Many thanks for all the reviews that pushed this story over the 1000 mark! Ridiculously excited about that - THANK YOU ALL! My appreciation also goes to Lolo84 and Capricorn75 xoxoxo This next chapter you get introduced to Tanya. Read on...
Chapter 25
Damn, Bella and her antics made me late for my meeting. Do I sound concerned? Because I'm not. It was totally worth it even if it left me with hair that looked liked I'd just been fucked. Oh wait, I had.
I pulled into the parking lot where our meeting was being held. With E.A. Masen being so secretive, Rosalie rented out a private room of a local restaurant for each of our contract signing. She met me outside with a wagging of her finger and a grin on her face. She knew exactly why I was late.
"Nice of you to join us, Mr. Cullen." She reached up and tried to fix my hair, a futile attempt. I half expected her to lick her fingers, then try and use the spit to coerce it into place but thank God, she didn't. Instead, she rolled her eyes at my locks.
"Yeah, sorry about being late. I—"
"I don't need the details. You can write out it for your next novel like you always do." She gave me an exaggerated wink. "Before we go in, there's something I need to talk to you about." Rosalie's smile was getting bigger by the second.
"Okay? What's up? You look like you're about to burst."
"I might. Okay, does the name Tanya Denali ring any bells for you?" She looked at me expectantly – apparently it was a name that I was supposed to recognize.
"No…why?"
"Tanya Denali is a big shot Hollywood producer. She's produced countless movies including 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks."
"I know Nick, he's a great guy." I liked to think our writing styles were similar except my characters got down and dirty.
"Anyways, Ms Denali's people and I have been in talks since yesterday, and late last night she called me personally. Edward, she wants to meet you. I don't know for certain but I'm guessing she wants to turn one of your books into a movie."
"Shut up!" I was at a loss for intelligent words.
"Imagine Quinn on the big screen." Rose fanned herself and I chuckled. "Tanya's hoping to meet with you today after we finish up with the paperwork for the new novel. She's only in town for a few hours before she heads back to L.A. Do you think you can fit her in?"
"Gee, Rosalie. Someone wants to make one of my books into a movie—"
"Not just someone, Edward. Tanya Fucking Denali."
"Still doesn't mean a lot to me but I'll certainly make the time to meet with her."
Rosalie was bouncing on the balls of her feet, clearly excited.
"This could be huge for you, Edward, huge!"
I smirked to myself and wanted to insert another 'that's what she said' comment but didn't. Pretty sure Rose know what my goofy smirk was about because she shook her head at me.
"For us, Rose, huge for us. You were the one who took a chance on me all those years ago. If it wasn't for you, I'd probably still be working at the sporting goods store."
"Well, remember little old me when you're rich and famous." Rose hugged me before she sent off a text to Tanya Denali, or her people, I didn't know which. An immediate reply came back – confirmation that we would be meeting her in two hours. I was pretty sure Rosalie might spontaneously combust from excitement before then.
I held the door open for Rose and she took my arm as we walked to the private dining room. My lawyer, another agent from Eclipse, and their lawyer all stood up as I entered the room, making me feel far more important than I really was.
The contract signing for the book, including each of them signing confidentiality agreements, took all of twenty minutes – sign here, here, here and here – and with my check in hand, it was a done deal, thank you very much. We had breakfast together and then, after firm handshakes, the three gentlemen left. Rosalie and I had time alone before the apparently-famous-but-I'd-never-heard-of-her Tanya Denali was due to arrive.
Rosalie and I chatted, mostly about how she was doing. No need to talk about me because I was doing great. I had a big, fat check sitting in my back pocket and a Hollywood producer wanting to make one of my books into a movie.
Rose admitted Ethan was still a big crier - a momma's boy like Emmett, she joked – but now that she was at work again full-time, the nanny dealt with the brunt of it.
"So, you're not feeling too overwhelmed?"
She gave me a genuine smile. "I'm fine, Edward. Really I am. You're very sweet to be as concerned as you are."
I shrugged. "I worry about my friends."
"Thank you. I really am okay. Now, let's talk about where you're taking me for our dinner tomorrow night." We had a standing tradition that after every book deal I took her and Emmett out for a celebratory meal. Fucking Emmett always ordered the most expensive item and bottle of wine to go with.
"What am I going to owe you if this movie deal happens?"
"Don't you worry, I'll think of something."
I half expected that she would pawn Ethan off on me.
"I heard the kids got you good for April Fool's day." Rose snorted out a laugh.
"The little shits got me good, alright. Then, after we sent them on their way, Bella and I realized we never actually got confirmation from Jacob on whether or not Rachel was actually pregnant. We called him back down and he told me it was all made up. See, Rach called that morning and told me she needed to talk to Jake about something very important. Turns out she wanted her LMFAO CD back." I rolled my eyes at how Rachel made it sound soooo important that she talk to Jacob. Ridiculous.
"Come on, Edward. To a kid, that is very important. What if someone had your Bon Jovi'Slippery When Wet' tape, back in the day?"
I shrugged; Rose grinned.
"Let me put this in terms you will understand. What if someone had you Tiffany album, hmmm?"
"That's different. You can't compared LMFAO to Tiffany." She wasn't serious?
"You know what? I don't have time to make fun of your very poor choice in music right now. Tanya will be here in a few minutes. I'm going to fix my make up - I have to look good for Ms. Hollywood. I'll be right back."
After Rosalie stepped out, I called Bella to let her know I was delayed. I didn't relay why in case nothing became of the meeting.
"I wish you were home. All three kids are out and about. It's a shame to waste an empty house." Her voice was low and raspy, almost pouty. Although she hadn't said anything inappropriate, her voice was bordering on indecent and I'm pretty sure I groaned into the receiver.
"What would we be doing if I was home?"
"Fucking."
Damn it, I loved when Bella cursed. She didn't do it often but when she did it was H.O.T.
I cleared my throat. "Oh really?"
"Uh huh. In my head, you've already gone down on me, your mouth and your fingers making me come hard and fast."
"You know I love feeling you come and watching your beautiful face as you do. What else?" I stood up and started pacing around the room as I waited to hear what other naughty things she had to say.
"I go down on you next. I take you into my mouth, my tongue swirling your head, and up and down your thick shaft. My hands are gripped around you tight, moving in tandem with my mouth."
Shit.
"I'm getting all wet thinking about it."
"Yeah, well I'm hard just listening to you, baby. I have half a mind to blow this popsicle stand, come home to you, and have you make good on your words."
"Oh, I will. Think we can do it backwards? We haven't done that in while."
Bella's ass up in the air? Fuck to the hell yes. My dick and I were already looking forward to it.
"Absolutely. You know it's one of my favorite positions. I love pounding into you that way. I get so deep—"
"Ahem!"
The 'ahem' wasn't from Bella and it sure as hell didn't sound like Rosalie either.
Slowly I turned around and came face to face with a women who looked as though she had stepped off the cover of People magazine's 50 most beautiful. She was flawless. From her poker straight, not a strand out of place, reddish-blond hair, to her porcelain skin, to the tailor made outfit. Her black business suit, with a white button up blouse, was paired with six-inch stilettos that made us almost the same height. There was a hint of a smirk on her face but her eyes – a striking color that was a mix of amber ale and caramel – were sparkling with amusement.
"Baby, I've gotta go. They're ready for me." I clicked off my phone and laughed nervously, trying to stand so that my semi-boner wasn't totally obvious.
"You're certainly ready for something."
Behind my blushing cheeks, I smiled back as I held my phone up.
"My wife," I explained sheepishly.
"I see."
"I'm, uh, Edward Cullen." I held my hand out to her and she took it, grasping it tightly. I had no idea what the proper etiquette was – should I kiss one or both cheeks? Her hand? Bow before her? I opted for a quick kiss on her left cheek.
"Tanya Denali."
Of course she was. And I was shaking her hand while sporting a semi. Brilliant.
"May I assume you're also E.A. Masen?"
"The one and only." The one and only jackass who shakes her hand with a boner.
"Well, this is a nice surprise." Her eyes roamed up and down my body in a way that made me feel like a piece of meat. I shifted uncomfortably and cocked her an eyebrow.
"What's a nice surprise?"
"In my experience, usually when someone uses a pen name, they're hiding six hundred pounds, rotten teeth, or are totally unattractive. You're far from unattractive." Her tongue poked out as she licked her lips. I prayed to the powers that be that Rosalie returned quickly before I was man-handled.
I laughed nervously and drew my hands through my hair. "Uh, thank you?"
As if hearing my silent prayer for help, Rosalie appeared with a server who brought three ice waters with a slice of lemon on each of the tall glasses. Rose looked at my hair and shook her head at the mess I'd made of it before she introduced herself to our guest.
"Ms. Denali? I'm Rosalie McCarty; we spoke on the phone. It's an honor to meet you."
After they shook hands, Rose suggested we take our seats so we could talk. Rosalie and I sat on one side of the table with Tanya directly across from me.
"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Tanya gave a smile, which revealed gleaming white, perfect teeth.
"Absolutely. Edward and I were more than happy to make time for you."
"Yes, thank you for your interest in one of my stories."
"Actually, my interest is in you specifically, Edward. May call you Edward?" Tanya leaned over the tabletop, folding her hands in front of her. Even her hands were perfect – long fingernails with pristine white tips.
"Yes, that's preferred. No one actually calls me E.A. Masen." Although a few times Bella has used it in the heat of the moment but she didn't need to know that.
"What do you mean your interest is in him specifically? Naturally, we assumed you were interested in one of his stories."
"Oh, I'm interested." There was a look on her face that made me raise an eyebrow. "In the story of E.A. Masen."
I looked at Rosalie. That wasn't what we'd been expecting.
"I don't understand." I waited for an explanation.
"Exactly what I said. I'm interested in getting to know E.A. Masen on a more intimate level, so to speak."
Was Tanya Denali hitting on me?
"I want to know the man who's written all these romantic, erotic books. Where does he pull his ideas from? Is he looking for some new inspiration for his next novel, perhaps?"
When her phone rang, Tanya answered it in front of us, holding her finger up so we wouldn't interrupt her. Holding my phone in my lap, I sent Rosalie a text. Yes, I know she was sitting beside me but I couldn't risk Tanya hearing me if I spoke.
E: Is she hitting on me?
Rosalie's phone instantly vibrated on the tabletop. As she read the text, her lips turned up in a slight smile. Still all business-like, she typed back a quick reply.
R: Has it been so long that you've forgotten?
E: Apparently. Is she?
R: Stop texting me.
E: But is she?
Honestly, I had no idea.
"Are you sexting your wife now?" Tanya wondered with wagging eyebrows.
I blushed and mumbled 'no.'
"I only ask because most people don't look down at their crotch and smile. Although, your crotch may be smile worthy."
Gulp.
"As I was saying, I'd like to get to know E.A. Masen. Maybe come to your home, meet the family."
Yeah, right. Jacob would no doubt jizz in his pants if he met Miss Sex-On-A-Stick.
"I don't think so." I shook my head emphatically.
"Edward isn't totally opposed to it."
"I'm not?"
Rosalie shook her head.
"Ms. Denali—"
She interrupted me."Tanya, please."
"Okay then, Tanya, my alias has been kept under wraps for two decades."
"And I'd like to be the one to unwrap that." One eyebrow quirked up suggestively. "I'm willing to make it worth your while."
I wondered if 'worth your while' was cash or sexual favors.
"Why do you want to reveal him so badly?"
Tanya shrugged and leaned back in her chair.
"Honestly, I want to be known as the woman who finally exposes the elusive E.A. Masen. And now that I've met the man behind the words—" She paused. "May I be blunt?"
"It's my middle name." Along with Dumb Ass but she didn't need to know that.
"You're fucking hot. A gorgeous man who writes brilliant erotica; a man who has a wife and kids and still engages in a little phone sex once in a while—"
"Pfff, phone sex." Rosalie rolled her eyes but Tanya tilted her head and smirked at me. If I could have read Rose's mind I'm pretty sure I would have heard her calling me an idiot. And for the record, after our meeting was over, she did.
"Trust me, the public will eat that up. I want to eat that up." With her eyes, she'd already started.
I felt a little warm so I tugged at my tie, loosening it from around my neck.
"I guess some would consider Edward good looking, in a quirky, writer kind of way."
I leveled her a look. Come on, Rosalie, I thought to myself. Call me hot, she did.
"Quirky or not, he's hot. And I want him."
Rosalie got defensive on my behalf. "What if you can't have him?"
"Everything and everyone has a price."
"This isn't 'Indecent Proposal', Ms. Denali. You can't buy Edward."
Tanya looked insulted.
"First of all, that was a terrible movie. And second, there was only a million on their bargaining table."
I gulped. 'Only a million?' Surely she was joking. She had my attention, and she knew it. Tanya focused her eyes on me.
"Tell me about yourself, Edward. You're married?"
"Happily." Rosalie interjected before I could.
"Yes, almost twenty-two years. We're high school sweethearts."
"His wife's name is Bella."
Tanya ignored Rosalie and continued questioning me.
"How many kids?"
"Three. My oldest daughter just turned twenty, my son is eighteen and about to graduate high school, and my baby is sixteen."
"This couldn't be more perfect. Any funny kid anecdotes?"
I snorted. "Maybe a few. I could write a book about all the dumb shit my son does."
"And your girls – any funny stories there? I can only imagine how protective you'd be of your daughters."
"You have no idea," Rosalie said.
"For the most part we've been lucky. In fact, both my girls are dating two of Rosalie's sons. And although I hate to admit this, they are decent boys."
Rose smiled and whispered a 'thank you' to me.
"How long have you two worked together?"
"My whole career."
"You work closely and exclusively with one another and your kids are romantically linked. What a tangled web the two of you have woven. Just between us, any indiscretions?" She wagged her index finger between Rosalie and I.
"Absolutely not. I love my wife."
"Hell no."
Did Rosalie have to sound so disgusted? Really? I mean, I had made her 'top two' list once upon a time.
Tanya waved her hands. "Wouldn't bother me if you had. I'm no stranger to indiscretions."
No shit, Sherlock. I know a home wrecker when I meet one.
"We haven't." I reiterated. "Ever."
"I'm sorry if I've offended you." She directed her apology at me, not Rose, and I could feel my friend seething beside me.
"Why did you want to meet him, Ms. Denali?"
Tanya's finger wiped at the condensation on the outside of her glass and she sucked her finger into her mouth seductively before she answered.
"Like I said, I want you, Edward. More specifically, I want to do a documentary on the man behind the books."
Shaking my head, I respectfully disagreed.
"Honestly, the real life of E.A. Masen isn't as interesting as you're making out it to be."
I thought about all of the things that were so abnormally normal in my life.
And what could be more normal than meeting a pretty girl at a high school dance? My mind flashed back to the black and white poke-a-dot outfit Bella was wearing that night; how I awkwardly asked her to dance. How we fell in love almost instantly. Okay, maybe that wasn't so common, but Bella and I certainly were.
I smiled when I thought back over the first few years of our marriage. The fights over insignificant things such as who did more housework (between you and me, I did) or cooked more (Bella took that title.) Just like any other newlywed couple, we had to find our groove.
Then the early years with the kids came to mind. Like it was yesterday, I felt the panic when I drove home with two-day old Leah in the back seat of the car, strapped securely in her five-point-harness, top-of-the-line car seat. I drove home at a snail's pace and flipped off the many impatient drivers who honked at me for doing so.
Bella and I didn't sleep that first night as a family of three and not by any fault of our baby girl. No, newbie parents that we were, we weren't sleeping because we were up and down checking on every sigh, hiccup and whimper that was uttered. Being that she was the first born, we followed all the rules with her. If her paci fell on the floor, it was properly sterilized; we noted every feeding on an excel spreadsheet. Every moment was documented via photographs and videos that we proudly showed to anyone and everyone.
When Jacob came along, we were past the checking up on baby every five minutes. Unfortunately, our boy had other ideas and his colic almost made us want to give him away. He would only co-sleep, so even though we swore we'd never do it, into bed he came. When you're desperate for sleep, you do whatever it takes.
Then Charlotte was born, the female version of myself with her bronze hair and temper. In fairness to her, she was quite content as an infant and didn't become the devil until she was fourteen or so. But ask me about her baby album or how many times I sterilized her pacifier. The baby album was almost non-existent and sterilizing was by way of me sucking dirt off the nipple.
Pretty generic, boring parenting stuff and I was fairly certain Tanya Denali didn't want to make a documentary about any of that.
Hollywood ace or not, it would be hard to make an interesting movie about Bella and me struggling to make ends meet when we were first married. How I'd take money from one credit card to pay the minimum balance of another. She probably wasn't interested in our long-standing argument over how the toilet paper roll should be replaced – overhang (correct) versus underhang (wrong).
Or the debate about me leaving the toilet seat up. Although I prefer that it's referred to as the debate about why Bella can't just put it down before she pees. Really, is it that hard?
Maybe Ms. Denali wanted to make a porno based on Bella and me – now that would be watch-worthy. Hmmmm, who would play the younger version of me? My first choice would be Henry Cavill or maybe Gaspard Ulliel. Bella would be harder to portray – no one else has her doe eyes, her amazing ass, or sweet spirit.
"Edward?"
Tanya was looking at me expectantly with a confused look on her face. Rosalie, used to me spacing out, merely shook her head.
"Sorry, I was just thinking about how ordinary my life is. Romance novelist with an erotic flare or not, I'm just a regular guy, who loves his wife, kids, friends, and family something fierce. I'm sorry, but I don't think anyone would bother to come see your movie. A TV sitcom, maybe, but movie- doubtful."
"I beg to differ. I think the public will be very interested to learn of the ordinary man with the over-active imagination; the man who has always been faithful to his wife, perhaps because your infidelity is done through your writing. A movie about a man who drops his teenage son off at football practice and intimidates boys who want to date his daughters by day, and writes explicit pornography at night. How he's kept his alter ego hidden for decades. Right there, Edward, is a blockbuster."
I wasn't convinced and apparently Rosalie agreed.
"Edward's life will be turned upside down; his family under scrutiny. We all know the public isn't always kind. He has kids – imagine TMZ following them around."
Not to mention, Leah and Charlotte would flip the fuck out if they found out who I was. Leah would give me that disgusted, disapproving daughter look; Charlotte would hate me more than normal because she'd have to finish high school known as E.A. Masen's daughter. What about the ramifications of Bella and her job as a kindergarten teacher? And my mother who flipped out over a tattoo would have a heart attack if she found out I wrote porn. Damn good porn, but porn none-none-the less. Then I pictured Charlie finding out and sending a SWAT team to my house to have me taken out execution style. A million dollars wouldn't be enough to save me from him.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Denali, but I'm going to have to respectfully decline at this time."
Tanya reached for her purse, pulled out a notebook and pen. She didn't look up at me as she wrote something down on a blank sheet of paper she'd torn out.
"I assure you, Edward, you and your family, would be well compensated. I truly hope you reconsider." She clicked her pen and put it and the notebook away. Meticulously, Tanya folded the paper, running her fingernail along each fold to make it crisp. She looked at her watch and announced she had a plane to catch. I admit that my curiosity was killing me – what was written on that paper?
As she stood up, Rosalie and I did the same. Tanya extended her hand to Rosalie in parting.
"Mrs. McCarty, thank you for arranging this meeting. I hope we can meet again soon to discuss this endeavor in depth."
She turned to me next and pulled me into a tight hug, her breasts squished against my chest. With her lips at my ear, she whispered inside it.
"I truly hope you see the value in what I'm offering. This is my monetary offer, but I'm willing to give you so much more than that in pleasure. Rosalie has my number if you ever need new inspiration to draw from."
Tanya brushed her lips against my cheek, leaving a lipstick stain that I scrubbed the fuck off before I went home to Bella. The paper that she'd written on, she tucked into the front pocket of my dress shirt, tapping it down with her index finger.
With a flip of her hair and a wink of her eye, Tanya Denali – famous Hollywood producer and flirt extraordinaire - was gone. Rosalie and I were momentarily stunned by it all.
"And I thought Renee was bat shit crazy; holy fucking shit."
"What did she whisper to you?"
I made a face as I pulled the paper out of my pocket. "That this was her monetary offer but she'd really pay me by molesting me in some dark alley, giving me new inspiration. God, I need a shower."
Rosalie snatched the paper from my hand and ripped it up. "Bat shit crazy is right. Fucking whore."
"Wait!"
"What? You aren't considering it, are you?" Rosalie gave me a look that said if I was planning on cheating on her best friend, she would sauté my balls.
"No! God no! I was, you know, curious about what kind of money she was talking about." I shrugged.
"You don't want to know. It's like opening Pandora's box. Leave it be, Edward."
Rose put the ripped paper into her pocket and we walked out. Thankfully, the broom that Denali had flown in on was already gone. Rosalie gave me a hug and apologized for putting me through the molestation.
"I'll call Bella and give her the heads up on why you reek of perfume and have lipstick on your temple. Unless you wanted to call her yourself and finish your phone sex, idiot." She shook her head at me.
"Maybe you should give her a call, she'll take it better coming from you."
"You got it. Congratulations on your latest book deal, by the way."
"Thanks for all you do for me, Rose. Even if you do expose me to toxic, crazy-ass bitches. See you tomorrow for dinner. How does Trocadero's at seven sound?"
"Perfect. See you tomorrow."
When I got home, Bella was in the kitchen and was still on the phone with Rosalie. My wife looked serious, almost possessive. She ended her call almost as soon as I walked in, setting the phone onto the table.
"Hey."
Bella stood up and walked toward me, eyes intent on mine. She loosened the knot of my tie and ran her hands down the length of it before she spoke.
"I heard Tanya Denali is a fucking whore who thinks she can buy my husband's affections with millions of dollars."
Correction, my wife was jealous and fucking pissed, and that was fuck-me hot.
"Baby, you know I'm yours, forever and always."
Although, I was curious about the millions of dollars she'd mentioned. It probably wasn't the best time to ask.
Bella pushed herself against me so that my backside hit the kitchen counter, her lips on mine in an impassioned kiss. When she pulled away, our lips were millimeters apart.
"You can bet your fine ass you're mine." She squeezed said ass to make her point. "Forever won't be long enough. That woman can shove five million up her twat and go back to Hollywood. You are mine, Edward Cullen, do you hear me?"
"Loud and clear, baby. And there's no other way I'd ever want it."
Bella pushed my jacket off my arms and tossed it on the island behind her. I lifted her up and as her legs wrapped around my waist, I kissed her back. Her fingers knotted in my hair; my hands grabbed fistfuls at her ass. Our tongues tangled together and our kisses were sloppy rather than neat, but neither one of us cared. Bella was proving a point and I sure as hell was letting her.
"Put me down," she whispered against my lips. I set her down, but held her close to me, chest against chest. We stared into each others eyes – brown to green – and spoke volumes without saying a word. Bella slithered down my torso, until she was on her knees in front of me. Her eyes were still focused on mine as she pulled my zipper down and freed my cock, immediately wrapping her mouth around it. Closing my eyes, I threw my head back, hitting it on the kitchen cupboard but I didn't care. I was getting my second blowjob of the day.
"Damn it, baby, that feels so fucking good."
Obviously she couldn't answer me and I didn't want her to. I looked down at her, bringing my hands to her hair as I tried hard to control my thrusting, but it was difficult not to lose control. I loved watching her do that to me, her painted fingernails wrapped around the thickness of me- fuck!
And Bella was a master at giving head. She balanced sucking, licking, squeezing and rubbing in the best possible way. It wasn't always like that — it took some careful criticism on my part and a lot of practice (lucky me) but I can safely say I have no complaints when it comes to her techniques.
What I did have a complaint about was my son walking in on us. Cock-blocked again. Someone remind me why we had children?
You've heard me curse before but being interrupted on the brink of an orgasm brought my swearing to a whole new level.
The way we were positioned, the island blocked the visual for Jacob – thank God – but seeing Bella on her knees in front of my groin I was pretty sure Jake could figure out what was going on. And if he couldn't, I was changing his middle name to 'Oblivious'.
I turned around to tuck myself away as Bella got up from her knees. Her face was burning with embarrassment as she tried desperately to make herself look innocent. She was failing miserably.
"God damn it all to fucking hell! Jesus Christ, boy! What the fuck are you doing here?"
At first, Jacob looked as though he was going to be sick and then he smirked, like the little fucker he was.
"I live here. Apparently you two forgot that one, small detail."
"Jacob, hi." Bella quickly grabbed the dishcloth and started wiping down the counters with it.
Oh Bella, you were just caught with my dick in your mouth and now you're trying hard to act normal. It was no wonder she didn't get the part in the school play — she was a terrible actress. She continued to wipe down the counters meticulously. Jacob laughed.
"I'm good. Not as good as Dad, but you know."
If we'd been closer we would have high-fived. Instead we jutted our chins at each other.
"Did you need something, son?" Bella was scrubbing at an invisible mark on the counter, refusing to look at him.
"I was kind of hungry. Thought I'd grab something to eat. A hot dog, maybe."
I snorted and shook my head. Now that was some funny ass shit.
"But I don't think I'm hungry any more. Go figure." He just stood there, making no attempt to move. Obviously Bella and I weren't going to go back at it, which was a shame because I had been teetering on the edge.
"Honestly, Mom, I'm shocked. I expected that from Dad, but you?" He shook his head pretending to be disappointed in her. "How am I supposed to come into the kitchen again without having nightmares?"
Bella stopped what she'd been doing, tossing the rag into the sink. There was a fire in her eyes as she turned to address Jake.
"You eat at the kitchen table don't you?"
I sputtered out a laugh remembering all the times we'd banged one home on that table. No IKEA furniture for us – it had to at least stand a chance. Bella continued as she folded her arms across her chest. Any hint of embarrassment was long gone.
"You're already going to have nightmares, so I might as well tell you — nothing here's sacred. This is my house, and your father and I have christened virtually every surface in it, not only this countertop. The washer, the dryer, the coffee table, the garage, the attic, and the couch – before you and your girlfriend desecrated it."
"Not to mention the walls," I added with a devious smile.
Jake smirked back at us. He put his hands together like he was praying and bowed in front of us. "Dad, Mom, you're officially my heroes. Damn. I hope my wife and I are that frisky when I'm as old as you are. As you were."
With a big wink for the two of us, he left the kitchen. Bella let out a sigh and hid her face in my chest.
"What got into you, my feisty one?" I kissed the top of her head.
"I had some one-on-one time with the kids earlier today. Jacob was the most vocal about his sexual activity. I thought a little pay back was due. But oh my God. That was awful."
"No shit, I didn't get my happy ending."
Her hand hit my chest.
"You wanna play rough, I don't mind."
Really, I didn't.
"Edward!"
"Why are you scolding me? You started this and I think you should be the one to finish it."
Bella ignored me. "I meant what I said, Edward. No amount of money offered by that slut would be enough."
"I agree." I paused but I had to know. "Was she really offering five million, though?"
Bella gave me a half smile and nodded. "Rosalie taped the paper back together."
Fuck. Five million? Maybe it was something to reconsider. I was about to suggest that to Bella when Charlotte walked into the kitchen. She smiled at us embracing.
"Hi, sweetie." Bella greeted her daughter as I smiled back at her.
"Hey, Mom. Hi, Dad."
Charlotte greeted Bella with a hug and then surprised me by giving me one, too. Her arms wrapped tight around my waist. I smiled and put my arms around her; my lips found the top of her head. She didn't pull away and I didn't want her to, it was nice to have a moment with her. Bella's smile said she approved.
"Love you, baby," I whispered and she nodded against my chest.
When she pulled away, she smiled up at me; my smile matched hers. I brushed her hair off her pretty face then tapped my finger on the tip of her nose.
"I know I don't tell you guys enough, but I love you. I'm so thankful that I have parents who love me unconditionally and who love each other so much, too."
I raised an eyebrow. I knew my daughter – behind that 'I love you' was more. Either she wanted something or had done something wrong. I frowned at her trying to figure out what her motivation was.
"Don't look at me like that." Charlotte rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I do love you guys and I thought you should know. Don't worry, tomorrow I'll be back to my bitchy little self."
"Well, that's more like it. You had me worried for a second there." I teased.
Char winked at me and went to the living room to watch some TV.
"We have some first class kids, you know that?" Bella maneuvered her way back into my arms as she praised our children.
"Today. We have some first class kids today. Like Charlotte said, tomorrow will probably be different."
We could only wait and see.
Yep, Tanya is a whore but y'all knew Edward wouldn't bite. Besides that fact that he was clueless, Bella's his one and only.
Do you think Edward should expose himself for five million?
Thank you all for reading and for loving this down-to-earth family man xo