Thank you everyone – you continue to blow my mind with each update. If I could hug you all I would. Seriously.
As always hugs and thanks to Mariahjile, Marly 582, SparklyMeg, Everydaybella, and Cruiz Fanfiction.
Chapter 28
I thought Chicago winters were a myth. I knew they got cold; I just wasn't really prepared for how cold.
As Christmas approaches, the temperature drops so far below zero that I have to check the thermometer hasn't actually broken. Twice. Journeys to and from school become nothing but a challenge as I battle the snow, sleet, and bracing winds, and I put extra blankets on my bed to try to find some warmth at night.
"You are such a Southerner," Alice says again as I sit next to her on the sofa, wrapped in several layers of clothing.
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
She snuggles next to me, sliding her legs under the blanket. "Never." She giggles. "I've just never seen someone react to the cold this way."
"Cold I can handle. Cold means you put a sweater on. This?" I point outside, gesturing to the current snowstorm. "This is way colder than cold."
She rolls her eyes at my dramatics, and I can't help but giggle. "I never thought I'd actually miss Jacksonville."
She turns to face me. "You miss it?"
I shrug. "A little. I mean, when I left, I hated the place and was really happy to leave. But now, I can see it wasn't really Jacksonville that I hated, just the people I was leaving behind."
"And now?"
I chuckle. "Well, I still hate them, but what happened doesn't have the same hold over me as it did back then. I won't avoid going home just because I might see them. Plus, I miss my mom. I can't wait to see her."
She smiles. "That's great. I'm glad you finally feel that way. So, is Edward going with you?"
I frown. I booked my flight home before we got serious, and I wasn't too bothered about being away from him for so long. "We haven't really spoken about it. Do you think he wants to?"
"I think you already know the answer to that, Bella."
I smile. "I kinda like the thought of Edward in Florida." I can already imagine showing him the beach from my house, watching the sunset with him, and taking him to my favorite restaurant downtown.
"You should ask him."
I lean back and pull the blanket up to my chin. "I think I will."
xXx
"Hey, Vicky. Everything okay?"
She lifts Leanne higher on her hip and smiles at me, approaching the desk. "As good as they can be. I'll be glad when classes finish this week."
I laugh. "Hard going, right?"
She rolls her eyes. "It's like my professors have just realized it's the last week, so they pile on all this extra work. I keep reminding myself it'll be worth it."
I nod. "Want me to take Leanne?"
Her relief is palpable. "Please. I just need an hour to finish up an essay so I can submit it tomorrow." She passes me Leanne, who fusses for a second but relaxes in my arms.
"I'm just gonna take her through the back with the rest. Come find us when you're finished."
Leanne gurgles and playfully tugs at my hair as we make our way through the library. I follow the sound of children's laughter to where Edward and Ben are entertaining some of the other kids.
"Shall we just stay here and watch them?" I whisper to Leanne, who is, of course, mesmerized by Edward.
She giggles, and I take that as a yes.
We wait in the doorway, watching as both Edward and Ben not only read to the kids, but act out whatever story they're reading. The kids go crazy as Edward and Ben put on a mock sword fight before Ben crashes to the ground, clutching his side. Cheers erupt from everyone, including Leanne who squeals and claps her hands. Her excitement captures Edward's attention, and he turns to us with a huge smile on his face.
"Vicky just stopped by for an hour. She has an essay to finish."
He smiles and takes Leanne from me. "Hey, pretty girl," he murmurs, giving her an Eskimo kiss. "So I get you for a whole hour today."
She giggles in his arms while I swoon in the doorway. No matter how many times I see them together, I swoon that little bit more.
"She's all yours." I wave to Ben, who has recovered from his "sword wound" and is now packing away the books and toys. "I gotta tidy up front, but I'll let you know when Vicky is finished."
"'Kay." He nods and sits down with Leanne, pulling out some building blocks, which she goes for right away.
Back out front, I get ready to close for the night. The place is busier than it normally is at this time of night, purely because we're coming to the end of term. There's a study group in one corner, who is cramming for an exam in a few days, and a few of the computers are taken by those finishing coursework due within the next week.
Once everything has been done, I sit up at the front desk, pulling out one of my books. My one and only exam is in a week, and although I'm quietly confident about it, I use the spare time to start up on some reading. I'm only interrupted a few times as parents come to pick up their kids from the day care.
About a half hour later, Vicky, the last parent, comes to the desk wearing a huge smile.
"You done?"
She nods. "Yeah. It's amazing what I can get done in a quiet room for an hour."
I laugh. "I can imagine. Let's go get your girl."
"Listen, I have a question about next semester. One of my friends, Bree, has a three-year-old son, and I was wondering if she could come along? Her husband is in the army and he's based abroad, so he isn't here that often."
"Oh, of course she can. Just tell her to come along, and we'll have a look at her schedule."
Edward meets us halfway, with Leanne sleeping in his arms. "I figured you'd be finished soon."
Vicky takes her daughter, thanking Edward. "I'll see you guys after the holidays. And thank you again."
"Have a great time, Vicky."
After she leaves, we lock up and finish for the night. Ben looks dead on his feet and quickly leaves.
Outside, the snow has stopped, but it's still absolutely freezing. I shudder and pull my jacket tighter around me.
Edward notices and slips an arm around my shoulder. "Still not liking our winter?"
I scowl. "It's freezing."
He kisses my forehead. "You'll get used to it."
I smile. I'll happily get used to it for him.
"C'mon, let's go before it starts snowing. Again." I lean against him, hiding from the cold, knowing we don't have long before the white stuff I once thought beautiful starts again.
"Yours or mine?" he asks when we get in his car. He removes his jacket and throws it on the back seat.
I look over at him as we pull out of the parking lot. He's wearing his faithful beanie that he bought at the start of winter. It's quickly becoming a favorite of mine. He laughed when I told him it made him look like a typical bad boy. His hair just peeks out the bottom, just enough to allow me to tug on it when we kiss. He hasn't shaved in a week, saying he prefers the scruff in the colder months, and I have to admit I'm starting to prefer it, too. His long-sleeved sweater clings to his body, and I can see his muscles moving as we make our way through the city. Even though it's only been days, it feels so long since I felt those muscles moving beneath my hands.
"Yours."
He glances over at me with a knowing smile. "Yeah?"
Butterflies erupt deep in my stomach. "Yeah."
xXx
The door slams and keys drop to the floor. Edward's arms are tight around me as he pushes me against the wall in the hallway.
"Bella… God…" I gasp as Edward's hands cover my body. He's everywhere, yet not close enough.
"Too long," he growls, and I murmur my agreement.
Clothes are shed quickly, leaving a messy trail as we find our way to his bedroom.
"Missed you," he mumbles against my lips, lowering me to the bed.
I smile, kissing him softly. "I missed you, too."
"Is that weird? I mean, it's only been days."
I slide my fingers through his hair. "I don't care if it's weird."
"Good," he murmurs, bringing his lips to mine again.
Our admission makes my heart flutter, and I love that we're on the same page. We're not moving too fast, or too slow; we're at a place that's just right for us.
He makes it his mission to cover as much of my skin with fingers and lips as he can before slipping between my legs. I arch toward him, desperate for whatever he can offer me.
He teases me with his fingers, groaning when he feels how ready I am for him. "Bella…"
I hook my legs around his waist, needing more. "I want…" Words fail me, and I try to pull him toward me to show what I want.
What I need.
"I know, baby," he murmurs, reading my mind. "I need you, too."
He kisses me softly, swallowing my gasps as he removes his fingers and slowly thrusts into me.
"Every time," he groans, resting his forehead on mine.
I hum in agreement. No matter how many times we're together, how many times he leaves me breathless, or how many times he makes my toes curl, it will always feel like the first time: the energy that buzzes around us, the quickening of our breaths as our hands explore, and the sweet murmurs of encouragement.
And nothing beats that.
I get lost in his touches, whimpering when they become needy, almost desperate. It's quick, his thrusts falter in their tempo, and I know this time neither of us will last too long. Heat pulses through my body, and my eyes fall close of their own accord as I give myself over to the feeling.
Nothing exists but us.
He slips his hand between us, his skilled fingers quickly bringing me to the edge.
"Baby, I need you to…" he whispers, leaning over me and pulling one of my nipples between his teeth.
"Almost," I gasp. "Harder… Please…"
He moans, low and deep in his throat, my name falling from his lips as he scrunches his eyes closed.
"Kiss me," I murmur.
He looks down at me — a glorious, sweating, panting mess — and smiles before kissing me soundly. His lips against mine, coupled with every other sensation, is enough to send me spiraling over the edge. My whole body shudders as I come hard, taking Edward with me.
He kisses my forehead softly before rolling to the side. He wraps his arm around my shoulder, allowing me to lie on his chest.
"I can feel your heart going a hundred miles an hour." I smile, loving the effect I have on him.
He chuckles. "I'd be worried if it wasn't. Plus, you know what you do to me."
I grin. "I know." I slide out from under his arm, ignoring him as his grip tightens on me. "I'm just going to the bathroom."
He pats the space next to him. "Hurry back?"
He looks far too tempting for me to even think about refusing him.
I quickly clean up and hurry back to bed. He pulls the covers over us as we lie on our sides, facing each other. I link my legs with his, giggling when he flinches against my cold feet.
"Are we just staying here for the rest of the day?"
He smiles, pushing my hair away from my face. "If I had my way, I'd spend all my free time naked in bed with you."
He says the sweetest things, so I kiss him. Hard.
He moans, rolling us so I'm on my back, his arms caging me in. "What was that for?"
I shrug, unable to fight the grin on my face. "Just for being you."
xXx
Hours later, completely sated and exhausted, we pull ourselves out of bed. Both our stomachs are rumbling, hunger taking over the need for each other.
"Pizza or Chinese?"
"Wow. You really know how to spoil a girl."
He comes up behind me, pushing me against the kitchen counter and playing with the bottom of my shirt. Well, his shirt that I put on. "I think I spoiled you plenty this afternoon."
Goosebumps break out where his fingers leave a fiery trail. "Mmm… You definitely spoiled me." My heart thumps in my chest as I remember.
He chuckles, placing a soft kiss just below my ear. "So, preference?"
"Chinese, please. Just the usual for me."
He smacks my ass and walks out, phone in his hand, already dialing the Chinese place. It wouldn't surprise me if he has them on his speed dial.
While we wait, the conversation I had with Alice plays over in my head. My flight home is already booked and paid for. If I want Edward to join me, I'm going to have to ask him soon.
Our food arrives quickly, and we set up base in the living room with a movie playing in the background. I pick at my food while Edward inhales his, pointing out every little thing he loves about Pulp Fiction.
"Bella?"
I look up to see him looking at me. "Um, I'm sorry. What were you saying?"
"I was asking if you like the film." He frowns. "Everything okay?"
I nod. "Yeah… There's actually something I wanted to ask you about."
He puts his food down, pushing it to the side. "You okay?"
"Oh. Yeah… Yeah, it's nothing bad. I promise. I was actually wondering what you're doing over the Christmas break?"
He knows why I'm asking.
He grins.
"Nothing really. I'll be going home for a few days." He slides along the sofa closer to me. "When do you fly home?"
I watch as he takes my hand in his, linking our fingers together. Even the little things still give me butterflies.
"My flight is on the 23rd."
"And are you back before New Year's?"
I shake my head. "No, I come back on the 3rd."
His grip tightens on my hand, and I know he's thinking the same as me. That's a long time for us to be apart, something that didn't bother me when I booked the flights but now causes my throat to tighten.
"What would you say about coming with me?"
He stays silent, forcing me to look up him.
His smile makes me smile.
"You want me to come home with you?"
"Yeah… I mean, only if you—"
He crushes his lips to mine. "I want to."
xXx
I love you guys – thanks for reading
Fic Rec: Honest Liar by aWhiteBlankPage - Bella once told me that there was nothing braver than a flower growing through a crack in the sidewalk. I laughed because she was always giving feelings to things that don't feel. If she was standing next to me, I'd tuck the dandelion behind her ear. Or she'd blow on it and make a wish. A hundred wishes. Or maybe just one.
