Am I really foolishly posting early because it's ready and this will ensure I am distracted by reviews tomorrow when I'm writing a paper? Why yes, yes I am! Happy Thursday!
Before you read, uhhh this is definitely for adults only. Don't read with anyone looking over your shoulder. In fact, I recommend reading alone in bed, just like Bella is. NOT on a plane full of coworkers, like Masen!
The reviews on chapter 2 were very fun for me. Ya'll hate Mike and Jake a lot. This chapter isn't going to change that opinion.
Enormous thank yous to my beta Sunflower Fran and to my prereading team: Mariel, RoBiNiSmYbOo, and WiccEdGoddesss. You all had almost exactly the same response to this chapter and I gotta say, it was very very reassuring! Any mistakes you see are mine. They offered suggestions and I absolutely ignored any number of them.
Btw weird punctation in Bella and Masen's DMs is because texts have their own grammar and I am trying to replicate that. If it's weird for texts to often not have closing punctuation can you all let me know? I don't have to format these exactly how would make sense in actual texting if it'd be easier to read properly punctuated...
Anyway. On to the chapter!
I own an MacBook Air and an iPad but not Twilight.
When Rose got home, I had finished the painting I'd done of Masen's picture and then switched and painted a really lovely beach, jetty, and dock at sunset. It was a photo I had taken on vacation to Cape Cod the summer before college. Renee had decided she wanted to Be A Mother and insisted on a vacation. By the end of the week she was bored again, but at least I had gotten some pretty pictures out of the deal.
I changed into "grown-up clothes" as Rose called them, although not as grown up as she would've liked—they were still just jeans, but they had a button, zipper, and belt loops and weren't leggings. Rose swapped her dance clothes for jeans that were apparently more adult than my jeans. The issue may have been that I usually paired mine with Converse or flip flops and she paired hers with heels or boots or flats. Tonight, it was warm, and I wore flip-flops. She wore flats.
As we walked to her car, I saw a familiar red VW pull up in front of the building.
"Bella!" Jacob shouted as he jumped out of the car and ran over.
I heard Rose sigh.
"Hi, Jake," I said. He scooped me up in a big bear hug.
"Where are you girls off to?"
"I got us tickets to Broken Waves," Rose said. "We're having a girls movie night!"
Jake's face fell.
"Oh, I was gonna suggest we watch The Notebook and order pizza."
Jake always wanted to watch The Notebook with me. And if it made me cry, he'd insist I should cry on his shoulder. And if I didn't cry, he'd still want a good cuddle "to make me feel better."
"Maybe another time, Jake."
"I feel like we never hang out anymore," Jake whined. "How about I take you out for dinner next week?"
I hesitated. That sounded very date-like. Also, depending on what day he was suggesting, it was possible Masen would be in Seattle for his birthday … which might involve an actual date. Oh shit, was I really imagining going on a date with Masen?
"That sounds great, Jake!" Rose exclaimed. "There's this new tapas place I heard about. It's supposed to be amazing. We should all go!"
"Oh, um," Jake paused. "Yeah. Sure. What about—"
"Oh shoot." Rose looked at her phone. "We really have to run, Bella. I don't want to miss any of my McCarty time!"
"Oh, yeah. Well. I'll call you later, Bella?" He looked hopeful.
"I'll probably go to bed when we get home, so I probably won't answer the phone tonight," I hedged.
"I'll talk to you tomorrow then," Jake said, turning and walking to his car before I could confirm or refuse.
When we were safely settled in Rose's beloved red convertible, she groaned.
"You have got to cut that boy loose."
"Well, you'll be pleased to hear that I am finally on the same page as you," I said.
"Oh yeah? You're admitting he likes you now?" Rose sounded surprised.
"Yeah, um, Masen kind of made some good points. Jake's been kind of a lousy friend to me for a long time, hasn't he?"
"Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner! Yes, she CAN be taught!" Rose guffawed. "Sorry, I don't want to be laughing about the fact that you've been dealing with a pretty toxic friendship that's all about how he desperately wants to bone you, but also your ignorance has been a little … overwhelming, funny at times, sad at times. I'm just really happy it's over."
I gave her a tight smile as she merged onto the highway, heading towards the cinema.
"So. Masen, huh?" Rose actually winked at me.
I rolled my eyes. "Yes. Masen."
"Did you talk to him today?"
"Yeah, uh … I told him about Mike."
"REALLY? Wow," she sounded surprised.
"Yeah. He told me last night that he walked in on his ex and another guy a few weeks before he followed me on Instagram, and that's why he never DMed me all this time. Today he told me there's another girl who wants to hook up with him who is spreading rumors that they're already dating."
"Oh, that's funny. That's what I said about Tanya Denali and Edward Cullen!" Rose laughed.
"Yeah, that's what I said. It reminded me 'cause apparently, her name is Tanya, too."
Rose's brow furrowed. "Hey, Bella?" She sounded a little hesitant.
"What?"
"Have you considered Masen's job, the one he has to keep private, might not be so much that it's classified, but maybe it's that he wants to keep his life private, not his job? Is it possible he's, well, could he be Edward Cullen?"
"Okay, I know it's a hell of a coincidence, and, of course, that occurred to me too, but there's no way," I said. "No way."
There was no way.
Was there?
She shrugged. "Okay, it's just a thought. I know the odds are crazy. It could just be the name Tanya. Maybe that makes chicks go nutty over their crushes. It's just 'cause you had this conversation today after we saw that interview."
I nodded and was grateful she let the subject drop. I filled her in on the rest of my conversation with Masen, including that he wanted to talk on the phone and offered to come to Seattle soon. I skipped that he'd told me his birthday was coming up. Rose had dropped the subject, but I didn't want her looking up Edward Cullen's birthday to compare.
When we got to the theater, we got popcorn and way too many snacks before taking our seats for previews.
The movie made Rose very, very happy. As it turns out, guys in surfing movies are shirtless a large amount of the time and both Edward Cullen and Emmett McCarty are really nice to look at shirtless. Rose drooled through most of the movie, even the stressful parts with the girl without her memory.
Somehow, I couldn't get into the plot. First, just like watching the interview this morning, Edward Cullen was incredibly familiar to me. It was like I recognized him from a dream. He was gorgeous and looked pretty buff, but not overly muscled like a bodybuilder or something. Just like a tall, lean guy who works out. A lot. But that wasn't what was catching my eye. It really was just some… something about him. And then, I was so wrapped up in Masen that I kept seeing Masen's Tanya whenever Tanya Denali was on the screen. I tried to shake it off and just enjoy the story, but then Edward would look out at the camera, and it was as if his eyes were seeing into my soul.
When the movie was finally over, Rose and I walked out. I was just climbing into her car when I heard a grating and familiar voice.
"Isabella!"
I looked up. Sure enough, there was Mike across the parking lot.
"Fuck," I heard Rose curse under her breath. "Get in the car, Bella. Don't talk to him."
"Isabella, I'm talking to you!" I heard as I turned away.
I was halfway in when a hand grabbed my arm.
"Isabella! I said, I'm talking to you!"
"What do you want, Mike?" I asked, my patience wearing thin.
"We should go out for coffee and discuss our relationship. I've given you two years to come to your senses. I'm tired of waiting. Come back, and I'll take care of you again."
"Get the fuck off me, Michael Newton." I glared at him. "I'm done with your shit."
I twisted out of his grasp and dove into the car, slamming the door behind me and jamming the lock, very grateful that this was Seattle and you don't keep a convertible with the top down when you're not actively driving on a rare sunny day. Rose was cackling as she hopped in, closing and locking her door behind her. She threw the car into gear and drove away.
In the mirror, I could see Mike glowering. "He still doesn't know our new address, does he?" Rose asked quietly.
I shook my head. "I don't think so. How did he find us?"
"Probably just luck," Rose said. "Just in case, we can let the super know he's poking around again. And maybe you should tell Angela too."
I nodded. Angela was my boss at the bakery and she was always incredibly supportive. I leaned my head back on the seat and shut my eyes, grateful that Rose was letting me have some quiet. After a minute, my phone buzzed. When I glanced at the screen, it was an Instagram push notification. My heart was suddenly light.
"Is that Instagram?" Rose asked with a smirk.
"Yeah." I couldn't stop the smiling spreading over my face.
Hey, beautiful. I'm on a plane and thinking of you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
You have really good timing.-SwanSong
Oh?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah. I didn't realize til my phone buzzed, but I think I needed to hear from you.-SwanSong
Anytime. Is everything okay?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Actually, that's… a really good question.
Mike was in the parking lot when Rose and I left the movie.-SwanSong
Oh shit. Are you both okay?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah, we're fine. We got in the car and left.
But he wanted to talk to me and he kept saying how he wanted me to come back and come to my senses
I don't know if he was looking for us there or if it was a coincidence
I kind of think a coincidence since I can't imagine any way for him to have known where we were
But it freaked me out
Also, he grabbed my arm and I think it left a bruise
So I'm a little shaken and I'm glad you messaged me.-SwanSong
Fuck, baby, I'm so sorry
What can I do?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Just talk to me
You're on a plane? Where are you going?-SwanSong
Back home to LA
I'm almost done with this project. Like 3 more days
How was the movie?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Rose loved it. Shirtless McCarty made her happy.-SwanSong
Lol. What'd you think?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Honestly?
This is kind of embarrassing.-SwanSong
What? Did you not like it?-MasenAroundTheWorld
No, it's not that
I was just distracted
Every time Tanya Denali's character was on screen all I could think about was YOUR Tanya and how she's making trouble for you
Also…
Okay. This is going to sound really really weird but whatever
I kept having deja vu every time Edward Cullen was on screen
I felt like I'd met him before. Like in a dream or something
So I couldn't really focus on the movie.-SwanSong
That's not that weird.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I mean, I can make it weirder.-SwanSong
Hit me.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Ok
He reminded me of you
I know that's goofy
I don't know why he did
He just… did.-SwanSong
If I had a dollar for every time someone said Edward Cullen reminded them of me ;-P-MasenAroundTheWorld
I told you it was goofy.-SwanSong
Don't worry about it. It's flattering.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Anyway. Have you seen it?-SwanSong
Yeah. Went with some coworkers the other day
Tbh Lisa made me think of my Tanya situation too.-MasenAroundTheWorld
He took that… really well, actually. I guess it was a compliment to hear the gorgeous, shirtless movie star reminded someone of you. Even if it was a little weird. But honestly if someone who had never met me said some beautiful famous girl reminded them of me, I'd be a little more apprehensive about meeting them since I had so much to live up to. I probably needed to find a way to make sure he knew I wasn't expecting him to look like Edward Cullen; that I didn't even want him to look like a movie star. And then Masen interrupted my musing.
Anything else interesting happen tonight?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Jake tried to invite himself over when Rose and I were leaving.-SwanSong
Fucker
Sorry
That guy just bugs me
He seems really needy.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah he is. Also really whiny
He tried to ask me out.-SwanSong
What did you say?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Nothing. Rose beat me to it and acted like she thought he was suggesting all three of us go out.-SwanSong
I owe Rose.-MasenAroundTheWorld
What?-SwanSong
Bella, you know how I feel about you
I have no right to ask you not to date anyone, not right now. But I'm really hoping you'll stay single until I can introduce myself to you in person. I hope you'll give me a chance
Is Rose single? What's her type? Maybe I can find her someone.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Emmett McCarty.-SwanSong
I'll see what I can do lol.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And she's tall, blonde, and statuesque
She could probably have any guy she wanted.-SwanSong
Not me
I've seen her picture on your Insta
I don't want her
I want you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
You don't even know me.-SwanSong
I know you
I know you like painting first thing in the morning because you're still excited for the day
I know you love to cook and are incredibly proud when your friends like what you make, which is every time you make something
I know I'm dying to try anything you cook
I know landscapes and nature are your favorites to paint because you can imagine wandering through the painting and hearing the birds and feeling the wind and smelling the grass
I know kids' birthday cakes are your favorites because they don't let reality get in the way of their dreams and they just tell you what they are hoping for and trust that you'll be able to figure it out
You love the challenge and you love their innocence
And you love how excited they get when they see what you made for them
I know your favorite colors are purple and green
You'd rather hot chocolate to coffee and you love whipped cream on everything
I know you feel like you have to justify every time you eat something "unhealthy" but you honestly love vegetables and eat them all the time
I know you like soft comforters and fluffy blankets
And I know that if I meet you in person I'll have a hard time letting you go
There's so much more I want to know about you though
I want to know how tall you are and how you'd fit against me
I want to know what you look like when you wake up in the morning
I want to know what sounds you make when I kiss you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Well. Fuck.
Shit, Masen.-SwanSong
Too much?-MasenAroundTheWorld
How the hell did you do that?-SwanSong
What? Know you? I pay attention *shrug*-MasenAroundTheWorld
No
Or not just that, I guess
How do you sweep me off my feet with just a bunch of texts?-SwanSong
I sweep you off your feet?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes.-SwanSong
Good :-)
Does that mean that you might be willing to talk to me on the phone tomorrow?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Maybe
Okay, we just got back to our apartment. I'm going to get ready for bed but I'll be back in a few minutes.-SwanSong
Okay.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Inside, I took off my eyeliner, braided my hair so it wouldn't be annoying to sleep with since it usually went everywhere, brushed my teeth, and changed into a tank top and sleep shorts. The apartment was weirdly warm tonight and I'd be happier without my usual sweats.
I'm back.-SwanSong
Are you in bed?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes.-SwanSong
Fuck, Bella.-MasenAroundTheWorld
More… problems?-SwanSong
Yes.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Sorry :-P-SwanSong
I'm really not sure you are…-MasenAroundTheWorld
Maybe a little?-SwanSong
I'm on a plane with my coworkers
Last night was fine. I was in a hotel. I had lotion. I had a shower. I had privacy
I didn't have you but I could make it work.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Too bad you don't have privacy, 'cause here I was thinking I'm feeling adventurous.-SwanSong
Adventurous, huh?
What does that mean?-MasenAroundTheWorld
It means if you were alone I might be up for a little more… stimulating conversation.-SwanSong
You're alone, right?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes?-SwanSong
Well, just 'cause I'm in public doesn't mean we can't see what we can do to provide you with a little… stimulation.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Fuck did I really just offer this? He couldn't even do anything! It was all me!
Is that so?-SwanSong
What are you wearing?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Cami and sleep shorts.-SwanSong
Are they the super tiny sleep shorts that show off your ass?-MasenAroundTheWorld
When they ride up yeah you can kinda see my ass.-SwanSong
Fuck I wanna see them
Are you wearing a bra?-MasenAroundTheWorld
No.-SwanSong
Are you sure you want me to do this?
I'll stop if you want
But… Fuck Bella, I'm so hard thinking about you in your little shorts and your tank top and imagining if I could tug the neck down just a little bit and feast on your phenomenal tits.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Okay you don't know this about me but I blush. Like. A lot
All the fucking time.-SwanSong
Am I making you blush now?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes.-SwanSong
I bet you have a pretty rosy blush
I wonder how far down it goes
If I tug that neck down and take your perfect little nipple between my teeth will your flush cover all the way down across your breasts?
Don't answer that.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Ok?-SwanSong
I want to find out myself
Why don't you take your cami off, beautiful
I can't play with those luscious breasts, but you can.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Okay.-SwanSong
Are your nipples hard?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes.-SwanSong
Play with them for me, baby
Pinch and pull them a little
Imagine I'm drawing one into my mouth. Licking and sucking and nibbling
Fuck, baby. I'm dying here picturing you right now.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I wish you were here
I think your hands would be better than mine.-SwanSong
I'd do my best, baby
Are you wearing panties?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah.-SwanSong
What kind?
Cotton bikini. Not very sexy… Sorry.-SwanSong
They're wrapped around your ass and your perfect little pussy. They're sexy as fuck. I promise.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Fuck, Masen.-SwanSong
What's the matter?-MasenAroundTheWorld
You're just… really good at this
And I'm awkward and I don't know what to say.-SwanSong
It's okay :-)-MasenAroundTheWorld
Everything you say is really hot.-SwanSong
I'm glad
How about you just do what I tell you and tell me how you feel and I'll take care of everything else?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Ok-SwanSong
Why don't you slide your hand into your little panties?
What color are they?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Purple.-SwanSong
Pretty purple panties
That sounds great
Will you wear them for me some day?-MasenAroundTheWorld
If you want.-SwanSong
I want.
For now, let's just get your hand in them
Are you wet, beautiful?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes.-SwanSong
Fuck
Okay. I want you to slowly circle your finger around your clit
How does that feel, baby?-MasenAroundTheWorld
So good
I want more.-SwanSong
I know, baby, you can have more
Why don't you slide one finger inside your little pussy?
Keep your thumb on your clit. Can you do that for me?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah.-SwanSong
How do you feel?-MasenAroundTheWorld
It's so good
Fuck, Masen…-SwanSong
Are you close, baby?
Use another finger
Imagine that's my cock fucking you
I'd put one hand down and play with your clit while I pound into that wet little pussy
Imagine my other hand buried in your hair
I'll nibble on your neck a little. Maybe I'll mark you so everyone knows you're mine
Will you mark me too, baby?
Tell the world I'm yours?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes.-SwanSong
Good girl. Curl your fingers and rub your little clit harder, baby.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Fuck!
That was amazing.-SwanSong
Talking about marking me and wanting me to mark him did it. I was whimpering and moaning Masen's name and seeing green eyes filling my mind. And then, as always, I plateaued.
Did you come, baby?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'm pretty satisfied :-)-SwanSong
Um…
That's not the answer I was expecting.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Uhh. I can't come.-SwanSong
Wait, what?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I've never been able to.-SwanSong
Will I seem like a really egotistical guy if I ask you questions and consider what we can do to get you off?-MasenAroundTheWorld
As long as you don't start telling me about your magic tongue that is sure to bring me untold pleasure, go ahead.-SwanSong
Well, for starters, while it's not magical, I like to think my tongue could in fact do some good things for you, but no that wasn't what I was going to say
I was just gonna ask… What have you tried?
What happens when you try to come?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I feel good and then I plateau.-SwanSong
What happens if you keep going through the plateau?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I dunno, I'm usually really sensitive and I just kind of drop off.-SwanSong
And this is true alone, partner, whatever?
Have you used toys?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes and yes
My high school boyfriend didn't know what he was doing, and frankly neither did I, and Mike didn't really care how much fun I had.-SwanSong
Are those all your partners?-MasenAroundTheWorld
One drunken hookup the year before I met Mike. He was clumsy and kind of useless with every appendage. Honestly was one of the most boring nights of my life
He pawed at me and slobbered on me and it was such a mess. I should've left when the making out was bad but I stayed and the sex was worse.-SwanSong
Aw, I'm sorry
So… You've never had good sex?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Nope.-SwanSong
I'm sorry, beautiful
I hope I can rectify that for you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Okay but the only thing is… just. Don't take it personally if I can't come. It doesn't mean I don't like it. It's just how my body works.-SwanSong
Don't worry, sweetheart. My ego can handle it if you don't get off. Doesn't mean I won't have some fun investigating what we can do for you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Okay :-)-SwanSong
All right, as much as I would love to keep talking to you, we're coming in to land and I'll have to put my phone away and do stuff when I get off the plane and you should probably go to sleep.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah.-SwanSong
Thank you for tonight
You have no idea how hot that was.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Oh, I think I have a sense…-SwanSong
Touche, beautiful girl
Good night, baby.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Night.-SwanSong
XOXO-MasenAroundTheWorld
I pulled my cami back on, plugged my phone in, and turned off my light. I dreamt of a sexy stranger again, but tonight, he had bronze hair and bright green eyes.
So? Consensus from the entire CullenCherries team was "that's hot" so I hope it was good for you too!
This chapter is really personal for me. Bella has a condition called anorgasmia, which I also have. It's more common than people think. Lots of afab people can't orgasm until their mid 20s, or sometimes ever. I can't speak for other anorgasmic people, but for me it meant I faked a lot of O's with my high school ex. Bella didn't say so, but she totally did too.
I decided to show a girl who can't climax because we put a lot of emphasis on explosive O's and I'd really like to see how the journey is just as fun ;-)
Little request: if you have ever had trouble finishing but eventually were able to, could you DM me? And if you have anorgasmia and have opinions on whether Bella should ever climax, also let me know! I'm leaning towards yes, because I have big hopes for myself, but I'm open to being convinced otherwise.
Another personal bit-that clumsy drunken hookup with the pawing and the slobbering and the was-incredibly-boring? Yeah totally real, except I bailed. After making out for a while and feeling like my face was being sucked off by a hair drain pipe (I wish I was kidding) I was like no. This is not working. Also, I was wearing spanx and he thought his hands were doing magical things to me and I couldn't feel a damn thing. It would've been hilarious if it wasn't so sad.
Anyway. Reviews make my little heart happy...