IF THE SHOE FITS

CHAPTER 10

They were a surprisingly good team and quickly worked out a comfortable rhythm. Bella would call out a number, and Edward would sift through the well-organized hangers, locate the coats and any random winter paraphernalia that had also been checked, and swiftly deliver the goods into Bella's open arms.

He'd rather have delivered himself into those arms . . . an urge that seemed to grow and take on a life of its own as the night wore on.

Though their verbal exchanges were limited to numbers, she rewarded him with secret winks and deepening smiles. Whole conversations passed between them each time they connected. Bella had a way of looking at Edward that made his heart leap right out of his chest—like she just couldn't believe her good fortune he was still there.

And nope, it wasn't Edward's imagination; she was finding excuses to brush their fingers together as they exchanged coats. Every damn time they touched, her fingertips sent a bolt of lightning straight through him.

Edward couldn't remember the last time he'd had this much fun. He couldn't imagine anywhere else he'd rather be than this stuffy closet.

Dessert was announced, and the coat-check window clotted with bodies, flailing arms, voices calling out for Bella's attention. A different urgency powered this party-weary crowd than the lively lines at the bars and buffet tables. They were done, and all they wanted now was to go home and start nursing what would be hangovers and sore feet. Bella was a mere obstacle in their way.

Soon, Bella began calling out numbers two and three at a time, and Edward had to scurry to keep pace. She marshalled the line as the bartenders couldn't. Bella was a wonder, in total command of the situation.

She would make a wonderful mother, he thought suddenly. Never before had he entertained such a thought about anyone he'd dated, let alone a girl he'd met just hours earlier.

You are toast, Edward Cullen.

At the band's first break, a massive crush of humanity closed in on the coat check. Edward kicked off his shoes, tore off his tuxedo jacket like Superman entering the phone booth, and darted to Bella's side at the window. Her startled expression soon turned to gratitude as Edward grabbed two tickets before taking the three she was holding.

He dashed to the back and gathered all five coats before reemerging. If this kept up, he'd need a shower before trying to get any closer to Bella.

"I can help the next person over here," Edward said with a wave.

"Hey! Emmett Cullen's little brother? Is that you?"

Edward snapped his gaze to meet the voice. It was Paul Lahote, that business associate of Emmett's he'd talked to earlier.

"Yep," Edward answered reluctantly. Surely, the news would now get back to his brother that he was working the coat room. What would Emmett say?

Paul chuckled. "Okay, whatever. No wonder they couldn't find you."

The first thought that raced through Edward's mind was a medical emergency—Emmett? No, that made no sense at all.

"Who couldn't find me?" Edward asked.

"Rosalie Hale."

"Why would Rosalie Hale be looking for me?" Edward asked carefully, exchanging a wide-eyed glance with Bella. Shit. Had he gotten her in trouble? If his boneheaded move had gotten her fired, he'd never forgive—

"Dude, you won the fifty-fifty. She announced it like an hour ago."

"What?"

The room tilted. Edward's vision blurred. A cold sweat broke out all over. His legs shook like two saplings in a tornado.

If Bella hadn't grabbed his hand, Edward might have collapsed to the floor right then and there.

"How much?" she asked before Edward's tongue could get around the words.

Clearly savoring his role as messenger of great news, Paul grinned from ear to ear. "Your take is just north of seventy thousand."

"What?" Edward repeated idiotically.

Bella squealed, jumping up and down, still holding tight to his hand. "Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod! DID YOU HEAR THAT, EDWARD?"

Seventy thousand dollars. Easily more than he'd made in the last two years combined.

Edward nodded, at least he thought that's what his head was doing. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I heard." Would've been nice if he could breathe.

Bella gave his hand a squeeze. "Guess that blinkie was your good luck charm."

Edward turned to fully face the girl beside him, the sweet surprise who'd made this by far the best day of his life, raffle or not. "No, Bella. You are my good luck charm."

Before he had a chance to think himself out of it, he bent to kiss her. Their lips met with a gentle brush. Edward's head swam with pleasure and desire.

If he entertained even the slightest thought of stopping, Bella was having none of it. Her arms looped behind his neck, tugging him closer. She parted her lips and sighed against his mouth.

Something inside him snapped. His last ounce of self-preservation flew out of his head. He angled in and kissed her with the urgency of a man drawing his last breath—or maybe his first.

Lost in her arms, in this amazing kiss, in the giddy moment of winning the jackpot, Edward didn't hear the crowd cheering and clapping and yelling at them to smile for the camera until Bella pulled back with a giggle. He came to his senses amid blinding flashes.

Edward's breath returned to him in a whoosh. He steadied himself with one hand on the counter as he found his legs beneath him again. He gazed at Bella with a sheepish grin he couldn't seem to wipe off his face. From the way she was smiling back, she didn't seem to mind.

Her arms slid away from his neck as they turned to face the crowd. Edward reached an arm around her back and pulled Bella into his side. He wasn't sure how he'd ever be able to let go.

"How about another kiss for the Globe?" came a voice behind a giant zoom lens.

Edward glanced at Bella. "Should we?" he asked shyly.

Still smiling, she stretched to meet his lips. They held the relatively innocent kiss for several seconds while the crowd yelled out encouragement and captured their souvenirs.

"Yo, buddy, I'm happy for you," called a man across the counter, "but do you think I could get my coat now?"

Author's Note: What? Winning the grand prize? Who'd'a thunk it? (Hmm? Everyone? Okay then!) And for those of you who might have had a Covid cringe at their kiss- my story (a fairy tale, mind you) imagines a beautiful future where everyone is vaccinated, and spontaneous kisses are as safe as they were in 2019. *wink*

Many thanks to my sweet Chayasara for all the advice - grammarly and otherwise - and to my "closer" Pa Trizia for helping me work out all the (SPOILER ALERT) HEA. Not quite yet - don't send me angry notes! And speaking of your notes, thank you, readers and reviewers, for all your kind and entertaining commentary. Love hearing from you about whatever's on your mind!

See you soon with the next chapter!
XOXO
~BOH