Best Laid Plans Heather Burkett
Chapter 22: Interesting
"Bella..." Edward exhaled, as if just the sight of me had knocked the wind out of him. "You look..."His eyes raked over my face, slipping down my body and back up again. "...amazing."
I shivered at the intensity with which he said it. Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see Alice biting her lips, trying not to smile like a maniac.
Edward's long, lean frame was decked out in an unpretentious black suit, the black on black ensemble drawing out his height to even grander proportions. His white dress shirt was accented with a traditional black neck tie, making him look the picture of classic elegance.
"Thank you." I smiled politely. "You clean up quite handsomely yourself."
He cocked a smile, then pursed his lips as he eyed me appreciatively once more. "We should probably go if we're going to make it in time."
"In time for what?" I asked.
"You'll see." He smiled.
I nodded dumbly, simply in awe at the way he looked at me.
"Sure. Um, just give me a minute to grab my purse and I'll be right out."
He opened his mouth to speak, the corners lifted up in a partial smile. "Sure, I'll give you two a moment to talk." He grinned fully at me before looking at Alice and holding a finger up to his lips, shushing her.
She bit back a grin, nodding at him.
Apparently, she had some idea where we were going tonight.
"I'll be waiting outside." He stepped out – all lean legs and restrained power as he moved through the threshold of my apartment.
Alice ran over to me, taking my hands in hers and looking up into my eyes. "Girl, he looks like he's about to eat you up!"
I giggled, knowing exactly what she meant.
"So, where's he taking me?" I asked, unable to resist.
"Nope." She gestured an imaginary key locking her lips. "My lips are sealed."
"Fine." I pouted playfully.
"But go! I don't want you to be late." She cheered, clapping her hands lightly as I raced into the bedroom to grab my purse.
I fiddled with my keys as I came out of the room, purse in hand. "Don't' worry, I have my spare key. I'll lock up before I leave." She offered. She hugged me tightly, kissing me on the cheek and steering me towards the front door in rush. Just as I reached for the doorknob, she stopped me, looking into my eyes seriously. "Have fun." She said meaningfully.
"I will." I promised.
It was just beginning to drizzle as I stepped out of the house, but I had to take a moment to just appreciate the site of Edward casually leaning up against his Volvo, smiling at me admiringly.
Suddenly, the nerves I had felt melted away as I realized there was no other place I'd rather be and, for the first time, our age difference held no place in my thoughts. I was simply a woman being taken on a date by an incredible man – and none of the rest mattered.
"Shall we?" He asked, opening the passenger door and gesturing inside.
I hitched my skirt up slightly as to not drag it over the gravel of the parking lot, and made my way down the steps. As I approached him, he took my hand, kissing my knuckles gently before leading me into the passenger seat, our usual buzzing current dancing over my skin.
I watched as he stepped around the car, opening the door and taking his place in the driver's seat. For the first time, I noticed his cologne as it pleasantly filled the confines of the car. "What cologne are you wearing?" I asked.
He frowned. "Farenheit. Is it too strong?" He placed his finger on the control, ready to roll the window down.
"No, no. It smells...intoxicating." I smiled back.
The corner of his mouth lifted up. "I'm glad you like it." We rode in silence for a minute or two, each a bundle of nerves, not knowing where the night might take us. I looked out the window, noticing he was sticking to local roads, so I assumed we weren't going very far.
A few minutes later, my assumptions proved right as we arrived at the Rainforest Arts Center in town. The building was quite beautiful, in spite of the concrete blocks that were used to build the auditorium. Red wood beams decorated the windows and the main entryway, giving it a classy, modern look.
Edward arched an eyebrow my way. "I hope you don't mind – I wanted to do something different with you than the typical 'movie and dinner' date. I heard they were having a show here tonight and thought you might like to check it out."
"That sounds nice. I remember when the arts center opened a few years ago, but I've yet to find a reason to visit it."
"Well, good. It will be a first for both of us."
I nodded my approval.
He came around, opening my door for me and offering his hand to help me out of the car. In my usual clumsiness, the heel of my shoe caught in the hem of my dress and I tumbled out of the vehicle.
Edward quickly wrapped his arm around my waist, supporting my weight as I struggled to un-stick my heel without tearing the gown.
He dipped his nose into my hair, inhaling deeply before bringing his lips to my ear. "Don't worry – I've got you." He husked, his breath warm against my cheek.
I shivered with anticipation.
He escorted me inside, his hand splayed across my lower back, the warmth radiating through the sheer mesh of my dress.
The hall was quite larger than I anticipated; rows and rows of folding chairs filled the space with a make-shift stage taking up one end of the theater. Edward guided me to a row in the middle of the space, following me in to take seats to the right of center stage. The set was very simple, just a sofa and an armchair with an old fashioned telephone on a wooden end table between them.
I looked down at the program that had been sitting on my seat. "The Rainforest Arts Center Presents: The Telephone (An Opera)."
I smiled, looking up at Edward. "You brought me to the Opera?" I asked, my eyes alight with excitement.
"Well, the closest thing our small towns have to an opera." He smiled bashfully.
"I love it!" I beamed. "The closest thing I've seen to a live opera was Sarah's camp recital." I laughed.
He raised his hand, caressing my cheek softly. "You know, I think making you happy may be my new favorite pastime."
I was glad that my responding blush was somewhat subdued. "What about running?" I teased.
He leaned into me, his voice low and ragged. "A far distant second."
His mouth looked so luscious that I instinctually leaned in closer, licking my lips in anticipation.
His eyes darkened, searching mine for signs of hesitancy as he closed the short distance that remained between us.
"Excuse me?" A nasal voice interrupted from over Edward's shoulder. Edward growled low and throaty. "Are those seats taken?
I looked up to find an older woman gesturing towards the empty seats beside me. "No ma'am, they're available." I advised.
"Randall!" She shouted towards the back of the hall, waving frantically. "I found some seats!"
An older gentleman slowly made his way to our aisle with three young children in tow. Edward and I stood up, allowing them to scoot sideways past us into the remaining five seats to my right, Randall leading the way with the three small children between them.
"Grandma, I have to go to the bathroom." The youngest little boy advised, just as we all sat down.
"Benjamin, you just went to the bathroom." She admonished.
"But I have to go again." He whined.
"Randall!" Her nasally voice boomed across the row of seats. "Benjamin has to go to the bathroom."
"But I just took him to the bathroom." Randall argued in a husky smoker's voice.
"Well, he says he has to go again." The woman repeated.
Edward chuckled beside me, shaking his head.
"Oh, alright. I'll take 'em." Randall stood up grumpily, and we all rose again to allow him and the smallest boy passage between us and the row of chairs ahead.
"She's pretty." I heard the older child – a young girl – say as I caught her glancing my way.
I smiled and waved at her over her grandmother's shoulder as we all resumed our seats.
"She's a little overdressed, if you ask me." The grandmother whispered loudly.
Edward chuckled again, leaning into my ear once more. "Don't listen to her. That dress looks exquisite on you."
I leaned my cheek against him, my body tensed as he ran his lips along my jaw temptingly. His hand ghosted up my arm, along my shoulder until he was tickling the loose hairs at the nape of my neck.
The lights dimmed as a woman and a man took the stage, sitting themselves down on the couch and armchair respectively.
Edward laid his hand against my neck, massaging it lightly as I turned my focus on the production. Although the actress had an amazing voice, the acoustics were awful – the reverberating echoes making it nearly impossible to make out the words she was singing.
I furrowed my brow, trying to concentrate as hard as I could to understand the performance.
"Excuse me." The little boy asked upon their return.
We once again stood, this time ducking down a little as to not interrupt the performance for those seated behind us, as the gentleman and the small boy returned to their seats.
"Did you wash your hands?" The grandmother asked the boy loudly.
"Wha?!" He asked, not paying attention.
"Did you wash your hands?!" The grandmother repeated.
"Uh-huh." The little boy answered, wriggling uncomfortably in his seat.
Edward ran his hands down the leg of his slacks, as if trying to dry off sweaty palms, and I grinned slightly.
Is he actually nervous?
"What did she say, Grandma?" The little girl asked.
"She said she's going to get a handkerchief." Grandma summarized.
"What's a handkerchief?" The older boy asked.
"It's like a tissue that you don't throw away."
"Ew, that's gross!" The older boy grimaced.
Edward reached over, his fingertips dancing over my forearm as he slipped his hand over mine. "Do you..." His brow furrowed as he looked over at our neighbors meaningfully before looking back to me. "Do you want to get out of here?"
"It's not gross, they wash them. Now stop talking and pay attention." The grandmother corrected.
A couple seated behind us began grumbling at the interruptions the family kept causing.
I looked down at our hands, my heart racing at his touch, suddenly wanting very much to be alone with him. "Yes, please."
He smiled. "Let's go."
We stood up, crouching low as the crowd behind us began to murmur and complain.
"Sorry." Edward giggled to the angry couple, as we rushed out of the theater like teenagers trying not to get caught sneaking out of the house.
"Edward, slow down! I can't breathe!" I said, mimicking the grandmother as we exited the theater.
"Dammit, woman. Why are you walking so slow?" He asked, trying to sound like Randall.
We laughed as we reached the passenger door to the Volvo, Edward pulling out the key fob to unlock the door for me. He opened the door, taking my hand to help me. "Try not to fall in." He teased.
I stuck my tongue out at him and he chuckled.
"So, what's next on the agenda? Does leaving early change your plans?" I asked.
His brow furrowed. "Maybe. Let me make a quick call." He closed my door and I watched as he pulled out his phone, dialing and speaking with someone briefly before disconnecting.
"Well, we're all set." He smiled broadly as he slipped into the driver's seat. "You hungry?"
I shrugged. "I could eat."
"Good." He answered, backing out of the parking spot and heading onto the main road out of Forks.
"You're not going to tell me where we're going, are you?"
"Not a chance." We rode in companionable silence until he hit the highway. "So, what do you like to do for fun?" He asked casually.
"Fun?" I repeated, thinking it over.
"You do remember fun, don't you Bella?" He asked with a snarky grin.
"Yes, I'm vaguely familiar with the term." I added in a "Smart ass" under my breath for good measure.
He chuckled.
"I don't really know. My family and I used to play card games and board games a lot. Planning stuff used to be my go-to outlet, before it became my business." I answered, mulling it over.
"When was the last time you just did something to treat yourself? Not for your family. Not for your business. Just for you?" He asked seriously.
I honestly couldn't remember.
"I don't mind doing things for people. It makes me happy." I replied when I couldn't think of a better answer.
"But, who does things for you?" He inquired.
I thought about it carefully before answering. "Alice does a lot for me. She's a good friend."
"How'd you two meet?" He asked.
"Well, I helped my ex-husband run his auto repair shop. Alice came in one day to get a tune-up on car, and we hit it off immediately."
"So your ex is a mechanic?" He asked, the curiosity evident in his voice.
"The best in Forks." I answered.
He grew quiet and for a few minutes, we just settled into the silence, each trapped in our separate thoughts.
"You want to ask me about him, don't you?" I finally spoke.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious." He admitted.
"What do you want to know?" I prompted, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
"Well, how did you two meet?"
Ah, so we're starting at the very beginning.
I told him about Billy and Dad being best friends, and that Jacob and I literally grew up together. I skimmed over the details about how our friendship eventually grew to be more, focusing on how I'd helped Jake start his business.
"So, you helped him start his business, and he left you when you started yours?" He asked, sounding a little upset.
"Well, it wasn't quite like that. It was just bad timing." I evaded.
"For who?" He asked rhetorically, not really expecting an answer. I didn't want to leave him feeling negatively towards Jake, but I couldn't quite bring myself to confess that it was all really my fault.
Feeling the mood sour, I decided to change the focus of the conversation. "So, what were your past relationships like?"
"Mine?" He flushed a little at the question. "I haven't really had any."
"Seriously? Not even one girlfriend?" I pushed.
He shook his head, gravely serious. "I've gone on a few dates here and there, but they never really led anywhere."
With his charm, good looks and intelligence, I couldn't imagine women not throwing themselves at him repeatedly.
"There was one girl, in high school." He continued. "Tanya Denali. She was my first kiss." He smiled as he thought of her, and I felt something in the pit of my stomach twist painfully. "We might have had what you and Jacob had, if she had stayed in Forks. But, she wasn't interested in small town life. She moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue acting." He squeezed his eyes, as if trying to remember. "Last I heard, she had booked a commercial, but we lost touch after that."
I tried to imagine the young woman who could be sitting here in my place, but my stomach further revolted at the thought.
Was I seriously jealous right now?
"Are you okay?" He asked when I grew quiet.
"Yes." Just seething with jealousy, is all.
We chatted idly a few minutes longer before pulling up at Kalaloch Lodge.
I giggled. "I was just here yesterday." I admitted.
"You were?!"
I nodded. "We have a wedding planned here in two weeks. I had a walk-through with the couple."
"Well, so much for surprising you." He grinned.
"Have you been here before?" I asked.
He blushed. "Yeah. I sort of checked it out to make sure it was nice enough for our date."
I leaned over, kissing him quickly on the cheek. "That's so sweet!" I stroked his face, smiling brightly as I looked into his emerald eyes.
"I really want this to be special." He admitted, looking youthful and nervous.
"You make it special, Edward." I acknowledged honestly.
"Let's get you fed." He smiled bashfully.
Despite my many visits to the lodge, I had yet to dine at the Creekside Restaurant that was nestled inside. Having done his homework, Edward led me inside, giving his name to the maitre d' who quickly sat us at a table near the windows that faced the Kalaloch Creek. The sun hung low, blazing the horizon in a rich amber hue. Overhead, purple and pinks clouds danced among the cornflower blue of the darkening sky, and the rushing waters below perfectly reflected the pastels overhead.
"It's beautiful." I commented, staring out at the sunset.
"Not as beautiful as you." Edward remarked, his gaze heavy on my face.
I swallowed as his eyes darkened.
We ordered wine and chatted idly as we waited for our meals to arrive. The conversation over dinner was effortless as we learned we had similar taste in movies, television and books.
I already knew he was intelligent, but I was really impressed by how expansive his tastes were – from Oscar Wilde and Shakespeare to Stan Lee and Dan Koontz.
I thanked him for a wonderful evening as the waiter brought our check to the table.
"Oh, but it's not over yet." He advised with a mischievous smile.
"No?" I asked, wondering what else he could possibly have in store for me.
"Not even close." He smiled, placing his credit card in the tray with the check and handing it back to the waiter.
Once the bill was taken care of, we made our way out into the evening. Although it was still warm, there was a strong breeze whipping through the mesh of my dress and over my bare arms, chilling me.
"Here, allow me." Edward said, removing his jacket and placing it around my shoulders. I slipped my arms into the sleeves and pulled it around me, inhaling Edward's scent on the fabric.
He took my hand for the very first time, his long, elegant fingers encircling mine as I started to head for the car. He pulled my hand, halting me. "This way." He said, leading me down a pebble-lined path.
I walked hesitantly for a few steps, my ankles wobbling this way and that on the uneven walkway. Seeing the difficulty I was having traversing the stones, Edward swooped me up into his arms with ease.
I gasped as he lifted me up.
"Mmm..." He moaned, burying his face in my neck and inhaling. "Much better."
"You don't have to carry me, Edward-"
"I know I don't have to – it's just preferable." He gave me my favorite crooked grin.
He carried me along the path, towards the Seacrest House suites.
My breath grew rapid as I saw where he was heading. Were we...were we spending the night?
I tried to look into his face to see what he was thinking, but his eyes were focused on the path ahead, watching his step carefully.
The night sky twinkled with a million stars overhead, the moonlight casting down upon the path, illuminating the smooth, multi-hued stones.
Once we reached the wooden deck of the Seacrest House, he gingerly set me back on my feet. "I think you can take it from here." He teased, taking my hand and leading me up the stairs.
Even such a simple thing as holding his hand had my stomach knotting excitedly.
At the top of the steps, he removed a key from his pocket, releasing a long, nervous breath as he placed the key in the lock and turned.
I lead the way into the wood paneled suite, taking in the roaring fire in the stone, corner fireplace. There was a wooden sofa with leather cushions, a wooden coffee table and end tables and two rocking chairs looking out over the property, with the creek babbling in the distance.
Beyond a tall table with high chairs was a queen size bed. Windows spanned the back of the suite, leading out to a private balcony with two white, Adirondack chairs.
Edward sidled up behind me, slipping his arms around my waist. "I know what it looks like, but, I just wanted some more time with you. I'm not expecting anything. I promise." He whispered in my ear.
I spun around in his arms, looking into his worried face.
I caressed his cheek, noting the subtle stubble that was beginning to grow out. "It's beautiful, Edward. Thank you." I looked into his eyes, stepping up onto my tiptoes to kiss him softly; sweetly.
Edward placed his forehead against mine, his eyes closed as if he were struggling with something. He swallowed before taking my hand and leading me over to the living room area. "So, you say you like card games?" He asked, producing a small playing deck from his pocket.
I giggled. "What did you have in mind?" I asked, taking a seat on the couch in front of the roaring fire.
"Well, I don't know much about poker. How about five card draw?" He asked, sitting beside me as he opened the deck and began shuffling the cards.
My eyebrows shot up. "Wow, it's been a while since I played Poker. You'll have to take it easy on me."
He chuckled. "Alright, let's see what you've got."
He dealt five cards to me and five cards to himself. "You can discard up to three cards and draw that many more." He reminded me.
I looked over my hand thoughtfully, dropping two cards onto the table and waiting for him to deal me two more.
He took one card.
"Alright, whatchya got?" He asked.
I bit my lip nervously, laying my hand on the table. "Pair of two's, eight high." I announced.
"Mmm, pair of king's." He shared his hand with a cocky grin.
"Alright, again." I said, picking up the deck and shuffling the cards awkwardly.
I dealt out five to each of us before looking at my hand.
"I'll take three." I dealt him three cards before taking one.
"Hmm, only one? Interesting." He teased.
"Alright, your turn to show." I said.
He laid his hand on the table. "Nothing good, really. Jack high."
I showed my hand, a two, three, four, five and an eight. "I was going for a straight." I advised.
"Hmmm..." He mused, picking up the cards.
"What do you say we make this interesting?" I asked.