Disclaimer: Not mine…
A/N: Holy Moses! What's this?? Another new chapter?? Thank you for all of your reviews and for reading. :-) I guess I got really inspired to write while watching "Supernatural" last night. Funny story, for some odd reason, before the movie casting came out, I pictured Jared Padalecki as Jasper. Must be the "from Texas" thing. Anyway, Thursday's "Supernatural" was like my Jared/Jasper dreams coming true! LOL, if you watch the show, I think you know what I'm talking about. Moving on...
As I'm sure many of you know by now, FF is being a real biatch and pulling stories that are not adhering to the supposed rules of an "M" rating. If you guys want to try and help stop FF from doing so, go to the following link. They are removing great stories and also violating our amendment rights. Check it out:
http://www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5734048/1/Petition
Songs for this chapter: Here Without You -3 Doors Down, Vanilla Twilight –Owl City, As Long As You Love Me –Backstreet Boys, Make Me Smile –Chicago
Chapter 20
BPOV
May 10th
There were moments on my drive home where I questioned whether or not this was all really happening. Was I going to wake up and find out that this was all just a dream? Everything seemed almost too good to be true. Would I wake up, unemployed and living a half life? Or worse, would I wake up and be back in Phoenix, all my progress gone, and Victoria blaming me for something that I had no control over? I shook my head, the radio switching over to a Kings of Leon song. It automatically made me think of Edward.
Edward Cullen. I sighed audibly. Edward Cullen loves me…ME! Just plain, old Bella Swan. I smiled despite the fact that I was missing him already. I felt like I was being ridiculous since we were rarely apart, but I just wanted to be close to him. For crap's sake I just left his side 15 minutes ago!
Most of my feelings could be traced back to a week ago when for about 5 minutes I thought Tanya Denali was alive. I didn't doubt Edward when he told me that he would love me even if Tanya had been alive. I couldn't doubt him…not when his eyes told me he was telling the truth. At first I didn't know what to think when Irina confessed about stealing the yearbook and selling the photos. I was upset about it…until she started to explain. I understood after that. While any death is tragic, I couldn't even imagine losing a sister and the person I considered to be my best friend. The closest thing I had to a sister was Angela or Alice…and I couldn't imagine being without either one of them. It was the only way Irina knew how to deal with everything that had happened.
I knew that Irina's words were hurtful for Edward to hear, and I was scared of his temper, but the fact that I was able to rein him in spoke volumes about how much he has changed. I wasn't surprised that Irina had been to see Edward. It surprised me however, to hear Irina speak about the way Edward looked at me. Coming from someone I didn't even know, I was stunned to hear that she thought Edward loved me. In the end, how could I not accept her apology? She was sorry about what she had done, and there was nothing we could do about the pictures getting out now, so what was the point?
More than anything, I was proud of the way Edward had conducted himself once the shock of seeing Irina seemed to wear off. He had grown so much since I met him nearly 7 months ago. Though the meeting was impromptu, I felt like it was something that Edward needed. He got to make his peace with the Denali family and they in turn with him. They were a very sweet family and good people. It was impossible not to like them after meeting them.
I sighed as I turned up my street. Whatever it takes. Edward was in this for the long run, and even thought I tried not to focus on what that would entail, I knew that I was in this too. There was going to be stuff that would come up, but I was willing to work through it if it meant I got to be with Edward. We would continue take on our pasts together and heal our souls with each other.
Jake barked loudly as I pulled up to the house. I felt utterly ridiculous driving Edward's Volvo. Last night he insisted that not only would I never take a taxi again, but I wasn't going to drive the truck back into downtown to bring the dogs to my house. I don't know what it is, but Edward has some sort of grudge against my truck. I don't understand why. It's not like it was built in the 50's or anything. I don't question him on it, other than I know he gets a panicky look on his face every time he sees it and every time I mention driving it. I felt more nervous about driving his Volvo! I saw Nessie sit up as I turned the car off. She was such an amazingly well behaved dog!
"We're here guys," I called over my shoulder as I got out of the car. When I opened the door, Jake nearly knocked me over in his quest to get out and immediately ran to the front door. Nessie jumped off and slowly padded after him. Why couldn't he be more like Nessie all the time?
The yellow Porsche was in the driveway as well so I knew that meant the pixie was home. I knew she was going to grill me for details as soon as I got in the door. She was the same way when I had dated Mike. While it was moments like those I wished I lived alone, it was moments like last week when Charlie was still here, that I was thankful the pixie was here and could charm the pants off of anyone.
Flashback
"You have to get up," I giggled, moving side to side, avoiding Edward's arm that was attempting to grab me and pull me back to bed.
"Why?" Edward groaned, burying his head in my pillows. Oh sweet lord, my pillows were going to smell like him!
"Because Mr. Baseball, you have a press conference to give today."
"I don't wanna…"
"Edward…" I groaned. While it was adorable how cute he was acting and how cute he looked at this very moment, I wasn't about to let him screw up part of his career.
"Why don't you come here and give me a kiss? Then I'll get out of bed," Edward smirked as half his face peeking out from the pillow.
"I don't think so!" I laughed, grabbing some clothes from the dresser, "Besides, you call me 'Sleeping Beauty', so that makes me the one that gets woken up and out of bed with a kiss."
"Am I not your Prince Charming?" Edward asked, sitting up, and the look he was giving me told me he was trying his best to get me to give in. I could feel my heart speeding up and my face heating. My body went into overdrive when he looked at me like that.
I took a deep, yet shaky, breath, and smiled, "Nope, you're my Mr. Baseball and I'm not going to be responsible when Jane calls because you're late for your own press conference."
When I scurried from the room I heard Edward mutter that he'd rather be my Prince Charming. I wasn't prepared for anyone else to be around and I screamed when I collided with someone in the hallway. Strong arms wrapped around me and kept me from falling backwards on my ass. I screamed again when I looked up into the face of my savior.
"Jesus Bella! Let's not wake up the entire neighborhood!" My father said, rolling his eyes. I had completely forgotten Charlie was here and just as I was about to speak, things just had to go and get a whole lot worse. My bedroom door flew open and Edward came running out, barely skidding to a stop behind Charlie and I. And of course, he had to have been in the middle of changing and was wearing nothing but his jeans and boxers.
Sweet Jesus is he beautiful! I had imagined what I would find under Edward's clothes, but this surpassed everything my feeble thoughts had made up. He was…perfect. Lean torso, 8 pack abs, that V shape thingy that Ryan Reynolds has…My ogling was cut short when my father pulled me behind him and started shouting
"What the hell are you doing here?"
Me and Edward's eyes both went wide when we realized what this looked like to my father.
"Daddy-"
"Sir, I can-"
Edward and I both started at the same time, but we were silenced by Charlie.
"Save it!" He roared, "You…I…under the same roof…ISABELLA!"
I jumped, when Charlie turned around, his face practically purple. "Explain!"
While the old Bella would've bitten her lip and cowered, hemming and hawing trying to think of something to say, I wasn't that girl anymore, and this was my house not his.
"Dad!" I shouted back, "I am 23 years old!"
I marched past him and back to Edward's side, trying my best to ignore that he still had no shirt on. I linked my fingers with his and I could feel how tense Edward's entire body was.
"I don't care Isabella! You are still my baby girl and-"
"Daddy, I'm not a child anymore!" I felt Edward tense and Charlie was absolutely stunned. I was shocked myself. Did I really just say that? I took a deep breath.
"Daddy…I'll always be your baby girl, but I'm 23 and this is my house."
"You couldn't have waited until I wasn't under the same roof?" Charlie muttered.
Just when I thought I was calming down, he has to go and make a comment like that.
"Daddy! Nothing happened!"
"Then why is he coming out of your bedroom, hair all over the place and half-naked?"
"DAD!" I screamed, feeling every bit of the angry teenager I had missed out on being with Charlie. He was took another deep breath and was about to yell something back, when Alice's tiny body came dancing in between all of us.
"Now now…why doesn't everyone calm down," Alice said, smiling and looking at the three of us. I turned and saw that Jasper was now standing behind me as well, staring on with a slight smile on his face.
"I'll calm down when I get some answers," Charlie muttered.
Alice surprised us all by laughing, "Oh Charlie, isn't it obvious?"
Charlie's eyes shot open, as did mine, and I felt my cheeks instantly pooling with blood. WHY would Alice ever tell my Dad that Edward and I were having sex? I was going to murder her in her sleep…
"Charlie, Edward was too tired after the game to drive home last night. We told him to stay. We don't want anything to happen to him."
I groaned internally. Alice was smiling up at Charlie with that face of hers that got her pretty damn much anything she wanted.
Charlie rolled his eyes, but nodded, "Doesn't explain why he had to sleep in Bella's room and not the couch…"
"Charlie!" Alice cried, appalled, "What kind of host would I be if I let Edward spend the night on our sofa? You were already in the guest room and Edward's shoulders and back need proper support in order to play at the top of his game after a good night's rest."
"Yeah but-"
"Charlie," Jasper said, stepping forward, "Edward barely even made it through the door. Clearly he was exhausted from the game and everything else that happened last night. We all just crashed."
I bit my lip as I glanced at my father as he digested the evidence that was brought forth to him. Edward and I really did just sleep. Well…we might of kissed and whatever, but nothing that warranted the overprotective dad act. Charlie seemed to come to a decision because he scratched his mustache and tilted his head.
"Well…that makes sense I guess. Better safe than sorry."
I exhaled a deep sigh of relief, and I felt Edward's body relax next to me. Crisis averted. Charlie walked past all of us and disappeared into the kitchen with Jasper behind him. Alice was still standing in front of Edward and I, bouncing on her toes. When I finally met her eyes, she was smiling widely at me.
"You love me," She chirped before kissing my cheek and skipping off down the hall to she and Jasper's room, "You two are the cutest things together!"
Huh…so I wouldn't have to kill the pixie in her sleep after all.
End flashback
"Bella!"
Alice's sing song voice carried easily across the front lawn as I gathered my bag from the trunk of the Volvo. She was wearing pink sweatpants and a black long sleeved t-shirt. That was her working from home outfit. I sighed as I walked towards the door. That meant there was no way I was getting out of our talk today. I needed to stay home and get some work done on the project for Esme while Edward was gone.
"Hey Alice," I said, walking into the house. I heard the door close behind me and Alice bounced around past me and into the living room. She bounded onto the couch with enough grace to make a ballerina jealous and sat on her knees.
"I cleaned up the guest room and it's all ready for Jake and Nessie again. And I have your favorite from Sam's…" Alice sang out. She went all the way to Sam's Diner this morning to get me a Wolf Me Down special? She must really want to get details out of me today.
"Um…okay. Thank you Alice. Let me change and I'll be back."
"Okay!" Alice squealed, "We have so much to talk about!"
I rolled my eyes as I walked back into my room. More like I was going to be doing all the talking and she was just going to drill me with questions. Not that I didn't appreciate Alice. I knew she only asked me so many questions because she cared and just wanted to make sure that I was really okay when I said I was.
As I unpacked my bag, Edward's t-shirt that I had kept fell out. It was the shirt he slept in last night. I grabbed a pair of sweats and changed, throwing his shirt on. It fell to the middle of my thighs, but I didn't care about how it fit because it smelled exactly like Edward and wrapped me up in that spicy yet sweet scent that was so distinctly him.
When I walked out into the living room, Alice had moved all of the food out of the kitchen and had it spread out on the table in front of the couch. I smiled thankfully when I saw two plates there. I don't know where she puts it all, but Alice Brandon can eat like there's no tomorrow. Probably burns it off running around at all of the parties she plans. I sat next to her and Alice immediately began filling a plate full of pancakes, bacon, and other delicious breakfast goodies. When both our plates were full and we were eating, Alice began.
"So Bella, how was last night?"
I couldn't help but blush a little bit. Edward and I had made out for who knows how long. It didn't matter to me because I loved every single second of it. Edward had always pulled away when he thought things were getting too heated, and that was usually after just some kisses. It made a very tiny part of me wonder if maybe he didn't want me like that. I needed to feel like he wanted me just as much as I wanted him. It was a new feeling to me, but my body hungered for just the slightest of his touches. He made my body feel like it was on fire, and it was never like that before. I wanted him to touch me and I wanted to know that he wanted that from me too. When he didn't pull away from me I did a mental fist pump as we lay back and he pressed his delicious, long, and lean body against mine. There was no denying that he wanted me. I could feel it against my thigh the entire time.
I pretended to scowl at Alice, "You know, I still haven't forgiven you for spying on Edward and I while we were sleeping."
Alice smacked my shoulder, "Oh shut up! In my defense I knocked to see if you guys wanted breakfast."
I giggled as Alice and I continued to eat. This reminded me of college and when she first started dating Jasper. We would sit in our pajamas, cook a big breakfast (I did most of the cooking), and Alice would tell me all about her previous evening. At the time I wasn't really envious, but after Mike, we stopped our little ritual. I realized that I was a little jealous. Alice had found the one thing we all dream of finding, her soulmate, and she and Jasper have a love that seriously belongs in the movies.
"I missed this," I said softly.
"Me too…" Alice whispered back. Sure she had continued to grill me about Edward, but it was never in the fashion that we used to do. Not like this. I felt comforted by this familiar setting.
"Next time, we'll cook."
"Okay," Alice smiled brightly at me. I got the feeling that she missed this little ritual as well.
"Um…Edward and I made out last night."
I forgot how high pitched and freakishly loud Alice's squeals of excitement could get. I'm surprised the dogs didn't come running or anything. Her plate was placed on the table and she quickly grabbed mine out of my hands, sitting cross legged and facing me.
"How was it?"
"Good…" I blushed brightly.
"Just good?"
"Really good," I smiled.
Alice squealed again and clapped, "And Edward was okay with everything? No more pushing away?"
I sighed, "He did at first…but I…I just told him what I wanted and he agreed."
"I told you if you just talk to him things will work out between the two of you."
"Yeah…" I barely responded, my thoughts taking over.
I heard Alice sigh, "What are you thinking way too hard about?"
When I glanced back at her she cocked an eyebrow at me, daring me to deny getting lost in my thoughts. I blushed a bit. My thoughts had gone down the path of wanting to move along past first base and help Edward out with his daily morning problem. Seriously, did we really need to stop at second base? Wouldn't I be fine with him touching my boobs? Why was that such a big step?
"Hel-lo? Bella?"
"Sorry," I muttered, "just thinking."
"Obviously. What's on your mind?"
I took a deep breath, "I was just thinking about how Edward and I are progressing in our uh…in our physical relationship. He is going by the bases."
Alice burst out laughing and had to cover her mouth with her hand, "He…he…he's using the bases?"
I frowned, "Is there something wrong with that?"
"You don't think it's funny?"
"No…"
Alice wiped at her eyes and calmed her laughter down, "I'm sorry Bella…but come on. It is a little funny. Edward plays baseball for a living and he describes the physical progression of a relationship using the bases? You don't think that's funny?"
I couldn't help but start to laugh with her again. I had never really thought of that before. When we finally calmed our laughter down and wiped the tears from our eyes, we picked our plates back up. After taking a couple of bites, I spoke.
"Alice…how should I progress with him?"
Alice sighed, a small smile playing at her lips, "I'm going to guess you two are somewhere between first and second?"
"Yeah…" I nodded, noticing she was really trying hard not to laugh.
"Well, you guys just have to keep communicating. If you feel ready to move on, tell him."
"Is second base really all that important? I mean-"
"Bella," Alice said seriously, "I'm telling you this because I love you, but you know that you can't rush. I know you love Edward, but after everything that happened in…in the past, just go slow. There's no rush, and I think that's why Edward has been stopping. He doesn't want to push and then get a negative reaction and set you guys back."
"But I want him to touch me."
"Then tell him that Bella," Alice said, smiling kindly at me, "Edward will tell you what he feels, and I'm pretty sure if you tell him you're ready for second base, he won't deny you. I mean come on, you've already seen the man shirtless."
Jesus, she didn't need to remind me about that. The sight of Edward shirtless and standing that way in my hallway was permanently burned behind my eyelids even though I didn't get to stare at him for very long. I just nodded with her.
"OR…" Alice drew out, and I could hear that mischievous tone in her voice, "you could always tease the crap out of him if he won't agree that you're ready. You know, wear cute outfits that are sexy, but not obviously so. It will drive him crazy and he'll want you even more than he already does."
"You think that will work?"
"Oh yeah," Alice giggled, "But talk to him first if you really are ready to move on. Then if all else fails, the Great Alice will help you find clothes to drive him crazy."
"Okay Alice, I'll let you know," I chuckled, biting into a piece of bacon.
Alice always knew how to give me great advice, but also left me with the feeling that things were going to work out whenever we were done talking. It would be a week before I saw Edward again. This was going to be a long week. I placed my plate back on the table, completely stuffed. It was my turn to ask Alice questions.
"So tell me, what's been going on in the world of Alice Brandon?"
Alice laughed as she too placed her plate on the table, but hers was licked completely clean. "Not too much I suppose. Work is work, I'm trying to land a party that Bill Gates is putting on."
"And you and Jasper are doing good?"
Alice rolled her eyes, "I don't know what his deal is lately, but he's been on some sort of cowgirl kick lately. I swear every position we've been having sex in has the word 'cowgirl' in it somew-"
"WHOA! T.M.I. friend!"
"Bella!" Alice cried, "There has never been anything such as 'too much information' between the two of us! You just wait until you and Edward get there and you remember 'cowgirl'!"
I couldn't help but burst out laughing. Alice looked so serious as she sat with her hands on her hips. She was still sitting that way staring at me when my laughter finally subsided.
"I'm sorry Alice…has…has um, that not been…good?"
Alice smirked, "Oh it's good Bella. You would like it."
I blushed like crazy as Alice's face turned serious again. "There really is no such thing as TMI between the two of us Bella…at least I don't want there to be. If you ever have questions or anything, you know you can ask me anything. I won't judge you or Edward for that matter, okay?"
"I know you won't," I said softly, "Thank you Alice."
"You're welcome."
I stood and grabbed our dishes, "So 'cowgirl' huh?"
Alice giggled, "Oh yeah…you'll have to ask Edward about that someday. He'll agree in a heartbeat."
May 13th
"Hey baby…"
"Hi…" I sighed, setting my pencils down on the table, "Did you just get to the hotel?"
"Yeah," I heard Edward sigh heavily, "I'm so tired."
"How's your hand feeling today?"
"Not stiff anymore. Feels like normal," I couldn't ignore the unhappy tone in Edward's voice. They had lost today to Baltimore, 4-3.
"Are you okay?" I asked, hating hearing him sound that way.
"I miss you baby," Edward murmured, "Can you…can we chat on the laptops. I need to see you."
My heart fluttered at his words. He missed me and he needed to see me. It took everything in my to not squeal in excitement and not trip as I ran for my laptop in my room.
"I'll be on in a minute," I said as I waited for my Mac to boot up.
"I can't wait," Edward sighed.
I bit my lip before I asked my next question, "Is something bothering you Edward?"
"No," He sighed, "nothing that I wasn't expecting."
"What?" I asked, clicking open my iChat icon.
"Just the usual. Jane and Alec aren't with me so the press has been hounding more than they were before."
"Can't they do something about it?"
"It doesn't matter…all I need is to see you face."
Just as he said that his chat invitation popped up and I accepted quickly, the window opening up to a disheveled looking Edward sitting on his bed.
"Edward!" I cried, hanging up the phone, since he could hear me on the computer.
"I know, I know…I look awful."
I simply nodded. His hair looked more chaotic than usual and he had a deep bruise under his eye, something I had failed to really notice when I watched the game today.
"Baby!" I gasped, "What happened?"
"There was a…well…let's just say one of the Baltimore players has a sister that I met last year…"
"Oh…" I breathed out, "And…and he punched you?"
"Just once…It was after the game in a hallway. Emmett was nearby so no other punches got thrown. I'd say he got me pretty good though."
"What…what's going to happen to him?" I asked, moving my laptop so I could lie in bed as well.
Edward slowly mimicked my position and lay on his side, looking at the camera. "He got slapped with a fine, suspended for a game. They're trying to keep it quiet, but it'll get out."
"Edward…this…this isn't 'the usual'," I sighed.
"I know baby," Edward murmured, his fingers touching the screen, "I'm sorry…I…I don't think there will be anymore people coming forward or players coming after me."
"It's okay Edward," I bit my lip, "We'll get through this."
"I just miss you baby," He whispered, his finger still touching the screen.
I smiled, "Are you pretending you're touching my face?"
"I am…I wish I was there with you baby. What time is it there?"
"A little after 6:30," I said, glancing at the clock.
"What's the sky look like?"
There were pinks and oranges that were blending with the deep purple and grey clouds in the sky.
"It's beautiful," I sighed, "I wish you were here with me too."
"Six more days my Bella…" Edward murmured.
When I looked back at the screen his head was beginning to drop forward and his eyes were fluttering closed. He looked absolutely exhausted. It made me wonder how well he was sleeping on the road. I wasn't sleeping fantastically without him, but at least there weren't circles under my eyes or anything yet. Edward was starting to develop them, along with the black eye he was now sporting as well. I sighed.
"Sweet dreams Edward."
"Mmmm…love you Bella."
"I love you Edward."
I don't think he heard me, but he had a small smile on his face that told me maybe he did. I couldn't believe another player had punched him in the face. I knew how much Edward had changed and wanted to continue to do so, so there was no way I could hold things against him. We both had pasts we wanted to move on from…I just wish people would let him do so.
I sent a text to Emmett telling him that Edward fell asleep chatting with me and asked him to turn off his computer for him. I stayed connected until I saw Emmett's goofy face pop up on the screen. We chatted briefly since Emmett was tired as well. They were in Tampa now and had three games against them before flying to Oakland to play two games there. I swear, I'll never understand baseball scheduling. I swear the Mariners just played all three of these teams. Maybe Jasper can explain it. I sighed as I lay back and took a deep breath of the shirt I was wearing. Edward's smell had already faded. It was going to be a long 6 days.
May 18th
"The design for the first floor is complete Esme," I said as I looked over my sketches. I had a little less than a month before Esme wanted the entire house complete.
"That sounds great Bella. How are you coming along with the second and the third?"
"Almost done with the second," I said as I pulled the paper with that drawing out.
I was amazed that I was being given the opportunity to just design a house with just minimal specifics for a person I didn't even know. Esme just told me to design it as if I was making my own dream home. 6 bedrooms might have been more than I would've gone with, but it was turning out to be something I liked. The first floor had a large kitchen and dining room area, I hope they like to cook, and the living room could be made into a state of the art entertainment area. The first floor also had a bathroom and office, as well as the laundry room. I felt like I shouldn't be designing my dream house for someone I don't even know, but I wasn't even going to be able to afford to build my own dream home, so at least someone would get to enjoy it.
"That sounds so great Bella," Esme said and I could tell she was smiling, "You'll be done by the 12th?"
"I will be," I answered, seeing that the second only had one more room that needed some details, "I only have a few more details."
"I'm so pleased Bella," Esme paused, "Did Edward tell you we're going to see you Memorial Day week? Carlisle and I will be coming up to Seattle for the week for the games."
"He mentioned it," I said, "I look forward to seeing you guys."
"Us too Bella. I'm going to let you go since it's getting a little late."
"Okay…tell Carlisle I said 'hello' and I'll see you guys soon," I said as I cleaned up my sketches.
"I will Bella. Take care."
"Good night Esme."
"Good night Bella."
I sighed as I started to put things away. Edward's game in Oakland ended around 5pm and he said they weren't coming back until tomorrow morning. I thought that was crazy since they were playing tomorrow night. I was happy they won tonight. Though they dropped one to Baltimore, they won all of the games against Tampa and Oakland. Edward was in a great mood when I talked to him earlier.
Alice and Jasper had to go to a party tonight for the History department and they were going to spend the night at a hotel downtown. Jasper had been working a lot lately so they really deserved the time alone together. I had already fed Jake and Nessie and they were sleeping in the guest room. I realized I had yet to eat something for dinner so I set about looking for something to eat.
I decided on breakfast food since it was easy. It made me chuckle…I really had a habit of eating breakfast for dinner. Or really for any time of the day really. I grabbed the materials for an omelet with ham, cheese, and chives before setting to work. Since our neighbors were quite a distance away, I turned on the iHome we had in the kitchen and started dancing. I felt happy and was in a good mood. Edward was coming home tomorrow and that meant I could get started on my plan to get us started on going for second base. With a mood like this, there was sadly only one music group I could listen to right now, and Edward would die if he heard me. They were the only group I accepted out of the pop craze of the late 90's when we were in high school.
"People say I'm crazy and that I am blind, risking it all in a glance. And how you got me blind is still a mystery," I sang at the top of my lungs, "I can't get you out of my head. Don't care what is written in your history, as long as you're here with me…"
Alice and I had some nights without Jasper where we had danced around belting out Backstreet Boys' songs at the tops of our lungs. I don't know what it was about them that made me like them out of all the clones and bad pop music that came out while I was in high school. Long before Team Rob versus Team Taylor, there was Team BSB versus Team Nsync. I guess maybe I held onto this one thing I enjoyed from my youth because it reminded me of a time before things got bad…when I was just happy. I didn't feel like that again until Edward and I had gotten together. He made me happy.
"I don't care who you are, where you're from, what you did, as long as you love me," I belted out at the top of my lungs, dancing around while I whisked the eggs in a bowl, "Who you are, where you're from, don't care what you did, as long as you love me…"
I continued to dance around as I cooked, singing at the top of my lungs. Nothing could burst my bubble right now. The music went on, going through the Backstreet Boys' greatest hits and finally my omelet was ready and I plated it up turning off the stove. When I realized I wanted some to drink, I turned to go to the refrigerator.
"Is the show over?"
I think I jumped at least two feet in the air and screamed bloody murder. I slumped against the fridge clutching my chest as I willed my heart to start beating like normal again. I blinked my eyes furiously to make sure that he was still there.
"Do you have any extra? You know I hate airport and airline food."
"Edward!" I squealed and before I knew it was I running across the kitchen and launching myself at him.
"Bella," Edward chuckled, catching me easily. My arms and legs wrapped around him instinctively and before he could even blink I had my mouth pressed against his. Edward groaned as his arms tightened around me and his hands began to roam across my back.
My brain was finally catching up to my body, but I didn't care. Okay, maybe this wasn't part of my plan to get to second base...oh screw it! Edward had moved us so that I was pinned between his body and the wall. God I missed him. I just missed him being near, but this…this was amazing. This was something else completely. I felt like he really wanted me, that he had missed me as much as I had missed him.
I moaned when Edward's tongue brushed against my bottom lip and I felt like my body was on fire everywhere. Edward's lips were soft yet needy at the same time, pushing against my own, showing me everything we couldn't say in this moment. My hands tangled themselves into his hair and I felt us moving somewhere, but I couldn't break myself out of this spell to open my eyes and look. My Edward was home, and he was here with me.
I felt us getting lower and I gasped as I fell forward, but Edward kept his grip tight on me. I realized we were on the couch in the living room and moved my legs so I was just kneeling with my legs on the outside of Edward's. Edward pulled me tighter to him as he began to slow his kisses and trail his lips along my neck. I couldn't help but moan as Edward slowed down even more. I pressed myself into his body and I could feel how hard he was beneath me.
"Bella…" Edward whispered against the skin of my neck, "I missed you."
His nose nuzzled the spot behind my ear and my body felt like it was turning into mush. My body felt like a rag doll that Edward had to support completely as he pulled back. I put my hands on his shoulders in an attempt to support myself. When my gaze found Edward's, his brows were furrowed.
"Are you okay Bella?"
"I'm perfect," I breathed out, smiling, "I missed you so much."
I brought one of my hands up to smooth out the creases in Edward's forehead. He still didn't seem convinced that I was okay. I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his softly.
"Bella, baby, I'm sorry…I don't know what-"
"Don't…" I whispered, "There's nothing to be sorry for. I WANTED that."
Edward's eyes went wide, "You…you wanted that?"
I immediately blushed, but remembered Alice's words from days before and I nodded. I spent a lot of time the past few days thinking and knowing that this was what I wanted, that I was ready for this and I wanted Edward to touch me. I finally felt like I was confident enough to talk to Edward about this, about what I wanted from him. I trusted him and I loved him…he would never hurt me and he loved me.
Edward's hands that had been resting on my back slowly came forward and dragged along my forearms until he was covering my hands with his. He smiled as he picked up my right hand and placed a kiss into my palm. My heartbeat spluttered in my chest and then started to race like a hummingbird's wings.
"I love you," Edward whispered, his hands trailing back up over my arms and around my back again, pressing me to his chest. My hands clutched his shoulders as I rubbed my forehead against his neck.
"Can I come home to this after every road trip?" Edward whispered.
"Yes…" I murmured back, finally feeling like my heart was beating like normal again.
"Do you promise?"
I sat back up so I could see his face. Edward actually looked like he was a little unsure of himself, he looked like a nervous little boy. I couldn't help but smile, moving closer so that my lips were barely touching his.
"You tell me where I should be waiting, and I'll be there," I murmured, "With food since I know you hate airport and airplane food."
Edward chuckled, his hands now running through my hair, "That sounds perfect love."
After a few more innocent kisses I reheated my omelet as well as prepared one for Edward. Nessie must've sensed Edward was here because she and Jake came padding out as Edward and I sat down in the living room to eat. They lay on the floor by our feet as Edward and I started eat.
"I thought you said you weren't coming home until tomorrow morning," I said, taking a sip of orange juice.
Edward chuckled, "Bella, I wanted to surprise you. We would never make a trip like that."
I stopped and stared at him, "You lied?"
"Is it so bad that I wanted to surprise you? I'm here with you now."
I couldn't help but pout a little, "But it's not fair! You knew you were going to see me tonight! I thought I wasn't going to see you until the game tomorrow! I look like a mess and you caught me singing at the top of my lungs to the Backstreet Boys in the kitchen!"
"Yes…we will have to discuss your music choice there."
"Don't change the subject," I huffed, sticking my bottom lip out.
Edward smiled and raised his hand to pull my lip from between my teeth. "I would have made it to see you before the game regardless, even if it was just to kiss you once. You look perfect like this, just as you are, and as long as you love me, I can forgive the musical choice."
I couldn't help but grin and lean over, pressing a quick kiss to Edward's lips.
"You're quite the charmer Mr. Cullen."
"I'm your Prince Charming."
I laughed, "Yes…yes you are."
"Not your Mr. Baseball?" Edward asked, raising his brows at me.
"No," I smiled, "you're definitely my Prince Charming."
We ate in a comfortable silence, mostly just enjoying being near each other and with each other again. It made me wonder if I would ever get used to these road trips. There were some long ones in August and September. Even as we ate, some part of us was always touching…our shoulders, thighs, arms, feet…I think we both just felt the need to feel connected and together. Maybe Emmett was right….maybe Edward and I did need to video chat more often. It certainly made the ache in my heart lessen.
When we had finished eating, I curled my feet up under my body and Edward wrapped an arm around me. I snuggled myself into his side and sighed in contentment. I don't think there was another time where I had ever felt this happy. Edward could always make me smile, and right now, that was all that was important to me.
"Bella?" Edward said softly.
"Hm?"
"You realize that you and I almost always eat breakfast foods only right?"
I giggled, "I thought of that earlier."
"Let's go eat something that's not considered a breakfast food."
"Right now?" I asked, sitting up to look at him.
"No, not right now," Edward chuckled, "On the 24th."
"Next week Monday?" I asked, seeing if I had the date correct.
"Uh…yeah," Edward said, shifting his body a bit.
"Are you asking me out on a date Edward Cullen?" I grinned, barely stomping down the Alice-like squeal that threatened to escape from my mouth.
Edward's crooked smile spread across his face, "Are you going to say yes?"
"Are you asking me?"
"I asked you first."
"No, I ask-"
I was silenced by Edward's lips pressing against my own. He broke away and leaned his forehead against my own.
"Yes or no Bella…"
"Yes, Edward," I whispered, "Of course, yes."
"Good."
Edward ending up staying, and since he had his bag from the road with him, he had clothes to wear this time. He showered in my bathroom while I showered in Alice and Jasper's. When I came back into my room, Edward was sitting on my bed in long blue pajama pants and a white t-shirt with a book.
"What are you reading?" I asked, walked towards the bed.
Edward's eyes snapped to mine before they drifted down my body slowly, taking in my attire. It was nothing crazy or anything, and what I would normally wear to bed, but I was wearing the sleep shorts that were actually made for girls, and not a pair of men's boxers. I was wearing a plain black shirt on top and blue shorts. I saw Edward swallow heavily before placing my copy of Romeo and Juliet back on the desk.
"Are you…are you ready for bed?" Edward asked, his voice going all funny. I smiled, knowing this was the most of my legs he had ever seen.
I nodded and climbed into my small bed. I wasn't trying to seduce him or anything, but I figured if this was going to become a regular occurrence, then he better get used to seeing me in my own pajamas. We lay on our sides and snuggled close, wrapping our arms around each other, and our legs rubbing together.
"I think I like it better when you wear my clothes…" Edward whispered, his hand playing with my shirt hem.
"Why?" I giggled.
Edward shrugged, "I don't know what it is, but you look so…sexy in my clothes."
I couldn't help but laugh, "Okay…maybe next time."
Edward yawned, though he tried to hide it.
"Let's go to sleep," I whispered, bringing my hand up to trace the stubble that was on his jaw.
"Mmmm…" Edward hummed, his eyes closing.
"I love you," I murmured, bringing my face close to his.
"I love you Bella…" Edward whispered.
I continued to stroke his jaw until his breathing evened out. My fingers traced his chiseled jaw, soft lips, nose, eyelids…I sighed and snuggled into his arms. My Edward was home with me again…and he asked me out on a real date. I couldn't wait…but knowing Edward, who knows what he had in store.
Well? Yes? No? Ah, things are moving along. :- ) Bella and Edward's relationship is going to be smooth sailing for quite a while. Any guesses as to what Edward's date is going to entail?
#1. Check out the petition to get FF to stop removing stories. If there are other things being done, spread the word. Great stories are being taken down.
#2. Yeah…I have a strange love for the Backstreet Boys. I don't know why, but I love them. Every time I hear one of their songs, I can't help but smile. And if it's a music video or them performing, oh man, I am giggling like a little girl.
#3. I think "Remember Me" might kill me. I LOVE Rob Pattinson when he just looks normal. All the clips that have come out…oh man, kill me now. Is it possible to die of dehydration due to drooling? That man is so sexy when he just…is.
#4. Let me know what you guys think, good or bad, pretty please. And instead of telling me movies you cried in, who are your top 5 celebrity crushes? I'll share mine if you share yours. :-P
P.S. who is catching on to yet another plot hint of mine?? I dropped more hints in this chapter…Happy Valentine's Day weekend :-)