For those of you who read the Get Your Southern On contest entries, this is my contribution. I am tickled at the results … first place in public vote and third place for the judge's choice. I've decided to break this up into smaller, drabblish chapters and it will be continued. The contest contribution is the first six or so chapters, roughly. I don't know how long it will be, but I do have it planned. Thank you to Bridget for betaing this for me and for Clo, who created the banner.
Thank you for those of you who have read this! I hope you continue to do so! Without further ado …
This is the beginning of the extension of the original contest entry. ALL NEW! Thank you for sticking with me and I hope you enjoy this!
Seth's okay! WOO HOO! Edward is a local hero! WOO HOO! Bella and Edward will be reunited next chapter! YESSSS! Can you say lemonade?
Bella was staring off into space, her foot tapping nervously under the counter. Once she was done with work, she was driving to SeaTac to pick up Edward. It had been a month since their high school reunion and he was finally coming into town. They spoke often on the phone. Well, as often as Edward's hectic schedule permitted. Things got crazy in the beginning of March when he saved that little boy while on a field trip.
He was interviewed by the press and featured in a segment on the local news. Additionally, he was given two awards. One was from the elementary school, congratulating him and lauding him a hero. The second award was from St. Joseph Hospital, for thinking and working under fire, saving the little boy's life. The was a third in the works from the fire department and city, but he hadn't received that yet.
The boy was fine, save for a scar on his neck from the emergency airway. He bonded immediately with Edward and thanked him for saving his life. Unfortunately, the boy's mom, Jessica Stanley, had grown attached to Edward and was almost stalking him, asking him questions and flirting with him. She was pregnant and looking for a baby daddy. At least that's what Edward told Bella. Politely, he declined her advances and made sure that his intentions were clear. He was the son's doctor and not Jessica's future boyfriend.
"Bells! You're in another world," Jasper said, sitting on the counter. "You okay?"
"Just excited, anxious, giddy, nervous," she blushed. "Edward's arriving tonight."
"So, that's why you have PTO," Jasper smirked. "A little long-distance loving?"
"Not so long distance," Bella replied. "Skype sex is not nearly as intimate as the real McCoy."
"True dat," Jasper nodded. "We're going out with you guys this weekend?"
"Yep. Alice wanted to cook for us, but I reminded her about her lack of cooking skills. I don't want to take my boyfriend to the hospital because he has food poisoning," Bella deadpanned. "I love your wife, but her cuisine leaves much to be desired."
"I agree. That's why we eat out so much," Jasper laughed. "Are we coming to you or meeting you at the restaurant?"
"Coming to my condo. We're going to have some pre-dinner drinks," Bella said. "Then, we're going out to Elliott's Oyster House." Jasper wrinkled his nose. "You have to get over this aversion to fish, Jas. It's good!"
"I like steak," he pouted. "A big meaty steak."
"There's steak on the menu," Bella sighed. "You're such a big baby." Rolling her eyes, Bella shut down her laptop and stuffed it in her bag. Swiping her jacket and tossing her bag over her shoulder, she got up, kissing Jasper's cheek. "You'll have fun. I promise you."
"There's really steak on the menu?" Jasper asked, arching a brow.
"Yes, there's steak. I'm off. I have to change before picking up Edward at the airport," she said.
"Why are you changing? You look great," Jasper said, gesturing to her blue skirt and coordinating top. "And I know that Alice would definitely approve of the skirt." Bella blushed, smacking him. "It's true. I'm speaking from a guy's perspective. After being separated from the woman I love for a month. I want easy access. Flip up your skirt, tear off your panties and go to town."
"You're an ass, Jas," Bella groaned. "Good bye. See you on Saturday. And don't think I'm not telling on you to your wife."
"I've been a bad, bad boy," he purred, smiling evilly. "Maybe Mistress Alice will whip my ass for being an ass."
Bella scoffed, leaving her station and clocking out. She reminded her supervisor, Linda, that she was off for the rest of the week and would return on Monday, after dropping Edward off at the airport. Linda waved and told her to have fun. Walking across the street to the parking garage, Bella slipped into her silver Volvo SUV. When Mafia Princess made it to the New York Times Best Seller List, she traded in her Honda Accord and bought the latest Volvo. She'd wanted one for a while and she definitely felt she deserved it.
Taking Jasper's advice, she decided to keep on her work clothes but dropped off her laptop bag at her condo. She checked Edward's flight, making sure it was on time and it was, even a little early. They had caught a tailwind and were approaching Idaho. Bella smiled, taking a few moments to touch up her makeup and to make sure she had everything she needed in the fridge. She also went around, lighting candles and created a romantic ambience, as well as lessened the curry smell in her condo. Her neighbors loved the stuff and it permeated into her house and hallways, despite constant complaints from everyone in the complex.
Fluffing her hair, Bella got back in her car and drove to the airport. She parked her car in the short term lot, heading inside to the baggage claim. She played with her phone, checking Edward's flight status and idly roaming around the cavernous room. Twenty minutes after she arrived, her cell phone chirped.
Just landed, sweetness. Heading the terminal. I can't wait to hold you in my arms. I've missed you so much ~ E
Bella's heart stammered against her ribs and she let out a tiny gasp. She checked the status board, finding Edward's flight. She moved so she was right by the baggage claim carousel and tried not to have an anxiety attack. She twisted her watch, rolled her ring on her middle finger and bounced on her toes, wanting to see Edward and to be in his embrace once again. When the horn blared and the light began flashing on the carousel, Bella knew that he was getting closer. She blew out a breath and tried to calm down. Her phone chirped again.
On my way to baggage claim. I'm stuck behind the slowest older couple that will not move on the people mover. It's common knowledge that if you want to stay still, you stay to the right, leaving the left for impatient, horny doctors who want to see the woman that they love ~ E
Can you tell I'm a little frustrated? ~
Totally frustrated. Let's go, people! ~ E
Fucking, finally! They moved. Be there soon! Love you ~ E
Bella giggled, reading Edward's frustration. She held her phone to her chest, looking over to the escalators leading from the gates. She continued to pace until she heard a velvety voice shout her name. "Bella!" She looked up, seeing him standing on the escalator, his smile crookedly beautiful and waving frenetically. Again, he was stuck behind people that wouldn't move, but once he was off the escalator, he weaved deftly between people until they met halfway between the baggage claim and the escalator.
"Edward," she breathed, jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his slender waist. He smelled exactly the same, like his cologne, laundry detergent and something that was inherently him. Her fingers threaded in his silken hair as he buried his nose against her neck. Tears fell from her eyes as she tightened her grip around his body, not wanting to let him go.
Edward pulled back and stared at her, frowning. "Why are you crying, my love?" he asked, putting her feet on the ground and cupping her damp cheek.
"I'm happy you're here," she said, her hands not stopping as they traced his face, down his neck and across his collarbones. "I've missed you so much and I can't believe that you're in Seattle."
"Bella," he breathed, taking her face in his warm, large hands. She smiled and stood on her tiptoes, brushing her lips against his. He moaned, deepening the kiss and sliding his tongue inside of her mouth. Bella was bent in half as Edward lost himself in the kiss, tasting her and feeling her sexy body against his. He momentarily forgot they were in a crowded airport until someone grumbled for them to get a room. He righted them and blushed. "I fully intend to," he said, his jade colored eyes dancing with the fire of passion.
"Do you have any luggage?" Bella asked, breathless and a little light-headed.
"I do," he said, leading her to the baggage carousel. "A red bag with a pink bow on it. Lucy wanted me to have it so I could easily recognize it." He slid behind Bella, his arms around her slender waist and his nose buried in her curly hair. She leaned against him, tracing the veins in his hands. He was here, touching her and holding her. "There's my suitcase."
"That means you have to let me go," she giggled.
"I'll be right back. I plan to hold you every day, for as long as possible," he said, dipping down to kiss her swiftly and deeply. She fanned herself as Edward sauntered to the carousel, grabbing his suitcase. Popping out the handle, he wheeled back to Bella and slung his carryon over his body. Threading their fingers together, they walked to Bella's SUV. "A Volvo … very Swedish of you."
"It was a present to myself," Bella said, opening the back so Edward could stow his luggage. "I got on the New York Times Best Seller list and I traded in my junker Honda for this puppy. I love it!"
"It's very sleek and totally you. Can I drive?" he asked, kissing her nose.
"No, silly. You don't know where I live," she quipped.
"There's this wonderful invention. It's called GPS," Edward laughed, pulling her back in his arms and caressing his mouth with hers. Bella sighed, melting against him. "I love you," he murmured.
"I love you more," she breathed back. "But, you're still not driving." He barked out a guffaw and they separated. Bella got into the driver's seat while Edward whistled as he climbed into the passenger seat. She backed out, heading toward the exit. Edward pressed money into her hand. "What's this?"
"For parking," he replied.
"I'm capable of paying for parking," she deadpanned. She stuffed it into his pocket and swiped a twenty from her purse. Stopping at the exit, she paid for the parking, but she saw Edward put the twenty from his pocket into her wallet. "You are so stubborn."
"Hello, pot meet kettle," Edward snickered.
"How was your flight?" she asked, reaching across the console to hold his hand.
"It was long. I had a layover in Memphis and then we flew to Seattle," Edward replied, yawning. "Plus, working the overnight shift, it left me very little time to sleep before I drove the airport."
"You drove yourself to the airport?" Bella asked.
"Dad was working and Mom was doing some charity thing before she went to pick up the twins from school," Edward answered, leaning his head back. "They're going to pick up my car tomorrow and my mom will pick me up on Monday with the kids. They have some institute day or something."
"I bet you miss them," Bella cooed.
"I do, but I've been Daddy for so long, my parents were more than willing to give me a weekend away," Edward said, picking up their hands and kissing her wrist. "However, this is my one free pass, unfortunately. My time is essentially booked until I complete my residency in May."
"I could come out to Tampa," Bella suggested. "Visit you? Perhaps meet Liam and Lucy?"
"I'd like that," Edward smiled. "I wanted you to meet them the weekend of the reunion, but they were so sick." He didn't mention that Carlisle didn't want his grandchildren around Bella; that he thought it was too soon. He still wanted to punch his father for that.
"I'll look at my schedule and email you a couple of dates when I'm back at work," Bella said, turning into a sleek condo complex. Opening the garage, she parked her car into her assigned space. "It's not a pool house, but it's mine. I hope you like my home."
"It's a part of you. I'll love it," Edward smiled. They leaned across the console, kissing briefly before clambering out of the car. The rode up the elevator and Bella led him to the corner condo, unlocking the door. Pushing inside, Edward smiled as he took in the hard wood floors, warm colors and relaxed feel to her home. It was all Bella, past and present, wrapped into one space.
Bella gave him the tour, pointing out little touches that she was proud of. On her desk, he saw the picture that they took at the reunion and a candid shot that Angela had sent to both of them. Despite being separated for ten years, they looked very much in love and Edward's heart grew when he saw that. Nervously, Bella tugged Edward to the last room, which was next to her office. "This is my bedroom," Bella murmured. Edward kissed her, walking into the space. It was artfully decorated with light, airy colors. Her window was surrounded by gauzy fabric and from what she described, it overlooked the Puget Sound. On the nightstand next to her bed was another picture of the two of them, kissing. "Angela sent that. She said that we were nauseatingly sweet that she got cavities."
"You are the sweet one," Edward whispered, brushing her hair back and touching his lips to hers. She gripped his button-down, pulling her closer to her body. Mouths caressed and tongues tangled, their kiss became more heated and Bella felt like she was going to explode. However, Edward's cell phone ringing from his pocket broke them a part. "I'm sorry," he said, leaning his forehead against hers as he picked up. "Cullen … yes, Mom. I'm here and safe. How are the kids? … Good. Don't forget the St. Patrick's Day Parade tomorrow. They need to wear green, orange or white. I have some beads and goofy shirts for them in the closet … I love you, too, Mom. Talk to you later. Bye." He hung up his phone, silencing it and moving his hands along Bella's back. "I'm sorry, sweetness."
"Don't apologize, baby," she said, her fingers toying with his hair. "Your mom loves you and was worried."
"It ruined a fucking sexy moment," Edward growled, his nose gliding down her jaw and along her neck.
"Who says that the moment has to stop?" Bella asked breathlessly. "We're here. Alone, but together, with each other."
"Bella," Edward murmured. "It's been too long since I've been inside you."
"I need you," she pleaded. "Don't make me wait another moment."
"Never," he said, claiming her mouth with his.
A/N: Okay … no lemonade this chapter, but next chapter will be fucking hot. I mean, hot. Melt your panties, shamwow, multiple orgasm hot. Just saying. Pictures of Bella's condo are on my blog, which you can find a link for that in my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation and twitter: tufano79.
Up next … extra juicy lemonade. Leave me some!