A/N: Well, what a bonus! I had a day off yesterday, so I thought I'd bring you this chapter a little earlier than usual (yeah, you can faint now). Plus, I knew you'd all be champing at the bit to see how things would go when Edward and Bella finally had their little conversation.
So…sit back, relax, and enjoy the fluff that is mostly this chapter, cos I'm a little over the angst!
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but have decided that I'd love Jasper to be my bestie and Edward to feed me chocolate covered strawberries. Hehe.
CHAPTER 45 – AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE…
EPOV
I stood there, staring at my brand new iPhone, willing the seconds to tick by. Waiting for time to pass was killing me, and right about now, I figured Rosalie knew about the fact that she was going to be working for me. I let out an audible sigh, feeling thoroughly annoyed by the fact that I'd agreed to this, but at the same time satisfied that the woman was finally getting what was coming to her.
Life, so it seemed, wasn't always fair…but this time, karma had certainly come back to bite Rosalie on the ass big time, which made me feel a combined sense of satisfaction and…yeah…dread.
However, that wasn't the thing I was most nervous about. Ever since I watched Bella leave, my stomach began to tie itself in knots and the uncertainty quickly took over…the very idea of talking to her one on one making me more than jumpy, that was until my sister convinced me otherwise. I smiled as I recollected the chat Alice and I had…
"Alice, it's not that cold out. Why are you dressed that way?" I asked as she came downstairs and met me in the kitchen, dressed warmly in jeans, a thick jumper and a scarf.
"I just got a message from Jasper. He told me to dress warm for our date this afternoon. I have no idea what he's up to, but I can't wait to find out!" she answered with a gleeful expression.
Trying with all my might to stop myself from smirking, I stood up and headed to the refrigerator, hiding myself behind the door. I knew what the man was up to, but was attempting to keep that knowledge to myself.
"What's wrong?" she asked perceptively.
"Err…nothing. I'm just a bit peckish," I answered as I brought out the leftover turkey and placed it on the counter, trying not to rouse her suspicion.
"Ooooh that's a great idea!" she said, clapping her hands as she proceeded to retrieve the cranberry sauce and the left-over seasoning and gravy, placing all the items on the counter before returning to the fridge.
"I'm not that hungry. Just this will be enough."
"No, it's not enough if you're going to make a picnic lunch for Bella."
"A picnic lunch?" I asked with a smile. As irritating as she sometimes was, that wasn't a bad idea…
"Yes! You can take her for a ride, find a quiet place to talk and have a picnic! You start making the sandwiches, and I'll put together everything else. Now, what else can we pack?" she muttered as she rifled through the cupboards, finally coming upon some plastic containers which would fit easily into my backpack. As she pulled out two plastic flutes and a bottle of champagne, I knew I had to stop her.
"Champagne, Alice…really?"
"The girl has to eat, and what better way to satisfy her appetite than making one of your famous triple decker turkey sandwiches…washed down with a little champagne?"
"She's hung over, and besides, I kind of want Bella to remember our conversation this time." I took the bottle from her and placed it back in the fridge, instead retrieving a couple of waters and a thermos.
I was half expecting for her argue with me, insist on doing things her way as she had so many times before, but instead, she just smiled and shrugged her shoulders, conceding defeat.
It still never failed to surprise me that she was keeping her word.
"Fair enough. Why don't you just pack these then?" she suggested as she retrieved the container of chocolate covered strawberries I had prepared but forgotten to serve with coffee the night before.
"Isn't that a bit much? This isn't a date after all…is it?" I questioned with a creased brow, confusion whirling through my mind as it hit me that I was navigating previously unchartered waters. I had no idea what I made of our meeting today, and on top of that, I realised with annoyance I'd never actually taken Bella out on an official date. I stood there, staring at my sister, waiting for her to answer, but instead she offered me nothing.
"Edward, I have no idea, but feeding her these delicious morsels can't hurt," she said with a sigh.
"What? That's it? No other pearls of wisdom to impart?" I asked with a chuckle.
"Nope. Like I said, you're on your own now. The only advice I can give you is to make sure you're completely honest with her."
"I plan on nothing less," I answered as I picked up the bread and began to slice the turkey…happy but at the same time petrified that I really was on my own from now on…
So now, here I stood, helmet in hand, leaning against my bike, waiting for her to emerge. I wanted to set things straight between us, and knew I had to lay everything out in order to regain her trust enough that we could move forward. As I watched them emerge from the building, her laughter echoing through the air as they spoke, I hoped her jovial mood was a good sign.
"Hey," she said, gasping as they approached, her eyes raking over the bike before they settled on me. I couldn't help but smirk in response.
"How did it go?" I asked, my gaze flickering between her and Jasper.
"Oh it took some convincing, but in the end, she knew she didn't have a choice. I'll make sure she's ready to start at the same time as you the week after next, so she can help set up the house," Jasper said.
"Great," I said with a grimace, scrubbing the back of my neck with my hand.
"Oh, suck it up, Cullen!" Bella demanded. "I know you've got the hots for her."
"And what makes you think that?" I asked, laughing nervously.
"Because, knowing Rosalie the way I do, she never does anything out of the goodness of her heart. She wouldn't have agreed to publish my article word for word if you hadn't done something drastic...maybe flirted a bit to manipulate her."
"Touche, Bella!" Jasper exclaimed, seemingly impressed with Bella's very accurate assumption. I felt my eyes widen, at the same time my breath caught in my throat and I began to cough uncontrollably.
"Shit," I huffed, pounding my fist on my chest.
"Oh don't worry, it's no big deal, Cullen," she assured.
"You're not pissed about what I did?" Part of me wanted her to be jealous, but at the same time I was relieved that she didn't seem bothered by my behaviour, her easy acceptance giving me the ray of hope I so desperately needed to get in her good books once again.
"Why the hell would I be pissed? Thanks to you and Jasper, I'm now going to be able to write my book," she said with a small smile. "Besides, I know how much she grosses you out. What I want to know is how you managed to flirt with her without puking all over her designer shoes!"
Jasper and I both burst out laughing, both of us eyeing the other in understanding, flirting with Rosalie to get what we wanted something else we now had in common.
I felt my body relax, her words of assurance and light mood making me feel as though I could confess anything to her…and I would…and maybe, just maybe if I just laid everything on the line, Bella would perhaps find it in her heart to give us another chance.
"Yeah, well it wasn't without effort. It made my skin crawl when I flirted with her…and when I kissed her hand I was sure my lips were gonna burn off!" I laughed.
"Oh, you poor baby. And now you're going to be her boss. However will you cope?" Bella said sarcastically, joining in, her laughter music to my ears.
"I have no idea. Perhaps a muzzle would be a great start!" I joked, elated as I watched her let go.
"Jesus, man, it ain't gonna be that bad!" Jasper said, his laughter abating as he checked his watch.
"I sure hope not," I replied quickly.
"Shit, I'm gonna be late unless I get my tail moving. We'll talk about this later, because right now I have an errand to run before I pick my little lady up for our date," Jasper complained in a rush.
"What's the hurry, Jasper?" Bella asked. "Tiffany's closing soon or some shit?" Jasper's sheepish smile told me her assumption was right on the money.
"Something like that. Would it be okay if you get a ride home with Edward so I've got enough time to drop your stuff back at your place and pick Alice up?" he asked anxiously, taking Bella's laptop from her quickly.
"Sure, sure," she replied casually. "And tell Dad I won't be long...I should be home in time to cook us an early dinner."
My heart clenched at the very thought of Bella going back to her apartment without me. I wanted nothing more than to make her dinner again...but understood I couldn't risk things by pushing her too quickly, either.
"I will. Well, I gotta run. Catch y'all later!" Jasper shot me a mischievous wink before turning to leave, the grin never leaving his face as we watched him get in his car and pull away.
"I was thinking we could go somewhere and talk before I take you home. Would that be okay?" I asked as I turned to face Bella, trying to stop my tone from sounding too desperate.
"I guess," she answered nervously.
"Ready?" I asked, anticipation shooting through me as I reached into the seat and retrieved Bella's shiny new helmet, offering it to her.
"As I'll ever be," she answered, biting her lip.
BPOV
Holy. Fucking. Christ.
I'd never seen anything more hot than Edward standing there, leaning oh so casually against his bike, saliva suddenly pooling in my mouth as I took in every detail of him and that fine piece of machinery. The chrome glistened in the sun, every part of it polished to perfection as it propped up his perfect ass. After dropping off the memory stick containing the article and pictures to the Editing Department, noting with satisfaction that Mike had disappeared from sight, Jasper and I left the building in high spirits, laughing and joking as we revelled in our victory over the bitch from hell. But when I caught sight of the man who was sex on legs personified, all bets were off as I fought to contain my emotions.
And when he opened his mouth and spoke, his smile warm as we joked about Rosalie…well it was just as well we were in public. I wanted nothing more than to jump on his lap and ride him raw.
Gah!
How was it that, the man managed to unravel me so completely…so effortlessly by just standing there, looking oh so hot in his brand new leather jacket and skin tight jeans? And why was it that as our conversation continued, I couldn't stop myself from stealing glances of him, my heart racing in response to his close proximity?
I wanted him. I hated that I wanted him…but fucking want him I did!
Without doubt, I knew he'd ruined me for any other man…but I in my logical mind, I also knew we should take things slowly, my head battling with my heart as every word he spoke cut away at my resistance, little by little dissolving any reason I had left in my lust-addled head.
I watched him as he unhooked his helmet and backpack from the handlebar and put them on. Never taking his eyes off me, he hoisted his leg up and over the saddle and said in a muffled voice, "Well, come on scaredy cat. Get on."
"Scaredy cat? The fuck I am!" I snapped as I took a deep breath and put the helmet on before I grabbed his shoulders for support, and threw my leg up and over the saddle. Butterflies immediately started to form in the pit of my stomach as I remembered I'd never ridden on a bike before, my back stiffening and my fingers digging into his broad shoulders in response to my realisation. Sensing my apprehension, Edward set about trying to reassure me.
"Don't be nervous. Just lean over with me when we turn corners, and you'll be fine. Now put your arms around my waist," he ordered as he tilted the bike and kicked the stand away before turning the key.
My body jolted and I gripped him tightly as the bike roared to life, its vibrations sending a pulsating sensation up my spine.
"Hold on tight!" Edward yelled, and I bobbled my head in response, every muscle in my body on fire as I wrapped my legs and arms around him as closely as possible, taking a deep breath when he revved the engine. He stopped to check for oncoming traffic and half turned his head. "Here we go!" he screamed as the he pulled away and gunned the bike down the street.
"Oh shit oh shit oh shit!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, and I swear I felt his body shake with laughter in response. Asshole! I closed my eyes tightly, burying my face in his backpack as he changed gears and we picked up speed. I could hear him scream with delight as the speed increased, and discovered how thrilling it was to him. I, on the other hand, was about to wet my fucking panties.
As the minutes passed, I began to adjust to the roar of the engine and the speed, which I was certain was way over the limit, and opened one eye and began to take in the scenery as we headed south. A few schools and shops blurred past as we left civilisation behind, the city giving way to the green of distant forests and stretches of blue water. Though my body never relaxed entirely, I found myself able to take in the scenery until we came to a road that had signs pointing to Lincoln Park.
Within minutes, the road narrowed and we began to slow down, pulling into a small parking lot. As he cut the engine, my legs wobbled as I got off the bike and I nearly fell over as my foot caught the saddle. I was so happy I'd arrived in one piece that I felt like kissing the asphalt.
"Well thank fuck we made it here in one piece!" I said as I took off my helmet and wiped away the sweat that had formed around my face with the back of my hand.
He took off his helmet and I found myself unable to stop a whimper leaving my lips as he tousled his hair between his fingers. "Of course we did," he said confidently as he pushed down the stand and moved to get off the bike. As he packed away the helmets, he turned to look at me and said, "Jesus Bella, you look all shades of white. Are you alright?"
"I'll survive, but when we leave can we take the back roads and go about twenty?"
"You know going that slow may tip the bike over, so we may have to go a little faster than that." He took my hand carefully and added, "Come on, scaredy cat, let's go."
"Whatever, asshole," I grumbled.
We made our way quickly along the winding forest path in silence, his warm hand gripping tightly as he dragged me toward the water, the salty air hitting me wave after wave as the cool breeze mixed with the unseasonably warm Fall air. As the path narrowed further until it started to become difficult to negotiate, our pace slowed, the combination of tree roots and pebbles made it unsteady underfoot.
When we finally reached the entrance to the beach, I felt the temperature drop a few degrees as a gentle breeze hit me from the north. Reluctantly, I let go of his hand and took in my surroundings. The narrow strip of shoreline was lined by forest, making it quiet and isolated, the dark pebbles covered in an endless amount of driftwood. A few people ambled along the shore further away, the rare sunshine bringing people outdoors. It truly was picturesque.
We found the perfect spot on a small piece of grass right beside the shore. Edward opened his backpack and pulled out a small rolled up blanket, spreading it over the ground. He then proceeded to bring out some plastic containers, a few bottles of water and a thermos, placing them on the blanket before he sat down and smiled up at me.
I raised my brow at him in question, hands on hips, silently letting him know I was on to his little scheme. "What? I thought you'd be hungry…and besides, we needed to get rid of the left-over turkey."
"I guess," I conceded as he opened the largest of the containers. My stomach rumbled loudly at the sight of the most spectacular looking triple-decker sandwiches I'd ever seen, and he laughed as he indicated for me to sit.
We ate quietly, just spending the time taking in our surrounds, and it felt…nice. I'd never been one to fall for the whole sappy romance thing, but this…this was something I could seriously get used to.
"So…what's this all about?" I asked, breaking the silence, waving my hand around as I swallowed the last mouthful of the most delicious turkey, cranberry, stuffing and gravy sandwich I'd ever tasted.
"You wanted to discuss the book…find out a bit more about my past…and I thought it would be easier to do that at a place where we won't be disturbed," he explained as he inhaled the last of his sandwich.
"Oh," I answered with a nod as silence fell between the two of us. Well, this was awkward. After wanting more than anything to know him, now I was freaking out about where the hell to begin.
"My parents would've loved you," Edward muttered, making the decision for me as he opened the thermos and poured us each a coffee.
"Really? Well if they had you, it makes sense that they'd like them mean!" I joked, breaking into a nervous laugh until his expression turned serious, reflective even, and stopped me dead. My face fell and my heart raced as I watched his eyes glint with tears. Yep. I still knew how to stuff my foot in my mouth with unwavering regularity! "I'm sorry…I didn't mean…God I'm an insensitive ass!"
"It's okay, Bella. Your brutal honesty is something I appreciate about you more than you'll ever know, so please…never apologise for being the way you are."
Holy shit! He was the only person I'd ever met who had ever said that to me! Finally, someone out there accepted me for who I was, flaws and all, and when I thought about it, even when he was keeping things from me, no matter what he was hiding it always seemed that he accepted me for who I was.
"What were they like?" I asked.
"Carlisle was one of the best heart surgeons in the State. He finished top of his class when he graduated Harvard and because of his high achievements, he also had very high expectations of me. He was always on my case about my attitude, about trying harder in my studies but unfortunately I never listened. I began failing my classes and my health began to deteriorate, so I came home with my tail tucked between my legs."
"And did they support your decision?"
"I kind of didn't worry about it. I was in treatment…trying to get better, so the whole college thing was never mentioned again."
"I bet he would've supported you, no matter what you decided to do."
"I like to think so. He sure would've been happy to see me kept on my toes by the likes of you, that's for sure." He gave me a warm smile and blinked back his overwhelming sadness.
"And your Mom?" I prompted.
"Esme was a homemaker, and helped arrange fundraisers here and there. She was the reason Dad got into the whole philanthropy thing. She got him involved in quite a few charity dinners and made him aware of various causes she became passionate about. She was sweet and lovely…but she never saw me for my flaws. To her, I could do no wrong, and because of that, I tried to do everything I could to make her see differently by defying her wishes every step of the way. And then when I got sick…I realised how stupid I'd been, but by then I was in treatment and a few months later it was over…they were gone."
"I'm so sorry, Edward. I bet you still miss them," I whispered.
"Every day," he admitted, averting his eyes for a moment. "They were really good people and didn't deserve to suffer their fate," he said.
"I can't begin to fathom what you went through back then," I offered, feeling myself frown, wanting more than anything to bring him comfort. "But you have to know, it wasn't your fault."
"Thanks. Between you and my sister, I'm beginning to see that now," he answered, his lips twitching as if they wanted to smile.
"It's great you have a sister. I always wanted one…but I guess one accident on behalf of my parents was more than enough to get them to use rubbers."
"Oh, Bella, you were no accident. I believe in fate…and that you were sent to help me get my life back on track. If it wasn't for you and Alice, I don't think I'd have made it," he confirmed.
"I can see how close you two are," I said, changing the subject, ignoring the possible meaning behinds his words about me. He nodded his head in agreement. "So, you don't have any other family then?"
"No," he said sadly.
"Well I know it's not the same, but I consider Alice a sister. And you…" I trailed off as I took him in…the man that had gotten under my skin more than any other, the words on the tip of my tongue unable to escape.
Picking up on my hesitation, his expression turned apprehensive as he asked, "Yes?"
Ah shit…what could I say to that wouldn't make me come off either desperate, weak or if I shot him down in flames, just downright cruel? He swallowed heavily, his green eyes blazing as he waited for my answer. Fuck it! I knew what I usually would've said in this situation, but there was no way I could ever go down that path with him again. In other words, I had no idea what the fuck I was feeling.
"You're…unexpected. It's not something I can easily talk about…" I admitted finally.
"It's okay, Bella…I understand," he said with a sad smile.
"I just need more time to figure things out," I said, biting my lip, my instinct to protect myself still there, battling it out with my other, more primal urges.
"Time, I've got, and I'm willing to take things slowly. Now, I don't know about you, but I think I've had enough of the heavy conversation for now. Come on Bella, let's take a walk."
Pulling me to my feet, his hand held mine as we walked to the shoreline for what seemed ages before I stopped and stared at the horizon, the lowering sun telling me our afternoon was nearing an end. I looked both ways to the north and south, the salty mist in the air as far as the eye could see invading my lungs. The soft sounds of the tiny waves breaking on the shore comforted me as I took in a cleansing breath and I let go of his hand, crouched down and dipped my fingers into the cold, clear water. This reminded me of when my father used to take me to the First Beach as a child, and it was a relief that I could look back on my life with him and recall more than a few fond memories.
"Bella…I was wondering," he stated speculatively, pulling me from my thoughts.
"Yes?" I asked as I rose to my feet and faced him, his expression serious, a wrinkle puckering in the middle of his brow.
"Well, I know we both have to be there anyway, but I wanted to know if you'd…be my date when we go to Emmett's launch," he mumbled quickly.
His face was filled with apprehension, his eyes blinking as he waited. "You want me to be your date? Why?" I squeaked.
"We've never been on one…and I'd like to start things the right way this time…with a clean slate if you'll let me," he explained softly, desperately.
I stood there slack jawed for a brief moment, unable to process what he'd just said, words momentarily escaping me. Quickly losing patience, my hesitancy caused him to backpedal. "That's unless of course you just want to remain friends, which is fine too…I guess."
"Oh, shit, Edward…I don't know…" I replied warily, my uncertainty causing an instant pang of devastation to cross his handsome face. I knew I didn't have it in my heart to keep him in the friend zone forever, but was I ready to allow him to be more than that yet?
And as I took in everything about him, I realised something. It didn't matter how much I'd tried to push him away, it appeared nothing either of us said or did would make one speck of a difference. Edward was in this just as deep as I was, and no matter what our futures held, there was simply no way either of us could walk away from whatever this was.
"I understand," he whispered, misinterpreting my thoughtful silence and fear of being hurt as a clear rejection. He picked up an errant piece of driftwood and tossed it into the water in frustration before he turned away from me and began to walk away.
"Edward, wait!" I shouted, and he stopped dead in his tracks, turned quickly and looked at me, his pain-filled blazing, green eyes searching mine for the answer he most sought.
"What?" he asked as he swallowed thickly.
"Do you have anything else up your sleeve…like…oh I don't know….a wife and kids stashed away somewhere? Gay ex-lover?" I questioned, giggling nervously.
"No," he said, exhaling heavily as he vehemently shook his head. And just like that, all the pain and hurt left his face, and replacing it was a devastating smile which warmed his eyes, and tiny creases formed around them, making his whole face light up.
"No more secrets? No future plans for you or your sister to manipulate me?" I asked far more seriously, craving his assurance.
"I promise you, Bella, I have nothing to hide. There will be no secrets between us…and definitely no more crazy-assed plans on behalf of my sister, either," he answered, his voice dripping with sincerity as those eyes continued to smile.
"Can I ask you one more question?"
"Sure," he answered.
"Everything you said about you…back then…was that all true, or so much bullshit?"
"You have to believe me, Bella. Everything I told you about me was true. I just omitted certain facts when it came to my family situation."
"Alright, then okay," I agreed, his answer helping me make my mind up.
"Okay, what?" he pressed, his jaw tense.
"Okay then, asshole, I guess I'll be your date," I agreed with a shrug, trying but not succeeding to come off nonchalant.
"Fuck yes!" he yelled as he stared skyward for a brief moment. And then, before I knew what was happening, I was swept up into his arms and being twirled around, his excitement barely contained as his joyous laughter filled the briny air.
"Hey! If you don't let me go, I might hurl turkey sandwich all over your new jacket!" I shrieked, joining in with his laughter, at the same time his actions causing me to feel a little dizzy. As he halted his movements and tried to set me down, still holding me tightly, his smile so fucking sexy I just couldn't help but return it, I felt as though I was finally…home.
There was just no other way to describe it.
"Bella?" he whispered breathlessly, his expression shifting to one of burning, questioning need as our eyes met. I found myself melting into his touch, my heart hammering as my palms rested on his rapidly rising and falling chest as we stood there, staring at one another, waiting for something…anything to happen. His eyes were bright and brimming with a combined sense of excitement and apprehension, and as I took everything about him in, I found I was unable to stop myself from letting out a tiny whimper. I watched as he took in a deep breath, closed his eyes and bent his head down toward me, and without thought of the consequences, I slid my hands upward and wound them around his neck, pulling him closer and as my fingers twined through his beautiful, thick hair, he groaned loudly before he pressed his lips to mine.
"Mmmm," I hummed against his lips as they moved tentatively before his tongue gently swept over my mouth.
"God, yes, Bella," he cried almost reverently against my lips before the kiss deepened and he slid his tongue between mine, my mouth greedily sucking in every part I could of him and as he clutched me impossibly closer, I felt his hardened cock press against my stomach. "Fuck," he moaned as our tongues lashed and swirled. I felt free, wanting nothing more than to crawl inside his skin and stay there forever.
No sooner was I hungrily breathing him in, than the kiss was over, his forehead pressed against my own, his smile glorious as it broke across his beautifully flushed face. Our mingling breaths were hard and fast, our hearts battering against one another as I gazed up at him, finding I was unable to stop myself from smiling in return.
"Dessert?" he asked with curious eyes.
"Huh?"
"I have something sweet for you to taste…that is, if you're interested," he whispered in a low voice as he ran his tongue across his full, beautiful lips.
Was he kidding? Jesus…so much for playing hard to get! I was absolutely gone over him already…and now he's offering me dessert? Oh yes please!
"Um…yeah…sure," I babbled like an idiot as he took my hand in his, his thumb circling the back of my hand as he lead me back to our spot. He packed the rest of the containers in his backpack before patting the space in front of him as he lay on his side and stretched out on the blanket. I lay down on my back next to him, watching as he opened the only untouched container that remained. I smiled as I took in the sight of the chocolate covered strawberries, memories of our exploits with that innocent fruit flooding my sex crazed head.
"Strawberry?" he offered, picking one up and offering it to me. Without another thought, I nodded and opened my mouth and allowed him to feed me…the small groan he let out not escaping my notice for one second.
"Oh, God! So fucking delicious!" I exclaimed, the fruit so delectable that the juice overflowed from my mouth and dribbled over my lips and down my chin.
"Stop right there," he commanded, his eyes fixed on my mouth. "You've got a little something…" He reached out to swipe his thumb against my lips before he placed the container down and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close as his bent leg covered mine.
His pressed his mouth over my chin and I let out a breathless moan as his warm tongue lapped up the sweet nectar. He worked his way up to my lips, this time, plunging his tongue in my mouth with so much urgency that I felt my panties soak with need. And as he whispered my name and let out a few 'fucks' for good measure, licking me clean until his mouth found purchase on my throat, I threw my head back offering everything to him, giving into the sensations that now threatened to swallow me whole. Emboldened, he pushed my jacket apart and covered my body with his own, his erection rutting against my hip as he sucked on my skin hard, marking the juncture between my neck and shoulder. As he released his mouth, his tongue swirling over the mark soothingly, I couldn't help but cry out a few choice words myself.
"Fuck I love strawberries!" I declared, moaning as he fed me another, the sweet moistness of the fruit mingled with the smooth, dark chocolate in my mouth while Edward assaulted every uncovered part of my skin.
"I love…" he said, his body tensing against as he ceased his assault, hesitating as his words caught in his throat. "I love them too," he added as he let out a sigh.
Before I had the chance to even respond to his apparent near-miss, his phone began to ring insistently, that little piece of techology breaking into one of the most surreal moments of my life.
"Fuck…what the hell does she want now?" he whined as he sat up and pulled his phone out of his jeans pocket. It didn't escape my notice that he appeared relieved by the well-timed interruption, his cheeks puffing before he exhaled a gush of air through his pursed lips confirming he was pleased to have been 'saved by the bell'.
But, when I thought about it, did I honestly want him to say what seemed to be on the tip of his oh-so-delicious tongue? After all, if he did confess his feelings, I had no idea what I would blurt out in return! In a way, I was a bit more than relieved myself. Things were moving way faster than I could ever have anticipated, and though I was happy with how things were going so far, I still needed more time to sort through my feelings.
"Yes, Alice? Alice…slow down…I can't understand a word you're saying. You're what?" And as I heard Alice's shrieking voice assault Edward's poor innocent ear, he snickered as he held the handset away from him, unable to offer another word as she screamed and laughed down the phone. I had no idea what she was telling him, but after what Jasper had been hinting at lately, I had a fair idea! I found myself smiling and as their one-sided conversation continued, my phone buzzed with an incoming message. I retrieved my phone from my pocket and opened the text, joining in with Edward's laughter as I read Alice's message…
A/N: Next up: Alice and Jasper! I wonder why she's so excited? Hehe ;) I hope you liked their little meeting. I know there were no lemons, but give them time. Believe me I have some hotness planned! And more fluff! You guys like that, right? As you can probably guess, we're moving closer to the end of this story, which has been going for over a year now. I can't give an exact chapter count as I know what I want to write, but it depends on how many chapters that takes. This chapter was supposed to include Jasper's date with Alice, but I got so carried away with Bella and Edward's picnic, I knew I had to write it next chapter. Ya see? I just can't shut the hell up! Thanks for your support...now please press that little button below and tell me what's on your mind! :)
