want more? Hmm? You can tell me and I will stop or I can help to relieve your ache. You are so wet for me, Baby."
Bella unfisted the sheets and grasped his shoulder. She glared at him, "Don't tease me!" she snapped at him.
Edward laughed, "Aww, my grumpy girl is back. Let's see if I can get you into a better mood, okay?"
He moved his body over hers and pulled his fingers out of her – she hissed at the loss only to gasp as she watched him stroke himself with the fingers that were slick with her juices. He guided himself into her and began to move in and out of her slowly. "You are so tight Baby. You feel so warm. Fuck you are so beautiful, Bella. I could fucking stay like this inside of you forever. Can you feel me inside of you? Can you feel what you do to me?"
Edward kept up his commentary as he set an unhurried pace while kissing and stroking her face, neck and breasts.
Bella melted in his arms. Once again he played her body like an instrument. He brought her close to climaxing and then pulled her back time after time until at last she cried out in ecstasy and he spasmed as his seed shot into her.
She lay with her face hidden in his neck, breathing deeply, breathing him in.
She squeezed her eyes tight and her arms and legs tightened around him.
"Edward..."
She said and even she heard the sadness and desolation in her voice.
He didn't pull away or reject her or tell her to stop being childish. He pulled her even closer to his body and he gently turned them over so that she lay on top of him, straddling his hips still joined. He felt his breathing hitch at the sudden ache in his heart. For the first time in his acting career, Edward wasn't thankful for the upcoming work.
I have to be strong! I have to be strong for her, for us! He swallowed the lump in his throat.
He rocked her gently in his arms as he kissed her hair as the quiet tears leaked out of her eyes. At last her tears dried up and she moved up to kiss his mouth. Edward returned her kiss and wove his fingers into her hair. He kissed her eyelids and her cheeks and he kept kissing her until she was smiling down at him.
"There she is – there's my happy, beautiful girl." He winked at her and she giggled when she felt his erection hardening inside her again.
Edward's housekeeper, Maggie Paxton and her husband Reggie had worked for the Cullen's for a long time. They were overjoyed when Edward had offered them the position as his housekeeper and groundskeeper/security when he had built this house. They lived in a lovely coach house apartment above the garages. This afforded them and Edward total privacy and space and yet they were close enough to be on hand when needed.
Maggie was thrilled when she had received a phone call from Edward earlier in the week. He had asked her to make sure that the fridge was stocked with food and then he had asked that her and Reggie be scarce until Tuesday morning. He hadn't said why, but a quick call to her friend and old employer, Esmé had solved the mystery for her. Edward had a girl.
Reggie had given his wife a stern talking to before she had let herself into the house that morning. "You are as bad as Esmé! Now you don't get all nosy with the poor girl, do you hear me? You leave her be."
She had grinned at him unrepentantly, "I'm just glad that he isn't gay, dear. I was worried about him. The boy is so popular and good-looking, but he has never brought anyone home before! Esmé and Carlisle seem to love her. I'm glad she's not a starlet or a floozy like we see him with in all those tabloids!"
Her husband shook his head, "You should stop buying those things! A load of rubbish in them!"
Maggie cleaned up the kitchen and picked up the clothes in the den with a smile, she knew that her boy wasn't lonely anymore – and began a load of washing. When she heard the shower going upstairs she began to make breakfast for two.
She cut up fruit and drizzled honey and yogurt over the bowls and made eggs, bacon and toast. She was sure that the young people had worked up an appetite.
Edward and Bella appeared in the kitchen and Edward greeted her with a hug and a kiss on her cheek that made her blush. Bella snorted, she knew how the older woman felt.
"Mags, this is Bella Swan, my girlfriend. Bella this is Maggie Paxton. She and her husband Reggie run this place for me."
Bella blushed and smiled at the small plump woman standing at the counter. Maggie was pretty with a peaches and cream complexion and pretty twinkling blue eyes. Her hair was grey and short, curling around her ears. She was dressed casually in jeans and a long sleeve top.
She beamed at Bella and reached over to hug her. "Hello, Bella. It is so lovely to meet a friend of Edward's. I hope he has been a gentleman."
Edward laughed and guided Bella to the kitchen table. "Maggie has been trying to drum manners into us since we were teenagers! She and Reggie used to work for my parents. When we all left home, I decided to bring them with me, so that I could keep my eye on them!"
"You were never spanked enough as a child, young man! Cheeky bugger!" Maggie scolded him as she poured their coffee and rumpled his hair.
Bella almost fell of her chair laughing, "You are so right, Maggie, he was never spanked enough!"
Edward mock glared at her, "If you know what's good for you..."
Bella giggled and wagged her finger at him, "Sorry, Sparky, I have a free pass for a month..." she turned her attention to the delicious food in front of her. She jumped as she felt his hand on her thigh.
"I have a very good memory, my Isabella. You would do well to remember that..." he whispered to her and smirked as he saw her gulp noisily.
She quickly drank some coffee and ignored him for a while. Maggie came over and handed Edward a sheet of paper and a set of keys as well as a remote control.
"These came for you this morning." She grinned and winked at him. He rolled his eyes at her.
"Thanks, Maggie." He pushed them towards Bella, "Here Babe," he said and gave her a little smile.
She frowned, "What?"
"This is a set of keys for the house, as well as the security codes for the alarm system and the outside lights and a remote for the garage, so that you can park in there in future."
"Why do I need everything?" she was biting her lip.
I want you to move in with me! He wanted to tell her, instead he just smiled at her and said calmly, "I want you to feel comfortable to come and go as you please."
She looked at him for a moment and then smiled, "Thank you Edward, that's so thoughtful of you. I will have a set of keys made for you to my place, you know, just in case..." She was blushing again.
"Thank you, Baby, but I would also feel better if you give Alice or Rosie a spare key. You know, for when I'm not here. Would you do that for me?"
He held his breath; would she think he was being too protective or overpowering?
"Yeah, that's a good idea. I think I'll ask Alice if to keep a set for me."
He smiled in relief. At least someone would have access to her apartment. He would have to give Emmett a call as well, just so that he and Rosalie could keep an eye out for her. He knew that his brother and sister-in-law had become quite protective of her. Emmett's company was not too far from her place of work and her apartment.
When they had finished eating, they decided to get out of the house and spend the day together. Edward drove them to a park about fifteen minutes from his house. He pulled a blanket from the boot of his Volvo. The park was deserted at that time of day and the whether was a little chilly. They lay on the blanket talking and touching and Edward fell asleep with his head in Bella's lap. She idly ran her fingers through his hair as she read a book.
When he woke up they went to get extra keys cut for her apartment and he took her to a little eatery for a late lunch.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in the den. Edward lit a fire and he sat at the piano and played for her. They invited Alice and Jasper and Emmett and Rosalie over for an informal dinner and they spent a laughter- filled evening together.
Bella had decided to stay at Edward's until her truck was ready and he was thrilled beyond belief at the news.
Jasper pulled him aside after dinner, as they set up a game of pool.
"How are things going?"
Edward smiled, "Good, no actually we are great! We are getting to know each other and I think that this time will be really good for us. We need to establish a solid foundation and I think we are going to do that."
Jasper smiled, "That's great! Although you may be chomping at the bit after a couple of weeks. You have spent time away from the playroom before, but reining the Dom side of you nature will be difficult to keep under wraps."
Edward thought of the previous night and laughed, "Yeah well, I don't think it is me that we have to worry about – she is already pushing the boundaries a little! It seems that when she is pushed enough, my little Bella can be quite vocal and demanding about having her needs met. Believe me, I'm not complaining, but I just wish that we had more time together now, you know?"
Jasper put a hand on his shoulder, "Edward? It doesn't get easier. This is what being in love is about, my friend. The ache of separation is always there. It's a little easier if you can keep busy. But it's those late night hours and seeing something that you know that she would love or hate." He pulled away and grinned at Edward's sour expression, "At least we have each other."
Emmett sauntered over and from Edward's expression he guessed the topic of conversation "Is my baby brother going to miss his little Belly?" He lifted a finger and chucked Edward under his chin. Edward retaliated with a punch to his arm. "Fuck off Em!"
Emmett laughed, "Gee Edward, Mom would be so proud of you!"
"You taught me all I know, so you should know!" Edward retorted.
Later that evening when everyone had left, Edward and Bella tried to block out the world again by loosing themselves in each other. They bathed together in the huge bath tub in Edward's bed room and made love to each other over and over.
Bella woke once in the middle of the night to feel his kisses raining down on her neck and shoulders as his hands sought out her breasts and her core.
Wednesday morning came all too quickly and seemed to fly by. Edward had a meeting with his agent and asked Bella to stay away while he was there. He didn't want their relationship to get out just yet and he knew how publicists and agents could use people for a little extra publicity.
He didn't want to expose Bella to that part of his life just yet. He knew that the longer they spent time together; it would just be a matter of time before they were photographed and she was identified, but if he could put it off for a while, he would.
Bella spent time in the gym while Edward was busy. She had agreed to work out 5 days per week. Edward had also asked her to join a yoga class and he had made up a simple work out plan for her to follow.
Before she knew it, he was packing the last of his clothes and toiletries and Bella was making a light dinner as Alice and Jasper were joining them and the car would collect him and Edward from the house.
Alice came in and Bella could see the difference in her friend. She was quiet and she looked smaller and frailer. Bella looked at Jasper and he just smiled and gave a small shake of his head and Bella reached over and hugged him. "She always gets like this. She'll bounce back tomorrow." He whispered in her ear as he returned the hug.
Edward came into the kitchen and gave his sister a hug and a kiss on her head. "Jazz man; get your fucking hands off my woman! Isn't one enough for you?"
Jasper and Edward kept the conversation light and full of banter and teasing until they heard the security phone ring. Edward answered it and then turned to the others. "Car's here." He said and ducked his head. He grabbed Bella's hand and pulled her down the hall to the entrance hall. Once there he pulled her into his arms, "I love you so much. I am missing you already and I will call you when we land, okay."
Bella didn't cry. She pulled away and grinned up at him "You better keep your hands off those Hollywood strumpets as Maggie calls them!"
She grabbed hold of his wrist and ran her hand over his leather cuff. She pulled him down and whispered into his ear, "To Infinity, Sparky..."
"See you in two weeks, Love".
Jasper came into the hallway and gave her a quick hug and then they were gone.
Bella ignored the ache in her heart and the lump in her throat and she made a pot of tea and carried it into the den, together with a box of tissues on the tray.
Bella was still shocked to see her friend curled up on the couch with tears pouring down her cheeks as her petite body convulsed with sobs.
She quickly put the tray down and pulled Alice into a hug. "Ali! What's the matter?"
Alice looked at her and wailed, "I WANT J-J-JASPER!!!!"
Bella fought to hide a smile. As always, everything about Alice was dramatic and over the top. Edward wasn't the only actor in the family.
"Come on Ali. Please don't cry like this! Do you want to stay with me tonight? And then tomorrow we can – um – we can go and shop a little. Maybe have lunch down at the Wharf? You can show me around..." Bella mentally shrugged, bribery worked with children and Emmett so why not..?
Alice sniffed loudly and blew her nose; she gave Bella a glare "Really shop? You have to let me dress you tomorrow and you have to keep up with me this time, and not complain about your feet...." Bella smiled and nodded. It was going to be a long two weeks.
The rest of the week was busy as Bella settled into a bit of a routine. When Alice had found out that she was working out, she immediately arranged for her personal trainer to give Bella a fitness assessment and a proper routine to follow. Alice also pitched up at six o'clock for the rest of the week to work out with her.
Kate and Garrett took her and Alice out for dinner on Friday evening and Bella was touched at how they accepted her into their circle. She found herself asking questions that she had felt uncomfortable to ask before. Garrett was kind and compassionate. He was also quick witted and very charming and Bella listened to him with rapt attention as he explained the finer points of BDSM to her. She told Kate about her decision to try anal sex and Kate was encouraging and gave her words of advice.
Each evening she thought of Edward as she took out the plug that she had been using. Although she was in a state of almost constant arousal with it in, she had tried to masturbate, but somehow she just didn't have the heart for it.
Edward was back into preproduction and rehearsals and even though he was tired, they spoke for hours each evening. He had some promotional work that he had to do as well as a couple of photo shoots and Bella fought the wave of jealousy that she felt as he spoke of his love interest in his last movie that he would be appearing with at an awards show the following week.
On Saturday morning Bella sat in the garden and read a new novel from Edwards's vast collection.
Her phone rang and she heard Emmett's booming voice on the other side. "Hey little B! What are you doing?"
"Not much, Em." She smiled at the sound of his voice.
"Well, get ready Sweetheart! I'll be around to pick you up in about twenty minutes. Rose and I are going to swing by and pick you up. We're going into the city and you girls are having a spa day and I'm going to finish working on your truck."
"...but..."
"You better be ready little B, if I have to take you in you itsy bitsy pj's, I will." He gave a laugh after his dark threat.
Her startled gaze looked around the garden and then she looked down at her boy shorts and tank top and even though she was covered by a thick wool blanket she still wondered if he was lurking.
"Belly...? You are down to fifteen minutes!"He gave a bark of laughter and the phone went dead.
"SHIT!" Bella raced upstairs, past a very surprised Maggie and she threw on her underwear, a pair of skinny jeans and a pretty new blouse from Alice's collection. She washed her face and pulled her hair into a French plait. A pair of ballet slippers completed her outfit. She heard the front door open and heard Emmett bounding up the stairs.
She burst out laughing at his disappointed expression as he saw that she was dressed.
"Aaaw Bellllla, you're no fun! I was ready to carry you out of here in your birthday suite."He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"You are such a letch! Honest to god, you Cullen's are all perverted!" She pulled a hoodie down from the closet, "Come on, Emmy, before your wife wonders what you and I are up to in my bedroom!"
He bounded down the stairs pulling her along and Bella managed to call out a warning before she tripped on the middle stair. Emmett's hands shot out and caught her. He shook his head as he lifted her down the rest of the stairs.
"Fuck! Sorry, B! I didn't think about your challenges. Are you okay?" He sat her down on the bottom step and knelt in front of her inspecting her ankles.
She shook her head and groaned, "I'm fine – you just got to remember, you can't pull me along down stairs or up stairs or anywhere for that matter, Okay?"
Maggie came around the corner, "Emmett McCarty Cullen, what did you do?" she was standing with her hands on her hips glaring at him.
Bella couldn't contain the giggle and her giant of a friend seemed to shrink a little in front of the woman who stood barely over 5 feet tall.
"I'm sorry." He gave his best hang dog expression and Bella could see Maggie melting in front of her.
"Well, okay, Honey, Bella knows you didn't mean it. You just need to be more careful." She gave him a hug and Emmett winked at Bella behind her back.
As they left he leaned down to her and whispered, "And that's how it's done!"
Alice gave Bella's outfit the once over as she climbed into the back seat.
"What?"
"Pfff! You'll do, but what the fuck is it with the hoodie? You need some jackets – that's what we can get next!"
"Alice – please. No more shopping! Next week, okay? Please – my feet need a break!"
Rosalie and Alice ignored her and began to speak about the planned spa day. Bella met Emmett's amused expression in the rear view mirror. "Just let it go, little B. You are no match for her." She pulled her tongue out at him as he chuckled to himself.
Even though she missed Edward terribly, she enjoyed the rowdy company and the day passed rapidly.
That night she got a couple of texts from Edward. He was at a function, presenting an award to some young actor. She was glad that Jasper had gone with him, even though he was co presenting with some hot young singer. She walked around and made sure that the house was secure for the evening and made her way upstairs.
Her bag was packed to take back to the apartment. She was leaving quite a few outfits at Edwards house and the clothes that Alice had given to her was already at the apartment, so her bag was very small. She had noticed that her panties had been put into the dresser drawers that Edward had assigned to her. She smiled to herself. She couldn't wait to see him in two weeks time and show off some of the outfits.
She pulled out a t-shirt that she had worn to sleep in for the past few nights. It had smelled of him. She had taken it out of the hamper after he left on Wednesday night. It was an old grey one with the word CULLEN on the back in black. As she climbed into bed she sent him a text saying goodnight and switched the light off and settled down on his side of the bed as she held his pillow.
The next two weeks stretched out endlessly it seemed as she drifted off to sleep.
Emmett delivered her truck to her on Sunday just after lunch time.
He told her that it would cost her a dinner the following weekend. She agreed readily. She was going to miss seeing him and Rosalie.
The girls had made plans to meet in the city for lunch on Wednesday and Bella was looking forward to seeing them.
Emmett lifted her off her feet as he gave her a hug. "You call me if you need anything, you hear, B? Edward will kill me if anything happens to you."
"Oh my god! You are worse than an old woman! I'll be fine Em! And I promise I will call you guys when I get to my apartment." She rolled her eyes and planted a wet kiss on his cheek. "I'll be fine and Ali has a spare set of keys – now go on!"
She waved him off and she went inside to pick up her bag. Maggie had packed bags of provisions for her to take with her. She insisted that the fruit and vegetables would go to waste and she made sure that Bella had some cooked meals to take with her...just in case.
Bella walked over to the coach house apartment to say goodbye. Reggie and Maggie had been wonderful to her in Edwards's absence. She fussed over Bella like a mother hen and Reggie made sure that she was safe in the house.
They hugged her and made her promise to call them as soon as she got home.
Bella wiped a tear off her cheek as she started her truck. It was obvious to her that Emmett had done a damn lot more than just change the oil and sparkplugs! The chief was humming like a tiger on wheels and when Bella pumped her brakes, she almost went through the windscreen!
She also noticed that she had a new cd/radio and the sound was great! She should be really pissed off with them and she was determined to find out the cost and to repay them.
She arrived at her apartment just after four pm and made her way to her front door. The apartment block looked even shabbier as she pulled up, although her truck fitted right in.
She put her clothes away and packed the food into the freezer. She put a pot of coffee on and walked around. It looked so much better now, with all the furniture and the fresh paint. It just didn't feel like home.
Home was where ever Edward was. He had called her that morning very quickly. He was busy and could only talk for a minute. He promised to call her that night. Bella called Rosalie and Maggie to tell them that she was at home and that everything was fine.
She changed into yoga pants and an old sweatshirt and was just about to go into the spare room to do some painting when there was a knock at her door.
She frowned; she didn't know anyone in the city. She walked cautiously to the door and she made sure that the safety lock was on before she cracked it open.
A young woman stood on the other side. She was tall and quite beautiful with flaming red hair.
"Hi! I heard you arrive! I'm your neighbour Vicky." She was smiling at Bella and she held a pot plant in her hand.
"Hi. Hold on I'll open the door." Bella opened the door and the security gate and ushered her guest inside.
"I'm Bella." she smiled and shook Vicky's hand.
"Hi Bella, oh! I love what you've done in here! This is for you." She handed over the plant.
"Thanks. My boyfriend and his family did most of this – well all of it actually. Would you like some coffee?"
Vicky smiled, "That sounds great."
They sat on the loveseat with their mugs, and Bella put a couple of muffins that Maggie had sent with her on a plate.
Vicky had lived in the block for the past two years with her boyfriend Jim. She seemed nice enough and she invited Bella over to their apartment for dinner the following week.
Vicky and Jim had been together for about four years and they both worked in the city. Vicky was a marketing manger for a small paper company. When Vicky asked about Edward, something made Bella deliberately vague. She just explained that her boyfriend "Ed" was away on business a lot and they didn't live together.
Vicky left shortly afterwards and Bella made sure that the door was securely locked after she had gone.
Edward hadn't called by midnight and Bella decided to turn in. She texted him a brief message and climbed into her narrow little bed.
Two hours later she was still wide awake. She tossed and turned and eventually gave up on sleeping. She got her sketch pad and pencils and settled on the couch with a blanket. As her hand flew over the pages she felt herself relaxing. The sounds of the city were strange and she wasn't used to the noise of the traffic and the occasional shouts and barking dogs that could be heard.
She felt herself getting sleepy and settled down on the couch and decided to close her eyes for just a moment. Her last thoughts were of Edward and she wondered if he was sleeping.
"Night Edward..."She murmured as her breathing evened out.
It seemed as if it was only minutes later that her ringing phone woke her up. She jumped off the couch and picked up her phone on the kitchen counter.
"Hey Baby."
She felt tears pricking the backs of her eyes at the velvety voice on the other side of the phone.
"Edward!"
He chuckled, "You sound cheerful."
She snorted, "Don't let my voice fool you! You woke me up and I need to make coffee still! I fell asleep on the couch in the early hours of the morning." She put on a pot of coffee as she was talking to him.
"Why did you sleep on the couch?" she could hear concern in his voice.
"I just need to get used to being in the city. It is so noisy! There are cars and people and dogs and fucking cats screeching at all hours. Don't these people ever sleep?"
His laughter made her smile, in spite of her bad mood. "Oh Baby, you'll adjust. You should live in New York or LA – you'd be an insomniac."
Bella brought her coffee cup to the couch and settled down under the blanket again.
"Enough about me and my grumpy ass. Tell me what you've been up to".
They spent almost an hour on the phone. Bella was in a much better mood by the time they said goodbye.
She faithfully followed her workout routine and then she had a shower and dressed in an old pair of comfortable jeans and a t-shirt. She was going to explore her neighbourhood and for the first time since she had come home from Italy, she felt excited.
A/N: Thank you to everyone for reading this story and leaving reviews. I will try and reply to more of them, I promise.
I will post Emmett and Rosalie's outtake this coming week.