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Chapter 22: An Early Christmas Present

December 21, Tuesday

Seattle, Washington

Bella

I can't help the giggle that escapes me when I see Edward's boat pull up in front of my apartment building.

I bound down the steps, my duffle flopping against my shoulder as I practically skip toward him. Edward laughs as he climbs out of the car, pulling open the backseat so I can put down my bag. "Someone's in a good mood," he chuckles.

"Oh, I'm just thinking about my dad," I tell him, tossing my bag in. He shuts the door and looks at me, raising an eyebrow. "He always told me never to go on sudden voyages with strange men."

Edward laughs. "Ahoy, matey. This right here," he pauses to tap the hood, "is sure to navigate us through even the roughest seas."

"Even Christmas with the Cullens?"

"Even Christmas with the Cullens," he confirms, shooting me a smile that makes me feel merry and bright. "You ready?"

I bring a hand up to my face, saluting him. "Aye, Captain."

He chuckles and heads around the van while I climb into the passenger's seat.

Once he's in, he taps the steering wheel. "You're sure you have everything?"

I hum. "Yup, double-checked."

He looks like he wants to ask again, and I laugh, nudging his arm. "Drive, Captain Control Freak."

"Driving," he concedes, turning the car on. He pulls away from the curb, and he's lucky there isn't much traffic on my street. "How was your last shift?"

I shrug. "Fine. Nothing too extreme, though I did get a frequent flier." I roll my eyes as Edward looks at me.

"What?"

I smirk. "It's this kid. He's convinced he's Evel Knievel. He strapped a bottle rocket to his skateboard this time. His parents are convinced we think he's being abused, but it's clear he's just a daredevil." I shake my head. "I'm hoping the cast on his arm will keep him at least somewhat still over the next few weeks, though if history is any indicator, it won't."

Edward laughs. "I was into trying some pretty stupid things as a kid, but I never took it that far."

I chuckle. "Jake's a special kid." I look at him. "How did your presentation go?"

Edward and I have been texting since we got back to Seattle. We thought about trying to meet up, but I was working mostly night shifts, and he'd been slammed trying to get presentations done for his new clients. Last we'd chatted, he'd been getting ready to present.

"It went well. I think the client liked the pitch, which means we'll be able to move ahead with the plan."

"That's great." I know he's poured a lot into this plan. I didn't realize just how much work went into an ad campaign before. It's way more strategic than I realized. "How long are you staying in Forks?"

Edward glances at me. "I brought my laptop and stuff, so I should be okay to stay through Jasper and Alice's engagement party."

I grin. That means nearly two weeks more with him around. "Good."

He glances at me. "Good?" He sounds a little hopeful, almost shy even, and I nod.

"Yeah. Very good. Forks is a great place to be for the holidays."

I look over at him in time to catch his smile as he gazes out the windshield. "Yeah," he murmurs. "I think you're probably right."

…

Four hours fly by, and though I'm tired of sitting, I'm not tired of talking with Edward. He's funny and nerdy and sexy as hell. He can go from making me laugh to turning me on in a split second, then making me swoon with something sweet a minute later. It feels like it should be hard to keep up with him, but it's not. I'm right there with him.

I direct him to my dad's house once we get into the town limits, and when we pull up behind the cruiser, Edward parks the van, looking over at me.

"So, this is the Chief's place?"

"Mhmm," I hum. "Since before I was born. It's like a time capsule," I tell him, taking in the old shutters that Dad diligently repaints every couple of summers. The house is old, but Dad's kept it up well.

I look at Edward. "We have a pullout sofa if you need a place to stay."

I'm about ready to invite him into my old twin bed at this point.

Edward shakes his head. "The Cullens are expecting me."

I smile. "With a full meal, I expect."

Edward rubs his stomach. "Man, I hope so."

I giggle and open the passenger door, ready to climb out.

"Hey, Bella?"

I look back at Edward, and he takes a deep breath before meeting my gaze.

"I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go out sometime?"

A warm feeling comes over me like I've just done a double shot of cinnamon vodka. "Yeah, I'd really love to."

He smiles, and it's such a bright, warm smile, and I feel dazzled by him. "Great," he nods. "Really great. I'll call you?"

I nod. "Yeah. I'd like that."

He is practically giddy as he hops out of the car. I watch him walk around the front of the van, and I slip out just as he comes around to my side.

He opens the slider, pulling my bag out for me. He offers it up, and I take it, sliding it over my shoulder.

"I'll talk to you soon?" He asks, sounding hopeful.

I grin.

"Yeah. Go stuff yourself with some of Esme's food, I'll catch up with my dad, and I'll text you when I'm free to talk."

"Sounds like a plan."

I'm giddy as I walk up the front path to my dad's house. It's as if Edward and I didn't just spend the last four hours talking. I feel like I could talk to him for days and not get bored.

When I get up to the front porch, I look back at him and wave. He waves to me before heading around and climbing into his van. He pulls away as I open the front door.

"Dad? I'm home!"

I hear him in the living room, and I set my bag down by the stairs, heading toward him. "Hey, Dad."

"Hey, Bells," he says, muting the TV. "Who was that?"

I glance to my left, where sure enough, there is a clear view of the street from his recliner. How I could forget his strategic seating arrangement is beyond me. That chair haunted me in high school.

I look back at him and grin.

"Santa brought me something a little early this year."

He looks puzzled, and I lean down, kissing his cheek. "I'm going to put my bag upstairs; then I'll start some dinner," I tell him, heading out of the living room. He doesn't reply as I head up.

When I get to my childhood room, I can't help but throw myself on my bed, facing the glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

I'll take Edward as an early Christmas present any day of the year! Tomorrow, share with us your favorite game to play!