Chapter Seven

To kiss in cars and downtown bars was all we needed

I don't see Edward for the next two weeks. He's working nights at the hospital, or so I'm informed by Jasper. In some ways, I'm disappointed not to have seen him but in others, I'm kind of glad. It gives me time to think, time to breathe, away from him.

When Alice and Jasper returned from Virginia that weekend, I'd pulled myself together, making sure there was no trace left of my dirty weekend in the flat. I'd cleaned the kitchen, tidied the living room and made sure to empty my wastepaper basket. Alice had breezed into the apartment, starry-eyed and full of gossip to share. I'd heard all about their trip, seen every photo Alice had taken, which believe me, was a lot and been told how Jasper had asked Alice to be his girlfriend. Officially.

It was all completely and utterly and sickeningly cute. By the time the evening rolled around I was smiling from ear to ear, my heart happy for them. But I couldn't escape the small pang I felt in the pit of my stomach when I looked at Alice and Jasper's smiling faces on her phone screen.

Over the following couple of weeks, I'd given my relationship with Edward a lot of thought, if you could call it a relationship. I'd decided that Edward had acted completely normally given the circumstances. We weren't anything more than friends and he would have wanted to get back to his apartment before Jasper returned. It was no hard feelings.

Right?

Whatever you say Bella.

It's Friday afternoon and I'm sat at my desk, reading my emails when my phone dings. I expect it to be a message from Allie but instead I see Edward's name. I swallow the butterflies in my stomach and open the chat.

Hey. How's you? - E

It's simple, to the point, as it has always been.

Hey. I'm good. You? - B

Within seconds he replies.

Yeah, I'm good. I finished my last night working yesterday so feel a bit more human now that I've had some proper sleep. - E

I smile at the text slightly.

That's good. Jasper mentioned you were running on fumes - B

I wait a few minutes for him to reply but he doesn't. I turn back to my screen, continuing to read through my emails, glancing at my phone every now and then. Eventually, it dings.

Yeah. I wondered if you wanted to get a drink at Aro's bar tonight? Feel like I need to let my hair down - E

I chuckle slightly at the image of Edward 'letting his hair down'. I write back a message, pressing send before I can second think it.

You sure you want to hang out with me? I'm not exactly known for my party animal lifestyle - B

I bite my lip as I stare at the screen. It says Edward is typing.

Yeah well, it will give me a chance to shine then. Besides, I've told you, you're my favourite member of the group. ;) - E

I read the message, feeling a slight flutter in my chest at the prospect of seeing Edward alone again. I quickly reply, hitting send.

Okay, sounds like a plan. Shall I meet you there at 6:30? - B

His reply is instant.

Looking forward to it - E

As the end of the day rolls around, I gather my things and make my way out of the building. I hail a cab and give the driver the address before leaning back into the seat. I feel a bit anxious at the prospect of seeing Edward.

Would he bring up the weekend or do we just move on like it never happened?

Within twenty minutes, the cab is pulling up outside Aro's bar. I climb out and pay the driver before heading in. There are already quite a few people, all taking advantage of Happy Hour. Some are leaning on the bar, others sat around small tables. I look around the room trying to spot Edward. Eventually, I see a flash of copper over by the bar in the far corner. I make my way over, squeezing through the crowd.

"Hey" I say, slightly breathless.

"Hey" Edward replies, standing so that I can slide onto one of the stools.

"You been here long?" I ask, turning to look at him.

"No...five minutes maybe?" He replies, sipping his beer. "Do you want a drink?" He asks, trying to get the bartender's attention.

"Yeah a beer would be great" I say. Edward orders me a beer and once it's placed in front of me, I take a long sip.

"So..." I say, unsure what to talk about now that I'm here.

"So..." says Edward, his eyes twinkling. "How have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you for ages". He smiles at me.

"I've been good. Busy at work. I heard all about Alice and Jasper's trip." I reply, smiling at him slightly.

"Oh yeah, Jasper said he had a good time. Apparently..." He trails off, bending his head towards me slightly "they are now officially boyfriend and girlfriend".

"Oh believe me...I know!" I reply with a laugh. "I've heard the story in so much detail I almost feel like I was there!". Edward tips his head back, barking out a laugh.

"Was it that bad?" He says, chuckling slightly.

"Well, put it this way, I know for a fact that Alice took three hundred and forty-two photos on their trip." I deadpan, making Edward snort and nearly choke on his beer. I laugh with him, feeling lighter now that I see things are normal between us.

"My God, what did she photograph?!" He replies, laughing harder.

"Jasper mainly". I reply, "Oh my god Bella, he's just so great" I say, doing my best impression of Alice. Edward laughs loudly, his eyes crinkling.

"Well, if it makes you feel better Jasper went on about it all week to me too" He says. "She's just...so dang awesome Ed", Edward says, putting on a Southern accent, doing his own impression of Jasper.

I laugh hard, leaning forward to counteract the ache in my belly. Edward joins in.

"Aw, they're cute really" I say, once we've finally calmed down.

"Yeah I suppose" Edward says, a twinkle in his eye. "Just don't tell them I said it".

"'Course, the ol' street cred needs to stay intact" I reply with a wink. Edward chuckles at me. I tilt my head back, draining the last of my second beer. Edward orders another for us both.

We talk for a while, laughing about nothing until Edward suggests we do some shots. I shake my head, trying to object but Edward eventually convinces me with that twinkle in his eye and that smirk on his lips.

"This is a really bad idea" I say, chuckling slightly, feeling a buzzed already.

"It will be fun." He reasons, "Anyway, it will help you let your hair down!" he says with a wink.

The bartender places a tray of shots in front of us. I look down and count three shots each.

"Edward that's way too many!" I cry "I'll be on the floor!"

"Oh shush Bells, you'll be fine. I'll look after you anyway" he says, pushing a shot towards me. I grab my beer, sipping the last of it before I speak.

"Do you remember we used to play never have I ever with shots when we were in college?" I suddenly ask.

"Yeah" Edward laughs. "I found out some rather horrifying things about Emmett that way" he gives a shudder.

I chuckle. "You weren't the only one!"

"Wanna play now?" Edward asks, looking at me with dark eyes. I hesitate for a minute but then decide I have nothing to lose and know that Edward won't ask me anything too bad.

"Okay, you first" I say, picking up my shot.

Edward hums, thinking about his turn.

"Never have I ever...slept with a co-worker," Edward says, raising an eyebrow. I stare back at him but don't drink.

"Never have I ever...sent a nude photo to someone," I say, taking my turn. Edward rolls his eyes and takes his shot, grimacing as the liquid hits the back of his throat.

"No way!" I cry "Who'd you send it to?" I ask, unable to help myself.

"Urgh god...I was like...seventeen and it was some girl in high school." He says, shrugging.

I chuckle at him as he thinks of his next question.

"Never have I ever...faked an orgasm," he says, his eyes blazing. I stare back at him before downing my shot. He opens his mouth in shock.

"Bella Swan!" He cries, laughing "Who with?! It better not be me!" He says seriously.

"No, it wasn't you Edward" I laugh, blushing slightly. "It was my first boyfriend Tyler Crowley".

"Was he a minute man?" Edward asks, making flashes of that night together buzz through my brain.

"No...he just..." I trail off but Edward just stares at me waiting for me to finish. "I dunno...he didn't really...hit the right spot you know" I answer, feeling my face flush.

Edward hums nodding.

"We've all been there" he says before passing me another shot. "Your turn".

I think for a moment.

"Never have I ever... used handcuffs" I reply with a smirk. Edward throws his head back laughing before downing his shot.

"Edward!" I cry, slapping his shoulder lightly.

"What?! They're good fun" he laughs. I roll my eyes but am instantly assaulted with images of Edward handcuffing me to the bed.

"Never have I ever done anything with someone of the same sex" Edward says, slurring slightly over the last two words.

I look at him and down my drink. He stares out at me, mouth open.

"I have so many questions" he says, his face serious making me laugh, "Who?... When?... Why?"

"Urgh okay...it was with Alice..." I trail off.

"ALICE?!" Edward shouts drawing a few people's attention.

"We were drunk and I was sad about that guy Jake I saw for a while," I said, Edward nodding "and she just...kissed me." I shrug.

Edward's eyes glaze over slightly until I whack him on the arm.

"Stop imagining it!" I say, blushing brightly.

"Did you like it?!" He says, chuckling, his voice going deeper.

"Not really." I say honestly. "Don't get me wrong, she's a good kisser but it didn't do anything for me" I reply.

Edward nods.

"Never have I ever...roleplayed in bed" I say, looking at Edward. Edward downs his drink.

"Really?!" I ask, raising an eyebrow, "Isn't it like...super embarrassing?"

Edward chuckles. "Yeah, I was very drunk and I don't remember most of it thankfully." He says.

He orders some more shots, ignoring my protests. I can feel myself swaying which is making my ponytail swing. I reach up my hands, pulling my hair out of the tie and letting it fall down my back. The drinks arrive.

"Okay..never have I ever...gone skinny dipping." He says. I drink.

"Bella I am shocked at you!" He laughs. I shrug, laughing lightly.

"Your turn" he says, nodding at me.

"Never have I ever given someone a lap dance." Edward doesn't drink.

"Never have I ever regretted a sexual experience" Edward says, his eyes boring into mine. I think for a moment holding my shot. I don't drink.

I feel the atmosphere between us change slightly, the questions turning more serious.

"Never have I ever been in love" I say before I can stop myself. Edward doesn't drink.

We stare at each other for a few moments before Edward forces a laugh.

"I can't think of any more questions" he says. He takes his shot before handing out the last two between us. I down my shot too, feeling the alcohol burn the back of my throat.

I turn when I hear music and see that someone has set the jukebox in the corner playing. There's a cheer before a few people start to get up and dance. I laugh slightly, watching them. When I turn back, Edward is staring at me.

"Wanna dance?" Edward asks, his voice low.

"I told you, I don't dance" I reply, downing my last shot.

I feel drunk.

"Everyone dances," Edward says, standing and grabbing my hand. He pulls me through the crowd before finding a bit of space on the floor. He pulls me into his body, swaying slightly to the beat.

I'm definitely drunk.

I blush brightly feeling awkward.

"Just move your hips, Bella. Follow the music" Edward says lowly in my ear. I close my eyes, leaning into him and try to do as he says. After a few minutes, I feel myself relaxing, moving in time with the music. I pull back, looking at Edward, he's grinning at me, moving in time with me. We continue to dance until the music changes slightly.

"What is this?" I say loudly over the music.

Edward laughs and shrugs. It sounds Irish, almost like a jig and the crowd around us starts to jump and spin their partners around in time. I laugh with Edward as he jumps up and down in front of me, before pulling me into his body, one arm going around my waist, the other grabbing my hand and spinning. I feel like I'm floating, flying even and I can't tell if it's the alcohol or just from the night.

We dance for a long time until I beg Edward to let me sit down, my feet feeling like they're dying. Edward laughs breathlessly as he slides back onto a stool at the bar, me taking the seat next to him. I try to get my breathing under control before Edward looks at me.

"Wanna go?" He asks, his words slurring slightly. His eyes bore into mine.

"Yeah" I reply, my head spinning from the drink and the dancing.

We make our way out of the bar and Edward hails a cab. We both slide into the back, Edward sort of falling on top of me in his drunken state. I giggle.

We give the driver my address. I turn to look at Edward in the dark. Suddenly, he swoops in, capturing my mouth in his and gives me a heated kiss. I moan quietly until a banging on the glass makes me jump.

"No fucking in my cab!" The driver says from the front. I blush and lean away from Edward who just laughs. Although Edward doesn't kiss me again, he reaches over and puts a hand on my knee, his fingers sending tingles up my spine.

He gives me a dirty smile and winks.

Within a few moments we reach my apartment, we both stumble out of the car and make our way up to the flat. We make our way down the hall, me tripping slightly on the way in my drunken state. Edward laughs quietly. When we reach the door I struggle to find my keys, eventually grasping them in victory.

"You have to be quiet" I stage-whisper to Edward, putting my finger to my lips. "Alice will be home from her date with Jasper" I say, nodding.

Edward nods back, biting his bottom lip. I unlock the door as quietly as I can, which isn't that quiet and walk into the apartment. Edward follows, shuffling behind me until we reach my bedroom. I drag him in quickly and shut the door.

Before I can think his mouth is on mine, his hot hands tugging at my body. I moan before Edward shushes me, giving me a warning look.

"Get undressed" Edward whispers, pulling his own T-shirt over his head. I quickly strip out of my shirt and bra, unzipping my skirt and letting it fall to the floor. Edward unbuttons his pants and almost falls in his attempts to take them off. I snort, trying to keep my laughter quiet. When we're both in just our underwear he starts kissing me again, palming my breast roughly. I moan quietly into his mouth. He pushes me back onto the bed, before pulling my panties down my legs and leaning back to remove his own underwear.

Naked, he crawls up the bed towards me, a lopsided grin on his face and his eyes shining. I bite my lip, smiling back at him.

"You need to be quiet" He says against my mouth. "Can you do that?". I nod against him, the alcohol giving me courage and making me not even care about Alice just a few feet away next door. As he pushes into me, he starts a quick, sharp rhythmn, keeping his head close to mine, swallowing my moans that threaten to escape. I grunt slightly as he tips his hips to the side, hitting that magic spot within me.

Fuck, he feels so good.

"I need you to cum" He grunts into my ear "I'm not gonna last long" He slurs. I nod, squeezing my hand between us, rubbing my clit with quick circles. I feel that tingling in my spine start to make its way up, creating a knot in my belly.

"Oh fuck" I whisper, feeling my orgasm start.

"I need to fuck you harder" Edward whispers, his eyes looking desperate as he chases his own release. I nod, biting my lip from making too much noise. Suddenly, Edward picks up the pace. I gasp loudly. Edward moves a hand over my mouth, his eyes staring into my wide ones as he fucks me through my orgasm. Just as I'm coming back to earth I hear Edward grunt, his hips shuddering into me.

He removes his hand from my mouth and looks down at me. I smile at him slightly. He gives me a goofy smile back.

"Did I hurt you?" He whispers, suddenly serious.

"No" I reply. He nods slightly, moving off my me and throwing the condom away.

Condom! Thank god he had more sense than me!

"Sorry. It wasn't my best work" he mumbles, lying beside me.

"You're always the best" I mumble. I need to get him out the flat before Alice wakes up but my eyes feel so heavy and my head feels to light.

I'll just close my eyes for a minute.

"Bella wake up!"

I hear Edward's voice startle me awake. I sit bolt upright, my eyes open staring into the room. It's dark. I turn to look at Edward beside me.

"We fell asleep Bells, I need to go before Alice wakes up" he says. I nod, trying to stop my head from spinning and slip out of bed. I grab my panties and throw them on before reaching for my robe. Edward dresses quickly, luckily having sobered up enough to get into his jeans without falling over.

Once he's ready, I open my door a crack. The flat is silent. I stick my head out checking that Alice isn't in the kitchen and then quietly walk to the front door, Edward hot on my heels. I open it as quietly as possible before letting Edward squeeze out into the hall.

"Bye" I whisper, looking into his tired eyes.

"Bye Bells" He whispers, giving me a crooked smile before he walks off down the hall. I watch him get into the lift before closing the door behind me and sneaking back to my room. I slip under the duvet, burying my head in my pillow. I can still smell Edward's scent. My eyes drift close and I fall into a deep sleep.

When I wake the following morning, I can hear Alice clattering around in the kitchen. I crack one eye open and immediately feel like there are red hot daggers poking my brain.

Fuuuuuuck.

I whimper slightly, keeping absolutely still and squeezing my eyes shut.

Fuck. The bar. Beer. Shots. Dancing. Edward fucking me. Edward covering my mouth.

I force my eyes open and try to ignore the churning in my stomach as I sit up slightly.

Oh fuck. We had sex. With Alice right next door.

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Did she hear us?!

I stand slowly and move towards my dresser, grabbing some sweatpants and a T-shirt. I get dressed, making as few movements as possible and look at myself in the mirror.

My make-up is smeared and my hair is a mess. I quickly wipe my face, removing all trace of last night and run a hand through my hair, flattening it a little.

I walk to the door, taking a deep breath.

Just act natural.

I open the door and walk into the kitchen.

"Hey" I say, my throat croaking.

"Hey" says Alice, smiling at me. "You ok?" she asks.

"Yeah. Did you have a good night?" I ask, sitting down at the table gently.

"Yeah it was good. We saw that new action movie." Alice says, turning the coffee machine on.

"That's nice" I say, feeling my head spin.

Coffee. Now.

"What about you?" Alice says turning to look at me.

"What about me?" I ask, trying to keep calm.

"Well you weren't here when I got home, so did you have a nice evening out?" Alice asks.

"Yeah" I reply, "I went out with some people after work."

And then we came back and sex with you right next door!

Alice seems to accept this answer, placing a steaming hot cup of goodness in front of me. I sip the miracle nectar gratefully. Alice chats away about her evening with Jasper.

"Oh" she says, "You know what day it is next Saturday?"

"Er..." I reply, guzzling my coffee.

"It's my birthday!" Alice says with a squeal, killing my eardrums. I wince. "I want to plan something a bit special so I thought we could invite everyone over tomorrow to discuss plans" She continues.

I nod, immediately regretting the movement.

"Sounds great Allie" I say weakly. She smiles, standing and skipping off to do whatever the fuck she does. I continue to nurse my coffee until I feel brave enough to stand.

I make my way back to my room, climbing back under the covers deciding the just sleep the day away. I pick up my phone. I have a message from Edward.

Never have I ever snuck out of my friend's apartment after having drunk sex with my favourite member of the group - E

I grin, feeling my cheeks heat up. I replay the previous evening in my mind. The drinking, the dancing, the sex. The kissing in the car and the bar.

Maybe that's all we need?

I close my eyes as I drift off, a smile playing on my lips.