THIRTY-NINE
Sunday evening
Ben's irritated voice rings in Edward's eardrums as he fails to hit their opponent, a bold DEFEAT sign flashing across the screen. He groans, annoyed himself, and fiddles with the controller in his hand.
"Cullen, what was that mate?"
"I was trying my best."
"Your best ain't gonna get us a victory."
"Let's go again, then. I bet you I'll be able to keep up with you this time."
But, before he is able to hit the joinbutton, a small voice comes from behind him, causing his heart to sing.
"Okay, I knew you were pretty bad at gaming, but that was just ridiculous."
"Bella," He breathes, setting the controller down on his desk.
He can hear Ben asking him a question in the headset he wears, but the game is the least of his concerns now. Ripping it from his head, he throws it onto the bed next to him and runs towards the door, scooping Bella into his arms.
"Woah, woah, careful. I'm fragile."
She still smells as sweet as before, the scent of her apple shampoo filling his nostrils, along with a slightly sour smell. He nestles his face into her hair, confused when it's slightly damp.
"I didn't know you were coming over tonight."
"Neither did I. Until Phil dumped a beer over my head."
"Why'd he do that?"
"Think he's just pissed at me for not coming home more often," Bella picks up a strand of hair, letting it fall back against her shoulder. "And he wonders why I don't."
"He's never been the sharpest tool in the shed."
His heart swells when Bella giggles.
"You can say that again. Did you want to finish your game?"
"Nah, I'm shit anyway."
"Alright."
"You can stay here if you want?"
"That would be nice. Can I borrow a t-shirt or something?"
"Of course. You can borrow anything you want."
Glancing over at the alarm clock beside his bed, the bright red numbers tell him it's two in the morning. The excitement of Bella's appearance has left him restless. He can feel her back pressing against his in the small bed. He longs to touch her.
Instead, he simply wiggles his toes to try and get rid of the energy.
"Still awake too?" Bella's soft voice asks.
"Yeah, it's quite hot in here."
"Sorry. I shouldn't have stayed. It's quite a squeeze."
Edward rolls over so that he is now facing Bella. Her brown eyes are wide and remind him of melted chocolate. He could get lost in them for hours.
"What are you talking about? You're always welcome here. Plus, I wouldn't have felt happy with you sleeping in that house."
"It's not your responsibility to take care of me."
Rubbing a thumb across her cheek, Edward furrows his eyebrows.
"Bella, shut up. I'll always be here for you."
"Thank you. I'm very lucky to have you."
"I know."
She grins at his joke.
"Have you missed me?"
He groans. "So much."
"I've missed you too. The hospital was alright, but nothing beats being home."
"Even squeezed into my tiny bed?"
"Especially squeezed into your tiny bed. I have a lot of happy memories attached to this place."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Who knew losing my virginity would help me come out of my shell?"
"Well, I'm glad I could help."
This time, they laugh together.
"Can you cuddle me?" Bella inquires, turning her back to Edward.
His breath quickens.
"S-sure."
Looping his arm across her waist, he pulls her closer still, resting his cheek against the small of her shoulder. It takes him back to the night at university when she came searching for him after her breakup with Jacob. He feels content knowing that she is safe in his arms.
After a few long moments, Bella breaks her silence.
"You know when we were in your room that one time?"
"What time?"
"When I told you that I loved you."
"Yeah. What about it?"
"I really do love you, Edward."
"I know. I love you too."
She is silent for another moment.
"No, I mean I love you. Like more than a friend."
She turns around, still caught up in his arms. Their lips are inches from one another.
"I am completely in love with you, Edward Cullen."
He doesn't think twice before he brings his lips against her's, relishing the way her soft skin caresses his. The kiss is timid at first, and he keeps his movements slow and small, scared he could break her. When she groans against his lips, he deepens the embrace.
Pushing himself up onto his forearms, he maneuvers his body until it hovers over her small frame, their tongues dancing against each other. In the new position, there is a fresh expanse of space between them, and Bella brings her fingertips to the bottom of Edward's bed shirt, tugging at the hem. He knows what she wants.
In a swift movement, he pulls it over his head.
"Are you sure you want this?"
She nods against his lips.
"I mean, have you actually thought this through?"
She groans, pulling her face away from his.
"Are you serious? I just told you that I love you and you're questioning me about it?"
He shakes his head, his shaggy hair falling in front of his eyes.
"No, it's not that. I want this, more than anything. I just…I can't lose you again. I can't fucking do it, Bells."
Cupping her hands around his face, she rubs a thumb across his cheek, and he can't help but shudder beneath her touch.
"You're not going to lose me, Edward. I am completely yours."
Bringing their lips together once more, he finds solace in her words, and, until sunlight begins to stream through the curtains, the pair thoroughly catch up on lost time.
"Oh, Bella?" He says once they are lying beside one another again, their bodies slick with sweat.
"Yes?"
He runs a hand across her swollen lips, and the love bite that bruises her neck.
"I didn't say it before, but I love you too. I always have been, and I always will be. I promise, for the rest of my life, I will never hurt you again."
They smile at one another as the wind whistles outside the window.
"Isabella Swan, you are absolutely everything to me."
Here's the second chapter of the day! I really like the way this has turned out and I'm happy to be back writing for you all :)
I am planning on either one or two more chapters of this particular story, but I'm very tempted to explore some potential one-shots with these two. What do you all think? Let me know if you like the idea :D
See you for the next update!