Chapter 25
Christmas With The Cullen's
Friday evening the ringing of her doorbell made Bella almost jump out of her skin, she'd been watching a scary movie. Putting it on pause, she walked over to her front door and opened it wide a smile on her face.
Edward stood on her doorstep, smiling back at her. He looked good, even if his business suit was rumpled, and tired circles appeared under his eyes, eyes that were hungrily drinking in her appearance from head to toe, as they stood in her doorway.
Her impulses went from wanting to hug him, to a desire to jump his bones where he stood. It was madness anyway, as she felt almost naked in front of him. Quivers were attacking her stomach and her breasts were tightening up. She felt her body responding to the magnetic attraction of his.
It was startling to her how not seeing him since Monday, due to him having to go to Texas for a business meeting, could stir up such alarming, desired filled thoughts, thoughts that she knew she should not be having because she didn't just want a sexual fling with him. The crazy thing was she knew he sensed it to, and wasn't the least bit alarmed by it. He was positively reveling in it, and he'd come here at this hour, when she'd been so lonely with out him.
"Edward!" she cried, as she lost the battle and flung her arms around his neck. He in turn wrapped his arms around her and pressed her as close to his body as he could.
"Umm…I missed you, Bella," he muffled against her neck breathing in her scent, and then raised his face up to look at her.
"I missed you too, but why are you here at this hour? You must be tired?" she asked him.
His arms closed tighter around her, "You're right, I am tired, but I had to see you," he said his eyes darkening. Slowly his mouth dropped to hers, and a slow heat began to build deep within her. Its warmth spread slowly through her veins, along her skin, and all at once, she was lost.
She moaned softly, and her lips parted to his. Her hands snaked up his shoulders and tangled into his bronzed hair. He whispered something against her mouth and his arms gathered her even closer until the hardness of his body and the curving softness of hers were almost one. His tongue thrust into her mouth, and the heat and taste of him filled her.
"Bella, I missed you so…so much," he groaned.
The reality of the situation spun away, until nothing mattered but the man in her arms and the fire that he had ignited, in both of them. The kiss went on and on, until one of them-Edward had put her from him.
Bella's lashes lifted slowly, and she'd stared at him, her breath catching when she saw the blatant desire on his face and shining in his eyes.
"Love, we have to stop…or I won't be able to," his voice had been slow, almost a drawl, and he'd smiled that easy smile of his as he ran his knuckles along her cheek. "I want you to much."
No one, Bella reflected, knew the art of seduction better than Edward Cullen. She tried desperately to tame her wildly beating heart, and tramp down on the raging desire running through her veins, telling her to throw logic to the wind and take Edward to bed with her right this very second. She realized they were still standing in her open doorway, and took a step back.
"Would you like to come in?" she asked him.
He gave her a smile, nodding his head as he walked past her. As Bella shut the door behind her, it occurred that she might be driving the lonely, missing him feelings out, but she had let the deeper more forbidden ones rise up, to heat her blood. On the other hand she could manage this situation, but thought about changing out of her skimpy bedclothes, and putting something less concealing on.
"Did you just get back, or have you been in Forks for awhile?"
"I just got here about an hour ago, I was going to drive home…but didn't think I could go another day with out seeing you. So I decided to drop by, and let you know that I was back."
"Well, you didn't have to, but now that you're here…did you eat anything?"
She asked him as she made her way into her kitchen. Edward followed close behind her. She was aware of his eyes on her as they walked, sending tingles racing down her spine and gooseflesh to form on the back of her neck.
"No, the flight only served peanuts, so I haven't had a chance to eat." he replied.
"I have some left over meatloaf, and mashed potatoes in the refrigerator, feel free to help yourself," she said shyly.
He laughed, "Thank you."
She sat down at her kitchen table and watched as Edward started to put some of the meatloaf and potatoes onto a plate, then heat it in the microwave. His suit jacket had been removed, and he stood now before her in his white shirt and black trousers that snugly outlined the taut curve of well shaped buttocks, and power packed thighs. Bella shook herself mentally, wrenching her mind off the seductive promise of so much male muscle. As he suddenly seated him self at her table opposite her, and began to eat the food on his plate.
"How is it?" she asked feeling nervous all of a sudden. What was wrong with her? It wasn't as if he'd never tasted her cooking before.
He laughed, "Bella, your cooking is always good."
"You noticed?" now why did that surprise her?
"There isn't much I haven't noticed about you in the past eleven months, you've worked for me." His gaze skimmed over her scant bedclothes.
Bella instantly folded her arms over her breasts but was highly aware that the action didn't hide the tightening of her nipples in response to his slow appraisal. She raised her chin her eyes glaring at him rebelliously.
His eyes teased the flare of hard rebellion in hers, "I guess it's a good thing I'm tired. Or I may not be able to keep up this will of control."
The need for evasive action was acute. "So how did the meeting go?" she asked quickly. Knowing full well what he had in mind, but it wasn't going to happen again, not when all he wanted was an affair.
Edward, smirked took a drink then looked up at her through his lashes, "It was okay, sales for some of the sporting good stores have not been to sound, with the difficulties of the economy. People are just not spending money as much as they used to."
"So what are you going to do?"
"My team and I sat down all week and discussed in great length, and decided to see what happens in another month, Christmas is just around the corner. If sales do not improve by then, we might have to cut payroll."
"You mean that people will be loosing their jobs?"
"Yes," he said with a sigh.
"But, you can't do that! All those people will lose their jobs."
"Don't you think I know that, Bella. Being a CEO of a company can be extremely hard at times, but it comes with the territory. I don't like having to lay off my employees, but sometimes that's what it takes to keep the business from floundering." he said running an agitated hand through his hair, "Besides you're the one always telling me to watch what I am spending, to cut here and there. This is one of our ways of doing so."
Bella looked down at her hands folded on top of the table, "I know, I just hate seeing people lose their jobs."
Edward laid his fork down then reached across the table to touch her hand. "Don't worry, right now we haven't had to do so, but I can't promise anything won't happen in the future," he said softly. He let go of her hand and began to eat again. They sat in compatible silence until Edward finished eating.
After Edward finished eating and cleaned up in the kitchen they moved to the living room, and were now sitting on her sofa.
"Thanks for dinner, Bella. It was very filling." Edward said with a contented sigh patting his stomach.
"Your welcome," she said with a shy smile.
"So what's been happening in your life the last few days I've been out of town?" Edward asked her.
Bella looked away from him, she wasn't sure if she wanted to tell him that Laurent had made an appearance back into her life. She must have given her thoughts away because she felt her chin being tilted up to look at Edward.
"Bella, what's wrong, did something happen?" he asked anxious. The worried look on her face was enough to cause him to be concerned.
She adverted her eyes from his, "It's nothing…really."
"I think it's a little more than that, come on…you can tell me? Was it Lauren? Did she threaten you again?" he asked quickly, not letting her get a word in edgewise.
"No! Nothing like that, it's…Laurent, he called me and said that I had some of his things, and wanted to stop by and get them," she mumbled quickly.
"What?" Edward shouted, stiffening beside her on the sofa. "How the hell does he know where you live? How does he know your number?"
"He ran into Angela, and she gave him my number to get a hold of me. Though I can't believe she did that. Said something about needing closure, or some such nonsense."
Edward ran a hand through his hair, "So you're just going to let him waltz back into your life, after what he did?" Edward asked angrily.
"Well, not my life…but his stuff, then yes," Bella answered. If she didn't know any better she'd have sworn there was a hint of jealousy in the tone of his voice.
"Bella-"
Edward was stopped in mid-sentence when her doorbell rang, she gave Edward a confused look and got up off the sofa to go and answer it.
Bella was shocked to see her ex-fiancé standing on the porch.
"Laurent! What are you doing here?" she asked bewildered. Forgetting in her moment of shock that she'd given him her address.
Laurent stood there and gawked at her, making her extremely conscious of her revealing bedclothes. She was also conscious of the fact that Edward had followed her to the door and now stood beside her, glaring at Laurent.
"What is going on here?" Laurent had the audacity to ask, as if he had a right to do so.
"Pardon?" Edward growled. As both men stood eyeing each other up.
"Since when do you entertain men at night, Bella?" Laurent sneered.
The shock at seeing her ex-fiancé gave way to a fierce wave of resentment. How dare he judge or criticize her! "I asked you a question, Laurent?"
"I told you when I called earlier that I wanted to get my stuff, and to see how you have been holding up over the last two years," he answered her.
He's trying to make me feel guilty for his damn mistakes. She thought.
"But from the looks of it, I don't have to worry. You've become quite comfortable and seem to be holding up just fine," he sneered, his voice annoying Bella.
Edward hissed angrily beside her taking a threatening step toward Laurent, who had enough sense to take a step away from him. Even with Laurent standing in the foyer, he was keeping his distance, obviously put out by Edwards's presence. She stared at Laurent who had over the last two years took on a city dweller appearance, the blue collarless lined shirt and black designer jeans, somehow looked immature, stacked up against the raw masculine power of Edward. For the first time Bella was excited to have Edward in her life. Happy to see that Laurent realized he came off second rate next to Edward Cullen. She took on a beatific smile; take that you jerk, let it be rubbed into his face this time. She thought.
"Mmmh…" the sexy purr from Edward was meant to provoke. "I'd say Bella, is very comfortable. Aren't you sweetheart?"
Needing to prove that she wasn't a broken cast-off, Bella was seized by recklessness. Throwing caution to the wind she sauntered up to Edward, and pressed her body close to his knowing full well it was very provocative.
"Well, I never took you as being a slut, Bella, but as they say it takes one to know one." Laurent said rudely.
"That's right you'd be the one to know all about that now wouldn't you?" Bella asked with a condescending tone. How dare he accuse her of being a slut when he'd been the one sleeping around on her?
Edward shifted beside her and slid his arm around her waist in a possessive hug. "Love, he doesn't have a clue what he's talking about."
"Love!" Laurent scoffed.
"Yes, love as I have thought of her for awhile now," Edward tossed at him. "By the way I should thank you for messing things up with her two years ago, Laurent. It freed Bella up for me to date."
One thing she could say for Edward he was never slow on the uptake. Right at that moment his response to Laurent was refreshing. Laurent's face turned bright red; out of anger or embarrassment she didn't know. But to Bella it was a very satisfying color, much better than the paler of her face when she'd walked in on him about to go to bed with another woman two years ago.
"So why did you want your stuff back, after all these years?" Bella asked him.
"I've actually met somebody…were soon to be married." Laurent answered.
"Oh, so am I to expect her to be peering at you from behind trees and bushes?" she asked looking outside toward the tree that stood in her front yard.
"No she knows I'm here."
"Really, because if I were her, I wouldn't trust you out of my sight," she said silkily. Let him sit on that dig. She thought. She snuggled closer to Edward, placing her cheek on his shoulder, getting a charge from their close proximity.
Laurent looked like he was about to burst a blood vessel. Which served him right, having cheated on her while engaged to be married, then to throw this bombshell of getting married, in her face after two years.
He clenched his jaw and bit out his explanation. "I had gone back to our old apartment to find you no longer lived there, then I accidentally ran into Angela, and she gave me your phone number. I left little things behind…not wanting to make things worse for you at the time."
"Better for whom, Laurent?" she demanded, "The great evader, couldn't wait to leave my life fast enough."
He flushed. "That's something coming from a woman who, got rid of one evader, to only turn around and date the biggest playboy in Washington," he accused, pointing a finger at Edward. "Oh I know who he is, Bella. It's not like his picture hasn't been plastered in every tabloid in the state of Washington."
Bella could feel Edward stiffen beside her, and she shrugged her shoulders, "At least so far he's been forth right in not hiding it from me, unlike you,"
"You shouldn't believe everything you read in the tabloids, Laurent," Edward drawled darkly. "Besides what Bella and I do is none of your business."
"Damn it I tried to be fair to you, through out our relationship," Laurent bellowed.
"Oh, you call sneaking behind my back and sleeping with a number of different women…being fair?" she spat.
"Well do you blame me, you were such a little tease, playing hot one minute then cold the next, I was surprised you even let me make love to you." he said in a malicious tone.
"Bella, a tease?" Edward laughed at him. "She may run hot and cold, but that's what makes her so special. She's one of the most amazing women I know. Any man would be a…fool to let her get away."
Laurent glared furiously at Edward, "You're saying I'm a fool?"
Edward shrugged, "If the shoe fits…"
"That's calling the kettle black."
"At least I can see and respect what I have with Bella, unlike you." Edward fired right back.
Bella cleared her throat, not wanting to let Laurent see that his words stung a little bit. "Laurent, I told you over the phone that your things are in storage. I don't have time right now to take you there to get them. Will have to do this at a later date." she paused, then pointed back toward her door, "If you don't mind leaving now."
"To bad you didn't get what you came for, Laurent," Edward murmured, as he swept Bella into a closer embrace. "But as Bella said, you'll have to wait to get your stuff. I think it's past time for you to leave, would you mind letting yourself out?" He instantly brushed his mouth over her hair, and breathed in her scent. She didn't care though she knew they were playing with fire.
"Bella, you know what the tabloids call him?" Laurent yelled at her. His face was twisted in a triumphant grin. "The millionaire playboy, the great evader."
"And your point is?" Edward asked him darkly. Before his head swooped down to take Bella's mouth in a possessive, kiss to show Laurent who Bella belonged to. He pulled away to look down at her. "I wouldn't mind if Bella wanted to do a little playing herself. As a matter of fact I'd love for her to do so." He growled, placing her hands against his chest.
This scene should have frightened her, yet the call of desire in his eyes was mesmerizing. She could feel that magnetic pull calling to her for more bodily contact. She forgot Laurent was still standing in her doorway; all her concentration was now suddenly centered on one man.
"You'll be sorry you got involved with him, mark my words. You'll be sorry," Laurent jeered, but the words seemed to be coming from a distance, and the slamming of the door was more like an echo in her ears.
"Let me show you how sorry you wont be for getting involved with me," Edward murmured, low and throaty. His fingers were now running through her hair, tilting her head back.
It was to late to pull away, because his mouth once again took possession of hers and she was sucked into the whirlpool of irresistible sensation. The desire to drown in Edward could not be ignored any longer. Conscious thought was swept out of existence and in its place was an insatiable hunger, demanding to be fed, to be appeased.
His tongue tangled with hers in an erotic dance, arousing shivering tingles to spread throughout her body. Her hands flew up and tangled into his thick, bronzed hair. Her breasts fell against the hot, heaving, and muscular wall of his chest. Her fingers raked his shoulders, his back, finding purchase to press closer to him. She squirmed with pleasure as his hands caressed down her back to close over her buttocks and haul her into a sweet contact with his masculinity.
Their clothes formed a frustration barrier, needing to be closer; they tore at them removing them. There bodies hard flesh sliding against soft, mouths meshing, greedy, feeding on each other in a frenzy of wanting, licking, sucking, hands shaping, pulses racing in an urgent scream. He lifted her up, and she could feel the floor tilt beneath her feet. His hands were on her breasts, cupping them as her flesh swelled against his palms. And his body was moving against hers, the hardness of his arousal pulsing against her loins.
His need electrified her. She closed her eyes as he swung her into his arms and carried her up the stairs to her bedroom. She could hear the race of his heart under her ear, it's hammering as wild as hers.
He lowered her to her bed, and then Edward whispered her name as he ran his hand slowly over her naked body, his fingers sending shivers of heat from her throat to her thighs. She caught her breath as the moonlight washed over his naked body. Her eyes moved over his broad shoulders, his chest, following the mat of hair that tapered down to his navel. Her gaze swept lower, he was hard unashamedly aroused, and she felt herself peak at the sight of him.
"Bella," he clasped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. "Tell me you want me?"
A tremor went through her, No! Don't ask me that. She cried to herself. Wanting had nothing to do with the way she felt for him, but it stood as a reminder to her that is all he wanted. So she said instead, "Please."
He knelt down beside her, "I know I want you," he said softly bending to kiss her throat, then her breasts. "You are so perfect," she cried out as he drew her nipple into the heat of his mouth. "Touch me," he whispered.
Her hands trembled as she reached to his broad shoulders. Her fingers skimmed down his muscled arms, to his chest, to his rigid abdomen. Edward caught her hands and brought them to his lips, lightly biting the soft flesh at the base of her thumbs, and then he took her into his arms and kissed her again, each kiss more demanding, more intense, than the last.
Waves of sensation flowed through her. Suddenly something wild and fierce broke free from her and she reached between their damp bodies, her hand curling lightly around his heated flesh, and he cried out her name and rose above her.
"Now," she heard herself whisper "Oh, now, Edward. Please."
She was now blind with desire and need, her body arcing towards his. Edward moaned, and suddenly he was inside her, thrusting, thrusting…
She cried out from the pleasure.
"My, Bella," he said.
She wondered at the catch in his voice, even in there heat of passion. But then he moved, penetrating her, oh soul shockingly deep, the power of him radiating through her, and suddenly there was no time to wonder or think, there was only Edward and his need to posses all of her, and she gave herself up to him, urging him on with wild little cries, exulting in the hot panting of his breath on her, the fingers digging into her flesh, the pound of his heart, and the sheer incredible glory of this mating.
She cried out his name, as she felt herself spin away into the darkness, followed close behind by his shudder of release spilling into hers, his head thrown back in rapture. Then his body sank onto hers, covering it in a final claim. How long she lay there in a euphoric daze, Bella had no idea. At sometime Edward had shifted both of them to lie on their sides, her body spooned against his, one of his arms around her waist. Gradually her eyes began to close and she was lost to the darkness.
The next morning Bella awoke, safe in Edward's strong arms. His breath sighed against the back of her neck. Goosebumps formed on her flesh, as Edward moved a big muscular leg to cover hers, nuzzled the curve of her shoulder and neck with a soft seductive mouth. He slid his hand up from her waist to place it on her breast.
"Good, morning, love," he murmured huskily with sleep filled voice.
"Morning, sorry I woke you…I wanted to take a shower."
"I was already awake, you just looked so peaceful I didn't want to bother you," Edward said softly, caressing her cheek with the back of his hand.
Bella blushed, "Oh."
Edward chuckled softly behind her, "What time is it anyway?" he asked.
Bella glanced at her alarm clock, "It's ten A.M.," she said. Then slowly started to pull away from him, to get up out of bed. Reluctantly he let go of her.
With out looking at him, because she knew if she did she wouldn't be getting out of bed anytime soon, "I'm going to get that shower now," she said quickly and headed for the bathroom.
When she was freshly washed, and standing in her kitchen; In which Edward had decided to take it upon himself to cook her breakfast, and play the charming host. He stood by the stove ready to serve her as soon as she walked into the kitchen.
"I hope you like scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage?" he asked with an irresistible smile.
She nodded then seated herself at her kitchen table, "Yes I do…thank you."
He didn't take a bite of his food right away, wanting her to try everything that he had cooked for them. She had to admit it tasted very good. She respected that he didn't try to press anything but the food on her, giving her a chance to breathe and think about what had just happened between them again, last night.
Nevertheless, there could be no avoiding a discussion on where they went from here. Edward helped her clear the table, and load the dishwasher. That's when she decided they couldn't put off the conversation any longer. Bella turned toward him and with more courage than she felt right then, looked him straight in the eyes.
"Edward, we need to talk."
His eyes closed for a moment then opened to look back at her, "Okay, lets talk." his voice quivered as if he wasn't anticipating a good outcome of what was about to be said.
"When you showed up on my door step last night, it wasn't to just have sex with me…was it?" she asked carefully.
He shook his head, "No, Bella," he answered. His face softened into a warm, breathtaking smile. "I didn't come here with a chance of getting laid. Please give me some credit, I do care about you." his voice was sincere.
Bella felt her heart jump in her breast at Edward's words. Did saying that he cared about her make any difference? Because caring about someone didn't mean they were in love with that person.
"Besides, I think that we wanted what happened between us last night. Please don't think of it as anything other than mutual desire." He continued.
Well mutual desire wasn't going to lead them anywhere good unless you could label love into the equation. They were on the same wavelength with everything else except that it seemed. She knew that the sex between them was good, always was, but deep down she was scared it wouldn't stay that way. Feelings, and emotions didn't last, and lust would sooner or later die out.
Leaving in its wake a void of togetherness, and boredom. Edward's many affairs were enough evidence to prove how quickly it passed. If she indulged in any more physical pleasures with him, then she'd spend every minute of every day not trusting their togetherness. She'd be waiting for him to tire of her and start looking for fresh meat, and how embarrassing and painful would that be. Seeing Laurent in the flesh had reminded her of that outcome if she should choose that path. Then again whom was she kidding? She had already gone down that path and seemed to be getting lost along the way. How did one go about turning off their emotions? She wasn't a machine, but sometimes wished it.
"Bella, tell me what you want?" he said, his hands were on her shoulders, gently turned her to face him.
She took a deep breath, "I already told you this once before…I don't want to lose my job."
He didn't move, just stood there silently and stared down at her, "I said I would not fire you, Bella, and I meant It." he assured her.
"I know what you said, Edward. But you could also make it very difficult for me as well."
""I once said that I don't mix business with pleasure," he paused a moment, then continued on when Bella gave him a skeptical look. "Even though you think differently of me. I do respect you, and I don't want to put you in that situation. Now out side the office, that's a completely different story."
"So, I didn't just assume that you want me?"
"Oh, yes I want you, Bella. I really would be a fool not to want to make love to you whenever I can." he spoke matter-of-factly.
Bella was left in no doubt he meant every word of it. One taste was just not enough for him, he would always want more. Problem was she did to and that scared the hell out of her.
"Why me when you could have any woman you wanted?" She asked shaken.
"Because your just not like them, your special…to me."
"Well how would I know that, every time you turn around you…?"
"Haven't I made it clear to you how special you are to me? How special last night was for me…for both of us?" he asked passionately.
"Please, Edward I don't want to fight with you."
He sighed, "I don't either. Please don't regret what we shared in La Push and last night?" he pleaded softly.
She locked gazes with him, "I'll never regret it, Edward. You're right it was special," she admitted, because it was the truth after all.
"I appreciate you admitting that to me," he said.
"Thank you, Edward."
"It's okay," he assured her, then squeezed her shoulder, and dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. Before stepping away, he glanced at her kitchen clock and realized the time. "I guess I need to get going, I still have things I need to tie up before going back to work on Monday.
Bella could not bring herself to say anything. He turned back to look upon her and then raised his hand to place on her cheek. "I'll see you later," he said.
All she could do was watch as he walked away from her, cursing herself for missing the best opportunity to tell him that she loved him.
………………………………………………………………………………...
Once Bella's door closed behind him, Edward let out a long held in sigh, and tilted his head back to look up at the winter sky.
"Way to go, Edward," he said out loud.
Once again he had blown the perfect opportunity to confess his everlasting love to Bella, he just stood there not able to get the words past the lump in his throat. What the hell was he so afraid of? It was always the same answer, rejection. For Bella was the first woman to ever play hard to get. He had never had to work so hard for something he wanted before. Even in business things just fell willing into his lap. Yeah, he had worked hard to keep the family business after his grandfather passed away, even had to stop playing sports, but this was completely on a different scale. If he'd not been successful and lost the family business, he would not have been as torn up about it as he would if he lost Bella. He was unsure what to do, how to go about trying to win her affections. He just hoped making love with Bella last night, hadn't caused her to panic once again and go running for the hills. Lord knows he did not want her to think he was just using her for sex.
He was starting to become desperate, Bella was everything to him, and he could not take the chance of loosing her. So if that meant trying to keep her in his life by having mutual desire, than that is what he'd offer her. He started walking toward his car, his hand digging into his pocket for his keys. He laughed bitterly, at his last thought. Because Bella had made it abundantly clear that she wanted more than just a fling or affair as she called it.
No she wanted a relationship, a commitment…. He stopped all movement, the key resting in the lock on his car door. Was he even ready for a commitment? Could he let himself think of marriage? Because marriage to him wasn't worth the cost of the paper it was written on. After watching his mother and father go through so many divorces he had come to the conclusion that it just wasn't for him. To be legally bonded to someone professing undying love to each other to only realize their mistake after a few years and file for a divorce. No thank you, he could do without the hassle, better to just keep it low key and not personal.
He opened his door and seated himself inside his Volvo. But there again was the pun, could he take a chance in not offering Bella anything other than an affair? Would she eventually cave in and agree to his conditions? What if she finally told him to fuck off? Would he be able to live without her in his life, knowing if he'd proposed marriage she might not leave him in the end? Yes he was madly in love with her, but was it enough? He shook his head as he stared out the windshield of his car. An affair he could handle…but marriage, that was something he would have to think long and hard about… were his last thoughts as he pulled out of Bella's drive way and onto the street
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When Bella reached her office Monday morning, Edward was already seated at his desk and on the phone. She smiled and waved at him through his open door and went to her desk.
Reviewing the things she had left from last Friday, Bella kept a watchful eye on the phone. She wanted to be ready for their routine morning planning meetings; hopefully he'd be getting off the phone soon to do so. As the minutes ticked by and he still remained on the phone, she wondered if the call was connected with the Texas sporting goods stores that were slowly loosing sales. If so she hoped that Edward wouldn't have to lay off anyone anytime soon, especially so close to Christmas. She was so deep in thought that she hadn't noticed Edward standing in the doorway to his office, staring at her with a lopsided grin on his face.
"Bella, my Texas branch, Sporting Goods stores called. I'm going to need you to schedule another conference meeting for Wednesday. Please…call them to make sure they're available. Then I need you to book me a flight tomorrow afternoon to Austin-Texas-return scheduled for Sunday. Please cancel anything I have scheduled starting tomorrow through the rest of the week."
"So I take it that you didn't get any good news?" she asked.
He nodded, "You heard my conversation?"
Bella shook her head, "No…just a lucky guess."
"Since I'll be in Austin, I'll need you to make reservations at the normal hotel I stay at, and a car to drive." he turned to go back into his office and called over his shoulder. "Bella, be ready to run over a list of things with me after lunch. Sorry that we are unable to right now…but as you can see I'm boggled down," with that he was gone and back on the phone before she could even blink.
Bella made the necessary calls, and watched, as Edward remained incredibly busy. Faxes piled up in Jessica's office where she in turn dropped each one off to her as soon as she got them. Being that she already new that Edward was on the phone with the Texas stores, she decided to take an early lunch in hopes to return so they could get their briefing over with. Knowing since he'd be out of the office till Friday, he'd want to go over things.
By eleven thirty she returned to the office to find that Edward was finally off the phone, and at a place in his hectic morning where they could sit down and proceed with their meeting. Bella walked over to her desk and put her purse away, grabbed her notebook and pens, then picked up the takeout food she'd purchased for Edward. Knowing that he would not have taken a break as of yet. She walked over to the connecting door to their offices to see that it was open. She knocked loudly on the door and stepped inside.
"Afternoon, Edward," she said, smiling at him.
Edward didn't look up from his laptop as she entered his office; he seemed to be intent on what ever he was reading on the computer screen. Though he raised his arm to motion her forward. When Bella stood at Edward's side, he leaned back in his chair, and propped his feet up on his desk.
Bella gave him a smirk then placed his carryout container down on the desk in front of him. He cocked an eyebrow at her, "Afternoon, Bella." he said, and then glanced back down at the container that was in front of him.
"I-I thought that you'd be hungry. So I brought you something to eat, because I know how you are." she said a little shyly. "I hope you like it."
Edward chuckled, "Thank you, Bella. I'm famished. It's funny how you know me so well," as he removed his feet from his desk and leaned forward to start digging in.
She blushed, "Your welcome," she replied as she seated herself in one of the chairs in front of his desk and watched him while he ate. "So where do you want to begin?" she asked him, notepad in hand, pen poised ready to take notes.
"Well from the long list I already gave you for today, I will need to have you schedule a meeting with Black and sons C.O. to confirm how they are fairing since we became partial owners. Also I need you to pull the files for the Call's company," he paused and gave her a rueful smirk. "There is some background research needing to be looked into. Also I need you to get a hold of, Aro Volturi, in Tampa and let him know I am planning to visit after Christmas.
She suddenly was less aware of Edward's voice, as he droned on…she was struck with a sudden thought.
Christmas
Christmas was barely two weeks away and she had nothing and no one to share it with her this year. Her mother and step dad Phil were visiting his side of the family this year and they lived out of state. Her brother and his fiancée were planning a trip to Ireland for vacation. And her father Charlie was spending the Holiday with his new girlfriend Sue Clearwater. So she was alone this year, a small depressed smile crossed her face, as she continued to stare into oblivion. Completely unaware that Edward was frowning at her lack of attention. She was to deep in thought.
"Bella, have I lost you?" he asked.
She immediately snapped out of her daydreaming, to see he was observing her intently.
"Oh, no-no, I was…err, just lost in thought for a moment. It's nothing, really…" she trailed off not knowing what else to say.
He gave her a curious look, "What's wrong? It seems ever since I mentioned Christmas I lost you." He remarked tersely.
"Sorry…I was just thinking that…I mean I've been a bit scattered-brained, you know," she said lamely.
"No I don't know," he said eyebrow raised, "Bella, what is it about Christmas that has you down?" picking up on her hidden meaning.
Bella shrugged her shoulders, "I have nothing to do," she muttered, slightly embarrassed to admit that to him. God her life probably seemed so pathetic compared to his. She thought.
"Do you not have any plans made to be with your family?" he asked.
She could feel her cheeks grow hot, as she stared down at her notebook on her lap, "No," she whispered. "My family all will be visiting or out of state this year so it's just me. At least I don't have to worry about gifts."
"So what your saying is that you'll be spending Christmas alone this year?"
Bella could only nod.
"Why didn't you say something, love. I will not let that happen, everyone needs to be with someone on Christmas," he said gruffly.
She raised her head up to look at him, "What do you mean?" she asked him confused.
"My sister, Alice called me to let me know our father and step mom will be having Christmas at their home this year. They wanted the family to come, and for us all to bring a guest … that is if we wanted to. I thought since…you've got nothing planned how about going home with me for Christmas?" he asked hesitantly.
"I…don't know, are you sure?" she stuttered. Suddenly feeling bewildered. To go home with Edward and meet his whole family…wasn't something she wasn't too sure she was ready for.
"Oh, come on, Bella. I guarantee you'll have a lot of fun. And you don't have to worry about gifts, I've already got that covered." he pleaded with her, and then pouted that adorable pout of his; she could never refuse him anything when aimed at her. The man was too irresistible for his own good, and knew it.
Before she even realized what she was doing the word slipped out of her mouth, "Okay."
A huge excited smile lit up his handsome face, "That's great! My step mom Esme and Alice will be so pleased," he said.
Bella gave him a nervous smile, wondering what she was getting herself into? Why did she keep letting herself get more and more involved with him? Knowing full well the answer to that question, because you love him. She just hoped the rest of his family loved her. She laughed nervously, never thinking when she took this job that one-day she'd be spending her Christmas with one of the richest most powerful families in Forks, Washington.
Wow Christmas with the Cullen's
As soon as Edward and Bella entered through the door of the Cullen house it was to be met by the warm, homey, happy chaos that was the Cullen family.
"Bella!" came an excited squeal from her left as Alice immediately nudged her brother out of the way and proceeded to grab a hold of Bella and pull her into a bone-crushing embrace. "I'm so glad to see you again. I was very happy when Edward told me he was going to bring you with him, it gives me a chance to get to know you better," Alice gushed. Not giving Bella a chance to say a word she grabbed her hand and led her away to make introductions with the rest of the family.
Edward was left standing in the foyer holding onto their coats, and the many packages in his arms, laughing at Bella's tortured expression, and silent plea for help.
"Alice, don't scare her so soon," Edward teased at there retreating backs. He was happy to see that Alice at least accepted Bella into his life so far. He just hoped the rest of the family felt the same way. He thought to himself.
"Oh, don't worry brother dear, I won't scare her that bad," Alice called over her shoulder in a teasing voice.
In the hallway they were met by Carlisle Cullen, "Bella, this is my father, Carlisle whom you already know," Alice introduced her.
"Why hello, Miss Swan," Carlisle said in greeting a smile on his face as he held out his hand, "Nice to see you again."
Bella grinned back at him, "It's nice to see you too, Mr. Cullen."
Alice pulled her along not giving her any more time to get into conversation. She was swept into the adjoining kitchen where three women were gathered around the kitchen table with all kinds of food spread out.
"Esme, Kate, Irina, here she is," Alice called out excitement in her voice as she bounced with excitement beside her. "Bella, this is my stepmother Esme, and step sisters Kate and Irina." Alice introduced.
"Hello-hello," Bella managed to stutter out before Esme interrupted her.
"Bella, how very nice it is to finally meet you," she said, triumphant delight sounding in her voice. She was a very beautiful brunette, with sparkling hazel eyes. "I can't begin to tell you how excited we are that Edward brought you home for a visit," she gushed. "He usually never brings his lady friends home with him."
"I beg your pardon?" Bella said bewildered. Had she just heard her correctly? Was she the first woman Edward ever brought home to meet the family? If so then what did this mean for her? Maybe he did care about her…But how much…?
"I must say this will be fun to torment Edward about you." Esme teased her.
Bella felt her cheeks grow hot from embarrassment. She really didn't want to be the center of attention tonight, but it looked like there was going to be no getting around it.
Kate stepped forward laughing, "Oh, don't worry to much, Bella. We won't embarrass you. It's Edward were after, we don't often get the chance do to the fact it's not often he brings around a girl of his."
"But-but, I'm…just his executive assistant." Bella muttered.
"I wouldn't just say you're his executive assistant…you're the one and only female that Edward has taken more than a passing fancy for. Also you're the only constant woman he keeps in his life. So that makes you…special in my book." Alice said beside her. She had a knowing gleam in her eye as if she knew something that Bella didn't. As a matter of fact all four women were giving her that look.
"I agree with Alice, he cared enough about you to want you to spend Christmas with us," Irina put in.
"Which, my dears, proves that our Eddie actually has feelings to care. We were beginning to doubt he was able to settle on just one woman, and here you are." Esme said, pulling Bella into a tight hug.
"I wouldn't say that he actually cares, like that…we just share a lot of time together," Bella tried to explain, as she tried to hide the flutter of hope in her heart. Could it be true? Did Edward feel more than just need and want for her?
"Oh, I'd say my step son cares, because he would not have trusted you to meet us otherwise," Esme said decisively.
"Speaking of family I'm going to finish introducing her to the rest of us, before Edward grows impatient and takes her away," Alice laughed and was joined by the others in the kitchen.
Bella found herself once again dragged behind Alice into a big spacious living room, Alice steered her over to where an elderly woman sat on a rocking chair next to a blazing, fireplace. "Grandma, this is, Bella."
The older woman looked up at Bella with narrowed eyes, but still had a friendly smile on her wrinkled face. "So…you're Edward's, Bella?" She chided her.
Bella nodded.
Edward's grandmother was still a striking woman, with a lovely mass of white, wavy hair, but her green eyes so much like Edward's were more detached than openly welcoming.
At that precise moment, Edward took it upon himself to appear at Bella's side. He gently wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into the crock of his arm. Bella suddenly felt very aware they were being given a keen scrutiny by Edward's grandmother. It was silly to feel self-conscious, but she couldn't help it. She wondered if the old woman saw her as one of his many gold digging sluts out to trap him.
"Edward dear, it's so nice of you to bring one of your lady friends here," His grandmother said, coldly, with a slight emphasis on lady.
Bella stiffened under Edward's arm, she was right…his grandmother thought she was one of them, and she felt a flush of mortification spread through out her cheeks. What she wasn't expecting was Edward's reaction beside her.
"Grandma, do you think you could tame it down just for one day? Bella is and never will be one of my lady friends. Please try to reframe from judging her," he demanded, trying to hold his temper in check. He was not happy with her for being so coy.
Bella decided to interrupt the awkward moment by saying, "Thank you for including me in your family Christmas, Mrs. Cullen," she murmured softly.
They were all spared any more embarrassment when Carlisle and Emmett came into the room baring gifts. "All right everyone it's time to open the gifts," Emmett boomed, before plopping himself down on one of the two sofas in the room.
Edward took Bella's hand and guided her over to the vacant sofa and motioned for her to sit down, beside him. When she looked around it was to see everyone smiling at the two of them, all except his grandmother.
"Sorry about my grandmother…she takes awhile to warm up to strangers, She tends to be a little over protective." Edward tried to apologize for his grandmother's cold behavior. Though his smile was aimed exclusively toward her, causing small tingles to run through out her body.
"There's no need to apologize, Edward. I understand where she is coming from," Bella said.
"No! It wasn't right for her to blatantly judge you like that, especially not knowing you like I do," he said. "Don't worry I wont leave your side the rest of the evening," he said this leaning down and whispering it into her ear, causing goose bumps to form on her neck and arms.
"Hey, you two get a room!" Emmett yelled from the other sofa.
Bella jumped, and sat up straighter on the sofa beside Edward, who was shaking with laughter, as he bent down and gave her a quick peck on her flushed cheek. Edward got a teasing gleam in his eye as he commented, "I'm sure we can." he said giving Bella a quick wink.
"Edward! That was not something you needed to say in front of your family," Bella gasped out, and buried her face in her hands in mortification, as laughter filled the room, she couldn't believe Edward just said that. Just admitted that the two of them were on an intimate level. That was not a good impression to make when meeting ones family for the first time. But then she realized that one comment, led to good-natured and lively exchanges of opinions accompanied by amusing teasing.
"See," Alice replied from the other sofa beside Emmett, amusement flashed across her face.
"See what," Bella asked perplexed, thinking she was going to die of embarrassment before this night was over.
"Why how you seem to be able to control so much of Edward's conversation, when he talks about you."
"Alice," Edward whined in a slight warning tone.
"I do?" Bella was dumbfounded.
"Yes, we have all held you in high regard. Not just anyone can do that you know?" Alice said.
"It's about time Eddie, found a woman who can make him toe the line," Emmett boomed teasingly. "All that arrogance, and male ego of his needed brought down a peg or two," he ducked when a ball of wadded up wrapping paper was aimed at his head, launched across the room by Edward.
Bella flushed, suddenly self-conscious again of how his family perceived her. "I hope you don't see me as being…boorish?"
"Not at all Bella, its actually refreshing to see our brother so…whipped," Alice teased lightly. Her laughter was bubbling over with some kind of wicked pleasure, as she watched Edward's face fill with hot color. "Serves you right…brother, I just love to see you so uncomfortable."
Bella mentally shook herself; she wasn't sure what Alice meant by her last comment. Edward whipped? No she didn't think so, not when he had all those women around. Then something Edward said earlier in the week jogged her memory.
"We're on a successful road now, Alice. I've got Bella Swan right where I want her. Well, not precisely where I want her, but I am close…"
The insinuating words suddenly took on a whole new meaning for her, as she glanced over at Edward and was held in his seductive gaze. Could it possibly be true? Did Edward actually feel something for her? Bella rolled her eyes at the totally outlandish thought. Alice obviously enjoyed teasing as much as he did. She realized it wasn't to be taken seriously. But it still made her wonder if Alice and Edward were up to something.
"Alice, I'm not whipped," Edward replied irritated from beside Bella. "Bella just isn't afraid to speak her mind is all," he tried to explain.
Alice broke into laughter. "See! This is great…having Bella around is priceless. I'm so glad you agreed to come with Edward for the Holiday. And Edward, I'm not the only one to notice," Alice mocked him.
"Yeah, hard not to!" Emmett put his two-sense in. "To used to getting his own way, bout time someone set you straight. You always have had people in business, especially women gravitate toward you way to easily."
"But Edward does work hard, and takes time to research every project before jumping head first into it," Bella tried to defend him a little.
"Oh I wasn't questioning his professionalism," Emmett said his mouth twitched sardonically. "But as we all know some things do tend to fall in his lap."
"God, will you all stop already," Edward groaned out in embarrassment. Not wanting Emmett to go in that direction of conversation.
"Oh, Edward come on, you have to admit it's been fun teasing you about this," Emmett joked.
"Right, fun," Edward scoffed. Folding his arms across his chest and pouting. Followed by everyone's laughter at his distress.
Fun…Bella thought. Edward's family seem addicted to fun. And as the next hour wore on, Edward didn't allow her to simply be an observer. Neither did his siblings nor their parents. They made sure to include her in the opening of gifts. She felt bad because she didn't have any to give them.
Catching her small frown, Edward leaned down and whispered in her ear, "See, love I told you not to worry about gifts. I had it taken care of, I made sure some of the gifts I brought with us included your name on them," he consoled her, trying to make her feel at ease.
Bella gave him a halfhearted smile, and seeing this he gave her one as well.
She turned back to look upon his family as they all opened gifts, yes they liked to have fun. Even his grandmother who'd been cold at first finally warmed up to her. It seemed like everyone was trying to draw her into being one of them, a part of the family. She couldn't remember when she'd had so much fun. Occasionally Edward's father thinking it was getting to calm in the room, would decide to stir everyone up with provocative remarks, then sit back, his green eyes twinkling like Edward's as comments bounced around the room. It reminded her how her grandfather used to do the same thing when he was alive. That was a much happier time in her life…
Yes this was a family that was not dysfunctional, that new how to have fun, and loved each other very much. Bella found herself wishing that maybe some day she could belong to this family, to belong to a loving circle.
Not to say that her own family wasn't great, it was just that everyone was so spread out. The closeness she and Edward shared was heightened in the company of his family. There were times when their eyes met, and she felt for that moment that he felt the same for her as she did him. That the understanding between them was so intimate she was sure she could confess that she loved him.
Yes she sighed in a perfect world that would be nice, but her life was far from perfect. She thought as she watched the Cullen's laughing, and carrying on around her…