Hello everyone! Sorry this is a day late, but I had an exam this morning and that took priority. Also this is the last of the chapters I had prewritten, so postings from now on will be every Friday. (Unless the shit hits the fan.) I appreciate all your support and understanding that I have to cut back some. If for some reason I crank out more then one chapter a week I'll post it.
Another sign things have been more busy is I didn't get a chance to thank everyone who reviewed 25. THANK YOU! I loved reading every single review, and they were fabulous. Considered yourself thanked most gratefully. Hopefully I'll do better on responding to ch 26 reviewers.
My 1000th reviewer was twilover6638! Thanks darling!! (Over 1000 now, cannot believe it!)
From what I heard, most people appreciated the fact that I add some reality to my story. There is some more discussion of reality between Edward and Bella this chapter.
So we back up in time just a little..........so we can have a peek into Edward's chat with Alice.
Oh, and there is a lemon...........a ******ward that I have previously offered makes an appearance. Prep yourselves.......
I own nothing.....not the characters etc. S. Meyer does. I do own a copy of the Haunted Airman that will arrive from Amazon on October 13th, WOOT!
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Chapter 26
EPOV
I walked in from the barn and slammed my front door. What in the hell just happened? I was still standing there, feeling completely confused and angry when Alice called. I wasn't exactly receptive to talking to her.
"What Alice?" My voice was sharper then I really wanted it to be, but I wasn't really thinking as I answered.
"Holy fuck Assward. What is your major malfunction?"
I took a deep breath. "Sorry Alice. Bella and I just got into a bit of an argument."
Alice sighed into the phone. "What did you do moron?"
"What did I do? Why do you automatically assume it's my fault?" I was raising my voice again.
"Because I know you. What did you do? And don't yell at me again or I will come over there and stab you with a Jimmy Choo."
"I didn't do anything. Bella wants to work with an abused horse that we just rescued today. I told her no and she flipped out." I leaned against the wall and pulled my boots off.
"Why did you say no to her?"
"Why do you think Alice? Because it's not safe and she could get hurt. Bella doesn't have enough experience or tact yet for a horse like this."
Alice groaned. "Please tell me you didn't say that to Bella."
"I did. What's the problem with that?" What twisted logic was the pixie going to throw at me now.
"Because Edward, Bella is just going to interpret that as you can't do it ever, not you shouldn't do it yet. There is a big difference between the two. One tells her you don't believe in her or trust her, the other says you still do."
I was quiet for a few moments as I thought over my words to Bella. Alice was right. I had inadvertently said to Bella I don't believe in you. Bella had tried to tell me that, but I just didn't see it. Until Alice that is. "Bella said something about that, but I didn't see what she meant. The way you put it…..fuck. I didn't mean for her to hear it like that. How do I explain it has to do with her safety without insulting her?"
"Well, you need to consider something else Edward. Is there a chance you are overreacting?"
"About what? Bella's safety? What's wrong with wanting to keep her from getting hurt?" I wandered upstairs to the den and sat on the couch.
"Nothing Edward, except you do tend to take things a little too far sometimes. Didn't you tell Mom one time when she was worried about you working with Aston that even the most well trained horse could accidentally hurt you?" Damn Alice, using my words against me.
"Yes I did. But….."
"No buts Edward. I understand you don't want her to get hurt. At the same time I think you need to pull that giant overprotective stick out of your ass. If you think Bella needs more education on horses like this, then use this as an opportunity to teach her. Give her little things to make her feel involved. If it works, and you feel better about it, give her more."
I was quiet again as I pondered Alice's words. She was too smart for her own good, but she was right.
"One other thought Edward. You said the horse was abused?"
"Yes he was." I wasn't sure where Alice was going with this.
"Think about how Bella may feel about that, given her past." Alice's voice was gentle. I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples. Shit. I am an idiot.
"Alright Alice, you've made me realize how monumentally I've fucked up. Now how do I fix it?"
"Easy. Apologize, explain your feelings more clearly, and then tell her you're going to let her help out." Alice rattled off her answer like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Easy, right."
Alice chuckled. "Edward, Bella still loves you. She's just angry."
"And hormonal." It slipped out of my mouth before I even thought about it.
"Well that's just the icing on the cake. I lived with Bella for four years, remember? Just be thankful she's nothing like me when I'm hormonal."
"No kidding." Alice huffed a little on the other end of the line. "Hey you said it Skippy, I was just agreeing."
"Edward, get off the phone. Go kiss and make up with your woman."
I shook my head. "Yes Alice. Thank you, really."
"You're welcome."
I went to change clothes quickly and walked out on the deck. I could hear music coming from Bella's apartment, so I knew she was there. I took a deep breath and knocked. Bella's voice called out, permitting me to come in. Once I was inside I could tell it was Metallica playing. At least the song wasn't as angry or as loud as I feared it might be.
Bella was in her bedroom. I peered in the door and was relieved to see a smile on her face. After I joined Bella on the bed, she snuggled right up to me. Her arms wrapped around me and clung to me tightly. It made me realize how worried Bella was about my reaction to her earlier anger.
After apologies were exchanged, Bella further explained her thoughts. Alice had been exactly right of course. When I revealed to Bella my change in plans, she looked ready to explode with happiness.
Things were right between us again. I wasn't entirely comfortable with my new plan for Bella and Masen. However, I was okay with the fact that I needed to show Bella I trusted her. That goal was worth some discomfort on my part.
As we drove home from Red Robin, I glanced over at Bella. She was singing along with the radio, playing with a strand of her hair. Reaching over, I started stroking the back of her neck. Bella gave me a radiant smile.
"Are you smiling love because you got your burger?" Bella giggled.
"No, although it was very tasty. I was smiling because of how lucky I am to have you love me. Even when, as Emmett so discreetly says, my cookie jar is poisoned."
I laughed. "Haven't heard that one before. Well love, poisoned or not, I love you either way." I thought of the kiss we shared against the car earlier. I had been serious when I told Bella I still wanted to make love to her. I didn't care if she was on her period. If embarrassment was the only thing holding her back, as I suspected, I was going to change that. "You know I was serious about what I said before we left to go eat Bella."
I looked over at Bella, she was blushing. She knew exactly what I was talking about. "I wouldn't want to do anything if you're hurting, obviously. If it's because you're embarrassed, you don't need to be."
Bella spoke quietly. "You don't think it's gross?" She gazed out the window, her hands folding and unfolding in her lap.
"No. Why should I? It's just a little blood Bella. Besides I am washable, remember?" I kept my tone relaxed and easy.
Bella was wavering, but clearly she needed more proof. "I thought guys didn't like to do it then."
I shrugged. "Some probably don't. It doesn't bother me though. I will admit though, oral sex is regrettably out of the picture until you're done. I have no desire to be like a vampire." I smiled at Bella and she laughed.
"Damn. Here I was hoping that you secretly were a vampire." Bella giggled again and I was glad to see she was relaxing about this whole topic.
We pulled into the driveway and I stopped the car. "But Bella…." She turned to look at me. I leaned over the center console until we were only inches apart. Bella's breathing increased in tempo. "Anything else is still fair game." I winked and got out of the car. Bella was still sitting there, looking a little stunned when I opened her door.
Bella took my hand and stepped out of the car. "You okay love?" Bella just smiled and nodded. I kept her hand in mine as we went inside.
Pulling her hair out of her ponytail, Bella looked at me. "I need to go take a shower Edward."
"Go for it." I gave the back of Bella's hand a kiss and she headed for the bathroom. After I locked the house up and set the coffee pot, I went upstairs. I could hear the water running in the shower. The bathroom was already getting steamy from the hot water when I walked in. "Love?"
"Yes my sexy man." Her nicknames for me made me smile.
"I'm going to shower when you are done, so save me a little hot water."
Bella laughed. "Sure. Oh Edward?"
"Yes my love."
Bella's voice dropped lower. "The meadow. Naughty thought number four."
I gripped the bathroom counter to steady myself. Her words hit me like a semi truck. The idea of Bella, naked, and in our meadow. Recipe for an instant erection.
"I want my clue Edward."
I undressed as fast as I could. I had to have Bella now, the need was almost painful. My body ached for hers, and it wasn't just my hard on.
"Hello Edward? My clue?" I opened the shower door quietly and stepped in behind Bella, wrapping my arms around her waist. She giggled in surprise and leaned back into me.
"What are you doing in here Edward?" Bella pressed into my erection intentionally. She knew exactly why I had joined her.
I rested my chin on her shoulder and played her game. "Well love, you got to me."
Bella turned in my arms and looked up at me. "I got to you? How?" She drummed her fingertips on my chest. I backed Bella up against the tile wall. She gasped as her back hit the cold surface.
I almost couldn't get the words out. My eyes locked with hers. I moved her wet hair back over her shoulder. "You've thought of the meadow? Seriously?"
A slow smile crossed Bella's face. "Well of course. Haven't you?"
I leaned in and kissed the side of her neck. "You have no idea how many times that little fantasy has appeared in my mind." I dragged my lips slowly down her neck and across her collarbone. Bella's hands were still resting on my chest, and she stroked them upward with a sigh.
"Mmm, really Edward?" Her fingers trailed back down again, tracing the path of water running down my body. Bella's tongue reached out and flicked a drop of water from my nipple. My breath hitched for a moment at the shock it sent through me. She chose another trail starting at my shoulder and started to trace it. Lightly the tip of Bella's tongue followed the stream of water, down my chest, over my abs and stopped at my hip before she stood back up.
"You taste good Edward, but you always do." I pulled Bella to me firmly.
"How is it you know the exact thing to say to drive me mad Bella?" I locked eyes with her again and felt her knees tremble for just a moment.
Bella didn't break our gaze, she looked back intently. "How is it you can melt me with one look?" I gave her a smile and her knees trembled a little again.
"I'm good I guess." I raised an eyebrow at her.
"Well so am I." Bella gave me a little smirk.
"Yes, yes you are love. Enough talking." I pressed her back into the tile and captured her lips with mine. Bella's hands slid around my back and pulled me in tighter. She wrapped her lips around my lower lip and sucked a little. Threading my hand into her wet hair, I tilted her head. Her mouth relaxed open further, allowing my tongue deep within. Bella moaned into my mouth. That sound made my pulse race, it always did.
Bella ran her tongue alongside mine. One of her hands moved around between us and she ran her palm up my cock, pressing against it. I broke the kiss with a groan. The water flowing down between us allowed our bodies to slide against each other effortlessly. I thrust gently into her hand as her fingers tightened around me. "Bella I love what you do to me." I stroked one hand up over her back and down over her breast, cupping it. Bella closed her eyes and tilted her head back against the wall.
Pulling myself reluctantly from her grasp, I moved lower to allow my lips to follow my hand. The scent of Bella's skin when it was wet was alluring. I ran my nose into the valley between her breasts, enjoying it. Bella's hands were in my hair now, pulling through the wet strands, caressing the back of my head. I watched her as I surrounded one nipple with my lips. It became harder under my tongue and Bella moaned again.
Very lightly I grazed my teeth over it, giving it a light tug. Bella's fingers gripped my hair tighter. "Edward….." She whispered. I moved to the other breast.
"Yes love?" My other hand was on Bella's lower back, and I used it to arch her body towards me more. I brushed my tongue over her other nipple before nipping it softly. Bella's fingers tangled harder in my hair. "Do you like it when I use my teeth on you?"
"God yes." Bella's voice was husky. Her eyes opened and looked down at me. Arousal was evident in her eyes. Bella's irises were so dark they almost appeared black. "I love anything you do to me."
"Hmmm, I like the sound of that." My fingers made their way down her body and between her legs. Slowly I stroked her before I thrust one finger inside. Bella tugged on my hair and pulled my mouth to hers. Her lips attacked mine. A slight whimper escaped Bella's lips as she panted into my mouth. I slid another finger in and Bella ground down into my hand. I rubbed myself against her hip and she broke the kiss with a groan.
"Are you ready Bella? Because I want you now." I bent down and stroked my erection between her legs. Bella rocked her hips into mine.
"So ready Edward." I wrapped my hand around Bella's bottom and lifted her just enough so I could slide in. We both moaned as her wet warmth surrounded me. I kept one hand under Bella, the other I used to lean against the tile.
Our eyes were level with each other. As I started moving deeper within Bella, her eyes closed and she started whispering my name. "Love look at me." Her eyes opened slowly and gazed into mine. I gently kissed her lower lip. "I love you."
"I love you too." She kissed me gently. Our eyes stayed connected, our lips meeting in light kisses. I ran my tongue over her lower lip. Bella's tongue came out and flicked mine. My eyes closed briefly at the sensation.
Bella's breath hit my mouth as she murmured. "Open your eyes my lover." My eyes shot open. Her mouth met mine with each thrust, sucking lightly on my lips. Every time her lips caressed mine, I pushed harder into her. Our bodies were as close as they could be, the water still cascading down over us. Bella's nails dragged down my back and she wrapped one leg around the back of my thigh.
"Deeper." Bella's eyes never left mine as she wrapped her other leg around me. I gripped underneath her harder, groaning as her walls tightened around me. My tempo was still slow, and Bella pressed her pelvis into mine with each thrust. "Mmmm." Bella licked her lips as she spoke. "I love having you slow and deep Edward."
I hissed at her words and pressed deeper. "You're going to make me come just by talking Bella." Bella was close, I could tell by the way her eyes were losing focus. She reached up and ran one wet finger tip over my lips. I sucked it into my mouth, wrapping my tongue around it. Bella slowly pulled it back out.
She moved so her lips were next to mine. "I can see why you like having your cock in my mouth Edward." That was my undoing.
"Damn Bella!" I almost slammed into her and Bella cried out in ecstasy, arching against me. Her nails dug into my shoulders, shooting darts of painful pleasure through me. My mouth found her neck and I gently grazed my teeth over her skin.
"Yes Edward! Oh yes!" Bella's body clamped down on me as I pinned her into the wall. I drove into her a final time as a very intense orgasm took over my body. A rough moan ripped through my throat as I released into Bella. I shuddered as Bella's hands slid to my lower back and she pulled me in even further. A breathy "Edward." hit my ear as her body quaked around me. I slid out and slowly brought Bella's feet back under her. I held her body pressed to mine to make sure she didn't slip.
Our eyes met and I leaned my forehead against hers. We stood that way for several moments, catching our breath. Words were not needed. Bella's fingers skimmed lightly up and down my back. She laid her head on my chest and sighed with contentment. I smiled. "That has to be one of my favorite sounds."
"What sound Edward?" Bella looked up and brushed a few wet strands of hair off my forehead.
"The sigh you let out after I've made you come really hard." I squeezed Bella a little with my arms.
Bella giggled. "You must hear it every time then."
I chuckled. "Well yes, but I still like it." I kissed the top of her wet head. "We should finish getting cleaned up before all the hot water is gone."
Bella grabbed my soap and handed it to me. "Not my fault, you distracted me."
"It is entirely your fault Bella." I lathered up my chest, secretly delighting in the fact that Bella was watching me so intently. She shook her head and tore her eyes away from my torso.
"How is it my fault? I was in the shower minding my own business." Bella poured some shampoo in her hands and began scrubbing her hair.
"Because of your naughty thought. I wouldn't have had to barge in her and take you against the wall if you hadn't said that. Clearly, your fault." I winked at her.
Bella tilted her head back to rinse. "Nope, because my naughty thought was for the game you started. We are back to it being your fault."
Damn, she had me there. Too smart for her own good. Bella grinned at me because she knew she was right.
"By the way, you never gave me my clue. Out with it." We switched places in the shower so I could wash my hair.
"Fine, it's my fault. I don't hear you complaining though." Bella laughed and I tried not to let my eyes drop below her shoulder level. The sight of soap suds running down her body would just cause me to keep her in the shower longer. "Let's see, we have you wearing a black shirt, me wearing black jeans and a leather jacket. Am I right?" Bella nodded. "Well then your next hint is you will have very curly hair, with a red headband."
Bella's brows furrowed as she thought that over. I moved so she could rinse off. "No guesses yet?" She shut the water off and looked at me with a little grimace.
"No, because you give crappy clues."
I just laughed. I stepped out and handed Bella a towel. After she had it tightly wrapped she wandered out of the shower. I watched her in the mirror, smiling.
"What?" Bella smiled back at me.
"I was just thinking we killed two birds with one stone tonight."
"Explain please." Bella grabbed a second towel and started blotting her hair.
"Well, your naughty thought number one was the shower." Bella blushed and dried her hair a little harder. "And clearly I have earned my wings, don't you think?"
Bella just shook her head at me. "Most definitely." She wandered out to the bedroom. A few minutes later she was back in her pajamas, still drying her hair with the towel. She tossed both towels in the hamper and leaned down next to the sink on her forearms. I looked up from brushing my teeth and she winked at me in the mirror. The counter was pushing the tops of her breasts out of her tank top. My eyes paused there for a second before meeting her eyes again.
I spit my toothpaste out and looked at her. "What are you thinking?" Bella's brown eyes were sparkling. I could see the wheels turning in her head. She turned and propped herself sideways against the counter. Crossing one slender ivory leg over the other Bella looked me over from head to toe. I wiped my mouth and gave her an expectant look.
"Well I was thinking of how sexy you look standing there in just a towel." Bella walked slowly towards me and started going past me. "And how you are even sexier without one." Ripping the towel off Bella ran for the bed, trailing the towel behind her. I stood naked in the doorway watching Bella scamper for the bed and hop up onto it. She turned and gave me a devilish grin.
I pointed my finger at her. "You are trouble." Bella threw the towel in my direction and fell back on the pillows laughing. I ignored the towel and walked naked to the dresser. Over my shoulder I could see Bella staring at me from the pillows. I took my time, pretending I couldn't find what I wanted in the drawer. To make it worse, I stretched my arms over my head briefly. I heard Bella suck her breath in behind me. Then I took my sweet time pulling my boxers on. They were just up around my waist when a pillow hit me from behind.
I swung around. "Hey! What was that for Swan?"
Bella was in the middle of the bed on her knees, another pillow in her hands. "You are taunting me with your body on purpose Cullen!"
I smirked at her. "You took my towel. Payback is a bitch." I threw the pillow back at her and strode over to the bed. We eyed each other for a second, grinning like a couple of idiots at each other. I jumped up and tackled Bella back into the remaining pillows, tickling her sides.
Bella smacked my hands, laughing. She shouted "Stop Edward! Please!" I quit tickling her and gave her a kiss. She smiled up at me and wrapped her arms around my neck. "Love you."
"Love you too. Ready for bed?" I reached over and turned the light out. Bella threw the covers back and scrambled underneath. She tossed the covers over me as I rolled back. "Come here you." I pulled her back to me and curved around her backside. Bella leaned back and I kissed her again over her shoulder. Her damp hair made me shiver as it hit my chest. Bella reached to start to pull her hair away but I grasped her wrist and stopped her.
"It's okay. I like the smell of your hair fresh from the shower." Bella snickered.
"Really?" She whispered.
"I like all your scents Bella, and your flavors." I kissed her ear and snuggled in tighter. My innuendo was not lost on her and I felt her cheek warm with her blush under mine. She was such a contradiction sometimes. I loved it.
Bella just sighed and laid her arms over mine.
"Night love."
"Night handsome."
BPOV
Edward and I groaned simultaneously when the alarm went off the next morning. His arm left me long enough to smack it off and then returned to pull me into him tighter.
"Mmmmm. Do we have to get up Edward?" I woke up snuggled into his chest. I took a deep breath and filled my senses with Edward. That was better than coffee any day.
"You're smelling me again Bella?" Edward was clearly surpressing a laugh.
"Yep. I told you, you smell good." I wrapped one leg over both of his and used it to pull myself into him further.
"Damn girl, your legs are getting strong."
"Must be all those no stirrup lessons. Oh and the fact that you had me pinned up against the shower wall and I had to hang on tight. I'm sure that has built a little strength."
Edward laughed hard and I enjoyed the sound of it right under my ear as it reverberated through his chest. "Probably love. Good thing I guess."
I leaned up on my side and looked at him. His hair was in its usual morning tousled shape. The lighter copper highlights from the summer sun were fading a little. "Why is that Edward? Are you going to have me hanging from the chandeliers next?" I grinned at him.
He just winked. "Maybe, you never know. Let's get going. You are going to have a busier day if I'm going to be starting some work with Masen."
I rolled out of bed and found my jeans. Edward sat on the edge of the bed rubbing his eyes. He stood and stretched with a groan, the lines of his back elongating and then compressing again. His boxers were low on his hips and when he turned to face me, I found myself staring. The definition in his abdominals leading to where the V formed and pointed down to…….I was getting distracted, and wet.
Edward cleared his throat. "Bella?"
"Um, yes?" I went back to getting dressed, trying to pretend that I hadn't just gotten completely caught up ogling Edward. Why I chose now to get transfixed I didn't know. I just saw him completely naked less than nine hours ago. There was something about the way he looked in boxers, still a little sleepy, fresh out of bed. I was wishing it was a Saturday, badly.
"Do you mind if I get dressed, or would you like me to stay in this attire today?"
I smiled. "Well if it was Saturday, you know what my answer would be. Unfortunately it's not, and I do have to get some work done today." Edward chuckled and I disappeared to brush my teeth.
A little later we were strolling out to the barn hand in hand. We both had the same idea to check on Masen first. When we approached his stall he jumped just a little, but then looked at us curiously. I walked up to the bars. "Hey buddy. You ready for some breakfast? I'll bet your hungry." Masen turned his head so he was watching me out of one large brown eye, one ear turned toward me. Edward stood behind me quietly, just watching. Like yesterday, Masen reached his nose out as far as he could to sniff me, without moving closer.
I grinned at Edward over my shoulder. He just smiled and nodded. I left to go get the feed. When I came back to Masen's stall, Edward took his grain from me and put it in a bucket.
"Go ahead and give him his hay." I opened the door slightly and tossed the hay in the corner. Masen eyed me until the door was shut again, and then wandered over to the hay. He checked to see where Edward and I were before he put his head down to start eating.
Edward pulled up a couple chairs outside the stall and sat in one of them. "Sit for a second love, and I'll tell you what we are going to do today." I plopped down next to him and waited. "Here's my plan. One of us is going to be over here as much as possible. I'm going to hang here with Masen in his stall with his grain for a bit this morning. I want to see if he will even approach me. Depending on how that goes, I may let you give it a try. If you have any projects like tack cleaning, do it over here. Talk to him, he seems to like your voice." I nodded in silent agreement.
"I may have you work Gunner and Remington on the lunge line for the next few days while I work with Masen. You can practice your training methods on horses that aren't as unpredictable, but are still learning. It will also give me a chance to catch any bad habits you have that might put you in a bad situation. Sound like a plan for today?"
I grinned at Edward. "Works for me. What do you want to do about cleaning his stall?"
Edward peeked into the stall slowly. "It's not that bad yet since he arrived late yesterday. Let's see how the morning goes and we will decide later how to tackle that."
I proceeded with my usual morning routine. I could hear Edward's voice as he talked quietly to Masen from outside the stall. I was cleaning my second stall when I heard him open Masen's door, enter, and close it behind him. Edward's voice was calm and very steady.
"Hi Masen. I'm just going to hang out over here. I have your grain." I heard Edward rustling the grain in the bucket. "You can come over any time and have some of it." Things were quiet again. I could picture Edward leaning up against the wall by the door, legs crossed, patiently observing Masen. Every now and then he would rustle the grain again and say a few words to Masen.
An hour and a half later, I was done with stalls. Edward was still in Masen's. I wandered down there slowly. I hummed a little so they both knew I was coming. When I reached the stall, Masen's head popped up, but he didn't jump. "How's it going?"
"Not bad. Hasn't threatened to bite. Has shown some interest in the fact I have grain, but not enough to take a step my way yet." Edward eased out of the stall with the bucket and slid the door shut. "He's still a little jumpy, but definitely more relaxed then yesterday."
"Good." I met Masen's gaze through the stall bars.
"Let's give him a little break and we can lunge Remington."
I met Edward in the crossties and we went over the proper equipment for lunging a horse for training purposes. "Lunging can be as useful for training as riding, if it's done properly. If you just let the horse run around you in a circle, they just burn energy. Channeling that energy is essential to help it become an exercise that strengthens and increases flexibility for the horse."
In the arena, Edward showed me how to set up the equipment. He adjusted side reins, which take the place of reins the rider would be holding. They went from the bridle to the saddle, and were part of the channeling portion of things. Edward showed me how they could be adjusted to turn the horse's head slightly more one way or another, and how to shorten them.
"Bella, pay careful attention to how you hold the lunge line. Because it is so long, it's easy to accidentally wrap it around your hand or foot. Try to always keep the extra off the ground. Don't hold it looped over your hand. If Remington were to suddenly take off and tighten the line, you could be dragged. Remember, you are working against a thousand plus pounds of momentum, and it always will win when up against your tiny weight." I nodded. "Oh, and always wear your gloves."
I held the line like he showed me. Edward stayed in the center of the circle with me and let me start. He stayed quiet and only spoke up if I need to adjust how I was saying or doing something. Remington tested me a little and wouldn't trot when I first asked. Part of the problem was my tone. I had too much of a question in my request.
"You're not asking him to tea Bella. You are telling him to trot. Say it like you mean it, and flick the lunge whip a little."
"Trot Remington." I flicked the end of the whip. Remington gave me a look but then picked up a trot.
"Better. See the difference the tone of voice makes."
"Yes Edward."
We worked both directions, practicing the use of my voice in both upwards and downwards transitions. Slowing Remington took a totally different tone. I had to really lower the pitch of my voice and slow my pronunciation. "Whoooa Remington, and walk." He dropped down from the trot into a nice walk.
"Pretty good Bella. You just need practice. Both Remington and Gunner are going to test you a little, but I think it will be good for you. It's just like doing anything else with a horse, boundaries and consistency are important."
I was so excited I was almost bouncing. Edward just shook his head at me. "Come on, let's get Remington put away and we can go check on Masen."
When we arrived back at Masen's stall, he was still cleaning up scraps of hay. Edward had gone around the back and opened the top half of Masen's back door, so he could look outside. "Now that I'm pretty sure he's not going to do something dumb like try to jump out."
I watched Masen as he used his lips to sweep out bits of hay from among the shavings. His whiskers wiggling back and forth like little antenna. Edward reappeared next to me and offered me the grain bucket.
"Really?" I stared at him, not really believing.
"Really. But I'm going to be sitting right out here. You saw what I did earlier?"
"Yes."
"Just do the same thing. No sudden moves. Let him come to you. Stay standing by the door in case you need to exit quickly."
"Okay." I was nervous. I took a deep breath to calm myself before I opened the stall door. That was one thing I did know, horses read emotions with no problem whatsoever. Masen did not need to have anyone feeding his apprehension. I put my hand on the latch.
"Bella?" I looked over my shoulder at Edward. He gave me a big smile. "You'll do fine." The butterflies in my stomach disappeared instantly. I blew him a kiss and opened the door.
I slid into the stall quietly. Masen kept looking for food in the bedding, but one ear and eye were directed at me. "Hi Masen. It's me again. Remember we talked yesterday." I reached into the bucket and rustled the grain. "You want some grain?" Masen flicked his ear at me, but in general acted as if I wasn't there.
"You are out of hay you know." I gently shook the grain bucket again. The sound of the oats rustling in the bucket caused Masen to flick an ear again. I stood there quietly watching him. "This is a good place to be, I promise. Edward is a good guy, and I'm nice too." I wondered if Edward was rolling his eyes at me in the aisle way.
"You're not rolling your eyes out there at me are you Cullen?"
"Of course not love."
Masen lifted his head up listening to our conversation. He looked over at me and I rustled the grain, showing him a handful. He leaned his body my way, but then changed his mind and stomped one front foot.
"What Masen? I saw that. You thought about coming over here. Are you stamping your foot because you want the grain, but don't want to move?" Masen took a drink of water and then looked at me again, water dripping from his mouth.
"You are a messy boy Masen. Look at you dribbling water everywhere. Good thing you are so handsome, to make up for bad table manners." I heard Edward snort out in the aisle. "What Cullen?"
"Nothing, you're cute that's all."
"What do you think Masen? Think that is what he's thinking." Masen nodded his head in my direction. "Yep, that's what I thought too."
"I don't like that I'm the subject of conversation you are having with a horse Swan. How do you know what he's thinking?" Edward was enjoying this.
"Same way I know what you are thinking Edward, I can see it in his eyes."
Edward chuckled. "Somehow I believe that."
Finally I left Masen's stall after about forty five minutes. Edward could tell I was a little disappointed. "Love, Rome wasn't built in a day. Patience."
"I know." Edward reached down and pulled me to his chest.
"You are so adorable Triple B when you are frustrated, but trying to pretend you aren't."
"Well Triple C, if you haven't figured it out yet, I have a little trouble with any kind of frustration." I leaned my hips into his and smiled.
"Oh, are we going to go have our romp in the hay now?" Edward waggled his eyebrows at me and gave my ass a little squeeze.
"You wish. I have another horse to lunge, and you need to ride Sparty." I reached around and grabbed his ass in return.
"Slave driver."
"Damn straight. You have to work for your romp in the hay." I winked.
Edward shook his head at me as we headed to get horses. Edward rode in the arena while I lunged Gunner. He would call out tips or changes I needed to make occasionally, but for the most part I was on my own. Gunner was easier in some ways to work with then Remington. He wasn't as stubborn, but he was more excitable. At one point he did exactly what Edward warned me about. Something spooked him and he bolted a bit on the line. Edward called out down the arena.
"Brace yourself Bella. Give him some line but keep him turning on the circle. Talk to him."
The amount of power on the other end of the line was incredible. I really understood now why it would be a very bad idea to get caught up in the lunge line. I talked low to Gunner. After a couple circles running, he slowed to a regular canter.
"Good job love." I didn't say anything, I was focused on Gunner. Edward and I finished up at the same time. In the crossties I reminded him about Masen's stall.
"Hmm. He seems slightly more comfortable with you. Why don't you give him his hay, then take the portable bucket in with you and just pick out what is necessary. I will be there to keep an eye on things."
"Okay." We walked over and I grabbed Masen's dinner portion of hay. When I opened the door to his stall, he just watched me. I tossed the hay to him and he dove in. Carefully I brought in the pick and bucket. I kept one eye on Masen at all times, and made sure I talked to him as I moved nearer him.
"Hey Masen, I'm just going to move over here and scoop up some of your mess okay?" I moved closer as I picked up manure. Masen watched me as he chewed, but didn't seem too worried. I was actually able to get close enough to him that if I wanted to pet him, I could've. I finished up and took everything out of the stall. Edward was standing there grinning.
"Nicely done. Here, take the grain and give it another try." I gave Edward a quick kiss and took the bucket. Back in the stall I started out a little closer then I had been earlier. Edward stood where he could see what was happening without being so close that Masen would be distracted.
"Masen, you sure you don't want your grain now?" I ran my hand through the contents of the bucket. Masen picked his head up and his ears pricked my direction. "I'll meet you halfway?"
"Careful Bella."
"It's okay Edward. Trust me." I heard Edward sigh, but kept his mouth shut. I knew this wasn't easy for him. I took a couple slow steps towards Masen and paused, playing with the grain again. Masen sniffed in my direction. "Come on buddy, I know how you feel. You are sure that this is just the same trap you've fallen for before. I promise it isn't."
We stood there watching each other. I could see Masen thinking things through. He took one step towards me. I let a breath out that I didn't know I was holding. "Edward, did you see that?"
"Yes I did. Keep going love."
I took another step towards Masen and stopped. After a couple minutes, Masen came one step closer to me. "Good job buddy, you are getting there. Just get close enough and I'll give you some grain." A few minutes after each step I took, Masen would match me. He was close enough now that if I offered him some grain in my hand, he could get it.
Slowly I stirred the grain with my hand. Masen raised his nose a little and sniffed towards the bucket. "You want some? Here's your chance." If Masen had been threatening to bite like yesterday, I wouldn't have used my hand, but he'd been calm so far. I scooped up a handful of grain and stretched my arm towards him. Keeping my fingers flat so there was nothing he could grab, I offered him the grain.
I just stood patiently while Masen thought it over. His eyes kept looking at the grain in my hand, and then at me. "No tricks Masen, I promise." After several more minutes passed, Masen stretched his nose to my hand. I kept my breathing calm and even as his muzzle came closer. Tentatively his lips made contact with my palm, scooped up some of the grain, and then he backed up several steps. He stood there chewing it and watching me.
Edward's voice spoke quietly from the aisle. "Wow. Go ahead and leave the rest of the grain in his bin Bella." I poured it in and left the stall. Edward grabbed me up into his arms the moment I set the bucket down. "You are amazing, you know that right?"
I just shrugged. "I think he knows I understand his emotional scars."
Edward set me down and looked in my eyes. "I know. Every day I find a reason to love you more Bella Swan." Edward hugged me to his chest.
"Thank you for trusting me Edward, I know you were freaking out a little."
"Was it that obvious?" He kissed the top of my head.
"Only a little."
"You're welcome." We looked in Masen's stall once more before we left. He was munching the grain and looking rather content. "You know Bella; I think you just radiate love, and it improves everything it touches."
I looked up at him as we walked to get the hay for the other horses. "That's quite the compliment. I don't know if I'm that powerful Edward."
Edward turned me to look at him. "Well you have certainly improved my life. I was a much more hopeless case then Masen. That's why I think he will recover fine, given time and love."
I smiled and walked my fingers up his chest. "Love is a powerful thing." I reached up on my tippy toes to kiss him.
"Yes it is."
We loaded the hay and Edward helped me feed. As we headed into the house the wind was blowing a bit and rain was starting to fall. A few leaves were falling off the trees and sliding across the driveway.
"Looks like fall is here handsome. Your favorite right?"
Edward opened the door and we paused in the entryway taking our boots off. "Mmm hmm. You remember that huh?"
"Of course I do, I remember everything."
"Everything?" He raised an eyebrow at me before he took my hand.
"You want to test me? Go for it Cullen." We walked into the kitchen and Edward picked me up and sat me on the counter.
"Okay. What was I wearing when we first met?"
"Easy, black jeans and a blue shirt." I grinned at him and swung my feet.
"Hmm. Do you remember the first time we went anywhere together?"
"Of course, the schooling show." I smiled because I could see Edward trying to think of something to trick me with.
"How about why I like fall?"
"Because you like the smell after it rains, having a fire in the fireplace, football, the way the air changes, and the falling leaves." I gave him a triumphant look.
"Damn." Edward rubbed his hands on my thighs as he searched his mind. Suddenly a grin came over his face. "When did I first hear you talk in you sleep?"
That was easy, why did he look so smug. He had to know I would remember that. "The first night you stayed at my apartment."
Edward shook his head grinning.
"It was, you told me when we woke up in the morning."
Edward chuckled.
"What are you keeping from me Cullen?"
"Remember when Aston colicked?" I nodded. "Well I came down to check on him at midnight, and you were already there, asleep in his stall." Edward waited a moment to let that sink in. "I was so amazed to see you there, and I didn't want to wake you, so I turned to leave. Suddenly you said my name."
I was blushing now. "I did not."
"Yes you sure did. I thought I had woken you and I came back, but you were still asleep. I stood there for a few moments to see if you'd say anything else. I wasn't dissapointed."
I groaned. "Well it can't be any worse then what was really the second time you heard me talk in my sleep. I don't think it's fair to ask me to remember something that occurred when I was unconscious Edward."
"Do you want to know what you said?" I looked at him waiting. He licked his lips and smiled again. "It's one of my favorite memories of you, because it was when I realized I couldn't ignore my feelings toward you anymore. You said 'Edward, so handsome. You are mmmmmm….' and then you smiled." Edward winked at me. "I've always wanted to know what the mmmmmm meant."
"Like I remember. I was probably dreaming about you in your breeches, or some other sexy attire."
We looked at each other for a moment. "That was when you finally got it handsome?"
"Yep, although that wasn't when I was first attracted to you. Do you remember when you figured it out?" He took my braid and started letting my hair down.
"Yes, the schooling show."
Edward looked confused. "The schooling show? Really?"
"Well, I kind of overheard what you told Bitch and Bitchier. When you said I was beautiful inside and out?" I stroked my fingers up his arms.
Edward nodded and smiled. "I remember."
"I'd never heard anyone say that about me. At that point trying to ignore my feelings for you became impossible."
"I'm sorry you had to hear the skank sisters with their nasty comments." He frowned remembering that little event.
"I'm not. Your reaction made it all worth it." I rubbed his shoulders lightly with my fingers.
Edward combed his fingers through my hair. "I'm glad." He leaned in and kissed me gently. I wrapped my feet around the back of his legs as I slid my tongue in his mouth. His hands tightened in my hair slightly and I hummed into his mouth a little. Running his fingers down my back, Edward tucked them into my back pockets and scooted me closer to the edge of the counter. My head fell back as Edward moved his lips down my jawline and neck.
"You have the most beautiful neck love. Did you know that?" He was still nibbling along the side where my neck met my shoulder.
"Nope I didn't."
"Tastes good too." Edward took his tongue and ran it along the base of my neck, pausing to kiss the hollow in the center.
"Mmmmmm."
Edward's eyes shot up to mine. "I've heard that sound before. Now I know what you were dreaming about that night."
"You do not!"
"I'd bet money on it. That's the only time you make that sound. And I know all your sounds." Edward stroked my cheek with one finger.
I just blushed and giggled. "Fine, whatever. I honestly don't remember." Edward helped me down and we got busy making dinner. This was one of my favorite times of day. The two of us in the kitchen, making dinner, teasing one another, and generally just being silly. I also used the time to stare at Edward when he wasn't looking. He used it as an opportunity to see how many times he could grab my ass.
Later that night, when we were curled up in the papasan, naughty idea number five came to me. Frankly I was surprised I hadn't thought of it before now.
"Edward?" He was rubbing my back as he channel hopped. I nuzzled my head into the crook of his neck and kissed him.
"What love?"
"Wanna hear naughty idea number five?" I played with the neck on his t –shirt.
"Of course I do." He set the remote down and looked at me. "I'm all ears."
"Well, I was just thinking when it gets a little colder, that there might be additional benefits to having a fire in the fireplace up here." I smiled sweetly at him.
"Are you telling me you want to have sex in front of a fire up here?" I felt him stirring underneath me. This naughty idea thing was fun.
"Mmm hmm." I kept playing with the neck of his shirt, running my fingers over and slightly under it. "Clue please?"
"Crap I 'm running out of clues. Okay you will be wearing very tight black pants."
"How tight?"
"Very." I looked up and Edward was wearing his crooked smile.
I rolled my eyes. "Great. I get to be uncomfortable so you can see me in tight pants." Edward chuckled. "You know other guys will be at this party right? That there is a risk that someone else will stare at me, or more specifically, my ass."
Edward grimaced for a second. "I know…..but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. Mainly that I get to take you home at the end and get you out of the tight pants." He smiled again with that idea.
I sat there trying to think of who the hell he was dressing us up as. All black outfits, tight on me, bad boy style for him. I thought back to when Edward came up with his little plan, and it hit me. I sat up and stared at him. "No. You wouldn't."
Edward had been watching me and I think he knew I had figured it out. "I wouldn't what Bella."
"Would our costume have something to do with the movie Alice and I were singing along to that night?"
Edward grinned. "Maybe."
"Holy crap. You are dressing me like Sandy in the end of Grease, and you are going as Danny."
"Bingo." He looked so pleased with himself.
"I cannot believe you want me in pants that tight. Are you insane? I don't have the figure for that!"
Edward's expression became serious. "Bella, that thought is what's insane. You have the perfect body for that outfit. Every time I think about it, well, it's very distracting. In fact I don't know how I'm going to actually be able to leave the house with you wearing it. Except Alice would kill me, then you, if we skipped her party. Besides, she and Jasper are going as Rizzo and Kenicki."
"You really think I can pull it off?" I still wasn't sure, but Edward was so excited. If he was positive I could wear it, and it made him happy, then I would wear it.
"I'm so sure that you can, that I'm going to make you keep the costume. So we can use it again later."
Even though the game was over, that was when I started thinking of naughty idea number six.
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So.....Bella in tight clothes, Edward as a bad boy. Any bets how long they will make it before they have to have each other on Halloween?? Hee hee
Hope you enjoyed the lemon with Showerward.......mmmmmm, I'd take that kind of shower anyday, anytime.
I hope you will drop me a review with your favorite part or line. I will do my best to respond this time. My next exam isn't until next thursday, and ch 27 is started.
What shall I tempt/bribe you with today? I know.......Lumbarward.......he's outside, wearing a dark blue flannel shirt, a grey t-shirt and black button fly jeans. You watch as he chops up some wood for you. Oh no, he's gotten too warm and takes off the flannel shirt. His t-shirt is adhered to his body, his muscled back and chest showing through the damp fabric. A grunt escapes him with every swing of the axe. He stops to wipe the sweat off his brow and catches you staring. "Hey there baby." A crooked smile crosses his face. "Once I'm done with this wood, do you want to see mine?"
Um, yes please!