Thanks MC!
Crushing Chapter 29
EPOV
The next morning, after a warm bubble bath together, where I made sure she was okay, I accompanied Bella while she went back to the dorm to finally meet her new roommate. Her name was supposed to be Tanya and she was a transfer from some tiny school out East. Bella seemed pretty happy and they'd talked through e-mails a couple of times over the past week. But she still seemed a little nervous, so I decided to invite myself along.
I remembered what it was like when you had to meet the new roommate. I generally didn't get nervous, but there were always awkward moments that made it hard when you realized you were stuck in a room with someone.
I kissed her sweetly before we entered and Bella seemed to relax. I was just glad I could provide her comfort in some way. It made me feel like I had a purpose, even if just to be a buffer, that was fine with me.
Inside, there was a woman about Bella's age bent over a box and the formerly empty side of the room was now filled with all sorts of things. I squeezed Bella's hand, trying to give her the confidence she would need. Just one look at the few things the girl had unpacked and I could tell she was a girly girl. Pink and purple smattered everywhere and one quick look also showed trophies for pageants, I assumed. Since one was Ms. Seattle and the other one was Ms. Junior Washington.
The urge to shake my head at this discovery overwhelmed me, but I ignored it and forced a smile on my face. I'd dealt with plenty of pageant girls in my time, whether at school or in my photography career and they were all the same. A little dull, a little too cheerful, and a little self-absorbed.
When Bella said hello, the girl popped up and immediately walked over to us.
She was a strawberry blonde with cold blue eyes, not like Emmett's at all. She was thin with a large rack, and while it would've been the kind of girl I normally would've gone for before, I couldn't find one ounce of her attractive. There was no one for me now but Bella.
"Hello there, Bella," Tanya said smiling, holding out a hand.
"Hi Tanya, it's nice to finally meet you," Bella replied, shaking her hand.
"Oh the hell with this, we're going to be more than just roommates. I know we'll be best friends, right?" Tanya squealed excitedly, before pulling Bella into a hug.
Bella couldn't have looked more uncomfortable, and while I tried to stifle a chuckle, she pried herself away from this interesting chick.
Poor Bella had a long road ahead of her with her new roommate.
After Bella did peel herself away from the girl she came to stand in front of me. She had a fake smile on her face and a glint in her eyes. "You must be the Edward that she's been talking about," she said in a slightly husky tone.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and stuck my hand out for her. "Yes, that would be me, nice to meet you, Tanya."
After I made sure Bella was comfortable I kissed her softly and slipped out. Mrs. Wilton wasn't expecting me until Monday, but I had some editing I needed to work on, so I headed home after promising Bella that I would see her soon. And I meant it, because after what we shared last night, I wasn't sure I would be able to fall asleep alone any time soon.
*C*
The next two weeks flew by. I was slammed with reshoots and editing and Bella said she was stressed over her new classes, so we both needed some time apart to get our shit done. But we did talk on the phone and text regularly, and did find one night to spend together on the weekend, where we just had dinner and cuddled in my bed.
We hadn't found much time to connect other than our late night conversations. Even being in the same city didn't help much. So when I found myself with a free afternoon, I decided to surprise Bella. I'd made a promise to myself. I wanted to spoil her any way I could and this was just one small part of that.
After texting her to confirm that she was coming straight back to her dorm room after her last class, I headed down to the market.
I bought Bella's favorite sandwich and salad, then I grabbed myself one. No, I didn't actually cook for her, but it was better than nothing and on the current schedule I had, this was all I had time for.
I managed to grab some grapes and cheese as well as a nice bottle of wine before heading out. After all, Bella was officially twenty-one now. We didn't, however, go out and get completely hammered on her birthday. No, we just took it easy, but the excitement was clear on her face when she ordered her first legal drink and I was so happy that I got to share that night with her.
Bella's resident advisor, Catherine, who I had become acquainted with over the past month, thought my surprise was sweet and was nice enough to let me in to her room and didn't say one word about the bottle of wine.
Sure, we could've had dinner at my place, but I really wanted to surprise her and this was the only way I could really see doing that.
After a few minutes, I had everything set up for her. Then I sat on her bed and waited.
A key in the lock told me that she was almost there and I stood up, anxious to have her in my arms.
But when the door opened to reveal Tanya, I was more than a little put off. I guess I'd forgotten about that small detail that she could show up because Bella had said Tanya had a late class.
How awkward would that make dinner, sitting there trying to have a romantic time and having Tanya on the other side of the room.
"Oh Edward, what a pleasant surprise," she said cheerfully, as she set her books down on her desk.
"Hi Tanya."
"Awe, how sweet! Are you and Bella having a little dinner date here?" she asked with a sweet smile.
I nodded. "We haven't had a lot of time to see each other lately and I thought this would be a nice treat. I guess I wasn't expecting you, sorry. Once she gets here, we'll pack up and I'll take her back to my place," I told her.
"Don't worry about that, I'll be out of your hair in just a second," she murmured, moving to her closet. "My class got out early, so I am actually heading out for a bit."
I watched as she picked out some clothes and laid them on her bed.
"You know," she said quietly, turning away from me. "I'd never say anything to Bella, because I think she's great… But don't you think you could do better?" she said before stripping off her shirt and putting her ample black laced chest on display. "'Cause I know, Edward, that you could handle a real woman."
I turned, facing the wall, since I had no desire to watch this woman undress any further. I didn't bother to say anything either. I just rolled my eyes and hoped Bella would soon show up.
A few more minutes of rustling and then she appeared beside me, dressed, thankfully.
"Listen Edward, like I said, Bella is a great girl. She's so sweet too. Nothing better than that, but I just really wanted to tell you, that I like you. And if, you know, you ever need anything…more. I'm always here for you," she said with a wink before stealing a grape and slipping out the door.
I breathed a sigh of relief before leaning back on Bella's bed and scrubbing my face.
That bitch was crazy.
Luckily, Bella showed up just a few minutes later and I was able to surprise her. She loved it and the smile that spread across her face made up for all the shit that Tanya had poured out earlier. If she thought that I would ever cheat on or leave Bella for her, she was insane.
We spent the night talking about our day and catching up in general.
Then as we quieted, she crawled into my lap, pressing warm kisses on my lips. And I couldn't help but get carried away.
She was on top of me, grinding into my sizable erection, moaning and I could easily tell what she wanted. What we both wanted.
I flipped her over, putting her under me.
"You want this here, baby?" I whispered, nibbling at her neck.
I couldn't say that I didn't think about the possibility of Tanya walking in while I was making love to my girl. Maybe that would teach her where my heart belonged.
"Yes, I don't care…I need you," she mewled, getting restless.
I wanted her just as much and I really didn't feel like moving the party back to my place. It would completely wreck the mood.
"Under the blankets," she murmured, shuffling around and trying to pull her comforter back.
I crawled under there with her and began kissing her with purpose once she was laid back on the pillow for me.
I pushed her shirt up, peeling down the cups of her bra. Making for a quick cover up, if needed.
Her soft tits were right there, I ached to taste them. And taste them I did. I moved my efforts down from her neck to her chest, kissing and sucking. I had her crying out for more when I pinched and rubbed at her tightened little nipples.
I kissed slowly down her flat stomach, letting the heat between us build. That's what I wanted. When her leg started shaking, I knew it was time to move along. She needed me. I let my fingertips slip in between the elastic of her pretty little purple panties and I pulled them down her legs with her help.
And when she was bare for me I let my fingers play between her legs. Her breath came out in pants and her chest heaved as I got her closer and closer, before she finally let out a long moan. I watched as her whole body began to shake and shudder. Her eyes were closed, but it still had to be the sexiest thing I'd ever seen.
When she came down and was calm I stripped out of my pants, grabbing my wallet before they were kicked to the floor. I pulled out a condom and rolled it on wanting nothing more than to be between her thighs, in the soft heat I knew was ready for me.
I slipped down letting my cock rest on her leg, nudging her open for me. I kissed her tender, now swollen lips, and licked my way inside her mouth. Our tongues twisted lazily and when there was enough room for me I lined myself up and pushed inside her.
She was still so tight, so hot, and so wet. I didn't think I was ever going to get used to that feeling. I grunted softly into her mouth as I tried to calm myself. There was no need to end this early, not when I desperately wanted her. Not when my goal in life was to now show her all the love I could.
She groaned and lifted her hips to meet mine as I pushed into her again. I kept my strokes slow and steady. They were deep and I could feel her stretching around me. Just being reminded that I was the only man to ever be inside her was enough to almost make me come.
I pulled my mouth off of her, wanting to hear her sweet noises.
And as I did her hips picked up speed, crushing my rhythm and starting their own. She wanted speed, she craved me like a wild animal and when I gave her what she wanted her nails just dug into my back, begging for more.
"Fuck, baby," I grunted, taking her legs, folding them over her before doubling my efforts.
She whimpered and I could tell she was close. Sweat began to bead on her forehead and I knew she was working for it. She wanted the intensity.
My hand slipped up her body, cupping her full breasts and smooth skin as it went, until it reached her neck. I considered applying pressure there, but I didn't want to freak her out…maybe another time. So, I continued up. Holding her chin and forcing my thumb into her mouth. She knew what to do, sucking and licking. I dreamed about the day she would finally suck my cock. But for now I would live in the hot walls of her pussy without complaint.
Her breathing hitched and her eyes glazed over as she came undone beneath me. Her screech was partially covered by my hand. But I didn't miss the sound at the door behind us.
I kept going, though; too close to lose everything now.
I pushed into Bella erratically and just felt.
"So fucking good, so tight. Shit…baby, I love you," I choked out as my balls began to tingle.
"I love you too," she murmured tiredly, completely oblivious to the door opening.
A small yelp came from behind us before I heard the door slam and I finally came, releasing everything I had in me with a deep groan.
That had to be one of the best orgasms of my life. And when Bella's soft hand reached for me and pulled me down, completely on top of her I couldn't have felt closer to her. She held me, stroking my hair as we caught our breath together.
Then my head began to bounce with her chuckles.
"What's so funny?" I asked lifting my head to look at her.
She looked so at peace, her eyes were so calm and her face was stunning. Her hair was adorable, completely disheveled, but she still had to be the sexiest woman I ever laid eyes on.
"Um…I'm pretty sure we scared Tanya off," she said with another laugh.
"Oh God, you heard it too?"
She nodded, giggling. "Oh well, next time she'll heed that Do-Not-Disturb sign I flipped over when I came in the room and saw you earlier," she said with a contented sigh.
I pulled out of her and disposed of the condom before fixing her shirt and cuddling back into her. Yes, her bed might be tiny, but I honestly didn't feel like leaving her any time soon.
*C*
I was anxious to wrap up the job; it had been a lot of satisfying work, and I was excited to see the finished product. Once I was done though. It meant I was going to have to move back to Forks, something I wasn't looking forward too.
I handed the final disk of prints to Mrs. Wilton for her to review and was expecting to leave when she caught me by the arm.
"Edward, do you have a minute?"
"Certainly," I said turning to her.
"Listen, I wanted to run something by you."
I nodded for her to continue.
"I was talking with one of my friends, a magazine editor, and they said they need some Ad layout shots done. She asked if I knew anyone I could recommend and I gave them your card. But I also remembered that you mentioned you were going to be moving back to Forks shortly after you finished up here. So, I was wondering if you've reconsidered that, and would stay in Seattle? Because honestly, I could get you some work, good work, as these Ad layouts pay quite well, and if you do a good job, as I suspect you will, it could really open up a new realm of photography work for you," she told me with a genuine smile.
"Wow, Mrs. Wilton, that's wonderful. Thank you. Any work would be greatly appreciated. And yes, actually, I was considering staying if I could find more work, but I'll need to look for the right place to live because my sublet is quite small."
She nodded and looked thoughtful for a moment. "So, it's okay if I pass out your card to a few people I know?" she wondered.
"Yeah, that's fine, thank you again." I was shocked. I wasn't going to count on clients before I had them, but just the fact that Mrs. Wilton was so happy with my work and that she wanted to pass out my card made me ecstatic.
*C*
A few weeks later I found myself in a new apartment. One that was all mine. I knew that I had told myself I wasn't going to just settle for a place near Bella, but this one was so perfect, I couldn't resist. She was just a five minute walk away and the place had high ceilings and an extra room that was perfect for a studio.
I was glad to have it too because Mrs. Wilton wasn't lying when she said she had passed around my name to her friends. Before I knew it my cell was ringing off the hook and I was booking big jobs. I was so thankful that I offered to do some free of charge promo shots for her new upcoming line, and Mrs. Wilton was thrilled with my offer of appreciation.
Bella was very impressed and happy for me and loved my new place.
I was just happy that I got to be relatively close to her. Even though I was busier than ever.
And I was also pretty happy that most late Friday nights together turned into sleepovers. We'd have dinner, cuddle or watch a movie. Sometimes she'd do homework and I'd show her some of my work, and then we'd go to bed and make love.
Yum. We had such a special relationship now; loving each other completely. It was my dream life come true.
The weeks started flying by and the holidays were coming up quick.
Mom and Dad were a little upset that Bella and I were only able to come down for the day on Thanksgiving, but we promised them a much longer visit at Christmas.
Things were really going well for Bella in college too. She was studying so hard and really making the grades to show it.
I was so proud of her and I told her every chance I could.
And since we were spending a good chunk of time together, I got to cheer her on regularly. A happy balance had finally been found. It was good.
Then, around the first of December I got a call.
Thinking it was Bella, since I was expecting her call, I automatically answered.
"Hey babe," I said sweetly into my phone.
"Well, hello there Edward," I heard a scratchy voice attempt to purr.
Instantly I pulled the phone away from my cheek and checked the number. It was in fact Bella's, so I wondered who the hell had her phone.
"Who is this?"
"Tanya, but you can call me babe," she said with a giggle.
I tried not to gag.
"What's up Tanya, something I can help you with?" I asked politely. "I see you're calling from Bella's phone."
"Yes, she said I could use it because, in fact, there is something you may be able to help me with. Bella said you take professional photos?"
"I do…" I began, but was cut off.
"Oh, goodie," she squealed. "You see, the Washington Christmas Pageant is coming up and I need some shots done for my portfolio."
"Tanya, I'm really not sure I'm the guy you should be seeking out. My prices might be a bit high for you, and I'm actually really busy and can't cut you much of a deal. I've got a place to pay for now."
I hoped my excuses would be enough of a deterrent to make her find someone else.
"Oh, Edward, whatever your fees are, that's fine, money is not an issue. My parents are loaded and said they would pay for professional services to make sure I got the best shots. So name your price!"
"Great," I muttered, sighing heavily. "E-mail me exactly what you need and we'll get something worked out."
I kept telling myself that I was doing it for Bella because it was her roommate and I knew it would give them something to bond over. God knows they needed it.
And I knew those kinds of shoots well. It should go relatively quickly and I could make decent bank off of it. It wasn't hard work, just tedious.
So, after some negotiation, we nailed down a time to meet at my place and she agreed to bring Bella. I really didn't want to be alone with the girl. So it was better that way.
*C*
The week passed quickly, but still allowing me to find some much needed date time with Bella. The day before the shoot with Tanya we found ourselves curled up on my couch together. Our hands were linked and she was tucked under my arm with her feet on legs. It was the perfect night. We just watched TV until she frowned at the clock and announced that she needed to get back to the dorm. I accepted it because we were in a good place; I didn't need Bella to feel suffocated, even though I would've loved nothing more than for her to keep my bed warm each and every night.
That time would come eventually. And for now I would wait patiently.
The next afternoon I set up the studio with soft lighting, hoping to give Tanya the blemish free look I knew she would want. She was like all the rest that I'd shot for like this in the past. They wanted to look like fucking Barbie dolls. Where there was nothing real about them. But, I couldn't really blame them considering what they were working to achieve. Momentary perfection.
At a quarter to three there was a knock on the door and I was surprised. I tossed the magazine I was skimming through and went to open the door.
It was Tanya. And she was alone… I wasn't expecting her yet, since we agreed to meet at four.
I blew out a breath and prepared myself for her onslaught.
"Hey Eddie. I know I'm early, but Bella said you wouldn't mind. She had to go to the library first, but said she'd be over shortly."
I guess she was right. I didn't mind, but still wished Bella had made it.
I told Tanya where the bathroom was so she could change and check her make up before heading into the studio and getting ready.
Soon enough I was clicking off shots of Tanya in a gaudy Christmas ball gown. She was wearing too much make up so it looked like it was caked on, and I knew I was gonna have to do some touching up there. I shook my head; the girl was actually beautiful but looked quite fake. I felt bad for her that she thought she needed to wear all that to get the attention she sought.
"Okay, now turn to the side and rest your hands on your stomach," I said, trying to direct her in a pose that would be exactly what she wanted. "Good, yes, just like that."
A few more shots and then we were ready to move on.
She went through the process of changing into casual, which happened to be designer jeans and a fancy, glittery t-shirt. Again, back in the day, I might have liked what I saw, but now it honestly did nothing for me.
I called out the typical shots, before pulling out a fake log and sprinkling some leaves and a little artificial snow around her. I thought an outdoor background would really set off her eyes. And I knew that was what she was going to want; natural and appealing to the eye.
After that we moved on to her talent portion. Tanya told me that she could play the guitar so she decided to change into leather pants and a tiny vest with nothing underneath, while she pretended to strum on the guitar. Yeah, she looked kind of awkward…but I did my best with what I had to work with. It really was sad the shit girls went through to be deemed beautiful. I was just grateful that Bella was nothing like that.
A few lighting changes and a couple of wardrobe adjustments and I was able to capture something that looked remotely like what she was striving for.
Then of course I knew the last to come was the swimsuit portion. This wasn't my first pageant shoot, but unlike my first a number of years ago, I wasn't looking forward to her coming out of the bathroom. She had been eyeing me strangely, and I wasn't stupid…I knew she was interested in me. Hell, she'd already flat out told me that much. And to have her in my apartment, dressed in what I could only assume would be next to nothing, was not my idea of a good time; at least not anymore.
That was why I wanted Bella here with us.
I was such a horndog when I was younger, and not to sound too cocky, but I saw the signs.
Now though, I dreamed only about when I would see Bella in a bikini again.
I couldn't wait for this shoot to be over.
"Alright, Eddie, here I come," she announced, stepping out in what had to be the tinniest swimsuit known to man. We're talking pieces of red satiny material here. Holy fuck.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes again and told her where to stand and how to pose.
I briefly glanced down at my watch and wondered where Bella was…hoping she was okay and would soon show up. Tanya had said she would be right along and now we were venturing on an hour and a half into this horrid shoot.
"How's this?" she asked after fluffing her hair and pursing her lips. Oh and of course sticking her chest out.
"Great," I said, trying to be positive. She flaunted her full breasts and her flat stomach, which was what most girls wanted, so I rolled with it. Then she turned to the side slightly so I could get a few that also featured her backside.
After I clicked off a few more decent shots, I declared us finished. I wanted to get this tramp out of my apartment; I'd had enough and I wanted to go find Bella. But Tanya just didn't get the hint.
"Can I see the final pictures?" she wondered, still wandering around in her bikini.
"How about later?" I said, hoping she would get the point and go put her clothes back on.
"Oh come on," she said swatting my chest with a giggle.
"Fine, just give me a minute to upload them. You can change while I'm doing that," I told her, grabbing my computer.
I slipped my SD card out of the camera and loaded them on my laptop before plopping down on the couch. I set them up in the proper folder and program before getting them up on the screen.
I really had thought that she had gone to change while I was loading the photos on there.
Finally they were ready to be viewed.
But when I called Tanya over I realized she had not changed, no, she had just re-applied her lip gloss. Making me even more wary of having her in my apartment. But I figured the quicker we reviewed the pictures, the faster she would be gone. So, with a sigh, I began showing them to her. She sat far too close for my liking, but I knew the appointment was almost done and I was grateful for that. We got about halfway through them before I ran out of couch to scoot over away from her.
And when we reached the bikini pictures I noticed her moving even closer. I clicked through to next picture and before I could look up Tanya was on my lap straddling me…and that was about the same time I heard the lock click and the door swing open.
"What in the fuck?" I said angrily as I tried to push the slutbag off me.
And as I turned my head, that was when I saw Bella standing next to the kitchen island looking completely appalled.
Fuck my life.
Oh man!
What is Bella gonna say?
Trouble in paradise?
Who hates Tanya?
