oOo

She bit her lip, almost certain that he was going to refuse.

The fact that he had come to her had to mean something; only she wasn't sure what that something might be. He was incredibly handsome, an internationally renowned artist – surely he had a lot of friends?

"Are you serious?"

He seemed so vulnerable, tired green eyes with a tiny sparkle of hope.

"It was just an idea," she mumbled. "I mean, I just… Forget it."

"I think… " He cleared his throat. "I think I would like that very much, Bella."

She only realized that their hands were still entwined when he gave her fingers a gentle little squeeze.

"You do?"

He nodded.

"It would give me something to… hold on to?" He looked at their hands. "It would also give me an impetus to not drink myself into a stupor at lunch." His eyes met hers again. "Yeah, I would like to come."

"Okay."

"I guess I'd better go home now." He sighed as if the idea didn't appeal to him much.

"You didn't drive, did you?"

"No, of course not. I took a cab." Never letting go of her hand, he pulled his phone from his suit pocket and dialled, calling another taxi. "What number is this?" he whispered in between.

"Seventeen," she replied.

She realized that she didn't want him to go. She had no concrete idea what they'd do if he stayed – not that it would happen – but his presence felt strangely comfortable.

"Okay, thanks." Edward ended the call. "They'll be here in five minutes."

Finally, it was time for their hands to part.

Edward got up and put on his coat.

"I know this sounds wrong," he said, "but I'm actually looking a bit forward to tomorrow now."

"So do I," she replied.

"Thank you again, Bella." He took a step toward her.

For the first time since he'd entered her flat, Bella became aware of the fact that she was just wearing her Donald Duck pyjamas.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" His pinkie finger touched hers.

"Yes," she whispered. "Tomorrow."

The doorbell rang, making them flinch.

"Bye, beautiful Bella," he said softly. And then, he bent down and kissed her cheek.

She watched his cab drive away from her window, staring out into the dark long after he'd gone.

Too many emotions and questions were muddling her heart.

What did Edward want?

What did he need?

Why had he come to her tonight?

She sighed and got up, walking to the bathroom to get a hot water bottle. Once it was warming her feet under the blankets, she sighed again, this time at the glorious comfort of her bed.

oOo

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